Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 15:42:23 GMT
A letter arrives for Satomi, on paper that some might consider to be not worth reading. It was sealed, however, with the personal chop of Yasuki Odai, and as such the courier made absolutely certain he tracked her down on the road to Three Sides Village and presented it to her as humbly as possible. If she were to open it, the contents would be brief, and simple. I fear for our mutual friend. If you would see him safe as I would, meet me at the Inn of the Last Sunset outside Kyuden Seppun. -MattoriSeveral days earlier...The ronin Mattori quietly moved his way through the crowded market streets of Toshi Ranbo, making sure to keep his head down while still carefully watching the crowd around him. He had not been recognized yet, he was certain, but one could never be too careful this close to the heart of the Empire, especially as he didn't even know if he had a patron any more. It had been several months since the last message he had received from Odai, and while it was not uncommon for him to not have an assignment for that long, to not even hear from the man was something that had not happened in his entire time working for the Yasuki. After debating for many weeks, Mattori had finally decided he should trust his instincts and made his way to the City of Violence Behind Courtliness, something he had wished he would never have to do again, but it was where Odai had taken up residence for the season, and he had to know. He had taken care to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, a dark, drab, weather beaten kimono and a wide brimmed hat to cover his face, with a rough travelling cloak pulled around him to hide his daisho. Everything possible to avoid notice by anyone, and Mattori was a master of blending into a crowd. Suspicious nonetheless, he wound his way through the city, never taking too direct a route, until in the mid afternoon he reached the primary business district, where before too long he found him. Walking in a small group with several other men, various merchants and politicians, was Yasuki Odai, though Mattori could instantly tell something was not right. None of the men surrounding him did the ronin recognize, and while in business that was not uncommon, to not recognize any of the personal guard made him very, very uncomfortable. He quietly followed the group, taking care not to be noticed, until they took a table outside of a popular noodle shop, and he stood a short ways away, observing. Watching his patron carefully, Mattori desperately searched for any clues as to why he felt so unnerved, for to all outward appearances nothing seemed wrong in the slightest. And then their eyes met. The Yasuki governor glanced up into the crowd and straight at Mattori, and when there was not an ounce of recognition in those cold blue eyes, Mattori knew. Whoever this man was, he was not Yasuki Odai. He left the city that very night, but not before drafting two letters and hunting down two of the best couriers in town. One he sent to a man he trusted, a rarity for the ronin, a man who would be vital if he was to uncover what had happened to his boss. The other he sent to one of the only other people the real Odai trusted, and while Mattori himself did not exactly trust her, he knew he could not accomplish this on his own, and he had nowhere else to go. As the couriers left, so did he, riding hard on the road towards a city he promised he would never returned, and fear crept into his heart. Fear for his friend, and fear for what this could mean, as it seemed they had critically underestimated their enemies. Mattori only hoped it was not too late. Elsewhere...The crisp, cold staccato of water dripping onto hard, bare stone was the only sound to wake the man from his sleep, if one could call it that. He was stripped to the waist, torso shredded from various diabolical torture devices, hands bound above his head and tied to what he could only assume was a ceiling. It had been this way every time he had awoken, a painful return to consciousness in a room so dark it did not matter how long he stared, only the shadows leered back at him. If he was lucky.
Other times they would return, always from behind him so he could never see the door, but torchlight would illuminate the chamber they held him in for a moment. It was barely a room, more a cell carved from dark unyielding stone, with not a single amenity to be seen. They would give him water, feed him something that may have once been food, heal his wounds, and begin their nefarious work once more, questioning, probing, and always taking great joy in causing him as much pain as possible.
And then they would leave, and the darkness would close in once more. But not today, it seemed. Today, it appeared they would leave him alone, not that that was much comfort, for as the pain ripped through his aching body, the shadows dancing and laughing at his misery, the cold realization came to him again, as it always did when the darkness pressed in. Yasuki Odai felt his spirit break a little more as he dwelt on the painful fact that he was very much alone...
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 15:53:36 GMT
Three days later, outside Kyuden Seppun...Mattori had rode as though the hordes of Jigoku themselves were on his heels, and as such made fairly good time, though it was not much consolation. Heavy were the thoughts on the ronin's mind as he approached a small village on the outskirts of Kyuden Seppun, the key feature of which was a large inn, the Inn of the Last Sunset. It was a good clandestine meeting place, as it was rarely frequented by the social elite, but was still busy enough that one could have a covert rendezvous without drawing too much attention to oneself.
