forum I came for the sword, but so did you. // one on one // closed

Started October 18, 2020 by @Mojack group

tune

An old tale speaks of a sword, of unimaginable power. To be wielded only by the most worthy and wise. The sword was said to be hidden away somewhere on the island, but no one has ever found it. And with how large the island is, such feat would be near impossible unless you had all the time in the world. With dangers roaming the roads such as bandits, this also adds into the difficulty. Most people haven’t heard of the tale, or have and just have no desire to find the legendary sword.

But some do.

Character A travels to the island in search of this legendary sword. For whatever purpose it may be - to defend their family, or for themselves - they seek the sword, and only that.
Character B has resided on the island since they were born, and their clan has lived there even longer. Setting out to search for the sword, the two individuals may come across each other, but who knows how that encounter will go. As character B is a person of honour, and holds that code of honour very closely to themselves. A, however, may have some form of honour, but never to the degree of B. A does not shy away from stabbing their enemies in the back, or jumping from the shadows.

Two characters - might end up as rivals, or maybe they’ll work together - meet, seeking the same thing.
Clarifications, as usual….

• takes place in Japan, during the Kamakura period.
• Doesn’t need to be an extremely historically accurate rp.
• I can be either Character A or B, please let me know.
• It also isn’t a completely realistic rp; I will explain more in the points below.
• While (most) humans don’t have magic on their own, things such as charms (like charms of protection) exist and can be worn.
• Spirits will occasionally roam the land.

And the rules.

1. Mature RPers preferred. I cannot guarantee the rating for this RP yet, but as a general rule…
2. I will ask for a writing sample, unless I recognize your style.
3. Violence and blood is expected, but please know there is a time and place for everything.
4. Swearing is accepted.
5. No one liners.
6. Good grammar is always appreciated.
7. In the event of a fight, please don’t auto hit, but don’t dodge everything either.
8. Ask questions as needed.
9. This list may or may not be added on to.

Template (remove brackets)

Name:
Age: (20-25)
Gender:
Sexuality:

Appearance:
General attire: (what sort of outfits they might wear)
Background:
Personality:
Other: (anything else)

Adrian took a long glance around the conference room. Light beams from above were radiating at him. Everyone was left to their devices or binders. The only thing that could be heard was the air conditioner and the turning of pages. Here and there you could hear someone murmuring a few words to the person beside them. The seat in which Louis always sat in across from him was empty and so was Mister Alder's. Did something happen?

Still, even with everything being so silent and cool, heat started to flow through his body. Anxiously, he started to tap his left foot while constantly turning to look at the door. Why isn't he coming back? He promised to be here five minutes ago. With a sigh, Adrian shook his head. There is no use in getting this worried right away. He didn't want to be suspicious or give out any hints even though everyone was just preparing themselves for when Mister Alder would come in. Like a prayer being answered, the door opened. Adrian couldn't hold back the need to instantly turn his head over his shoulder to see who it is. And of course, it was Louis.

The expression on his face was the same as always; stone-cold. Whatever is going on in Louis's mind right now isn't showing in any detail. He briefly made eye contact with Adrian giving him a simple nod as a greeting. Ambling over, the assistant stood behind his friend. A small USB slid down from his sleeve into his hand. Without any hesitation, he placed it on Adrian's lap before walking over to his own seat.

It has to be all the secret files that Alder says that have been deleted or impossible to find. The files that show how many plans have gone to waste. The cases which were immediately buried. All the people that mysteriously were fired or disappeared. Most importantly, it's a crucial part of evidence that the two need in order to get anywhere with the accusation.

Squeezing the USB with care, Adrian slipped it in his inner-jacket pocket. An exhale of relief left his lips as he opened the black binder. There were at least forty-seven pages talking about the plan for the next quarter. Nothing in it was of use for him this time, maybe Louis could look into it more but doesn't seem likely there's anything hidden at the moment.

Almost in a heartbeat, did the door open again. Everyone in their seat rose up to greet Mister Alder who had a relaxing grin on his face. Adrian squeezed his right wrist while looking at the boss. Louis just kept his eyes averted away. Alder just gave everyone a smile before motioning for them to sit down. Soon after, he went to sit down at the seat in the front. And so it begins.

