Soldiers of Light ch. 10 "Samurai, Ninjas, and Demons" [Archive]

Funka Genocide

05-26-2006, 04:20 AM

"what is it I can do for you?" the golden eyed demon intoned dispassionately, with a hint of something indestinguishable from sincere concern.

"I seem to be... a mouse among tigers you might say." Iori began in a conversational tone as he walked slowly to a nicely upholstered chair several yards from where Kirakiri sat. "Though I find myself beholden to general Koyuki there are still some private concerns that require a bit of clearing up." Iori said as he sat down unceremoniously, affecting the air of an uncouth ronin and letting his words remain at least honest from his perspective; he was indeed beholden to the silver haired demonness on a certain level. "Am I to understand this deadly vanguard is all in pursuit of one man's life? A simple samurai with the bad fortune to be born to a Legendary name..." Iori questioned almost jokingly, rhetorically.

"I may be but a simple mortal man, but I never thought myself a foolish one my lord." Iori continued, repositioning his upper torso into a meaningful lean, his body language suggesting a notion of conspiratorial intrigue. "There are too many egos of a surpassing quality involved in this endeavor, too many Daimyo and not enough Samurai so to speak." Iori's voice became low now, a dangerous edge that belied the truth of his own will, letting slip the slave's mask he'd worn so uncomfortably the past few days. "Your ninja are not infallible my lord, nor are your prodigious capacities."

Iori stood now, abruptly,and sauntered lightly towards a porthole overlooking the placid waters about the ship's hull. "Though I admit to being nearly powerless myself in the face of what's to come. I simply wish to know what your true intent in this is and how far you're willing to go to achieve it. In truth I'll be quite surprised if you share any of this with me, but certain questions must be asked regardless of the answers, or lack thereof."

Iori turned gracefully now to face the shapeshifting spymaster, his eys as focused as they had been while battling the ragind Wind Demon Raikutso. This particualr battle had just begun, on unfamiliar terrain; that of the realm of secrets and shadows. Kirakiri had an almost insurmountable advantage on this field, but Iori was not one to discount the impossible, especillay from himself.

Astral Harmony

05-26-2006, 12:31 PM

Real Time Event Sequence

Brown Kimono Takano
Takano was practicing singing at the lagoon near the campsite they had all set up before the other girls departed for the destroyed village where Tsubasa had lived all her life as a human. Well, practicing was a silly word. Takano's voice, when poored out along with her soul in song, could probably bring whole nations to their knees...
"And, should I choose, instill unspeakable horror in the minds of my enemies." Takano murmured to herself after she finished. She still wanted to remain in the cool water for a little longer, so she got to thinking about her reasons for joining the Kimonos, as well as the reasons of the others.
Takano joined to become famous. Simple as that. She felt really stupid because the more it seemed like it, this whole operation would make her infamous.
Tsubasa had lost a cherished brother, all her friends, and her fellow villagers to an attack by demons.
Kirie had lost all of her friends and the orphanage they stayed at to demons as well, but Kirie wasn't as fired up about slaying Talkatz as Tsubasa was for some reason.
Chizuru wanted a safer world so she could live in peace with a wonderful husband and as many children as they could possibly support.
Rio and Kiyomi lost loved ones and homes to demon attacks, and they believed that if they didn't fight this war, they may one day lose the ones they love so passionately. Each other.
Mika pursued knowledge. Knowledge that humans could never hope to unearth. She confessed to wanting to research the Raigaki up close and personal so that maybe she could create a duplicate, though she was joking when she said it. The sword was legendary, one of a kind. However, Mika did say that because a sword with such power using light exists, there was a strong possibility a sword with equal but dark power had to have been forged as well. Mika was extremely interested in finding a blade like that.
The day was getting late. Takano had been camped out with a few of the special living weapons. Kirie Rebirth was present and was intended to go along with Tsubasa to "welcome" Kurama to his second trial along with a force of Takano's marionette troops. Steel Devil Infernal, Dead Slugger Redrum, Battle Construct Aori, and Kirie Rebirth (if she survived) would ambush Kurama when he retrieved the torso after fighting through the garrisoned forces. All in all, a gauntlet of hostility that Kurama would have the be the destined Champion of the Soldiers of Light to make his way through.
-----
Black Kimono Chizuru
"Mika, are you sure we did the right thing?"
"Well, we did what we could at the castle and now we're going to find Tsubasa and warn them all about Yuna's betrayal as soon as possible. I'm not the smartest when it comes to war, but I think we've taken the best course of action."
"I'm getting hungry, Oneesan."
Chizuru looked down at Chiyo who walked between the two Kimonos, who now wore a clean white kimono herself. "We'll stop soon and you can eat, sweetie."
"Okay."
Then, a hand fell against Chizuru's right breast. Chizuru yelped and drew back, looking at Mika's hand. "Who's this guy?"
Chizuru looked forward. A handsome man who wore clothes similar in style to what Yuna wears was moving closer to them. He didn't look hostile, and Chizuru thought they might just pass each other...until he spoke as he got close enough.
"Excuse me, but would any of you happen to know a woman named Lunitia?"
Chizuru and Mika exchanged a glance. "Lunitia? No, I've never heard of that name before."
The man stroked his left cheek, looking puzzled. "Well, she might have changed her name to something Japanese when she fled to this world. I really need to talk to this woman. She's an angel. Please, you or somebody in this world has to know a woman like that!"
"Ah. Just a moment, please. I need to talk to my friend here. I think she saw a woman like that."
Chizuru and Mika turned around and leaned in close to each other.
"Coincidence?"
"I highly doubt it. What I want to know is if this guy would be a help or turn against us, too."
"What should we do?"
"Well, I am the senior between us. Let me handle it."
"He's all yours."
The two girls pulled out of their huddle. "Well, my friend has confirmed it for me. We know of a woman like that."
Instantly, Mika's hand was seized as the man seemed to teleport to one knee before her. "Please! You have to tell me where she is!"
Chizuru looked over to knee Mika blushing. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. But I don't think that woman will want to meet you."
He stood up, withdrawing his hand and drew out a decorated claymore. "I'm not going to give her a choice. She has done some very horrible things which she will answer for."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Chill with that, friend. If you go after her, I'm pretty sure all you'll be doing is walking right into your own tomb."
"I...don't...care!"
Mika paused for a moment, then started giving the angel detailed directions which Chizuru was sure would lead him straight to Kimonia Kastle. "Did you get all of that?"
"Sure, it doesn't sound too difficult to follow. Thank you very much, ah..."
"Mika. Mutsumi Mika."
"And your friend there?"
Chizuru smiled shyly. "Suzuki Chizuru. Please just call me Chizuru. Oh, and this little girl is Chiyo."
The man nodded and saluted. "My name is Zeira. I'm an angelic guardian, first class. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
And that was it. Zeira didn't waste any time leaving the trio alone. "He was really handsome."
"It's like the husband I've always dreamt of, given form."
"I should've told him to come with us instead, but I'm not going to stop him if he fells destined to go tell Yuna that she's been a bad girl. We should hurry if we want to come back to Kimonia Kastle in time to save his ass."
-----
Grey Kimono Fujiko
How many days has it been? Weeks? Months? Years? Since being imprisoned in what was obviously going to one day be her tomb, the monstrously deformed Fujiko, psychopathic and furious yet humble and docile, hid in the shadows on her four horrifically mutated limbs, all alone in the cavernous recesses of this prison chamber in the catacombs accessed from the atelier below Kimonia Kastle.
Fujiko was particularly delirious today and was sure she was hallucinating when someone approached the barred window on the only entrance to her home. However, the loud reports of what Fujiko assumed was an unknown weapon could not be dreamed up, and when the door opened, Fujiko truely awakened from years of restless torment. The beams of light slashed in Fujiko's eyes forcing her back, even as a figure, the voluptuous form of a woman, stepped into the frame.
"Lady Fujiko, I presume?"
"You're brave, considering I was supposed to be locked up here for eternity." Fujiko was surprised at her own voice, sounding deep and scratchy and seeming to originate from down within her bowels. The mutations have obviously rearranged her insides, too.
"Yes, but I'm a risk taker. Particularly when it comes to dealing with people who have the same enemies as myself."
"Well, you're welcome inside, if you want. Though I do warn you that my hunger has only grown since my imprisonment here."
"Oh, you're hungry? Then I shall be brief. My name is Yuna, Lady Fujiko, and I have a proposition that you'd be the ultimate fool to deny."
"I was a fool when I tried to make myself more powerful by subjecting myself to the demon ritual by my own choice, in spite of it being forbidden to go through with it more than once by Shizuka. I have this monstrous vessel thanks to that. I won't be foolish again."
"I'll take that to mean that you'll hear me out. You see, I need to have some girls removed from my path before they truely get in my way, and I think that you would like nothing more than to devour their bodies and sate your hunger for revenge."
Fujiko was automatically intrigued. "Continue."
"Shizuka, who now will do as I ask, had told me some time ago that you took out your sudden mutations on them, saying that you only went through the rituals because even Chizuru, reputed to be the weakest of them all, was able to upstage you. Well, I bring you freedom, Fujiko, and all I ask is that you slay the girls who humiliated you time and time again. Succeed, and I'll also have a powerful and beautiful body that I can transfer your soul to, if you just happen to feel revoltion at the form you possess now."
Fujiko knew the instant Yuna made her pitch that this was one she simply could not refuse. "I would be the ultimate fool yet again if I refused your extremely gracious offer. I, Grey Kimono Fujiko, am at your service."
The light coming from the door where Yuna stood was too bright and obscured the extremely satisfied grin that played upon the angel's face.

batgirl

05-26-2006, 06:48 PM

Jade watched the battle intently, following Taken's movements with her eyes. "He's pretty fast...I'm interested in seeing the outcome of this fight."

Krylo

05-27-2006, 01:18 AM

Taken easily changed the direction of his run, entering into an interception course with the pained Tayuumi.

The half-demoness knew that she couldn't let him get close again, so she swung her unnaturally long claymore once more, the blade heading directly for Taken's knees, but the ronin avoided the attack with a quick leap, sending him flying over Tayuumi's guard, and once more into striking range.

He quickly brought Muteki over his head and then down in an overhead strike, using a great deal of his strength, as well as his weight, easily putting enough force to cut through not only the woman's head, but a good deal of her armor, too. However, Tayuumi instinctively reacted to save herself, the bottom of her breastplate and all uner it melting away into shadow and flowing upward, revealing her toned stomach as well as creating a life saving ebon steel umbrella, multiple inches thick, sprouting from her shoulders to meet Muteki's blow.

Even so, Tayuumi's legs nearly buckled under the blow, and many shadow limbs had to be projected from her torso and into the ground, to keep her from crumbling, even as the, once grassy area, beneath her feet crumpled into a crater, spanning around her five feet in any direction.

Taken flipped back, pulling Muteki back out of the rather large slice it had created in the armor umbrella, as Tayuumi brought her sword back in close, and jumped backwards, preparing a defense--her armor almost immediately retaking it's proper form.

Mesden

05-27-2006, 02:31 AM

As her foot connected with the ground at the end of her backwards jump, a small ache came to it and her back. Being thrown into a tree and having crater making force exerted on your body was not something to put you in well feeling shape.

Her eyes traced to the air as Taken fell to the ground, his foot silently touching the ground. But, as soon as he regained what possible footing he could, the black clad woman rushed at him, blade drawn back and intending to strike.

Once she had met the halfway point, a sudden shift came to her appearance. A wave like blur, reminiscent of a shadows on moving water, fell over her. And as instantly as the distortion occured, three Tayuumi's sprouted from the original.

To any that watched other than Taken, it was impossible to tell which Tayuumi was real. But, his locked on hearing detected an odd sound.

Nothing. As the shadows dashed across the field, their quick steps left not even the slightest sound. The approaching trio broke into a delta formation, the left and right jumping out to the sides at an angle to form a triangle around Taken.

With an unnerving calm, the three continued their soundless steps, rearing each sword back and aimed a slash at each part of Taken, the shadow blades far greater than his reach and going for his legs, torso and neck.

Taken, in a display of expert knowledge rather than sheer show of power, gave a small duck, lifting his right leg up to stomp down on the lower blade. His left arm swung the Muteki out to parry the blade speeding at his torso while his final, unused appendage shot out and gave a small push to the flat of the top blade, ensuring that when it came, it would fly harmlessly right above him.

