[Day 4, Early Afternoon, open] Up in the Air

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi's jaw dropped in a silent mirror of the kami's horror. His hands trembled slightly and his eyes widened noticeably. "How long before it gets here, my dear friends?"

[elonweis]

The kaze-kami are a little confused by the concept of time and flutter around. They answer to the best of their ability.

It comes as the storms come. Inevitable.

...

...

Do you like cabbage?

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi considers for a moment. I suppose I do, if it has been steamed properly. At home, we wrap it around rice, which creates a nice balance of flavors. How do you feel about kitties?

[elonweis]

They smell of night.

The kami by now were starting to get distracted. There were so many things in the city. New things. New people. New voices. The guards, by now, were more than a little creeped out and surreptitiously touching amulets hidden upon their person.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi casually placed a hand on her hip when the saw the change in reaction from the Daidoji and the fear from the guards, hoping they wouldn't come charging at them if something Fuichi did was blasphemous in their culture.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

He smiled beatifically. "I agree, though they sing of high noon. Perhaps we shall speak again later. I should like to hear more of you. Farewell, Minna-sans."

He opened his eyes and started to stand, if a little shakily. Addressing the babysitter, he said: "My dear friend, will you please ask the gentleman over there what the winds are talking about when they mention 'the devourer whose hunger is never sated.' Make sure to convey that I am curious, slightly disturbed, and have no idea what the significance of that title is. Thank you."

[elonweis]

"..." Hachi had a good poker face. It helped when he 'translated' for the Crane and omitted several details. Like 'devourer who's hunger is never sated', telling them that sounded like a HORRIBLE idea and Hachi liked his blood where it was. Inside him.

Instead, he reassures the guards that this was normal and that the Daidoji was simply communing with the winds for news. The gaijin guards relax one by one, making a few light jokes to break up the tension. Hachi nods in agreement and shrugs, making a 'what' can you do' gesture.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi cocks his had curiously, but addresses Hoshi: "When we leave the tower, I need to get a message to the Captain. Was there anywhere you'd like to go after that?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"I might stay in the city a little longer but I'll be happy to escort you back Daidoji-san. I hope you have a story to share with me on the way back though. We haven't talked much on the ship as much as I would like to."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"I should love to tell you a story, Bayushi-san." He bowed deeply to the man in charge. "Hachi, will you please thank the gentleman for allowing us to use his space? Tell him that we appreciate his hospitality, and farewell." He bowed as appropriate. He'd have to learn this crazy lingo.

"Shall we, Bayushi-san?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Thank you Daidoji-san." Hoshi seemed to smile through her eyes.

She gave a glance at the gaijin in the tower and followed with the motion of bowing politely to excuse herself, heading down with Fuichi.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

As they passed through the forest spreading between the city and the watchtowers, he spoke beneath his breath to Hoshi.

"The kami are...despairing. Something big is approaching, 'She who Devours.' The feeling of hopelessness was indescribable. We've stepped in it, and no mistake."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Those guards seem to have taken it well...unless there was something missed in translation. Hoshi gave a glance at their translator and let out a small breath upon hearing this. "That isn't encouraging at all Daidoji-san...Whoever is causing this much turmoil isn't likely to leave this sanctuary intact. The captain is bound to shorten our stay once he hears of this..."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi nodded, if a little sadly. "I think it would be best not to get close to anyone. I rather think that we won't see any of these people ever again."

He sighed. "Perhaps we could smuggle out a few."

[elonweis]

Hachi does as he's asked and hurries to catch up with the two samurai. Consternation briefly flickers across the man's face as he catches up. It would be his head if he lost them and they got in to trouble.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"I think it was intentional for all of us to never close with these people Daidoji-san." Hoshi said softly then took an abrupt stop in her walk.

"Daidoji-san...are you proposing something illegal?" She asked with a stern tone.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi cocked his head. "The question comes down to whether one considers gaijin to be worthy of life. All life is precious to me, so my heart suffers with them." He shook his head. "I am not suggesting that we would keep them secret from proper Imperial Authorities. I am suggesting that living gaijin are better than corpses. Besides, they know what it is coming; they've faced it. Preparedness is surely something sought-after?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Oh? So how many would you bring on board the ship, if you could actually do so Daidoji-san? There is enough to fill perhaps four times the city, if not more. Once reported, what would they do in the Empire?"

[Daidoji Fuichi]

He frowned. "I am not certain. Not die? Report on the circumstances of this mess?" Confused, he turned to face her directly. "Why is this such a major concern? Do you truly hold such hate in your heart?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"It is a major concern on what is necessary Daidoji-san." Hoshi shook her head, keeping composed despite her tone. "And for now, I'll overlook your belief that you know me well enough to guess my feelings in all of this. This has nothing to do with hate. I ask you, what is the purpose of the Imperial Legions?"