I was not going to leave him behind. We would come out together, or not at all.
”
Storm Shadow was best known as the Cobra Commander's ninja bodyguard and assassin. He could trace his lineage through thirty generations of assassins. He is a classic character study in conflict. Storm Shadow's primary reason for joining the evil Cobra organization was borne not out of greed but a need for vengeance. The Commander attained his loyalty on the promise of eventually revealing the identity of his uncle's killer.
His swords-brother Snake-Eyes finally convinced him to let go of revenge, and for a time Storm Shadow even joined the Joe Team, engaging in many missions and adventures. However, on a routine mission, he was captured by Cobra and brainwashed into their service once more. Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow found themselves at odds once more until May of 2023 where eyewitnesses reported seeing Snake Eyes kill Storm Shadow in Los Angeles.
"A ninja is a silent wraith with a razor-edged blade in one hand and a scaling-grapple in the other. Ninjas can penetrate the most sophisticated defenses and leave without a trace. They are mystic swordsmen, spies, assassins, acrobats, quick-change artists and conjurors. Most people will tell you that ninjas don't exist. That's exactly what the ninjas want you to believe..."
Thomas Arashikage was born and lived for several years in San Francisco with a family of Japanese immigrants. As a child, he was known as Tommy, and he was exposed to an American lifestyle while still learning about his own culture. While young, Tommy traveled to his family home in Japan. He learned that his family was also a renowned clan of ninjas. Tommy studied with his uncles, the Soft Master and the Hard Master. He also spent time with his younger cousin, known as Jinx. Tommy became quite skilled and was granted the title of the Young Master.
When Tommy was old enough, he enlisted in the army to fight in Vietnam. His family saw a real war as a "graduate school for their prized pupil." Serving on Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP), Tommy honed his skills, learning the art of stealth better than he could at home. During his time in Vietnam, Tommy met Snake-Eyes. On their first tour of duty together, they became friends, as close as brothers. Tommy even offered Snake-Eyes a place in the "family business" when they returned home.
Their first tour came to an abrupt end when a battle resulted in the deaths of the rest of the soldiers in their unit. They were eventually assigned to a LRRP unit under the command of Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson, accompanied by three other soldiers: Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo and Dick Saperstein. The group stumbled upon an encampment of North Vietnamese soldiers and a firefight ensued. Collins, Saperstein and Escobedo were all believed killed in the attack. Snake-Eyes, Stalker and Tommy all retreated to a landing zone for rescue.
As the three soldiers ran across a field toward the extraction chopper, they were fired upon. Snake-Eyes was hit badly and Stalker ordered Tommy to leave him. Tommy refused, running back to save his friend and to Stalker's amazement, he evaded all enemy fire and retrieved Snake-Eyes and the photo of his sister that was so important to him.
Recovering from his injuries, Snake-Eyes was sent home only to find his family had died in a car wreck, on their way to meet him. After the deaths of his family, Snake-Eyes accepted Tommy's offer to join his ninja clan and study in Japan. As months wore on, Snake-Eyes became as skilled as Tommy and in some ways surpassed his skills. Tommy, known in the clan as "The Young Master," was still the most skilled at the bow, and he often hunted animals to prove his skills. A rift started between the two friends since Snake-Eyes did not approve of Tommy's unnecessary killing. What made matters worse was that Snake-Eyes was starting to replace Tommy as the Hard Master's favorite student. Soon, Tommy's world was shattered when the man who would be Cobra Commander hired two assassins, Zartan and Firefly, to kill Snake-Eyes. Hard Master was instead the one killed, and the assassin had used Tommy's arrow to commit the murder. After the murder, Tommy saw the true killer escape, and he knew that he would be blamed for killing his uncle. He fled Japan and sought out his uncle's assassin to exact his vengeance. He eventually joined Cobra under the name "Storm Shadow," a rough translation of his family name, "Arashikage."
Several years after leaving Japan, Storm Shadow was guarding Destro's castle in Trans-Carpathia where Scarlett was being held prisoner. He fought a mysterious commando, who defeated him and escaped with Scarlett. Storm Shadow was not certain, but he thought the mysterious commando may have been Snake-Eyes.
Storm Shadow was acting as Cobra Commander's personal bodyguard when he was captured by the Joe team. Though he escaped, Gung-Ho had seen the clan tatoo on Storm Shadow's arm and noticed Snake-Eyes wore the same tatoo. This sent Snake-Eyes to track down the Soft Master, who had been investigating the murder his brother (the Hard Master) for years. Soon, the two former friends confronted each other, and Storm Shadow revealed that he did not murder his uncle. Despite that fact, Storm Shadow could not totally reconcile with Snake-Eyes. He hoped that after his revenge was carried out, they could be the brothers they always should have been.
When Cobra Commander's son, Billy, attempted to kill his father, he was captured by Cobra and treated as a criminal, even being subjected to the Brain-wave scanner. They knew Billy hadn't acted alone, but his accomplices did not speak up, allowing Billy to be treated badly by Cobra. Disgusted by the actions of Billy's accomplices and by the mistreatment the boy received, Storm Shadow freed him from prison and fled to his dojo New York, taking Billy with him.
For a time, Storm Shadow trained Billy in the art of ninjitsu, but was disappointed when Billy went off on his own to confront Cobra Commander. Soon afterward, Snake-Eyes arrived at Storm Shadow's Manhattan dojo. He received a telegram from the Soft Master, confirning that the Hard Master's assassin was Zartan. The two friends landed on Cobra Island, fighting their way to Zartan.
When Zartan eluded Storm Shadow's vengeance, Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow had to fight their way off of the island during a G.I. Joe rescue mission. They stole a Cobra hydrofoil, but they were attacked and Storm Shadow had to fight vicious sharks and Cobra frogmen before he got back ashore. When he waded up on the beach, he was met by the Baroness. Tired of his betrayal of Cobra, she shot the ninja, apparently killing him.