But, as each seperate blade came into contact with him, they dissipated in the same blur as earlier. Then, a sudden speeding sound came. His eyes turned up to see the real Tayuumi, hair rippling through the wind, as she came down upon him, sword in mid swing to strike him where he stood.

The attack came in too fast to move, so, with the freakish speed of his arm, he twisted the blade to meet hers, pressing his other hand against the back of the Muteki to brace himself. The result was the powerful ring of metal on metal, their two blades forming a cross in mid air. Taken stood, feet pressed into the ground up to his ankle, but completely unmoved. Tayuumi took the moment to push off with her blade, the shadow of the blade helping her, as she landed back in front of Taken softly.

With her landing, a odd look of frustrated confusion shown across her face.

What in the world is with his sword. It should've snapped in two...

With a quick shake of her head, she brought her claymore back up, readying for the next clash of their blades.

Arhra

05-27-2006, 09:41 AM

"Might not one ask you the very same question?" Kirakiri smoothly replied. "Why are you along in this enterprise? Even a slave commanded to do something they consider detestable has one escape, if they have the bravery to take it. One might ask what is your true intent in this?"

It was then Kirakiri did a very unexpected thing.

"But I shall give you an answer. My reasons, they are the most selfish and selfless imaginable." he said. Kirakiri had an odd light in his eyes as he spoke, "I am certain that you know the legends, of Tama's descendant one day battling a resurrected Talkatz. That day is not far off if no steps are taken to prevent it."

"Aside from my loyalties, Talkatz's final death would throw the demon realms into utter disarray. I might be able to clamber my way to a powerful position as the various warlords vie to fill the power vacuum created, but there is much uncertainty. This current peace suits me far better."

Much like Iori's action before, Kirakiri also leaned forwards slightly, voice lowering in a conspiratoral tone, "And Kurama slaying Talkatz would have much more far reaching effects than you might imagine. This act will also have a deeper symbolism of ushering in the end of the age of magic. I have sought this information, seen the signs and consulted oracles. While certainties are impossible with prophecy, what was foretold prompted me to fully pledge my resources to Kurama's death."

"Can you imagine it Iori?" A fine, modulated note of passion had crept into the shapechanger's voice, each word carefully stressed to underscore his meaning, "A world without magic? The world as we know it would cease to exist. Everything beyond the mundane would fade away, wonders and horrors gone. I may live to see a thousand years. I do not wish to vanish into shadows and memories, with all I have wrought unravelling into fine wisps of nothing."

The shapechanger's voice returned to silken calm as he finished, "And that, Iori, is my true intent." In what Iori had expected to be a battle of secrets and shadows, it seemed Kirakiri had taking the unorthodox approach of telling the ronin the truth.

Astral Harmony

05-27-2006, 08:03 PM

Kirie was this close to being knocked overboard by the sudden white shape bursting out of the water. It was long and relatively thin, like a round-tipped spear. Obviously some kind of fish.
"Thumper Heads!"
Kirie looked to the watchman at another place on the deck, who drew her naginata. Kirie didn't know what Thumper Heads were. "Don't let them send you overboard. Kill them or dodge them, but don't let them put you into the water. This is their tactic to distract predators that are chasing them."
"Right," Kirie said, her sword out in a flash and morphed into the Heavy Blade. It was time to remind these girls why she was a commander. Most of the other deck crew jumped or dodged their aquatic opponents, but Kirie stood her ground. As a Thumper Head sailed gracefully out of the water, Kirie swung the sword in a clumsy yet powerful arc. A nasty gash put the fish down, one of its milky white eyes rolling off of the edge. "Must be a species of lesser demons that made its home in the human world."
"They make for a tasty meal if you have the right spices too, my lady," a soldier informed Kirie, nudging her own attacker away from her legs. "Too bad they don't travel in large groups at this time of year."
But they were pretty big, the one Kirie had slain measuring perhaps ten, eleven feet in length and a foot in width. No wonder there was the warning about being forced into the sea by being rammed. "Let's get a meal going, then!"

Krylo

05-28-2006, 04:50 PM

Taken slowly and delibrately stepped out of the holes his feet were in, shaking the dirt off of each sandle as Tayuumi stood a few feet in front of him, her sword raised in an elementary combat stance.

A small gust of wind blew over the heated battle field, bringing a quick moment of relief from the searing sun to both combatants, and the ronin looked up into the shadow warrioress's eyes, a small smile playing across his face.

"Tell me, Tayuumi... do you feel it yet? The grip of the abyss?" the ronin asked, just the slightest bit of emotion--joy, by the sound of it--entering his voice.

Tayuumi gave a distasteful spit to the ground before looking back up to Taken, her eyes flaring violently with the black anger she had during the heat of battle.

"I don't care for your damn feeling. Your abyss. Your whatever. Your sadistic fucking urges are wasted on me. Now stop your damn talking. A battle is no place for a damn conversation on what gets off sick bastards."

Taken's smile dropped slightly, though it was still there, but all the emotion was gone from his voice when he replied, "Life reaches its apex only when it looks death in the eyes... if you are not capable of experiencing this beauty then there is no point in continuing this dance any longer. Let us finish this..."

"Fine," came the snarling reply from from the ebon-armor clad warrioress.

Taken leapt forward in a burst of his unnatural speed, and Tayuumi reacted by swinging her claymore down in an overhead swing to intercept and slice him apart, much as she had so many times before. This time, however, Taken was closer than he had been before, well within striking distance.

He turned his body, so that his right shoulder was facing her, the same foot ahead of him, and his left hand was held back holding his katana so the point of the blade was facing her stomach. As the blade came down his right hand shot up and clutched the offending sword in his hand, the demonic essence screaming out in resistance to this mere human's attempts to once again stifle it.

His entire hand was quickly covered in the black energy and bolts of shadow slashed down, tearing apart the earth in great gashes, and criscrossed over Taken's body leaving shallow cuts and gashes in their wake. Stone and dirt flew about the two combatants as Taken's eyes locked with Tayuumi's, the rage still evident in the woman's eyes.

And then Taken moved.

Muteki came forward in a piercing thrust, as Taken brought the left side of his body forward. All of his body's considerable strength was behind the blow, all of his momentum, and such power could not be halted by mere steel.

The shadow armor peeled back, and Muteki cut through flesh and steel, emerging from Tayuumi's back, its blade red with her blood.

Slowly the raging ebon bolts quieted, as the rage faded from Tayuumi's eyes, until the energy of both faded into nothingness. The warrioress's eyelids fluttered down and closed, as Muteki slid back out of her body, allowing her to crumple to the ground, her sword still held in Taken's bloody hand.

The ronin lowered his arm quietly, and placed Tayuumi's claymore in his obi, alongside Muteki, and then let his right arm fall to his side, rivlets of blood making there way down his forearm from multiple gashes, to drip down from his flayed hand--skin missing completely.

Then he kneeled over Tayuumi's form for a second, closing his eyes to prepare himself for the pain, as he took both hands and drove his fingers into her breastplate, before giving a great heave. Blood gushed from his skinless hand like juice from a crushed grape, but strappings tore, and the breastplate flew to the side, leaving Taken gasping for a second, pushing back the pain.

Then he grabbed her shirt and tore it open below the chest--the removed cloth dissipating harmlessly into wisps of black shadow which vanished in the light of the day, revealing her stomach, and the wound Muteki had left, which both of his hands quickly fell upon, before pushing down hard--though still gentle enough not to damage the woman's flesh further.

"Ninja girl, this woman is still alive. You have clean bandages, come and use them before that is no longer the case," he said, his voice returned to its eerie emotionless calm.

batgirl

05-28-2006, 08:18 PM

"Ninja girl, this woman is still alive. You have clean bandages, come and use them before that is no longer the case."

Jade knew that time was of the essense, so she didn't make a comment about Taken calling her ninja girl. She quickly opened her pack and pulled out a small satchel and some clean bandages while unscrewing her water can. She laid her bandages out in strips on her pack, so that the dirt from the ground wouldn't get on them. She then opened the satchel and pulls out some green leaves while she shoves in her mouth and begins chewing. Taking some extra bandages, she pours some water on Tayuumi's wound and cleans it. As she finishes, she takes the chewed leaves from her mouth and lines them onto the clean bandages on her pack. She then takes the entire concoction and begins to bind Tayuumi's wounds.

As she works, she doesn't look up, but speaks to Taken, "would you want me to treat your wounds as well?"

IHateMakingNames

05-28-2006, 08:20 PM

Yuu was now running around, waving two flags that had "Taken"" written on them.

"Yay! Taken won! Take that stupid girl!" He screamed as he ran around. The damange done to Taken and Tayuumi, along witht he blood, didn't seem to bother the little kid. He assumed it was paint.

Krylo

05-28-2006, 08:50 PM

Taken had stood and taken a step back, once Jade had begun her work in earnest, staying only long enough to keep pressure on the wound before Jade began applying medication, but not long enough to get in the way.

When she spoke to him he answered calmly, "Simply bandaging the arm should be sufficient."

batgirl

05-28-2006, 08:59 PM

Jade stood up and inspected Taken's wound carefully. "You have no more skin on this hand, putting a bandage on it would only make it worse." She took some leaves out of her satchel and gave them to him. "Chew these and put them on your wounds. Do not bandage them until you've grown some new skin. The herbs will keep infections away."

Krylo

05-29-2006, 03:58 AM

Taken nodded and took the herbs, placing them into his mouth and chewing them delibrately, before spitting out the paste onto his good hand and then smearing it over his, skinless, right hand and forearm, allowing the paste to soak in to the bloodied flesh.

He flexed his right hand painfully a few times, and glanced down at Tayuumi. By this time Jade had finished her work, and Taken kneeled down once more, this time sliding his arms under her knees and neck. He lifted her carefully in his arms, standing there quietly, his eyes unfocused as usual, waiting for the group to move once more.

Mesden

05-29-2006, 03:59 PM

Tayuumi lay in Taken's arm without a hint of motion. Her body was as limp as possible, one arm slightly hanging off as he held her.

Her armor is tied to her power and will, but like this, she had no ability to sustain her power or use her will.

So, slowly, the armor began to shred away. Small wisps of shadows dissipating in the sun, showing random patches of skin and some soft, black padding beneath that soon to was tearing and whisping away.

As the black wisps vanished into the afternoon sun, a voice came to Taken. From where he didn't know, but it rung clearly and no one else could seem to hear it. It was a...dark voice. Not scary or evil, just sullen. The sound of an old man who had seen far too much of the world to care much about it.

"You, Ronin, had best count your blessings. The young woman that you now hold is far more important than you think. She is the heiress to much and she does not know it. Had she died, your fate would have been sealed and I would have struck you down then and there. Be wary of this girl, Ronin, for she will inherit power that not even your skills can hope to match."

Astral Harmony

05-29-2006, 06:18 PM

Real Time Event Sequence

Fallen Angel Yuna
"Why, Shizuka. You bad, bad girl."
Shizuka didn't turn to see Yuna fly into the throne room from a window, a crimson book held open in one hand. "By the way, you're a terrible writer. This would be a whole lot more fascinating with a dramatic touch."
"Speak your piece and then leave me alone."
"Certainly. I do have more things to do, anyways. But I have some questions first."
Shizuka finally faced the angel, not showing surprise that Yuna had her diary.
"I didn't think you were such a conspirator, Shizuka. Tell me, how long have you kept all these secrets from the girls? Especially Tsubasa and Kirie? And how shocked do you think they would be if they found all this out?" Yuna said, an expression of pleasant surprise on her face. "It really doesn't matter, though. After all, even this won't change the fact that I'm going to have you try to kill those girls when it's time to set my plan into action."
"I'm jealous, though. You got to these girls before I did. If I was only a few years earlier, I would have ultimate power over all of this. Heck, I probably wouldn't even have to create my little homunculus army, but I'm used to busting my ass. It's all for accomplishing the impossible, right?"
"You've turned me into an unwilling slave who only has death at the end of Tsubasa's wires to show for all of the obstacles I've worked so hard to overcome." Shizuka said in a dark tone. "Is it possible that you can spare me any further anguish?"
Yuna paused for a moment. "Yes, I believe it is possible. Very well, then. I will leave you alone until it is time to deploy you. If your facade is as important as you say it is, then I'm sure you'll give it your all to destroy those who have trusted you for so long. Bye-bye for now."
Yuna backed away, leaving the still-open diary on the seat of the throne. Shizuka closed her eyes. "Death is what I deserve for all the misleading I've done to them."
-----
White Kimono Tsubasa
Takano rose from near the campfire when Tsubasa, Kiyomi, and Rio returned with Shizuko in tow.
"Ah, you've returned...and with company, I see."
"Hello, Takano. You're looking as beautiful as you can possibly be."
"It's all for my future. Will you be joining us?"
"Nah. I just need to talk to my sister."
"I hope that goes well for you."
"I very much doubt it will. My sister's got some things to answer for."
Tsubasa grinned. "Well, since you two seem to be so comfortable with each other, why don't you guard her, Takano?" She didn't wait for an answer but went straight to Kirie Rebirth. "Are you all ready for this? We'll be the first to attack Genkai."
Kirie Rebirth cackled madly. "I kill Genkai! I kill Genkai! He die, he die, he dieeeee!"
"Yeah, yeah, save the psychotic babbling for the fight."

