Deleted
Roleplay posts: 0
Registered: Nov 21, 2024 9:08:53 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2016 8:19:38 GMT -8
The paved, worn streets of the imperial city are bustling with activity for every hour that the sun kisses the sky, and very quiet when night settles in and the lanterns are lit. Adults wander about to get to their destination, children running about in play or to school, and no matter which direction you head or to which district you walk for - you'll likely find merchants everywhere. Some wander and sell, some remain stationary with small market stalls. The streets are lively - almost a destination of their own where anything can happen. Even the smaller backroads and allies can hum with activity.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27 
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on May 30, 2019 17:01:18 GMT -8
The Yukimoto caravan -- with it's Hizashi escort-- made its way through the streets, the pendants of the Yukimoto Clan flying high, as if they were Crane wings themselves.
The infamous Demon of Tokhung, the Iron Crane, sat toward the front of the train, her lacquered armor gleaming in the sun. Her hair was as white as they said, her eyes just as cold, her looks too austere and too serious to be considered beautiful as smiles seemed to be a foreign concept to her.
She was guarded, she was armored, and the rumored Blade of the Winds was at her side, said to control storms and be what had "tipped" the scales in her favor over the war for Tokhung. Anyone present for said war knew better but stories -- and legends -- were much more entertaining.
When they had reached a courtyard, the Iron Crane drew the wagons to a stop. A rider from the back came trotting forward to where the Iron Crane was, surrounded by other outriders, her helmed guards, and the White Nun. Their conversation was brief and quiet, and then two of the caravan broke off and headed toward the markets.
With one wagon left, the shortened retinue continued on toward the new palace.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on Jul 8, 2019 14:12:24 GMT -8
Two hours had passed since the Iron Crane had entered the Regent's palace and had spoken with the Regent and his wife. She had bathed and re-oriented herself in the city, knowing that several Tokhung agents were already in the market with two of the three caravan wagons that had been brought from her stony perch.
Re-armed with her ivory-hilted blade at her side, she did not wear armor as Keiko and Taka did, her green and blue captains that walked with her, but she wore men's garb -- a short, open robe made of watery silk, cranes in flight painted upon it over flowing, black linen pants, and an under robe of white tucked underneath that. A bright belt of blue was wrapped around her svelte waist, her katana tucked into that and a blade snug at the small of her back, hidden beneath the open, knee-length robe she wore.
Her hair was drawn away from her face in a long, silvery-white ponytail, a feminine comb that contrasted against her garb set at the base of the ponytail. It was made of plain iron, iron drawn from Tokhung, but had been beaten and fashioned to meticulous detail of flowers and vines in a way that only the true ironmasters of Tokhung could do.
The White Nun was with her as well, walking beside her. "Minister of Justice," the Iron Crane said to the Nun as they weaved through the public of the streets. There was a musing tone of voice to her words, and clearly she was looking to begin a conversation about the topic with her most trusted advisor.
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Jishu
Established
The White Nun
Roleplay posts: 15
Age: 47
Physical Description: A lady into her middle years, she seems nonetheless fit and agile. Quiet, with a kind face, she watches all with compassion. Jishu is a warrior nun, and dresses in religious garb with a white head covering. She carries a large rosary and a naginata. Jishu is dedicated to serving Sayaka Yukimoto the Iron Crane, as her right-hand woman.
Registered: Oct 12, 2017 12:41:17 GMT -8
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Post by Jishu on Jul 10, 2019 13:11:38 GMT -8
Jishu walked beside Sayaka as they made their way through the streets of the city. Having some time to refresh themselves after their journey had been a good move on the part of the Iron Crane and had given Jishu time to think as they partook of the hospitality of the Regent's household.
Now they were in the streets, she did not wear her armour overtly, opting for chainmail beneath her holy robes. She carried a staff, rather than a naginata, but a kodachi at her back could be easily fitted to the top in time of need to create her signature weapon.
