Fantasy Celestial Twilight {Open}

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Xerra, a world that was once dominated by nations of varying cultures and wonders has all been brought together under the rule of the Imperial Ascendancy. It is said that a god among men leads this massive empire, he is known by only one title, his true name unknown to even those within the Ascendancy, the Celestial Emperor. A man who is both mysterious and unrivaled. He has conquered many a land, claiming it for greed and ambition. As his vast empire grows, many rage against him, refusing to be defeated and live under the shadow of his rule. Many have fallen, but there are still some that continue to fight and strive for victory against this god. One of the few lands left on Xerra that has held out is Nagazawa. For years they held their own against them with the mighty warriors of the Dragon Clan unyielding in the face of oblivion. However, with the reforms of the Ascendancy High Chancellor Ru-Long, and the consolidation of its power, the Ascendancy pushes on Nagazawa's borders like never before.

As the lines crumble, the other clans have rallied, sending aid and forces to reinforce the Dragon Clan, but the tide has turned and there appears to be no way to stop it. No way to halt the Imperial Legions that crush across their borders. Knowing this, the Shogun HideshiI attempted to commune with the great kami spirit of his land, that of the Crane, and it is said he had a vision, after much debate over what the vision meant between the scholars of the Veharis Spire, a plan was formed. A desperate plan, a foolish plan... and the only hope for their survival.The plan, itself, straight forward, the Celestial Emperor must die.

Straight forward but impossible. To reach the Celestial Emperor, they had to travel across hostile territory, span the great vast lands of the Ascendancy, infiltrate the forbidden city and breach the imperial palace and confront the man whispered to be a god. Members of this group were specially selected by the Shogun and the Clan Daimyo for this mission, great warriors of bushido, mighty shugenji with their mysterious and potent magic powers, the shadow warriors of the shinobi and even powerful, honorless, ronin were called to service. They would be led by the great Dragon Clan Daimyo, herself, if they succeed it will shatter the Ascendancy into rogue warlords and rebellious client states, glory and wealth beyond measure will be theirs, each and every member made immortal through stories of their deeds.. if they fail, their lands will fall, they will be tortured and executed and all they love will burn.

They must not fail.
​

OOC: Celestial Twilight {OOC}
Lore: Celestial Twilight (Lore)
CS: Celestial Twilight CSes

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Nagazawa was alight with lanterns, streamers, street food and games lining the sides of the main road, as people milled through the crowd. Tonight was a night for celebration, for triumph in the face of defeat, for glory and honor. Thousands of citizens dressed up for the occasion and even contributed their own bit of gratitude toward the clans, though many paid their respects toward the mighty Ryu Clan, as they were the ones who had successfully held the front lines in perhaps one of the most try times of the war, and with the Ascendancy further held off and the safety of the Nagazawa further increased, they decided to celebrate. A grand celebration held in the main city of Nagazawa, everyone was invited to come and revel in the victory of the Clan. Giant tents with the symbols of each clan were set up in different sectors of the city, and within those tents were not only members of the clans, but also the Daimyo's of each one, if they chose to stay there of course. The night was still young, and the fireworks had not yet began.

Saika found herself fleeing from the Daimyo of the Crane, a dubious man that was only after one thong from her; she shivered at the the thought as she some how navigated her way through the endless waves of the crowd in her long elegant red kimono. Saika could still that horrendous man calling from her behind as she moved, not daring to turn back and give him any further attention. The damned man; he has cornered her in her tent, knowing full well she couldn't just escape there..in front of all the people that came to give their respects to the Dragons. Ugh. Damn him. She had been lucky when he asked her out for a stroll, that was when she was truly able to escape his terrible grasp. Moments later, Saika could no longer hear his calls, which to her ears meant sweet music. Saika was now somewhat lost in the center of the festival, her long silver/gray hair now falling slightly out of the elegant bun she had it tied in. Tucking a small bit of hair behind her ear, Saika blended in to the crowd of people, acutely aware of where she was and of her surroundings, she would not spend another moment with that awful Daimyo of a man.

