The shadows have lengthened into darkness as Kaito, Tomoe, Kichirou, and Fuichi finall return to the Embassy. The Crane's steps are slowed significantly by the load he carries cradled in his arms: a body, the snow-crowned head resting on a shallow chest. Blue and white robes curtain the tableau.

With a bare whisper, Fuichi asks a guard to fetch the captain.

Kaito had stayed at the front of the group as they moved through the city a dead eyes stare helping to clear their path as they moved back to the embassy. His mind had been moving in a controlled pattern thinking over ways he might be able to destroy the building of black stone. Barely touching over the reason why it must be done to concentrate on the how.

The guards blink as a body is brought back and quickly point the Crane and his entourage to the back of the compound.

"Daidoji-san, we may not be wanting to present the body directly to the Capn. Especially seeing as how she died do you think perhaps you would want to find a proper place to place her while we tell the Capn of what we found?" Kaito asked turning to regard the crane before they proceeded any farther.

"Hai. Hai, you're right." He looked around..."Guard, are there any eta to handle this?"

There were.

With great respect, two of them came and relieved Fuichi of his burden, leaving behind a fresh robe (albeit one that was likely a loan from one of the local Mantis) and water to cleanse the touch of dead flesh from the Daidoji's body.

Fuichi murmured his sutras as he swiftly moved through the ritual cleansing. It would be anathema to address the captain in that state.

I was glad to see the Crane properly rejoin his place in the Celestial Wheel. Seeing the body taken away by eta had been a relief too. The journey back here had been unpleasant and exceptionally quiet. I had not said a word during the trip, lost in righteous anger and uncertainy. I finally speak up now "two dead. One a samurai. Both due to those belonging to that evil temple. Scores dead and defiled within its wretched halls... I will suggest it be cleansed. I doubt it will be something that can easily be achieved or is politically expedient though. What are your thoughts?". My words were deadpan, emotion forced out of me as I did my best to remain calm and in control.

"It is anathema. I won't oppose your suggestion." Fuichi's voice is clear and cold.

I bow to the Daidoji. It seems this episode has angered even him. Good. "Thank you" I say in all seriousness.

"Its an abomination. But within the confines of this city its hardly the only one. I'll just be glad when we leave and set this place behind us." Kichirou offers as observations while attempting to put away the gruesome and unsettling imagery of the temple. It was the kind of thing that would haunt his dreams for years but he couldn't let it affect him outwardly so he pushed the thoughts down along with any lingering emotions.

"There are abominations that must be tolerated and others that should be destroyed. Will you not at least press for this unholy one to be torn down?" I ask, giving the Scorpion a long look so he would not avoid the question.

"Do you think your pressing the matter will see it done? Do you think the backwards gaijin ruling this place will just allow us to march in and topple that monstrosity? No, I think not. I think they would fight tooth and nail and nothing short of a full occupation would give us the freedom to see what should be done through. But that won't happen, can't happen. So why push for it?" The entire time he spoke the Scorpion looked Tomoe in the eyes his expression neutral but hollow. He could have been a million miles away for all she knew.

Fuichi raised his hand. "To not try is to invite Regret. We can lay it before the captain at the very least. He must know the cause of poor Asahina-san's death. What conclusions that leads him to are his decisions to make."

I nod at the Daidoji's comments. He at least understands my intent.

I address the Scorpion. "You make negative assumptions. There is always a chance. They may not take kindly to news of all the murders there. They may at least want to investigate. At the least we lose nothing by making the suggestion. I admit that it may not be heard, the captain may dismiss it or the locals may prevent it. However, just doing and saying nothing dishonors all those who died there. We owe them this much" I say, my eyes not moving from the obviously resigned man. "Politics may prevent anything happening but it may also ensure that this does not happen again. I think murderers and a murderous temple should be punished though. Without pushing for anything, nothing will happen". Is he really okay with that on his conscience?

"So push. If questioned I'll answer with the truth." he chuckles morosely at the word, "Truth." he repeats as if tasting the word.

"Its all I can offer." he concludes with a shrug.

Apparently the scorpion was a coward which was a fact that didn't really surprise Kaito from what he had seen of the lot. Still this was far too much talking they were here to tell the captain not disguise the morals of gaijin. The body taken and the others chatting he turned towards the guards. "I would suggest you set guards on the body until we can preform the proper rites. Or at least tell your own commander of the incident and see what he wishes done. There is no real way of telling what kind of foul magic they used on the poor woman inside that temple."

That said he turned towards the others and inclined his head in the direction the guards had pointed then. "Shall we get this over with?"

I nod. "Let's. I hope you will concur with my suggestion Kaito-san". I was perhaps being too forceful but I couldn't betray my feelings on the matter. What would the captain make of all of this?

Fuichi begins to make his way toward the back of the compound.

"If I had been able to I would of seen it destroyed before we left there Mirumoto-san. Now though we are in the realm of politics and while I share your opinion I can't say what opinions will carry weight here. Can't say I really care either but I'll abide by what the Capn decides." Kaito replied as he walked towards the Captains quarters with the others.