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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2018 1:50:39 GMT -5
Somewhere in the jungles of Earth...The world is a big place, filled with secrets both old and new. The most precious secrets are closely guarded, hidden away in places few will find them. This is one such secret. Deep in one the dense jungles of the southern hemisphere lies a temple whose location is known to few, and seen by fewer. The journey is perilous, and only the bravest dare to make the trek. The jungle's rivers are teeming with piranha and its banks home to huge crocodiles. The jungle floor itself is little safer, with panthers and tigers on the prowl for easy prey. The temple proper sits at the center of a large fertile valley, its crumbling stony structures rising higher than even the lush treeline as it stands sentinel against time itself. The temple complex is massive, with great watchtowers standing vigil at its four corners. The outer wall is thick and tall, but already sections have collapsed from the monsoon seasons and without the hand of humans to maintain them. The dirt and stone beneath the foundations eroding away more with each rainy season. The central structure of the temple is enormous, hundreds of feet tall with a great stone door twice the height of a man at its entrance. The once lavish courtyards are now in shambles, the ponds and fountains overgrown with algae and lilies. The foot paths and walkways are cracked and worn, washed out by rain or covered in vines and creepers. Many of the outbuildings have collapsed as roofs caved in from disrepair, others have trees and ivy growing up wrapping around their sides. The entire compound is in a clear state of abandonment, having been unoccupied for years... possibly decades. This place was once home to a proud order of martial artists in its glory days. A dedicated order of warrior monks, who believed in honor, balance, and harmony in all things. Here they trained tirelessly, practicing the arts of meditation and martial arts as they mastered the power of using their ki to unlock the fullest extents of human potential. However, in their wisdom they feared their secret techniques could lead to great sorrow and tragedy if they fell into the wrong hands. As such, all members were forbidden from ever speaking the location of their sacred temple, and all swore a blood oath to defend it with their dying breath. The only way to find this forgotten place is with one of the order's ancient scrolls, for within each is an encoded map and instructions carefully hidden among the other writings and scriptures. Only those with keen understanding of the order's teachings and writings can ever hope to decipher the message and find their way here on their own. Enter Asuka Atsuki, one of the last descendants of this hallowed order, though she did not yet know it. Coming over the top of the last rise she could see the temple clearly in the distance, the midday sun shining high overhead casting long shadows from its watchtowers. A flock of birds scattered from the tree tops, spooked by the sound of the young woman's shoes as they crunched dried leaves and vines with each stop on the damp ground. After days of wandering the jungle following the clues hidden in her sacred scroll, the girl could finally lay eyes on the destination of her journey. Unbeknownst to her though, this destination is merely the beginning of her life's next journey...
Post Count: 1 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Oct 29, 2018 2:54:16 GMT -5
A young martial artist walks through the forest gripping a scroll in her hand and adventure in her heart. The scroll, an ancient relic passed down to Asuka by an old master in her hometown some time ago, reads the names of three techniques from the school of Tetsudo style Martial Arts that Asuka committed to heart and now seeks to embark on the next stage of her journey having been led by a small map written within the scroll hidden within the Kanji that spells out the names of the techniques.
“Once the fundamentals have been mastered the next steps will become clear,” Asuka says to herself reciting the words written on the outside of the scroll written in kanji. “Well, it’s led me this far so let’s see where we go from here.”
Asuka opens up the scroll inside is a series of words written out in an old language a cryptic message used to point wandering warriors in the direction of the temple with each kanji being a reference to a specific path one must travel in order to reach their destination, where it leads she is uncertain but after trusting in the scroll and taking the necessary steps to reach her destination a large ancient temple marred and lost to time. “Whoa...looks like I made it…”
As Asuka begins to explore her surroundings looking around at the mossy buildings and ruined tiles she begins to wonder. “This must be one of the old Tetsudo temples...But why has my scroll led me here?” she says to herself perplexed as to what she may have to gain from such old ruins.
The young warrior embarks up the steps which presumably leads to the temple entrance her wrapped feet squelching against the moss and mud as she continues her march to the top of the temple, the long walk reminiscent of that of the Shinto shrine in Shura village. Upon arriving at the top Asuka finds a set of doors, the Kanji for the word “Tetsudo” neatly carved into it’s frame, after placing a hand upon the door she attempts to open it --lightly tugging on their rusted handles only for it to remain immovable. “Locked…” she says to herself. Dismayed, she turns away from the door and is astonished by the view from atop the temple. “Wow…” Out in the distance a massive courtyard takes up a majority of the landscape, in it’s prime it was known as the Tetsu Garden and housed anywhere between 100 to 1,000 students surely it was quite the sight to behold especially from a high vantage point such as this one. But now all that remains are concrete slabs cracked with fauna growing in its place and decrepit statues whose eyes seem to stare back at those who look to it, giving off an intimidating Aura.
However once the splendor of history had washed away from the youth she returned to her musing on what her next step would be, “Well now what…? I can’t just break the door down, that would be rude.” she says as she scratches her head and stares at the large door befuddled. Asuka knew this couldn’t be the end of her journey, but wasn't sure what the next proper step was to take, and so she stood there and silently meditated on the situation. “I couldn’t have come all this way for nothing…there has to be something I’m missing?” thought the girl to herself as she mulled over the situation further.
(Post Count: 1)
(Word Count: 597)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2018 9:31:21 GMT -5
Unbeknownst to the young woman, she was not alone as she wandered the temple ground. Her arrival had awoken a restless spirit that still haunted the temple grounds, rising from its 'slumber' within its mortal tomb. The spirit sensed the good natured ki of an intruder and headed towards the location. Being little more than a specter, the spirit simply phased through the walls of the temple until it had reached the surface. Ultimately it phased through a wall, coming to watch Asuka silently from behind as she mused over the door. The ghost was a man, with slightly above average height and a head of messy hair that clumped in spikes. He was dressed in a simple hakama, and wore tabis upon his ghostly feet. The ghost's face was quite handsome, with sharp features and a thin, well groomed mustache. In life his hair had been black, but in death his entire body had a silvery-white ethereal color to it, semi transparent as if almost composed of fog. "I'm glad you didn't." The spirit said playfully, speaking suddenly as it hovered only a few feet behind the woman. "That would have been very rude of you." There was a hint of sarcasm to the man's words. His tone betrayed a sense of authority, that he had not lost even in death. A mysterious stranger appearing behind Asuki was no doubt unsettling, if she turned and struck the man her limbs would simply phase through his spectral form. If she jumped back in fright the ghost would raise his hands to try and calm her alarm. Whatever happened, she couldn't harm him, much less touch him at all. His physical form lied far below, and he often wondered if it was still considered 'his' body? No one had ever stopped to explain the rules of being a ghost after all. Once the initial surprise wore off the woman would surely ask the phantom who he was. He let out a soft sigh, even if he no longer needed to breath, mortal habits and mannerisms were still muscle memory. "In life, I was the master of this temple, and our order." The ghost paused for a second to think, and a smile crossed his face. He chuckled slightly and continued to speak. "In death... I suppose I still am." The specter drifted around the woman, more hovering than using his feet to actually walk as he moved. As he inspected the woman he took careful note of her bound limbs and attire. He looked her over like a teacher inspecting a student, nodding to himself as he stroked his chin with a hand. "Acceptable." The ghost said, having judged the woman's spirit to be good natured and her appearance to be that of a disciple of Tetsudo. Being a ghost had a few perks, like being able to see that which the living could not. "Indeed you are right miss. This is one of the old Tetsudo temples, and has stood here for thousands of years." The man spoke wistfully, reflecting inwardly on his days among the living. He could practically see his students and brethren down in the courtyards, practicing their morning routines or sparring with one another. He tried his best not to show his sorrow. "Hopefully, the other temples have not befallen our fate." He added cryptically, without offering more on the situation. "If you wish entry into the temple proper, you will need to do so in the traditional fashion." The ghost moved to the door, running his hand along it. Part of him longed to still be able to feel the cut stone against his skin. So many sensations in life you missed out on as a ghost. "The door of the temple is warded by a magic seal to keep out outsiders. It can only be opened in one way." The ghost turned, pointing to the various statues that stood vigil over the courtyard. Each one was ten feet tall, a larger than life representation of aged but disciplined looking martial artists meditating in their hakamas. Though age had cracked and worn the stone, and vines had tried to squeeze the life from them, the statues still stood tall and defiant against time. "In each corner of the courtyard lies a statue of the greatest Tetsudo master of his era that presided over this temple. The statues must be struck with ki drawn forth with Tetsudo techniques, and in the correct order the masters served." The man paused just long enough one might assume was done speaking. He suddenly raised a finger and opened his mouth anew. "BUT... They must also be struck in rapid succession. No more than a second can pass between the first in the last, or the door will remain sealed. In life, that was easy for us to overcome. We simply placed four of our newest pupils at the four corners, and had them demonstrate their ki in sync. It was more a rite of passage for new students than any kind of mystic puzzle..." The ghost rubbed a hand to the back of his head, chuckling slightly at the notion. He expression quickly shifted back to serious as he let another soft sigh. "I would love to help you, but..." With a lightning fast motion the ghost took a fighting stance, eyes locked on one of the statues as he performed his hand movements and attempted to fire a simple ki blast. Nothing happened, and the man furrowed his brow. "...But it seems ki is something you need to be living to use. Or maybe you just need a physical body. I don't know to be honest." The ghost returned to his relaxed pose, turning to face Asuka . "If you want access into the temple, this is the simplest way. Though I have offered as much help as I can."
