Revenge And Reward

[selmo]

I appologize cause I took matter into my own hands and was bored by then anticipation Sorry toshi!!
Initiate RPing
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Casually staring up to the sky I was semi-dozed off. My name is Jubei 60 years old and roughly 4 feet tall, some have refered to me as a master of hand to hand ground fighting. Untouchable by even some of the best. These titles flatter me but I doubt they are entirly true I may be exeptional, but I can still learn there fore am not a total master.

A cloudless sky today I havent had many visitors latley, it is getting rather lonley it is no fun practicing martial arts alone. I do wish someone who wishes to train comes by or just a lone travelor wishing a drink.

As if to answer my plea I hear the sounds of someone coming. Jovial I prance up suprisingly agile for my old age I rush to find the oncoming visitor.

[Chronor]

"Konnichi wa Jeubi!" I said. "Suprised to see you at home when there's a public execution!"

I am Chronor. Your average black pirate turned non-deadly, highly skillful samurai. Jeubi is a new friend of mine, when i once stopped by his dojo the first time I came here, he didn't know I was from Africa...insted he thought I was the angel of death and bowed before me for a good while...Yeah, It's a bad first impression but we seem to get along just fine.

"Aaah Chronor (Took him forever to be able to say it right!) You still alive with that walking stick!"
"That's no way to insult a samurai's stick sir!" I said jokingly.

That "Stick" is my wooden Booken. I spent many years killing on the seas and after being saved...i just don't want to live that way anymore. It's made of Hickory and is on its 5th laquer. I call it Widowmaker and it is tough as steel because of it's grain and thankfully hasn't met a sword sharp enough to cut through it.

"Public Execution eh? Who?"
"The People knew him as Ryuoshu, but his ninja guild calls him Ka."
"The ninja of fire huh? He's pretty well known in the rebel faction. Guess the empire finally got hold of him."
"Suppose so. Hey let's go down, I have a guest i've been traveling with and they are already there."
"Ok, let's go."

So we headed off, not knowing how the death of Ka would change this town forever.

[ToshiMaru]

The morning shines through the rough forests trees and winds bustle through the leaves; something big is about to happen today. It has been days since i have been chasing my targets, and i fear that i have not have much time left. Before this, before all of this life was pretty much simplier than i could ever wished for.

A few days ago, there were intruders in the castle estate of General Ukia of the Yamamoto Family. Apparently, i wasnt the only one who was after the scroll. Before the night ended though, General Ukia had sent a messenger to his superior, High General Takeda of the Ryokogen Procince.

My mission was complete, i had retrieved the objective and the scroll was in my hands. But, i could not return; not yet. Takeda's army came and destroyed what remained of the fortress back in the Yamamoto Region. And, also, they capture her.

I had defied my leaders, and i had risked everything for the sake of this girl. Nothing matters anymore, the days go by so vastly that i have given up counting them. i spend the weeks tracking down the groups of soldiers from Takeda's army and trying to find her. But, it seems this task is more than i anticipated for. For some reason, Takeda splitted his army into multiple smaller groups and they are taking different routes.

I believe today, my wondering brings my back to where it all began. The town of Kimobayoshi, although this isn't a busy city with criminals running around. It is, one of the last remaining bases of the Kogashima Ninja Clan. To my knowledge, they had led a rebelion against their provincial lord for about two years now. Myself and others were the few secret organizations that was contacted by the ninja clan to complete certain assignments.

And, mine was the most important. The last time i saw their leader, Ryoshou had given me the task of finding this wretched scroll and bring it back to them. but, that was almost of month ago, his fate now...i dont know. But it would seem like fate has given me a break. if Takeda's army is heading past Kimabayoshi, and the girl is with them. i can rescue her and bring the scroll to Ryoshou at the same time.

So, i might as well hurry, for i am not the only one that is chasing. i noticed two nights ago, that someone has been following me. if i am correct, then Ryu had already sent Shiseiten after me. But, who is this other person, they seem to be rather relentless in purseing me.

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Hey fellow RPers, sorry that i've been AFK a lot, busy busy busy. But will make sure im not busy next time so i can devote my time to RPing. And, i do thank Selmo the thread. Thnx dude. And, just so new comers wont get lost in the rp, i want to make this post be about information on the setting and etc. of the RP. I will update this post with every new RP post.

Characters:
Jubei - 60 yr old, 4 ft tall Hand-2-Hand combat master
Chronor - African ronin/ex-pirate
Toshimaru - Ex-Elite Member of Bakemono
Kurun - Mysterious Traveller
Taros - Person Tracking Toshimaru
Mitsue - Girl Going to Osaka
Raku - Leader of Noxi Dragon Clan
Tenchi - Ninja of ally clan of Kogashima
Kyougen - Kobuki Warrior
Jin - Soke/Leader of Togakure Family

Sides/Factions:
Ryoshou(Ka) - Leader of Kogashima Ninja Clan
Kaze - Second Leader of Kogashima Ninja Clan
Kogashima Ninja Clan - rebels against Kimabayoshi
High General Takeda - general of Ryokogen Province
Shiseiten - group of people tracking Toshimaru
Rebels - clans/people fighting Kimabayoshi government
Kimabayoshi Guards - Law Enforcers of Kimabayoshi
Ryu - Uknown person related to Toshimaru
Kasume - Former ally of Toshimaru
Tokushuheiki - Togakure Ryu Family special forces

Major Events:

Execution of Ryoshou at town of Kimabayoshi
Jubei and Chronor attends the site
Toshimaru attends site
Kurun attends site
Raku attends site
Taros attends site
Taros interrupts execution
Chronor & Jubei and Toshimaru interrupts execution
Kogashima Ninja's aid guerilla attack
Execution Interrupted
Toshimaru,Ryoshou,Chronor,Jubei escapes site
Taros finds mitsue, but is knocked out
Shimazu saves mitsue
Raku is chased by ninjas, saved by Noxi Dragon Clan
Kyougen arrives in Kimabayoshi
Kurun, Kyougen, Mitsue, Shimazu, Taros fight samurais
Kogashima Ninja Camp
Kaze, Ryoshou, Toshimaru, Jubei, Chronor discuss plans
Shimazu & Kyougen escapes with Mitsue and Kurun
Toshimaru, Ryoushu, and Raku vanishes at sunrise.
Jubei and Chronor heads to Osaka to find Mitsue
Operation Osaka
Jubei and Chronor are ambushed by Shiseiten members
Toshimaru encounters Kasume at night
Jubei & Chronor meets Kyougen, Shimazu, Mitsue, Taros
Jin and Kokushusei reaches Kimabayoshi
Kurun helps villagers refix Kimabayoshi

[Raku]

It had been many months since Raku had been given an assignment, and so now with his new one, a high paying one, he was pleased.

Raku stepped out of the Pub in which he was staying. It was an old, run-down building with broken tables and chairs. A lot of the food was rotted as well. The only reason he chose to stay here is because it was remote; away from the townsfolk. He couldn't risk his cover.

It was sunrise when Raku left, the air was damp, and it was still very cold. As he walked into the town he noticed a sign on the wall of one of the market stalls, reading :"Come and Attend the Public Execution of Ryoshou, a once in a lifetime event, at the town square at sundown".
"That was quick", thought Raku. He had found his assignment.

He started to walk to walk around, looking at all of the different market stalls, purchasing some un-needed items every now and then. He had been walking for about an hour untill he found himself at the town square, and then proceeded to look for the closest, most large Bar he could find. He needed to hide himself inbetween the townsfolk if he was not to be spotted.

Now, all he could do was wait.

[Grun]

Link to char (http://www.eoeforums.com/showthread.php?t=755).

Kurun packed his belongings into the sack, and set off on the road again. his hat was drawn low for the rising sun, and his sack was heavy on his shoulder. In his right hand, he held a cane. His clothes were modest and dirty from travel and he carried no jewlery or decorations.

He passed an old man and one who seemed to wear black clothes all over. Kurun didn't muse much over this, he just bowed deep and scurried past, hoping he wouldn't attract attention. He hoped all the activity in this region would mean that no-one would care much about apassing traveller.

He made it to a village as the sun rose over the horizon, and entered it. He found himself in some sort of market. It was just like any other marketplace, and he quickly found his way to a place that sold cheap, but good, food. He paid for it without saying a word, and quickly left to find a quiet place to eat. A bench proved to be a perfect spot, and he was soon fed and content.

Kurun looked about him. It seemed to be some sort of gathering place. Probably a town square or circle or something. But all attention was drawn to a gallow, a ghastly shape in the rising sun. Kurun thoughtto himself that he really should go on as fast as he could, but morbid curiosity made him sit and wait for what would happen.

[MitsueNeko]

Dark shadows overwhelms me where ever I am taken. My eyes are always masked, so I cannot tell if it is day or if it is night by sight. Only by the sounds of dusk and dawn are my aides in helping me configure time. I may not see it, but I can feel it as the temperatures just gets warmer or just drops to the cold as the times of days shift without stopping to help me-to give anyone the chance to catch up to me. I feel soo alone and I want to perish and fade away from this existance each day because I don't want to put any who wishes to help me in danger because of a stupid mistake I made. Getting myself captured. Silly me huh? But thats that the way I feel now...

I haven't lost all hope Kami-sama if that's what you're thinking. You taught me better than that. I know he is looking for me. I feel him every night as I sit here on the lonely cold hard ground, looking up to the sky with my dark masked vision. I see him, no!-I feel him, no! Wait! Yes, wait!-I feel but I, I also see him painted in the dark spaces of my thoughts. I see him moving on and on restlessly trying to catch up to me each day and I can feel his fears growing larger each day as another day goes by with no sucess of finding me. I feel guilty now. I'm making him worry about my well being and it's my fault.

He has completed his mission and got the item. Then why didn't he return to the leader? He is a confusing man at times and a stubborn one too! He's always telling me, "Mission is above all else." Well he DID his mission, but then why didn't he COMPLETE it and give the item to 'him.' He's always telling me the priorities of my missions. But what about HIS missions? Why won't he complete it? Yeah you heard me Kami-sama, why won't he? Well whatever! Now it's my turn to say that to him! But wait... I can't! I'm stuck here and having to play the role of damsel in distress. Sucks!

How do I know of this things you ask Kami-sama? Well it's quite simple. It's bond. Yes it's bond. The thing that links us together with one another. Well and the fact that I heard with my own ears that there's a person is in persuit of the group(army), so I assume it's him. Because who else would do it? Well maybe others but I know 100% that it's him. He's still 'babysitting' me. Heh. That's not what he calls it, but to me thats what I call it.

Oh Kami-sama-how I long to know of his presence near me once again. I have been weeks without him that close to me. My eyes hungers to see him in front of me. To feast on his form once again. Well actually they really want to see light and well 'the world around them' since they have been taken away from me for quite a while that I'm beginning to think I have forgotten what 'the world' looks like. My ears also crave to hear his voice go pass them once again. Even if it's to just to hear him breathe is enough for me. Yeah I sound like a crazy lovesick fool, but thats where you can be wrong or maybe right. I know better, he's my only true friend.

In my mind, these stormed up chaotic thoughts of my future plagues me. I have no fear of death, but I have a fear of what will happen afterwards from me being taken off this land. I have not yet shed a tear, but have screamed many screams as I am being interrogated. They want to know of what and where I am from. I feel soo helpless as I feel my strength starting to decline little by little. Soon this vessel of mine will no longer support my spirit-then if that happens, I will finally be released from this pain, but will leave trails of sadness of my existance behind. That's what happenes when you get to know people and then you start to care about them or them, you.

I have nothing in my aide to fight off my urges to just tell them what they want to know and just end this pain. But I won't. I love him too much to let the contents of my answers harm my beloved one. They have already started to break my body down, but they will never break my spirit. I apparently have something they want and they will not kill me because then my secrets will be what I take to my grave, assuming if I get a grave at all. But if not, there's always the "I'm taking my secrets to my death?"

