Songs About Rain

[Silence Sei]

(Closed to Tainted Bushido and Jennifer Oakley)

The rain hadn't stopped for days. It was as if Althanas itself was mourning some sort of traumatic loss. For at least a week now, Concordia had not shone with its typical brilliance. It was dark and gloomy, and the once vibrant forest seemed to be a completely different place now. Sei had finally had enough of waiting to do what he had wanted to do since Taka's recruitment into the Ixian Knights, and took the man to the forest. Naturally, Anita tagged along.

When Anita had brought Taka to Sei in a body bag, the mute had grieved for the loss. However, the man quickly returned to life after a fateful encounter with possibly Althanas most dangerous (if not most lecherous) samurais; Shiryko Benimaru. Taka proceeded to explain to Sei and Anita about the taint that filled his being. He told the duo how he had some sort of Oni curse placed upon him in order to try and save his comrades. Sei probably would have done the same thing if he were in the ronin's shoes.

Now, Sei had planned for a training exercise with Taka in the sunny forest of Concordia. It was a way to show the ronin that beauty could triumph over any danger it encountered. It would have been a beautiful metaphor if not for the torrential downpour that pelted their skin now. Sei had decided he would still try and teach Taka that the strength he had been granted was a blessing instead of a curse. Anybody could use evil to the purposes of good if they tried hard enough. Sei Orlouge was living proof of that.

Anita stood as the only dry one among the three. She held an umbrella she had whipped out of her backpack and opened it above her head before she even went outside. As a result, only her blue high heels were stained with wet mud upon them. The girl looked as Sei and Taka stood across from one another. She was surprised that she could see them in such weather, let alone the two men see one another.

"Papa, are you sure trying to bring the oni out of Taka right now is a good idea?" Anita asked, twirling her pink umbrella to watch the splotched blue dots upon it play games with her eyes. "I just think we should have waited this storm out."

Sei shook his head as a thunderous boom echoed throughout the forest. "Taka needs to learn that great things rise from tragedy," Sei said in a serious tone, "I'm the only one that can help him now. If he can't defeat me, how is he ever going to beat Shiryko?" Sei was so sure of his ability to help the samurai that he would not back down from this training exercise they were about to engage in. Taka was no doubt superior with his sword, But Sei was an expert at hand-to-hand combat, as well as long range. This duel was going to be interesting.

Of course, on this day, fate had other plans...

[Jennifer Oakley]

The still waters of the stream perturbed Jennifer, long had she been taught that idle flow castigated life with corruption and disease. Yet here Faustus stooped to take stock of the revitalising liquid. She watched him filter the stagnant and peaty drink of leaves and twigs before standing upright to return to her side. The birds chirped overhead, even as deep into the Concordia forest as they were, and in-between the canopy of maple and oak above, the sun shone weakly to remind them that it was still day light. Here, in the encumbering embrace of nature, the priestess of the Nina felt truly at home, sheltered and folded into the fabric of the Thayne blessed sanctuary.

Dense copses of bracken and rotting tree trunks surrounded them at the stream’s edge, forming a natural barrier that blocked vision after five feet, and grew into a dense wall of thorns after ten. This was one of many glades in which the Nina summoners and priests took their leave from the village life and found silence to be their kindred spirit. For the long deep winters of her childhood, Jennifer had travelled for an hour from her house and the solitude of the temple to mediate and find herself at one with her Animus, a tradition she would keep as long as breathe roused her body.

Her corporeal horns were on show, for she had no need to hide her true form so deep and so separate from the world of the unknown. What chance, what slight possibility was there of being disturbed or discovered here in the trees? Not a few days before she had fought in the Dansdel of the human village of Underwood, and still she ached from the lingering violation of her opponent’s ignorance. She took a deep breath and washed the memory from her mind, and closed her eyes to return to the meditation she was bound to. As she stilled her heartbeat, Faustus calmed and took to sitting in a yoga position with his sword laid across his lap ever ready to come to his progenitor’s defence should the need arise. The sound of bird song and wind rushing through the lofty heights of the forests faded to black and Jennifer found herself in a dream, where the trees were awash with moisture and daemons ran rampant through the heart of Y’edda.

As the vision became ever more affluent and clear, the link between summoner and animus grew stronger until she scowled and Faustus brayed in unison. The thorny hide that formed a lack-lustre defence grew and expanded as her connection to the Over Mind of the forest increased, until miniature leaves sprouted from the tips of her horns and ivy wrapped itself around her wrists – sprung from the bounty of the air. In the fae realm between realms they walked the path of searching together detached from the reality and the danger that approached. They may have only been mortal men in search of freedom, but their heavy footfalls in the sanctuary of the druids were an omen. Unbeknownst to Taka and Sei, they were walking hand in hand into a medley of songs about rain.

[Tainted Bushido]

Water was a symbol of death in Akashima. For most people, the sea was a horrible place, for falling into it was guaranteed death to those who couldn't swim. It was a fear that erased all sense of self when their ships would crack and tumble to the watery depths below. To be submerged in water was as good as death for a fully kitted samurai, the weight of their armor and weaponry would certainly drag them down.

The Yonbo port guard however, had taught its samurai to swim, citing the story of the scorpion and the frog, with an unusual twist. One that even here, in the rain brought a hint of a smile to Taka's face. Perhaps that was why he had allowed Sei to train him like this; perhaps this was why he held a faint glimmer of hope. The story was one that had been told many times, but the Yanbo Port version held perhaps the greatest morale.

Scorpion and Frog sat upon the bank of a river, talking about how to get across. Frog insisted that he would refuse to carry Scorpion across the river, because in doing so Scorpion would sting Frog and they would both drown. Scorpion insisted he could control himself and would never sting Frog because in doing so they would both die.

The conversation went on for an hour before finally Frog said, "Alright Scorpion, I will take you across the river, but don't sting me!"

Frog began his crossing of the river, Scorpion upon his back, they made great speed through the water. So focused on crossing the river, Frog did not pay attention to Scorpion, such was his trust. Scorpion however, acted in his nature and quickly stung the frog. As Frog began to flail in the water he looked up at Scorpion and spoke, "Why? Why do you do this? Now we both will die!"

Scorpion replied, "Little frog, I can swim."

Taka took up his stance, bringing himself to his full height as he squared off with Anita's father. He knew this would be a tough battle, but he was prepared to accept that, if it meant conquering the curse in his blood. He stood across from the elder Orlouge and upon hearing Anita express her concern spoke up to assuage her doubt, "Don't worry Anita-sama, If one wishes to enter the sea, one must know how to swim. The same is true of all things, if I wish to help the world, I must first help myself. If I can't do this, I shall only endanger what I have built up."

He sized up Sei, waiting for the first move of the Mute, knowing well the opening strike would probably mean nothing. He did however note the look in Sei's eyes. It held no killing intent, and that was something Taka was thankful for, if a little unsure of. Was Sei truly a warrior? Warriors killed, many times, and knew they would have to kill more down the road. Still, he trusted Sei, and his instincts on the matter. They stood in the rain, a calming source for the Samurai, who had been around water most of his life. His oul waxed strong in the storm even as it mirrored the storm in his heart, conflicting emotions from anger to joy, fear to determination. He could only hold out against such a withering hail so long.

And so he acted, perhaps rashly. Perhaps it was the oni's blood within him forcing his hand to grip the hilt of his Katana. Perhaps it was the emotional effects of the taint, slowly turning him from human into deranged beast, but Taka drew steel, and arced it out, going straight for Sei's stomach, in an effort to see his organ's spill out across the ground. After completing the slash, he brought the katana down to a ready stance, and waited.

It was hard to see Taka's face in the rain, but had one done so, they would see the feral grin, slowly spreading across it.

[Silence Sei]

Taka's blow would not find its mark in Sei's flesh. Quite the contrary, the mute had unsheathed his good chakram and brought it to his front. As Taka swung his blade, Sei diverted its path by grabbing the tip of the sword with the middle of his chakram. He flowed his arms along with the motion Taka made, only slightly pushing the blade back so it merely tore the mute's grey fighting gi.

As Taka readied himself for the defense, Sei still moved with the blade. His chakram was still in the middle of the katana, and the mute's hand was still firmly on the chakram. This resulted in Sei being beside his samurai compatriot thanks to Taka's own rashness. Sei released his bladed ring and brought a swift elbow into Taka's left shoulder. Though the two were side by side, they were now faced in completely opposite directions.

Anita stepped forward a bit when Taka let out a small yelp of pain. The girl would have went to his rescue had anybody but her father done the technique. Sei simply used the hit to teach the ronin a lesson, not truly hurt him. "Taka, that was much too sloppy!" Anita shouted her advice over another thunderous roar.

Sei paused for a moment as he heard the echo of the thunder himself. Something was wrong. He had not seen any lightning, but the loud booming sound was close enough to the trio that he should have. Furthermore, the noise was quickly accompanied by a small tremor. It was as if the earth itself was becoming as angry as the oni within Taka. Sei's eyes shifted to his friend.

"If you're okay to continue, we will. Try not to use such a predictable opening move next time, though. In order to beat Shiryko you're going to have to think like Shiryko. He doesn't win fights because he's a great swordsman, he wins them because he's innovative. Use your surroundings to your fullest advantage and make -that- you're opening move."

"Wow Papa, I think that’s the first time I've ever heard you encourage someone to kick dirt in a man's eyes during a fight." Sei glanced over to his daughter, who looked down a bit and mumbled. Anita could tell when the mute was scolding her without saying anything. "I guess in battle you have to do what you need to for the greater good of the people..." Sei nodded once he realized Anita had remembered that lesson.

"Shall we try that again, my friend?"

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer opened her eyes and felt strangely cold. She looked up and cowed her face with her hands; the rain that poured down penetrated even the dense thicket above and the canopy beyond. She had dreamt of rain and lo, recovering from her state of inertia in the realm beyond realms, it was pouring the tears of the gods. In one swift motion she plucked her staff from its upright position embedded in the now muddy floor and turned to Faustus, who was still sat in his meditative position.

“We may be bound, beast, but you did not have to settle into the waters of time just to stay guard over a faultless foe!” Her temper showed through her gritted teeth and she rolled her eyes. Long had the year been since her Animus had appeared, she felt chained to him, as she no doubt believed he did to her. “Come, we must leave this place before we drown in sorrows and nature,” he stood and followed her as she strode from the clearing. The thorns and brambles melted away as she neared the wall of foliage, as if the forest were alive and keened to the needs of its disciples.

“Where now do we go, sister?” The faun asked his typical question, and silence purveyed for a few moments. He helped her across a small stream and gruffly bore her over a fallen tree trunk, and set her down on a moss meadow. The buoyancy and vibrancy in her step re-kindled her pleasantries.

“We must find this disturbance. It is a simple question of whom, not what.”

“The shadows in the dream world were…curious.”

“Yes, and men no doubt, but they are men in the heart of Concordia all the same. My people and your people will not stand for this transgression. They like all the other invaders to the heartlands shall perish, or be cast aside if they cannot be slain. Who knows what foul magicks are afoot.”

They walked on in silence for several leagues in the direction of the shadows. Y’edda herself had appeared in the dream world, the great eagle winged mistress of malefic woe spurned her Chylde to action with a simple command. “Free me of taint.”

As the rain came down in increasing density, the priestess Oakley and the Animus Faustus advanced across stream, hemlock field and cairn towards the two humble men practising their art. She bore her horns and thorns with a regal grace, and Faustus swung his blade to turn aside the rebellious foliage of the deep woods that would not turn aside even for royalty. Nothing else but the sound of rain and the heavy tap of a staff followed them as they meditated on the challenges ahead in their line of duty and bondage.

"The trees," Jennifer quoted an ancient explorer, "were very much alive with the fury of Althanas; where they could not act, or would not, the envoys of the forest were sent." She strode towards them fully intent on carrying out the whims of the Conclave.

[Tainted Bushido]

The Blade began to rattle as he felt something inside him shift again. For a second he reconsidered his earlier statement, before the shaking stopped. Almost distracted he looked down at the hand, left free of its usual bandages. He brought it up to his face, staring at it almost as one would a traitor. His eyes narrowed before he shook his head and gripped his katana tightly again. Rengoku seemed to deaden itself, until he was straining to keep the blade aloft. Almost a sign of what was to come.

