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Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)

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[x] I think both enhance each other, like two spices working together to make more potent flavours.

CAW CAW.
 
[x] I think both enhance each other, like two spices working together to make more potent flavours.

EDITWEEEEEEEEEEE: DOESN'TWORKTWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPUTTHEMTOGETHERBECAUSEFUCKYOUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
 
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[x] I think both enhance each other, like two SPICY WORMS working together to make more potent flavours.
 
I will murder each and every one of you and eat your innards.

Caw.

[x] I think both enhance each other, like two spices working together to make more potent flavours.
 
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    • [x] I think both enhance each other, like two spices working together to make more potent flavors.


    You can't help but smile at Shirou's words. It is so much like your friend to look at a statement from the other side to see if it brings matters closer to the truth. For a moment you wonder if all monks are like this, or if it is unique to Shirou. Then you decide it doesn't really matter.

    "I think both enhance each other, like two spices working together to make more potent flavors," you say, sitting down. "After all, it seems either one would be less enjoyable without the other. When both are present, the experience is far more memorable."

    "Wise words, Sosuke-sama!" Shirou says, breaking out into a laugh as Mataru and Hosaru take their seats. He joins them soon after, his mirth obvious as he continues. "We can place more importance on one side of the coin than the other, but in truth the coin would not exist without both sides. It is a good way of looking at it."

    "I'll admit I wasn't thinking quite that in depth…" you reply, trailing off. You rally, however, in the face of your friend's good humor. "But I don't believe you're wrong, Shirou-san. That certainly feels in the spirit of what I was getting at."

    "All I know is there's good food and good people to talk with," Hosaru says. "And that's more than enough for me."

    The next several minutes are taken in with you all enjoying your meals, indulging in a little small talk as you do so. For the moment everyone seems focused on the food, which while not fried is still excellent. The noodles are soft and flavorful, the rice steamed to perfection and the vegetables sautéed in a mixture of oil and a rich sauce that practically sings as it dances across your tongue.

    The fish, as well, is without flaw. It has been grilled to perfection, with a fruity aftertaste that suggests the meat was sprinkled liberally with juice while being cooked. It blends with the flavor of the vegetables such that they compliment each other even while having distinct tastes.

    For all that you disparage the Crane Clan, you cannot deny they know how to make a good meal. Granted, the resources that went into this food would likely be enough to feed twice the number sitting at the table, but by this point you're beginning to get used to this Clan's extravagance. You don't approve, naturally, but it's not surprising you as much as it did before.

    "So, Mataru-san," you say, moving to bring some focus to the conversation. "Just what have you been doing ever since we last saw each other at Kyuden Bayushi?"

    "Mostly being here," the Scorpion Samurai replies, pausing a moment to enjoy some of his sake. "I've been working as the subordinate to Bayushi Haruko-sama to help smooth over certain… issues."

    "You don't need to be coy," Hosaru cuts in, piling some more fish and noodles on to his plate. "You've been trying to get around the rather significant hurdle Doji Noboru has presented himself as, all apparently to aid the Crab in their current war atop the Wall."

    "Well, yes," Mataru says, giving the man a weary look. "Daidoji-sama, is it truly necessary to cut to the heart of the matter so quickly?"

    "We can dance around each other or we can talk," Hosaru responds, quirking an eyebrow at Mataru's exasperation and giving him a wry smile. "I'd figure you and yours would be quite tired of all the games being played already."

    "Oh Fortunes no," Mataru says, shaking his head with a chuckle. "If there's one thing my Clan will never tire of, it's sport such as this."

    "I don't suppose either of you could properly explain just what you're talking about?" you ask, looking from Mataru to Hosaru. Despite your obvious confusion, however, you find yourself smiling along with everyone else at the table. "I believe there is some kind of organization you mentioned Doji Noboru being a part of?"

    "I could tell you if you wished to know, Sosuke-san, but I'm not entirely certain that's wise," Mataru answers, his smile shifting into a frown. "Besides, it's your turn to talk! I'm curious as to what you, Shirou-san and Shasa-san have been up to while on your travels."

    Your good mood evaporates in an instant, and against your will all your thoughts rush back to the cave. The perfumed scent of cherry blossoms grows rank with the smell of blood, and the terrible cackle of children overpowers the dull murmur of the crowd inside. It takes everything you have not to tremble where you sit, your mind overwhelmed with memories of horror.

    As well as memories of sorrow, for even after so many months you can recall your friend with perfect clarity. Shasa, who died for you. Who used Maho in order to stop a threat that would have ended your life. Shasa, who admitted she might have loved you before she met her end.

    And you will never have the chance to know whether you loved her back, for even the memory of her is tainted by guilt and pain. It is yet another precious thing Jigoku has taken from you.

    You take a deep breath, steadying yourself with all the willpower you can bring to bear. Within seconds your hands unclench, and you carefully set aside your broken chopsticks. The utensils snapped during the heartbeat you were overcome by your memories and you didn't even notice.

    "I'm afraid Shasa-san is no longer with us, Mataru-san," you say, your voice as soft as the wind through leaves. "She died performing her duty, acting as a shield against the enemies of all who live."

    "Oh," Mataru says, his eyes going wide behind his mask. "Oh. I'm sorry, Sosuke-san. I didn't realize…"

    Silence reigns as he trails off, obviously at a loss for words. But you can see the emotion in your friend's eyes, a mixture of sympathy and sorrow. Once that might have made you angry, but Mataru fought alongside Shasa as well. She was his friend, just as you are, and for him the loss is fresh.

    Not for the first time you wonder if it ever won't feel that way for you.

    [] Talk more about your travels.
    [] Ask about this organization.
    [] Write in.
     
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