Before the Storm (Requesting Kuro or Sunaku Sashi)

[Basuta]

The Accuser witnesses the Tiger with the strange eyes place his paw upon something and uses it as a form of communication with someone else that is called Dr. Daibatsu. As they communicate, they make clear to the Samurai that his claim had not been truly received. Although he thought that by performing this ritual, his claim would be taken seriously, he begins to see it as a means to hold swordsman himself accountable to the Draconic Laws. His would-be challenger sits before him while the youth still rests atop his shoulders. As he speaks, he confirms that Shoma's case against Akkuma would not be pursued.

In short time, a man of great muscle mass arrives and the Lawman makes the assumption that this man is the doctor mentioned before. This man makes quite the offer to upgrade Shoma's weaponry, however, greater weapons were the reasons for Convicted Shoma's appearance nor his interest in the ritual. He turns his head to the man and nods in acknowledgement, yet he lifts a hand in to turn down the offer. As he responds verbally, he sheathes his weapons. "Very well Man-tiger. It seems I'll have to decline. As the Demon-bloods have stated, I don't understand their laws or rituals. At first I thought it necessary to follow the ritual, submit myself to your laws so that my claim would be genuinely considered. I see now that this ritual is not required. If this Miroku Akkuma is innocent in the eyes of Toraono, free of judgement from their law, so be it."

The Samurai turns to leave and begins to do so, yet he would stop to notify them before exiting. "I will have a... 'talk'... with him, and share with him the news of his absolvement from Draconic Law. Good day, House of Toraono, Ms. Masuda." Although he speaks, he does so with his back turned to the others that occupying the room. A moment of pause is given before he proceeds to leave again. Meanwhile, Ava covers her eyes, not knowing what she could do to remedy the situation. Although she had now found what she hopes to be their home, a rift is forming between the Toraono's and her once loyal bodyguard, teacher, and parental figure.

[Shoma attempts to leave topic.]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Shoma is stopped briefly but he may leave regardless even as he hears Kyojin's words.

Kyojin Kuro stands and grabs Shoma's arm gently in the manner that a child might use to get a master's attention. It was well practiced with Kaibudo so he didn't hesitate to use it now. " Master Shoma, you take things without consideration and this is in part due to your reaction to chaos. No one is truly innocent under Toraono Clan law except women and children. Women because they can go temporarily insane at any given moment and children are allowed an examination to find ignorance, innocence and understanding. Akkuma could very well be the monster you say but he cannot be brought to our law without a formal challenge. You have brought that challenge but you have neither the weapons nor the know how to fully realize that challenge which is why we offered you the ritual so that you could understand. Cousin Sashi would explain it to you in her own words were you not influenced by the power of lawful intent. While you are under that foundation of black and white you will only see our laws as a hindrance to the ultimate outcome in the eyes of the law... retribution. We would need to hear and see both sides of the story to submit your case before our laws and Akkuma would have to agree to the trial. Unless a full fledged Toraono Clan member of blood relation to his fiance' challenged him... DO you understand now what you are embarking upon in this matter? If you do... accept our offer and make your ritual challenge here so you can at least understand how it will work."<i></i>

 

[Basuta]

The altered Samurai is softly halted by the Man-Tiger and is addressed about his view of the Clan's Laws. The Accuser does indeed see it as a hindrance in the process of justice. He had hoped that Toraono's would gift him with a front row seat to the demon's execution if not the executioner's blade itself. This is not quite what the swordsman came for initially, before his 'Conviction'. The taller Toraono speaks again of a grey area, showing the Accuser his belief in right and wrong. He does see that woman are fairly safe in this place however, and the reasoning normally would have amused him GREATLY! The shining swordsman is also alerted that somehow his 'condition' is the cause of one of the woman present to pass on the role of giving lessons on Draconic Law. Although very stressed, he didn't intend to hurt those that were present, that thirst is for one Toraono at the moment.

But this belief concerning 'The Grey' would be something either persona would protest. What differs is the approach to resolution. Though he would not turn to face the would-be challenger, he would say this."Ahh, 'The Grey'. Darkness pretending to be Light, or Light losing it's strength and shine. It is cover for the conscience of thieves, the sweet words that soothes a betrayer's heart, the sleeping sand of those with bloody hands and murderous minds. The grey area exist for those who lack commitment to either side, to justify and comfort those who lack direction. It is far more dangerous there than on either side, for those who are of Order and Chaos know who they are, while all others... lie to themselves daily. A part of me wishes I could accept your terms, to see what may happen but, to slide into 'The Grey' is the beginning to losing yourself." This is a subject manner he is passionate about, however he still didn't understand the Draconic Laws. It is hard to deny the thirst he begins to have to know, but he would be foolish to bind himself to a set of rules that may inhibit the Judge from laying down the law. With these words, he would look and the Toraono hand that holds him as if to direct his release, and if he should be, he would walk away.

