main
side
curve
  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Historical Earth My Gung-Ho Samurai - A Feudal Japan Epic

Discussion in 'Role Playing Forum' started by blubeast1237, Jun 28, 2009.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. BartSimpson-SithLord

    BartSimpson-SithLord Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jan 24, 2002
    Matsudaira Haruki
    Market, Nagasaki

    Haruki's blows came in fast, but the woman was able to dodge most of them. The beauty of the jumonji-yari, however, as that each blade had three points and even a the most skilled couldn't escape all damage from from blows as fast Haruki was providing. Towards the end of his initial barrage he was able to tag her hip. That should slow her down a little he thought to himself.

    He didn't have too much time to react, as his overconfidence cost him. The woman used the end of his attack in order to swing one of her blades in a slice across his forearm. The blade connected, cutting into his kimono's arm. Luckily, beneath his loose fitting kimono, was his armor. The blade hit the arm guard and slid harmlessly off as the woman moved back to avoid a counter.

    Haruki cursed silently to himself. He should've been able to catch her blade with jumonji-yari, but his overconfidence had allowed an opening that she had taken. Now one of his outfits had a hole. Glancing around him, he noticed that most everyone had cleared the bridge. The women, the noble, and everyone else were still watching, but from safer distances. That was good.

    "Yes! Two on one!" Haruki heard from behind him, gathering that his new ally must've finished with the two soot covered men. Haruki didn't care to acknowledge it, though, because this woman had awoken the fighting spirit from within himself. She was a worthy opponent, and he wouldn't give up until she was defeated. "Wait! She's not covered in soot! She's a takai kurai! Sun, we have to go now! She's-" Haruki heard as a blast of heat shot past him and slammed into his ally, the fireball sending him flying off the bridge.

    Knowing his advantage, Haruki grinned as the woman shot a fireball directly at him and returned to the offensive with her blades. Shaking his head, Haruki charged into the blaze, the fire fully destroying the kimono he'd been wearing, as he emerged from the blast of flame, his armor shining is all its fiery glory, he deflected her attacks until he caught her coming in at similar angles. He deflected both her blades off of the main blade and down to the catch that connected the main blade to one of the side blades. As her blades hit the corner he twisted both blades, effectively grabbing the metal of the woman's katanas. With control over her weapons, he performed a long, twisting, flip intending to not only disarm but land directly behind his opponent.

    TAG: GM
     
  2. Penguinator

    Penguinator Former Mod star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    May 23, 2005
    OOC: Apologies...approved!


    Name: Kikuchiyo Turanosuke
    Age: 28
    Gender: Male
    Appearance: Tall and lanky, with a thin and wiry frame. Wears ill-fitted clothing meant for a much wider man. Dark hair.
    Equipment&Weapons: A simple katana that appears weather-beaten and threadbare. It is in fact an excellently crafted blade.
    Bio: Kikuchiyo doesn't remember where he was born. It's likely he's not even a true samurai, but he'll fight to the death to defend his claim. Whatever the case, he is most certainly ronin, wandering from place to place in search of money, a bed, and most importantly, food and women. He's fairly certain he won his once-beautiful sword in a bet, but he can't remember what it was on or what he stood to lose. Partial to sleep, Kikuchiyo is nonetheless capable of hard work, and is a master with the blade. Problem is, he simply doesn't look it and his technique is, simply put, very unorthodox.
     
  3. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Welcome Peng.

    -----------
    Market, Nagasaki

    She had not anticipated the flip and, as her blades were flying out of her hands, the Kurai let them go, seeing it futile to resist. Instead she sought to stay one step ahead and, while Haruki was still in the air, she drew two blades from her legs and stabbed them backwards.

    They pierced Haruki's armor.

    It would amaze Haruki that the blades were now lodged in his stomach, not just because of the speed at which the Kurai had responded, but also the fact that it would take one with great strength to pierce his armor that quickly. But her assault was only beginning. She dived foward into a roll across the bridge, turning around and pulling something from the air. The something was two wire strings, connected to the blades that were now lodged in Haruki stomach.

    Pulling on them sent the Samurai, falling forward, smashing his face into the bridge floor. The Kurai darted across to him, kicking the Jumonji-Yari out of Haruki's hand, then pulling out another blade and putting it to his throat. She whispered in his ear.

    "I want you to know the name of your killer before you die." The blade began to slice. "Manami Tagoto."

    ------------

    Ryuunosuke was lucky he had fallen into the water. Instead of a severely burned arm, all he had gotten was a scorched armguard. He pushed himself out of the water and sheathed his sword. He had tried to warn the Sun that that was no ordinary Kurai Samurai. The type of Samurai they were dealing with had powers, not completely unlike their own. Those Kurai were extremely powerful because they were true warriors of dark magic.

    He leaped from the water and onto the bridge siding, just in time to see the woman on top of Haruki with a blade to his neck, whispering something into his ear. Ryuunosuke held a hand towards the woman. "Moonshot!" A silver beam blasted Manami off of Haruki and then Ryuunosuke moonstepped to appear beside Haruki. "We have to get out of here."

    He was right because behind him, Kurai Manami had rose to her feet, a blade in her hand, and it was now aiming towards Ryuunosuke. Haruki would see this and his yari only a few feet away.

    Tag: BSSL(Feel free to end this as creative as you want)

    ------------
    Mount Unzen

    One end of the meteor hammer smashed into the samurai's head, knocking his helmet off, while the other end tied around the man's legs. The Kurai was not done, however. His scythe was still in the air and he pulled on the chain, sending it back to its initial target. The scythe razored across Kenji's abdomen, blood lining his shirt over the wound. The kurai would have attacked again, but he found himself unable to move or speak because of an arrow accurately placed in his neck.

    He grabbed his throat and made a horrible sound before rolling back, never to rise again.

    The others of the group, seeing the giant toppled, quickly rushed over to aide Amaya and Kenji. One man sat Kenji down and began to look at his wound while Karo kicked the body of the Kurai off the side of the mountain and then went to everyone saying, "Is everyone okay?" and "These things rarely happen."

    The person who had wrapped Kenji's wound up, helped the boy to his feet. He was a man, who could be mistakened for an old man at first glance, a very old man, but only for a second. He was very handsome and could easily be Kenji's age. His hair was as bright as the sun.

    "That was very nice work by the two of you to bring down that madman, where were you taught to wield those weapons?" Sunhead said with a smile. Yes, these Cloud Twins were formidable. He would not kill them, not yet.

    Tag: Ktala(Feel free to complete the mountain passage and into Shimabara)

    --------------
    Gambling House, Edo

    The bet was placed.

    The man lost.

    He began crying.

    Then was taken out of the house after saying that he did not have the money
     
  4. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Amaya and Kenji Kumo - Mount Unzen


    Kenji felt a bit of satisfaction as the meteor hammer smashed into the samurai's head, knocking his helmet off, while the other end tied around the man's legs. But the man was full of tricks. The strangers scythe was still in the air and he pulled on the chain, sending it back towards Kenji, as he moved forward. A mistake, but luckily not a fatal one. The scythe razored across Kenji's abdomen, blood lining his shirt over the wound. Kenji prepared the hammer for another attack, but noticed the man was not attacking. It was then that he saw one of Amaya's arrows protruding from his neck. The stranger grabbed his throat and made a horrible sound before rolling back, never to rise again.

    Amaya lowered her bow, un-nocking the arrow she had prepared if her first had not been enough. As the others of the group, rushed over towards them, Amaya saw that her brother had taken a hit.

    'Kenji!', she thought to herself as she moved towards him.