Shaking her head, she could hear what he had asked her a million times, "Join my harem." Ugh. Why ever bother with that? Saika had no time for love, no time for affection and ties to someone who could die at many minute. There was no use. Love in this world was pointless, and if Saika died alone..she would be perfectly fine with that. Her mind was pulled from it's mental tirade when she smelled something
delicious, and it was quite close. Drawn to whatever the delightful smell was, Saika drifted over to a food stand, the smell of the place hitting her in the face like a brutal punch, making her mouth salivate. How long had it been since she had last tasted food that wasn't bland or purely protein? How long had she gone without enjoying the simply delicacies of broth? Mmm..whatever this smell was, Saika had decided, that for tonight alone..it was okay to splurge; although..there was a good chance that she wouldn't be able to properly taste the food thanks to..that one incident. With a sigh, she wondered in and admired all the wonderful looking food and absorbed the delicious smells that assaulted her nose. Perhaps..food was the answer for fixing the dreadful beginning of her night.​

 

[Cosmo]

Yori rubbed her shoulder, the beautiful deep blue clothe wrinkling under her care as she attempted to will the pain away. It was a constant, familiar pain, it spread throughout her lower back to the edges of her body as if a thousand burning needles were constantly been stabbed and then taken out of her body. Any sudden movements brought upon a new tidal wave of agony, but over the years, she had grown accustomed to it. It never stopped hurting, but the pain could be ignored, well, usually. It was only during times like these, when she was surrounded by strangers who constantly stared at her with either lecherous or curious eyes wondering what lay behind her menpo. The barbarians of the Ryu Clan were the worse, drunken louts who did not understand even the simplest forms of etiquette that even a child of the Kurēn had long since mastered.

Her brown eyes scanned the area around her, the light of the fires and lanterns making the stars above hard to make out, the world around Yori filled with the noise of laughter, anger, of merchants peddling their wares. It was meant to be a symbolic gesture of the great Shogun, the clans coming together to march to defend their lands against the Ascendancy whilst a small group would, unbeknownst to the rest, slip away to complete the true objective. The Kurēn Daimyo, uncle to the Shogun for while the Shogun was Kurēn he could not be both Shogun and Clan Daimyo, the lecher he was, had sought this chance to expand his personal concubines with 'delicacies' of other clans. Perhaps, one day, she would show him her face just so he would stop his advances on the 'Great Beauty of the Kurēn'. Of course, she would never do that, Yori would willing face her death before she did such a thing, it would shatter her sense of self, but it did give her something to think about fondly when the need arose.

Yori had just enough time to move out of the way as a group of people backpedaled, nearly barreling her over. Shouts and insults filled the ring, and unable to hide her curiosity, Yori pushed her way to the crowd to see what the fuss was about and was greeted by the sight of two samurai fighting. One, the big brute of a man was obviously from clan Ryu, no other clan made their samurai so big and stupid as the Ryu and if she tried, she was certain she could smell the brute from there. The other was from her own clan, Satoshi, she recognized the youth. Only sixteen winters, the youngest son of a respected bushi family of the Daimyo. From the looks of it, he was very, very drunk, but it did not take away from his appearance, a handsome boy as most Kurēn nobility was even if the sneer across his face left much to be desired.

"Say it again," the brutish man said, or at least, Yori believed that is what he said. It was hard to understand such a beast that believed itself a man.

"I said, if all Ryu men look like you, its no wonder your women are desperate for some real warriors to come to their..." Satoshi paused before making a single lewd gesture, "Rescue."

The large man laid his hand on his blade, worn and scarred from use a stark contrast to the pristine blades at Satoshi's hip. This was not uncommon, Yori had not bothered to count the amount of duels that had been fought so far, it is what happened when numerous clan bushi were brought together. All that skill, bravado and ego left for little else. Most had been simple duels of honor, to the first blood, but far too many had been to the death, this one... Yori already knew, would be to the death. At this rate, the Ascendancy could just wait, they would slowly kill each other for them.

