1507/So, about that fox...

So, about that fox...
Date of Scene:	05 February 2015
Location:	Mitakihara Town <MT>
Synopsis:	D meets with Kimiko Shinobu for a revealing conversation about his connection to Kagenashi.
Cast of Characters:	232, 570

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Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Mitakihara has seen enough traffic in the past, even if that's much less true in the year or two since, that reaching it via warp gate is rather simple for any Union member. The people here, for their part, have by necessity become used to some of that traffic. There had even been Strike Witch patrols until relatively recently. Still, when Kimiko goes to greet D, close to where the warp gate brings one to the city, she's dressed in the unassuming winter garb of an after-hours highschooler, rather than a Puella Magi. Coat and scarf, and earmuffs for good measure. It is rather cold, though not quite enough to snow. There's a bit of wind, as well.

D (232) has posed:
    Despite how accustomed the locals are to strange offworld visitors, there is a good chance this latest arrival still draws his share of attention. It's strange enough that he's on horseback, but D's stark black uniform, serene countenance, and the long sword he carries across his back make him more than just an eccentric with an affinity for antiquated transportation -- there is something more remarkable to him than that. Some part of him seems made for the express purpose of drawing the eye; the rest, from his palpable chill to his inhuman perfection, seems bent on repelling any long-lasting stares. Those who know him understand his nature.

    Those newly-exposed to it may find it something of a shock.

    He's long since developed a practiced tolerance of any attention he garners. Ignoring the world he rides through, he proceeds directly to where Kimiko awaits him. His horse's snorting nostrils puff steam into the air a few inches from her coat as he commands it to halt without word. The cyborg animal begins a curious inspection of Kimiko's scarf; D's gaze is more polite as it alights on the girl's face.

    "Shall I dismount and walk with you, or would you care to ride with me as we speak?"

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko gives a nod of greeting, though no more than that. She's of few words in general, so this is her usual demeanor. Her head tilts just slightly to one side, hint of an expression not quite readable, as she responds. "I'm sorry; I have not ridden a horse." It might not be an issue with D's steed in particular, but there's still some reluctance to try this new thing, today.

    Any irony in this, regarding her magic's theme, is lost on her.

D (232) has posed:
    "Then we'll walk." D dismounts from his saddle and drops to the ground in a single smooth motion. It's almost a feat to do without his sword or heavy cape getting in the way.

    He flips his steed's reins over its horned head, and keeps them in his hand so as to lead it along while he walks alongside Kimiko. Raised in part among a more chivalrous culture, he thinks nothing of standing on the side between Kimiko and the road traffic.

    If she is of few words, and D himself is of few, their conversation could be awkward; fortunately, he's willing to do some heavy lifting today, and also to get right to the point. "You wanted to know about my relationship with Kagenashi, correct?"

    If he wasn't in the mood to talk at all, he wouldn't be here.

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko nods. "Yes. I think you said you were... grateful to her. I was there--fighting her--when we came to... retrieve you. There have been... one or two signs that there was something more than apparent about her involvement with you." Scant enough. It was only long afterward that Kimiko saw anything suspicious about that fight, having known more about her opponent than before it.

D (232) has posed:
    D is quiet for a few paces; either he is taking the time to muster his thoughts, or he is preparing to be selective and cautious about what he reveals. His expression remains as inscrutable as the new-fallen snow.

    "I first met Kagenashi some time ago, before my dealings with Medusa Gorgon escalated in the manner they had. It was during the Village Rosa incident, I believe. We came upon each other on the road, and before I had any knowledge of her affiliations, we walked together and spoke for awhile, much as you and I are today." Only a very slight fog of breath accompanies his low voice.

    "It is difficult to define what came of that first meeting. I have described her as a kindred spirit, and I still believe her to be. I would not say we are enemies, despite our warring affiliations. Neither are we friends, after what I've experienced."

    He is silent again. Only his spurs mark his passing strides, and the passing moments. "There must be discretion between us, Miss Shinobu. I will not endanger Kagenashi's life through being careless. Please understand I am not asking for you to betray your oaths to the Union, or to show any mercy to Kagenashi when the time has come to bring her to justice, but there is more to tell if you can give me your word you will be circumspect in sharing anything I say."

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko gives a solemn nod. "You have my word. I will reveal nothing without your permission." Well enough that there are few people willing to linger outside with this cold. Winter grants some privacy. "I will work against her if I believe it just, but I will use nothing you've yet to tell me to that end." She's making no promises concerning what she already knows, but feels she owes none; not that she plans to speak any more loudly on the subject than she already has. Which is to say, little, if at all.

