Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 1:32:12 GMT
Slightly frowning at the mention of "Little Sister", Teishu deducted the monk was referring, of course, to Kaneka's tainted wife. He reminded of seeing her in the Winter Court, in Satomi's company.
And how discovering about Shosuro Himitsu, the bloodspeaker behind Kaneka's wife's taint, led to things about his son he'd like to erase from his mind.
I remember Yoru talking about having some business in Yasuki Yashiki, and yes, we've met after that. Did you say you failed, Dragon-san? I remember of hearing your name conected to the incidents leading to Hida Reiha's death. You and the others did what was right, at least in the Empire's eye. But, I wonder if what you asked to Yoru was related to Kaneka's wife... Then, you should know why he couldn't help you, right?
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 1:51:03 GMT
"I do know, now. At the time my mind was not right. Though if I were stronger the need would not have arose. I failed to protect her, as I had promised to do. Now she must live with the Taint because I was not good enough. Do you know where Yoru is now? I must ask for him to give me leave for a time."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 2:01:30 GMT
Te's words didn't really surprised Teishu, but more than the phrasing, the way he meant every word, that's what made the Scorpion to trust the monk's intentions. Te man really didn't know about Yoru's last endeavors.
Not really telling what Te wished to know, Teishu revealed instead:
What if I told you Yoru knew all along who did that to Kaneka's bride? Including how it was made, and where to find the culprit.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 2:08:35 GMT
"..."
Te sat for many minutes as he thought on Teishu's words.
"Then I would say I have some questions for my bosu."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 12:40:55 GMT
Yes, and since I discovered his liaisons to this awful plot, he runs from his father, and what but guilt would impel him to do that? Teishu's voice betrayed bitterness, the sadness of having his own son so deep down into the corruption an illusory power offered him.
My son found strange friends, Te-san, the type that promises great powers in exchange of little. We both know there is no such thing. He befriended a dangerous woman back in Ryoko Owari, the very one who managed to touch "Little Sister" with the putrid touch of maho magic.
His lies started to crumble down when I found out a friend of mine, a ronin who lost his band in the Yasuki Yashiki's massacre. He said Yoru convinced his friends to come to Kaneka's wedding and wait for a certain Otomo lady, one who doesn't exist in fact. Probably a mean to corrupt Kaneka's bride in the last moment, and through her, the Bastard.
Of course Teishu had no means to know how much of this Te already knew; but he didn't enter in details unless the monk asked specifically for them.
It has nothing to do with kolat, it's a different thing and yet more dangerous. They know how to keep untainted and to transfer the taint to commoners they recruit _ thus not paying the price of their power.
Revealing the basics of the hidden truth behind facts, Teishu let it sink for a moment, before continuing.
Ibara is no longer a problem, but she didn't reveal where he is. I am sure he's near, or coming to, his resources, but I don't know all of his places. Teishu then produced a folded paper he delivered to the Dragon monk. If he was wrong about the man, he was telling him too much, but of course he'd keep that walking mountain under close vigilance. Getting Yoru was not a only familiar matter, was vital for the Empire.
The paper was a list of places and business Yoru had or was involved with. Maybe Kurimuzon was able to notice it was incomplete.
Those I managed to "conquer", as we say in the go game, Te-san. But I'm sure he's coming for what is his. He's now without his minion Ibara, though. Maybe he's looking for you as well, to have your services as yojimbo resumed. Just beware of which treads your promises to him can lead you, dear monk.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 13:54:29 GMT
It was even longer before Te responded this time.
He recognized a few of the places on the list, the majority he did not. There was one he knew of that was not on the list, the arena.
"He knew the price of my service when we came to our agreement. If he is responsible for the massacre and the Tainting then he has not just broken our agreement, he has shattered it. I must 'talk' with him even more now."
The arena was only two days travel from here if he hurried.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 14:20:09 GMT
Teishu nodded, "catching in the air" and the way he reacted to the list* the Ise Zumi knew of a place… His expression, however, never betrayed his thoughts.
