clawed_progeny (clawed_progeny) wrote,
@ 2011-06-24 03:43:00

Heir of the Iron Fist
Keiji was not in a good mood. Apparently in an attempt to form an alliance with him, Lord Yukimura had captured what he called a "fiery warrior woman" and was offering as a "bride" for him. The crassness of Yukimura galled him on an almost primal level, but Keiji couldn't afford to make an enemy of the man..yet. He'd have to handle this carefully. Perhaps staging an "escape" would be the best course to getting the woman out. First though, he'd have to assess her. He'd need to know if she was actually a warrior or simply a woman with a fiery temper. He stopped in front of the door to her room/cell. He knocks on the door, he has not idea what state of dress the woman may or not be in.

"Miss, may i enter?"

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-25 11:43 pm UTC (link)

"It's worse than that." Keiji said quietly. "Yukimura's covered his tracks. The big man is Lord Genma, one of the Hand's more liberal Lords, pushing for less black magic and demon worship and investing in more legal activities. The smaller man is Lord Masahiro, a throwback traditionalist who wishes the Hand to be modern-day kingmakers as we were in the Warring States Period. I guess in American terminology they'd represent the liberals and conservatives respectively."

Keiji took an annoyed breath.

"Both men are powerful, influential, and respected by various Hand leaders. If Lord Hidetaka were to raid Yukimura and endanger them, he'd make an enemy of the entire Hand. He wouldn't live a day. I'm betting Yukimura learned of the planned raid and invited Genma and Masahiro here as a shield. We need a new plan."

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irondragon
2011-06-25 11:58 pm UTC (link)

Rose listens because this is insider information that could become valuable latter. But right now she realized that they were in more danger.

She considered both Lords. Then murmured to Keiji. "How would they feel about Yukimura endangering the Hand? It wouldn't be just my parents who would make war to get me back."

Of course that might out Keiji in danger. She doesn't want that.

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 12:23 am UTC (link)

Keiji guides her to where the food was kept.

"I know both men fairly well, they are honorable. Neither would be pleased if they learned the full extent of Yukimura's machinations. However we have little evidence other than your word. Yukimura could just as easily claim he didn't know who you were when he took you." Keiji scratched his chin. "Both men are known to adamantly oppose the practice of slavery, but enough Lords are ambivalent about the issue that nothing can really be done to discourage it. Still, it would give us a more sympathetic ear if they learned the circumstances of your capture and who you were."

Keiji quickly scans the area.

"Lord Genma is one of the few Lords I'd consider a friend. If we can somehow convey a desire to speak privately with him, he would listen. I do not know Lord Masahiro quite as well, we only met once before."

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irondragon
2011-06-26 12:57 am UTC (link)

"Then we find a reason to speak to him. Lord Genma may be willing to help you get me out of here, if he is as you say," Rose said thoughtfully. She wasn't going to look in the direction of the other Lords.

But she took a drink pretending to have some interest in it. She didn't really but it was for show.

"Do you have any business dealings with him? Perhaps because you are a 'newlywed' you are concerned with making sure they run more smoothly as to not disrupt settling into married life," Rose offers flashing him a devious look with just her eyes just in case they are being closely watched.

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 01:15 am UTC (link)

Keiji fought the urge to grin. "As a matter of fact yes. I am a warrior mostly, and Lord Genma has been attempting to teach me the finer arts of business. The key though is getting our message in before he gets going. If he starts talking about the stock market, we'll never get our message through." It's a joke based in fact. Suddenly Keiji takes a harsher coutenance, an indication he was playing to the crowd. "I must speak with a respected colleague. You will NOT embarass me. Understood?"

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	irondragon 2011-06-26 01:19 am UTC (link)
	And she acted as if she was going to sneer. But when she met his gaze a very fake battle of wills occurred and she looked away acting suitably cowed into submission. "I will obey you this time," she says in a tone that makes it clear to others she isn't happy. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 01:33 am UTC (link)

"Good," Keiji gives a fake look of triumph before guiding her over to where the massive form of Lord Genma seemed to be debating what form of cake he'd prefer.

