[x] Gman
"This has certainly been a strange afternoon," you say, as much to distract from the mutterings of the crowd than any real attempt at conversation. "I can't say this is what I expected to happen when I went to explore the city."
"I'll admit I'm not totally surprised," Shirou said. He smiles as everyone looks at him. "Oh, I'm not talking about the events in particular, but rather that something happened." The monk chuckles, nodding to himself as he crosses his arms. "Yes, it's never a dull moment traveling with you, Sosuke-sama."
"I suppose those rumors of you are true then, Hiruma-san," Hanabi says, nodding. She smiling at you, and has moved her hand away from her sword. "You're always at the center of interesting times."
"I've experienced much on my journey," you admit, rubbing your arm and looking away. "Though nothing quite so odd as this."
This is a lie, or close to it. Your mind flashes to the Oni, to blood suffusing the air in such a cloying miasma you can practically taste it even now. Inhuman laughter rings in your ears, blocking out the sound of the people on the street as they stare and talk. A shudder passes through you at the memory of Shasa's smile, how she died for you…
"What do you think, Mirumoto-san? Kitsu-san?" you ask, forcing yourself to stay in the moment. The two women blink at the question. "Of the battle, I mean. I would hear your thoughts."
"I would say we have stood together and vanquished terrible enemies of the Empire!" Hanabi says, her smile widening. The woman practically beams as she talks, and you think she would be skipping if it weren't for all the armor she's wearing. "It was an honor to fight by your side, Hiruma-san! I was amazed by your skill and resilience!"
Himawari does not share Hanabi's exuberance, her lips pursing into a frown. The Lion Samurai holds a hand beneath her chin, and she gazes toward the castle for several moments. You don't think she's looking at the Dragon's fortress, however. In truth, you don't think she's looking at anything, instead focusing on her thoughts.
"I find myself troubled," Himawari said at last. "Troubled that two separate agents have infiltrated deep into a castle city, and in the lands of the Dragon no less. Here there are many who have great perception and spiritual awareness, and yet no alarm was raised. None knew these villains were among us until they revealed themselves…" She shudders. "I cannot help but be concerned just how deep the darkness we have stumbled upon truly goes."
"You are wise to worry," Asako Akio says without turning around as the gates to Shiro Kitsuki proper come into view. "Shadows are gathering here, hiding just out of sight. They reveal themselves when we are at our weakest, striking us down without care for honor or justice." He looks over his shoulder. "Difficult times are ahead, and we must prepare for them."
Silence holds sway again in the wake of the Elemental Master's words, and you swiftly find yourself back inside the castle. Mirumoto Bushi approach, of course, asking just what happened. They are met with the calm response of Asako Akio as he waves them aside, saying he must speak with the Daimyo. The Mirumoto scowl at being so dismissed, but cannot one with such status. So instead, you are taken inside without delay.
Ten Bushi in green armor, all with both hands on their swords, take you through the castle and toward the central tower. There you go up several flights of stairs, heading directly for the top. Near the peak of the central tower you go down a short hallway, stopping at a set of doors lacquered in gold and emblazoned with the Mon of the Kitsuki family in green. It is an austere ornamentation, but one that speaks of quiet authority that requires no glitter in order to show its strength.
A grizzled Mirumoto, obviously the ranking officer, knocks on the wall and waits. There is a sound of approval from inside, and he slides open the door.
"Kitsuki-dono, the Elemental Master of Fire wishes to speak with you."
"That is good, for I wish to speak with him as well," comes the voice of Kitsuki Ryojiro from inside. "Please show them in, Kaito-san, and have your men stand guard outside."
"Of course, Kitsuki-dono."
Kaito ushers you all inside, then takes his position by the door before closing it. The room is a small office, the walls lined with shelves bearing many scrolls and papers. Kitsuki Ryojiro sits at a desk at the far end of the room, his chin resting on steepled hands.
You bow low to the Daimyo, your companions following suit. Asako Akio, for his part, gives a shallow bow. It is a sign of respect, for he is of greater status than the Kitsuki Family head. If the Dragon Daimyo acknowledges the courtesy, however, he does not show it. Instead he peers at you all with piercing, slate grey eyes that seem to be measuring your every action.
For all you know, that's exactly what the man is doing. You can't get a proper read on Kitsuki Ryojiro's thoughts at a glance, for he is keeping his face carefully impassive. You've seen castle walls more expressive than the Dragon Daimyo, but the color of his eyes reminds you of a storm slowly building in power on the horizon.
Or perhaps it is simply your imagination. You've no more time to muse on the matter before the Kitsuki Ryojiro speaks, his voice quiet yet firm.
"I believe you have an explanation for why you destroyed a wall within my castle, Akio-sama?" he says. "You no doubt have a good reason. I would like to hear it, should any answers be forthcoming."
"Naturally, Kitsuki-san," Asako Akio replies. "I returned to my rooms after growing weary of conversing with my fellows at the meal, and once there saw a man rummaging through my quarters. I saw that he had taken this specifically from my belongings…"
He pulls the mask from his robes, showing it to Kitsuki Ryojiro. The Dragon's Daimyo's eyes widen a bare fraction at the sight of the artifact, the most response you have seen from him since you came into the room. It is obvious that Kitsuki Ryojiro knows what the mask is, or has some idea, for his eyes harden as his shock fades. He leans forward, taking in Asako Akio's every word as the Elemental Master continues.
"This was hidden within a secret compartment among one of my scroll cases, so I knew he could be no simple thief. Thus, I acted accordingly. Unfortunately, during the confrontation the intruder grabbed hold of one of your guards who came to investigate the commotion, suffering in the process." He bows again, this time lower. "I offer you my deepest apologies for this, Kitsuki-San. I am shamed by my responsibility in taking the life of one of your retainers." He rises and motions a hand toward you. "From there, the story turns toward the esteemed Hiruma Sosuke-san."
"Is that so?" the Dragon Daimyo asks, turning his attention fully toward you. "Please elaborate, Hiruma-san."
[] Write in.