I know the feeling, Dragon-san, believe me. Now, to ultimately test the man's character. Sometimes, Te-san, I perform certain "consultant services" to some individuals or clans and, in that fashion, I often stumble over many secrets I'd rather be unaware of. Some, however, can be very useful… Maybe Lady Kaneka wishes to live the rest of her life free as a bushi, a samurai, and not as a caged tainted bird, which is the case now. The ones denying her liberty only wish to use her as a political piece… They have no compassion in their hearts. Also, I happen to know a way she can do it. Be freed of taint, I mean. But I don't think she'd trust me to it. Maybe she'd listen to the man who so bravely fought for her…
*(OOC: Bayushi/Initiator/Sensei/Knowledge: Underworld/Water 5= 9)
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 20:10:21 GMT
This is why Te hated dealing with other people. They made him think too much. It wasn't like the thinking was difficult for him, his mind was as sharp as any he had met. He just hated being forced to make decisions before he was able to think them through completely. That was why nobody ever wanted to play Go with him, he would take an hour for a single move.
"You have given me much information to think on Teishu-sama. This is not something that I can agree to immediately. Would it be alright if I were to take a few days to make my decision? I would not want others to get hurt by me being rash."
Looks like Te would have to delay his trip to the arena until he made his decision.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 20:41:09 GMT
Teishu shrugged. Absolutely, Te-san. It's not like an urgent matter… not for me or you, of course. She's kept in a safe place, don't worry. She's the lovely tainted koi in the Kaneka's pool. We of course don't wish him to lost hopes and finish her suffering as he did to Reiha-sama… But fortunately he's away, and she's alone but for the company of her Kuni warders…
Teishu stood up, suddenly.
Satomi told you Nozomi'san was about to flee in the night before the wedding?
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 22:18:57 GMT
Te stood up as well.
"No she did not. Is there anything else of import I should know before I retire for the evening?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 22:57:12 GMT
After torturing the monk's soul for a moment, Teishu didn't feel any better, but he needed to do it all the same.
Shaking his head no, he said:
That's the place you shall come in the case you need to talk to me. The message will come to my hands.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 23:10:41 GMT
Bowing to the Scorpion Te turns heads toward the door. Halfway there he stops and just turns his head "should I expect any trouble from your yojimbo? I would not want anybody to be hurt."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 7, 2014 23:24:53 GMT
Why should you? was the answer.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 23:52:22 GMT
Nodding, Te finishes his walk towards the door. Barely noticing the activities going on around him as he leaves the building he decides it is still too early in the day return to the Old Hare. He picks a direction and starts to walk away from any large groups of people. With all the thoughts going through his head at this time, thoughts of his betrayal, he was not entirely sure he could trust himself near crowds.
After walking for about an hour he finds himself near a copse of trees. Te walks among the trees, enjoying their silent vigil. When he finds a small clearing near some stones he know he chose wisely.
Walking to the center of the clearing he starts to work his toes into the dirt of the forest floor. Once he is satisfied he sets himself into a horse stance. He then activates the tattoos on his legs to 'plant' himself. Feeling his senses enter the earth he is finally able to relax a little. He separates Tsuito into it's two component halves and start to swing them through a series of katas, getting more and more intricate as time passes. Never once being able to move his feet.
Many hours pass. Covered in sweat, but more in control of himself he finally frees his feet. Not really surprised Te notices that the sun has set.
"I hope I can find the inn"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Sept 29, 2014 12:32:51 GMT
One day later, after Te's visit to Dragon Embassy, a message was waiting for him in the Old Hare:
Kyuden Seppun, 2nd day of Serpent Month, 2nd year of Toturi II's Reign
Dear Te-san
Unfortunately urgent matters force me to leave the capital. About our previous conversation, I received information saying where Yoru was last seen. I'm sending the information in a separated message*.
I unfortunately have to delay my travel to Dragon, as I'm going to spend the summer attending my clan's interests. I can't ask you to wait for me, but if you could be kind enough, maybe you could deliver some letters to Togashi Moeru. They are at the Scorpion Embassy, in the case you don't feel it's a burden.
The Old Hare owner is instructed to serve you well as a personal favor to me. Please enjoy this little token of my friendship for as long as you wish.
May the Fortunes bless your endeavors,
Bayushi Satomi
OOC: *I'm sending PM to both you and Sojiro about this
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