[Mary Anne's been kidnapped, and it's up to Courage to save his new home! But since you're not in the middle of nowhere, you're only doing the first. The bad news is you haven't found her yet. The good news is you found a lot of bandits. The bad news is the other folk who wanted to get the bandits seem to have found you, and since you're in Hoshimoto territory, this is probably very bad news.] [And you should blame Tairan, too! Seems to be someone he recognizes in the ranks, too. Interesting. Currently, you're in the bandit camp and surrounded by a small company of troops... and chances are, they're a lot more skilled than the bandits you (and they) just mowed down. The sun's high in the sky, but there's no tumbleweeds, since you're on the wrong side of the Salamanders.] [There's cherry blossoms instead.] [Like bishounen tumbleweeds! There also seems to be a lady Tairan recognizes. Too bad he doesn't seem particularly pleased.] [Session Start.] * Jinx does nothing, cause he's still out cold. Don't expect regular updates. * Sakura watches the new situation curiously. * Mikoto bleeds, 'cause he got cut before. But is attempting to stand up straight and look suave nonetheless. * Millie stays back in the trees, looking at the situation underneath her eyelashes. Don't want them thinking she's a bandit. * Tairan ignores the guy for a moment, as he seems intent on making the woman he called Tamiko burst into flames with his eyes. "s'been a while, hasn't it? Why, last time we met, we were in the middle of a bandit camp, just like this one... I was helping you up after saving your life from Club... and oh yeah! You slapped me and called me an honorless dog. Ah, the memories." (Tairan stole my glare. ;_;) * Fanfan raises her eyebrows, but continues to say a whole lot of nothing. * John glances over the people that just came in, then at Tairan. And is very glad his pistols are considered concealed weapons. And then you went and turned me in to my father for the horrible crime of saving your life. Good job. Old bastard give you a promotion for that? Some money? An increase in status for your family, maybe? * Mikoto sighs. "Good to see we're all getting off on the right foot." * Tairan sneers. "Oh, wait. I forgot. No reward necessary. Upholding your 'honor'-" *spits* "... was reward enough, right?" ( Wow, thank goodness Tairan moonlights as the exposition fairy. ) ( Seriously. c.c; ) Honor is more important then money. ( Hey, this is my character's major background story arc. Shaddup. =P ) ( We know. We like to tease you. ) She need not listen to the words of a criminal. ( *noogie* ) * Millie leans her back against a tree and tips her hat down, muttering quietly to herself out of range of most people. "Geez, Tai, bitter much?" * Tamiko flinches at first, but as Tairan's tirade continues, steadies herself and looks him in the eyes. She seems about to say something, but the man next to her cut her off, and she looks to him. * Jinx stirs, shaking his head while putting a hand to it. This knocks him off balance and leads to his falling off the horse and rolling into a kneeling position. He's tries to play it off, doesn't work, not even close. * Tairan blinks, and seems to notice the guy for the first time. It takes him a moment, but... "Daigoro? The hell you doing leading a bandit-hunting party? I'd think a general's son would have a more prestigious job, 'specially while his clan was rebelling against the Emperor and all." * Mikoto flicks his gaze from Former Betraying Love Interest to New Man She Doesn't Really Love a few times, then sighs. "Do you mind if I bind this?" he asks, holding up his arm. "It's actually starting to get quite painful." * Fanfan moves back towards Jinx, helping him up. ( ... great. Now I'm seeing Mikoto as Will Ferrell from the Austin Powers movies. "It really is quite painful!" ) ( ... ) ( You're dead to me. ) * John looks down at Jinx, then over at Millie. * Millie looks over at Fanfan as she heads back then to Jinx then puts her finger to her lips. * Jinx accepts the help from Fanfan and rises slowly. "Damn trees... worse than cacti." As he rises he puts a hand behind his back, but then seeing Millie's shush doesn't say anything more. The bandits must not be ignored, especially in this time of crisis. As for why me, well, someone had to undo the state you left this troop in. ( I like him. Can we trade Millie for him? ) (...) (Heh.) ( She would. ;P ) * Tairan snickers. "Yeah, 'course. Most successful bandit hunting troop in recent Hoshimoto clan history. How ever do you plan to undo the damage?" For starters, by arresting you. * Jinx snickers quietly at that, he keeps his hand on his shotgun, but as that hand's behind his back it's would rather require X-ray vision to see. * Daigoro motions to his men, who begin to move forwards, weapons ready. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-4) and gets 4. * Tamiko steps forward, putting her hand on Daigoro's arm. "I don't think that's necessary." * Sakura looks at Tairan. "He.. is a bandit? * Mikoto sighs and, oblivious to Hoshimoto stupidity, rips a strip off his poor shirt and starts wrapping it around his arm. * John rides Hazel back slightly. * Fanfan murmurs to Sakura. "A bandit who hunts bandits? Hardly likely." * Millie sighs quietly and comes out from behind the tree, her rifle out and pointed at the main guy. "I don't think it is either." * Tairan eyes Daigoro, smirking, casually replacing his holster belt around his waist, pausing for a moment to shoot Sakura a "What are you, stupid?" look. [The soldiers don't move forward to stop Mikoto. Good for him!] * Millie 's still quite a distance off by the way. * Jinx shifts his stance a bit, he doesn't draw his shotgun, but he looks as if would at the slightest motivation. * Daigoro glances back to Tamiko, then to Sakura. "Where do I start? Merely by being on these lands, he is subject to penalty of death. However, given the way he stole the enchanted sword of the Hoshimoto clan, merely killing him might be too light a punishment." He looks back at Tamiko. "We can't let him go." Hmm. * Tairan eyes the random soldiers, his gaze stopping on one particular guy. His eyes light up a bit, and he grins widely. "Hey, Jiro! How ya doin', man! How's your mom doin'?" ( "Jinx, I'll give you $2 to draw your shotgun!" "Ok!" ) Why not? He's only punished by death if he's on our lands. Currently, this area's contested. ( That'd do it. ^_^ ) * Tamiko fixes her gaze back on Tairan. "Perhaps he came to return the sword." * Millie raises an eyebrow. Not often people ignore a rifle on them. She pulls it up. [One of the soldiers blinks and waves a little sheepishly back. He doesn't seem sure as to if he should answer the question or not.] * Daigoro looks slowly from Tamiko to Tairan. "...Perhaps. Have you?" He waits for Tairan's response. * Mikoto finishes bandaging his arm, then looks between Tamiko and Tairan. * John keeps his attention on the discussion. * Millie leans against a tree and watches the happenings then. They haven't captured him yet, so that's a good thing. * Tairan grins, then turns back to Daigoro. "So what were you saying... oh, right. Honor bound to kill me, death is too good for an honorless cur like me, blah blah