Fantasy Zodiac Warriors - The Legends

[Pride.]

zodiac :

The Rat

location :

The Teahouse

outfit :

A simple hanbok that will keep her warm

mentions :

Zhi hao
Fuyuki Usagi Brokenbri
Bohai Tang Veil Walker
Pig Veil Walker
Yeong Tang DarkiusHeavenstein
Master Liao DarkiusHeavenstein
The other Zodiac warriors

interactions :

Hiroki Nakano DarkiusHeavenstein
Zhou Lei BOKEH.
Chih-Ming Shen thorspuddingcup

Choi

Su-Jin

After Su-Jin had arrived at the tea house, more of the other Zodiac warriors soon flooded into the tea house as well. Even though the Rat warrior had been around the other for three years, she never really got used to being in the safe room with all of them. They were all so different from each other. But somehow they all managed to get along. At least most of the time. Even Pig who had only been here such a short time merged seamlessly into their group. While it made Su-Jin a bit jealous of the youngster, she was just happier to be here than where she was before this. Pig had gracefully propped himself upon the shoulders of their Ox warrior after he had deposited the snacks for the whole party with a question of what was happening queuing Su-Jin in on the fact that she should probably take a seat as well. She scanned over those who had arrived and what seats were available at the time. Su-Jin was only really close with a few of the members and she instinctively searched for them amongst the other warriors. Luckily she spotted an opening next to Fuyuki who had come in after Tsuda.

With her chosen spot in mind, she gently slipped past the others and sat next to the older woman. Su-Jin looked at Fuyuki and gave her a short greeting, “Morning Usagi.” It wasn’t long before the final missing members of Zodiac arrived at the called meeting. Bohai being the last to arrive. Su-Jin had to repress a small smile when the Tiger had reached over to flick Zhi hao square on the ear when he caught the younger warrior poorly hiding his giggles at Yeong’s plight. Admittedly she hadn’t noticed that Yeong seemed to be having a bit of trouble until that little interaction had pointed it out to her. Su-Jin knew that it was probably best that she not mention it and just keep it in mind for later. She turned her attention away from them after Zhi hao had tossed a somewhat annoyed and fake hurt glare over that fiery warrior. ‘He will never learn will he.’ She may not have been on the best terms with Zhi hao, but she knew full well that he somehow managed to get himself into trouble with Bohai. That’s when Master Liao had entered the tea house to start the meeting.

Su-Jin turned her full attention to him after he had sat down at the table with them. It was then the feeling of worry and nervousness really decided to roll around in her gut. She hadn’t even heard a word about what was happening but she could just tell from the aura of the room. That this was going to be more serious than what she was used to hearing. But when the Master started to tell the tale of the Seven she found herself to be a bit confused. Sometimes it was hard to remind herself that these stories were in fact true and not some fairytale her parents would tell her whenever she couldn’t sleep. Maybe it was because of this mindset that she was having a hard time grasping what their Master was trying to say. She didn’t have to wait for an explanation though. Master Liao then dropped the fact that this deity, Raju, was capable of destroying the world as they knew it. Was gaining power, and they were going to be tasked with stopping this from happening. Su-Jin’s thoughts went blank as she tried to fully comprehend just what a task they were about to be sent on.

She never would have thought that when she decided to follow Master Liao to become a Zodiac warrior that she and all the others would be tasked with stopping the fall of man. Su-Jin tried not to let herself fall any deeper into her mind as the Master continued his speech. He told them of the corruption that was happening within these scrolls he had mentioned. Su-Jin doubted that she was going to be any help to her group. Sure Su-Jin knew way more about the underground than she ever wished to. But her abilities were not the kind that gave support unless of course, you wished to take all the blood from someone. Somewhere deep down she wished that just maybe she would get to sit this one out. But of course, that was never going to happen. Master Liao assigned her to travel with Lei, Hiroki, and Ming to the southern village of Nam’Jib to do recon on the Scroll of Protection. ‘This isn’t too bad.’ While she still doubted her skills, Su-Jin was quite happy to be with those three warriors for this journey. Managing to avoid the drama that would surely come with the other groups.