The capital's streets were on the whole narrower and less orderly than those of Mutsunobe, yet it was apparent how much richer and more content this city was. The produce in the marketplace came from all over Tawakoshi and beyond. The people, even the merchants, dressed well in rich fabrics. The thousand cherry trees planted in honour of the Hizashi victory lined the wide boulevards that connected place to place. What did Tokhung need from Jeoncho that they would trade their iron for?
“A worthy title. The Regent tells you he feels your actions were just in accordance with Heaven's Will. That any who seek to restore the Omaharu or their allies to power is going against the justice of the Emperor himself. It is very political. He is a shrewd man, or his wife is a shrewd woman,” Jishu replied.
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Amai Minami
Committed
Roleplay posts: 54
Age: 25
Physical Description: Amai is of above average in height at 5'7", with long dark brown hair that she usually has tied back either in a bun or a ponytail. She has a sturdy form, lined with muscle due to her study of the blade. She has amber colored eyes, and usually has a scowl on her face.
Clothes and Equipment: -----------------
Amai wears a green kimono, with a golden outline of flames around the sleeves of it. Under this she wears a sort of flexible lamellar armor consisting of iron plates. The most obvious of these plates can be seen on her forearms and back of her hand if her kimono's sleeves are rolled up for whatever reason. Otherwise, no one could tell she has armor on beneath the kimono.
Amai carries two swords fastened around her midsection by a simple rope belt that holds her kimono closed. A longer katana blade and a shorter wakizashi.
Registered: Jan 19, 2018 11:38:45 GMT -8
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Post by Amai Minami on Jul 11, 2019 9:23:29 GMT -8
Amai had been hovering around the Regent's palace for what seemed like an hour or two now, casually walking the streets or loitering so as to not seem out of place. She had been waiting for the Iron Crane, who she had been told went into the palace upon arriving. Once the Iron Crane exited the palace, Amai had no trouble spotting her. The Iron Crane's white hair was hard to miss, and Amai had burned her features into her mind.
As the Iron Crane began walking away from the palace and down a road, surrounded by her three guards, Amai began to follow, pushing off the wall she had been leaning against and melding into the crowds of people as she trailed behind the entourage. Amai could feel her hear-beat quicken it's pace as she drew closer, bit by bit. She had to be careful not to reveal her intentions until the perfect moment. If she were to stand a chance she might have to dispatch of one of the guards quickly in a surprise attack.
Amai wore her usual dark green kimono, concealing the armor she wore underneath. Her lamellar armor consisted of many smaller iron plates on her arms, and torso, to allow for maximum protection and maneuverability. Each plate was padded in between each other as well so the sound of metal on metal would not reveal its presence beneath her kimono, she did carry her daisho openly at her waist, however. Lastly, she wore the Jade mask of the Dragon, though one couldn't tell by looking at her as she had recently figured out the mask had the peculiar ability to conceal itself when being worn, making it seem like the user was wearing no mask at all. This was not the only ability of the mask Amai had discovered.
When Amai finally saw an opportunity she sprung into action quickly. Her impatience was perhaps a weakness, but she couldn't wait any longer standing this close to the Iron Crane. She had gotten to the back of the procession by now, walking among others who were inconveniently blocked by the Iron Crane's presence and forced to walk around.
Amai drew her sword and struck in one motion, as quickly as she possibly could, desperately pushing herself to her upper limits. She aimed for one of the guards closest to her, the green captain. Her strike was aimed at Keiko's neck where there was no armor, aiming to sever her head quickly to begin this fight and give her less of a numbers disadvantage.
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Keiko Tanaka
New
Faithful Lieutenant to the Iron Crane
Roleplay posts: 2
Age: Mid-twenties
Physical Description: ~
Keiko is average in height, with long, thick, dark hair that is almost always in a bun. She has tanned skinned from the hours she had worked in the rice fields as a young girl, and was blessed with jade eyes that have "blessed" her in life. She has an hourglass shape, toned with her dedication to the arts of a warrior.