Krylo

05-30-2006, 01:31 AM

As the message came to Taken's ears he smiled slightly. He had already noticed that Tayuumi's power could be incredibly dangerous when used properly--not that she seemed to be focused enough to use it to it's fullest abilities, but that was the reason he had gone to lengths to keep her alive. Someday, she may be capable of defeating even him. A challenge worthy of his skills.

He glanced down at her and saw that her armor and clothing was quickly dissipating. Without her will to give the shadows form they disappeared back into the inky blackness from which they came.

Despite outward appearances, Taken did have something left that could be called humanity, and Tayuumi would doubtlessly already be embarrassed enough about her defeat without being carted about nude.

The ronin kneeled once more, setting Tayuumi to on the ground and carefully drew out both her claymore and his katana from his obi, placing them on the ground, before untying the fabric and allowing his kimono, which he quickly removed, to fall open.

Tayuumi's torso was lifted, and he wrapped the kimono around her, tying the arms in the front, so that it covered her like a large blanket. He then put the obi back around his own waist and replaced the swords, their cold steel rubbing against his nude legs.

Once more the unconcious half-demoness was lifted into Taken's arms, though now she was wrapped in his kimono, and he was wearing nothing more than a sarashi and his sandals--the various small cuts across his relatively, though not impressively, muscled body exposed.

His eyes than moved down the road slowly, and unfocused. "Our destination is there?" he asked, hoping to prompt the group into travel.

Astral Harmony

06-01-2006, 08:56 AM

Kirie kneeled next to one of the dead Thumper Heads, determining how much meat one might get out of each creature. She herself had been able to kill four. A glance around revealed three more, slain by the deck crew. Already they were rounding up the corpses to cut out all the inedible stuff and ready them for the furnace.
In the meantime, Kirie had a task. Kirakiri had told them where to go, but he didn't say what he wanted them to do when they got to the location, and since they were getting pretty close, he should have new orders. Leaving the deck and venturing into the belly of the ship, Kirie was stopped by Kirakiri's ninja henchmen. "I've come to ask what your lord would like me to have the ships and crew do next. We'll be reaching our destination within the next hour."

Funka Genocide

06-01-2006, 09:25 AM

"To be honest Lord Kirakiri, I never knew such a thng as magic existed until a few days ago." Iori replied earnestly, taken aback by the demon's honest reply. "And that sort of magic can never be undone."

"I know very little of destiny, of legend or the fates of horrors or wonders. If what you say has any truth to it though, the second death of Talkatz would bring about the end of all demons, would it not?"

Iori though for a moment on his supposition before comenting, "That I think, would be a terrible thing indeed..."

Dragonsbane

06-01-2006, 10:39 AM

A cool wind had rushed through the hallway when Iori had defeated the ninja bodyguards hidden there, disguised as the displacement of air created by the motions of the combat. It remained careful, however, knowing that the speedy ronin had some affinity for the element of Air.

Raikotsu knew a little about Talkatz and his relationship with all demons. However, his people had their own lore that went a bit more in depth. He understood that Talkatz's role was one of necessity, a part of the balance, and his own plans went beyond either ressurecting him or slaying him. He suspected some of his colleagues had plans to usurp Talkatz, but he didn't care. He had little faith that they would succeed, resourceful as they were, but it never hurt to know as much as possible. He hovered, silent and undetectable, and listened intently.

secretskull

06-01-2006, 04:46 PM

Beraku walked out of the city, with the wineskin he had just bought with him. It was made of leather, and had a long serviceable strap. He had hung it across his shoulder, and filled it with wine. When the wine ran out, he would fill it with water.

He walked along the road for a while, growing hotter and hotter in the noon sun. Up ahead, he saw a group of people standing around, completely obstructing the path. As he got closer, he noticed that one of them was almost completely naked. "Hey you, naked guy!" He yelled when he got close enough. "Move out of the way!" He was drawing nearer to the group. "I have much better things to do then stand around, watching you..." He paused. He was level with Taken now, and he saw all the blood in the general area, and the unconscious Tayuumi.
He didn’t feel all that hot anymore.

Summary: Beraku buy's a wineskin, and leaves town. He sees Naked Taken and company blocking the road. He tells them to move. He sees Tayuumi.

lazy man

06-01-2006, 06:34 PM

Suzume looked at this new man with an annoyed glance. He'd been silent during the rest of the fight, deciding that he would just watch it and live with it. He had also stayed silent after the fight, knowing that saying anything might not have been very smart now that Tayuumi was injured like this.

Of course, no one said anything about replying to a guy that had made his introduction like this.

"Well, you've seen why we've stopped. Now just go around us and get going. I don't think any of us are in the mood to deal with you," he said, expressing his feelings bluntly. "Unless, of course, any of you feel like dealing with him."

Raiden

06-01-2006, 10:56 PM

Kurama's eyes watched lazily as the fight progressed before him, his eyebrow raising ever so slightly as she showed off her new shadow abilities. His eyes darted about, constantly keeping up with their speed, keeping track of each of their movements. His eyes barely blinked, even when the Muteki went up and stabbed into her.

He knew it wasn't a lethal move yet...so he hadn't stepped in. His eyes did flicker just a bit as he watched it pierce through. It wouldn't be feeling good at all for quite a while. He felt a familiar feeling boiling in his chest. He took his deep breathes, closed his eyes, and allowed the events to unfold.

Once the group was back on the road, and before they were interrupted by a rather rude fellow in the road, he came up beside Taken. His face was calm, and the ever-present smile was plastered there. But his voice was stern and strong.

"Just so you know...I won't stand for another member of my group being injured to this extent. If you wish to remain in this close a proximity to us, you'll need to learn some self-control. Our duel will happen. Until then, no more injuries on my friends."

When the group stopped, Kurama looked through the weaving in his straw hat to see the young man.

Astral Harmony

06-02-2006, 10:17 AM

Fallen Angel Yuna
Yuna traveled into the depths of the Sword Atelier located below Kimonia Kastle, eventually reaching the final basement, where there was only one room. The chamber of the Kyneblade. The Kyneblade was impaled into the ground at the center of some kind of a magic circle drawn in blood that glowed.
Yuna didn't even wait for the door to close behind her before speaking. "Everything is ready on my end, Xalhas."
The giant shape of the alien Xalhas shifted a little in the deep and dark recesses of the giant chamber. "Excellent. We have completed our tasks and are ready for the next phase as well. Please, take them."
It was a total of three katanas, all encased in sheaths. "Remember, one-"
"One goes to Astral, one goes to Shizuka, and one I must impale in the body of Arachnarok." Yuna interrupted. "I know what to do."
Xalhas didn't say anymore, but Yuna wasn't finished talking yet. "Are you ready to explain to me why I am not allowed to kill those girls?"
"I have already told you this. They are more useful to me in life right now than in death. All except for that one woman."
Yuna didn't quite understand it all, but decided that Xalhas wasn't going to be forward about everything. "Fine. I'll get started right away."
Yuna exited the chamber, waiting for the door to close. "Kirie. I don't understand why Xalhas even cares that she's...ugh, whatever. I'll figure it out when I have some free time."
-----
Green Kimono Kirie
Speaking of which, Kirie had been turned away for a while as Kirakiri seemed to be occupied with someone else. That was fine. It wasn't like they'd reach their destination within the next few minutes. Deciding that the shapeshifted would eventually take it upon himself to tell them what to do next, she settled down for a nap.
Almost instantly the moment she slipped into her own subconsciousness, Kirie stood before the burning orphanage. The flames burned brightly and she could make out every grisly detail in the violent red light. The roof caving in. The dancing shadows. The roasting husks of the other orphans. And a young, crying girl with crimson hair and a tattered kimono standing before the burning structure, watching the blaze consume the building with an expression of disbelief. Kirie herself was taken with the enormous flames, and almost didn't notice the demon going for the girl until it was nearly too late.
"No!" Cried the young girl, only able to turn as the panther devil pulled back one of its deadly claws to rip her throat open.
It was over in a second. Kirie sprinted forward and with a broad swing of the Heavy Blade, she split the demon in two right up the middle. The monster died in a bloody fountain. The girl turned to face Kirie, who had turned to see the little girl.
"Thank you for saving me."
"No biggie. I just did what I had to do."
"Can you tell me why you saved me?"
If the little girl wasn't who Kirie knew her to be beyond all doubt, she wouldn't have understood the question. "You have a dream, right?"
The little girl shook her head slowly. "My dream was destroyed this night, engulfed in the flames of hell."
Kirie smiled. "You can say that, but even when all is lost, there's still a dream."
"Really? Do I really still have a dream?"
"As long as you continue to live, you'll always have a dream. I mean, even just surviving can be your dream. And then, when you survived long enough, you'll find something that makes you come up with a new dream, as I did."
Kirie had barely noticed that the girl had grown into a young women who stared back at her. If Kirie didn't recognize the little girl as herself, she could easily see that she was just a reflection now. "That's right," said the woman. "The only reason I decided to live today was that I had a dream even as I saw everything precious to me consumed by this night...this fire. It was silly. It was dumb. It was pathetic for me to believe, at this time, that I was going to be happy. I always figured I'd come across times like these regularly, where everything I'm come to love and cherish would be destroyed once again. But yet, I chose life. I have chosen life for all the years since this disaster."
Kirie nodded. "That's right. Shit just wasn't easy for me, yet I somehow found the ability to dream and set goals even during all this chaos...heartening. I would never have met people I care for like Tsubasa if I had just let my instincts take over."
"Yes, this is why."
"This is why what?"
The woman shook her head. "Try to understand, Kirie, that regardless of your dreams, you have still been affected even up to now because of this tragedy."
"I don't understand."
"Dreams are good to rely on, yet you also harbor an abstract fear of losing all that you care about to chaos so you're not trying to make your most precious dreams come true. There is more than you desire that you are not trying to achieve because you believe that trying to make all your wishes come true will invite events like this again." She gestures to the husk of the burned out orphanage, the flames long dead. "What you don't realize is that these things are destined to happen. Sure, the deaths of these children are unforgiveable, but because you were no longer able to live in this place, you became a vassal of Shizuka, met Tsubasa-"
"What does Tsubasa have to do with any of this?"
"The two of you. Your destinies are intertwined in ways neither of you can possibly understand without disaster revealing the connections that exist between you. Such a disaster is forthcoming. As for your...other fantasies, I believe you may want to speak to Rio about those."
"Shut up."
"But it gives you a goal, doesn't it?"
Kirie sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go find them."
"Good girl. After all, it's better to have at least experienced true happiness for a day and lose everything to disaster than to never experience true happiness at all."
"Are you quite finished making fun of me?"
"No, wait! I have a clue for you!"
"Clue? About what? This is getting annoying and it's making me uncomfortable."
"When the panther demon attacked you, there was no crimson haired girl in a green kimono to save you that time. You had always believed that Shizuka had dealt with it, but that isn't the case. She didn't arrive to take us to Kimonia Kastle until hours later when she found you unconscious. Something incredible happened that night, something you don't understand. Perhaps when things unfold, you'll learn why that occured as well."
"I don't have time for this."
"Wrong again, Kirie. You do have time for this, because you need to figure all of this out. It's not simply something you can solve in bits and pieces and then complete the puzzle when the war is over. This will have great meaning and will change you, though for better or worse, I cannot say. That is up to you, of course."
Kirie roused herself from her sleep. She sat up and placed a hand upon her forehead. "What the hell was that all about?"

