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       #Post#: 1108--------------------------------------------------
       18+ The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 10:26 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]
  HTML https://i.imgur.com/t0u3bisl.jpg[/center]
       Sakura Koji
       Location: Tamuda Estate, Hyeyama, Yakutori province, Seojinai
       Accompanying: Sakura Sojoh
       Equipment: All black armor, Sakura pin, Tanto, throwing knives
       The night air was still as the guards made their rounds around
       the pathways of the estate. This was a normal night as any
       spring night in the month of Ma-Rin would be. They soon would
       rotate out for the next shift and then they could return to
       their cots for much needed sleep. One guard contemplated the
       whole significance of increasing the guard duty this week.
       Surely Lord Tamuda was being a little eccentric. Why would
       anyone want the seemingly harmless old man dead? Honestly, he
       was no better than half the scum that controlled Seojinai these
       days. Every family had their issues and he was just one of the
       vassals under the Yakutori family. It was clear to those under
       them that they had dealings with very powerful and dangerous
       people. Just the other day, this guard had seen Yotatsu Oniigai,
       a broker for the famed crime family of Seojinai, be welcomed
       through these halls like a visiting dignitary. As he was sure
       other families under the Oniigai family’s thumb had done this
       week. You paid them for protection, for access to goods, and for
       power...Rumor has it they were the only family that could
       promise the sun and actually retrieve it. That kind of power
       required respect...Respect that those Flower Brats didn’t
       understand--
       The thought was cut short by a sudden sting at his throat and
       the feeling of something hot and wet spilling forth. Before he
       could utter a word, his body sagged to the floor, bleeding out
       of the sizable slit that was placed across his artery and
       jugular. A form landed deftly beside the man and collected the
       throwing blade from a post nearby, one that was shrouded in
       black as dark as the night itself. The only spot of color on the
       form was a golden pin on the collar of the black armor, one that
       was in the shape of a sakura blossom. It was a marking this
       person wore with pride, as it marked him as a Sakura, the second
       highest tier in the Flower Warrior order. It showed off that he
       was a full-fledged assassin after surviving years of rigorous
       and life-threatening training to get to that point.
       That little pin symbolized everything that Koji had become. The
       commitment and devotion to his family, the way of the Flower,
       and the tenets they stood for. Respect for one's country,
       loyalty to one's brethren, and never abandon one's mission. Each
       rule rested on his heart with a passion that was unshakable, as
       if he could hear each one between the beats of his heart like a
       warsong pushing him forward.
       The mission tonight was of great importance to the people of
       Seojinai and he was determined to finish this one even if it
       killed him. But Koji had an issue with the second tenet of his
       order. Loyalty to one’s brethren...His awareness reached out to
       the darkness around him on the walkway surrounding the Tamuda
       estate. Of course, he sensed nothing and heard nothing. The
       brother with him on this mission was a fellow Sakura, a man that
       Koji was always compared to. A man that constantly seemed to be
       his competition no matter how far he progressed. A man that had
       a sharp tongue and was always so aloof with him. A man that got
       under his skin and annoyed him, but also was...tolerable. They
       were not close, but not enemies...They were...Just Koji and
       Sojoh.
       Koji gave a small huff, drawing back his anger and storing it
       away for later. He hadn’t known why his master Lotus Cho-Hui had
       placed the pair on missions together in the past. This seemed
       like an easy assassination target. Get in, kill the target,
       gather the documents in the red envelope, and get out. Easy
       enough that a Magnolia could do it. So then why did Koji have to
       get stuck with Sojoh? Koji decided to not waste his time waiting
       for his partner and decided to go on ahead. However, when he
       turned the corner, he was face to face almost with a pair of
       approaching guards. Sh*t! The rotation of the guards had
       changed.
       Before the men had time to adjust to what they were seeing, Koji
       flew into action in a flurry of movements. He took one out with
       his blade, moving to get the other when an arrow suddenly flew
       from the darkness, catching the man in the shoulder. Another
       landed on its mark, hitting him in the forehead. The guard
       dropped and so did another that approached from nearby. Koji
       gave a bit of an annoyed glare at the dead, before turning when
       he heard someone land behind him. "There you are. I was worried
       you ran off scared." He teased, his humored expression unable to
       be seen from the dark material that covered his face completely.
