View source for 1000/The Legend of the Black Fox

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/11/19
|Location=Azuma
|Synopsis=After receiving a message from Oinari, the Union travels to Azuma to investigate the former palace of Kagenashi and learn some of her past.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=85, 232, 346, 369, 481, 482, 520, 548, 560, 575
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|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To reiterate: a letter from Oinari, goddess of the kitsune of Azuma, was sent to the Union requesting aid. The kitsune have been occupied as of late with particularly bold youkai all around the island, and so there were really not enough that could be spared to investigate word of activity in an ancient, abandoned palace deep within the region of Byakko. A palace, Oinari was certain to note, which was last active approximately a century ago, serving as the base of operations for a powerful nogitsune who attempted to conquer all of Azuma. If the source of the activity /is/ Kagenashi, better to send in those who have shown to at least be able to more reliably overwhelm her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mountains of Byakko are filled with the colors of autumn at all points in the year, though it seems particularly fitting now, as people journey to the point where the palace is located. The thin forests are a canvas of red, yellow, orange, and brown, marked through with winding dirt roads that lead from one mountainside village to another. Where the Union is going on this cloudy evening, however, is not where any road will lead.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BGM: (http://goo.gl/CiFVE7)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clearly no one was meant to get to this palace easily. Anyone attempting to get there by land would have to pass through untamed forests and rocky crags to reach a particular peak devoid of all but a few scattered, vibrantly red trees. Closer inspection reveals that they may not be normal trees, either; scattered in the earth around their roots are a variety of bleached bones, and their leaves are a much deeper red than the natural color that autumn would provide. At least avoiding them on the path to the palace will be very easy, if they do prove to be a danger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The faded, black palace itself was clearly a grand structure some time ago, but a century of neglect has left it a ragged and broken shell of its former grace. It still stands tall, the central layered structure reaching high into the air with a good seven levels, all done in a clearly Japanese design of sloping roofs along each floor, though shingles have long since fallen and shattered in droves, and large holes formed from either age or violence have torn through roofs and walls. Paper windows have been turned to useless shreds and frames by weather and insects alike. Two smaller structures serving as flanking wings on either side of the main building look no better than their companion as they stand in silent, lonely vigil, overlooking their isolated mountain peak.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the peak seems devoid of any real wildlife, that's not to say it's entirely silent. The wind blows in whistling, mournful streams, but it only serves as a backdrop to the musical sounds coming from the palace that can be heard from a great distance away. While clearly coming from instruments native to this world, they sound less like they're being played by musicians and more like they're birds in the wild, singing unmatched and lonely songs to one another, filling in the silence with their own sound just to make sure it isn't so quiet anymore.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The large double doors that mark the entrance are barely hanging on their hinges anymore. It seems as if something powerful broke in at some point. Whatever it was, it's left the way open to enter the palace.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dressed in black from head to toe like a man in permanent mourning, the youthful dhampir known simply as 'D' strides onto the scene in his customary silence. His gait is calm, and his pale countenance one of utter serenity; furthermore, there is an air of ease about him which could only come from great experience. How often had he faced strangeness and decay for its sight not to perturb him, or at least leave him tense and on guard? Could it be he does feel these things, but is so adept at disguising his emotion that not one shiver of dismay ripples his icy surface?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The truth will go undivined and unrealized except by someone who knows him inside and out, and no one fitting that description is likely to be here. One shadow among many, D slips through the broken doors, and comes to a tall, silent standstill in the courtyard, where he waits for others to appear.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A prowler of the night leaps across the tree branches, moving from perch to perch with nimble and inhuman grace. Kirika is here, and she's content to get out of the cities and urban areas for once in a while. Here things are slightly more familiar for her, the forests great in size and the air fresh to the lungs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She only slows upon noticing the black clad dhampir, then she begins to warp from branch to branch until she makes a final leap for the ground. "D." She bows her head to the vampire hunter, gladdened he's back to work again after...things.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her feet are bare, she prefers it that way from years of living in the mountain regions her mother had raised her in. They won't be in much pain from the rough terrain as she begins the ascent up the mountain path.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the door she goes, Kinugiri close at hand, and she awaits the others alongside D for the time being.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako of course saw the letter and decided to go immediately! She happens to like kitsunes after all. And so she flies towards the mountains of Byakko on her broomstick, riding side-saddle on it. Once in a while, a burst of mist is expelled from the broomstick's brush, maintaining Ayako's air speed. As she flies, she glances downwards at the ground, appreciating the view and especially the colors of autumn from the trees below.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she approaches the peak, she shields her eyes with her right hand, pressing her pointer finger horizontally against her forehead to look at the destination. "Eh? Those leaves are really red..." Ayako flies closer to the ground to get a better look and then spots the black palace. "Whoa... that's a nice palace... well... was, but still..." She brings her broom down by the entrance doors and hops off once close to the ground, picking up her broomstick afterwards. Her eyes dart around quickly and her spiritual senses are on as well. Old places like this tend to have a lot of things that are unseen to normal sight, after all! She quietly walks through the doors and enters the courtyard as well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah. Hello Kirika!" Ayako smiles cheerfully at her. And then curtseys towards D and everyone else that should arrive that she doesn't know. After that... she glances around slowly, yet alertly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An opportunity like this doesn't come twice. There's no way Shizune would be missing it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After their last clash, the young martial artist had made a vow, both to herself and to Kagenashi. Her handling of the nogitsune has been foolish. Childish. She has only fought on blindly, letting her righteous indignation and adolescent anger turn her into nothing more than a fist swinging back at the fox woman. She should have known better than that. Her finest weapon has always been her words; her fist should be no more than the steel waiting behind the silk. The promise that rarely needs to be kept.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an opportunity for Shizune Nakamura to learn more about Kagenashi, even if it's only by learning more about the world the youkai hails from. Thus, as she dances and vaults her way through the trees, she moves with a calm purpose and a laser focus. So it is that when she lands beside D and Kirika, she is adjusting her glasses and looking up calmly at the castle.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The possibility of learning more of Kagenashi has Shirou interested. He doesn't really care too much about her - or didn't, until he looked up her deeds... but with those combined with her often dropping by at Dun Realtai? It's worth a trip! And an organized trip has far less chance of going wrong...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's keeping away from those trees. He just needs to see the bones to understand the deep red, and he has to wonder if the trees haven't gotten a taste for blood...