Well, November is over. I didn't manage to complete NaNoWriMo, unfortunately, though I accomplished a decent word count. It seems there's a big difference in doing Nano when you don't have a job, compared to when you do. But I've already finished Nano once, and went into the contest this time hoping to write a big chunk of a second original novel, which I did so. That, at least, is something I'm quite happy with.
And now, we continue with the adventure of Sosuke, the surprisingly smooth Crab Samurai.
[x] "Of course, Asako-sama. I am happy to provide any assistance I can against such filth, and my duties do not currently have me elsewhere. Still, would it be possible to send word to my lord Yasuki Goro-sama? I feel he ought to be informed as well."
- [x] Spend 3 XP to buy off Brash
There is no question, of course, that you should heed Asako Akio's request. To a man of his status, speaking to a man of yours, a suggestion is tantamount to an order. Even if he is not of your Clan, he holds such authority that to deny him without proper cause would be the height of disrespect and dishonor. Both of you know this, so there is no question how you will act.
Not that you are inclined to disobey him in any case. You spare a brief glance back at the alleyway, now covered in a fine layer of ash where the Elemental Master of Fire burned away the shadows in a maelstrom of flame. There is something very wrong happening in this city, perhaps even this region. You thought you knew some of what was going on, but there seems to be even more happening than you initially believed.
Your knowledge is incomplete, but with this you hold perhaps a few more pieces to this strange puzzle you aren't yet even fully aware of. All things considered, you very much doubt you are alone in your ignorance. And you know, deep in your heart, that lack of information can kill as easily as any blade. But perhaps through speaking with others the truth will be found and the proper way forward revealed?
Yes, you will indeed go with Asako Akio and heed his directives. Still, you need to make sure you are being diligent in your duty to your Lord. Not even a direct order from one of such high station would keep you from at the very least making a request.
"Of course, Asako-sama," you reply. "I am happy to provide any assistance I can against such filth, and my duties do not currently have me elsewhere. Still, would it be possible to send word to my lord Yasuki Goro-sama? I feel he ought to be informed as well."
"I imagine we shall have to speak with many back at the castle, and with your involvement your Lord will no doubt be called for," Asako Akio replies. He looks toward the smoke rising from one of the three towers that make up Shiro Kitsuki and winces. "And I'll need to give a reason to Kitsuki Ryojiro-san for why I blew out a wall…" He sighs. "Well, I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Asako Akio walks out of the alley and into the street, heading toward the castle. You follow him, naturally, and your companions are but a single step behind you. Together you make your way through a street slowly filling with people, mostly Samurai considering your proximity to Shiro Kitsuki. They are all staring at you and toward the space where darkness and fire existed just moments before. The sound of their muttering is impossible to ignore, though you take no great effort to listen.
The people here can speak what they wish, for their opinions do not matter in the course of completing your duty. This is a lesson you have taken a long time in learning, and have only truly grasped it in the face of your trials in court. You have a temper, and it has brought you close to disaster before. You've ignored it for the longest time, but now that is impossible. You came close, so perilously close, to ruining everything you and your Clan have striven for. This isn't something that can be brushed aside.
So you take a deep breath and make a commitment. You will overcome your temper, your tendency toward brash action. Duty is everything, and anything that gets in the way of that is an obstacle to be overcome. This is but another task to be completed, nothing more.
It is as if a weight you never noticed before lifts from your shoulders. This is a promise to yourself, and one must keep promises lest one's word become worthless. It will be a hard road to walk, but ultimately you believe it will be a rewarding one. You have grown from your experiences, and you've yet more growth to achieve. Life is a journey, and you will travel that path with your head held high.
The stares and whispers do make the walk to the castle more than a little awkward, however. At a glance you see Hanabi scowling at the crowd, fingers tapping on the hilt of her sword. Himawari, as well, is very pointedly looking forward and avoiding looking at anyone. Only Shirou seems at ease, but then very little perturbs him. Whether that is just his natural inclination, or because of his training as a monk, you are not sure. It's likely both.
Perhaps some conversation might make the walk less uncomfortable for everyone?
[] Ask Asako Akio a question. (Write in)
[] Converse with your companions. (Write in)
[] Continue to the castle in silence.
Sosuke has made a conscious commitment to overcome his temper and avoid giving in to bouts of anger. After reflection on his adventures he has realized this has been a problem he has only narrowly avoided major complications with on multiple occasions, and wishes to make true effort in surpassing his shortcomings. With this promise he had made himself, along with the expenditure of 3 exp, he no longer has the Brash Disadvantage.
