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Post by Taishou89 on Feb 26, 2024 1:31:27 GMT
(^ Subtitle theme)
A look of annoyance shown across both Koneko and Mitsuyoshi's face as Kaito continued to tell another one of his tales of glory. "Yeah yeah we get it already... you do good work, now spare us.." The Daiyoukai remarked as she continued on, her aura just radiating her annoyance. "Kaito, Have you been that lacking of social interaction that you must share such wild tales that sound a bit... over the top?" Mitsuyoshi chimed in right behind Koneko before Kaito could respond to her. Much to his regret, Kaito would go further on to defend his story "O-Over the top?! It's all true I swear! Don't tell me you don't believe me?!" The Fox pouted. "Eh? No I didn't say that I didn't believe you, but just that it sounds a bit... exaggerated." Mitsuyoshi quickly tried to downplay it, sensing he might have offended him. "It's all true! Konene, tell him! You were there." Kaito fired off, but he'd failed to catch on that Koneko was getting more and more annoyed. The Daiyoukai heaved a sigh "Yes Yes it's all true... I can't believe I have to listen to this all again..." the feline groaned as they continued on. "Ha! See, I told ya!" Kaito chirped at Mitsuyoshi, his ego now inflated. Resting an arm on the daiyoukai's shoulder "See Konene, we could totally be a good pair if you'd only give me a chance!" The Daiyoukai suddenly stopped in her tracks and it was as if the world suddenly went dark with thunderclouds and lightning bolts. "KAITO! SHUT IT OR YOU'LL GET A FIST TO YOUR FACE AND THEN SOME! THAT YOUKAI SHOULD HAVE EATEN YOU AND SAVED US ALL THE TORMENT!" Shooting the fox her signature death glare. Both Kaito and Mitsuyoshi seemed to shrink in size. "ARGH!" Koneko growled as she stormed off at a quicker pace down the road. "Nice work Kaito..." Mitsuyoshi remarked sarcastically as he brushed past him and followed after Koneko. Kaito wore a big frown and his tails drooped as he stood there dejected before realizing the two were now further down the path and getting farther. "Konene! Wait up! You don't really mean that! Do you?! Konene?!" as he started to run after them to catch up.
Some time later and and some headaches later, As the trio proceeded on the road, they finally broke the treeline of the mountain forest they had been traveling through for most of the day. With the sun in the mid afternoon part of the sky, they crested over a large hill and from there they beheld the sight of the valley in which Kiso village sat. It was a typical village, slightly larger than most in the region, but never the less not large enough to be classified as a town. With it's rice fields on one side of the valley and earthen crops on the other side, closest to the village, this village truly had to be quite prosperous. There were no signs of war or other trouble. From their vantage point on the high ground, they could make out the details of the village fairly well and even make out the villagers going about their day, and even from there they could make out the Torii that stood at the entrance to the local shrine. "Well at least we made it before sundown." Mitsuyoshi remarked as he admired the view from their position. "You know, this quite a nice view with the sun at that angle. Plus it looks like they've been spared a lot of strife and hardships by how well maintained everything appears."
"I guess now's a good time to get our disguises set, we wouldn't want to cause a stir with the villagers." Mitsuyoshi said as he set his pack down and drew his Eboshi. Carefully stuffing his ears up and under the headwear and adjusting it. Hoisting his pack back on just as Koneko and Kaito put on their human disguise. As the trio set off on their approach to Kiso village, little did they know of the young priestess there with whom their disguises would not fool.
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Earlier that morning, before Fusae or Kiyomi could head out to the old shrine, they were beset upon by several villagers seeking Fusae's herbal remedies. To Fusae, it was quite normal for her initial plans to be thwarted by her duties towards the village and it didn't bother it. This also presented a perfect opportunity to teach Kiyomi how to prepare some herbal remedies. After all was said and done and Kiyomi seemed to be catching on herbs, Fusae was set upon by another village who had sustained an injury while working in the fields. Kiyomi would prove to be very helpful even then and a fairly fast learner. Now as the Sun was nearing the end of it's voyage across the sky, there was enough time to visit the old shrine and be back before sundown and so the two were making their way back towards the village from the fields so that they could then set out to the old shrine. "Now Kiyomi, I understand you have quite the remarkable ability of sight for the spiritual. This will be your greatest asset in this age of Youkai and Spirits. However You must take great care, as this will surely make you a target." Fusae began as the two had just begun to enter the village when the Three strangers came into sight.
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Post by Koneko on Feb 27, 2024 7:03:40 GMT
Seeming to be slowly cooling from her irritation caused by their multi-tailed companion, Koneko gave pause as the village came into view past the large treeline. "This village really does look in better shape than most I pass through, maybe we'll get lucky and it'll be a fairly quiet place as well where we don't have to break up a fight between the locals and other passers by," she commented, seeming to just take in the site before them. As her eyes crossed over the Torii they seemed to fixate with hope before slightly wincing in an almost sad desperation. "I'm glad we made it before sundown, but you're right, we should make sure we don't cause a disruption ourselves," she remarked, her voice carrying a return to a lighter mood as she assumed her masculine disguise, "now we just need to find ourselves a place to stay for the night at least and we'll start to plan how we want to go about asking at the shrine once we're safely out of sight of local eyes."
"You're sure you want to do this?" Kaito asked, a seemingly serious tone in his voice as he easily assumed a human version of his normal look, complete with more common features like brown eyes and black hair, "It could really cause a stir if we get caught at a shrine of all places." An almost growl followed up in return to the question from the feline as her now masculine voice spoke out, "Of COURSE I'm sure! There's not a question to be had about it!" The feline stepped up to the disguised fox and and jabbed her finger into his chest while she was at it to get another point across, her stance seemed as if the thunderous clouds of her anger could return at any moment should the wrong reply come from him, "and just a reminder to you to call me Keiji like this now, slip up and I'll make sure this scarf is more snug around your neck than it already is." Waving his hands with a nervous smile in return, he relented knowing he'd already angered her a bit earlier with insisting once again they should be together, "R-right, Keiji it is! No more questions either!" It was pretty clear the threat of her rage returning at least backed him down a little bit like a dog getting scolded by it's owner. 'I really hope nothing goes wrong with this, I know she wants to plan it, but I swear I have the feeling something is going to happen now matter how we plan to tackle asking tomorrow... Though it's just a feeling, so maybe I'm just being overly paranoid now that I got her back in my sight...' Once she turned to check on Mitsuyoshi, he let out a soft sigh and relaxed from the threat of harm leaving the air. "Since you got your ears hidden again, it looks like we're ready to go," Koneko commented before eagerly taking the lead again as the continued down the path that led into the village.
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Kiyomi had woken early with Fusae that morning and found herself observing the villagers coming to her for remedies and healing, giving her an idea that the villagers really relied on her and her knowledge of ways to offer relief for their ailments. It filled her with an odd sense of calm, even a slight smile coming across her face at the sight of the minor commotion. That calm brought a small thought that perhaps, with the knowledge Fusae was now bringing her out to learn with herbs, maybe she too could at very worst find some sense of belonging here if it turned out she couldn't find any way to get back. Once they had set out to find herbs, she kept very attentive and absorbed as much of the information she could from her senior, determined to learn and eager to be a help sooner over later in repayment for the kindness shown to her already. The over all mood she gave off seemed much better in spirits than she had been the day before, the lessons and actually helping pick plants while moving around all contributed into helping her attitude seem light and almost airy in contrast from how she had been.
As the last villager was finished with being helped with his injury, a small touch of the sadness and doubt came back, a small fear that at the old shrine they would make no progress, yet her eagerness to try resolved her and she followed after the older miko. Glancing up and looking towards her elder as she spoke, Kiyomi responded, "I'll be a great asset, but also a target?" Thinking over the usefulness of her power presented, she considered what happened with the gecko the day before that had tried to suddenly eat her with little warning, 'maybe like with some of the spirits that have tried to hurt me in the past... something about my ability makes them come after me... I don't know why for youkai yet, but I remember one of the spirits tried to take over my body for themselves...' It was at that moment the younger miko seemed to sense something, pulling her from her thoughts and gaze adjusting towards the road. "Huh...?" she said while pausing, blinking for a moment as she questioned what she saw for a short instant, "Did I just see...? I swear two of them had... Tails? I think one had ears too but..." She had stopped to observe the approaching strangers, seeing just humans before her, but in that moment she'd sensed something, they had looked completely different than they do now as she stared at them.
As the trio continued forward, Kaito was the first to start speaking up in concern as he noticed the pair of priestesses in front of them, seeing one stop. "I wonder why those miko are near the entrance of the village like that... And why did one of them stop to look at us..." A slight nervousness overtook the fox's voice, while the young priestess didn't seem like she was ready to attack them, he felt uneasy with her just staring. It wasn't long before he felt Koneko's elbow in his side, brushing his concerns off with an aggressive whisper, "Just act like a normal human and they won't bother us! Besides, I bet they're from the shrine, if we don't cause a scene now, maybe it'll give us a bit of credibility tomorrow that we're trustworthy outsiders." She'd found quite a bit of luck with that method in the past to slip by any potential threats from those of a holier nature, and had little reason to think her regular way of acting like a more silent-yet-strong ronin wouldn't work this time as well.
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Post by Taishou89 on Feb 28, 2024 5:48:56 GMT
"Yes, my dear Kiyomi, Youkai and spirits that can sense your spiritual power and energy will be drawn towards. It is said that Even evil minded men will be drawn unknowing of what it is that draws them. They will all seek to use your abilities for their own gain or in some instances with some youkai, attempt to devour you intending to consume and absorb your power into their own." Fusae had stopped when she noticed the 3 men approaching, they appeared to be Ronin but something about them seemed unusual at this distance it was hard to say, but either way Ronin could be just as dangerous in a peaceful village such as Kiso. "Huh...?" Fusae heard Kiyomi say while also pausing and taking note of the strange visitors approaching "Did I just see...? I swear two of them had... Tails? I think one had ears too but..."
Fusae squinted to spot any of the details mentioned but didn't see either, however she was able to see a faint aura, likely being surpressed but still very much there surrounding the three ronin. "Hachiji, Alert the villagers to arms!" Fusae called to the man whom had just been coming in from the fields. "Kiyomi your abilities are quite exceptional, you may have just saw through youkai magic. Keep yourself behind me and you shall be safe, I assure you." Fusae said as she drew an arrow from her quiver and notched it. Just as Hachiji ascended the alarm bell tower that sat in the center of the town and began to hammer on it as if his life depended on it. He was undoubtedly filled with adrenaline and fear since it had been quite a long while since a threat had emerged to call all villagers to arms.
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Mitsuyoshi noticed the one villager running back into the village center and the sudden defensive posture of the elder Miko at the entrance, stopping abruptly in his tracks halting his companions. However, before he could even remark on the suspicious acts the village's alarm was being sounded. "That isn't good... Maybe with how peaceful this area is they don't feel comfortable with Ronin showing up. I mean after what happened to Kayumi..." Mitsuyosh remarked as every able bodied villager poured out from their dwellings armed with spears and bows and rallied on the elder Miko. "Maybe I can talk our way out of any hostilities..." Mitsuyoshi said, it had worked before with the Murada and Jiro and the villagers they brought that time. Kaito seemed to shift defensively, his eyes staying fixed ahead on the hurried commotion in front of them as he spoke in deep concern, "We should at least be prepared to run... I don't know how well we'll be able to talk our way out of this the way that older Miko is getting prepared... I have a bad feeling this is beyond simply disliking ronin..." As he added his thoughts to the mix, Koneko grit her teeth, sweating while her own worries bubbled in her head at the situation.
