.

Orion/kaji and Sunōrirī - right outside the village

"well this is a crap sandwich without the bread" Kaji commented on the sheer lack of defense. the lack of properly constructed defenses indicated to kaji that there probably weren't any men in the village. Most likely drafted and forced into the war, away from their homes. that left women, small children and elders. While women could become fully capable of tackling dangerous situations, a made evident by the woman in front of kaji, these women clearly were not. the fence, if you can call it that, was bound loosely and barely set deep enough not to be blown over by the wind. it was pretty sad but Sunōrirī did have a point. Nature was singing, but not a lovely tune. there was no sign of fauna and only a few soft singing birds. He glanced upward and noticed a Murder of crows flying above away from the village. Probably to eat the dead oni.

Kaji placed his hands back behind his head, content in his belief that there was no danger. His training told him that most of the village members would have moved to the center of the village after the men left, to be near each other while the outer huts, buildings and structures offer a shabby defense. only the women, who were the most able bodied of the remaining population, moved around the entire village and only during the day time. At night fall all gathered together usually but since the sun was still in the sky it was only a matter of time before someone took notice of a tall beautiful white haired woman, and a well built handsome warrior such as himself.

Kichirou, Ichiko Road to the Village

Ichiko turned at the sound of a voice. A young man with a mop of unkempt black hair was behind her a distance clad in a black kimono sporting grey accents. Her first thought was ninja for the colouring would blend nicely into the dark of night but the presence of daisho, the twin pairing of Katana and Wakizashi at his hip made the claim samurai or ronin for only those that ruled where allowed the honoured distinction of carrying those particular weapons. That meant a high birth.

Pausing, the lovely woman allowed the young man to catch up but took the precaution of changing the grip on the parasol's handle, preparing to draw the long straight blade hidden within. One never knew with ronin, some had long ago abandoned honour but this one did not yet have the haggard appearance befitting a ronin. Turning, she let herself be seen as she was seeing him and began idly turning her parasol.

As he approached she sensed something of the young man, something more than an abundance of qi. What that was she could not be certain. He could be anything, from a kitsune to a kensai, but she couldn't be specific. Whatever abilities the man possessed they were, for the moment, hidden to her. She considered readying an Ofudo scroll in defense but such could be determined as quite rude and if the boy was a local lord she did not wish to insult him. Samurai could be benevolent but they could also be cruel, even going so far as to test their blades on the innocent to determine their sharpness.

Bowing deferentially, Ichiko greeted the traveller.

"Greetings Honorable Samurai," she began, "I am Ichiko. May I be of service lord?"

Kichirou, Road to Village with Ichiko

"Pleasure to meet you." Coming to a stop, Kichirou rested both his hands on top of the walking stick, end planted firmly against the ground. He smiled slightly, as the bag over his shoulder shifted at the sound of voices. A moment later, a pair of curious green eyes peered out from under the now raised cloth.

He regarded Ichiko quietly for a moment; She was probably about the same age as him, based on her appearance. She didn't seem to be carrying any obvious weapons, but especially in this day and age, it could be reasonably assumed that she had at least a small blade somewhere. She didn't seem to be hostile, though perhaps a bit wary. Understandable. All in all, not an immediate danger.

"I'm Kichirou, miss. And there's no need to bow. I'm a long way from home." He paused, glancing down the road. "Are you headed to the next village, by any chance?"

.

Umiko inside Ayame's house taking a bath

It was still puzzling to Umiko what a bath was. That was until she saw the water filling into the tub. How strange a thing for Umiko to witness, especially with the water so hot? Did this Ayame person expect Umiko to simply get in? Was Ayame thinking about eating Umiko?

Umiko stared at the water then shifted her glance to the fire next to it. For some reason, she couldn't put away the thought that Ayame wanted to boil her alive. Cautiously, Umiko took a step toward the tub. She thought about it for a second, then took another step. Umiko eventually grew just enough gall to nervously put her hand in the water, quickly retracting because of the heat. "Ah!" Umiko shook her hand, a few droplets of water.

Umiko turned her head angrily, expecting to yell at Ayame, only to find that she was gone. Umiko sat alone in the room with a puzzling stare directed towards the wall. "Huh?" Umiko turned her attention back to the tub, slowly climbing in, feet first. As she shifted her weight, however, Umiko simply fell in, a bit of water splashing out. "Ah! Ah! Ah!" she splashed around in the water before stopping and realizing how shallow it was. It wasn't that hot either. In fact, to Umiko, it felt a little nice.