Satoshi placed his own delicate hand on his hilt, his self-assured sneer still plastered across his face and he drew his blade in a single, smooth motion and assumed a fighting stance, the tip of his blade low a scant few inches off the ground, the Tobu Kurēn style, one she was familiar with and was favored in the southern regions of their lands. The large man spread his legs and loosened the blade in its scabbard, she wasn't sure what the Ryu called it, but she knew what the it was known in her own clan, the Saisho, or 'the first'. A style based on the quick draw, a style she had never cared much for.

They circled one another for a few minutes, the crowd going silent knowing this fight would end in a moment. When two bushi fought without armor and had such aggressive styles, it would be no drawn out affair. The two warriors eyed one another, the confident youth and the angry veteran, then as if some unspoken command was made, the two men moved as one. Satoshi stepped forward and brought his blade up in a powerful thrust, the brute stepped forward and drew his blade across his waist, a single fluid motion of blinding speed. Yori knew the outcome before the blow landed and she closed her eyes and lowered her head in silence for but a moment as she turned on her heel and walked back the way she came. The sound of young Satoshi's body hitting the dirt behind her the only sound that came from the streets.
​

 

[wendy]

A groan escaped Junko’s lips as she crouched down by the small pool of water trying to catch a fish with a small paper disk. The young women was determined to catch the small silver fish with a line of blue scales running along it spine, it reminded her of a fish that she kept when sh was younger which she adored and so Junko was willing to spend as much money as possible till she get her hands on that flickering silver fish.

Junko’s eyes followed the fish carefully as she held her 7th paper disk in place ready to scoop it up out of the water, however this time the young women did cheat slightly as her chocolate brown eyes swiftly changed to their blue dragon state. Junko jabbed the paper disk beneath the surface of the water and in one swift movement she pulled the fish from the water “Got ya.” She mumbled to herself as the stall keeper quickly gave the young lady a small bucket of water to take the fish home in. As Junko stood she realised how wet her kimono had become from all the attempts to catch the small fish, Junko just frowned as she tried to brush the wetness off the kimono.

The kimono that Junko wore was one that she was gifted at her 16th birthday party but had never had to chance to wear until now. The fabric was a navy blue colour with silver thread embroidered into swirling patterns all across the kimono, the fabric was held in place by a silver band that was tied tightly under Junko’s bust. The young women actually looked quite beautiful as her normal rough appearance had been tidied for the special occasion, her long jet black hair had been tied up into a neat bun with one of her many flower hair pins keeping the bun in place while also adding a bit of decoration to the plain hairstyle. With her fish in hand Junko set off into the large crowds taking a look of anything that caught her eye as this whole festival was an attack on all of Junko’s senses.

The young women made her way back through the crowds entering a small tavern where she walked confidently through before joining a large table of half drunk half sober shinobi. Junko sat at the table next to her teacher. “Did you have fun?” He asked her as Junko nodded her head slightly putting the bucket of water containing the small fish underneath the table out of sight of any curious shinobi. “Yes.” Junko says as she noticed her teachers cup was empty as she reached for the bottle of sake pouring a glass respectfully for her teacher. Her teacher just chuckled at the young girl ruffling her hair which earned a smack on the hand from Junko “Don’t ruin my hair” she said curtly before pouring herself a small cup of sake.



​

 

[Orikanyo]

Hideki Ukita

Spoiler: For your listening pleasure

​

A festival, a time of merriment, joy and festivities for all who wish to drop the veil of sadness and gloom that was held over everyone's head during these long years of war. To some, this was a mere frivality, a worthless waste of their time. Most of these people were from the Ryu clan, naturally. To others who actually knew how to enjoy themselves, they would find more than enoguh to sate their desires for excitement and entertainment.

And then, there were the fools who couldn't keep their swords sheathed, in both the literal and figuratively lewd sense.