~
Clothes and Equipment: Keiko has functional armor and katana that are decorated in shades of green, as the color has become identified with her in her circles. When not in her armor, she is in simple but well-made dress, usually with a jade comb or jewelry on hand.
~
Registered: Jan 9, 2018 9:23:42 GMT -8
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Post by Keiko Tanaka on Aug 5, 2019 10:00:32 GMT -8
Keiko was on her toes and was antsy -- there were so many people here. Although Mutsonobe was a respectably large city in its own right, the streets here seemed much more crowded, even with their cherry blossoms. Perhaps it was the people themselves, they're frivolous nature...
In any case, the green-hued captain kept her eyes wandering and her ears open when her heart suddenly jumped into her throat. Her warrior's instincts took over and she twisted as Amai's sword came at her. Keiko wasn't fast enough to draw her own sword but she only barely leaned back enough. Amai's blade sliced into Keiko's cheek and some of her nose, and ripped at the helmet on Keiko's head.
"Aya!" called Taka, the Captain in Blue as she drew her blade and engaged with Amai, swinging at Amai's arms to amputate them.
All of it happened in a second, but the chaos flowed immediately after.
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Lady Sayaka Yukimoto
Established
The Iron Crane, Daimyo of Tokhung
Roleplay posts: 27
Physical Description: The Iron Crane was blessed, or cursed, with stark white hair and pale blue eyes. There are many rumors on why this is -- her soul is pure and driven? her heart is cold as snow? But no facts. Her build is lean and sleek, a warrior's body with with a woman's gentle curves. She is of average height.
Clothes and Equipment: She usually wears pale blues and greens to accent her hair and eyes. When she is not at war or on the field, she wears a woman's traditional kimono. When she is, she dresses as a man with blue-and-white hued armor, crane wings present on her helm, and primarily wields a jumonji yari (if she ever faces combat; pictured in signature). Her ivory-handled katana is always with her but rarely used, and is rumored to be able to control the wind.
Allegiances: Clan Yukimoto, Tokhung... and now Tawakoshi (through Lord Hizashi, Regent of Tawakoshi)
Registered: Sept 19, 2017 16:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by Lady Sayaka Yukimoto on Aug 5, 2019 10:13:43 GMT -8
"A shrewd man would heed his wife," Sayaka said, a rare bit of humor sliding into her voice as she glanced at Jishu. Their walk through the city was not a fast one, and Sayaka was aware that it was disturbing the flow of the people all around her. Her hand rested comfortably on the ivory hilt of her blade, her thumb rubbing against a carved spot of the hilt that was familiar to her.
Suddenly -- the peace of the moment was broken with the attack of someone. Sayaka smelled the blood spilling before she saw it, turning on her heel and holding out one arm as she yelled at civilians to "Get back!"
A young girl -- not much older than the daughter of the Omaharu clan that Sayaka had imprisoned -- was attacking Keiko, and had barely missed taking the woman's head off before Taka engaged the girl instead. Sayaka's blue eyes narrowed into points, and that familiar viciousness inside of her, the feeling of a raptor wanting to gut the girl like a fish crawled up into her shoulder blades and threatened to spread its wings.
But Sayaka slapped down the chains of control, and after glancing around to see if anyone was with the girl, decided to wait. She'd brought her captains, Taka and Keiko, for a reason. If the girl bested both of them, then the Iron Crane would give the would-be assassin what she asked for... whether Amai wanted it or not.