Everyone was quick to voice their concerns after the groups had been announced. She had expected there to be some strong feelings about the decided group but as she saw it it was none of her business. Su-Jin had her group and Lei and Ming seemed so enthusiastic about this. It couldn’t be that bad. ‘Just try trusting a little.’ She told herself. Su-Jin looked to her group members debating if she should join in on Lei and Ming’s conversation. Before she could make that choice Hiroki spoke to her, suggesting the grey mare in the stables would be a good fit for her. Su-Jin softly smiled at him in thanks. “Thank you, it has been a while since I have been on horseback.” She commented with a hint of timidness in her voice. She didn’t want to admit that she wasn’t really as skilled as her companions but now was better than not saying anything at all. “Is there anything I can do to help you prepare?” She was mainly asking Hiroki, but she also looked over to Lei and Ming to show that the question was open to them as well.

Speech: "Text"
Thought: 'Text'

coded by reveriee.

 

[Veil Walker]

Bohai The Tiger

Zodiac
The Reserved Tiger

Location
Teahouse-->Bohai's Quarters

Interaction


Mention


Outfit
Slightly muddy brown hanfu

If anyone else had said the name Raju, Bohai would have brushed it aside. But this was the Master speaking, so the Tiger Zodiac found his eyes narrowing, his gaze hardening as he considered what he remembered of the ancient stories. If those stories were anything to go by, corruption and destruction would be the least of their worries. Bohai listened as the mission was laid out before him, and saw as Xiao's face turned ashen grey. He forced the smile that danced on his lips away as he listened to the anxious Rooster try to worm his way out. He was glad when the Master refused to be dissuaded. He was looking forward to seeing exactly what kind of a leader Xiao would become. After all, Bohai knew from experience that sometimes the best leaders were those who started out reluctantly. The Pig chimed in and the Dragon stormed off, and Tiger felt the telltale flare in his blood as the Fire of his Zodiac birthright kindled. Marching up to the protesting duo, Bohai clapped on hand on the shoulder of both men, his voice a loud growl in the Teahouse.
"I suggest you both stop complaining and focus on leading your teams before I become ANGRY" he said, staring deep into each man's eyes for a moment before releasing them. Turning to the Rooster, he smiled, trying not to let the fire in his blood show in his eyes.
"Think of us like one of your projects. Take our individual threads, figure out where we go and weave us together to create something both beautiful and sturdy. I'm certain you can do that." Turning his attention to the Pig, he knelt down and whispered in his ear for a moment, before straightening and stepping back from both men. Bowing deeply to the Master, he strode out of the Teahouse and towards his quarters.

Each step along the way, Bohai took in the beauty around him, and used the cool air of winter to dampen the fire inside. He hadn't meant to blow up like that, particularly with Xiao. He knew the man already had a habit of flinching whenever he got too close after their last sparring match. Which he'd APOLOGIZED for. Bohai took another moment of breathing to remember that it was his fault, not Xiao's, and that, as the Master had told him, apologies take time. Breathing out a heavy sigh, he opened the door of his room and strode in. Time. It had been eight years already, and he still blew up at the slightest thing. He wished, for the seventh time in seven days, that he had never received this curse. Growling, he began packing his kit with cold weather clothes, herbs, some rope, and a few other things that had come in handy on previous missions. He also checked to make sure his weapon was well oiled and sharp. Xiao was leading, so Bohai was sure there would be a lot of talking. Xiao could be good at that when he didn't think too much. Still, the moment things went badly, and Bohai had a funny feeling they would, he would be right there, for intimidation if nothing else. Content that his pack was as good as it was going to be, he slung it on his back, securing it tightly before trudging down to the stables to await the rest of his so-called team.

 

[Ch3rryBlossom28]

View attachment 907664
Ume Yoshikawa


Ume knew storming out was not the best decision but she wasn't going to look foolish and head back. She knew master had his reasonings but she still couldn't understand why she would make Xiao in charge of such an important mission. Ume did have to admit that his power would be useful, but she was the Dragon damn it! Plus they were going to the orphanage. She may not like children but she was good with them and they could always use a healer.