One such case, the former part of the earlier sentence, happened not to far away from the stall Hideki had set up, he had just put it up to rid himself of some of the sake supply he had brought in. Abit extra that he had after selling the larger portion to the coordinators of the event. From the stall Hideki gazed over to the two warriors, one of which laying face down in the dirt, the other, a much larger man, looking like he was leaving the young man. He hated watching such senseless violence, but he couldn't move, for a certain young lady whom he rather not have see this was behind him diligently bringing out a bottle for a paying customer.

"Sir! Are you okay?' the small young lady asked, looking up at the slightly pale faced man. Hideki turned,his red yukata being tugged slightly by his little friend. "Ah yes of course~! Nothing the matter here my dear. Just abit of a fight down the way, nothing for you to worry about." he patted her upon the head eliciting a curious gaze from the little lady before she went about fetching another bottle to stock the shelf nearby. Hideki watched as the young man was beign carted away hurriedly, there was many of these fights happening across the festival... Seems no matter what they tried to do people were still on edge.

Killing one another though?

Why not do the job of the imperial host themselves?

Damn fools.

"Alright Momo~ I'm going to go for a walk for abit will you be okay?" the man leaned over to her level, getting a cheerful nod from the cute little lady. "Okay!" "You know what to do when somebody causes trouble right?" "Yell for the guards, I'm not a kid you know!!" "Say that when you grow some more ohoho~!" "Hey!!" the little lady pouted, before she perked back up to begin selling again, a cheerful irresistible smile upon her face.

That little one was going to rule the world one day with a smile like that. The man thought as he began to be nosy elsewhere, walking out into the streets he flipped open a fan to counter the hot air of the active markets. Gods how he hated being sweaty, if only there was a way to keep this place cool... Maybe recruit somebody with some power over water spirits? But then would the spirits feel like their being used and abused?

As fickle and capricious as humans, but atleast humans could actually perform tasks for currency, like cleaning roads, feeding horses... Or killing immortal Emperors...

The kitsune man kept walked down the street, keep his eyes on the various people walking about... Wait a damn second... that woman... he could've sworn he had seen her before. Was that the damned Ryu Daimyo? She was looking rather nice in truth, but he did wonder what she was doing out here, didn't she have somewhere important to be? Like preparing for the "trip?" Well, in the very least he should stop staring and speak up...

that was until he saw yet another curious person walking the streets. Another famous face, Hisoka Yori... Well, famous face meaning more or less the fact it was always hidden. Two people now that he could talk to... Well, more like one person as the second seemed like a woman on a mission. And more or less likely to spurn any and all attempts at conversation... Though the Ryu Daimyo likely wasn't going to be much of a conversationalist considering their clan's reputation.. Though he did know a few good Ryu... Certainly got talking after a few drinks. Mind, the masked crane could possibly prove and interesting person, though he does wonder just how many have tried speaking to that one, only to either be ignored or sent off with a glare...

Well, it's not like he was going to lose anything by attempting a chat, but he may as well talk to the closer one, the Ryu Daimyo it is.

Walking towards the white haired woman he spoke up. "A fine night to be walk amongst the people hmm? The smells coming from these stalls caught the dragon's notice eh?" he chuckled lightly clasping the fan together with a quick snap, a foxish smile popped onto his face, one that looked of mischief.

KhalZhavvorsa (Interacting)
Cosmo (Yori mentioned)

 

[Mekuto]

Guan JiZong

Guan stood in a dimly lit stable slow brushing his horse with a handful of straw. He was just finishing grooming and feeding his steed, JiZong had always taken pleasure from this simple task. As he stroked the horse's mane he carried on a small conversation with his long time companion. Red Hare, his horse, had been his mount for the last twelve years and he had personally raised and train him. The horse whinnied and pawned the ground as its master praised it as 'unparalleled under heaven.' A light chuckle came from behind, the tone malicious and cold. Guan didn't bother to turn and face the man as he spoke.