The only tool I have to further resist these soldiers is my silence. Yes, my silence. It is my only weapon so far that has already made great deep cuts into them. I have something they want to know, but of course don't tell them. I know they didn't keep me alive just so they can get some information from me. They could get it out from the other one like me that was captured.

Oh wait. This is where I forget to mention. That person is dead. Why and how? Well because that fellow of mine did the same as I did. Became silent. So he was executed, but why leave me behind to suffer? What is it that I have that is of greater value than my dead comrade? All I know is information. Why do I have to be the damn important one? Am I to be a thing to trade? To get a ransom? Ransom sounds ridiculus. They would either abandon me and let me die, which I prefer or either they'll just go and kill the ones requesting the ransoms themselves. So what am I being here for? I want to know! They don't tell me anything and I get frustrated each day I ask them about it and of course, I haven't recieve an answer to it yet. Well fine then!!! I will not give them the satisfaction of knowing what they want to know. Wait, I wasn't even going to tell them anything in the first place!

Today I met someone familiar to me. A man named Ryoshou. Someone I kind of knew because I met him once before. He was the same as me, someone that was captured. I felt and heard the tones in his voice as he resisted the soldiers. Well I guess he saw me all bound up and was thinking, "What's going on?" Then I don't know the details and what has happened, but soo far I know is that Mister Ryosho was captured by the soldiers, the same ones that are detaining me at the present. They turned him to the government officials that lingered in this town of Kimobayoshi and from what I hear, I think my aquantience Mister Ryosho is going to die today. Lucky guy. He gets to die first and leave me here? Why oh why cruel fate? Just destroy me now and be done with it!

Wait! Maybe not now! I kind of want to die from old age or from natural causes. So yeah, just dying now don't seem like the right time if I think about it. Silly me got over in my head again. Okay Kami-sama, I'll choose to live, but then that means I will have to hold on longer. I'm not joining you anytime soon now, but maybe later if I do die. The time for the execution has arrived and I hear the drums that are starting it. I hear crowds of people gathering for I can hear a loud chatter of people speaking almost all at once that you cannot pin point a certain conversation unless you were close enough. But apparently I am too far away. Anyways, I do not care. I feel pity for Mister Ryosho though, I know he still wants to live because I can tell from his resistance that he stills want to rebel and he can't do that if he's dead.

I think I'm going to rest now while I have the chance because once this execution is over, it's time for my captors to move on to where they were headed. Now I begin to rest my thoughts for a while and slow them down. I start to feel light headed and my thoughts are just starting to waver and drift... Sleep. A nice rest should keep my sanity together. Now I go to sleep... but then-I sat up startled as I hear a loud distrubace from outside. I think it was from the execution site, but what is causing this trouble? I hear voices of pandemonium and confusion. What is going on? In the place where I am detained, I hear someone barge abruptly into the chambre where I was currently occupying and I am seized. Being pulled around like a helpless puppet. Having no choice but to follow because puppets have no control over their own forms and a puppetmaster is in control of their being... What will happen to me now Kami-sama...?

[Talos]

I had arrived in Kimobayoshi. It was busy everyone talking about something I couldn't understand because it was so much chatter. I didn't stop to ask just kept walking towards the center of the town where the most activity seemed to be. My eyes drifted side to side looking at all the characters at the event. I had noticed that the townspeople were staring at me as i walked into town. It wasn't a concern to me what they thought of me. I wondered if that man has passed this area yet. If he has he'll probably still will be chasing that girl. He won't be here. My eyes rest on what was infront of my. It was an execution and the man was struggling from being brought upto the center. There were 6 soliders surrounding him 2 of which were dragging him along. I think I probably have come to the right place to meet that man here. I need to repay that debt, and this man probably will help me in the long run if i decide to free him.

The center seemed pretty empty. It'll be a big fighting area if the crowd would disperse. That would end bad for me if there were more soldiers not to far from their comrades. My choices were small but I had to take them before my time to act had passed. I had already forgot the wounds I already had they wouldn't slow me down all i had to do is just suck it up and go for it. I slowly walked up to one of the soldiers protecting the perimeter of the execution he placed his hand up and placed it on my chest as to stop me from proceeding. He must've not noticed my weapon strapped to my side. This is what the Takeda soldiers are trained to be I wondered. Clueless of what was going to happen to him. I dropped a smoke bomb infront of him and quickly struck him down. The other 5 noticed and quickly drew their weapons ready to fight. The crowd ran started to back away quickly. I noticed most of them still stayed in the area to watch though. But inside visibility was low but i could hear them move around like idiots trying to search for me. I quickly moved to the 2 soldiers who was guarding the man. Both were moving in a circle surrounding the man sticking the swords out. I just kicked both to the gorund away from the man. The man seemed to happy to get rescue but when i got to him i think he didn't expect to see me be the one to save him.

I grabbed him and quickly got away from the smoked filled area. The smoke cleared all to quickly and I found myself in a bad situation. Surrounded by 12 soldiers and not the 6 I had first counted. I smiled though because I love situations like this. I finally drew my katana from my sheathe.
"Well Guys I did let you live for a reason leave now and your lives will be safe." I tried to scare a few of them away with that weak line. The man looked at me like I was a dummy. I did truly not think this through. I'm in a bad way but then again I've been in worse and always survived somehow. This is no exception. But my wounds were holding me back now. Maybe this is was a bad idea.

[Chronor]

"Wow! Smooth Move!" Said Jeubi. I guess years of going to war and being a martial arts master makes you a satirical old twit...ethier way it was good not to be him. We both stood still as the crowd disapated and there were a few figures standing in the smoke. The accused surrounded by the soldiers, Jeubi and I, among other figures. One of which is Toshimaru, the leader of my family.

"Put that stick to good use..." said Jeubi
"I plan on it"

Toshi looked still for an instant...I knew about the scroll and intended to help. I didn't know that it so many people had an interest in Ka. Well, Toshi didn't wait any longer and sped to the aid of the rescuer. (ironic? yes) He ran full-speed and clubbed two of the guards.

"So that's the man i'm suppose to meet?" said Jeubi
"Yep, let's see if you can catch up old timer!"
"Should say that about yourself!"

We ran towards the guards, who now alert and ready, and Jeubi jumped clear over their heads. I did a slide and tripped 3-4 of the fools who were distracted by the geezer. Jeubi was now in the middle guarding Ka and the random ninja. He took a defensive stance and you could see his body harden like steel. He used karate to counter-attack each blow towards them. Each blow seemed to go through the armor and break their bones...along with their pride. Toshi and I knocked out the rest of the guards and the five of us stood among the unconcious bodies.

[selmo]

HeeHee! I cackled with joy inside. Im glad Chronor stopped by today! I haven't had this much fun in ages. I said leveling another guard with one blow to the jaw, while disarming another.

I trust Chronor if this man is worth saving then I will help! Smiling jovial I dodged thrusts with appaernt ease and kicked the guard in the chest sending him flying back into 2 others knocking them down.

That was fun I hope it was worth all the talking I will probably need to go through after wards. Oh well a friend of Chronor is a friend of mine!

I gleefully hopskipped towards the new comers extending my hand "Greetings, I am Jubei!"

[ToshiMaru]

NO!, it is too early. Toshimaru thought to himself as the execution was interrupted. Soldiers started pouring into the town square as people began running away, the only positive thing was that Ryoshou had escaped but who knows for how long. "No use now," Toshimaru thought to himself, knowing the fact that the fight had already began. whether he was ready or not.

Toshimaru ran towards to unsuspecting soldiers and brawled them down, and continued fighting off the rest; all the mean while trying to find Ryoshou in this mess. Before Toshimaru had noticed it, he and the other fenders were already outnumbered; the guards had surrounded them.

Before Toshimaru could think of anything else, Ryoshou grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him back. Suddently, from out of nowhere, smoke bombs were being thown out into the crowds. Some peasants ran torwards Toshimaru and Ryoshou, they wore regular clothing but had ninja like clothes covering their faces.

"Sir! this way, the rest of the team is waiting for you!" one of the peasants yelled. Ryoshou and Toshimaru along with a few other peasants ran behind them to an empty part of the town. This place was unlike the town square, it was too quiet, nothing but the empty houses that surround the dirt road. the sounds of fighting faded behind them as they got farther.

[Talos]

I couldn't believe what I got myself into. It seemed as if i was putting myself into a bad situation. This would've never happened if I was just thinking more instead of acting more. I can't stop now I must continue on. The other men who joined in my fate as we were surrouned by multiple amount of soldiers. I closed my eyes and wished for forgiveness as i got more killed in my foolish attempts to do something right.

But without warning smoke bombs exploded infront of us. I was surprised that they had hidden themselves inside the peasants so perfectly as to not arise supicision of the Takeda army. I smiled and quickly ran away from the square knowing that they rest would also do the same. My escape would've been perfect if three of them didn't spot me on my way out. I almost got away from my chasers except I had to stop. It was her again the girl from the teahouse.
She was in captive locked away. I think this was the girl he was talking about but I don't know too much about him or even if this is her. But I wouldn't want her to go through more torture as her scars indicated to me as I looked at her. Two men guarding her came running towards me with their weapons drawn. I quickly pulled my katana out and killed the first man with ease and let the other one meet my fist to his face before i simply stabbed him in the chest while he was on the gorund.
I walked over slowly to her cage and she looked at me with this look not of help but something else I couldn't quite put my hand on. But it intrigued me alittle. My back hurts...And a sharp pain rings through my back once again. I feel sleepy just like before but this one is much worse. I watch the girls face stay the same as if its not important that I'm falling out infront of her. Am I finally going to die today? My eyes close as I lay there infront of the cage and an arrow in my back.

[Tenshin]

I had raced across provinces on horseback for two days before abandoning my steed in a forest on the outskirts of Kimobayoshi. Soke had ordered the safe return of Ryoshouka, a ninja leader of an allied clan. He was caught, and today was his execution date, hopefully I wasn't too late, but there was definetly a commotion coming from the center of town. The rest of the city was almost dead, nearly no one, save for a few children and small shop owners. On my toes I sped through the city before slowing and casually merging into the crowd. It seemed that as soon as I had arrived, complete and utter chaos had broken loose.

By the time I made it to the front of the crowd, the peasants dispersed, and smoke filled the air. Ryoshou was free, and running with another man, a few others following, but for some reason my body shook with a violent tremor before pursuing and I was forced to turn. I'm not sure why, but as I turned my head, I focussed past those in my vision's foreground, to a man standing in front of a cage as an arrow plunged into his back. Without thinking, I reached into the sheath strapped to my back, under my kimono, and withdrew my short bow and one arrow, preparing it as my eyes followed the arrow's origin. With the archur in sight, I let my arrow fly, not watching it delve into the man's head and throw him to the ground, all before the man in front of the cage dropped to his knees, then to his belly.

I broke into a sprint, slinging my bow around my shoulder. Most of the soldiers were engaged in combat with other and didn't notice me. Even if they did, they would only see a peasant running frantically. I reached the man's side, I could almost see his aura radiating from his body, even in such a weak state. There was something about him, that compelled me to drop all prior engagements and maintain his safety. But then I looked up.

A tortured woman stood in a quickly prepared bamboo cage, something in her eyes screamed for help, but she did not speak. I grabbed the fallen man's sword and made two cuts between the bars, the bamboo dropped to the ground forming an opening. I phased to one side in a very quick and subtle motion as the blade of a katana slid vertically past my head and shoulders. As I moved I turned, tracing my hand over the top of the sword quickly and onto the handle, where the hand of a guard rest. I grabbed his hand and twisted it out before he knew what I was doing. His wrist snapped and his sword dropped. He began to fall to his back as I rained down on him with a flurry of closed fists, rupturing several organs and breaking a few ribs. He'd lay there breathless as I turned my attention to a group of samurai, malice filling their eyes. Those who were protecting Ryoshouka were gone, and whatever samurai had not pursued them were either fighting the attacking koga ninja, or faced me now.