Summary: Yuna begins the next phase of her operations involving special swords made by some creature named Xalhas and Kirie experiences an interesting and confusing dream.

Inbred Chocobo

06-06-2006, 07:47 AM

Kazunori came bumbling out of the bushes onto the road nearby the group. How the hell he ended up there or what he had been doing up until now was just too impossible to tell, but Kazu would think it would make a great drinkin story for the pub tonight.

However it didn't matter, Kazu was here and thats about all that did. "Hey guish. Whatz I miss?" Kazunori said as he looked at the group, and then noticed another man, trying to get by the group. But it wasn't the man he noticed, it was the wine he noticed he had.

So Kazu stumbled over to the man, going "Hey buuuddy. Hows shabout yous an me share a dwink." With both arms open and a smile on his face.

Arhra

06-06-2006, 09:35 AM

OOC: Well, trying to move things along a touch, but I have had something important pointed out to me. If you want some additional conversation here, PM me Funka and we can edit it in.

"I know very little of destiny, of legend or the fates of horrors or wonders. If what you say has any truth to it though, the second death of Talkatz would bring about the end of all demons, would it not?"

Iori thought for a moment on his supposition before comenting, "That I think, would be a terrible thing indeed..."

Kirakiri spread his hands in an ambivalent gesture, "Admittedly, it is impossible to know the exact repercussions of such a world changing event. Still, some things can be glimpsed at. Yes, such an outcome - in one form or another - is almost certain."

They spoke on a short time longer. "I am pleased to have had this opertunity to answer your questions." The shapechanger concluded and Iori excused himself.

With Iori's departure, one of the ninja came in and informed the shapechanger of how Kirie had also come by. Kirakiri nodded and gave some quick instructions. Left, as it appeared, alone in his cabin, Kirakiri spoke to the empty air, "So kind of you to join me Raikotsu." What passed for a smile flitted across his face, "Today I seem barraged with people. While you are here, we might as well speak however. I had wished to speak to you privately about recent happenings."

"I must admit to having certain concerns about your performance. Given the importance of the task we are engaged in, it would be foolish of me not to seek a solution. Perhaps you can allay these apprehensions for me?"

Dragonsbane

06-06-2006, 09:59 AM

"Performance? Do not forget, shapechanger, that we merely have a common interest. As for your apprehensions, I killed monks and brought their airship down. If I chose not to kill a valiant warrior I had no grudge against, that is my perogative." He assumed Kirakiri was questioning his decision to save Tayuumi, and dismissed his concerns with a wave of his abruptly-materializing hand. As he appeared from thin air, he strode forward, examining Kirakiri's room with mild interest.

"As for Genkai...I was most displeased at the sorceror who chose an inopportune moment to interfere in our honorable duel. Nonetheless, Hinote has redeemed himself, and I have no doubt that Kurama and I will meet again on the field of battle. The Genkai line will be extinguished, none shall wield the Raigaki again, and both of us get what we want." He sat down as he spoke, "If you have any further doubts, why don't you try fighting him yourself? They say wisdom comes from firsthand experience, after all."

"Or is it something else you doubt? Either way, I had something I need to discuss with you as well, and no desire to injure your bodygards in an unnecessary conflict." Raikotsu leaned forward slightly, his azure gaze burning into Kirakiri's eyes, his posture relaxed yet confident.

"I want you to find out everything about the warrior I saved, the woman with the blade and armor of shadows."

Astral Harmony

06-06-2006, 11:31 AM

Kirakiri's ninjas relayed their master's orders to one of the crew, who then relayed it to Kirie. "No reason to refuse that. Go ahead and get started while I figure this out."
"Yes, my lady."
The crew member entered the ship and Kirie turned back towards the water, holding the strange baton. "Okay, so how does it work?"
The other girl with her, still grinning, took a stance and faced the water. "This Mortar Wand absorbs energy, turns it into an impact burst shot, and is released when you swing it hard enough. Let me show you, please."
With that, the soldier whirled the Mortar Wand in a single hand. The head of the baton gathered light and started glowing. After several seconds, the soldier leaped upward and swung the wand in a broad, wild arc. The energy sphere shot out into the water, obeyed gravity, hit the ocean, and detonated with a satisfying spray of water.
"Wow. That's pretty cool."
"Yes, my lady. When Lady Kiyomi and Mika put their minds together, they can accomplish some pretty incredible feats. Too bad there's not enough weapons to make these standard issue. I'm sure our chances of success would skyrocket if every one of us had a Mortar Wand."
"Well, we've always had to compromise. These times are no different."
Something came out of the water. Then, some things.
"The Mortar Wand doesn't summon those, does it?"
The soldier glanced out towards the four creatures. "No, my lady. In fact, I've never seen those creatures before. Are they a new race of demons?"
Kirie handed off her Mortar Wand to the soldier and drew out her sword. "What the hell are these creatures?"
They didn't speak, but Kirie didn't care. They were all the same type of creature. The large, curved beak had four dark violet spheres, two on top and two on the bottom, and Kirie could just make out a fifth sphere, larger than the other four combined, concealed inside the beak. Two tentacles, roughly three feet long extended from the back of the beak at the sides and the body ended in four more tentacles, each of those perhaps five feet long. Aside from the spheres, the body was dark green in color like seaweed and smooth. They seemed to glide in place on the air currents.
"There's more?!"
Kirie whirled around to see more than a dozen of them in the air surrounding the deck. The deck crew had their weapons out. "Girls! With me!"
Kirie hurried to the center of the deck. The four deck crew joined up with her, covering each others backs. "Are those Mortar Wands safe if they miss and the energy bombs hit the deck?"
"No, my lady. The deck could take some pounding from missed shots, but it wouldn't hold up."
"Put them away and use your other weapons, then."
The two girls with Mortar Wands put those weapons away and switched to their Tazer Staves, the same weapons that the other two crew members had.
"All right, girls. Let's show these freaks a little tolerance of people just passing through their territory."

Summary: Kirie relays Kirakiri's orders to the ship crews, then encounters enemies while on the deck. She and four crewwomen engage the strange creatures.

Krylo

06-07-2006, 01:30 AM

"This girl began the duel, Genkai. I merely accepted, as I shall continue to do, to any who would challenge me. You have no say," Taken replied to Kurama with his emotionless voice, just before the travelling man decided to accost him.

The ronin merely stepped aside and continued to walk around the pair of men who had materialized in his path. Such men were beneath a swordsman of Taken's caliber, and he would not waste his time.

Arhra

06-07-2006, 09:40 AM

"Have I, perhaps, done something to slight you? Why else would you act with such disrespect?" was Kirakiri's mellifluous reply. Raikotsu's brash words had been a marked contrast to the shapechanger's polite talk of reconcilliation. Kirakiri paused a moment before continuing.

"As to my concerns, I cannot help but notice a certain tendency in past events." The shapechanger's voice was a scalpel, not deadly but sliding into unexpected places. "I am forced to ask myself, 'Why is it that Genkai, whose death guarantees our success, was left to his own devices when the duel was interrupted?' and 'Why would one choose to abandon the field of battle when there is work still to be done?'. Crashing the airship was but the first step of our intent."

"A duty left incomplete is a danger. Distraction causes an incomplete duty. I do not wish to have any risk of such an occurance. A mutual understanding is something I had hoped for, but regretfully it appears this may not be possible." Kirakiri conluded in a tone of sorrow.

Kirakiri's eyes were placid golden pools compared to Raikotsu's burning azure gaze. "And this, Raikotsu, leads to my answer. No, I will not be giving you information about the warrior you speak of."

Astral Harmony

06-07-2006, 10:52 AM

Green Kimono Kirie
Kirie and the girls were victorious...to an extent. The creatures had all been destroyed and Kirie surveyed her fellows in battle. One woman had been disarmed during the fighting and couldn't stand from the pain and injuries she sustained. Two more had also been wounded, but both of them looked okay enough, and they were standing. One woman was unhurt. "Get the wounded below deck and start treatment. I'll stay up here in case more of those things come."
The girls silently obeyed and Kirie was left alone. She looked up into the sky, then down towards the ocean, eventually finding nothing else. "Just what the hell were those things? Servants of some ally of Genkai?"
-----
Fallen Angel Yuna
Once again, Yuna's hard work ended only with boredom. She had completed nearly all of her tasks, having to wait until Kurama finally started clashing with the Kimonos to finish up everything else.
"Damn it, I wish something interesting would happen."
"Something like me, Lunitia?"
Yuna turned around slowly, knowing who had spoken before she got her eyes on him. "How wonderful for you to come and pay me a visit, Zeira. I was beginning to think I'd never see any of my old friends from Heaven again."
"It's taken me four years to find you."
"Yeah, it has. But you've always been rather slow so it's understandable. At least I didn't have to deal with you until now when I have all this free time."
Zeira drew his claymore. Yuna already had a gun pointed to his head. "Why, Lunitia? Why did you do it?"
"Still pissed off about me destroying our God? You promised me then that you would help me, that justice would take care of all of that. But you took too long, Zeira. I got tired, and when I get tired of bullshit, it's time for me to lead using my own form of justice.
"But isn't that just ironic? He created me to give him something to 'shoot into' whenever he had the urge, but in the end it was me who did the real shooting."
"Silence."
"Personally, I think I felt many times better gunning him down than any of those great times he had when having me sent to his bedchamber."
"Be quiet."
"One time after he had finished, he said I was simply to die for. Well, I guess he was right about one thing for once."
"Shut up!"
"Why are you even here, Zeira? You have no right to hunt me down just for doing the only thing I could do to be free from the pitiful and worthless life I was spawned to suffer through. Tell me, in the end, did the justice you believed in or the love you had for me all this time mean anything? Our Lord thought that his divinity guarenteed that he was completely right and incapable of being anything less than truely perfect. That arrogance was his downfall and he deserved a death slower and far more painful than what I gave him."
Yuna lowered the gun and put it away. "There was nothing wrong in the death I gave him, Zeira. Hell, at least the way I handled things accomplished something. Not all good stuff, but I did what I fuckin' had to do. Where were you, Zeira? After all that time, you still didn't have a single idea of how to make all of it right."
Zeira didn't speak. He did charge, though. And his eyes went wide when Yuna aimed her second gun and shot Zeira in the shoulder, knocking him off his feet. "You forgot I wielded two guns when I took down our god."
"Damn it."
Yuna stepped forward. "In order for things to change, the force that changes it has to be nothing short of monumental. That is impossible without fighting and bloodshed. You're not entirely stupid so I think you understand what I mean when I say that. But since it looks like you haven't learned a single thing in the four years since I took charge of it all..."
The door to the room opened and in stepped Astral, her eyes glowing with a malevolent crimson red.
"What are you going to do to me?"
"I'll have to think on it. But for right now, why don't I just throw you into a cell? Astral, confine him into one of the cells."
Astral didn't speak. She simply moved over to Zeira. He tried to fight her but Astral quickly disarmed him of his sword, picked him up by his neck without any effort, and walked out of the room with Zeira in tow. Yuna didn't want to kill Zeira, but if he was left to just run around he would only cause trouble for her. Confining him until she was done with everything sounded like her best option.

Dragonsbane

06-07-2006, 12:56 PM

OOC: Arhra, I did read back through the thread. After leaving the battle, impossible to complete with the Gravity spell in effect, they ended up on opposite sides of the battlefield. Raikotsu isn't being brash. Also, how did Kirakiri sense Raikotsu in the first place?

IC: "Disrespect? My dear friend, any of perceived disrespect could only be a natural result of perceived condescension." Raikotsu responded in a voice that flowed as silky-smooth as honey. He frowned, yet remained impeccably composed, as if he were merely a bit offput at a minor illness one of his friends was suffering.

"Now you see, it appears you have grown far too used to dealing with your underlings and minions. I am not one of them, and treating me as one will gain you nothing. Before you attempt to castigate me again, remember that." the Air Demon chuckled.

"As for my...duty...as you put it. I have explained myself to you already, have I not? Until circumstances were again fit for dueling, in other words, when the spell was lifted, it would be dishonorable to unfairly use my superior ability to withstand the spell's effects to slay him. I had hoped you had some understanding of honor, Kirakiri. As for the Airship, I was still wounded, yet I remained active even to the point of collapse." Raikotsu's tone remained mild, but slightly reproachful.