"Keiji-san! Good to see you." The man's voice was jovial, friendly, and almost innocent sounding. His eyes however revealed a very intelligent and cunning individual. His eyes fell on Rose. "And who is this? Keiji-san, since when do you keep such lovely company?" The big man turns to Rose and begins to speak English with just a hint of a Japanese accent. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss. May I inquire as to your name?"

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	irondragon 2011-06-26 01:42 am UTC (link)
	Rose gives a proper and respectful bow. She had so far hidden the fact her Japanese is very good fairly well. The young woman just kept her smile brief. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Genma-sama. I am Rose Knight-Rand," she offers back in English not wanting to give up any strength. And it didn't hurt to be polite either. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 03:16 am UTC (link)

For a second, Lord Genma's eyes widened. This was quickly covered as the Hand Lord retained his composure.

"Keiji-san, would you join me over by that table?"

"Of course, Genma-sama." Keiji just hoped Rose hadn't revealed herself prematurely. Keiji guided Rose over to where Genma indicated.

Lord Genma sat on one of the benches, the wood straining under his bulk. "When you say Rand, miss, are you referring to Daniel Rand?" Genma was too cautious to say "Iron Fist" in public, even in a secluded area.

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irondragon
2011-06-26 03:22 am UTC (link)

Rose had hoped so as well given the reaction. She kept her peace until Genma had seated himself.

Then when he asked her for the truth she nodded.

"Yes. He is my father," she said in a soft tone keeping an eye on anyone who might be listening or watching. So far it seemed as if they had some privacy which was lucky for them.

"Don't worry, Keiji-san has treated me well," she says deciding it is safe finally to switch to Japanese. It's good but like Genma had an accent Rose has an accent.

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 03:28 pm UTC (link)

Keiji is startled by Rose's sudden shift to his native tongue. "You speak Japanese!?" His surprise is tempered when he sees Lord Genma raise a playful eyebrow at him. Keiji quickly composes himself. "She was presented to me as a 'gift' from Lord Yukimnura. She was drugged and kidnapped from a tournament she was participating in."

Genma's eyes darken. He has always found the practice of slavery repugnant. "Was Lord Yukimura aware of who you were, Rose-chan?"

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irondragon
2011-06-26 03:39 pm UTC (link)

The look Rose flashed them was one of utter amusement. "I have many skills I hide when I do not feel safe. Fighting is not one of them."

Rose gave what Genma said some thought.

"He must have known. The tournament was being thrown as a charity event. The proceeds were to help raise medical aide for Japan since..." The Earthquake but that was left unsaid.

"Others I knew were there. We had made plans to meet when I returned to America for less.... Formal fighting. For fun, and we were quite vocal, though they only speak English so I only spoke English, then."

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 03:53 pm UTC (link)

Genma strokes his massive chin in thought. "Was he trying to curry your favor, Keiji-san?"

"At first I believed so, but later I thought about it and I believe it's an attmept to use Ms. Rand as a tool for parents and friends to destroy me."

"What!?" Genma caught himself from speaking too loudly. "The current state of the Hand is not common knowledge. There's no way they would know that the Hand Lords are largely independent of each other. Any retibutive attack would be indiscriminant. This endangers us all. Rose-chan, do you have any means of proving Yukimura has orchestrated this deliberately?"

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irondragon
2011-06-26 06:17 pm UTC (link)

"It's certainly true that outsiders don't really know what the Hand is like now," Rose added thoughtfully.

"No. Not yet. My hope is to find something. For I intend to not bring the wrath of my friends and family down on the whole Hand. Just the Lord responsible for this.... if I can get proof."

Her expression is far from pleasant. Outsiders might suspect that it is directed at Keiji and Genma.

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clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 06:45 pm UTC (link)

"I believe you and Lord Masahiro were invited here to serve as a deterrent to stop a raid that was being planned by Lord Hidetaka. That was to be our diversion, we need another one." Keiji stated.

Genma nods. "I appreciate your desire to place blame where blame is due, Rose-chan. Still, one cannot simply wonder a Hand Lord's home." He seems to think a moment and grins. "My dear, I'd like to ask you to punch Keiji-san in the face."

"What!?" Keiji asked agog.