"You want to run? A warrior never flees if it can be avoided." Mitsuyoshi crossed his arms and with a look of insult on his face, turned off by the Fox's suggestion. "Besides... we have to try. This shrine is on the list that my brother's spirit gifted Koneko and for everything she's done for me, I must at least try." He continued, a determined look on his face as he gazed skyward, his fist held his fist up in front oh him. She let out a soft growl with a scoff, a resolve washing over her at the thought of Shiori and Kayumi, "No, we should at least try to talk. We have something we might be able to gain some leverage thanks to Kayumi and Shiori and I don't want to run away from this..." The fox looked down at her for a short moment in surprise, "Leverage? Whatever it is are you sure it's enough?! They really don't seem like they're in the mood to talk with us!" The feline snapped back while keeping as still as she could, "will you quit bellyachin'! Look, if it gets worse, we'll run, but I think we should at least try first!" Her words shut the the kitsune up for the moment as he resumed nervously observing all of the movements in front of them, then she spoke to their companion, "Mitsuyoshi, I want to let you try... I think we can use Shiori's gift as a back up and if it looks like nothing's getting through we can run."
Taking the counter balance to Koneko's remark to Kaito, Mitsuyoshi gave the fox a pat on the shoulder. "Relax, I can talk us out of this no problem! I'm a professional." Mitsuyoshi beamed proudly with his chest out. Gently he set down his pack and stepped forward of the group. "Oiii! Oiii There Villagers! We mean you no harm! We are just a trio of traveling Ronin seeking a safe place to bed down for the night and a warm meal. We really don't have a-" He was abruptly cut off, ducking as a sacred arrow shot past overhead; a clear warning shot.
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"We have the use of demon magic her, so be alert! With any luck we might be able to drive them off without a fight if we look strong enough. If not Fear not, for I am prepared to use all of my spiritual power to protect this village." Fusae spoke to the village men assembled before she begun to disperse them to cover more ground and to better protect the village. Turning her attention back on the 3 ronin she saw one of them had set his pack down and begun to approach. With his tall eboshi and armor, he definitely looked human, and possibly of some status, but looks could be deceiving. As the ronin approached, Fusae drew back her bow and let loose a sacred arrow whizzing above the 3 with it's pink light. "That is far enough stranger! Come no further!" Fusae called out as she drew another arrow from her quiver and notched it. She could see and sense it now, the aura of the 3. It was still faint but it was without a doubt the aura of Youkai. "Kiyomi, you said that you saw tails and animal ears on these strangers right? Can you see them now and can you identify which one is which?" Fusae softly spoke to the young girl slightly behind her.
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Post by Koneko on Feb 29, 2024 3:34:03 GMT
Some panic kicked up in the young priestess as Lady Fusae began calling for raising alarm with Hachiji and calling for defensive action against the encroaching strangers. Kiyomi's gaze then turned to the older Miko while being spoken to, getting an explanation for the sudden defensive measures, "I... Saw through youkai magic? So they're also youkai?" The anxiety of a possibility of getting attacked again could be heard in her question, and encouraged her action of timidly moving behind her elder with enough visual range to at least see the strangers on the other side clearly. 'So two of them are like that youkai yesterday, able to pretend to be human? If many are like this maybe actually encountering youkai will be more terrifying than even just the one yesterday... But why did I only see it for a moment and why was I able to in the first place?' She thought to herself as she stared, now only able to see them as three men stopped a far way up the path.
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"Oiii! Oiii There Villagers! We mean you no harm! We are just a trio of traveling Ronin seeking a safe place to bed down for the night and a warm meal. We really don't have a-" Watching Mitsuyoshi step forward and attempt to speak on their behalf, Koneko flinched in concern as the warning arrow narrowly missed him. "That is far enough stranger! Come no further!" Struggling to hold back the urge to quickly move check on him, she knew better than to do so to prevent another arrow flying for them. "Mitsuyoshi! Are you alright?!" she called out in concern before turning her own gaze nervously towards the priestess, gritting her teeth. "Now do you believe me that we shouldn't be sticking around? That Miko clearly means it! It's almost like... she knows somehow..." Kaito's uneasiness about the situation seemed to be shining through strongly, his urging had been stemming from all the actions of the villagers he'd been observing, especially those of the clearly more experienced priestess, though his gaze had been passing over the younger in curiosity of her actions. Seeming to lighten up on the fox this time, the feline responded, "we still have time left to try, that was just a warning... No sudden movements and we might get a chance to be heard out." Koneko slowly removed the basket she carried and set it on the ground, her only quicker movements were digging for the comb from Shiori to now have it on her immediate person. "Alright, just a little longer, but either you say the words or this gets beyond managing and I'll be getting us out of here," the youkai urged in return.
Just as cautiously as she'd removed her bundle, the feline moved to make sure the arrow hadn't struck Mitsuyoshi then patted him with some encouragement before fixing her eyes back towards the villagers in the distance. "We didn't come here to cause trouble! Stay your weapons and let us speak!" Koneko urged in a shout back while keeping fairly still next to Mitsuyoshi, then spoke more softly to him, "try again, but don't move. I have the comb, maybe we can at least get their attention if Shiori and Kayumi are brought up..." All she could feel is that it was worth pulling out anything that would put them in a favorable light given it was already down to being forced to keep distance in threat of retaliation. Kaito even kept perfectly still, pondering what was going on to himself, 'I just can't put my finger on it... Why so suddenly did it seem like they saw through us? Could it... Could it be the young miko? I saw her stare for a moment before all this happened, but if so... How?' Yuzuki was a rare one that had seen through his tricks as well in the past, but more like she could always sense he was around, this seemed entirely different from that. What confused him more was the fact the younger of the two before them seemed completely listless in the situation, like she hadn't a clue what was going on, but this all could be traced to the moment she'd glanced over at them. 'This whole thing is so strange, but it all has to be because of that girl...'
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Noticing that the trio seemed to have become very cautious and hesitant, Kiyomi began to feel a little uncertain about everything. The gecko the day before had also stopped and backed off, but that youkai had been aggressive, as if weighing if it could get away with an attack, yet, if these people in front of them really were demons, then they were being a bit shockingly passive in comparison. While she was still tense, she couldn't help but feel like maybe this was over blown for some reason, but then again, if Fusae felt it was a trick then listening might be in her better interest seeing she had more experience with youkai first hand. "Kiyomi, you said that you saw tails and animal ears on these strangers right? Can you see them now and can you identify which one is which?" The young miko looked ahead and stared for a moment before looking to her senior and shook her head while responding, "No, I'm sorry, I can't see them any more. But the one that just moved by the guy you shot at I think had ears and a tail and the one more by himself I think I saw at least a fox tail." As she had been staring, she had realized the man that moved was helping the other, then she heard what he shouted out to them and she could no longer help but ask, "I'm sorry if it's rude or naïve to question your judgement, Lady Fusae, but... Is it normal for youkai to be so passive and asking to speak?" Maybe it was her kind heart that blinded her to some kind of lie or trickery, but they really seemed like they weren't faking being so non-violent, as if they were avoiding a fight at any cost they could.
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 1, 2024 2:15:21 GMT
"I'm fine! I'm fine..." Mitsuyoshi responded to Koneko, partially embarrassed because he felt like he just made a fool of himself after just moments earlier being smug with Kaito. Slowly rising to an upright position again as he straightened his outfit. 'Damn... That was close... I underestimated that priestess and it probably wouldn't be wise to underestimate the villagers as well, they seem more organized and determined than most I've ever seen.' When he felt Koneko pat him. "We didn't come here to cause trouble! Stay your weapons and let us speak!" the feline called to the Priestess. "This is going to be a little more challenging than I thought, but I like a good challenge." He grinned at his friend. "I take it this must be the priestess that saved Kayumi..." Mitsuyoshi mentioned as he turned to face the village again. "Priestess! I was a Samurai of the Nagano Clan, Can we not discuss this civilly? We truly mean no ill intent and we can prove it. -----------
As the Ronin moved towards his companion that she had just shot, she kept her bow trained on him but relaxed the tension when he called for restraint. This was indeed unusual for most youkai powerful enough to conceal themselves with youkai magic. "No, I'm sorry, I can't see them any more. But the one that just moved by the guy you shot at I think had ears and a tail and the one more by himself I think I saw at least a fox tail." Fusae listened to the young priestess just before the Samurai called out to them again. "A Samurai of the Nagano Clan..." Indeed he did have a strange aura himself, but she knew not of the clan he spoke of except for stories told to her when she was a child. As Fusae tried to recall the stories from her childhood, she was drawn from her thoughts as Kiyomi spoke up again. "I'm sorry if it's rude or naïve to question your judgement, Lady Fusae, but... Is it normal for youkai to be so passive and asking to speak?" Fusae thought the same as well, as most Youkai of such power would act on their confidence of their own power and just have begun to assault the village, though with the presence of a Fox as from what it sounded like, they were known to be quite tricky and cunning. "My dear, you've nothing to fear of asking questions. One cannot learn without inquiring for knowledge and at times it is said that sometimes the young can shed light on things that the Old have missed. I think you mention a good point, it is indeed not common for Youkai, especially Youkai of this power to be quite so passive and intent on peaceful discussion. Though... If there is a Fox among them, it is hard to say if it isn't just a trick to get us to lower our guard." The sudden appearance of the Village Headman on horseback quickly caught her attention. "Lady Fusae, What be the reason for all the ruckus?" the elder inquired. "Kimura-dono, We have here 3 travelers, two of whom we are quite certain are powerful Youkai. Yet they seem to desire to enter peacefully, but we cannot ascertain if they are being sincere. One of them is a Fox." Fusae informed. Hiroyuki Kimura, Headman of Kiso village, gazed out at the three men but could not see past their disguises himself. "I don't know they look like normal ronin to me, Lady Fusae how can you tell?" Kimura asked. "Our recent visitor from a distant land called Tokyo, here, Kiyomi Hoshino, I intended to take her to meet you tomorrow since I knew you were busy today." Fusae introduced Kiyomi before continuing "... but Young Kiyomi has the gift of sight for youkai and spirits, however I can also confirm that the three men have a demonic aura about them." Fusae finished informing the elder. "Oh so you're the young priestess I had heard about, It is so nice to meet you. I hope you're finding our village to be quite hospitable and enjoying your stay with us." The old man smiled warmly at the young priestess. -----------
Waiting for a response, as the Elder Priestess seemed to be talking with her junior and weighing their odds at trusting them, Mitsuyoshi noticed the arrival of the old man on horseback. "That must be the Headman..." Mitsuyoshi mentioned to Koneko as he shifted to call out to them again. "Ohoy! Can we not parley? We were told by our friends Shiori and Kayumi that we might be able to find some resting accommodations here. We can provide proof that we know Shiori and We can provide compensation as well! We really don't have any ill intent." Mitsuyoshi called out to them. This seemed to cause a stir among the villagers as they began turning to one another and murmuring, but it was the the elder priestess and the Headman who seemed to be more interested, or concerned. ----------- "They know my granddaughters? Tis true that they are away to the neighboring province to pay their respects at their father's grave...." The headman pondered just as Hachiji spoke up with a look of fear. "Aren't all youkai Liars? They could have slain poor Shiori and Kayumi and devoured them. We shouldn't listen to them!" To which Fusae quickly interjected "Hachiji you shouldn't jump to such conclusions at least not so harshly in front of Kimura-dono when we do not know the facts yet. True Youkai are crafty devils, but I would have to agree with Kiyomi here that we should hear them out, at least the one wearing the armor since he is the only one who's aura is faint and Kiyomi did not see any features." Until Finally the Village headman spoke up just as the rest of the villagers began to murmur with fears and rumors. "I agree, Let us allow that one..." Kimura pointed to the one in armor. "... to step forward and present his proof of my granddaughters and to parley terms, but have him come unarmed." Fusae nodded in agreement, finding the headman's proposal agreeable. Stepping forward, Fusae readied her voice. "You in the armor! Disarm yourself and you may approach to show us your proof of Shiori and Kayumi! Youkai Be warned! Dare not to try anything shady or you will be slain!"