Ume headed to her room. Her mind trying to figure out a plan in case Xiao didn't have one. Reaching her room she grabbed her travel bag and began to pack. She made sure to pack some warm clothes. Winter was already showing its colors and it was only going to get colder from here. Ume was happy they were going to stay at the inn tonight, it had been a while since she stayed there and she could use a relaxing night before the long journey ahead of them. After packing the last of her clothes and jewelry, (just because she's on a mission doesn't mean she cant look presentable) she stared up at the wall her bed was pressed up against. Hanging above her bed were her two chakrams. "Looks like you guys will be able to see the light of day." A soft smile formed on her lips as she pulled them down and attached them to her waist for easy access. She was particularly fond of them, and even though she wasn't the best at using them, they were her favorite weapon.

With that she was ready to go. It had taken her a little while to pack since she had to decide what outfits she needed to bring. She assumed they'd be going horse back and not by carriage so she had to be able to ride in them. Ume was sure they were done with the meeting by now but she would wait to hear when the others were leaving to depart to the Inn.​

 

[Impius]

Tsuda Miyoko Zodiac Warrior Estate
thorspuddingcup ​

Tsuda finished her cup of tea as the Zodiac's opinions flew around the room like gnats. Since the Master gave them the freedom to take leave, she decided it was best to spend her time packing for the trip. She wouldn't argue the teams Master assigned, she would follow orders to the best of her abilities. However she was unsure how she could aide in any type of theft, especially if Seosinko Monastery was already poisoned with the curse. She would truly hate to have to fight off, perhaps kill, some monks if it was severe enough. There was no way that it could be that bad yet. Yet based off the stories she knew of Raju, they were already behind if the seal had already been broken.

Realizing that she had been staring into the bottom of an empty cup, she looked up and around the room again. They wouldn't be gathered like this again for a while, aside from the already gone Ume, depending how long each part took achieve their mission. There was always a chance one of them would be in the Tea house for the last time. However, Tsuda thought that unlikely. The Warriors were all skilled and independent enough to survive. How different everyone's personalities were. The outburst of emotions made her head ache slightly, but nothing she couldn't ignore. Master Liao assured the worries of those who voiced their opinions. He seemed to have a plan, yet the Master always seemed to have a plan and know what he was doing from Tsuda's ten or so years with him. She put a hand on the shoulder of Ming, the hair on her arms rising as her heart pounded in her chest. "Good luck with your mission! I really hope we can be... -us all to be together again soon. Please stay safe out there." Her voice was soft and quiet, yet her timidness shined through as her eyes glanced at the others nervously. She looked forward to seeing them again too, but in reality her comment was directed toward the Ox himself. She felt a little embarrassed at herself. She stood from her seat and bowed to Master Liao and took her turn leaving.

Tsuda was crunching her way through the snow once again, her room set as the destination. Tsuda tapped the snow out from between the wooden slates on her geta shoes before entering the building. She carried them in hand as she found her way to her room, sliding open the door and slipping in. A desk underneath her window sat with a mess of scrolls ink and sumi brushes. Her walls were decorated with a couple of her own scrolls, all of them highlighting her favorite areas of the Estate. The garden, the Tea House in the midst of spring when the flowers are at full force, a portrait of all the Zodiac gathered together, and others displayed the surrounding villages and scenery. She grabbed her bag and began packing the essentials she would need for the trip.

It didn't take long for her to pack and gather a few scrolls into tubes that protected them from the elements. The tubes were then secured within a leather sack that she could string over a single shoulder or wear on her back. With her bag on her shoulders, the scrolls carried in one hand, weapons fastened to the leather belt she now wore. Fur boots were laced up along her legs with leather string, and she was draped in red and blue fabrics. The same fur was wrapped around her wrists to keep in that extra warmth. She made her way down to the stables, immediately making her way to Arashi, feeding the animal a small sugar cube. She spent her time hanging out with Arashi as she waited for the rest of the Zodiac, or at least her team, to make it there.