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's dressed warmly enough! A jacket over his normal clothes is just fine for now. he's unarmed and has only a small pack of food, water, and a first aid kit with him...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra has come here either because he heard the notice from the Union side or perhaps the ears to the ground lead him to this grand adventure in the making! Besides, he really needs to get away from Eorzea and all the mess there.<br /><br />They were starting to cramp his style!<br /><br />The Miqo'te Keeper of the Moon moves easily through the forest, for the forest was native to him-- at least living in one. He knew of the elements and he knew how to hunt, track, survive. Yet as he continued his way, moving over bushes with ease and barely disturbing the ground as he jogged. The trees of red leaves and bleached bones caught his attention as he looks over at it with reflective gold eyes for a moment, covered over by the red lens goggles he wears. Though given how dark it is starting to get, he wont need them for much longer.<br /><br />He comes to a momentary halt to examine this. His black feline tail moves ever so slightly as his ears train on what he looks at. Though as the wind may blow or anything may rustle, his left ear moves ever so slightly toward the noise, though no where near the rotation that an actual cat has.<br /><br />He pulls down the brim of his Fedora slightly and then keeps on moving. There was no time to maybe hang around here and let whatever may be up with these trees make him their next meal. At least that is what he figures-- these trees are probably like treants. Forest guardians to what lies ahead.<br /><br />When it comes to climb the mountain face, he does so with simple ease. Scaling the cliff side, staying away from the path encase of traps really. His acrobatics and skilled dexterity move him up, until he arrives at what should be the entrance which he flips himself over and his hand already going down for one his scabbard swords. To realize several things.<br /><br />One-- this place is kinda creepy.<br /><br />Two-- there may be some really awesome stuff to steal... what? Who is going to miss it!<br /><br />Three-- he isn't alone. Which causes him to wave at others who may be standing around. "Hey there!"<br /><br />..ok.. so maybe two /wont/ happen.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There had been whisperings of trouble in the world from which one of the guests of Dun Realtai hailed, which had demanded the attention of the lady of that castle and its lord, her trusted Left Hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, to particularly put her marshal at ease, the Servant Saber rode in mounted on horseback, taking a large grey mare out on their excursion from Dun Realtai's modest stables. In the more modern times, she preferred the restored Yamaha V-Max, especially in situations when she anticipated violence. Her class skill of Riding made handling the mechanical beast a simple matter, not to mention that as a machine, it did not feel pain and thus the flaxen-haired knight had little need to go out of her way to protect it other than simple convenience. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dressed in the armour she typically wore for official functions as well as for battle with her ermine-lined cloak settled over her shpoulders, Saber allowed her gaze to drift out over the autumnal forests of Byakko. The brilliant colours were vaguely reminiscent of those of the season in Britain, where the oaks and other trees would turn all manner of red, orange, brown, and gold. Yet, the colours here were too vibrant even for the fall, something hinting at the supernatural that the Servant was keenly attuned to. The twilight did nothing to assuage that ethereal sense, as if there were all manner of spirits beginning to awaken in spite of signs of the expected wildlife. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jade eyes flicked to the blue-grey of her lieutenant. It would definitely set him on edge, given his own sensitivity to such things. Especially now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those jade eyes flicked back to the ruined structure as the party approached, critically examining the centuries of neglect. /What could have caused it to be abandoned?/ she wondered, and her marshal would be able to 'hear' that thought as is she had spoken it. /This place feels somehow...wrong./ <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As they neared, Arturia spotted those already gathered; the familiar forms of the other Unionites discernible. Not far from the group, she dismounted easily, nodding her greeting to them. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  There is a plaintive quality to the silence and the instruments that lend sound to this lonely reach, or the way the black palace stands over itself, hunched as though cowering under the weihgt of its hundred years of solitude.<br /><br />  Sir Bedivere is also here, having travelled with Arturia; he rides his own steed beside Arturia's, a big bay mule that looks better suited to hauling plows than carrying riders. He wears his own armour, though it's badly battered, and his mantled white cloak bears its fair share of mended stitches. All told, the knight's equipment is somewhat battered and timeworn, much like the knight himself.<br /><br />  Although the autumn scenery is beautiful, there is a sinister edge to it that has the marshal tense in his saddle. There is a brightness to the colour that almost makes his eyes hurt to behold them, and while he lacks the honed senses of his king, he's still obviously on edge. His faded violet eyes are everywhere, flicking to overhanging boughs, studying the shadows in the abandoned palace.<br /><br />  /I do not know./ He 'answers' with a sidelong look to Arturia. It isn't telepathy; rather, the two are of such a similar mind and personality that they need not speak in words. /But this place feels wrong. There are bones beneath the trees and the wind sings a song I am not certain I want to hear./<br /><br />  He wears his sword, too, just in the event that something might happen here. There's a careworn quality to it, though, and a careworn quality to him. Truth be told, he's still a little ill, but he wouldn't let that stop him from responding to that call. Kagenashi is a person of interest to him. He's privately convinced that she has some compelling reason to remain in Dun Realtai beyond amusement, and he's determined to find out what it is... before it's too late.<br /><br />  When Arturia pulls her horse to a halt, he does the same, patting the mule's neck and easing himself over the animal's right side, tying the reins to a broken piece of debris that is, hopefully, too heavy for the animal to wander away from.<br /><br />  He nods his own greeting to their allies, but he doesn't speak, absently rubbing the leather-padded fingers of his right gauntlet over the steel plating of the back of his left hand. It is, as some of them might know, where his command seals are -- perhaps an unconscious tell that this place makes him extremely uneasy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The courtyard isn't a very expansive place, not much more than a square of land ringed by canopied walkways. It seems there was a pool, but whatever order it had is long since lost, making it a pond coated in algae and filled with life that no one would want in such a decorative space. The yellowed grass grew out of control some time ago, spreading across the courtyard haphazardly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the space certainly appears dead and abandoned save for that strange music, Ayako's spiritual senses would sense a great deal of activity in the palace. It's certainly spiritual in nature, whatever it is, and it even seems just a little similar to her own nature.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something suddenly crashes and tumbles inside the palace, perhaps some sort of metal bowl judging by the clatter. The sound is accompanied by two things: first, what sounds like an intense rustling of paper mixed with a person's annoyed shout, and second, a trio of shapes rushing from the cracked open front door.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two of them are...sandals. A pair of ragged straw sandals that have grown gangly legs and arms, as well as a single eye and a grinning, ragged mouth from the sandal's sole. Straw tongues dangle from their mouths, flapping along as they giggle and rasp in mischievous glee, "Kararin, kororin, kankororin!" The strange living sandals scurry into hiding among the tall grass, vanishing in the ragged brown stalks. The third appears to be the remnants of a paper umbrella, though it's also grown a single eye and a ragged mouth from which dangles a very real tongue. The umbrella hops on one chicken-like leg, cackling and hopping along in the opposite direction of the sandals.