-----------"How... How did they?..." Mitsuyosh pondered aloud as he turned to discuss it with Koneko and Kaito. "This is progress at least." as he began to remove his swords and his tanto and prepared to go forth. "Any thoughts as to how they knew we're youkai?"
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Post by Koneko on Mar 1, 2024 7:53:10 GMT
Exhaling a sigh of relief through her nose that so far there was no injury, and doubly felt so seeing the older priestess relax her box. "Just be careful, but I'm glad you're not deterred," Koneko commented, "I think you're right, that arrow she shot doesn't seem like something to take lightly... I believe in you to talk this out for us." Kaito continued to stay still, but did glance over for a short moment to inject his comment before returning his eyes ahead, "I trust what Konene thinks, so I'll continue to wait seeing as we're at least getting a break, but I'm keeping my eyes on them. I hope you're both right that we can talk this out, though I've already made my stance clear." It was only moments later they were watching the approach of the Village headman, making the direction this entire situation could go even more unclear and likely hinging on his say, yet there was a touch more confidence and hope that Shiori's gift might turn this to their favor and get out of this without much more conflict.
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A small bit of comfort came to Kiyomi as her questioning was encouraged and considered, though hearing a fox could be tricking them into believing they wanted peace helped her muster to keep some kind of guard and alertness yet for the situation. Though soon she was looking over as she heard a horse approaching, curiously wondering who was joining the commotion. She soon gathered he must be someone of importance between Fusae using an honorific and reporting to him about what was going on as he asked while watching the two make their exchange back and forth. Then she realized she was being introduced and realized she must be talking to the village headman, slightly scrambling to bow lightly to not seem impolite, "Oh! Etou, it's nice to meet you Kimura-dono! Everyone has been very kind to me so far, I'm really grateful!" His warm smile eased her a little more, and she managed a gentle smile in return before the men began to talk again and their focus shifted back over to the the three in the distance. "They're talking about your grand daughters?" she asked softly before hearing what Hachiji said about youkai, but all she could really feel was lost in the situation at this point. The youkai seemed peaceful and want to talk, yet there seemed to be good reason to not believe what they said. Now the added complexity of them bringing up a pair of villagers as acquaintances seemed to complicate whether there was trust or more deceit and it all made her head spin trying to keep up.
"I wonder though, maybe they really are telling the truth and they really did help..." she spoke softly her own thoughts to herself, though she'd already at least swayed the decision to at least hear them out. Finally the decision was reached to hear just one of them out and her gaze turned back to the trio in the field. 'I really wonder what they could possibly want and why they seem so set on coming here... But I really feel like if they did have bad intentions, they wouldn't be struggling so hard for a chance to talk and would have just run away...' Of course Kiyomi couldn't truely be sure, she didn't know youkai even a fraction as well as all of these people did, but she had such a strong gut feeling there wasn't evil intentions to be found among them. The young miko couldn't even explain it, but there was a faint satisfaction with the consideration to at least listen to the one wearing armor, nodding in support and watching as Fusae called back out to give their terms for listening on what they had to say.
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"So the headman will hear at least one of us out on strict terms," the feline commented as Mitsuyoshi questioned how they were seen through so quickly. "That young miko is the one, this all fell apart the instant she glanced over at us," Kaito answered matter-of-factually, absolutely certain of that judgement from all he'd been observing, "I don't know exactly what she did or how she did it, but they all began to panic right after she looked this way, so she's the root of spotting us out." Koneko knew at this point everything rested on the hanyou's ability to negotiate, offering to hold his weapons as he removed them. "No pressure, but I'm counting on you," she said with a hint of bolstered confidence in her voice, trying to hold that hope maybe they can get through to the villagers. Before he had the opportunity to walk forward though, she grabbed his arm and handed the comb to him, "They said unarmed, but I'm pretty sure this will go best if you're the one holding our proof for them as well. Since they seem to know, it looks like they don't want me or Kaito to approach at all. I would have never expected a young girl to see through us so easily like that though, so be careful... If the older one decides to attack you, those arrows won't feel so great..." With that handed over and said, she let him go and just watched ahead, finishing her though silently, '...if we can make sure you survive taking one should she decide to launch another. That younger priestess must be really powerful if Kaito's right and she somehow in such a short moment saw through us... Be Safe, Mitsuyoshi...' Her eyes peered ahead at the two miko and the village elder, then wandered between them and their companion while Kaito seemed to just vigilantly and quietly keep watch, as if prepared to move as fast as he could should the situation call for it.
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 2, 2024 11:35:43 GMT
As the matter was set to go forward, Fusae urged calm among the Village's militiamen, many of whom were trembling with fear and adrenaline. Thought they were armed and lightly trained enough to use weapons, most were just able bodied village men who had never seen war and had never been called upon by the Daimyo for active service. Only a handful of the large group of village militia assembled had actually seen service in wars in their former homelands, and those few made up the core of the village's protective force to assist Fusae in protecting the village. Fusae and the Village headman both knew this and that the numbers here were meant to be as a show of force to intimidate bandits and most lesser threats to the village like lesser Youkai. "Remain calm, tis just one ronin and he comes unarmed to liaise." Fusae said as she began to step forward. "Kiyomi stay back here with Headman Kimura, where it is safe, I will return shortly." before proceeding with Hachiji and 3 of the experienced militiamen and 2 of the armed normal village men.
"We owe a lot of our peace and security to Lady Fusae. She is well experienced and has much courage, You have a great tutor Miss Kiyomi, you must be honored to have been taken under her wing." Headman Kimura smiled at the young miko. "Oh and Yes, they were talking about my Granddaughters... It's not unlike Shiori to be so kind hearted to make friends on her journey, and with her younger Sister Kayumi, I'm sure that the Both of them would have nothing to fear. That Kayumi is quite a fiery little watch dog. Heh heh" The old man chuckled as he thought about his granddaughters. "I'm glad that you've had such a good experience thus far young Kiyomi. I'm sure you must make your parents very proud. I've heard you've already been helping much around the village earlier today."
As Mitsuyoshi neared the entrance to the village he was stopped as 5 of the villagers accompanying the Elder priestess moved up and took up position around him with their spears. At this close he was able determine that the Yari spears that 4 of the men were armed with were well made, and by the look of the men's eyes he could tell that they were experienced and seen war. The other two among them, right off the bat he could sense their unease and nervousness. It was likely that these two were just average villagers armed to bolster numbers of the Village's defenses. Finally the Priestess approached him her gaze was firm and face expressionless. There was no doubt in his mind, that this woman had known hardship and overcome, likely even killed before. "I'm Mitsuyoshi Nagano, I am pleased to meet you." as he bowed at the waist to pay his respects.
As the Samurai approached, she could feel the aura that surrounded him better and she was certain that he was not a normal youkai. "I couldn't be certain if you were Youkai or not, but I am certain now that you are like your companions. Show your true form and we can talk." Fusae responded coldly, untrusting the youkai before her. Mitsuyoshi sighed "I thought I was the lucky one..." He muttered to himself before continuing "... As a show of good faith, I will honor you." He then reached up and slowly removed the eboshi from his head, his wolf ears popping out as if excited to be free again. Gasps and murmurs could be heard among the villagers that all stood watching from their positions. His ear turned however to his left as he heard the rattling of spearmen next to him "A-a-a D-demon!". The young spearman whose fear had been permeating the area the moment he'd arrived with Fusae, suddenly let out a blood curdling scream and thrust his spear at the wolf hanyou. "You Fool! Don't!" Hachiji pushed Fusae back and out of the way as he tried to rush forward to parry the spear of the frightened man. "Shinosuke! NO!" Fusae Shouted as she tried to move up and assist Hachiji.
In almost a flash Mitsuyoshi tossed his eboshi aside as he backed enough, just in time to allow the spear surged past his chest by a mere inch. Grasping the spear with his right hand and pulling it under his arm to lock it as he moved quickly with his left hand and severed the spear into two with the claws on his left hand and kicking the frightened villager to cause him to stumble backwards, thus creating some distance, Allowing Hachiji and the other villagers to tend to their man. Mitsuyoshi suddenly felt the point of a proper Yari at the base of the back of his neck as the spearman previously to his right, had stepped forward to keep on the Hanyou. Mitsuyoshi dropped the severed spear and held his hands up to show compliance. "I wasn't going to kill him."
"Hachiji, take Shinosuke away to rest. I think this has been too much excitement for him today..." Fusae told as Hachiji and 2 other villagers quickly carried the young man away. Fusae motioned to the other spearman to ease up off Mitsuyoshi. "Please forgive us of that sudden outburst. I am Fusae Hayashi, Head priestess of Kiso Shrine." she bowed at the waist lower than Mitsuyoshi's bow, out of apology. "Priestess Fusae, It's fine I would not have been harmed by that man, I can assure you. His mind was not in a right place to kill." Mitsuyoshi reassured her. "What manner of youkai are you?" Fusae asked. "Oh, I'm a wolf... Well my father was a Man and Daimyo of Nishino Province so-" He was cut off as Fusae interjected "A Half breed." wearing a disconcerted look on her face. "Yes... I suppose you can call me that, but I do have a name, Mitsuyoshi and I would prefer to be called by my name..." Mitsuyoshi stated matter of factly hoping to avoid being called 'half breed' further. "Mitsuyoshi-dono, What is it that you and your companions desire in our village? It cannot be just for simple lodgings." Fusae cut straight to the point.
"Well in all honestly, Lady Fusae... We've come to visit your shrine. My Companion has been searching for a long lost friend and Your Shrine was on a list we received that could be one of the locations that she might be. I cannot say more as it isn't for me to reveal. We really don't have any ill intentions, she's just been searching for her friend for a very long time. You have my word and my honor as a Nagano Samurai that that is our only intentions and that we will not cause any problems." Mitsuyoshi then dropped to one knee and bowed his head to show his sincerity. As Fusae stepped back to ponder what was said by the young Ronin 'his words and emotion is sincere, he behaves much like any man one might find in a town or castle'. Mitusyoshi then pipped up again to add "Although we would also like lodgings, one can only sleep outdoors for so long before yearning to feel like a civilized man again." before turning his gaze in deference as he maintained his bow.