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53 
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Sept 3, 2019 16:11:25 GMT -8
Isamu had not specified where along Mason's Road Kiyoko was supposed to meet him. Whether this was an oversight or another test was anyone's guess, but he was not hidden and should she take the most obvious route from the temple she'd be able to find him. Sitting on the stoop of a business that was closed for the evening, his pipe to his lips as he stares up at the horizon. The sun was just beginning to set which means that she had plenty of time to arrive just when she said she would. If she would though Isamu was not yet sure. The girl had certainly seemed determined to follow her course to the end but he'd also not wanted to give her any false impressions. He would not be an easy master to work under and that would not change. After speaking to the head of the temple, who would doubtless try to talk her into accepting a more respectable teacher, it was possible that Kiyoko would get her head on straight. If Isamu was honest, he would prefer that. Dragging around a trainee was not his idea of fun, they were like kittens. Helpless, but you got attached and that made it said when they got run over by a cart. |
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Sept 4, 2019 19:06:23 GMT -8
As he was thinking of that rather dark train of thought, he would start to hear the heavy trod of footsteps. Kiyoko was running down the road, looking around nervously for Ping. The talk with the head priest had taken longer than she thought it would. Primarily because just as Ping had suspected, a large portion of their meeting was spent with him, introducing her to other priests that would have gladly taken her under their wing. She'd had to respectfully decline each offer before they allowed her to her room to 'unpack'. Truly she'd only taken a few minutes, not wanting to be late to the appointed hour with Ping. She'd strung her bow, grabbed her quiver, as well as a good number of sutras and shikigami before racing off.
"Ping-sama? Ping-sama, where are you?" She called breathlessly as she jogged looking around. Most of her hurry had stemmed from when she realized he hadn't given her a concrete meeting time. And she'd ended up going the wrong way at first as she was unfamiliar with the area, and the head priest wasn't exactly going to help her find the priest he'd very much attempted to dissuade her from working with. "Ping-sama?"
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Sept 5, 2019 16:24:57 GMT -8
The girl nearly ran right past him and Isamu watched in amusement as she called his name in a near panic. Tamping his pipe out he comes to his feet and waves to catch her attention. His expression showing not an ounce of remorse or repentance for what he'd put her through. Her chosen master wasn't kind, but he wasn't cruel either.
"Well, that's another test passed."
He informs her as he waits long enough for her to catch her breath. Once she seems to have her composure back he begins walking but he doesn't explain what they are doing yet. Though she may start getting nervous as they head down Mason's Row and towards the slums, where the buildings are stacked close together and high, the poor living in incredibly tight quarters.
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Sept 8, 2019 13:03:04 GMT -8
Kiyoko nearly skidded to a halt when she caught sight of the movement of Ping's hand in her peripheral vision. The relief on her face was clear as she doubled nearly in half and panted struggling to catch her breath. Idly she heard him say something about another test being passed but she was too busy trying to control her breathing. She'd let herself get far too panicked in her sprint to find him. And judging by the way he was laying out these little 'tests' as he called them, if she wanted to be trained by him, she couldn't afford to be sloppy.
It took her a good few moments till she managed to focus her breathing back into slow deep breaths, and just as that was happening she heard him start off again, the gravel crunching under his feet. She took one more deep breath before she forced herself upright again, adjusting her bow and quiver before hurrying after him, having to move rather quickly as his gait was much faster than hers and she very much doubted he'd adjust it for her.
As she caught up and regained her composure fully, her curious eyes wandered around as she took in their surroundings. She didn't show much discomfort or aversion to the slums area as they continued deeper but that was because she was well acquainted with such areas- having voluntarily gone to them to offer medicine and counseling when she had breaks from training. As they continued deeper though, her curiousity grew till she couldn't hide it any longer.
"Ping-sama? Where are we going? And what are we doing when we get there? What is this place?"
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Sept 8, 2019 16:54:23 GMT -8
Kiyoko was right, he didn't change his stride one iota, even if he actually noticed she was struggling to keep up. He just leads her down the twisting narrow streets occasionally pulling his flask out and taking a pull. If her senses were any good she would doubtless get the feeling they were being watched. If they were very good, she might notice the various people who were doing so. Some from alleyways, some from rooftops, others from stoops.
The slums were a rich and thriving community of the destitute and desperate. As they wandered down the city streets they went from one gangs territory to another, yet they are never stopped. Isamu was known in these parts and he had nothing to fear because he was the only exorcist that would risk coming to this part of the city and when you were what kept the things that go bump at bay, people respected you for it. Also, they knew he was flat broke.
