~Soul Series~ IC

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Growing impatient Norbu was about to propose to continue the strategizing after they started the journey. Luckily the emperor ended the discussions before she did, gesturing for them all to follow him. The longer they stayed at one place the easier it was to track the group, she believed. There was little time to stand around and discuss possibilities that were impossible to oversee. All they could do was, as the emperor stated, trust each other and in their abilities.

Examining the fake identity that the empire had prepared for the group Norbu frowned at the unknown name written. The beautiful scenery surrounding her not interesting her so much anymore as the name engraved on the passport. The pupil was, despite all the teachings of Ngawang, attached to the name she had grown and forged her pride with. Despite the background it held she held onto her name tightly, as it was her own. It felt like a betrayal of her own being to carry another name, but she said nothing of it, putting the passport away and telling herself that all owned was fleeting.

“You had the tunnels already lit?” Norbu questioned. Wondering why the emperor would do something that could be tracked and traced by an enemy of whom they had no idea how far their intell reached. Surely, she understood that the light would make it easier for them to see, but he could have given them torches, or a lantern for the purpose of sight. This, however, felt uneasy to the female, who wondered if the enemy had been (ironically) given some light on their plans to evade them.

However, just as soon as her insecurities came the woman dismissed them again, joining the rest of the group. Norbu was sure that the emperor had his own logic in lightening their way for them.

Immediately Arcturus launched himself in discussing tactics again. The woman chuckled at that, but found herself agreeing with the hunter. They should take the path of sobriety, meet as few as they could on their road and keep a low profile. It would mean no dabbling in luxury, but that was a life she had lived for as long as she could remember. Sleeping in the open air was a normalcy when she travelled with monk Ngawang, as they didn’t accept just any charity without the return of a service. She just hoped that the rest could find themselves in that.

Hinata was the first one to take the step in getting to know the group better. Introducing herself once more by name in a polite and gentle manner. The female could greatly appreciate the shift between professionalism to pleasantries. They had a trust to forge, which came through bonds, and for that everyone needed to be at ease.

“Norbu, for these who have forgotten,” she followed after the huntress smiling. She had faith in their abilities, as she didn’t doubt the emperor’s wisdom when choosing them. However, what about their characters? Turning her attention over to the humming of Lao, her facial expression softened at how carefree he was compared to the other two who seemed more stern and rigid in their ways.

Yes, that would be a curious thing to see indeed. How their characters meshed and worked together would determine the note this mission would go. Norbu just hoped that it would be pleasant and not choking them into a power struggle of sorts, which happened when too many individual personalities were stuck together.

 
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Aka remained silent for the next proceeding events. He'd notably stand close yet distant in order to keep an eye on everyone in the group. As they made their way in, saying their partings to the emperor before leaving, Aka would allow himself to be the rear-man. As the last man he bowed at the waist to his royalty, and quickly regained his composure to rejoin the others. He would carefully maneuver himself to the front of the group, taking point where his eyes, ears, and would be the most useful to them. For now he would avoid discussing tactics with the Hunter. He was logical, but stubborn as well in Aka's mind. A simple discussion could quickly go south with him being so 'taunt' in attitude. His talk of living among the wilderness was well put however. It prompted Aka to think of the many places in the area he'd stow himself away. Places best for hiding and living from prying eyes just for such an objective as theirs.

One area that came to mind was a notably lush forest not too far from their current location. Namely, the same one he could probably expect his beast Ren to be awaiting him. Again with her in thought he could expect someone to react as a hostile, which would beg her to react the same. Whichever the case, Aka would be more than fast enough to halt that which comes.

As he stepped along with the others, he'd reach to his right and take one of the torches along the path with them. He'd take the gourd he kept on his person for water, and poured enough to dowse the flame. Once the sizzles settled, he'd tie the torch against his waist, and carry forward. The short one, Hinata, would take the first step in starting a conversation. Followed by the other elegant female, introducing herself again as Norbu in case any of them had forgotten. Fortunately he made sure to note all of their names during the previous introductions. He had to admit, he expected the wiser one, Lao, to be the first to break the silence between them. But it seemed he was happy for now just humming away a peaceful tune. He could help but bring a chuckle from his chest, not that anyone would see the grin or shift in his face due to his mask.