blah..." *eyes Tamiko for a moment, then looks thoughtful* "Return the sword, you say?" Stealing the sword worsened your standing in many's eyes. You were a samurai, and however you may disagree with the way things were handled before, stealing the sword was no better an act than one caused by the bandits you hunted. Did he take a life while taking the sword? ( We can only hope. ) * Tamiko looks to Sakura. "Why do you ask?" * Tairan shrugs. "I dunno. If the previous owner of the sword could maintain his honor while considering the torching of villages and the slaughtering of women and children a legitimate wartime tactic... I think a little emotionally-charged theft kinda pales in comparison." * Mikoto clears his throat. "I am hoping that as people of just morals, your group --" he turns to Daigoro as he says this "-- will recognize the urgency of us being out here at all. A defenseless and injured companion of ours has gone missing. We need to find her quickly." Answer my question. If he murdered someone to steal the sword, then he is indeed no better then a bandit. * Jinx smiles faintly at Sakura's comment and then grins at Tairan's. However, if he did not, then he stole.. but he is not a bandit. Just a thief. You should not lump the two together. ( ...incredible. Sakura's brain works in unfathomable ways. ) ( It works?) ( It's that mask. ) (Of course.) ( My logic is far superior to your earth logic. ) * Tairan raises an eyebrow. "The lady in the mask makes sense... for perhaps the first time since I've met her, but regardless." ( I bet it's like Lady Une's glasses. If she takes it off, she turns into Kasumi Tendo. ) ( ....O.O ) * Jinx nods slightly in apparent agreement. * Tamiko seems about to respond to Sakura, but gets sidetracked by Tairan. "It wasn't just your father, Tairan. It was your entire family. Past, present, and future. I can't believe you would only place it on him!" ( Which is terrifying in its own little way. ) ( Kasumi Tendo Sakura is a scary scary image. ) * Millie hums slightly and tips her hat a bit, walking forward just on the edge of sight. "Never thought I'd say this, but sword lady's right." * John nods to himself. My family? I don't got a family any more. I'd think you'd remember that, considering your role in it, ne? ( We're gonna die. ) Answer my question. (We are so fuckin' screwed.) It was your family, and at the time, you had a right to wield the sword. If you want to prove it was an emotionally-charged theft, then prove it! Return the Hoshimoto family katana. * Mikoto puts his hand to his face. "Can we settle this *after we find Mary Anne*?!" * Mikoto points a finger at Tamiko. "Your job is to protect travellers through your territory, and your job--" He points at his own party "-- is to, at the very least, safeguard Mary Anne!" The chances of that seem slim at the moment. Unless you intend to abandon him. * Millie glances slightly to Mikoto and grumbles, folding her arms and leaning against a tree, but closing her eyes. "Don't look at me." * Tairan hrms. "He has a point. My current employer was kidnapped while we were on the trail of Kojiro... tracked him from across the Salamanders after he stole somethin'." *idly pulls his throwing knife out of his waistband* "How about you give this to the old man as a down payment?" * John shakes his head as if Tairan just said the wrong thing. You don't seem to understand the position you're in. * Millie looks over at Mikoto and sighs, shaking her head. "We could jus' look for her ourselves. They'll probably still be here arguin' by the time we get back." * Mikoto narrows his eyes. "I don't care about the position I'm in. I put more value on a human being's life than on your past differences with someone who's proven himself time and time again to be a good and decent man." Agreed, even if the human in this game is an annoying fool. ( Naturally, my own response to "stop arguing and let's go" is, of course, "start arguing" ) * Jinx comments quietly, with a nice undertone of menace. "Tairan's not alone in his position." Then go. But he will not be going with you. (Of course.) * Tairan grins rakishly. "I understand my employer has been kidnapped by bandits which have passed through Hoshimoto territory not once, but *twice* now. Which places partial responsibility for their actions on the clan itself, for not rooting out the bandits... more efficiently." * Millie looks casually over at Sakura, muttering quietly. "Look who's talkin'" * Jinx snickers. * John chuckles softly. * Sakura GLARES at Millie. "You are the fool who wished to let the bandits go free and run like a coward with a tail between your legs." * Mikoto raises his voice a little. "What he chooses to do is his own business... but I have a vested interest in his assistance." * Millie sighs quietly. "No. That's not it at all." I'm the one who didn't want ta rush in blindly like a damned fool. Ya don't catch half as many bandits if ya run in screamin' at the top of yer lungs anyhow. It's just not smart." Now, considering the long and illustrious history of the Hoshimoto bandit hunters, such a stain on their record and their honor would be a severe black mark. But hey, I know you guys didn't let them through on purpose... s'a lot of land to cover, right? No, you wanted to leave. * Fanfan eyes all the arguing people and sighs quietly, a little worried. You said multiples times that we could not defeat them. You were a coward. * Millie glares back at Sakura and puffs out her cheeks. "WHEN did I ever say I wanted ta leave?" * Tamiko narrows her eyes. "You tread a dangerous path, Tairan." ( Yay! Sakura and Millie provide a distraction! ) * John glances around. If someone was empathic, they'd feel he was a little worried. But since nobody is (as far as I know), he looks like he's just taking in the scenery Since you did not wish to fight the bandits, that is the only other option that I can see. You wished to run and let others die, rather then risk your own life. Listen, ya costumed stab-happy fool. I never said I didn't wanna take 'em out. I said I didn't want ta run in until I knew the whole situation! So my compatriots would, I think, be willing to forgive your admittedly understandable mistake if you'd allow us to go rescue our employer. After that... well, tell ya what. When the job's done, I'll see about making my way back here and returning the sword. * Millie starts stomping over towards Sakura. You may change the story however you like, but that does not change reality. ( This is deeply amusing. I'd just like to say. ) And your word is worth SO much, Tairan. * Jinx nods in agreement with Tairan's comment. He seems to be making an active effort to keep his attention on Tairan's discussion. * Tamiko looks mildly amused as Tairan's statement. * Millie gives Sakura Evil Stare #45 as she points her finger towards her. She seems to have ignored the important conversation entirely. "An' since when are ya an expert on how people think? All ya wanna do is kill people." * Mikoto pauses a moment, then walks in front of Tairan. "Give me the sword." No. I wish to kill bandits. * Tairan smirks. "It is. Heck, I promised Tamiko I'd never let anyone hurt her way back when..." There is a difference. Bandits are not people. If