"Why is my name a question?" He inquires with a snort as the girl asks a deluge of them. "I think you can guess what this place is. I would hope you know what we are doing when we get there and as for where we are going." He stops in front of their destination. The building might have once been a merchant's house, it was large and underneath years of neglect, some real care had gone into it. But as the neighbourhood had gone to hell so had the house and now it was a decaying husk of what it once was. If Kiyoko's spiritual sense were any good she would doubtless feel the wave of hostile, negative, spiritual energy rolling from the house like a dark tide.
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Sept 14, 2019 20:30:08 GMT -8
If the young priestess was bothered by the stares, she didn't show it outwardly, the calm slight smile still on her face as she followed in her new mentor's footsteps. She even gave a few people whom caught her eye a warm smile- no doubt thoroughly confusing the residents. The world was full of various shades of light and dark, and it was her belief, not just as a priestess but as a living being that the light was to share with all the world. Especially with those living in the dark.
But as she was struck by a sudden wave of pure darkness- the likes of which she'd never felt before, she was frozen in her place. She hadn't even been able to continue to where Isamu was currently standing as the color drained from her face and nausea settled into her gut. It was such a heavy inky feeling, her limbs felt droopy, and even the air felt thicker than it had before. This place was nothing like where she'd trained before.
"W-We are going in there?" She asked her voice a little small as she stared up at the building, trying to force strength back into her limbs and gather her wits which had suddenly deserted her.
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Sept 15, 2019 7:16:58 GMT -8
Well, it appeared as though Isamu had finally succeeded in knocking her off balance. The older exorcist arches an eyebrow as the girls will suddenly turns to jelly. She'd recovered quickly when she'd learned he was the person she was looking for but now she looked like a rabbit that had just caught a scent of the wolf.
He could guess that up until this point she'd only really handled the standard exorcisms priests performed. The restless dead who simply had some unfinished business, when she had to deal with a dangerous spirit it had likely only been animal ones that were angry but never malicious. This was probably her first time seeing a spirit that was filled with nothing but hate, nothing but the desire to hurt, the want to make everything and everyone as dead as it was.
Taking a long drag on his pipe he expels smoke. "I am going in there." He informs her and with that he walks forward without a care in the world, crossing the threshold. His silhouette vanishes far too quickly into the darkness his shape seemingly swallowed before she can even really register what is happening. This was her latest test, would she dare to follow? For this is what it meant to be the apprentice of Isamu Ping, this was why he was the way he was. He handled the exorcisms that the other priests were too afraid to do.
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Sept 27, 2019 19:20:30 GMT -8
Kiyoko was frozen in place, her eyes widening in horror as she saw him disappear within the darkness of the evil place. Her heart was beating wildly, and she couldn't even find her voice again to call for him to come back. That was clearly such... a den of malice there was no way that any man could handle it on their own. Even if it was Ping. They should go back to the temple, search for a team, just... there was no way a master and a new (almost) apprentice should enter a place like the house that stood formidably in front of her alone.
The seconds passed horrifying slowly as Kiyoko drew in slow breaths, gathering her wits ever so slowly, able to at the very least twitch her fingers. And when her mind solidified back from the scattered frenzy it had been sent into when struck with the intial wave, it sped through her thoughts faster than a stallion at a full gallop.
Could she make the run back to the temple in time to find someone to help? No, not likely. She didn't know the area well enough and the chances that she'd find someone willing to run back with her were slim considering her first interaction concerning Ping-sama.
Was there another temple or shrine around she could run to?... Also not likely, she didn't think she had heard of any others. And she had a distinct feeling she wouldn't be able to sense her way there. The miasma from the house was overloading her senses, like a smog invading her every pore making her feel numb.
Should she follow him?
That was the question that her mind decided to focus on. She'd run through the options. She knew what might become of each path. And she knew that of the tests he'd given her today... this. This was the most important of them all. Her mettle was being tested. Her nerve. Her courage. IF she had the strength to actually go through with being his student.