Post Count: 2 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Oct 31, 2018 2:41:11 GMT -5
As Asuka stands alone she overhears the voice of the specter. “Huh…?” the young girl perplexed turns about only to be confronted by a specter. “A spirit…?” she thinks to herself as she listens to his speech about the past. “You were a master?” she says as she examines his features, taking note of something very distinct about his attire, while the colors and uniform were the right style and color a cool gray and the jacket he bares matches the design of those worn only by the masters of the order, his hand remain bare devoid of the signature gauntlets that every member of the Tetsudo style dawns masters included. For him to be missing such a vital component is rather unusual. Even so, she can’t help but trust him, why would he have any reason to lie, perhaps gloves aren’t permitted in the afterlife? Either way, Asuka proceeds to follow him down into the courtyard taking note of the 4 statues each one depicting a different figure within the courtyard. “Hey, I recognize some of these faces. I remember seeing some paintings of their likenesses on the walls of my old dojo. These masters were instrumental in the creation of the style each one contributing greatly to the order.” she then looks over to a fourth statue that appears to have been in a state of disrepair. “Except this one, I’ve never seen this master before. I wonder what their contributions were...No matter...” Asuka then took her place in front of the four statues and clasped her hands shutting her eyes a soft while glow peering out from beneath her eyelids, --suddenly the wrappings on her arms would extend out and wrap around each one of the statues. She would then funnel some of her ki through the bandages the current serving to illuminate each of the statues. Okay first up! “Founder and First Tetsukami Koh Tetsu, the originator of the style who’s forms and techniques led the groundwork for the order. Introducing the concepts the Shōten state, a special state of focus that allows a Tetsudo practitioner to perform all of it’s signature techniques, his worked stressed the importance of having a sound mind and body. He believed that humans had the potential to be great by understanding the full extent of their potential and the importance of having the discipline needed to control it and it is because of him we all wear our Tetsu bandages with pride!”
Asuka dispells ki into the statue! Causing it to illuminate in a white glow. The eyes of the statue igniting with a white flame, the man depicted in the statue stands in a ready pose set to strike but keeping a compose if not intense look in the eye.
“Okay next up, Second Tetsukami, Kaede Ikki! Creator of the many different variants of the first Tetsudo Style Signature Technique the Tetsu-ha, this techniques application was considered a part of the basic fundamentals of Tetsudo’s perspective on Ki control a move that focuses on carefully harnessing energy and propelling it forward a simple but effective technique!”
Asuka dispells ki into the statue!
Causing the statue to illuminate in a white glow. The arms of the woman looking as if they are focused on a solid point as they stood parallel to one another a white sphere of Ki being held in place as if the statue itself were generating it.
Perfect almost there, onto the next one Third Tetsukami Noh Ogata! His contributions helped introduce Tetsu bandages as a combative and defensive weapon thus creating both the Protective Mummification Technique the Hogo-tekina mīra-ka and it’s offensive counterpart the Kōsei Mīra-ka arguably the two strongest techniques in all of Tetsudo Style as it encompasses a fine degree of Ki control as well as near perfect mastery of the Shoten state, it was said that not even The first Tetsukami could match his ability. Noh was a wild card a very offensive fighter who took the idea of ki control to a different level by using Ki to take control of the very bandages that hold our power at bay and using them as conduits in combat, he was an advocate for the now tradition of the mummification of the corpses after death believing that it would preserve our bodies as we passed into the next world.”
Asuka dispels Ki into the statue!
The legs and arms of the statue in question begin to glow white, looking almost as if the statue were wearing bandages that had come to life through sheer force of Ki alone. The statue itself of a long-haired man, it what looks to be a hooded variant of Asuka’s uniform, however without the sleeves, his gi is also parted with his abdominal region exposed.
“Just one more, Uhh...okay I’ll be honest I’m not sure who that one is...it’s too difficult to see...their face is obscured by moss and it looks incomplete...I’m not even sure I’ve heard of their being a 4th Tetsukami...I’m sure their contributions are worthy of respect nonetheless.”
Asuka dispels Ki into the statue!
In doing so the feet arms and torso begin to illuminate outlining his muscles and giving off the appearance of the figure having an aura, however, the sheer magnitude of this visual spectacle is dampened by the moss and damage that obscures the view.
With the ritual now complete the statues disperse the ki that has been thrust onto them, which causes them to shift across the ground detaching themselves from her bondage, lighting up an insignia beneath her that reads the kanji for “Iron” which is then encircled in a white light once the statues have aligned to their respective spots.
MEANWHILE
Atop the peak of the temple the door Asuka had once tried to access now bears the Kanji for “Tetsudo.” and is now accessible.
“So what now?” Asuka says looking back at the specter a hand on her hip ready for the next venture. “Was there a reason for this?”
(1026 words.)
(WC Total: 1622)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2018 22:59:28 GMT -5
"Indeed I was, even if I am not exactly a... typical example." The spirit replied, a somber look on his spectral face. His death had been a touchy subjective, to put it mildly. He was well aware that even in death he had not been granted the honor of wearing his proper attire. The shame of this was an everliving reminder of mistakes he wished to go back and undo. It stung a bit when the girl so callously discarded the fourth statue, his statue. Perhaps it was for the best, his failures had been what had led this place to ruin. Even in death he could not atone for these sins, he had long reflected on why his soul had been denied eternal rest like so many others. He had concluded it was the product of his failures, and accepted his fate. The spirit piqued up, becoming more energetic as his guest recited her knowledge of the Order's founder. "Yes, yes. Very good. But do not forget, before founding being our founder Koh Tetsu was a wandering monk. He traveled the land seeking enlightenment in the harmony between peace and aggression. When he could not find the answers to the harmony he sought, he decided the answers had simply not been found yet. He made it his life's purpose to find them, a decision that led him to elevate himself above that of a simple wandering monk into the revered teacher his is remembered as today." The spirit spoke like an eager teacher reciting a favored history lesson as he drifted alongside Asuka. He beamed with pride as funneled her ki into the first statue's form. "You have excellent ki control for a student." He remarked cheerfully, a wide grin on the ghost's face. As the pair approached the second statue, again the spirit added its insight. "Kaede Ikki is best remembered for creating our signature techniques, but she first had to revolutionize our understanding ki and how it interacts with our own bodies to do so. Her research into the very nature of ki and its many applications paved the way for decades of subsequent discoveries. It is perhaps less flashy than a beam of energy firing from one's hands, but no less impressive in the grand scheme of things." Again he watched the girl funnel her ki, noting that her form could still use improvement. The foundations of her technique were solid, and in time she would make a peerless student if she found a proper teacher. The two moved on to the third statue, and again the spirit became sullen and dower. He had his own reasons for disliking the master this statue honored. Ghosts of the past less literal than himself still haunted the man's legacy. "Noh Ogata was a wild card at more than just fighting. While none can doubt his skill and ability, and his contributions to Tetsudo are legendary in their own ways, many questioned his boundless desire for self improvement. His methods were more radical than past Masters, and many questioned if the results were worth the harsh costs." Ultimately it is him I blame for our great tragedy, the spirit wished to add. But to heap blame purely on his former Master was to white wash his role in history. It was both of their follies. The spectre spoke little on the fourth statue, for it was his own. He wished the girl to come to her own conclusions before he shared with her his past. "The fourth Tetsukami is presided over troubling times, and it is better I show you with that one, rather than tell. There is good reason you have not heard of him until now though. Come child, if you wish to explore the temple you have much yet to see." The spirit turned, pointing back up to the door as the magic seals activated and illuminated their way. He led the two up the stairs to the great stone doors. "After you." He said politely, knowing full well he could not actually open the doors for the woman. "The reason for all of this, is knowledge, is it not?" The spectral teacher said as they drifted through the door. "Is this entire journey of yours not to seek knowledge? You have much to learn if you ever hope to master our techniques. You will need to drink in your teachings like a sponge drinks in water." The pair entered the main hall of the temple. It consumed the upper fifth of the temple, a huge sprawling open space with rotting dilapidated furniture strewn about. "The Order believes in living a sparse lifestyle, we forgo modern conveniences to hone our bodies and our minds without distraction. This place once had endless students meditating, reading, or conversing with their peers. Now there is just you and I." His voice was full of sorrow, and the ghost did his best to avoid showing it. They passed through the hall, down a set of winding stone stairs that wrapped around the outer wall of the interior. The area below was the dining area, with kitchens and space sufficient to feed the many hungry pupils three square meals a day. "The highest points on the temple are those most used, with the lowest being the least seem. This was done intentionally, so we would climb as many stairs as possible. Our founder found in his many travels you never came to truly appreciate stairs until you've hiked as many mountains as he." He smiled at the phrase, the man had held a simple kind of humor. It was very, traditional in a sense. "At the bottom of the temple are the tombs where we inter our honored dead. The master's tombs are part of a complex labyrinth, filled with traps and dangers. It is both a way to deter those who would attempt to steal our ways, as well as a trial for our students when they seek to complete their training. A rite of passage if you will. The knowledge you seek will be there, but I will not fault you if you do not wish to proceed. There is no shame in leaving and returning when you are fully confident you are prepared." The ghost spoke in a cautious, purposeful tone. All the while the two passed through the living quarters that filled the bulk of the temple's center. Beds and bunks filled every room, with common areas for communal gathers adjoining the halls. More senior members had more personal quarters, and the master had a private suite in the perfect center of the temple. It was all a trip down memory lane for the ghost, and he wished dearly for the days when students once more filled these halls. He would give his life to bring them back, but his life was already given, and his students remained firmly bound to the afterlife.