The youkai lounged down in the tub, relaxed as she bathed in the hot water.

Kichirou, Road to Village with Ichiko

Obviously a ronin then, a samurai would demand obeisance. Which brought about the question, why was he ronin? What did he think of her, she considered, did he see her as little more than a travelling oiran? She had been mistaken thusly in the past. Or perhaps he saw a maid travelling on orders for the local samurai or daimyo? Thankfully, he was too well dressed to be a bandit. Ronin nearly always retained their honor until they began to feel the rigors of deprivation.

Of course, the real question that arose became, "What was it within that sack?". A child would fidget more, create more noise. Was it a kai or perhaps an oni of sorts?

"The Celestial Bureaucracy has determined that I travel this direction," the Onmyoji stated, "and thus it is my honor to obey. Perhaps the next village is my destination. Perhaps my destination lies beyond. Come."

Kichirou, Road to Village with Ichiko

Kichirou raised an eyebrow slightly, almost imperceptibly so. He'd heard quite a few strange things he'd obtained permission to wander, but a casual reference to "Celestial Bureaucracy" was a new one. Kage apparently agreed, as the feline cocked his head slightly, still studying the woman intently. But, it was of little consequence. She was, at least, headed in the same direction, and walking with someone would make a nice change of pace.

"Fair enough, miss." He paused, thinking a moment. "You wouldn't be familiar with what is occurring in this area by any chance, would you? I've heard a bit, but I've yet to encounter someone who could tell me anything solid."

Orion/kaji and Sunōrirī- within the village

Kaji noticed the change in Sunōrirī's stride but it wasnt exactly important at the moment. Was important was the hesitant looks they were receiving. A town such as this were always wary of new faces as they seldom brought good omens. As Sunōrirī sat on a porch Kaji let out a small sigh. They were first approached by an elderly woman, who despite her walking cane, moved quickly enough. Kaji half suspected it was used more so to keep children in line than for her own balance.

"we dont get many visitors here, who might you be?" the woman asked. Her sweet tone didnt do much to hide her blatant suspicion, but kaji just bowed lightly.

"my name is Kaji, Im just looking for a place to rest when evening comes. " he introduced himself but left the floor open for Sunōrirī to introduce herself.

.

Orion/kaji & Sunōrirī- in the village

Kaji's brow furrowed in confusion as Sunōrirī's presentation. She was just so dramatic without being dramatic. That in his self was confusing. He quickly fixed his face when she started bowing. His face now relieved a blank neutral blinking stare.

The Elderly woman looked back at him as if she was expecting similar mannerisms but Kaji only smiled. "I apologize, I'm not as...noble as she is. I have not come here on a quest for enlightenment. I just seek a place to lay my head, and food. I will gladly work in return for the services. "

the Woman nodded, though suspicion still dwelled in her mind ''It is not up to be to make these decisions. come with me" She turned to lead them further into the village. Kaji followed and looked back at Sunōrirī.

"a Vassel of the lord who assaults this village?" he asked, more out of curiosity and confusion. the confusion however was genuine as he and his demons had not yet attacked this village. In truth they didnt have a reason to as they only attacked high value targets and this village had none. Now that Sunōrirīwas here they were more likely to NOT approachthe village. But that mean there were other demons in this area as well. either demons roamed free of contracts to one of the Warring Brothers. or they main force was not many days away from this area. The former was far more positive than the latter.

.

Kiryu - The Town House (or equivalent) - with Vosswald, Alessia

Heading towards the village center soon led Kiryu to a slightly dilapidated looking building, albeit the one where the town held its important meetings. Inside, the ronin discovered a small cadre of decidedly older people, muttering to one another about the goings-on, only to stop when a variety of warriors entered. Instead of a greeting, the elders immediately began talking to one another about the quality of the warriors, examining their clothes, arms, and bodies.

"Listen to this one! He hasn't eaten proper in days! Can't fight on an empty stomach." one patted Kiryu's growling belly. "No shirt, either. No armor at all, and he smells like a sty. Probably just some two-bit ronin."
"I gave my shirt to a child." Kiryu protested, looking away. "Surely the gods will grant me fortune for this charity... eventually."
"Semantics! How good're you with a sword, sonny? The weirdo and the woman, too." a man on a cane pointed to Alessia and Vosswald.
"I get by." Kiryu responded. "Dunno about the others, though. Just met 'em, but... they're in shape, at least."

Kichirou, Road to Village with Ichiko

"Familiar?" Ichiko echoed, "I fear I am not. I merely travel where gods demand and protect the people of the world from oni, yomi and other threats and to aid local kai."