D (232) has posed:
    "I have made this all known to the Union leadership already. Perhaps knowing so will serve as a balm against any of your potential unease." The dhampir's dark, contemplative stare slants sideways and down to scrutinize anything she reveals of her thoughts. After a moment, he looks forward again, and resumes his telling.

    "Kagenashi alerted the Union to the extent of my plight while I was...part of the Confederacy." It may be her imagination, but for a moment, his mild tone seems to curdle. His 'distaste' for the experience -- to put it in the most mild of terms -- is still be very much at the forefront whenever he recounts its events. "It was she who conspired with Miss Kaminagi to arrange an ambush of me, which became the rescue you aided."

    "Kagenashi endangered her alliance and her life on my behalf. I do not not believe her fellows know of her treachery; if they did, they permit her to continue her service for reasons unknown to me."

    Now a faint frown hovers at the edges of his lips. "Kagenashi has also seen directly to the preservation of my life. As I said, she has watched over me in my more vulnerable moments. Now she comes to me in dreams to ward something away...or so I believe. I do not know for certain if it is her spirit, or if it is only some aspect of my dreaming. I have had strange dreams before." His words grow almost too soft to hear. "I have not consulted with any in the Union on this last."

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko's expression reveals nothing of her thoughts, or nearly so. She is calm, and slow to speak, for what that tells of her. She nods at the beginning of D's response, taking this into account. Leadership--that covers a number of people, and some of those are persons she sincerely respects. It does something to ease her mind, in fact.

    Then, confirmation of the small suspicion that had grown. So, Kagenashi /had/ thrown their fight. She'll be certain to remember this, when it comes time to fight her again. She's half-certain she will have such an opportunity, with the barest effort in that direction.

    "Dreams. I have dreams of uncertain memories, but never concerning the present, nor the future. I did not know Kagenashi had such a power... if she does. Do you?"

D (232) has posed:
    "I do not." The frown remains where it is as a lingering expression of his doubts, his concerns. "I have met creatures in my world who freely walk the planes between the living and the dead, and who can traverse the dreamscape as easily. There is also Miss Mizuki, who has a talent for such things. My nature as a dhampir puts half my soul in constant contact with the darker places; it is possible I am more sensitive to these projections and powers than many others might be." He goes so far as to shrug; some gathered snowflakes drift off his shoulders.

    "I am afraid I am speculating now. There is much in the Multiverse I do not understand. I had given some thought to asking Oinari; I have been reticent to do so, however. I have also been reticent about accepting Miss Mizuki's offer to investigate and ease my dreams. Despite my agreeing to her offer multiple times, I have not yet gone to see her."

    He looks to her, and a hint of smile replaces his frown. "I am not one to be so revealing of myself."

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko manages to return that less-than-half-a-smile. That would have been difficult a day or two ago, but in truth, something has much improved her mood. This is, in fact, as cheerful as she gets. "It is appreciated. For what little good my knowing can do you." Her eyes go down again, then, as she continues thinking.

    Presently, she nods. "I would not trust the Oinari with this. Pure intentions do not mean clear judgment. Mizuki--" A slight faltering, there. "--means well." In light of the previous statement, that may come across as harsher than intended. "Under normal circumstances, I expect, she can be... trusted." Probably. Recent events may have made it exceptionally difficult for her to suggest that course. At the least, "...better than the Lady of Nightmares."

    Kimiko does not like Elliana.

D (232) has posed:
    "...perhaps I will muster the nerve to seek Miss Mizuki's counsel, then." Having had next to no contact with Elliana Fairchild in all the months he's traveled the Multiverse, D can only assume she's earned her poor reputation for good reason. "I can only play the coward for so long, and I have had hard lessons regarding what I can and cannot handle on my own."

    If it didn't have a tendency to remain hidden while around others, the countenanced carbuncle might have snickered at D in that moment. D himself can hear his companion's mockery as a faint, internal racket, anyway, and he frowns once more.

    "I have nothing else to say of Kagenashi, at the moment, except to reiterate the opinion that I do not find her wholly evil. If there is a way to counteract the danger she's created of herself while still preserving her life, I shall seek it." He sounds resolved.

    Abruptly, the subject shifts. "How is Miss Kaminagi adjusting to her growth?"

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko nods, slightly, in mild approval to this course. She does have one more question, or at least a clarification to request, but does not mind the shift, as unexpected as it is. She looks up, scanning D's expression as he asks. She's aware that the two know each other, but... not to precisely what extent. "She is more certain. As if... complete. More confident. Less restrained." In several senses, though not in one, common meaning.

    "She has not changed. But, now she is more so."