you are not going to kill him, why do you wish to keep him? So do I. But I don't wanna get myself or anyone else killed in the process. * Mikoto attempts to convey a 'trust me' look to Tairan. And that is why you are a coward. This was not an army. We easily handled them, and yet you still wanted to run. * Millie glares evil icicles at Sakura. "Oh yeah? Millie Reinhart never runs from stupid bandits! Tell her, Johnny boy!" * Millie switches her evil glare over to John without even changing the expression. * Tairan blinks at Mikoto, is momentarily distracted by Millie and Sakura, VICIOUSLY ignores them, and decides to play along. "What for?" You may so so after the fact, but the reality is far different. * Mikoto holds out 100 kanmon. "I need a good one." * John chuckles, seemingly turning his attention from one conversation to the other. "Not that I've seen." * Mikoto smiles. Faintly. "If you'd like, I have a quality naginata I can give up to sweeten the bargain." * Fanfan blinks and gives Mikoto an odd look. * Tamiko blinks at the exchange between Mikoto and Tairan, glances at Daigoro, then goes back to watching. ( Are we surrounded? Or are there just a number of them? ) * Millie turns her gaze back to Sakura and gets even closer, looking down at her. "Listen you. Reality ain't as simple as ya try ta make it. Quit tryin' ta put it like it is. There's more important things at stake her." * Daigoro watches caaaarefully. You choose to ignore reality when it becomes inconvient for you. How interesting. No one asked ya ta come anyhow. Tairan didn't wanna run in either. That make him a coward? And you seem to ignore reality all the time. How strange... * Millie calms down enough to smirk at John. * Tairan eyes Mikoto like he's grown a second head, then has a flash of realization and continues playing along. "... I dunno, man. I've been using this sword for so long now... but then again, I owe you my life for saving me after I got bit by that snake. And I did say I'd do anything you asked of me to repay that debt..." (You're surrounded. There's More Of Them than there were bandits.) * Jinx starts varying through his repitoire of quietly menacing "I'm a dangerous associate of the guy you're talking to" poses. Currently on #3 unnaturally still and quiet. * Mikoto smiles pleasantly. "I'll even throw in my own sword. I hate leaving a good fighter defenseless." You realize that, if we do this, the slate's clean. We're even. Right? * Mikoto nods solemnly. "Oh, definitely." (I'd like to say that I love Jinx.) * Sakura would glare at John, but she's too distracted by Millie. "I have come for my own reasons. Tairan offered me money to come, so I believe that counts as asking." * Tairan glances at Tamiko and Daigoro, at Mikoto, and then at his sword before sighing. "You break it, man, I'll kick your ass." *unhooks the scabbard; offers it to Mikoto* * Millie blinks at that then swivels around to look at Tairan. "...he what?" (* Jinx grins, but not IC, since that would sorta weaken the current effect) He offered me money. * Mikoto nods and unbuckles his own sword, handing it to Tairan with the kanmon in exchange. "I swear by my family name, it will return intact." * Millie eyes Tairan. Knowing he's too distracted to notice, but she narrows her eyes at him anyhow. "Oh reallly..." * Fanfan looks at Tairan and Mikoto like they're crazy, but continues doing nothing....for now. * Tairan takes the sword and the kanmon with a frown, looking like he just swollowed a toad. "Stupid goddamn snake... of all the legs on all the mercs in all the world, it hadta chomp onto mine..." * Jinx shifts pose #7 eyes shifting fairly quickly, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, presumably ready to spring into action. Can't stay in #3 to long, risks cramping. * Mikoto nods sadly, cradling the sword under his left arm and extending his right. "Not everyone can have Jinx's luck. Mirabel!" * Tamiko grits her teeth. "You would sell it now, too? You really don't care!" * John continues to look like he's just lookin' around and being pretty, but quietly keeps his attention on the conversation. [The falcon appears with a cry on Mikoto's right arm.] * Millie lets out a faint shrug. "Alright then. That means he takes full responsibility for ya." She walks off calmly back to the other side of the clearing. I didn't sell it. He saved my life. I swore I'd do whatever he asked to repay that debt. I have no freakin' idea why he wants it, or why he decided now was such a great time to call in my debt. * Daigoro motions to the troops as soon as the falcon appears. They lower their weapons. ( Ohhhh... ) * Mikoto holds the sword out to the falcon. "Please place this somewhere safe. I'm counting on you. Come back quickly. Don't go far." * Tamiko lowers her eyes. "I'm sorry, Tairan. I don't believe you." * Millie hears the shriek and keeps an eye on the situation. She's at full stop as she watches, body a little tense. * Mikoto smiles. "You're dismissed once you've safeguarded it." [Mirabel hops off Mikoto's arm, snatching the sword by her talons and taking to the air.] * Daigoro waves towards the falcon, shouting, "Shoot it!" * Mikoto keeps a *damned close watch* on where she's going. * Tairan eyes Mikoto with a look of 'What the hell are you doing?'. * Fanfan has had that look for quite some time now. :P * John still doesn't know what he's doing but plays along anyways. * Millie eyes the soldiers carefully, knees slightly bent like a cat waiting to pounce. * Jinx actually drops the pose and looks bemused. Still dangerous, but just a tad less menacing. (Jinx isn't menacing, he's kyut) (He'd be more menacing if he was a little more undead. "You know, Jinx's died once already." "...") [The archers, who had their weapons ready and trained on the falcon, let their arrows fly, and five arrows enter the sky. Tamiko also shoots, though a bit after the others, given she wasn't prepared at all.] ( He saves that sort of talk for his fights. He wouldn't want to overshadow Tairan after all. ) * Millie turns her head to John. "Think that's yer cue." ( Mira needs three ranged defense rolls. ) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6) and gets 5. 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6+2) and gets 5. 