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 Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 2:21 am
"Ugh-- Shhhh! We don't need attention brought onto us-- " The lonewolf hissed in a hushed voice, "I did not show them like it was nothing. We are friends, and this isn't a secret, this is just my business.--- Eep!"
Michiko was already about to shoot around Lumine to stop the stand from falling, but thankfully, the wayward celestial managed to stop it herself by taking the sword in her hands. Michiko quickly stopped the stand's rocking, took the blade from Lumine and replaced it where it belonged,"Be careful. Some things here are older than Ochiba!.... ... Though, I wouldn't bet on it..."
"This are the displays.... Maybe Seijin's things are around here somewhere." Michiko walked around Lumine hoping the celestial would drop the topic of her and the small thing that it took to get inside.
"I hadn't not been to these displays since I was young, it seems enough people of importance have died, that the size of tbe exhibition has tripled," she sAid absently, as she peeked at some more unusual japanese weapons used by some talented tengu in their days.
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:29 am
"Um...R..Right! Sorry about that..." Lumine said while rubbing the back of her head, still embarrassed. She walked around the stand she had almost demolished, giving it a wide birth, and followed Michiko deeper within.
"Tripled, huh? I wonder if there's anything from Maemi's family here..?" Lumine thought out loud, looking around the room and its various artifacts with awe. "This is incredible..! There's enough stuff in this room alone to outfit a small army! I guess... Tengu have been around for a long, long time..."
Viewing the different displays, their associated families and histories, Lumine was beginning to understand why Maemi had put so much effort into her training. It was obvious after seeing this room that the Tengu were very proud of their warriors, and their traditions and honor. Maemi just wanted to keep that going. Lumine felt a pang of sadness and regret, having always questioned the Tengu's loyalties and devotion... but it's far too late to say, "I understand."
As they approached the center and rear of the room, a newly constructed set of displays sat beside a small number of containers. The containers were filled with a number of familiar objects, namely the weapons from Seijin's living room. Recognizing them, Lumine's eyes widened. "Hey! H-HEY! Michiko, this is it!" She spoke in as hushed a voice her excitement would allow.
Aside from the objects yet to be affixed to their proper stands, the most important pieces of Seijin's legacy were already on display in the very center of the ensemble. There rested Master Kazuko's armor, as magnificent and 'cool' as the first time Lumine ever laid eyes on it. At its side was the cracked sword Seijin had carried with her to her deathbed, and on the opposite side, her shie--Wait, her shield? Oh, that was the crest that hung on her wall... I guess she never used it.
Lumine had forgone all other thought, immediately and absently gravitating towards Seijin's armor. "Wow..."
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 3:30 pm
"Most likely. The Kenkaku are natural elitists, talented beyond belief in what they do. These are arranged by chronological order if I remember right... they would be in the seconds half of the room not far from my mother's belongings."
Michiko had strayed the wrong way until Lumine called out, actually in a decent whisper. The wolf tengu walked to Lumine's side, equally awed in seeing the armor. ".... I had forgotten how impressing it was.... "
On the reflection of the glassed case, Michiko could see her own face reflecting along with her outline, as if wearing the armor, but the startling resemblance to her mother only drew her to the realization her mother would never again wear that armor. Quickly straying from those thoughts, and deciding to focus her eyes on something else to avoid the reflection on the armor.
The cracked sword. Michiko looked at its lenght, hardly parting from its edge. "The sword was cracked not long after father passed away... I had thought she was losing her edge.... I can't remember what it was, a raid maybe? She was at the front of the line as usual, but that time we almost lost her. I retrieved her sword from the battlefield when she was at the medical hall resting. I think it was a tetsubo or a mace, I was told she crumbled right under it and was saved by another guard who noticed."
Michiko looked to Lumine,"It has been a long time since then, yet she decided to keep the cracked sword and not replace it."