In reality, he had forced himself into a trance-state known as the "Sleeping Phoenix," slowing down the body to near-death. Storm Shadow's body was taken and kept in storage by Dr. Mindbender for use in a special project. Mindbender was about to use advance technology to create Serpentor, a soldier who would be the amalgamation of the greatest warriors in history. Mindbender threw Storm Shadow into the mix, using his body to help create Serpentor.
Somehow, the process revived Storm Shadow. He infiltrated G.I. Joe headquarters to find Snake-Eyes and ask him for help. Storm Shadow saw how vengeance had consumed him, and he needed time alone to recover from the scars of vengeance. Snake-Eyes offered him the keys to his cabin in the High Sierras. There, Storm Shadow lived in seclusion for a time, healing his soul.
Storm Shadow's retreat was interrupted when Scarlett came to tell him that Snake-Eyes had been captured by Cobra. With his help, Scarlett snuck into the Cobra Consulate in Manhattan. They fought Cobra soldiers and the mysterious red ninjas before Snake-Eyes was freed. The three friends barely survived the ordeal. Shortly afterward, it was discovered that Billy, long thought to be dead, was still alive.
Billy had come out of a coma while in his father's care, but the boy could not deal with his father's involvement in Cobra and left. He made contact with Jinx and the Blind Master, both members of the Arashikage clan. Through Snake-Eyes, Jinx had become involved in intelligence for the G.I. Joe team. Billy was brought to see Hawk and to tell the Joes what had happened to the Soft Master and Candy, Ripcord's girlfriend. He revealed that they had died in the accident that nearly took his life.
While Billy was reunited with Storm Shadow, the Joes got a call from Flint and Lady Jaye in Grenada. They, Snake-Eyes and Scarlett were vacationing there when Snake-Eyes and Scarlett, escorting a blind man across an open field apparently stepped on a mine and were incinerated. Storm Shadow knew something was wrong. "A ninja does not step on a landmine."
Storm Shadow ascertained that the blind man was actually the Blind Master. With Jinx and Billy's help, Storm Shadow tracked his friends to Borovia. They had faked their deaths with the help of the Blind Master so that they could illegally rescue Stalker, Snow Job and Quick Kick. The three men were being held in a Borovian gulag and had been "written off" by U.S. officials. The three Joes were rescued by the team of ninjas and they all returned home.
Storm Shadow, Jinx, Billy and the Blind Master travelled to San Francisco, where Storm Shadow had grown up. He ran and lived in the Arashikage Martial Arts Academy along with Billy and Jinx, who was stationed at the Presidio army base. Months later, the G.I. Joe team was involved in the Cobra Island civil war. After the war, the Joes were forced to take the fall for the failure and Hawk and General Hollingsworth were being held in a psychiatric hospital by corrupt government officials. The Joes who had evaded arrest rescued Hawk with the help of Billy, Jinx and Storm Shadow.
A short time after Hawk's rescue, Billy's mother tracked down her son and revealed why Zartan had killed the Hard Master: Cobra Commander's brother died in the accident that killed Snake-Eyes' family. He blamed Snake-Eyes for the death and sent Zartan to kill him, who mistakenly killed the Hard Master. Then Billy left to live with his mother while he went to school.
After Billy left, Zartan and the Red Ninjas attacked the martial arts academy, trying to kill Storm Shadow. The ninja defeated the others, but because of the incident, he was forced to abandon the academy. Storm Shadow returned to Snake-Eyes' cabin in the High Sierras with Snake-Eyes, Scarlett and Jinx. They were attacked again by the Red Ninjas, led by a ninja Storm Shadow nearly killed in San Francisco.
During the battle, the Red Ninjas' leader revealed that the Red Ninjas were actually remnants of the Arashikage clan. They blamed Storm Shadow for the downfall of the clan after he brought Snake-Eyes, an outsider, into the clan. They had been working with Zartan since Storm Shadow first attempted to exact his vengeance. Though the heroes survived, Storm Shadow lamented, "Will my past ever stop catching up to me?"
While undergoing reconstructive surgery in Switzerland, Snake-Eyes was captured by Cobra and again brought to the Cobra Consulate. Scarlett was left in a coma during his capture. Storm Shadow, with the help of Stalker, attacked the consulate. When he arrived, Snake-Eyes had already escaped and was waging a one-man war to get out of the building. The Joes and Destro rescued the ninjas, but not before much of the consulate was destroyed. Unfortunately, Scarlett remained in a coma.
Seeing Snake-Eyes was distraught over Scarlett's imminent death, Storm Shadow used the "Arashikage Mind Set" to turn Snake-Eyes into a killing-machine and send him on a mission into Borovia, hoping to make him forget Scarlett. Scarlett inexpectedly recovered. When she learned what Storm Shadow had done to Snake-Eyes, she confronted him and almost killed him.
Soon, Snake-Eyes returned and with his help, Storm Shadow survived. Now a full member of the G.I. Joe team, Storm Shadow participated in many missions, including the Battle of Benzheen, a conflict in which several Joes lost their lives. While training a new group of ninjas for the Joe team, Storm Shadow was reunited with Billy when the Joes helped protect Destro from a death warrant issued by Cobra Commander. The young ninjas performed well in that mission and Storm Shadow was given command the G.I. Joe Ninja Force. The team fought with the Joes in Trans-Carpathia -- where they learned Firefly's part in his uncle's death -- and the Cobra-controlled town of Millville, where they helped free the town from Cobra's influence.