"A night of peace is rare these days, a gift from the heaven's, they should be cherished." He rubbed the clump of hay between his hands before letting it fall to the ground.

"When others are at peace is the best time to strike," the man spoke with derision, "and you no longer have the protection of that flea bitten old fox."

Guan finally turned to face the voice and saw that three black-clad figures were standing between him and the doorway. The one in the middle was the one who had spoken, he was carrying a ninjato while the two men flanking him had kusarigama. Guan recognized the formation and knew theit intent was to kill, the two would ensnare him while their leader would land a killing blow.

"Scorpions, have you heard the tale of the tortoise and the scorpion?" Guan asked as he slowly ran his hand through his beard.

"The Scorpion kills the tortoise and drowns huh, "the man sneered, "maybe so but it'll be worth it to wa-."

The man's taunt was cut short as JiZong had reached behind him and brought his halbred, Blue Dragon, over his head streaking down towards the man. He barely managed to step out of the way of the wrapped blade as it hit the ground with a heavy thud. Guan then sweeped the covered blade to the left knocking one man down, whipping the weapon to the right, forcing the remaining assailants back agains the wall. His blow smashed hard into the to leader sending the man sprawling onto the ground. The last standing scorpion desperately slashed at Guan with his sickle but was effortlessly blocked by the veteran warrior. Guan then twirled the blade and swept the remaining man's feet out from under him. He then struck each of the stunned men with the heavy covered blade before taking a step back.

"The scorpion could not pierce the armor heaven had given the tortoise, and the tortoise carried the scorpion across the river," JiZong said before offering a small bow, "I thank you for the lesson a most formidable formation." Leaving his attacker's an opening in which they could limp away with some of their pride intact.

As Guan made his way towards the festival he could feel the eyes on him, it was like this everywhere, the cold apprehensive stares of commoner and bushi alike. It was a constant reminder that this land was not and could never be home. It was only by the generosity of the Kitsune Daimyo that he had been allowed to live in this land at all. Over the last ten years he had learned to let the suspicious glares and half whispered words roll off of him live water breaking on the rocks. He had lived through much in his life and this was nothing to him. As he turned down a street and headed towards a series of food stalls he heard a noise that brought his world into pinpoint focus and clutched at chest. The faint sound of sobbing nearly drowned out by the festival.

JiZong looked intently for the source of the sound, finally he came to rest his eyes on her. She couldn't have been more than six years old and her the world was ending. She cried and hopelessly reacedh up towards the branches of a cherry tree where her red paper kite had become snared. Guan made his way to the tree, he reached up and ever so gently freed the kite from its branches. He smiled and looked down and the girls now beaming face, kneeling he handed her the kite and used the sleeve of his robe to wipe her tears away. No sooner than he had finished she turned and ran into the crowd giggling. Guan chuckled as he stood up then he looked up at the stars and sighed, "they're not so bright as when they shine over Xi Liang."

Guan entered a tavern and, finding an empty table, took at seat as he set his halbred against the wall. As he waited to be served he looked around the room, a young woman caught his eye. She was seated with several shinobu of the Ryu clan and wearing an intricate blue kimono, but what drew his attention was that she was wet. His gaze lingered as he puzzled over this for a few seconds before shrugging it off. As the server came to his table he requested a bottle of sake, the waitress seemed reluctant at first until JiZong placed a Ryo in her hand. She stared at it blankly before quickly moving to the back to fetch his order.
​

wendy (mentioned)

​

 

[Pretzel Heart]

Calm snake-colored eyes wove their way through the trail of smoke emanating from kiseru lip to disperse amidst the heavens. A cold blue sky became filtered through white and gray, casting doubt upon the aloof shimmer of those distant stars that gazed idly down upon the world of men. Somewhere in that reverberation of astral whispers against the mask of haze one could almost sense the foreboding future that was writ.

"The Celestial Emperor, huh..."

One of these so-called men who dared lay claim on that faraway world of spark and light. It took a blossoming egotism of the highest order. Pride at its most beautiful.

