[[ psl's, memes, overflow and AU bullshit, you wanna bother Takame as a WoL or a Non-WoL, this is the place to do it so come at me with your starters or yell at me to get off my lazy ass. i'll match styles.]]
[This one was well trained to react so quickly, but as far as Takame was concerned the remark about a poor greeting was a slight veiled behind feigned offense.
From above he took a better look at the man. Such ostentatious garb betrayed the full black of most Doman Shadows, and the stance, he realized befit his own preferred style more accurately. Takame did not emerge from the shadows freely, not yet, instead opting to voice his demand while hidden.
It would make for a better means to incapacitate should it come to that.]
State your business, Shadow Walker.
Yoshi already vows to make sad!Takame smile again~
[While most ninjas often drab themselves within drab colorless garbs, Yoshimitsu takes to the brightest and most ostentatious colors in the rainbow. The oni mask he wears upon his face is stark white with gold teeth and horns. He boasts a flowing red mane that drapes past his shoulder and his armor is colored dark with hints of gold. The slacks are bright green and it seems as if the ninja is completely barefoot thanks to the odd taloned boots he wears. Ninja or not, it's certainly obvious that the man standing before the other shinobi is not your average foe.]
My business is my own! [He declares with a slight scoff. ] But if thou must know, then thee must brandish steel!
[While his fellow ninja search in vain for Lord Hien, Yoshimitsu seeks none other than the fabled Warrior of Light the supposed savior of this realm. ]
Harken onto me, fiend! Do you seek death?
[He asks while slowly swishing his long black tail behind him. While the color of his tail matches that of an Xaela, it lacks the scales. His tail is too fuzzy to be that of an Auri. ]
I would ask you the same question. ["Friend" this man says while asking if Takame had a death wish. A closer look at the outfit shows enough that this man isn't of Garlean affiliation. Even in covert operations they would never allow a Shadow to parade about in such an outfit.
He saw that swishing tail though even from this distance. A benefit of the keen sight gifted to him with Hydaelyn's blessing. A Miqo'te, then. A damned bold one to challenge Takame so.
This area already negatively affected Takame's mood, reminded him far too much of every mistake he's ever made. And yet still. One chance more, if only because of the conclusion he drew from the outfit. He'll not draw his sword until he is about to use it. And based on the hand hovering above it and the sound of the belts fastened to his hip clicking together, he was close to that point.]
I will ask once more. State your business. [Said with a small step forward, not completely in view but enough that the rings in his eyes seemed to glow eerily, and for a split second one of his horns poked out from behind the shade.] If you do so now I may yet show mercy.
[If the other had been a Garlean, Yoshimitsu wouldn't hesitate to kill. The ninja is blinded by his hatred for the Garleans to not discriminate friend from foe. He thinks all of them to be nothing more than beasts after surviving the horrors the Empire reaped upon Doma. His hatred for their kind runs strong but from this angle, Yoshimitsu can tell that the man before he isn't Garlean.
This shinobi lacks the makings and trappings of one, especially in terms of their accent. The Garlean all have the same pompous accent that hails back to their Garlemald origins. While he can barely see his opponent's face, the accent sounds off. ]
Aye, aye! It seems we both have our questions, don't we?
[He states in a somewhat friendlier tone despite being unwilling to sheathe his katana. ]
Very well, I suppose there's no harm in stating I'm seeking the origins of the chaos behind us.
[Yoshimitsu gestures his head towards the wall behind him. ]
Rumors have reached Kugane of a legendary hero who set the Garleans ablaze here in Eorzea.
[The glowing ethereal gleam of his eyes dims somewhat as he narrows his eyes. ]
I speak of the Warrior of Light! I seeketh his aid for lands beyond the Ruby Sea.
[Few Garleans would tread Eorzean soil so brazenly without being given some manner of violent order. Cid and Lucia (Nero as well, he supposed) were exceptions.
Takame didn't assume this Ninja Garlean, but a spy, a conscript more likely originally from this land or, more accurately, the Far East given his manner of speech. Odd given Miqo'te are rare there, he only knew of one other. Thankfully the information shared caused Takame to ease slightly.]
... Is that right? [This man was much like Gosetsu, then. There are more blatant steps taken to reveal himself, light slowly shining on him and revealing his features.]
You've come a long way for that purpose. [Half said to himself:] Word has spread as far as Kugane, then... [Worrisome, he thought, given their cordial relationship with the Empire and where his next objective was. A thought he put aside for now.]
If it is the Warrior of Light you seek, you need look no further. I am he.