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Quiet down, you mischievous fools," a voice like paper rustling and crinkling shouts from inside the palace. The voice is soon followed by a fourth creature even stranger than the others: a serpentine Asian dragon about the size of a normal person that slips through the crack in the door, permanently hovering over the ground as if it were swimming through the water. What's most striking, however, is that this dragon is entirely made of aged, yellowed paper; sheets and scrolls covered in writing, all folded or flowing to create its elegantly draconic form. And, as much as paper can shift to allow it, the creature looks very annoyed. "I swear, if you interrupt my work one more time with your foolish noisemaking, I will-"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dragon suddenly pauses when it notices the group standing in the courtyard. It stares for a moment or two, looking between each person in turn before it gives a crinkly huff. "Strange, I wasn't expecting that anyone would bother to come up here. If you're here to pillage the place, you're about a hundred years too late to find anything of worth. Time has not been kind here, as the library certainly shows." It lifts a scroll-arm, then, moving it in a gesture that might suggest shooing. "Now run along. I'm sure you can find something much more interesting elsewhere."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A goodly number of people appear to have come alongside Shizune. Some of them she recognizes, some she doesn't; all of them she's grateful to have along, for the help they can offer and for the company. The ki here is... strange. But sounds from within the palace cut her attention off from that, and her head whips around just in time to see a trio of tsukumogami create a commotion and come scampering out, followed by a cranky paper dragon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After only the briefest pause, the young martial artist lowers herself into a deep, respectful bow, and speaks in a polite voice, "Ah, my apologies for the intrusion. We aren't here to pillage at all, but rather to investigate and learn. My name is Shizune Nakamura, and we would appreciate it if you would allow us our curiosity. We're outsiders, but we have an interest in this world and its goings-on."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am truly sorry for this intrusion, old one. I am Kirika, daughter of matron Shukutou Nine-Tail of Kasun." Kirika bows as well with politeness and grace befitting a noble, letting Shizune handle the talking for now. She isn't all that perturbed at the idea of talking sandals and scroll-dragons. Somehow this isn't much of a surprise, as she simply remains quiet further.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's definitely certain that Kirika can sense how off this place feels with her own little quirks as a half-yokai herself, and she observes calmly those that come to address their guests to this abandoned castle.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hunter watches Kirika and Shizune offer respectful greetings to the paper dragon before he cuts in and offers an overlooked detail which may or may not put the dragon at ease.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We came here at Oinari's request."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako walks over to the pool and gazes down into it. She crouches down and touches it gently with her pointer finger. Her head inclines to the side gently and then walks back to the group. "There's a lot of spirits in this place... and-"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the sound of a metal bowl comes from inside the palace. "Hmm?" Ayako quickly looks towards the front door and spots the sandals and the paper umbrella. "A-ahh... yokai." And then looks up at the paper dragon when it arrives. She curtsies gracefully to the paper dragon. "Good evening. Ah. Oh, we're not here to pillage. I'm Ayako Hasekawa, a water spirit." She smiles softly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Living sandals, an umbrella, and a dragon made out of paper scrolls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou cannot help but doubt what he's seeing here. Oh certainly, he can explain this phenomenon. If these objects are very old, then of course they might come to life.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh yes. It makes sense.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it's still a one-legged umbrella with an eye that just went hopping past, and that's enough to weird him out briefly. He dismounts from Bedivere's mule but even then he just stammers for a few seconds at the strange, BIZARRE sights that meet them all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"E-Emiya Shirou! Sorry for the intrusion. We're not here to pillage or ruin anything."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amber-eyed magus puts a hand to his chin and looks up over and around the palace, thinking to himself: if anything, he'd rather fix the place up. That's a mess...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After tethering her steed to a post which seemed sturdy enough, Saber made her way inside with the others, still appraising the ruined palace. It would appear that her new Master's resumed training in the magic arts was none too soon; she would need his input on more than even tactical advantages if things went unexpectedly sour. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hopefully, whatever spirits dwelt within the place weren't the violent sort. As a spirit herself, Saber knew how ugly things could get. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She wasn't long for her wondering. The surprise reflected on the King of Knight's face was mild, obviously more surprised that the spirits had taken the trouble to make themselves known rather than their particular nature. That much she was more than familiar with, even if the spirits were of the Japanese variety rather than British Isles ones. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With a respectful bow, the flaxen-haired knight addressed the paper dragon. "Greetings. I am the Servant Saber. As others have said, we are not here for the purpose of pillaging. Rather, we seek information." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Strange creatures, a paper dragon-- apparently nothing to steal. Xau'ra tilts his head ever to the side at the strange creatures, then looks at the dragon as he goes to take his goggles off, given its only getting darker by this point. "What they said." The male miqo'te expresses with a mild shrug and a hand at ready on the hilt of his sword. "Xau'ra Tayuun, A hunter from another land entirely." He the miqo'te flashes a fanged smile.<br /><br />He does peer around, "Though uh," he motions with his hand a bit. "no offense when I ask this, because I'm kind of new to the area bit.." a beat pause, "..are all of you living objects?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  Bedivere stares blankly at the procession of household objects. He's pretty sure they're not supposed to do that in most worlds, and he's pretty sure that's abnormal even for the realm of Azuma. So it is that his overly blank-looking expression is what he's wearing when the paper dragon comes to investigate its visitors.<br /><br />  Rather than try to intercede on behalf of his allies, he remains silent, bowing his head in respectful gesture to the -- creature? spirit? -- and standing at Saber's left. It's a familiar old pattern that he falls into, one she'll recognise; that of the dutiful and silent bodyguard, the Left Hand of the King.<br /><br />  His gauntlets clatter quietly as he lets his hands down at his sides, hands relaxing through conscious effort. "Please accept our apologies for disturbing you." Bedivere's statement is so soft that it might be missed in the commotion of everyone else addressing the paper dragon; his voice is exceptionally gentle and soft for a man of his height, and it carries a hoarse, ragged edge suggestive of an extremely raw throat. Talking must be painful.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper dragon seems a little surprised by the responses he gets. He slips out from the palace as the group responds, clarifying and explaining who they are and what their purpose is here. With his entire form freed from the doorway, it becomes clear that he's not just made of paper, but actually clothed in scrolls, wearing them as one might wear a kimono, letting the faded tassels dangle in even more ornate decoration. Probably to be expected of a dragon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mention of Oinari seems to get the most positive reaction from him, second only to the note that they're here for /learning/. His scroll arms fold as he looks around at the group and makes a rustly sound of understanding. "I see. So they crowned a new Oinari? Good, good. I was wondering if they'd get around to that. If she's sent you, though, then there must be something significant happening..." A sigh is given as he shakes his head, though it sounds more like papers being tossed in the wind. "Even /I/ haven't heard of where you hail from. You certainly don't look like you belong here. Oinari drawing aid from off the island is something I never thought I'd hear, but...well. Desperate times, I suppose? In any case, you may call me Kyorinrin. I'm certainly your best chance at learning anything in this decrepit place right now, and it would be a treat to have someone eager to /listen/ instead of refusing to even sit still. I can put off my transcription for a little longer."