Fantasy Tales of Nakashigata

[Kaerri]

Musashi-sensei's response was about what Hoshiko had expected, given that the headmaster had said close to the same thing, but she liked seeing the instructor's concern for her student. She could have said, "Didn't you hear that we aren't supposed to talk about it? Go see him yourself." Instead she was much more sympathetic than Hoshi had expected from one of the military instructors. She wondered if other instructors were also more approachable than she had expected. Mostly she only spoke to them before or after class if she had a question, and avoided them otherwise. It was something to think more about another time, she decided.

They were clearly dismissed, so Hoshi started to turn away, only to see the blond boy from the assembly hall walking past, slowing just long enough to whisper something to Matsumoto-senpai that she couldn't quite make out, but to which her friend reacted strongly. Instinctively, she reached up to grab his sleeve, but before her hand touched him, he had himself back under control and seemed to be ignoring the blond. Hoshi cast one last look at the younger boy as he walked away, then looked back up at Matsumoto-senpai. He nodded to her and gestured towards Headmaster Takishima. He wanted her to take the lead? Brown eyes widened up at green ones, but then she lifted her chin resolutely, took a deep breath, and pushed herself forward through the crowd. It still felt like swimming upstream, but Rui-sama had swum upstream too, and thereby ascended to become a dragon. Hoshi didn't feel very dragon-like, or even very Rui-koi-like, but she did want to know what was going on, and more importantly she knew Matsumoto-senpai wanted to know, and even if she didn't know why he wanted her to lead this time, she was sure he had a reason.

It did feel like swimming upstream, harder work the longer you were at it, and not because of the crowd, which had thinned considerably. She, Shirai Hoshiko, was daring to approach the headmaster himself, about something so important classes had been canceled and a national emergency declared. Anxiety dragged on her feet, but she sensed her friend beside her and knew she couldn't let him down. Timidly, but resolutely, she walked up, bowed with all the courtesy her very proper grandmother had spent years drilling into her, and said, "Excuse me, Headmaster Takishima-sama? We -- we would like to ask about the contraband, if we may." A quick sideways glance resulted in her continuing, "Because -- we would rather seek the truth, than hear rumors. And perhaps -- knowing truth -- quench falsehoods?" Her courage ran dry, leaving her stranded on that last sentence.

(mentions StormWolf Tora and Dizmason Eternus X Synth)

 

[dr xenon]

Watching the drift of students and staff, Shinjo noted the towering form of the "Brass Tiger" and the more diminutive, yet quietly strong form of his young female companion pursuing the Headmaster.

She's familiar, he thought. I think I've seen her at the archery lists on my way back from my pond. She's a fine shot with the kyu.

With a small smirk and a twinkle in his eyes he fell into their wake. As the Headmaster turned to speak with them Shinjo noted the young woman's bow with approving eyes. His own tread paused a polite distance behind the other two, not thinking to impose on their grouping, but near enough to be seen as an interested party and to clearly hear the upcoming exchange.

"Excuse me, Headmaster Takishima-sama? We -- we would like to ask about the contraband, if we may." A quick sideways glance resulted in her continuing, "Because -- we would rather seek the truth, than hear rumors. And perhaps -- knowing truth -- quench falsehoods?"

Perhaps a tremble in her voice? his inner monolog continued. She is showing courage. An able ally and one I would want to call friend.

Stepping forward to become an involved party in the discussion, Shinjo also bows low to the Headmaster, and as en equal to Hoshiko and Toratetsu

"And if I may, Headmaster Takishima-sama and my fellow students," Shinjo adds deferentially. "Perhaps not only to quench falsehoods by shining the light of truth among our companions, but also to ask how we may serve to root out this ... " he scowls in mild repugnance at the idea as he nearly spits out the next word "... treachery within the empire?"

(mentions Kaerri , StormWolf )

 

[Chordling]

Musashi-sensai waited under the nearest maple tree as she watched her student follow the small Humanities girl up the slope towards the headmaster's office. She also desired to know more information regarding the national emergency but it would have to require her patience. The headmaster would already have an audience of curious students, and as even though he already addressed the entire school, Takishima-senpai did not need to feel the pressure from a professor's presence during such a critical moment. Suddenly, she felt a raindrop hit the top of her hand. The sunlight was blocked by a blanket of grey clouds and a light layer of rain was making its descent. Musashi rolled her eyes and made a swift path to the nearest building.

More students shuffled their way inside as the strength of the weather increased. Bodies huddled over notebooks and loose papers hoping to preserve the fresh ink of notes. Takishima did not mind the weather. He found the rhythm of the droplets landing against the windows to his office soothing as several students presented themselves before him. He had only arrived himself when he was met with immediate questions, although some of them were vague. Takishima looked over each of the students that accompanied him. There were only four of them. The headmaster turned his gaze when the Science student soft-spoken voice addressed him first. The Humanities student was quick to add on to what she had to say but none of the Military students had anything to ask so far.

"You may ask any questions you have relating to the contraband. I am also happy to discuss any rumors that you might have heard from your peers." The headmaster turned his head towards Shinjo. "But I will already dispel for you that while there have been opportunities for NNDA student's to aid during times of national adversity, the Emperor has not spoken of any desire to include student services, and I believe it would be far too dangerous to even prepare a group of youth for that kind of task- especially before your exams."

Akira, who stood by the back of the group, noticeably scowled and clenched one of his fists.

Kaerri StormWolf dr xenon

 

[dr xenon]

"So," thought Shinjo behind a mask of mild disappointment, "this is perhaps worse than I thought. They are confining us to the school under the pretense of exams, yet also keeping us from assembling. Especially, perhaps, the Military students who make the most noise with their ki-ai."

"I fully understand, Headmaster-sama," Shinjo replied with the respectful bow of one corrected by his superior. "Please rest assured that should the need arise, Ashikaga will answer your call without hesitation. Then to echo my fellow student, if you would inform us of the exact nature of the contraband?"

"And knowing what we are looking for on the grounds of the Academy will make our task that much easier ..."

 

[Pepsionne]

Kiku glanced at the soft grey clouds that moved in to smother the stillness of the afternoon sky. Judging by the shape of them, it was bound to rain soon. She lifted her nose slightly, so as to not appear rude to her new companion, and took in the smell of the courtyard. Sure enough, a rich, metallic scent was thickening the air with the threat of rain.

“You must pardon me,” Kiku smiled at the girl gently, apologetically. “I fear it’s about to start raining on us soon, and the last thing I need is yet something else to dampen my mood.” She bowed to the girl once more, suppressing a smirk at her accidental play on words. Dampen. Kiku couldn’t help but giggle as she placed the small paper crane in the pocket of her kimono.

“Thank you again,” Kiku called out, looking back at the girl briefly before beginning her quickened pace down the path leading towards the closest building, barring the now closed assembly hall.

Sure enough, the metallic scent continued to multiply, making the air heavy and swollen with moisture. As if cutting a thin cord to break built up tension, raindrops began occasionally making their way to the ground. Each second that ticked by brought more and more consistency, until the amount of rain began scattering everyone from the courtyard in a flustered hurry.