Post Count: 3 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 3, 2018 13:45:43 GMT -5
As Asuka overhead his musings on the other masters, Asuka thought to herself. “There was so much I don’t really know...but yeah my mother, who taught me Tetsudo style martial arts had always referred to the third as a wild card herself, said he was very...boastful about his accomplishments but was good enough to back them up, he was a skilled warrior but his attitude was anything but humble. If anything she viewed the 2nd as the most inspirational. She was the one she strived to emulate the most.” Asuka went quiet for a moment. “I wish she were still here, she was a member of the order too and if wasn't for her I wouldn't even be here.“ Asuka thinks back to how she would train with her mother and all of the many things that she was taught. "She was amazing, and had a really interesting way of fighting, utilizing Tetsudo style techniques to swiftly dispatch opponents. I bet she could've easily been a Tetsukami herself." after a moment of thoughtful recollection, she perked up “Personally I’m fond of the 1st the most, and with the 4th being such a mystery I’m eager to learn more about them. I wonder what knowledge they left behind.” Asuka placed a hand on her chin and contemplated to herself.
After some time the duo headed up the stairs to enter into the temple. Asuka pushed the doors open and immediately became enamored with the splendor of the interior of the temple. “Wow…” she could feel the history from within the temple. “It seems so peaceful in here.” As Asuka walked with her spectral mentor she noticed him go rather silent “It’s a shame what happened.” Asuka said somberly looking around at the ruins.
As they embarked down the staircase towards the students quarters she sees abandoned hammocks with bowls of old food and discarded scrolls. and then spots a room with a large interior that seems rather barren and empty above the door to enter inside reads, “Tetsukami.” She attempts to step inside intrigued by the possibilities of what could be on the other side however as she sees the master continuing on she’s left with a single thought “I wonder what this must’ve looked like back when the last Tetsukami was here...” As she gets lost in her thoughts Asuka then continues on in order to follow the specter following him further into the depths of the temple.
As Asuka arrived down the stairs, the environment of the room began to change from a nice pristine temple to a dark room with metallic walls upon arriving at the end, she would be stopped before a door with a single slot and the character for “Iron” scrawled above it. “So what’s this place, Master?” she says however after a moment she realizes that the spirit has vanished. Asuka now stood alone in front of a menacing metal door. She then took a good long look at the spot where the opening in the wall was and realized that it was meant for her hand, she then placed it into the slot and suddenly an electrical pulse of Ki would surge through her arm, forcibly thrusting her body into the Shōten state, her eyes glowing white and her body filled with power, after the device had taken what it needed she calmed down her eyes returned to their normal state and the door slowly began to open, “I guess this is what’s next…” she stood up and began to make her way into the tomb.
(604 words.)
(WC Total: 2,226)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2018 1:16:27 GMT -5
The spirit nodded somberly in agreement as the young woman spoke. She was wise beyond her years, or perhaps just naturally gifted with strong perceptions. In another life she would have made a fine pupil, the man thought to himself before letting out another ghostly sigh. "Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman, it does me proud to know at least the other temples continue to train such capable students. I am sure your mother can visit someday, after the temple has been restored once more to a place of harmony and self improvement." He knew in his heart that would take many years, and he would likely not be around to see them. How long would it take before new students practiced in the courtyards, new mentors sat around the dinner table discussing the progress of their pupils, and a new Tetsukami stayed awake long hours with the administrative tasks at hand by the candle light at their desk? Too long, was the answer he decided. When Asuka mentioned what a shame the temple's state was, a look of pain crossed the ghost's face. "It is my great shame, and greater sorrow what happened. I was too blind to the truths around me, I let my blind faith in others hide from the truth until it was far too late. Perhaps that is why the Kais will not permit my spirit to rest, as they have the others." The ghost spoke mournfully as he floated on ahead, leading the way towards the lower recesses of the temple. When they reached the seal of eternity on the door to the tombs of the Tetsukami the ghost felt his spirit drained, sapped away as a more powerful presence filled the room. Unable to reconstitute his spectral form, he was forced to watch silently as little better than ether. He had guided Asuka this far, she would have to handle the rest. A laughter soon filled the room, loud and boisterous like jolly thunder. A towering figure emerged from behind the door as it slide open. Nearly seven feet tall and rippling with muscle, the ghostly form the of the First Tetsukami, Koh Tetsu appeared. The man eagerly stroked at his white beard as he eyed up the challenger before him. The man came close to Asuka, standing head and shoulders above her. He bent down slightly, looking her eye to eye "Ha!" He said loudly, a look of mirth on his face. "Finally! Another pupil has arrived to test my trials. It has been so long, I thought my temple was starting to get lax in their training." The elder spirit motioned inside, and the chamber beyond was illuminated by electrical torches, ignited by ki and kept burning so long as the tomb was awakened. "As I am sure you are aware. I am Koh Tetsu, founder of the Tetsudo martial arts style. And you dear girl, appear rather adept at my Shōten state. Good, you will need that in the coming tests."The ghost raised a foot, slamming it down hard on the floor. Wisps of energy surged forth from it, traveling outwards throughout the chamber and illuminating eyes in the darkness. "My trial is simple, it is a test of strength, balance, and speed. These three aspects of the physical body are essential to Tetsudo, and are the three aspects more readily improved by the Shōten state." The ghost pointed to a large ceremonial gong that sat curiously in the center of the room. "When I was but a humble Buddhist monk, temple gongs such as these were a ritual part of our daily lives. I found it fitting one would serve me even in death. The gong itself weighs one ton." Koh smiled, pointing to the straps fashioned on the front side of the instrument. Its polished brass surface gleaming against the torchlight. "Fashion it to your back, like you would a pack on your travels. I was inspired by my days wandering the width and breath of the land, breaching my beliefs and seeking enlightenment. In those days my pack contained all my worldly belongings. And let me tell you, it certainly felt this heavy after days of walking through mountain countryside without a warm bed to rest."The towering Tetsukami pointed further ahead, to a lengthy obstacle course that stretched on to the far side of the great chamber. "The goal is simple, at the far side of my chamber lies my tomb. To reach it, you need simply place this gong into place on its frame at the far end and strike it. However, life is never as simple as a straight line. Life is a river, winding and turning. And every river has its rapids." Figures began to emerge from the shadows. Four bronze statues of the Tetsukami, animated by his latent ki and shaking off the dust of years without motion. "When I wandered as a monk, bandits attempted to rob me more times than I care to remember. They thought a simple monk an easy target, and I taught them the error of their ways. These golems represent these adversaries on life's river. They will stop at nothing to stop you. They will not kill you, but they will steal the gong and return it to the beginning of the trial. If destroyed, they will reform in time, and they will come at you again and again so long as you test my trial and bare the heavy burden upon yourself. Just as in life we must all bare our burdens and face our adversaries." The man smiled, folding his arms across his broad chest and giving Asuka a stern look of confidence. "What say you then my pupil. Do you accept my trial?"
Post Count: 4 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 6, 2018 3:33:21 GMT -5
As Asuka entered into the room paying close attention to the layout of the room it seemed rather archaic with a few torches and some hard stone tile flooring she then noticed the large door at the end of the room with the words "The first, Tetsukami" inscribed upon them. "Interesting...must be some sort of burial ground, the Tetsudo Order was known to bury its masters." After a moment the youth was met with the visage of the first master and was caught off guard by his arrival, upon hearing his introduction she respectfully bowed to her predecessor. "Pleased to meet you, Tetsu-Sensei." she then listens intently as he speaks making her own silent observations of his character“So this is the first...My he sure was spirited, his passion and enthusiasm are infectious!”
After overhearing his words and being presented with the trail the youth perked up eager to take up the challenge and rushed toward the gong in the center of the room. "Alright here I go!" she said to herself as she quickly fastened the device on her. "Now then...Shōten!" just as soon as Asuka finished reciting those words she would open her eyes have changed from their usual dark brown to an intense pupilless shade of white, this is the Shōten state, a powerful form that focus all of the ki of the individual throughout the body unleashing their maximum potential so long as the form is maintained. It is the oldest signature technique of Tetsudo style martial arts and it's most powerful. However, just as she enters the form Asuka is assaulted by one of the statues of the 1st that had seemingly come out of nowhere but luckily she managed to duck out of the way of his strike, and knocks it down with a brisk sweeping kick. Her eyes bathed in the signature white glow of the Shōten form, who's appearance emits an intense white glow in the user's eyes leaves behind small trails of light that follow the movements of their pupils. But, just as she easily as the first had fallen another unseen clone grabs her by the collar of her gi in an effort to remove the gong from her back, Asuka who is able to feel the statue attempting to unfasten the gong manages to use the Tetsudo Style: Vanishing technique in order to exit from the situation.
"Phew..." she says with relief as she scurries away "Now all I gotta do is..." BOOM! CRACK! BANG! goes the tiles as the ground begins to break away, the floor beneath her crumbling into a pit with the 4 bronze statues crashing into the pavement alongside them. The room had begun to change right before her very eyes with the once long and expansive stone floor now reduced to a series of platforms each separated by a long chasm of darkness.
"What the!?" she cried uncertain as to how to respond to the sudden change, however after a moment Asuka stowed her fears slapped her cheeks and confidently stood up and took the first leap from one platform to the next. Her landing slightly inhibited by the massive weight of the gong on her back. "What kind of lunatic carries this much weight on their back!?" As she recollects herself the youth then takes one more leap this one slightly more difficult, once again attributed to the 1-ton weight holding her down evident by the sloppier and less coordinated landing.