    Amaya ran towards Kenji, as one man sat Kenji down and began to look at his wound while Karo kicked the body of the stranger off the side of the mountain and then went to everyone saying, "Is everyone okay?" and "These things rarely happen."

    Kenji was silent, as he checked the wound he had received. He would have to watch it. He found it strange as the man who had attacked them, held a weapon similar to his. He then poured some water to clean out his wounds as his sister watched, only waving at Karo. She was more interested in her brother. Kenji however wondered why the man had attacked him. And he knew BOTH of their names. Was his sister in danger as well? But why would anyone want them dead?

    The person who had wrapped Kenji's wound up, helped the boy to his feet. He was a man, who could be mistakened for an old man at first glance, a very old man, but only for a second. He was very handsome and could easily be Kenji's age. His hair was as bright as the sun. Amaya thanked him, as she moved to check in on her brother, Kenji giving her a very sharp look. That meant he was worried about something.

    "That was very nice work by the two of you to bring down that madman, where were you taught to wield those weapons?" the man with the bright hair asked with a smile. What an odd question. Kenji only waved his hand. "It does not matter where we were trained. Only that we were." He turned and looked at the man, not quite remembering him earlier. "It is a good thing that no one else was injured." Kenji then spoke to Karo.

    "I think it is best that we hurry and get down from this mountain, and to Shimabara as quickly as possible." he told Karo as he picked up his staff. "Hopefully, we wont run into any other ... problems."

    Without waiting for Karo to respond, Kenji started heading towards Shimabar, with Amaya quickly turning to follow him, her bow now in her hand, as she walked. ["What is it, brother?"] she asked him in their secret language, as they began to walk to the other side of the mountain passage, and to Shimabara.

    ["I do not like what what I have heard. I will talk more about it, once we are in Shimabara."] Amaya looked over confused, but once her brother made up his mind, that was it, end of discussion. She had heard the man say their names, and the same thoughts ran through her mind. Someone was hunting them. That much they knew. The problem was they did not know who..and why?

    Luckily, the rest of the crossing happened in relative peace and quiet, the mood being much more somber now. Soon, the group made its way into Shimabara. If they had time, he would look for the boat maker's place. If not, they would rent a room to rest in for the night.




    Tag: Blubeast
     
  5. BartSimpson-SithLord

    BartSimpson-SithLord Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jan 24, 2002
    Matsudaira Haruki
    Market, Nagasaki


    In the middle of his twisting flip, Haruki was ecstatic to see the twin katanas go flying out of the woman's hands. This was it. This would be his opening. All he would need to do was stick the landing and move in for the kill. That's when he noticed that the blades were flying too far, as if she hadn't resisted their removal. Helplessly at the apex of his turn, he noticed her pull two small knives from her legs and thrust them backwards. A searing pain erupted from Haruki's waist as the two weapons pierced through his armor. Fighting through the pain he still tried to stick his landing. This was all for naught, however, as the blades had wire attached to the end. The woman pulled the blades out just as Haruki was about to land. The result was that he hit the hard wood bridge face first.

    Haruki could tell she had rolled forward in order to perform the move. He had to get up. He couldn't concentrate on the pain. To think, a mundane day such as this would result in him meeting a worthy opponent. Struggling to his hands and knees, he was too slow and the woman was on him before he could regain any sense of balance. Kicking his weapons from his hands, she pulled him back towards her body. Brandishing a blade against his throat, she finally spoke again, "I want you to know the name of your killer before you die." The blade began to slice. "Manami Tagoto."

    As far as Haruki was concerned, this was it. He had no more witty remarks, no tactics for getting out of this one. The one solace he could make was that he had never begged for his life and he had fought until the end.

    "Moonshot!" Haruki heard before a silvery light enveloped him and the woman. The blast sent her flying away from him before his ally was back by his side once again. "We have to get out of here."

    Haruki nodded, noticing that the woman had pulled him close to his jumonji-yari. As he looked behind his new friend, towards the woman, he noticed she was back on her feet and with one blade. Taking aim at the back of Haruki's savior, she charged forward. Haruki didn't have time to think. He had to fight through the pain as he pulled his ally to the ground at the same time he dove for his two weapons. Brandishing one, he braced for the classic mistake sword wielders made against spears. Consumed in trying to hit the other samurai, the woman charged too fast to react. Haruki's spear came in two swiftly as he recovered and raised it to chest level. Using her own momentum, the three blades cut into her chest. Also using her momentum, Haruki created a lever using her and the bridge that lifted her into the air in an arc as the end of the jumonji-yari pivoted on the wooden bridge. Slamming into the ground on the other side of the duo, Haruki finally stood quickly and, wielding his other jumonji-yari, pierced her skull.

    TAG: GM (OOC: I hope that's okay, you told me to end it. But if you want to re-write, that's okay.)
     
  6. Ramza

    Ramza Administrator Emeritus star 9 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jul 13, 2008
    Kawazoe Tatsuya
    Tea Shop, Nagasaki


    Do not visualize striking the opponent. Visualize passing through the opponent. Be your sword.

    That had been one of Tatsuya's earliest lessons in concentration, and he still repeated it from time to time as he went into a duel. He repeated it now.

    It was all over in an instant. The thing split in two before it had realized quite what had happened, and within moments the nodachi was cleaned and again in Tatsuya's sheath where it belonged. The thing's blue black blood stained the room every which way. He felt a bit lighter than usual, which was odd, but otherwise fine. That was when a shooting pain ran up his left arm, and upon his inspection he discovered a large wound just below the bicep. When had that happened?

    His thoughts were interrupted by his client's distinctive scream, and Tatsuya had to admit it was a bit annoying that only now she had decided to act more lady-like. She was lucky she was cute, otherwise she would've had nothing going for her outside of her heritage. But the situation at hand was the more pressing matter, and Tatsuya darted outside to discover three more of the things, and a very rattled Haku.

    "Protect Yumiko-dono, Haku-san, I'll handle these... whatever they are. Oy! You three!" he called, pointing his finger at the three. "It's me you want, isn't it? I already took down one of your friends, just quit while you're ahead and I might let you live."

    His right hand moved to the handle of his nodachi, and he waited.

    TAG: Blu
     
  7. Penguinator

    Penguinator Former Mod star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    May 23, 2005
    Kikuchiyo
    Edo Gambling House

    The kid was in a bag now? That was not good. Kikuchiyo didn't like that. Not so much the kid being in a bag, that didn't really bother him all that much; it was more the fact that the kid was in a bag while he was still under Kikuchiyo's less-than-watchful eye. If there was no kid to protect, there was no pay, and if there was no pay, there was no food and drink. Mostly there was no drink. Right now the sake flowed and it flowed well and the gangly man was feeling all right, but the kidnapping threatened to put a damper on his increasing buzz.

    So, slowly, with a theatrical groan, Kikuchiyo stood up. "Hey man," he mumbled, "gimme another. I'll be back soon."

    The server scoffed loudly. Kikuchiyo growled laconically, waving a lazy hand at the older man. "Eh. Suit yourself."

    He grabbed his sword, draping it over his shoulders, and set off after the kidnappers.

    Sure enough, a few of them had stayed behind to guard the escape. Kikuchiyo scratched his head. "We really gotta do this?"

    Of course, they swore and yelled and drew their swords.

    Kikuchiyo sighed. "Fair 'nough."

    Tag: Blu
     
  8. Radiance

    Radiance Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 19, 2007
    GM approved

    Name: Kenchi Hasagara

    Age: 32

    Gender: Male

    Appearance: Normally wears well pressed midnight blue Japanese robes with a white emblem of a curvy sun on his back, as is custom with wealthy families and nobility. White socks and sandals, all while in public eye. At night, Kenchi dawns loose black robes that wrap his body in darkness. His normally charming and aristocratic features are mostly covered by a black cloth ninja mask and long scarf that extends behind him to the small of his back. His hair is worn loose in a splayed out top knot ponytail. When wearing ninja gear he has long gauntlets also painted black to help him blend in with the night.