Kiku was hustling down the path, the looming figure of the building growing larger and larger. Before the rain really started heaving itself down with a determined malice, she managed to slip into an open door, placing her within a long hallway.

She breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the small droplets that had still managed to mist their way onto her face. In the cavernous hall, voices echoed against the walls. The ripples of sound eventually made their way to grab Kiku’s curiosity. She turned and looked down the mostly empty hallway, gently placing each step with care and caution. If her curiosity was egging her to eavesdrop, she might as well be sneaky. Otherwise she’d be in for a world of embarrassment. As Kiku approached the open doorway, it became clear to her what room she was approaching. The names on the placards of passing rooms were those of professors and administrators.

“–but also to ask how we may serve to root out this...treachery within the empire?"

Her ears perked up at the sound of a poignant question. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but with the distortion of the hall bouncing and playing with the sound, she couldn’t quite say for sure who was speaking.

“You may ask any questions you have relating to the contraband. I am also happy to discuss any rumors that you might have heard from your peers, but I will already dispel for you that while there have been opportunities for NNDA student's to aid during times of national adversity, the Emperor has not spoken of any desire to include student services, and I believe it would be far too dangerous to even prepare a group of youth for that kind of task- especially before your exams."

That was a voice she could recognize, the Headmaster. His voice was strong and recognizable, even mild distortion was no match for the clarity it carried. Kiku moved closer to the doorway, maneuvering her person to align with the small gap between the door and its hinge, providing her with a limited view of those in the room. She immediately recognized Ashikaga, her companion from earlier, as he responded to the headmaster with a sense of duty underlining his mannerisms. There was also her classmate she recognized earlier, but could not remember her name. Beside the girl was a tall, muscular looking figure whose face was obscured by the position of the door. Another figure, whose hands were visible only slightly, was positioned closest to the doorway.

Kiku bit her tongue in anticipation for the coming information. After all, she too would like answers to that vague and serious announcement. She forced her breath into shallow, gentle waters, hoping to suppress any signs of her presence. Her nerves began to collide into each other as she waited for the headmaster to reveal more information.

(Interacts: Life. , Mentions: Chordling Kaerri dr xenon StormWolf )

 

[Life.]

The paper crane rested gently on Akari's palm as she held it there for the other student to receive. Her eyes had flitted between the object and the woman's eyes as she noticed her attention centering on the folded piece of paper. Right after she noticed the crane, her eyes had lifted up and looked at Akari. A small, faint hue of red colored Akari's cheekbones as she accepted the gift. The older girl was pleased that the crane had anchored the young woman, but the intimate attention left her breathless, as this was not attention she was experienced with. But even with the crane in her possession, there were no immediate words from the other party. It wasn't until Akari asked her following question to her presentation of the paper crane before the other student spoke up. Her eyes slightly widened when Akari said something, more than likely returning back to reality once more.

It was a slow and carefully worded response from her fellow peer that left Akari comparing her worries. While her family still lived at the Lake and Shrine of the Lotus, her immediate concerns were more for the residents of the town altogether, like; the elder man that stood at the corner of the busiest merchant street to watch out for others in case of robbery, the children that often ran along the creeks in search of treasures to sell or the girls that worked hard to reach their goals. It was the town and its people that Nanako loved, even when she couldn't traverse down the streets once she became a shrine maiden. And since Nanako felt that way, Akari did as well.

Akari remained silent as the young woman continued speaking. It appeared that paper cranes held a certain significance with her as much as it did to Akari. Anytime that Nanako was upset or sad, she would fold a paper crane for her and leave it somewhere on her sight. After their paths diverged, Akari had not made any paper cranes till now. As she realized this, a small weight lifted off from her internal burden. It was not even an action that Akari had to strain much thought into.

Her attention refocused onto her company when she noticed some movement. Miura Kiku, the name of her newfound acquaintance. Akari saw that Miura-san had bowed towards her and quickly she shot up from the bench and returned to her a bow of her own. "Koga, Akari. The pleasure is mine," once introduced, Miura-san thanked her once more for the crane and excused herself from the conversation. Her judgement to leave was valid as her words concerning the weather came to be true when a few tiny drops grazed Akari's face. She watched as the other student left for cover.

With no other reason to stay in the same spot, Akari made her way to seek some covered shelter. The hallways of the school were mostly empty, with a few students milling about. There were some groups clustered together talking in hushed voices while some were walking in sync over to areas to either study or gossip. Her eyes caught the familiar robe of the student she just met as she stood in the entryway of a room. Despite having just met Miura-san, Akari had only a little bit of curiosity as to why she lingered in front of the room, but it was not enough for her to approach closer. However, she needed to pass the entryway of the room in order to find a place to resume her studies indoors. The young student released a small breath of exhalation and quietly strolled across the doorway, that was until she glanced over and saw it was the headmaster's office that Miura-san was poking her head into. She considered the possibility that the room was occupied with max capacity of students since Miura-san lingered at the entryway. But if there were students talking to the headmaster, then it may be concerning the topic of his earlier news. With that assumption in mind, Akari stepped to stand alongside Miura-san but not too close so that she wouldn't alarm the young woman. Although standing outside did not provide for much sound to be picked up. Akari slipped another piece of paper from her robe and rolled it into a neat cone, holding the narrow end of the makeshift cone close to her ear.

Pepsionne

 

[Kaerri]

Another student arrived, bowing to the headmaster and to his fellow students. Hoshiko returned his bow with careful politeness -- careful, because her main attention was on Headmaster Takishima, but she did not want to slight the other student. She was quite relieved when he spoke up, taking on the weight of the headmaster's attention as he asked whether the students could be of assistance. Her heart was pounding from the anxiety of being forefront in the group as it was, but now perhaps she could try to calm herself down.

The headmaster turned his head towards Shinjo. "But I will already dispel for you that while there have been opportunities for NNDA students to aid during times of national adversity, the Emperor has not spoken of any desire to include student services, and I believe it would be far too dangerous to even prepare a group of youth for that kind of task- especially before your exams."

"I fully understand, Headmaster-sama," Shinjo replied with the respectful bow of one corrected by his superior. "Please rest assured that should the need arise, Ashikaga will answer your call without hesitation. Then to echo my fellow student, if you would inform us of the exact nature of the contraband?"

Hoshiko was much relieved to hear that the students would not be called on to help with the contraband. Surely it was much too important for untried... well, not quite children, but certainly not trained adults. She had no idea how she herself could be of any assistance, for one thing. Someone like Matsumoto-senpai, or the scowling student on the other side of the office (Akira), maybe. Matsumoto-senpai could take care of himself, and the scowling one looked like he might be able to also, if only through attitude. Hoshi didn't have much attitude. Still, if they ever were called on, of course she would do her best. She owed that to her country and her Emperor. If only her duty required her to build bridges of toothpicks and glue! That thought made her smile just a little. From Takishima-sama's words, that was her duty just now -- to do her best on her exams, including the bridges in physics.