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A glance is given to Xau'ra, marked with a rustling of Kyorinrin's paper brow. "What? Of course we are. Haven't you ever heard of the tsukumogami? That which is abandoned for a hundred years grows a life and will of its own. Of course such a large place would have a lot of us, so I hope you don't mind the ruckus."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Kyorinrin speaks, the umbrella takes the chance to hop over to Shirou and make a concerted effort to lick him with its long, dry tongue. Assuming it succeeds, it cackles and hops away, though Kyorinrin doesn't seem to care. "Follow me. We'll speak in my study," he says, gesturing with a scroll before he floats back into the palace.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The interior isn't very surprising, considering the outside. It's just as ragged, just as faded, though as the group proceeds deeper inside, things become a little more lively. Almost every one of the paper sliding doors has grown eyes in its frames that blink and stare in innocent, if unnerving, curiosity. Paper lanterns swing through the rafters, casting erratic shadows from the light still burning in their jagged, grinning mouths, their tongues flopping around as they squeal in simplistic glee. More of those little sandals scurry between legs, chasing each other and giggling cheerfully. A steady /bong, bong, bong/ echoes through the structure, caused by a small priest's gong that has begun shuffling along the floor like a strange turtle on four legs, its hammer attached by a red cord like a tail and hitting its body like a musical scorpion. As run down as it is, the place holds an almost carefree air from all the animated objects running around in it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now and then, the clouds part to let the moon shine through paper windows that are passed by, and on their surface forms the shadow of a woman in simple robes, her hair done up in a bun bound by two pins. Though only an outline, she looks strikingly like Kagenashi without her mask...but it certainly isn't her; whenever the shadow passes by a hole in the ragged windows, nothing can be seen on the other end but the autumn landscape outside. She fades in and out, as well, never remaining in the windows for very long before moving to another part of the palace.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, Kyorinrin pushes an eye-covered sliding door aside to enter a well-lit study, decorated with shelves for scrolls, low writing desks, and red cushions to kneel on the floor. It seems a little better kept than the rest of the palace, or at least preserved more from the ravages of time. The grinning lantern dangling from the wall in the corner seems a little calmer than the others in the palace, too, but he still lets his tongue dangle from his mouth as he sways gently from side to side. Here, Kyorinrin turns back to the group, gesturing to the cushions on the floor. "Go ahead and take a seat if you like. Now, then, what exactly would you like to ask me? I suppose you must have many questions, if you aren't even from here."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, it's as I said," Shizune replies, giving Kyorinrin a warm smile. "We have an interest in the goings-on here. More specifically, the cause of them, and her allies, have also come to be something of a problem for other worlds as well." She folds her arms in front of herself and begins to walk smoothly, following the paper dragon through the castle in what is mostly silence. She does at least murmur to herself, however. "...Her presence has really strongly touched this place, hasn't it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once they step into the study, she immediately proceeds to a cushion, sitting seiza-style with her hands folded in her lap. "We have quite a few, yes. It isn't very Japanese of me, but I have a habit of not mincing words, so I'll simply say it up front: We're interested in Kagenashi. I'd personally like to know as much about her and her background as you can tell me. Not just weaknesses, but her story. How she came to be so cruel and spiteful."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra tags along with the rest of the group. Taking notice as things move along and the answer the paper dragon gave was-- well-- good enough. Though seeing the almost image of the woman causes him to stop and stare for a second.<br /><br />His tail twitches and he moves on with everyone else. Though where others may seat, he decides to stand with his arms crossed over his chest and leaning up against the wall. The whole question deal was in other people's books. Not his.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  Filing in through the ruined doorway, Bedivere keeps wary watch over the tsukumogami. Isn't that the way of spirit-touched things, to suddenly turn mean when you're not expecting them to? Is that the explanation for the bones under the trees outside? Curious travellers lured to their death, and dispatched by this motley crew of household objects?<br /><br />  He listens to Kyorinrin and seems to accept his explanations, though he's distracted from it by the steady metallic ringing of the priest's gong. The thing marches past his foot, prompting Bedivere to tilt his head curiously; in a moment's curiosity, he stoops, hefting the thing carefully -- though if it shows the slightest inclination of attacking him, he'll drop it. No, he's just never seen something like that before, and examines the turtle-like gong curiously.<br /><br />  "Fascinating," he murmurs. His eyes flick to Kyorinrin again. "Ah, forgive me. You said a 'new' Oinari? I was not aware the position was held by more than one. What happened to the last, if I may ask...?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako nods her head slowly. "We're from... lots and lots of places. Nice to meet you, Kyorinrin." She smiles brightly, "And I'd be glad to listen!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako nods her head quickly when he explains to Xau'ra about tsukumogami. "It's true. It's true, Xau. So please be nice to your inanimate objects. I'm sort of like that too, after all." She giggles softly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She follows after Kyorinrin as he leads them inside. Ayako doesn't seem to be uncomfortable or anything around all of the yokai, in fact she seems rather comfortable around them; waving and smiling to them as she walks by.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako sits down on the offered cushions on the floor in a traditional seiza position. Sitting on her calves in that leg numbing to those that aren't used to it position. She prefers to let others ask the questions, so she simply listens. If anything... she seems to like this place, the yokai, and the atmosphere more than anything. "...I sort of feel dressed wrong for this place." She says very softly, followed by an equally soft giggle.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's so relieved that things have worked out this well that he almost isn't paying attention. Certainly isn't paying enough. The umbrella-creature startles him and--<br />R&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LIIIIIICK. Right along the arm and part of the face. "......."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's been licked by an umbrella.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The resultant face he's making is beyond description.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But somewhat like a drowned kitten, for just a moment...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a half-snort, half-sigh noise, he reaches out to try and.. well, he's not sure! Pat? Pet it? Or maybe hold it at bay? Depends on what the tsukumogami does next! He's not sure if that's more a person or an animal he's dealing with! "That's a bit much, take it easy on visitors!" He tells the Umbrella while the others speak.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They'll definitely get to the important stuff in a hurry without his bumbling input, that's for sure.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D follows the rest without comment. Preferring to observe rather than to lead, he will permit others to do the talking, and only interject if he feels it is needed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The racket within the building is almost unbearable to his keen senses; every rattle and sussuration is a distraction, and the priestly gong is the worst offender of all. At least the colors are muted. If this place was a riot of color and sound, he might think to excuse himself. Instead, he pulls the brim of his hat a touch lower, and keeps his attention fixed on Kyorinrin, whom he follows down the spirit-crowded hall.