"You mentioned Shiori and Kayumi... How come thee by them and what proof do you have? Stand Mitsuyoshi-dono, your sincerity is well marked." Fusae motioned to him to rise. "Ah Yes well... It's a long story, but to start..." Mitsuyoshi then proceeded to tell Fusae of the entire incident at the Inn with the Jorogumo and how they saved Shiori and Kayumi and how in return they nursed Mitsuyoshi and Koneko back to health. "... Shiori invited us to stay here as well and gave us this to prove that we know her." Mitsuyoshi then held out his hand and showed Fusae the comb. The old woman recognized it immediately and gently took it in her hand before Looking at Mitsuyoshi to read him further. His calm demeanor and overall conduct thus far was worthy of consideration as honest. "Remain here one moment..." Fusae said as she walked back over to Kimura-dono and Kiyomi.
"Kimura-dono... Kiyomi, This young man is a Hanyou and the result of a love affair between a Wolf Youkai and Human, in this case apparently a Daimyo. His name is Mitsuyoshi Nagano, of the Nagano clan, but I know of no clan by that name anymore. He mentioned that he and his companions had saved Shiori and Kayumi from a spider demon at an old Mountain inn and he had this..." Fusae held out the comb for the old man to examine. "That is Shiori's comb alright, no doubt about it... Hmmmmm Do you believe him?" Kimura asked as he looked at the old Priestess. "I believe his words to be sincere, he practiced great restraint when he could have easily slain Shinosuke, and has been very well mannered. I am more uncertain about the Fox though..." Fusae answered. "How about you Miss Kiyomi? What do you think?" The elder asked the young priestess. "M-me? Um I think he seems well behaved and honest from what it sounds like..." The young miko answered. "Shiori and Kayumi are expected to be back by tomorrow afternoon, I think that we can allow them in to the village until we can verify with Shiori. In the mean time They can stay at my home." The old man said as he leaned back on his horse to stretch his back. "If I may suggest though, Kimura-dono, that they show themselves and surrender their weapons to our care until Shiori can vouch for them?" Fusae asked. "Lady Fusae Whatever would we do without you? That is a fine Idea. I shall leave it to you whilst I go and have rooms prepared for my guests." the old man soon then departed for his home.
From his position Mitsuyoshi recalled what Kaito had said "That young miko is the one, this all fell apart the instant she glanced over at us,". 'So that young priestess can see through their disguises huh? Well, she certainly didn't see through mine, but there is something strange about her as well... She doesn't smell like the other humans here, but she's definitely human... How could she do that?' Mitsuyoshi thought to himself as he waited for a Fusae to return with a response. Soon Fusae started to make her way back over and with the younger priestess in tow. As they neared Mitsuyoshi found himself strangely captivated by the young priestess as she neared, there was something about her aura that just seemed strangely different, but in a positive way. Giving both priestess a smile before he took a knee and bowed his head in respect. "Mitsuyoshi-dono... The Village Headman has decided to allow you and your companions entry into the village on two conditions. You and your Companions are to show themselves as they are, not disguised as humans. The second condition is that you and your companions must relinquish your weapons to us until Shiori and Kayumi return tomorrow and can vouch for you. If you and your companions agree, you will be taken to the home of the Village headman where you will be lodged." Fusae finished just as Kiyomi had approached and gently held out Mitsuyoshi's eboshi. Looking up from his bow he was a tad surprised to find the young priestess had picked up his hat and was offering it to him. Gently taking it from her, he rose from his bow. "Thank you..." Mitsuyoshi bowed to Kiyomi before turning to Fusae " Thank you Lady Fusae, I will relay your terms to my companions and you shall have an answer shortly." He bowed once again at the waist to Fusae and then to Kiyomi, before taking 5 steps backwards and turning to head back to Koneko and Kaito.
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"I'd say that went pretty well... Kaito I think you're right... I have to say there is something unusual about that young priestess I couldn't quite put my finger on it though..." Mitsuyoshi said as he joined up with the two. "So... We have terms... But I'm not so comfortable with them...." Mitsuyoshi scratched the back of his ear before putting the Eboshi back into his pack. "Well the first condition isn't so bad, they want you to drop your disguises. It's the second one that I'm not comfortable with... They want us to relinquish all of our weapons until Shiori and Kayumi can vouch for us. As a Warrior It doesn't sit well with me to relinquish my weapons when we are not going before a Lord..." Mitsuyoshi informed. It bothered him, partially out of pride because these were villagers who would be disarming them, but also for practical reasons. If there was to be an attack in the middle of the night it didn't serve a warrior to be far from his weapons.
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Post by Koneko on Mar 4, 2024 10:51:16 GMT
Staying behind as she was told while watching Fusae and the handful of militia men move forward, Kiyomi clasped her hands together in hopes she was right and that this would turn out for the best as the group headed towards the singular man that came forward. 'I didn't see anything with this guy, but I guess this will be the moment of truth for finding out if there is reason to be worried,' she thought just before the village headman began to talk with her, turning her head to look at him as he spoke. "Lady Fusae does seem to be really strong and sure of herself, she's incredible even down to helping the villagers with anything they ask! Really I'm grateful for her help alone or I really don't know what would have happened to right after I got here..." the young woman admitted shyly, once again thinking over how she really seemed to almost walk right into her death. "Though, if one of your granddaughters is really as helpful as it sounds like and they also mentioned being both of their friends, it really gives me a little more faith that these three might be telling the truth. Although I really don't have much direct experience with youkai too say for sure... My parents... Are usually very proud of me the way I help around home and with my sisters..." She was unable to hide a small touch of heartbreak and homesickness at the innocent mention of her parents, wondering once again if she'd ever get to see her cherished family once more. "I just want to make sure I am a help to this place while I'm here and make sure I'm not a burden. I'd really like to be a good support like I am at home." Managing a slightly more uplifted mood, she pushed down the worry since they hadn't even been able to try that day really, so she'd have an answer when they really could try.
It wasn't long until they were watching the sudden outburst of the nervous village man, Kiyomi throwing a hand over her mouth while gasping in surprise at the sudden attack and rebuttal of the man who'd taken his eboshi off to reveal the wolf ears that had been hidden underneath. 'He has ears too?! I didn't see any when I looked at them, but maybe he's not like the other two since he was using the eboshi to hide them,' the young miko thought in surprise, yet relieved that no one had been hurt despite how terrifying the short exchange had been. Thinking to herself yet again, she knew it would take some time to really get used to seeing weapons being used like this more regularly along with actual consequential outbursts of fighting since she grew up in a much more peaceful time with weapons regulated fairly strictly by all considerations. As the frightened man and his two escorts came back, now it was time to watch with bated breath how the deliberations would go down.
There was soon an answer that it was going much more smoothly as they seemed to calmly talk before Fusae turned and made her way back to tell them some information spoken between them. "Kimura-dono... Kiyomi, This young man is a Hanyou and the result of a love affair between a Wolf Youkai and Human, in this case apparently a Daimyo. His name is Mitsuyoshi Nagano, of the Nagano clan, but I know of no clan by that name anymore. He mentioned that he and his companions had saved Shiori and Kayumi from a spider demon at an old Mountain inn and he had this..." Studying the comb as her elder pulled it out and discussed with Kimura, she listened in on the exchanged words while thinking until the headman spoke to her, lightly startling her back to the present moment and conversation. "M-me? Um I think he seems well behaved and honest from what it sounds like..." She answered, her own conclusions being they likely wouldn't have bothered with a trinket like this to show as proof if they really had done something nefarious to the girls. "Shiori and Kayumi are expected to be back by tomorrow afternoon, I think that we can allow them in to the village until we can verify with Shiori. In the mean time, they can stay at my home." The decision soon included the relinquishing of the trio's weapons before she found herself bid to follow behind the older miko on the second round back to relay the terms to the now confirmed to be hanyou that had talked with them.
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With both pairs of their eyes locked firmly on the meeting of the group to Mitsuyoshi, the two youkai left further back could only hope these humans were as willing to listen as they seemed. Yet this time it was Kaito, taking a panicked step forward as their companion was suddenly attacked in his own concern it had been a trap. "Kaito, wait!" Koneko said quickly, stopping him at that singular step, "He's okay, we have to trust that this is just a fluke and that he'll be able to convince them." Letting out a small breath he'd been holding, the fox stayed still as he was told, though it was notable that the words his companion spoke also seemed to be a bit shaken, as if also trying to convince herself along with him. "Fine, fine, I wait for your word and let them continue," he replied, seeing that they removed the aggressor fairly quickly and laid back off of the wolf hanyou, 'That was still a little too close for comfort...' They stood fairly still from this point in their human disguises, settling down as the discussion did appear to be in some form fruitful for the third in their group. Their relief grew exponentially as they saw the priestess turn to go back and discuss with the others before returning to Mituyoshi with a decision and bringing the younger miko in tow who, on further observation, had stopped to retrieve their companion's hat from the ground.
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While making their way back out towards the wolf hanyou, it was only in the short few feet left to meeting where he stood that Kiyomi stopped for a moment and noticed the eboshi on the ground. Pausing for that short moment, she bent down and picked it up, feeling that on her gut instinct that he was gentle, it would be kind to return it to him after what had happened with Shinosuke. Continuing forward, now slightly further behind Fusae as she was already stopped and discussing with Mitsuyoshi, she waited politely until the decided terms were relayed to him and then piped up herself. "Um... Here, I think this belongs to you," she said fairly quietly, meeting his eyes with her own dulled-pinkish ones as he raised his head from bowing. While he bowed again and thanked her, the young woman was actually pleasantly surprised with how calm and gentle he was, to the point she seemed to calm down more herself and really believed against any worries that they had any ill intent. Just the simple glance of his eyes she could see his look was a fairly benign one in tandem with his over-all demeanor.
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Full relief finally set in for the two youkai who waited eagerly with the hope of decent news from their returning friend, now any worry shifted to what message and terms he'd likely be relaying to them. "I'd say that went pretty well... Kaito I think you're right... I have to say there is something unusual about that young priestess, I couldn't quite put my finger on it though..." With a slight sigh Katio had only a slightly cocky attitude while accepting the agreeance of his observation, "of course I was right, I usually am or a lot of things could end pretty poorly for me and others." It was just as quick Koneko was shushing him to stay on the issue at hand. "Throw your ego around later... Mitsuyoshi, what did she say? Do they believe us?"
"So... We have terms... But I'm not so comfortable with them.... Well the first condition isn't so bad, they want you to drop your disguises. It's the second one that I'm not comfortable with... They want us to relinquish all of our weapons until Shiori and Kayumi can vouch for us. As a Warrior It doesn't sit well with me to relinquish my weapons when we are not going before a Lord..." Kaito once again was fast to speak, quickly offering up his distaste for it as well, "Give up all of our weapons?! I may not be worried about the humans hurting us aside from the priestesses, but that doesn't sit too well for me either to give up our weapons just to gain favor. What if something else happens like you both said came up at that inn?!" It was plain to see he was just about as uneasy with being disarmed as Mitsuyoshi, yet Koneko was the only one who didn't seem bothered by it: though, undeniably, her circumstances for that reason were quite different and in her favor over the other two. "They can have my sword for now, I really don't need it even if we were to get attacked... Maybe they'll give us some kind of reconsideration with a show of cooperation to their first term, but it may come down to just bearing it for the sake of... Yes, they are humans, but, if it were down to fighting between us, there's no question we would outmatch them, weapons or not." She seemed fairly confident on that stance, her only concern the combined power of the two mikos, yet she knew fully well of the kind of damage she was capable of alone.