"Almost there..." she pants as she props herself up from off of the ground.
Asuka, now with only one jump away realizes that she is nearing the end of the 1st Tetsukami's trail, however just before she is able to make her jump the mechanical clicking of the bronze statues grazes her eardrums, their metal bodies looking completely unharmed by the fall they suffered during temples sudden transformation. Asuka caught slightly off guard watches as she is once again surrounded by the 4 menacing metal monsters who crawl up from the depths of the ground below, she assumed a stance however instead of preparing to fight she simply clasps her hands together and interlocks her fingers as if she were about to recite a prayer, had she given up already? No this was something different something more, suddenly her arms had begun to glow a shade of white "Shōten!" she cried as she swept her arms across her body creating a violent shockwave of energy knocking the bronze statues off the platform and into the depths of the abyss below, their bronze bodies crashing into the ground with an audible "PSSSHCK!"
Asuka who takes a moment to breathe takes her final leap across the chasm and arrives at the end of the obstacle course where she removes the gong places it on its altar and hammers away at it with the mallet. Only to promptly drop to her butt, and scratch her head. "Ohh man...that was a doozy, now I see why this is supposed to be a team exercise." Upon completion the ground restores itself and now Asuka simply waits for validation of her completion from the first Tetsukami, however, with this all said and done Asuka stopped to think. "I wonder if my mother had to complete this course when she was younger...I wonder why she never mentioned it...why'd she keep it a secret from me...?" the youth says to herself getting lost in her memories.
(WC: 917)
(WC Total: 3,113)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2018 21:45:50 GMT -5
The First Tetsukami watched the pupil with a kind of giddy eagerness he felt the need to suppress with raw stoicism. He had a reputation to maintain as a fierce, no nonsense spirit that demanded perfection in his students. If word got out to his order that their founder was like an overfly enthusiastic grandfather watching his grandchildren learning to walk it would ruin his carefully crafted reputation in death. The truth was, as the elder spirit stood silently watching Asuka attempt his trial, he couldn't help but beam with pride. Her mastery of the Shōten state was quite clear, both in its augmentation of her natural strength and the lack of strain it placed on her body. Koh Tetsu had seen many of both in the decades since his death. The overeager would strain themselves, the gong sapping their limited stamina. The unpracticed would attempt his challenge before they were ready, losing their concentration when the statue's fists met flesh, and dropping out of the state. Without it they fell easy pray to his machines' attacks, unable to defend themselves or outrun the golems before they failed the trial. This girl was neither, she was adept in every sense of the word, if a bit uncoordinated on her feet at times. That would iron out with more training, Koh mused to himself, or one of the other masters would address this better than he could. Koh Tetsu appeared clapping his spectral hands at the end of the course, nodding in approval as Asuka banged the sacred gong. "Well done my pupil." He said excitedly. "An admirable display. I enjoyed your clever application of my techniques, I have no seen a Shōten shockwave like that in quite some time. Many students think the only ways to fight are with fists or energy attacks, but a clever warrior will make anything into a potent weapon if pushed to their limits. As for your mother, I am sure she had her reasons. Our order is very secretive, by my intentions. Keeping secrets is as natural to a practitioner of Tetsudo. You will not find the other Tetsukami as free spoken as I am in death." The elder master rubbed at his bushy beard though, one thing was still puzzling him. "That vanishing technique you employed towards the beginning of my trial. That was not one of my techniques, I did not focus on deception in my training. I am curious what changes to my order they have made up there. But alas, my spirit is bound only to this tomb." The ghost turned around, watching as a second great stone door opened up behind the duo. This one too could only be activated by Shōten state ki, and in doing so would summon forth the spirit of the second Tetsukami. In that brief moment the First would see the Second, but his ethereal form would not manifest long enough for him to see the Third. Such was the nature of their order's pact with the afterlife. It had taken much bargaining with the King of Ogres just to allow even these brief visits. Within the room was the tomb of The First Tetsukami. A number of his artifacts adorned the relatively simple room, which was at best the size of a large bedroom. Martial arts gis, ceremonial robes, Buddhist robes from before his life as a martial artist, and a great many tournament championship belts lined the chamber. On the walls were works of art depicting the man's storied life. Paintings and portraits done throughout his life, prayer beads and sculptures, and a number of sacred tomes and texts. At the center of it all was the sarcophagus of Koh Tetsu, and held in an ornate container engraved into the face of the tomb was the ancient Scroll of Tetsudo, the oldest written chronicles of the order and its techniques. The first manuscript outlining the Shōten state, written by the Tetsukami's own hand in his day and age. Within the tomb lie the mummified body of the spirit, the eyes of the deceased replaced with white pearls, symbolically representing achievement of the Shōten state even in death. Though originally buried in his grandmaster's gi, the Third Tetsukami had the corpse of his fore bearer exhumed and mummified posthumously once the process had become an integral part of the order's burial rituals. The bandages on his withered body, though aged and tattered in its own right, were far from as aged as the corpse they wrapped. "So here it is my pupil. The final resting place of the mighty Koh Tetsu, founder of the Tetsudo martial arts and first Tetsukami." The ghost said, almost sarcastically as he drifted through his own tomb. "Take however long you need inspecting the artifacts of my living years, though I shouldn't have to ask you to leave them when you are through. There is inkwell and parchment if you wish to transcribe the Scoll of Tetsudo for yourself. I advise using the Shōten state to expedite the process. More importantly, I ask you destroy the scroll, or defend it with your life should you ever think it about to fall in malicious hands." Koh let out a long sigh, having more or less finished his speech. "Know this child. I am proud of you, as I am all my pupils. You have demonstrated mastery of our most ancient technique, the foundations of Tetsudo are strong within you. When you are through here, channel your ki into the next door." He motioned to another large stone door off to the side of his tomb, leading to the next Tetsukami's trial. "For my time on this earth is once more fast coming to a close. Farewell my student, just tell me your name before I go." The elder martial artist said somberly, his corporeal form beginning to fade as the Shōten ki that has summoned him began to diminish. He could feel the Other World's call, his brief pact with King Yama to return to his home drawing to a close.
Post Count: 5 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 10, 2018 1:41:21 GMT -5
Upon completing the trail and seeing the visage of the master before her. Asuka smiled, happy to have pleased the master. "Thank you sensei!" she then looks to him rather baffled in response to her usage of the vanishing technique. “My apologies Koh-sensei, it was a technique my mother taught me. It was so fundamental to me that I suppose I must’ve used it without knowing, I had always thought the vanishing technique had become commonplace in the order. At least that’s what I was told by my mother.” As the tomb door opened Asuka stepped inside, her eyes immediately darting towards the words inscribed on his tomb. “Darn it, I wish I had a way to transcribe this, who knows what knowledge lies within this scroll.” Asuka examines it but then takes a gander at everything else around the room. “My word such history, it was said you came up with Tetsudo style towards the end of your life correct when you were middle-aged? And that your techniques were inspired by the things you learned in your monastery. After perfecting the Shoten state you dedicated what was left of your life to teaching the virtues of unlocking one’s own potential, and it was that inspiration that led to the creation of Tetsudo style martial arts."
Asuka places her hand on her chest. "Starting with our uniform, The colors of our gi and belts meant to represent the potential of humanity along with our warrior spirit white and grey. The bandages that cover our hands' feet, and torso, each wrapping built to hold back our immense ki, protecting us from ourselves and our enemies from us." She then smiles to the specter. "You truly are an inspiration Koh-sensei, I could say more, but in short, your beliefs and tenacity are unyielding and will not be forgotten." to cooAs she speaks Asuka looks around the room examining all of his worthy possessions and then ending up right back at the scroll puzzled and perplexed the youth still unable to understand it. “Man this’ll take days to decipher, Let's see!” After a moment of head scratching the youth then gets an idea clasping her hands together she enters the Shoten state and begins to read over the text. A preface can be seen scrawled at the top: "To those who would read this scroll know that my work is incomplete and that my teachings have only begun to scratch the surface of what we Earthlings are capable of..and leave the legacy of Tetsudo in your hands."Below the initial text reads the following.