       [center]
  HTML https://i.imgur.com/0zqOQkFl.jpg[/center]
       They made their way into the estate and Koji paused at the edge
       of a hallway, seeing a door with multiple guards outside.
       "D*mn." He muttered since there was no way they could get
       through that way without raising an alarm. They would have to
       split up or find a way to distract...
       #Post#: 1109--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Vamperious Date: June 22, 2020, 11:01 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [Color=teal][size=14pt]Sakura Sojoh
       Location: Tamuda Estate
       Company: Sakura,Koji
       Equipment: bow, blow dart reed, all black armor, sakura pin,
       kurambit[/color]
       [left]
       [size=12pt]The nights' air was slightly humid as sweat dripped
       down the back of his neck. He was safely concealed in the brush
       of the outer houses' tree shade there in the roof. He was
       waiting, Koji always just charged in and was never observant.
       His partner had been often used to influence him to go harder at
       his training, a competition. His Master Sun, often stated that
       he was only as good as his weakness amplified by his partner. He
       didn't care since he was strong and could care for himself but
       he did have an akward soft spot for Koji. Not that he ever told
       him, or would be able to- much less be allowed to.
       He pursed his lips, trying to get his head back into the mission
       as he watched a guard get replaced, meaning it was an early
       shift change. He glanced back down, his eyes sited along the bow
       strings as koji was creeping along the walkways towards the
       target destination.
       The guards came around the corner, looking suprised but it
       seemed Koji paused, even for that second- it could be lethal. He
       let loose an arrow, it hit the shoulder, disabling the sword arm
       of the guard for the second Koji needed to recover, before he
       quickly strung another arrow and planted it between the man's
       eyes.
       Feet moving silently he slipped off the roof and over to the
       walkway- avoiding leaving prints on the sand and mud. As he
       moved he saw another guard rounding the corner, he swiftly
       picked up the blow dart pipe he had about his neck and placed a
       poison dart, and pegged the man in the neck, dropping him in an
       instant.
       Dropping down to the floor where Koji was, hearing him mock him
       for his tactics of liking to be at a distance. He smirked
       beneath his face covering, [color=teal]"Your welcome for saving
       you hide." He stated smoothly in a hushed whisper as they
       proceeded. As they slipped into the estate, Koji paused, Making
       his eyes move to follow his tense back to his shoulders. He was
       distracted, but he did his best to focus when Koji looked back
       at him. He looked around the cornor and noticed the guards on
       duty, multipules. He squinted his eyes a brief moment to see
       past them perhaps. He pulled back to be behind the walls,"Shall
       we take the high road and go for a window? Avoid the guards?" He
       questioned getting in close to Koji, so they could remain close
       to silent. Sojoh specialized in quiet combat, out of site and
       was lithe enough to get into a window, as he could handle up
       close combat but preferred distance. If he could avoid a hand to
       hand fight he would as those could be unpredictable and could
       cause issues.
       [/color][/left]
       #Post#: 1112--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 12:38 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Koji
       Location: Tamuda Estate, Hyeyama, Yakutori province, Seojinai
       Accompanying: Sakura Sojoh
       Equipment: All black armor, Sakura pin, Tanto, throwing knives
       Koji glanced back at Sojoh, eyes narrowing at him in thought.
       The close proximity between their faces was normal to Koji, even
       if he was partial to having men in his face. In private, Koji
       preferred the company of men, even if he had no problems
       charming his way into a female target's room. After all, an
       assassin set aside their personal lives for the sake of the
       mission. But Koji often found himself at least sparing a glance
       at a stranger on the street or a nobleman at a party. He could
       at least admire even if he couldn't touch...But when it came to
       Sojoh, that was a line that should never be crossed and he
       pushed it from his mind. Relations with brothers or sisters of
       the order was strictly forbidden. After all, the Flower Warriors
       were never meant to have families, lives outside their work, or
       anything that may compromise a mission. Weaknesses were not
       allowed and a lover would be a weakness...Even if they were a
       brother...Not that Koji would entertain the thought. Quiet giant
       Sojoh wouldn't be interested and Koji saw him as just another
       person in his life.