When Storm Shadow discovered Billy had been captured by Cobra, he travelled to Trans-Carpathia to try and rescue his former student. While there, Storm Shadow was captured and brainwashed by Dr. Mindbender's brain-wave scanner, forced to work again for Cobra. Snake-Eyes and the Joes tried to free him, but they were unsuccessful.
In 1994, a short time after the Joes' failed rescue attempt, the team was disbanded by the U.S. military. Storm Shadow took part in one last mission against former members of the Joe team, even confronting Snake-Eyes. Their fight was short-lived and the ninja left the scene before anything could be resolved. Soon afterward, Cobra forces fell to a unified attack by regular military forces. Most of Cobra's "high command" disappeared in the wake of the conflict, Storm Shadow included.
MUX History:[]
Storm Shadow is back in the employ of Cobra, although his ever-shifting loyalties have left him distrusted by both Cobra and G.I. Joe. Regular jolts by the Brainwave Scanner have kept him with Cobra, but are taking their toll on his free will and sanity.
In 2004, Kamakura battled Storm Shadow on a parking garage rooftop in downtown Kansas City.
Storm Shadow is the former commanding officer of Cobra's Unconventional Warfare operations. Artemis was his second in command.
His Japanese name is Tomisaburo and his America name is Thomas, shorted to Tommy.
Having intercepted rumors of Destro's resurrection from assets within range of GI Joe telecommunications, I deployed personally to Trans-Carpathia to investigate at the same time as a GI Joe force. After a brief, fruitless engagement with GI Joe, Destro was lured out and appears to be alive. He is quite displeased about the attempted assassination, and appears to be loyal to Cobra, thanks to the Baroness. He does, however, fancy himself a cut above our ilk yet again.
All the bluster of a Scottish politician and the cunning of a British commander. Never a wise combination for his own health. Do not play his game when it is with words, and he cannot play it when it is with swords.
- Storm Shadow
< The Red Shadow logo follows. >
April 16 - Trucial Abysmia[]
< A general memorandum to high command, plus each CO/XO team in each division. >
Night Creepers got word of a meeting between the Decepticons and King Mohammed of Trucial Abysmia. It appears that our ally, the boy king, has tarried from our alliance and sought the aid of Decepticons. They agreed to offer you a peace proposition, Commander, of Decepticons ruling the Earth, with Cobra and its allies administrating government.
I do not believe the Decepticons to be willing to follow through on the deal as necessary for our best interests, since their primary motivator seems to be protecting the galaxy with Earth's natural resources as their reason for being on this planet. As you may surmise, all of you, those natural resources are necessary for Earth to be a planetary power, Cobra's use and domination of them notwithstanding.
Most disturbing was the fact that King Mohammed feels Cobra to be lagging in power globally. The Decepticons do not believe so, in claim, but they are an alien species more powerful than us in standard maneuver warfare by an exponential level. Our only defense is our capacity to blend in with Earth's natural human networks. Their advantage is military force, our advantage is politics.
Trucial Abysmia has made a political error. I am merely a humble observer to this fact.
< Arashikage Logo. >
June 28 - "The Ghost of Horrorshow" - Interrogator and Natalia are visited by the ghost of Horrorshow.
Last night, an Oktober Guard psychological operation took place on White House command's grounds. We lost several soldiers at the hands of Lt. Gorky, posing as the deceased Horror Show. The psychological operation left Interrogator and his partner, Natalia Kirstov, psychologically broken, and scrambled our command in such a way as to reveal our perimeter defense patterns to Oktober Guard.
Privately, I have been informed that Interrogator is showing signs of stress, and is paranoid about his own organization.
I do not feel that the Brainwave Scanner is the proper route in this matter.
After consulting secretly with his SAW-Vipercomrades, I have come to the conclusion that Interrogator should be moved to a unattached unit command. The Rocky Mountains have been suggested, as a sabbatical, to supervise the construction of a helicopter base in the Pacific Northwest to monitor nearby American and Canadian logistical traffic, as well as smuggling personnel and materials. A Rocky Mountain base could also be useful in the event of another alien incident, as a contingency command center.
The SAW-Vipers, codenamed Big Shot and Gargoyle, should be placed in charge of training a Gyro-Viper to be Cobra Commander's new Mamba pilot. I believe this would be wise, given that they have chosen to protect the organization from Interrogator's deteriorating mental state.
As for the situation in Russia, someone should be volunteered to deal with the damage Interrogator has done by setting up a potential war rally. My analysis of files indicates that Russian industry is exceptionally powerful. A brokered deal may be necessary, with a corporate power, instead of an outright act of treachery. The worst case scenario is the military taking over and Iron Bear becoming prominent. That would be the equivalent of General Hawk running the entire Pentagon.
From: Storm Shadow At: Sun Feb 05 17:27:30 2023
To : Cobra Commander, Storm Shadow
Subject: Report on Interrogator
Sir,
I went to Crown City in Cobra Union to perform staff inventory and review of the overall site. Most of the antiquities have been removed and are now in a local museum for storage. There is a definitive demarcation between Cobra equipment and that which has been tagged 'Ascension Wing', to the point where it is on an independent network.
Sir, after a discussion with Interrogator, where he mentioned planning for a departure, a 'Null Sum deal' from your organization. He is under the impression that I reported to Mindbender. *hrmph* The rest of this sounded like nothing more than verbal garbage meant to dissuade but I am reporting it as said. He and his will be okay with the Hotel California deal that you are offering, and they will handle the Red Right Hand if Mindbender is kept out of his business. He does want to know why you called him off Coil, however.
I am uneasy about his focus on the Cybertronians and what he is doing to net gain access to off-world technologies. I suspect he may be compromised to some degree because of his degree of attention paid to a specific one. When asked if he were a 'Pet' like others, he avoided a clear answer. Repeatedly. I have my doubts as to his loyalties myself, but you know more than I as to the orders you've given him and the length of leash you've allowed.
