Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Interesting Times - Chapter 3: Revelations I

It had been days since Shiori had that dream in which she killed her host. She had left Kyuden Toketsu on her way to Kyuden Hida some days ago and Bijomaru insisted on traveling with her claiming that he knew someone in Kyden Hida that might help on her research - It seemed suspicious, but perhaps he could actually help, in fact, he had been of great help with Tenkai's poisoning so maybe, just maybe, he was being sincere. In truth Bijomaru was actually trying to gain some favors with her and take credit for any discovery she might make, those were his ways, but nothing he could do would make Shiori disgusted enough as to send him away.

Now in Kyuden Hida, she knew she was on the right track when she found herself surrounded by walls made of stone bricks and wooden doors, for those exact same things she had seen in her first vision. For Shiori time went by like the wind when she was reading scrolls and, after 3 days of reading she decided to go for a walk and clear her mind. Her investigations had revealed nothing, her trip was for naught. She felt frustrated.

Bijomaru saw her and walked to her. He knew how to read people and how to take advantage of them - seeing her frustration he thought the time was right to stung her, not with his tail but with something deadlier still: his tongue.
"I am not skilled in poetry milady, but, were I skilled in it, I'd sure dedicate a haiku to you right now" "Why would you trouble yourself to that point for someone you barely know? I hope you're not courting me Bayushi-San" said Shiori
"Nothing of the sort milady, I just thought I might cheer you up. You might not have found anything yet, but I can assure you will find a clue when you least expect it"
Shiori eyed Bijomaru for a moment and said "I must apologize to you Bayushi-San. All I do is question your motives".
Bijomaru gave the slightest of bows to Shiori "My reputation precedes me, however, as a token of my good will, I have set up a meeting with someone you might like to a have a little talk to. You see I know someone that owes me a favor, this man, Tsuruchi Kanjiro is the descendant of someone in the Crab Clan that might shed light in your investigation... You must know that all of the Clans have it's secrets, but secrets can be bought"
Shiori didn't approved of Bijomaru's ways, however she believed that this secrets might help save the lives of thousands, and so she bowed to Bijomaru and said 4 words that, in the presence of Bijomaru, she had learned to say repeatedly... "I'd be honored to"