The New Winds

Kaidan sat on a bench with his pet cat. He was just wondering what to sing. It came to mind a song his grandmother sang to him. "Akiramechatte ii no ni
Yamechae tte omou no ni
Nigedasu koto sae dekinakute
Fura fura, fura fura..."


//D7 LE Perform Song: 5d10o10k4 23

Stepping outside of the Laughing Carp in a fashionably sharp kimono, Kichiro began his journey back to the Kakita Academy for the gempuku ceremony when he was interrupted by a strange sound. A voice familiar to a passing dream? The pain from his bruised head returned alongside the memory. It couldn't of been Yukihime. Right? He had to know.

D7:LE Stealth Check Voided: 5d10o10k4 34

Sneaking around the corner and remaining slow among the flowers of the inn's garden Kichiro approaches his target. Like the lion prowling on the hunt he slowly finds the source of the singing. His light brown eyes staring out in between a few large blades of foliage. Wait... who is this scorpion... Is that Kaiden? It would be rude to interrupt now. Especially when they actually sound cute. Better wait and pray you don't get noticed looking like some creeper.

Kaidan had not noticed he was being watched as Ninya started to fuzz over. "Ninya... why are you so agitated?" He let her go. He sighed. "Everyone leaves... always the lone one." He spoke to none in particular.


//D7 LE Investigation Per: 6d10o10k3 25

Kichiro locks eyes with the agitated kitten and whispers a shhhh with a index finger pressed against his lips. Not every day the boastful lion get the jump on a beguiling scorpion. Best not let it go to waste. With hastened step Kichiro sneaks up behind Kaidan while quietly bringing attention to himself for Ninya. Surely the kitten would recognize him and not attack right?

Coming up just behind Kaidan's shoulder Kichiro says "Good evening Bayushi-san."

The young Bayushi let the cat go and placed his hand on the non-existant blade. Then he noted it was the Lion and relaxed. "Got me Akodo san." He shook his head. "Good Evening." He said politely motioning to take a seat.

Kichiro hops on over the bench and takes a seat. Now formally bowing as is custom. "What are you doing out here all alone? We need to get going to the final ceremony soon."

"I am not alone... don't you have a saying. Never alone, my ancestors always guide me." He quoted. "Beside I am not a party person. I prefer to sit here sing and watch the stars pass by." He looked up. "Also... I had Ninya so she is good company."

"Ah yes so the saying goes." Kichiro scratches the back of his head and turns away for a second. "I am not one for crowds myself... Couldn't wait to escape the opening ceremony. This ceremony is important however. Its the end of a chapter in our lives... and a new beginning. " Suddenly the reality of the situation catching up to Kichiro. "We should go... Later yes later. We still have time." Kichiro stares up at the stars beside Kaidan.

Kaidan shrugged. "The beginning of your journey... mine has already started. I have earned a mask." He sighed. "I wonder where it will continue to take me." He started to chart the stars. He pointed to the sky and try to find out what was going to happen.
"Competing fiercely to become spring's queen
The garden flowers blossom to their full beauty.
Who will win the golden crown of glory? 
Among them all, only the peony stands out"

//D7 LE Divination 1 raise just to be a bit clearer: 6d10o10k5 46

"A completed milestone within your culture hai but this is different. We move past the classroom, past these celebrations, and into the reality of our caste. A bushi scorpion has its own expectations. A bushi of the lion within these trying times..." Kichiro clutches a small scroll he had received earlier today. "has its own expectations."

He listens closely to Kaidan's prediction. Gaze never leaving the night sky above. "No golden crown for ether of us. Afraid I sought to that myself." Kichiro lets out a fake cough of self embarrassment. "Peonies do sound nice though."

Kaidan chuckled. "I never aimed for the Golden crown but we did achieve what we came for. The idea is what we strive for in the future. Glory, fame or favors of our lords... becoming lords our selves... that is our crown now... Are you a peony?" He chuckled.

"A peony? Not my first choice. I'd say amaryllis." Kichiro replies. Unable to resist mirroring a hint of joy from Kaidan's laughter. Ignorant of the Kitsuki's terminology for peony. "If we're defining our own crowns of glory I'd say I managed to win mine for this tournament."

"I guess I am a snapdragon..." Kaidan lowered his sight. "Akodo san, I am glad we met. I try not to get attached to people. But you seem like a good person." He looked at the Akodo and smiled. "I never had a friend outside my brothers... perhaps Kenji san and Kokyou san... my circle is rather small... I would like for you to be in it."