But Kaoru had always hated self-centered men.

"Alright, alright. I'll stop."

With a sigh she dripped the remaining tobacco onto the forest floor, waiting for the pipe to cool before wrapping it back into its silk and slipping it into the small pouch holding all she'd need for the journey at her side. She wasn't one to smoke often, but the kiseru had been a gift from a particularly nostalgic memory, and once in a while the trance-like odor of the vapor in her nose and lungs helped her concentrate on the world of the unseen.

Perhaps a bit too successfully, as Waira's grumbling came in loud and clear. It was almost sweet, the way his jealousy over the very idea that his woman of Phoenix might one day submit to the implications of her name had extended to disgust at even the tiniest flicker of flame. But the spirit would have to get used to it. They were in Ryu country now, after all.

Truly on any other night she would be rejoicing with the rest of the merrymakers, embroiled in the thick of entertainment as ludicrous as any celebration on the brink of a war, rather than secluded to the periphery like she was. And there was no finer time to give herself over to baser desires than on the eve of what could only be described as a suicide mission. But perhaps Kaoru was too much of an optimist for her own good, as she felt little heaviness in the thought that she may never lay eyes on the same gentle curving darkness of these trees against the lazuli sky again.

No, no heaviness... but plenty of contemplation.

And...dare she say...perhaps even the slightest hint of anticipation, too.

Somehow everything had worked out, hadn't it? The Celestial Emperor couldn't be closer at hand. And things would continue to work out...the mission could not fail.

She was one beloved by the gods, after all.

As troublesome as that may sometimes be.

"Well, Waira. I'd say we're about overdue for a festival."

The slit of a peevish grin forming on her face, the woman slipped away from the clearing's edge, instantly feeling a sense of belonging as the first of the lantern light reflected off nonsensical positivity to form a beam out of the true adrenaline of delight. There was just something intoxicating about the particular shade the sky took on when the gold of fire filled it at night. The ubiquitous promise of laughter drifting on the edges of the stalls. The faint waft of sake in the air.

Kaoru helped herself to all these sights, sounds, and smells, and whatever else the gathering could offer. She was in no rush to make contact with any of the myriad specters floating around her just yet, outside of purchasing some peanut dust covered festival snack to partake in as she strolled. Instead she merely contented herself with the pleasure of observation. The women of Ryu were beautiful in a way that Fushicho women were often not. It was as if the writhing spirit of the dragon moved through their every step, screaming to release itself at the slightest provocation. But there were those from all the Clans present tonight, creating a gorgeous palette of bodies and motivations.

Not to mention a few spirits, too. Kaoru couldn't help but naturally pick up on the tingling sense of other presences, humming like soft chimes in the back of her subconscious. Of course there were other shugenja in attendance, likely even those more powerful than herself, and it only made sense that at least a few would have their own companions.

"Maybe you'll find yourself a new friend." She cheerfully teased, looking at the empty shape of air beside her. How funny that there could be so many people gathered in one place, completely oblivious to the gods walking amongst them...

Waira's form was ever-flowing like a rushing stream, the curls of his great whiskers creating at will the texture of bubbling currents and ferocious waves. He nimbly slipped through the revelers unnoticed and unfelt, for the most part, though if for some reason one was to step in the place where he occupied they might feel something like a chill...their body's hair instinctually rising on end.

It was only natural, after all. The gods, like the nature they were born from, were beings of both destruction and rebirth. Whether Waira chose to protect a human life or destroy it was completely on his whim. Or the way of Destiny, some might say. Kaoru was just lucky for him to have made the former choice when it came to her.

"You may want to consider it, you know. I've heard the Ryu Clan dances with fire. I wouldn't mind seeing it for myself."

There was what appeared to be a stage on one end of the clearing, the cheering from a rambunctious throng of onlookers seeming to signify the start of a new act. Whether it be the rumored dancers or not, Kaoru thought she might look in. Who knew what kinds of rare treats the competitive Clans might be putting on display?