"The Shoten state is a state of being in which immense focus is used to unlock the latent potential of humans which could not be achieved otherwise. However such power is far too great for any one person to handle in the outset as a precaution. I have crafted a pair of limiters known as Tetsu Bandages, that restrict the flow of power making it easier to control. It is my hope that one day a brave successor will come and expand on the philosophy I have created what I have created." Asuka then looks to the specter inspired and in awe by what she had read there is a silence and then after a moment she falls out of the state “Whoa...that is a lot of information." she takes another look for it after reorienting herself "This was your original theory for mastery of the Shouten state, this text is a precursor for what the rest of the martial art would eventually become the very foundation of our order..." Asuka looks to the specter looking to her hands, the gravity of the situation dawning on her "I can see why you took this to your grave." She then looks back to the specter once again invigorated." I’ll do my best to keep it safe.” she nodded with reassurance to her master. “Oh, and as for my name, I am Asuka, Atsuki Asuka.” she says as she bows to the master who’s spirit begins to fade. “It’s time isn’t it…it was a pleasure meeting you Koh-sensei.” she somberly says. (WC: 702) (WC Total: 3,815) @amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2018 22:27:14 GMT -5
Koh Tetsu simply chuckled as his young protege apologized for her peculiar technique. It certainly wasn't the response he was expecting. "No need to apologize child, and you may be right. But my time as Tetsukami was spent mastering the Shōten state, and its applications for strength, speed, and stamina. It is quite possible one of the later Tetsukami's mastered Tetsudo's usage for stealth and guile, though I must admit it was a rather impressive display." Koh spoke as he rubbed at his ghostly beard. What he learned of the Order's changes upon his passing always came in bits and pieces from the students that participated in his trials. It was a small irritation that in death he could not keep up more readily on the day to day happening of his martial arts school. But a part of the man knew it was not his place to do so. He had lived, he had died, now it was the burden of his successors to carry on his mantle. That fact was enough for him. The towering spectre smiled as his pupil recited her histories, nodding along in agreement of her words. "Yes yes, excellent. All correct, well, barring a few small details." He said with a deep rumbling belly laugh. "My techniques were not entirely inspired by my days at the monastery. There is only so much reading, meditating, and training with monks can do to teach a man of the world. Much of my philosophy was inspired by my travels across the land. The common folk are an oft overlooked source of inspiration, the hardships they must overcome speak to me in a way they do not do to most." His stoic look grew more somber, as he reflected on his humble origins. "Many do not expect such humble origins to our Order." The spirit smiled warmly, giving Asuka a knowing look as the two shared a mentor student moment. "I am honored to be an inspiration, truly. But I am just as flattered that new generations of students continue to uphold the teachings of my order."The Tetsukami folded his arms and watched silently, observing his student as she read through his scroll. Though he tried to keep a stern face the bearded elder beamed with pride, listening to his pupil recite the words and come to her own conclusions. Knowledge was the greatest gift a teacher could bestow, and Koh Tetsu was proud to see another student so invested in the ancient wisdoms of his order. The ghost warrior nodded, giving Asuka a wide smile. "I am sure you will do everything to safeguard our knowledge. I have the utmost faith in all who pass my trials. You have proven yourself this day, hopefully on the first of many trials." Koh could begin to feel the pull of the Other World on his spirit. Like the tug of a thread, he grimaced as he briefly fought against it for a few brief moments of corporeal form. "Then it has been an honor meeting you Atsuki Asuka, I wish you safe travels, clear skies, and an ever warm sun at your back. Give my regards to Kaede Nakamura for me. The girl always was my brightest pupil..." With that the ancient master's ghostly form began to fade. He sighed and looking skyward, but his gaze was far beyond the world of the living. Yama called, and he was bound by ritual to oblige. As the First Tetsukami faded back into the ether Asuka was left once more alone, only herself, the tomb, and the great ki seal door to the Second Tetsukamo's chambers within the room.
Post Count: 6 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 12, 2018 14:41:50 GMT -5
As Asuka watched the spirit and gives its last remarks, Asuka felt satisfaction and pride in the words of the Tetsukami but also felt a degree of pressure that she was not sure she could handle. She thought back to destruction and disrepair of the temple, and how to her knowledge she was the last of the order to become the guardian of the temple’s secrets would be a harrowing task and while the pressure was immense Asuka mentally prepared herself for the road ahead and promised to do her best to carry on the legacy of the first Tetsukami taking his words to heart and would rise to the challenge even if she was doubtful of her ability to do so. This was the Tetsudo way after all; surpassing one’s potential in order to become greater than one thought possible...perhaps even her destiny. But, with the spirit now gone and the iron door leading her into the tomb of the next Master before her, Asuka placed her fist inside the door and entered into the Shōten state once more, Her entire being swelled with power her eyes glowing white, as her body is engulfed in a white aura from head to toe, her clothes ruffling and her hair standing on edge as her energy is evenly distributed across her body. After taking the energy it needed, the door itself began to glow, the Kanji for “Iron.” appearing just above the slot where Asuka had placed her hand. Afterward, Asuka removes her hand from the slot and powers down soon after a rumbling would be heard, as the old metal door rose from the ground. Asuka would then begin proceeding down the path to face the trails of the second Tetsukami Kaede Nakamura the first Lady of Tetsudō.
(WC 302)
(Word Count Total: 4,117)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2018 23:14:40 GMT -5
As the doorway filled with Shōten state ki, it rumbled to life, illuminating its ancient seal before slowly rising open. Meanwhile far in the back of the chamber a new spirit rose from its ancient slumber, stretching its ethereal arms as it awoke within its tomb. Awakened by the presence of powerful Shōten energy, the sacred Tetsudo ritual had again been completed, and a restless spirit briefly pulled from the Other World back to the land of the living for a few brief moments. Tetsukami Kaede Nakamura rose from the dusty bones of her own mummified corpse. She grimaced upon looking at herself, she was always saddened to see her great beauty vanished to the dust of time. There was a lesson in this, about how all things great or small someday returned to the earth, and only the spirit was eternal. Lessons could come later, she had a pupil to find. The spirit of Kaede Nakamura drifted quickly through the walls of her chamber, phasing through them as she cut a beeline for the entrance. Meanwhile, at the entrance of the chamber, Asuka would find only darkness save for a few vestiges of light. A piercing, almost unnatural veil of shadow consumed the chamber. In truth it was a mystic spell placed on the tomb by Kaede's mother, a powerful witch in her day and age. The woman had prepared for her inevitable death decades in advance, demonstrating perhaps the most foresight of any Tetsukami in creating their tomb. The magic spell prevented all light not forged by the hand of Tetsudo ki or magic itself from illuminated the room. Even to this day the spell stood fast. The personal seal of the Second Tetsukami was bore on the floor in a great carved glyph, lit by the same ki that had activated the door. It offered just enough light to bathe the first room of the chamber in a glow not unlike that of a full moon. After a few moments of silence the spirit of Tetsukami Kaede Nakamura appeared, phasing through the nearest wall and slowly drifting towards Asuka. Though she had died well into her nineties, the woman's ghost still maintained the same ravenous beauty she was famed for in life. Nakamura was said to dabble in both magic and ki, using the former's power in concert with the latter's balance to maintain her great beauty for a truly unnatural length of time. Her body remaining as young and fit even up until the day she drew her last breath. Her unique upbringing as the daughter of a witch and a martial arts master had led to many techniques she took with her to the grave. She was dressed in a long flowing kimono with short sleeves, her robed dress both accentuating her voluptuous figure and remaining loose and flowing as not to restrict her movements. Her ash grey hair, while now a spectral white, was tired up in a neat bun and red bows with long ribbons adorned her lengthy bangs. The women came to stand before Asuka, a soft smile crossing her porcelain face. "So, it would seem another has passed my master's trials. Tell me your name child, and what you wish to seek at the end of my Paths of Wisdom? It has been a great while since a student passed through my halls." Her words were soft, caring, like a mothers. But they betrayed a more harsh sense of discipline and purpose for which the woman had truly been known.
Post Count: 7 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 13, 2018 21:28:21 GMT -5
As Asuka entered inside of the temple she saw the ground swell with white ki, illuminating the dimly lit room. The darkness like a shroud with the light from a long white line running along the ground only serving to give a small glimmer of light to the room and path for Asuka to follow. “So this is the path to the tomb of Lady Kaede?” Asuka continues along her feet pittering and pattering along the hard metallic floor. As she looks around at what little she can see she takes notes of the floor is made of metal as opposed to the hard stone tiles from the previous room. “This tomb seems considerably more modernized I wonder if the rest of it looks like this.” and as she walked along she could hear a considerable echo with every footstep she takes. “By the sounds of it this tomb is much larger too.” the further she walks the more she begins to feel tense the darkness, leading to a feeling of uncertainty. She then overhears, the voice of the second Tetsukami call out to her.
Eventually, she reaches the end of the long walk and upon reaching the center of the tomb, Asuka feels a sense of tranquility and then calmly enters into the Shouten state, her power more evenly distributed and in tune with her body, she then opens her eyes and addresses the specter who now floats before her, Asuka feeling a great deal of admiration for the woman.“Kaede sensei, it’s an honor, you were a huge inspiration to my mother and I...it's good to finally meet the first Lady of Tetsudo herself, you are a credit to the order and a worthy successor to Noh-sensei, he spoke very highly of you." Asuka then bows to the Tetsukami out of respect. "I am Atsuki, Asuka, I'm ready to learn and will face down whatever you have to throw at me!” she says. However, just then after reciting her name the Kanji on the ground ignites even further illuminating the room once again revealing a series of long flat structures suspended above her head, each one seeming to jut out in a series of directions and held in place by a system of large iron gears.
“Ohh…” she says awestruck by its design.
Just then In the midst of her admiration, the darkness returns and a sharp shriek can be heard as the gears begin rapidly grinding together, releasing the suspended structures from their stasis, with Asuka’s eyes unable to save her in the dark and the sound only amplified by her temporary blindness, Asuka remains calm and does her best to keep her wits about her shutting out all sound around her and honing in on the vibrations produced by the falling debris, as they crash around her. “THOOM!” “THOOM” “THOOM” go each of the hard slats as they land on the ground, smashing into the metal floor until there is only silence, save for the small ruffling of dust in the air that brushes against the warrior's cheek.
With the worst seemingly over a spark of Ki begins to encircle and surround Asuka's feet, the light particles hissing as they make their way around ending with a “WHOOSH” as the device beneath her comes to life with its distinct white glow, producing a sigil that once again spells out the kanji for "Iron" underneath her body. Asuka then looks down at the light to examines the sigil, and then turns her attention towards the darkness before her baffled by her sudden change in surroundings. “What is this...some kind of maze…?”