[ The moment the shinobi steps into the light, Yoshimitsu decides to sheathe his blade. ]
You have horns! [He announces with great excitement as his tail swishes erratically behind him. ] You're a Man of the East as well? A Raen no less!
[ This truly comes a surprise for Yoshimitsu, especially since he always thought the Warrior of Light to be a man native of Eorzea. While this changes nothing in hindsight, this certainly causes Yoshimitsu to pause some. Who would've guessed that the fabled Warrior of Light would be a fellow countryman? This brings a smile to the miqo'te's lips but his mask conceals it. ]
This is truly the most auspicious of days, isn't it? After such a long and perilous journey, I've finally found thee!
[ Yoshimitsu quickly closes the gap between them and peers up at the Au Ra. It's more evident now than before that the mask's ethereal glow is no mere illusion. The Warrior of Light can see his eyes as plain as day from beneath that mask and they're just as green as jade but round announcing his heritage quite plainly. This isn't a Seeker of the Sun but rather a Keeper of the Moon gazing up at him. His kind is truly rare beyond that of the Ruby Sea. ]
You seem so young! Barely past twenty moons, I wager.
... Yes. [He Sure Does Have Horns What A Brilliant Observation.
Takame didn't flinch when the Ninja stepped in real close, instead giving him a full body head to toe scan. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say he was sizing the man up. Indeed, note was made of the decidedly rounded pupils and the longer tail when compared to a Seeker's.
He gave no reaction towards the comment of his age. Considering he was approaching his twenty-eighth summer, though, it came as something of a surprise to be described as young. But that was irrelevant to now where his aid is being requested. And in truth, he was curious of events overseas.]
I imagine you've much to share if you've come all this way. [A pause as he looked to the Shroud, away from the wall. Where an Aetheryte shined in the distance.] ... Come with me. There is a settlement not far where we may freely speak of your business.
Indeed, indeed! With haste we go but let us hope I don't scare the locals.
[ The Gridanians aren't typically fond of outsiders, least of all miqo'tes. Too many of his kind often prowl these woods as thieves and vagabonds. Yoshimitsu wouldn't be surprised if he gets confused for one but he hopes the Warrior of Light has a good enough rapport with local law enforcement. The Wood Wailers can be quite unfriendly towards travelers like Yoshimitsu. ]
Lead on, friend. Lead on.
[ He falls into step with Takame matching his pace as they walk towards the village ahead. Besides the melodious chirping of the birds and the faint howl of the wind, all is quiet. The Shroud is slowly waking from its tranquil slumber and the critters are just starting to stir. While Yanxia is much hillier with fewer trees and more stone, this realm certainly makes Yoshimitsu long for home. ]
What is your name, warrior?
[ He asks once he starts fiddling with the clasps of his mask. It's time to take this thing off. ]
Many know of your grand exploits but not many know of your name.
... Your choice of attire does come off as sinister. [Maybe that was... too rude. He cleared his throat quietly.]
Ah, but it is quite... extravagant. ["And Sinister." Right, changing that subject...] I am... known to the heads of the settlement. They are kind and welcoming. [A short pause. Many don't know his name, especially in the East, but that is by his own design.]
... My name is Takame. A pleasure, ser. Pray forgive my earlier hostility.
[He'll hope the rest of the trip goes without incident. That may be far too much to ask a Warrior of Light circumstance, but come what may it will be dealt with. Indeed as the majority of the trip was quiet on Takame's end, a few of the Wood Wailers stationed before Hawthorne Hut gave a reluctant look towards his guest. It was only after a nod from Takame that they stood at ease.
Given recent circumstances so close to their border, it was understandable that they were even more on edge. But what information may be shared between himself and this shinobi may cause for more alarm. He would have suggested Gridania proper for better privacy had he not had the benefit of his first language, not to mention the Echo.]
I would learn of your situation. [Spoken very plainly in Hingan. He could ensure privacy via the language barrier.] You said you required my aid and wished to know the circumstances of the events at Baelsar's Wall, correct?
[ That comment wins a glare from Yoshimitsu the second the mask is off. His slim fluffy cat-like ears are as dark as his hair but his complexion is oddly fair. He looks Doman judging by the narrow almost almond shape of his eyes. He's a miqo'te all right judging from the faint markings at the inner corners of his eyes. A scruffy-looking miqo'te with a bit of scruff on his upper lip but most of it upon his chin. He looks roughly around Takame's age but it's hard to tell. ]
There's nothing particularly sinister about me. However, my armor is meant to strike fear within the hearts of my opponents.
[ That's why he dresses like an Oni, a demon. The Manji often take on demon-like characteristics and personas upon the battlefield. After all, they're supposed to be fearsome.]
