Chapter 2b: Facing Yuudai

[mackaber]

Yaso follows Gidayu in suite scanning his surroundings precisely in order to remember any details. None of them know where they are here or how to get out so knowing where they have been will help them not to get lost.

[TetNak]

The trio heads off down one of the hallways, eventually finding a ladder that leads to a trap door. Gidayu pushes it up, and all three climb up into a simple room. It appears to be a peasant's home, and checking outside, there are more like the others, indicating that you are indeed in the peasant quarters of Toshi Ranbo.

[ManWithDoor]

The Kuni grunts when he realizes where they are. He ties shut his kubi bukuro and hangs it off his obi, the two bloody maho-tsukai trophies finally beginning to stop leaking. He tries to orient himself as to where they are in the Peasant Quarter, worrying about the status of the other samurai who left to protect the Empress. "I am relatively new to Toshi Ranbo. Can either of you guide us to the Empress? The others went to protect the Daughter of Heaven, and that is likely where they still are. We must make haste."

OOC

A 'kubi bukuro' is a netting that holds trophies (bundori). We got moved along before I could really note taking the heads of the men we killed, so this is sorta my ret-con of that.

[mackaber]

"This is my second day in Toshi Ranbo as well." Yaso replies to Gigayu before turning to the Budoka "Can you lead us Hideki-san?"

[Nate]

"Hai, Yaso-sama" Hideki replies, nodding to the two samurai. "It will be no problem."

Turning back to the home before leaving Hideki takes his yari and uses the weapon to cut a small x into the building.

"In case we need to find it again..." Hideki shrugs, not sure if they need to come back here at all, or what will happen to the building after lighting the bodies of the Bokemono on fire.

After looking around to try and get a decent bearing on where in the peasant quarters they are the Yoriki turns to lead the two, albeit slowly from his wounds, back to the the magistrates chambers.

[TetNak]

Hideki leads the other two samurai back to the Imperial Donjon. They head directly into the offices of the Champion and see Seppun Koshiro seated and waiting.

They also notice that security has increased three-fold around the area, the Seppun and Scorpion sentries have been increased substantially.

OOC

Sorry for the delay. AK will post here for the moment

[Nate]

"Koshiro-sama" Hideki states, immediately upon seeing the chamption as he drops to his knee lowering his head. "It is good to see you well -sama."

[akarmicanomaly]

The Champion waits patiently, still dressed for war in his thoroughly stained armour and kimono. While their emerald sheen has vanished under copious amounts of blood and gore Koshiro remains rather uninjured. His auburn eyes burn with suppressed emotion and his lips spread into a triumphant grin at the arrival of his magistrates. He bids his men to rise rather than waste time with formality.

'œIt appears the Fortunes are with us this day, are your wounds serious Hideki-san?' Those intense eyes fall on the bandage at the ashigaru's throat and the kubi bukuro at the Kuni's obi.

[ManWithDoor]

The tsukai-sagasu bows deeply to the Seppun, his own appearance rather disheveled. Given the extensive blood splatter, it is almost a miracle that his kabuki paint is still easily recognizable. For now his blades remain in their sheaths, given that haste was at a premium. "Champion-sama, it pleases me that the Fortunes and the kami have smiled upon us all this day." He lifts the bloody netting holding the detached heads. "Yuudai and his accomplice are facing their eternal judgment, while the goblins they employed were similarly dealt justice."

The Crab gestures to his two companions. "All three of us are wounded but combat capable. Hideki-san's injuries were serious, but rapid medical attention stabilized him for the moment. I judge him capable of defending the Capitol, but if a shugenja could be found to restore him to full health, it would be appreciated. I was not able to take the time to deal with Yaso-san's injuries as of yet, given the dire need to return and report." He bows again. "How may we serve the Empire?"

[Nate]

"I will survive Koshiro-sama." Hideki replies somewhat sheepishly, seeming both honored and embarrassed to have the champion mention his wounds.

Hideki waits quietly for Kijuro to either tell them what's going on or to give him an order. The Ashigaru is curious as to why there are more guards then normal, and what had happened with the princess.