"The one thing I desire from this is the destruction of Genkai. If you are unwilling to do an ally a simple favor, then I fear I can no longer consider you a friend." Raikotsu let out a soft sigh, shrugged, stood up, and left. There were other ways to obtain the information.

PhoenixFlame

06-08-2006, 11:18 AM

Several minutes before, Koyuki had finished a rigorous training session, and a peaceful period of meditation within her quarters during the length of the trip, a luxury she often did not indulge in. Regardless, there was not much to do on the ship. However, as intellegence poured in, Koyuki found it prudent to consult the shapechanger, Kirakiri, on the coming mission.

She arrived sometime during Raikotsu's conversation, an argument that she could not resist commenting on.

"I want you to find out everything about the warrior I saved, the woman with the blade and armor of shadows."

"Rather hypocritical about the situation now, aren't we, Raikotsu? Perhaps I should immediately demand the honor of drinking her heart's blood upon our next encounter." Koyuki dryly commented.

"When you are finished here, Kirakiri, a word, if you will." Koyuki's eyes turned to Kirakiri with a nod as the demoness stood directly outside the doorchamber of his office.

Truce

06-09-2006, 12:56 AM

"Shall we get a move on then?" Youji said, rising from his seat. "Wasting words over a battle that was unnecessary in the first place serves only to delay us further.

"If you wish can bicker along the way. You would have done so anyway."

Astral Harmony

06-09-2006, 05:24 PM

Fallen Angel Yuna
Yuna opened the secret entrance to Nyoka's chamber and entered. Astral stood unmoving near the right wall. Shizuka followed into the room after Yuna. The angel spun around and compared the de facto leader of the Kimonos and the recently deceased ninja master. Now that Shizuka had been given one of Xalhas's special swords, she was little more than a mindless drone and her eyes glowed red just like Astral. Arachnarok, who had been dealt with before Shizuka, acted in pretty much the same way. Yuna was impressed by the usefulness Xalhas presented.
"Let's see if he deserves even more credit," Yuna said to no one in particular and walked into the center of the room, still facing Shizuka. "Shizuka. Be a good slave and activate Nyoka for me, would you?"
"Nyoka. Rise."
No sooner did Shizuka finish her two words that Nyoka opened her eyes and rose from the bed, standing up and then taking no further action. Nyoka was a joint project from what Yuna had heard. Mika, Kiyomi, and Takano worked together and modeled her after Rio, except Nyoka was better endowed and somewhat bigger than the blonde bruiser, having larger muscles. Chizuru had sewn the orange kimono and while Takano had wanted to give Nyoka her own voice with which to speak, but Mika had beaten her to the punch. Still, Nyoka obviously lacked things like a personality and a way of carrying herself so she spoke only in a single tone and stood upright and confident, like Astral and Shizuka now that the swords had turned them into drones. However, Yuna hadn't seen Nyoka's eyes before. The right eye was gold in color while the left was red and neither pupil had an iris at its center.
"I take that to mean that it understands you, Shizuka. Tell it that from now on until its destruction or permanent deactivation that it will only listen to me and will obey only my orders."
Shizuka relayed Yuna's command to Nyoka. Nyoka did not speak or move. She simply remained as still as when she rose from her bed.
"Ummm...did she understand what you said, Shizuka?"
"Yes. Perfectly."
"Then why didn't she do anything?"
"You have not given her a command."
Yuna sighed. "Even when your mind is put to sleep and your body rendered a loyal husk that would jump off a cliff if I commanded, you still find a means to embarrass me."
But then again, there wasn't anything to be embarrassed about. Astral was a drone. Shizuka was a drone. Nyoka was a drone since those girls in their slutty kimonos made her. Yuna was the only one in the room who thought independantly. Time to test Nyoka.
"Nyoka, listen carefully. In the Sword Atelier, there is...what appears to be some kind of a weapon. It has your name on it and also the words 'Divine Breath' etched on it. What is it?"
Yuna should've expected Nyoka to start talking, but when Nyoka began to speak, particularly in Mika's voice, Yuna stepped back. "The Divine Breath Cannon is a weapon designed to be wielded by me. By utilizing my ability to gather raw energy for its power source as well as its intangible ammunition, the cannon can fire a destructive ray blast that can disinigrate human-sized life forms, pierce through armor, and obliterate natural and manmade structures and terrain features."
Yuna had no idea what she was looking at when she saw the weapon. But if it's something like that. "You're telling me you can haul that heavy weapon around?"
"It was initially designed to be wielded by Violet Kimono Commander Ikage Rio when she transforms. However, since she did not have certain necessary requirements that I do such as high mobility even when burdened greatly by carrying the weapon and the ability the charge energy to power the cannon and provide its ammunition source, the creation of the Divine Breath Cannon was halted until it was decided that something would be created to wield such a heavy and powerful weapon. In spite of how logical it would be to mount it on a mobile weapons platform such as the machines that are piloted by the subordinates of Blue Kimono Commander Matsuraba Kiyomi, it was instead decided that I would be created to wield the weapon by popular vote among the commanders themselves."
"Well, aren't you just the orange kimono clad overachiever?"
"Normally, this would be a true assumption to make. However, because of these huge requirements to sustain full combat potential in the field, I am subject to shutdowns when my energy has fallen to critical levels. Specifically, I was designed only to assassinate very powerful targets."
Yuna was intrigued. "Targets like who?"
"Targets like the Champion of the Soldiers of Light, Genkai Kurama. Targets like the Demon Overlord of the Underworld, Talkatz. Targets like anyone who would try to claim the throne of Talkatz and subvert the demons under his or her own dark rule."
"So that's it." Yuna paced back and forth, thinking. Xalhas didn't care about Genkai. Shizuka would have used Nyoka to test Genkai and bring him closer to the potential he would need to destroy Talkatz. Xalhas would use Nyoka to try and destroy Kirie. Yuna really didn't want to pass up the opportunity of gaining the Raigaki, especially at such an early point in this war. "But still. I wouldn't even have Nyoka following my orders if it wasn't for Xalhas's abilities."
Yuna sighed. "I fuckin' hate this."

secretskull

06-09-2006, 05:42 PM

"Maybe some other time", said Beraku to Kazunori, looking at him confusedly, backing away slightly.
Beraku felt that something was slightly off with the group, one was ignoring him, one was making thinly veiled threats, and one was apparently trying to buddy up to him. The whole thing looked very suspicious to him, still he would give the group the benefit of the doubt; after all, they might have a very good explanation. "So... What exactly happened here?" He asked the group at large, choosing to ignore the other person who had spoken to him. For now anyway, he would confront him for offending his honor in due time.

Inbred Chocobo

06-09-2006, 06:09 PM

Kazunori looked at Beraku for a second, trying to register the fact that the man had an alcoholic beverage, but didn't want to drink. These two ideas wavered and conflicted over a vast battleground, one that ranged from the highest mountaintops to the deepest valleys. Finally, an idea had spawned from that climatic battle, clearing Kazu's thoughts for the moment.

Of course, when he opened his mouth to speak to Beraku, he in turned spoke first. This completely threw aside Kazu's floating ideas, like ships landing on the shore of D-Day, launching questions at the not so fortifided idea that was Kazunori's thoughts. Those ideas fought bravely, but in the end it was the questions that won the day, or the instant if you will.

Kazu wanted to anwser, he really did. Its just that he had no idea what happened either. Shoot he hadn't showed up till just now. So instead of anwsering, he pulled out one of his famous bottles, and started drinking and walking off down the road, probably doomed to collide with something on the way there.

lazy man

06-10-2006, 07:54 PM

Suzume watched, mildly entertained, as Kazunori tried to answer this new man's first question, only to be interrupted by a second. The drunkard was quickly resorted to more drinking because of this. Shaking his head Suzume answered the question, being blunt once again, and not caring that he was being ignored.

"It was a duel. A good fight for the worst reasons... But I'm not standing around any more. It's pretty pointless for me to try and talk."

GARUD

06-10-2006, 08:54 PM

I agree with Youji, let's get moving. We don't have a second to spare. Besides, you know how those demons multiply."

Garud looked around.

"No more fighting, understand? We need to kill Talkaz, not each other."

Astral Harmony

06-13-2006, 06:39 PM

Yuna took a moment to collect her thoughts after giving out her orders and having them confirmed. There had to be something else. It dawned on her when she looked at Nyoka. "You're not mindless like the drones. Do you have any questions?"
"When neutralizing Green Kimono Commander Kirie, it is highly probable that the demons and other units in her company will attack me or try to keep her from harm by some other means."
"So destroy them as well. Granted, Genkai's bumbling companions and those morons with Kirie are both equally stupid, it doesn't hurt to eliminate what little threat they impose. Just remember that Kirie gets priority."
"Understood."
"Then get to work. All of you."
Nyoka, Shizuka, and Astral all left the throne room, leaving Yuna alone...or so she thought...
Using the noise of their departure, a young and beautiful brunette sneaked back through the window and ran down the outer wall to the courtyard below. Another young woman, this one a blonde, waited patiently below.
"So what did you find out?" Hikaru said softly.
"Hikaru, you don't have to speak quietly. Yuna couldn't possibly hear us way down here. C'mon, let's go back to the dungeon."
It wasn't a long trip, and Sanaka and Hikaru were quickly beside the door to Zeira's cell. "So Yuna plans to have all the commanders slain before they can come back here."
Sanaka looked thoughtful. "Or maybe weaken them enough so they can't retake this castle. Either way, it seems her goal is to prevent us from regaining the Sword Atelier."
"Please let me out so I can help you," Zeira pleaded again.
The vice ninja commander shrugged. "No can do, handsome. One of your kind is causing enough trouble for us as is. We don't need two of you running around. Besides, you told me. The moment I free you, you're just going to waltz right back to 'Lunitia' and try to make things right on your own. A completely dumb and suicidal effort at best."
"Please understand, Zeira-sama. We're doing it ultimately for your benefit."
"Actually, only somewhat for his benefit," Sanaka corrected with a smirk. "Mostly for mine. The last thing I need is him blundering about."
"But you don't understand-"
"No, you don't understand, Zeira. Your justice isn't going to work when the one you're trying to save here doesn't want to be saved. Yuna is not the woman you think she is because you're too goddamn stubborn to reform your opinion of her. Not only that, you forget where you are. This is the Netherworld, not paradise in the fuckin' clouds. Shit...is...different. You don't seem to get it, so you're only going to get yourself killed, which might not be a bad idea at this point in time. I actually wonder how you're still alive, particularly after your encounter with Yuna. Believe me or don't, but you're better off cooling it out in this cell. And who knows?" Sanaka paused. "Maybe you might learn something. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a renegade angel's wrath to prepare for. Let's go, Hikaru."
Sanaka backed away and started leaving. Hikaru was speechless, then bowed lightly to Zeira and followed Sanaka. Zeira slowly lowered his head and fell to his knees, his clenched fists on the door. "I'm not just plodding foolishly into danger...am I?"

Arhra

06-14-2006, 09:05 AM

As Raikotsu turned to leave, Kirakiri shaped a parting comment, keeping the same diplomatic tone he had used throughout the entire conversation, "I must confess that I find your defensiveness perplexing Raikotsu. I merely expressed a desire for you to aid in dispelling certain concerns of mine. It is no attack on your ability or demand of any kind." Kirakiri had found Raikotsu's insinuations, ignoring of facts and unrepentant behaviour insulting. But he knew far better than to reveal his irritation.

Deciding he needed to take the last chance to sink his point home, Kirakiri carefully selected one of the barbs at his disposal and hurled it at Raikotsu's departing back, "However, I shall leave you with a question that you perhaps should ask yourself. It may reveal to you why I am concerned. Did it occur to you Raikotsu that your time might have been better spent by waiting for Kurama to also exit the area of that impeding spell and then resuming your duel? Honour would have been easily assuaged."

"When you are finished here, Kirakiri, a word, if you will." Koyuki's eyes turned to Kirakiri with a nod as the demoness stood directly outside the doorchamber of his office.

With Raikotsu gone, Kirakiri greeted Koyuki, "Please come in and make yourself comfortable Koyuki," he said, dropping the title as she had done. As she entered, he continued, "How may I be of assistance?"