[Chronor]

I saw the hidden ninja grab Toshi and Ryoshou, and my heart skipped a beat. Jebui was close (and wise) to let the two out of his sight. It was as if he read my mind and aided me in this misson..."That crazy old man!" The street was foggy as hell due to the 4-5 smoke bombs in the past 4 minutes but i was able to see and keep up. The followers were picked off easily by an ambush of archers and only a few were left. "Here Toshi-san. We will split and meet you at the campground!" said the original Ninja.

We split into two different groups but there was no threat because the archers took out everyone of interest. The few that were left ethier retreated or surrendered.

"Darn! Spoiling my good fun. It's hard to find competition" said Jeubi
"Heck you found it with me" I said
"Rare exception...anyway you cheated"
"How did I cheat...face it you underestimated me and i used judo to trip you...so what"
"Then let's go right now and see who's the better man"
"Shut up where here!" Said the original ninja leading the way. *He apparently has never heard us argure before"

Here we are at the Bakemono campsite.

[selmo]

First impression was much more active then my home. Well, my home is one of the most innactive place in there world. I will miss all that fighting but with this crowd im sure ill find my fill. I was thinking as I eyed the camp.

I could use some tea...or a goood fight.

I chuckled out loud a few ninjas eyed my suspiciously. I would like to fight Chronor again, I'll never admit it but it was a challenge.

"So, any one care to fill me in? Just a few horus ago I was sitting against a tree trying to remember when the last time I saw another person, and here I am saving one i dont know!" I said with a slight laugh at the end... to my suprise no one laughed.

[Raku]

"Mission complete." Thought Raku as he saw his family leader Toshi Maru, and his objective, Ryoshou, run into the distance. Raku went and sat back down in the bar, and ordered another sake. Upon receiving the sake Raku was handed a note, to which he hid drastically fast. "What?" Thought Raku, "Another assignment? Already?". Raku was surprised, as he had never been given a second assignment just moment after another. At least this ment more money.

Raku drank up his sake, and walked out of the building, not forgetting to 'tip' the waiter on his way out. He was just about to leave the town when he noticed something in the trees. "Its not windy today, is -" a dagger landed at His feet. Raku ran back as fast as he could, heading straight for the town barracks. It was then he realised that the note did not hold the information for his next assignment, instead it held the location in which Toshi and Ryoshou were heading; one of the main Bakemono camps. Thats what they were looking for, and thats what they were planning to get.

"Damn it!" Raku shouted as he stopped several feet before the barrack's entrance, "I am still wanted by half of the Shoguns in Japan! What will i do?"

Just then a stampede of men dressed in dark orange and black armour ran through the town, heading straight towards Raku. The only thing Raku could do was wait, and hope that the men on horses get him before... them...

The men in dark red armour are from the Blood Wolf Unit, and the men in dark orange armour are from the Noxi Dragon Clan, both founded and run by the Bakemono.

Raku is the leader of the Noxi Dragon Clan.

[Tomoshibi]

I have waited far too long, I thought to myself. I have been preparing myself all day for this play, yet no one shows up? In a town as small as this, how can there possibly be an attraction greater than the graceful Karisuma Kyougen? I stepped out of the makeshift theatre we built the day before and began walking to the pub (it was near the town square, if I remembered correctly). “The inhumanity of it!” I grumble out loud. I would have wept for the uncultured citizens and their ignorant attitude towards finer culture, but I did not wish to ruin my carefully applied face paint.

While I walked I started to notice that the village seemed almost disserted. Even the shopkeepers and beggars were no where to be found on the street. Suddenly, I heard several big booms and smoke started to rise in the distance. I saw local running away from the town square, some of them were even screaming. It must be oni! All feelings of anger for the villagers subsided. I would save them from the demons that invaded the town. I pulled out my two tessen and ran for the town square, where smoke was starting to dissipate and corpses of samurai and townsfolk alike littered the ground. I searched for the oni, but none were to be seen. Instead, I saw groups of samurai fighting the townsfolk!

Now it was time to make my entrance. I leapt on top of a makeshift scaffold (was there an execution today?) and struck a dramatic pose. “I am Karisuma Kyougen, slayer of a thousand evils – drop your weapons and bow before my might!” I shouted out in my most intimidating voice. Strangely enough, no one seemed to pay attention. I sighed – it seemed like I just couldn’t get an audience anywhere today. Before I could dwell on that thought, I saw something out of the corner of my eye that made my blood boil.
A girl lay helpless in a bamboo cage. In front of her, two men, obviously trying to save her. One was already down, an arrow in his back. The other wasn’t looking to well himself. A group of samurai was quickly approaching the man, preparing to cut him down.

A damsel in distress, a man making his final stand against the oppressive upper class. This would be excellent material for any play. A play where I had the star role, of course. Not willing to be outdone by the man’s heroic performance, I leapt down from the scaffold and ran until I stood between the man and his would-be murderers. “I am Karisuma Kyougen, guardian to the innocent – surrender before my grace!” I didn’t even wait to see the reactions of the evil samurai. I went into a spinning dervish, slicing one man across the throat with my war fan, then diving low and tripping another man. Without even waiting for applause I jumped on top of the downed samurai and headbutted him slicing the final man across the belly. As the last to samurai collapsed in a heap I walked over to the bamboo cage and took a bow. Today hasn’t been so bad, I thought. For at that moment, I knew that the world was my stage, its inhabitants my audience.

Read about Kyougen here (http://www.eoeforums.com/showthread.php?t=1299)

[Grun]

Kurun had sat still, but at this last peformance, he clapped his hands in applause. Had he known Karisuma Kyougen would play here, he wouldn't have missed it for the world. But this was nearly as good. He still sat at the bench near the outskirts of the town square, and no one had bothered about him. Occationally he'd had to push someone away from him with his stick, but over-all, no one would have noticed him.

Now, however, he didn't care about that. He got up and adapted a pose he called "humble old man bearing many years". His knees were slightly bent, his back was arched, and he walked with a sort of swinging motion. His experience told him that guards might stop him and ask what he was carrying, but no one bothered about him in any fights, they would have bigger threats to take care of.

He wouldn't want to disturb Kyougen, so he found a small space by a chicken stall, and the over-excited chickens more than drew attention away from him. He watched the scene, sitting down on a cage containing an unusually calm hen. He saw a band of guards sneaking up against Kyougen and the others from the other side of the scaffold. Kurun knew he was no fighter. If he got his hands on a sword, he'd probably cut himself trying to attack a barn door. But the rescuers hadn't seen the guards yet. He'd have to do something.

The guards had no trouble sneaking wit all the smoke and comotion going on. They would soon stop all this nonesense and maybe get a bit extra in pay. The leader of the four signalled the others to speed up as they drew near, and.. Wham! A something landed on his back. He had a brief sensation of pain and pins, before the sound hit him. A mad cackle, like something a deamon would make, hit his ears. He spun around, and looked straight into the eyes of a over-excited, angry and stressed cockrel. It bit his nose and hung on, while a dosin of hens jumped and ran into the other guards, cackling and screaming like mad.

[MitsueNeko]

I was led that felt like through many corridors before I finally realized I was outside. I am being pulled around like a puppet and now I feel myself being shoved into some kind of holding area probably. I fell on my knees hard and leaned against to be what is to be a wall. A wall that is not a complete one for it felt more like bars pressing into my back. Then I knew. I knew that I was in a cage. Put in there like an animal to keep it from escaping. Is that what they think of me? Some kind of animal? This thought just angered me a lot. Well I have been put in cages like this already but today was different. Today I had actually went across this thought.

The air around me smelled of freshly cut bamboo so now I know what kind of cage this is. A bamboo cage. Like the ones that are made to keep crickets in for they are believed by those gaijins who live to the west of Nippon to bring good luck. I know I am not a cricket so I don't get any of the luck. That kind of sucks. These jerks! I hate them! Hate them all! Not because of what they did to me, which really hurts a whole lot, but for making me feel so low. Making me feel less then human.

My blindfold is ripped from my eyes without warning and bright light flooded my sight. Finally the light that my eyes, no, my mind have craved for is given to me again. But this light I have wanted for so long is so irritating and unbearable for my not so well adjusted eyes. I cringed and shut my eyes to prevent them from forming tears as a burning sensation is starting to be felt.

I didn't realize that my bindings from my hand were cut free until on instinct I used them to cover my eyes to further aide them back to the darkness. As soon as my arms were free though, the caged shook as someone slammed the door shut and I can hear someone securing it. I didn't dare open my eyes yet for I know the light will hurt them and cause me to keep them shut again. So I remained in that state for a while. Trying to get used to seeing things again. I have been without sight for weeks, but I still saw things. Things that I made mental pictures of with my mind or to use a better word, imagination.

Little by little, my eyes are finally adjusted to the light. Well I've been peeking through my fingers so I cheated a little. Heh. Now I remove my hands from over my eyes but my eyes were shut. I wasn't sure if I wanted to see anything that I will see before me, but knowing that my curiosity always getting the best of me, I just snapped then open. In front of me I see the men in armor with weapons standing in front of my cell so I assume they are my guards. Out in the place that is the town square(I've been here in this town before) I could only see smoke and just figures running off in different directions, some together, while others are lost wandering in this clouded veil of smoke. I couldn't see who were the groups of people that ran away together because they ran in the opposite direction from my current posistion and that is where the smoke is too thick for me to see through its contents.

Now feeling bored, I just looked down at my hands. I finally could see the scars on them. Welts and deep gashes that have pretty much healed up and only scabs and now... scars are present. In my mind I was thinking, "WHAT?! How dare they ruin my beautiful skin. When I get out of here, I'm going to kill them all! I don't care if this body is too tired, but darn it I'm going to at least kill some before I black out!"

It is the first time I actually saw my own flesh in a while. To see it ruined like this angered me. Now I am never to show my arms ever again! Expecially in a dance because then, they'll see them. These ugly and mutilated skin before me is soo hideous to bear witness of but too bad, I just saw them and now have to live with it. I guess from now on I'll just wear bandages to cover these ugly things. I feel like bursting into tears at this moment now because of my selfish nature, but then my train of thought was interrupted as I see a man over in front of my cell killing the two guards posted at my cage. One was killed instantly with such ease and the other stabbed in the chest. Owch that must've hurt. After his kills he went to stand in front of my bars, looking at me. I looked at him back. Thinking again to myself like I always do Kami-sama.

So this is that Mister Taros again. What a surprise to see him here. Look at poor him. He still haven't recovered from last time. Poor thing. I hope he is doing okay, but from the looks of things, I see he's going to fall again. Does he realize that he is the presence of death? Does he want to die? If he wants to, thats fine by me. Little does he realize that there is an archer not too far from here aiming an arrow at his back. I wish I can warn him but then, I'm too tired to speak. I'm saving my energy for killing. Oh well. Lets watch and see what happens. The only way I can aide him now is to look directly at this archer. But that is pointless because the archer is in my line of sight almost exactly behind Mister Taros exact corrdinal location. I seem to have intrigued Mister Taros with my almost blank expression for I can read it upon his features. Now the arrow flies and BAM hit Mister Taros in the back.

