Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 7, 2014 1:25:49 GMT
Being proper was tiring.
It was this thought that went through Sojiro's mind as he found his way to the Lucky Cricket, an inn for travelers that was rumored to have the best saki in the area, if one could afford it. Of course, Sojiro couldn't afford it. Traveling the empire was draining his personal funds, and while he was far from destitute, most of his money was back in Crane lands. However, that hadn't stopped him from doing so - there was only one way to study the kenjitsu techniques of the various clans, and that was to witness and experience them first hand. He considered it an investment in his dojo - not that he actually had that either. Not yet, anyway.
The Seppun family were known as some of the fiercest bushi in the empire, and Sojiro had certainly not been disappointed while studying and training with them. However, being an imperial family, they were also somewhat stodgy and strict, and Sojiro found that constantly having to be on his best behavior was more tiring that the physical demands of the training itself. After six weeks of training it was time to move on, but as he was preparing to leave he realized that he hadn't even had the chance to actually see and explore the city. He hadn't had the chance to relax either. So he set out for the Lucky Cricket, biwa on his back, to enjoy the evening and hopefully find a guide to the city for the next few days. As it turned out, even the cheaper saki at this establishment was excellent, and once the heimin realized that Sojiro was not going to punish or chastise them for daring to approach him, he found them quite appreciative of his modest musical talents, a few even joining in with either song or other instruments, much to his delight - their talents made him sound better and covered up some of his mistakes, not that any of them were brave enough to point out when he missed a note. A friendly samurai is still a samurai after all, and while Sojiro was more than willing to laugh at himself, he imagined that the usual samurai these people were used to did not share his temperment.
At length, night fell and the heimin returned to their homes or their rooms, one and two at a time. The young crane samurai considered doing the same, but he still felt a bit restless. Instead, he made his way to the older woman who ran the Cricket, reserved a room (she insisted on the best room in the house, despite Sojiro's protests that he didn't have enough to pay her the usual rate for it), and then went out for a walk in the night air. He found the city itself to be intriguing, wandering aimlessly up one street and down the other before deciding it was best to return to the Lucky Cricket for the evening.
That was when Sojiro, who had never been the best with directions, realized he was completely lost.
Chuckling to himself at his predicament, he pulled one of the rolls of tobacco and herbs wrapped in rice paper from a pocket inside the blue haori he was wearing, lit it, adjusted the biwa slung across his back, and kept walking in a direction he thought would take him back towards where he had come from. He became aware that perhaps he was going the wrong direction as he passed a ruined temple, something he hadn't seen before this evening. He sighed, admitted defeat to himself, and decided to find one of the night patrols to ask directions. Setting off in a new direction down a side street, he found no one else was out tonight.
After an hour of wrong turns and doubling back, Sojiro finally found another person. However, rather than one of the city's patrols, the person in question was a young girl. Her presence immediately struck him as odd - it was far too late for a child of her age to be out and about. He approached the girl and, realizing that his mismatched eyes, samurai clothing, and daisho might be intimidating, he crouched down so that he was at eye level with her before speaking, doing his best to put a warm smile of his face so as not to scare her.
"Hello, little one. Have you lost your way?"
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 2:24:02 GMT
Leaving his meeting with the older man Te started to make his way back to the Old Hare. Unfortunately, Teishu took him to a section of town that he was not familiar with. Typical. He never was good at directions without mountains to guide him. The sun was well down at this point and there appeared to be nobody he could ask directions of.
After a short time he heard a voice. Rounding a corner he took a tighter grip on Tsuito as he saw a bushi talking with a dirty girl in the street ahead of him.