Think nothing of it. [ The ninja states dismissively with a waved hand. ] I am known upon the battlefield as "Yoshimitsu" but my true name is Nobuyuki Ito of the Manji tribe.
[ Now with introductions out of the way, Yoshimitsu can finally speak freely. He appreciates it when Takame switches from the common tongue to that of his native language. This means others won't be able to overhear.]
Aye, aye. The flames of rebellion are upon us in Doma but the Resistance is but small and few. We have yet to recover from our losses but the people seek freedom from their imperial chains.
His tribe isn't one Takame had ever heard of, possibly one that was erased during the occupation. One he hadn't been ordered to "take care of". Or one he forgot about.
The thought nearly prevented him from turning to face this Yoshimitsu, but to speak with his back turned would be beyond rude and he's offended the man enough. So turn around to speak he did only to see that he'd removed the Oni mask. He paused slightly, pursing his lips and letting out a small exhale. He was quite handsome... But of course, gaining information trumped his desire to ogle. Sad.]
You sought my help to bolster your numbers, then. [A long pause.] What is left of Doma's rebels will not last long against the hand of the Empire if that is true. [He looked to the direction of the Wall again.]
... As we speak, Ala Mhigo prepares for their own uprising against Imperial occupation. But as with Doma, they too have suffered tremendous losses. [That he could not stop. Because Zenos was someone he could not best.]
[There's no harm in ogling. Nobuyuki is shockingly dense about that kind of stuff. It's a trait he shares with Lord Hien himself but neither of them is aware of it. Even so, the ninja is rather handsome for someone who've spent most of his life fighting on Doma's behalf. He's remarkably well-preserved in that aspect, especially since most of his esteemed colleagues are dead. He has Zenos to thank for that.]
This I've heard whispered in the wind. [The ninja states with a hint of disappointment in his tone.] However, I know what you have been a thorn at the empire's side ever since your arrival to these lands.
You've bested Gaius van Baeslar, did you not?
[A faint smirk lingers upon Nobuyuki's lips as he regards the man with what seems to be admiration.]
Tell me, do you believe there's still hope for any of us in this plight? Do you think we can still win back what was once lost?
[He wants to know the Warrior of Light's opinion on this matter before going further.]
[There's a small hum in confirmation, though he laid the Black Wolf low so long ago it felt like. Much has changed since then, much more has been at risk to the point he couldn't afford to return to the Pugilism he employed before Operation Archon.
Whatever admiration Takame was regarded with he felt that he did not deserve. Not just because of his recent failures, but because he need not be admired for doing his duty.
Still, he's silent for a while and his eyes fell shut. Is there hope for them in this plight? Takame was someone who knew intimately the lengths which Garlemald will go to crush the people's will. The few remaining fools who had will left, at any rate. Fools so the Imperials would call them next to Savages. And if at the foot of these quashed rebellions was Zenos yae Galvus, someone who he could not best. The first man in a long time Takame could not best...
But what would he tell Yoshimitsu? That the Warrior of Light thinks that hope is lost? Even if Takame believed it, he would not dare voice it. Doing so would invalidate every sacrifice and failure. Every loss and everyone he could save. And after what he did in the past did he not owe it to Ala Mhigo and Doma both to at least try and reclaim their homes? He is a symbol of hope, is he not? Should he not act like it? He lacked a way with words, but... what would Hina or Zhian say to this, he wondered.]
... If there was no hope, no one would fight. We are still fighting.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
hey you wanted the wol version and you know what that entails
From above he took a better look at the man. Such ostentatious garb betrayed the full black of most Doman Shadows, and the stance, he realized befit his own preferred style more accurately. Takame did not emerge from the shadows freely, not yet, instead opting to voice his demand while hidden.
It would make for a better means to incapacitate should it come to that.]
State your business, Shadow Walker.
Yoshi already vows to make sad!Takame smile again~
My business is my own! [He declares with a slight scoff. ] But if thou must know, then thee must brandish steel!
[While his fellow ninja search in vain for Lord Hien, Yoshimitsu seeks none other than the fabled Warrior of Light the supposed savior of this realm. ]
Harken onto me, fiend! Do you seek death?
[He asks while slowly swishing his long black tail behind him. While the color of his tail matches that of an Xaela, it lacks the scales. His tail is too fuzzy to be that of an Auri. ]
stronger people than catte yoshi have tried
He saw that swishing tail though even from this distance. A benefit of the keen sight gifted to him with Hydaelyn's blessing. A Miqo'te, then. A damned bold one to challenge Takame so.