 

[thorspuddingcup]

Xiao Xinya

Xiao's eye's widened with Fuyuki's encouraging words, and there was an unmistakable flush working its way up his neck. He didnt have the time to worry about the fact he was now blushing in front of everybody when the Master spoke up. Xiao couldn't help but feel like a child being scolded. A metaphorical sandal being slapped upside his head for questioning the judgement of his superiors. Oh how Xiao wanted to crawl under the table and be one with the dust that settled between the floorboards.

The Master was done speaking, and Xiao decided it was better if he left for his room immediately. He turned around, only to be stopped by Bohai. Now even Bohai was upset with him. Forget being one with the dust, Xiao now wanted to turn into thin air and ride away on the wind. He was humiliated. Rather than defend himself against the Tiger (to be honest, the Tiger had every right to be upset. Xiao did not deserve any defense) Xiao found himself nodding so that the man knew that his words had been acknowledged. Ducking out from under Tiger's iron grip, Xiao hurried out of the tea house and practically ran to his room. He slammed the door behind him and slunk down to the bamboo mat flooring. Burring his face in his hands he took the time he needed to compose himself. A meditation session would probably be the best solution for the rising panic, but he obviously didn't have the time for that. As he sat there, questioning everything, his teammates were already preparing for their mission.

What if things got dangerous? What if he made the wrong call and one of his peer's suffered gravely for it? To be responsible for the tragedy that would befall them would weigh heavily on his shoulders for the rest of his life. The disappointment that would be on the faces of both the master and the remaining zodiac. Doing his best to push the thoughts away, Xiao stood up and made his way over to his shelf of scrolls. His scrolls were different from those of Tsuda's. Rather than being contructed of parchment, Xiao's scrolls were intricately embroidered swatches of silk. His powers manifested best through his art, and he kept his most basic and widely used abilities on these scrolls. He could not take the time to weave a defense in the middle of a battle, so he wove them ahead of time and channeled his power into the fabric when the time was right. He tucked a few of his favorites away in his traveling bag. Along with sets of appropriate clothing and anything else he felt might come in handy on such a quest.

Finally, he took his bow and quiver off their hooks and strapped them onto his back. Taking one last deep breath, Xiao looked around his room to ensure he didn't forget anything and headed out the door. When he arrived at the stables, Bohai was already there.

"Bohai, I would like to apologize for my outburst earlier. It was wrong of me to question the Master's decision, and to give you the impression that I have no desire to work with you. It could not be further from the truth. I hope you can forgive me. And, if time permits, perhaps teach me a thing or to about what it means to be a leader."

Location: Tea House -> Room -> Stables
Interactions: Bohai Veil Walker
Mentions: Fuyuki Brokenbri - Master DarkiusHeavenstein ​

 

[thorspuddingcup]

Chih-Ming Shen

Ming watched as their Rooster uncharacteristically spoke out against the assignments. Ming didn't understand why he would have any objections to being leader. Being a leader was a show of strength, and didn't everybody want that? At least to some degree.

"Nah, Su-Jin. But thanks for offering!" Ming said in response to the Rat's offer. "I will see you at the stables then!" He stood to go prepare in his room when Tsuda stopped him. Her voice was quiet, but since she was standing right next to him, he could hear her just fine.

"Thanks, Tsuda! I hope we can be together soon too! You kick some ass out there, alright? I want to hear all about your guys heroics!" Ming smiled and enthusiastically gave her a pat in between her shoulder blades. But forgetting his own strength, realized he had probably actually slapped her. "Oh, my bad." To make amends, he very gently patted the spot he had hit as if that would somehow make everything better.

Smiling, he strode out of the tea house and went to his room. Ming's dwelling was quite sparse compared to those of his fellow Zodiac. The walls were bare, and the shelves held nothing but shirts he didn't want to wear. Anything that he had called his own was destroyed by the war band that claimed his village. Grabbing his lone rucksack, Ming shoved a few pairs of pants and one shirt. It was winter, which meant when he wasn't training hard he would have to wear a shirt. Which bothered him. The fabric restricted his movements and made him feel like he was choking. But, he didn't want to die of the cold. So sacrifices had to be made.