The crowd in the office seemed to be growing. That wasn't a surprise, now that she thought about it. Everyone would want to know more. She edged closer to Matsumoto-senpai to make more room for those who wanted to come inside, though she could just catch a glimpse of at least one who seemed content to listen from the hallway. In the meantime, Hoshi was willing to let Ashikaga-senpai and the other students carry the questions. If there was something she wanted to know that no one else asked, then maybe she would speak up again, but right now what she wanted most to know, like Ashikaga-senpai, was what the contraband was. She nodded to confirm her interest.

(mentions dr xenon Shinjo, StormWolf Tora, Chordling , Pepsionne Kiku, Life. Akari [by implication at least])

 

[Dizmason Eternus X]

Upon breaching his way through the construct of man; entry door-frame belonging to the establishment. Synth rejoiced, Sunlight bathed his longing self in its intangible rays. A breath that's been held captive in the entity's lungs proceeded to escape along with his sigh, setting his rational mind at liberty from the shackles of tension that encompassed his previous diameter. Whatever made humans special was their emotions, yet whatever hinders their progress was the same.

Upon his exit, Synth was greeted by a man of average height, waving from a distance with both his arms launched up at the apex of their reach. Apparently, the man wasn't welcomed past the school's gate into the campus, let alone the courtyard. Solas was what would resemble an envoy for the house of mortival. At the base of his left ankle was a bird-cage decorated with ruby and sapphire. It owned a dark brown frame, narrow lines of eyesight permitting gazes to perceive the vision of the pigeon housed in. A crimson red lace slithered around said cage from the base to its pinnacle, carrying similar if not identical scripts to those imbued into Synth's wear.
"Young lord! Young lord!"
Solas called, shouted, and repeated addressing Synth relentlessly. The distance between the two wasn't so great, but as Solas made his way in haste; apparent from his swollen shoes, dirt clinging to the fabric of his iffy cloth. Sweat built around Solas's collar and his vest underneath the kimono was all tangled up. A paradoxical pattern of breath, rendering his speech muffled and tackled by sudden pauses.

Synth recognized Solas's presence as soon as possible. Although he had prior plans to investigate the matter belonging to the prior announcement, he thought that could wait till after he could converse with his family's envoy. The scene was intriguing, especially with the timing, as the shrine of the sword was a military base in some way, it was un-dodgeable that some might assume Synth had distinctive intellect regarding the smuggling. So he walked, trying his best to not be interpreted by another student for questioning, but rehearsing situations in his head for what kind of a question might be bestowed upon him to prepare an answer.

 

[StormWolf]

The enclosed space of the Headmaster’s office was austere, but dignified. Toratetsu gave the interior a cursory glance, as the nature of one’s abode said much about the individual... but perhaps the Headmaster simply hadn’t had enough time to give a personal touch. He was new to his station, and already there was something of a crisis being laid at his feet like a viper. It would, at the very least, be inormative to see how the man leads the student body and the faculty through it. As decorum dictated, Toratetsu bowed to Takishima-sama with the reverence his station deserved.

When Hoshiko not only took the lead to the Headmaster’s office, but even spoke first, the faintest smile tugged at Toratetsu’s mouth, impressed. Turning his attention fully to the Headmaster, Toratetsu‘s jaw worked for a moment, preparing to speak when another voice cut in. This one was unfamiliar to Toratetsu, but he knew the Ashikaga name. His tutors had brow-beat Toratetsu with Imperial lineages at his father’s behest. It scorned Toratetsu in the slightest that th Ashikaga scion beat Toratetsu to the punch. Too much restraint was a weakness, not a kindness.

Even with the hush of rain on the windows, the air within the office grew warmer and tighter with the bodies pressing into an enclosed space. Toratetsu glanced down at Hoshiko as she edged a little closer to make room with a nod. He was keenly aware of the growing audience, and cleared his throat.

“The Matsumoto family and the Golden Tiger Clan live to serve the Empire, Takishima-sama,” said Toratetsu with another bow before resuming, “If I might be so bold as to inquire the nature of the contraband? The state of emergency speaks for itself, and has daunting implications as to the nature of the cargo.” Toratetsu spoke to Takishima-sama in crisp and concise words, his tone even and firm. “And if you are able to speak on the Empire’s response to the crisis, it will certainly serve as a balm for the student’s nerves, and allow them to prepare for exams with a peace of mind.”

(mentions: Kaerri dr xenon )

 

[Purr]

A short time ago...

In a patch of forest not far from the main college buildings was a simple grassy glade. Rows of trees provided cover and quiet for the birds that chirped there, the squirrels that scampered noisily through the fallen leaves, the medium-sized dog that chased them, and the two students in NNDA uniforms who were fully focused on one thing.

"Koan-san! I cannot do this!" the first-year student, Tabo quivered.

"Persevere... and prove yourself wrong," Koan the assistant instructor calmly offered.

Koan, the larger of the two young men, stood directly behind Tabo, his roommate. Tabo's short and thin body was mimicking Koan's slow and movements closely but uncertainly. Both of their hands were on a gigantic bow, taller than each of them. "Inhale slowly. Feel the daikyu expanding as part of you." Tabo tried, bolstered that Koan was with him. The two young Koi men had many differences, but the largest one was that Tabo was blind.

Tabo tried again. And again. And again. Each time, Koan provided corrections without judgment or admonishment. It seemed that they had been at this most of an hour when finally, Tabo pulled the daikyu and felt it expand with him, like a real extension of his own flesh and bone. Koan watched Tabo's smile.

"We've... we've got it! It must be so easy for you!"

"Tabo-san... I am not touching the bow."

Tabo realized that Koan was also not touching him. Tabo was pulling the daikyu alone!

"What?! By the Dragons above!!"

The shock of the moment caused the younger student to lose his focus. In his now-shaking arms, the bow threatened to contract dangerously but Koan was there immediately for he knew his weapons better than he knew the people who wielded them. The daikyu steadied and with it, Tabo.

The students shared a very happy chuckle.

Koan asked. "How do you feel?"

"I feel... I feel... free!" Tabo shook with emotion. With mock-bravado, he swelled his chest, "So... when do I get an arrow?"

Koan's laugh was a hearty one. Today, he had helped someone reach a moment of real enlightenment. If nurtured, Tabo would grow in spirit and be much more than a human being whose eyes did not function. "One step at a time. The road will always be waiting, there at your feet."

They heard barking. They turned. It was Asami, Tabo's dear female Akita, his guide dog. She was facing the college buildings some 300 yards away. Koan understood that Asami was drawing their attention, but to what?

"The bell!" Tabo said with his owl-like hearing.

"The ball?" Koan misunderstood. What ball? He didn't see any balls or... wait!

"Yes!" Tabo nodded. "That's the assembly bell! How long has it been ringing?" Koan and Tabo had been so focused that had not heard when it began and woe to those students to missed such calls! Koan turned to bolt across the field, but as soon as the thought struck him, another came crashing in behind it. He could make the run and perhaps be at the assembly on time, but what of Tabo?