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sight of a beautiful, moonlit woman unravels his intended focus, however. Visibly startled by the image, he stops in his tracks and remains looking through the window until the image is long gone. Once he realizes she is appearing in other gaps, he follows her with his eyes, and murmurs something to himself of the woman's resemblance. "She looks like..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:xterm242">"Keep your wits about you,"</span> a sour voice grumbles, audible only to those standing closest to D. The Hunter -- his serenity disrupted by the slight tension narrowing his eyes -- looks back to the dragon, and the others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirika blinks, glancing at the shadow for a moment before she glances to D. "I know..." The resemblance isn't lost on her either, and she takes a seat when bid to do so, leaving her sword before her feet as she kneels onto the floor and her hand hung over her back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is very little said by the kitsune, her tail swishing side to side and her ears flickering a bit as she listens quietly. There's no real need to bother speaking up when better speakers are present anyhow.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Given her nature and why the knights were there in the first place, Saber certainly noticed the fleeting images of their castle's guest...or, at least, images of a woman who appeared strikingly similar to the nogitsune. A spiritual after-image, perhaps....or even someone else entirely. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her head turned slightly to regard Bedivere; she doubted very much that such a thing would have escaped his keen eye. And it seemed that they were not the only ones to have noticed the resemblance, her eyes flicking to D and Kirika as the two made a similar observation. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After Kyorinrin led the group back to his study and offered them seats, Saber bowed again. "I thank you," she replied, managing to sit in proper fashion, which might have been surprising to anyone familiar with how difficult many others found it. Likewise, she did not seem to take much notice of the other yokai milling about, treating them to a casual glance at most. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps it was not 'proper' that Shizune had cut straight to the point, but the Servant was in agreement. Kagenashi was, after all, their priority. Even if, like Bedivere, she was rather curious about the Oinari, of which she was familiar with a singular. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The knight remained silent, glancing at Shizune before turning back to the paper-clad dragon and nodding slightly. "Mm. Indeed. We would be most grateful for any information you see fit to offer," she added politely. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin looks curiously at Shizune when she asks her first question. His scroll arms fold over his chest, one scroll swinging slightly as if in a moment of thought. "Story? Well...I certainly cannot say I know exactly where she came from. My time with her...well, the first written work she collected, I should say, was when she was a three-tail. Rather young, really, all things considered."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Kyorinrin talks, the ink from the ink stone on the desk begins to move of its own accord, slithering out and onto a sheet of paper nearby. The ink begins to sketch what Kyorinrin says, beginning with a small black fox with three tails holding a scroll in its mouth. "She was always a reclusive one, however, never staying in one place too long, never going into human settlements if she didn't need to. She almost always stayed in her human form-" The ink shifts into a relatively simple portrait of Kagenashi herself, looking off to the side. "-unless the shape of a fox suited travel better. She never spoke much, in any case, and never associated with the kitsune. I don't think it was for lack of wanting, but whatever the case, she refused any companionship that lasted longer than a day."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin shrugs slightly, sheets and scrolls rustling with the motion. The drawing shifts to an image of the palace steadily being constructed from the ground up. "Eventually, when she grew the ability to produce illusions, she began building this palace with the aid of people she had charmed into assisting her, hidden so that no one would be able to find it if they didn't know it was there and hidden by an illusion. It was a lengthy task; every so often she would find someone and act as some royal lady wishing for assistance with constructing her home, adding further illusions to make it seem as if there were more workers. The humans were helplessly charmed and did their best to assist, but when they slept in the palace, she spirited them away to deposit them back in their villages, where they would wake up as if in a dream. Eventually, it was completed, and I'm sure you know the rest. The gathering of youkai, the uprising across Azuma, Oinari's defeat of her..." The dragon waves his hand as if to say 'and so on, and so on'.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The little gong's legs continue shuffling for a few moments when Bedivere picks it up, but after another soft /bong/, it lets its hammer-ended tail dangle freely beneath it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin's attention turns to Bedivere next, as the drawing the ink pot creates shifts to the image of an unfamiliar but very beautiful woman with loosely braided and ornamented hair. "Oh, you didn't know? The Oinari is a position as much as it is a name. When an Oinari is no longer in the position of leading the kitsune, for whatever reason, a new nine-tailed kitsune takes her place and name. The last one led an assault against this very palace, weilding the sword Nageki." The drawing shifts to an image of the longsword, its cutting edge replaced by a series of nine curving hooks with a fox's tail dangling from the hilt. "She succeeded in stealing Kagenashi's power away from her, but Kagenashi dealt her a mortal blow in the process. She died on these grounds, in fact, not long after Kagenashi fled."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D's remarks draw Shizune's gaze for a moment. The council prez nods to the dhampir quietly, but speaks no words in response, keeping her ears open to Kyorinrin's tale and watching the drawing as he speaks. There is quiet interest in her eyes the entire way, and it becomes tinged with faint surprise when he declares the story to be more or less over.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At this point, she reaches up and adjusts her glasses, speaking again. "Ah, we actually don't have that story, either. When we first encountered Kagenashi, she was already much diminished and seeking to recover her lost powers. We knew there /was/ an uprising, and that her powers and followers were sealed away. And we've been trying to stop her recovery, but it's proven... difficult, to say the least. So I'd like to hear about her rise to power, and how she was stopped-" Her words die in her throat when she realizes what else is being said. "...Nageki was the sword that /stopped/ her?! She's wielding it as her /own/ now."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shadow cast across D's regal countenance seems to darken until it is almost impenetrable. A dim gleam of his watchful gaze shines out from beneath his hat's wide brim, but it is outshone by the light refracting inside his pendant's blue heart, and not even half as warm.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kagenashi has always claimed Nageki as her own weapon, but I will not go so far as to believe she wields all its powers. The blade casts an influence over Kagenashi's will, to the point, I think, she is at times blinded to her own true desires, and must instead act to satisfy Nageki. She has gained power in taking the weapon, but I have often wondered at what cost."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirika remembers the bite of Nageki well, during her own duel with Kagenashi in Phase Rock. Narrowing her eyes, she frowns as she looks to the scroll dragon. "She has been amassing both power and allies, as we all have seen for ourselves." She comments lightly. But enough of that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's more interested about the blade, "What can you tell us about this sword? Who forged it, and how did she come to acquire it for herself?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  The knight shifts his awkward load. Even though he's not quite at full strength, he's easily strong enough to heft a bronze gong like this turtle-shaped article, arms braced around it as though he were giving the thing a bear-hug. Indeed, he seems to have forgotten he's even carrying it once it gives that soft, plaintive little /bong/ and goes quiet; listening to the explanation of Kagenashi, and the Oinari.<br /><br />  Well, at least it means that the gong can stop driving everybody else insane. It was easily the noisiest of the bunch.