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 10:01 am
"It must have had a lot of meaning to her, then." Lumine said, moving closer to Michiko's side and bending forward, hands on her knees, to inspect the weapon closely. "Maybe it was a gift from her husband? Or maybe, she held onto it because it reminded her of their time spent together..?" She straightened herself, staring solemnly into the glass case, and the weapon and armor within. It seemed so distant, untouchable, trapped, doomed to be forgotten in the sea of time. Seijin deserved better than this.
"This... this isn't right, y'know? Master Kazuko cared a lot about this sword. It shouldn't be put in a museum, like some passing trophy that everyone will overlook and dismiss." Her fists clenched as she spoke. "She used this sword to protect us... and everyone else! Michiko..!"
Lumine pressed a hand against the glass, though her eyes had fallen upon her companion, as if looking for her approval. "...Michiko... You feel it too, right? Master Kazuko...your momma deserves better than this."
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:56 pm
Michiko looked into the glass as well, " I am not sure, I don't know the answer to that, maybe it is a bit of both. .... I know that sword never left her side even when I did."
"I know what you mean. My mother, a legend among the guards, left to memories in the back of a hall... That is not right." Michiko's eyes met Lumine's at the same instant. The wolf tengu looked back at the things behind the case, and then to the celestial.
"I have to agree, these artifacts deserve a second chance, would you not agree?" the wolf tengu traced the frame that encased the glass looking for the know to open it, though maybe it was on Lumine's side.
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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 12:35 am
"A--" Lumine's hands were already groping the side of the case, and upon finding its latch, pulled hard on it. "--GREED!"
With a twang! and a creak, the door to the glass casing surrounding Seijin's armor and weapon fell open, parts of the metal latch that had previously fastened it shut fell to the ground in a metallic clamor.
With a hushed awe, Lumine reached beyond the doorway and grasped Seijin's sword, rescuing it from its stand first. She held the weapon for a moment, gazing at its sheathed glory, realizing this was the first time she had ever held it. Lumine had always somehow known how important this object was to Seijin, and had never dared to touch it at all, even jokingly.
"Here, hang onto this for a sec..." Lumine said, passing the blade to Michiko while she returned her attention to the things inside the case, namely, Seijin's Armor. With careful movements so as to not create any undue noise, the Celestial began undressing the armor off the simple T-styled mannequin stand inside. She began with the smaller parts of the armor, the pauldron, tunic and sleeves, stuffing them into the messenger bag at her side. It was a tight fit, but somehow she had managed.
Lastly was the skirt... it was too large, even folded, to stuff inside the messenger bag along with everything else. Lumine cursed the death of her old backpack while she took the skirt and wrapped it around her waist and pants in a very unfashionable manner. It would have to do for now.
"I guess that's it... what now, Michiko?" She looked sideways to her companion, still trying to adjust herself inside Seijin's skirt.
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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:53 pm
Michiko nodded, taking the blade into her hands as Lumine went about stuffing the armor into her bag. "Come on let's hurry--"
"That's one way to carry the skirt, I guess." Michiko raised an eyebrow,shook her head and nodded to the side ofthe room."Let's leave. Right Now. Before we are caught for stealing. Come on, I'll take us out the ba--"
"HALT!" Before either of the 'thieves' could react, a figured slid to a halt, a long poleaem weapon drawn. "You are fools to think you can steal from the Great Swords Academy of the Tengu Society!"
She spun the weapon and planted the shaft skillfully into the marble tile of the floor. She was a average sized young tengu, with great wings. Though she carried certain ancient experience in her proud pose, her face showed little exposure to the real world. Once her wings where spread, it was easier to distinguish the bleached feathers that were tainted a gray color and dotted her grand black wings. The air around her teemed superiority complex.
On her chest-plate of armor had a very familiar insignia, tiny in comparison to the larger version of it metalically framing her side. Her complexions where deadly similar to someone dear to Lumine. "Put down those items, they belong to the academy!"
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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:48 pm
"Huh? Oh, okay. Lead the way, Michi--?!"
