One by one, the "others" that the little fox had mentioned appeared, some with friendly greetings, some less so, and what a colorful collection of people -- if you could call a walking, talking pumpkin a person -- they were. Luo Dai gave each of the visitors a pleasant nod as they approached, but decided to follow the fox's example and wait until everyone was here to make an introduction. Well, that was until the young woman wielding a shockingly large axe appeared. He responded to her aggression with a pleasant smile. [color=00a651]"I'm not sure who you are or where you're from,"[/color] he said, [color=00a651]"But I'm fairly certain you're making a mistake. If you're referring to the fox I think you're referring to, then we will likely be allies rather than enemies."[/color]

The little fox trotted out into the middle of the group, once again conveying raw meaning into the minds the travelers. Perhaps they would perceive it as a child's voice echoing in their heads speaking the language and dialect that was most clear to them. But, any who observed the fox would clearly see that he was not "speaking" per se. [color=f7941d]"He's right, young dragon. Nobody here is a friend of Anjou. In fact, I brought you all here for a very simple reason: you all want to kill Anjou. Besides, violence is not allowed in this place. If you drew your weapon I'd have to take it away."[/color]

The fox then turned to Hongo, the ronin who had been paying his respects at the shrine. [color=f7941d]"Please forgive them for their lack of formality. I'm sure most of them are confused and have many questions. I guess I'll start by answering the easiest one."[/color] He then hopped up on top of the fox statue in the center of the shrine and looked at all of the visitors. [color=f7941d]"My name is Ichiru, and this is Kado Shrine, a place between the mortal and spiritual planes. It is protected by the gods and Anjou has no influence here. I saw that your fates are all headed in the same direction, so I took the liberty of weaving them together by bringing you here. Maybe if you guys work together you won't all die when the time comes for you to storm Anjou's castle. But, there's a lot you'll have to do before that... For now, why don't you all take a moment to introduce yourselves. Then I'll answer any questions you may have and send you on your way."[/color]

Ichiru was then as still as the statue he stood upon as he waited for his guests to introduce themselves and then pose any questions. Luo Dai looked around and his new companions with a pleasant expression. [color=00a651]"Well, it seems like Anjou has made quite an assortment of enemies. Perhaps karma will finally catch up to him. I am Luo Dai, and anyone who wants to bring the fox's rule to an end is a friend of mine."[/color] He took a moment to assess the people that had gathered here. There were two human men, both of which appeared to be very strong, and if the girl could actually wield that ax that she was holding, then she would be an asset as well. There were also a number of youkai that had joined them, including a kitsune. Apparently Anjou treated his own kind no better.