<br /><br />  His eyes linger on the ink drawings, frowning at the portrait suggestive of Kagenashi herself. It's hard to say whether it's the same woman reflected in these paper screens, or whether that might be the previous Oinari. After all, he had never met that creature, although they received summons to come here and investigate. Now, though, it seems that title belongs to another. That's an interesting detail to file away. "Thank you," he says to Kyorinrin, in the meantime. "I did not know that." He tilts his head, thoughtfully. "Why did she turn from the path of the kitsune? Why did she become nogitsune, and give cause for her fellows to turn on her? What had she done...?"<br /><br />  His eyes regard the panel thoughtfully, before his eyes slide over to Shizune. "It is. She has shown me the sword personally, and I can avow that it is a cursed thing. How she wields it without losing her mind, I do not know, but even I must respect her strength of will, for all that I do not trust her." He glances back to Saber, though he probably cuts a ridiculous figure, clutching that turtle-gong to his armoured chest. /What do you think?/<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako peeks up and over at the ink stone as it moves on it's own. "Ohh... cute!" She listens quietly to Kyorinrin as he continues to speak. "Hmm... so she built this place that way..." Her head inclines to the side gently. "I don't really see why one would want a palace. Although I'm hardly one to talk about houses!" She giggles softly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako continues to listen quietly... and then inclines her head to the side gently. "Umm... when you say 'stealing power', that means... it went somewhere didn't it? I don't suppose you know where it went?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin seems to echo Shizune's surprise with the look he gives her. "What? You don't even know /that/? Well...I suppose there's a lot to talk about, then."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dragon sighs, shaking his head for a moment before responding. "Well, around the time Kagenashi gained her eighth tail, she began making further outings to visit certain youkai that had been restricted by the kitsune. She offered them a chance for freedom, and they never really questioned it; youkai are selfish creatures, and so they never asked what she would gain from it or why she was doing so. Perhaps her ability to influence other youkai at that age also contributed to it..." Hm. Shrug. "Whatever the case, she only asked for secrecy until the time was right, at which point her amassed army spread throughout Azuma. It didn't last very long, though, as, of course, that sparked a war with Kagenashi and the general population of youkai on one side and Oinari, the tengu, and the celestial races of youkai on the other. It was a desperate time, and so Oinari immediately began the task of creating a weapon that would not /kill/ Kagenashi, but would rob her of any ability to continue her campaign."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin pauses, then gives a helpless sigh as the drawing shifts into a portrait of a beautiful fox. "...of course, you probably don't know the reason for that. Kitsune are extremely devoted to one another, to the point where they will only kill one another if driven to madness or forced into no other course of action. Even harming one another is painful to them, even if the target is a nogitsune. Of course, then, Oinari would first be driven to the less lethal option available to her."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dragon seems to recover from his brief disdain, lifting his head again to nod to Shizune. "In any case, I'm not certain whose help Oinari gained to forge the weapon, but it was obviously someone with the knowledge of darker arts. I know the kijo would be a good source of that; the females of the oni, more inclined to intelligence and magical arts than brute strength. Whatever the case, its selfish and consuming nature instilled in it a will worse than the most malevolent of youkai, and before her death, Oinari ordered it locked away where no one could find it. Though, from the sound of things, someone did."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin's expression turns to a slight frown. "...come to think of it, Kagenashi never really told anyone why she began that uprising. Even when the only ones to hear her were her possessions, she never said a thing. Though...she easily could have ravaged several towns in her efforts, but I do know that not a single human village was destroyed during that war, and the resulting casualties were strangely small."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin nods to D next. "Yes, that would be a result of Oinari failing to carry out methods that would prevent the sword from gaining its own will. Naturally, as a weapon intended to steal power, it would develop a lust for blood on its own; I suppose she was in too much of a rush to instill those precautions, and she was able to endure its wishes long enough to see to Kagenashi's downfall. Such is why she ordered it to be hidden, as well, rather than kept somewhere easily accessible. Only the strongest of minds could endure a sword with that sort of will, so it is inevitable that she would find herself manipulated by it eventually, no matter how stubborn she is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shizune sits and listens once again in silence, mulling over what she's hearing as she hears it. "...no, it sounds as if Nageki was a hateful blade right from the start," she replies to Saber. "And for that matter, I think I might want to speak to these kijo at some point. Knowledge of the blade itself would be helpful."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She seems to think for a few moments more. "...not one human village destroyed during the war. And now, with Nageki in hand, she... well, she doesn't actively seek human death, but if it happens, she doesn't show remorse. She came to my home city at once. I had to take... drastic measures to drive her off."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sure, most of the people here might already know about her trump card. But that doesn't mean she'll casually discuss it around a stranger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shizune takes a breath, thoughtful. "...I may have to come do some exploring, asking around. I think her reasons for the uprising are important." She tilts her head and looks to Kyorinrin again. "You may not have that information, but is there anywhere you could recommend we start looking?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber was just as surprised as the others were at the revelation of the previous Oinari's possession of Nageki. "I had been under the impression that the sword had been her possession, as well," she admitted quietly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glancing back at Bedivere, she shook her head. /I do not know what to make of it,/ she admitted before turning back to study the ink drawings. /If it was wielded by the fallen Oinari, that would suggest that it became cursed after she was killed and Kagenashi took possession of it./ <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Only, as Kyorinrin explained, it would seem the blade was /always/ a thing of darkness. For a kitsune to willingly wield such a weapon and risk becoming cursed seemed to defy reason. Even the reasons the dragon gave to D for being able to wield it without becoming consumed seemed too great a risk, a line of thought she conveyed to her marshal silently. /It seems a reckless move for the previous Oinari,/ she implied. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I would not pretend to understand her reasoning," the knight confessed. "Perhaps she carries it out of a sense of obligation, but it would appear to be much more dangerous than whatever power it could restore to her." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the inkstone shifts its drawing into a picture of a black fox, its form seeping with darkness that comes off it like steam, Kyorinrin turns back to Bedivere. "The boundary between a nogitsune and a kitsune is little more than social perception and input, no different from branding a human as a criminal. Kagenashi did not serve as a guardian to protect humans against the youkai that would seek to harm them, and so she was a nogitsune. Inspiring the youkai to break from their restraints in unison was more than enough for her to be labeled as a nogitsune."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper dragon sighs, then, shaking his head. "Though now you ask me for further information I never saw. Obviously it must have been something in the first three hundred years of her life to make her incapable of trusting others and forcing herself into seclusion, but what those events were, I do not know. Perhaps she knew she would be outcast and chose not to associate herself with others for that reason, but then that simply returns to the issue of /why/ she would know that. I suppose it is her origins that you need, and that is precisely what I never experienced."