Storm Shadow out.
6 February - "Just a Friendly" - Storm Shadow travels to Los Angeles to continue his 'Inventory' of top tier Cobra commanders. The target of interest being Major Bludd.
February 15 - "The Product Mission Secundus" - Lady V's second mission sends Cypher, Zarana, Interrogator, and Storm Shadow to Russia.
February 18 - "Just Patio Chat" - An impromptu gathering at the café reveals a variety of information.
After some significant information returned after following multiple leads. The things one overhears in coffee shops and concerts in LA... It is rumored, and heavily supported, that G.I. Joe is working on an additional orbital system to surpass the Cottonbolt, their.. space laser. Eidolon Space Force has developed new satellite weapon technology that is rumored to put the Coltonbolt to shame. Apparently there have been secret launch window that I have not been able to gain the information on but what has fallen into my hands indicates that the emplacements will start to be aligned in orbit this Saturday night. We saw what the Cottonbolt did to Broca Beach..
Storms Shadow Out.
February 24 - "Mood Whiplash" - Storm Shadow has a moment with Lady Jaye. Verbally. Work done, he heads 'home' and has quality 'family time'.
March 10 - "Tea Talk" - Storm Shadow and Scarlett have a talk. That doesn't end in bloodshed.
Mar 10 - Snake Eyes[]
Storm Shadow shows up in a visual report, masked. The background is blurred out.
"I’ve recently received information that Snake Eyes has gone dark. With that said, Cobra Commander, Baroness, I am increasing your personal security assignments as a precaution. Storm Shadow out."
End transmission
March 11 - "Domestic and Non-Domestic Ninjas" - Storm Shadow is working through anger management issues by tending to some of the seasonal chores at the dojo in San Franscisco. Snake Eyes comes to visit and there is a talk with an ultimatum. Afterwards, Kamakura cooks dinner, those there talk about upcoming plans.
March 14 - "Not a Peaceful Meeting" - The Baroness calls for a Cobra meeting of Command officers to address dissension and infighting in the ranks.
March 16 - "Sowing Audit Chaos" - Storm Shadow tracks Interrogator down after the Cobra Command meeting to dig further into the other man's doings. And sowing his own seeds of plans and actions.
March 18 - "The Consequence Talk" - Storm Shadow visits Zarana in the brig for a talk about consequences, procedures and expected behaviors.
March 22 - "Plans Hidden in Poetry" - Tommy and his 'plan' continues. What is he up to now?
March 24 - "Kitsune Tsuki" - 48 hours is only 2 days to some. To other's it can span several lifetimes worth of woe, rage, and poor choices.
March 25 - "When In Doubt Have Tea" - Some continued bad luck has Storm Shadow questioning a great many things. Fortunately.. there is always tea.
March 25 - "The World Is An Open Chat" - While relaxing in a hot tub, Interrogator continues his work, collecting information, adding to knowledge to rework plan after plan.
March 26 - "Patience and Dishonor" - Storm Shadow is setting things to rights. Or so he thinks. Communication is difficult when the topics are sensitive in nature. And then Scarlett happens.
March 27 - "Only Warnings" - While traveling, Storm Shadow has a small text conversation.
A text-based report with Storm Shadow's coded signature:
Additional leads have been located concerning the situation in Siberia. There is a movement in the underworld for 'customized', genetic- based enhancements. One end is cosmetic, the other is deeper: Military Positioning with the cover of body servants being used to mask the intentions.
It leads back to the old Oktober Guard and a name from mutual operations in times long ago: General Garrison 'Blitz' Kreiger through several layers of paperwork and company fronts, but nothing that can be proven. A great deal of word of mouth and bragging among 'old friends'. I've another lead I am tracking that may prove more fruitful.
Going dark,
Storm Shadow
April 6 - "Inventory Baroness" - Storm Shadow continues his rounds of 'Inventory', this time making an appearance at the Silent Castle to speak with Baroness.
April 7 - "One Nasty Shaving Cut" - Storm Shadow reports in for the 'required' checkup, skipping options and inflicting himself on Scalpel before he departs the Silent Castle.
April 25 - "Communicating Low Expectations" - Shana visits the dojo seeking Tommy for a discussion. No blood nor tea is spilt but the words spoken cut deep none the less.
April 28 - "Left Unsupervised" - Minding his own business, Storm Shadow gets far move involved in current events than he wanted to on a Friday.
April 28 - A Report[]
**While this probably -should- have been locked to higher ups, for some reason it's got a much lower security setting, allowing 6+ to see and read.**
Baroness,
Congratulations, before I take some additional time off, I have a present for you in the brig. Ekaterina Vysotskaya, AKA Katrina Vesotsky, who disappeared off our radar a few years ago. And Lee Gruber. They were lurking in the Sudan as per your notes. I meant to let you know a week ago or so but I got shot just after and.. well. Reports didn't seem as important. The guards were instructed to keep them both sedated due to the reported oddities, mental powers and increased strength. I would like hazard pay, thank you, there are some dreams of which I do not ever want to relive and replacing a sword is not east.
Storm Shadow out.
OOC NOTE: This was something Baroness sent Storm Shadow off to do and he did it on his way back from Japan. Hence him being pretty out of communication for a week or so. He forgot to report because Mindbender.
April 28 - "Left Unsupervised" - Minding his own business, Storm Shadow gets far move involved in current events than he wanted to on a Friday.
April 29 - "Be Gentle Teacher" - Not his student, but a student none the less. Eddie reaches out to Tommy, asking for training.
April 29 - "The Little Niceties" - Scarlett wakes up at the dojo still after sleeping for nearly 24 hours. And breaks her fast with Storm Shadow, who seems to be on his best behavior.