    Equipment&Weapons: When in Shinobi gear, Kenchi carries a small arsenal at all times, including a Ninjato short sword carried horizontally on the small of his back. Kunai and shuriken line his legs in bands that are camouflaged against his clothing, He also has one small kunai tucked up under his metal ninja gauntlets for ease of throwing in a quick situation. He carries two tiny smoke pellets to aide in a hasty retreat, and while on an assignment that takes him away from familiar area, he carries a grappling hook to scale walls.

    Bio: Kenchi Hasagara was born into a world of deception. His father was the right hand of the noble house of Takamori. Kenchi grew up knowing only servitude to the noble family in that kept them all fed and well clothed, as well as respected. When he was five however, young Hasagara was thrust into a world that he could hardly imagine even existed. Along with being Lord Takamori?s right hand and servant, his father was the head Shinobi, in a clan so well guarded and shrouded in shadows and deception that 97% of the Takamori domain and it?s inhabitants didn?t know of it?s existence. Kenchi was told by his father that it was time for him to start his training, so that when he, the father, passed away or was killed in battle, Kenchi would take his mantle as Head Shinobi and continue the Hasagara families everlasting protection of the Takamori house. Kenchi was reluctant at first but accepted, due to love of his father.

    He trained his entire life, both in the ways to serve as a vassal and the ways of the Ninja. He excelled at both lives and when his father finally passed from old age, Kenchi took his rightful title as head of the clan. It was short lived however. An unknown attack on the Takamori family thrust the clan into instant combat and left the clan with only three living Ninja, including the youngest, Kenchi. From that day forward, Kenchi has vowed to know as much information as possible and eliminate all threats to the Takamori family immediately and with extreme precision. The three remaining Ninja have honed their skills to prodigious levels. Using their Ninja tools and gear in combat so well that the men they fight consider their skills supernatural. Though, those men never live to tell the tale.

    Kenchi takes regular strolls through the local town square, he is seen as a kind and gentle man, and is always accompanied by a loyal bodyguard and Samurai named Hatachi Shinomori. The Samurai rarely has to defend his charge in combat, but will readily do so if times call for it.

    After all, Kenchi Hasagara is unable to defend himself, being just a vassal of the local Lord?
     
  9. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Penguinator, I almost forgot. I need you to send me a number, so you may get your corresponding character abilities.

    Shimabara, Nagasaki

    The journey over the mountain and down to Shimabara had been an all day event. Not to mention, it was very exhausting and Kenji and Amaya would find themselves especially exhausted and they would not know why. It was late in the evening when they finally found a house to stay in. The owners were an elderly couple and only charged the twins 10 ryo for the night, though Kenji might suspect that they may be there longer if the job was, in fact, profitable, because Kenji would have to work.

    The couple made them a warm meal of rice and soup, and freshly caught fish from the market, along with two hot cups of tea. The old man placed it in the doorway of the twins' room, bowed, and turned away. Their room was lit by lanterns, which eventually burned out after they had eaten and gone to sleep.

    And as they slept, they would both dream dreams of cloudy days and foggy nights.

    Kenji would see himself walking through a cloudy day outside of an empty town, near a river. He would hear voices, but see no one. He heard the conversations, but they were spoke in a language that he did not understand. No, they were all in different languages. There a bubbling on the surface of the river and he would feel compelled to walk to the edge of the river. Out of the river rose a green dragon, too large for the river to have ever contained and it turned to him.

    It was easily the size of a small village. It said, "Kenji Kumo, you are the Cloud of Dreams. And I am your dragon. Take a walk with me." And they walked. And the dragon spoke. "My name is Ryujin. Listen, do not speak, you do not have much time. You are apart of a cycle. A cycle of great warriors that continues through the generations of men. There are eight warriors in each cycle: Earth, 2 Clouds, Sky, Star, Sun, Moon, and Ocean. You and your sister are the Cloud twins."

    Smoke bellowed smoke. "There is a great enemy your generation must face and you must be ready when the time comes to face him. Go to Kyoto. No matter what gets in your way, go to Kyoto and find a boy named Yamado. You must find Yamado!" The dragon's voice sent visible vibrations through Kenji's dreamworld. The dragon then looked across the lake and there was a woman. She smiled, but Ryugin only watched. She sat, with a sheathed blade across her lap.

    "Kenji-San, your sister needs you." She said.

    -----------

    Amaya dreamed a dream of a forest and a lake. She found herself standing in the middle of the lake. The water only came up to her knees, but she knew that it should be higher. A fish swam circles around her. "You shouldn't be here, young Amaya. Young Cloud of Spirits." It did not speak the words, but Amaya knew that it was coming from the fish.

    "There is a stranger here and it is not safe for you. He walks your dreams." Amaya could see the being of which the fish spoke of. He was a man of Kenji' age with long black hair. He was barefoot with white pants and a katana as he stepped into the water. The fish seemed anxious. "We must leave. You cannot fight him." The fish then swam off down the lake towards the mouth of a cave.

    The man with black hair said nothing, but kept advancing.

    "If he kills you, Amaya, you will die and so will your brother. Neither of you will ever wake up if you die. I will do what I can for you." As they moved toward the cave, a bow and arrows formed in her hands. The man needed to be killed.

    Tag: Ktala

    -------------
    Market, Nagasaki

    Ryuunosuke blinked then grabbed Haruki by the arm. "Thanks, the name's Ryuunosuke and we're leaving now." He did not give Haruki time to challenge him nor could Haruki. He was bleeding and would now start feeling the effects. It did not help that Ryuunosuke moonstepped, a technique he used for rapid transportation, all the way until they were far from the mark
     
  10. Radiance

    Radiance Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 19, 2007

    IC: Kenchi Hasagara

    As they walked, Kenchi was seemingly wondering about nothing in particular, he let an air of aloofness surround him. In actuality, Hasagara was always alert and perceiving the environment for what was remaining hidden, not what the naked eye could see. After all, the real danger was not about what you saw, but rather, what you did not see.

    Hatachi was edgy because of the reported bandit attacks out this way. Though the samurai kept his cool for the most part. He simply kept his wrist resting casually on the hilt of his katana. Kenchi himself, was simply taking in the air and enjoying the sun. Cherry blossom trees lined both sides of the path. It was a favored route of his, it was a place that let him think about current events in absolute peace. Today however, this was not meant to be.

    Ahead of them a man was sitting down, reading a scroll and looking rather strange. A moment later, as came running up, Kenchi recognized him as the youngest son of the Takamori family.

    "Lord Hasagara, my father has died. In his sleep, today."

    Ice hit the bottom of Kenchi?s stomach. What had happened to the two Ninja guarding him when Kenchi was not? How could that have happened? It was at this moment that Kenchi noticed something strange, he smelled blood on young Gota. He couldn?t see it though.

    Whose blood was it?

    Hatachi spoke up first. "Gota, how did you get out here?"

    Kenchi?s eyes flicked left and right, straight up and down as Gota?s attention was taken from him and placed on Hatachi?s voice. Kenchi didn?t see an escort. Something was very, very wrong here. If it was indeed true that Lord Takamori had passed, then Gota would be next in line to assume the title of Lord. But the little voice inside of Kenchi?s head was screaming at him, one single word right now.

    Trap.

    Gota?s confused response pushed Kenchi?s unease even further.