As she gently waded through the crowd, however, a movement in one of the stalls caught her eye, drawing her near. The setup was one that was very familiar to her, and the young girl that was managing it even more so.

If it isn't little Momo. So that sly fox should be around somewhere...

And with any luck, perhaps one of his charming sisters had decided to tag along as well. Likely not, but a girl could always dream.

A soft grin upon her face, Kaoru approached the bright attendant, gesturing up at one of the smaller bottles in her collection.

"One time, One meeting, so they say. So then is it not some corruption of fate that we are here together again?" Her impenetrable smile broadened, much more like a shield than Momo's invitation, "I'd say that's cause for celebration. Do me a favor and fetch down one for the road."

Orikanyo ​

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Saika had already settled herself into the booth, the smells wafting in from this particular food stand had been enough to make her stop middle escape and sink into a bar stool. She needed this, even if she wouldn't admit it. Saika craved the foods of her hometown, craved freshly made food as opposed to the same thing everyday. Cold..hard..rice. Even just the thought of returning to that after tonight sent shivers and a groan through her body. The ever present joys of war. It was sad and hard, but necessary..for now. With a sigh, Saika shook herself from the dark thoughts that were starting to arise, she had been so long in thoughts and dreaming about food that she hadn't noticed the stares from others at the stall. Many of the looks were once of surprise, as they had not excepted such an important person to be eating at such a..low class area. Some looks were those of gratitude, and the rest? Well Saika didn't too much care for their..distaste of her presence.

Looking away from the leering crowd, she turned to stare down the menu, scanning the whole thing. All of it sounded so good, but nothing quite stuck out like Misoshiru. Saika could almost taste the warm food rushing down her throat and setting gently into her stomach. Perhaps she would also have some mochi and dumplings later as well? Mmm. All food sounded fantastic tonight, and since it was a festival..was there truly any reason she should hold back? Hm..Nope! Saika ordered herself a big bowl of Miso Soup and patiently waited. While she did so, a voice was heard from behind her, and she turned to face whomever dared interrupt her daydream of food.

Saika's eyes landed on a man, he was..well very familiar. Saika had already briefed herself on all who planned on accompanying her on this 'mission, and the man she was staring down was one of them. Hayato Ukita was his name, and he was quite the..well known man. Goes by the alias 'The Dancing Fox' for the tattoo upon his back. Saika expected someone to approach her, but this man? It nearly made her laugh, but she would give him the element of surprise here, as this meeting was most unexpected indeed. "A dragon's nose is always keen, especially when it comes to the bounty of food, fox~" She replied simply, her face impassive and giving away no emotion. If this Kitsune man expected her to fall prey to his tactics, he was sourly mistaken. Saika could hold her liquor a lot better than her men, as that had long been established. Saika's cool crimson eyes met Hayato's after she spoke, a faint bit on curiosity flickering behind them as she wondered just what he wished to accomplish by speaking with her.
​

Orikanyo

 

[Orikanyo]

Hideki Ukita


​

The man smirked, ever on guard, as he would expect of the dragon Daimyo. As dangerous as she was beautiful, the closest thing to a true dragon one would ever find no doubt. "So it is, I dare say I've met many a dragon with one such nose. From sake to foods of all kinds, they most certainly knew their stuff! Were they not warriors, perhaps their tastes could've been used in the culinary arts. Why, my friend Hoshi could tell what was on his food down to the very spices used upon it!" he laughed in a jovial manner, one the sparked the aura of the scene to atleast feel one bit less controlled by the woman before him.

The kitsune dancing around the dragon, would the dragon be successful in chasing this trickster away? Or would he be successful in stealing away the treasure of friendship he so sought?

"But we haven't formally met, I am Hideki Ukita, at your service!" he folded one arm over his chest before he bowed deeply. "And I dare hope it is not much of me to ask for your help with choosing something to sate MY stomach, if you feel your exquisite culinary tastes are up to the task. in return, consider your meal my treat." Teasing and ever playful, it seems he would not flinch or give and inch in the face of the imposing dragon before him. A playful and mischievous glint in his eye, his intentions were clouded, as always, but inherently he was simply hunting for food as she was... But he was never remiss to having abit of fun while he did so.

