Dragons of Heaven and Earth

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Michiyo took a step back, avoiding the cudgel swung at his head, but slipped on the muddy ground catching a blow to the arm. As he fell he rolled, springing to his feet and turned to face his assailents. One lept towards him, the leader of the three, Michiyo ducked under the swinging club and stuck the man a body blow, the brigand fell to the ground winded.

The second and third brigands lept, one grabbed Michiyo's arm and pain flared up, Michiyo ducked another swing and punched the other bandit in the face sending the man crumpling to the ground. The bandit leader had managed to stumble back to his feet and moved towards Michiyo who was grappling with the other brigand.

"You are so going to pay for that!" shouted the bandit leader as he closed in on Michiyo's back.

Michiyo heard the shout and head butted the bandit he was grappling, breaking the mans grip on his arm. As he turned to face the bandit leader, hands raised in defence, he caught the cudgel ripping it from the bandits grasp and throwing it into the forest. The bandit, now infuriated, swung a fist at the monks head, Michiyo easily ducked it springing back up with a strike that caught the bandit leader in the jaw, there was a reasurring crack of bone, and the brigand fell to the ground unconcious.

Michiyo relaxed his fists, and checked that the bandits were still alive, it would be unnecissary to kill them, they were merely misguided, not evil. He moved the men to the side of the road, and then left, heading towards the village. His arm was painful, and bruised from the hit it had recieved, but it was not broken.

It was a couple of hours before Michiyo reached the village, he found the inn, paid for his room and retired. After eating the food provided by the inn keeper he sat down cross legged in the center of his room, lighting the candle he had brought with him and placing it infront of him. He then closed his eyes and felt his mind relax, he reflected on the lesson he had learnt earlier that day. After an hour he extinguished the candle, returning it to his pack, then he went to bed. He would be in Mori by tomorrow evening, and then his test would begin...

 

In the outskirts of the Singing Forest...

Sitting on a rock a few hundred feet from the vast amount of trees that were the Singing
Forest, was a Varana Named Kahaki. Dressed in leather armor, with a sword strapped to his
back, he sat there playing with a oddly shaped stone he had picked up earlier to study
intensely, before putting it away in his backpack.
He didn't pay much attention to the stone now even as he was playing with it, as his
thoughts were on matters unrelated to the seemingly childish game.
In truth much about the Singing Forest scared Kahaki. It was the homeland of his people.
Not his people anymore though, or rather it had never been. Being born an outcast had its
disadvantages Kahaki thought to himself.
His parents had talked about this place and back then it had seemed to his so far away.


But he had not forgotten about his urgent quest and knew that there was no avoiding it.
His quest was to retrieve the Heirloom of his people. It had been stolen and the spirits
demanded it be return and that the thieves be punished for their crimes.
Kahaki decided to enter the forest sometime the next day.

 

As Kahaki sat there on the rock thinking, a female voice startled him out of his thoughts greeting him in vanaran. As he looked behind him he saw a male and female vanaran, the male had a sour look about him, was dressed in leather and carried a Kukri at his side. The female was smiling gently, also dressed in leather; she carried a Sai strapped on each forearm, at her side lay a cheetah. She continued talking

“Greetings Kahaki, my name is Khiasan, and this is my brother Ansu; we are to guide you to our village, and in particular to our Shaman Bheretsu, who awaits you and told us where to find you. We just have to await two others who will be joining us shortly. Do you have ay questions?”

With this she sat down near Kahaki, the cheetah’s head in her lap, Ansu mumbled about somebody having to keep watch, and went off to do that. Khiasan looked at Kahaki “Tell me about yourself, if you don’t mind it’s not often I meet people from outside the village.”

 

The day was coming to an end when Michiyo reach Mori and passed into its noisey streets. Even though the sun was setting the city was still as alive as ever, although most of the life was concentrated in the taverns and docks.

Michiyo walked through the crowds, passing a few drunk sailors as he moved towards the palace...