A minute had passed. He still hadn't returned. Likely only getting deeper into this glimpse of hell. A cold sweat was building on her brow as her stomach turned and slowly her hand tightened around her bow.
Despite everything her body was screaming at her, she forced it forward to the house. Her hands were shaking and she nearly looked sickly but she gripped her bow and continued forward, if anything gaining speed as she approached the house.
She'd come too far, defied too much, promised too much to turn tail at the first sign of trouble. Two minutes... then three... then four.
Her duty as a miko was to bring light, even to the darkest of places. And this was one of the darkest places she'd ever seen.
And most of all, Ping-sama had gone in on his own. Who knew what might happen to him alone in that place.
So on she forged, hurrying through and over the threshold, feeling the house suck her in, trying to lay claim to her and taint her as it was. But she kept her mind clear and stifled her fear as she hurried in. "Ping-sama? Where are you?" She called, though she hardly dared to raise her voice very high. She kept moving swiftly through the house, reaching back into her quiver to grasp a sacred arrow, saying a mantra of protection under her breath as she moved.
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Oct 5, 2019 15:43:19 GMT -8
Crossing over the threshold the darkness seems to lift somewhat. Whether her eyes had managed to adjust or if she'd simply conquered the fear that had been encroaching upon her vision who could say. Still, she would be able to see in the dim light though she may wish to produce a light source of some kind to ease her travel.
When she got her bearings she would find herself in a large entry room, there were remnants of furniture rotting all over the place. The tables smashed, the chairs tipped over, legs rotting, pottery cracked and falling to pieces. Across from her is a screen door, though she could see through it since the paper covers had long since rotted away. Past the screen was a hallway to the left and a staircase off to the right.
Things wouldn't seem that bad except that sense of malice hadn't lessened, indeed it was now all around her. Whatever spirit dwelled in this house knew she was there and it was not happy about it. Or maybe it was happy. After all, if she turned to flee at this point she would find that the door is conspicuously absent.
Her call of her would-be master goes unanswered. There was nothing but silence in this house, not even the normal sounds she'd expect to filter in from the outside could be heard. It meant that the only thing that she had to listen to was the steady beating of her own heart... At least until something creaks from upstairs some dust coming down from the ceiling.
Assuming that she goes up to investigate she would be just in time to see the figure of Isamu heading inside of a room at the top of the stairs though he wouldn't respond to a call, she'd have to chase after him.
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Oct 20, 2019 18:33:12 GMT -8
Kiyoko breathed slowly, making sure to keep her breathing steady. She knew she wouldn't be able to channel her energy if she was searching for her breath, so it was of the utmost importance to keep her breathing steady. The mantra she whispered helped but only just. The aura around her was stifling and she could feel it spiraling around her like some sort of giant inky serpent. But she was not about to give in.
The moment she heard the creaking of the floor boards, she moved swiftly, notching an arrow and pointing the softly glowing tip upwards. She watched carefully for a moment before noticing the stairs leading upwards. This entire situation felt less like a test and more like a trap the longer she was there but there was no turning back now. Even with the door missing, which she hadn't noticed as her eyes were busily scanning the area in front of her.
Taking a few more steadying breaths, she closed her eyes before starting forward carefully up the stairs, letting the light radiating from the tip of her arrow guide her as she crept upwards. She hardly made a peep as she went.
The moment she saw Ping though, her posture slackened a bit relaxing just a bit before she crept forward after him. "Ping-sama, please wait a moment. This place is far too full of malice, we ought to stay together." She called, still not daring to raise her voice too high as she walked briskly after his form.
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Oct 20, 2019 18:45:52 GMT -8
He still didn't give a reply, it wasn't until she was nearly an arms reach away from him that he finally turns. Only it isn't him. The face that stares at her now was no face at all. It was smooth, featureless, a blank mask of flesh and yet she could tell that it was staring at her. It takes a step towards her and there is a noise.