He dropped his horse off in the stable, petting the beast appreciatively. It deserved a rest, he thought, and just in time as a gentle autumn storm began to roll in over the town. Making his way inside, he paid the innkeeper for the stabling as well as a room for several nights, quietly hoping that Satomi would not take too much longer to either join him or reply at the very least. His other contact he knew would be here sooner than that, but it still was best to keep as low a profile as possible.
The first evening passed without event, and the ronin found himself surprised that he was able to get a restful night of sleep in, despite all that weighed on his mind. His peaceful morning was ruined, however, when the first courier he sent had returned with a reply from his contact, and he breathed a sigh of partial relief, though there was apprehension there as well. He set himself up at a small table outside the inn for lunch, taking the time to clean his armor and weapons, which also conveniently gave him an excuse to watch the comings and goings of all who passed through, while still staying relatively unnoticed.
And so he waited.
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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 18:26:50 GMT
The Scorpion entourage used the interval between rains to make their formal retreat from Kyuden Seppun. Sunetra and her entourage left the city by the noon, but a large delegation as hers wouldn't usually travel fast.
That's when a messenger spotted Bayushi Satomi and delivered her a message.
The paper was from the cheap sort one usually find in messages sent by a Crab soldier. Cheap pulp from southern trees. The name Mattori reminded her of the man she met in Friendly Travelers Village: the somewhat brutish thug with a slight trace of forgotten aristocracy in his features.
Yasuki Odai had been with her in the Shadowlands, and for a "courtier", he did his way in and out better than many others. As for his merchant skills, she had the slight idea he wasn't exactly straightforward, although she decided she didn't want to know about his deals. Scorpion told her about someone into the Yasuki who could pose as a problem to the Governor, but he dismissed any concerns.
Would he not, maybe this Mattori wasn't requesting her help.
Of course, that could perfectly be a trap. But Satomi once said to Odai he could count on her, and she hadn't any intention of taking her word back.
So she took her chances and dropped a message to her Champion, to be delivered in some hours, giving her some advantage time, and rode back to the outskirts of Kyuden Seppun, to check it out by herself.
The Last Sunset was the sort of place where she could expect to have an excuse meeting. However her arrival wasn't exactly fitting the place, and she wasn't exactly inclined to enter such a place unprepared. For her luck, she spotted Mattori sitting in the varanda of the inn, so she approached, still on her mount, in a casual way:
Are you looking for job, ronin-san?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 18:33:46 GMT
The man looked up, careful to keep his face expressionless though there was a flash of recognition, and perhaps a bit of surprise, in his eyes. An observant person would notice that while he kept his outward attention focused on her, he was scanning his surroundings for anyone taking a bit too much interest in their casual conversation.
"Bayushi-sama," he said in his deep, gruff voice, bowing low from his seating position as he greeted her. "You have indeed met me on a day I lack employment. I have little to offer but some tea and rice, but I would be honored if you would join me." He gestured to the small table at which he sat, his tone polite though there was an unshakable undercurrent of suspicion in everything from his voice to his body language.
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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 18:53:02 GMT
Water is enough for now. Now, how should I call you? She said, dismounting and letting the horse go with the popped up stable boy. Of course the arrival of a rich samurai as her was somewhat the event of the day, but that she couldn't avoid without some prior arrangements she hadn't time to prepare. Looking around once more, and showing her contempt to everyone around shamelessly peering at them, she glanced again to the "random jobless ronin" she just picked. His reactions weren't unexpected, she didn't trust Mattori as well.
After the innkeeper served her water, she sat by Mattori's side, lowering her voice so only him could hear. It wouldn't be strange as many employers would do the same. She was confident enough to think whatever were his allegiances and intentions, it wouldn't include kill her at that very spot. Not at that very spot.
What's going on?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 19:09:17 GMT
Straight and to the point... Interesting.
He nodded and poured himself a cup of tea. "Mattori is fine, Bayushi-sama." He drank deeply from his tea as she whispered to him, seeming to be making a decision in his head. "I have reason to believe that your friend and my employer, Yasuki Odai, is in danger. As I believe you know, he has been tasked of late with rooting out seditious elements within the Empire. I fear that he has drawn the wrong sort of attention to himself, and somehow..." His voice, already lowered, trailed off, and the ronin seemed almost forlorn for a moment.