"You're really are going to stand firm to this decision, huh?" Katio said with some exasperation, "Alright, I'd prefer if we can at least convince them to let the weapons alone, but if I really have to..." He was fairly deeply begrudged on the idea and seemed only willing to put up with it because of Koneko as he let his disguise drop in a puff of smoke. "If anything happens, you're my priority, and I'll do whatever I can to back you up." The feline turned to face him and actually gave him a fairly cheery smile for the response, seeming grateful he wasn't arguing with her too hard about it by all consideration. Letting her own disguise drop, her ears flicked and her tail swayed behind her, now facing Mitsuyoshi to see if he was accepting of that at least. "I'll see if I can get some sway for both of you, maybe if I lay it out that I'm the most threatening out of the three of us and see if they'll take my personal compliance as a large show of armistice. If it came down to it, would you be willing to do it, just this once?" Mitsuyoshi folded his arms and looked away slightly as he tried to swallow his pride. "Koneko, For you it is why I will do as I am asked, though it is unbecoming of a warrior to relinquish his weapons to a villager... I suppose I would find it easier to do so if it is to the Priestess that I hand my weapons..." As he looked back at the two of them.
The decision was settled, they'd give it a try and, at worst, agree to the full terms laid out before them as a show of good faith. Directing Kaito to pick up her pack from the ground, she decided to be the one to lead them back forward, intent on being the one to discuss any wiggle room. She could feel the cold and hardened eyes of the older priestess, as well as the uncertainty of the younger one, feeling her gaze was quite innocent and inexperienced by comparison while picking up on the similar hints of something unusual about her. Upon reaching Fusae, Koneko bowed deep at the waist out of respect while pulling her weapon from her side and presented it to her. "Good miko, I am not nearly as good a negotiator as Mitsuyoshi, but I wish to discuss a revision to the terms set out for us to enter..." she started, then raising back up and openly ready to allow the blade to leave her hands, "My name is Koneko, and I am looking for someone dear to me I lost track of many years ago." It was visible that even that small attempt to mention it caused her a little sorrow and pain, but she pushed on to direct her request, "It's truly only answers that i seek here, but I want to see if we can come to a lightly different agreement to your terms... Please, take my weapon but spare my companions theirs. I am the most dangerous of the three of us, and so I hope you to take my complete obedience to your terms as a sign of acceptance of them that no harm to the villagers here will come from any of us." She bowed deep once again to show reverence as she finished her attempt to gain a renegotiation, "I spend my travels helping humans, as do my my two friends here as well and I will do anything else you ask of me to show good faith if you can let them keep their weapons. Anything they do out of line, let it reflect on me alone. Though... I will still respect if you decline..."
Kiyomi was shocked to see how the remaining two youkai looked as they approached, realizing all the inhuman features on them that she'd not noticed from that momentary glance. The closer they got, the more intensely she could feel the auras from them, realizing they were definitely much, much more worrisome than her encounter the previous day: or at least they would be if it wasn't for the fact the approach was so tame and passive in addition to the politeness offered pretty openly all things considered. It then hit her hearing the cat-like one speak, 'That's...?! She's a woman and not a man like we thought?!' The girl was flabbergasted since from a distance even the way this youkai was dressed seemed to at least try to give the impression of masculinity from a distance, nor had she realized it from just those moments of seeing through the disguise. 'And she's trying to negotiate on her own reputation? She's saying she's the most dangerous and, just from what I'm sensing, I think she's telling the truth on that too, but... but why?' Her eyes darted over the other two, Mitsuyoshi still as polite as he'd been just moments earlier and the now confirmed kitsune stood silent and seemed to wait with bated breath for an answer.
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 5, 2024 5:21:50 GMT
"If one of your granddaughters is really as helpful as it sounds like and they also mentioned being both of their friends, it really gives me a little more faith that these three might be telling the truth. Although I really don't have much direct experience with youkai too say for sure... My parents... Are usually very proud of me the way I help around home and with my sisters..." The headman listened to the young Miko speak with patience and calm as if the events going on were normal. "I just want to make sure I am a help to this place while I'm here and make sure I'm not a burden. I'd really like to be a good support like I am at home." Kimura nodded as he listened to Kiyomi. "My dear girl, You have proven to be quite the helper since you've arrived. I'm sure that all will turn out well and you will learn Much from Lady Fusae. It certainly seems like you are quite the quick learner as well, so I think you should have no problem." He smiled at her as they both continued to watch the exchange between Fusae and the young Ronin. When Fusae returned and gave the report of what the Hanyou had said, the matter was settled.
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As the 3 set forth to meet the Head Miko and the militiamen who stood by to assist in collecting the Youkai's weapons. Koneko stepped forth to greet Fusae, bowing deep at the waist out of respect as she removed her weapons and presented them. "Good miko, I am not nearly as good a negotiator as Mitsuyoshi, but I wish to discuss a revision to the terms set out for us to enter..." as she raised from her bow. "My name is Koneko, and I am looking for someone dear to me I lost track of many years ago." As Fusae returned the bow before graciously accepting Koneko's weapons into her own hands looking them over as the feline spoke before returning to observe Koneko as she continued. "It's truly only answers that i seek here, but I want to see if we can come to a lightly different agreement to your terms... Please, take my weapon but spare my companions theirs. I am the most dangerous of the three of us, and so I hope you to take my complete obedience to your terms as a sign of acceptance of them that no harm to the villagers here will come from any of us." She bowed deep once again to show reverence as she finished her attempt to gain a renegotiation, "I spend my travels helping humans, as do my my two friends here as well and I will do anything else you ask of me to show good faith if you can let them keep their weapons. Anything they do out of line, let it reflect on me alone. Though... I will still respect if you decline..." Fusae took in everything that Koneko had to say in her proposal and could tell right away that there was definitely something different about these Youkai, even the Hanyou. Their words and intentions seemed very sincere.
"Koneko-dono, your words seem genuine and sincere, much like the Hanyou Mitsuyoshi. However, we have had our fair run ins with those of his like..." Fusae pointed to Kaito "... Kitsune youkai have been known for mischief and causing much trouble here. If I allow you and your companions to keep your weapons, Can you promise me that He will cause no mischief?" Fusae asked. Mitsuyoshi, with a puzzled look, glanced over to the Fox standing next to him before saying softly. "Wow she really got you pegged. Who knew that you would be the cause of their anxiety all along" He smirked as he nudged Kaito in the arm. The fox wore a look of utter surprise that it seemed he was the main source of concern, pointing to himself as he responded, "m-me? I'm trouble for my enemies, sure, but-" Koneko had even turned to look at him, with surprise as it was mentioned, but he seemed to stop talking as he met her gaze that silently seemed to tell him to shut his mouth, twitching as he saw it. His motion was even enough Kiyomi noticed his twitch lined up with the moment he got a look, assuming he got some kind of dirty look from her and held back a giggle. "I can assure he won't cause you any trouble, Fusae-dono," she said as she turned back to look at the main priestess before her, adding for additional assurance, "he listens to me and won't step out of line unless he wants to face consequences."
Fusae paused to consider Koneko's words, and also recognized Koneko's considerable control over the Fox. looking at her and then to Mitsuyoshi before looking to Kaito. "Very well, I shall hold you to your word Koneko-dono but..." Fusae stepped up to Kaito and looked up into his face. " But Be warned Fox, I will be watching." Fusae narrowed her eyes to emphasize her warning as she held up several Ofuda Talismans in front of him for effect. "I can assure you as well Lady Fusae, We will keep him out of trouble." Koneko and Mitsuyoshi's assurances were enough as she handed Koneko back her weapons. "You 3 will be staying at the Headman's home tonight, Shiori and Kayumi should be returning tomorrow afternoon and will likely meet you there. This young Miko, is Kiyomi. She has traveled a great distance from a land called Tokyo. We will be accompanying you 3 to dinner at the Headman's tonight. I'm sure you have much questions as do I and I'm sure this will provide Kiyomi here a chance to learn more about Youkai as they are a rare occurrence in her land."
Fusae then proceeded to lead the group to the Headman's manor, accompanying them were Hachiji and 3 of the experienced spearmen who likely would remain to Guard over the Headman's manor. As they climbed another hill just on the edge of the village, they came to a large gated home, typical of most Village headmen. "Remember Kaito, behave... She's watching you." Mitsuyoshi joked, pointing at his eyes and then to Kaito as he walked past him to follow after Fusae, Koneko, and the rest of them. Mitsuyoshi found himself walking behind Koneko and Fusae, but alongside the young Miko. "Thank you by the way... For my head wear earlier." Mitsuyoshi spoke, attempting to strike up a conversation. "You mentioned your quest is to find a friend which has led you to our dear village, How has it led you here? Whom do you seek?" Fusae asked the Feline as they walked together, approaching the gates of the Headman's manor.
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Post by Koneko on Mar 5, 2024 23:11:56 GMT
"Koneko-dono, your words seem genuine and sincere, much like the Hanyou Mitsuyoshi. However, we have had our fair run ins with those of his like... Kitsune youkai have been known for mischief and causing much trouble here. If I allow you and your companions to keep your weapons, Can you promise me that He will cause no mischief?" Koneko's eyes followed the trail of Fusae's pointing finger, tracking over to her past companion and seeing even Mitsuyoshi with a puzzled look, hearing him comment. "Wow she really got you pegged. Who knew that you would be the cause of their anxiety all along." It was then Koneko realized she needed to do her best to keep the fox reeled in and on a short leash while observing the nudge to Kaito's arm soon given and his response rolling out, "m-me? I'm trouble for my enemies, sure, but-" Sending a terse look in his direction, she wordlessly tried to get across that he needed to choose what he said carefully and that she would be angry if he ruined this for them, knowing her message came across loud and clear the moment he flinched. An inaudible relieved sigh escaping her while she heard the soft giggles from the younger priestess, the daiyoukai turned to face the older miko again and speak her reassurance. "I can assure he won't cause you any trouble, Fusae-dono, he listens to me and won't step out of line unless he wants to face consequences."
As the older priestess stepped forward towards him staring threateningly and stating her watch on his behavior, Kaito seemed to get nervous feeling so deeply under scrutiny now that it seemed his being a kitsune was a main point of contention. "D-dually noted..." He replied to her declaration, shrinking back a little with his tails all drooping as additional threat was added before thinking to himself, 'Haaaa... tough crowd... What kind of kitsune have they dealt with?' Bouncing back slightly as even Mitsuyoshi put in some word of encouragement that he at least wouldn't be allowed to cause trouble, he was soon observing the miko handing Koneko's katana back to her. "Thank you, Fusae-dono," the feline replied to the gesture as she replaced her sword where it belonged on her and listened to what else she had to say. 'Sounds like there will still be heavy scrutiny, but that's a small price to pay for lodgings and food until Shiori and Kayumi can assure them...' There was a relief in her thoughts on at least the conflict seeming mostly settled until later despite the additional presence of the spearmen, then her eyes glanced over the younger miko in question of a few of the statements, 'This girl is from a place called Tokyo? I've traveled a fair bit, but I've never heard of such a place, nor have I heard of a place where youkai are so rare... It's almost hard to believe anyone among humans with spiritual abilities and raised to use them would barely know of youkai.' Even Kaito could be caught staring at her in a bit of disbelief before more readily voicing it, "a miko that doesn't know much about youkai? I've been around a very long time, but I've not heard of a 'Tokyo' nor such a unique situation of rarely dealing with our kind."