PhoenixFlame

06-14-2006, 12:37 PM

"Thank you." Koyuki spoke as she stepped inside Kirakiri's "office", presenting a small pile of assorted parchments detailing military logistics. A terrain relief map of the Genkai residence with possible tactical maneuvers topped the stack.

"Given our information relating to Genkai's next possible moves, I have taken the liberty of requisitioning troops to seize the residence of Kurama's Grandfather, so that we can take both the Tama scrolls and the man himself hostage." Koyuki explained.

"It has come to my attention that you likely have a similar plan, and I wish to make sure our interests do not conflict each other."

Raiden

06-14-2006, 09:28 PM

Kurama merely lowered his hat again to hide his eyes and walked past the man in the middle of the road. He was distracting Kazunori, which was a great plus in Kurama's book.

He felt no need to speak to agree with the others. He had said his bit and that was all. He looked about the area.

"Hmmm....where are we?"

Astral Harmony

06-15-2006, 10:14 AM

"I'm going to go after them."
The loathsome form of the creature Yuna only knew as Xalhas shook slowly, something that Yuna came to understand as it laughing. "I keep telling you. Genkai is but a human. He, like all humans, are nothing but cattle being herded toward futile destinies to which they can't even escape. I know this, because like them, I myself was as low before I came to this world."
Yuna had heard it say this several times already. Now it was time for her to say her share. "I think that you do not give him enough credit. Sure, he is but a human, but even the tiniest pebble can send ripples throughout the lake. And, even though the lake continues to exist, that pebble is still in there, interfering. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you really should take humans a little more seriously, particularly ones who wield weapons like the Raigaki sword."
Xalhas was silent for a moment. "You have sent out those slaves, yes?"
"Nyoka will return to me with news of a destroyed Kirie within a few days. Shizuka, Astral, Fujiko, and Arachnarok will all be waiting to test Tsubasa when Genkai retrieves the legs."
"Then that's all I have needed you to do. If this human is so damn important to you, then why don't you go out and kill him yourself?"
Yuna grinned. "Hmmm. I thought you needed me here for something else. In that case, I'll go deal with that bastard right now. When it's something like taking that sword, I'd prefer to take matters into my own hands anyways."
"Just be forewarned, Yuna. I will activate the Kynesblade and send the Sentient Armors into a rage when those girls return."
"No problem. You said I was done here so I'm not coming back for anything. Regardless of where the Raigaki is by the time they arrive here, I'll need to be at Talkatz's castle to bring all of this to an end at any rate. So, I'll be going now. I've got a chosen one to find."
"Good fortune to you in your future endeavors."
"The same to you, alien."
After Yuna left the chamber, Xalhas relaxed. "What a silly woman she is. Things would be much easier for just about everyone is she simply got herself lost and never came back."
-----
"'Left'? What do you mean, 'left'?"
Hikaru shrugged. "Well, I suppose I could've stopped her on the way out of the castle. Maybe I can catch up with her and ask?"
Sanaka simply fell back on the floor, staring up at the ceiling.
"So, what should we do?"
"We'll just wait, I guess. See if she comes back. We've already got the word out about her throughout the castle and told them to act like normal so let's just wait for the time being."
"What about Tsubasa and Kirie?"
"You read their letter, Hikaru. They're going to drop Chiyo off at Sanctuary and split up to go find those two. Relax and leave everything to them. Besides, there's no commanders in the castle right now. We need to be here when time comes for us to act. Until then, just consider us on standby...or reserve."
"I wish I had your confidence."
"Our confidence comes with our experience. In spite of the fact that we're both technically troop commanders, you've lead troops far less than me and have less battle experience under your belt. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I guess that's just where my confidence comes from."

Dragonsbane

06-15-2006, 05:10 PM

Raikotsu stopped at the doorway, and chuckled, "Was that all? Kirakiri, you must realize that humans are fragile creatures, they break easily. There was a good chance that Kurama had been injured by the effects of the spell, or that escaping it had drained him. While my own abilities allowed me some defense against the increased pressure, a human has no such advantages."

With that said, he adressed Koyuki, "If you overcome her in battle, then such is your right. The life of the vanquished is in the victor's hands, after all." the Air Demon shrugged nonchalantly, and departed for the upper deck.

Inbred Chocobo

06-15-2006, 05:51 PM

And then, as if using great mind reading drunk powers, Kazunori noticed Kurama. Well, not really noticed, but it was the fact that there was a man in the road that was trying to hide his face from him, and Kazu wasn't going to stagger for that. "Yoush!" He sputtered out in an attempt to call him out, with a pointing finger that was off to far to the right.

"Why don't sha comes over here and hase a dwink." Kazunori said, approaching the man with the hat. Kazu really had no idea who it was, but there was one clear thought on Kazunori's mind, and that was that this man needed a drink.

GARUD

06-16-2006, 02:17 AM

"Wait, we're lost? If we are lost, I swear... How could we get lost?"

Garud's mood turned sour. Very quickly.

I'd like a new client.

Well, too bad... unless you want Talkaz.

I'll stick with Kurama.

I'd guessed as much.

Truce

06-16-2006, 03:27 AM

Youji coughed, waiting for Kurama to say he was joking. As lame as his humor could be, it was no surprising that he would try to lighten the mood by pretending they were lost.

...which, of course, they really were.

Deciding that he needed a calm way to handle this problem, he bowed his head for a moment in thought. "There is only one solution to this problem," he said, annoyance obvious in his voice. "The fighting must have knocked the information out of your head. Obviously, we must beat it back in."

Astral Harmony

06-16-2006, 09:21 AM

"Lady Kirie, we'll be docking very shortly. The shoreline is visible now."
"All right. I'll announce it."
Kirie moved over to a bizarre cone shaped object connected to a pipeline. If Kirie remembered correctly, the voice that goes through the pipeline usually reaches everyone in the ship unless they were in a deep sleep. More of the impossibilities made possible by Kiyomi and Mika.
The commander in the green kimono cleared her throat and spoke into the cone. "Listen up, everyone. Looks like we'll be ashore in ten minutes. It'll get pretty rocky when the ship climbs from the sea so...you've been...like, warned 'n' stuff."
Kirie removed her face from the cone, feeling stupid. Turning around revealed some of the girls giggling. "Oh, hush."

It was a little sooner than ten minutes before the ships began docking. Four massive steel arachnid legs latched into the ocean bed and started pushing the heavy body out of the sea and onto the land. The rattling was the worst when the ship finally broke free of the water. In a few more minutes, the two ships settled onto the beach. "Docking's complete," Kirie announced. "There's ladders on the sides but I'm sure you all can jump from the deck."
Kirie herself jumped down. Nothing she couldn't handle. The solid ground felt good and she was looking forward to using her legs.

Arhra

06-16-2006, 09:44 AM

OOC: And in the interests of moving things along, ka-summary! EDIT: Somewhat ironic that AB posts something along the same lines while I'm writing this.

"Of course." Kirakiri replied to Koyuki, "Best to lay out such planning immediately." The first matter was deciding upon an appropriate plan of attack for seizing their objectives. The pair examined their terrain maps of the area and assessed what potential opposition they might face. The deployment of their own troops was carefully orchestrated to systematically rip away defences. It was intended it to be swift and merciless.

The possibilities offered by where they might hold their hostage were their next consideration. Despite the potentially superior defenses that relocating them offered, Kurama would be kept off balance by holding them at the grandfather's house. Best to keep him acting in the heat of the moment than to give him time to consider.

Of course, that was not to say that their hostage would truely be a hostage. Kirakiri had taken pains to conceal the extent of his shapechanging ability for that exact reason. A shapeshifter was at its strongest when its enemies didn't know of its existence. The scenario could be developed to help prevent Kirakiri making any slip-ups in his disguise. Meanwhile, the real man could easily be spirited away and held safely elsewhere.

The bare bones of the plan laid, it could be later refined given the capabilities of the others in this alliance and as other information emerged. Still, they now had a core. The two demons ended their meeting satisified with what they had wrought.

The hours became days and soon enough, they had reached their rendezvous. Kirakiri disembarked gracefully, Sakiko, Kohaku, Moon and Gekido not far behind. The ninja he had brough with him carried mot of the supplies, mostly various scrolls and maps, he had chosen to bring with him. It was not something ninja were usually used for, but Kirakiri felt it both expedient and the work would be good for them - teach them humility. The ninja who had attacked Iori seemed to have a greater load than the rest. Kirakiri was not one to overlook small details.

Looking around, the shapechanger said, "We have to travel only a few miles overland from this bay to reach the rivercraft I have requisitioned for our use. Once the ships are unloaded, let us proceed. I will go on ahead to check the way. If you are of a mind, please join me." With that, Kirakiri motioned at Moon and Sakiko then turned and began walking, the pair falling in behind him.

OOC: Well, tiny bit of time warpage there. We'll need to get some information about the grandfather's place from Raiden before the attack can be launched. Probably a good idea to get an idea of the forces we're talking about too.

PhoenixFlame

06-16-2006, 10:03 AM

As Koyuki had left Kirakiri's office, she was met by Ayako, who had meanwhile been running logistics between their own forces and the Kimonian fleet. The rendevous point had been reached, and the plans laid. Now, the time to strike loomed close, but one thing remained to be done.

"M'lady, elements from the Third Steel Talon Legion have arrived and set up a staging area in the vicinity of the grounded ships." Ayako informed her.

"Very well." Koyuki replied. The Third Steel Talon Legion was one of the worst, actually. Koyuki had origionally debated if she needed troops at all for such a mission, but given recent failures, she deemed them necessary. However, given the prowess of both Kurama and his guardians, she expected a high casualty rate and did not wish to waste elite troops. Most of the Steel Talon Regulars were still loyal to Talkatz, another thing Koyuki loathed about them.

It was a short jaunt to the staging point from the ships, given their proximity. All requisitions were in order, approximately four-hundred demon soldiers in various arrangements and forms given their roles, most armed in humanoid shapes. It was a conservative arrangement, but unlike human armies, demon ones were generally so small, given the power of each individual soldier and the unwillingness of the majority to work in large packs.

"At ease." Koyuki waved off a pair of lower-ranked officers attempting to salute her, while heading toward the armory-tent, Ayako in close tow.

"M'lady?" Ayako asked.

"You see, I made a special request in addition to these troops, I wish you to assist me with it. An old relic I've kept since I gained this position." Koyuki replied with a wry grin and mischevious tone as the two entered the tent.

Astral Harmony

06-16-2006, 11:17 AM

Kirie gave her orders to the ship pilots. The crew started maintenance and check ups with an intent to return to Kimonia Kastle once they were ready to go.
"Those machines are slower on land than they are in the sea," Kirie explained to those who cared. "And since the soldiers would've fallen prey easily to the enemy as they lack personal combat skills, it'd be pointless to bring either them or their ships along."
Kirie was sure that she wouldn't see Kimonian forces again until they would eventually reach the garrison protecting the torso. None of them were looking to meet up with her, after all...except for one hauling a large cannon and wearing an orange kimono, still a great distance away but closing quickly.

secretskull

06-16-2006, 06:04 PM

Beraku looked at Suzume dubiously."So, at what point in this duel did the woman�s clothes completely disappear?" He thought to himself, annoyed, and looked down at the ground."

They must be some kind of bandit group, and they must of come upon that woman, and jumped her.� He pacing back and forth slightly, unaware that the others were watching him. �If they think that I believe their explanation, then perhaps I can go ahead to the next town, and find out about them." He stroked his chin.

"There might even be a reward for them.� He added after a moment, smiling to himself.

He abruptly stopped pacing, and turned to the rest of the group. �Ah, ok then�, he told them, trying to look as innocent as possible. �I�ll just be on my way�, he said as he rushed off, trying to think of a contact he had in the next town that could help him.

Inbred Chocobo

06-16-2006, 06:18 PM

Kazunori had stopped abruptly and had started drinking again. Of course, this time he decided to drink light and had started drinking Beraku's wineskin. Of course, he was always drinking so no one cared. The Kazunori saw the man running off towards town, and Kazu realized that he still had his wineskin. Kazu knew it was up to him to return it, so he started to chase after him. And in an attempt to get him he shouted "Gets back here yous!"