Why does he looks shocked? Is it my face? Is it for not 'reacting' like usually a person who was supposedly captured and is about to be rescued but then the hero just suddenly fall? Why should I care? I rather not put hope in it because then if I really did expect him to free me. This would've distressed me seeing my hopes being shot down and then I go back to the feeling of losing hope AGAIN. I know I sound mean Kami-sama, but I don't want to have to deal with these emotions right now so I chose to remain in this apathetic state of thought. As I watch him fall down, the scene before me went through my mind slowly. I watched each moment closely and captured every single little detail in his expression changing.

Now die. Since you always seems to get into circumstances like this. You should be use to it by now. You have a strong aura about you. One that is said to have the ability to stay alive in the almost every encounter with death.

I know he won't die just yet. It is not his time anyways so spare him Kami-sama. Now I retreat my thoughts for now Kami-sama. I feel kind of guilty for thinking these wicked thoughts, but I don't really care. Wait. That doesn't even make sense. See what nonsense I think of Kami-sama? I'm an idiot. Oh well. That's the way I am. These are just toughts. I can't even act upon them yet, but if I do, I'll be probably be taking them out on those soldiers for they are the ones that anger me. The ones to ruin my skin, ruin my image. That's how I make a living. By using my image. Idiots. A woman plotting revenge can be deadly. Expecially one that have a higher sucess in killing because they have done so many a times even though she don't seem to perform well in battles but somehow she ends up killing her targets so far. All because of luck and mostly because of deception. Her strongest skill. Deception. Heheh... the only thing so far that I seem to do right.

I kept my sight on the archer that had shot Mister Taros. Then out of no where, an arrow just flies and hit his head. Eww! What a gross thing to see. I mean Kami-sama! All that blood just made me felt sick. I see that the arrow came from a man not to far away from my location. After he shot this arrow, he came towards me. His intentions seems to be trying to help Mister Taros. I rose up to my feet, clutching the bars because I still feel weak but I'm even surprised that I have the strength to do this. I looked at him with a look of help on my face. Not to help me of course, but to help Mister Taros because as I look closely, the arrow has went in deep. I know it hasn't hit any vital points so I think I can do something when and if I get out of here. Mister Taros tried to help me and failed, but he at least deserves to get a healing treatment. Heheh... I can take away owchies, but then I do it painfully but then anyways they always end up twice as better as they originally are so I can say I'm kind of good, but not great. This man took up a blade and slashed at these cage bars. Leaving enough space for my form to leave. I was about to step though the bars when suddenly this new hero is attacked from behind. He reacted to this circumstance and has subdue his opponent. Then he turned around to see more of his, my enemies appear. Now I stand back and let him do the work.

Heheh... this is perfect. Just perfect. Thank you Kami-sama for making feel worthless for giving me people to save me. Thanks a lot! I hate you! Well not completely. I still love you but now I just hate you. You are so unfair at times. Are you trying to torment me? Torture me? To try and teach me that if I don't want people get hurt on my behalf, I shouldn't have gotten myself caught in the first place? I can see it now Kami-sama! You have enlightened me! Now these people are going to be hurt because they are playing hero for the damsel in distress. Thank you. I feel soo special because now another comes to my aide. I hate this. The hell with it. I'm going to do something for myself instead of feeling guilty but after this kabuki performer take these some of these evil people out, it's my turn.

I watched a little amazed with what this man can do with his tessen. It reminds me of my own dancing fans. Oh how I missed to hold them again and just dance. Twisting my form into elegant stances and poses. They are soo fun and yet they seem to stun my audience with it's so called complex motions. He had that same affect on me. It was just soo beautiful. In my mind I smiled, but on the outside my expressions were back to that almost empty look.

After he finished his routine, he went before me and bowed. He was in full costume and that made me happy because I love kabuki. I myself being polite bowed back to him. I opened my mouth to speak to him but no words came out. With this, I closed my mouth, putting on a hurt look on my features. Why cannot I speak? I can breathe, cough, gag, scream, but why not speak? Am I too traumatized to speak. Has these tortures that I have endured actually had an affect on me. I wanted to cry now. I wanted to hear my own voice. I wanted to speak, but my body wouldn't let me. I ignored his looks and only paid attention to my own problems right now. Then I looked passed this performer and I see more soldiers approaching. The second man that was my rescuer got ready to fight and so did my thrid hero.

Wow so quick to react to danger. It seems that these allies of mine are kind of out numbered at this moment. Then out of no where, a flock of chickens attacked these enemies of ours and confused them? With this I got out of my cage and seized a wakizashi and a kunai from a fallen soldier. I threw the kunai straight into one of my enemies throat and I watch him fall and die. Yes I know thats gross Kami-sama, but right now I just hate these people and I just want them to DIE!!! I ran to that soldier that I just killed and pulled the kunai from his neck. Ewww.... really digusting to touch his blood, but oh well.

My rescuers seem surprised with my actions. But why? Now is not a time to think that Kami-sama because now one of the soldiers seen me slay their comrade and now is heading stright towards me to kill me. Now it's my turn to cause you pain. You may not have given me the pleasure to die, but I will let you to experience the thing I want most, but can't have because there are too many things holding me back in this world. You lucky people. I envy you my enemies as I kill you this day. May Kami-sama watch over your souls in death.

I with my two blades in both hands, parried and countered many attacks. I have blocked blows and executed blows myself. With these blades I have shed blood. Not mines but of others. I am covered with blood as I slew them without any mercy or pity. Their scent of blood splattered all over my body. I wanted to laugh out loud like a maniac because now I'm too into the drama of killing like a murderer that I am. In what seems like a long time, it finally ended. I don't understand what is going on because the place is just filled with death. The only ones that were alive were people who are not my enemies and people who just watched. I sank to my knees because my desires so far have been satisfied and I just let myself lay on the ground and closed my eyes. Now I can just sleep. Yes sleep... nemasu... I don't really care what happens to me know. I just want to sleep. If someone kills me, go ahead... I don't care...

Someone can just fill in the details of the battle if you want to because now I'm just too lazy to do so myself, so I apologize for not being detailed about it because if I do that... this is going to go on forever or just plain longer and some of you know how boring I can get. Damn freaking Mitsue have to be such a drama queen. It's her fault!

[Tenshin]

This girl was fighting. Her form and techniques were almost non-existent, but her efficiency was uncanny. I didn't have time to evaluate her style though, as blades swished past my body. I didn't even have to think, my body responded to the actions of my enemies. After a few swipes of my enemies sword I changed from the defensive water posture, to the offensive fire posture in a quick, fluid motion, moving up my opponent's sword and reaching his body. He tried to draw his weapon back but i struck the forearm that held it, moving him even more off-center. The outer edge of my open hand met with his neck as his throat collapsed, and raising my knee to my stomach I kicked him, sending him straight into the ground with an effortless motion, but almost exagerated reaction. Other enemies attacked, one after another, and the three of us fought hard, I broke bodies, using my own Ki to bring power behind my attacks. My hara was radiating with energy. Soon the entire wave of enemies were leveled, and the girl collapsed. But I could feel others approaching. I looked at the Kabuki Actor who was basking in his performance, bowing to the onlookers; peasants too curious to run away, some of them actually clapping. "You, stop that! We have to leave. Carry that man over there." I said pointing at the man with the arrow in his back.

Before noting his reaction I leapt to the fallen girl, lifting her over my shoulder and broke into a sprint toward the direction Ryoshou and the others went. Sticking around for a fight in the open... not my style, but there was no other way when I had people to defend. Defending strangers who have nothing to do with my mission... not my style either. Excaping and evading, what I was doing now... That's more in my line of work.

I didn't look back, but i could sense confusion. I doubt any enemies caught on to my trail.

[Chronor]

"What's the situation"
I said as i sat near the fireplace in the campground. It wasn't anything spectacular however it was home. The Bakemono was just starting and we were nothing more than a group of different families formed together. More like a large alliance rather than a full-fledged family. In fact, there wasn't a leader at this point.

"Well the good news, we successfully rescued Ryoshu in order to trade for the reward we offered. However there are opposing forces who want him as well." said Kaze.

Kaze is the rebel ninja who orgainized the entire rescue. He took care of the rebel clan in Ryoshu's absence and it is likely that they won't want their leader any longer. But, there was something he needed from Ryoshou so he couldn't just let him die.

"Who" said Jeubi speaking between bites of his dinner.
"They are unknown to our sources however they have large resources and have supposed connections with the diplomats in the area"
"Hmm, crooked politics" I say under my breath, "What are your thoughts Toshi?"

Toshi did not reply. He seemd vacant as if he were meditating over something. His eyes were closed in a stare and I could sense that he was worried. He had plenty of things to worry about, his life on the run, the current mission, and...her...However i did seem to notice the scroll in his hand. I was wise enough to keep quiet about it in front of the Rebel Ninja. In a startled response, he finally heard what I said.

"I need rest...so much action for one day."
"Good Idea" said Kaze, "We have a far enough lead that we should be able to leave for the rebel camp by sunrise. In the mean time i'll see what can find more informatoin about the opposing side."
"I guess I'll sleep too" said Jeubi with a overacted yawn.

After they both left it was just Toshi and I in the night sky. I sat across the fire from him and it seemed that the rest of the camp was ethier asleep or scattered in the forest keeping watch. Off in the distance I saw Ryoshou sitting, staring off into space, still bound at the hands by the rope from the execution.

"Chronor...do you think she's ok?"
"Don't be affraid. If anything I'd be more worried about her rivals. That girl has a wild temper you know."
We chuckled and then went silent.
"The scroll, Toshi. What's it about?"
"Chronor I trust you with my life. However this is bigger than just you and me."

I looked at Ryoshou.

"It's him isn't it. He is a link isn't he?"
"As I said before, do not pry. I beg of you, do not pry."

I knew when to shut up. It must be pretty large in order for Toshi to hide something from me. I was one of the first to join him and one of his inner circle, however I knew it was not in spite of me. He was protecting me and I was thankfull. Jeubi was snoring loudly, when I entered the tent. I meditated on the events of the day. Was she safe? What's in the scroll? Who is opposing us? Those thoughts dissapated as I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

[ToshiMaru]

Chronor had just fallen asleep, and most of the Kogashima members were gathering with Kaze to discuss their next plans of attack. I knew this would be the only time to talk to Ryoushu; throughout this whole day i have sensed some uneasiness with him and Kaze. For whatever reason they may be, i didnt need to know.
I walked up to Ryousho and looked at him, to my surprise he still hadnt taken off the ropes that he was tied to. "So, do you always like being tied? or should i help you with them?" He only gave me a blank stare, then he stood up and smiled at me.

"Toshimaru, its been how long?
"Two months," i said as i undid his restraints.
"So, what brings you here?" he replied in a light hearted voice
"Ryousho, i have no time to play, i've only got until dawn."
"Ahh, i see, well lets get to business."

We walked our way passed the tents and firecamps in the area to a secluded spot. There, he turned to look at me, "You know that the execution today was a set up right?" I stared at him curiously, "And that has to do with me?"

"Toshimaru, for the last four weeks, we've been receiving information that someone high up was coming to the city to meet with one of the lords. Thats why i allowed myself to be captured."
I still said nothing, only waiting for him to continue.
"But....thanks to your friends, we didnt get have enough time to find out who it was."
"Ryousho, you know they werent with me. I came here alone."
"Yes, yes, i know. we also received a letter from Ryu about you. So, is it true? have you betrayed your family?"
I didnt answer, not because he was wrong, but because i myself didnt know what i wanted to say.
"Its her isnt it? yes it is, i remember her. the girl that came with you when i first assigned your mission. she is quite beautiful for her age, do you....do you feel something for her?"
I looked up, shocked. Why would he think that? I was curious, as to why even I am here, why i was looking for her....
"I myself did hear about the rumors, my men tells me that you came here looking for the girl, you of all people should know your own rules Toshimaru. You cannot let your feelings about anyone affect your objective."
"I didnt, your scroll is here. i came after i had already taken it."
"I see, then why is Ryu taking this the wrong way?"
I ignored the question, and pulled out the scroll, and gave it to him. Ryousho opened the parchment and gazed at it for a few seconds. Kaze came up to us and gave a glance at me.
"So, is that the list?"
"Yes it is my dear friends, Kaze i want you to share this with the others, its time we took the next step in our campaign." Ryoushu gave the scroll to Kaze with excitement, almost like a child waiting for his candy. He came up to me and grabbed my by the shoulders, and he dragged me with him as he followed Kaze into the meeting area with the others.

