The Hizashi Clan
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Registered: Dec 16, 2015 22:09:27 GMT -8
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Post by The Hizashi Clan on Dec 19, 2015 9:49:17 GMT -8
 The Koizumi Inn and Teahouse was a small establishment that saw very little business, but the owning family maintained and ran it nonetheless with aid from local volunteers. |
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The Swordmaster
Established
Roleplay posts: 10 
Age: Old
Physical Description: The man is of average height, but walks with a limp and therefore looks shorter than he really is. One can tell he works daily to maintain his muscle mass, and he's as strong as ever, despite looking weak in his old age. He has dark, wrinkled skin, dark brown eyes, and white hair where he is not balding. His body is scarred to some extent, but more then half were made by himself: a reminder of all of his failings. His hands are the most notably scarred, where years of smithing have made their marks.
Clothes and Equipment: The Swordmaster wears naught but a simple gi and sandals, but carries around an impressively-made katana, and another impressively-made wakizashi. He also has a pouch, inside of which are throwing stars and paper items like maps and other documents.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 6:10:33 GMT -8
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Post by The Swordmaster on Dec 19, 2015 10:47:53 GMT -8
The old man, who walked as a man of some age, entered the inn. He made no expression, but was relieved to have finally entered a place of respite. The exquisitely-made blades upon his back, and that of Aiko's, were not hidden, and lay slung across their shoulders. "Some more tea, my dear," the old man said.
"Yes, Master," Aiko replied, before turning to go fetch some tea from the workers of the inn.
The Swordmaster then slowly sat down next to a small table. He breathed in heavily, and then closed his eyes and sat still, as if he was meditating. Aiko arrived a short time later with the tea and the Master opened his eyes again. "Go and see what you can learn, my pupil."
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 16, 2024 19:29:45 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2015 10:50:31 GMT -8
Aiko sipped from her tea but once as she bowed to her Master and replied, "yes, of course." Aiko, in her white robes, with red roses emblazoned on them, looked over at the locals. She approached one of the men. "May I?" She sat down next to him and began to speak. "My Master and I seek another Master to serve. But my Master has been away for some time, in solitude, and he wishes for me to acquire information of this land. What can you tell me?"
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Omura Kawakami
Committed
Roleplay posts: 52
Age: 46
Physical Description: Middle-aged, clean shaven with a short and tight topknot.
Clothes and Equipment: Stately grey layers suiting of his position as a Kiyonai official. Katana and wakizashi.
Player's online availability : Primarily evenings.
Registered: Jul 26, 2015 9:41:31 GMT -8
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Post by Omura Kawakami on Dec 19, 2015 20:50:20 GMT -8
An older man, a balding samurai home on leave from his position in the Hizashi politics and visiting his ancestral village home, was present in the inn. He wore a subdued grey kimono and hakama, and a string bearing a white puffball spanning his chest, giving him a distinctly aristocratic air, and he sat with a younger samurai who accompanied him. When she approached them, Omura was inviting.
"Mm. Please, do sit."
His voice was monotonous, as drab as the shades he wore.
"You are in Hizashi province. The local Daimyo, lord Hizashi-no-Kami-Genji, is trying to solidify our clan. You have run into the right person."
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 19, 2015 21:36:24 GMT -8
A samurai accompanied Omura, a young man who was a composition of opposites. Where the stately samurai was older and far more refined, Ashikaga Isao was younger and inexperienced. His trappings were far more colorful, with vivid indigo, green, and red hues throughout as a stark contrast to Omura. The swordsman - apparent by the daisho he carried on his hip - sat several paces behind Omura and to his left. His eyes possessed a certain energy that threatened to consume his entire demeanor but a stoic appearance was forced over his person to maintain a sense of reservation. By all accounts, Omura was the hammer and Isao was the iron to be tempered on the anvil of life. His heraldry depicted a crane on his haori coat, identifying him of the Ashikaga family. He quietly sat behind Omura with his attention on the conversation, his hands neatly folded into his lap as he sat in a position of seiza. He was ever poised and ready.