Name: Yamazaki Daichi
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Pansexual

Appearance: Being the tallest in his family, he stands exactly at six foot one. Daichi has dark brown hair which matches his eyes too. His hair only goes down just below the chin; because of this he just puts it up in a simple ponytail. He has a decently defined body shape with wide shoulders. People do just describe him to be like a tree due to his height and build. Under his left eye, Daichi has a scar of two light gray parallel lines. It is only visible if you get very close to him.
General attire: Typically, he wears a traditional hitatare with a pair of waraji or hiyori geta . Daichi prefers to wear light colors such as white and light blue. Although he does wear colors such as forest green, gray, and linen. When walking around his home village, Daichi wears a black nae-eboshi; but he doesn't like it and leaves it at home a lot. Around his neck, he has a wooden with a dove on it to represent the god of war.
Background: Being born as the illegitimate of a bugyo, Daichi's life has been a long lonely road. Most of his life, he had been by his mother side. His mom would live with they bugyo and his family for a couple years before her and Daichi were kicked out. He has not really had a good relationship with his real father. Instead, he considers his uncle to be a father-figure for him. During the springs and summers, Daichi would go to live with his uncle who was a cook for a noble family. A friend of his uncle's told him the tale of the legendary sword. Ever since that day, Daichi was inspired to find it in order to protect his mother and younger half-sister from the people who try to take advantage of them. Eventually, as he got older, he would go his uncle's friend and receive combat training. Now at the age of twenty-three, Daichi feels like it is time that he goes out to find the legendary sword.
Personality: According to his mother, he is a kind, soft-hearted, and loyal person who is always willing to fight for others. In some ways it is true, yet it's only the tip of the iceberg. Really he is just usually ready to fight someone or jump out and attack. Daichi tends to bend his loyalty to others as it serves him and/or his family. Despite having any worry, he likes to push it back and go forward. The optimistic beam he has on his face is just a mask or way to fool people. But just because Daichi doesn't mind seeing a little bloodshed, doesn't mean he's not a good person. He is very protective of people he's close to, on the other hand it's hard for him to let others in. The young man tends to stand away from the rest of the crowd, strategizing his next move or word. Deep deep inside, Daichi just wants to have a simple life with affection and no worry.
Other: N/A for the time being, I suppose.

Name: Seibei Obara
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Bisexual

Appearance: Height wise, Seibei may not be the tallest of his family, but for most of them, he is. He’s around 5’9”, with a fairly athletic build, given his years of training and work. His eyes are a dark brown, nearly black, though under light you would see that is not the case. His hair meanwhile is black, which he keeps long enough to be able to be tied into a bun, but not extremely long. Usually, he keeps his hair tied.
He has very slight facial hair on the lower half of his face, but not much. More of a stubble, that never really grows that fast. He has an older scar on lower left leg. The scar is quite long, but it is older.
General attire: Usually, he’d wear a dark blue kimono, but ever since he’s started travelling, he hasn’t worn it much. More often is his armour that he wears, given to him by one of his uncles. Samurai armour to be specific - mostly made up of various darker shades of blue, but with imposing gold ‘horns’ rising from the helmet. A mask he sports as needed.
Background: The Obara clan is a lesser known clan, but it doesn’t make it small or weak. Seibei grew up in his village with his clan. He never knew much of his mother, who had fallen sick and was unable to be cured. Though the adult Seibei doesn’t recall too much of her, he does remember her as a caring woman.
His father, Lord Obara, is the head of the clan, although it was mainly his uncles who taught him how to fight. Sekien, his father, was able to teach him occasionally, though. His father was caring, but strict. As a youth, Seibei did make a few mistakes. He’s not wanting to trip up again, not anymore. Feeling that his father’s approval was almost fading on him, Seibei had heard of the legendary sword. He asked his father to go search for it, and at first, the man did not accept. But, after a few days worth of reasoning, Seibei could finally seek the sword out, alongside his horse, Hinode.
Personality: Seibei wishes only to keep the approval of his clan, and specifically his father. Having made mistakes, he’s not willing to stray from his code, and is very hesitant if someone even implies the idea to do so. Seibei can occasionally seem distant or closed off, if only because he’s been taught to control his emotions and himself. He values family more than anything.
Other: Hinode is Seibei’s horse, and one of the only forms of company he’s had consistently, searching for the sword. With himself he carries a sword of his own, though it is not a legendary one.