Immediately Taka stepped forward, and it was as if he had lost himself. The blade struck out with a brutal efficiency that was only two steps shy of a true strike. The blow was brutish, and only the speed the Ronin had been born with made it better than the previous move. However, Taka didn't stop there or at least the thing masquerading as the one time samurai. Immediately it followed through on the strike before in a simple flick of the wrist the blade was brought up in a cleaving blow that was meant more as a test of the blade's weight, before he slammed it down into the mud.

After stopping the blade seemed to sizzle in the water. Where once it had been cool, a dim red hue had taken over the blade. The mud that clung to the blade was bubbling now, not from the moisture that saturated it, but the raw heat that was cooking it alive. He immediately let go of the blade as he looked at the blackened skin on his hand, the rage still present, even as Rengoku stayed in the position he had let it go, cooling in the rainwater. He shook his head slowly before he looked down at the blade incredulously.

He shivered in the rain, not from chill, but from dread. A tinge of fear entered the Samurai's eyes as he fought to chain the beast of his instincts back where it belonged. However, the more he tried, the angrier he got, until he blacked out, the rage encompassing him.


~*~

What had occurred in Taka's mind and what had actually happened were two entirely different things.

As soon as the Samurai was released from the mute's grip he lashed out, his blade arcing straight at the mute. He became an animal of fury, barely restrained in action as he began hissing and spitting, the tongue not one of the mortal realms, "Jy ryd dy'rr za 'ryna rrymj!"

He never relented as the blows rained down, each drop of water symbolic of yet another blow from the blade. The water flung itself from his blade, his hair, and when finally shown his face. What had once been a face of quiet contemplation had become one contorted in rage. The look of any humanity gone from the eyes, he continued to his and spit the guttural tongue of the Oni, "Y 'ymm kyra iy' iy'n koz'noy vyn dra coddma, c'd ra yk zyra yr cad'aar iy'n ky rommaj 'onk. Y 'ymm ryd rora iy' rrommarka zi rmoyz yr ryk ky'm!"

[Silence Sei]

Sei's plan had worked. He had drawn out the demon that resided in Taka. The blows the possessed samurai tried to deliver were skilled, but fueled by an unfocused rage. Sei could speak nearly any language so long as one thought it, so he translated what the oni had told him. The first was a demand to be released after calling Sei a 'Whore Child'. The second was a statement that Taka was his, and while Sei could have him for his upcoming war, the demon owned his body.

"Until he grows horns and breathes fire, that's just not true" Sei said, jumping back and forth between the vicious blows as the blade constantly missed his form. "his body is an apartment to you. You're renting it out. He's still the landlord, and one day he's going to evict you." Sei kneeled down as he spoke the last words, gathering up a clump of mud in his spare hand.

Without a warning Sei threw the mud into the eyes of his training partner. The demon instinctively went to wipe away the wet dirt from his eyes, which provided Sei opportunity. The chance for victory grew greater once it seemed as though the oni's sword became too heavy for his arms, and he dropped it to the ground. Sei quickly propelled himself off of the ground, landing both of his feet into the chest of the demon.

Sei followed the collapsing body of the oni, finding his feet planted square atop the warrior. The mute took his muddied hand and pulled out the long sword that was one half of his Gemini Blades. Pointing down at the neck of the demon, Sei's eyes found a new fierce intent. "He is not yours. As long as I am around, you will not possess him unless I will it. I am not afraid to kill the body if I must to destroy you. I doubt even a magical being such as yourself could survive a direct hit from a Zodiac Weapon. Try what you want when you're not around me, but you -will- not make this boy your tool as long as Sei Orlouge is close by. Understand?"

"Papa!" Anita called out in shock after watching everything take place. She could feel the change in her crush, but she thought it was just anger. Now, her father was threatening to destroy him where he lay. Of course, during Sei's speech Anita had discovered that the oni in Taka had been the recent attacker. Still, she could not bear the thought of watching Taka die again. She had to suffer that pain once before when she thought Shiryko Benimaru had slain the samurai. Her heart could not handle any more sadness.

Sei's head lifted up for a moment. There was a shift in the underbrush near them. The trio was no longer alone. Sei looked upwards as a small tremor began to fill the ground, causing both Orlouges to stumble around a bit. Sei kept his feet still on Taka's chest, and his sword still pointed at the neck. Anita, however, fell to the ground on her buttocks, rubbing her cheeks a bit as the rain began to hit her skin.

The girl quickly picked up the umbrella she had dropped during the miniature earthquake. She looked around for signs of lightning but found nothing. "Papa," she said, "Don't you think it's odd there has been so much thunder, but we haven't seen a single lightning bolt in three hours?"

[Jennifer Oakley]

The thunder rolled above Concordia once more, a sudden clamour and cacophony of nature’s wrath. Faustus looked nervously up through the canopy of maple and oak, his nose and ears twitched with bestial inquisitiveness. Jennifer remained indifferent to the storm, her fae form and human masque flickering eternally in a chameleon cycle as the static in the air and her lax concentration waned. One moment she was a wandering girl, free of social need and graces, the next she was a scornful deity of the leaves, bridling with anger and thorns for the transgressions against her kin.

“We are near,” she said lowly, a statement which called her animus to her side. He smelt of wet fur and desperation, and she realised that she too must be fearful. The scent of bark and honeydew from her own skin masked her odour but their duality revealed all. “Be gone, I shall conjure you if I am in danger. The humans will not take kindly to horns and fur and the lampooning of their ‘rights’ by fae creatures.”

She waved her hand over her summon and he faded in a swirl of bright yellow lights and spiralling energy. Alone at last in the trees, Jennifer focussed her energy for a moment onto her masque. She sealed away her bark and staff, and appeared as her human form as she trudged on through the wet mud and the maze of fallen trees and branches. She walked for another hour until at last; she heard the familiar clash of weapons float through the forest. As she drew near she slowed her advance and went to creeping silently as much as she could; with baited breath and tensed back the priestess leant against an oak tree and embraced it wholeheartedly.

“Let us see what has transpired before the ancient weald of the woods…” she spoke softly as she crept around the radius of the oak to peer out around the last few feet. With an innocent smile and her flick of her hair behind her ears, the coy servant of Y’edda spied the dark omen in the trees. She had expected great monsters or dark knights clad in steel and flame, but the two men appeared to be nothing more than humble swordsmen. One was clearly from Akashima and the other...seemed familiar from the stories she had been told in the temple conclave; but she could not be sure.

She waited to see what they would do next, hoping her stealth was good enough to offer her an advantage over her prey.

[Tainted Bushido]

The demon grinned in Taka's visage, making it look all too different form the Ronin that Anita had come to enjoy spending time around. Nowadays Taka had all too little to be happy about. His focus to the coming battle made for even less moments when he felt enough happiness to actually smile, let alone the scornful laugh that accompanied the act. He then spoke, this time in a perfect trade speak, untouched by the accent he had when using the foreign tongue around Sei, "He is cursed Orlouge. He is horribly and irreversibly cursed. The second our blood mingled, the deal was made, and all he asked for was the ability to take out my former master. I gave him that power, and now he's mine, bought and paid for in full."

"He of course didn't understand what was going on. He thought he was praying to the Kami for the strength to persevere. All I did was ask once, and this was the result," The monster said using the Ronin's lips. He chuckled darkly at the revelation before he continued, "I must say I enjoy this game far too much to let it end here Orlouge. Watching him try to control himself, to not give in to his base instincts, it's amusing to say the least. Especially around your daughter…" With that he gave a pointed smile to the girl before he blew a kiss to her and winked.

The boot crushed down causing a bit of guttural laughter to leave the body as it looked up at Sei, "A proud father you are. But you can't be everywhere at once Orlouge. So what's it going to be? You going to be in my shadow, watching your trusted servant, hoping I don't take over and cause the chaos I'm meant to sow upon this pathetic hovel you call Althanas?" He looked the mute in the eyes before he continued the game, "The difference is small, you could follow me all you want, but you would never catch me. I'm sure after the fourth or fifth time you cut Taka down, he would leave, and your precious Ixian Knights lose a member of the prophecy. Have you ever seen what happens when a Prophecy fails to enact? It’s a rather ugly thing, because the cosmos try to make it work, despite the failure. Eventually it creates a paradox in the world, and the one who messes up the prophecy, is erased by the result of the world correcting the paradox."

He then looked at the girl then back up at the mystic, his grin never faltering, "I can give him back to you, for a price. All I need is a stronger name, my current one is far too weak, I need a name backed by the ages. If I had that, I could rip myself from this body, and leave you the Ronin as my first act in service. I need a name that will stand the test of time, one steeped in heroics…" The grin widened as he looked up into Sei's eyes. He let it continue before he finally shook his head and smirked, "Seems the little one is waking up. Realizing the dream I put him in isn't adding up. Time to hide, enjoy your pathetic toy Orlouge, and just remember the deal I offer. If you wish it so, you know where to find me…"

Laughter left his lips before it came to an abrupt halt, the demeanor of the ronin changing. The stature of the body had changed from one of haughty pride, to that of the humble servant. The face had melted from one of victorious joy to one of muted pain and sadness. As a bargaining chip tossed on the table, Taka was returned to the Orlouge family, unharmed, but only in body. He clutched his head as he still felt the boot upon his chest and spoke softly, "Sei-sama, what did I do?"

[Silence Sei]

"You did only what I asked, Taka." Sei said when he stepped off of the young warrior. The mute offered his hand to the ronin and helped him back to his feet. The words of the oni rang clear in the head of the mute. The demon would give up Taka's body in exchange for the telepaths. The mystic shook his head at such a prospect. He could not allow such evil to attain his powers.

Anita's thoughts were of the same mind of her father. She had heard the acidic words of the oni as well. She had heard Taka's history before, and was a bit taken aback when the demon revealed Taka's true feelings for the girl. She blushed a bit as she reflected on such things. However, her embarrassment did not last long, as she turned her head to an oak tree. "Papa..." she said with serious eyes.

"I feel it too Anita. Demonic aura. Not just Taka's either, this one feels controlled. Like it's obeying some sort of master." Sei looked to his daughter and the samurai before slowly approaching the oak. He sheathed his weaponry as he did so and raised his hands into the air. If this was a demon, Sei could easily dispatch it himself. If it were someone with no ill intentions, the mute had to make sure that he showed them no harm.

Another rumble in the forest followed by another earthquake. The seismic activity threw the all of the trio onto the ground. Sei shook his head in awe of the earth's rage. However, he had taken notice that now that this...whatever or whoever it was, came closer, so did the earthquakes. There had to be a connection of some sort. The mute rose from his laying position, eyes burning a hole into the tree.

"It's okay. We're not going to harm you. My name is Sei Orlouge. Is there something you need of me and my friends?"

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer tensed, her spine snapping straight and her skin turning out in goose pimples. She darted back behind the tree and longed to be unseen once more. A few moments passed before she accepted her fate and stepped boldly out from behind the dense and ancient bark of the Father Oak. Her eyes met Sei’s first, and then moved between the tainted one and the retinue that accompanied them; with great disdain she took a step forwards and stood boldly on a small boulder.

“What I need of you and your friends, is an explanation. These lands are sacred to the Nina, and these lands do not belong to you. You must go, be gone, and flee, before the temple conclave hears of your transgressions!”

The tempest and the unnatural aura in the air as the forest turned slowly against what it saw to be a disease only served to embolden Jennifer further. She bucked her arms as if she were holding a great weapon and glared down at Orlougne’s figure, through invisible but patronising spectacles. Her true self pearled through the veil, in her mind she was carrying her staff but her masque hid it from view. She stood fast as the ground shook once more, and ignored the descending leaves and branches cracking free from the dead heights of the trees all around them. A metaphorical crack of lightning touched her soul, and she spoke not through choice, but through possession; she was the forest’s envoy.

“My name is Jamnagar Oakley née, High Priestess of the Conclave, Summoner and servant of Y’edda – these are my lands, state your business, quick!” She rasped some resemblance of her true name and as she did, the fae power surging through her body broke through her masque. Her horns spiralled from nowhere and two leaves fell from their tips. “My mercy is swift and my resolve strong, but it is not I you should tremble before, pick yourselves from the ground you taint, look all around you – look what you are doing to the sacred heart of Concordia!” The second outrage cracked her masque entirely and the human visage she maintained to walk amongst mortals faded altogether.

