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by Ghaarme on Mon Feb 15, 2010 12:59 am
Dead silence, was the only phrase that could give the moment in time justice. A body of nearly five hundred men and women stood in the darkness of the mega-cavern, the lower section open to provide more space to stand. Not even the breathing of a single person could be heard. Their discipline was uncanny. It had been a week since the arrival of Ikue, and all was ready for the assault on the Ryashiki Fiefdom. Every individual within the chamber was personalized in dress and armaments, and god were they armed. In the center of the chamer on the raised dias stood three figures, each bearing the air of a warrior about them.
Gotou Hyonmaru. The patron of the Hyonma ninja clan, dressed in regal finery of dark ebon and crimson silk robes. Creases and wrinkles, as well as a multitude of scars marred the old man's face, but his eyes remained youthful and unyeilding to the ravages of time. He sat cross-legged upon the throne at the very top-most portion of the dias. A long metal pole tipped with heavy lead spheres rested across his legs. He would be leading the shinobi in the attack.
To his left stood the tall, lithe form of Shoku Hyonma, leader of the strikeforce and chosen 'Kumori' of the general of the Hyonma ground forces. His mission would either prove to be the salvation of Japan, or it's damnation. Success or failure, would decide. A formal black ninja garb and scarf, comlete with four packs for ranged weaponry were attached to his belt. Twin ninjato were holstered at both sides, and a large iron tessen was strapped to the small of his back. The last item of note on his person, was a great iron cylinder spanning beyond the width of Shoku's body held across his shoulders by leather strappings. The heavy canister did little to encumber the steamborg. He was more than ready.
The final figure, standing to the right of the throne, was an imposing woman dressed in fairly plain clothing bearing a particularly long blade. Long blue-black hair and fair skin would cause her to stand out among most of the Hyonma, as they had a darker complexion and duller hair. She would be offered the chance to take any more equipment in a few minutes. This mercenary, a woman with outstanding bounties placed for her death, was to lead the Hyonma Mercenary forces in a direct assault on the Fiefdom gates. Over three-hundred trained killers were to be put under her command.
They were all ready to march.
Without a word, Gotou rapped the butt of his staff across the floor, one, twice, three and then four times, each tap holding it's own bass and cadence. The old man's wethered lips parted in a knowing smile, and his eyes drifted upwards. The gazes of many others followed his on to stair at nothing but a blank stone ceiling spotted with stalactite. Shoku was confused at first, but his scowl soon shifted into a grin to match his master's.
The faint whirr and clicks of moving machinery sounded off from high above the gathered crowd. Then nothing.
Not even a single soldier was surprised when that thin line of light appeared and spanned the entire length of the ceiling, although a few averted their eyes from the sudden shift in lighting. A soft hiss accompanied the movement of shifting stone as the great cave parted at the top, and eventually th dome was opened completely. The moon beamed across the now open grounds, the night having just begun minutes ago, highlighting the troops. Stairs branched out from all four sides of the indented area leading up to ground level. Great trees rose up in the surrounding area, creating a massive forest. Gotou arose from his seat and took a deep breath.
"Brothers, sisters, cousins and my fellow clan members. Tonight, we will decide the destiny of this great nation! General Ikue, you will march the ground forces directly to the fiefdom. The journey will take but three hours, and you will make not a sound. Understood?" the mercenaries said nothing. Gotou smiled. "Good."
He turned slightly to regard the shinobi. "You all, will be following me. Shoku, Ikue, best of luck." the old man seemed to be a young boy again, a ninja in his prime. In the next instant he, along with the entirety of the Hyonma shinobi, vanished into the night.
Shoku grinned and glanced over his shoulder to stare into Ikue's eyes. "Well, this is it. In a few hours we'll be knee-deep in enemy soldiers." his eyes returned to the silvery light of the full moon. "I'll be right behind you."
With that, the steamborg shinobi melded into the shadows of the verdant forest.
Now, was the night of venom. Vengeance.
The night, of the Hyonma.
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