(WC: 608)
(WCT: 4,725)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2018 23:22:38 GMT -5
Kaede smiled warmly, giving a nod as her pupil addressed her. "The honor is all mine darling.For I am always honored to meet the women of our order inspired by my teachings, and my example. It is the highest praise I could hope for in life... or death." The spirit gave a playful wink, as if making light of her current predicament. The spectral woman gave a short airy titter when Asuki mentioned her own master's remarks towards her. The woman unfurled a ghostly bansho fan, using it to obscure her wide grin at the compliment. "Of course Noh-Sensei said that, he was never one to deny praise where it was needed. But, it takes a very capable teacher to create a protege that can carry on their legacy." The woman spoke sweetly, though her tone still held a kind of calculated authority to it as she spoke. It was quite clear despite her cheery exterior the woman was indeed of witch's blood beneath the surface. It gave her a unique tone that often set others off their balance, especially men captivated by her great beauty. "Ah, Atsuki Asuka, a lovely name. There was a woman with the family name Atsuki among my students, I remember her well. Your mother? Grandmother perhaps? Time gets so dreadfully slippery once you've died. Being bound to my tomb does not help, speaking on which..." The ghost folded shut her fan, slamming it down against her open palm of her other hand. With a burst of magical power, one gift that mercifully did not require a physical body to invoke as ki did, Kaede activated the machinations of her grand Paths of Wisdom. Within moments the iron walls had slammed down into place, perfectly falling within finely edged fixtures that even decades after their construction remained flawless as ever. The second Tetsukami smiled to herself, looking rather pleased. "Apologies Asuka, I can't help but enjoy the jump that gives the students who venture into my tomb."
The ghostly woman again unfurled her fan, seemingly fanning herself out of muscle memory as she slowly sashayed around the young woman before her. "Very astute my pupil, but this is no ordinary maze. These are the Paths of Wisdom. As much as I adored my sensei, I always felt Koh Tetsu lacked a certain, flair for the dramatic. He was a simple man, from a simple life. Not that I fault him for that, but if he is the foundation of a house, rugged, sturdy, and simple, then I like to envision myself as the masonry. Ornate, intricate, and masterfully crafted. I spent my life perfecting many of our signature techniques. The Tetsu-Ha, Tetsu-Hado, Tetsu Hari, and so forth. I like to think I added beauty and feminine grace to our style, and it is for that reason I hope you have mastered all of my signature moves. Otherwise, I hope you are a quick study." On that note the woman smiled cheerfully, pleased as punch with herself. Kaede Nakamura slams her fan down again her hand again, her face becoming deadly serious and her tone becoming that of a harsh teacher. "Atsuki Asuka, you will find my trial far more daunting than my fellow Tetsukami. I believe in precision, excellence, and a cunning intellect. My Paths of Wisdom are designed to weed out the students who have not sharpened their mind as they have honed their body. Allow me to elaborate." The curvaceous woman gestures an arm out to the inky darkness of her tomb. "A spell was placed upon my tomb when it was first built, only a few years into my ascension to Second Tetsukami. It is a magical darkness that consumes normal light. Only light created by ki can illuminate the way, requiring my disciples to have great stamina and ki control. Furthermore, the maze itself does not have one set layout. The Paths shift and change when they do not detect nearby ki, creating a dilemma. Use more ki, spreading it throughout the maze to keep it stationary and navigable, or find a way to deal with its ever shifting nature." The woman smiled coyly, she did so love her endless twists. Perhaps that was the witch in her speaking. "Lastly, your objective is simple. Within the maze have awoken three clockwork golems that resemble yours truly. They are fast, exceptionally agile, and know no stamina. Their purpose is to flee you, hiding in the maze for as long as possible. You must track down each golem, striking a weak point with the corresponding technique most appropriate for that target. One golem is marked on the head, another on the chest, and the third on the back. Only once all three are disabled will the Paths of Wisdom reveal the way to my tomb. Do you understand?" Kaede asked, though it was a rhetorical question to be sure. Any student who could not grasp the intricacies of her trial was no student worth reading her sacred scrolls. For Kaede Nakamura was a perfectionist in all things, and had constructed by far the most elaborate trial of any Tetsukami.
Post Count: 8 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 17, 2018 12:20:41 GMT -5
As she hears the voice of the spirit in the dark, Asuka gets a thought in her head. “My, the second was far more...strict then I expected, but I suppose perfection is important when dealing with our degree of unstable ki. Problem is…” Asuka looked out at the maze before her. “I was never very good at keeping my ki under wraps, mother used to beat me over the head with a lot of these techniques, let’s see if I can remember them, the Tetsu Hari...the Iron Needle...the Tekken Combination and lastly...the Tetsu Hado the three tenants of Lady Kaede’s style…” Suddenly out of the corner of her eye she notices that the walls are starting to shift around her. “I’d better get a move on.” Asuka begins her trek down the corridor careful not to move too quickly and tire herself out. “I have to rely on the Shoten state to get me through this...otherwise...I’m poached.” As Asuka kept her calm and trekked through the seemingly endless labyrinth she thought back to the memories of her mother. The times when she and her mother would spar in the fields of their secluded home out in the countryside of earth without a care in the world.
“Alright Momma! What are we learning about today!” Asuka's mother was a slender woman with short brown hair who had a very playful personality to that of her daughter.
“Well let’s see..what would you like to play birdie?”
Asuka during this time was just as spry and fired up then as she is now, even going as far as to wear the same gi and headband as before.
“I wanna play tag!” she proclaimed.
Her mother knelt down to her daughters level and patted her on the head.
“Okay, birdie you’re it!”
Just as Asuka had perked up at the thought of being “it” her mother vanished before her very eyes, leaving Asuka alone in the field, with nothing but the rippling of the wind.
“Whaa...where’d you go?” the childish Asuka asked but got no response
However, out of the corner of the youth’s eye, she spots her mother's kimono ruffling in the wind behind a tree she then hastily ran over toward her and tagged her mother on the side of the leg.
“You’re it momma!” the small youth proclaimed as ran away from her parent stumbling over her headband which at this point in time was far longer than she was tall, however just as Asuka rose to her feet, her mother had appeared before her yet again emerging from out of thin air. And then grabs her daughter up into a hug.
“Grr, your it little bird!” her mother called out.
“Hey no fair momma! You cheated!” Asuka says with a laugh.
“You never said I couldn’t use Secret Techniques!” Asuka mother proclaims as she sets her daughter down.
Asuka then looks up at her mother after she finishes her fit of laughter.
“Momma…! Can you teach me how to do that.”
Asuka’s mother looked down at her daughter.
“Well you have been improving and you are old enough now, sure I don’t see why not.”
“Yeah! I’m gonna go blink!” Asuka says raising her arms to the sky.
As Asuka had mentioned before she was quite poor at mastering this particular technique and while she would eventually figure it out on her own, it would take her quite some time to do so.
“Okay little bird, this technique is simple it’s called the vanishing technique, now watch me.”
Asuka’s mother would then place two fingers in front of her face and focus, after a moment her body would begin to fade away like the wind, her body blowing into a white mass of fluttering bandages, and after a moment she would then reappear behind Asuka. However Asuka was confused by this, this was not the technique her mother had promised to show her this was something entirely different and she was not shy about voicing her frustration.
“Wait, Momma...that’s not the same thing you did as before? That was more of a woosh and the other one was more like a "blink!” she protested.
“Well, no but before you have to learn to "WOOSH" before you can "blink." she says emphasizing the word's blink and WOOSH in a playful fashion.
“Okay…” she said standing to her feet a tad dejected.
"Now you try...the idea is to focus your Ki toward a specific part of your body like your arms and legs, once you do that and try to move your body will…”blink you.” to where you want to go. Try placing your fingers in the center of your body in order to give yourself a focusing point.” She says as she crosses her arm waiting for her daughter to do as she was instructed.
“Hmmm…” Asuka then began to focus placing two fingers in front of her chest in order and entering the shouten state
The child stood there for minutes at a time doing her best to focus her ki into the right spot in order to perform the technique. However, her mother who watched intently soon realized that even with all the focus in the world she only seemed to be wasting energy and was overexerting herself and while her tenacity was impressive Her mother knew that this was accomplishing nothing.
“Mmmmmgggrrrr…” growled Asuka as her ki exploded from her body, the shockwave, causing ripples in the grass, eventually Asuka’s focus was broken and she began panting but before she completely pass out, Her mother put her hands on her shoulders.
“Huh…” Asuka says as she looks up at her mother.
“It was a good try honey but, This one might be a little to tough for you, you were practically spilling out all the Ki from your body, you had the right idea but the point of this technique is to focusing your ki throughout your entire body evenly, doing so will allow you to move more efficiently, once you do that you’ll be able to move as fast as the wind.”
Asuka seemed a tad discouraged.
“Hey don’t give up birdie You’ll get it. Keep trying.”
“Waah…!” cried a disappointed Asuka.
“Hey…” Asuka’s mother kneels down toward her daughter to wipe the tears from her eyes.
“Asuka...it might seem hard to believe but I was like you once and If I let one failure get to me as much as you’re letting this one get to you, I wouldn’t be here. Mistakes and failure are a part of life my love, and it's perfectly fine to get upset, but if you give up then you'll never get anywhere. I know you’re gonna master this one day, keep practicing little bird, you’ve got a lot of potential and I know you’ll do great! So please no more tears alright, I hate to see you cry.”
Her mother leans down and kisses her child on the forehead, which puts a smile on Asuka’s face.
“Now c’mon let’s go get you cleaned up, you smell like a hog.” Her mother says.