This area already negatively affected Takame's mood, reminded him far too much of every mistake he's ever made. And yet still. One chance more, if only because of the conclusion he drew from the outfit. He'll not draw his sword until he is about to use it. And based on the hand hovering above it and the sound of the belts fastened to his hip clicking together, he was close to that point.]
I will ask once more. State your business. [Said with a small step forward, not completely in view but enough that the rings in his eyes seemed to glow eerily, and for a split second one of his horns poked out from behind the shade.] If you do so now I may yet show mercy.
but none of them were NYAMITSU!
This shinobi lacks the makings and trappings of one, especially in terms of their accent. The Garlean all have the same pompous accent that hails back to their Garlemald origins. While he can barely see his opponent's face, the accent sounds off. ]
Aye, aye! It seems we both have our questions, don't we?
[He states in a somewhat friendlier tone despite being unwilling to sheathe his katana. ]
Very well, I suppose there's no harm in stating I'm seeking the origins of the chaos behind us.
[Yoshimitsu gestures his head towards the wall behind him. ]
Rumors have reached Kugane of a legendary hero who set the Garleans ablaze here in Eorzea.
[The glowing ethereal gleam of his eyes dims somewhat as he narrows his eyes. ]
I speak of the Warrior of Light! I seeketh his aid for lands beyond the Ruby Sea.
no subject
Takame didn't assume this Ninja Garlean, but a spy, a conscript more likely originally from this land or, more accurately, the Far East given his manner of speech. Odd given Miqo'te are rare there, he only knew of one other. Thankfully the information shared caused Takame to ease slightly.]
... Is that right? [This man was much like Gosetsu, then. There are more blatant steps taken to reveal himself, light slowly shining on him and revealing his features.]
You've come a long way for that purpose. [Half said to himself:] Word has spread as far as Kugane, then... [Worrisome, he thought, given their cordial relationship with the Empire and where his next objective was. A thought he put aside for now.]
If it is the Warrior of Light you seek, you need look no further. I am he.
no subject
You have horns! [He announces with great excitement as his tail swishes erratically behind him. ] You're a Man of the East as well? A Raen no less!
[ This truly comes a surprise for Yoshimitsu, especially since he always thought the Warrior of Light to be a man native of Eorzea. While this changes nothing in hindsight, this certainly causes Yoshimitsu to pause some. Who would've guessed that the fabled Warrior of Light would be a fellow countryman? This brings a smile to the miqo'te's lips but his mask conceals it. ]
This is truly the most auspicious of days, isn't it? After such a long and perilous journey, I've finally found thee!
[ Yoshimitsu quickly closes the gap between them and peers up at the Au Ra. It's more evident now than before that the mask's ethereal glow is no mere illusion. The Warrior of Light can see his eyes as plain as day from beneath that mask and they're just as green as jade but round announcing his heritage quite plainly. This isn't a Seeker of the Sun but rather a Keeper of the Moon gazing up at him. His kind is truly rare beyond that of the Ruby Sea. ]
You seem so young! Barely past twenty moons, I wager.
no subject
Takame didn't flinch when the Ninja stepped in real close, instead giving him a full body head to toe scan. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say he was sizing the man up. Indeed, note was made of the decidedly rounded pupils and the longer tail when compared to a Seeker's.
He gave no reaction towards the comment of his age. Considering he was approaching his twenty-eighth summer, though, it came as something of a surprise to be described as young. But that was irrelevant to now where his aid is being requested. And in truth, he was curious of events overseas.]
I imagine you've much to share if you've come all this way. [A pause as he looked to the Shroud, away from the wall. Where an Aetheryte shined in the distance.] ... Come with me. There is a settlement not far where we may freely speak of your business.
no subject
[ The Gridanians aren't typically fond of outsiders, least of all miqo'tes. Too many of his kind often prowl these woods as thieves and vagabonds. Yoshimitsu wouldn't be surprised if he gets confused for one but he hopes the Warrior of Light has a good enough rapport with local law enforcement. The Wood Wailers can be quite unfriendly towards travelers like Yoshimitsu. ]
Lead on, friend. Lead on.
[ He falls into step with Takame matching his pace as they walk towards the village ahead. Besides the melodious chirping of the birds and the faint howl of the wind, all is quiet. The Shroud is slowly waking from its tranquil slumber and the critters are just starting to stir. While Yanxia is much hillier with fewer trees and more stone, this realm certainly makes Yoshimitsu long for home. ]
What is your name, warrior?
[ He asks once he starts fiddling with the clasps of his mask. It's time to take this thing off. ]
Many know of your grand exploits but not many know of your name.
no subject
Ah, but it is quite... extravagant. ["And Sinister." Right, changing that subject...] I am... known to the heads of the settlement. They are kind and welcoming. [A short pause. Many don't know his name, especially in the East, but that is by his own design.]