The Celestial had just closed the door to the glass case and turned, as a strangely familiar armored figure made herself known. Shocked, Lumine jumped with a start. The features of this young woman were deceptive, very deceptive, but Lumine wasn't going to be fooled for a second time: Her hair was different... as was the stance she bore, and the weapon she carried. Her face was familiar, but for different reasons.
A short rush of memories flooded Lumine's mind, from that fateful day so many years ago. The day the love of her life was laid to rest in the ground. The horrible looks she received from her family. This was one of Maemi's relatives, no doubt, but she couldn't recall exactly who it was.
Lumine swallowed hard, shrinking back behind Michiko, intentionally putting her companion between them. The presence of one who probably still blamed her for Maemi's death weighed heavily, as displayed by her unusually timid response. The feelings of remorse and regret began to surface again as Lumine put more distance between herself and the figure, until she bumped into the glass cabinet.
"M...Michi..ko..." She gripped the strap of Seijin's bag tightly, nervously wringing it in her fingers, and pressing herself flat against the glass cabinet.
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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:41 pm
Michiko took a small step back, but quickly stood her ground, placing herself between the crow and the Celestial not having to turn around and see Lumine; her voice was enough. Michiko threw a usual cold glare at the new prescence, looking her up and down. Her eyes caught the insignia, realizing it was the Kenkaku's seal.
"Oh, a Kenkaku Child?" Michiko looked to Rubuke's crimson eyes, with a curious and insulting tilt of her head,"I imagened you would be far more..... mh... Intimidating."
"I am the last and youngest Child of the Kenkaku's main bloodline," She quickly responded,"I am Kenkaku Rubuke, the Naginata wielder. That is beside the point, pitiful thieves! Hand over the belongings of Kazuko Seijin!"
"These are rightfully ours. We are her daugthers."
"Lies. You I could believe but You back th---..." She stopped her gaze focusing on Lumine," Of course. It would be you. You just love to drag people down with you, celestial!"
"Pay attention, kid," Michiko said, planting the sword, sheath and all to the hall floor with a loud clank. "I am Kazuko's blood daugther, there things belong to me, given my father passed away long ago."
"So you happen to be a Rouki? just by mere chance? GO TELL THAT STORY TO THE FIRST YEAR WOLF!" Rubuke laughed wanly.
"Believe me on this one. It is how we got inside."
"Prove it, mutt!" Rubuke grinned snobbishly propping the naginata on her shoulder," "You aren't but a stray dog, born to a b***h and a mongrel in the street I bet, trying to pass on someone's honor."
"Don't you dare speak of my parents like that!" Michiko ripped her scarf throwing it to the side, and murderously moving towards Rubuke, while apparently working on unbuttonin her shirt.
The crow stabbed foward with the naginata seeing Michik as no treath, but the wolf quickly had her shirt wrapped around the shaft, binding the weapon. Rubuke moved back and down the naginata, easily cutting through the clothe and moving back from the now topless wolf tengu.
Michiko stood in a defensive, fist combat stand, far more martial than expected from her. Rubuke's eyes fixed on a spot above her chest, on her left shoulder, right over the collar bone. "What the--"
A large tattoo marked her bone structure, the same pattern but far more detailed of the bracelet she had. The circular frame of the star moved down as well, as if being a stalk, that snaked down past her waist line. "... The Rouki seal--...!"
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 12:25 am
"But... It...It wasn't..." Lumine's eyes were fixed on Rubuke, her mouth dry, hands fidgetting. "It wasn't my fault... It wasn't my fault..." She was frozen by the cold, judging eyes of the Kenkaku child. She was still pressed firmly against the glass, though the sturdy cabinet thankfully held fast against her weight.
"Maemi..."
She watched quietly, cemented to the ground, as Michiko and Rubuke traded razor-tipped words. It wasn't until Michiko made a move against the prideful warrior that she finally snapped to her senses. She pushed off the glass case and ran to join her wolven companion, withdrawing both the blades Michiko had given her. Despite being far less experienced with these weapons, she held them firmly, one in either hand, and stood beside Michiko.