Asuka who’s now more perked up then ever nods in agreement!
“Okay!” Asuka says raising her arms "I love you Asuka!" Her mother
"I love you too Momma!" Asuka replies giving her mother a hug.
But that was some time ago and by now Asuka had grown into a great warrior that she hopes her mother would be very proud of, and this maze was going to be proof of that. And so with her moment of self-reflection over, and her mind filled with resolve the young warrior begins her trek through the maze, Shouten ki evenly distributed through her body. However it was only until after she had walked a few feet she comes upon a fork in the pathway, a small sigil lines the wall in front of her but what could it be an alternate route perhaps? Asuka curious stands before it and meditates in front of it. The sigil detects her presence and as result of her decision the other two routes to the left and right of her slam shut. With a new one opening right before her very eyes, as she embarks down the pathway she sees a light shining in the distance, blinking in long yet consistent intervals. Asuka raises a hand to shield herself from it, as it occurs but doesn’t allow it to deter from continuing down its narrow path, with each blink of the lights the walls move slowly toward her prompting her to move faster. Suddenly the blinks become faster, and the walls begin to close in at an alarming rate. Asuka seeing this begins to run forward, but the closing of the walls begins to become more and more intense. “I’m not gonna make it!” she cries, suddenly she then has a realization. Asuka then shuts her eyes focuses her ki, sending the ripples throughout her body, suddenly she vanishes from sight and appears before the light, with the walls shutting behind her. “I see...so it was testing my application of the vanishing technique, man the second was pretty crafty, I bet she loved giving pop quizzes.” She then looks around at her new surrounds a rather compacted room with a short ceiling and three distinct looking metal doors with the blinking statue acting as the centerpiece and a source of light. Asuka scratches her head and begins walking around to inspect the device further, using the ki emitting from her hand like a lantern to illuminate the different sides of the statue as she encircles it, perhaps there’s clue to its function? “What is this thing?” she says to herself as she takes a look around taking note that there are three tubes that point towards the doors. After making her way around the device she takes a closer look at it’s head and notices that in the center of the statue is an indention that seems big enough to fit one’s hand. “Based on what I’ve seen it looks like some sort of key, maybe it opens one of these doors, if I place my hand on the head of it.” As she inspects each door she finds the door directly in front of the statue to be the one she is most comfortable with. “Well, straight ahead it is! Let’s give it a go!” she says to herself placing her hand inside of the statue and funneling the ki into the device. Which begins to glow from Asuka’s touch, as gears inside the machine begin to turn and it feeds off the energy and channels it into the center facing tube that glows an intense white as it charges, subsequently firing a blast of ki that into the center facing door, which upon it’s destruction reveals a walkway that leads towards the golem who stands illuminated by a large sigil on the ground beneath it’s feet.
As Asuka embarks toward it, she steps on a panel which suddenly causes large fragments of maze formations begin to fall from the sky casting a shadow on Asuka, seeing this she vanishes out of sight, however just as she reappears in a seemingly safe position another rock formation begins to cast a shadow upon her and she manages to evade that one as well, closing in on the golem with each step. “The second really wasn't playing around.” As she speaks these words, she begins to feel the floor moving and the golem becoming further and further away with more debris continuing to fall. However Asuka now slightly fatigued from having exhausted so much energy so quickly finds herself in a disadvantageous position as one last slab begins to fall cutting off her pathway to the golem seeing the challenge Asuka then looks up at it and focuses her ki once more looking straight at the golem and just as the falling slab comes into view, Asuka leaps toward it the youth splitting herself in two using Tetsu Ki , allowing the slab to phase right through her, and after passing through it, she reforms in full standing before the golem.
“Alright...I did...it...now then. It’s down to me and this golem.”
Asuka looks to the golem and watches as it activates, gears clicking as ki flows throughout its body giving it's eyes the same distinct Shouten glow almost making it appears as if it were alive. "Alright, now how am I going to take you down." Asuka thinks to herself as she assumes a combat stance and inspects the metallic creature closely trying to spot the marking on it's body "So where is it...nothing on the chest...maybe it's..on the...!" just then as she thinks over a battle strategy the golem makes its move, Asuka's eyes widen as she braces herself for its incoming onslaught. "Here it comes!?" (WC: 2200)
(WCT: 6,925)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2018 18:37:08 GMT -5
Kaede Nakamura watched the girl navigate her maze with a kind of eager fascination. It was always a joy watching her pupils test themselves before her Paths of Wisdom. Some opted for brute force, trying to muscle their way from A to B. Others were slow and cautious, testing everything for traps and hidden meaning. Others though speed was the answer, racing ahead with reckless abandon in an attempt to impress her with their quick completion of her trial. In truth, it mattered little how they accomplished her task, only that they did so with clear understand of Tetsudo, and a decided mastery of the Second Tetsukami's techniques. Not every warrior was a brutal juggernaut, or a guile trickster, or an agile tactician. All must find their own way, what mattered is they did so correctly adhering to the Order's core teachings. This Asuka was off to a good start, displaying an impress command of both the Shouten State, and the Vanishing Technique. The former was expected, she had passed Koh-sensei's trials after all. The latter made the Tetsukami smile with pride. The girl was doing well for herself, in spite of the Second Master's trial. The spirit of Kaede Nakamura simply floated through her maze, phasing through walls and keenly observing her student from a distance. It was true, her trial was potentially deadly, and some had been maimed or even killed. But every disciple of Tetsudo had to be prepared to give their life for the Order if need be. They needed be no stranger to self sacrifice. Weakness and selfishness among her students would only led to their abandonment of their ideals. It had been her task in life, and in death to preserve and enhance Koh Tetsu's teachings. The golem that activated looked like a bronze and stone recreation of Lady Nakamura, albeit with four arms giving it an odd, almost spider-like appearance. It appeared as her wearing a sparring gi, eyes glowing like twin moons as they lit with ethereal ki. The titan looks around, mechanical thoughts finding no suitable avenue of escape. It resolves itself to fight, charging at the student headlong. Before it impacts, the Golem leaps to the side, digging its four hands into a stone walls and running alone it like a spider. Its metal leg swings out for a savage kick, though Asuka deftly avoids it. The golem then lunges past her, anchoring itself to the opposite wall of the chamber. In doing so it reveals the white markings on the back of its head, embossed over top of its bronze hair. The head of the creature swivels around to lock eyes on Asuka once more, followed by its lower half rotating one hundred and eighty degrees before it lets go of the wall and lands with a loud thud on the ground. The golem stares menacingly at the woman, as its central body begins to spin. Its four arms outstretch, fists clenched as its body begins to whirl like a whirlwind, a hurricane of arms and fists that spin with terrifying speed. The golem's entire body begins to spin, save for its head that remains locked on Asuka. Like a menacing mechanical top the golem lets ripe, spinning towards Asuka at great speed. Any time she avoids it, the contraption simply slams into a wall and bounces off, quickly returning to try and impact her almost as fast as before. All the while its head moving unflinchingly amidst its spinning clockwork body, keeping its sight firmly fixated on its target and doing its best not to give her an opportunity to strike. Kaede Nakamura watches in silent observation from the far side of the room, her ghostly form glowing slightly against her magical darkness. Her eyes glowing like a cats, cheshire smile on her face as she watches her clockwork top golem rumble with her pupil. Defeating this golem required speed, cunning, and quick reflexes. Those who tried to match it with strength often found themselves pummeled into submission or exhausted as it transitioned back into its spider walk and simply drug out the fight until they had become exhausted. Watching the creativity employed by her students in besting her trials was easily the woman's favorite part of being dead.
Post Count: 9 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 18, 2018 1:07:30 GMT -5
As the golem charges toward Asuka she lifts up her arms taking a defensive stance but is thrown off guard as she watches it climb along the wall, confused she momentarily lets her guard down, but as she watches it spin toward her in a rapid fashion, Asuka sidesteps out of the way, as it rockets towards the wall. “What in the world...did Kaede sensei really fight like this? Wait a second?” Asuka looks to the creature as it reorients itself and spots the marking on the back of its head. “There it is!” However as she realizes this it begins to barrel toward her, Asuka does her best to stop the creature by placing her hands in front of her but is knocked back as the creature, tears through her defense. Suddenly it’s whirling stops and Asuka lies on the ground panting...she sees that it’s spare arms have begun to malfunction, in then turns to face her seemingly planning to use only it’s two good arms. “So this one has the opening on it’s head...looks like...I’ll have to use the Tetsu Hari then, wasn't particularly good with this one either, I hope I still remember how it works.”
As Asuka prepares herself to strike using the Tetsu hari, she once again recalls memories of her mother instructing her in the use of the technique and its application she takes time to meditate on the battle. “Alright, birdie let’s give a new ability a try, this technique is called the Tetsu Hari, or the Iron needle. A special attack that utilizes Tetsu ki in order to create constructs, watch closely, Okay?”Asuka who sits down on the grass watches as her mother turns towards a group of targets out in the field. Her mother begins to channel energy through her fingers and then shuts her palm balling it into a fist as three needles form in between her fingers, each one cackling with ki She then tosses them and they race towards the targets out in front of her impacting with a satisfying “thunk.” Asuka then claps for her mother. “Good job momma! You nailed it!” Asuka’s mother turns and curtseys to her daughter. “Now you try Asuka, they key here is to focus your ki into your hands and then visualize the formation of the needles in your head but don’t lose focus okay?” Asuka stood up and took her place in front of the targets she then began to channel the ki into her fingers and managed to successfully craft the needles. However, upon throwing them the needles would fizzle out before making contact. “Not quite...but that was almost perfect.” Asuka turned her head to her mother and looked as if she were ready to cry. Her mother immediately comforted her. “But hey…! Points for execution You made those needles perfectly on your first try, even I couldn't do that...!" Asuka pouted and eventually began to cry prompting her mother hugged her. “Don’t worry sweetie you’ll get it. Just try to loosen up a bit okay? Please stop crying.” her mother says reassuringly.