    Movement caught Kenchi?s eye in the bushes right before the rattling started. Seven men stepped out and Kenchi made a look of surprise, though he was not. It saddened him sometimes, that even now in a situation like this, he had to hold his image of a weak noble.

    A calm, aristocratic smile spread across Kenchi?s features, his palms open in surrender. His voice came light and airy, with a hint of rueful amusement.

    ?I guess that means you don?t want to talk about this??

    Hatachi drew his katana and began reaching for his Wakizashi. A gentle hand landed on his and he looked over at the man he was supposed to protect. Kenchi slipped under his hand and pulled the Wakizashi free, and into his own hands.

    ??My lord???

    Kenchi held the smaller sword like it was unaccustomed to him.

    ?Hatachi my friend. You are as loyal as you are skilled, but even you cannot hope to hold off seven men by yourself. What kind of man would I be, if I simply let you sacrifice yourself for my safety??

    Hatachi stared at him as if he too, like Gota, had lost his mind. Hatachi knew he was going to die here, protecting his Lords, though he would have preferred to have had Kenchi at least survive. But Kenchi was stoically standing defiant with that maddening smile. What was wrong with him?

    Kenchi removed the Wakizashi from it?s sheath and held both sheath and the blade itself at his side?s

    ?Lord Gota, please stay behind us and close your eyes. This isn?t going to be something that nobility should have to see.?

    The leader apparently, stepped forward and spoke like a warrior.

    "By way of the Kato clan, in the name of Lord Kato, we will apprehend the last son and heir of the Takamori Clan."

    Kato clan eh? Interesting?.. Kenchi thought to himself.

    Kenchi?s eyes saw without seeming to. He looked at the musculature of the men in front of them, their calf muscles were all rock hard, meaning that they were all practiced swordsman. Then his eyes noticed their forearms, some were toned, others were not. Some were fast and practiced with their weapons, others were slow and lacked finesse. And finally, he noticed how they were s
     
  11. BartSimpson-SithLord

    BartSimpson-SithLord Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jan 24, 2002
    Matsudaira Haruki
    Market, Nagasaki

    Haruki retrieved his weapons, taking the time to say a small prayer for his fallen opponent, when he felt his arm grabbed by his new friend.

    "Thanks, the name's Ryuunosuke and we're leaving now."

    Ryuunosuke didn't give Haruki a chance to respond, but Haruki didn't care to. His ritual finished, and his weapons in hand, he was beginning to feel the effect of the battle. The fire had not hurt at all, but the blades had. His stomach was bleeding quite a lot, and he was beginning to grow week. In a blink of the eye, they were quite a ways away from the bridge. They had actually made their way to the front of a small restaurant, one that Haruki recognized very well. Ryuunosuke poured some saki on his hands before he removed the blades from Haruki's stomach. Wincing in pain, Haruki tried to adjust his breathing in order to lessen the pain.

    "Hurts don't it." Ryuunosuke sat down, ordering hot tea as the sun began to set. He sighed and ruffled his hair.

    "You probably have some questions. I know you are the Sun and I am the Moon. My powers are more advanced than your's before my mother taught me how to control them. I'm not very powerful, but we're going to have to stick together in order to survie." He sipped his tea and ordered fish and rice. "Sunhead. Does that name ring any bells?"

    Haruki shook his head. He'd only ever dealt with people like the soot covered men. The woman and this Sunhead were different.

    He then told Haruki about the Cycle and each generation.

    He finished his bowl of food and ordered another. "Sunhead is more powerful than you can even comprehend. My father was a fully realized Moon and even he was killed. This is a good news/bad news situation. Good news is there are a few from the last generation that are still around who will help. Bad news is that Sunhead wants to kill them and us off. Some of us he wants to use, to join his ranks. Others have to die. You and me, have to die. Me because I am trying to rally all of us together. You, because as long as you live, his power is diminished."


    Haruki's face didn't become one of shock so much as understanding. He'd always been hunted by the soot covered men, and now he had an idea as to why. If he'd become stronger, and that was why he was now facing people like that woman, then he'd need to leave Nagasaki fast. He wouldn't want to hurt anyone in this city.

    "You both draw power from the Sun. You don't draw alot of power right now because you don't know how to use your powers, but the stronger you get, the less he will have to draw on."

    After finishing his third bowl, Ryuunosuke stood and stretched, bandaged Haruki up and helped him to his feet. "Okay, so Sky is around here too, so we have to find him and get out of here. I've sent someone to pick him up. You got a place around here we could hide out at? You'll probably want to bring some stuff with you."


    Haruki nodded, he felt well enough to move around now, and lead Ryuunosuke to his house. Going through this things, he packed enough non-perishable foods and gathered some water. As he packed some bags with clothes he began to pack everything on Kagatsuchi. The last two things he added to his fateful steed were his two swords, choosing to wield his jumonji-yari for the moment. As he pulled his horse around the side of his home, he gave one more look at the place that had housed him for quite sometime.

    "I'm ready." he stated simply once he could see Ryuunosuke again. "Let's go find the Sky."

    TAG: GM
     
  12. Ramza

    Ramza Administrator Emeritus star 9 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jul 13, 2008
    Kawazoe Tatsuya
    Outside the Tea Shop, Nagasaki


    "Bring it on, you freaks, you don't scare me!" Tatsuya called, clenching the grip of his nodachi more tightly than before. His right arm hurt, but now was not the time to dwell on such things. The things closed in, their blades extended to cut him.

    Closer, closer...

    A voice rang out, clear as the river on a sunny day. "Tatsuya, you're the Sky right? You probably feel lighter after that fight. Embrace that and force it out through your sword."

    The Sky? What the hell did that mean? ... Still, it was worth a shot. He focused the sensation of lightness into the grip of his nodachi. The lightness became the blade. The blade became him. He became the clouds drifting lazily in the autumn breeze.

    It was all over in a second. The winds rushed forward and outward, so that as the things managed to nick Tatsuya, he struck them all down. And escaped a desperate battle with only a few cuts. This sensation... what could it be?

    That was when the strange woman jumped down in front of him. She was reasonably pretty, if a bit nondescript. "We have to go. My name is Ren and I'm a friend of a friend of yours. Yeah, you could say that. I'm here because we have to leave Nagasaki. Its not safe anymore. Gather what you need because you're never coming back here again."

    Leave now? What madness was this? And who this Ren?

    "I thank you for your assistance, Ren-dono, but I have accepted a mission on behalf of the magistrate of this area, and I must see to his daughter's safety. Even a ronin such as myself cannot risk simply walking out on such an assignment."

    TAG: Blu
     
  13. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Amaya and Kenji Kumo - Shimabara, Nagasaki

    The journey over the mountain and down to Shimabara had been an all day event. Not to mention, it was very exhausting. Both Kenji and Amaya felt as if they had been drained of energy. Amaya had felt so wonderful up on the mountain, but now, she felt like she was ready to sleep for a week. Kenji looked the same way. It was late in the evening when they finally found a house to stay in. The owners were an elderly couple and only charged the twins 10 ryo for the night. Amaya was happily to finally find such a nice place to stay, and looked forward to a nice warm bed, while Kenji wondered if they would be willing to give them a longer stay if the job worked out. But for now, at least they had a room. The couple made them a warm meal of rice and soup, and freshly caught fish from the market, along with two hot cups of tea. The old man placed it in the doorway of the twins' room, bowed, and turned away. To both of them, the food smelled heavenly, and at lone, Amaya felt as if she could finally relax for awhile. Their room was lit by lanterns, which Amaya appreciated the gesture. After they had eaten they both feel sleepy, and soon the lanterns burned out after they had eaten and they went to sleep.