May 1 - "MayDay Convention" - Tommy, Meggan, and Sean finally get to have a day at a convention in those Power Ranger costumes that 2 of them were somehow talked into. Other joes join in, dressed up in various outfits. What is a light moment ends in tragedy. Or How Meggan's Convention was ruined by Cobra.
May 10 - "What Dream This" - Sean wakes up in an unfamiliar-familiar place and dazedly wanders into a walled castle garden.
May 23 - "Family Is" - The Arashikage family reaches out to Billy, concerning the late Tommy and requests a meeting. Billy and Meggan meets Tomas, the young man sent as the family representative.
May 24 - "Tsunami Of Change" - Meggan and Tomas talk about what family is, discussing the recently passed Young Master. Sean wakes up and the topic of what family is once more plays into the conversation.
May 25 - "Broken But Fixable" - Cranky Ninja are like giant toddlers sometimes. Getting Sean to eat and sleep is a chore best taken on by a group.
May 26 - "Cracks Running Deep" - Meggan talks with Sean more, concerned about the changes to his personality. Then Lex comes by to pay his respects to Storm Shadow and meets Tomas, learning more concerning things about the story the two Arashikage ninja hold as truth.
May 28 - "Not Sean Broca" - Sean is realizing that what he thought was true may not be after he and Tomas meditated while listening to some old chinese operas off of a USB drive. Interrogator involves himself deeper, causing a disturbance.
May 29 - "Family By Choice" - Kamakura struggles to determine what is real and what is not, fighting against himself while Tomas tries to help him stay grounded.
June 2 - "Bowed Beneath Weight Not Broken" - Edwin goes to the Arashikage Dojo to talk to Tomas about something that weighs heavy on his mind. Trying to have dinner nearby, they run into 'Drew' who involves himself in their conversation much to Edwin's chagrin.
Tomas phones Meggan to personally insure she knows she is invited to the remembrance while he is traveling from Tokyo to San Francisco.
June 18 - "Suki Desu" - Edwin phones Tomas, waking up the new Young Master on the day of remembrance for Storm Shadow.
June 19 - "The Journey Never Ends" - Family Arashikage hosts a final remembrance ceremony for Thomas Arashikage, the original Young Master, on the 49th day after his death. During the quiet remembrances, strange things happen, and even stranger are revealed.
June 20 - "A Brave Man" - After the memorial for Tommy Arashikage went strange, the new 'young master' collapsed. And then woke not alone.
July 2 - "Weighted Difficulties" - Not a good dream. Airtight goes to medical in the Pit to be seen for an issue. While his concerns are laid to rest, he is present when Tomas wakes from a nasty dream.
July 3 - "Failure Of Focus" - Snake-Eyes returns to the Pit for several reasons, to clear his name, to report in, to check on the patient-prisoner in medical. Things do not go well.
July 6 - "Tiny Tea Tradition" - Wisp presents Tomas a tea ceremony while he is in medical.
July 6 - 14, 2023: A series of messages between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
2023-July-6
From: Arashikage Tomisaburo
To: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message:
Good day Oba-san.
I hope this message finds you well. My apologies for being out of contact for such an extended period of time. While I am certain that you anticipate the usual platitudes and sidestepping, I apologize for moving past the formalities to the reason for this message.
I have concerns. For the family. Safety, security, traditions. All. I always have, as you know. .Now there is something amiss and I find myself adrift without tether, a focus, something to anchor. I do not have much time, or rather I do not know how much I may have left. I am alive, but I have been significantly unwell since the... since June 19th, as far as I can remember. Perhaps as far back as May 1. I know longer than that for other things.
I ask that you review security and please keep yourself and our family safe. I will as always do everything I can. Please know that there is little left to me.
Tomi-san
2023/07/12
To: Arashikage Tomisaburo
From: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message through LINE:
Arashikage-san,
It is good to hear from you. I understand your confusion -- I have some idea what you have experienced, but I would prefer to meet and discuss things in person. Since the temple is occupied, meet me at the family dojo in Tokyo. I have heard many things, but I wish to ascertain the truth.
Obake Obaasan
2023/07/12
From: Arashikage Tomisaburo
To: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message encrypted through LINE:
With your permission, I humbly ask that I am allowed to bring companions with me on this journey. Understanding the need for additional security, I can submit their names for consideration as travel companions. Short of abandoning them and slipping away unfettered, which would not be difficult, I wish to retain the company of at least one, which managed to wear away at my refusals for such until I agreed to not travel alone for my own safety. In truth, I know of 3 who would wish to accompany me, but only 2 that have committed to maintaining a watch over my person. None of which are of the serpent.
Tomi-San
2023/07/13
To: Arashikage Tomisaburo
From: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message through LINE:
You may bring whom they require, and they will be welcomed to stay in guarded guest quarters reserved for honored guests and protected there.
However, when I speak with you, it will be alone.
Oba Sen
2023/07/14
From: Arashikage Tomisaburo
To: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message encrypted through LINE:
As you say, so it will be.
I have let them know that they can come with me as honored guests and what to expect. And that my meeting with you will be a private one.
My companions on this journey are the following. The information is provided so that you may have the proper security checks performed prior to our arrival in Tokyo. I've engaged the use of one of the family jets for the transit.
Dr. Edwin Steen, Major in the US Army, as much of my student as I can commit to right now in aikido, a close friend, and my chosen, and accepted focus for stability.
Sean Collins, Sergeant in the US Army, Kamakura to our family and apprentice to the Silent Master. He has some personal experience now with what had happened to me in the past.
If the young lady agrees, we will have a third.
Meggan Briar, Sergeant in the US Army, my little Kitsune who needs direction in her life and has been greatly affected by the recent happenings. I would say more but this isn't the proper venue for such conversations.