The red hair unfurled free from its magical cage and a tempest spawned from behind her. It swept over the rock as she brought her staff from nothingness and levelled it above her head. Her thorny armour and righteous fury sickened even her, but the will of the woods had to be carried out, and so the sister of the earth stood mightily before the trio and felt the heart of the forest shake and beat and pulsate all around her. She brought the staff down as the quake ended and the gust subsided, and waited for the answer.

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka took in the bluster and the forceful approach the spirit had taken with them. At first he had called it bravado and shrugged it off, instead making sure Anita was alright and letting Sei deal with the insolent women who dared to threaten his employer. It took all his discipline not to just draw steel and cut the girl down, such was the insult she was giving by offering for them to do something as cowardly as flee and surrender. Instead he remained Silent even as he helped Anita stand, and watched with baleful eye the spirit's show.

However, as soon as she shined forth with her true visage, something in the Ronin went ill. Sick to his stomach he fought the urge to purge the meager meal he had eaten that morning. Something odd was occurring, and it took the ronin a second to recognize it. Fighting down the urge to be ill he spoke up quietly to Sei, "She isn't trained, she holds that staff as a mere aid in walking, not for combat…"

This is what the Ronin knew, he knew combat, and recognizing the mark of one untrained was something he had been unfortunate enough to recognize by sight now. With the Ixian Knights in need of warriors, Taka was often used in assessing those who would join the group. Usually armed with a bokken he would fight them in a modest spar, but invariably he could tell from something as simple as their grip. She held a fierce spirit, her ki perhaps the purest he had ever felt, and it was this that he surmised was making him sick. The problem was, it was not yet forged, untested by battle. Certainly even a modicum of training would show her to be a fierce warrior.

It was the warrior's spirit, her energy or Ki as his master had put it, that was the sickening presence in his body. When two warriors felt each other out, it was more than just testing reaction speeds and styles. It involved a mingling of their warriors pride and spirit. In the moment that she had threatened them with the wrath of the forest she had pressed her spirit upon them, and Taka had gotten a full taste of it. Normally one might be cowed by such acts, but the warrior was not one so easily forced to back down. One could liken such an act to a sense of dread or fear. It would be at this moment most warriors would reach the epiphany that they could win or lose a fight.

Taka merely let his hand hover over the hilt of Rengoku before he spoke sternly, "Our mission is our own, and is not intended to harm this place. We respect the forest and it's Kami, and I would certainly not allow harm to come to it…" His eyes attempted to bore into the woman's own, as he fought back leveling his own dissecting gaze, attempting to pick apart every nuance of weakness, that he could use should it come to blows.

A hand went back to place himself between Anita and the spirit, if only as a safeguard. His own protective instincts kicked in as he realized this may very well come to blows. Waiting silently for the spirit's reply he made no overtly hostile motion, yet kept his hand near the hilt, a clear warning of what would happen should she do something foolish. While he wasn't needed to protect Sei, there was still an innocent on the battlefield, and he would be loath to see her harmed by a moment's indiscretion.

[Silence Sei]

Sei brought his hand to the side to fend off Taka metaphorically. This was between him and this woman. Sei smiled kindly to the woman as he bowed his apologies to her. "Forgive us, Lady Oakley. We were merely trying to help our friend come to better terms with himself. None of us were aware that we stepped into your part of Concordia. It is so hard to keep track of who owns what part of the forest these days. The Bandit Brotherhood owns this spot, the Facade claims that spot, surly someone as kind as yourself understands? Does the forest truly belong to anyone?"

"The forest belongs to Y'edda," a loud voiced boomed from the air. Sei looked around for its source and found nothing. His eyes went back to Jennifer, who seemed just as confused about the situation as Sei himself. The mute then turned to his two compatriots, to find a look of sheer terror on Anita's face. She was pointing up towards the sky, her hand shaking in fear. Sei's gaze followed the trajectory of her finger to see what she was bringing to their attention.

A loud noise similar to a large door creaking open boomed throughout the forest. The trees bent themselves as if they were branches to accommodate their new guest. The features of pure wood resembled something of a geriatric face. Yellow eyes slowly opened up with a load moan as well. The four people in the forest were nothing compared to just this things nostril, let alone his entire form. Sei wondered how nobody in Concordia could see this huge thing.

Then it hit him.

The rain. It's been using the rain to move around freely. The water is so thick, no one notices him. His steps are so loud, people instantly think of it as thunder. That's why the ground gave into each sound. It wasn't thunder at all. It was...

"The Rootwalker..." Anita said in amazement as the giant living tree eyed his guests.

"You have done your duty well, all of you. There is somebody expecting you soon..." Sei stood in awe of the massive tree. The Rootwalker was the stuff of legends, and Sei was looking him dead in the face. His gaze shifted over to Jennifer and then to Taka.

"This may be just instincts talking, but I say we trust him."

[Jennifer Oakley]

The words of the men spiralled in Jennifer’s skull and she brought her staff up to rest on it whilst she thought of their intentions. They were washed away without care when the ground shook harder and the trees swayed out of the way of the behemoth of the woods. She fell to her knees, taken by surprise and felled by her pious devotion to the spirits of the woods.

The Rootwalker.

Whilst not strictly a deity that neither Jennifer’s nor the Nina worshipped, the Rootwalker was to be respected universally. When it spoke, it was taken as gospel. The ground on which it walked was proclaimed hallowed ground with pompous ceremonies and endless incantation. The forest indeed belonged to Y’edda, and no other.

“Oh Rootwalker, father of the trees, forgive me” she mumbled. Her human visage fell back over her fae scorn as she felt afraid and humbled by his appearance. She looked briefly up into his lofty heights and traced the outline of his branches and face between the oak canopy and the moss and lichen that spread across his body. He was magnificent and terrifying in equal measure.

She stared for a while longer as it spoke of calling, and felt the rain trickle down the bridge of her nose and tally against her cheek. She squinted to shield her eyes and eventually succumbed. The rain, like the roots of a great tree could not be prevented for long. It was nature’s way to wash against the strongest of barriers, eroding any magic or metal in time. It was the one thing it had over all of them; mortality in nature’s eyes was a fleeting, pathetic weakness.

Jennifer thought of the cycle as seemingly the humans decided on a course of action. She scowled, stood upright and walked toward the Rootwalker. She made a wide arc around the human party, as if they were corrupted and diseased by the outside world and snapped at them indirectly.

“You call, and those who understand the true power of the world shall follow. You conjure nations, and it’s people will rise to fight alongside – you have but to name your price Old One, for the conclave talks with you, and it’s priestesses pray in tangent with the mighty roar of your heart,” she bowed at the Rootwalker’s feet, and rested her staff in the muddy ground. She was dwarfed in comparison to the tree spirit, but she puffed her chest and disallowed herself to be afraid or furious at the humans in his presence.

“If the forest whims your aids, then I guess the Fury of the Fae shall be reserved for the moment you betray us; will you do as bidden by the Thayne, or flee like petulant children?” She addressed the human party as an attendant, practically hugging the great trunk of the Rootwalker’s legs. Her heart beated strongly and pride fully, and she forgot all her troubles in the service of life.

[Tainted Bushido]

The tree's voice boomed out over the clearing, even as the priestess of Yedda spoke callously towards the group. Taka took her bravado as just that, and didn't react to it. Instead he focused on the newcomer, even as it began to march into the clearing and bent low. A knothole he could swear had the features of a human eye seemed to gaze over them, inspecting each one for a moment. Finally it spoke, the words not unlike the thunder it created with each step of its fibrous foot, "We have been expecting you, all of you."

Each word was deliberate and pronounced spoken as an edict of order, more than any statement. Taka could feel the weigh of its very nature flooding the clearing, and he knew in that moment he stood no chance if this thing had come for a fight. Rather than shy away or even stand vigilant he relaxed his posture, the hand moving from its ready position back to his waist. If he would have to fight, he would do so, but the first blow would not come from him.

It seemed to look over each before it nodded, "The Priestess, born of nature, and its guardian. The Mystic born from chaos, but destined to bring order…" His gaze fell upon Taka before he seemed to hesitate, "…and the Dark Wanderer, an omen of change. Even the little one is expected, though she bears no title of which I know. Come with me, and we shall see how tempered you have become in the fires of this Age of Gods."

The words were cryptic, even more so as he reached down, gripping the mute first. Taka tensed, unsure of what would happen, before the ancient hand splayed out, the branches each as thick as the ronin's body supporting the mystic upon it. Carefully he brought it up to his shoulder before his instruction began, "You shall travel with me, until we meet the mistress of the Forest. Take succor from my branches today, for the journey shall be quick."

With those words the mute disappeared into the upper branches of the tree. Anita was next, which scared Taka even more. While Sei was technically not his charge, Anita was, and anything that should happen to her, would reflect upon him. However, the strange treatment seemed to continue until she too was placed amidst the branches on his shoulders. Disappearing from sight the Root Walker looked down upon the ronin before his mouth opened in the approximation of a smile, "Come Dark One, even you are safe amidst these branches…"

Gripping the ronin he felt the branches gently scrape across his skin. Such was the delicate care that he doubted any of them would be particularly deep, even when the hand splayed out underneath him. Looking about the hand was raised to the shoulder, where he saw Anita and Sei waiting for him. Stepping onto the branches that made up the behemoth's shoulders he saw the hand reach down, presumably for the priestess. He turned back to his charge and her father before he spoke candidly, "I must admit, when we came out here to train, I was not expecting this…"

The rain continued to fall, but even that seemed, mystical, pure, clean. It was everything Taka knew he wasn't, and yet, it seemed ever so slightly to calm the oni in his blood, with every passing second. Each drop of rain seemed yet another reassurance, even as the ronin looked down the passageway, and widened his eyes. What he thought would be a mere tree hollow for them to rest in was far, far more than the Ronin had ever imagined. No, as he moved past the mute and his daughter, Taka saw something truly wondrous in the branches of the giant tree man.

Laid upon the back of this behemoth, was a village, filled with people moving about in the daily hustle.

[Silence Sei]

The town of Ruild. Sei had thought of the village as just legend. Its people believed that their town was upon the shoulders of the Rootwalker, and it was true. The towns’ primary residents were druids. Sei noticed that there were elf, human and even a few taurek among the nature-friendly beings. Sei's eyes shifted to Jennifer, assuming she was counted among the people that lived in this town. How clever that she feigned hostility just to measure up Taka, Sei and Anita.

Like the little girl she thought she was, Anita took off into the town. It was amazing for her to be in a town that was constantly on the move. She looked in awe as the rain drops barely made its way into the 'hair' of the Rootwalker. In reality it was a massive amount of leaves protecting the citizens from ever suffering such a downpour like the one outside. Sei smiled at the girl's innocence and then shifted his view to Taka.

When Sei took a step forward, he was quickly approached by several druids in long flowing black robes. One was a Taurek, a minotaur like creature, while the other two were human and elf respectively. The auburn haired Taurek took Sei by the arm and started leading him away. "Lord Orlouge! Praise be to Y'edda, we've been expecting you!" the bull-man yelled in a rather skittish voice. Judging by the more elegant look of his dark apparel, Sei assumed he was the head druid of the three. As Sei was pulled past his daughter, Anita looked at both Taka and Jennifer, and then followed suit behind her papa.

The elf quickly made his way to Taka, taking him by the arm and deeper into the Rootwalker's head. "Lord Taka, I know of an excellent spot for you to meditate. Perhaps you may find some of the answers you seek there..." The voice of the female elf was soft, and he blue eyes and brown ponytailed hair were reminiscent of Anita. That only left Jennifer alone with the human.

"The great Y’edda wished for you to enjoy the town, Priestess Oakley. She has observed your deeds and has told me you may take anything you wish from the town, so long as it does not belong to someone else. Our shops are free to you, any home would be glad to bed you. You are a legend among us here in Ruild." The voice was softer than the other two, bordering on the edge of tired. The man's green eyes and bowl-cut shaped blonde hair were pretty cute features on someone with his facial structure.

And so the four heroes were separated...

[Jennifer Oakley]

Plucked from the earth like a verdant bloom, Jennifer stood amongst the Druids of Ruild bewildered and aloof. She had remained utterly silent as the Rootwalker had placed her in its embrace and now she could not find the words to describe what she saw. The town more resembled a village, at least in her mind, and the inhabitants were not of the Nina. As such she did not trust them as much as she might her own kin but their hospitality slowly warmed her heart.

