[Day 9, Early Evening] A Heroes Return

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki turned to Erina. "May I ask what you had in mind, Matsu-sama?"

His hands were relaxed once more, but his face still had that blank, unexpressive quality, and his voice was even more flat than usual.

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

Not much had gone into Ren's head after Tani mentioned that the portal was closed. Her mind wandered off to the north... to the ancient halls of her school...

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

"We have been contending with our ancestors returned. The appeal to the old ways and tradition is something that sways even us. But there are fronts that opened far after the era of Hantei XVI."

"At Court, the Empress has had two extremely vocal supporters outside of the Clans, even the minor ones, who have truly done a better job than any of us: Abbess Kayou and the Naga leader. They appear to be doing it out of sincere desire to help, but it may help to show that we stand behind them and that we are not just out for ourselves."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2020 3:55 pm

Mogami gives a nod to Tani in thanks.

"I have good repertoire with Kayou, she has become a sensei to me of sorts. "

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"Kayou-sama is a good woman, and I would be glad to offer her whatever aid we can. I... to my shame do not know much about the Naga of Tausha's Legion, but if they are standing with the Empress, then we should show that the Lion recognize those who stand with honor."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Yes. To my shame, I did not recognize it at first. But every time I have met Kayou-sama she has impressed me. I expect she will do what is right, and we shall honor her as is appropriate."

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

Erina nods and bows appropriately to both.

"It is all the more worthy because they have been doing to without any backing....but even a proud tree bends as the wind picks up. It wouldn't hurt to stand as a forest/"

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"Let us lend her our well wishes and support, then," Tani nodded gently. "In the mean time, I don't suppose any of you know one of the Naga? I would enjoy the chance to speak with one." She paused a beat. "Perhaps not alone. I do not know much about the Shasakar, but I know that a Lion whose Lord was slain would leap at the chance to take down their killer."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki bowed. "If you wish, I would accompany you, Matsu-sama." He said, his voice as monotone as ever.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:25 pm

"I spoke to him briefly in Toshi no Omoidoso. Seems a friendly sort, very eager to chat."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"I would be honored with your company, Akodo-san," she offered him a reassuring nod, then looked to Mogami. "Thank you for that information." She took a breath. Sighed. Then sipped her tea gently.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Matsu Tani wrote:

"I would be honored with your company, Akodo-san," she offered him a reassuring nod, then looked to Mogami. "Thank you for that information." She took a breath. Sighed. Then sipped her tea gently.

After a few moments, Touki cleared his throat. "Is there anything else we can do to assist you, Matsu-sama. Do you need to see a healer? Or..." Here his imagination failed him, and he spread his hands.

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

She shook her head. "Not at this time. Any lingering discomfort will likely fade overnight. Thank you, though." She nodded to Touki.

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

Ren finally spoke up, "How is Kitsu-dono?"

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"Hale and healthy," she responded. "She was quiet on the return, however. If she deigns to see me, I had intended on checking up on her in the morning after she has had time to properly rest."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

She nodded in a contemplative manner.

"The first step towards healing is done... Well done Matsu-sama."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:56 pm

"Indeed, well done. You have succeeded in not only closing the portal, but also have dealt a heavy blow to our new enemy with the Steel Chrysanthemum being unable to acquire reinforcement. It makes me rest easier knowing those we put down will stay down."

Matsu Erina · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:52 pm **Posts:** 368

"Agreed. Who knows how many reinforcements we would have had to had faced if he could keep it open." Erina nods solemly. "It's for the best that Mirror is gone for good. Though...."

Erina pauses, seemingly struggling to find the right words. "Did any of you hear...I don't know, the voice of an ancestor this morning?"

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki laughed, but it was not at all a happy sound.

He cleared his throat. "I did. For quite some time. I am not sure that I do not hear it still." He grimaced, his jaw clenching noticeably. "It was... a difficult thing to ignore. Or to hear."

He looked at her. "I may be relieved to hear that you also heard an ancestor's voice. I thought it might only be me."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2020 11:19 pm

"Mine were quite unhappy with my choice to openly support the Empress, but after much prayer and debate, I managed to silence them and hopefully prove that I was not in the wrong."

[Day 9, Early Evening] A Heroes Return

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