The Foreign Samurai (papillon24 and Starsailor)

[Starsailor2804]

OOC: This thread is closed, unless something comes up where there is another character needed. This 13th century Japan is nothing like the historic Japan, so don't expect to see familiar character, players, or any such thing.

The setting is 13th century Japan, at the height of the feudal chaos that has divided the island into numerous feudal lands all fighting one another for control of the island. War has seemingly been endless for hundreds of years, with so much blood spread and soaked into the land, that one could wonder how the rivers did not flow red by now. On the southern part of the island are the lands of the Shinri Clan, headed by the Lord Shinri Takiyo. The Shinri clan had been in control of the land for hundreds of years, but after years of military buildup the natural enemies of the Shinri, the Takado, have finally decided the launch their final attack on the the Shinri and conquer the land.

From the southern shores of the island some fourteen years ago a shipwreck occured, a foreign ship from the great kingdoms west, a ship full of merchants who had travelled so far in search of riches. All were lost, all except one, a young boy of ten who had clung to a board and washed ashore. Taken in by an old man he was raised as the man's own son and taught in Boshido, the ways of the samurai. Learning Japanese and the true arts of Boshido the young man, who had grown into a man in no time, fourteen years later, upon the death of his master, his father, set out as a ronin.

The man, now twenty-four, with his young black hair and dark blue eyes had grown accustomed to a very dark tan, but yet he wasn't Japanese. He was English, though had lost his ability to speak his native tongue and his identity as English. At 6'0" he was taller than his master and those he passed on his journey, he was looked at as a freak and more than once did he have to dispatch a samurai who wanted his head for show that they had killed a demon.

It was finally, months after leaving his home, in the same lands as he had lived, that he came upon the capital of the Shinri clan. He had heard they needed ronins, and as he considered these lands his home, he sought to protect it. Entering the city of Oki the young man, whose size, strength, and menacing sword by his side got him attention, he asked around, in perfect Japanese, for the location of the clan leader, Takiyo.

Entering the compound of the Shinri clan he removed his shoes and was allowed free entry, as the markings that accompanied his sword, showed the mark of his master. His master was well known, and thus any disciple of his was a friend of the clan. Walking throughout the compound he looked for the clan leader, passing room after room. Suddenly, as he passed one room the man stopped suddenly, the nameless man, and turned to see the hands of a woman in the distance.

"Miss, I am looking for the lord of the clan, could you direct me to him please? I am here to join his ranks, I am a ronin in need of a master." Continuing to look down the hall as he knew facing her was very not customary, plus she may be undressed or at least not properly dressed.

 

[papillon24]

Kirumi

the time of unrest had forced many into task out of the normal. Kirumi had been in one of those. For years she had trained with her brothers in the way of the sword but still was not allowed to fight with the others. Now she was expected to stay at home and tend to the household chores. She once was married and now widowed due to fighting in the land. At the time she had only tuned eighteen and still to this day has never remarried. Now she resided at her fathers home who was hed of the clan.

Kirumi watched through the window to the nountians in the distance. She sighed as she as she dressed. Her yukata was of the palest blue and covered with silver cranes. It was her wish to be out training today but her father had forbade her to do so.

She heard footsteps down the hall coming closer to the door which was slightly ajar. Quickly she adujusted her red obi around her tiny frame. She took a glance in the mirror which stood to the side. Quickly she set her husbands sword against the wall near his armour which stood on a stand.

She heard a voice speak to her. through the door. Quickly she stood to open the door to answer. Upon looking out into the corridor she paused. a man not of this land stood tall.

"Sir.." she bowed low "My father will return shortly if you would like to wait at te table." She motioned to the dining room a few doors down. "I'll make dome tea as you wait."

 

[Starsailor2804]

Seeing the young woman appear, a beautiful one at that, the foreign samurai bowed very briefly in reply, "Yes, I would like that while I wait." Walking down the hall towards the dining area, it was the same in every home, the young man took a seat upon the floor and folded his hands in his lap. As he sat there in silence and nearly still he watched as the young woman entered, her thin legs scooting by in a hurry to serve the guest.