"It's... Complicated..." Kiyomi started as it was brought into question, that lingering sadness becoming visible again and catching the youkai off guard, "...but I can try to explain in a little while, I only just recently got here." It was now plain for the rest to see she seemed to be physically slightly blind and her very quiet and meek demeanor had become even more apparent, yet accentuated by a curiosity as Kiyomi could be noticed taking in all the inhuman features of the three strangers around her once they started to make their way towards the headman's house. Soon following after Fusae and Koneko, she over heard Mitsuyoshi tease the kitsune before finding the hanyou walking along side her, only slightly shy from the three incorporating their way among them leaving her without words, but curiosity held a stronger grasp as she once again started to glance over the unusual features he had since he was closest. She only looked away when she heard a small sigh in tow from the fox who was following behind the rest of the group, though she noticed he seemed to be glancing around and making note of things in their surroundings before his eyes glanced over her and Mitsuyoshi and moved on to fix on Fusae and Koneko. "Thank you by the way... For my head wear earlier." The young priestess jumped slightly as she exited concentrating on taking in the small details of Kaito's actions and refocused to the one walking next to her, nervously giggling off her little fright of not expecting to be talked to. "Oh, you're welcome. Seeing the whole thing from a distance... I felt bad that you'd dropped it after that man got scared, so I thought it would be nice to give it back. I'm sorry if all my staring is really rude, I've never seen anyone with... well... Such a different look before, I'm used to being the not-so-normal looking one." Her words seemed to echo quite a bit of extraordinary to her situation, yet also a friendliness and politeness behind her fairly reserved personality. "So those are really your ears? They look really soft..."
After Mitsuyoshi confirmed the legitimacy of his wolf features, Kaito soon slid his way into the conversation, "Everything you see on us right now is as real as the ground you walk on and the air around you. But, even though it's real, for some of us we're not always so clearly what we look like and seem to be." His words came out like an additional warning, and seeing how the rest of the humans in the group seemed to be especially wary of him in particular, she was inclined to believe in the weight behind his words. It made her think about the stories and legends of youkai told in her time, and even that she had three encounters now where youkai were able to appear completely like normal humans, though it was only the bare minimum start to her experience with all the tricks and dangers of the different demons out there. The young woman then looked back to Mitsuyoshi, a thought coming to her since he'd been the only one wearing an eboshi to hide his ears out of the two of them with animal ears. "Actually, I was wondering... I didn't see anything odd about you when I saw you all approaching and you were the only one wearing anything on your head. Lady Fusae said you were a hanyou, does that mean you couldn't change like they did?" There was a lot she was trying to understand already and so many questions to ask since it was turning out that they were much more personable and friendly. She even wanted to know why two of them had ears and the other didn't, what the girl walking in front of her was, what they were able to do and so on, but she tried to remind herself many answers would probably come over the course of the evening and that it was better to start small.
Koneko glanced over at Fusae as the inquiry about her mentioned search was floated out into the open, a small sign of her own internal pain showing for only a moment as her ears lowered slightly, yet she forced herself to try not to show too much weakness given their circumstances and raised them back forward. "I've only recently been making my way through this area, but I've been searching without much stopping for a long time... I just came across and helped Mitsuyoshi as I've been passing through then received a list of shrines and temples in return to help my search," Koneko explained a little preemptively, making it known their intentions to enter the village here was not by simple happenstance but fully decided, "The woman I'm searching for, her name is Yuzuki. I've just been hoping for anything anyone may know for where she may have gone or why she disappeared..." That was all she could manage to elaborate while holding back any show of emotions over the matter, at least to prevent any more from peeking through being still on a precarious situation, though such a stiffness in her would likely relax later as tensions soothed away. "If there's no information to be offered here, we'll leave after our innocence is confirmed and cause you no further trouble, Fusae-dono."
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 6, 2024 5:32:35 GMT
The young priestess jumped slightly as she exited concentrating on taking in the small details of Kaito's actions and refocused to the one walking next to her, nervously giggling off her little fright of not expecting to be talked to. "Oh, you're welcome. Seeing the whole thing from a distance... I felt bad that you'd dropped it after that man got scared, so I thought it would be nice to give it back. I'm sorry if all my staring is really rude, I've never seen anyone with... well... Such a different look before, I'm used to being the not-so-normal looking one." Her words seemed to echo quite a bit of extraordinary to her situation, yet also a friendliness and politeness behind her fairly reserved personality. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." Mitsuyoshi apologized noticing her little start when he first spoke up. "Oh, well we tend to get that kinda treatment from most humans which is why we usually try to hide our features when traveling through settled areas. You look pretty normal yourself, though I've never seen anyone with eyes like yours before. What's that like?" Mitsuyoshi's left ear turned slightly as he listened to her.
"So those are really your ears? They look really soft..." Kiyomi's innocent question caught him off guard. "Oh? Yes! yes they are my real ears." Mitsuyoshi smiled warmly at her, Normally under most circumstances he wouldn't entertain the thought, but Kiyomi's innocence and gentle nature reminded him much of Hanako and Ayame, and he was certain he could keep himself from acting embarrassingly. "I guess they are soft but you can feel them and judge for yourself, just please don't pull on them.. I've had some bad experiences." Mitsuyoshi then lowered himself to allow Kiyomi to feel his ears. When her hand gently grasped his ear, it twitched slightly as it was folded down as she held it. "See they're as real as your ears." a small blush forming on his cheeks as he resisted the urge to lean into her gentle hand and aroo.
"Everything you see on us right now is as real as the ground you walk on and the air around you. But, even though it's real, for some of us we're not always so clearly what we look like and seem to be." Kaito's words came out like an additional warning, and seeing how the rest of the humans in the group seemed to be especially wary of him in particular, she was inclined to believe in the weight behind his words. "Oh yeah, like that Spider woman that me and Koneko encountered at the Inn on our way here. She was disguised as a... loose woman... but her true form was much more hideous than her human disguise." Mitsuyoshi chimed in behind Kaito as Kiyomi released his ear. "Actually, I was wondering... I didn't see anything odd about you when I saw you all approaching and you were the only one wearing anything on your head. Lady Fusae said you were a hanyou, does that mean you couldn't change like they did?" Kiyomi's question kinda caught him off guard and at first he almost felt offended just out of habit of being judged as a half breed, but he remembered that the young miko had not encountered very many youkai and didn't know much about youkai in general. "Oh, no Um... I am half youkai, the other half of me is human like you. So... I guess I do lack in some abilities that Koneko or Kaito might be able to do... But I'm not any less stronger than either of them, well except maybe Koneko, but definitely not Kaito." Mitsuyoshi explained rapidly trying to preserve his image. Having been raised by Humans and around humans, his own lack of experience with Youkai or his own bloodline still was a source of insecurity. He could boast of his skills as a swordsman and a Samurai, but he was still trying to discover more about himself, particularly his daiyoukai side. His own pride and shame wouldn't allow him to explain that Hanyou were generally viewed as abominations by either Human or Youkai, even though he'd had a fairly positive upbringing, the discriminations were still present in his mind as distant memories that still felt fresh.
At the mention of Yuzuki's name, Fusae shot Koneko a look of surprise. "Yuzuki? Now there's a name I've not heard in quite some time..." As her mind recalled that moment in her past when she was just a young shrine maiden traveling home from visiting a large shrine in Kyoto. Fusae had been set upon by a group of boar yokai who wanted to devour her. "Many years ago, when I was but a young shrine maiden, twas the Priestess Yuzuki whom saved me from a group of Boar youkai. It was she who would teach me how to fight and helped me hone my own spiritual powers, but why do you seek her?" Fusae asked as she led the group through the gateway of the Headman's home, leading them straight to the main meeting hall, where the old Headman stood on the veranda with a warm smile as they approach. "Welcome to my home, Please come on in. Dinner is being prepared as we speak. Perhaps we can discuss over tea more about what our humble village has that you so intently seek." The old headman said as he welcomed the group into the main receiving hall.
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Post by Koneko on Mar 7, 2024 0:51:32 GMT
"It's alright, I'm really only used to talking to very few people because... I'm different from most," Kiyomi reassured with a slight pause on the thought of her eyes, "Actually some of it is because of my eyes... It's difficult because I can see okay enough to get around, but a lot of the time it's hard to see clearly... I try not to let it get me down, my family has done a lot to help me prevent it getting too much worse." A small sigh came out of her as she really missed her family by now, but the distraction and excitement these youkai had caused along with helping the villagers all day had been enough to keep her from letting her worry and sadness consume her. Though, as Mitsuyoshi soon assured her that his ears were in fact real, she seemed to light up a little bit more. "Oh, you'll let me? Thank you! I promise i won't pull," the priestess said to him with a cheery smile, waiting to touch until he was low enough to avoid any accidental tugging. Gently running her hand over his ear at first, she lightly grasped it and gave it a few rubs and pets while noticing it fold down at her touch, "Sugoiiii, they are really soft as I imagined! I never thought I'd meet anyone with ears like this, it's almost like being in a fantasy world!" After a moment she just as gently let go once Kaito started speaking, then once again said her own gratitude, "Thank you again for letting me touch, I really appreciate it." After she gave her thanks, her gaze bounced between the fox and wolf, taking in what they had to say before soon questioning with a little unease at the thought of a spider youkai, "she disguised as a- ...oh..." It had taken a moment for her to grasp the implication, but once she did, she blushed and slightly put her fingers over her mouth from being stupefied that a youkai would disguise that way. After getting an answer to her next question, she started to realize maybe she'd hurt his feelings by asking about it, not realizing it was something she might need to be considerate of, though finding it bemusing that he seemed to take a dig at Kaito more specifically. "Hey! Don't make it sound like I'm just some pushover either!," the kitsune groused as his own pride was struck into. "I'm sorry if I said something I shouldn't have... I didn't mean to upset you," Kiyomi said quaintly with an embarrassed look, the fox this time rapidly deciding to interject as fast as he could, butting in between the two now that he felt there was a little competition. "Ne, you didn't know! Besides, Mitsuyoshi's such a strong man that I'm sure he'll get over it really quickly," he said as a slight jab back before using a little of his transformation abilities to give himself fluffy fox ears on his head instead, schmoozing his way into some graces as well "You seemed pretty content getting to pet his ears, you can go ahead and pet mine too if it'll make you feel a little better."
