Road to Hell [Complete]
Character(s): Kasuga Niji
Content: Niji arrives
Setting: The Airport
Warnings: None
Niji grasped tighter to the reins as the stolen gaijin warhorse lurched mid-gallop. What was that? she thought. That did not feel… Water spun from Niji’s hair as she flashed her head side to side. The light’s wrong and the rain’s sto-
“Aii!” The girlish shriek escaped her control as the horse reared in terror at the huge monster before them. Niji fell from the horse’s back and sat stunned for a moment, the breath knocked from her small frame. The warhorse took advantage of the open plain around them to run from the large creature with wings that had blocked its way. Niji stared up at the monster. The only creature that big she had ever seen had been one of the great oni, and it had taken all of Lord Akechi’s greatest heroes to kill it. If she weren’t already dead, surely she would be soon.
I’m still breathing, so move, woman, and stay that way. The oni had yet to stir so she sprinted for the nearest hiding place: directly beneath it. Away from the uncanny gleam of its square eyes, she paused to assess her foe: long tubular body, rather stubby wings for a creature of its magnitude, and …three legs? And were those wheels instead of feet? The oni had not moved nor made a sound; surely it would have gone after the horse, at the very least, out of sadistic glee of killing. Something is most definitely not right here. In the distance the horse could be seen, drawing to a cautious stop to catch its breath and sense the faint breeze.
Niji slipped closer to the front leg and cautiously reached out to touch the large wheels. Silence had fallen around her again as her beating heart calmed. Hmm. Cold to the touch; no signs of life. If it is an oni, it is one I have never heard of before. She slid into a more secure hiding place between the wheels before looking around her more. This red light is truly eerie. She shivered. It reminds me of the lands blighted with the Red Taint that we passed through on our mission, although even there, the sun was still the sun. Another shiver. I do not think I am in Rokugan anymore… which leaves the heavens and hells. And this does not look like any description of Tengoku or any other heaven I have heard of. Niji steeled her face. Which leaves the hells.
Niji scanned her surroundings for any signs that would help her identify where she was. A large flat plain with odd roads on it. A very square and long building, too plain to be a temple. In the distance, a city with more of the square buildings. But everywhere, red and silence. If this is a hell, then where are my tormentors? Where are the oni? And did I die to come here or was I taken alive, even as the palace was? A furrow lightly creased her brow before she schooled her face and made her choice. Staying here will not get me answers. The accursed horse would be useful, but I do not know if I can cajole him to me yet. So let me scout a little and see what I can find. She smiled viciously. And if Shiba-san and the others wish to follow me to this hell to kill me, let them.
Content: Niji arrives
Setting: The Airport
Warnings: None
Niji grasped tighter to the reins as the stolen gaijin warhorse lurched mid-gallop. What was that? she thought. That did not feel… Water spun from Niji’s hair as she flashed her head side to side. The light’s wrong and the rain’s sto-
“Aii!” The girlish shriek escaped her control as the horse reared in terror at the huge monster before them. Niji fell from the horse’s back and sat stunned for a moment, the breath knocked from her small frame. The warhorse took advantage of the open plain around them to run from the large creature with wings that had blocked its way. Niji stared up at the monster. The only creature that big she had ever seen had been one of the great oni, and it had taken all of Lord Akechi’s greatest heroes to kill it. If she weren’t already dead, surely she would be soon.
I’m still breathing, so move, woman, and stay that way. The oni had yet to stir so she sprinted for the nearest hiding place: directly beneath it. Away from the uncanny gleam of its square eyes, she paused to assess her foe: long tubular body, rather stubby wings for a creature of its magnitude, and …three legs? And were those wheels instead of feet? The oni had not moved nor made a sound; surely it would have gone after the horse, at the very least, out of sadistic glee of killing. Something is most definitely not right here. In the distance the horse could be seen, drawing to a cautious stop to catch its breath and sense the faint breeze.
Niji slipped closer to the front leg and cautiously reached out to touch the large wheels. Silence had fallen around her again as her beating heart calmed. Hmm. Cold to the touch; no signs of life. If it is an oni, it is one I have never heard of before. She slid into a more secure hiding place between the wheels before looking around her more. This red light is truly eerie. She shivered. It reminds me of the lands blighted with the Red Taint that we passed through on our mission, although even there, the sun was still the sun. Another shiver. I do not think I am in Rokugan anymore… which leaves the heavens and hells. And this does not look like any description of Tengoku or any other heaven I have heard of. Niji steeled her face. Which leaves the hells.
Niji scanned her surroundings for any signs that would help her identify where she was. A large flat plain with odd roads on it. A very square and long building, too plain to be a temple. In the distance, a city with more of the square buildings. But everywhere, red and silence. If this is a hell, then where are my tormentors? Where are the oni? And did I die to come here or was I taken alive, even as the palace was? A furrow lightly creased her brow before she schooled her face and made her choice. Staying here will not get me answers. The accursed horse would be useful, but I do not know if I can cajole him to me yet. So let me scout a little and see what I can find. She smiled viciously. And if Shiba-san and the others wish to follow me to this hell to kill me, let them.