       He glanced up along the rafters of the ceiling and found there
       were windows lining the top of the dark room where Lord Tamuda
       was. Alright, that was a plan. Better than wasting more knives
       on these morons "Fine. We'll do the stealth idea. Lead the way."
       He followed Sojoh up into the rafters, their steps silent as
       they moved slowly and easily. Sojoh, despite his height, was
       quite the nimble man. He even slipped through the window of the
       room that Koji had his doubts that he would be able to slip
       through. "Show off." He mumbled, before slipping in behind him.
       He landed wrong on the mat flooring, his foot hitting a cushion
       on the floor that made his foot slip. He skidded forward and ran
       into Sojoh's back with a soft "oof". He froze, waiting to hear
       movement from the guards just outside, but nothing came. He
       quickly extracted himself from Sojoh's space. They were in Lord
       Tamuda's sleeping quarters, his personal space that was always
       well guarded. He gestured to the desk in the corner, where no
       doubt the document was and then toward a screen where behind it
       would be the sleeping form of Lord Tamuda. He raised a brow, as
       if asking which Sojoh was taking point on.
       #Post#: 1113--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Vamperious Date: June 22, 2020, 12:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Sojoh
       Location: Tamuda Estate
       Company: Sakura,Koji
       Equipment: bow, blow dart reed, all black armor, sakura pin,
       kurambit
       Sojoh studied the eyes of Koji as she looked over his plan,
       finding it was the path of least resistance. They quickly moved
       into the rafters, moving silently and over the roof. Finding the
       larger window, he nodded more to himself before taking a deep
       breath, then exhaling it and smoothly and quickly slipping
       through the widow's opening. It was a good show of his skill but
       he silently landed on the tataki mat, crouching to avoid casting
       a showdow. He heard Koji mess things up quickly on his way down
       and ran into his back with a soft noise. He of course statyed
       still and was tensed, listening for any sound, finding none
       thankfully. He glanced over his slimmer shoulders to look at his
       partner, finding him moving himself from his persona space, not
       that he minded him there.
       When Koji motioned for what objective he would take he nodded
       towards the sleeping man, letting him know he was to get the
       documents.
       Crouching he moved silently past the door and towards the
       divider, finding the man sleeping silently, seeming to be under
       the use of an instance that encouraged sleep. Meaning he was
       paranoid and was having issues before, 'He wasn't dumb at
       least.' He thought to himself. He slide along the floor by the
       wall, watching for any movement. He stayed a distance yet from
       the man, selecting a dart with a pretty flower bud on the end.
       It would bloom once it was warmed- a calling card of sorts for
       the assassins. It was a special dart made with magis, so he knew
       to take good care of them. He put it in the tube and glanced
       between the shades to see Koji looking into getting the red
       folder located. He saw that man was focusing hard on the task.
       He was glad that they were on a mission such as this, it was a
       good show that even with their differences they could work well
       together.
       Refocusing his attention, he focused on the man in the palette
       by him, seeing his open after a moment and took a deep breath,
       expelling the dart, beautiful and lethal into the neck of the
       man. He jolted a little, but he did not wake...he would never
       wake after this. He moved out of the resting areas and moved
       over to the desk and looked at Koji, "Well? Do we have to
       linger? They said we only had till dawn to complete this." He
       teased with a humored glint to his eyes. He knew picking on Koji
       wasnt nice but it got him to react in a way that was fun and
       endearing, not to mention Koji picked on him often enough.
       #Post#: 1114--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 2:10 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Koji
       Location: Tamuda Estate, Hyeyama, Yakutori province, Seojinai
       Accompanying: Sakura Sojoh
       Equipment: All black armor, Sakura pin, Tanto, throwing knives
       Koji gave Sojoh a bow of his head before slipping towards the
       desk in the corner. Delicately, Koji got each drawer open and
       sifted through document after document. No red envelope to be
       found. He started getting frustrated when he got to the final
       drawer and found nothing. He let out a stream of curses in his
       mind, starting to wonder if their information had been wrong.