((Would you like me to start?))

The legendary sword.

Of course, Seibei hadn’t found it, but that was what was almost constantly on his mind for the entirety of his journey. He was laying underneath the shade of a tree, the sun rising, covered only slightly by clouds. Hinode was nearby, grazing.
Wind brushed by, weaving through the leaves and flowers near him. Seibei eventually decided to get up - it was early in the day, good to travel. Pick up the pace. Today Seibei would be heading towards the East. There he would resume his search.
Although he predicted that the ride would be fairly quiet, it wasn’t always like that. Bandits, thieves. All sorts of people wandered the road. Even assassins. Seibei wasn’t as big of a risk for an assassination, but he knew to be careful of whoever he crossed. You never know who has connections in the world.

Getting on Hinode, Seibei allowed the horse to walk for a bit, admiring the beauty that was this land. How he didn’t get tired of it all, he didn’t know. Shortly after, he had Hinode go into a gallop, and together, the two moved on for their search.

Never in his life would think about being so determined to get this legendary sword. Not even a third of the people back at home knew anything of it. Daichi knew that someday he would have to leave home and search the whole island to find the sword. If it takes everything just to get it in his hands, then so be it.

Sunlight was what had woken him up. Daichi was greeted by the songs of the birds in the trees nearby. Holding his hand out ahead of him, he slowly opened his eyes. Last night, he had spent hours trudging along staring down at the map. Every other second he would glance up for intruders. Sometimes, he would spend minutes standing behind a tree listening.

Now in the early dawn, everything seemed peaceful. Surprisingly everything he has is still sitting right there beside him. The fire that was going last night was nothing but burnt sticks and ash. Lazily, he got up and starting preparing for the rest of the journey. Today is the day he will find the sword, the day that all of his problems will wither away. No one is going to stop him.

Daichi threw his bag over his shoulder then rolled over to pick up his own sword. Right in front of it stood a pink camellia. He lightly caressed it with the side of his right hand. "Don't worry Mom.", he whispered with a sleepy beam,"I will be a good son, I will protect you and Kasumi."

Standing up, he rested his hand on his waist. For a brief moment, Daichi took a glimpse around the area. There was no one to be seen in both directions of the trail. All he could hear were sounds of nature. His fingers wrapped gently around the sword sheath as put one foot in front of the other, continuing the search for the legendary sword.

To say the least, many hours of the day remained quiet for him, aside from the occasional traveller on the roadside. Or whenever he passed by a village. That too. It wasn’t extremely often, but sometimes it was worth to see to a village, to listen in on possible rumours or get supplies.

He only paused, as Hinode slowed down when he heard yelling nearby. Was it at him? It didn’t seem like it. Having Hinode move towards the voices, he dismounted once he got into viewpoint of whatever was going on. It looked like bandits to him. It sounded like bandits, the closer he got to the people. The unarmed villagers, maybe? He was aware of a village, not far from here.

Hand on his scabbard, Seibei straightens his shoulders and approaches behind the bandits. “Turn around and face me!” He calls out, challenging the bandits. There were three of them. One of them moved up to meet him, a good distance away.
Their focus, now off of the villagers, was now on the samurai. The villagers retreated backwards, maybe sticking around to see the outcome of the fight, but not wanting to stick too close should things go wrong. Drawing his katana, Seibei prepared for a fight.

So far so good to say at the least. Every morning was the same for him with no signs of outlaws or other potential threats. The dew laid freshly on top of the grass as he walked past by. Daichi couldn't help but stop for a second to enjoy his surroundings before continuing on.