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 16, 2024 19:29:45 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2015 5:10:07 GMT -8
Aiko smiled at Isao and leaned forward only slightly to bow for him, but turned her focus on Omura right after. He had the demeanor of a great samurai about him, and Aiko respected him greatly from the start. She too held respect for Isao, as he was in a position as she was: the student of a great master.
"My name is Aiko, noble samurai. My Master," Aiko leaned over to allow Omura a chance to look upon him, "sits over there, alone."
There would be a pretty good chance Omura would need to look at the Swordmaster twice. It would have been a very long time, back when the wars ravaged Katashima, but at some point Omura may have very well knew the man. He just would not be able to place his finger on it.
"My Master is a craftsman." Aiko slowly raised her right hand and pulled up on her wakizashi hilt upon her back. The blade came up out of the hilt only an inch or so, but enough to let Omura and Isao see it. It was amazingly well-crafted, and blades of this quality were very rare. Omura would not see the steel, only the impressive reflection of his own person and surroundings. Surely the Swordmaster knew some secrets. Aiko then quickly sheathed the blade completely, its hissing sound piercing the ears of those around. "He has served other masters well in the past and seeks to serve another. We've been traveling for some time now, but my Master has found none worth serving. Perhaps if you tell me more of your Daimyo, the noble Hizashi-no-Kami-Genji, my Master and I will consider serving him. There are few who can match his talent."
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Omura Kawakami
Committed
Roleplay posts: 52
Age: 46
Physical Description: Middle-aged, clean shaven with a short and tight topknot.
Clothes and Equipment: Stately grey layers suiting of his position as a Kiyonai official. Katana and wakizashi.
Player's online availability : Primarily evenings.
Registered: Jul 26, 2015 9:41:31 GMT -8
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Post by Omura Kawakami on Dec 20, 2015 10:06:58 GMT -8
"A craftsman, you say? The great lord Genji has a fine eye and appreciation for artwork. He is also a fairly decent swordsman...though he detests violence for a preference in writing and philosophy. A fair and good natured ruler."
The man across the inn did look a tad bit familiar. He noted the craftman's skill with the display of her blade's mirror polish.
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 20, 2015 10:20:11 GMT -8
The samurai behind Omura offered Aiko an inclination of his head in a seated bow in return. The faintest touch of a blush reached his features but he adverted his eyes long enough to cast away drawn attention to the small Social faux pas. His hands balled up into the folds of his hakama as he tried to refocus his mind; he inhaled and exhaled as he centered himself. When he found his inner balance his eyes reopened in time to appraise the mirror sheen of the revealed sword and gaze upon Aiko, and then the Swordmaster across the room. After a moment the young samurai spoke up.
"If I may speak up, Kawakami-sama, Lord Hizashi is very learned in the legends of Katashiman swordsmithing. I think in the very least an audience would be in order. The opportunity to trade words with this Swordmaster may be agreeable with our Lordship," Isao spoke in a quiet, low and nuanced tone.
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Kunoichi
New
Roleplay posts: 5 
Clothes and Equipment: These mysterious women wear light robes fit for sealth, and carry an array of weapons, from yumi bows, to yari spears, and even katanas and wakizashi.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 10:52:45 GMT -8
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Post by Kunoichi on Dec 20, 2015 10:30:52 GMT -8
As sly as a fox, three women dressed in green kimonos enter the room. It is hard to notice them, their movements and demeanor so flawless. Two of them seem to wander the room like the women who are working the inn, while the third makes her way over next to where the tea is kept. When no one is looking, the green-robed woman takes the tea effortlessly, unseen and attracting little attention.
They do it so fluidly that it's unnoticeable, but each lady pours themselves a cup of tea and makes their way to three targets: the first is the Swordmaster; the second is Aiko; the third is Omura. A sprinkle of a certain medicine in each cup will serve their purpose.
"More tea for you?"
"More tea for you?"
"More tea for you?"
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Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: May 16, 2024 19:29:45 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2015 10:32:21 GMT -8
"Oh yes, thank you," Aiko smiles and takes the tea and then turns back to Omura. "This is good news, my Master will be pleased to hear. I will be right back, let me tell him of your lord Genji."