"Hey, you--!" She paused. Rubuke was looking at Michiko, but not directly, and she seemed surprised. 'Rouki Seal'..? Lumine turned her gaze to the lone wolf beside her, and was equally taken aback. The design Michiko bared, emblazoned into her very skin, was awe-inspiring. This must have been what she showed the guards earlier..!
"...And here I thought you just flashed them..." Lumine commented absentmindedly, almost sounding disappointed. Michiko certainly inherited Seijin's good looks, at least. "B-But whatever! You see now?" She pointed a dagger in Rubuke's direction. "She's practically royalty! So you better mind your own business and let us go, ya hear?!"
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:22 am
"I am the last Rouki Descendant-- Whaaa,I have more honor than that Lumine! And don't sound disappointed--!" Michiko took the time to respond to Lumine, looking at her sideways with a small blush, but quickly afixed her feet to the ground and returned her attention to the crow infont of her.
"Bah! These items have been claimed by the academy! If you cared about your heritage, You should have been here while Kazuko was dying,"
"These things belong to me as her rightful daugther, is this not enough proof to you." Michiko growled.
"Anyone can get a tattoo done. You could stamp it on the useless celestial over there for all I care and still not be aboe to take was is rightfully the academy's."
"Don't insult her, Seagull."
The allusion towards the grey feathers brought an angered red tint to Rubuke's face, "Careful! By blood you maybe someone, but too me your equal to her." She punctuated her sentence with a nod to Lumine.
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 8:03 am
"...She means, 'an outcast'... right, Rubuke?" Lumine's stance waned, her eyes falling to the floor. Hearing the disgust in the girl's voice was slowly diminishing her willpower and resolve. Long had she known that nobody here liked having an outsider among their village; but to hear it so harshly, and from everyone she had met today...
"Master Kazuko's things don't belong in a box... Where they'll be forgotten, and left to gather dust. She loved this place, and the people she protected. And the best the Academy can do for her is to let her memory vanish?" Lumine took a step forward, Michiko's blades still gripped tightly in either hand at her hips. "Her things belong with her family, to be passed down and taken care of! Isn't that what your family did with Maemi's things? I don't see her armor here!" She took another step forward, a bit of her resolve replaced with anger. "Or is it that she wasn't good enough for your precious little Academy, huh? Which is it?! Because she fell in battle, she doesn't deserve mention at all? Don't want to sully the family name, right?!!"
Lumine gritted her teeth, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. The detest she held for Maemi's family and their ways was still fresh in her mind, and Rubuke was on the receiving end of it. "It's your fault that she's gone! All of you!! All her life, she broke her back trying to make your family proud and earn their respect, and look where it's got her?! If it wasn't for your stupid honor, she'd still be here! She'd still...be with me..."
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 12:42 pm
"Outcast comes short for you, celestial, but it is fitting enough for her," Rubuke scoffed.
"You have a running mouth, don't you, Little Seagull, maybe you are a parrot,"Michiko snarled to Rubuke, who tried to laugh off the insult.
Then Lumine stepped up, making Rubuke's wings cringe and retract holding her naginata across her chest. The crow tengu glared at the daggerer words the celestial launched, making the Kenkaku child turned a deepr shade of red. Once Lumine's insulte escalated, Rubuke interrupted her,"MAEMI DID NOT DESERVE THE NODACHI! She didn't! Samuro should have kept it! I was far mor skilled than she was,I Can use any polearm weapon,I have the best training records! You think she broke her back?! I Have gone missing for days because I train daily for forty eight hours at time!" Rubuke's wings stretched to their full span," I told them Maemi had no talent for it! I told them I could do it, that I'r make then and Samuro proud! But nooooooo they wanted the eldest, the next one in line!" Her angered had ushered into a childish fit befitting her age.
"You." Rubuke pointed at Lumine,"You took Our Nodachi. You are the only one who had entered the Manor, other than us. I know it was you. THIEF. YOU ARE A DAMN THIEF. And that altar was for Maemi! You stole from Maemi!"