I hope that when we meet it is a 'good' day for me. If it is not, I trust Dr. Edwin and Sean to explain what has been happening before we meet alone.
Tomi-San
2023/07/14
To: Arashikage Tomisaburo
From: Oba Sen
Language: Japanese
Text message through LINE:
If you trust them, they are welcome. However, be sure they know that if they enter areas they are warned to be off-limits, the results will be harsh, if not fatal.
I have information that may help with your understanding of your situation. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
July 16 - "Storms Harness" - Edwin and Tomas talk up at the amusement park before heading back to the Tokyo Arashikage Dojo, where they run into Oba Sen.
July 18 - "Half the World Away" - Kimiko is at the Arashikage Dojo, just checking on things, when she gets an International Phone Call from her cousin.
July 25, 2023: A letter between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
Date: 2023, July 25
Arashikage Sen,
The Jo is once more ours. Kimiko was seriously injured and there were some deaths. The Night Creepers were present but to a man they were killed save for their current Aleph. I am working with our own to police every corner. Dr. Steen has lent his skill to aid our own medical teams with triage and support while Sean has helped me with patrolling all the corners.
Arashikage Tomisaburo
July 26 - "Listen To The Experts" - After Taken By Storm, the family and guests settle into the castle's infirmary for medical care. Apparently if you ask, you can get a lolly.
July 27 - "Why A Shovel Cousin" - Tomas exhumes the grave at the family castle to determine if it is indeed the missing security director, Akiko.
July 27, 2023: A letter between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
Date: 2023, July 27
Oba,
It was not Akiko in the grave.
Tomi
July 28 - "Maybe A Tablespoon Now" - Tomas and Kimiko have a quiet talk while she is recovering the day after Why A Shovel Cousin, where they discovered something horrible in the Pine Garden family memorial.
July 29 - "Offering Teacher A Contract" - Barghest runs across Tomas in Tokyo and remembering the young man from a tea place where he had spoken to Lex. He chooses to strike up a conversation covering pens, teaching, and time available.
July 29 - Aug 7, 2023: Letters between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
Date: 2023, July 29[]
Arashikage Sen,
I was approached by someone I suspect is a part of the serpents coil for a ‘teaching’ contract.
He acted as if I were only known as Tomas still to then. Nothing was agreed upon but seeing another of their ilk was concerning. I hesitate to ignore the request for a formal meeting in a tea house however I will do as instructed if you feel that further investigation is needed.
Arashikage Tomisaburo
Date: 2023, July 31[]
Arashikage Sen,
Security has let me know that the castle awaits your visitation at your convenience. Dr. Steen and Sean have returned to the states, Kimiko remains behind to continue to heal before she can travel.
Oba,
Sean… has proposed to his lady friend. On a lighter note. And does wish to seek your approval, even if he’s done this in the wrong order - he is prone to act first, think later on occasion.
Arashikage Tomisaburo
Date: 2023, Aug 7
Oba Sen,
I am traveling back to the states to help Billy settle more items at the dojo. Should you wish to visit San Francisco, please let me know so I can arrange appropriate accommodations as we don’t have a safe house there to my knowledge. Although what I know and remember may be limited due to what had happened to me in the past.
Tomi
2023 August 9[]
Arashikage Tomisaburo,
You have had quite a bit to report. Help Kessler-san at the dojo, and support Collins-san in his new relationship. I appreciate his consideration of the old ways, even if his actions show more haste than thoughtfulness. I will send someone to meet this serpent. Is it the Interrogator?
Arashikage Sen
2023 August 9[]
Arashikage Sen,
As you say, I will do. I will let Sean know that he really should at least write to you, since his enthusiasm out-stepped his remembrance of things. Shall I terror.. ahem.. educate him on what a formal joining entails? I promise to send photos.
As for the serpent, while the voice had some familiarities to it, the face I could not place. I do have his contact information and will forward it to you. It was not the Interrogator, that man I know in and out of his business attire. This man had a heavy english accent, one of the urban ones. I suspect he was working his own grifts while in Tokyo based on the brief conversation.
Arashikage Tomas
2023 August 11[]
Arashikage Tomas,
Since Collins-san’s former master neglected to educate him on such matters, please do so if you have the opportunity. He obviously has much to learn about the ways of the Arashikage.
Please pass along this serpent’s information and I will ensure the matter is addressed.
Good luck.
Arashikage Sen
August 9 - "Token Tea Talk" - Cooper arrives at Edwin's condo to help with packing it up. There is Tea at Edwin's house.
August 10 - "Confession And Cookies" - While helping Edwin pack his condo up, Cooper and Tomas learn some of the darker history lurking in the doctor's life. When in doubt? Therapy Cookies.
August 11 - "Even The Arrogant Have Hope" - Tomas reaches out to Conrad to say.. many things. Like very estranged friends tip-toeing around topics but settling back into an easy back and forth. He takes the time to reach out to Sean passing on information from his Aunt concerning Sean's engagement as well.
Aug 12 - 14, 2023: Letters between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
2023 August 12[]
Arashikage Sen
So you say, it will be. I’ve begun instructing Collins-San remotely on what our traditions are, and did advise him that while he is a member of our family, the choice is his and his intendeds on if they wish to fully follow our traditions. Or do this the western way like the Silent Master and his intended had planned.
Even with the brief outline, including the mention of offspring and the genetic testing that modern science gives us verses tracing lineage through scroll records, he was firm in his wish to use our family traditions. As he said he wishes to keep the traditions of the family that he has been adopted into and is sworn to protect.
So, Aunt, it seems we may have a formal event to plan. After a formal meeting between you, Collins-San, and his intended as is proper. Please let me know how you wish to pursue this meeting, I can wrangle them to one of the halfway places near home. Or where you deem if appropriate.