As the druids talked to each of the party in turn she remembered back through the mists of time to the only time prior she had been in Ruild. She was but a girl, and the memory was hazy, but the sun had shone through the shaking leaves above and her Matriarch had talked in great length about the Rootwalker’s connection to the Conclave. It had been a boring lecture, and an even more boring afternoon. She veiled away her horns and tried to remain human, but the presence of a fae creature as powerful as the Treeman waxed her energy and concentration greatly, as if it were condemning her to be an outcast.

She took stock of the praise they levelled at her and remained voiceless even as the humans went about their ways to explore the great tree’s back. The scent of rain and foliage filled the air with a heavy undergrowth liquor and she felt comfortable enough to nod politely at the druid and walk along the sky bridge to see what she could find in the solace of contemplation. If they revered her as a legend, had she been wrong about the druids all these years? The temples of the Nina were Deepwood necropolis, ancient ziggurats long abandoned by the humans in a losing battle with the encroaching tree line. She, and the Nina along with her had assumed neglect, but perhaps, because they were not as the fae were, it was because nature itself cast them out.

With a solemn hanging of her head she listened to the chiding reminded of the tip of her staff on the wood beneath her feet and counted it absent mind idly. She found a long jetty hanging away from the main colonnade of walkways and huts and conversation and sat beneath the pagoda of vines twisted into a dome with her legs crossed and her staff resting against the rail. It was only then, seated on the Rootwalker’s back that she was reminded of her surroundings. She looked between the cracks in the planks and felt dizzy at the heights, it was like peering through the depths at the heart of the world, and she was now part of its beating pulse.

Silently she sat, eyes closed and fingers pinched together and rested on either knee. Silently she summoned the light in her heart and prayed for her animus to come, to be her shield and saviour amongst madmen and fools.

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka followed the elf off, being careful to extract his hand from hers as quickly as possible. While he had gotten used to Anita running up and touching him, this woman was not Anita. However, as a guest in her home, he was forced to remain civil and calm, even as he felt disdain building up at such the cavalier attitude. In Akashima touch was taboo, something that happened behind closed doors, and with the Oni being more aggressive as of late, he knew that some of this hate building up was not his own.

Even still he maintained his discipline, letting the growing tension in him pass.

There was also the fact the woman reminded him of Anita. It was certainly helpful in getting him to calm down quickly, even as the occasional drop of rain fell upon his head. His eyes drank in the sights, even as he tried to calm himself and relax, focusing on the inner calm he had found against Jensen. It was harder to reach nowadays, so tumultuous was his heart.

It was so distracting, he found himself unable to successfully remember any of the things he had seen.

The Elf seemed to sense the chaos that lurked beneath the Samurai's skin, and yet said nothing of it, merely showing him to a balcony that overlooked the forest. The scenery moved slowly, and while open to the elements was currently being pounded by the rain. She gestured to it and he nodded softly, moving forward without showing nay of the turmoil within him. As soon as the rain hit his skin again and he was exposed to the elements, he realized that the chaos within him died. He looked back to her before he looked up at the sky, feeling the rain soak him once more. The dirt that clung to his Kimono was slowly washed away, as was the feelings that welled up in him.

"<Is the rain, special here?>" Taka asked finally, his first words to the woman who remained respectfully in the city. It was obvious that Taka would see few people here, as they would avoid the rain unless absolutely necessary. He also had left Sei's close proximity and with it the ability to speak Tradespeak.

"<No, it is but the falling water of the heavens. Some liken it to the tears of Yedda when she feels the pain of her forest being attacked. I myself think this is far too long a cry to be such a thing, for grief turns to anger, and the fury of the forest is the very being we stand upon. There is nothing special about the rain here,>" the woman said dutifully.

Taka raised an eyebrow looking upon the woman before he spoke softly, "<You speak my tongue as one who has lived there all their life.>"

She smiled nodding at the praise before she spoke softly, "<You are not the first to speak this tongue here. The forest remembers, and it teaches us, so we may better serve its whims. Today, the lesson is one of the elements.>"

Taka raised an eyebrow as he gestured to the rain about him, "<This is what you wished to show me?>"

She laughed as she shook her head, "<Nothing so simple as rain Taka-dono. Your soul is imbalanced. It also has a strong connection to the spirits of water, which are in abundance here. Perhaps it was the life you lived in the port of Yanbo, but you are a Child of Water Taka-dono.>"

Taka raised an eyebrow before he asked, "<Are you saying that the Water Kami will talk with me?>"

The elf laughed, a beautiful sound that rang out, each giggle sending a wave of peace into his soul before she shook her head, "<Nothing so simple as that Taka. No, you were raised a Samurai, and Samurai you are. The ability to speak with the Kami is a special one, only one in every thousand people from Akashima has the gift, it is why they are so blessed. No, you have a strong connection with the water kami, even if you do not realize it, they bolster your strength, shoring you up when all else seems lost. The sense of peace you have on this balcony, is the water kami attempting to soothe and heal your soul from the damage the Oni has done to it.>"

Taka remained silent as he processed the information he was being given. If this was true, and he felt most at peace on the water, then why had he not succumbed? Why was Taka still able to effectively work and fight for so long, landlocked and free of the water, when his soul was slowly being devoured by that of the Oni in his blood? It certainly made his thoughts turn to turmoil and chaos, and yet, it reminded him of the ocean back home. Soon he realized his guide had left him to his thoughts as he stood in the rain, on the balcony.

Looking at the legions upon his skin, the physical manifestation of the taint he shook his head, sending rivulets of water flying with the action, before his hand clenched into a fist. He had long been taught that the four elements comprised the human body, with a fifth, more mysterious element comprising everything, and nothing. This fifth element was often the void from which a warrior pulled their reserve strength. It was the human will to succeed, and the drive to make it so. It was the ability to continue despite injury, and the ability to overcome an obstacle by sheer force of will.

Yet the other four were just as important. When in balance a soul found harmony, and the monks insisted enlightenment. Yet no one could easily claim such a thing, and hence why most souls were unbalanced. Taka's seemed to be even more so, perhaps to his detriment. If he had focused more on his weaknesses and shored them up, he could become stronger overall, and in doing so give the taint upon his soul less of a foothold to grab onto…

…and in that moment it clicked.

Hoturi had told Taka he had not grown stronger, only faster. Taka had not grown as a person, but instead as a warrior. Fighting was only half of what made a samurai, and for more than a few of his brethren it was easy to get caught up in the trappings of war. It was after all their first and foremost duty. However, they were also cultured to be civilized. Courtesy to an opponent, and Compassion for the enemy were preached in equal regard to Courage and Duty, and because of this Taka had been wary about his actions. It was in doing this he had prevented the initial onslaught of the taint. Now that he had been training to fight, he had forgone a few of his lessons in civility, and fallen into the trap the Oni had set before him.

It offered him strength, but every time he drew upon it, the Oni's chains upon him tightened. It was more than fighting someone, it was the urge to destroy and kill. Emotions that coincided with the Oni's urges were enhanced, while those that were not were suppressed as much as possible by the parasite in his blood. Gripping his hand tightly he nodded softly, finally understanding the lesson to be learned. He carefully set his daisho on the ground before him, and lowered his head, attempting to draw upon the calm in his soul as much as possible.

He would find tranquility, and through it defeat the Chaos that threatened to suffuse his soul.

[Silence Sei]

Sei was quickly pulled away deep into the forest that made up the Rootwalker's head. The sheer fact that a forest could grow atop of a giant tree left Sei awe-struck at the beauty and romanticism of it all. Life springing up from that which already has it. Sei was reminded of a circle of something or other. It wasn't important at the moment, as the Taurek man finally brought Sei and Anita to their destination.

It was a massive white building, its top held together by ivory pillars. The look of the temple was made more majestic by the coiled vines wrapped all around the building. It was as if the Rootwalker favored this part of his head in particular. Why wouldn't he? This was allegedly the primary temple of Y'edda. Sei walked forward until he saw two gargantuan ebony doors in front of him.

Oh each side of the twenty foot wide doors was two more Taurek druids. It seemed the Taurek race in particular seemed to hold favor in this town more than anyone else. Ironic, considering they were not even supposed to be children of the wild Thayne. As the two druids began to step in front of Sei, their leader shook his head.

"What are you guys doing?" the lead bull-man demanded, which only caused his compatriots to shake their heads at him.

"Lord Orlouge is the one she summoned. Not you or the girl, Rizel," one of the druids commented and got a nod of agreement out of the second. 'Rizel' also nodded once he understood the intentions of his kinsmen, and stepped to the side to allow Sei entry. Sei raised a hand back to let Anita know to wait outside while he followed through on whatever this whole thing was about.

The massive doors opened as Sei began to walk through, marveling at the sheer size of the inside of the large complex. The same pillars had been mounted here, with rafters that had many a wood dwarf walking upon them making repairs here and there. Sei had wondered what had happened to fable Rootwalker based species, and apparently, they were all temple-bound. As Sei took in all of the beautiful architecture, he heard a very melodic voice whisper into his ear.

"Isn't it beautiful?" the voice said softly. The hot breath upon the mystic's form caused him to take a hard swallow as he turned around. Only the most skilled of people could just sneak up on the hero like that. Sei did not even have time to cast Mystic Protection. When Sei met with the form that surprised him, he was in a haze that seemed to be far more intoxicating than that of the forest.

Her long red hair flowed down to the small of her back. Her green eyes seemed to capture his very likeness within them. The carefully woven brown vines that surrounded her bosom and pelvis like a bikini was a very odd look, but Sei didn't care. the feather jewelry necklace and rings were pretty much a dead giveaway to who this was. Sei was standing before the almighty wild Goddess. The reason this temple was built. Sei quickly dropped to his knees and bowed to the female in front of him. He had to show the utmost respect to Y'edda the Wild.

[Jennifer Oakley]

Despite cutting her vision and senses off from the world Jennifer still felt each step of the Rootwalker as it made it's advance through Concordia. Each rise and fall of it's behemoth trunks caused a brief swirl of weightlessness in the pit of her stomach, which reminded her that she was alive, and now at the mercy of her deity's hound.

The smell of jasmine blossom and honey filled the air around her and enveloped the prayer pagoda with an aura of tranquillity as the powers of the Nina swarmed out from the fae priestess. In times of war, a summoner's Animus would spring in a light maelstrom from the heart of it's owner and become enraged and as angered as it's progenitor, but in times of calm, and contemplation, a more furtive and tentative process was required to bring one's inner thoughts to life.

As she envisioned her own Animus, she cast him in a yellow haze and satisfied that he was ready, and sated by her own calm, she opened her eyes and set her gaze on the ground before her. Her masque instantly fell away and the horned bark of her armour and her grandiose horns heralded the arrival of Faustus. Two prongs of light spiralled out of her chest with a thud, and her back arched and her arms spread out in sacrifice. They spiralled around one another in an upwards helix before colliding together into a small eruption.

When the light faded, the faun warrior stood bleating and stomping it's hooves as the adrenaline of Jennifer's magic coursed through his metaphorical veins and he prepared himself for whatever conflict he had been summoned for, whatever defence he had to bolster in his conjuration.

"Steady, steady," Jennifer commanded as she sprang upright and embraced his warm fur with caring hands. She cupped her arm over his shoulder from the right and stroked his cheek, a tentative and calming touch to an injured and frustrated being. At the back of her mind she cursed her own inexperience in summoning, and promised to take more time to learn the intricacies of their bond given the opportunity.

"We have much to discuss Faustus. There is no danger, stay your anger and love, there is no danger..." she whispered into his ear and dropped to her knees. Almost instinctively the faun did the same, sheathing it's ancient elvin sword in his belt before doing so.

They sat cross-legged and facing one another at the centre of the pagoda, and the council of war was convened.

[Tainted Bushido]

Taka was now seated on the balcony, drenched to the core in the rain, even as he felt the calm the water afforded him. His eyes remained closed, even as the nodachi of the Rat's Tail remained in front of him, with his other swords. Each thunderous step of the Rootwalker continued their journey, the sounds lost in the revelry of Taka trying to find a center the Oni could not devour. He remained still for what seemed like aeons, slowly working through his emotional baggage, until they opened, his eyes blinking a few times to adjust to the light of day.

"<I never figured you one to sneak up on an opponent,>" Taka challenged, not even bothering to look behind him. While the rain continued to shower down upon the ronin he heard the laughter of another man behind him.