She would quickly notice his sword by his side and the symbol upon it, she would know the master who had made it well. Finally, he realized it, her father was the lord of the clan. It was quite an honor to be in the presence of his daughter, she was of good breed, he could tell by her form and grace. She was very beautiful as well and although he knew it to be disrespectful he could not help looking at her.

Surely she would notice his looks and it would embarrass her, but he had not intended to do so. "My name is Takamori, did you know my master Saigo Muramati?"

 

[papillon24]

Kirumi hurried to prepare the tea. Her father would be home soon and she did not want toinsult him by not making the guest feel honored. Quickly she loaded the tea onto a tray and made her way down the hall to the gest tables. She set the tea in front of him on the table, kneeling and poured the tea with her head bowed.

Then something caought her eye. He carried a sword. The mark was intricate specifying who the craftsman was. She knew the mark well. Saigo Muramati had taught her father in the way of the sword who taught her and her brothers.

"My name is Takamori, did you know my master Saigo Muramati?" She nodded never raising her eyes to the man.

She spoke quietly "I know him well. He taught my father and my husband's father the ways of the sword. I have not seen him for many years now. Is he well?"

 

[Starsailor2804]

After she had poured the tea he thanked her and then raised it to his lips and sipped it as she spoke. As she asked how he was Takamori removed the cup from his lips and lowered his head. "Muramati died two days ago of age, I was his last student," Takamori said and then sipped the tea again. There was alittle remorse there but not much. He had loved Muramati like a father but he had strict beliefs towards his goal and wouldn't part from it.

"Muramata, before he died, told me to come and serve your father. I learned right prior to his death of the troubles of the land," Takamori said. "If it wouldn't be too rude to ask miss, what is your name?" Looking up at her he then lowered his head again and sipped his tea once again. A second later there was a sound coming down the hall, a man who carried himself with loud footsteps.

Rising Takamori immediately turned and bowed, "Lord Shinri, I am Takamori, my master Saigo Muramati ordered me to your palace to serve you. Master Muramati asked me to give you this," Takamori said and held out a short sharpened bamboo stick. Lord Shinri immediately looked down at the ground at the sight of the bamboo stick before taking it. "How?" He said. "Master Muramati died of age master," Takamori said to show respect and an acceptance that he was his new master.

"It is an honor to have you in my ranks Takamori, please leave us," Shinri said and bowed in a sign of respect before walking past his daughter. Bowing again Takamori looked at the daughter of the lord and bowed briefly, "Thank you for the tea," he said, "It was very good," he then whispered.

Walking off with his sword swinging from his side Takamori headed to the entrance, put on his sandals, and then walked off to the center of the compound where other samurai were training.

 

[papillon24]

kirumi heard her father make his way down the hall to the guest table. she stood to greet him with a bow. she then slipped from the room to let the men speak, only to stop to listen in on the conversation. A bit later the man called Takamori emerege from the room thanked her for the tea and left. she blushed a bit at the strangers words to her.

Quiclky she make her way back into the room to speak with her father. In her father's preasence she was always allowed to speak freely.

"Father, do you think you can trust this stranger?"

"I'm not sure, my dear, we will see in time."

"Father, may I go and practice" her father nodded

she went to cleaning up the table and took the things back to the kitchen where she set the cup and tea pot in the washing tub.

she made her way to the roo and changed into her practice robes making sure they were tied tigh and still made her look feminine. She made her way to the practce she and found a woden sword that fit her size. It was important for her not to be seen practicing so she made her way to the small courtyard to the east of the house to practice.

She began the steps, each swing was more like a dance than that of ones that would be used in a fight.

 

[Starsailor2804]

It was as he was walking for the other samurai that he heard soft footsteps in a distant courtyard. He had the ability to pick up such noises since he could remember, it even fascinated his master and he was taught to use it to his advantage. Following the noise he stopped and saw the same woman who had served him tea swinging a wooden sword. Softly he approached, "I am surprised your father would allow you to practice with a sword. If someone found out that could be a very disrespectful sign," Takamoria said as he approached.