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	irondragon 2011-06-26 06:49 pm UTC (link)
	"Haven't you ever heard of the saying 'taking one for the team'?" Rose smiles kindly. "I'll try not to break your nose." Loudly and in English Rose gives out a cry of outrage. "You pig!" And Keiji will get a square punch, obviously not meant to really hurt him but it is telegraphed for everyone. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 07:00 pm UTC (link)

It hurts, but not as much as he pretends it does. He makes to fall backwards, but manages to maintain his footing. "You miserable bitch! You will pay for that!"

Genma turns away with a sly grin as Yukimura predictably strides over.

"Deathstrike-sama, I do not wish to intrude on your business, but if you must discipline her, could you do it ouside please?"

Keiji glares, looks as if he's about to tell Yukimura off, but then nods. "Very well." He grabs Rose by the wrist. "I will teach you respect, girl" He proceeds to drag her outside. When he's certain no guards are looking at them, he grins. "Nice punch."

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	irondragon 2011-06-26 07:13 pm UTC (link)
	Rose had tried to not grin but she did allow one to appear because it was what had been expected. After all she was supposed to be angry and rebelling. "I'll show him discipline," she informed the other two men with an angry sneer. Once they were outside she giggles softly up at him. "Well played. You actually looked angry." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 07:30 pm UTC (link)

As did you," Keiji smiled as he rubbed his jaw. "Lord Genma has given us a chance to look for another way inside so we can find proof of what Yukimura was planning. Also, we may want to throw out the occassional shout or insult and maybe fight a little in order to keep appearance to those inside and the guards out here."

As if to emphasize his point, he grabs her arms roughly, though he tries not to actually hurt her. "Do you have any idea what I could do to you, girl?" He wills one of his claws to emerge and keeps it close to her face. "That beautiful face will only buy you so much of my mercy!" Keiji glances out of the corner of his eye, watching a guard turn and walk away. When he leaves, Keiji looks visibly distraught. "I am..so sorry." He allows the claw to retract back, a new scar to add to his already scarred fingers.

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irondragon
2011-06-26 07:38 pm UTC (link)

"And do you have any idea how much I will enjoy kicking your ass," she asks loudly so the guard will hear them.

She touches his arm. The move is almost tender but it is filled with kindness. "It's all right. You only used words and you didn't hurt me."

She smiles shyly at him. "Right now we're allies and I trust you. I know you have honor and won't really hurt me so come.... Let's work on finding a way we can slip inside undetected."

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	clawed_progeny 2011-06-26 07:47 pm UTC (link)
	"Thank you," He says with a light smile. "That means a lot to me." Keiji shifts his head toward the back as he walks along. As he does he calls out a little. "Kick my ass!? Laughable! If we were not on Lord Yukimura's property I'd show you just who your master is!" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	irondragon 2011-06-26 07:51 pm UTC (link)
	She snickers under her breath. She couldn't help it. "Show me, huh? Like before? No wonder you had to tie me up," she crowed back as she followed him then began to scan the property. The security system looked to be top of the line. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	clawed_progeny 2011-06-26 08:00 pm UTC (link)
	Keiji makes an "ouch" face at that last comment. "I didn't have to do anything! I gave you a chance to act as a proper wife, but you chose to act as an animal, so I treated as such!" Keiji makes a "come here" gesture as he stands at a seemingly normal wall. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	irondragon 2011-06-26 08:02 pm UTC (link)
	She can't help the sweet little smile. "But I had you begging for mercy, 'husband'," she called. Then moved closer to see what he was motioning to. The way she lights up probably makes up for the fact that they have to throw fake insults around. She can see it is a false wall of a sort. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

clawed_progeny
2011-06-26 08:10 pm UTC (link)

Keiji looks about to say something back, when he sees a flash of red come around the corner. Quickly, and not really thinking, he pushes Rose against the wall and pushes his lips on hers. The experience was..pleasant. He parted from her a second when he saw the guard standing.

"Unless you want your eyes torn out for gawking I suggest you leave!"

"Gomen, Deathsrike-sama," the guard said with nervous fear as he turned the corner.

Keiji turns back to Rose. "I apologize for that." His face turns a little red.

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