"<You've grown a bit, not the Ronin I killed back in Akashima anymore,>" the all too familiar voice of Shiryko Benimaru rang through the rain. Even as the torrent continued in the downpour there was still yet time for pleasantries. He looked upon the samurai and nodded softly, even as he saw the Rat's Tail laying before Taka, "<You figured out how to use that yet?>"

Taka let a soft grin cross his lips before he spoke, "<I have an idea at least. Far cry better than when we last fought, Benimaru-sama.>"

A snort of derision was lost amidst the rain, even as the sound of metal upon metal rang through the balcony. Taka grabbed the nodachi before him, carefully pulling it from its sheath, before he turned to face Shirkyo. The scabbard was carefully set upon the balcony, causing Shiryko to frown in confusion before he pointed at Taka, "<You sure you want to do that Taka?>" The Ronin looked upon his fellow samurai before he nodded firmly. Shiryko sighed, letting out the disappointment in Taka even as his shoulders sagged under the crushing weight. When he stood up he drew another Katana from its saya and shook his head, "<Not three today, we've both seen what that leads to. Show me you're worth going all out Taka.>"

Taka let out a relaxing sigh, before he looked upon Shiryko, and carefully took his stance. The blade was held at waist level, his eyes locking with those of the Samurai, before the blade was held behind him. They stood, prepared to fight one another for what seemed like forever, watching for the first betrayal of killing intent. Finally Taka gently ground his sandal upon the wet wood, and Shiryko acted, slashing outward in an arc that saw the Ronin blocking with the nodachi. The hilt was held over his head, even as the blade was pushed against his chest.

Sliding along the wood he moved forward again, only to be rebuffed once more. With each attempt at coming in the Hopeless samurai slowly began to push Taka, until finally it happened. The anger sparking in his heart shattered the boundaries he had so painstakingly constructed. Soon, Taka blacked out, as the Oni took over, content to try and destroy Shiryko. His blows became wild, feral things that held the discipline of the samurai, and yet the Hopeless Samurai only continued to fight with calm precision, pushing Taka back time after time.

"Come on now, you aren't even challenging me. I might as well put one of these blades away if you're going to waste my time. You aren't even worth the hell I went through to get put up here with you," Shiryko said, letting the disappointment empty into his voice, each word full of resentment that this brute that had taken Taka over was now in charge.

[Silence Sei]

Sei was almost mesmerized by Y’edda beauty. The Goddess let out a laugh that most would have considered obnoxious had they not been in her temple. "Rise, Sei Orlouge," Y’edda said in her seductive tone, only louder now. The mute obeyed and stood up, his head still down to show his respect to the Thayne before him. What was it that she would require of him?

"As you've no doubt known from N'Jal's little adventure with you, you are the champion of the Thaynes." The words truly sank in once they came off of the ruby-red lips. Sei nodded in kind to the woman as she continued on. "You have my blessing for being the champion, and shall be rewarded as such. I think that my brothers and sisters would wish to test you, but I have no interest in such things."

This was the second time he was told he had been selected as the champion of the Thaynes. The giant spider Thayne, N'jal had been the original Goddess to bestow such an honor upon him. While the Dark Lady told the mute to seek out her 'vile siblings' as she phrased it, to earn their blessing, Sei had neglected the duties. He had no time to search for Gods and Goddesses that may or may not exist. Yet, here he was, standing before the most untamed of the Thaynes, being told exactly what her evil sister had told him weeks ago.

"I do have something that I require of you. Nothing really hard, a trifle really," Y'edda spoke with a bittersweet smile spread across her features. Sei locked eyes with her for a moment, taking another hard swallow as he basked in the glory of the Goddess.

"What is it you would require of me, my lady?" Sei asked in the most polite tone possible. Y'edda released another annoying laugh before she approached the mute. She carefully leaned into Sei, resting her soft chin upon his shoulder. Two slender arms found themselves wrapped around the back of the mystic. She licked her lips before she spoke of what she required, her left thigh rubbing up and down the telepath like somebody needing release.

"I wish to bear your child, Sei Orlouge..."

[Jennifer Oakley]

Each of the chosen underwent a trial, left alone and castigated from one another in their tribulations. Whilst Taka fought his daemons and Sei quelled his ego, Jennifer tore at her pious nature and humbled her Animus with a request for help. Strength, wisdom and faith, the three tenets of nature personified in the three chosen, although she did not know or could not know the fate that lay in store for them.

“What, pray tell, do you know of Y’edda?” She asked the faun with hands rested on her knees and a calm and serene smile on her face. Even with her display of kindness, her fae visage gave her expression a stern and commanding nature.

“Y’edda? Do not tell me you have forgotten your teachings.” Faustus shook his head and flapped his ears to shed the rogue drops of rain which seeped in through the pagoda's roof.

“Do not take me for a fool, I know whom the Thayne is, and where she resides…I know that the Rootwalker is a ziggurat to her power and a conduit for the forest’s will. She may very well be amongst these druids now, but what I wish to know, is why would she command the presence of these…” she licked her lips to taste her own supernatural taint, as if to clear the acrid smell of mortals from her senses, “humans?”

“You profess hatred for the mortal folk, yet ask me to validate those feelings?”

“I do not hate them, no, but I certainly do not trust them and there is a great deal of truth and reason for that opinion. Do you not think?”

“Perhaps,” he said dryly, looking out into the dense foliage that made up the Rootwalker’s mane. “Who are we to judge?”

Summoner and summon sat in silence for several minutes, averting each other’s gaze with a sudden interest in a falling leaf or a torrent of water spilling out from a collapsing fern on the trunk behind them. The pagoda’s sanctuary was slowly eroded by the rain as it took on an altogether more determined property. Jennifer’s hair slicked to her forehead and Faustus’s mane matted together and took on a shimmering glamour. Neither felt the need to break the stalemate to find more appropriate cover.

“Why ask?” She said at last. A sharp twang to her voice carrying hurt behind her words.

“If you do not trust the humans who have been chosen, what hope have you? I am sure they do not trust you in equal measure.”

“If Y’edda cannot ask her own children for aid, then something is wrong with the world. Something is amiss if the gods turn to the spoilers of worlds for salvation!”

“Ha!” Faustus bucked his head and whinnied, he stood with rippling muscles and careless hooves scuffing the tree trunk beneath him. “Show me these spoilers of worlds, you are too set in your ways and I do not wish to be corrupted by your xenophobia through servitude to your heart.”

Jennifer wrinkled her nose and pushed herself upright with a nimble thrust of her staff. “Very well, do not attract too much attention to yourself.” She turned and walked back towards the boardwalk and the edge of the village, wishing she could simply fade into nothing and be done away with duty.

“Our duality pains me to say the same, Horned One.” For the first time in a thousand years, Faustus smiled on his own volition. With heavy steps he followed the summoner, eager to see what peons of man had stumbled into Y’edda’s gaze, and how the Fae Queen herself had aged in the centuries since he had served her as her Animus and Guardian.

Fate revealed itself in the raindrops, and the saprolings of a new era bloomed.

[Tainted Bushido]

The nodachi swung down in an arc heavily battering the Hopeless Samurai's steel barrier. Shiryko had managed to force Taka back enough to sheath a sword, and even now was forcing the possessed Ronin to waste energy on a faultless defense. The eyes seemed to be bridled with rage, as the Ronin brought the blade down in an arc sure to draw blood, only to find it once more hit the curtain of steel between them. Finally the Ronin did something unexpected and grabbed Shiryko by the front of his hakama, before throwing him bodily into the nearby wall of wood.

"I will flense the skin from your flesh and sear the flesh from your bones. I will grind your skeleton to dust, and still you will not have suffered enough!" The oni's voice boomed through Taka's lips even as he rushed forward. The wake of his steps sending water flying, as he seemed to skate across it, before the Nodachi was swung outwards in a devastating slice, only to find it once again hit the blade of Shiryko Benimaru. "Break already!"

Shiryko smiled, even as the Ronin moved to kick forward, hoping to destroy his opponent by mixing up his fighting style. However, once the first blow had been given by Taka, it seemed he had become predictably stale to the Hopeless Samurai who deflected the blow before returning with a slash that sent a strip of pain across the Ronin's chest. A roar of rage erupted from the lips, even as unfazed the body surged forward to attack again. Each attack was met in equal measure with a blow that would put another cut upon the Ronin's body.

"I don't think you even understand how a fight works buddy," Shiryko taunted, deflecting another nodachi blow before slicing along the Ronin's arm. The spasm of pain caused the blade to fall to the ground, even as Shiryko's sandal slipped under it. With a deft flick of his foot, the blade was launched into the air, and in a rather impressive display of swordsmanship, he drew steel on his second katana, beginning an intricate dance of attacking Taka through both swords, and keeping the Nodachi aloft. "You don't respect the blade, and you don't fear it. You have no right to touch the Rat's Tail, it wasn't even meant for you. Pity you had to knock the kid out, he would have been more fun than you…"

Taka rolled across the ground reaching for the katana Rengoku, only to find the blade refused to rise from its resting spot. He jerked again, even as the Rat's tail hit the wooden floor, stabbing into the ancient treeman tip first. It quivered in the ground a few moments, as Shiryko raised an eyebrow as the desperate attempt by the oni possessed Ronin to draw steel. Finally she spoke, "My gods man, have you completely lost yourself? Even the Katana doesn't want to have anything to do with you. I'd say you're one lame samurai if you can't even manage to get that to work for you."

Picking up the wakizashi the Ronin looked at Shiryko, eyes wild as he growled, "I will kill you, and I will wash in your blood!" The wakizashi sliced out in a bad imitation of an iaijutsu slice, only to find Shiryko had already begun to act, knowing damn well the only option left to Taka was to use the wakizashi if the katana refused to be lifted. The ronin fell to the ground, as the pool of red and black blood began to mingle with the puddles of water underneath him.

Shiryko looked down on Taka once before he said softly, "Enma-O have mercy on you Taka. At least I put you out of your misery…" Turning he sheathed his blades, washed clean in the rain, before he sighed and walked towards the exit, "Junpei forgive me, this kid is just too far gone…"

Walking back to the exit off the balcony he stepped back under the canopy of the trees. He shook the water off himself as he sighed, looking back at the Ronin. Shaking his head once more he began to mutter about the waste of time in coming before he felt it, a pulse that was pure, yet dark all at once. Frowning he looked back at the ronin, pondering something, before it pulsed out again. Soon the pulses became more and more frequent, as the rain continued to pour. Shiryko yelled out to Taka through the rain, "Don't do it kid, I don't want to kill you twice! Just stay down, it'll be the best for both of us!"

His eyes widened when the scabbard of the Rat's Tail nodachi began to unravel, the gauze about the saya wrapping about the ronin's injury on his arm. Tightly wrapping about his chest, the scabbard clung to him like a second skin. Soon, the wrapping about the hilt of the nodachi began to unravel, moving across the ground to Taka's hand before it began to slowly wrap about his wrist, and the tug of the bandages dragged to sword to his grip. Shiryko shook his head, even as he crossed his arms appreciatively, "I'll be damned, you bonded."

[Silence Sei]

The words sounded foreign to the telepath. Why would a Thayne wish to bear his child? From what he knew of Y'edda, the Goddess never wanted to be tied down to such things like a committed relationship or anything similar. There was a reason the bird-woman was known as the 'Y'edda The Wild'. Such names only came from the truth; that nobody could tame her. Yet here she was offering herself to the silent hero like a schoolgirl wishing for a good grade.

As she continued to rub herself onto the telepath, Sei gently placed his palms just above her breasts, and lightly shoved her off of him. She took a few steps back, looking absolutely appalled to be rejected by someone. The almighty bird god’s eyes began to turn to anger as she stared down the man she threw herself out. "Why do you reject me, Sei Orlouge?! I can give you everything and anything you want! We could live in the sky forever as lovers! Your name would go down in history as the man who tamed the Wild Thayne!"

Sei gulped, expecting to actually feel the wrath of Y'edda at some point during her monologue. When no strike came, Sei closed his eyes and began to explain himself. "It's true that I find you attractive. It's also true that under most circumstances, any man would be lucky to bed you, to have children with you. I'm not most men, Lady Y'edda. I gave my heart to someone a long time ago."