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns his head to Ayako, then. "Nageki serves as a conduit for power. It mostly subsists on it itself, empowering it into something greater than a mere sword, but Oinari - and, I suppose, Kagenashi - used it to siphon the power of other kitsune into themselves. A theft of power from another to become stronger, though in Oinari's case, I don't think that was her intention."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If the blade was her undoing, perhaps wielding now it has given her a greater sense of confidence than she had prior to her initial downfall." D's voice remains as cold and hard as steel. "It is no coincidence she is less cautious and remorseful these days, either. Nageki hungers, and she seeks to sate the sword as much as her own ambitions. And yet -- "<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An obvious hesitation interrupts his line of thought; his lips freeze around whatever words he'd started to form, then press together into a hard, emotionless line.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra has been keeping to himself this whole time. Listening to the story that has been told. In truth, he doesn't exactly know much about what is going on-- yet from what he is hearing, it is a most interesting of tales. Perhaps one-- he'll need to pay closer attention too.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So would destroying Nageki help our cause or just clear her head up so she can plan better?" Shirou muses aloud, glancing around at the meeting. He has been listening! Just not speaking much.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hasn't been much to say.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  Bedivere shifts his weight slightly, though he's still clutching the turtle-gong. Whether because the thing is aggravatingly loud or because he's forgotten he's still carrying it, it's hard to say. Whatever the case is he listens in polite silence.<br /><br />  Knowledge of Kagenashi's past would have been more useful to him, but that seems to be an elusive thing. He sighs, shaking his head. "No. You are right. Well, I will continue to search for some clue, but I thank you all the same, Master Kyorinrin." If nothing else, he's learned a little more about the culture of these kitsune and nogitsune, and sometimes that speaks more about someone than a tale straight from their mouth. "I am glad to learn more of this place, and its people. It is a fascinating realm."<br /><br />  That information about Nageki is good to know, too, of how the blade works. So it robs power to transfer that power to another. And it is cursed, by its making or by its nature, ever hungry for more of that power, that life energy. That's good to know... and a very compelling reason to choose battles with her very, very carefully.<br /><br />  He finds himself taking a half-step closer to Saber, frowning. /Or it was always a cursed blade, and the Oinari was merely skilled in mitigating such an influence. It is cursed now, though. She has shown it to me personally. I have spoken with her at length, and I do not think it influences her as heavily as she may perhaps let on. Her strength of will is commendable, even if her methods are not./ He dips his head, sighing quietly through his nose. /There is no easy solution./<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako thinks to herself for a while. "Hmm... so she's becoming more powerful by using that sword to drain the power from other kitsunes." She then glances over to Shirou. "Shirou, I hope you aren't thinking to trace Nageki yourself to get the power back from her. I mean... one, it's a cursed sword and you aren't a kitsune. I'd have no idea what the sword nor a nogitsune's power would do to you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then turns her glance to Bedivere and the turtle-gong. "You aren't going to keep it, are you?" Ayako shakes her head and smiles softly, "If you are, make sure you treat it nicely."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin shakes his head slightly to Shizune. "If I knew where she came from, that would be a start, but she never even mentioned her region of origin. A secret she has kept closely guarded, it seems. Your options for learning more of her would be best with those closest to her, but none of them are particularly amicable. The great centipede Omukade, the twin spirits Gin and Kin, the sun crow Yatagarasu, the black oni Kurokabe...there are others, but you probably get the idea. Not really individuals you would wish to speak with."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One scroll lifts, idly tapping against the side of his head as if in thought. "...if you wanted to learn who the kijo were who assisted in making Nageki, you would likely have to go to Oinari herself. Whoever created it should still be alive; youkai are long-lived, after all. They mostly stayed out of the war, unlike the oni, so they may be more willing to offer information."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin shrugs a little, then, letting his scroll arms fall to his sides. "I could tell you the entire history of Azuma and the names of every significant creature that exists on this island and every private moment in Kagenashi's time here, but this particular detail continues to escape me. If you ever learn anything, I hope you will inform me. Such information would be wonderful for completing my catalogues."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dragon turns to Shirou next. "If she is using it to circumvent the wait kitsune must go through to gain more power, then I believe she would be forced to stop her growth of power if it were destroyed. Perhaps she could attempt to make another, but the chances of that seem unlikely; no such force has existed in Azuma's history before, that I know of. Whether she would make use of other methods, however, I do not know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've been a great help already," Shizune replies, bowing her head respectfully. "We have places to start looking, and we know what information we're looking for now. That's leaps and bounds ahead of where we were. If I learn anything of interest, I'll be certain to bring it back to you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D seems to come to grips with something. The words he'd tripped over before, perhaps? Or perhaps, given his next words, he had needed to settle a conflict inside himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know of her origins, Miss Nakamura."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SHiro blinks, glances Ayako's way, and makes a face. "A cursed blade that warps the wielder's mind isn't high on my list of things to wield. And I wouldn't benefit from any power... there's no reason to trace that sword. Except maybe to study it for a structural flaw." He answers. "Don't be stupid, why would I start wielding that thing?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A frown marred Saber's forehead as she glanced back at Bedivere. /Regardless, it would seem that she is running on borrowed time, as such a thing would wear down even the strongest of wills. Perhaps she races to regain her power before it consumes her./ But, the knight knew, this was wild guessing at best. She really had little way of knowing, even if they were one step closer to understanding and perhaps stopping the nogitsune. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; /No, there is not./ <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Servant listened again as Kyorinrin suggested asking Oinari about the kijo who had helped to forge the demonic sword. t was probably the best place to start of they wanted to deal with it. "That would be best, I should think," Saber mused. "Thank you." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Servant shook her head at Ayako. The boy was a lot smarter than he might seem, and tracing itself could be dangerous. Attempting a sword like that would surely be suicide. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turning back to Shizune, the little blonde nodded. "Yes, quite. We are that much better-prepared to protect the people of this realm and our own. We are in your debt, and whatever knowledge we shall gain is yours." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then her head snapped around a fraction, pale eyebrows raised at D's very unexpected revelation. On the other hand, he seemed somewhat reluctant, as if it was some sort of burden. So she waited patiently, not pushing the point but more than willing to hear the vampire hunter out. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a rare, rare moment in which Shizune allows open surprise onto her face. It lasts only a moment or two. By the time she turns to face D directly, it's gone, but there was still that moment. "I see," is her reply, calm and reserved. It's not hard to guess exactly how and where he learned that information, or that if he were comfortable in revealing it, he would have done so long ago. Social perception is something that comes naturally to her, the instant comprehension that leads her to a surprisingly restrained, "I'll have to ask you about that later, then." 