[Shoma attempts to leave again]

As she watches her former Guardian seemingly shift into a another person as he leaves, she wonders if he would simply need time allow the effects to wear off. As Shoma spoke, she could sense deep in him a sense of betrayal and loneliness. She knew that the obvious mention of talking to this Demonic Man was not what he said it would be. The Shoma she knew didn't lie like that. In her eye's this 'Other Shoma' was not good for him, but he is bond by some form of rules. Perhaps in the future, she could show him the faults in his own actions. She vows in her mind that her time with the Toraono's would not be wasted. To her, Art of the sword alone would not be enough to bring him around. She would have to learn of herself and what she stands for so that next time she wouldn't remain silent an a situation like this again. "I am not ready to take the challenge am I? Could you teach me your laws?"

She looks to Sashi in hopes of gaining a little help, "And perhaps, we could talk about why woman are insane?" Was the Masuda heavily offended? Not at all. But she seeks a distraction from her woes, and redirection is often her method of cooping. She did enjoy trying to applying a little pressure on people and putting them on the spot. Would the joined power of 'Woman' shake the towering Tiger-man? Would the Toraono's stick to together? Would the Dr. Daibatsu back his 'bro'?

[Marked for training]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Neither forms of Kuro would stop him a second time, as he was perhaps too set in the full grasp of law to attempt to understand them and for the most part he did have it right. The Clan itself knew exactly who they were in the scheme of Sunagakure and their place in the world.

Ava : . "I am not ready to take the challenge am I? Could you teach me your laws?"

She looks to Sashi in hopes of gaining a little help, "And perhaps, we could talk about why woman are insane?"

Sashi in her righteousness would act now, she had let so many march to their deaths because that was their will and she had to allow them to by Toraono Clan law but Masuda Shoma had not yet accepted their ritual rites so she was free to act as a woman wants. “Young Swordmistress, there is very little need to talk about why women are insane… when we want something, WE TAKE IT and DAMNED BE ALL IN OUR WAY. Allow me to show you what I mean…”<i></i>
Sashi looks at Kuro as her eyes began to glow red the first sign of her inner demon being fully awake.
“Release him Kyojin, he does not need to listen to matters of law and etiquette. What HE NEEDS IS TO KNOW HIS PLACE AND HIMSELF…<i></i>
Kuro’s hand yanked away from Shoma so fast you could feel the quick burst of air collapsing back in place to fill the space where his hand had been. A brief rumble would surge beneath the stone plates as crimson in the form of a woman’s giant hand reached from beneath the stone coming through tiny gaps without shattering the ground the crimson sands emerged from. Such was the skill and power of Sunaku Sashi cousin of Lady Azame and known to medics as the Sand Shield, amongst her family she had a different name and both Kuro’s felt the tremble of fear in their stomachs as Sashi’s emotions were made manifest.
“MASTER SWORDSMAN SHOOOMAAAA!!!! I BIND YOU IN MY NAME TILL SUCH TIME AS I SEE YOU ARE READY TO CHALLENGE A SCION OF CHAOS!! YOU CANNOT DEFY ME HERE FOR IN THIS HOUSE ON THESE VERY GROUNDS I AM NOBILITY AND MY WORD IS LAW ONLY TO BE SUPERCEDED BY LADY AZAME HERSELF!!! <i></i> The sands that wrapped about him were soft warm and comforting but anyone within them could also feel the insane strength just beneath that gentle touch.
With another deliberate look to Dr. Daibatsu, Sashi invoked her will. “Daibatsu-sama retrieve and enhance his weapons… Make them GOD CLASS while I take him to a healing chamber where HE WILL BATHE, THEN HE WILL REST, and FINALLY LEARN WHAT HE MUST KNOW FOR THE FUTURE AND HIMSELF.”<i></i>
Daibatsu sighs and looks at Shoma with a ‘you shoulda known’ face as he carefully collects Shoma’s weapons and takes them to his portable forge and sets himself to follow Sashi. No Samurai would ever be without sight or reach of his weapons. Daibatsu knew from his times that lesson and honor would never change so he silently did Shoma the same courtesy.
Sashi would then smile evilly at Ava in a manner that only an older woman could display while she carried Shoma aloft with a gesture.
“Young Swordmistress, this is what some men mean by saying ‘women are insane’ WOMEN will take whatever we want from whomever we want to take it from where men will only think about it or occasionally barter for it. We have no time or need of that. They may work for their gains and give us things and claim this is their world but in the end… MEN AND ALL THAT THEY ARE BELONG TO WOMEN… even gay men. Everything MAN is, is meant to please and revere us, Not the other way around. When Shoma has been properly prepared I will release him but for now HE IS MINE and DAMNED BE ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT DARES ACT CONTRARY TO MY WISHES ON THIS.”<i></i>

Sashi leaves with Shoma in her grasp and Dr. Daibatsu following closely behind them.
(Feel free to start a separate topic with Sashi & Shoma alone Daibatsu can be there too or just in the background whichever you prefer also your weapons will always be within reach.)