"Aka," he'd quickly add to the two's conversation. "But just cal me Sen..." He'd say as he continued skimming ahead of the lit pathway with his keen eyesight.
 
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The tunnels were well lit at first but the deeper they ventured the more scarce the wall torches became, forcing them to venture into more eerie environment. The tunnels bent and snaked, opened into wider chambers of different shapes with fixtures on the wall which made one consider that they could be walking through an old prison of sorts, though it was unlikely given the proximity to the throne room. Well, either that or a previous emperor had some questionable traits that ought not to be discussed openly. Still though, the tunnels appeared odd and if you paid enough attention sometimes you could hear peculiar and unsettling noises.

Naomi had continued to remain quiet as they walked, listening as a few of them began to converse with short introductions. She had to admit she was more than curious about the individuals in her escort, all of them so different yet so unique in their own ways. "Naomi" she added to the introductions herself despite having already done so upon their arrival, though she added a little bit more this time, "Never dragon or any title similar. Unless I sprout wings and grow scales... " she gave a small smile of amusement at her own attempt at humor. It was true she cared very little for the titles attached to her by officials of the kingdom.

Almost an hour of walking in the tunnels would have them greeted by a gentle exhale of air, breathing life into the tunnel as if they were walking in the throat of some kind of giant creature. The more they walked the stronger the air became till light pierced through the dark, a telling sign that they were almost free of the uncomfortable narrow halls. "Ah, it seems we finally made it" Naomi commented as she quickened her pace, passing Sen in her eagerness to bathe in the light of the sun and feel the moisture in the air which comforted her so. In her eagerness she'd almost forgotten their task,.

She doubted there would be anything that posed them a threat this close to the tunnels entrance, especially this deep into the thicket. Unless of course their advisories had somehow managed to discover their plan, in which case she was probably walking quickly to her death. There was little time for debate as she left the tunnels entrance into the light, her eyes adjusting to the large tree's and colorful flora that surrounded the exit. Surprisingly the ground was paved with large stones with what appeared to be the remained of ruins leading further out into the thicket, as if at one point in time it'd been part of the palace.

Tree's and plants had reclaimed it, vines crawling across stone arches and waving between rocks, pulling some of them from the ground a little in some cases. "Beautiful" she commented, mostly to herself as she looked around. Naomi appeared oblivious but to the trained warriors there were a lot of places they could be ambushed from, in fact it was so perfect that you could almost expect it, even wager that they'd been sent here purposely to be ambushed. Yet there was nothing but the rustling leaves and songs of birds in the air, "How far are we from the town, or... are we to follow the example of the hunter and avoid it?" she asked curiously.

The majority of the group would likely make the final decision, unless of course they agree'd upon some kind of hierarchy... though she severely doubted that would go well, based on how she'd observed the intricate interactions and reactions between some of them. Although then again, perhaps it were just high tensions. Before anyone could answer, a twig snapped behind a far tree and birds quickly fluttered from the canopies nearby.
 
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The darkness underground was... oppressive, to say the least. The torches kept the black void at bay, if only temporarily, but the big man felt a gentle tug on his mind to unveil his power, and fill the corridor with light, and send the eternal night packing. It would be ease to notice his unease just from his body language, he was constantly fidgeting with his gear and playing with straps and safeties on the small arsenal he carried. Suffice to say, the hour proved long indeed for the Hunter.

Seeing the end of the tunnel, the natural gross incandescence of the sun, his spirits would lift. He pushed past Sen like care and gentleness was on ration and was second to leave the tunnel. Green and life and world exploded around his and for a split second, he was practically blinded by the pleasant assault on his senses. He let himself lean against a tree, the plant creaking in protest against the momentum applied on it. "Sweet mother of everything unholy on this world, that tunnel seemed endless!"