 

Zuhanxi bows
« I understand milord we are to enter the Peach Blossom Valley and find the whereabouts of the fifth son of Pai Mei. It shall be done. I suspect no words must come of your involvement in this... investigation? Also can we use... say unorthodoxe method of persuasion? Is it acceptable if I become overzealous and resort to violence for my end? »

 

Kahaki nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of the voice, and that was before he even realized they were speaking varanan. When he came to his senses however he answered the greeting with a bow.
He then gave the cheetah a nervous look but upon seeing its relaxed muscles and calm appearance he felt comforted.

He meant to ask how they knew his name but figured since there was a shaman involved that was just the beginning of what they knew about him
He shook his head and said: no, no questions.

As Khiasan sat down next to him he gave a shy look but it passed quite quickly.
My name is Kahaki as you already know, he replied while trying to appear and sound as calm as possible, a task he found immensely hard, as this was the first varana he had ever met or talked to that wasn't his parents.
I grew up in the human city of Moon Sect not far from here he continued. Growing up in human lands was.. "awkward" he said unable to find a better word to describe the alienation he had felt during his childhood.
I've spent most of my life practicing my skills with the sword and trained to become a shaman. Something that have led me here.

He wondered if he should tell her about the reason for his unusual upbringing and looked down for a second feeling slightly ashamed.
She probably already knew the story of how his family had been banished he told himself, but still she was looking at him with a genuine smile. Kahaki couldn't help but smile back.

So how is life in the village? Kahaki asked after a short silence?

 

After a few minutes of quietness, Hideo looked around both to Zhuanxi and Hu Nua, waiting to see if they would ask anything, but they just bow down at the presence of Lord Cheng Mei.

"I'm sorry, but I have a question" Hideo spoke looking up to the lord, "I must apologize, but on all this great land, why would you choose us to do this mission, I'm not trying to question you motives, but you must have more experienced and close members to do this task"

Hideo looked towards the lord's daughter Cheng Hu and she looked back at him in astonish at what she had just heard.

[ May 29, 2006, 00:16: Message edited by: Maurolava ]

 

Makoto took the head from another bandit, and the mage finished off the last one with a wave of flame emanating from her hands.

He cleaned his blade on the tunic of a fallen robber, and bowed to the Wu Jen.

"I am Kuroda Makoto, sworn to Hojo-dono. You fight well, Hengeyokai."

She smiled. "Thank you, Kuroda-san. My name is Akimoto Kumiko."

She had been told that the humans valued manners beyond much, so she tried to rein in her natural curiosity, but failed.

"It was lucky you came along when you did. What're you doing out here?"

"Hojo-dono has asked me to cleanse this forest of the bandits who plague it. I am doing so now."

"Oh, sounds like fun! Can I help?" SHe clapped her hands together, and Makoto noticed that they were closer to paws then hands. Her tail whipped back and forth as she almost bounced, and he nearly smiled.

"If you wish, Akimoto-san."

"Call me Kumiko," she replied, falling into step beside his horse.

He felt ashamed that he rode while she walked, but when he offered to swap, she eyed his horse with a look of mild revulsion, and instead claimed that she preferred to walk. By the way she bounded from foot to foot, he decided she was telling the truth.

Soon enough though, the sounds of men were heard nearby, and chatter was ceased. Makoto descended, and crept forward, bow in hand, arrow drawn. Kumiko whispered a few words, and a ball of eldritch energy surrounded her hand.

 

Michiyo had spent the night in one of the more peaceful inns that Mori had to offer, set quite a way back from the Docks, but the smell of fish had still wafted through his open window. When the sun had risen Michiyo had accepted the simple breakfast offered by the inn keeper and then gone on his way.

Michiyo had decided that instead of going straight to the palace he would go to the temple to meditate among his brothers. As he walked through one of the market streets peopled stared at him, muttering as they passed, talking of his scars. Michiyo loathed his disfigurment, and began to feel threatened by every stranger that he passed, flinching from any movement he caught out of the corner of his eye, every laugh he heard he felt was directed at him, he felt like a small child, he felt scared. So with the little money he had left he bought a blue scarf and wrapped it over his mouth and nose, hiding the scars from view, he felt calmer and he took a moment to concentrate his mind and focus, he then proceeded on his way to the temple.

The temple was a grand structure, high wooden doors beckoned him to enter, and inside was lit by hundreds of candles, the smell of inscence was thick in the air, around him monks tended the flames, and burners, and some sat on the floor meditating.