Kyojin would sigh before speaking to Ava as well..."Seems like Master Shoma is going to LEARN today... You can learn all you want and you are capable of taking the challenge anytime just as he is, hell even children have challenged elders. It is simply a rite of affirmation and in the end a lesson for both parties."<i></i>

 

[Basuta]

Ava looks in shock as her defiant teacher gets shouted at by the other woman. The sight is quite unique to the youth, for few could or would command the man against his wishes with any success. Ava, knowing that Shoma would be safe, grins at his predicament. She also finds it interesting that someone would be interested in Shoma despite... well... him. There are some good traits to the man in the Young Masuda's eyes, but in the eyes of many there are multiple reasons to dislike him. Perhaps,... this could be home. Although she does wonder just what Sashi and Dr. Daibatsu could do to aid, it is easy for her to trust that they would try not to hurt him, despite the red eyes of the Sunaku.

[Shoma has left with Sashi and Daibatsu]

Kyojin tells Ava of her guardians fate, leaving the teen to wonder what he will learn. Perhaps his place in this place, she assumes in thought. He tells her more of the ritual and that even kids could challenge elders. The young swordswoman didn't believe she had much to offer beyond what Shoma could in terms of lessons to trade, but in the event that the Otandai could not or would not trade in the knowledge and practices of the Samurai from Fire Country, she could offer a few things. "I would be glad to when I am ready. There is still so much for me to learn, so much that I need to be exposed to. Things are so different here. Shoma and I have wondered how it would be possible for a woman to be a mother and warrior. Where we are from, the roles the men and women take are quite the opposite. Women are seen as precious and delicate, something to be protected. It is rare and... considered unbecoming by most, for a woman to take up a weapon as a warrior or a career fighter of any kind. At best, there have been respected strategist whom were female, but there has yet to be a woman worthy of renown in the eyes of the soldiers in the Fire Daimyo's lands. Yet, I am all that is left of my blood, so I have little choice in the manner given the heritage of my family. The sword that has been passed on to me has not yet allowed me to remove it from the sheath without the aid of Shoma. He says it will when I am ready or when I have to be, although I am not sure how I am to know when this will be. I know that I have yet to develop a defense against the use of chakra and other forms magic like Shoma has. Has magic ever scared either of you Kyojin, Kuro?"

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kyojin laughs heartily after Ava describes her homeland and how they treat women and then takes a serious look at Ava when she mentions magic. Sharingan Kuro simply smirks and sits down to meditate as he allows the semiconscious blades to slowly float and replace themselves back upon their numbered racks. Kyojin nods to Ava and begins to explain..."I am unique in physical capability for I was once able to become a titan until I had to burn out my core ability to save Sunagakure during the Cabal's attacks so as to whether I am afraid of magic I can honestly tell you I do not fear it. I do truly respect what samurai believe to be magic but the simple matter is, as long as you have willpower and life energy, any non bloodline or spirit specific power is within anyone's reach it simply varies upon how and what they must do to learn it. Sometimes mastery may not be possible. The sword likely wants you to be worthy of calling upon it. Many weapons of special make have requirements that only those of great aptitude and or training can call upon. If Shoma is able to call out to it and allow you to wield it then it is obviously his skill and spirit that the blade allows to draw it forth. If you undergo intense training you can easily surpass your master because physically you are younger and stronger and still able to learn more than he. Back to your original assessments, Wind Country does not have the time to make women delicate and incapable, all must be capable to survive and women especially since only women can bring new life into the world."<i></i>

 

[Basuta]

Beginnings

At the moment he starts to laugh, Ava would stop and hop down from his shoulders. She would chuckle and give the Kyojin a playful push on his arm. "Hehe, why do you laugh? It is not funny." It is more like that she would unexpectedly push herself away though. She would finish her statement before he would respond to the many topics she brought up. He mentions that the Cabal was responsible for a lost "Titan form" and the Masuda is able to recall another time the name was mentioned. In addition he explains that Shoma's ability to call out the blade had to do with his worth as a warrior, revealing to Ava that she is not yet respected by her own grandfather's sword, her own heritage. 'Excellent.' she thinks in sarcasm as she gives a half frown.