"Go on!" Tabo cried. "I'm used to getting punished. It's nothing! I just don't want you to be late!"

Koan would have none of it. His people and his mother raised him to be a different kind of man. "Wait!" Tabo exclaimed. "Koan-san, what are you doing?!"

In moments, Koan was charging down the field with Tabo bouncing on his back with Tabo's legs under Koan's arms. Tabo gripped the daikyu with both hands while Asami happily ran alongside them as if this were some sudden game. Koan yelled, "If we are going to be late, we will be late together!"

Grass flew from under Koan's flying feet. The world became a blur all around him as he pumped his legs as fast as they could go. He ignored Tabo's calls. "You're crazy! I'm blind! No one cares about the blind!"

"You're wrong!"

Koan focused everything he had into his mad sprint. His lungs protested but he ignored the discomfort. Koan was not born to be a samurai, bushi, or anything of the sort - he was born to be a warrior monk and, one day, a kensai. How could he call himself anything of the sort if he left a person who needed him? What kind of example did that display as an assistant instructor? Most of all, why not do good when he had the opportunity? If he failed, he might be dragged in front of the new headmaster again, but if he didn't try, then kind of man was he?

Finally, they reached the Assembly Hall, but the room was packed. There was no way to get in and hear what was being said!

Koan kept running, unsure of what to do - and then he saw it. A ledge about 12 feet high and a window open just enough to hear! Already Asami knew to stop before she hit the wall, for canines often possess sense unknown to young male college students.

"Hold on! I'm jumping!"

"What?! Jump where? What about the daikyu?!"

"Toss it!"

"You said to treat weapons with respect!"

"Then respectfully toss it into the bushes your right! Now!"

Tabo did this Koan threw all of the power from his warrior-monk upbringing up! The boys sailed crazily through the air. Koan reached out. He grasped the ledge, first with only one hand, then immediately with the other.

"Listen with those ears of yours, Tabo-san! Tell me what is being said?"

From that position, they heard the headmaster's announcements. The first didn't seem bad, Koan thought. Noisy students were often undisciplined students unless it was a karate class. Delayed mail from the Lake and Shrine of the Sword? Had the mail service joined the bones of the dragon in the deep somehow? But finally, the national emergency! This idea was so far over Koan's head it might as well have been dancing with the moon. Plus, they had the rest of the day off! Then...

"Hey!"

Koan looked down to see an instructor pointing up at him. "What do you think you're doing up there?"

"Uhhh," Koan groaned in dismay. "Hanging out?"

"Come down this instant! Takahashi Tabo? Is that you?" The instructor turned out to be okay. Instead of punishing them, he took Tabo and Asami back to Tabo and Koan's apartment while instructing Koan to "go to the headmaster's office! At once!"

"Hai!" Koan bowed deeply in apology and raced off toward the headmaster's office. Then a thought struck him - the instructor told him to visit the headmaster's office only. He had not said what to do after that!

When Koan arrived at the office, he saw a number of students already there. He calmed his breathing and listened, trying to figure out what was going on.

 

[Chordling]

Headmaster Takishima bowed his head over his wooden desk as he thought of the proper approach for his response. The number of students that were before him had increased and the weather outside grew with intensity. It must have been clear to them that he was just about to speak by the way he was standing. No one else said a word. Takishima always felt that silence became longer with crowds. Even the drumming of the rain could not fulfill the moment's need for sound. Akira felt the same way, too, but his eyebrows furrowed, and he would have shown his teeth from his spot in the back of the room if the current, aggravated expression he wore wasn't toeing the line of disrespect already. Suddenly, the young man felt nerves pumping through his body when the headmaster looked back up towards the group of students that occupied the office.

"The nature of the contraband that threatens the security, peace, and prosperity of Nakashigata feeds into history that is centuries old." Akira's eyes glazed over. The new headmaster was just as poetic as the one before him. It was an odd way for the headmaster to tell them that the contraband was prohibited technology but Akira's eyes made quick movements and he stifled his judgments when he realized that he would not have been able to figure out a better way to reveal such a taboo topic. The glaze in his eyes blinked away, and like some sign of permission, Takishima continued his explanation. "The Emperor fears it could be a sign of war from an unknown enemy and he has instructed his regent in the Lake and Shrine of the Lotus to seize all of the steamships that head en route to the monk monasteries. The regent has also informed the Lotus Shrine Maidens to watch for rogue vessels." Takishima suddenly stopped speaking and noticed with wide eyes as Akira moved away from the far corner of the room. The young man pushed passed his fellow classmates with force and the lack of expression he had said it all. He had heard enough. Takishima said nothing against the parting student's actions, for now, and opened himself to tend to the remaining pupils' questions and concerns.

 

[Pepsionne]

Upon the arrival of her companion from earlier, coupled by a boisterous figure nearly running down the hall into the headmaster’s office, Kiku considered her position compromised. She gave a small nod of acknowledgment to Akari before maneuvering her way into the doorway of the office, leaning her body gently against the frame.

"The nature of the contraband that threatens the security, peace, and prosperity of Nakashigata feeds into history that is centuries old." The headmaster’s voice was calm, almost sounding as if he was reciting from a script or quote.

Kiku could feel the mounting frustration that vibrated the air of the small office. More of the same nonsense. She felt as though each of the administrators and teachers had been trained in this style of conversation, disguising their lack of information about important matters under a heavy fog of language and poetics.

One particularly wound up student pushed his way out of the office with anger lining each of his steps. Kiku stared at him with wide eyes, the pressure of his disrespect weighing down on her as if she had committed it herself. She turned her eyes towards the headmaster once more, but his expression was blank as he watched the rogue student exit the room. He must have decided to let the action slip by, given the current situation.

“Does the communication delay have anything to do with the contraband?” Kiku asked, her voice straining to reach the headmaster at the front of the room. It seemed odd to her, that at a time when communication remained of the utmost importance for the students to contact their family, that the opportunity became barred to them. How could they know if they were staying up to date on the current events? They weren't even given a concrete date on when to expect the communication lines to be fixed.

Kiku's gazed hardened as her thoughts trailed off into spirals of misfortune and worry.

(mentions: Life. Chordling Purr )

 

[dr xenon]

At the sound of Kiku's voice Shinjo shifts to allow the Headmaster to see the young woman. If his positioning encroaches on the personal space of others and they shift slightly too, then all the better.
As he does so Shinjo takes care to catch Toratetsu's eye, then shifts his glance to the Headmaster and back as if to say "what do you think?", and subtly rotates his right arm at the elbow and then at the wrist in a discreet pantomime of a basic hakko dori wrist escape.

Perhaps it was all by chance as Shinjo shifted his position and to make space for Kiku, and unless you were really watching him you probably would not have noticed.

But when has an Ashikaga ever done anything by chance and not as the result of calculation?