"I am awaiting another, an old contact that I believe may point us in the right direction." He faced her directly, not quite making eye contact but coming very close. "I will be straight with you, Bayushi-sama. I believe Odai-sama has been replaced by some sort of dark treachery, and while I do not entirely trust you, I do not believe I can save him on my own, and have nowhere else to turn."
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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 19:35:33 GMT
Replaced, uhn? Unfortunately to everyone Rokugan was full of stories of doubles, both of unnatural origin, or human actors. Satomi pondered some seconds on the possibility raised by the ronin in front of her; it sounded perfectly plausible.
This Mattori was someone Odai trusted, for what she remembered, or at least it seemed like. Maybe not, but for now she needed him.
When he directly looked at her, she made the same, using the opportunity to better analyze him. He did look healthy and quite serious, cold eyes critically scrutinizing her face for a sign she would do what he expected from her. Whatever it would be.
Finally, she flashed a smile. But I am who I am, and Odai is a fond friend. You can count on me.
How and when you did come to that impression, Mattori?
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 19:44:40 GMT
"I had not heard from Odai-sama in several months, and while it is not uncommon for him not to have any... work for me in such a period of time, to not even have him ask to spar is so unlike him that I eventually gave in to my suspicions." Finishing his tea, he subtly scanned the area once more before turning back to Satomi. "I went to Toshi Ranbo, where I knew him to currently be residing, and tracked him down. When I found him..."
When Mattori faced her again, his eyes were full of a cold determination, a certainty that could not be insincere. "I looked him in the eye, and knew in that moment that whoever this man was, he was not our friend."
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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 20:34:06 GMT
His brief report made her grow concerned about the true fate of her Yasuki friend. Well, for what you say it still may be him, perhaps a "Odai" that "forgot" your existence, if you follow my logic. However you can be quite right and our friend is irrevocably replaced by something else… She wouldn't add the obvious, that they still must discover what happened and if they would have any chance of getting the true Odai back. Toshi Ranbo is an interesting place... Crane and Lion fighting over control, an entire Daidoji district… It is said to have a lot of hidden places, tunnels and etc. Nobody can be sure what is really happening… Unless you are a Scorpion. However, even a Scorpion would need time to prepare and gather information. She thought for a moment, resorting to her tactical repertoire. We can meet again there in a few days and I can manage to have a casual meeting with our "Odai" and encircle him in a way he can't deny his hospitality. Until there, I plan to be well prepared for anything natural or not. In the meanwhile you and your ally can check the city for places and… you know, clues of what sort of trouble he can be into, before we finally strike. It must be carefully planned because, you know, we may lose Odai forever if we commit any mistake.
That's my initial thoughts, unless you have another plans...
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Sept 29, 2014 20:52:47 GMT
A contemplative expression passed over his face as he refilled his tea. "What you say is true, Bayushi-sama, and as such our next moves are key. My contact is a man whom Odai often tasked me with meeting, a man who specializes in tracking the movements of the enemy we face, as best he can. If anyone can confirm my theory, it will be him. With that in mind, I would wait until this evening when he arrives to make a decision as to our course of action from here, because information is our only advantage."
Mattori carefully gauged her response, quietly surprised at what seemed to be actual concern for Odai coming off Satomi, though he reminded himself that she was a Scorpion, even if she had been a Crab most of her life. Still, he felt encouraged that if she was indeed on his side, then he had obtained a powerful ally, and they would need all the help they could get.
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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 21:24:55 GMT
Ok, let's wait.
Her situation was considerably problematic already and she played a bad hand in the game with her Champion. Drawing three other bad cards_ called respectively "Recurring Disobedience" and a double "Favoring Personal Matters over Clan Interests" would only keep her alive if, in a sudden strike of luck, Odai was indeed in danger and helping to rescue him could bring Scorpion some benefit.
Right now, the consequences of her last choice were pretty unclear to her. Reaching the teapot, she poured some tea for herself, gaze lost in the horizon.