"Toshimaru, do you still have time for one last assignment from me?"
"No Ryoushu, i told you i only have until dawn. the Shisheiten will find me soon, there aren't too far away."
"Yes, yes, i know about them. kind of harsh though isnt it? i mean, its only you? why would Ryu waste a couple of good trackers for...YOU?"
Although, he meant it jokingly, i ignored his speeches. We finally reached the meeting tent, already in there, stood around seven other ninjas, saluting to Ryoushu and Kaze. "Alright Kogashima Ninjas, now with the scroll in our hands, we proceed as planned."

[Raku]

"Well done, men". Raku was heading back to the camsite, leaving the town with only a moderate cut in his left arm and severe brusing in his right leg, "Could have gone a bit better, though". His men laughed, they were overjoyed to see there leader once again.
"Well take the long way to the camp, Commander Raku, as we fear we are being followed" said one of the men. "Good." replied Raku.

This was Rakus second time to the camp, as he came here once when he was younger.
"Soldier, take me to the others at once!"
"But - you are wounded, you need to see the healer. You can hardly walk."
"Do you question my authority over the matter!" exclaimed Raku, "Take me or be dismossed of your position!"
"Yes, sir. At once".

Raku entered the tent, only to find 10 sets of eyes gazing at him.
"Sorry for my absence of time, Toshi-san, but we had to take the long way."
"Yes, i know, it is okay. Hear what we have to say now, and you will be properly informed by me personally, later."
"Yes, sir."

Now all Raku could do was wait, and listen.

[Chronor]

In the middle of the night, Jeubi rolled over on his cot and opened one eye. Suprised he saw me do the exact same thing.

"Chronor, he seems troubled over something, what?"
"Her, MitsueNeko, a girl who swore to serve him. She's been captured and he went far out of his way to rescue her...Lord knows where she is now."
"Love is a great motivator." said Jeubi, looking wise.
"Well, no since sleeping, I can't seem to rest due to that scoll." I said
"Hmm you noticed it too."
"I'm feeling curious. Toshi is concerned and Ryoshou seems a little tight as well. Somethings going down and I feel were just in the midst of it"
"Let's spy! It's been years since i've done any easedropping."said Jeubi.
"Fine"

We acted restless and worked silently on listening in.

"So, is that the list?"
"Yes it is my dear friends, Kaze i want you to share this with the others, its time we took the next step in our campaign."

Hmm campaign... it's ethier a war or an uprising. Ethier way it's bloodshed.

[Tomoshibi]

So, there I was in the town square, giving bows to a small crowd who I had attracted with my performance. Some of them had seemed to have completely forgotten about the bloodshed – instead they were all clapping for me. Their praise was cut short when I heard a rude voice behind me shout, “You, stop that! We have to leave. Carry that man over there.” I turned around to see the man who fought alongside me earlier pointing to the man with the arrow in his back. Such impudence, commanding me? Before I could chastise him for his disrespectful behavior he picked up the girl, who was now unconscious, and broke into a run. I looked at the man on the ground, arrow protruding from his back. It looked like he wouldn’t make it far without someone to heal him, preferably an expert. I sighed – it was against my ways to run, but I would do so anyway to save this man. Why risk my life for this man, you ask? It is simple – I am the Hero, the Protagonist. To not save the good people would be to cast out my honor, my pride; something I would not depart with dearly.

I picked up the man and hefted his limp body over my shoulder. “I am Karisuma Kyougen, hero of the common man – I must leave to save this man’s life. ” Just needed to make sure they knew I wasn’t fleeing due to a cowardly heart. Making one last bow to my loving audience (very hard while carrying another man, mind you) I turned face and fled in the direction of the other man. Though I knew I would tire easily, I ran my hardest to catch up with the mysterious man – without him, the one I now carried would probably die. Thus began my newest story.

[Jin]

What a beautiful day!

Sitting on a chair in my office, I go over the Kogashima ninja scroll which requests assistance from the Togakure ninja.

“zzzzZZZZ”

Baka! Did you just fall asleep? Come on Jin, wake up!

Get back to your work, get back to the scroll!
………….
“Togakure Jin, soke of Togakure ryu, we are in a time of great need, Ryoshouka has…………….."

Having sent him out a while ago, Tenchi should be there by now.

“thump-thump, thump-thump”, What if there is too much resistance for Tenchi to handle? Should I have assembled a larger task force? Calm down…slow your heartbeat. I really need to eat healthier these days.

The council classified this mission as a B rank mission; shouldn’t be a problem for him. Oh no, where did I leave my senban shurikens?

.......What a beautiful day!

[selmo]

All these politics always put me in a confused state I was never a politically savvy man. Chronor probably understand more of this jargon I will ask him later. For now i will pick up peices. I do hope this leads to a good fight I need a challenge besides a good spar with this guy. I want an exciting fight to the death. Heehee I came close to chuckling aloud as my mind wandered...

[Tenshin]

I continued my run, the girl now on my back, semi conscious, arms loosely wrapped over my shoulders. Looking behind me I could see the clown with the injured man. I felt a tinge of regret for swaying so far from my original goal. I had lost track of Ryoshouka completely now, but things like this happen for a reason. I was now out of the small city, far away from the samurai I had slain, and had slowed enough for the man behind me to catch up. I slowed to a stop and layed the woman down next to a tree.

The performer did the same with the injured man. His makeup was running. He stood with a finger up as if to make a point. He would have started talking if he wasn't so exhausted... lucky me.

crouching next to the injured man, I carefully removed the arrow. It wasn't a serious injury, but i had assumed that it had just grazed a nerve, that would explain his loss of consciousness. I treated and dressed the wound while the clown began to babel in the background. Once finished I stood, and turned to face the actor while digging in my kimono for my smelling salts and ginseng extract.

[Tomoshibi]

It seemed like we had run forever. The strange man finally stopped, placing the lady on the ground. Poor thing – it seemed like she used what little strength she had left during her fight back there. Not the cleanest kills I had ever seen, but there was a certain grace to them. Upon further inspection I could see scares. Torture perhaps? The mere thought made my blood boil. The man I carried for the past hour or so didn’t look too well himself. I could see scars on his arms, not to mention an arrow coming out of his back. It was then I realized that I wasn’t doing too well myself – my face paints were running from all of the sweat. I was going to tell to tell the other man what I thought of his horrendous behavior, but then he glared at me and started tending to the other man.

Fine, I don’t need such a callous, uncultured audience anyway. I decided to leave the man a few moments to go change. Behind the cover of a few trees, I first wiped off my face paint. Pulling a cord at my waist, my costume dropped to the ground to reveal – another costume of equal style and extravagance! You see, like all good actors, I wear layers of costumes so as not to waste time changing clothes between scenes. When I finished this I applied new face paints from the kit I kept with me. I decided to go with black and a pale blue upon the white background this time. The change complete, I went back to see how my new acquaintances were doing.

The crude man was pulling something out of his kimono when he turned to look at me. I instinctively struck a pose. He must have been amazed at my brilliant transformation because he dropped the stuff and leapt back an entire foot. Instead of applauding me though, he picked up the items (smelling salts, perhaps?) and cursed under his breath. I couldn’t hear much, but part of it sounded suspiciously like, “damn clown”. That was understandable. I would feel like a clown if I had reacted like he did too. Having nothing else to do, I draped my old costume over the girl (the only gentlemanly thing to do out here in this wilderness). Sadly, I had nothing to cover the man with, but his features suggested that he had been through much worse. Truly bored, and with no audience to appease, I decided to practice my fan dancing.

As I pulled out my tessan, I decided to forgive the man for his past grievances against me. After all, it looked like we would be traveling together for awhile, and a disgruntled audience makes for a bad production. So I looked squarely at the man, and got into one of my most dazzling poses. I shouted out, “I am Karisuma Kyougen, the chivalrous warrior of hope, and by my mercy I forgive you.” Not waiting to see his response, I walked a few feet away and began to practice my dancing in the moonlight.

[Chronor]

Sunrise.
During the night, Jeubi and I listened to the rest of their converstation. Toshi wanted to make sure the information was discussed to the Kogashima Ninja before the rest of the group could know. I had gotten a lead on the contents of the scroll anyway by my spying. It was a hit-list, of what I had no clue. Probably the diplomats of the enemy or the location of local emperial towns that are descriminating rebels or pesants. Ethier way the Kogashima ninja were dedicated towards destroying what ever it was. All I know is that we headed for the location the next day and Toshi and Ryoshou vanished.

Kaze provided no help in our aid to find Toshi and Raku respected my question and told me he was on a mission. I suppose we left him to himself. I wasn't sure wethier to bother myself with finding him or to let him do whatever he wanted to do. I suppose he is his own man...his decisions are his own. But as a favor I guess I could find Mitsue. It would at least solve some part of this riddle. She was also a link along with Toshi and Ryoshou. If i could solve this puzzle it might bring some reason for this chaos. I told Jeubi about my plan to find Mituse and he agreed. It seems we were a team now.

In the sunrise, Jeubi and I set off towards the only city on the list that could lead us to Mitsue, back to Osaka city of the Geshia.

*Needless to say the pantaloon was ready*

[Talos]

I'm dead I thought to myself. It was cold and I couldn't feel my body. It seems I've lost my mind somewhere and now i can't seem to gain conscience. My mind fades back to that battle where I was at my best. My sword swinging back and forth killing man after man and finally coming to my final target. I've been wounded ever since that battle and now I'm just exhausted thats all. I'm not dead just tired. This little resuce attempt of mine was very sloppy and I didn't think this through obviously. Then the girl I let my guard down while looking at her. This was something I'm not used to being sloppy. Why is this happening to me now at the prime of my fighting skill? Why did I not kill all those guards and escape with the girl in hand?

I fall back into my past where I see that girl again. She's standing there picking followers and having fun. Then she's struck down before my eyes by bandits. I couldn't protect her I was powerless. Thats another reason I'm on the road constantly moving, I don't want to get attached to anyone anymore. This is the reason I'm just powerless when it comes to saving people.

That pain is finally gone. I think its time for me to wake up. Its so cold. I open my eyes to see a clown dancing around with fans and another man doing something away from the clown. Not to far is the girl from the teahouse. I don't remember her name even though I'm sure I've heard it before. Then it comes to my mind that this girl reminds me of the girl long ago that was killed. I've also forgotten her name but this girl I would not let the same fate happen to. I kept looking around and finally rested my eyes on my katana on a tree infront of me. My wounds still haven't healed properly from the last battle and this new one is making it worse on me.

"Hey you....Where am I?" I asked the man

[Tenshin]

I had administered the smelling salts to the man first, as is anything happened, it would be easier to escape with a light, unconscious woman, than a lumbering samurai. He was dazy when it was first administered, and I had gotten up to move to the woman. As soon as I'd gotten to her side, he woke, asking where he was. I turned my head to face him while my fingers with the salt waved under the girl's nose. "Out of harms way." I replied, before a sharp ki ran through my hara. It was the sense of killer intent. An arrow cut through the air directly toward me, and before I could roll out of the way, a large tessen came between the arrow and my sight of it. After my roll I looked up to see the clown posing with his eyes closed, arm stretched out.