As Michiyo gazed around an old monk approached him.

"Can I help you young man? You look as though you are not from around here."

"I am from the Blue Mountain Monastery, I was sent by the Abbot to serve our Lord Mori. I felt I would come and meditate before I entered the palace."

"Then do not let me detain you from your duties any longer than I must."

Michiyo bowed to the man and then moved forward and took a place on the floor. Setting his candle infront of him he lit it and began the process of clearing his mind, he felt his body lighten and his muscles relax, he felt as though he was floating in his head. He stayed there, his mind empty and pure for what seemed only moments to him, but when he opened his eyes the candle had burned out. The old man he had spoken to earlier approached again.

"You were away for some time, almost three hours, here have this candle to replace your old one, as you can see we have plenty." The old man smiled and gave a little chuckle, handing Michiyo the candle.

"Thankyou my friend and brother, may your path be clear and safe" Michiyo bowed his head and took the candle, the old man gave a nod and smile and left Michiyo alone.

It was late afternoon by the time Michiyo arrived at the palace gates, two guards stood watching as Michiyo approached, letter in hand...

 

Druid Grove outside Phoenix Mansion

“I think in this situation, I will put aside my usual distaste for such things, I do not wish to put unreasonable restraints on you. I will leave the details of the mission to all of you, but keep yourselves safe at all times. When you are finished and return to the city, take rooms at the Tiger’s Tail Inn; by the east gate and one hour before sunset my daughter will meet you again. If my daughter does not arrive, return to the Inn, do not go with anyone else.

“The reason I ask this of you, is quite simple, they know my people well, they don’t know you. We have ensured as much as possible that they know nothing of you as well. Good luck, and may the Gods smile on you.”

Cheng Mei looked at each of them as he said this, and gave them leave to go.

 

Two days of steady riding across grassy plains and deer paths had brought the four samurai to the village of Wandering Mist. Jin dismounted and his fellows did likewise, leading their horses into the village. "Head for the inn," Jin said, looking for the building, "We ought to be able to find out what is going on there."

Jin lead his horse toward the biggest building in the village, probably the inn, and tied his horse up outside, petting the the beast before heading through the door.

 

On a rock outside the Singing Forest

Khiasan smiled and laughed softly, “Village life is quite quiet, especially here in the Forest, and most peoples avoid it. There is not much for me to do as a Ranger, most of the time, sometimes the orcs to the south get restless and then there is some work to do, but we get help when that happens. I’m sure if you had been allowed to live in the village, you would know this yourself. Now tell me how living with humans is, are they as harsh as we are told?”

She sat there attentive, a soft smile on her face and her eyes bright rested on his features.

 

Hu Nua bowed deeply to the Lord and took three steips back. Cheng Hu led back out to the city gates. "Get what supplies you need and leave as soon as possible." The three bowed to her and she walked off and quickly vanished from sight.

"I do not need much, prehaps a little extra food. There are shops nearby."

They headed to the shops to replenish their supplies.

 

As they arrive at one of the supplies stores at the edge of the city, Hideo ask to the clerk for some rations, additional rope and a new flint rock. He put the items in the counter as Hideo reached a small bag to get some gold coins. Hideo them moved to the side waiting for the other to finish.

A bit later Hu Nua moved back as well and while waiting for Zhuanxi, Hideo approach Hu Nua "Well this looks like a easy enough assingment, but just to be save I want you to have this" Hideo bring out from his Shinobi Shozoku a couple of Shurikens and hands them to her "Is not much, but, I know it will come in handy if trouble comes near"

[ May 30, 2006, 23:29: Message edited by: Maurolava ]

 

Hu Nua smiles at Hideo and bows in thanks, "Oh, they are beautiful. I have had little practice with them but prehaps you will teach me as we travel. I have so longed to have Shurikens and learn to properly use them."

She bows again and examines the beautiful but deadly stars before placing them in a small pouch on her belt.