It is not something that she would have heard before, not unless she'd spent a lot of time around wild animals. It was wet and strained, visceral and nauseating. It was the sound of flesh ripping apart and as she watches a line begins to form where the faceless Ping's mouth should be. The flesh is torn apart, slowing behing forced open revealing row after row after row of razor-sharp teeth.
That widening maw gets to the point where a normal mouth would stop opening, but it just keeps going. It opens wider and wider until the head is gone there is nothing but teeth and the creature, for it could not be Ping-sama, was reaching for her. It was close, she would only have seconds to react to try and stop it from grabbing her and from there... it could not possibly be good.
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Kiyoko
Established
Roleplay posts: 39
Age: 22
Physical Description: Kiyoko is an elegant young woman, standing at about 5'6" tall. She is by no means frail, but would not be described as visually appearing strong- her strength is not one that can be observed by the eye alone. She has long gray hair that flows over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, often tied in long pigtails by red ribbons. Her eyes are a deep forest green that are piercing and clever, but soft in a way surprising for a priestess.
Clothes and Equipment: She is not seen outside of her hakui and red hakama, but for festival times when she may change into a kimono or a white chihaya. She carries prayer beads and sutras with her though concealed. In the occasion where she must fight, she will don her bow and quiver with arrows doused in holy waters and oils.
Registered: Aug 17, 2019 14:52:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kiyoko on Oct 20, 2019 20:12:58 GMT -8
All of the blood drained from Kiyoko's face as she took in the horrific sight before her, her eyes widening impossibly. The arrow head that she had lowered seeing that her would-be-master was in front of her her wavered slightly as the initial horror set in. Never... never before had she seen something like this. Her heart beat thudded in her ears as she stopped dead in her tracks watching as the thing twisted more and more, revealing something she'd never evendreamt of in her nightmares.
And then it was lunging at her.
What she did would probably seem a bit counter intuitive to anyone who had been there to observe. She stayed still, but her eyes closed. And blinded was when she acted. Her body turned and she planted her leading foot on the ground.
"Mamoru." She said firmly her voice steady as her breathing.In front of her, a pale green aura surged up, surprisingly well crafted for a novice. The surge of light and purity blanketing the hall in light stunning the creature for a moment as she brought up her bow, with the arrow head brilliantly glowing now.
With her eyes still firmly shut, she drew back the bowstring and let the arrow loose, straight through the barrier she'd made and homing into the creature, seeking out the spot where's it's heart ought to lie.
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Isamu Ping
Committed
Roleplay posts: 53
Age: 32
Physical Description: Too put it mildly, on a good day Isamu looks like he should have tied one on. The man routinely has bags under his eyes, a scowl on his stubbly face, and a gruffness to his voice that suggests he is permanently hungover. This is despite his youthful features that only barely make him look his age thanks to the large scar running under his eyes and over his nose. His chin length hair is prematurely white and he needs a haircut, if not a complete shave.
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Registered: May 5, 2019 16:46:34 GMT -8
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Post by Isamu Ping on Oct 21, 2019 16:16:10 GMT -8
Kiyoko's tactic was a good one and perhaps had the creature not lured her in as closely as it had, it would have worked. As it stands, the creation of her barrier did not stun the creature for long and when she fired her arrow it was already close enough that the tip was easily battered aside as it left the boy.
Bringing its arms back down they smash into her barrier hard enough to make it shudder. This spirit was filled with powerful malicious intent and it was obvious from the start that Kiyoko had not truly been prepared for such an attack. Indeed, the young shrine maiden would fend the strength of her barrier being tested more brutally than it ever had before and she might start wondering if it was going to shatter.
However, before it can happen, a string of prayer beads appear around the creature's neck. They pull tight snapping into its teeth and suddenly in a flash of holy light the creature vanishes. Behind the creature stands Isamu his prayer beads dangling from his hands as he gives Kiyoko a considering look.
"Not bad kid."
He says as he slings the beads back around his neck.
"But you might want to get a close-range weapon. Bows aren't great in confined spaces."
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