       Just when he started his second, cursory sweep of the desk, he
       head Sojoh speak beside him. The teasing drew Koji’s already
       stoked ire, which earned Sojoh a glare that could peel paint.
       “Apologies. I didn’t realize that darting a sleeping geezer
       wouldn’t take you longer. Your aim is questionable in the
       dark...” He said, the cattiness in his tone very easily heard
       and obvious. Most thought the pair hated each other and were
       confused when they were seen having tea together or talking idly
       on the training grounds. Truly, they were competitive and still
       cordial, often teasing one another to make the competition light
       hearted. However, a part of Koji did refuse to lose to Sojoh in
       gaining the title of Lotus...Sojoh was the only one he saw as a
       threat to that. But he wouldn’t tell Sojoh that...
       He pulled away from the desk with an irritated tisk, till he
       noted something odd about a drawer he had disturbed. It was
       slightly off kilter and rattled when Koji had moved away from
       the desk. He carefully extracted the drawer and found the red
       envelope laying beneath the track. After replacing the drawer
       and grabbing their prize, Koji motioned with his head towards
       the window again. He boosted Sojoh up and then took his offered
       hand up when he offered it. The pair went off the property and
       into a secluded alley, quickly making their way through the
       rooftops and side streets of Seojinai. The city was build
       nestled in the mountains with the great Kakora river Cutting
       through its center. The palace where the empress sat was at a
       higher elevation, built above the great waterfall that fed the
       mighty river. The homes and businesses closer to the palace were
       quite beautiful and public gardens littered the open spaces near
       suspended bridges and water ways. The river front area lower
       down the river  was usually bustling during the day with markets
       and shops. Away from the river was residential areas and further
       than that a large wall that surrounded the city, isolating it
       from the farmland just beyond. Koji and Sojoh had far to travel
       along these rooftops and city scapes, only getting to admire the
       city by the light of the moon until they reached the pleasure
       district, Nagokobi.
       There a tea house sat that all Flowers knew very well. Where the
       Blossoms Grow was one of many fronts for the guild in Shirogye
       where their members stayed and hid out should they need to lay
       low. Only Lotus and Sakura could use the place, as the younger
       Flowers were expected to live at the mountain temple hidden away
       in Seojinai. Sakuras were allowed freedoms to live in safe
       houses and move about the city and foreign countries at whim.
       Koji personally just liked the atmosphere here and chose to stay
       in this one.
       As they slipped in through a hidden cellar door, Koji
       approached a woman at a desk in the cellar. She stuck out a hand
       expectantly and he slipped her the red envelope before she rose
       to scurry off into a back room. She produced a pair of robes and
       bags for the men and shooed them towards a dressing area to the
       side. After all The Blosom was still a functioning business and
       they couldn’t just wander in in their armor.
       “And we made it back before dawn...” Koji stared to Sojoh before
       he went over to the side room and began to strip. The minute the
       mask and cowl came down, Koji tugged off the ribbon that tightly
       bound his hair in a bun. The long black strands fell down to his
       waist, covering the scars there on his pale back from years of
       training and growth into his skills. He pulled off his gloves
       and ignored the odd teal tint to his nail beds. Seems the paint
       had worn off and he would have to cover them again...He didn’t
       like openly exposing himself as a Turquemian as the status was
       dangerous. Although not stigmatized as heavily in Seojinai
       society, Turquemian blood was still valuable to the right
       bidder. Besides, as a Flower Warrior Koji didn’t want to draw
       anymore unnecessary attention than he had to...He threw on the
       robe and tossed in his armor, not before making sure his Sakura
       pin was secured to the inside of his lapel.
       Once ready, he turned and caught Sojoh dressing. He admitted he
       let his eyes wander a bit discreetly, perhaps lingering a bit
       too long on the man’s abs and lower...but he was a man after
       all...”Hurry up!” He grumbled with a stretch, as a yawn pulled
       through him. “I’m tired and we need to check in.” He glared are
       Sojoh impatiently, but had to wait on his partner to request a
       room. “Checking in” was done by confirming with the front desk
       that all in the party had returned from the mission. It was done
       together to show that all parties agreed the mission was done
       and that neither was dead or slacking. After simply showing
       their pins to the front desk, they would be allowed to take a
       room. A shared room of course since space was limited and only
       covert solo missions and Lotuses got their own rooms.