D (232) has posed:
    "I see." D looks toward Kimiko again. "I recall our first meeting. I answered her need for assistance in her world, as you no doubt remember. Miss Kaminagi hungered for revenge; I thought to help her to it, if only to earn my keep." At the time, he had been a mercenary employed by the Union, and far more the loner. "I came to admire her then, and I continue to hold her in high esteem now. She is a remarkable woman, and one I consider a friend." He turns his eyes ahead again. "Yet I know so little about those she considers important. You, for example, are all but a mystery to me, Miss Shinobu. I would enjoy hearing your story, when you have the time."

    She might feel prompted to ask /why/; if she does, he cuts her off with a brief explanation. "I mean no intrusion; I am only curious. Miss Kaminagi cares for you, and as I hold her in high regard..."

    She can fill in the rest.

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko gives a nod of agreement, certainly not objecting to this definition of Setsuko. She then gives D a curious look, though it could also be confused for an impassive stare. "Perhaps one day. But I am simple to understand, I think. I fight as I am needed to fight. I hunt what must be hunted. I defend those that require defence. And I will continue doing so, until I die--and remain that way. All because that is what a decent, strong person must do."

    She waits several moments, continuing to walk, before she adds, "I do not often speak of this, either."

D (232) has posed:
    The city has gone by almost unnoticed. D looks forward, but he does not see the way ahead, only what is coming next for him, only what he must do. His journey is an everlasting thing; where it takes him does not matter, only that it continues at all. In that sense, he lives apart from the world, like some ephemeral shadow seen drifting by from the corner of one's eye.

    The lives he touches are what connects him to anything. At this moment, it is Kimiko, her distant warmth, and her few words. By speaking to him, she forces him to an awareness he would otherwise choose not to have, and to reciprocate the gift by acting almost human.

    So it is, that after a few more quiet steps, he responds by making a flat, serious-sounding /joke/.

    "And yet the ability to ride a horse eludes you." The corners of his eyes tighten; a smile without a smile. "Where I come from, this kind of shortcoming is an intolerable weakness. Perhaps you will permit me to educate you when the weather is more fair."

    Okay, it's not much of a joke, but it's at least some sort of mild, monotonous form of teasing.

    "Did you have other questions for me, Miss Shinobu?"

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko lets out a short snort of breath. Even without a visual cue, nor the tone to accompany it, she still takes the line as what it is. The content, here, was enough. Perhaps this means that D was particularly successful, for all the difficulty imposed by his nature.

    "Perhaps. I can ride a motorbike just fine. You may recall. But, perhaps."

    She begins to shake her head, but then--pauses. "I saw Kagenashi save you once, though I did not know it then. What marks the other time? You said 'twice,' I think."

D (232) has posed:
    "Ah." The hunter nods, then casts his gaze toward the sky. For once, his face is unshadowed, dimly troubled it may be. "Yes. At one time she came upon me in my recuperative state. I am nearly helpless in such a condition, but I was forced to go to ground following a battle within Castlevania. This was quite some time ago."

    "Lord Dracula's agents pursued me. Kagenashi set down incense to ward away their pursuit. She also held vigil over me until I awoke and was able to continue on my way under my own power. I had very recently perished, and my carbuncle ally would have lacked the strength to restore me a second time so soon; had she not protected me, I very well may have been destroyed." D makes a small, dismissive gesture. His gaze lowers back to Kimiko. "There is no telling if Lord Dracula's agents /would/ have found me, but I count it in her favor, anyway."

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko gives another nod, to that. "She has gone to great lengths for you. And... great personal risk. If it can be believed." She takes a few moments to think about that. "Whatever her intentions, she is a being of deception. I will not, therefore, trust her. But her actions, apart from intent, I will acknowledge."

D (232) has posed:
    "A wise enough conclusion. I have difficulty trusting her, myself; but, I also have difficulty not doing so." Again, his frown returns. He is perplexed by his own mixed emotions regarding Kagenashi, and cannot seem to reach any firm determination as to how he should regard the fox-woman. "I will rely on my instinct, I think, and those around me. May we all be merciful, when the time comes for Kagenashi to face the consequences of her deeds."

    At that, D's steady footsteps come to a halt. "I believe that is enough to burden my thoughts for several more days. Thank you for your company, Miss Shinobu; I should be on my way."

    He would likely be the type to offer an escort, had he believed she needed one. As she does not, for many reasons he has seen with his own eyes, he just mounts up with ease and tips the brim of his hat toward the girl in a gesture of farewell.

    Though he will linger for any parting words, he is quick to go back the way he came.

Kimiko Shinobu (570) has posed:
    Kimiko holds her hands at her sides as she gives a short bow to D. Customary, to this area, even if a custom she does not frequently acknowledge. "Travel safely." Her hands come together, then. It is rather cold, for humans.