A horrific, blood-curdling scream was heard in the distance, where the arrow had come from. Someone had been following us. Everyone, even the now-woken girl turned to try and look through the darkness. Their faces blank. A smile crept about my face and I took a few steps forward. Out of the darkness came a large trotting wolf, black and white, and red from the blood of the bloody of a dead man whom he was dragging by his arm effortlessly, pieces of a bow crunched between his teeth.

I walked over to him, and he dropped the contents of his mouth in front of me, his tail wagging. "Good job Shugo." I exclaimed as I patted his head. on all fours, he reached up to the middle of my stomach. I turned to a terrified audience, and announced:
"This is my companion, Shugo."

[ToshiMaru]

"Sunrise........" I turned to look at Raku, waiting for my next reaction. We stood there next to our horses in a high cliff facing the east where the sun was waking up. The light began blinding us as the sun slowly started to rise above the horizon.

"Raku, i fear i do not have any longer. This will be my last mission with you, and the others."

We got onto our horses, and slowly took our way down the side of the cliff, us alone. "Why are you here? Havent you heard from Ryu or the others that i've betrayed them?" Raku only gave me an expressionless face.

"I've given Ryoushu the scroll and the information that he needed, after this assignment i won't be with you guys anymore."
"And, where do you plan to go then? Bakemono won't be so easy as to lose someone like you."
"The Shiseiten won't give up looking for me, so i'll go where ever i have to."
"And the girl? We all know you came here looking for her."
"Once i find her, i'm taking her with me."

It took us a whole day before we finally reached a river bank somewhere in the forest. By the way the sun light came through the trees, i would believe that it was afternoon.

By night fall, Raku and I had reached the edge of the forest. There we met up with a few more Kogashima Ninja's waiting in a field disguised as farmers.

"Toshimaru-san?"
"Yes, where is Ryoushu? He said we meet here."
"Ryoshou-san has already moved ahead, he told us to inform you that he'd meet you two at the next post."
"And the rest of the team, where are they?"
"Around..." With that last word, the ninja's dispersed and disappeared into the night. Raku and I moved along a little more before we finally stopped to set up camp.

[Raku]

It took a good hour before the camp was set up, as small as it was, it was very, very complicated, consisting of several tents, a small barricade, an armour and weapons deposit as well as a small kitchen-like area. Thats the Bakemono for you.

"Toshi" Raku said as he glanced up from the ground,
"I want you to know, that whenever you want, you may retreat to... to..."
Raku was stopped by Toshi, who had his left hand over Raku's mouth.
"The 'Hell', Raku?"
"Yes, Toshi, the Hell." there was a moment of silence.

The hell was an incredibly large mountain-side encampment on which Raku, his family, and his army, the Noxi Dragon clan resided. It was very well concealed, surrounded by a natural stone and tree wall, reaching up to 150 feet into the air. The encampment was impenitrable.

"But- i couldn't, i dont want to bring trouble there. Its where you were born and raised as a Bakemono, as a mercenary of our family." Toshi was surprised, no one had ever been invited to enter the 'Hell', not even he, their leader. The only contact Toshi had with the 'Hell' was with the Aradaku family, who were the elected oversee'ers.

"Toshi-san, we have been friends since childhood, and were brought up together. We have fought alongside each other many times, and saved each others lives even more. As far as im concerned, were brothers. So know this, brother, that whatever you do, and whereever you go, i will be at your side. Whether it be in the flesh or in spirit, i WILL be there. You will always have a place in my home."

Tears were coming out of his eyes, and of Toshi's.
"Thank you, brother" Toshi went to hug Raku, but was interupted.
"I said brothers, Toshi, not loved ones, now get off me, we have a long journey ahead of us" they both laughed.
"Ok, Raku, Ok..."

[Jin]

Ahhhh yes! I found my senban shurikens.......but now I forgot why I was looking for them....

A bird suddenly flies fast into the office window and lands on the desk

Lunch? Hmmm, I think I will call this fast food.

..............Oh yes, that's right. There's a message attached to it from the intelligence team, let's see what it says (Hmm, still hungry however.).....................

"Reconnaissance team 3; Ryoshouka recon mission complete
----------------------------------------------------------
-No one detected our presence.
-Ryoshouka has escaped and was seen with two people leaving the scene, one of them was Toshimaru and the other unknown. Their motives unclear.
Hmmm, so the Bakemono are involved in this too?
-During their conversations, Ryoshouka tells Toshimaru the execution was a setup. Further details were irrelevant.
Good thing I assigned the recon mission with a master lip listener on the team.
-Tenchi arrived at Kimobayoshi but Ryoshouka had already escaped. He left with 3 people, one of them severely injured. Their travel speed is slowed. Direction to them is listed below.
-Recon analysis of situation: Light backup possibly needed."

Hmmm....I should've sent out a larger force to assist Tenchi. Should I go and assist Tenchi? Hmmm, since I won't be busy for awhile, I will go after I eat.

now........where did my shurikens go again?

[MitsueNeko]

Hello peoples! I'm back. Haven't been posting cuz I've been sick and well cuz I was not in the mood cuz I'm in a really pissed off and crappy mood. Well lets see...

Everybody waiting for some drama? Then here in my later posts will be an event or events that is so prdicable you will start reading it even though you know I make my posts so long and 'boring.' You read it anyways cuz it's there and you have to continue with the rp.... heheheh... now to start some of my drama... *switches to drama queen mode*

After I fell. I could sense things going around my being so I know I didn't completely lose conciousness. My state of being is as you're waking up from your dream. Your body just lies there resting while your body gets use to the world and then just wakes up. I am like that too right now, but I'm not planning on getting up because I'm too tired. I've been dragged around on the go for many weeks now and not having to get much sleep is making me a bit irritated and well exhausted. My mind is too tired to even thinnk about it but yet it does.

I cannot hear any voices except my own in this little dark world of mine. I feel myself trapped in a void and that dark void is my miind. Yes my mind. The place where all my thoughts just grow wild and changes the things I know out from their original content to my twisted version to satisfy this evil mind. I think I'm beginning to lose my sanity. Each day a new twisted thought has been thought of and I each day day try to oppress it. I am afraid of it because I'm afraid I will physically act on them. I don't care if anyone critisize me on it, the only thing I care about is not hurting people. So you want a little peek of these thoughts Kami-sama? The here it is...

Well over here you get to see her talking to her other self... Mizuki. She evil I tell you EVIL!!! And a big MEANIE.

"Everyone around me always gets hurt. I just want to end their suffering. If they just die then I don't have to worry right Mizuki?"
"Yes Mitsue. If they all die then they don't have to suffer because of your existance."
"I'm a bad person huh Mizuki?"
"No you're just trying to help send Kami-sama some new friends. So no you're not bad."
"You think so?"
"I know so. Now sleep okay? So you want me to take over for you Mitsue?"
"Yes. I don't think I can bear the things Kami-sama is throwing at me now. I'm sorry for being so weak." *sob*
"Don't say that Mitsue. You're only going to make me sad. You don't want to make me sad do you?"
"No"
"Then alright then. Just smile and be your old self like when Toshi is with you."
"Toshimaru-sama Mizuki. It's Toshimaru-sama."
"Okay okay. If it'll make you happy then Toshimaru-sama. Happy now you little brat."
"Yep. Thanks Mizuki. You're the best." *smile*
"No you're the best."
"No you are!"
"Okay okay crybaby. I'm the best now sleep now okay?"
"Yeah okay. Bai bai Mizuki." *nemasu*
"So sweet and innocent as ever. I wonder why she even made me? She lets me manipulate her. Is it on purpose or is she the kind of person who lets other boss her around. That little puppet. *chuckles* I'll just have to keep an eye on her then. Maybe she is the mastermind here. Her best skill. Deceit and deception. Her best tools. Maybe she is doing that to me? Very well then. I am longing to become a balanced person with her once again so we don't have too be seprate any longer. *wicked smile* Yes so we can be one and so we don't have to watse time going through many thoughts. Heheh..."

I finally come to my senses as I smeeled something under my nostrils. I was still waking up a little so I just layed there. Then a scream was heard. My body just jumped up and I finally snapped my eyes open. In front of me is a scene where a wolf all covered in blood dropping a dead man that he probably dragged here since thats the only way I can understand why a dead man is doing here.

Wow... a sight of a dead man. Scary. Whatever. But I know 'they' are going to be suspicious if I'm not Mitsue. So now time to act like she would act.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" *screams, horrifies expression*

The men turned to me and looked at my face. Yes my face had a frightened look on it. Then the man nearest me went over to pet this wolf and says that it's his friend. In my mind I was thinking... me afraid of a wolf? Whatever. I'm more afraid of that clown near-by. I hate clowns.... *shudders* but Mitsue seems to get along with them the best. That weirdo. Now time to act before Shiseiten gets suspicious.

"AWWWWWW... he's soo CUUUUUUUUUUTE!!!!" I got up and just wraped my arms around the neck of this wolf. I began snuggling it like it was a doll that I really treasured and loved. Eww... this is gross and disgusting. Why does Mitsue have to like hugging animals? That creepy girl. Doesn't she know that they are going to hurt her? Then she cries and tells her sob story with her encounter with the animal. Then she cries over how she had to kill it because it was going to hurt her. That stupid girl.

The men looked at me funny. What? Mitsue would only scream if she sees something soo UGLY. Like a bloddy corpse for example. But for animals... she shows them her 'love.' I hear just a little slight noise with these good ears of mine; the sound of leaves rustling. It's a little windy right now anyways so their presence is undetectable. They enter like the wind and leave like the wind. Just simple and unnoticeable.

Now they're gone. Heh... Shiseiten. they sent in someone this weak to be the bait. Oh well. They did cover their trails pretty well. I bet if I were to look for traces of them, I wouldn't find any. Not even just a tiny little thing. Thats why they are soo good at their job. I know these men didn't notice Shiseiten because they have never witness the fate of any of their targets. It seems they are giving me a warning from Ryu.

What does he want now? FIne I'll go back to Osaka. Why the blue arrow? This must be serious. I wonder what is going on? I bet you know Mitsue. Yes indeed they are going to do that to him if they find him. So what are you going to do now Mitsue. Are you going to talk to Ryu? He will kill you for getting captured you know. Fine then. Go ahead and be like that with the 'I don't care' attitute. I wonder if you know what you're doing. I know in your right mind, you wouldn't even dare to enter Osaka now but something is happening and you're not telling me. What is going on Mitsue? This has got something to do with Toshi huh?

TOSHIMARU-SAMA Mizuki. It's TOSHIMARU-SAMA!!!

Fine whatever crybaby. Toshimaru-sama. There happy now? Well anyways this has something to do with him huh? Do you know what he wants you to do? I know you know and you're not telling me. Awww... come on. DOn't cry. I'm sorry ookay. I'm sorry. Sheesh you're such a mess. Now stop crying and just tell me whats going on. Aww... come ON!! Don't shake your head like that. I know you know something. TELL ME!!!!! Fine be that way! I know you're going to tell me sooner or later. I know you, you'll spill your guts when you can't handle keeping it in. Heheh... you're always like that...

I got up and turned to the men around me. I straightened myself up a bit and said, "Hi." Now I'm waiting for them to reply back.

[Tenshin]

Shugo held a growl in as the girl flung her arms around him. He hated being touched by anyone other than his master, and even then, anything more than a pat on the head was pushing it. After she stood up, he stepped over to his commander, and walked under his arm.

I looked at the girl and the others. "Listen, I don't know where's you're all headed, but I have some things to deal with. You all look fine to me, so I suggest you get to moving. This is no campsite." Shugo's ears perked up, he'd heard something, and sensed a presence, and trotted off the path and into the forest. "There's only one direction away from the city, you can follow me until our paths split if you wish."