The blond woman paused, dwelled on that thought and then her crimson painted lips formed a smile. Yes, definitely ronin. A samurai would know the lands he travelled. Such a shame for a boy so young. He would spend the rest of his life trading his skills in combat for little more than rice. Very few samurai lords or daimyos would hear the reasons for a ronin's exile, let alone accept a ronin into service.

"As you could imagine, being sent to hunt such beings or aid local spirits does make one wary. When the heavens keep sending you towards things they would like purified. It makes for an interesting life. Perhaps, with fortune, we shall cross a tea house and we may ask."

Orion and Sunōrirī- on way to hetmen

''An Oni of low skill an great ego, he demanded that I kneel before his Lord and he knew my name.
As you can see without intending to become involved I was none the less destined by Karma to become Involved" Sunōrirī explained to Kaji. He couldn't help but chuckle at the first part. While he noticed and took note of her mood shift he refused to address it yet.

"so because an Oni was basically being an Oni, egotistical, boastful, but ultimately a bottom feeder you say karma has guided you here." he tried to summarize what he was hearing. Demons like Oni weren't exactly unheard of, maybe not seen (or survived) but the lore was common enough. Even the ones he came across fit that description, at least it wasnt an ushi-oni those things are extremely hideous.

"and now your about to boil over because of it. " He pointed out like an inquisitive investigator trying to put all the pieces together

.

Orion/kaji & Sunōrirī- following the elder

Kaji stopped walking, out of shock. Not because of Sunōrirī's confession but because she suddenly reminded him of someone he once knew. It wasnt her physical features, it was the way she said "i still need to work on my lustful nature." His companion from long ago would say something similar when they had been younger. In fact Sunōrirī had something else in common with his companion now that one connection was already made. She sought to perfect the perfect stroke while his companion sought to perfect the perfect art of assassination. Kaji's companion, Rai, would always mention that she needed to work on her nature. whether it was her flashy nature, or her humble nature. But it was that nature that got her killed in the end, without perfecting the art of killing, as she had called it. a set of techniques that would supposedly end someones life without them even realizing they were in danger.

Orion let out a sigh and mumbled "women" lightly under his breath. He began walking again to force himself out of his memories and back to the present. when they reached the center of the village they were led into a building of sorts filled with elders. it quickly became apparent that Sunōrirī was not the only warrior who ventured to this place "looks like your not the only one here Sunōrirī," he whispered noting how the elders were fussing over another strangers appearance and abilities.

.

Townhouse - Kiryu, Vosswald, Allessia

The door was slammed open, and through it entered a short but regal looking woman. Her nose was tilted to the ceiling and her hands were on her hips. Her glowing blue eyes looked down at everyone. "Whats this I hear about a village in need?" She asked to everyone, and no one in particular.

At this, some of the elders within began to laugh. Her eye twitched slightly.

"Are you lost young lady?" One woman asked. "You should be tending to the children in the nursery if you're looking for work. Come, help me out with them," She started to urge the noble kunoichi away. Gritting her teeth, the dark haired, pale girl got into the elder womans face, hissing to her.

"If you were not so old and defenseless I'd crack your ribs and rupture your stomach you old HAG."

The Old woman winced, and fell back, shocked to hear such speech from a young lady. Satisfied, the young woman turned from her and went to the group of what appeared to be warriors. Folding her arms delicately, she ran her blue eyes over them.

"Tell me," She demanded, "If you are here for the prize of a wish granted as well."

Townhouse - Kiryu, Vosswald, Allessia

The door was slammed open, and through it entered a short but regal looking woman. Her nose was tilted to the ceiling and her hands were on her hips. Her glowing blue eyes looked down at everyone. "Whats this I hear about a village in need?" She asked to everyone, and no one in particular.

At this, some of the elders within began to laugh. Her eye twitched slightly.

"Are you lost young lady?" One woman asked. "You should be tending to the children in the nursery if you're looking for work. Come, help me out with them," She started to urge the noble kunoichi away. Gritting her teeth, the dark haired, pale girl got into the elder womans face, hissing to her.

"If you were not so old and defenseless I'd crack your ribs and rupture your stomach you old HAG."

The Old woman winced, and fell back, shocked to hear such speech from a young lady. Satisfied, the young woman turned from her and went to the group of what appeared to be warriors. Folding her arms delicately, she ran her blue eyes over them.

"Tell me," She demanded, "If you are here for the prize of a wish granted as well."