2d6+4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6+4) and gets 9. ... um, Daigoro? My compatriot here was offering to be an intermediary, and safeguard the sword to insure its return to you after our mission was complete. Why are you shooting at his bird? * Mikoto continues watching Mira calmly. "I have faith in you. Do your best." [Three of the arrows miss outright. Two others skim Mirabel. Unfortunately, the sixth - the one Tamiko shot - is dead on target and lodges into her side. Mirabel, amazingly, keeps going.] * Daigoro immediately gestures to two men at the side, an archer and a swordsman. "Follow it." He then directs the rest of the troops to approach you. And boy he looks angry. * Millie winces slightly. "Shootin' at a defenseless bird." * Mikoto says, without looking, "Do so and you'll never see it again." I am buying Tairan, for a time, so to speak. I'll stay in your custody as a hostage, if need be. His skills are more important than mine. * John eyes the troopers. "Shooting at a third party, none the less." We'll see about that. Tairan, you and your associate are under arrest! * Tamiko lowers her bow. She looks... upset. "We have no reason to trust you." You have no reason not to. For what? Bargaining in good faith? * Millie snarls. "Now WAIT just a minute!" * Mikoto turns slightly. "I value my friend's life more than I do your stubbornness. If it means I have to stay here and be beaten or tortured by you, so be it. But Tairan is needed." Stealing the Stalagmite katana and preventing its recovery, accordingly. Mikoto, you are needed as well. We do not have your medical knowledge. If it has come to this, then I can stay. * Sakura looks curiously. * Millie draws her rifle now and points it at Daigoro. "Sorry, can't let ya do that." ( No, I'll stay! No, me! Me! ) We are not barbarians. And since you're so intent on staying, perhaps you all can. That's ridiculous. * Mikoto will naturally turn back to the group once he can't see Mira. This is not a situation that requires fighting. These people are under contract. If you are not barbarians, then what reason is there to break it? ( Sakura said *what*? O.O ) No, it's not. But they ain't taken 'em in. Oh will both of you... cripes. See what you did, Daigoro? I was all ready to try to return the sword after this mission. Much as I hate the old man, it wasn't the right thing to do. My compatriot here offered to make the deal work, since you, for whatever reason, don't trust my word. And now you go and shoot at his bird and arrest us? * John shakes his head. "Unreasonable..." ( Which both of us? ^^ ) Neither of these two groups are bandits. Mikoto bought the sword fairly. If you wish to discuss the fact that it may not of have been Tairan's to sell, you should wait until after they are finished their job. It is a time- based objective, and they are hunting bandits. * Millie eyes the captors. "They ain't done nothin' wrong. Yer jus' gonna stand there an' take it?" * Jinx drops the bemused look and watches and waits, there's no indication that he's really thinking about the situation, considering his options, or doing anything but being a weapon should talks break down. I have no desire to keep the Hoshimoto clan sword. It does not belong in my hands. But you must understand that drastic situations call for drastic actions. Time is of the essence now. Aiding theft is a crime in these lands. Kojiro's getting away while we speak. If they were not on a time limit, then you could easily take Tairan in. However, every second you tarry us is another second that these bandits get away. * John waits patiently. Well, he looks patient anyways. *eyes the assembled troops* You do remember who Kojiro is, right guys? How many days and weeks we spent on his trail, only to lose it at the last moment? * Millie puffs out her cheeks and aims at Daigoro again. "Are ya gonna let them go? I'll gift wrap that damned fool sword if ya want, but I ain't lettin' ya take in my partners. I already lost one ta that." * Millie glances at the soldiers. "Ya gonna let us go or ya want your commander ta have a new fashion statement?" Fine. Why do you not come along with the group? You can do your job of hunting bandits, and take Tairan in afterwards. * Fanfan tilts her head. "That does make sense. We are hunting bandits in your territory after all. It would hardly mean going against your orders." Maybe you don't understand. Criminals don't get to negotiate, at least until trial. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Millie (2d6-2) and gets 8. I mean, sure, he wasn't exactly wanted. But if we'd caught up to him and defeated him... damn, think of what it woulda meant for us! And now that he actually IS a bandit... you wanna let him get away by taking me in? * Sakura shrugs. "I tried. Perhaps you should just go with them Tairan. The bandits are getting away." And now we are all criminals? Fascinating. * Millie eyes Sakura. "Sure. An' how we s'posed ta track these 'bandits' without our tracker?" I have minor tracking skills. It is not a difficult task to hire someone to track for you. * Tairan turns back to Daigoro, though his gaze seems more fixed on Tamiko. "You know my rep. If I say the sword comes back after my boss is rescued and Kojiro is captured, it's gonna happen." I know your rep. All of it. If you cared more about your duty than you do about your vengeance, you would see that the best solution would be to aid us in catching these bandits. It is not as if Tairan would get away from you in that case and you could pursue your quarrel with him later. * Daigoro nods to Fanfan. "You're absolutely right, we're just wasting time." Then you know that, even if I'm a devious bastard who thinks the whole honor code thing is a big load of crap... I do what I say I'm gonna do." * Millie turns back to the captors and glares at them. "Geez, they're all one- track-minded morons." * Daigoro motions to Tairan and Mikoto. "Take them." His men move forward carefully. ( ....*blink blink* Aw, shit. ) Come now. Mikoto made a buisness transaction. * Fanfan narrows her eyes. "What are you going to do with them?" Take them to jail, then hold a trial. * Tairan eyes the troops. "... c'mon, guys. After all we been through, you really wanna do this? Jiro?" * Millie eyes Daigoro. "A fair one I hope?" *Now*? That's absurd. * John eyes Daigoro. "How much is bail?" Technically, it is exactly what they should be doing. However, I find it silly. Somethin' gives me the feelin' things don't work like that over here, John. ["Jiro" looks ashamed, but doesn't seem to do much. "I'm sorry, but there's nothin' I can do."] * Mikoto glances at Tamiko. "If you'll come with me, I'll retrieve the sword. But you alone." * Daigoro eyes John back. "I don't know how you do it in your country, but here we make criminals pay for their crimes." I'm no threat. I'm injured. * Tamiko looks at Fanfan. "You're welcome to accompany us if you wish." She focuses on the Teckian/Injun group. "Though I can't guarantee a lack of... reaction to your companions." * Sakura would look at watch if she had one. "The bandits are getting away." * Tairan shrugs. "I understand, man..." *turns back to Daigoro* "You can do somethin', though. Way I see it, right now you're tryin' to cover for your crapass commanding by just arresting your problems. So what's say we cut the bullshit and settle this the old fashioned way?" ( How 'bout a sundial? ) So go get them, sword lady. You're not stuck here. I would perfer not to go alone, as they are obviously skilled. However, if you choose to go back with Tairan, then I will. ( Ooh, I like this plan. ) * Daigoro eyes Tairan. "Is this a joke?" (I see a duel...) * Tamiko shakes her head. Men. No, your leadership skills are a joke. I'm serious. I know you're just itchin' for a rematch from our little rumble in the tournament, right? Still sore because I poked you in the eyes ta disarm ya, right? *grins* * Millie looks at Daigoro then Tairan, then smirks and pulls up her rifle. "Sounds like he jus' challenged ya, scruffy." Fine. I'm well prepared for your tricks now. An'... * Mikoto shrugs. "I'll go retrieve the sword, then." What are the terms of this duel? * Millie takes on the same tone as Daigoro