The Thayne let out another shrill laugh, though this time it sounded much more over eccentric than the others. "I know all about Ryoki Nishoba, Sei. From what I've been told, you slain her with your own hands not but a couple of weeks ago! You let go of her, so your heart is free again! Do not deny me with lies Sei Orlouge, or it will be the last thing you ever do."

This time it was Sei's turn to laugh. The mystic's reaction to the comment echoed within the mind of his would-be lover. "I wasn't talking about Ryoki.... was all he said. Y'edda blinked a bit in confusion, her rage starting to settle as quickly as it had washed over her. "Then who...?"

"First, it is my turn to ask you a question, Lady Y'edda. You Thaynes have been constantly telling me that I'm the chosen champion. I have no idea what that means. I don't know what that entails. All I know is that I have a spider silk vest at home made by N'Jal herself that's supposed to be some sort of sign that she approved of your decisions to elect me champion. What is a champion of the Thaynes supposed to do?"

Y'edda looked shocked once more. She had no idea why her sister had not given Sei all the details, nor did she have any reason to respect the reasons why not. Y'edda nodded to Sei and began the story of Thayne Champions. "Sei Orlouge, you have heard of our champion by another name. You may not be familiar with the term, but the champion always is around, waiting for opportunity to rear its head. Sei Orlouge, by becoming champion to the Thaynes, you will become the Angel of Death..."

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer walked through the Rootwalker's strange citadel with a pious glare, her head held high and her staff vertical in her right hand before her. With the faun following her with cautious advanced, she looked like the Augury of a funeral procession, a divine fae send off to some ancient mother or son.

The druids gave her curtly nods and stepped out of her way half through fear, half through respect. As they walked, they remained silent except for curt exchanges and silent thoughts about the coming storm should the humans fail to respect her ways, or if the commands of the forest gods were too brash and uncomfortable for the children of nature. They were fickle, as the horns and the otherworldly visage of the once mortal child of the Nina could only too happily attest.

"Say," Faustus spoke at last, breaking the vow between them. "You have elluded this question many times but I shall try once more. Even though our minds meld, I cannot fathom your hatred for the mortals. You too were once human?"

Jennifer wrinkled her brow and tried to distract herself by caressing the edges of a giant lily that hung from a branch overhead. It was a verdant bloom out of place, and she noticed that the most unlikely of flowers grew in the treeman's heights. He has travelled far and wide and for too long...this is an Eden of diversity, a garden of Althanas...

"Because."

The faun brayed and sheathed his sword, anger behind his movements. He was still infuriated by her stubbornness. "That is no ideological statement, you are being awkward."

"I cannot help what I have become, it is through dedication and respect that I have obtained this power, this life, this undying sorrow in nature's throng."

They quickened their pace down great spiral staircases caressed with jasmine blossoms and lotus flowers, and along spindly boulevards between branches and huts. Faustus had been here before, long ago, and through their eidetic memory and his past life, they made their way unknowingly towards Y'edda's Sanctuary.

"Would you ever turn it aside?"

"Never!" Jennifer snapped about and pointed a finger accusingly at her Animus. "Do not make me banish you into the twilight, until you are more welcome!"

They walked on in silence, their anxiety and distrust for one another's motives growing as rapidly as Akashiman knotweed in the summer zenith. Jennifer thought of what she would say to the goddess, if she indeed had summoned them, and how she would act before the most sacred of women.

[Tainted Bushido]

Shiryko saw Taka standing in the rain, nodachi clutched tightly in his right hand, even as the hair clung to him as a second skin. The fight had caused the leather thong he had used to tie it back to become lost, and he looked through the wet screen at his opponent. Finally Shiryko stepped back into the rain, drawing a Katana as he did so eyeing the ronin carefully. It was hard to tell who was in control now, As Taka took that first step forward, then he heard the Akashiman speak;

"<The black beast felled me swiftly, and in that moment I knew I could not win. Time and again I would rush towards it, only annoying it more. In that moment, I knew I would do anything to win, to save my charge, and I knew it would not happen. I still tried, and I was still torn apart slowly by that foul beast…>"

Shiryko slowly drew his second sword, recognizing Taka in those words before he moved, fast yet again. This time there was no restlessness to the actions, he was merely closing the gap as the song of steel upon steel could be heard once more. The nodachi nearly broke Shiryko's grip on his swords as the blade was brought out in a cleaving strike that rattled the blades to the tsuba. In an attempt to push the Ronin back Shiryko began a slash only to find the Nodachi held up in a counter block. Steel clashed again, yet this time, this time Taka did not move.

"<So I prayed to the Kami for strength. I promised I would do anything so long as my charge would be safe. I continued my charge, and in that moment I struck the Oni a fatal blow.>"

It was at that moment Shiryko realized what had happened. Their fight had caused many a slash to appear in the bark of the Rootwalker. Some of these were almost deep enough to hurt the ancient treeman. Taka had merely placed his back sandal in one of the gashes, and caused himself the ability to stop Shiryko from taking advantage of the rain making the ancient bark slippery. Taka swung out with the nodachi once more this time sending Shiryko back before he continued his tale.

"<I have found that power, and though it may damn me I shall stay true to my word. But now, now I have a new promise to fulfill, and I will not let anyone, even you Shiryko, stop me…>"

Shiryko smirked as he looked on the younger samurai, before he came at the ronin again. As he tried to approach Taka the nodachi swung out, stopping his attempt cold as he jumped back barely to avoid the slicing cut of the nodachi. He raised an eyebrow at how fast the swing had come. Had he not seen the Ronin wielding that nodachi prior, he could have sworn a katana stopped him. Looking at the ronin he saw Taka's chest heaving with the exertion. He carefully took a step back before he spoke, "<You can't fight me in that shape forever. I took too much out of you earlier. Are you really going to try and kill me when you can barely muster the strength to stand?>"

"<I need not defeat you Shiryko-sama, only stop you from accomplishing your goal…>" Taka said before he stood up straight, and grinned. The samurai smirked softly before he sheathed both his blades and turned around to leave.

"<Got me there kid, I can't afford much more time with you, if Sei catches me it's game over. See ya round Ronin…>"

"<Shiryko!>" the Samurai stopped, tilting his head so an ear was given to Taka. Finally Taka continued, "<You don't need to leave, you can join us. I know it's what you want to do. It's why you keep testing and pushing me. Why go back to the losing side?>"

"<Because my young friend, I made a promise to another friend long ago. I will not break it for anything. I'm sorry Taka, but not every story can end in the honorable samurai being redeemed. Sometimes, Samurai die for their promises, much like you…>" At those words Shiryko left, and Taka collapsed on the ground in pain. The white bandages sloughed off the ronin, before slowly wrapping back upon the saya of the nodachi, and along its hilt.

He rested in the soothing rain; even as he watched the samurai leave through the crowds, and vanish.

[Silence Sei]

"I can tell by your shocked expression that you had no idea the role we were getting you ready for. Do not be frightened, Sei Orlouge, for the Angel of Death is a title only given to the most noble of people. It is the one thing all of us Thayne can agree on." Sei stood in awe of the news Y'edda had just laid out before him. Was he really destined to take the lives of people simply because he was a good person? Such a cause-and-effect did not make any sense.

"Before you protest, allow me to elaborate further. By being our Angel of Death, you will not be given a death touch that damns people to whatever life next awaits them. You will actually be the guide to those lives, Sei Orlouge. You are to seek out people on the verge of death, and take them to where they belong in the afterlife. Of course, you will also be trying to console those who don't understand what is going on. It is a most stressing job, but nobody on Althanas is more suited to be a Harbinger of Harmony than you."

While he was relieved that he was not destined to kill in order to release mortal bonds, he did have a hard time coping with essentially being a valkyrie. The mute had heard tales of men and women who would guide a warrior’s soul to their rightful place in order to prepare for great wars. Now Sei was to be the one fulfilling such a role. It was so much to take in, no wonder Y'edda wished so bad to bed him. She was going to break it to him during the afterglow, when he would be at his most content.

"What of my Knights? I can't just go reaping souls to their rightful place and ignore my duties as a hero in the living world." Y'edda nodded as if she expected the question to come. She began to ease back into her regular, yet still ear-bleeding laugh. "Yes, you will be able to carry on your duties as a protector, Sei Orlouge. Your duties as out Angel will only take place while your physical body slumbers. We Thayne also can take a small part of your consciousness temporarily to go get a spirit that we require to do an interim job. A 'ghost' will be around its point of death for at least three days, but no more."

Sei nodded, not sure if he should accept the role of champion quite yet. Y'edda understood this and nodded in reply to his stalwart silence. "Of course, you need time to reflect. Go and seek out my brothers and sisters. They will be able to better indulge your thirst for information. For now, I sense that one of your party is patiently waiting for an audience with me. I shall not keep them waiting any longer."

Sei nodded. "Oh, and that girl who I gave my heart to years ago?" Y'edda nodded, finally getting her answer, "She's been waiting outside this whole conversation." Sei began to make his way out, feeling Y'edda's hand upon his forearm just one more time. The mute winced as she dug one of her nails in a bit too hard. A few droplets of blue blood ran onto Y'edda fingertips before she released him, deciding it better to not fight or argue with him further.

Anita was sitting on the ground playing with a set of Berevar dominoes when the massive doors opened once more. She looked up to find her father with a stern look on his face. Whatever he had been told in there, Anita probably wasn't getting it out of him for a while. Still, the girl figured that there was at least some hope in trying. "What was that about, Papa?"

Sei walked over to his daughter with his stone face still on. He threw both arms around the girl, his face forming into a content smile in the embrace. "I love you Anita. I just thought you should know that." Sei released the grip he had on his little girl, and began to walk away, Anita quickly following on his coat tails. Something had struck Sei at the heart, and Anita could tell when she had caught a glimpse of the telepath's eyes before he walked off. Sei Orlouge was crying.

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer rested forwards on her staff for a long time before Sei Orlougne appeared from the dark folds of the Great Hall. She said nothing as he emerged into the murky twilight of the Concordian storm, and said nothing for a long time as he caressed one of the other humans who had been there at their crossing of paths.

Faustus leant in to whisper into the priestess's ear eventually. "Speak with him."

She scowled, shooing him to one side hesitantly. Whilst they were eternally intertwined, she hated when he was right.

"Speak, and let us know the truth of the matter."

The faun warrior did not wait for approval and made his way across the board walk towards the mute. With a wry smile of his own, he approached firmly and without threatening motion. His hooves clattered rapidly on the wood and he shook the excess water from his fur as he drew near. "What harrowing news and what purpose do we serve here?"

Jennifer skittered up behind her Animus, a sheepish smile plastered across her face and all the earlier determination and anger in her voice and reasoning was rapidly shattered.

She projected it into Faustus instead, and the true master of the Nina, Nature itself, took to the stage in proceedings.

[Tainted Bushido]

The rain continued to pour over the ronin, who rested upon the balcony looking up at the sky. The blackened blood flowed about him, into his hair and staining it crimson and black. He continued to lay there for what seemed like forever watching as the rain continued to pour over him, feeling a sense of peace, despite the fight. He looked over at the nodachi, having fallen from his grip he carefully gripped it once more, wincing softly in pain before bringing it to his face to examine. He looked upon it before he said softly, "Arigato."

He knew the blade would not say anything back; in fact he had counted on it. He knew he would be far gone, if the blades began to start talking to him. Slowly he pulled himself over to his katana, and carefully he brushed a hand over the cherry wood saya. Immediately he felt a rush of emotions into his chest, and he smiled, feeling the bond with his blade strengthen to knowing what Rengoku felt. He could sense panic, fear, and desperation. A soft snort of amusement left his lips before he winced softly, feeling the cut on his chest open, before he spoke softly, "<It is okay little one, you did your job. Rest easy, I am not dying…>"

Carefully he began the task of picking up his wakizashi before he looked upon it, a sense of sadness crossing his face. He looked upon the blade for what seemed like forever before he spoke, "<You too, did your best. I cannot help if the oni had no idea how to wield Honor. Perhaps in the next fight, he will learn humility and be able to fight, rather than rage at the world about him.>"

Finally gathering his weapons, he sat upon the ground, a groan of pain escaping his lips as he did so, yet continued. His right arm was in tatters now, carefully cradled against his chest in his kimono. While he had been able to wield the nodachi thanks to its ability to bandage his arm, in releasing the bandages, every act that had exacerbated the wound became readily apparent. He was more than certain it would take an act of mercy to heal these wounds properly. Part of him feared losing the arm's strength, and with it his way of battle.