[Talos]

The wolf's bloody mouth made me hungry. But really I was curious about who it was that was tracking us. The girl was staring at the arm then stared in the distance of the scream. The man was obviously dead. This wolf did his job well. It was more to the both of those two, the master and the wolf. But what more confused me is who is this new enemy thats tracking us. First the guy was to easy to kill. He had no skills in defending himself. And there was no backup with him. There was something up that I did not like. More that left me puzzled was the girl. She didn't seem herself but I never known her before this could be normal. But there was something unsettling about this.

"Cute Dog you got there..." I said to the man. As I watched the dog move out of sight and into the forest. I got up and walked to my sword. I slowly picked it up and replaced it to the position on my side. I unsheathed it and closely inspected the blade. It had been used by someone else. They had fitnesse use of the blade but sloppy execution. It wasn't the clown so it must've been the second guy. "Whats your name before I decide on anything I must know who helped me escape?"

"Call me Tenchi." He said to me I just nodded my head to his response.

I looked around and set my eyes to the girl acting odd still as if she was talking to herself. Split personality I suppose her voiced changed little bit but not much and she was having a weird conversation with herself. I walked over to her and slowly touched her on her shoulder. She jumped back and smiled at me with a big grin. "Are you ok Miss Mitsue?" I asked her.
"I'm fine, I'm fine sir." She responded. She didn't call me Mr. Taros. The last few encounters with her have been weird even so I can't think there is something odd about her current state. I'll just watch her closely. But I'll take her back to the man as they are destined to reunite I'll make sure it happens. Make sure I protect her from whatever until that time comes when my services are no longer needed. "Is there something wrong Mister?" she asked me as I've been staring at her for quite awhile.

"Sorry just thinking. Ms. Mitsue I plan on following you until my services are no longer needed. So until you go home or meet up with your friend I'll be escorting you."

[Chronor]

"Drat it Chronor how long is it!"
"Just a little longer"
"You said that an hour ago"
"You want to know the truth....were lost"

Yep, apparently years of mapmaking and traveling on the high seas makes me a dead fish in water when it comes to directions. Osaka was a full 2 days journey and I doubt they could have magically teleported Mitsue if they wanted to. Even in all the chaos I don't even know if she's still held captive. There was so much chaos and I was so busy keeping up with Toshi i forgot about her. Anyway for the sake of Toshi's nerves i'd better find her.

It was mid-day and things were boring rather quickly. Jeubi and I were thinking about doing a mission or two as an oddjob for some food at one point. (You'd think they'd pay me better being in the Bakemono but eh? I'm a ronin after all!)

It is in the end of fall and the leaves are beginning to shed. A cold breeze blows across my Kimono then I sense something. Jeubi and I stop immediately. Frozen in time we stood for about one minute.

"You hear them Chronor, 2 at your left flank"
"One on your right and two behind us"
"Damn...Shiseiten"

The Shiseiten were an infamous ninja clan ranked among the deadlies and most resourceful. They trained nothing but the best and even thier grunts were worth of a decent fight...nonetheless they were still grunts. We could tell they were pawns by the way they were easily spotted. The ninja to my left exhaled loudly and left a light cloud of vapor.

...grunts...

Jeubi and I slowly faced each other back-to-back an awaited their first strike. An arrow was aimed at the chest of Jeubi and he caught it without flaw. The fools charged and had no idea what came next. Jeubi preformed the earth seals and hardened his body again. I threw of my Kimono coat and sped toward the first attacker. He gave a quick horizontal swipe but i ducked and racked him between his legs. I gave a swift uppercut with my pommel and smacked his temple with my bokken. At this time Jeubi was attacked by two ninja weilding Ninja-to and Kunai. Jeubi, now large, was dodging them effictively and even ducked to let them cross blades. A BIG smile came across his face as he preformed a handstand and kicked the two a good two feet. *Drunken Boxing...without sake, what a show*

He stood and preformed the usual drunken motions and eventally sat down. Needless to say, they charged him and he sprung up instantly. In mid-air he grabbed one of their heads, snapped him unconcious, and threw him 3 meters away from the fight. I spied him and he didn't move. The second ninja was getting agrivated and was too dumb to know he was outmatched. Jeubi swiftly dodged each attack with his Kunai and even had enough ample time to mock him in the process. I felt an arrow come across my face...I suppose i forgot i was in this fight as well. I sped toward the location the arrow was fired (keeping a good eye on Jeubi) and found its sender. He was obviously unprepared and put up his bow to defend my attack. I snapped it in two and tripped his legs with one swipe and preformed a downward strike to put him to sleep. I turned around and saw Jeubi do a roundhouse kick to finish off his second opponent. He stood over him with killer intent. I couldn't let them die...though they deserved it.

"No Blood today Jeubi"
"I know Chronor, you know how I love to Joke with you!"

I knew he was serious, he only planned on killing those who offended him and this was not the case for these grunts. There was one remaining ninja standing and he began to sprint the other way when Jeubi began to take deep breaths to calm his muscles. I blinked and saw him face down in his own blood and a wolf hovering over him. Its eyes were focused on me with such killer intent that if almost felt as if it saw my soul worthy of a good kill. This beast had no heart, kindness, or any emotion other than hatered towards his prey. He stared us down and we knew that this would be a challenge even for Jeubi and I. Then I heard a voice...

[Tomoshibi]

It seems that I no longer possess an audience. Only moments ago, I pulled off a feat that mere men can’t even dream of – yet I receive no praise or even attention. I was practicing my dancing (very graceful, I must say) when I sensed doom. It happens sometimes; I can’t see it, nor hear it, or even smell, taste, or touch it. This feeling is beyond the realm of senses. This… object was moving at a high speed. Not able to see it, I closed my eyes until I could sense it clearly. With a flick of my wrist, I threw one of my tessen, deflecting the tool of doom. I suddenly opened my eyes to the sound of a scream.

Speechless, I watched as a dog dragged the corpse over to the strange man. Completely ignoring me, him and our two companions started praising the creature – even going so far as to embrace it. The indignity of it – a pup stealing my show! I’ve been working in the theatre business for years now, slowly building my reputation – to have it stolen by a beast with a brain one tenth the size of mine? The dog had none of my gifts, my talents, yet in the act of dragging a corpse it managed to get everyone’s attention. The girl, who at least seemed fascinated by me earlier, now looks at me as if I was some sort of slug. No longer can I bear this atmosphere. I can see when I’m not wanted. I suppose it is time to seek a new audience.

So I set out, dejected, head down, wallowing in self-pity. Moments later, I came across a group of men – most of which were unconscious or possibly dead. Then I realized it: they wore the same uniform as the corpse! Standing over them was two men; a dark skinned warrior and a frail old man. Despite not knowing them, I decided to introduce myself (after all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend). I stepped out from behind the trees and struck a pose. Then, as they watched, stunned by my greatness, I hailed them.

“Perhaps you have heard of me? I am Karisuma Kyougen, the flawless kabuki warrior, and I am pleased to make your acquaintences.”

[MitsueNeko]

I was in a converstation wth my wimpy and 'good' other self when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I was startled because no one who really knew me wouldn't do that. So I jumped and I saw the man that tried to save me earlier but was shot by an arrow. The one that she wished to die. Well actually I wished to die. I was in there with her at that time.

"I'm fine, I'm fine sir." I replied to be polite to him and to respond to the question he asked..

If this was Mitsue in this body, she would've either throw this guy over her or if she had any weapons on her, she would've attacked the man. But it's me now. Mizuki. I know this place has an atmosphere that is not a dangerous one so I can let my guard down a little. Yea this is very silly coming for me but I'm just a really lazy person.

This man Taros or whatever his name was stared at me for a long time after I spoke to him.

"Sorry just thinking. Ms. Mitsue I plan on following you until my services are no longer needed. So until you go home or meet up with your friend I'll be escorting you."

Wha..? He's going to follow me? No fair! Then this is going to be harder for you to do our stuff. What is up with that disgusting clown. Why the hell is he all upset?

MIZUKI!!! That's so mean! Don't say things like that about Mr. Karisuma. He's so nice and he helped us. Wow... his gracefullness is just amazing and his movements are so beautiful. They make me want to cry. Why don't you like people like that?

Why? Because they are dressed up as something they are not and be like them. I rather stay around people who are true themselves not like someone here.

Don't say that! I don't want to hear it!

No you need to hear it. Hear it from yourself! You are a lying, backstabbing, cheating, wench! Yea you heard me. That's what you are. I know you've been keeping things from Toshi lately. Things that you won't even admit to be a part of. I'm still appalled that you became it. The thing you hate the most and you WILLINGLY became it. I'm disappointed with you. How could you do this? You are becoming what you say you don't want, but now I think you really want to.

I, I... I had no choice. Leave me alone! *cry*

I'm sorry. I just don't like what you are going to do. I wouldn't care if you did this in the past, but now that you're doing something like this, I'm scared for you. I'm afraid that you'll die with regret on your conciousness. I know what kind of feelings you have towards him. If you do that, you'll regret it forever. Then I'll be the one trying to comfort you and even if that don't work... you'll become something different. You'll become one of those people who are just dead inside. I don't want that to happen to you, to us. Here you take control now. They'll get suspicious if it's not you.

"...................."

I looked up at Mister Taros and I looked to myself. My head was down and I wanted to cry. One because of what Mizuki said and two, because I am afraid for Mister Taros life. If he knew what I really am, he would hate me and probably kill me. I need to keep this hidden a little longer. Then after that it'll be over. Then I can finally be free.

"Thank you Mister Taros."

I heard noise not far from here and I took off in the direction Mister Karisuma headed. I stalked in that direction stealth like keeping my steps very light and quick. I expected Mister Taros to follow and he did. I hid behind some trees not to far from there. I turned to Mister Taros and put a finger to my lips to tell him that he shouldn't speak at this moment and should ask me his questions later if he has any at the moment.

I squit my eyes upon the scene and I see Mister Karisuma striking one of his beautiful dance poses and before Mister Karisuma were two men. An elderly one and another, someone I knew. Chronor.

Around them were unconcious men on the ground wearing the armour of an ally clan of Shiseiten. Not an ally really but more of a faction that Shiseiten manipulated to test the strength of their opponents or their target(s). When a Bakemono knows this, it's best to flee. If they even suspect you have something to do with something with their objective, they'll just kill you. It doesn't matter if you're of Bakemono or not. If you are there, then bye bye to you forever.

I knew they were not Shiseiten. Shiseiten would only reveal themselves if they are going for a kill. Right now they are only toying with them. That's not really nice. These are what you call grunts. Many Bakemono know these people as grunts of the Shiseiten. Now I have seen enough of whats happenening and I must go to Osaka. To meet him. To meet Ryu-sama. I turned to Mister Taros and gave him a look that I am ready to leave.

I took off in the opposite direction of where Chronor, the elderly man, and Mister Karisuma were. I knew that if I went to Osaka in that direction, they'll detect me. That is not what I want. If I get then even close to them or them, me, Shiseiten WILL kill them. I must stay as far away as I can with Mister Taros close by. I knew they wouldn't attack Mister Taros because if they did, he would've been injured right now or maybe even dead because I know Mister Taros is just barely recovering from his wound. If he leaves on his own, I know what they'll do. I don't even want to think about it right at this moment.

I must make sure Mister Taros never leaves me or wander too far off from me for any reason even as simple and ridiculous as to use the 'restroom.' Because if they even just feel that there's something going on. They'll move in. That's why they are the best. They eliminate everything that has to do with their target. They make things disappear. I'm not saying I'm the target. I know who it is. It is very obvious that they'll go for him because of what he did.

Since I've been many weeks without a bath and new clothes. Now is the chance for me to get cleaned up. I have some friends near-by in a local village. So I know there I can stay for a little while before I move on.