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The Swordmaster
Established
Roleplay posts: 10
Age: Old
Physical Description: The man is of average height, but walks with a limp and therefore looks shorter than he really is. One can tell he works daily to maintain his muscle mass, and he's as strong as ever, despite looking weak in his old age. He has dark, wrinkled skin, dark brown eyes, and white hair where he is not balding. His body is scarred to some extent, but more then half were made by himself: a reminder of all of his failings. His hands are the most notably scarred, where years of smithing have made their marks.
Clothes and Equipment: The Swordmaster wears naught but a simple gi and sandals, but carries around an impressively-made katana, and another impressively-made wakizashi. He also has a pouch, inside of which are throwing stars and paper items like maps and other documents.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 6:10:33 GMT -8
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Post by The Swordmaster on Dec 20, 2015 10:34:03 GMT -8
"NO!"
The old man's warning comes as a surprise to most within the inn, but even more surprising is the volley of throwing stars released from his person. One star shatters Aiko's cup, while a second shatters the cup that would have been Omura. The poisoned beverage splatters all over the place.
"Aiko, run!"
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Kunoichi
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Clothes and Equipment: These mysterious women wear light robes fit for sealth, and carry an array of weapons, from yumi bows, to yari spears, and even katanas and wakizashi.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 10:52:45 GMT -8
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Post by Kunoichi on Dec 20, 2015 10:35:15 GMT -8
"Not this time, old fool!" One of the green-robed women slams her palm into the Swordmaster's hand, who falls over on his side.
Another of the women attempt to grapple with Omura and put him in a chokehold, while the third runs for Aiko...
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 20, 2015 10:48:56 GMT -8
A samurai was trained for moments of violence since they began their training at a dojo. The young swordsman had noticed the three female servers and nearly paid little mind to them but a feeling in his gut told him otherwise. As soon as the Swordmaster cried out, the inn erupted into a state of chaos. Isao was nearly the first to react as he leapt forward from his position behind Omura. In a movement as fluid as a coursing river a cold blue steel katana was drawn and he struck. He put himself nearly on top of the table as he struck out at the assailant after Aiko.
He was fast. Surprisingly fast for someone so young.
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Ruby Fletcher
Dedicated
Bored
Roleplay posts: 130
Age: 16
Physical Description: The youngest member of the rich part of the Fletcher family, Ruby is small and innocent looking. She has white hair and a pretty face, as well as fancy, fashionable clothes.
Clothes and Equipment: She generally wears a dress and a bow in her hair, playing up her "sweet innocent little girl" look. She doesn't carry weapons, but instead has a small pet cat named Sharky in her handbag.
Registered: Aug 20, 2015 14:28:59 GMT -8
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Post by Ruby Fletcher on Dec 20, 2015 11:04:23 GMT -8
Ruby walks downstairs, having been woken by the racket. She sticks out like a sore thumb, with her white hair and very clearly foreign face. She clutches her pet cat Sharky in her arms, and watches the fight with a sort of bored indifference.
"Oh, those samurai. Always fighting. Just like cousin Roxy. I'll never understand it."
She leans back against the wall, grabbing a mug of tea (undrugged) off a nearby table and taking a sip.
"Never a dull day in Katashima, huh Sharky?"
Sharky meows.
"Well, I hope they don't stab the cook. I want breakfast."
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Omura Kawakami
Committed
Roleplay posts: 52
Age: 46
Physical Description: Middle-aged, clean shaven with a short and tight topknot.
Clothes and Equipment: Stately grey layers suiting of his position as a Kiyonai official. Katana and wakizashi.
Player's online availability : Primarily evenings.
Registered: Jul 26, 2015 9:41:31 GMT -8
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Post by Omura Kawakami on Dec 20, 2015 12:35:23 GMT -8
Omura felt that something was off. The instant three women walked in as a party and seemed to wear the same clothing, Omura kept an eye on his flank. Paranoia was rife within Katashima, and further perpetuated by a warrior's curriculum addressing the possibility of sudden attacks from practically any angle.