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Post by The Storyteller on Sept 7, 2014 2:35:59 GMT
You are the stray one, samurai-san. Fear not, you came to me sent by the one who will never let you misstep. The girl carried all her belongings in a bundle tied to her back, her clothes were dirty and ragged, but she possessed something in her eyes and ways that was so fiery and full of life that was impossible to not notice some noblesse in her soul. Don't ignore the calling, samurai-san. her gaze was intense, and she was serious as hell. Doom days are so close that, if we reach out we can touch death with our fingertips, samurai-san. It's by the wind, and neither dispersing the Winds nor the Bells will disperse the breath of putrid doom that will fall upon Rokugan. I told them, but they won't listen. It's a mistake, a mistake we all will pay costly… Her voice turned a bit squeaky, and she crouched as well. Find the answers, find the garden of blood, samurai-san. The chimes have the answer; the chimes can save us… Why don't they listen to me? I've saw the gardens of blood, I've escaped death again and again. I am the one who listen them all, the dead ones, samurai-san. Their whispers in the wind… you can do something; do something I beg you! Don't ignore the calling… The last part was recited by someone holding a lantern, a guard patrolling the streets. He came closer, but then the girl was standing again, ready to flee. Akko, go to the shelter, I beg you. There's food and a warm bed for you there. NO! Never! The girl ran into the darkness, disappearing into the ruin's shadows like a rat. Sorry, samurai-san. The budoka said, bowing. They call her "Akko, the prophetess", or "Akko tha Crazy girl". One of the heimin which survived the Fall of Otosan Uchi, poor one. No parents or family; she does little chores here and there to survive. Of course, there's this little problem: she believes she has visions or something. She's even got a problem with the Seppun daimyo, the bold little one; he forbade her to come around the Four Bells, and now she tries to recruit allies… But, are you lost, my good samurai-san? It's not a common stroll as all we have here are ruined temples, monks and stray children…
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 7, 2014 3:06:45 GMT
The child's words stunned Sojiro to the point that he didn't notice the mountain of muscle and flesh approaching him. The little girl had his complete attention. Something about those eyes... between his time with the Dragon, the Phoenix, and his time spent with Asahina healers in his own clan, the Crane had seen his fair share of those touched by the fortunes. Whatever this child was talking about, there was more to it than just insanity caused by surviving a tragedy.
"Easy, little one. Slow down. I hear your words but I don't understand what you mean, and I can't help you if I don't understand. You may hear the voice of the Fortunes, but I am deaf to their voices, and I need you to explain to me what they are telling you."
Two things stood out to him more than the rest. First, she knew without a doubt that he was lost. That was easy enough to explain away by itself if she was a street urchin and had been following him, but the lack of dirt on her clothes told him that this wasn't the case. Second, the "garden of blood". It sent chills down his spine, and sounded very much like the sort of thing a bloodspeaker would be interested or involved in, and Sojiro did not sit back and do nothing when Maho might be involved.
He saw the guard coming as the girl stood up, yelled at the well-meaning man, and took off into the darkness. Fantastic, he thought. Now how am I going to find her? He stood, noticing the large monk as he addressed the guard.
"It's no trouble, Bushi-san. You meant well, and in fact I am lost. I was intending to find someone and get directions back to the Lucky Cricket when I found... Akko, you said? It may be that the Fortunes led me to her tonight. Clearly she has no interest in obeying the Daimyo's decree to stay away from the chimes.
He bowed at the neck to the guard, then turned and did the same to the monk. "I am Kakita Sojiro, of the Crane clan. I was intending to continue my travels in a few days, but after running into her perhaps I can help her, or at least keep her from disobeying the Daimyo. I know several Asahina healers in my home who may be able to cure whatever ails her mind, and at the least I can see to it that she has a warm home and is cared for as a servant. Are those ruins off limits to everyone, or just to her?"
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 7, 2014 8:22:02 GMT
It was already quite late, but Kasumi had decided to have a look anyways. In one of the reports about the Kolat she had been reading, a mention was made about a temple in Kyuden Seppun. It was very strange for temples to be involved in that particular conspiracy, so she decided to have a look at the temple. As it was unusual it would have stood out and therefore would be easier to check out. Unfortunately the temple was abandoned, so she didn't find anything except for a confirmation that this was strange, as temples are only abandoned for very important reasons. She would have to do some more research, although she knew it would be difficult.
She was on her way back to her quarters when she heard some voices. As those were strange in this part of town, she went to investigate, hand hovering near her weapon. She quickly spotted a Kakita and a Budoka talking and a Dragon monk she recognised a bit further. She relaxed her position, made sure her emerald amulet was visible and came closer. "Kakita-san, Te-san, Hibiki-san," she said to the Crane, the Dragon and the budoka, who she recognised when she came closer, with a bow to each, "can I help?"
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 7, 2014 9:49:42 GMT
This was becoming more interesting by the second. Sojiro turned and bowed to the newcomer in return, noticing her emerald amulet as he did so. Three strangers meeting in the middle of the night, in the middle of a street like this.... well, four if I take the budoka into account, but his presence is easily explained.