I do ask that if you choose to test the woman, please let Sean know that it isn’t intended to be a fatal testing. He doesn’t know and that should come from you as the head of our family. To avoid a disruption but I know that in this, you and the family have traditions that I simply do not remember the protocols on.
I will see what additional information on this woman I can glean from my remaining contacts. What I have been told is she is level-headed and a good match, at least in personality. That, at least, is a start. But I know that it is not quite enough information.
Here is the contact information from the serpent I met in Tokyo. (Scanned image of a business card with only a phone number-it’s for Barghest).
I will be looking for an actual apartment in San Francisco over the weekend. While my room at the dojo is always available, I should think for once in decades I wish for my own place to lay my futon that isn’t carved out of another’s desme. Or a converted storage room.
Arashikage Tomisaburo
2023 August 14[]
Arashikage Tomisaburo,
If you support Collins-San and his fiancée, I will back your intuition. Two bodies; same heart. If there is a test, and there well may be, please alert them both that this is a possibility and it would be non-fatal.
Collins-San and his intended can return here, or I am willing to travel to San Francisco. My ability to travel has been far too restricted of late.
Please gather as much information as you can on Collins’ betrothed. I do detest surprises.
I will follow up on this snake contact with the resources at my disposal. Thank you.
I am glad to read you are getting your own place. It is time for you to find the right balance between family responsibilities and your personal well-being. As important as it is to focus on the clan, a frog in a well knows nothing of the sea.
September 6 - "Ninja Scout Cookies" - Scarlett intends to ask Storm Shadow for help with a Cobra agent's identity, but the conversation turns to something much more important to the both of them.
September 7 - 23, 2023: Letters between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
2023 September 8[]
Arashikage Sen,
I enjoyed my time and assignment to Tokyo proper last week (OOC Note: Aug 27-Sept 4 Tomas was at the amusement park site and training some of the younger shinobi as well as taking some refreshers himself.) and the opportunity to train and be trained again in aspects of our family that may have slipped under the waters of my life.
An emergency message came to me from Sean concerning his fiancee' Selena. As she was apparently at the castle per some invitation from you (My curiosity knows no bounds on this, Oba. But I understand not wanting us to meet as I may be too acerbic to meet with my brother's student's fiancee and remain properly polite). In the message, Sean indicated that she had been attacked when on an excursion to Tokyo proper and was med-vaced back to the states due to the nature of her injuries. I do not know why they felt the need but I can understand wanting to have a team member under their own medical umbrella verses a public facility. He let me know that he had sent a message indicating that she had not gone AWOL on whatever it was she was doing there, but had been seriously injured. I do have a brief update on her from Edwin, she is stable but was rather well injured. I am certain that she will once able, reach out to you to tender apologies.
I should be taking the keys to my own house this weekend. A novelty to be certain. There were some final construction changes that I insisted upon, and then of course the additional security systems installation. While mostly empty of the trappings of a life, the aesthetic and layout appeals to me and it is not too far from the dojo in San Francisco. baring traffic, I can make it there within 10 minutes or less, if I choose.
Besides, it is rather defensible for a modern dwelling in a city. My only overt concern is the sharing of a wall with another residence.
Shana is involved in some mission that involves her traveling back and forth to Pakistan. I am going to reach out to our contacts to see what else I can find out. My brother remains embroiled in his own works, but we did see and speak to one another two weeks ago. She did bring to me the name of the one that may have assaulted Sean's lady friend and he is Cobra. Barghest, an Alley Viper. And if he has been sighted in Tokyo, I advise that security be reviewed for the family holdings. I suspect that the snake is not done with its attempts to lure us into their affairs again.
This weekend I am taking the time to visit a museum that has a display of artifacts from our home. Tracking down several items that were lost during harder times to begin preparation for their return to their rightful place. Some of which we lost at the end of World War II, others that were lost during other incursions and the back and forth between rival families.
Once my home is presentable, I would openly like to invite you to visit. I am insuring that there is appropriate space for you and others. I do not wish to.. have again such a long time between our talks, Oba..
Your nephew,
Tomi
2023 September 13[]
Arashikage Sen,
I will keep this brief. I have been approached by a ranking member of G.I. Joe to return to their service.
Family must come first for me. And I reach out to you for guidance. Don’t choke on your tea.
My thoughts are this: I cannot and will not be able to do what is right by the Arashikage as a full member of Genera Hawk’s team.But I can apply balm to the ills to them I have caused in the past by returning as reserve and aid in training and some elements of security. And aid in balancing out my own actions of the past by doing more ‘good’ to one degree or another. Or at least in my own way limit the spread of the worst of the worst.
I am working the museum assignment. Initial view did have several items that held markings of interest. I have a follow-up visit planned for a deeper inspection this Sunday under the cover of attending their open gala and then will coordinate reclaiming said items for the family.
Your nephew,
Tomas
2023 September 22[]
Tomas-go,
If you wish to offer your services to G.I. Joe, you may do so in the same manner our family has offered assistance to governments and individuals in the past – with a clear contract stipulating what assistance you will and will not provide, with the understanding that your role as heir to the Arashikage clan is your overriding responsibility. As such, I see no conflict, especially if you feel this will help balance your karmic imbalance caused by your former work for Cobra.
How went your further surveillance of the museum? I will meet with you soon in San Francisco to discuss the situation in person.
General Hawk received a handwritten invitation for him and friends of his choosing as guests for an Art Gala in San Francisco. The Art Society is supporting two charities with the grand gala opening of their latest exhibit - Art and Culture of the Samurai: 800 years of Evolution. This year's charity support is Swords to Plowshares, an organization that aids homeless veterans in the Bay Area in combination with the SF Homeless Project. The invitation would have been shared out.