       #Post#: 1115--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Vamperious Date: June 22, 2020, 2:43 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Sojoh
       Location: Tamuda Estate
       Company: Sakura,Koji
       Equipment: bow, blow dart reed, all black armor, sakura pin,
       kurambit
       When Koji teased him on taking the easy job he chuckled since a
       bit of noise would be tolerated now, the man dead and no likely
       to wake. He knew the man was frustrated by not finding the item
       of interest. He soon found it however, as he knew he would since
       Koji was clever in
       His own rights. He followed suit, easily getting out of the
       building with well placed team work, it was like they hadn't
       been there.
       Traveling by foot quickly across the city scape he didn't best
       to focus on his footing, knowing that this wasnt a lake side
       stroll with Koji, but after a victorious mission, it went
       smoothly after all.
       When they arrived at the safe house, the closed the grate behind
       them quietly, not that any of the drunks around noticed. He
       waiting by the door as Kojinpassed off the packet and was passed
       their clothes in return. He caught his bag as Koji tossed it to
       him. As they entered a side room with a candle to light the
       room, he chuckled at the man's teasing. [Color=teal]"That's
       because you can run quick enough, if you handle found the
       document we might have been there all night."[/color] He teased
       back but let it drop with a chuckle since they both picked at
       one another for fun, it was never harmful.
       Sojoh wouldnt admit that he did watch as Koji took off his cowl
       and let his long hair down, it was a pleasant look on him, he
       liked it quite a bit. He took to undressing after a moment and
       focused on himself as he did have to get all the tiea off. As
       the hood came off he shook out his shorter hair, not minding it
       that way, his own scars exposed but he didn't mind. When he felt
       the eyes on hin, he didnt shy away at all, instead he took his
       time as usual and dressed at his own pace. He make sure his pin
       was on his robe before throwing his armor in the bag with
       Kojis'. They headed up stairs and Sojoh teased the man," well
       you wouldn't be so tired if we hadnt taken so long." He teased
       but knew it was all in good fun. "I might stay up a bit longer
       and play a bit." He stated, after the check in the was. He
       mostly decided it was best as he would perhaps get riled up with
       Koji there, and he didn't want him to see him being akward and
       embaressed. Heading up to the room, he pulled an Ehru from the
       cornor and left the room, heading out into the tea house garden,
       knowing it would be peaceful out there.
       Sitting on a rock by an older tree in the court yard he settled
       in and began to pull the bow across the strings and closed his
       eyes as he relaxed and played a soft medley. It no doubt,
       drifted into the windows of the tea house bur he didn't mind, he
       was a skilled player.
       #Post#: 1116--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 3:23 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Koji
       Location: The Blossom, Shirogye, Seojinai
       Accompanying: Sakura Sojoh
       Equipment: Robes
       Koji saw that Sojoh was in a feisty mood tonight and seemed to
       be keen on teasing Koji’s timing. Well, as the older of the
       pair, though hardly the more mature because of Elvi genetics,
       Koji felt himself cocking a brow at him. “Sure sure, old man.
       When next time maybe you get the document and I go after the
       non-moving targets. If you think you could do better, partner.”
       He let Check-In procede before he was given a room and told that
       beds were already prepared for them. Koji expected Sojoh to
       follow, as there was no way the man wasn’t tired. However, Sojoh
       seemed to want to go play that instrument of his. Honestly, Koji
       didn’t care what Sojoh decided to do with his time. It was his
       to keep and perhaps better than way anyways...