Shinjo finished his turn and looks upon Kiko with a slight, friendly smile. Almost, it says, "Ah, you again, my new friend!"

 

[Purr]

"The nature of the contraband that threatens the security, peace, and prosperity of Nakashigata feeds into history that is centuries old."

"The Emperor fears it could be a sign of war from an unknown enemy and he has instructed his regent in the Lake and Shrine of the Lotus to seize all of the steamships that head en route to the monk monasteries. The regent has also informed the Lotus Shrine Maidens to watch for rogue vessels."

It did not take much of a mental leap to know the new headmaster was talking about the threat of national security. Thank Rui for Tabo's acute hearing! thought Koan. He had relayed what he had heard to Koan and without him, he would have been left completely in the dark. Much like good Tabo's entire life come to think of it.

Koan thought the student's abrupt departure made the new headmaster look weak for he did nothing but watch him walk out. This was not the way for a leader to make a good first impression. Worse, the student made himself look bad, for who could respect an act like that? Still, Koan did not let it bother him. As far as he was concerned, the matter was between the new headmaster and the rebellious student. Koan gripped the daikyu he had carried vertically in his left hand firmly. He was glad he was a young man of better manners, like the string of the daikyu, able to bend instead of being forced to break. Of course, every string, and nearly every person, had their limit, Koan pondered.

“Does the communication delay have anything to do with the contraband?” Kiku asked, her voice straining to reach the headmaster at the front of the room.

Koan had not caught the student known as Ashikaga Shinjo's subtle movement, but he did hear the female student's question. While he waited patiently for answer, Koan noticed the presence of his fellow Military Program student, Matsumoto Toratetsu and his fellow Koi neighbor, Shirai Hoshiko. He recalled Matsumoto was in his first year as a Military Program student having surpassed the qualifications required of the School of Defense. If Matsumoto was looking in his direction, Koan acknowledged the fellow warrior-in-training with a pleasant nod.

To Hoshiko, he gave a quick wave and warm smile as this was a friendly acquaintance of his. If his memory served, she was a first-year student in the NNDA of the School of... Oh no! He thought. He had forgotten. He would have to ask her again and write it down in his notebook. Right there, he tried to create a mental hook for himself. "A word painted is a word remembered," he decided. He hoped it would do.

Koan had come to admire Hoshiko's smarts and devotion as he had witnessed from their few weeks of Kyudo classes together. He glanced at the daikyu in his hand. He liked her form when she used it - many were the people who wouldn't even try for lack of spirit. But Hoshiko possessed determination. This, to Koan, was most definitely a matter of spirit and Koan admired Hoshiko's. If such quiet, strong will was a Shirai trait, then she could go far indeed in her personal journeys! He also liked her manners. He wanted his all of his fellow students to call him by his nickname, Koan, and he had given everyone, including his competitors, free reign to do so, including Hoshiko. One day, with her permission, he might call her Hoshi. But this, he strongly felt, was her permission to give, not his or anyone else's.

He took a sniff and realized he had been perspiring a little from his all-out sprint with Tabo. His body wanted more challenge, but he calmed himself, taking a breath of self-control. Koan focused himself instead on listening to the new headmaster. He felt that the older fellow was kind, for Koan realized the man was under no obligation to share what he knew with the likes of students, and yet he had found a way to do so. Perhaps the new headmaster was not so bad after all.

Time would tell!

Mentions Kaerri and StormWolf

 

[StormWolf]

How appropriate to answer a question while simultaneously not answering it, thought Toratetsu, the faintest ripple of vexation traversing his carved-stone features, only settling in a steeper stitching of the young swordsman's brow. Yet, the verbose answer provided by the Headmaster was enough to confirm the lion's share of Toratetsu's suspicions. A centuries old threat to the peace and security of the Empire that was branded as contraband? Something that needed to be talked around with a calligraphic manner of speech?

It had to be firearms or shipments of powder. A dozen other questions burned like poison on the tip of Toratetsu's tongue, begging to be expelled, but what guarantee was there that the Headmaster would answer clearly, if at all? Toratetsu was surprised in even the round-about frankness the Headmaster had shown, showing a great deal of patience, control, and political acumen. There was also the looming probability that not even the Headmaster knew all the details as of yet. Without seeing the missive itself, there was no other way of knowing...

Toratetsu disregarded the thought with an effort of willpower. He would not let his curiosity threaten his position among the student body, especially not in the company of those who both looked to him for example and those who held judgment over him. Toratetsu felt the gaze of Koan-senpai before he saw the kensei-in-training. Darting a glance Koan's way, meeting his gaze and matching his nod in kind. Drawing his focus back in, Toratetsu mulled over the sparse details the Headmaster had provided, finding his attention in orbit around one particular detail.
( Purr )

"Do you think these outside elements could be targeting the Shrines, Headmaster?" Toratetsu asked. Enough black powder placed in strategic locations could bring down any structure made by nature or the hands of man, and as Toratetsu's studies dictated, crushing the spirit of a population is a key pillar of any invasion. If this was indeed an invasion, it was masterful in its economy. Already there was unease, and traffic up and down the rivers would be brought to a near-standstill. That mean communication, supplies. Troops, if it was necessary. A single hostile action that simltaniously attacked the Empire; mind, body, and soul.

But what if it is merely a smoke screen? Some obfuscation of a more nefarious goal? Toratetsu thought, brow stitching in thought. It was a similar principle to martial arts; one hand lies, the other tells the truth.

But there was no proof, hither or thither. It was, at this juncture, little more than paranoia. Toratetsu needed to be seen as calm and collected, as stalwart, stoic, and steady as a sea cliff. It would do little to curb the spread of rumor and the mongering of fear if he undermined the Headmaster's word with his own ramblings.

 

[Chordling]

"Yes, shipments and mailing have been delayed as a result of the national emergency," Takishima spoke with his body turned to Kiku. His eyebrows fell when he heard the concern in the young woman's straining voice. "I understand that this may bring more worries regarding long-distance communications with families. The mailing system may not be reliable at the moment but I can assure you that all of Nakashigata is aware of the rising crisis." Information was spreading across the nation by the efforts of the royal advisors and the Emperor himself. The headmaster continued to explain the NNDA would inform families of the students' safety, and should they be threatened during the development of the national dilemma, students would be sent home. However, there was something interesting in the tone of the headmaster's voice that blended less conviction than usual.

"I believe that the Shrines of Nakashigata is also in danger but not as much as the people who worship them," Takishima responded with his glance turned to Toratetsu. The shimmer in his gaze also carried concerns for the Emperor and the palace but that information did not relate to the student's question or well being for that matter. A rumble from distant thunder accompanied by raindrops pounding against the windows filled a brief silence. Headmaster Takishima used the building weather as an excuse to dismiss the remaining students in his office. "The rest of today's classes have been canceled. Please use your remaining time well. I do not believe that it needs to be spent here in my office but know that I am always here for you and your classmates. May you all do well with your exams."