"Her things aren't here, because compare her to Seijin! She was a failure. She wasted the chance I would have loved! That is why. She is nothing compared to Samuro, or to my father. The only reason she was buried with the other guards was because Father paid for it!"
Rubuke had to stop from her rant, panting and gasping for breath. Like Lumine, she had all thos feeling pent up and now Lumi was up for receiving.
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:27 pm
"--?!" Lumine's face was flushed, her anger promptly replacing more and more of her remorse. "At least Maemi was smart! 'Forty-eight hours daily'?? THERE'S ONLY TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN A DAY, YOU STUPID BIRDBRAIN!!"
She was ready for a fight now, verbally or otherwise, and Rubuke was pushing all the wrong buttons. "That's stupid sword was the reason for Maemi's death in the first place! She tried, and tried, and tried to master it, never giving a moment's rest unless I forced her! All that time she wasted, she could have been doing the things she loved, the things she actually liked doing! But your family wouldn't have it; they wanted more from her, always more, it was never good enough! She was never good enough! You drove her into her grave!"
Lumine paused, as Rubuke accused her of theft. How did she know? Did she really know, or was she just guessing? It wasn't any secret that Lumine had always been able to easily sneak into Maemi's home, much to the family's annoyance. It probably wasn't too hard to put two and two together to discover who the culprit was.
Her features shrank again, crumbling inside under the weight of her own guilt. "...Don't you miss her? She was your sister, right? Don't you see? This is what I'm talking about... You think I don't blame myself? That I haven't spent sleepless nights wishing I could trade places with her?" Slowly, Lumine replaced the twin blades into their sheathes, her hands then falling limp at her sides. "...It's true, I took that stupid sword...because it's up to me to carry her burden, her memory... What do you remember, Rubuke? Your sister, or what she took from you?"
Lumine met Rubuke's eyes evenly, equally, giving as much as she was receiving. "I can't finish what she started, but at least... I can take the weight off her shoulders and let her sleep peacefully. That's a lot more than what your family has done for her."
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Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 10:19 pm
"TRY TO RATIONALIZE THAT WHEN YOU ARE CARRYING FORTY POUNDS WORTH OF ROCKS ON EACH HAND UP THE SIDE IT OF YOUKAI MOUNTAIN, STUPID CELESTIAL!"
Michiko snickered,"That is a bad comeback, Seagull."
"IAMNOTASEAGULL,MONGREL!" The crow tengu stomped her foot, but tensing her entirenl body, she gulped deeply, exhaled heavily and crossed her arms.
" Maemi was such a troublemaker, I still think she was never worthy of the nodachi, and I will never change my mind in that respect!... But..." Rubuke slipped the naginata once more into its place bound between her wings."I miss arguing with her... and sparring... and actually sitting when we were smaller to play board games.... Now that she is gone, I am alone. Samuro never recovered, and never will... I really am the last child of the main Kenkaku bloodline. I miss the days when we were all young and could play and laugh..:"
"Bah. Go away. I have no need to drown over things my life will never have. Maemi is dead because you went out to battle when you were told not to, and because my Father never got over his stubborn self that Maemi was not made for a large weapon. "
"Pride has cost the Kenkaku two children, maybe with the third, they will finally learn that their obsession with tradition is killing off their possible source of pride."
Rubuke crossed her arms again, "So whatever, take your mother's things. Fighthing here eould be stupid. I'll get back the Kenkaku's Nodachi in a while. For now, BEGONE!! I'll prepare myself and defeat the last Rouki and the Wayward celestial that made off before I could Capture them...
........
..... That's your cue, get out of my sight."
Holding her nose up, arms crossed and eyes closer, Rubuke faced the other way. Michiko, still holding her mother's blade took Lumine's hand and begun to drag her away,"Come one let's go, before the Seagull changes her mind."
Michiko snatched the shield, slidding it to place it on her back,"Lumine; let's go."
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