    They dreamed dreams of cloudy days and foggy nights. Rolling clouds that seemed to go on forever. It was nice. Kenji would see himself walking through a cloudy day outside of an empty town, near a river. He would hear voices, but see no one. He heard the conversations, but they were spoke in a language that he did not understand. No, they were all in different languages. There a bubbling on the surface of the river and he would feel compelled to walk to the edge of the river. Out of the river rose a green dragon, too large for the river to have ever contained and it turned to him. Kenji wasnt afraid. He was mesmorised. The dragon was so awe inspiring. Power and grace wraped in a deadly container. It was easily the size of a small village. It said, "Kenji Kumo, you are the Cloud of Dreams. And I am your dragon. Take a walk with me."

    As they walked, Kenji's mind was full of questions. HIS dragon? And he was the Cloud of Dreams? He had no ideas what that ment, but before he could ask, the dragon spoke again. "My name is Ryujin. Listen, do not speak, you do not have much time. You are apart of a cycle. A cycle of great warriors that continues through the generations of men. There are eight warriors in each cycle: Earth, 2 Clouds, Sky, Star, Sun, Moon, and Ocean. You and your sister are the Cloud twins."

    [i']Cloud twins?! Great Warriors?'[/i] Kenji's mind felt as if it was on fire.

    Smoke bellowed smoke. "There is a great enemy your generation must face and you must be ready when the time comes to face him. Go to Kyoto. No matter what gets in your way, go to Kyoto and find a boy named Yamado. You must find Yamado!" The dragon's voice sent visible vibrations through Kenji's dreamworld. The dragon then looked across the lake and there was a woman. She smiled, but Ryugin only watched. She sat, with a sheathed blade across her lap.

    "Kenji-San, your sister needs you." She said.

    Amaya. Kenji hoped that is was not another warrior like the one they had met on the mountain. He nodded towards his dragon, remembering the name Yamado. Then he turned towards the woman. "Send me to her then." he replied, feeling a sudden need to reach her quickly.
    -----------

    Amaya dreamed a dream of a forest and a lake. It was lovely. She found herself standing in the middle of the lake. The water only came up to her knees, but she knew that it should be higher. A fish swam circles around her. "You shouldn't be here, young Amaya. Young Cloud of Spirits." Amaya blinked. The fish.. it talked to her, thought it did not speak words. Such a thing was a powerful omen in ones dreams. Cloud of Spirits? What did it mean? Before she could ask, its words touched her once more.

    "There is a stranger here and it is not safe for you. He walks your dreams." Amaya
     
  14. Space_Chicken

    Space_Chicken Jedi Youngling star 1

    Registered:
    Jul 30, 2005
    ooc: Sorry my internet was down for a week. Will try to get a post in tonight.
     
  15. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Update coming tonight, just letting Peng and Space_Chicken know to post before the update![face_peace]

    -B-
     
  16. Penguinator

    Penguinator Former Mod star 6 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    May 23, 2005
    Kikuchiyo
    Edo, Gambling House

    There went the buzz. "I don't care what you call yourself on your tombstone."

    The sword was already in hand; Kikuchiyo just flung the scabbard away. He wouldn't really need it, anyways. Blade raised, he struck out quickly - and the spear parried it away with a deft flick. Kikuchiyo grinned. "Okay, not bad." But even as the last word left his lips, the spear came at him again. He flung himself out of the way, surprised. So he's faster than you, big deal, thought the swordsman, nearly losing his footing. Then the wicked three blades of the spear came at him laterally. Kikuchiyo ducked, then quickly blocked the riposte. With a shove, fueled by anger, Kikuchiyo pushed back the spear and swung wildly at it. The resulting clang was satisfying, if nothing else. He scurried backwards, pasting his grin back on his face.

    "You're good."

    The spearman grinned, then rushed Kikuchiyo. But now the swordsman knew what was coming.

    He sidestepped, the clumsiness gone, and swung upwards. The spear was cut apart, the bearer's eyes widened, and the blade came down again - on Yoshirou's left hand. A flash of crimson, brief but visible, and the man fell to the ground, clutching his remaining fingers. He swore, screamed, and kicked the dirt. Kikuchiyo grabbed his discarded scabbard, wiped his katana on Yoshirou's kimono, and sheathed it.

    "Hey kid. Let's go."

    Yoshirou hurled epithets and profanities at his back. Kikuchiyo smiled. "Won't bring your fingers back."

    And with that, he walked off with the kid, away from the gambling house.

    Tag: Blu
     
  17. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Countryside Trail, Outside Edo

    Gota's face looked uncertain at Lord Hasagara's suggestion, but he simply smiled as if he was much younger than he actually was and obeyed, walking behind them and placing his hands over his eyes.

    The leader looked confused but then made an uneasy smile, drawing his blade, which began a chorus of blades being unsheathed. "You would be better to run that blade across your throat." He said to Kenchi. The man was obviously confused by the sight of a Lord holding a blade in confrontation to eight men armed with swords. No matter, he thought, and he and his men attacked.

    Gota's eyes were closed and it was better that way. The scene that ensued was one of complete and utter massacre, but it did not go as one would have thought. Hatachi, being a trained samurai, quickly ended three of the bandits, sustaining minor wounds during the quick exchange. He then turned to protect his master with his life, knowing that it was, indeed, suicide to fight, but he would fulfill his duty to Lord Hasagara. But when he turned, he saw one man standing. Blood thrown across his once clean robes as clouds are onto the sky.

    What had happened?

    He had not the chance to ask, for four Takamori family guards on horseback rode to retrieve Gota, they too shocked at Lord Hasagara's appearance. As Gota, recognizing the men, gladly was taken, waving goodbye to Kenchi, one guardsmen stayed behind. He was clearly uncomfortable. "Lady Takamori wishes to see you, Lord Hasagara. In the evening, when the village is quiet." Then he left.

    Tag: Radiance

    ------------
    Outskirts, Nagasaki

    Ryuunosuke let out a big grin and clasped Haruki on the shoulder. "Hai, hai, I love it! THAT'S THE SPIRIT!" He was loud. Loud in the way that people should not be around sunset hour when people were settling down and enjoying their tea. Of course, people gave them bad looks, but Ryuunosuke did not even give them a look. He just continued to grin. As they walked to the rendezvous point, Haruki would learn why.

    Ryuunosuke then told Haruki of how he had been hunted from the time he was born and that he had killed his first assassin when he was 9. He told of how he had thought he would be all alone forever, never able to have a stable relationship with anyone because of who he was. When he found out that there were others, he had done all he could to find them and now to finally have found another of this strange brotherhood was enough to make him explode.

    Yes, they talked quite a bit. And then the question of powers came up. Ryuunosuke and Haruki had settled outside of the Nagasaki border. They were headed to a town by the sea, Ryuunosuke had said. The village would help them locate the Cloud Twins.

    "So, have you ever tested your powers? C'mon, show me something. Knowing Ren, we're probably going to be here for awhile."

    Tag: BSSL

    -----------
    Outside the Tea Shop, Nagasaki

    Ren folded her arms and stared the older man down. She was young, very beautiful, but looked like a street child. A brutal beauty, prone to violence. The defiant look on her face faded and she then exaggerated her exhaust of patience. "Hai, damn samurai."

    Down the alley, Haku came back down the alley, Yumiko now just sniffling, but her attitude was coming back. "You stupid, samurai &#@$$#@*! You almost got me killed! Wait till my father hears about this." She bit her lip to hold back tears, then hugged Tatsuya.

    ------

    When they arrived at the Magistrate's office, Yumiko was hurried off into a backroom, while Ren, Haku, and Tatsuya waited until the Magistrate addressed them. He was a chubby man, not fat, and he was short. A long beard clung to his well-oiled face, while big teacup eyes looked down at them.