Despite never truly mastering the technique, Asuka was able to make it her own but still had some difficulties with using it her way "Man, I was such a baby...either way I couldn't do it then...and I still have trouble even to this day...making the needle'll be the easy part, but maintaining its shape for a long period of time is another story. I'll have to find a way to execute this move as swiftly as possible...!" now with a plan in mind Asuka ended her meditations and prepared to engage the golem head on once more. Opening with a palm strike which the golem countered with one of her own their strikes creating sparks in the darkness lighting up the room as flesh met metal.
After a moment there was a cease in the action, the only visible light coming from the ki given off by Asuka and the golem, however after a moment the light from the golem had faded moving faster then Asuka could see even with her enhanced vision in the Shouten State. suddenly Asuka felt something hard and metallic crash into her throat, “Ghhk…!” prompting her to reflexively place a hand over her neck gently clutching it in an effort to soothe the pain. However, despite the pain from the assault, Asuka was still determined to fight quickly returning to her stance with her eyes fixated on the Tetsukami. “I have to find a way to hit that spot on her head...this thing doesn't run out of stamina so my current tactics of charging in head first are useless...I need to find an opening..preferably to strike her from behind...And I think I know just the way to do it!” Eventually the golem charges straight for her, however, Asuka manages to vanish out of the way, the golem, however, was able to read this countermeasure and spun around and rapidly poked Asuka’s sternum with the tips of her fingers, a direct shot. Asuka stumbles back placing a hand on her chest. “Ghaagggh...no good she's reading my movements...wait maybe use that to my advantage....” Asuka while on the ground focused her energy throughout her body and began to vanish all about the room creating small afterimages, that leave behind white streaks of Ki. The golem, however, seemed confused and focused all of its energy on pursuing the after images it’s mechanical senses overloaded by the information of which one to go after. But in that moment just as it thought to make a move Asuka appeared behind it and crafted a small construct made of ki in the form of a thick needle and impaled through the side of the head of the bronze doppelganger. Shutting the statue down and deactivating it in the process. “Gotcha!” she cried in victory, watching as the statue hunched over and fell apart. But just as she had tasted victory, the floor would begin to rumble as the gears of the moving Labyrinth would turn once again, causing the platform she stood on lower her into another part of the labyrinth on that look eerily similar to the beginning of the first maze, only difference being that there was now a light along the walls that produce horizontal bolts of lightning at specific intervals that illuminated the path before her, followed by a light from a blinking statue that indicated where she needed to land. "That lightning, it's making it hard to focus...but I think that's the point...this must be the second maze."
(WC: 1128)
(TWC: 8053)
@amatricina
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2018 12:39:52 GMT -5
Kaede Nakamura smiled warmly as her pupil used clever tactics and deception to outwit her first golem. That had been the point of the exercise, mind over matter had been the defining shift in the Second Tetsukami's leadership, compared to the First. Where Koh sought to take the common man and turn him into a perfect embodiment of strength, agility, and reflexes, Kaede had taken those foundations and worked ceaseless to instill technique, tactics, and instinct into her pupils. Speed and strength alone were useless without a well honed mind to wield them. Just as a blade is useless, no matter how well forged the steel, if the wielder is not a capable swordsman. The Tetsukami drifted after Asuka as she fell, landing silently besides her as she waited patiently for the girl to take in her surrounding. "You performed admirably, Asuka." The ghostly woman said, unfurling her bansho fan to hide her pleased smile. Only her cat like eyes fixed on the woman from behind their paper facade. "Watching my students adapt to adversity, overcome unforeseen obstacles. It is the simplest of teaching. In many ways, it reminds me of myself."The woman folded her fan with the flick of a wrist. Once more she revealed a stern, almost motherly expression to her student. "Though the metaphor may seem hazy to some, it is all a reflection of my own time as the Second Tetsukami. There was originally much doubt when I was named by Koh Tetsu to be his successor. I was hardly his first pupil, and far from the strongest or fastest or the bravest. But I was one thing... the most intelligent, and that made me the most capable of our Order to carry on his legacy. Koh was no fool, he knew a humble monk's upbringing could not truly shape his vision to the grandeur it needed to thrive." The ethereal beauty smiled, her gaze drifting past the girl as if looking to the past. She let out a sigh, momentarily lost in the memory of her coronation ceremony. How ravishing she had looked in her Tetukami robes, standing proud and dignified before her sensei and the gathered crowd of her peers. Lady Nakamura's brow furrowed slightly as her thoughts drifted to early years of her leadership. "There was much distrust of me in the early days of my tenure as Tetsukami. I was a woman in a man's world, I am sure you can sympathize. Men outnumbered women ten to one in our Order in the early years, though I did my best to bridge that gap. Moreover, there was initially much resentment towards my heritage as a witch. Some called me deceiver, seducer, anything they could to soothe their egos and justify why a more 'worthy' successor had not been named. I had to tirelessly fight an uphill battle just to win the respect of my peers for the 'crimes' of being a woman, and a witch. Once I had earned it though, the bond was unbreakable and I had the undivided confidence of our Order in accepting a new generation of teaching." The spirit ended her story, letting out a soft sigh as she addressed Asuka more directly. "The point of this little soliloquy, is that my time was Tetsukami was my greatest personal struggle, though it was a struggle of the mind not the body. There was no great battle, no rival to best, no next great hurdle of training to exceed that marked the next rung on the ladder I climbed. For me, it was about proving I was exactly as wise and cunning and Koh Sensei believed me to be. In much the same way my trial must prove to me as your Tetsukami that you are as intelligent and cunning as I need you to be. Do you have any questions Asuka before you proceed?" The spirit said as she finished her windy monologue, drifting there silently waiting for her student to reply.
Post Count: 9 Hanzo Medjikara
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Post by Hanzo Medjikara on Nov 21, 2018 3:53:20 GMT -5
Having heard the praise from Kaede, Asuka smiled with glee happy to have done well and felt a sense of feminine pride in the case of being spoken so highly of, by such a prominent female icon in her order. However, when asked if she had any question she stopped to think for a moment for there was one remark the master had made that lingered in the back of the girls mind. “Kaede sensei…if I may, you mentioned something about me looking familiar to another pupil of yours, tell me do you know of a woman named Saya Atsuki, she was my mother and also my master.” Asuka went silent as she recalled the memories of her mother, and did her best to save face in front of the master. “She died a little over a decade ago, and seeing you here reminds of how inspirational she always said you were. Did you happen to know her while you were alive? Or maybe see her pass through here on her trails a long time ago?” As Asuka stated previously her mother was only in her life until the time of her death when Asuka was 7 years old and all the youth had were memories of her childhood, with the one thing she remembers the most aside from her happier memories was the day she was taken from her.
It was a calm still night, but all day, Asuka couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, her mother was rather quiet and for the last few days had been a bit more unforgiving in their sparring sessions something was clearly wrong. They were eating dinner when it happened, the winds were rolling in but there was still a stillness, Asuka mother had just finished pouring soup into a bowl for her daughter, along with one for herself. “Mommy, are you okay you’ve been acting kinda jumpy lately.”
Asuka’s mother went quiet for a moment. “Sorry, Asuka I just haven’t been feeling to well lately, I’m just worried is all.” “Mommy? We're not in trouble are we?”
Asuka's fear and worry made her mother's heart sink, Saya looks to her daughter and calmly reassures her, but her tone was rather somber. “You have nothing to be afraid of, just promise me that if anything happens to me you’ll take care of yourself?”
Asuka couldn’t fathom a proper response, and just as they were about to eat there was a voice calling out. “Kage!” called out a voice, that name drew the ire of Asuka's mother, prompting her to grip her utensil tightly within her fingers, but not out of anger but of worry. “Asuka go to your room…”she said to her daughter in a stern voice. “But…” “Now!” Saya shouted. Asuka ran inside of her room and hid scared and uncertain as to what was going on, peering out an open window beside her bed. From there Asuka witnessed her mother facedown a group of men each of them wearing Tetsudo uniforms who were these men and why had they come looking for her mother? Who was Kage? So many questions with little to no answers but what was clear was that these men came looking for a fight and had Asuka's mother outnumbered 3 to 1. But using her signature offense her mother fought them off valiantly but unfortunately was mortally wounded during the melee, causing her to fall to her knees after the battle had ended, Asuka rushed outside to try and tend to her, however, it was no use and Asuka simply held her mother's limp body in her arms as she hopelessly called out for help. “Be a good girl…” were the last words her mother spoke to her before passing away, leaving Asuka orphaned and alone.
As Asuka finishes her reflection she looks to the wrappings on her hands . “I miss her everyday. If it wasn't for her I wouldn’t be here. She taught me everything I know and I often wonder if she’s watching over me in otherworld, if she can see how much I've improved.” She then looks up at the specter once more. “Gomen-nasai, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to ramble on…” she goes silent again for a moment. “Another question, in addition to my first one actually. Was I the last one, to complete the trails I mean...Have any other students come to complete the trails?”
(WC: 750) (TWC: 8,803) @amatricina
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