Pepsionne
StormWolf

 

[Dizmason Eternus X]

The two began to converse amongst themselves, both Synth and the latter individual who appeared to be plotting a scheme. Their chatter was dim in vocals, let alone muffled. This made it semi-impossible for those listening from a distance to decipher the core of Synth's conversation and its endeavor.
"I haven't been able to ascertain friendships yet. As far as I'm concerned, I may never get the chance before the exams." Synth stated, his hues peering into the abyss of his companion's gaze... "Everyone is riled up, and it's not assisting that my birth region is the only to be mentioned along with such an announcement."

Their dialogue came to a hasted end due to the circulating circumstances. The audience began to exit the meeting hall in surges of dozens, the previous colonies regained their positioning little by little. Although from a distance, it wasn't that difficult to notice Synth's kimono picking up a randomized pattern to flutter after. Sun-rays began to shuffle amongst themselves before fading from the horizon, a number of clouds initiated a merge after converging above the courtyard, the delightful view of aesthetic gold bathing the male had been ripped and replaced by a colorless gray scenery. "Thud,..." his fragile heart erupted in an inaudible beat. As the fresh breeze billowed his kimono and tangled up his skin underneath the clothing, he faced mixed feelings of bitterness and sweetness as he foresaw the rain.

The envoy picked notice at Synth's gaze steering off and back at the announcement facility, yet he didn't dare ask why. He hurried to extract a piece of paper from his sleeve along with a dark blue pen, with a tad of ink leaking off drop by drop to stain the marble grounding underneath them.
"Sir, if you want to write to your home, do it before it rains and gets rather muddy. It'll tackle my journey and could damage the letter I fear."
The man presented both the pen and paper, planning to turn his back offering it as a reliable stand once Synth proceeded to receive.
With the first drop of water, Synth had finished writing and sealing his letter. With a sweet farewell he embarked towards the nearest architecture that could shelter him from the rain, yet allow him to observe.

~~The Letter.~~
"Dear Father, and Grandfather.
It seems that we won't be communicating in person or through modern means anytime soon. However, that may not be the case by the time this message did reach. Right now students are busy with exams although some have selected to interrogate the sudden circumstances like myself. The streaming tears of our land seem to carry a heavy burden, you might be interested as well."

 

[dr xenon]

Seeing no advantage to resisting the headmaster's dismissal at this time, Shinjo bowed deeply once again and backed out of the office. As he sauntered down the hallway his hands, seemingly with a mind of their own or by some autonomous habit fished his pipe out of its pocket and began to fidget with the bezel surrounding the bowl.

It clicked and ticked as his fingers wound the bezel-clockwork. ZZZZT-click-tick. ZZZZT-click-tick.

Down the hallway as he walked. ZZZZT-click-tick. ZZZZT-click-tick. His eyes barely noting the doorways or people he passed.

ZZZZT-click-tick

Pausing as he slid open the front door of the administration building.
Resuming again as he stepped out onto the roofed-over portico that wrapped around the building for just such rainy days.

ZZZZT-click-tick. ZZZZT-click-tick

As he moved over to the side to be just far enough away from the entrance that ignoring someone coming or going would not be considered rude.

ZZZZT-click-tick. ZZZZT-click-tick.

As he stared out into the rain and pondered the events of the day, and the events leading up to them.

ZZZZT-click-tick

Until with practiced ease he stuffed a pinch of tobacco into the pipe bowl, then released the bezel which whirred with the pentup energy of its wound spring like water breaking a dam. The clockwork bezel spun, grinding flint and steel together inside its ring, sending a rush of sparks into the bowl and waiting tobacco. Shinjo casually drew deeply from the stem, coaxing the tobacco into flame.

As he released the first drag of smoke from his lungs, he says, "Tea, this calls for a tea... and a long talk."

He waits by the door to see who else comes out. Hoping to catch the eye of Miura Kiko, Shirai Hoshiko, or Matsumoto Toratetsu.

(Mentions StormWolf , Kaerri , Pepsionne )

 

[Pepsionne]

"The rest of today's classes have been canceled. Please use your remaining time well. I do not believe that it needs to be spent here in my office but know that I am always here for you and your classmates. May you all do well with your exams."

Kiku’s chest deflated slightly at the headmaster’s response. Oddly enough, the definitive answer to her question, that the mail delays and national emergency were related, only seemed to worsen her worry. This meant that the situation was even more dire than she had anticipated.

She turned to leave the now mildly crowded room, her chest buzzing with unknown feelings. They collided and mixed around randomly in her chest. For the first time in her life, Kiku’s mind recoiled at the thought of pushing herself to finish one of her experiments or to study unknown plant life. Instead, it was full of thoughts about the national emergency, the shrine maidens and the sacred rivers tainted by alien vessels.

Kiku’s grey eyes, murky with worry and unease, spotted Ashikaga’s figure lingering around the doorway to the headmaster’s office as she exited. The familiar face, filled with kindness in her memory, eased her worry slightly. She smiled at him, hoping for conversation. Maybe throwing around ideas with another would help ease some of the darker worries that she felt herself wading into, their weight threatening to drown her in negativity.

Kiku bowed shallowly to Ashikaga, the quick movement causing a large chunk of her fringe to loosen from the pin maintaining her half up, half down hairstyle. The ink black hair swept across her face with a sleek wash of color before she pushed it back behind her ear.

“Well, that was quite an announcement, wasn’t it?” She smiled awkwardly, unsure of her banter in the moment.

(Interacts: dr xenon )

 

[dr xenon]

With a solemn look Shinjo returns Kiko's bow. The movement or a gust of allowing a lock of hair the chance it needed to escape, and spring forward to swing in front of his left eye. He can't help but smile as he mimic's Kiko's own attempt to wrangle her hair and he pulls his own back. It's a wry smile, as in a shared joke, with a twinkle in his eye.

"I was hoping to catch you, Miura-san, to discuss today's events. Perhaps over a pot of tea? The tea house in Shimasetsu Hall is nearby," he said gesturing past the rain to a nearby academic building with its attached hall for tea and meals producing a stream of smoke. "If there is a break in the current torrent we can cover the distance from portico to portico quickly."

He takes a slow drag from his pipe, and releases it, the wind sweeping the earthy and sweet odor it into the wash of the rain. Stepping in, he continues in a quieter tone.

"I am hoping to ask you your opinion on where we start to look for this contraband on campus."

(interacts: Pepsionne )

 

[Kaerri]

"The nature of the contraband that threatens the security, peace, and prosperity of Nakashigata feeds into history that is centuries old." Headmaster Takishima-sama's words were so exactly like something Hoshiko's grandmother would say that she found herself comforted despite the situation. Grandmother never came straight to the point unless pressed (usually by Hoshiko's brothers), preferring to talk around a subject and let you draw your own conclusions. Hoshi had never quite dared to be annoyed by it, but she did admit to herself that Grandmother's indirectness would not have made her a good engineer.