    "Akimoto Haku, Kawazoe Tatsuya, you protected my daughter and you will be paid. You have my appreciations." They were both paid 35 ryo and then they left. Yet, something di
     
  18. Radiance

    Radiance Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 19, 2007
    IC: Kenchi Hasagara

    Gota did as he was bidden, which was good. The fewer that saw what happened next the better.

    Even through his confusion, the leader still talked big. And who wouldn't? His current situation was more than favorable. A single samurai and a weak looking uppity nobleman against eight hardened men.

    Blades were drawn. Hatachi took his ready stance, prepared to die in service, as was his purpose. All of the men charged at once, and almost immediately, Hatachi had to turn his back towards his Master to defend himself properly.

    Good...

    Hasagara's eyes went from the oddly smiling, to complete and utter dangerous. His stance changed instantly from appearing to be a man inexperienced with a sword, to someone who lived with them in hand. His five opponents saw the change at once and two tried to stop their charge and re-assess the danger level of their enemy. It was too late though.

    Kenchi took two bold steps forward, spinning the wakizashi through his fingers as he went and turned into the first man who had hesitated, at the same time dragging his foot behind him. He caught the first, less experienced man square in the stomach with the wakizashi, while his wooden sandal caught the second man behind him straight in the throat, the force of which broke the mans neck, killing him before he hit the ground.

    Hasagara ripped the blade free as the final three were upon him. Two swords came down in an attempt to take away his escape routes as the third came in very low to cut off his legs. Kenchi threw up his wakizashi and made a short hop, meeting the two swords in the air and letting the third pass harmlessly beneath him. It wasn't completely harmless however, the momentum couldn't be stopped as the would-be kidnapper's sword sliced clean through his companions shins. The blades clashed in midair, only one of which was in full impact due to the other's owner falling to his back and yelling in pain.

    Kenchi powered through the stalemate quickly, wrenching his strength forward and breaking the defense of the leader. Kenchi's hand lashed out and ripped the sheath from the mans belt and spun it to defend against an attack from behind. The secret ninja angled the sheath to be sliced at an angle, making it extremely sharp.

    By this time Hatachi had felled two of his opponents. Time was running out. He was squaring off against the third, who had inflicted a couple of cuts on the samurai already.

    Kenchi still had three to deal with. It seemed that adrenaline had driven the first man he had stabbed, he was back on his feet and coming back at Kenchi as he bled out.

    Hasagara continued his spin and ended up in a low crouch as he stabbed both wakizashi and sheath in front of him and behind him simultaneously. Leader and henchmen fell with blade and sharpened sheath protruding from their chests. Kenchi stood quickly and jumped into the area that the first man was now swinging. His open palm closed around the mans wrist in a vice grip and wrenched up, snapping the bone underneath. Kenchi's other hand was reaching inside of that mans robe at the same time.

    The sword dropped from an empty grip Kenchi stepped out of the way of falling enemy,tilting his foot under the falling blade and kicking it back up into his own grasp. He plunged it deep into the mans back before he was out of range. He must have hit an artery because spray came back at him. It was something that he was used to. Things like that happened in his line of work.

    The leader apparently wasn't down yet, pulling the wakizashi out of his own chest with a grunt.

    Kenchi stood there with a dagger in his hand, having picked it from the man he had just killed. The leader's eyes went wide in anger and disbelief as the dagger came soaring towards his face. His hand came up to block the fatal blow...

    But did nothing to stop the blade. It went straight through the hand and pinned it to it's owners forehead.

    Kenchi turned and looked toward Hatachi who was just turning to come and help.

    "...My.....My Lord...?"

    Hasagara looked down at himself, his dark bl
     
  19. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Amaya and Kenji Kumo - Shimabara, Nagasaki


    Kenji's concern for Amaya made him in no mood for play. As he strolled a few steps towards the woman, he was angry, and it showed in every movement he made.

    The woman's smile quickly vanished and began to tremble.

    "Yes, I will send you to her." the woman finally responded.

    Kenji looked towards Ryujin. He nodded.

    ------

    Amaya's arrow sent rocks falling from the cave mouth, blocking the mysterious man. The fish stopped swimming and rose out of the water. Amaya gave a small gasp as what she had seen as a fish, was now a woman. The woman exuded power and shined brightly in the dark cave. Amaya wanted to ask the woman her name, but the woman began to speak to her. "Young Amaya, you are your brother's strength. Without you, he would be lost. The Cloud of Spirits holds powerful sway over people's spirits. You can seal them and summon them. However, dreams and nightmares is where your brother rules. Your powers are useless here without him, you can only avoid this man."

    The rocks in the mouth of the cave shook, but did not break and tumble open. Instead, the pale man phased through them, sword in hand.

    What was this creature? Amaya backed away, as she quickly thought to herself. 'I .. I can summon spirits? Then, if that is true, I can help my brother find me.' Amaya began to think of her brother as she brought her bow up once more. She would run until she could not run anymore.

    'Kenji! Find me.'

    ------

    The fog thickened around Kenji, to the point where it wasn't just fog, but water. He was underwater and he could see his sister and a pale man who aimed to harm her. He suddenly knew that he could stop it whenever he wanted to. All Kenji had to do was think it.

    Furious at the man who would dare to try and harm Amaya, Kenji brought his hand forward, as he imagined himself reaching up, and snatching the man down under the water, down to where he was, to drown him and keep him away from Amaya. To crush him where he stood. To get him away from Amaya.

    He wanted to be with his sister.


    Tag: Blubeast
     
  20. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Takamori Castle, Outside Edo

    "You requested my audiance... my Lady...?"

    The room was vast and was lit by four candals, ceremoniously placed around the room. Lady Takamori sat on a mat placed in the middle of the room. She had been crying, but her face was one of stone now. Kenchi could see that this was about revenge before she could even say anything. One of her servants brought tea in, sitting it down between the two mats that Kenchi and Lady Takamori were settled on.

    The servant quickly left the room, sliding the door closed behind her. The entire castle. It seemed that all of Edo was mourning the loss of Lord Takamori, but there was no sense of mourning in the room. Only the thirst for blood.

    When Lady Takamori spoke, people listened. She was a woman that exuded power like a man and even samurai listened to her. She spoke now, and it made the room feel cold. "Thank you, Lord Hasagara. For rescuing Gota." She sipped her tea. "He needs constant supervision, now more than ever. And more protection. I fear today was the first of mnay attempts on his life."

    They both knew the history of the House Takamori. Lord Takamori had been a Samurai during the age of Nobunaga Oda and Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was a General and had survived multiple assassination attempts throughout his life. After the wars were over, he had towering political pull in Edo and many other samurai and nobles did not like it. Though, this is not to say that Lord Takamori had not taken a few of his enemies out during his lifetime, raising the opposition's hatred and boldness. The Hasagara clan had even played party to this as well.

    Lady Takamori looked at him, sternly. "Lord Takamori was poisoned, so were three other lords who have alligned with us against the House Kato. The House Kato, as you know, has four Lords. I want you to eliminate Shino Kato, the head of their military branch, and Kagura Kato. She manages their finances and runs multiple brothels and gambling houses. We must let our enemies know that this will not pass. No doubt, however," She sat her tea down. "They will be ready for retaliation. I want you to assemble a small force and avenge Lord Takamori, Kenchi."

    This was one of the first times the Lady had used Kenchi's name. She placed her hands in her lap, but they quickly balled into fists. She was strong to now have to take control of the House Takamori, but she had lost her love, the man Kenchi had sworn to protect. The man Kenchi's father had sworn to protect. And she was putting her trust in Kenchi Hasagara to avenge the Lord.