Still he remained calm, resting in the rain as he did so, carefully pulling his legs closer, feeling the cut that opened his chest and stomach to the air widen in protest. He looked almost pathetic sitting in the rain, watching the people go about the town. He had seen a few concerned onlookers, but they remained still, refusing to come forward and check upon him. Slowly the crowd continued to grow as more and more people saw the warrior sitting upon their balcony, so wounded. Some muttered in the druidic tongue, making it hard to hear. He caught snippets of trade speak, only the barest of sentences. While he didn't understand them, he knew the sentiment.

He closed his eyes, and focused on the tranquility of the water about him, a soft smile upon his face as he did so. The crowd seemed to notice this, and he was more than certain that they were questioning if he was dead. Others waited at the edge as he could hear footsteps upon the balcony; he was more than certain the others had arrived finally. He could almost hear Anita's shrill cry of concern for his behalf. He continued to smile, before he opened his eyes and spoke, softly, "<At last, I found peace.>"

He promptly passed out from blood loss.

[Silence Sei]

Sei eyed the faun with a great intensity, still fighting back his tears. It seemed as though the priestess was still untrusting of the telepath, even with Y’edda’s blessing for him to be here. "Tell your mistress that she need not be concerned with my matters. It would appear as though Y'edda would like to speak with her as well. I don't know your purpose here, but I've served mine, so go ask your beloved Thayne yourself."

As Sei began to walk away to find Taka, Anita blinked at the harsh words coming from her father. What had been said to make him so cold? He left his manners in that temple, it seemed. The girl quickly tailed behind her papa, quickly trying to find any information as to Taka's whereabouts. When somebody had informed the pair that the ronin had actually went to the forest, followed by someone of similar garb, Anita gasped.

"Shiryko..." she whispered. The Hopeless Samurai was the only person who would pursue Taka into the forest when he wanted to be at peace. It was now Anita's turn to lead her father, taking his hand and making a mad dash towards the area where they were directed. The girl was running through the shrubs and limbs that made the Rootwalker’s hair with a blatant disregard for Sei or herself.

The telepath noted several cuts along Anita's pasty arms as they finally reached their destination. Taka lay on the ground in a pool of his own mixed blood. Anita began to move towards him, but was stopped with a firm hand on her shoulder. When the girl turned around, she saw Sei shaking his head. Taka would be recovered in a couple of hours. The oni would not let him die. Furthermore, Taka had instructed the mute before to try and not let his daughter's emotions get the better of her upon witnessing such atrocities.

Anita walked over to the body, rain cascading down her arm and washing her own mixed blood down her arm. She sat down by the corpse that was Taka and waited. Upon seeing the girl's dedication to the swordsman, Sei walked over and sat across from her. The telepath smiled at the girl, looking back to Taka's body for a moment before returning his gaze to Anita.

"Since we're here, I'm thinking of a number between one and seventy million..."

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer snapped a snarl at Sei and turned on her heel to walk to the hall's cavernous door. She would do just that, and spite them all with the revelations to be found within. She feigned competance and pious nobility as she waltzed into the darkness, and as soon as she was out of the rain and the sight of the humans, her heart slumped.

"What does she want?"

"I do not know. I can guess, she is a tempestuousness harlot."

"Faustus?"

The faun stopped in the darkness, his face illuminated only by the glow lights slow and pulsating energy. He snarled.

"I was her animus once, her servant tithed and chained to her court when the Ancients still walked the forests proper."

The priestess felt the revelation tingle the back of her throat and turned to face him proper. "You did not think it wise to tell me this before?"

"No." He shook his head sternly. He bit his lip.

"We walk to meet the Thayne herself and you show signs of tearing your heart apart for the past you shared - what happened?"

"Ha - she will tell you her twisted skein of that story herself, no doubt."

The silence between them grew until she could bear it no longer and turned to walk on. The sound of her boots on the hollow wood announced their arrival in the inner chamber, and they both were struck in awe at the sight before them.

Y'edda glared at Jennifer, and the Priestess glared back. Eventually they both smiled at one another, and bowed in unison. The Thayne turned her attention to Faustus and walked across the circular, almost gourd like chamber to rest her hand on his shoulder. He flinched, huffed and scuffed his hooves on the ground.

"I knew we would see one another again...someday."

"I am not glad to do so, Oona."

Jennifer gave him a stern look, but then stood to one side as it dawned on her. They were lovers...a courtesan and his liege...

"I called you all here for a grave purpose. The human Sei Orlougne has been given his task, and I will place yours in your mind and heart to do with as you wish. You are all required for the greater good."

Jennifer knew all too well that in fae terms, the 'greater good' meant the will of the forest - no matter the cost to life, loam or legacy. An evil must be quelled, a darkness must be eradicated, a soul sacrificed...

She glared around the chamber with her staff firmly in her hand, trying to actualise the reality of their situation. The delicate silks and ribbons that hung from every rafter and the piles of cushions and leaves that covered the floor gave the temple an eerie atmosphere. This was the Thayne's court, yet it felt like a harem - the seasons turned here in more ways than one.

"What do you will us to do, what could we ever do to serve you?"

"I have asked you once before to bind a spirit to your heart, knowing that some of my own life force is embedded in that stern and strong head of yours."

Jennifer nodded, and recalled her first binding to Quickalli many moons ago. The confrontation had taken a great deal out of her, but she had persevered with an inner light she did not know she possessed. Something must have transferred between Y'edda and Faustus. Some unknown legacy was afoot.

"I must ask of you to do the same, but it is not as simple as a binding."

"Then what? I will do anything," she bowed.

"I must ask of you to slay a creature bound in a tomb glade far to the North."

Faustus interjected before Jennifer could agree. "You do not change!" He stomped his hooves. "I will have no part in this - you did not accept responsibility for your actions then, you do not do so now!"

Y'edda smiled.

Silence.

"I cannot leave the Rootwalker whilst it rains so heavily and the forest is assailed on every front by man, flame and malice. I ask Jennifer, and in turn ask you Faustus, to deliver my judgement to that Autumnal Sprite and silence her ill for ever. We must be rid of those Ancients who turned against me in the War."

"Like me, you mean?" Faustus huffed, and walked over to Jennifer.

The priestess gasped. "You...are...the Rootwalker Guardian?"

The faun nodded, and crossed his arms over his hairy chest. "She colluded me into love, and tore my heart wide open when the Ancients betrayed her. They did not wish to let the humans come to settle in the woods, and the war killed many of the creatures that brought Concordia to life."

"Why did you turn against her?"

"Jennifer...we all have secrets. My hatred then is no more, she showed me the light of love and despite her hurt...I know that Concordia cannot thrive without the druids and the priestesses of the Nina...we as symbiotic together as insects and leaves. But we cannot do her bidding, the Ancients must be left to sleep!"

Jennifer considered her dilemma for a long time, stood in contemplation and silence as the Thayne and the Animus glared at each other over feelings lost and love laboured.

[Tainted Bushido]

The body rested on the ground, the look of peace on the man's face telling more than any bard could. He remained his clothing thoroughly saturated by the water, as it continued to run down his face, over his hands. It threatened to drown the Akashiman, who remained at its mercy, much as he had anytime he stepped upon a boat. He knew, in this moment he was on the verge of something, an awakening of something primal in his soul. In that void he found himself once more, but this time he was no longer the prisoner, but the jailer.

The hand twitched, slightly at first, but once again with a strength it was ill afforded. Anita was the first to notice, of course. Her shriek of happiness upon seeing the miracle escaped her lip as she dropped her umbrella and rushed to the moving body of the Ronin. His body was stirring to life, and even now he was coming out of death, as but another night's rest. His eyes opened before he looked down, seeing the familiar sight of Anita clutching him happily. His hand came to a rest on her back before he laughed softly, weakly, "My Apologies for worrying you Anita-sama. Perhaps I should work on not dying in the future…"

His eyes rose to Sei, who seemed to be looking on at the scene with interested eyes. Still the Ronin pushed himself, Sitting up with the Mystic's daughter before he said firmly, "I am quite alright Anita-Sama, but that will not be the case if you squeeze me to death…"

The girl sheepishly let go of her body guard looking upon him with flushed cheeks before she spoke, "I'm sorry Taka, I just…was worried. I heard you fought Shiryko and I-"

Taka nodded before he spoke softly, "Anita-sama, you needn't worry about that. The important fact is you are safe, so long as that remains true, I have done my duty. I would gladly go through my ordeals a hundred times over, just to ensure your safety…"

Anita looked at Taka in the eyes before she spoke, "I don't want that Taka. I want you to survive encountering Shiryko. Every time you fight him you die, and your taint gets worse! What if it happens during the war? What if we can't get to your body?"

Taka saw the fear in her eyes; he understood finally just what the western concepts of love fully entailed. In Akashima, he would have been praised for his adherence to duty. When his lord commanded him to go fight, he was given permission to die. Here, outside of his country, such a thing was not the norm. Even the dereliction of duty was allowed for the sacrifice of Love. Here in the outside world, survival was the key.

How he found that odd.

Shaking his head he spoke softly, his tone that of a humble man, "Anita-sama, if that happens, I died doing what I was supposed to do. I will have died protecting you, and fulfilling my orders. Even if my body were to be burn to ashes, I would die knowing I did my duty, and my part in this world had been fulfilled. I know that you wish me to remain at your side always, but a time may come when that isn't possible."

She hugged him tightly, even as he looked down upon her. He heard her voice barely above the rain, "Please don't go away Taka, we need you!"

He looked over at Sei, who seemed to be studying Taka's reaction to all this. He closed his eyes before he awkwardly hugged the girl back and replied, "Call for me Anita-sama, and so long as I draw breath, I shall come…"

She moved looking up at his eyes before she spoke, "Promise?"

Taka smiled at the childish inflection of the voice. He then spoke softly, "I don't make promises Anita-sama. Promises are for people who fear they cannot commit to the actions they speak. When I say something shall happen, it will happen."

Anita hugged him tightly, causing a slight wince from the ronin as she said happily, "Good enough!"

Taka looked up at Sei with a look of confusion. The Mute only smirked softly as Taka went back to looking down at his daughter. She seemed to be rather comfortable with the situation as she leaned against Taka. Both of them were still sitting in the rain, and it was only then that Taka could see the damage she had done to herself in rushing towards him. He raised an eyebrow at those wounds before he looked at Sei looking for an explanation.

[Silence Sei]

"She neglected her own safety to get to you." Sei said, leaving the reply Taka expected at that. Anita quickly began to pull herself away from her bodyguard. The girl dusted herself off and looked to her father, still confused about the whole conversation with Y'edda that he had. The girl continued to stare a hole through Sei until the mute was willing to divulge the information he had on the Thayne.

Sei sighed in resignation and began the story. "She granted me permission to be her representative champion. Which means I have the blessings of both N'Jal and Y'edda. While she went into further detail than her sister did about what being a champion means, I still find myself with a dozen questions." IT appeared as though Anita was not satisfied with such an answer, her eyes seeming rather upset that he father kept things so broad from both her and Taka. After realizing that Sei was not going to give her any more than that, the girl looked back to Taka.

"Lord Orlouge! Lord Orlouge!" A voice came calling from the distance. The same Taurek that had guided Sei into the temple of Y'edda was now rushing forward, carrying what appeared to be shoes. The black footwear seemed to resemble cotton kung-fu shoes. He held them tightly in his furred hands and he approached the trio, using labored breaths to try and explain his hurry.

"The Goddess... she wished for you to have these. They're... They're the 'Feet of Y'edda'. As long as you touch natural ground, you'll have smaller wounds recover quickly thanks to Y'edda's blessing upon these shoes. Furthermore, you'll find yourself running as if you were riding upon Y'edda's wings so long as these shoes are on your feet. ...She mentioned something about how the Feet of Y'edda will only work for the champion."

Sei nodded to the man, a shocked expression painted across the telepath's face. Why would he need shoes in order to be Y'edda's champion? Unless of course this was the Thaynes way of telling their siblings that Sei had received their blessing. N'Jal and Y'edda had both given the mute gifts now, and Sei wasn't entirely sure that he even deserved them. The mute looked down to his own shoes, noticing the wear and tear from years of adventuring. The black footwear almost looked as if it was going to blow away with the wind right then and there.