Takishima-sama continued after a small pause, this time with more specifics: "The Emperor fears it could be a sign of war from an unknown enemy and he has instructed his regent in the Lake and Shrine of the Lotus to seize all of the steamships that head en route to the monk monasteries. The regent has also informed the Lotus Shrine Maidens to watch for rogue vessels."

Hoshi couldn't help but think the monks would be better suited to dealing with possible enemies than the maidens, but perhaps that was her regional pride. And of course it would be far better that such people were stopped as soon as possible instead of letting them get farther into Nakashigata. Her brain paused, and replayed the headmaster's statements. "Sign of war"? She stiffened. No wonder the emperor had declared an emergency! She did not want war anywhere near the Lake and Shrine of the Koi. Not only would that threaten her family, her friends, and her home, but enemies could not be expected to respect the lake and the waterfall, and probably not even the koi themselves!

She was so caught up in her private worries that she didn't notice the scowling student pushing his way through the crowd until he knocked her aside. Wobbling off balance, she hastily tried to get out of his way without bumping into someone else, watching him leave with mouth slightly open. How rude of him! And had he even thanked the headmaster before he left? She hadn't noticed, too preoccupied with her own thoughts. Hoshiko hurriedly closed her mouth, hoping she hadn't missed anything while lost in her own head, but as she pulled her eyes away from the disappearing Akira, they landed on Koan-senpai.

It still felt odd to call him by his nickname rather than his family name, especially since he was not just an older student but the assistant instructor in her archery class. Koan-senpai had requested she do so, however, and it would have been more rude to ignore his request than to use the more polite address. She returned his wave and smile with a small smile of her own, the fingers of her right hand fluttering slightly just above her waist to balance between the acknowledgment of his greeting and not wanting to draw any attention to herself from anyone else.

One of the other students in the room spoke up. “Does the communication delay have anything to do with the contraband?” Hoshi peered around Matsumoto-senpai and saw that the speaker was one of the girls in her chemistry class. Not someone she'd been partnered with yet, so she couldn't remember the girl's name, but at least she was familiar, which most of the rest of the small crowd in Takishima-sama's office were not.

"Yes, shipments and mailing have been delayed as a result of the national emergency," Takishima spoke with his body turned to Kiku. His eyebrows fell when he heard the concern in the young woman's straining voice. "I understand that this may bring more worries regarding long-distance communications with families. The mailing system may not be reliable at the moment but I can assure you that all of Nakashigata is aware of the rising crisis."

Despite her own concerns, Hoshiko was relieved that her family would know what was going on, though she hoped none of the danger would reach them. While all Shirai were trained in some form of physical activity, none of its living members were proper warriors except her eldest brother, and he was in the army and not at home just now. She tried to remember where his current assignment was, but couldn't think of it. She would have to look for his latest letter when she returned to her room. Perhaps she should write to him today; the headmaster had said "delayed," not "stopped," and the sooner she sent her letter, the sooner Tetsuya-niisan would receive it. Perhaps she should write to all of them today, for the same reason.

She filed that thought away as Matsumoto-senpai asked his own question, wondering if the Shrines might be targeted. That thought made Hoshiko shiver, as did the headmaster's response, "I believe that the Shrines of Nakashigata are also in danger but not as much as the people who worship them." She supposed it was a good thing that whoever was smuggling the... whatever... was less interested in the Shrines than the people, but "less interested" didn't mean "not at all interested" and if the people were made safe... She shied away from that line of thought. There was nothing she could do for either people or Shrine just now. She wasn't sure what she could do even if she had been at home instead of in school, but being in school, she could only do her duty by Headmaster Takishima-sama and her instructors. The headmaster then gave what was clearly a dismissal, and she bowed respectfully in acceptance.

Casting a glance up at Matsumoto-senpai, and another towards Koan-senpai, she let herself get caught up in the flow of students as they all left the office, but the whirring of clockwork from one of them pulled her attention in his direction. It was Ashikaga-senpai, who had spoken in the office, she realized, apparently winding the cup of his pipe? Mechanical works of any kind fascinated her, and she moved aside to let the other students pass her while she watched to see what Ashikaga-senpai's pipe would do. Her eyes lit, reflecting the sparks released into the bowl to light the tobacco. How clever! One would not need matches with a pipe like that. Perhaps Ashikaga-senpai would tell her where he had acquired it, or (though she hardly expected this) perhaps he would even consent to let her take it apart to see how it worked. No, she couldn't ask that, not on so very slight an acquaintance, if one could call being in the headmaster's office at the same time an "acquaintance." But perhaps she could buy one herself to take apart, learn how it functioned, and make one for her father. It would be so delightful to send him something she had made herself!

Her fellow Chemistry student had joined Ashikaga-senpai and was talking with him. Hoshiko hesitantly approached the pair, just in time to hear him invite Miura-san to the teahouse. Too late to ask him about the pipe now. She didn't want to intrude on a private conversation, but tea did sound like a good idea right now. She could hardly go to the grove by the archery butts to play her flute, not in a downpour like this, even if she did have her flute with her as usual. Her left hand brushed the dark-red leather case that hung from her obi, as if to reassure herself that it was still there, which of course it was. She looked around, hoping Matsumoto-senpai or Koan-senpai were still in view and had not yet braved the raindrops.

(mentions Chordling Akira, Takishima-sama; Purr Koan, Pepsionne Kiku, StormWolf Tora, dr xenon Shinjo)

 

[dr xenon]

A play of shadows or the creak of boards catches Shinjo's attention and he glances up to see Shirai Hoshiko's approaching. He reads the hesitation in her step as an invitation, so bows to her as to an equal.

"Another fellow student with an inquisitive bend of mind," he says. "I am Ashikaga Shinjo. Miura-san and I were just contemplating a further discussion of today's events over a pot of tea at Shimasetsu Hall. I would dearly enjoy the opportunity to hear the theories of not one, but two students of the sciences on the matter. My own poor musings would soon get caught in a web of which family or faction would benefit most from inner turmoil and be lost to the facts of technical matters of insurrection. Perhaps you would care to join us? Besides -- "

He sniffs the wind then takes a deep breath through his nose and seems to savor something as his left eyebrow arches and a wry smile twists his mouth into a wolfish expression.

"Even through this rain I can smell chef Hansho's black-bean bao in the oil, and where her black-bean bao is, there is also her steamed broccoli and garlic shoots on panfried udon."

His gaze drifts back to the rain which seems to be slackening as if in response to his hunger to allow their passage.

"Now, if only we had a student from the Military program to make this a truly balanced debate! But the time to leave seems to upon us. Shall we?"

(interacts with Kaerri Hoshiko, Pepsionne Kiku, mentions StormWolf Tora or Purr Koan)

 

[Pepsionne]

"I am hoping to ask you your opinion on where we start to look for this contraband on campus."

Kiku’s heart halted momentarily at Ashikaga’s words. Contraband? Here on campus? The thought of the dangers that the imperial family warned so deeply about being in the same vicinity as her made her stomach begin to churn in a swarm of butterflies and tar. She tried shaking off the thought as just misunderstanding. Maybe he simply wanted to research possible contraband topics in the library.