    Tag: Radiance

    ------------
    Shimabara, Nagasaki

    Amaya saw her enemy and then she saw a large, green scaly hand reach from under the water and wrap its large fingers around the man's body, then pulled him down. The man at first showed no signs of pain, but that dissolved as he saw Kenji close his fist. The man screamed and the water drowned him out. He struggled, then ceased to move altogether, which was when Kenji saw the woman that had been sitting across the river. The woman that had trembled. Masami no longer trembled and would never move again.

    The woman behind Amaya put her hand on the girl's bow and it began to glow bright yellow. "It is not over." Suddenly, they were back outside the cave and a large monster towered over the forest in Amaya's dream. He seemed to not have texture, just a large, dark mass that was now terrorizing the forest. Amaya's nose began to bleed. Since the monster was rampaging in her head, it was killing her and if it was not stopped she would die.

    Amaya instantly knew the woman's name and the woman whispered. "Say it."

    -----

    Inside the cave, the pale man rose from the water. He was dripping with blood. He watched as Kenji rose from the water, on the back of Ryujin. Reno was the man's name and he was transforming. His skin turned into hard, glassy black, almost obsidian. He was larger and stronger now, his fingers now giant claws, taunting Kenji on.
     
  21. Ramza

    Ramza Administrator Emeritus star 9 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jul 13, 2008
    Kawazoe Tatsuya
    Various Locales, Nagasaki


    The woman, Ren, was staring at him, apparently with a degree of anger. Tatsuya's expression remained resolute, but otherwise devoid of emotion, and eventually she caved in to his determination. "Your understanding is greatly appreciated, Ren-dono, we shall discuss this matter further - after I have seen to Yumiko-dono's safe return." As if on cue, Yumiko and Haku returned from their hiding place down the alley. Yumiko's tone had apparently returned, but she was obviously shaken up by the whole affair, and Haku merely stood in stunned silence.




    The business with the Magistrate was concluded, and Tatsuya, Haku, and Ren had decided to attend a small dumpling shop. Haku had handled the costs (No complaints in that area), and Ren had apparently decided to attend to Tatsuya's rather cumbersome wound on his right arm... which he had almost forgotten about. What exactly the woman was up to was beyond him, but he would play along, for now.

    [hl=black][color=skyblue]"I was born into a family that served a now-defunct minor daimyo, and was trained to serve him as well. I was schooled from a young age in the art of Iaido by my teacher, Taiki-sensei, and it was he who invented the nodachi Iaido techniques I use. You see, Taiki-sensei realized that the nodachi's size was not a hinderance to the speed of its usage, that this was merely an illusion imposed by the mind. That is - the user believes the blade will be drawn more slowly, and it is. But this can work in the other way - the [i]enemy[/i] believes the nodachi will be drawn more slowly... and if it is [i]not[/i], well..."[/color][/hl] He paused to eat a dumpling before continuing. [hl=black][color=skyblue]"The rest is pure Iaido. For close quarters combat, I was also trained to use the wakizashi with effectiveness. But I prefer my nodachi, and have had this one for many years."[/hl][/color] He patted the blade that lay at his side with a nostalgic smile.

    [hl=black][color=skyblue]"So I served my lord in several battles for many years before the damn fool ran out of money and had no choice but to let me go. I was 35 by then, an old man, so it was not great loss to him. I suppose I could've just given up then and become a monk or some such garbage, but... well, this kind of lifestyle, it suits me. But enough about me. Haku-san, Ren-dono, surely you both must have far more interesting tales to tell than my own."[/color][/hl]

    [b]TAG: Blu[/b]
     
  22. blubeast1237

    blubeast1237 Jedi Master star 5

    Registered:
    Apr 10, 2007
    Various Locales, Nagasaki

    Ren raised an eyebrow. This guy did not look as old as he was implying, but she was done nursing his wound and settled back on the pillow and began eating as well. He asked about them and Haku spoke up first.

    "I was trained by my uncle in his school. I was never the best, actually I was one of the worst, but he never gave up on me. After I got old enough, I needed to make money and so I left and now I make my living as a hired sword, which gets my Uncle really upset everytime he sees me." Haku was about to shove another dumpling into his mouth when he paused, contemplating something.

    Ren took this to mean he was done and spoke up. "I was born in Edo and worked for some Nobles as a servant. It was a good life. They pay you, feed you, and house you, so there was nothing to complain about. Then, I met a boy and fell in love. Now I serve him. In fact, he sent me to get you, Kawazoe Tatsuya. You are very important to him and he wants to meet you. His name is-"

    "Tatsuya-sama! Please take me as your student!" Haku screamed in the shop, drawing the attention of the few patrons who remained. Even the cooks peered out of the backroom. "I know I may not be as honourable as you, but I am willing to work hard to earn your approval."

    Ren stopped talking and just laughed as she ate. Haku was serious, however. He had stopped eating and was staring firmly into Tatsuya's face.

    Tag: Ramza
     
  23. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Amaya and Kenji Kumo - Asleep, Shimabara, Nagasaki


    Amaya saw her enemy and then she saw a large, green scaly hand reach from under the water and wrap its large fingers around the man's body, then pulled him down.

    Scales?! Green hand. What in the world was going on? Was it Kenji? The man disappeared under the water.

    The woman behind Amaya suddenly put her hand on the girl's bow and it began to glow bright yellow. Amaya's body went stiff as she suddenly understood. The woman spoke "It is not over." Suddenly, they were back outside the cave and a large monster towered over the forest in Amaya's dream. Amaya wished she could simply wake up.

    This monster was different. It was not a man. Not really a creature either, as it seemed to not have texture, just a large, dark mass that was now terrorizing the forest. Amaya felt a warmness to her face, and raised her hand to it. It came back, with a bit of blood, as Amaya's nose began to bleed. It was the creature. She had to stop it.
    Amaya instantly knew the woman's name and the woman whispered. "Say it." Amaya stared at the creature, angry. She was NOT going to let this thing take her, for if it did, her brother was doomed as well. And she would NOT let that happen. Her brother was here. She felt his presence, as twins are prone to do. They would deal with this together.

    So, she delt with spirits?? It was time to bring them into play. Amaya concentrated, even as she spoke softly, "Chiyo! Let us deal with this creature!"

    They were in a forest in her dream, so Amaya called upon the spirits of the very forest itself. From the trees and plants, down to the animals within. Tigers and Eagles, two great predators that she knew well, she envisioned them swarming over the dark mass, as the tress held it down. Like her, they were a force to be reckoned with. If they thought that she was weak, simply because she didnt have her brother with her, then they would be sadly mistaken. She watched as the spirits attacked the dark shadow, tearing into it with the fury they felt from her. Amaya looked down at her hands. She still had the bow. She concentrated, and let loose an arrow.



    -----

    Inside the cave, the pale man rose from the water. He was dripping with blood. Kenji rose from the water as well, on the back of Ryujin. The man was transforming. There was definitely strange magics involved, but he did not have the time to waste thought on this fact. He needed to deal with the threat to both he and his sister. He watched as the man's skin turned into hard, glassy black, almost obsidian. He was larger and stronger now, his fingers now giant claws, taunting Kenji on. His voice was the sound of rocks smashing against other rocks. "You think you got it, Kenji? Come and test it then. My Yurei is outside now, killing your sister. But you're not going anywhere."

    Ah. So the man was trying to delay him. But he had severely underestimated them. Kenji gave him a dark smile. "Then you have lost. For my sister is not some mewling kitten. And you WILL die."