Sei sat down, slipping off the old shoes and putting on the Feet of Y'edda. Already he could feel energies working around his form, taking his exhaustion from his earlier fight with the Oni away. The mute looked to Anita and Taka before he stood up. He then moved his face back to the Taurek priest, nodding to him a bit as he came to his own conclusion about where the other two members of his troupe stood.

"I think once the priestess is done with her little chat, it's time for us to go. We have a family to get home to." Sei looked back to the couple behind him with a smile. Anita’s happiness seemed to warm his heart, despite what tragedies may come along with it in the future. For now, all the group could do was focus more on the songs of sunshine and less about the songs about rain.

[Jennifer Oakley]

Eventually, Jennifer turned to Y'edda, the Ancient named Oona by the Fae and the Goddess by man. With a calm and collected aura of acceptance, she spoke in a low voice and looked between her Animus and Goddess in a cycle of stern glares.

"I do not know how Faustus can live with himself, but if this request is in earnest, then I am bound by the ancient rites to fulfil it."

Y'edda smiled and made to respond, but Jennifer pointed at her and stamped her staff into the floor.

"The Rootwalker Guardian I believe has power of attorney over his charge. Is that correct?" She raised her eyebrow and stroked her forehead to ease her temples. Ideas were flowing around in her head like a quagmire of wisdom.

"Yes, he possesses elements of my Heart and thus the light within."

"I will slay this creature," she lied, "but when we are done, and the tomb glade is cleared from history by nature's reclamation, you shall free Faustus of that burden, and in turn free me from the petulant servitude to you. I am a Daughter of the Nina, and it is man that has inherited these woods now - the time of Ancients is passed."

Y'edda thought carefully for a moment, twitching her feathers and scouring.

"Very well."

"Good."

Faustus smiled and walked to Jennifer's side.

"If you cannot forgive, then I guess being forgotten is as good a reward as any. But which Old Friend resides in this Glade?"

Y'edda laughed, holding her hand to her mouth as if to prevent an inner fire escaping and setting the world ablaze. She adored the ferocity and stubbornness in her charge, and relished the memories her Animus conjured in her mind. She had slept and watched the world for so long she had forgotten what it felt like to love, learn and hate.

"Brachia, the Autumnal Regret. She is the Queen of the Dryads, the storm of the nymphs and the dominating sorrow 'twixt Spring and Winter."

Jennifer did not quite believe her ears. Many months ago she had set out to the same tomb glade to rebind the way stones of Brachia's tomb. She had not arrived, for the forest itself had changed shape and hidden the glade away deeper in the swathes of woods named Caledonia.

"I have heard of her, what did she do?"

"She lead the dryads in the rebellion and scoured many Druidic settlements from the woods in the later days of the conflict. She is second strongest only to me, but is eternally undone by the likes of more conniving Ancients such as the tree men, Kurosawa, or perhaps, if I recall correctly, Ariel too."

A scent of lavender and jasmine filled the confines of Y'eddas temple as incense sprung to life beneath the suspended silks and golden threads. Attendants began to spiral in and out of the shadows to change the temple's shape, as if they were done with, and someone else awaited the Thayne's council.

"Do mark my words, Y'edda. If this is a trick, if we are tested or tried or if the Ancients were wronged. You shall not be safe in your hollow tree - you shall not attest the lores. Man may think of you as a Thayne, but we know the truth of your origins."

Oona the Fae Queen. First Ancient, Daughter of the Earth. That was Y'edda's true name and that was the name Jennifer had tried for so long to forget. The more she had served the temple ziggurats of the Summoners, the more she had come to detest the Ancients for the damage they had caused.

Brachia, on the other hand, did truly hate man and their presence in the woods. She would feel no sorrow for her death.

"I expect agreement, not fealty. May Faustus protect you, as he did me. May his blade rekindle it's origins and his heart light the way."

Silence.

"Begone. Return if you must with Brachia's heart, I shall reward you, but I do not think material trinkets will appease you." She turned to talk to her attendant and delivered a cold shoulder.

With a disgruntled expression of annoyance, Jennifer swept out of the temple and entered the dark corridor that lead back out into the village.

"I do not trust her," she said sternly, and without regret.

"Neither do I," Faustus replied, before both fell into calm and cast away their doubts as they appeared before the Orlougne's and the demon swordsmen.

"We are done," said the priestess.

She wondered now what Oona had asked of Sei, and if they would cross paths or depart ways as fleetingly as the seasons.

[Tainted Bushido]

They moved back through the forest, fatigue gripping Taka as surely as the rain continued to fall. He couldn't help the small smile at the irony of being helped by his charge through the woods. Though at first he did accept her help, soon he found enough energy to keep going on his own, and had carefully disengaged from the girl. He moved gingerly, but kept pace with Lord Orlouge, despite the fact he felt so drained. The rain continued to soothe his mind, to the point that he almost missed what Anita was saying.

"Are you alright Taka? You don't look so well…" again the girl's concern over his condition, again he was found flabbergasted by the question.

"I will be fine Anita-sama, I just need rest eventually. Tonight will be restful," Taka replied, shrugging off her concerns. She seemed to study him longer before she nodded, knowing full well that he was hiding something. She remained dutifully close to her yojimbo, just in case as well. The group moved along in Silence while they followed Sei, Taka taking the time to look about occasionally in order to be vigilant. Finally they hit the entrance to the small village.

Taka looked a mess when he entered the town, so much different from when he had left it to venture into the woods with his guide. His hair was streaked black and red from his blood, the dirt of the woods also staining it in places. The once pulled back ponytail was now left as loose strands that clung to his shoulders and back. He looked deathly tired, as if a simple wind could blow him over, and he knew more than a few people would be talking of this scene when tonight's dinners were being eaten.

It did not take them long to find their compatriots, if they truly could be called such. Exiting the main temple Taka could notice the aura of malice the girl and her supposed guardian exuded before quelling such emotion. He could still feel traces of it hiding, lurking deep within their hearts, and carefully made sure to be ready, should their thoughts turn hazardous to his charge. After all, that was the reason her was here. He had to protect Anita at all costs…

They seemed to speak quickly, irritation hiding in the depths of the woman's voice as she did so. It irked Taka to be treated as the woman's subordinate, yet he let it slide. Such insults were minor to the situation, and he would wait for her to make a larger one before he acted. He also couldn't afford a duel of honor so hastily, not in his condition. Outside the rain he felt himself grow ever more tired, no longer born aloft the water kami's aid. Now that he understood his position in the cosmic order, what had occurred made more sense.

He also realized Anita and Sei had no idea what had occurred out there. Perhaps later he could report to Sei with his findings, and from there they could work out a plan. If Water itself aided the Ronin, perhaps placing him on the harbors of Radasanth would maximize his effectiveness in the coming fight. It was an advantage that they would be crazy not to explore if not use to their advantage. Further he could see the wisdom, as in the cave was but a small puddle. Out here, where the rain saturated everything about the Ronin, he had faired better after regaining control of himself, and had the Oni not interfered at all, perhaps he could have beaten back the Hopeless Samurai.

There were many answers he had been given here today, and more than one brought to the surface more questions. Now however, now he needed to rest, and consider the implications of what he was taught. Only time would tell if this could indeed help the Ronin overcome the taint upon his soul, but for now, he was happy to have the support of a superior, and the chance to learn and grow, rather than fight to survive.

Perhaps now, he could truly learn from Hoturi.

[Jennifer Oakley]

Jennifer took little enjoyment from small talk, and less still from conversation that did not engage her in matters beyond mortal comprehension. She nodded tritely at Sei and Taka and bowed to Anita, before starting to walk away.

"Oh," she mumbled, looking over her shoulder with a glare that spewed malice and fear.

"Do not trust Oona. Whilst she may have asked and promised you great things, and brought us here under false pretences of prophecy and dreams..."

Faustus stepped up to her side, "she will betray you." They said together.

It was in the nature of all the Fae beings of the world to trick, twist and tear another's words to mean something or become something more useful for their own gain. Whilst she did not realise it herself, Jennifer was no better than Y'edda.

"I would ask for you help in the quest I have been commanded to do, but I do not think much of either of you, nor of your chances in the deep woods. Only the fae can walk those lands or the lands themselves shall rise and swell and crush you beneath tensile fangs and rolling moils."

She continued a few feet, rubbed her hand along the bark of the Rootwalker and chuckled.

"I should say I suppose that it has been a pleasure, but it has not."

She vanished from sight, as ever pious and mysterious and horrible as the moment they had first met.

Fickle and thorned, like the rose she was born from a thousand years ago.


The Heart of the Matter:

Faustus's true history has started to come to light, and the bond he and Jennifer now share is stronger. Due to Oona's light, and the bound power of the Ancients, the faun summon can conjure himself or heal himself once per thread only and explicitly when Jennifer would otherwise be killed. He will bounce from her as if born anew in a flash of white light from her chest and swat aside or push Jennifer out of the way. No use in battle without permission, otherwise fluff. This will be expanded upon and clarified properly at the conclusion of Hen Wlad, where it is used/discussed in greater detail.

[Silence Sei]

The priestess was a handful, that was for sure.

Sei and Anita stood with Taka and Jennifer made her rather rude statements. Apparently she felt as though she was the only one deemed 'worthy' enough of taking up her quest. People like that never really had an effect on Sei, the mute having to deal with such things for years. Anita was not as experienced at dealing with these situations, however.

"Fine then, be the world's biggest bitch! See if we care!" Anita shouted, gripping Sei's arm tightly. As the girl squeezed, the mute winced, the pain from Y'edda's nails impaling him rising back to the surface. The mute watched as the woman and her summon walked off, thinking how sad it must be to have to live life alone forever because of one's attitude.

"I think I'm starting to see why you've taken such a shine to Jensen, Papa," Sei's eyes made their way towards Anita, "If he doesn't have somebody, he'll turn out like that. Perhaps I can be a little more tolerant of him now that I've met that psycho woman." Sei smiled, laughing at Anita's brashness in his head. The mute looked to Taka and Anita once more time.

"Lets go. Adventure awaits. Tasks needs to be assigned, and I'm sure TSN has created some form of delicious soup," Sei smiled as the three began to walk back to the village to prepare for their departure....


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mistress, I am sorry that Sei Orlouge denied you. Is there anything I can do to help?" The taurek preist asked his Goddess. The question was answered by the maniacal, annoying laughter of Y'edda. It seemed that the Thayne wound up finding this whole situation amusing. Her servant back up a bit, fearful that she would lash out at him, only to watch her hand touch her belly.

"Quite the contrary, Tyel," Y'edda spoke, her voice seeming more gentle, more motherly, "I took some of Sei's blood before he left. For a female Thayne, that's all one needs to bear children." Y'edda smiled at her most loyal of worshippers, who returned the smile himself. It seemed as though Y'edda had gotten what she wanted in the end.

"This child may be stronger than the entire Thayne combine. We need to think of a strong name to accommodate such power. And to think, Sei Orlouge will never know that he helped the Wild Thayne give birth to the King of the Gods...." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, replaced once more by her grating laughter.

[Revenant]

Condensed rubric with light commentary requested.

STORY (17)

One of Sei’s Thayne threads, unfortunately this thread read more like two stories (Jennifer’s story and Sei/Taka’s story) put together which just happened to have a uniting background plot point. You maintained a quick pace through the story, but taking a bit more time to give all three of you time to interact would have raised this score.

CHARACTER (18)

Jennifer, I could tell that your character had strong feelings, but the way you conveyed it was muddy. You dialogue wasn’t always very clear, and even reading your character profile history left me somewhat confused on what was going on with you. That said, the dialogue between you a your familiar was well done and I could feel the connection between the two of you. Kudos.

WRITING STYLE (17)

Nothing to say here. Good but not perfect.

WILD CARD (5)

TOTAL: (57)

Results:

Silence Sei receives 3041 exp and 100 gp.
Tainted Bushido receives 1229 exp and 275 gp.
Jennifer Oakley receives 642 exp and 300 gp.

Spoils:

Silence Sei receives his kung-fu shoes with the following changes: the speed increase granted by them is only x2 speed and not x5. While on natural earth, healing is accomplished at a rate of light wounds/scratches within a minute (not instantaneous), medium wounds within a dozen minutes, and serious wounds within several hours. GP deducted for the spoil.

Jennifer receives The Heart of the Matter as requested.

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added.