Someone shouting. Not bothering to look around, he instantly pull out his sword while crouching down. He could feel his heart beating out of his chest in curiosity. Sounded like the shout came from up ahead. "Damn it…", he mumbled to himself. Hesitantly, his head slowly rose up to glance at what was ahead. A horse, a group of people to the side, a samurai, then three other men ahead of the samurai.

What the hell is a samurai doing out in the middle of nowhere? This isn't Kamakura and the closest village is twenty minutes away. Daichi's jaw dropped in amazement, that armor is something he's never seen before. Well the typical black and parts of the uniform were not unusual to him, on the other hand the shade of blue and the golden horns were a sight. Interesting how they have enough money to don on the most heavy uniforms anyone's ever worn.

Focus. Luckily he's made it just in time to do something. Of course, the other man could probably handle this all by himself yet no one can fully predict that. Daichi kept his eyes on the scene ahead of him while creeping towards the other side of the trail. His knuckles turning white as he held onto the sword. Quietly, he crept behind a tree catching the attention of one of the villagers.

His lips pursed back as he held up his finger in hopes the one person would not make a peep. Some rocks laid close by to his feet. Daichi leaned over picking one up. With his left hand, he chucked one at the farthest man then another at the one closet to him. Might as well leave the last one for the samurai. Darting out from behind, he pressed his right foot on top of a bandit laying his blade across the neck. They're all the same, stupid, thinking that just because they have the pride to fight, they can do anything.

Glimpsing over at the samurai, Daichi gave a respectful head bow. Without saying a word, he dragged his left index finger across his neck ten pointed at the bandits.

The silence was deafening. It was, until the arrival of someone else, but it didn’t seem to Seibei that their intentions were against him. He couldn’t exactly turn and look around, he’d be turning away from the enemy, and that was one of the lessons his father had taught him - to not lose track of the enemy. He did catch the head bow from the other, though. His eyes briefly flicked towards him, giving a nod, then back to the bandit.
When the bandit opposite from him yelled and charged, Seibei knew the fight had began. He raised his own sword against the bandit, who met his own. The bandit didn’t seem to have good stance, which was seen as their blades met; the bandit stumbling backwards.

Not wasting time, Seibei launched a few strikes forwards, drawing blood from the bandit. Again, the bandit blocked him, but he was injured, and unsteady. The blades scratched against each other, but it would seem Seibei, combined with the fact he was not injured and better trained than the bandit, would win this fight. He pushed the bandit to his knees.
Meeting the bandit’s eyes, Seibei raised his blade, and brought it down on the bandit for a final strike, ending his life. He pulled his sword from the body of the bandit.

Daichi did not bother waiting any longer once the main bandit screamed charge. The blade of his sword barely lifted. It slid across the bandit's neck causing blood to spill out. Bringing his foot up, he looked over at the samurai fighting a bandit. The third one still stood there not sure what to do despite being armed.

Rushing over, he happened to have caught the last one's attention. The outlaw held his sword in front of him charging forward. Daichi ducked before running past. He turned around kicking the outlaw down to the ground. Holding the handle with both hands, the blade pierced through the chest. Forcefully, he tried to force the sword down further before yanking it out.

As he stood up, he kept his eyes lowered. The smell of iron filled the air surrounding him. Crimson spots stained his clothes. Daichi sighed as he sheathed his sword. It did not seem to be the time to try cleaning it and he was not sure how we would get the stains out of his hitatare. No more bandits bothering anyone or him to say for at the least.

His blade dripped with the blood from the bandit he’d killed. The bandit of which, lay limp on the ground, definitely dead as he’d been pierced many times by Seibei’s katana. Preforming the act of chiburi, Seibei seemed to shake the blood from his blade, but on closer inspection, there was still some left. He’d need to clean it later, when he got the time. Now was not his focus, though.

Seibei sheathes his sword, putting it back into its scabbard. He surveys the field, realizing that the other two bandits had been killed. The villagers had retreated, presumably heading back to their own village.
He maneuvered his view to the other man, the killer of the other two bandits presumably. That man was definitely not another samurai, but he did not seem to have bad intentions, as he did assist in the takedowns of the bandits. Approaching from his spot, Seibei calls out to him. “Thank you for your assistance.”