So when one of the women came at him suddenly, it was with complete conditioning that he responded in the same dull passivity that every aspect of his carefully designed public persona emanated. without so much as a widened gaze or a grimace, the older samurai's left hand lashed out around the woman's knee--whichever was closest--his hand sharply grasping the joint from behind and yanking it it towards him, forcing pressure to buckle her knee. After all, Omura had been sitting in sieza before his half-finished tea, and for the woman to reach for a chokehold, her very footing became vulnerable as she moved in for the grapple.
His defense, harmless as sudden as it was, only intended to uproot her balance as he suddenly rose to his feet. Yet in standing, he directed much of his weight to his right hand, which took hold of the attacker's kimono and shoved her forwards.
Synchronious force to the back of the knee and the front of the torso during an attempted lean downwards and chokehold almost assuredly meant one thing--a backwards stagger in order to maintain her footing, lest she disgracefully fall to the ground.
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Kunoichi
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Clothes and Equipment: These mysterious women wear light robes fit for sealth, and carry an array of weapons, from yumi bows, to yari spears, and even katanas and wakizashi.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 10:52:45 GMT -8
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Post by Kunoichi on Dec 20, 2015 12:54:04 GMT -8
The kunoichi who had attempted to grapple with Omura had put herself in a bad situation. The combination of his skills sent her falling to the floor. But her shinobi training allowed her to catch herself before meeting face-to-floor, and then she quickly vaulted back upwards - doing a backflip and landing a few short feet from Omura. Her next attack involved using sleight of hand: as three throwing stars rolled down her sleeve and into her right palm. With three quick flicks of her wrist they spun through the air towards Omura's chest, abdomen, and groin. But it was just a distraction; after all, he wasn't the target.
The kunoichi who had attacked Aiko had not been so lucky. Isao's cold steel meets warm blood as he performs an iai, which slices the woman's right forearm. "Ah," she grunts, but refuses to show any pain. This particular ninja flicks both arms down to reveal two very small wakizashi that was hidden in her sleeves, one in each hand. "I'll take you both," she announces, swiping her right wakizashi towards Isao, and thrusting her left one towards Aiko.
"Ungh!" Aiko reacts to late and the tip of the blade pierces the middle of her torso, right below her breasts. She clenches her fists and falls back to the floor.
The Swordmaster is locked in combat with the third ninja, easily disarming her and slamming her down onto the ground. But as he finishes his combo, his eyes shut in pain and he clenches at his chest, falling to his knees. "No..."
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Ruby Fletcher
Dedicated
Bored
Roleplay posts: 130
Age: 16
Physical Description: The youngest member of the rich part of the Fletcher family, Ruby is small and innocent looking. She has white hair and a pretty face, as well as fancy, fashionable clothes.
Clothes and Equipment: She generally wears a dress and a bow in her hair, playing up her "sweet innocent little girl" look. She doesn't carry weapons, but instead has a small pet cat named Sharky in her handbag.
Registered: Aug 20, 2015 14:28:59 GMT -8
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Post by Ruby Fletcher on Dec 20, 2015 13:05:19 GMT -8
Ruby watches carelessly, unaffected by the stabbings going on in front of her. Six months ago, perhaps, she would have recoiled at the sight of the violence, but she has grown accustomed to it during her time in Katashima. It's not too bad. She's seen worse. She grabs a bun off the counter and takes a bite, tearing off a small piece and feeding it to Sharky. She does spare a glance towards Aiko, but glances away quickly. If she helps, she might get stabbed herself.
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Ashikaga Isao
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 358
Age: Adulthood
Physical Description: Lean, perhaps no taller than 5'8", Isao has the pedigree of a noble samurai. He has handsome features downplayed by a serious disposition. His hair is long, black and tied in a formal topknot. His eyes are a dark brown with flesh gently kissed by the sun.
Clothes and Equipment: Haori, kosode, obi, hakama, tabi, and waraji or zori. Daisho.