"I'm sorry, I never got your name," Takamori said as he took the sheathed sword off of his belt. "You use a sword pretty well for a lady," he said raising his sheathed sword with a smile and tapped it against hers. "Will you show me what you know?" She had the sword dance training rather than that used for a fight, but his master had told him that the sword dance was a very dangerous skill as well. Looking at the youthful petite woman before him he waited for her to attack.

Smiling he waited...

 

[papillon24]

She was wrapped up in her practice.

"I am surprised your father would allow you to practice with a sword. If someone found out that could be a very disrespectful sign," She jumped as the voice came from behind her. SHe turned to strike, stopping just before swingng down, stopping sudenly to find the stranger facing her. No one except her father and brothers had seen her practice. She paused as if struck as if she had beened stunned by magic.

"I'm sorry, I never got your name," She backed away and began to lower the woden sword.

"Will you show me what you know?" He touched his sheathed sword to the her practice weapon. She noticed his smile the most.

She shook her head.

"If father was ever to find out that anyone knew. I would never be able to practice again." SHe lowered her sword. "Please do not tell him you have seen me." Her voice did now waver and she spoke confidently with the air of a leader.

She was suprised at her own behavior. Women were not suposed to speak so forwardly to men. And yet she did to this forign stranger.

"I'm suprised you even want to know my skill."

 

[Starsailor2804]

Takamori not only knew he had surprised and startled her from her expression and response, but he also knew he had fightened her. A woman like her was not to be training as a man, yes there had been women who have fought before, but she was of the upper class. Don't worry, I wasn't planning on telling anyone, however, if you should show me your skill and I feel it is lacking you owe me." He said nothing what this meant, but instead raised his sword again.

"Will you tell me your name now before I face you? I've seen a woman fight before, talent does not lie more in a man in a woman, but instead it lies within the person. So, show me," Takamori said as he spun the sword around in his right hand easily and with such skill it would make anyone think twice about fighting him.

This fight would not last long at all, and the bet he made would be fulfilled, oh she would surely owe him.

 

[papillon24]

"Don't worry, I wasn't planning on telling anyone, however, if you should show me your skill and I feel it is lacking you owe me." His voice was gentle as he spoke to her. She watched his sword rise.

"Will you tell me your name now before I face you? I've seen a woman fight before, talent does not lie more in a man in a woman, but instead it lies within the person. So, show me," His sword spun in his hand and she saw the skill he had.

"My name is Kirumi." She bowed and stood confidently raising her weapon. The spar would be and interesting one. She tapped his sword with her's.

"Ready?"he nodded. With that she spun, crouching low. This would give her a dood position to defend or strike easily. He came at her with a graceful swing. Ducking from it's pathway ahe spun to hit his legs. Her sword hit his with a crack.

"And I thought I was quick." She smiled and returned to her defensive position to wait his next move

 

[Starsailor2804]

Kirumi, he thought as she suddenly attacked him. She was pretty quick, although nothing that he couldn't deal with. In fact, she was much slower than him, but he wasn't going to show her his full potential. This was just a spar and he didn't want to embarrass her, but for a woman she was pretty good. As she raised her sword he approached slowly at first, raised his sword, and then quickly with both hands drew it upwards and then immediately reverse spun to attack.

She had barely been able to follow that one so he continued to attack, motions after movements making Kirumi continue to retreat backwards to even keep up with him. With a smile he continued, attacking from right to left and then spun his sword and immediately attacked over head stopping the blade before it hit her on the head. Thrown off Kirumi fell on her butt and Takamori smiled.

"That was pretty good, but you could be better," Takamori said and held out a hand helping her up to her feet. "You definately could put up a good challenge to many men, I'd fight alongside you any day." It was cold day but yet he begun to sweat. Looking up into the hillside he saw the steam rising from the side where a hot spring was. "I will challenge you again, keep training, but remember you owe me," Takamori said with a sly smile before heading up to the hot spring.