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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 Oct 1, 2014 2:26:58 GMT
Sojiro's arrival coincided with the Scorpion woman. He regretted not being able to arrive sooner, but after his recent adventures in Kyuden Seppun he had taken the time to ensure that he wasn't broke - which meant dealing with his family and getting a small "loan" to be paid back upon their arrival in the Kakita lands, where his money was kept. The whole affair took far too long and was slightly embarrassing, but Sojiro's saving grace in the matter was that his family knew he was a horrible liar - if he said they'd have their money when they got home, they would have it.
His timing did have the benefit of making him less noticed though. With all the heimin buzzing about the Scorpion's arrival, it was a relatively simple task to stable Hikarukage relatively unnoticed and then locate Mattori. He was a bit surprised to see the Scorpion engage him in conversation - whatever was troubling him must be serious. Mattori wasn't the type to ask outsiders for help. Generally he didn't need to.
Dressed in a black riding hakama and a loose black haori with a blue traveling kimono underneath, he approached the pair at a casual walk, making sure the ronin saw him as he did so. Mattori's body language told him all he needed to know - the woman wasn't a threat, but he didn't trust her. This didn't surprise Sojiro - Mattori didn't trust many.
He pulled a second tobacco roll from his pouch, flicked a loose strand of his unbound hair from his face with a slight toss of his head, and grinned his half-grin at the older man before tossing the unlit roll to him. "Apologies for my late arrival, my friend. I hope my gift at least somewhat makes up for my tardiness." He kept his tone light, but his stance and dress was one of wary readiness. The beaten biwa hung across his back from a quick release tie, the neck slightly bouncing off his right thigh with every step, and his katanas hung from his left. He took another drag from his tobacco, his mismatched eyes scanning the stranger from the perspective of both a man and a warrior appreciatively, but lingering no more than a second before his perceptions returned to Mattori and the surrounding room.
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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 Oct 1, 2014 2:45:38 GMT
Satomi, of course, wasn't intimidate by the newcomer's mismatched eyes, leering glance and much less by his practical "measuring". Well well, the "Kakita vagabond sort".
The white strand and the jade bling, however, told her he found a mighty foe in the past… and survived. At least not a complete idiot. As Scorpion/Kaiu, the non practical lifestyle of a duelist and dilettante (or so the biwa told her) was a complete waste, and only a spoiled Crane or a Mirumoto full of himself were complete wastes of samurai energy in her book. When a guy as Mattori thinks he can trust a semi delinquent as this one… Well, to be true, Mattori is also a semi delinquent, as far as known. I'm the odd here.
As the newcomer didn't talk to her, Satomi just listened to their conversation with some interest.
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Yasuki Odai
Rogue, Ruffian, Rapscalion
Crab Clan
Posts: 157| Likes: 91
Of course I have what you need...
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Post by Yasuki Odai on Oct 2, 2014 3:55:23 GMT
Mattori surveyed the Kakita as he approached, nodding casually to him as he did so, though still actively scanning the incoming streets towards the center of town where the inn sat, the storm building as the last feeble rays of the evening sun were swallowed by dark heavy clouds. He half bowed from his seat as Sojiro approached, quietly noting what he thought was disdain for the kenshinzen radiating from Satomi and suppressed a smile.
"Kakita-san," he said quietly, though there was a tinge of what could almost be described as friendliness in the ronin's voice. "Your quick response is appreciated. Would you care for some tea, or perhaps some sake?" He motioned for the barkeep to join them before returning his attention to his companions.
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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 Oct 2, 2014 4:22:38 GMT
He returned the half-bow; a bow at the neck, generally used when one warrior is addressing another he respects, even in an informal setting. "I generally prefer saki, but I think I'll take tea until I know the nature of your situation better, Mattori-san." He used the honorific even though Mattori's status as a ronin did not technically require it. Sojiro had always believed that respect was earned, not given by birth.
"And may I please be introduced to our companion?" He asked, nodding politely to Satomi. Now that he was closer, she could see that the biwa he wore was definitely battered more on the side that faced the ground, as if it had fallen or been dropped on that area many times. The instrument was well polished, but that didn't hide the many nicks and scratches in its surface. It was certainly not something that would normally be taken to court by any samurai trying to make a lavish impression. His hands bore several scars, and the hint of a tattoo could be seen peeking out from the sleeves of his haori when he moved and his wrists were revealed. Similarly, the hint of a scar could be seen just barely above the hem of his kimono, on his upper chest.
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