Dragonsbane

06-18-2006, 05:46 PM

Raikotsu walked onto the deck, looked around with a notable lack of interest, then walked off after Kirakiri and the others.

With a few magic-enhanced jumps, and some running, he swiftly caught up to the shapeshifter, walking next to and slightly behind him/her/it.

"Kirakiri..." he whispered contritely, "To tell you the truth, I just can't get that blonde-haired girl out of my mind. I have to find out more about her." his cheeks turned a faint shade of rosy-violet, gazing up at the taller demon with wide blue eyes.

"I-I wish someone on our side was distracting me from her." he confessed in a slightly timid voice, slipping his hand inside of Kirakiri's, agile fingertips caressing the shapechanger's palm.

Astral Harmony

06-20-2006, 02:16 AM

Kirie, extremely weirded out by Raikotsu but doing very well to hide it, decided to just go with the flow. Kirakiri obviously had a destination, and since Kirie wasn't needed near the torso or back at home, there was no good reason to abandon them all.
"I think I'm going to be crying for a very long time after all this is over."
-----
Grey Kimono Fujiko watched Kurama and his party from afar, so low to the ground that the tall grass concealed her form well. At least, the enemy hadn't seen her yet.
Yuna had released Fujiko sometime after having dealt with Shizuka and asked that she merely be ready to exact her own revenge when Genkai collected the torso, so Fujiko found it was best to monitor the legendary warrior in the making. Unfortunately...
"Damn, they're so slow. I'd pull out my own fangs if it would get them to move their asses a little faster."
Something moved out of the corner of her eyes and one of her legs lashed out quickly, killing a snake which Fujiko brought to her mouth and ate voraciously. "Maybe I'll kill and eat one of them later. If anything, it might get them moving faster."

GARUD

06-23-2006, 10:32 AM

"Kurama,you better have a plan to get us to the next destination. The sooner we get there, the sooner we kill Talkaz, teh sooner we have less demons on our trail. C'mon, let's hurry up and get unlost."

Garud was already starting to lose his patience.

batgirl

06-23-2006, 02:36 PM

Jade hung by the back of the group, hoping that someone would not ask her to get them unlost. She knew where her village was, and she knew how to get there, but she didn't want to go. She was aware that they needed the scroll from her village, but their enemies were still far behind, and any delay that they could have would make her happy...

"Halt!"

Crap... Two black clad ninja, both male, appeared from the trees. They were rather loud in their approach, so Jade surmised that they were newer trainees. They were both wielding swords, although they were not in a battle stance. "Why are you in this forest?" They spoke threateningly, but did not make a move. Jade sighed, knowing full well that she needed to make herself known or risk some kind of incident. She walked forward, "we are coming back to the village to retrieve the scroll from the elders." They took one look at her clothes and her scarf and their eyes widened. Obviously they weren't new enough to not know her. "Why are you with them?"

"Because he is Genkai Kurama, and as such I must go with them."

They eyed the group and motioned for them to follow.

Truce

06-23-2006, 03:10 PM

Youji, who had almost tried to beat Kurama's sense of direction back into him, stopped when he saw the two ninjas from Jade's village. Knowing that they would end up following them anyway (adventures with Kurama tended to be this way, no matter how hard you protested), he shrugged and simply followed them.

If the strangers did try to ambush them, it was still better than sticking around here.

lazy man

06-23-2006, 09:14 PM

Suzume looked at the ninjas, then the group, and then walked off after Youji. He didn't know why, but a nap sounded really nice right around now. He didn't care about any of the business, no matter how "interesting" it could be. Basically, he just wanted to go back to slacking for a little bit.

"...Yeah, a nap and a good meal. None of the 'save the world' bullshit," he muttered, not really caring about being heard. "Just a nap and a good meal."

secretskull

06-25-2006, 05:48 PM

OOC: Sorry for the delay

Beraku heard shouting from behind him, and turned around to find the man from before, running after him.
He cringed slightly in worry, and was instantly embarrassed. "Calm down you idiot", he told himself.
"He can't have figured out anything.
Then why is he running after me then?� He added worriedly.
Beraku frowned hesitantly, and stopped to wait for Kazunori to reach him.
"Do you mind if we keep walking? I'm in a bit of a hurry�
"In a hurry to collect a reward for turning in that group of bandits your with if I'm lucky."
"So, what were you saying?" He asked him as they started walking again.

Inbred Chocobo

06-25-2006, 05:59 PM

"I gotsh shomethin for yas." Kazunori said as he kept walking with the man, reaching behind his back. Kazunori had put the winesack there, but thats also where he kept his sword, and knowing Kazunori's drunkinness, he grabbed the wrong thing first and pulled out his sword.

Arhra

06-26-2006, 08:36 AM

The shapechanger laughed, a silvery sound, and turned to face Raikotsu. Kirakiri was different. Although not immediately apparent from behind, for Kirakiri remained in much the same garb, the shapechanger had remoulded itself into a feminine form. Perhaps she had somehow foreseen Raikotsu's actions or had chosen to make the change for her own inscrutable reasons.

"Such sweet irony in this timing." she said, looking at Raikotsu in good humour. Her face shared the same features of her male shape recast, impossible to truely tell if they originated from either gender. Also much like her male form, Kirakiri had chosen an aesthetically pleasing shape.

"Well, let us talk as we check the route." Kirakiri said, grip gently clasping around Raikotsu's hand, "And then perhaps you will be distracted."

Summary: Kirakiri... is Kirakiri. And is that innuendo?

lazy man

07-03-2006, 09:48 AM

Suzume looked around at the group as they walked toward the village, wondering why they were all so damn quiet. Normally someone would have said something by now, but not even a peep came out of anyone. Kind of unsettling, considering how loud the group could be.

"Guys, is there a reason why we all seem so fuckin' dead recently?" the demon hunter asked, trying to break the silence. "I mean, it's not like anything bad's gonna happen for too long... right?"

OOC: Well, hopefully that'll do something.

Raiden

07-03-2006, 02:31 PM

Kurama gave a shrug. He had been walking in a sort of daze, just randomly thinking about things. Sometimes it was nice to have quiet in the group.

"I guess we're going to a ninja village, or something."

batgirl

07-04-2006, 08:49 PM

After a few miles of travel, the group came to the entrance of Jade's village. It was a medium sized village, with a large gate and many houses and shops. What was the most impressive about it was the large temple in the back where the ninjas got their training. It was at least 3 times the size of any building in the village and very wide and imposing. The two ninja who had escorted them disappeared and soon came back with a group of elders and older ninjas. One of the elders spoke, "I have been told that one of our own travels with you and says that the descendant of the Genki family is with them." Jade stepped forward and bowed. "It is true elder, he is Genki Kurama and he carries the Raigaki. We have come for the scrolls." The elder looked up and down at Jade, "you have left your post that you had been swarn to."

"But sir, we have moved the legs and brought them with us. I am to go with the legs wherever they are am I not?"

"You have moved the legs even though you do not know if he is the true Genki Kurama?"

"I have seen his sword in action, I know he is who he says."

"You realize that if you are wrong, you will have brought great danger to this village and this world as well as bringing disgrace to your family."

Jade nodded as the elders moved past her without even a glance before coming up to Kurama. "Are you familiar with our trials to see if you are the true Genki descendant?"

Dragonsbane

07-05-2006, 02:19 PM

"I hope so. I know the company certainly bears the seeds of distraction." he smiled back, gently squeezing Kirakiri's hand.

"Can you tell me about the village we are heading towards? Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, and I would hate to be caught offguard." he smiled up at her, his blue eyes shining with youthful enthusiasm.

secretskull

07-06-2006, 05:12 PM

OOC: It's a six and a half foot pole, you either carry it or you don't have it.

From this range, it was almost impossible for Beraku to do anything very effective. He settled for swinging the metal-coated shaft of his Ko toward Kazunori's hand. Hopefully the pain would make him drop the sword, and let Beraku gain some distance.
As he swung the Ko, the words "Oh shit, Oh shit, Oh shit, Oh shit! echoed through Beraku's head.

OOC 2: I swear this is the last time I take so long to post. We can catch up, right?

Inbred Chocobo

07-06-2006, 07:04 PM

OOC: No, we cannot. So now we must fight! Or have a drink, whatever.

IC: Kazunori was suddenly under attack. Buzzers went off, alarms came on blarring a high pitched squeel. But the drink kind of snoozed it off. The swinging staff didn't hit its target, because Kazu was just to swaying for that, but instead hit the sword. And since kazu thought he was holding a winesack, and not a sword, the sword went flying from his hand at anyone that was unfortunate enough to say it went at them.

"AAAHS!" Kazu exclaimed in surprise. "Yous dwinkin sack turned intos a swords!" He stated, probably confuzing him a great deal. The kazunori's keen ears picked up the swishing sound of alcohol, and he felt behind him. "Ohs." He studdered as he pulled out the winesack. "Hehe. Hears." Kazu offered the sack out to Beraku, or at least it looked like that if the arm would stay still as the sack was swayed around like a target waiting to be hit.

Raiden

07-07-2006, 05:08 PM

Kurama raised an eyebrow, then gave them a strange look. An embarassed smile spread across his face as he scratched at his neck.

"Ehhh...sorry. I must not have recieved that lesson. Could you refresh me on it?"

batgirl

07-07-2006, 05:11 PM

The elders looked on with mild interest. "To prove that you are the true Genkai decendant, you must fight the strongest ninja in our village, which happens to be your travelling companion. If you can defeat her, then we will give you the scrolls. Are you prepared?"

Raiden

07-07-2006, 05:14 PM

Kurama looked over at Jade, then shrugged.

"Sure, I guess..."

Kurama gave out a small yawn and stretched his left arm. It was still sore and still healing, Jade's stitches keeping his wounds together. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. His straw hat kept his eyes in shadow.

"Ummm...I guess we fight now, huh?"

batgirl

07-07-2006, 05:17 PM

"Unfortunately we must," Jade unsheathed her swords and got into a battle stance. The village began to gather around to watch the fight. Seats were brought out for the elders as even the ninjas in training came to watch. One of the elders stood, "ready? Begin!" Jade dissappeared in a blur and appeared over Kurama, her sword raised and slicing at his head.

Arhra

07-10-2006, 10:01 AM

OOC: Uncreative, I know, but I decided it was better to get something done. Er, I could have sworn there was a post about Nyoka attacking Kirie, but I can't find it now.

Kirakiri's reply was light as she spoke, "Really there is little we have to be wary about save for Kurama's grandather, Genkai Tanaka. Though the village has a small militia, they rely on him to help protect them against any marauding demons. He's a giant of a man and wields a pair of tetsubos, using his own version of the Drunken Boxing style rather than Tama style. Nothing that we can't handle. He even dwells on the outskirts of the village. We have far more force we can bring to bear than some wandering demon after all."

Astral Harmony

07-10-2006, 11:11 AM

"But let's not forget the best advantage we have over him," Kirie jumped in to Raikotsu's other side, her mouth circular. "He no longer possesses Raigaki."
The redheaded ninja thought for a moment, then added. "Of course, I hear that real diligent martial arts masters only grow stronger as they get older. Let's not try to take this one in an honorable duel. We're just asking to wind up as losers doing things that way again."

lazy man

07-12-2006, 08:51 PM

OOC: C'mon, people, post! Someone must have to say something...

IC: Suzume wandered off to the sidelines of the village so he could be on his own. He wasn't exactly in entertained by watching fights, so he would just have to stay away from the makeshift arena for now. If would just be a matter of time before they finished.

"Geez, I never get to do anything in this group..." Suzume said to himself, not needing to be quiet since everyone else was watching the fight. Pulling out a whetstone and taking his double-blade off his back, Suzume sat down and began sharpening the blade. "Well, at least I can make time for a cat nap later doing this."

GARUD

07-12-2006, 09:07 PM

(OOC:Oh shit. Forgot. Sorry. Me post now!)

Garud placed himself next to Suzume and sat down. However, he didn't relax, but kept his focus. Just in case there was some complication, his summon would be ready for it. Despite the worry though, the summoner knew that his charge was able to best any opponent that came into his way.

"Give 'em hell Kurama!"

And the guardian sat back to wallow in his use of irony. Hell indeed.

secretskull

07-15-2006, 05:18 PM

OOC: Hotel. Internet. Not working. Hate.