 

Palace of Lord Mori, Mori city

The guards watched Michiyo approach, upon explaining that he had a letter from his master the Abbot of Blue Mountain Monastery for Lord Mori, they sent word to the major-domo of the house. Soon as escort arrived to take Michiyo into the palace, and then took him the sitting room of the Daimyo. Here he was told to wait while the Lord read the letter, after reading he was called forward and told to sit.

“Your Abbot tells me that you are one of his best students and I see you already bear scars, this encourages me, scars give character to a man” As he said Lord Mori turned his head and Michiyo could see the scar running down the jawbone.

“I would be pleased if you solve a problem for me, North of here, one day’s walk is the village of Cherry Blossom, a beautiful place in early spring when the trees flower. They have sent word that Demons have taken over a barn there, please go and remove them and return to me. Any questions?”

========================================================================

Outskirts of the Jade Forest

Fujiko sat around the fire with the others wondering what he was doing here, but it was too late to go home now, he sat before the fire drinking sake, hoping it would numb the pain, even if only for a little while. The first he knew anything was wrong was when an arrow hit the man next to him in the throat, as the others ran around looking for weapons and who to fight, Fujiko hit the ground and pretended to be dead.

[ May 29, 2006, 21:23: Message edited by: DarkStrider ]

 

Wandering Mist village

As the Samuari entered the Inn, the innkeeper and seeing them rushed over to their side, quiding them to a table on the side, after a breif polite enquiry as to their needs he bowed and rushed off. Calling to the kitchen, he told them to prepare food and sake for the four Samurai, turning he grabbed hold of the potboy and told him to go fetch Master Ugoya quickly, telling him of the Samurai’s arrival. Having done all this the innkeeper wiped his brow with a cloth, being arund Samurai always made him nervous. The girls quickly brought out food ans wine for the swordsmen, laying it on the table for them and then left bowing greacefully.

Shortly the door opened and in strode Master Ugoya, it was obvious from his size, build and clothing that his profession was Blacksmith. He bowed before the Samurai and after being given permission, sat

“Honoured sirs, it is with a glad heart that I welcome you to our humble village, I am Master Ugoya, smith and chief elder of the village. About two weeks ago a farmer’s dogs attacked a creature coming from the Mire, upon its death we examined it and found it to be a zombie. Since then the sightings of them near the Mire has increaed, the farms near the Mire have been abandoned, we are grateful for all assisstance you can render us.”

 

As Zhuanxi finished buying food and suplies and rejoinded his fellow companion

« Should we not begun our task then? I also have an odd request if I may, Is any of you able to read? I got this message from distant land and I am unable to understand it »

EDIT: Sorry for the confusion, I thought we add to speak with Cheng Hu's Daughter before begening our quest. Again I appologise for the misunderstandment.

[ May 30, 2006, 21:00: Message edited by: Ofelix ]

 

Journey to the Singing Forest

"Well, lets see..." Henjien says as he digs out a map from his backpack. "Singing Forest should be... er... I think... maybe... that way"

QiShu walks up to him, took the map and turned it upside down and passed it back.

Henjien laughs nervously. "Eh... heh heh, right... it should be that way then," he says as he continues leading the way.

QiShu smiles to herself. She knows that he can read a map full well without her assistance. She does appreciate his efforts to put a smile on her face, but she was always quick to put him back in his place. In all actuality QiShu quite enjoys the attention and the silly things he does to lighten up her day but she would never admit it.

A few hours later, as they reached the borders of the Singing Forest they saw two Vanarans sitting on a large rock.

"Perhaps one of them is the Kahaki that the spirits spoke of?" Henjien mentions to QiShu before shouting to them in Vanaran. "Greetings! I am sorry to interrupt your conversation, but are you by any chance Kahaki or know of a Vanaran named that?" he shouts as they continue approaching the two Vanarans.

 

“Of course I’ll help you”, Hideo reply. “But, I’ve to warn you, the fine art of Hand Hidden Blade will take time and much patience to accomplish, I hope you ready. In the other hand we should have much time to practice”

Zhuanxi had then finished his purchase, and at his rinsing question Hideo responded, “I know how to read and write, if there is anything that I can help you with, you are must welcome to ask. Let’s get going first, then I should address you concern in further detail Zhuanxi”

With that, the tree ninjas head out of the store and to the outskirts of the city.