"Ahhhh you speak directly to my sense of accomplishment coming out of this tournament." Kichiro smiles himself. "I try to distance myself from people. Acknowledge the samurai but not the person behind the family name. Safer that way. I can understand that attachments are hard... but despite my foolishness I'm happy to have met you. Happy to have you as a friend. Between you, kenji-san, and aiiichiro-san you managed to wear me down. Congratulations." A small laugh offered behind his palm attempting to hide breaking On. "It has been an interesting week. I think I managed to meet a girl? That part is less clear. Ether way this is the furthest out from the lands of the Akodo I have ever traveled. I am glad I made this journey."

"If you have room in your small circle for another little kitten like Ninya I would be honored to have it. Should you ever need anything of this lion please do not be afraid to ask."

"A girl? Who is it?? Why you say it is not clear?" Kaidan tilted his head. "You should talk to her." He nodded. "I can manage two maybe three."

"It's confusing... Please don't laugh but I think I met a Kitsune. A beautiful fox spirit goes by the name Yukihme. She's fun... Makes me laugh... Seems complicated and layered... I don't know." Kichiro shrugs. Face blushing from embarrassment. "Must be my visits to yume-do playing tricks on me. Think I hit my head something fierce. Don't tell anyone about this." Kichiro shakes his head. "Can't talk to her. If I'm not insane I'll have to wait until the snowfall of winter.... If I survive the season of war that is."

"Ah... I see... Pray that she is not one to leave to Chikuchudo permanently. If she told you she will meet you in the winter you better stay alive." Kaidan smiled. "You...know. Because many people will be sad."

Kichiro leans in close. Face close to his as he stares deeply into Kaidan's eyes. A stern glare into Kaidan's soul as if trying to decipher something. "Blue eyes. Just like hers. Just like the crane." Kichiro stares with a hint of focused wraith. That same empty look Kichiro gave back at their duel. He slides back and leaves a wrapped scroll in Kaidan's lap. Orders to make his way to rendezvous with the lion army just behind the lion crane contested territory of Toshi Ranbo.

"Those eyes haunt me. Passing through this village I am reminded of her every time I see those eyes. Those eyes that saw the real me and didn't judge... I'd do anything to be seen like to that. To be understood..." Kichiro's gaze turns towards the lantern light in the distance. A gaggle of students heading across town to the final ceremony. There is a hint of swelling anger coming from Kichiro. "Instead this life demands I recognize this trait as the enemy. A sea of friendly faces here are marked for death tomorrow. How many am I expected to meet them the field? Will I meet Kenji-san? How am I supposed to cut down a living person when I keep seeing her in those blue eyes of a bloody crane?!" Kichiro punches his end of the bench. A few deep breaths and two blinks brings Kichiro's composure back. At least the start recovery. "Stupid. It's all stupid."

Kaidan tried to avert the golden brown eyes of the Lion but he couldn't. It was an odd sensation, his heart started pounding, his stomach had started churning. What is this sensation?

He looked at the paper in his lap. He knew what those were; he had some of his own before coming to this place. The paper made the feeling worse. He went pale and somewhat cold like his heart had just been struck by an arrow. What is this emotion that I am feeling? Why I feel so bad? Why can't I just tell him the truth? Remember... sacrifices...

He was about to place his hand on top of his but hesitated instead took the paper and placed it on the Lion's hand. "I... I... am sorry, Akodo san..." Each word was painful to say. "I..." Thank the Kami for the mask for it was hard for him as he bit his lower lip to try and hold his tears. "It...it...it is..." His state continued to deteriorate. "Help me... to my room... I don't feel that well."

Kichiro grinds his knuckles into his end of the bench for a moment. A lifetime of training on self control rendering these swelling emotions numb. Demands of bushido commanding him to suppress these thoughts and remain resolute in duty. His cold eyes glance over to his side to see Kaidan seemingly distressed. A tinge of guilt strikes him as it seems this news has hurt his friend. Shouldn't of dropped the mask. Should of kept his fate to himself.

"Alright come on." Kichiro sounds as he rises from the bench to face Kaidan. His hand extends across the gloom of night to be offered to Kaidan. Assistance offered to help him up. That magnificent night sky full of stars shining just behind Kichiro as he towers in front of Kaidan. The dim lantern light's reflection off Kichiro eyes juxtaposing the radiant starlight above. "Let's get you back to your room. The ceremony can wait a moment." There is a warmth to his voice that is betrayed by the sorrow in his spirit. A true concern for his friend but shrouded by a deep melancholy ever present in the young lion.