There was a slight pause. �Oh� Uh, thanks?� He said awkwardly, snatching at the wineskin. On his third try he managed to grab it.
Beraku looked around, and saw that the other group had moved on while they talked, apparently leaving Kazu behind.
�It looks like your friends left �� He looked around, trying to think of something to add. Then it came to him, �Why don�t we go and have that drink you mentioned?�
He didn�t have any clue why, but he trusted this man more then others. It might have been because he was completely drunk, it might have been his easy-going manner.
It might have been shock. Yeah he would go with shock.
He looked at the wineskin and shook it.
�After we reach the village,� he added with finality.

Raiden

07-15-2006, 07:01 PM

Kurama looked up as Jade attacked, his eyes staring lazily through the straw of his hat. His blue irises seemed to almost quiver as the nerves increased their speed and reaction times, taking in as much of the action as he could.

It was only a slight push of his toes, but his entire body sprung back, moving himself so that the blade sliced down mere inches from his body.

batgirl

07-15-2006, 07:06 PM

Jade smirked at Kurama as she looked up at him. She dissappeared again, this time aiming a kick for his stomach. Kurama's hand went up, catching the bottom of her foot in his palm. "So forceful." Jade rolled her eyes, "you would do best to take me seriously." She aimed a slick at his face. His head rolled lazily to the side, her foot grazing his ear. "Awwww...you're cute when you're angry."

"And you're stupid for underestimating me," her blades jabbed at his face.

OOC: Collab post

Raiden

07-15-2006, 07:10 PM

Kurama's body leaned back at the hip with a strange flexibility, the swords going over his body. "No need for insults."

She pulled her blades back from the attack. "Says the one who won't fight back."

"Why should I? There is no reason for it."

"You have to defeat me, not dodge me." Kurama dodged another attack. "I figure you'll just tire out eventually, and neither of us will need to get hurt."

batgirl

07-15-2006, 07:12 PM

"First of all, defeat means put into unconsciousness. Second of all, I won't tire for a while." Kurama shrugged. "Well, then I'll be dodging for a while."

"This will not prove anything to them, besides you won't be able to dodge soon enough."

"Oh really? Why? Will you mesmerize me with some of your other...assets?"

"You laugh now, but do you honestly think I've been moving as fast as I can?"

"Well, I haven't seen much of your movement, so I can't honestly say. But I wouldn't mind a surprise or two."

"Surprise!" Jade said and dissappeared from thin air.

Raiden

07-15-2006, 07:39 PM

Kurama stopped and looked about. "Huh, where'd she go?"

"You can't dodge what you can't sense or see," her voice seemed to be coming from all directions. Kurama looked all about.

"That's a nice trick." A flash of steel came out of nowhere. His face was turned to the side as a large gash formed on his cheek, blood seeping from his new wound. A look of slight surprise came from his eyes, then they returned to their original lazy look. "Huh...a VERY nice trick."

batgirl

07-15-2006, 07:40 PM

"You had better try to block this one," a second flash, this time at his injured arm. The sword came too quickly, slicing open Kurama's old injury. There was no look of surprise this time. Just more blood, and more pain. Jade appeared in front of Kurama, "now do you see that this isn't a game?" She brought her sword up to stab at him, this time staying visible. The stab came forward, stabbing into his torso. Luckily it was non-lethal, but that wasn't the bad part. Kurama hadn't even raised a defense. He had allowed the blade to move forward. "You're right. This isn't a game." His left hand came up, and wrapped around the blade. "Let me show you just how clearly I know that." His grip tightened, blood dripping from his fingers as his skin was sliced on the edge. He pulled, wrenching the blade from his body. "Now you fight like a Genkai, I was beginning to think he wasn't in there." Jade aimed another slice at his other arm.

Krylo

07-15-2006, 08:22 PM

As the two battled Taken watched, his eyes moving incredibly fast, keeping up with each of Jade's movements, though he knew he'd be unable to move his limbs as quickly. His lips twitched for a second, and he almost went for his sword, but to step in would most likely mean sullying his blade with the blood of every member of this village. He had no urge to put the unclean blood of such pathetic wretches as the rest of these ninja on his blood.

Instead he stood back still holding Tayuumi, his smile fading into a frown.

"Kurama, if she cuts you again, I will slay you both and any who stand in my way. Your life belongs to me," he stated, an extremely rare hint of annoyance in his voice.

GARUD

07-15-2006, 08:51 PM

"Of course you can Taken. Right after he completes his mission. AAAAND, you would have to go through me first. You really think I'm going to let you kill the man who I have to guard? I don't think so!"

Garud looked over to Taken. The guardian, didn't like the thought of losing 10 000 years of work... or more importantly, a person as good natured as Kurama. The world needed guys like him. In the off chance Taken could win, Kurama would be as good as dead.

"Why don't you take up another hobby? Become a farmer or something."

Krylo

07-15-2006, 08:59 PM

Taken didn't even look back at the summoner's words. "A weak minded shugenja such as yourself would die by my blade before you could even create one of your weak creatures, do not get involved in things bigger than yourself," he replied, spitting out the japanese word for magician as though it was the vilest of insults.

lazy man

07-15-2006, 11:07 PM

"For one minute could you guys just stop arguing. He wants to kill Kurama for not fighting, you'll stand in the way, he'll try to kill you, and I'll try and kill you both for being so fucking annoying with the fighting."

Suzume was now standing directly inbetween Taken and Garud, rubbing his thumb along the second blade of his weapon, testing the sharpness. He was done with that, so he didn't really have much of a choice in what to do. Walking in on this just happened to be a bonus.

"So just watch the damn fight and see how it plays out. I don't feel like getting yelled at for the extra damage I might do." He wasn't looking at either of them, just looking at his blade. He honestly didn't want to fight them now.

...well, at least not here, anyway. Collateral damage wasn't his favorite thing to deal with, like he'd said.

GARUD

07-16-2006, 04:06 AM

Garud smiled and patted Suzume on the back. He then concentrated hard for some reason. It seemed that his body started to eminate a strange song... but it was just his humming.

"Hmm... your overconfidence will be your downfall. I'm sure your ego and arrogance will have something to do with it also. Quit now, before you get hurt."

Taken annoyed the summoner. He was a good swordsman, not a doubt about that, but he was selfish and single-minded. Whether or not Taken would incite a fight would be unknown, but the summoner was getting ready just in case. Garud kept humming the strange song.

lazy man

07-17-2006, 09:12 PM

Suzume took the pat on the back from Garud without in stride, but couldn't stand it any more when Garud went on insulting Taken. Even if he may have been pointing out facts, his tone sounded insulting enough. Before Taken could even say anything, Suzume was turning his head toward the summoner and opening his mouth.

"I was serious about what I said," the demon hunter growled "Now shut the fuck up before I actually let him kill you and not do anything."

While he did want to fight after standing on the sidelines for so long, this was a situation he wouldn't barge in on if it kept going. Both of them were too stubborn to really argue with.

"And you I won't even try to talk to. I know you'd just turn it around on me in some way," Suzume said next, turning to Taken this time. After saying that, he backed off a bit, leaving an open lane if the two actually did start something. "There you go, all the room you'll ever need for a fight. Especially with all the people around that'll get in the way."

batgirl

07-22-2006, 09:44 AM

Kurama raised his arm, the bracer on his forearm deflecting the blade. "He's always there." Jade threw a flurry of slices and kicks at him, "then why do you only choose to reveal him to me now?" Kurama's loose body moved and dodged the attacks. "Because. The Genkai in me is an ass. And I'd rather be a loveable and cuddly samurai."

"Will you be a lovable cuddly samurai to your enemy?" Jade disappeared again. Kurama stopped where he was, not even bothering to look around. "No. But you're not my enemy."

"Right now I am."

"No human is my enemy. As such, I cannot injure you willingly. But, if you insist on attacking me, I'll have to defend myself." Another flash like before, and another slice at his leg. A wound opened on his leg, filling it with pain. Slowly an idea came to mind. "If you do not attack me, you soon won't have any clean appendages left.

"Well, it just means you'll have to care for me later, won't it?" He gave his trademark smile. "If I leave you alive enough, unlike you I have no problem killing humans."

"Well, then. Bring it on." Jade didn't speak, there was only another flash, this time at his side. Kurama's eyes had closed, waiting for the attack. The moment the blade grazed his skin, he dodged away, the sword moving away from him. Jade continued her onslaught, blow after blow aimed at his body. However, her talk about killing him had been false, she had no intention of hurting him too badly. All of the blows were non lethal. Even if the blows had been lethal, it wouldn't have mattered. Kurama had gotten a pattern down. He waited for the sudden pain of his top layer of skin breaking, then dodged appropriately, moving away from permanent danger. He ended up with hundreds of tiny cuts, but none worth worrying about. Jade appeared again, slightly out of breath but without a wound. "You're learning, at least something can be said for that." She charged at him with her blade raised.
Kurama watched her closely, seeing her chest rise and fall. With a sudden lunge, he pulled his sword out, striking against her weapon. The blade glowed brightly, the light flaring out from the contact. Jade looked away from the light for a moment, locked in with Kurama with their swords clashed. "Finally the blade appears."

Kurama didn't respond. He moved his blade to clinch with hers, holding it so that he could twist and pull her swords out of her hands. Her blade flew out of her hand, but that didn't stop her from aiming a punch at his face. He allowed the punch to connect, causing a giant bump to form on his forehead.
Jade took the opportunity to unsheath her katana and charged again. Kurama ducked beneath her blade, kicking out to sweep her feet out from under her.
She tripped, but landed on her upper back and kicked back up to a standing position, swiping at him again. Kurama's clothing was now soaked and red, the hundreds of cuts bleeding greatly. "This is the end...I was wrong about you. I thought you were the great Genkai, but I must have been mistaken. I will bring shame to my name, but at least I will expose a fake."

Kurama stared at her without response. "I am no fake."

"Then prove it," Jade rushed him again, fully intending on ending the fight.
Kurama watched as she rushed him, his eyes watching her movements. As her sword struck out, his body moved to the side and his palm went out. It smacked her wrist, causing her to drop her blade. Then his fingers straightened, and at high speeds struck the back of her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. The elders stood as the crowd was in complete silence and shock. "You have perservered and fought in a way that only a Genkai could fight. You have beaten our best, and as such we recognize you as the Genkai decendant. You may stay here as long as you need for your injuries. We will present the scrolls to you upon your departure." With a bow, the elders began filing out along with the villagers, some still in disbelief.

OOC: Figured it was time to get the rest of this up.

Arhra

07-22-2006, 10:12 AM

OOC: Given the slowness things were moving with this little subplot, I went to the old fallback of sexy philosophy to move things along a little.

Having given her summary of Tanaka, Kirakiri lead Raikotsu off from the others a short way, pausing on a small ridge with him. "Tell me, what do you see?" Kirakiri said, one arm sweeping to encompass the peaceful sunlit landscape ahead.

"Opportunity." the wind demon replied after a moment's comtemplation.

"Ah, but have you ever considered that what you see may be different than how it appears?" the shapechanger replied. Your eyes, your ears and your other senses can lie to you. Anything that you see, hear or touch," Kirakiri leaned against Raikotsu ever so slightly, letting him feel the curves of her body brushing against him as her voice lowered, "may not be real."

Kirakiri spun away, the fleeting moment of contact as light as a feather, a moment so ephemeral one might question if it had ever happened. "If we cannot trust our senses, then how can we tell if anything really is there?"

She gazed out at the horizon, the light gilding her features and the wind blowing in her hair. The sunlight reflected in her golden eyes, she chuckled, "Forgive my fancy - as a shapechanger, such thoughts preoccupy me. I have a thousand faces and so I must wonder, might they all be equally false, or all equally true? Or could it be that things are less clear cut then we might believe?"

Turning to face Raikotsu she continued, "You see me now, but what your eyes see is not the true reality. I cannot wear all my faces at once. And so it could be said that no shape I take, no matter how well formed," Kirakiri made a sweeping gesture to indicate her lissome body, "is real."

"Then finally I must ask myself another question. Is it possible for something, through its actions and the actions of others, to become real?"

She padded back towards him soundlessly, "And Raikotsu, I have one final question for you." Kirakiri leaned in close to him, eclipsing the light. Close in the shadows, her eyes were unreadable and the distance filled with the subtle scent of her. Lips slightly parted, savouring the words, she asked her question.

"Am I real to you?"