His nerves calmed, he looked around and considered what Naomi said. "Well, you know my position. Still, whether we decided to go to town or not, we have to invest ourselves in the decision. If we will use roads and towns, we need to use them to their maximum. We'd do best to buy some horses and keep our speed at maximum."
 
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Lao made his way through 4 songs by the time the glint of sunlight interrupted the darkness of the tunnel. The discomfort of his companions had been steadily growing more obvious as they traveled, which made him doubly glad to feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. He closed his eyes and basked in it for a moment, letting the songs of birds and bubble of a nearby stream clear his mind from the minor annoyance that was the hunter and samurai’s passive aggressive bickering that was resuming already. After his minor meditation he blinked a few times, let out a sigh, and turned to face Naomi and the Hunter.


“Personally I think we are not so doomed as to necessitate committing to a singular course of action for the entirety of our journey.” He took his pipe out of his mouth and began to pack it. “The Emperor has given us the gift of both a head start and an unknown location, to go to ground in a village so quickly would squander those gifts. We can make good progress on foot so long as we stay light and don’t let ourselves be overcome by analysis paralysis. Perhaps in a few days we can acquire horses when those pursuing you Naomi have become antsy and are dragging the villages around the palace to see if we have been secreted away.”
 
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Hinata had chuckled when she heard Naomi short but sweet introduction. "Very well," she had promised with a nod. "I'll simply call you by your name." Perhaps she wished to be treated like a normal individual, one of them? If that was the case, Hinata was more than happy to comply; rank and titles were useful for order, but it could be rather tedious in everyday life.

Conversation seemed to have dwindled down as easily as it had begun, much to her disappointment. When they reached the end of the tunnel, Hinata could tell the others were relieved. She supposed it was a normal reaction, though she had quite like the dark and closeness of the earth; it had felt comforting and much less stifling than people. Still, when the time came she exited, not the first but neither the last. She quickly moved to the side, eyes darting in different direction. So this was the thicket she had seen on the map. While it was much better than being in a town, it certainly had a plethora of hiding spots, if not for humans then for animals.

Even as the others spoke, Hinata pulled her unstrung bow from its holster to string it. It was best to be prepared in this sort of situation, and a sword would only help her with an enemy that was in her reach. She could hear Naomi, Arcturus and then Lao speak, but for the moment she wasn't paying attention to them; as she finished with her bow, her ears caught the sound of the birds taking to the air.

In an instance her hand moved to her back, plucking an arrow from her quiver. She didn't know why they had flown, but what if something or someone had scared the birds? She looked in the direction the birds had flown from. "Perhaps a couple of us should see to that area," she suggested.​
 
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Silence fell over them as they proceeded. The lights in the tunnel growing scarcer, making the travel all the more tense. It was a shame, as Norbu had wanted to get to know everyone a little, but it seemed that the darkness took away their voices. She left it to be, there would be plenty of opportunities to warm and open up. Or that she at least hoped.

When they finally stepped into the light Norbu covered and pinched her adjusting eyes. The brightness hurt her after the long darkness, but wasn't unwelcome. She had forgotten what time it was, but was relieved to see that the group didn't have to set up camp too soon. The day was still young and they could make it well into their journey before needing to rest.

The pupil was surprised at how open the exit of the tunnel was, yet inconspicuous, as it blend into the nature surrounding them. No one would expect that the emperor’s palace was this easily accessed. This was truly some piece of knowledge only the most trusted could know of, as betrayal could be fatal to the emperor, but also the entire empire. She just hoped that no one was watching the entourage leave this place either, as that surely would reveal the secrets of this tunnel.

As the voices of her companions picked up again birds flew up in flight and the sound of rustling was heard. Alarmed, Hinata was the first to react, stringing her bow and holding her aim into the direction of the sound. Norbu as well turned sharply towards the tree. Bending lightly through her knees for balance as she focussed for her magic to charge.