There is a written letter, hand lettered on heavy paper, tell-tale brush marks showing that this was written not with a pen nib but an actual tiny brush. Included with the written letter is the Gala's own printer invitation on black and white with a pop of red, lettering faintly gilded over a faded ink drawing.
Greetings,
I would like to extend to you and those you wish to bring a personal invitation to a Gala in San Francisco. As you may or may not know, the Arashikage Dojo works with many of those in our area that are homeless or have other needs to aid them in recapturing stability in their own lives. Even if all we can do is grant the youth a safe space to learn something or simply be -safe-, it is something that we strive towards. A stable community leads to stable people. Please find enclosed RSVP tickets. Have those that wish to join sign their names to them so that they can be collected at the door.
I am afraid this is one of those red-carpet affairs where those in high society like to preen and primp but I know well that my former team "cleans up good." I look forward to seeing everyone as my personal guests to this.
Arashikage Tomisaburo
---
September 17 - "A Gala-nt Affair" - A hand inked invitation was sent to General Hawk and 'guests' to join one Mr. Arashikage at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco on Sunday September 17 for a Black-Tie affair as the Museum opens a new series of Exhibits to invite-only guests. 'Art and Culture of the Samurai: 800 years of Evolution'. Meanwhile in Cobra, the Twins may be up to something in San Francisco and have put out an ask for covert operatives with -manners- to go to this event and report back on what is on display as they were -not- able to get a preliminary view.
September 23 - "Freakin Ninjas" - After spending a quiet Friday evening at the Hill House, both Edwin and Tomas end up at the Pit. For different reasons. Ceiling cat arrives.
September 24 - "Trust Your Teammates" - Training room antics and a long talk with Limelight, Tomas is trying to find his groove again with the Joes.
September 25 - "Physical Paperwork" - Tomas gets his welcome (back, again) to the Joes physical.
September 27 - "No Mood For Talking" - There's an incident in the Joe training room that leads to Lifeline being rushed to medical.
September 27 - "Aunty Shana!" - Concealer and Scarlett plan an undercover mission, but something happens to distract them.
September 28 - "SECPEN Test" - G.I. Joe is shaken up as an intruder sets off their security alerts. What nefarious plan does the young man have?
September 28 - "Words Are Dangerous" - After the PEN test has completed, Storm Shadow goes to medical to check on Lifeline. Low-Light comes in and words are had.
September 29 - October 1 2023: Letters between Arashikage Sen and Arashikage Tomisaburo.
2023 September 28 1:32 AM CT[]
Oba
Edwin was injured.
I.. now have some more understanding of matters.
I should not have left when Uncle was killed. In my haste… my anger, my pride, I was not there for my family.
Lessons taught through time
Strike at once in a heartbeat
Fear tasting of tears
Tomas
2023 October 1[]
Tomas-go,
I am deeply sorry to hear about Edwin-kun. I hope his recovery is swift.
You were wrong to leave when my husband was killed, even for something as honorable as revenge. It was a time when our family needed you most. However, the past cannot be changed. You have learned from your mistakes, and that is what is important. Failure is the foundation of success.
Mistakes are lessons,
Paths to growth and self-discovery,
Embrace them with grace.
I look forward to seeing you in America. I will arrive there soon.
September 29 - "A Needed Shakeup" - Edwin gets visitors while he's recovering from the accident in the training room. General Hawk gets part of a report from Storm Shadow after the SECPEN test.
October 14 - "Hardly Common Conversations" - Tomas only planned on slipping into medical, leaving something and slipping out. Instead he ends up in a series of conversations with several long term members of the G.I. Joe team.
October 14 - "Of Pond Water And Chocolate" - Another night on the IRC. Nothing is sacred on the dalnet where the nightly topics range from slavery, to chocolate and more.
October 15 - "What Is More Established" - Tomas slips into Joe Medical to leave something on Lifeline's desk and startles Frankel. They have a small conversation about responsibilities and family.
November 25 - "Water And Steel" - Tomas and Alex speak at a chance encounter in Los Angeles, at the little cafe' that many have visited.
December 2 - "Neko Wo Kaburu" - Saturday nights are for relaxing, some light housekeeping, a visit to the giant soaking tub and a light meal. Until Oba Sen arrives to visit her nephew.
December 22 - "Secrets And A Side of Sinister" - Conrad and Tomas finally meet up for wings and beer and to catch up on one anothers lives. An unknown gentleman starts up a conversation with Tomas after Conrad leaves, leading to a layered verbal jousting but no clear winner.
2024
January 15 - 'Ruined Life' - Zandar is in the hospital after being assaulted severely by an unknown assailant. Zarana has begun the family watch and a unknown man slides in through the window to confront her and visit Zandar. Zartan to comes to sit bedside with his brother. And unknown to them all, there is an eavesdropper outside the window.
January 17 - "Tracking And Talking' - Zartan is watching over [Zandar]] at the hospital when he decides to go out and try to find some clues of his brothers assailants. A ninja in black is also around, snooping for information.
January 18 - 'Of Favors And Pants' - Continuing his watch over the Dreadnok in the hospital, Storm Shadow once more pretends to be a cobra ninja, taking to Zarana on a parking deck.
January 19 - 'Black Does Not Blend' - Storm Shadow continues his stalking - running into 'Barca' outside the hospital. Once more feigning he's a cobra ninja, as it's worked so well thus far.
January 29 - "Complex Maneuvers In The Dark" - A covert mission gone south, Scarlett has to only hold out until the calvary arrives. With the calvary comes complications and coveted information on the PMC that assaulted one of the Joe's bases, killing several of their members.
February 27 - "Appalling Choices" - Tomas and Edwin have an evening chat that dissolves into the exposure of potentially dangerous knowledge.
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