'When all these people aren't around to make it so uncomfortable', she doesn't add, but D can probably spot the unspoken addition in her eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako closes her eyes halfway and glances to the side at Shirou. She doesn't say anything, but her amber gaze says everything. In one word. 'Reckless'. Although it's quickly replaced with a gaze filled with worry more than anything else.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:85|Kagenashi (85)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyorinrin gives a brief nod to Shizune and Saber. Is that a smile on his draconic face? "Really, it was a pleasure to have someone willing to /listen/ for once. Do you know how maddening it is trying to get through to the rabble here? I'm amazed I've managed to get /any/ work done re-transcribing all these texts. In any case, the palace is open if you require more information or clarification on anything. Such sweeping information is to be shared, after all; I only remain here because she /did/ do a wonderful job collecting and preserving these texts."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper tsukumogami turns to the rest of the group, then, as the living ink nearby slinks back to the inkstone. Seems Kyorinrin missed D's comment, too, because he simply continues as if nothing was said. "A pleasure to have you all here. I hope for the best in your search, and please don't hesitate to stop by again in the future. So long as she doesn't decide to reconstruct her old home, you have nothing to fear here. Now, if you will excuse me, I should get back to this transcription."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With another determined nod, the dragon flies over to the desk, where, assuming no one continues to bother him, he makes use of the living inkstone to jot down line after line of calligraphy in pleased silence.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you. Your tact is appreciated, but not necessary. Now that the information has become important, it is no longer worth withholding. As you know, I remain indebted to the Union, and I will take whatever tolerable actions I can in order to repay what is owed. I am a mercenary at heart."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The scrutiny aimed at him from Saber's direction does not seem to make the Hunter at all uncomfortable, but Shizune's clear and knowing gaze causes him to lift his head so he seems tall and stiff, like his strings have been pulled tight. Now that he has made the decision to be forthcoming, his serene rime returns, as unsettling as it always is. He could be mistaken for an automaton, at times: lifeless, and without the ability to experience or relate to human emotion.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would like some time to gather my thoughts, and to confer with someone who can help me piece together anything which may have been lost when my memory was altered." Notably, any details about how he's come by the information have been left out. "I will make a report, if that is to your liking."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or if you prefer, we may speak in person."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:369|Shizune Nakamura (369)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's now that Shizune's expression releases that polite neutrality; a hint of warmth seeps in, a hint of kindness. Understanding. It's not hard to guess at the issues behind this information. Though he may hide behind his accustomed mask, she sets hers aside just this once. "Whichever would be easier for you. I can't speak for anyone else in the Union, but my plan is to use it as a means to understand her, rather than as a source of information on how to defeat her. I've promised myself to do what I do best - to try and understand my opponent, to see if I can win without fighting, so to speak."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:482|Sir Bedivere (482)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>  Bedivere stares blankly at the water girl for a moment, before he seems to understand that she's talking about the turtle-gong. Truth be told, he'd almost forgotten he was holding the bronze gong. He hefts it in his arms for a moment, regarding it thoughtfully. It's an old object, that much is sure.<br /><br />  Surely there must be some use for something like that. He looks nonplussed for a moment as he tries to figure out what that purpose might be. Perhaps someone else in the Union might be able to read what this thing might have seen? It's an old object, and it's seen some of Kagenashi's elusive history.<br /><br />  "Ah, I had only picked it up to quiet it. I had not intended to take it with me." Bedivere tilts his head thoughtfully. "It belongs to Lady Kagenashi, but as she has abandoned this place and made no effort to return... I suppose it would do no harm. Perhaps it might serve as a useful alarm." He holds the thing at arm's length, studying it dubiously. "Or perhaps amuse Kepas. I doubt one can harm the other."<br /><br />  ...It's going into the bottom of the lake if it marches around gonging enthusiastically at three o'clock in the morning, though.<br /><br />  "Well, I suppose we have nothing more to learn, here, for the time being. Thank you, Master Kyorinrin. Your insight has been invaluable to us. If anything of import should transpire, we will be certain to inform you." Mindful of his load, Bedivere inclines forward in an awkward bow. "I believe it best we take our leave, for now."<br /><br />  He casts a glance back at Saber, lingering for a moment. /We should go. I do not believe there is anything more to be learned, here, and I should like to put this place behind me. There is a heaviness to the air here that I do not like. And I am weary. I should rest./<br /><br />  His eyes flick then to Shirou. "Master Shirou. We are returning to Dun Realtai, unless you should like to linger and ask questions. You may ride with me, if you like, or if you have other arrangements, that is acceptable as well."<br /><br />  With that, he'll turn to make his way outside to Saber's horse and his mule, turtle-gong clutched securely around its middle. Maybe he can tie that thing behind the saddle, and hopefully it won't be cheerfully gonging its way all the way up the hill.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:232|D (232)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pinching his hat's brim between his thumb and forefinger in the gesture of a tip -- as well as the faintest smile -- is D's response to Shizune. He approves.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Reconstruct her old home huh?" Xau'ra says softly as his ears go back a touch. "That doesn't sound to comforting." Yet the male Miqo'te doesn't stick around. While others talk, he takes his leave with quiet steps across the floor.<br /><br />There was things to think on and maybe, just maybe, he'll do his own private looking into things.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright. Then I'll head back with you two. Thank you for explaining so much!" He bows at Kyonrinrin, if only a little - honestly quite grateful!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With other matters settled for the moment, Saber was free to study a little more about their surroundings... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...And, as if she had finally noticed it, found herself staring blankly at a turtle-gong that Bedivere was clutching to his chest for some odd reason. She felt herself inwardly sighing. Their new home was starting to become a repository for all manner of odd spirit-creatures, wasn't it? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her eye then turned critically to the knight himself. He had been holding up well enough, but Arturia was loathe to take any chances regarding the matter. /Indeed. I have no desire to tax your health further, regardless of the nature of this place./ <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With a final proper bow to the dragon scribe, Saber made her farewell. "Again, we are in your debt. As my marshal has said, however, it is best that we take our leave." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Following a respectful nod of farewell to the others, the Servant turned and made her way back to their mounts, keeping a careful eye on Bedivere all the merry way. But as long as he didn't push himself too hard, she had no reason to scold him. As it was, they would have much to discuss following a meal and proper rest. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako slowly gets up from her proper way of sitting and bows politely towards Kyorinrin. She doesn't immediately leave the palace, though. She stays around a bit to cheerfully talk to the yokai that live in the palace, seeming to like them quite a bit. And watch the shadowy Kagenashi a little. Once she's satisfied, though, she exits the palace and hops back onto her broomstick and flies off, seeming satisfied.<br> <br>


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