Everything was silent again, it was not as peaceful as before but is still is soft. No one else was there besides him and the samurai. Daichi hoped those villagers from before were alright and will have a safe trip back home. Typically, he would check on the victims making sure they're fine, but sadly he can't. He cannot waste any time in order to get up north according to plan.

The sound of footsteps made him snap his attention back into place. Out of instinct, his right hand went back to the handle of his sword. Daichi's eyes scanned the place only to see that the samurai was approaching him. Exhaling with relief, he shook his head with a gentle smile. Foolish for him to think that there was another bandit hiding behind a tree. Holding his two hands in front of himself, he gave a bow. "Pleasure is all mine, Sir.", he beamed,"It is an honor to assist a samurai when needed." For a second he stopped to tuck back in a strand of hair that fell out. Daichi tried to get a glimpse up under the mask.

All he knew about the man was that he is a samurai and, most likely, came from power. Other than that, Daichi could only guess the other is around the same age as him and is not a threat. Definitely an amazing fighter too.

As he went back into his regular posture, the gleam on his face faded a little. It was still early in the day; on the other hand, every second is critical in order to get up to the mountain by the early evening or so. And there was also cleaning clothes plus a sword to do as well. Daichi sighed,"Forgive me, but I'm on some important business so, if you're alright, I'll be on my way."

His eyes were visible, as well as some portion of his face - though for the most part, Seibei’s face remain hidden for the time being. He nodded. “It’s understandable. We all have our own business to attend to.” Seibei did too. There was the whereabouts of the sword. He thought back to the villagers that had been attacked by the bandits, and given that there was a town not far from their current location, Seibei wondered if he could head off in that general area. He hadn’t gone there, which meant he could get some new information, possibly.

“But before you go, may I have your name? I am curious to know who assisted me on the road out here.”

Daichi hesitated with a response. In the past, everyone would always turn him down after only introducing himself. They'd all make this weird grimace look before going away. That's why he stopped bringing up the magistrate of Shimoda being his father and even his mother. Although, it was very understandable, you never know when you will cross this person again.

"Daichi, Yamazaki Daichi at your service.", he stated before asking,"May I ask what yours is then?" He was not sure if asking the samurai about his name was crossing a line or anything. When he was younger, his uncle told him to not talk to any of them; probably due to social status. Really Daichi should've waited for the samurai to introduce himself, but a part of him is ready to bolt down the path.

Seibei didn’t seem to display any sort of reaction to hearing his name. It was hard to tell in the first place, with what most of his face being covered. “Obara Seibei.” He replied. Clan Obara was not very well known to begin with - he wouldn’t have any exception towards this traveller to know the name. Maybe just surface knowledge, but that was about it.

“Thank you for assisting me.” Seibei nodded, noting the name in his mind. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever come across him again, after they separated paths. Still, he could only thank the man. Although he was sure he’d be able to take care of the bandits, Seibei was never one to turn down assistance.

Obara Seibei. Daichi mouthed the name while his finger traced it against the sword sheath. Something about the name felt noble and familiar. To him, he feels as if he has to remember that name for the future. Obara has to be some sort of upper-class family from this island; a man in a village not too far from hear did say something, if only he could remember what it was. All he could guess was coming from the appearance of the samurai, aside from facial features. Maybe it isn't something to worry about, they're on different paths.

"Of course. May the spirits guide you safely through your journey.", he smiled. Once again, he bowed as goodbye. He does not have much time to come up with a proper goodbye, nor does he want to keep Obara from going on his own business. Daichi turned around facing the direction he originally planned to go in. A sigh left his soft-pink lips as he ambled down the path. His head jerked trying to get a glimpse from behind, but he stopped himself. One distraction was enough, there is only so much time he has to find this sword. He cannot stay away from home too long.

Something about that Obara Seibei intrigued him on the other hand. Very spontaneous for a samurai with wealth to be on this path. What sort of mission is he on to be out here? Daichi put a strand of hair behind his ear as his eyes stared straight ahead. Guess he'll never know, unless they ever meet again.