Satisfied he had packed everything he needed Ming slung the pack on his back and headed towards the stable. Of the members of his team, he was the first to arrive. Ming sat down on a bale of hay and waited for his group to arrive.

Location: Tea House -> Room -> Stable
Mentions: Rooster
Interactions: Pride. Rat - Impius Tsuda​

 

[Veil Walker]

Yōulíng the Pig

Zodiac
The Curious Piggy

Location
Teahouse--->His Nest--->Xiao's Room--->Stables

Interaction

Impius (The Horsey Teacher of Reading)
thorspuddingcup (Master Tailor Xiao, Creator of Great Cloaks)

Mention


Outfit
Rough, light blue hanfu, sneakin' boots, cloak of shimmers Xiao made!

Normally, the Pig would have enjoyed the interactions of those he hoped would become couples. Not today though. Today he was faced with an immovable object. He could see that in the Master's eyes. Before he could make his response, the hand of Bohai landed on his shoulder. Pig tried not to freeze as the fierce Tiger leaned down and whispered in his ear. Pig couldn't respond, only staring forward in shock until Bohai had left. Glancing quickly around, he gave a short bow to the Master.
"As you wish, Master." Making his way out of the Teahouse, he wandered for a while until he found himself in front of his door. He wanted the extra time to think. Not just to consider the Master's words, but to try to understand how he was to accomplish anything with the group he'd been given. Still, he had never backed away from a challenge before, and he had no intention of doing so now. Come what may, he was going to steal that Scroll. He shrugged. He'd never robbed a monastery before, so maybe it would be fun. Opening the puzzle lock he had had installed on his door when he came to live at the compound, he slipped into his room without a sound. He had made sure no one came into his room, though he was fairly certain the Master knew what went on in there from some of his comments. Still, to an outsider, Pig's room was absolute chaos. Things were strewn about, and in the middle, what could only be described as a nest of clothes and soft things had been arranged into a bowl like shape with a Pig shaped depression in the middle. From this, Pig dug out his picks, his climbing gear, his winter clothes, flint, tinder and a pouch of grease. Grinning, he quickly bundled these into a small pack, slipping on the boots Xiao had picked out for him. They were surprisingly comfortable, and made very little noise. Pig gave them an amused look. Xiao had a good eye.

Stepping out of his nest, he redid the puzzle lock and slipped down the hall. Watching until he was sure Xiao had left, Pig stepped carefully in front of the tailor's door. Sliding the door open, Pig suppressed a chuckle. Xiao was certainly the type not to have a lock. Pig was definitely going to have to have a word with him. There were thieves around, after all! Making his way, carefully leaving no trace, Pig wandered through the racks before spotting his commission. Sweeping it up and around him, he secured it carefully below his throat. Grinning, he laid a large piece of silver down as payment and made his way out. Stepping out of the compound, he eyed the sun. Judging it to be a little after midday, he slowly made his way to the stables. Subconsciously, he moved with the shadows, becoming harder to notice. Against the background of the snow, he was almost invisible. Nodding to himself, he flipped his hood down and joined the others gathered there. He carefully patted Xiao on the shoulder as he moved past.
"The cloak is perfect, Big C. Don't worry, I left something in your room for you in exchange." Giving the Rooster a wink, he left it up to the other man's imagination what exactly he could have left for the talented tailor. Noticing Tsuda feeding her horse a sugar cube, he cautiously approached her. As a rule, Pig didn't enjoy being around horses, having seen his mate Whisper kicked by one. Still, he needed to talk to the Horse Zodiac.
"Hey Tsuda," he started, not bothering with his usual tone of cool confidence. "I was hoping we could take this time to work on that.... thing I asked you to help me with. If that's all right." Once he felt he could trust her, and knew that she had a good disposition toward him (most of the time) he had approached the older woman about some reading lessons. Growing up on the streets, Pig had never had an opportunity to, or a reason for learning to read. Everyone here seemed to enjoy it, with the exception of Ming, and Pig had found himself curious about it, so he had sought her out. He had come to rely on her discretion, as the last thing he wanted the others to know was that he had some kind of weakness. He could only imagine what Dragon would say.