A warrior she may be, but they were not in battle.


meanwhile, back at a certain stall.
Momo gazed up at the woman who spoke to her so suddenly, familiarity suddenly filling her face as she realized who the lady talking to her was. The young lady looked towards the bottle she pointed to and then to the woman. "Oh! Auntie Kaoru your here! Mr. Ukita said you might appear!" she spoke in quite abit of glee. The young lady swayed slightly as she stood behind the counter, her hands reaching under the counter for something.

From underneath, she pulled out a list, a list that she held before her as she began to read through it.

Her face looked up at the lady with the same amount of glee from before as she handed the woman the note, a long list of products and such that were lsited down in something one might call a "tab" that she must pay. "He said not to sell you anything until you pay it off~!" her cheer was sickeningly sweet now, not a hint of malice behind it, but still each word carried the intent coming from her master.

"Though it looks like alot... oh!! Oh he also said to tell you that his sisters are elsewhere for the festival... But.. i saw one not to long ago... Why would he say that?' she wodnered, her obliviousness adorable, if a bit naive.

KhalZhavvorsa
Pretzel Heart

 

[wendy]

Junko hissed as the alcohol ran down her throat as she was still not as experienced in drinking as her fellow shinobi. As the alcohol hit her stomach Junko could already feel the redness rising to her cheeks which gained a few heckles from a few sat around the table but the young women gave them such a harsh glance that it shut them up immediately. “Junko, here’s some money. You’re young go and enjoy the festival and maybe try to make a friend or two.” Her teacher says taking his students hand and placing a small bag of coins in it. “What about my fish?” Junko says as she knew someone would try to steal the silver fish. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” Her teacher says pulling the small bucket of water to his sat and patting it gently.

Satisfied that her fish was protected Junko stood up brushing the back of her kimono before slipping her feet into her slippers. As she was putting on her shoes her felt like someone was staring at her and so her eyes flicked up to look at the man sitting in the corner of the small tavern took a look at her before turning his gaze away. Junko didn’t pay too much attention to the man but she took one last look as he was a rather peculiar man.

Junko once again joined the stream of people as she went with the flow of everyone holding her small bag of coins tightly in her hand as she kept an eye an out for anything that caught her eye. As Junko she heard cheers coming from a stall which was surrounded by burely men and so out of curiosity the young women drifted over to the stall squeezing between the men’s big bodies to get a better look at what was going on. At the stall there was a extremely strong looking man who was seemingly arm wrestling people. “Anyone who can beat me shall receive this jade dragon necklace, worth a fortune.” The huge man spoke. The necklace caught Junko’s eye as hung from it was a jade dragon that had been intricately carved, it was hung on a thin silver chain. Junko wanted that necklace. “Who shall take me on?” The big man who was sat down roared as Junko immediately spoke up “I will.” She says as all eyes turn to the slender 20 year old women. “Alright then little lady, that’ll be 2 Ryu.” He says as Junko sat down opposite him placing the two silver coins in his hand. Junko put her hand in his and everyone around looked on eagerly to see the outcome to what seemed like a extremely unfair battle.

Approximately 25 seconds later Junko was walking away from the stall the jade dragon necklace securely fastened around her neck and a large smile on her face.

Junko slipped off into one of the many side streets as the Main Street was too busy for her liking. Junko followed the side street until she could barely hear the buzzing noise of the Main Street. Junko came across a small pond which seemed to be where the local kids hung out as the pond was full of children and teenagers all messing around and having fun. Junko remembered her teachers words but the young women had no clue on how to even speak to people younger then herself and so she just sat on a collapsed tree trunk biting the skin on the inside of her cheek.


{lol I don’t know who to interact with.}

Mentioned: Mekuto ​