... My name is Takame. A pleasure, ser. Pray forgive my earlier hostility.
[He'll hope the rest of the trip goes without incident. That may be far too much to ask a Warrior of Light circumstance, but come what may it will be dealt with. Indeed as the majority of the trip was quiet on Takame's end, a few of the Wood Wailers stationed before Hawthorne Hut gave a reluctant look towards his guest. It was only after a nod from Takame that they stood at ease.
Given recent circumstances so close to their border, it was understandable that they were even more on edge. But what information may be shared between himself and this shinobi may cause for more alarm. He would have suggested Gridania proper for better privacy had he not had the benefit of his first language, not to mention the Echo.]
I would learn of your situation. [Spoken very plainly in Hingan. He could ensure privacy via the language barrier.] You said you required my aid and wished to know the circumstances of the events at Baelsar's Wall, correct?
no subject
[ That comment wins a glare from Yoshimitsu the second the mask is off. His slim fluffy cat-like ears are as dark as his hair but his complexion is oddly fair. He looks Doman judging by the narrow almost almond shape of his eyes. He's a miqo'te all right judging from the faint markings at the inner corners of his eyes. A scruffy-looking miqo'te with a bit of scruff on his upper lip but most of it upon his chin. He looks roughly around Takame's age but it's hard to tell. ]
There's nothing particularly sinister about me. However, my armor is meant to strike fear within the hearts of my opponents.
[ That's why he dresses like an Oni, a demon. The Manji often take on demon-like characteristics and personas upon the battlefield. After all, they're supposed to be fearsome.]
Think nothing of it. [ The ninja states dismissively with a waved hand. ] I am known upon the battlefield as "Yoshimitsu" but my true name is Nobuyuki Ito of the Manji tribe.
[ Now with introductions out of the way, Yoshimitsu can finally speak freely. He appreciates it when Takame switches from the common tongue to that of his native language. This means others won't be able to overhear.]
Aye, aye. The flames of rebellion are upon us in Doma but the Resistance is but small and few. We have yet to recover from our losses but the people seek freedom from their imperial chains.
no subject
His tribe isn't one Takame had ever heard of, possibly one that was erased during the occupation. One he hadn't been ordered to "take care of". Or one he forgot about.
The thought nearly prevented him from turning to face this Yoshimitsu, but to speak with his back turned would be beyond rude and he's offended the man enough. So turn around to speak he did only to see that he'd removed the Oni mask. He paused slightly, pursing his lips and letting out a small exhale. He was quite handsome... But of course, gaining information trumped his desire to ogle.
Sad.]You sought my help to bolster your numbers, then. [A long pause.] What is left of Doma's rebels will not last long against the hand of the Empire if that is true. [He looked to the direction of the Wall again.]
... As we speak, Ala Mhigo prepares for their own uprising against Imperial occupation. But as with Doma, they too have suffered tremendous losses. [That he could not stop. Because Zenos was someone he could not best.]
no subject
This I've heard whispered in the wind. [The ninja states with a hint of disappointment in his tone.] However, I know what you have been a thorn at the empire's side ever since your arrival to these lands.
You've bested Gaius van Baeslar, did you not?
[A faint smirk lingers upon Nobuyuki's lips as he regards the man with what seems to be admiration.]
Tell me, do you believe there's still hope for any of us in this plight? Do you think we can still win back what was once lost?
[He wants to know the Warrior of Light's opinion on this matter before going further.]
no subject
Whatever admiration Takame was regarded with he felt that he did not deserve. Not just because of his recent failures, but because he need not be admired for doing his duty.
Still, he's silent for a while and his eyes fell shut. Is there hope for them in this plight? Takame was someone who knew intimately the lengths which Garlemald will go to crush the people's will. The few remaining fools who had will left, at any rate. Fools so the Imperials would call them next to Savages. And if at the foot of these quashed rebellions was Zenos yae Galvus, someone who he could not best. The first man in a long time Takame could not best...
But what would he tell Yoshimitsu? That the Warrior of Light thinks that hope is lost? Even if Takame believed it, he would not dare voice it. Doing so would invalidate every sacrifice and failure. Every loss and everyone he could save. And after what he did in the past did he not owe it to Ala Mhigo and Doma both to at least try and reclaim their homes? He is a symbol of hope, is he not? Should he not act like it? He lacked a way with words, but... what would Hina or Zhian say to this, he wondered.]
... If there was no hope, no one would fight. We are still fighting.