[ToshiMaru]

Nighttime, i had awoken from a sudden dream but it had already flew away into nothingness when i opened my eyes. The shivering cold of the moonlight made me uncomformtable so i decided to go for a little stroll to warm myself. The night seemed unusually quiet tonight, but all the mean while i sensed a presence within the area. Raku was still asleep near the camp so i figured i need not to bother him; the poor man already has too much on his mind. It wasnt long before i noticed that i was being watched. Somewhere under the dark clouds that hid the moons grace was a spectator, whoever he was he wasnt alone.

I slowly observed the surrounding fields of rice; trying to find who was following me. Then there he was; right when the cool breeze wisked passed me i noticed the figure of a familiar person standing right there in front of my eyes. I slowly took grasp of my sword readying to strike if he made any sudden move, but there he stood. I couldnt even see his face for it was covered within shadows; was he staring at me with a grin?

"Hello my dear old friend."
"Kasume........you have guts to come here alone."
"Sora, surely you dont think im here alone? Im...never alone."
"I'm done with you people, leave me be."
"Sora, you're never done with us. you have always been under our watch."
"If so, then why is the Shiseiten involved? You don't need them."
"Oh don't mind them, they arent here for you now; they have a new assignment. What you have to worry about is you."
"What is it now, are you going to fight me here?"
"hhmmmm, no. Ryu has decided to give you one more chance, you're very lucky. He has given me personal responsibility to make sure you complete the job; if you don't finish it, the Shiseiten and the rest of us will hunt you down till the ends of the earth."
"I'm not interested..."
"OHHH but you will be, if you dont finish it, Ryu will come to see you himself."

Those last words, they were real. It strucked me in my body like no other pain i had ever witnessed. the thought of Ryu gave my shivers and my body went numb. "I will be close, former elite Toshimaru." Kasume retreated into the shadows, and the night calmed down like before. Now, i have no choice, Ryu is coming, if i don't finish this. There is no escaping, i just stood there, in the middle of the field. Wonderless, powerless.

[selmo]

I smiled friendly like at our new company. Flambouyently glad or not he seems very polite. An actor of sorts? Or a noblemen?

"Hello there, I am Jubei and this is Chronor. I hope you are not frieghtened by our...situation. These men attacked us but we are not killing now."

I strode forward and shook the mans hand. "What may I ask are you doing in these parts?"

[Jin]

Blood and dead bodies littered the execution site.

With the Tokushuheiki (Togakure family's "special forces") escorting me and giving me shortcuts, I arrived at Kimabayoshi a day earlier than expected. I insisted that the Tokushuheiki were not needed and a bit of an overkill, but the council wouldn't allow the soke of the Togakure family to go out alone.

....anyway, so yes back to the scene at Kimabayoshi. The stench of death and decaying flesh lingered in the air and was becoming overbearing. I mean, I smelled a lot of things, but the
smell of rotting corpses is one of the worse smells. I wanted to cease the investigation, but there was just something very peculiar about this whole setting....The missing fingers, the missing eyes, the missing ears....why? Along with that all the people of Kimabayoshi was missing. This was suddenly becoming a bad detective case.

...........................................

Hours past and Kimabayoshi is still like it was a while ago. It was a ghost village and everything was in a mess as if a panic frenzy ensued the whole place. I found myself in a villager's house. Looking around, I noticed little hints and clues until they all fit together! I reached my "AH HA!" moment.

If my theory was correct, I had to find Ryoushu to prevent further unnecessary bloodshed. In order to find Ryoushu, I had to track Toshimaru. The Tokushuheiki said we were roughly two days away from Toshimaru and can catch up if we double the speed. Not much time I have.... "thump-thump, thump-thump" , heart beating uncontrollably, hands trembling wildly. Calm the nerves, quiet the heart, in control again. Like a gust of wind, we were off.

"Ahhhh-Chuuuuuuuu!"......someone must be talking about me.

[Grun]

Kurun had been in the village since before the fight broke out. He'd been hiding in an alley, behind some old, rotten crates and various garbage. The scene of the fight had been deserted for many hours, people had been wary and kept indoors. Now, however, some dared to look out of their windows and some had even begun to transport the dead to the graveyard. Kurun wondered how they would cope with the problem of diseases that would come if these corpses rotted any more. But he had a more pressing problem himself. This region wasn't safe at all. Once any disturbance started, bandits would surly grab the opportunity. He wouldn't be safe leaving nor staying in the city.

Kurun got an idea. It wasn't a nice plan, and could lead to complications, but he couldn't think of any better. He dusted himself off, drew back some clothes to expose clean bits, donned an official-looking hat, and emerged from the alley. The stench was sickening. He swallowed a couple of times and tried to breather through his mouth.

Forcing his eyes off the corpses, Kurun walked up on a crate. Cupping his hands around his mouth, he spoke loud,
"The corpses have to be buried at once, before they spread diseases. Someone get a cart to transport them to the graveyard, and the rest will go on ahead and dig the graves." At firt, the people just looked at him, but once one started to move, they all left and started doing the work. Kurun breathed a sigh of relief and helped them digging the graves. Looking over his shoulder and standing a little way off, he hastidly dug a very shallow grave, dropped a smaller sack from his sack into it, and hastidly threw the earth over it. When it seemed like no one had seen what he had done, he got back to the others. They asked him about the grave afterwards, but he just said it was a companion he had travelled with, and they didn't press the issue.

Sorry if I mocked up any cultural differences or anything.

[Raku]

"RYUUUUUUUUU!" Raku was screaming.

Toshi turned his in and looked in direction of the camp, only to find it aflame. "What?" he thought, "Oh No! Raku!" He ran back as fast as he could, trying not to think about Kasume and his message, all he wanted to know is if Raku was ok. He heard the clash of swords and the moaning of injured men. "RAKU! IM COMING!".

*Pssf*
*Cling*
*Swish*

By the time Toshi got to the camp the battle was over. There were several men on the floor, about 4 or 5, but none were dead. "Raku" yelled Toshi, "Are you okay? Where are you?". There was no answer. "RAKU!"

"Im over here, Tosh, its alright, im fine."
Raku was on the ground with 2 arrows piercing through his chest armour, and one other in his left arm. "Theres nothing to worry about, honest".
Toshi was in no mood for Raku's lame sarcasm, and it took almost no time for Raku to see that, but, alas, he made the remark anyway.
"What happened here?" asked Toshi, who had already started to sit all of the invaders bodies along the campside.
"Err... I think they tried to kill me" exclamed Raku.
"Assasinate or trap-and-kill relentlessly?"
Raku thought for a moment before replying,
"Assasination for sure"
"But why?" Toshi was obviously puzzled.
"What do you mean 'But Why?'? I am wanted by almost half of the Diamyo in all of Japan!"
"You are?"
"Yes, Toshi, I am"
"But i could have sworn-"
"Sworn what?"
There was a silence. Toshi thought Raku had known.
"I paid them all off. Twice of what they 'earn' in a year. I have even had spies watch all over them to make sure they didn't try anything funny. To get you, i mean."
"Mabe you didn't pay them all off?"
Another silence, but this one more disturbing.
"Ryu" whispered Raku, "It was Ryu."
"But why would Ryu do this?" asked Toshi, "I had just recieved word from Kasume, we have been given a second chance."

Raku heard a crackling noise, "THE INVADERS!". Both quickly turned around and withdrew their weapons, only to find nothing their but blood and cloth. "NO!" screamed Toshi, "HOW COULD WE HAVE BEEN SO BLIND!". "Its Ryu" replied Raku, "He is playing mind games, hes trying to make us think away from what we should be thinking about, like... like- AAARRGGHH!". "Raku!".

Raku was on the ground. He had lost sufficiant blood from the wounds of the arrows in his chest and arm. "You see?" Raku was trying hard to speak, as it obviously took a large amount of energy for him to do, "His mind games have already begun. He cannot be trusted." His head fell to the floor, he was unconcious.

Toshi started to weep, he did not know the area, thus he did not know the locations of any of the nearest healers or bars, etc. Why? Why here? Why now?

A few minutes later Toshi saw a glimpse on the Horizon, it was the Noxi Dragon clan.

Would they get to Raku in time? Were they really they the Noxi Dragon Clan? Only in time will these questions be answered, but it is time that Toshi -and Raku do not have.

HOOAH!

[Chronor]

"Well this is informal, Sir...can you please put your man-killing wolf away?"

In this conversation we introduce ourselves. It is the day after the night in which Mitsue took off with Talos and continues to travel with Kyougen.

Our introduction was sketchy but overall we didn't kill each other. Immediately the wolf went to the side of one man who calls himself Tenchi.

Another clown-like man by the name of Kyougen caught my eye. Ironically we both stared at each other...apparently we both thought it was wierd to see each other in this kind of situation. (an african and a clown meet on a country road...heh good joke!)

With the formalities put aside we grew suspicious of each other. Kyougen responded to Jeubi's statement.

"I, Kyougen the great Kabuki warrior am traveling alongside my associate Tenchi."
"Hmm. With a flamboyant entrance like that but you don't get past introducing your name" (sry I had too) He soon silenced...

The man with the wolf stepped forward "I am Tenchi."
"I am Chronor."
"It is odd crossing paths twice in one day."
"Hmm i don't seem to recogenize you."
"Probably not"
*My thoughts collected on the execution*
"So, were you at the execution of Ryoshou?"
"Yes, i understand there was a battle!"
"Did you by chance witness a girl in a cage?"

*Tenchi's eyes showed no change but i could read him. He was unsure if he could trust me and decided how he was going to hide something. Jeubi also stared into his eyes, the old-timer was good at judging people and could see that he was witholding information.*

"No" he replied
"Well no since in wasting our time, where is your destination" I inquired
"We really don't know" once again holding himself

At this point i decide to break the ice and lay it on the table. He was acting too sketchy to be Shiseiten and if so he would have attempted to kill me by now.

"We are traveling to find a girl named Mitsue. I have a favor to preform for a friend and i need to put his nerves at rest. It appears she is a link in this plot with the Shiseiten."
"Then you must have noticed the Shiseiten littering the streets as well"

We both confessed and found ourselves afloat in a pool of chaos. He soon told me about how he lost Mitsue a night ago and she couldn't have traveled far, but he had no intention of where she was headded to. With a day's lead ahead of us she would probably head off to Osaka. She has connecitons there and probably is resting up or preparing something in private. Ethier way I must find her for Toshi, if she knew the grief she puts us through she'd stop instantly. Nonetheless, we set off in search of the Wandering Mistess.

Roll Call!!
Team One: Toshi, Raku, Ryoshou, (maybe Kaze) off on "Secret Mission"
Team Two: Peeps at the scene in town. Jin and Kurun(Grun)
Team Three: Chronor, Jeubi, Tenchi, and Kyougen in search of Mitsue
Team Four: Mitsue and Talos doing whatever?

[Jin]

It's been a custom for the people of Kimabayoshi to cut the fingers, ears, and eyes off their dead and place it in a special container as a precaution so that the dead may be able to feel, hear, and see in the afterlife. A preparation of the afterlife, if you will, was what it was all about. As bizarre as that sounds, that was not what I was worrying about. Inside some of the villagers homes were empty weapon rooms or racks. I guess some of the villagers weren't just "simple folks". The weapons were gone, the villagers were gone, their fellow people, although they were soldiers, were dead. The thirst of revenge hit some of the villagers, and it hit quite a few of them. With the new information at hand, I had to divert my attention from aiding Tenchi and towards intercepting the angry villagers before they met with Ryoshou and his accomplices. From the villagers' point of view, They must have thought of this whole situation as an act of injustice...and I couldn't blame them. I would at the very least like an explanation of what happened that day. It would only be a matter of time when this problem would spread to our lands. If I could just talk some sense into them as to what had happened, maybe they could be at peace and the conflict would be resolved.

.........................