"Greeting, Magistrate-san. And yes, perhaps you could help, if you aren't tending to more pressing duties." He nodded in the direction of the ruins, where Akko had scurried off to. "Do you think you could help me find a little girl's hiding place before she gets herself into a very large amount of trouble with the Seppun Daimyo?"
Sojiro locked eyes with the newcomer for slightly longer than was polite, just enough so that, if she was observant - as most Magistrates are - she would notice his concern. He just hoped that his strange eyes didn't throw her off. Their appearance tended to have unintended effects on those who had never met him before. It was a fantastic advantage while gambling, but not quite so useful in this instance.
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Post by The Storyteller on Sept 7, 2014 13:33:20 GMT
The budoka bowed to the newcomers, a bit apprehensive about the monk, due his unfortunate comment from minutes ago. When Sojiro asked about the temples' limits, he hurried to say: Well, Kakita-san, the ruins are not of interest but for some "historic value", I guess. The Four bells were removed from their shrines last week. In fact, the Brotherhood of Shinsei is preparing a ceremony for the next days… Three of the Bells are going to travel with the monks to new temples the Order built in Dragon, Unicorn and Crane lands. One, though, will remain in the capitol, and it's now in the Castle. The others are in special and well guarded pavilions in front of their respective embassies… as part of the procession to be realized in two days. That's why the poor girl is so frustrated. Now, I believe the girl is trying to find "clues" for her "prophecies" in the ruins… Sometimes I manage to lure her to the place the Empress built to shelter those children… But Akko has been particularly reluctant in the last days. The Lucky Cricket is north from here, just by the Market. Well, if you don't mind, -samas, I'm still to find one or two urchins which would made good use of the Empress' Good Will. However, maybe she'd listen to you… If you don't need my services, of course. Although the budoka couldn't really depart until the samurai allowed him so, he didn't look like knowing much more of what he so willfully shared to them. In the case they permitted, he resumed his duty, leaving them.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 14:06:36 GMT
Still unsure of the state of Kasumi Te was glad he was fully rested. He would be able to get a better sense of her this time. Extending his senses once again he listened very closely to the magistrate. A little surprised at what he heard caused him speak faster than he normally would.
"Kasumi-san, should you be out in your condition?" Seeing the perplexed look on her face he realized that he must justify his words. "When we spoke in the dungeons I was under the impression that you were not aware of your pregnancy. The baby's heart is beating strong enough I would be surprised if this young man couldn't hear it."
Turning to the young man "who are you and why are you so interested in the children?"
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 7, 2014 15:28:18 GMT
"I'm not that far along that I can't be out, Te-san," Kasumi said, "but I appreciate your concern and I stand in awe that you can hear a fetal heart beat. This is Hibiki-san, a budoka of Kyuden Seppun. I've met him before and he's just trying to help, bringing street urchins to a house where they will find food and shelter. You can continue with your duties, Hibiki-san."
"Thank you, Tsuruchi-sama," he said and with a bow, he left. She knew of the house and she also knew that the Tsuruchi family have donated some money to operate it. As emerald magistrate, while not his direct chef, she could command him, much more than the other samurai present. And she should be able to find the girl, especially with Te's help. She didn't know the other, except that she could see he was Kakita. "Maybe we can have a look," she said to the two others, "recently I've been in a position which has caused me to review some of the things I've always taken for granted. Between my Tsuruchi bounty hunter training and Te-san's special abilities, we should be able to find her."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 7, 2014 20:24:31 GMT
Sojiro took a moment to let the other two talk, and to let the budoka go on his way before explaining himself. He was surprised at this monk's abilities - did he really just look at a woman and correctly guess that she was pregnant?
"My name is Kakita Sojiro, and to tell you the truth I was lost. I'm starting to wonder if that was just coincidence though... let me start from the beginning."
He took another tobacco roll from his haori and lit it, taking a puff before continuing.
"I've spent the past several months traveling through the empire and studying the various kenjitsu and iaijitsu techniques of the clans and families, in an effort to increase my own understanding and become a better Sensei at the Kakita academy back home. I've been here in Kyuden Seppun for the past six weeks studying with the Seppun Guard, but my training here has left me very little time to see the city. I had intended to travel on in a day or two, but I just can't bring myself to leave a place without actually SEEING it. So tonight, after a few drinks at the Lucky Cricket I decided to take a night stroll and managed to get myself very lost. And that's when I ran into the girl, Akko."