"You better be behaving back there," came the voice of Koneko from in front of them, side eye glancing to make sure nothing was going on and watching him shrink a little from her gaze. "I'm just trying to cheer her up and make her feel better, honest!" Kaito rebuttaled, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. All the sudden antics managed to draw a giggle out of the younger miko, finding not only did these youkai seem to be nice, but also a little silly in their interactions with one another whether they meant to or not. Noticing the feline give Kaito one final 'you better be' look with narrowed eyes before she faced forward again, Kiyomi then had a few more questions start to roll out from herself. "So Koneko was her name, right? I noticed her ears too, are hers also soft? They remind me of cat ears just like her tail, though I was wondering what are those at the tip of her tail?" The fox didn't even need to glance to know what she was talking about, "scales, though if you want to know more, I'd suggest asking her yourself to see if she's willing to tell you herself... Which is also my answer about her ears because she's not very keen on letting others touch them." It sounded a little like perhaps he'd had some experience with it and either found out the hard way at one point or saw someone else suffer a punishment. "Scales?" Kiyomi asked, a bit confused why she had them, but decided to for now take his advice and wait to ask since, for all she knew, maybe it was something she didn't know about animal-like youkai. Her mind then turned to the mention of the inn and started to realize Mitsuyoshi had only mentioned himself and Koneko, but Kaito seemed to confirm knowing the youkai in front of her fairly well. "Ne... I was wondering too, I noticed no one mentioned Kaito being at the inn, were you not there with them?" Kaito then scratched his head, sighing before finally admitting, "Er, no... I wasn't..." The young woman tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out why he might not have been there but seems they're all traveling together, quiet for a moment to consider it.
"Yuzuki? Now there's a name I've not heard in quite some time..."
Eyes going wide as the statement left the priestess' lips, Koneko turned her head and stared over at her in shock. Even Kaito was unable to help overhearing what was said as the two questioned nearly in unison, "you knew Yuzuki?!" They both watched on as Fusae told her tale, a desperation overtaking the daiyoukai's face as her hand first moved to reach out to the older miko, yet she retracted it back and gripped tight to the front of her own kimono, just as desperately trying to hold herself together. The fox watched his companion with a look of pity as she tried to formulate her next response, speaking in a much softer tone as she finally found the words, "We... Were really close... So you haven't seen her recently?" The feline's face slowly turned away, staring off at the ground as they approached the headman in an attempt to hide the feelings rushing through her and regain some of her stronger air, her struggle just blatant enough even Kiyomi took notice that something had shaken the hybrid. She managed to gain a small portion of her demeanor back as they heard Kimura speak, soon lightly bowing gratefully before they would head inside, "Thank you for allowing us to stay." Once they were inside, they each found an appropriate spot to sit, Kaito setting down the basket he'd been carrying before taking a seat next to Koneko and Kiyomi a close spot next to Fusae. "Thank you for having us for dinner," the young miko added politely with a smile.
By this point, it seemed the daiyoukai had managed to return to mostly normal attitude, speaking once again with some formality, "please forgive us for causing a stir, that wasn't our intent. My name is Koneko, and these two are Mitsuyoshi and Kaito. It's very kind of you to give us a chance to prove ourselves and hear us out." She gave another light bow in thanks, Kaito following suit seeing as he was under the harder scrutiny, then they both sat back up proper and relaxed only once the tea was ready and being poured. "We came here on my request as I've been looking for a woman named Yuzuki, though it's already been mentioned that she may not have been here for a very long time." While there was disappointment in her voice, she was able to keep herself even this time, "but, if you know anything about her or where she might have gone, I will take that information as that is our purpose for being here."
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 7, 2024 6:27:09 GMT
"I'm sorry if I said something I shouldn't have... I didn't mean to upset you," He suddenly heard Kiyomi's reaction, realizing that maybe he might have come off bothered. "Oh! no no no, You're fine Kiyomi-san, I didn't mean to come off so strong..." Mitsuyoshi quickly tried to backtrack. He didn't want to cause any offense since they only just met, and he knew how important first impressions can have lasting effects. "Hey! Don't make it sound like I'm just some pushover either!," Kaito quickly interjected to defend his own pride. "Ne, you didn't know! Besides, Mitsuyoshi's such a strong man that I'm sure he'll get over it really quickly," Kaito attempted to console Kiyomi, much to Mitsuyoshi's chagrin. "You seemed pretty content getting to pet his ears, you can go ahead and pet mine too if it'll make you feel a little better."
Mitsuyoshi began to sense that this was starting to descend into a kind of competition with Kaito when he suddenly gave himself fox ears and offered to pet his ears. "Eh? Kiyomi-san they say that there's no substitute for real ears. You need only ask me and I will gladly let you pet mine." He quickly interjected as he offered his own again. "Mine are all natural, no sorcery at play here." He stuck his tongue out at Kaito when Kiyomi just happened to look towards Koneko when she spoke. "You better be behaving back there," to which Kaito quickly replied "I'm just trying to cheer her up and make her feel better, honest!" as he rubbed the back of his head. "So Koneko was her name, right? I noticed her ears too, are hers also soft? They remind me of cat ears just like her tail, though I was wondering what are those at the tip of her tail?" As the conversation shifted to talk about Koneko and her features, Mitsuyoshi yielded, satisfied he got the last say on the matter before Koneko had commented, allowing Kaito tell about her features. "scales, though if you want to know more, I'd suggest asking her yourself to see if she's willing to tell you herself... Which is also my answer about her ears because she's not very keen on letting others touch them." It certainly sounded like Kaito had found out the hard way. 'Given what I've observed about Kaito, I would not be surprised if he'd actually might have done something...' Mitsuyoshi thought to himself as he listened to the conversation. When Kiyomi had asked if Kaito was at the inn when they'd encountered the Spider woman, Mitsuyoshi found something to comment on. "Oh no, We only just ran into Kaito just before we got here. He's alright though." Mitsuyoshi stretched his arms out above him before grasping onto the top of his cuirass and leaning back into it. "Yuzuki? Now there's a name I've not heard in quite some time..."
"Oh???" Mitsuyoshi's eyes went wide as he listened more intently to hear the details. 'Sounds like that list that Mitsutada gave Koneko is turning out to be very useful!' He could tell by Koneko's body language that this info was just as much of a big find, likely in a long while. "We... Were really close... So you haven't seen her recently?" Koneko asked, but her question would have to wait as the Headman greeted and welcomed them to his home. As everyone entered the main hall of the Headman's home, Headman Kimura took his seat at the head of the arrangement, Fusae sat closest to his right while Kiyomi would sit next to her. Koneko Would take a seat directly across from Fusae, Kaito had managed to beat Mitsuyoshi and sit next to her. Mitsuyoshi setting down his basket, took his seat next to Kaito. 6 of the village girls came into the room and set the raised trays before them, before later returning again with tea and began to serve Kimura's guests. The village girls seemed to take note of Kaito's suave appearance and Mitsuyoshi's features, as they glanced at both as they departed from the room, giggling lightly as they whispered amongst themselves. "For Youkai they're rather quite cute!" one of the girls said. "The one with ears is just adorable, like a puppy!" another responded while the 3rd remarked Kaito "The one with the Fox tails is very handsome!" Mitsuyoshi blushed lightly as he picked up on the conversation, despite the other humans not hearing it.
"We came here on my request as I've been looking for a woman named Yuzuki, though it's already been mentioned that she may not have been here for a very long time." The Feline started after the introductions were given. Even he appeared to know Yuzuki as he perked up upon hearing her name mentioned. "but, if you know anything about her or where she might have gone, I will take that information as that is our purpose for being here." Fusae then proceeded to answer Koneko's last inquiry. "Unfortunately, to answer your earlier question Koneko-dono, I've not seen Yuzuki since that time long ago. After spending a brief time teaching me how to wield a bow and how to focus my spiritual energy and craft sacred arrows, She had departed early one morning before the sun rose to continue her journey. She was a remarkable Priestess and served to inspire me in my own travels." Fusae raised her tea cup to take a sip. Kimura "I've not seen Yuzuki in quite a long time as well. The Priestess Yuzuki had arrived in our village a long time ago, when I was but a young man and while my Father was the headman. She had arrived in our village just after a strange rock had fallen from the heavens and landed in our fields. The rock caused much alarm and fear as it killed all of the crops and around it and began to cause a strange plague. Yuzuki arrived and tended to the sick, but when she discovered that the sickness was related to the strange rock from the heavens, she had performed a ritual and had managed to purify the rock before enshrining it, in fact it is enshrined at that old shrine in the forest just outside of the village. After the rock was purified the sick began to recover rapidly and the fields had come back to life. It was the strangest thing I had ever seen in my life at that time, but the very next day Yuzuki had departed. This was oh some... 40 years ago I think?" Kimura began to scratch his head as he tried to recall the timeline. "Perhaps there may be some answers at that old shrine, Myself and Kiyomi have been meaning to visit the shrine as it seem to be linked to Kiyomi's sudden travel to our village as well." Fusae pondered aloud.
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Post by Koneko on Mar 10, 2024 5:02:14 GMT
Noting the village girls giggling and showing interest, Kaito put on a little bit more charm as they brought the trays and served tea while his eyes wandered slightly in their direction and his tails wiggled with thoughts of his own desires of fulfillment. 'Well, it can't hurt to follow up with some flirting with glances and giggles like that,' he thought until he caught a slight side glare directed at him from Koneko, making him shrink back once again. The message rang loud and clear once more that he needed to keep his eyes to himself given the scrutiny, pouting longingly to follow up on the enticing gazes. 'If only we didn't have to so strictly behave... A night with one of those cute girls would be relaxing after the past few days,' he silently lamented to himself before tuning into the explanation the daiyoukai began to give to the headman. With the tea served, Kiyomi more eagerly this time picked up her cup and began to gently blow across it and take sips as they listened to what Koneko, Fusae and Kimura had to say, fascinated and shocked to learn the origin of the strange shrine that had long belonged to the property of her family's livelihood.
As the answer finally came to the earlier question Koneko had asked to Fusae, she felt the sting of disappointment she had no doubt was coming, subtly biting her lower lip in attempt to bear the bad end of the news without showing her upset too much. After a moment, she raised her cup to her lips to further hide even that small gesture, taking in the words Kimura had to say, only vaguely having heard the story previously on account from Yuzuki herself, though the details weren't nearly as clearly recounted as here given she had also wandered before they met in an effort to help others. "I think I remember some bit of those details from things she told me at the time, that must have been a short time before I met her," Kaito ended up chiming in, no doubt to some surprise of the others that he knew the woman first given it was Koneko's search, "But remarkable is a good way to describe her, even disguised she could see right through me... It's what drew me into following her and helping her endeavors." He seemed to have picked up on the internal struggle going on next to him and was, in a way, speaking on behalf. "So she sealed a strange rock away in a nearby shrine and that's also tied to you, Kiyomi?" The young woman looked up from drinking her own tea and nodded, adding, "Yeah, its how I got here..." That grabbed the attention of both the feline and fox, finding it to be a very unusual statement itself. Having regained enough composure to speak again, the daiyoukai quickly agreed to the idea, desperate for any trace of an answer she could get, "We'll go with you. I want to see this shrine and find out if there's anything it can offer me in helping to find her... But, what do you mean it's how you got here?"