Registered: Jul 25, 2015 5:29:13 GMT -8
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Post by Ashikaga Isao on Dec 20, 2015 13:54:06 GMT -8
The samurai swordsman's movements were as fluid as coursing water and where his iai attack had wounded the kunoichi, drawing open her right arm, Isao pressed his assault. The assassin plunged her blade into the young woman's belly and the Ashikaga lordling grimaced as he realized he had failed to protect the assassin's target from an all-too-swift end. However, his resolve was unfaltering. He would commit himself to his duty as a samurai to protect the citizens within Lord Hizashi's domain by pressing his attack. He brought his sword back down to parry the kunoichi's blade in a clash of steel - metal rang out in a chorus of combat. With a twist of his sword as he moved into a kenjutsu stance from his previous sitting iai stance, Isao turned the tip towards the assassin.
Cold blue steel would then be thrust towards the kunoichi. He guided the shorter assassin's blade away from his body in the strike as he kept his own sword on line. His dark eyes were set into a look of determination as he wrested with the assassin, the moment in time frozen as they traded slow and methodical passes. One single misstep would end either one or the other. In the moment between heartbeats, life was easily ended when steel was brandished. Omura had always told him you never drew your sword unless you intended to spill blood.
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Omura Kawakami
Committed
Roleplay posts: 52
Age: 46
Physical Description: Middle-aged, clean shaven with a short and tight topknot.
Clothes and Equipment: Stately grey layers suiting of his position as a Kiyonai official. Katana and wakizashi.
Player's online availability : Primarily evenings.
Registered: Jul 26, 2015 9:41:31 GMT -8
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Post by Omura Kawakami on Dec 20, 2015 14:11:10 GMT -8
The kunoichi who had attempted to grapple with Omura had put herself in a bad situation. The combination of his skills sent her falling to the floor. But her shinobi training allowed her to catch herself before meeting face-to-floor, and then she quickly vaulted back upwards - doing a backflip and landing a few short feet from Omura. Her next attack involved using sleight of hand: as three throwing stars rolled down her sleeve and into her right palm. With three quick flicks of her wrist they spun through the air towards Omura's chest, abdomen, and groin. But it was just a distraction; after all, he wasn't the target. Omura had no intention of letting his assailant go. His training and mentality had been chiseled over the years, honing his style of conflict to what could only be described as a relentless pragmatism. The very instant he had sent her reeling backwards, he pursued, following through his rising motion by moving smoothly and naturally forward in the direction she had fallen. Thus, she'd discover that as she fell back, Omura stepped forward, and now as she tried to vault back up, the samurai was already upon her. To stand by and allow such frivolous acrobatics was foolhardy; he had just been assaulted and justice would come with a heavy hand. Her attempt at upwards vaulting and backflipping would be unceremoniously interrupted by a merciless grasp at her vaulting legs. It was incredibly likely that an attempt to flip mid-air would instead result in her hanging haplessly upside down by her feet. The throwing stars? It surely didn't seem feasible at this point in time, as she'd have a hell of a time avoiding becoming Omura's human shield and hostage, and should she attempt to produce any weapons in her awkwardly subdued position, she'd find an ever-wary Omura's knee meet such intentions with a sickening force to the kidney or spine, whichever presented itself more easily among any wiggling she might do. |
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Kunoichi
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Clothes and Equipment: These mysterious women wear light robes fit for sealth, and carry an array of weapons, from yumi bows, to yari spears, and even katanas and wakizashi.
Registered: Dec 19, 2015 10:52:45 GMT -8
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Post by Kunoichi on Dec 20, 2015 17:52:02 GMT -8
Isao's thrust would strike true, but the assassin was ready for his attack and twisted her body to evade the thrust, pulling her blade away as well to free herself. She gained some distance and quickly checked her peripherals.
One sister was down, but was quickly getting back up to finish off the Swordmaster. The third, who had engaged Omura, attempted to free her own self. It didn't take a genius to figure out the plan had gone awry.
If the poison had worked...
A tweeting bird is barely audible over the clash of steel, but the girls hear it just fine. Within an instant, the girls turn and flee from the inn - shoving tables and chairs effortlessly and fluidly as they make their escape - to hinder any would-be pursuers.
Their quickness is of some note, as there would not be many who could outrun them. Out the door they run, injured and beaten, towards the forest...
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