He took another puff before continuing, meeting the gaze of the large monk as he did so.
"Before I go on, let me be clear that in spite of what the well-meaning but slightly dense budoka said, I don't believe that child is insane. At least not entirely. In the process of trying to find my way back to the Cricket and getting myself more lost than I was to begin with, I decided to locate a member of the city guard and get directions. That was when I noticed her, and felt something wasn't right. What was such a young girl doing out by herself at this time of night? If she was just a street urchin, then why hadn't she tried to beg for coin from me? Why wasn't she dirty? These things, they didn't add up. At first, I thought maybe she was lost like me, and I decided that the least I could do was keep her safe until the two of us found a guard to help us both return to where we belonged."
He grinned, the expression on his face a mixture of amusement and concern.
"Imagine my surprise when, after asking her is she was lost, she looked me directly in the eyes and told me that I was the stray, but that I had been guided here by 'one who will never let me misstep'. That child... I don't know the specifics yet, but the Fortunes have shown her things. She tried to explain it all to me, but the words came tumbling from her mouth in a rush and I don't understand it all, which is why I want to find her. Well, that and the fact that the Seppun Daimyo has banned her from getting near the chimes, and she seems to have no intention of listening to him. Whatever she has seen or heard, she feels that finding someone who will listen and act is worth the risk of defying a very powerful and very strict man. For a child that young, and a heimin at that, to display such dedication to her cause.... I can't ignore that."
"She claims that 'Doom Days' are coming, so close that we can touch them, and that the chimes hold the key to preventing this. She also told me to find the Garden of Blood, whatever the hells that is. It sounds very likely to be related to Maho, and again, that is something that I simply can't ignore."
The mention of the garden of blood makes him shudder for half a second, as if something disgusting had crawled on him and he wanted to shake it off, but at the same time, those words hardened something in his eyes and his stance. When he looked up again after taking a puff, his mismatched eyes shone with a deadly determination.
"I can't help but wonder at the chances of three strangers meeting like this in the middle of the night, in a strange city, in the middle of the street. Perhaps I'm wrong or maybe paranoid, but this feels like more than just coincidence to me. Will the two of you help me? At the very worst, the child is crazy, I'm slightly more gullible than any Kakita has a right to be, and we can hopefully help a little girl before she gets herself into a great deal of trouble. However, if Akko isn't crazy, and I don't believe she is, then we could be taking the first steps into something very important."
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 7, 2014 23:21:55 GMT
Strangers? Te looks over and makes eye contact with Kasumi. While he only knew her for a short time, the woman had saved his life. No, he would not call her a stranger, although there was no need to let the young bushi know that.
"I agree that the young lady needs to be guided to where she would be safe. I apologize, my thoughts were on another issue so I did not hear much of what she had said."
Stepping toward the darkened streets near the ruined temple he continued, "I'm not the best tracker but I would be happy to help save a wayward child."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 8, 2014 0:23:25 GMT
Sojiro grinned in appreciation of Te's assistance and bowed in thanks, this time at the waist.
"Thank you, Ise Zumi-san. I apologize, but I didn't catch your name."
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Sept 8, 2014 0:33:01 GMT
Clenching his stained hands Te gritted his teeth as he remembered how he had gotten his current 'name'. Still it was the name that most people outside of the mountains of home knew him as.
"Names are an important thing. You may call me Te."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Sept 8, 2014 7:54:49 GMT
"You have special abilities, Te-san," Kasumi said, "if we have to do regular tracking, I'll do it. But where are my manners. I'm Tsuruchi Kasumi, emerald magistrate and personal assistant to the emerald champion for all things Kolat related. Now, let's go and have a look."
She walked in the direction the little girl had disappeared. As she reached the abandoned temple, she called out. "Come out, little one," she said, "I'm not going to hurt you."
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Kakita Sojiro
Crane Clan
Posts: 26| Likes: 13
Rings: Fire 5
Air 4
Void 3
Earth 3
Water 1
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Post by Kakita Sojiro on Sept 9, 2014 1:15:43 GMT
As the magistrate introduced herself, Sojiro took another glance at her katana to be certain he had seen the details correctly. He had.
A Tsuruchi with a Kakita blade? That's interesting...
He made a mental note to ask about it later and followed Kasumi to the ruins. There were more pressing matters to deal with right now.
"Little one, it's safe to come out now. The budoka has been sent on his way, and we would all like to hear what you have to say."
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