Taking one more sip from her cup before setting it down for a moment, Kiyomi took a breath before trying to explain what happened. "I was at home, helping clean my family's shrine as usual when I noticed a comet passing over head. Shortly after I went to finish cleaning up by the old shrine and heard a noise, and, when I went to go look... I was here..." the young woman recounted, though less sadly than previously despite her homesickness as the welcoming environment had at least been helping cheer her up. "I know it sounds strange, but I don't know why or how it happened other than the old shrine had something to do with it... Though maybe it is tied to everything you just told us, Kimura-dono," she commented, looking over at him before returning her gaze to the others across the way. The two youkai seemed a little speechless, her story almost sounding unbelievable since it seemed she was saying there were entirely different buildings in a similar or close by spot to this entire village or perhaps that she just went through some kind of portal and came out in an entirely different place. "So it's... the same shrine but you just somehow found your way here?" Koneko was the first to question, her tail widely yet softly flipping back and forth as she was now even more curious about the shrine and a bit hopeful made whatever was possibly so extraordinary about it might also give her something more to find out about Yuzuki. At worst it was confirmed her spiritual energy was used around it in some way, making it worth her time to at least nose around. "Yeah, and I'm not sure how to get back home, but maybe finally getting the chance to go out to it I can find some way..."
"Well, we'll at least take a look. I can't promise we're able to help since I've never heard of anything like this, but I am interested in seeing this shrine," the daiyoukai responded, the fox nodding in agreement as he seemed to think over the information given to them. "It does sound strange, but, as youkai ourselves, strange isn't necessarily that out of the ordinary for us to witness or consider," Kaito added, having lived long enough to see plenty of strange things in his life so far. It was shortly after they'd started making discussion of going to the old shrine, food had finished preparing and was brought out by the young women once again, the gazes of interest towards Mitsuyoshi and Kaito sparking once again as the trays were placed in front of them. While he was given that look in demand to behave, the kitsune still felt no harm in at least returning a few flirtatious glances along with adding a very wanton "thank you" after his food was set before him. As the girls made sure all food was delivered, the once again began giggling upon being out of normal earshot, the feline's ears flicked as she even heard the next exchanges of just how cute the non-human men were, another annoyed look managing to direct its way from her to the fox. Soon she coyly whispered warning to him, "you better not be thinking of following any of that up, we don't need to have any of this favor turn around for us..." A slight twitch and a nervous whisper back, he assured, "N-no harm in just a little bit... it's just a little fun so there's nothing to worry about ahaha..." The dinner set before them looked quite delicious despite this not being a more main city, cooked millet with fresher vegetables next to it with hishio gently spread on top and a grilled ayu.
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Post by Taishou89 on Mar 12, 2024 8:08:38 GMT
Blushing lightly, Mitsuyoshi looked away shyly attempting to brush off the attention. There was only one woman whose attention he'd attracted before and she was all that mattered then, it felt a bit awkward for him now that both he and his Kitsune companion were getting such attention. Glancing over to Kaito, he saw that his companion was it quite differently however, almost seeming to enjoy the attention. 'I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, he does seem the womanizing type...' Until he noticed Koneko's glare at Kaito which brought a smirk to his face before sipping his tea. 'I do have to admit though... he can be quite amusing.' as he placed his cup back down onto the tray. His attention then shifted as the Headman told the origin of the old shrine. "A heavenly rock? Interesting..." as he envisioned the story being told. Though it was somewhat disappointing that it had been some time since either Fusae or Kimura-dono had seen Yuzuki, even though it was still quite a major coincidence that both even knew her.
"I think I remember some bit of those details from things she told me at the time, that must have been a short time before I met her," Kaito's comment caught Mitsuyoshi's interest. 'So they must have known each other for quite some time if this happened some 40 years ago...' Mitsuyoshi took another sip of his tea. "But remarkable is a good way to describe her, even disguised she could see right through me... It's what drew me into following her and helping her endeavors." Kaito followed up. 'So Yuzuki could see through disguises much like Kiyomi can? Well this is quite interesting...' Mitsuyoshi set his cup down again as he quietly listened to the conversation. "So she sealed a strange rock away in a nearby shrine and that's also tied to you, Kiyomi?" the fox then asked the young Miko. "Yeah, its how I got here..." came her reply. This intrigued Mitsuyoshi, though he still had much to learn about Youkai and the almost mythical stories he'd heard thus far, he had never known one to travel instantly through a shrine. "You came here through the Shrine?" He proceeded to ask, but his question would soon be answered in due time as Kiyomi would tell her story of how she came to be here in Kiso. "We'll go with you. I want to see this shrine and find out if there's anything it can offer me in helping to find her... But, what do you mean it's how you got here?" Koneko offered.
"I was at home, helping clean my family's shrine as usual when I noticed a comet passing over head. Shortly after I went to finish cleaning up by the old shrine and heard a noise, and, when I went to go look... I was here..." Mitsuyoshi listened intently to Kiyomi's account, it was indeed an interesting topic that had made him much more curious about. "I know it sounds strange, but I don't know why or how it happened other than the old shrine had something to do with it... Though maybe it is tied to everything you just told us, Kimura-dono," the young Miko continued. "So it's... the same shrine but you just somehow found your way here?" Koneko was first to inquire, her tail widely yet softly flipping back and forth as she was now even more curious about the shrine and a bit hopeful made whatever was possibly so extraordinary about it might also give her something more to find out about Yuzuki. At worst it was confirmed her spiritual energy was used around it in some way, making it worth her time to at least nose around. "Yeah, and I'm not sure how to get back home, but maybe finally getting the chance to go out to it I can find some way..."
"That is certainly fascinating... I would suspect that if that shrine is the very cause for your transportation, it likely would be the very same method to transport you back to your home, though I can't imagine how..." Mitsuyoshi finally spoke as one of the village girls served him his food, giving him a coy smile as she tried not to be obvious. "Oh.. Um Thank you." Mitsuyoshi bowed his head slightly. Her eyes were drawn to his ears and still smiling as she light giggle escaped her "You're welcome, my Lord..." the girl softly spoke as she returned the bow and took her leave. As Koneko proceeded to volunteer to check out the old shrine, Mitsuyoshi set his rice bowl down and spoke. "I agree, I'm curious to see this old shrine as well and the rock from the heavens..." quickly trying to brush off the slight embarrassment he felt of such attention by the village girls. Kaito obviously did not have any reservations as Mitsuyoshi noticed the flirty glance and the tone in his voice as he thanked the girl who served him. Though it had actually been some time since her death, over a 100 years to be exact, to Mitsuyoshi it still felt fresh since he had been put under spell only 2 years after her death, and he felt it would be a betrayal of her memory and her spirit to look at another woman. Unlike most warriors of his time, he actually loved her and had no desire to remarry even though it was encouraged for members of the warrior class to produce sons and heirs... But that too was also a thing of the past for him, though he was still a member of the warrior class, He was also half daiyoukai and now that he was free to do as he pleased, he wanted to learn more about his Daiyoukai family and the customs of daiyoukai which he presumed were somewhat different than the average youkai one would run into in the forest or on their travels.
"It is decided then... Tomorrow we shall travel to the old Shrine to investigate it's contents." Fusae spoke up after listening to the conversation thus far. "Though... If I and young Kiyomi are to have our trust invested in thee, I would like to know a bit more about the three of you. Perhaps you can enlighten us to your character and motives..." Fusae said as she looked at each of their guest before finally settling on Mitsuyoshi. "Perhaps you care to begin, Mitsuyoshi-dono..." she said, catching the Hanyou in the middle of devouring his Grilled Ayu. "Oh.. Um.." Mitsuyoshi swallowed the food in his mouth before setting the remains of the Ayu down on it's plate. "Well... As you know, I am.. er- was, a Samurai of the Nagano clan that ruled Nishino Province." Mitsuyoshi started, not knowing that Nishino province had long since been absorbed into another province. "... I keep forgetting that this was almost 100 years ago... You see, back then My brother, the Ruling Daimyo of Nishino, had been ordered by the Hosokawa clan under the authority of the Shogunate, to execute me, but they devised a plan to put me under a spell until things had settled down." Mitsuyoshi recounted as the memories played in his mind. "Because I was a Half breed... My Brother initially sought to use me as a secret weapon to thwart any enemies of Nishino, and he allowed the word to spread that he had a Wolf Youkai in his employ..." Mitsuyoshi spoke, as a look of realization came to Fusae. "The Wolf of Nishino!" the old priestess exclaimed as she recalled the stories she'd been told as a little girl. The old headman also seemed to gasp as he recall the same stories being told when he was a boy.
"Oh so you've heard of me?" Mitsuyoshi asked, a bit of pride swelling in him until he noticed that Fusae's expression was one of horror. "So that's why the name Nagano sounded so familiar... Aye, I can recall being told much about the Wolf of Nishino as a child..." Fusae started "... They say that the Lord of the old Province had kept a Wolf demon in his dungeons and would feed it the children of villages that he would conquer and Unleash his beast upon the armies that would try to stand in his way." Fusae recounted as a look of concern now crossed her face that the very monster she'd been frightened of as a child would be seated right in front of her. "Oh.. Um wait that's not-" A look of concern came over Mitsuyoshi's face as he tried to interject but was cut off as Kimura recounted his own tales. "I was told that the Lord Nagano would sick his wolf on villages that did not pay their taxes, that whole villages would be slaughtered and fed to the beast. They used to tell us children to not lurk in the forest or that the Wolf of Nishino would get them!" Mitsuyoshi tried to interject "Hold on-" but was cut off again "...There was once a member of this village who had been summoned to war by the Nagano clan and when he returned, he had lost his left arm and he had said that it was because he disobeyed the Daimyo and that the Wolf of Nishino had ripped of his arm and proceeded to eat it as punishment." A fearful look displayed on the old man as he recalled those childhood stories.
As now everyone was now looking at Mitsuyoshi, it became apparent that both Kimura and Fusae seemed to regard him as the likely one to cause trouble now instead of Kaito. "Wait, Let me explain!" Mitsuyoshi explained as Fusae had her hand in her sleeve ready to draw a talisman. "Choose your words carefully, Hanyou..." Mitsuyoshi held his hands up and away from his weapons. "Come now, has my character and behavior thus far given you reason to suspect that those old stories were true?!" Mitsuyoshi started, a little note of panic in his voice. "I swear by the Gods, I didn't do any of those things! I may have killed a great many warriors in my time and in the service of my Brother, but I would never attack unarmed non combatants... It goes against everything I was taught and trained in, nor would I even want eat someone, I knew there were stories flying around but I didn't know they were that crazy! Lady Fusae, Kimura-dono, I swear on the gods that I would never!" As he glanced at everyone, the serious looks on Fusae and Kimura being the most concerning to him, he began to feel a bit of fear that they hadn't believed him.
Kimura was the first to break the chill that had descended upon the room. "It was a long time ago and besides most of everyone knows that those were stories meant to frighten the village children." As he gave a light chuckle. Fusae grinned as she removed her hand from the talisman in her sleeve. "A long time ago indeed..." as she picked up her chopsticks and began to resume eating. "How about you, Fox? Have you any tales of mischief upon poor villages?" Fusae asked as she took a bite of her vegetables. A look of relief came over Mitsuyoshi until he realized that he had just caved and reacted against his own inclinations to be strategic and keep a straight face, but at least it showed to them that he wasn't as frightening to them as their stories portrayed. 'I really thought she was going to use that talisman on me for a sec...'
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