Chapter 2: Dark Truths

[JohnnyWeird]

The Scorpion searches the corpses of their attackers; dead men have secrets that live men never tell.

Action

examining the corpses for identifiers

[Nate]

Hideki takes a few moments to view the groups surroundings before relaxing his grip on the foreign weapon. He's slightly surprised at such a brash attack which could have killed anyone who had been inside the inn. Whether they knew the Empress was inside or not they can hopefully find out from the man taken after the battle.

Bending over he slides the blade across the grass on both sides in to clean the weapons blade. Reheathing the weapon he looks to the Crane samurai wishing he was able to do something to help the mans wounds, but the Ashigaru's knowledge of first aid is laughable at best.

[akarmicanomaly]

The Champion stalks over to the fallen man, a storm of judgement already brewing in his eyes. As he moves he wipes his katana clean on the kimono of his enemies and glares at each fallen man in turn. Seeing his men gather, and Hideki's clear desire to do something, Koshiro speaks. Normally a quiet leader the aftermath of battle changes the Seppun's demeanour.

'œWe have bested our foes once again Magistrates, the Empire could want for no braver samurai! Know your ancestors watch on proudly...' Though proud of his magistrates a hint of cruelty escapes into Koshiro's tone as he continues. 'œ...unlike those shamed by these traitorous sons and daughters. Hideki-san, gather their Daisho and weapons and feed them to the flames, every trace of their dishonour ends this eve.'

He waits for the Daughter of Heaven to take command in this situation, though keeps his blade drawn in case of further treachery. The idea that their captive would resist the Empress herself is nothing more than madness to the Champion's mind.

[ManWithDoor]

The Witch Hunter moves out from the woods, similarly cleaning his katana with a pure white cloth, which will later be burned. Calmly looking about for more threats, he approaches the downed prisoner. He bows slightly to the Seppun and speaks. "Champion-sama, as these creatures were allied with a creature from the Shadowlands, I have reason to believe that they are members of the Lost. I would recommend extreme caution in handling their remains, and that if anyone does not currently wear jade, that they should come to me for such protections." He turns his gaze to the prisoner, his eyes cold and merciless. "Also, I would like to personally examine him for the signs of the Taint." He raises an eyebrow, waiting for permission before continuing.

[mackaber]

Yaso finds it somewhat unnerving that even though he is so far away from the wall the Taint might be chasing them even here. At the witchhunters words he steps back from the downed Ronin flicking blood of his blade before re sheathing it. He too turns to the Champion with a slight bow apparently which seems to confront him with great pain as he only holds it shortly "Shall I go find our steeds Champion-san? Surely this is no good place to stay for too much longer."

[TetNak]

The Empress nods to Koshiro, "Question him," then preempts the Champion and nods to Yaso. "Indeed, but take someone with you, there may be more of them out there." She looks over Yaso and asks, "Are you well? You were hit by that massive beast ..."

[Vardaen]

Akira returns from the woods, where he has collected his two Magar-Yari, "I shall go with Yaso." The Lion keeps his yari in his hand, using it at times to aid his walking, his own wounds are great, but his face hidden under his mempo is nos visible to show the pain that is on it. He snaps off one of the arrows sticking out of his armor and then with Yaso heads to collect his horses, he is perhaps the best suited to dealing with the animals anyhow.

[mackaber]

As the empress addresses him directly the pain in Yaso's bones momentarily gives way to an eerie feeling, he bows as deep as his shaken frame will allow him and replies "Well enough my Empress. The Crab's shell is hardened to defend you from such beasts every day and I still stand to fight in your name." he then rises again and although his movements seem stifled by pain his face remains unchanged, unwilling to show pain.
He looks around at the assembled Samurai his eyes finally resting on the former Budoka. "Hideki-san would you care to accompany me on this endeavor?"

[TetNak]

Akira, Hideki and Yaso moves into the forest to find the Utaku steeds. They remain where they were before, tied up to a series of trees. Not unexpected, they seem nervous and scared from the Shadowspawn nearby and the fire raging. With a bit of coaxing, the trio led the horses back to the battle site.

[mackaber]

As the trio arrives with the Utaku steeds Yaso is panting heavily. When the beasts of burden have been secured Yaso drops back against a tree and undoes his armor to inspect the vicious bruises the Club of the Ogre had caused.

OOC

Congratualtions on 20000 Tet