    Kenji then leaned against Ryujin, and concentrated. Within less than a day, they had been attacked twice. When they could not get to them during the day, the cowards tried in their sleep. Kenji was going to make sure that he would not give them another chance. He focused all of his energies into Ryujin. Not simple hate, but an even stronger force. The will of wanting to keep his sister safe. His Twin. And even if they were not standing together side by side, their strengths and powers were. They would NEVER be seperated. And it was that energy that he poured into Ryujin, as they attacked this inhuman man, to make sure he would not threaten them again.

    Kenji concentrated, as Ryujin began to move. Kenji channeled his power to him, willing Kenji to move as if they were in their natural element, the element of the clouds. Making his faster and stronger as Kenji willed his companion into combat. Ryujin roared his own challenge, as he felt the power within him, his claws extended towards their enemy. His size grew as
     
  24. Radiance

    Radiance Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Sep 19, 2007
    IC: Kenchi Hasagara

    The mood was cold. Kenchi had known what the meeting was about before he entered. Lady Takamori was a widow. But she hadn't been in one of those relationships of lust or money or power. She had loved her husband. To be truthful Kenchi had loved the man as well. After his own father had died, Lord Takamori and the Hasagara clan was all that Kenchi really had left. And the man had died on his watch. Kenchi was more than a little heartbroken, but was well enough trained not to show his inner pain. And so he listened to his Lady, as she outlined what had happened and what needed to happen. This was a move of vengeance.

    And Kenchi Hasagara couldn't have agreed more on the motives.

    He bowed down until his head touched the floor, from his kneeling position on the mat.

    "I will do as my Lady commands. As always. But I fear that I cannot leave unnoticed at this point. Being in the position I am, it would seem odd for me to leave your side in times such as these. I will need a viable excuse to be out and about. I will go under the cover of you being taken ill. I will leave in search of the best doctor in Edo. It will allow me to move freely for a couple of days. I will take Hatachi with me, I feel he suspects my skills anyway. It was time that he knew. Along with him, I will bring operatives Blade and Shadow. It will leave no real here for your protection, but measures will be taken for your safety. I will return to you by dusk, three days from now. Until then.. please stay safe..."

    Kenchi looked up slowly. Determination was burning in his eyes.

    "I will make them pay.. of that you have my assurance. I'll not fail you again my Lady..."

    Kenchi dismissed himself and left to make his preparations. While he did not like leaving Lady Takamori guarded by normal, albeit normal skilled men, his plan was going to be two fold. His strike was going to leave ripples for sure. By having Lady Takamori under the facade of being sick for a few days, it would appear that the Takamori family was weaker than ever, and would be the perfect time for enemies to strike against them to destroy the family altogether. And because Kenchi was away, they would be more susceptible than ever. But the Estate was far.... far from unprotected. Kenchi himself had rigged every secret entrance with explosives and booby traps of his own design. Every main entrance was heavily guarded to begin with. There was one secret passage that lay untouched by a number of fail safes. That was the Takamori family escape route. Which was also heavily guarded, though it did not look that way from the outside.

    Kenchi made his way to his own quarters on the estate. Once inside he made sure that no one was around. He then pushed his bedroll aside and pried up the loose edges of a large chunk of flooring. Below it was a ladder leading down far enough that light did not reach the bottom. Hasagara moved to the ladder and let the wooden floor close noiselessly above him. he then tugged on a string that was run through the floor into his bedroll, pulling it back into place.

    He did not bother lighting a torch when he hit the bottom, he didn't need to. This was his comfort zone. The darkness was his friend. He was born and raised in it, and he surrounded himself in it's dark embrace. A short walk brought the Ninja into a large stone room with dim lighting from torches. From what could be seen, one would perceive innumerable weapons and devices lining the walls. A single large mat lay in the center of the room, on it was the same sun symbol on Kenchi's robes. No living person was seen...

    ...nor would they ever be, down here.

    "Taka! Ranmaru!"

    Two black clad figures dropped from the ceiling and landed in a one kneed kneel. Both spoke in unison.

    "Ha!"

    Kenchi stripped off his upper robe and reached over to pull on a tight fitting black long sleeved shirt.

    "Get up and tell me what happened."


    Both shad
     
  25. BartSimpson-SithLord

    BartSimpson-SithLord Manager Emeritus star 5 VIP - Former Mod/RSA

    Registered:
    Jan 24, 2002
    Matsudaira Haruki
    Outskirts, Nagasaki

    Ryuunosuke let out a big grin and clasped Haruki on the shoulder. "Hai, hai, I love it! THAT'S THE SPIRIT!"

    Haruki sighed in a defeated tone as his new friend spoke far too loudly for this time of day. It was getting late, and many were looking to relax with a nice cup of tea. Haruki wished he had the time to relax with some tea, but the events of the day had commanded that he give up his somewhat peaceful life here. As they passed by people, Haruki could see the dirty looks they were receiving. Many probably thought them both to be drunk, the way Ryuunosuke was carrying on. Haruki didn't mind the looks, he wasn't going to see most of these people ever again anyway, and a suspicious rumor to go along with his sudden departure would only raise the price of his art once he found a way back. Ryuunosuke also didn't seem to mind, keeping a wide grin as they continued to walk.

    It wasn't long before Haruki found out why Ryuunosuke was so happy at the moment. Ryuunosuke then told Haruki of how he had been hunted from the time he was born and that he had killed his first assassin when he was 9. He told of how he had thought he would be all alone forever, never able to have a stable relationship with anyone because of who he was. When he found out that there were others, he had done all he could to find them and now to finally have found another of this strange brotherhood was enough to make him explode.

    Haruki had spoken of similar occurances, of how he had become a ronin because the soot covered had begun to hunt him even during the sankin kotai trips he made with his daimyo. He spoke of how he wished he could just settle down to art and women, but the constant need to train had forced him to work as a mercenary. He added how the mercenary work also kept the enemy out of Nagasaki for the most part, today being a rare occurrence.

    As they spoke to each other, getting to know the other's personality and history, the topics continued to shift away from the battles and melancholy towards other items. They spoke for quite some time, for what better way to forget your hardship than to converse about other topics?

    And then the question of powers came up. Ryuunosuke and Haruki had settled outside of the Nagasaki border. They were headed to a town by the sea, Ryuunosuke had said. The village would help them locate the Cloud Twins.

    "So, have you ever tested your powers? C'mon, show me something. Knowing Ren, we're probably going to be here for awhile."


    Haruki shook his head. "No, I haven't tested my powers. Until today I had no idea I could do anything but survive fires and leap farther and higher than most. But I did feel something during the battle with that woman. My hands and feet became quite warm. One time, the heat even seemed to push itself into my jumonji-yari. That was the time when I glanced her side." Haruki stood up, walking away from both his friend and his horse, giving himself distance from them both. "If what I think was happening is true, perhaps I can do it again."

    With that, Haruki closed his eyes and focused on his hands and feet, imagining them growing hotter, as hot as the star that gives him his name. As he focused, his feet and hands began to glow as the air around them melted and consumed itself in flame. Opening his eyes, Haruki through a punch with his right hand. The flame arced off of his hand as if a small explosion had sent it outward, like a solar flare. Not long after, his right hand erupted in flame again. Haruki released it, the air smelled of burned grass. "I'm going to try a few experiments." Haruki stated as he retrieved one of his jumonji-yari. Once again, he focused into his hand. Only this time, once the feeling was growing there, he pushed it out into the blade of his weapon. Soon, the same effect occurred there. With a wave of his weapon, it to sparked a solar flare.

    Haruki laughed at his newfound power. "I've never seen or done anything like this before!" he stated, a smile finally crossing his face for the fir
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.