used earlier. "I don't know how they do things in YOUR country, but over where I come from, we don't back down from duels." You can't have a proper duel without terms. ( Remove yourself from my mind Mikoto. ) * John nods. Yeah, well your country sucks. ( Oh, now he's done it. Shoot him. ) * Tamiko waves for them to be quiet. "if you insist on this, I'll decide the terms." She looks at Tairan, then Daigoro. "Stop that! Boys, all of you." ( *Your* mind? Out of *mine*, all of you! >_< ) Well spoken. I didn't know you had that word in your vocabulary. * Millie grins and waves faintly to Daigoro. "Ooo, I"m SO scared." * Jinx snorts, but looks like he's relaxing a bit. * Mikoto makes to go get the sword. Seriously. [A few soldiers move to block Mikoto's path.] * Tairan grins. "More backbone than I woulda thought. And the rules are simple. I win, you let me go on my way. You get the sword back after I finish my tasks. You win, I give you the sword, come with you. You let my compatriots go, though, so they can finish what I was unable to." * Mikoto raises an eyebrow. "I'm leaving to get the contested item. I can't use a sword nor do I have an interest in its possession. Feel free to come with me if you don't trust me." * Millie looks over at Sakura. "Can he borrow your sword for the duel then if they won't let him get it?" And, as a side request, would you let him go get my sword? If you're gonna kick my ass, I'd like to at least go down wielding it... *grins* This is a duel to yield or unconsciousness, correct? No killing. ( Yae proved I can't wield a sword. Nor can John. ) (Yup.) (I *can* wield a whip, though. :P) I don't think so. Or maiming. * Tamiko fixes them each with something between a gaze and a glare. "I know you're both skilled enough to avoid killing." (Well, I actually could use a sword at the time.) I don't wanna kill him. He's just doing his job, however poor said attempt may be. * Mikoto is going to keep on walking forward. Around soldiers, if required. ( Or through, since I can probably make two called shots to the groin before being downed. ) * Jinx grins at the army on the other side. "So, you guys have faith in your new leader? I'll give 3:2 odds against him in the duel." [The soldiers move! To put their spears into Mikoto's path.] But seriously. Are you gonna make me duel without my chosen weapons? Hardly seems fair to handicap me like that. It isn't your sword to begin with, Tairan. That's true. It's mine. I'd like to go get it. With a weapon as powerful as the Stalagmite katana? There's no man in this clan who doesn't know what that weapon can do. Perhaps we'll have to do it the hard way. * Tairan rolls his eyes. "Oh come on, Daigoro. This is a duel. I'm not gonna call up the wrath of the earth to smite you or anything. I'm gonna hit you until you fall down." You've already got a vulgar weapon, what need of a magic sword do you have? Or has your skill declined that much? * Jinx continues to grin at the soldiers, looking for any that can meet his eyes. "See, he won't even use the full power of the sword, does none of you have enough pride in your commander to bet in his favor." It's the sword I've been wielding all my life. Or do you think you need the advantage of forcing me to use an unfamiliar weapon to win? I mean, I *did* have the sword when I beat you in the tournament... * Millie looks over at Jinx and smirks. Same old Jinx. And I had a naginata. Hey, you chose to switch to tonfa, not me. * Mikoto sighs and extends his arm. "Mira, my apologies... please return, with the sword." He grins at Daigoro. "I just happen to have a magical naginata. You're welcome to use it." For a price, obviously. I don't think so. * Mikoto keeps on smiling. "Of course." ( Picky, picky, picky. ) * Millie yawns slightly. "Is this a duel or what?" An' they say our country sucks. We're really wasting time. I'm just sayin', man... you're a general's son. Commander of my former bandit hunting troop. Hardly speaks well for your honor if you deny me the weapon of my choice in a bald-faced effort to increase your chances of winning. Fulfill your testosterone impulses so we may get on our way. [There's a keening sound, and Mirabel flies back, sword with her and a couple soldiers in tow.] * Jinx raises an eyebrow and keeps trying to call out the opposing force. "Alright 2:1 against your man, and he'll even have a magical naginata. Are you willing to stake your lives on this man but not your money?" * Daigoro moves forwards, bringing up his tonfa. "Either we fight now, or we forgo the duel and I arrest you." * Millie looks over to Sakura. "If ya want, ya can try an' find the bandit's trail while they're busy." * Mikoto smiles and takes it. "You've done excellent work. I'll see to both our wounds very soon. I'm very thankful for your help." He strokes the falcon's beak. ( "While we were out in the forest, we met a weird priest. He said that this would be just as good." Naginatas are even better! ) Ooh, I think I hit a sore spot... *grins; turns to Mikoto* Mind if I borrow that sword for a bit, my friend? ( I would destroy you. With a hidden technique. ) [The soliders, and Tamiko, too, make room for the pair. Tamiko looks worried. The soldiers are less so, though they're murmuring to each other and trying to ignore Jinx.] * Mikoto smiles. "100 kanmon. Uh... and a sword if you have one. Never know when they'll come in handy." ( There was this strange merchant pushing a cart yelling "New lamps for ol--waitasecond...." ) [The falcon nudges her head against Mikoto's hand before vanishing.] * Tairan hands Mikoto a sword and 100 kanmon. "Deal!" * Millie heads over to Jinx and leans an elbow on his shoulder. "Don't think there's any takers this time." * Mikoto holds out the katana. "Don't lose, Tairan." * Jinx smirks a bit. "5:1 anyone? I mean really." * Mikoto grins. "I've had enough patching up lately. Try not to get too hurt either." Don't plan ta. *draws his katana and pistol; eyes Jinx* "Oh c'mon, man! You're killing me here!" * Mikoto then collapses. Wow, you really aren't confident in your commander. ( Mikoto's Hyatt! ) * Fanfan goes over to Mikoto's side to check on him. * Daigoro snorts. "So you need a magical weapon and a gun. Well, that's okay." He settles into a stance. "Your tricks won't work this time. I'll still beat you." * John blinks at Mikoto's COLLAPSiNATION. * Millie blinks at Mikoto doing that. "Great. Jus' what we need." She goes over to help him up." ( Oh, that explains it. Ick, I'm not going near him. He'll cough up icky red blood all over my pretty white robes. ) * Mikoto gets up to a kneel, at least, and blinks, smiling absently at Fanfan. "I maybe... overextended myself a bit." * Jinx takes out what looks like a few hundred kanmon. "Alright, you heard the man, do you believe your commander, than put your money where your honor is. 8:1 against him." * Fanfan frowns at him. "Do you have anything in that black bag of yours that would help?" * Tairan smirks at Daigoro. "You expect me to fight with a loaf of bread and a winning smile, perhaps? These are the weapons which I fight with... if you think you can't win, you're free to submit now." * Mikoto manages to hobble off to the side with Fanfan. "They haven't bottled sleep yet. IF they do, I plan to corner the market with all due haste." ( Roll init Tairan ) d6+7 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (d6+7) and gets 8. But those wounds can't help Mikky. Here. ( "Crazy Feathers have sleep. 