As he arrived there Takamori removed himself of his shirt, pants, and finally his underwear. Stretching his arms he then knelt down and touched the water with his hand before standing again. His body was so very well toned that when compared to the Japanese he had no equal. As well as he stood there any onlooker would notice that he was very well hung, and looking around before he stepped in Takamori made sure that he was indeed alone.

Slowly he stepped in, and sank down to his upper shoulders as he sat down. The water was so hot and relaxing that he expected to remain here for quite some time.

 

[papillon24]

Kirumi had been thrown off by his skill. Even her brothers had never beaten her in a spar. She went back to the hall to bathe and change quickly. She dressed again in her yukata and red obi before returning to the kitchen. She heard her father's footsteps enter from behind her. She stood and bowed in high respect.

"And how did your practice go my dear?"

"Wel papa, but I was seen." He raised and eyebrow at this. "The strange man that was here earlier snuck up on me as I practiced."

"And what did you do about it?" His voice was stern as she spoke, but she coukd tell that he was not too angry at her. She was his only daughter and for some strange reason they had a good understanding of each other. She knew this even when she was married to the son of the Tomai Clan. He knew that the two of them would join the clans as allys but that they would also love each other as well.

"Well, I tried to cme back in but I was challenged and he would not take no for an answer. Takamori, I think his name is, is a skilled fighter. I losdt against him."

Father looked surprised at this for he knew her skill level.

"And where is he now?"

"He made his way to the spring I think."

"Take him a towel and something to eat while he relaxes. If he is as good as you say then we must welcome him"

He turned and left the room. She went about the kitchen preparing some food. She loaded a few balls of rice, some soy chicken and a bowl of marinated vegetables into a small basket. She made up a pot of hot tea as well. Quickly she gathered up a soft linin towel and made her way with everything to te springs.

The steam rose high as she looked down. She blushd quite heavily at what she saw. She did not expect him to be naked quite yet.

Turning her back to him she cleared her throat. "Takamori, sir, my father has sent some food and drink up for you to enjoy"

 

[Starsailor2804]

Relaxing in the hot spring Takamori hadn't even heard Kirumi approach and as she he turned his head to look at her, her back was facing him but he could see her face and it was flush. "Thank you Kirumi and tell your father I am honored by such hospitality." As she set the items down near the edge of the hot spring Takamori turned around and taking chopsticks he ate from the basket, eating some of the riceball and chicken.

"Mmm, it is very good. Did you make this Kirumi? You may turn you will not see me below my neck now, I do not wish to talk to your back," he said and then ate once again as he sat in the water. Looking up at her from time to time he smiled to show his enjoyment of the meal. "Would you care to join me in the hot spring? I will not look at you until you are in the water, I promise," Takamori said.

It was actually customary, despite how women were not to look at men, to share a hot spring and actually bathe in the presence of women and men. He was not sure she would agree though because of her flushed appearance right now, but there was no sexual innuendos placed with bathing together.

 

[papillon24]

"Would you care to join me in the hot spring? I will not look at you until you are in the water, I promise,"

She turned slowly to find him up to his shoulders in the spring.

"That sounds fine." Still flushed she motioned for him to turn and face the other direction.

She began to undress carefully folding her garments and putting them into a pile. She carefully poured a cup of hot tea and set it within arms lenght of him.

Kirumi stepped into the warm water letting it envelop her body. Quicly she made her way to a far corner of the spring relaxing into the comfort of the heat.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Takamori had done what he promised her and hadn't looked at her until she had joined him within the hot spring. Turning back to look at her he smiled and relaxed as he hoped she would as well. The steam rose at times so much due to the cold air so they could barely see each other. But, he knew she was there. The silence at times was deafining. So, sliding to the side of the hot spring he closed the distance between them and at times their feet would hit causing embarrassment.

"So, you told your father of our spar didn't you? That is why you are here. You were sent to make sure I was happy and that I would stay," Takamori said outright finding her circumstances being here very obvious towards what he said. "I do not plan to go anywhere, it was the wishes of my master to serve your father."