“I can go,” Norbu offered, eyes shifting towards Naomi. “Naomi, can you stand with Hinata, please?” she spoke calmly, keeping her worries her own. “I need a melee specialist with me, if possible,” she continued, addressing the rest. The pupil hoped that the men would lay down their alpha attitudes and work together for a bit. She also hoped that none would mind listening to her. “So, if one of you kind men would accompany me?” shooting a smile over her shoulder she hoped that she came across as friendly enough without being demanding or overbearing, but who knows what their pride was like. Immediately after that Norbu went back into a defensive mode, focussing on how the gravity around her worked and pulled.

“I don’t expect anything bad, but we have to be careful,” she continued sternly, eyes scanning around for any more movement.
 
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It wasn't long before they were outside in the open lushness of nature. This part of the forest was strikingly familiar, and amazed Aka that he'd missed the hint of such a passage being there. However if he knew this landscape, it was easy to assume his companion was too. And just then, a flock of birds came spurting from the treeline as if they were startled. Instinctively the group reacted by readying themselves for a threat, but Aka remained calm glaring off in that direction.

Hearing Hinata suggest a scouting party, followed bu Norbu requesting one of the men accompany them. Aka would shut them out for a moment to calculate the situation. Anything could be out there at that very moment. From an ambush of enemies to the imminent ambush of his mount, Ren. And knowing her she would react aggressively at the sight of unknown faces armed to the teeth, likely showing no prejudice if he did not go with them. He did not doubt his friends to handle themselves against her, but Aka knows his beast. Her ferocity, her cunning, everything that made her an apex predator.

He'd step off to the side by a tree entrapped in thick vines. They were smooth like snake skin, but sturdy like bamboo and flexible like rope. Looking up, he'd notice how the stock towered over most of the other saplings along with the vine in his hand stretching high above. Aka would release the trailing plant taking four large steps back from the base of the the tree. He would then launch himself forward into a sprint and scaling ten feet up the topiary with relative ease, his feet like feathers with not a sound made as they drove him along the wood. Once he was high enough, Aka would draw Daku from it's scabbard in a blurred swiped, slicing the vine free from its bearings. He'd land with a subtle thud as if he merely dismounted a horse. Quickly he would gather the creeping plant into a tight wrap and wore over his shoulder for quick and easy access. In case it was Ren, the vine would come in handy to apprehend her.

Aka stepped back towards Hinata and Norbu, sheathing Daku back in place as he looked between the two of them. "Let's go."
 
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Agile and fast, undeniably. One does have to wonder if he ever met an attack he could simply not dodge, but I bet we'll know better before the journey's end. Lightweight sword, though, easy to build momentum, but there won't be that much of it in the weapon per say... things with thick skin will likely prove a bit more of a challenge. Could've gotten a worse one, sure enough, Arcturus mused as Aka shown his cards.

"Suppose we'll stay here, then," he answered, looking to the three he was left with. "Listen to the sounds of indescribable suffering and total annihilation by rapid bodily deconstruction. S'our cue to run from reserve in while the thing's distracted by chewing on their corporal remains. I suggest we also check if the powder's still dry, the cave was pretty dank."

He'd start by checking the pans of the four flintlock pistols he had strapped to holsters on his chest, placed so he could unleash a quick volley of imprecise fire at close range. Carefully, he'd open each of the clamped pans, to see the powder inside was still dry and ready burn. The peculiar rifle on his back was something else. With one quick, fluid motion, he unslung it and night-instantly had the sights lined up in front of his right eye, aiming slightly to the side of where the rustle in the growth initially came for. Sights seemed fine enough to him, so he turned it around and opened the powder compartment in the stock. Same as with the pistol, the powder was ready to be used. "Well, why not, might as well..." he mumbled.

With practised motion, he tilted the gun forwards, letting a measured amount of powder and a ball fall into a compartment in the crank mechanism. Pulling the crank forward, the compartment turned around and pressed the change into the barrel. He then returned the crank back into the back position, where it waited for one of the eleven remaining balls in the stock magazine. He cocked the rifle, grunting in agreement with the weapon's operation. "Right, spread around. If anything big comes barrelin' towards us through the vegetation, dibs on jumping on its back with knife held in your teeth."