The Tiger Guardian then say the woman had to be strong and capable, because they are the carriers of life. She puts her fists on her hips with a smirk on her face. "If I must save my own skin, would I not be putting you out of work? Besides, you would not want anyone one to scar me while I carry a little one, right?" she jokes. The youth throws a front kick and three punches in the air, seemingly as a light-hearted demo. The form of those strokes may imply that the Masuda knew a decent amount in the way of Wing Chun or a derivative of it. "Imagine me doing that much with a baby bump. All I would have then would be this stunning charm, and a Titan called Kyojin? So how tall was this Titan form? And do not lie, for Kuro shall tell me if you are doing so," she says, ending the statement by pointing the the seated Tiger-Man."And then,... we can play... THE GAME(Whisper shout). The ultimate trust experience." She rubs her hands together in an evil-like fashion.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kyojin would accept the playful pushes and nod as she showed off a centrifugal movement that granted a moderate power to her punches and kicks. Then she spoke of a baby bump while fighting and Kyojin stopped smiling as he sat down. Without giving out his mother's identity, he would explain circumstances... "My titan form was sixty two feet tall and weighed just shy of twelve tons, I could maintain that mass and capability for five minutes and move as I do now. I was once capable of moving mountains purely physically, but now I can do much more than that without transforming or generating dense crystalline armor. My mother or mothers as it were fought while carrying their children. I say mothers because I have more than one, the woman whom gave birth to me and the woman whom helped raise me. My mother was attacked while carrying me and my unborn twin sisters. Overwhelmed and calling upon her sacred blade's power to protect us one of the twelve men attacking her managed to stab her in the belly with a cursed blade. As yet then unborn and even now I am able to remember my mother screaming no and instinctively I blocked the blade's penetration point so that my sisters still undeveloped mentally would be uninjured and the blade would not reach her spine. The blade was trapped in my shoulder.<i></i> (Kyojin would reveal a scar that all forms of Kuro carried as well)I and my sisters are battleborne but I was cognizant of the entire event. Mother pulled us from her open wound and wrapped us in leather armor as our fathers came to her...our rescue after she had finished slaughtering over two dozen warriors sent on a mission of Kanly and vengeance. Mother was a swordswoman too so please never underestimate yourself. YOU will always be stronger and more capable than you know until the time comes to invoke yourself upon the moment. When you feel ready I can take you to see my titan form's remains, it holds up the cavern that leads to one of three passages to the formerly underground Sunagakure. What is this GAME you speak of? "<i></i>

 

[Basuta]

It occurs to the Masuda that she may have offended Kyojin in some way. Her playful mode is brought to an end as he sits down in reminiscence. Ava brings her hands to rest in front of herself as she listens. He briefly describes his own alternate form before going into the reason for his change in his demeanor. He would begin to speak about his mother, or as he states, one of them. He recalls an event of a pregnant mother fighting off twelve foes, and during this story he reveals that he has memory pre-dating his birth. Believing his tale to be an awful ordeal, the Young Master reaches to touch his scar, hoping to give sympathy.

But even before she she can make contact, she feels something that she did not expect. Her hand stops in mid reach and she pulls it back slowly. There are things in the Tiger-Man that pour in to the youth. Faith, love, gratitude, and a heightened need to protect those like herself. His words find a deeper place in her heart, now that feels what he feels. And for the moment, there would be little time to accept distractions. Subconsciously her 5' frame stands in an attempt to mimic the seven foot demon's posture as he did before. And although Kyojin offers to show her the husk of his older form and inquires about Ava's game, she would shake her head in decline. "There is not time at this hour. I shall not retain my youth forever. I must prepare myself for service." She then begins to walk toward the wall of swords, approaching the biggest sword she could find. "Shall it be a Zweihandler,... Dragonslayer,... Buster-sword,... " she mutters. Many of the swords in her sight would actually be nearly two feet long than she is. 'Which one says, Loyal titan?'

[Reference for CA(Empathetic) app.]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kyojin would look at the larger blades and then grasp one of the blades he used to teach others how to handle giant blades. With a large claymore like blade that was the exact same size as Ava but weighed only 20 kilograms. It was heavy but not impossible as it was a blade meant to shatter armor and bludgeon more than it was meant to cut. As she strained herself to lift it Kyojin took a knee beside her to assist when he was needed. With a nod and a smile Kyojin made sure he was there to help teach her whatever he could.

If Ava had problems bringing it chest high Kyojin would use his telekinesis to lighten the weight by half.