"I have trained very hard and travelled very far and thus I am very tired. Could you please rub my neck and back for me?" He knew she wouldn't deny him, but he knew her embarrassment was sure to show. He knew that she could not deny him to possibly anger him and cause him to leave. Thus, turning he floated in the middle of the hot spring in front of her, awaiting her petite hands to massage his back.

 

[papillon24]

"I have trained very hard and travelled very far and thus I am very tired. Could you please rub my neck and back for me?"

the request took her by surprise. In fact many things about him took her by surprise.

She did not decline his request for it would insult him. She moved close to him and pressed her sliender fingers into his shoulder muscles. Touching him felt good for some strange reason. The sight of her olive colored shik contrasing against his light skin made her smile as she continued to massage his back.

 

[Starsailor2804]

As her fingers touched his skin and began to massage it lightly Takamori relaxed, the feeling was very comforting. After a few minutes he finally said something, "You are very good," he said and moved back slightly so that their bodies were drawn closer together. "You do know this war is about to get very bloody, many will die. But, I promise I will protect you, I put my honor behind that promise." Slowly after minutes of being comforted with the shoulder massage Takamori turned to face her.

Pointing to his upper chest he said, "Right here, my muscles are really tight." Moving closer yet Kirumi found herself nearly pressed against him, however the distance was still far enough that nothing of his touched her, nor could she or he see anything through the steamy water. "I suppose your father has not told you yet," Takamori said looking at her and then past into the woods.

"His master was my master, and in a sign of honor has given me your hand in marriage. I do not take this lightly, I'm sure he has not said anything to you yet, but when I saw him he knew such was to occur. I do not want to force your marriage to me, so I hope that you will grow to like me."

What he said was honorable and she could surely tell he was sensitive in what he said. However, surely it would be a shock to her, considering the surprise of it all and just the shock in general considering she is a widow.

 

[papillon24]

The look of shock ran accross her face. SHe let her hands fall from massaging his shoulders. How could this be happening. it had not been long since her husband had died and now this. she was still going through mourning.


She turned to hide her face from him. Her mind spun. She had to go and speak with father soon. she motioned for him to turn as she steped from the springs and dressed quickly.

"I'm sorry Takamori, but I must speak with my father. It is not that I don't like you or I don't want to marry you,...its just..." she blushed. "I must go" She turned and hurried down towards the house to find her father.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Turning as she wished after she had obviously been embarrassed and shocked from what he had said he then watched and listened as she explained how she had to go see her father. After she had ran down the hill back towards the house Takamori rose from the water and dressed. Suddenly, there was commotion, just a sudden and quick ending disturbance, but enough to alert him. He wasn't alone....

Stepping on his sheath he took hold of the hilt of his sword and drew it in a clean swipe so that the sound of the blade resonated. Quickly covertly he moved off into the woods to see what exactly was coming and how many.

Meanwhile, back at the house lord Shinri sat meditating before his sword. He had actually just finished when he heard Kirumi enter in a fashion that he knew she had learned of the secret. Standing there with his arms behind him clasped he watched as his beautiful daughter approached. "I assume Takamori enjoyed his meal and drink?"

 

[papillon24]

Kirumi was breathless as she entered the house in a rush.

"I assume Takamori enjoyed his meal and drink?" She stopped dead in her tracks.

"Father is it true?" He nodded slowly in response

"How could you? Now with all that has happened. Nakano only died a few months ago." She turned and rushed from the house again, tears streaming from her eyes. She could not decide whether or not she was angry at her father or sad at the thoughts of her dear Nakano rising again within her.

She took a path that she knew. It was one she had walked many a times as a child and still the path comforted her as an adult. The sky overhead began to fill with soft grey clouds as she meandered slowly along the dirt path. The pathway led into a small grove of trees that existed long before her father's time.

She stopped suddenly at the sound of a breaking twig. A few small birds flew up into the air. Something was not right. Someone was following her. She sped up her pace as she continued a ways then turned back. She wished she had broguht along at least her tanto to protect herself out here. It would have been easy enough to hide in the sleeve of her dress.