500 kanmon a bottle." ) Perhaps...you should try and rest while they duel. * Mikoto smiles a little at Millie. "They... are a little more appreciated than strips of my somewhat dirty shirt. Thanks." He sits down against a tree, or a rock, or a guard. Something. And bandages away. ( *snicker* "Do you have something in there that'll help?" "Just coffee." *sips coffee, regains 50 EP ) * Millie smiles slightly. "Don't mention it. Think of it as a way of payin' ya back for tryin' ta get to mine. Though I wish I knew how ta wrap 'em better." (Careful, those are temp EP.) (Hehe) ( I need to take more levels of Damn Perky! ) ( A perky Mikoto is a scary Mikoto. ) ( Yay! Pretty Mikoto-chan is sooooooooo full of energy. XD ) ( And somehow still less scary than Kasumi Tendo Sakura. ^^ ) [Daigoro goes first, then Tairan.] * Jinx scowls and slaps some money down between the two groups. "Fuck it. Here's 200 kanmon. If anyone wants a stake in it put your cash on the other side. If Tairan loses I'll give this money to anyone who puts at least 10 down in the bet. If Tairan wins I get that. Surely one of you has some faith." He then steps back. * Millie looks at the fight and shakes her head a little, grinning slightly. "Honestly though, what were ya thinkin' takin' the sword would do? Specially with all those trained archers?" S'no use, Jinx. These guys know me too well ta bet against me. Ain't that right, Daigoro? *tips his cap* * Mikoto sniffles. "I have faith in Mira. Though I was expecting they'd care more about the sword than they did." He looks at Tamiko, speaking quietly. "Clearly... Tairan is more important than the sword, to them." * Jinx gives a theatrical sigh and shrugs. "So it seems, not even at 20:1 against Daigoro." * Daigoro rushes at Tairan, swinging the left tonfa at his head. * Fanfan sits down next to Mikoto and looks up at Millie. "Let him sleep. Or at least rest his eyes." Yeah. An' they apparently don't care much 'bout their commander ta ignore the woman with the big gun. * Tamiko doesn't turn her attention from the fight, but does speak to Mikoto. "Perhaps you'll hear the story sometime. I may even tell it." * Millie smirks slightly at Mikoto. "She's right. Take a nap. Ya need it." * John shrugs. * Tairan sighs as he readies himself. "Not even a bow before the fight. Really now." * Mikoto laughs. "I'm tired, not dead." He continues to look at Tamiko. "I think I'd like to hear it, Lady Tamiko." He glances around, then closes his eyes. "Clearly there's more here than meets the eyes." * Jinx watches the fight and watches his money. It's a trick he normally applies to his cards and his money, but it'll work here too. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 8. It would be foolish to think otherwise. * Tamiko shakes her head. "Men." * Sakura places ten coins on the "bet against Tairan" side. ( *snerk* ) * Millie smirks at Tamiko. "Same on both sides of the Sallies, ain't they?" ( More than he paid for you, mask lady. ) * Fanfan raises an eyebrow at Sakura, then shakes her head, bemused. If he loses, I get enough money to survive for a while while I continue along. If he wins, then the money does not matter. I've never been to the West, nor do I desire to go. * Sakura nods sagely. * Mikoto opens one eye. "Tell me something, Lady Tamiko." * Jinx snickers. "My, it appears that strangers have more faith in Daigoro than his own men." * Tairan dodges a little too late, and gets clipped upside the head with the first tonfa swing. "Forgot how quick you are..." * Tamiko flicks her eyes to Mikoto, but returns them to the fight. "Mmm?" * Millie looks up at Tamiko, cradling her rifle between her legs as she sits with them crossed. "I didn't think I'd wanna be here either, but..here I am anywho." * Daigoro grins as he thrusts the short end of the right tonfa at Tairan's gut. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6) and gets 3. * Mikoto looks at Tamiko. "Who do you want to win?" * Tairan quickly recovers, and contorts his way out of the path of Daigoro's strike. Shifting his grip on his katana so the blade is pointing down, he springs foward, slashing as he darts by, then turning and firing a shot at Daigoro's left elbow as he moves past (called shot). 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 5. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 3. Perhaps I'll tell you when I relate the story. * Mikoto smiles wearily. "A proper answer." (Oh yeah, it's a really good idea to answer either way when they can both hear you. :P) * Millie shakes her head slightly. "They're fightin' over ya, ain't they?" (That's why I said what I did.) * Fanfan shoots a sharp look at Mikoto. "Are you so fond of collapsing that you wish to set yourself up to do so later on?" * Daigoro dodges to the side, avoiding the katana, but he's caught unprepared by the bullet. It goes through his elbow and causes him to lose his grip on one of the tonfa. He growls in anger and charges back at Tairan, leaping and spinning, the tonfa aimed at his pistol hand. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 4. * Mikoto raises an eyebrow at Fanfan. "If I don't even have witty banter, Miss Fanfan, why am I even here?" * Tamiko looks at Millie oddly for a moment. "One might be, in a way. The other... I doubt it." Certainly not to fall over. Now go to sleep. * Millie looks over Tamiko straightly. "Maybe. Which do ya think is which?" (And says no more, to save the GM headache) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6) and gets 10. ( Myaa. Someone's in all-offense mode. ) * Tairan gets whacked on the hand, and winces, but keeps a hold on his gun. He quickly fires off a shot to back Daigoro off, then spins and slashes for his right elbow (Called shot). 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-1) and gets 8. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-1) and gets 3. * Jinx keeps his face inexpressive but mutters to himself. "Would it have been so hard to let Daigoro look good for the first few hits?" * Tamiko watches, all smile gone from her face. "Later." * Mikoto closes his eyes and breathes out. "My old master said something to me when I left the dojo: 'The harshest trainer is the real world'." * Millie shakes her head slightly then turns to look at Tamiko, all smile gone from her face too. "Raight." ( I will now translate my own proverb: Tairan is going to win because he is HARDENED AND BITTER. ) * John continues watching the duel with a straight face. (Yes.) * Daigoro ignores the shot as it goes wide. The sword comes around at his elbow spins suddenly, avoiding the attack and swinging his remaining tonfa at Tairan's ribs. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 5. * Fanfan glances at Mikoto and shakes her head. At least his eyes are closed... * Millie watches the fight carefully. "Look, Tairan may be an idiot for stealin' the sword, but it sounds ta me like he tried ta save ya. He may be bitter, but that don't mean there ain't nothin' there..." ( Yes, MOM. Geez! Sleep makes for lame RP. ;) ( Hey, not my fault you decided to collapse. Did Mira steal all your EP? ) ( Oh yes. ) ( Oh, dear. ) ( :9) ( So hopefully Tairan will be in "can be healed with Medical skill" condition after this, and not "needs healing magic immediately" condition. ) * Tairan blinks as Daigoro dodges around the slash way more impressively than he would have expected, and just barely manages to keep the shot down to a glancing blow. "s'what I get for tryin' to end the fight nice and clean..." * Millie winces and rubs her side gently as she shifts posture to make herself more comfortable. * Mikoto rubs his face and opens his eyes. "I think I just pushed myself a little too far. I'll be fine until the time for real sleep arrives." He watches the duel with a tense face. "You might... want to get my bag, though." * Daigoro keeps his grin. "Let me tell you something," he says as he spins the tonfa around at the shoulder of Tairan's sword arm. "I'm far better with tonfa than I am with a naginata!" ( Yeah? Well, Tairan's not left-handed either! ) (Ha!) ( *snickers* ) He must have been very poor with a naginata then. * Fanfan glances at the duel, nods, and goes off to fetch it. ( Beat me to it, Atom. ;_; ) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 8. ( You better start justifying our boasting, here, Tai. c.c; ) ( I'm TRYING. ) ( Hey, I bet against him. ) ( *snickers* Sakura runs in and clocks Tairan over the head. "I was only carrying 10 kanmon." ) * Millie blinks as she rubs her side, then turns to Tamiko. "Oh um...I have a question.." What? Are giant sword-wieldin' skeletons that roar common 'round these parts? ( ...HA. ) ( Nope, just Metroids. ) * Tamiko actually turns to stare at Millie. "No." ( Skree. *drinks John's delicious life energy* ) ( Hope you still have those ice arrows... Although I don't know where you'd get five missiles. ) (*sleeps) ( Lemme count.. Jinx, John, Millie, Tairan and Mikoto. Five. ) ( ...I hate you, Milkman Sakura. ) ( Now I just get Crazy Hippogriff to sell me some explosives, and we're set. ) * Millie lets out a deep breath, looking down at her sides where her wounds are. "Any idea what'd make 'em come out then?" * Fanfan returns with the bag and sits down next to Mikoto again. * Mikoto winces as he watches. "That's going to need to be popped into place. Thank you, Fanfan." It was of no matter. ( Must... not envision... Fanfan in nurse costume... ) ( The white robes? Not helping though. ) (Why not? ^^;) ( Nursey with swords...hm.... ;D ) ( "Scalpel." "Scalpel." "...that's a short sword." "Improvise." ) (Then we get Millie in her kimono with the rifle.) ( Exactly. XD ) ( Har. ) ( *snerks at Winamp* Duel of the Fates. I hate you. ) I'm afraid not. * Tairan winces badly as she shoulder pops out of its socket, his sword arm hanging semi-limply at his side. He's not about to let a little thing like that stop him, though; gritting his teeth HARD he hops back and fires again for Daigodo's still healthy elbow. (called shot) * Tamiko goes back to watching. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-3) and gets 8. * Jinx gives his best look of worry over at his money and then glances up uneasily at the soldiers on the other side before turning back to the fight. ( o/~ DR is happy, DR is friendly....well, most of the time. ) * Daigoro darts forwards, keeping up with Tairan, and swings his tonfa at Tairan's ribs. * Millie looks up at the fight. "I don't know medicine but...his arm ain't s'posed ta do that, is it?" No. * John winces at the limp arm. "That's gonna hurt." * Mikoto shakes his head. "Dislocated. Now it's one weapon against one weapon, and Tairan's only got so many shots." He frowns. "It also requires attention *soon*.' 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 5. * Tairan barely manages to get out of the way, decides to forego the niceties, and just freaking shoots Daigodo. ( Poor Mikoto. While everyone else dyes their hair blond, he'll be the bald guy collecting the balls. ) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-4) and gets 6. ( And my wish is for you all to turn into chocolate. ) * Daigoro keeps up with Tairan, narrowly but successfully dodging the shot. He swings his tonfa at Tairan's gun hand, but misses. * Tairan tries to take advantage of Daigoro's minor overextension, dodging to his his good arm's side and trying to fire down, ONCE AGAIN, into his still healthy elbow. (Called Shot) 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-3) and gets 0. * Mikoto bites his lip, and somewhat slowly but successfully manages to stand up. "Part of me wants to stop this, but part of me wonders..." He glances at Tamiko. "If Tairan wins, will you really let us go?" That's what they agreed to, isn't it? * Tamiko nods once, not even answering with words. * Millie folds her arms slowly and looks up. "Even us 'honorless westerners' are good to our word." * Daigoro moves, but not quickly enough, and the bullet skims his elbow. He manages to retain grip on his tonfa, though, and swings, but the loss of balance keeps him from landing the hit. * Mikoto frowns. "I assumed your word was good. Sadly... that doesn't bode well for Tairan. The fight can't last much longer." So what happens if he loses? Does jus' he go or all of us? * Tairan rolls around Daigoro's strike, turns, and fires once at some vaguely non-vital point. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-4) and gets 2. * Tamiko says, quietly, "Just as it was years ago." And then she raises her voice: "The terms state that we let you go." * Daigoro takes the bullet in the side and grunts, but keeps up his assault. Neither he nor Tairan look like they can last much longer. * Mikoto looks at Tamiko. "We won't let you take him or the sword. I hope... somehow, you understand why." * Millie scowls slightly. "At this rate, they're BOTH gonna collapse." 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tairan (2d6-2) and gets 6. * Jinx looks over at Tairan. "The bets just aren't coming. Feel free to kick his ass now." * Tairan takes the shot full on in the ribs. He crumples to his knees, and manages a last, venom-filled glare at Tamiko before collapsing into unconciousness. * Mikoto breathes out, then starts walking toward Tairan. Slowly, but he's doing it. Is he alive? * Fanfan jerks upright in shock, but then follows Mikoto with the bag. * Jinx looks more than a little shocked. He doesn't even spare a glance to the money as he watches Tairan. * Daigoro collapses to his knees, breathing hard. He reaches over and grabs the sword with his good hand. * Millie stands up with a stern look. She looks over Tairan and then Tamiko for a moment before turning around without comment and marching back towards her horse. * Tamiko walks over to Tairan, too, more quickly than Mikoto does. She turns him onto his back and checks his pulse. * Mikoto arrives slightly afterward. "We'll have to start with the shoulder, or it'll set improperly and cause complications later. Try to sit him up." * Fanfan hefts Tairan to a semi-sitting position using his good shoulder. [A bunch of the troops arrive and help Daigo to his feet, as well.] * Sakura watches curiously as she collects her winnings. * Mikoto kneels, rubbing his face. "This... would be a lot easier if he were awake. Hold him steady." ( I'm guessing I need to roll to set his shoulder. ^_^ ) (That's one way to wake him ^^;) * Fanfan kneels behind Tairan and tries to hold him still. (Yeah. Give it a -2. Fixing a dislocated shoulder is painful, but not really difficult.) ( It's for his, uh, own good. ) * Jinx scowls and grabs something off his wrist. "How bad is he?" 