       After a shrug, he headed to the room and all but flipped onto
       the pallet there. Although exhausted, sleep evaded him for one
       reason or another. Mostly because of memories, some because of
       his mind racing, and others because he knew he would be seeing
       his master tomorrow. Cho-Hui was not a warm woman, at least not
       in the sense that one would expect a mother figure. She was
       instead sharp, tactful, and able to put people in their place
       with a simple glare. She was hard on Koji. Always had been since
       the time she rescued him from the black market. Although Koji
       saw her as a mentor and a parent, he held no love for the woman
       beyond respect. That was the boundary dictated by the Warrior’s
       way. Even if he knew this, it made his seeing her again after so
       long awkward. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to calm his
       nerves enough to sleep...Until he heard music drifting into the
       room. The soft sounds of the music made him roll over and gaze
       towards the window. Somewhere out there in the garden, he knew
       Sojoh would be playing and letting to world frown out to the
       sound of music. His long fingers would hold the bow that
       caressed the strings and his strangely piercing eyes would be
       shut in concentration. He always had this serene look when he
       played, one that even calmed Koji’s fire. He felt a half smile
       tug at his lips as he curled into the pallet, letting the music
       help him drift off to sleep..
       ~~~
       By the time morning came, Koji was still passed out on his
       pallet. The late night before had consumed most of his sleeping
       time. That caused him to oversleep, snoring softly into the
       pillow beneath him as he sprawled across the covers
       unceremoniously. He was an admittedly rough sleeper and didn’t
       look the prettiest when out like this. Not even the sun pouring
       in from the windows seemed to perturb the man...
       Downstairs the tea house was bustling with customers. Some new,
       some locals, and some Flower Warriors recuperating from
       missions. A woman sat with her hands cradled around a tea cup,
       her narrowed eyes and tapping foot. Where was Koji? She had
       summoned him to meet with her this morning...
       She spotted Sojoh walking by and rose, calling out to him with
       her very clear piercing voice. “Sojoh, a moment.” Lotus Cho-Hui
       called, her expression set in a serious frown. “Have you seen
       Koji anywhere? I was informed he made it back from your
       mission...” She asked, as she knew the boys were often around
       each other.
       Cho-Hui:
  HTML https://pin.it/4Gpjq7S
       #Post#: 1117--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Vamperious Date: June 22, 2020, 3:50 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Sojoh
       Location: tea house/safe house
       Company: Sakura,Koji
       Equipment: Comfortable robes, sakura pin, kurambit
       [ ] Sojoh had come to bed after about twenty minutes, knowing
       full and well Koji often had issues sleeping after a mission, so
       he decided to play as it often put the man to ease. He came into
       the room quietly and settled into his own bed, watching Koji
       sleep, even if he wasnt a graceful sleeper, he liked the man.
       As the sun rose, he naturally woke up, even if he only got a few
       hours or rest. He dressed properly and stretched before heading
       down stairs to get some food however, it seemed Koji's master
       was there. He bowed deeply to the woman. When asked at Koji, he
       nodded," Of course, he taken with morning meditations, I shall
       fetch him. Please enjoy your tea master Cho-Hui while I fetch
       your diciple." He stated very graciously as he was an elegant
       young man. He went up stairs and stood there trying to decide
       the best way to wake the man. She stood over the man and decided
       beating him with a stick was too mean so he kneeled down and
       brushed some hair from his face. It caused him to stir but not
       wake. Glancing down he noticed the minor blowing of his nails.
       He had often noticed this after the man did magis, but never
       commented. He brought the hand to his lips and blew on them
       lightly, letting his own magis, the slight liph magis he did
       possess pass form his lips to the mans' hands, to heal the
       blueing to heal him. He did so wirh both hands before seeing if
       the man wake awake yet.
       Alas he was not, he pursed his lips and pinched his cheek,"Hey
       get up! Your master is here, I told her you were meditating so
       get up and get your face on." He stated with an annoyed sound
       but it sounded more humored then anything. He separated himself
       since he didn't want him to know he noticed his hands.
       #Post#: 1119--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 5:01 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Koji
       Location: The Blossom, Shirogye, Seojinai
       Accompanying: Sakura Sojoh
       Equipment: Robes
       Koji felt a brush to his face and then a sudden warm breeze on
       his hands. What was that? He snuffled into the pillow, eyes
       squeezing shut as he tried to squeeze out anymore sleep that he
       could get. Instead, he felt a pinch to a cheek that woke him up
       in a startle. Thankfully Sojoh stepped back before Koji could
       get him with the knife under his pillow. His eyes were wide and
       steeled for danger, but he stopped himself from reacting. He
       blushed deeply in embarrassment as he gathered himself back
       together. That was a lapse of control...it shouldn't have
       happened in front of Sojoh. He blinked at the news that Sojoh
       covered for him with his master and that drew a shock to him.