Out of the shadows figures began to appear. Two at first and then a few more joined. The all bore long swords, all of which were drawn. She tried to run, but her way out was surrounded.She was about to scream when the voice spoke to her in a powerful way.

"Scream and Die. We know who you are and aren't afraid of your father."

The larger figure stepped out and showed himself. By now Kirumi was trembling with fear as she saw the leader of a neighboring clan. Hiromi ha been wanting to take over her fathers lands ever since he had become the clan leader.

Hiromi motioned and two more of the men stepped out and grabbed Kirumi with a quick force. She felt a piece of her robe rip as they carried her off. She tried to scream but a large hand had covered her mouth muffleing her cries.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Takamori had discovered them, but it was too late! Having tracked them down past the last estate of the lord he followed them off into the woods where he found a piece of Kirumi's robe. Crotching down he picked it up in his hands and looked at it and then in the path the men had gone. They had kidnapped her! Running hurriedly in the direction they went he arrived just in time to see the men riding off on their horses, a woman laid across the one horse kicking.

"Kirumi!" Yelling Takamori began to run, but stopped immediately knowing that there was just no way to catch them. As they rode off the one man looked back and continued riding. Damn, Takamori thought and then ran in a full stride back towards the estate. "Lord Shinri!" Moving throughout the estate he found the lord sitting there unaware of what happened.

"Lord Shinri, they took Kirumi! They were wearing colors of your enemy," Takamori said as Shinri rised quickly in horror of it all. "I....I cannot send my men into war now, we are not ready..., I can't risk their lives because of my daughter," he said and turned away from Takamori. "Lord Shinri, I will rescue her, I promise. While I am gone prepare for war, I will return in three nights," Takamori said and then ran off.

Taking one of the horses from the stable he quickly mounted and rode off in the direction the men had gone. He knew where they were going, but could he catch them before they had made it all the way back to their master? He rode hard, not letting his horse get any rest.

 

[papillon24]

The ride was rough through the countryside. She struggled with the bindings they had tied around her wrists. This was a procaution for them.So far she had already kicked one in the stomach and punched another in the face. It had surprise the men on how fast she was with er fighting skills.

They rode through the night with out a stop. When daylight came the made there way to a high hilltop and set up a small camp. Kirumi was imediatly taken into the center tent where Lord Hiromi was to reside for a few hours.

There her binding were taken off and her arms held out to the sides by two large men. She struggle with all she could until Lord Hiromi grasp her by the neck

"What a beautiful Yukata you wear. My wife would love it. All it would take is a bit of mending."

With a quick motion the two men had managed to remove the obi and the robes leaving her body bare. She lowered her eyes in embarasment. The men let go and pushed Kirumi onto Hiromi's bed where her hands and feet were bound.

Hiromi apprached quickly sitting down next to where she had been laid. his had were rough as he touched her bare skin. His hands roamed over every inch of her body as she tried to move farther and farther away.

"Keep your hands off me you pig"

He laughed with a deep roar.

"You are in no position to tell me what to do" With that he stripped down and laid next to her.

Kirumi could feel hisheat as his bbody pressed up close to hers. Hi stench was foul from the ride as he manouver himself over her body pushing flat on her back.

"Scream and die. I have been wanting to fuck you since you were very young"

With that he entered her thrusting hard. She bit her tongue and fought back as manytears as she could before breaking down. He laughed as hs thrusted harder and harder bringing himself to orgasim in her.

"I might just take you as a second wife. your a good lay."

 

[Starsailor2804]

He knew he was gaining on them for he could hear their horses in the distance in full gallop. They were travelling all night it seemed and into the early morning he was nearly upon them when he felt that he wasn't alone. From the trees three masked men leapt and nearly knocked him off his horse. Standing up on the horse Takamori jumped backwards as his horse kept running towards the men. Quickly he drew his sword and without hesitation ran towards the first man.

