Post edited 4:11 am – April 29, 2020 by dystopia
Post edited 4:11 am – April 29, 2020 by dystopia

	The sounds of fish splashing was carried through the air of the small garden that lead up to the manor entrance, the mossy rocks of a stone ringed pond the dominating feature of the path between the gate and house. As Zakuro reached the dark wooden stairs that lead upwards he removed his straw hat, letting it fall behind him to be caught by a string around his neck. The stairs creaked as he climbed up, casually removing his geta as Onaga-san slid the paper door and motioned them inward. Zakuro nodded and slid his feet into the provided slippers as he entered the manor following closely behind Onaga-san who lead them through the entry-way which smelled heavy of incense and through the main chamber towards the courtyard door.    ” Our lordship awaits you among his cherished flowers. ” Onaga-san said as he slid a second paper door open allowing the sunlight into the main chamber, Zakuro noticing the beauty in the grains in the woodwork of the beats to either side of the door.    ” Thank you Onaga-san. ”Zakuro attempted to hide his contempt for the man as he exited into the sunlight, sensing his companion by his side. The courtyard was surrounded on all sides by the walls as wooden walkways of the manor, yet it was quite large. A stone paved walkway lined by sakura led towards another small pond, this one with a small stream running into it, appearing as if magically from somewhere under the manor. Sitting in the shade admiring the blossoms was their lord, the Daimyo Otomo Tadaaki. He was an older man, his hair beginning to thin, but he had a stature about him still, a stoic way of holding himself up. His dark green gi, the color of their clan, seemed at home among the flowers and trees of the courtyard. The lords eyes raised to meet Riku and Zakuro as the approached, his face showing worry.

Post edited 5:43 pm – June 14, 2019 by dystopia
Post edited 6:07 pm – June 14, 2019 by dystopia

	The golden orange rays of the late day sun crept over the western wall of the courtyard and manor causing a cascade of shimmering sparkles in the small stream as they passed, approaching Daimyo Otomo. Around them the breeze had again picked up and captured the light pink cherry blossoms from the many sakura trees and sent them swirling in the air.    ” I'm so relieved you have both arrived so fast. ” Damiyo Otomo spoke quickly waving off Zakuro's attempt to bow before his lord. ” I'm afraid there is no time for that, my life is in danger and I have decided that there are very few among my own that I truly can trust. ” Otomo spoke quickly, as his eyes seemed to look around them, scanning the manor walkways and the garden.    ” What's this?! ”Zakuro was quick to question and he found his reflexes still sharp as his hand moved towards the blade that he wore on his back only stopping when Zakuro realized there was no need to draw. ” Surely you're safe here in your manor. ”Zakuro responded again as his eyes drifted to his friend Riku, feeling anxious now.    ” Safe, no it seems none of us may be safe. I have sensed a change in the lands around us these past days, something in the wind as well… surely you have noticed this Riku? ” Damiyo Otomo began to explain, seeking reaffirmation from one as in tune with the land around them as himself in Riku. ” A darkness grows, and something is empowering it. ” Otomo continued as he now looked on the stream and flowers of the courtyard garden with worry, sensing in them the coming storm.

Post edited 1:31 am – June 20, 2019 by dystopia

	The shadows were moving in ways that Zakuro could not seem to fathom, though his reflexes had once again gained control of his limbs. His blade had been drawn with such swift maneuver that he himself had seemed to not notice as it caught the orange rays of the late summer sun, his limbs acting on their own to bring the blade out and into an attacking position. Zakuro's eyes were working hard to keep up with the movement of the assassins as they had converged on Daimyo Otomo, cutting him down with flickers of steal and crimson. He felt the wind around him moving, though he was unable to comprehend that Riku had gathered the force of the wind and sent it flying past like a collection of arrows towards the invaders. Zakuro watched as one by one the ninja slid and dodged the attacks and began to slip away back into the shadows, then like a explosion of luck the last barrage struck down the legs of one of the dark figures who stumbled and fell towards the steps of the manor.    ” Assassins! We must act quickly and gather what information we can! ” Zakuro was shouting as he moved ahead, blade in hand, towards his fallen lord and the one injured assassin, reaching them in just a few long steps. Zakuro rotated his wrist bringing his blade to the neck of the fallen figure, hoping Riku would be knowledgeable enough to quickly grab hold of the ninja to restrain him.

Post edited 10:45 pm – June 30, 2019 by dystopia

	The corridor was silent for several moments after Riku spoke, it's length about twenty feet and it's width around eight. Zakuro had quickly judged that fighting with a sword in such a space would need to be done quickly, he would have to do most of the heavy lifting in his first move. Knowing that his Iaijutsu was strong Zakuro felt for the hilt of his blade, his eyes never leaving or wavering from the Samurai who stood between them and moving forward. In an instant, like a strike of lightning his Odachi was free and he was moving forward as he brought the hilt of the blade into both of his hands. Zakuro crossed the room in two steps and with a subtle leap he feigned a slash before thrusting forward under the defense of the Samurai who was impaled through his lower left side. Zakuro sensing Riku would act to finish this short battle quickly forced his body as low down as he could.    ” Now! ” Was all Zakuro said, though he shouted it quite loud as he waited for the force of Riku's wind magic to be hurtled down the hallway into the injured Samurai.