       "Oh sh*t I overslept!" He got to his feet and quickly
       straightened himself out. His hair was tied out of his face and
       he spared a look back at Sojoh, who no doubt was watching him
       fuss and flutter around with satisfaction that he had messed
       up...right? Then why did he cover for him?
       "Th-Thanks." He said briefly, sparing a look back at Sojoh
       before he went out the door.
       When he made it to the table, Cho-Hui was waiting for him and
       looking expectant. She took one look at the sleep in the corner
       of him eyes and hummed in dissatisfaction. So the boy Sojoh was
       lying for him. Not good...but that did show they at least
       respected each other a little more than she expected. After all,
       when first placed together Koji had been livid. Now, well, she
       had seen a mellowing in her pupil that she hadn't seen before.
       "Good afternoon, Koji. I am glad to see you could be pulled away
       from your meditations." She said and he gave her a flighty and
       knowing smile. She offered him some tea before deciding to
       continue. "I am impressed with your progress and Sojoh's. The
       documents you recovered will help our cause greatly in thwarting
       the Oniigai's hold in Shirogye. For now, the documents will be
       analyzed and you two may have the day off to rest. Though be
       prepared tomorrow. You will have another assignment and will
       need to meet at the temple to receive it." Koji gave a bow to
       his master, but found it strange that they would need to go to
       the temple to get another mission. This one must have been
       important...As they spoke and drank tea, he soon decided to man
       up and ask his question. He looked expectantly, knowing he was
       not allowed to speak unless the Lotus spoke first.
       "What is on your mind, Koji? You have the look of a man with
       purpose..." She asked and he gave her a bow of his head to
       apologize. Best to ask forgiveness now than let this opportunity
       pass him by.
       "Lotus, I wish to ask...Has there been any word on who will be
       replacing Lotus Togaido?" Cho-Hui looked up from her drink,
       peering over her glasses with a critical gaze.
       "I have not offered your name up to participate in the trials.
       If that is what you are asking. You still have much to prove,
       young Sakura." He blinked, unable to help that he gripped his
       leg tightly beneath the table, his temper simmering. How...How
       could she not think he was ready? He was one of the best Sakura
       they had and he did everything she asked. How was he still not
       worthy? Before he could prod her for more, Cho-Hui rose, patting
       her lips with the napkin there.
       "My dear Koji, it was so good getting to see you again. We must
       do this again soon." Koji nodded swiftly and silently. Knowing
       that is was rude to argue, he simply let the anger die on his
       tongue and bowed to her. As she left, Koji bit his lip and
       turned on his heels, deciding to cut his losses and go to the
       secluded public dojo nearby to practice his fighting stances. It
       devolved into beating the hell out of a practice dummy, venting
       his anger out enough that he didn't hear anyone entering the
       gym.
       #Post#: 1120--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 1.05: The Lotus Tile (Koji & Sojoh) [Y1057]
       By: Vamperious Date: June 22, 2020, 5:10 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sakura Sojoh
       Location: tea house/safe house
       Company: Sakura,Koji
       Equipment: Comfortable robes, sakura pin, kurambit
       Sojoh wasn't too far from them and heard the issues, but he had
       an idea of that already. He drank his own tea and relaxed,
       glancing as Koji left to no doubt vent. After a bit, he followed
       to the dojo- knowing his habits been enough. He also allowed him
       time to get his frustrations out.
       Entering the dojo, he leaned agaisnt the wall watching His
       friend beat the hell out a dummy. When Koji stood after a
       moment, Sojoh offered him some water from the ladle, seeing he
       looked a little tired.[ color=teal] "Koji, I finally find you.
       Playing with dolls- shameful." [/color]He teased but he had a
       light hearted smirk to it. He rolled his shoulders back and
       motioned to the sodden swords for practicing. "Shall we?" He
       asked smoothly wondering if he had any more energy, since he was
       often hung ho about his aggression.
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