As their swords clashed the other two men quickly joined in so that he had to deal with three attackers. One wasn't a problem, nor was two, but three was a challenge and as they exchanged blows with one another Takamori tried as quickly as he could to take one out as fast as possible. Quickly as his sword clashed with one attacker he threw a roundhouse at another man, striking him in the temple and knocking him unconscious.

It was at this point that a sword slashed along his back causing deep bloody wounds. Yelling in agony Takamori stumbled forwards only to be met by another blade along his shoulder. Striking out at the same time with his blade he slashed the throat of one attack and then threw his blade backwards plunging deep into the chest of the last man.

The victor he had felt like he won nothing as he was losing blood quickly. Stumbling he couldn't find his horse through his hazy vision and fell to the ground. Slowly he lost consciousness.

Appearing from the bushes a young boy had seen what happened and ran off to get someone, someone who could help the dying Takamori.

 

[papillon24]

LOrd Hiromi dressed himself and went about the tent pasking and repacking his things in neat little bundles leaving Kirumi along on thebed. Tears ran down her face as shelay there on her side. She could have never imagined this happening to her. He father Lord SHinri had few enemies that would try to attack so the fear ws low.

Hiromi came back to the bed and sat upon it. Kirumi felt her body shrink away as far away from him as possible. He touched her shin and it crawed with hatred. His hands Mauled her breast and roughly pawed at her flesh.With one finger he stroked her clit and tortured her forbidden flesh reveling in the sight of watching her squirm.

In one swoop he picked her up and put her over his shoulder with an odd smile on his face. Kirumi began to panic as he carried her from the tent and set her on her knees outside. She felt the cold air breeze accross her flesh causing her to shiver.

"I have claimed Shinri's daughter. We will have our war." he cried across the camp. a roar filled the campsite as hundreds of soldiers cheered at his victory. He then took out a piece of metal from his pouch and set it in the fire. The tip glowed red hot after only a few moments. Kirumi watced in fear as she say his symbol glow hot and move closer to her.

TWo men moved to her sides and held her arms . Hiromi helt the marker cerimoniosly up in the air. With one foul swoop he placed it upon he back burning the walnut sized mark on her bare shoulderblade. She screamed in sheer pain and terror as the mark felt like it was going through her. He took a bit of ash from the fire and rubbed it ito the spot so that it would heal black.

Again the men cheered.

"Men. she is my gift to you for the rest of the evening. But I will not tolerate any other marks than this one on her." he called to the nearest men.

Two stong men picked her up and moved he into a common tent and placed her on a low table. The undid the bindings letting her stretch her sore limb quickly before tying her to the table for the men.

 

[Starsailor2804]

It was a day or two until Takamori awoke to find himself in a soft bed, he had no idea where he was. Trying to get up quickly he found himself with a pain in his side so bad that he had to lay back down. Damnit, what happened? He had forgotten what exactly happened to him, but he knew he had to get going to rescue Kirumi. Just then a woman, about the same age as him with long black hair and a truly petite body, walked into the room with a bowl full of warm water and a towel.

"Oh, hi, I'm glad you are awake," the woman said as she laid down the bowl and drained some water from the towel before placing it on his head. "You were pretty bad when Yuka found you, but you look much better now. My name is Sakura," the woman said as she slowly dabbed his head with a smile.

"My name is Takamori," he said as he laid there relaxing in slight pain. "I thank you for your care, but I need to go, I have a mission to complete." Immediately when he tried to move a sharp pain hit him once again, "No no, you can't move like that yet, you are not fully healed. It should be another day or two before you can leave."

Simply by looking at his face one could tell just how much pain he was in. Looking over at the woman Takamori smiled at her simple dress, but yet great beauty that filled it. She was obviously beautiful, she had a face that nearly matched Kirumi's, but yet could never compare to her. "Do you live here alone?" It wasn't really proper of him to ask such a question, but yet why not? "No, it is just Yuka and me," Sakura said and smiled as he returned the smile.

"Well, you should really get more rest, I'll check up on you again later," Sakura said and then left Takamori alone to rest.