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Mikoto (2d6-4) and gets 5. ( Critfail. You accidentally break it instead of set it. ) ( Let's fix this shoulder... Oops! It's supposed to go in the OTHER direction. ) (Oops!) ( Whoops, it was supposed to be the *other* way arBrettgetouttamyhead. *pouts* ) * Jinx walks forward a bit, couching something in his left palm. "Alright, anyone got a potion?" * Tairan stirs. "... don't waste the potion. Ow. Fuck." * Mikoto sort of... *jerks* the bone back into place with a really disconcerting sound. "Well, glad to see you're awake." * John shakes his head. "At least yer awake." [Snap! Crackle! Pop!] * Fanfan winces at the sound, but continues to hold Tairan still until Mikoto doesn't need it anymore. * Tairan eyes Daigoro, and mutters. "One more decent shot... ONE more..." * Millie rides back over and looks down at Tairan. She's not saying anything just yet. * Mikoto breathes out. "You'll be fine until I check the other one over." He stands up and looks at the soldiers around Daigoro. "Keep him steady, I'm going to check him over too." * Tamiko backs away from Tairan the moment he wakes up, but also speaks: "You're in our custody now, in accordance with the duel. Your companions are free to go." * Daigoro chuckles. "Just like old times, eh?" * Tamiko blinks and looks at Daigoro. * Mikoto kneels down next to Daigoro and looks him over. "No talking." * Jinx shakes his head and walks right next to Tairan comment quietly. "Interested in what I offered Jan? Minus the bounty of course. * Tairan nods at Daigoro. "Never said you were a lousy fighter. Just thought I was less lousy. * Daigoro ignores Mikoto, waving with the sword. "It's been a while since I've had a fight that good. And now that I have this back... Well, if you leave Hoshimoto lands, I'll tell them I never saw you. How about it?" ( Oh, I'm right here. With a SCALPEL. Nobody would ever know. ) ( Well, alright, everybody would know, but nobody likes him! ) ( With an actual scalpel or a Fanfan-style scalpel? ^_- ) * Tairan shrugs helplessly at Jinx, regretting the use of his shoulder immediately. He looks... defeated. And not just in the 'crap kicked out of him' sense. * Daigoro looks... shot a few times, and cut a few more. * Tamiko looks just fine! * Millie smirks and tips her hat to the poor tonfa guy. "What's your name again?" ( I am Lieutenant Daigoro Needsalastname ) * Mikoto glances at Daigoro. "It's my informed opinion that if you want to make it home without aggravating your wounds, someone makes you a stretcher. Because if I wanted that sword, I could knock you over with a feather right now." * John chuckles. And I may be tired, but I'm considerably heavier than a feather. ( Yeah, until all the soldiesr jumped you. ) ( Don't sweat the details. ) (Or shot you. They could shoot you, too!) (With arrows. You'd be arrowed!) ( Yeah, but then they'd get plenty shot while they were nocking new arrows. ) * Tairan eyes Daigoro. For a moment, it looks like he's seriously considering refusing, but... "... and the old bastard wins again. Dammit dammit dammit." * Tairan punches the ground with his good arm. ( Tairan breaks his good arm. Doh! ) (Tairan pops that one out of his shoulder too) * Jinx looks up at Daigoro with a respectful smile for a moment than glances back down at Tairan. "Can't win every hand, but it's not over while you're still alive." * Fanfan takes his arm and tries to help him up, if he can make it. * Mikoto stands up, and looks at Tamiko. "Tell me something. Can it be theft if he's the legitimate heir?" ( Wait, I get money AND Tairan gets to come along? I love life! ^_^ ) * Tamiko says, with slight amusement, "At this rate, he's going to knock himself out." She sobers and looks to Mikoto. There was a time when Tairan legitimately wielded the sword. He was the heir. But after he lost his name, no. He is not Hoshimoto. ( But the important fact is dammit! Sakura got money! Why'd I hafta have faith in Tairan? *sulks* ) * Mikoto locks gazes with Tamiko. "Think about the word 'legitimate' for a bit. You are clearly a woman of discernment. Do you think Lord Hoshimoto deserves the sword to do with as he pleases?" * Jinx waves of Fanfan. "Let me, I have a bit more bulk for him to lean on." He then walks over and offers help getting up to Tairan. Listen, they are letting him go. Do not aggrivate them further. They are doing their job. * Millie shrugs. "Guys. While we argue this point, Kojiro's gettin' further an' further away. Probably with the tablet." I'm not asking for Tairan's sake. * Tamiko lowers her gaze for a moment, then looks back at Mikoto. "I think you are pressing too far." ( *I'm* asking for his sake. I'm really thirsty. >.> ) ... don't bother, Mikoto. I clearly underestimated Daigoto, in terms of fighting ability and otherwise. Her... *GLARES at Tamiko* ... I didn't. * John nods. "We've wasted too much time here. I say we just go after Kojiro about now." * Mikoto clears his throat. "The more I travel in Shomura after being in Teck, the more I see we are an empire divided. All I'm asking... is that you consider what the real nature of 'loyalty' is." * Millie tips her hat to Daigoro. "An' I was wantin' ta know the name of the person who would help bring Kojiro to justice, but I guess he don't wanna say. So let's go." * Tairan lets Jinx help him up. "Just toss me on the horse. I may not be able to move much, but I can track as long as I'm concious." My name is Daigoro Ono. * Tamiko flinches slightly at Tairan's gaze, but doesn't turn to face him. She does, however, move closer to Mikoto and whisper to him. * Jinx moves towards the horses very carefully, using his strength to make sure Tairan acquires no new injuries. * Millie smirks slightly. "Well, if ya see the memoires of one Millie Reinhart one day, she may have been one of the ghost ya never saw in Hoshimoto territory." ( Jinx then rides into a 30 ft. deep pit. ) ( Filled with tree branches and cacti. ) * Millie nods to the rest of the group. "Let's go." ( It happens. Surprisingly often actually. ) * Fanfan looks around and nods, walking over to Horse. (What? No scorpions and vampiric vultures?) * Mikoto glances at Tamiko a bit, then whispers something back to her. ( *Fanfan whispers to herself, 'cause she's feeling left out. ) * Sakura walks over to Horse, $200 richer and she still gets to use Tairan to track bandits. Sakura wins! * Millie rides off in the direction that the bandits took off. * Mikoto coughs and turns from Tamiko before she can respond. "We're not riding *anywhere* until you and I have both had a lot of sleep, Tairan." * Tamiko smirks faintly. She whispers one more thing, then turns and faces the others. "Good journey to all of you." Her gaze settles on Tairan. "You always were stupid. Don't get yourself killed." She moves to help Daigoro. [And suddenly it was over!]