Kiku pushed a smile onto her face at the more pleasant thought of sharing worries over tea. “Tea sounds lovely right now, I could use some chamomile to calm my nerves.” She answered, her voice mixing in with the ambient sounds of milling students and the showering from outside.

The sound of the rain still pounded above them, wind carrying the heavy scent of it down through the hall to mix with the various smells of the building. Kiku’s eyes followed Ashikaga’s as he turned his attention to something behind her. A smaller figure hovered close to them hesitantly, as if unsure whether to approach them or not. It was the girl from her chemistry class.

Kiku smiled at the girl and gave her a light bow, following Ashikaga’s introduction with her own, “Miura Kiku, it’s nice to formally meet you.”

The heavy pattering of rain began to soften down to a mere trickle momentarily, as if someone had plugged a stop to a leaking faucet. Hearing Ashikaga’s remarks of debarking quickly in their given opportunity, Kiku silently followed his figure down the hall. Her stomach rumbled at the thought of pan fried udon.

(Interacts: dr xenon Ashikaga, Kaerri Hoshiko)

 

[Purr]

The words of the new headmaster seeped into Koan's troubled mind. Koan could not help but wonder. Who would want to do battle with Nakashigata? Who would dare oppose the Emperor's will and bring war to these peaceful lands? There was only one answer - those who wished doom to Nakashigata for their own ends. Whomever they were, Koan marked them as enemies of the land and if faced in battle, he would give them no mercy.

Then Koan dismissed these thoughts. Who was he to be thinking along this path? He was but a champion martial artist in the NNDA, a humble assistant instructor of martial arts, armed and unarmed. Who was he to think that he would ever be put into such a position as to aid the Emperor himself by doing battle with his enemies? Koan chuckled to himself; he had always had a penchant for daydreams, even semi-pleasant ones like these. No, matters of state such as this belonged only in the hands of those who could realistically and reasonably do something about it. The Emperor's own advisors and the great samurai who protected the Emperor with their honor, their giri ("duty"), their very lives were between the enemy and Nakashigata's continued peace and prosperity. What could students in a college, any student in any college, do that the best and brightest of the Emperor's own could not?

Still, it was best to be prudent and aware. While the chance to aid the Emperor himself was equal to that of seeing one of the nation's Blessed Dragons firsthand, Koan held to his own sense of giri. If he saw something, he would do something, though the chances of him even seeing something were as thin as the bowstring on the daikyu in his hand. Yes. It was good to daydream as long as it were all recognized for what it was - a happy little illusion.

Koan felt himself carried down the same river of students that flowed from Headmaster... what was his name again? Koan felt a rush of embarrassment... Ah! Headmaster Takishima! Dismissed from his office, all of the students dispersed. Koan found himself drifting toward Hoshiko-san and Matsumoto-san. It was then that he noticed Hoshiko's belt. Yes! She was a student of the School of Science! There was a strength of spirit that Koan liked in both Matsumoto-san and Hoshiko - in the dojo, they trained like they meant it! So many students went through the motions, only there for the academia, the passing grade, or worse, the bragging rights of studying the martial arts that clung to a person's ego like a vampiric leech.

Koan believed every person fought as they had practiced. To attack a young woman like Hoshiko-san was to invite danger, for if she had a yumi (bow) at her side, the attacker could well get the wounding arrow they deserved. But to attack a fellow like Matsumoto-san? Koan imagined this was to invite death. Even a young man like Koan who was born and raised as a Koi monk knew that the samurai spirit was more than just a family matter - it was a matter of the soul. To attack a samurai was like attacking a tiger. If the matter were serious enough, there could be only one outcome.

Koan grinned at these thoughts. Despite the popularity he had gained at martial art tournaments over the years, he had but few acquaintances and fewer friends. But he had not come to NNDA to make friends, but to fulfill his destiny.

He noticed Hoshiko staring. Without thinking, he followed her energy and found the source of it. Another student held a pipe that was anything but ordinary! Steampunk technology! Koan could see why Hoshiko was fascinated with it for it didn't need matches! The one who used it, this appeared to Koan as Ashikaga Shinjo, seemed to hold at least as many mysteries as the pipe. Koan glanced at Hoshiko and made a mental note - were he to come across such a pipe for sale, he could buy one for her, for no other reason but to bring goodness to another fellow student's life.

"Now, if only we had a student from the Military program to make this a truly balanced debate! But the time to leave seems to upon us. Shall we?"

"You are in luck! Kidera Tokurai. Please call me Koan." Koan bowed to Ashikaga-san as a fellow student and not as an instructor for they were not now in the dojo. "Matsumoto-san and I are both Military students and we come from very different walks of life. And different origins make for different perspectives. Isn't that right, Matsumoto-san?" Again, Koan did not use his humble title as Assistant Instructor, but spoke as no one special. Koan had not met a samurai-born yet that was not proud to be from such a family. While Matsumoto-san was perfectly capable of speaking for himself, Koan was hoping to work on his own social skills and provide this bridge into fellowship.

"Could we impose upon your good company? I, for one, haven't eaten for hours!" Koan looked to both Ashikaga-san for his answer and Matsumoto-san for his willingness.

"I am hoping to ask you your opinion on where we start to look for this contraband on campus.

Koan heard this an inwardly frowned. Was he serious? Well, there was only one way to find out!

Mentions Kaerri StormWolf dr xenon Pepsionne

 

[StormWolf]

In truth, Toratetsu wasn't sure why he would have expected anything more or less of the Headmaster. The man was evidently trained in the courtly arts of talking a great deal while simultaneously saying or revealing little at all. Like a raindrop upon a serene pond, a flash of consternation rolled anew across Toratetsu's brow, hands flexing from within the voluminous folds of his kimono's sleeves. Lips tightening into a narrow line, they worked silently as Toratetsu's teeth worried the inside of his mouth, making it appear as if he was quite literally chewing on some particularly sinuous words. Agitated, but controlled, Toratetsu maintained breathing that was overtly deliberate and meditative.

Perhaps if he smashed everything on the desk and swept the detritus onto the floor...

"Of course. Thank you for your candor and your time, Headmaster. It has been most elucidating," Toratetsu said instead, offering a deep, stiff bow to the head of the Academy with all of the expected honors that decorum dictated, and not a hair more. Withdrawing to the door of the room without turning his back, bow maintained, then repeated before taking his leave in full. Once outside of the notice of others, Toratetsu rolled his broad shoulders with a satisfying few pops up his supple spine. The temptation to take the day to do anything but stoop over a low desk tantalizing. The weather, making a low rumble and hiss against wood, glass, and stone alike, made him long for some warm sake and a bowl of udon.

Stepping out into the open air, once again weaving through the splitting streams of the student body, Toratatsu paused beneath the swept awning of the first tier roof to take a deep breath of the air. There were few things as appealing as the smell of fresh rain, how it seemed to open up hidden aromas otherwise trapped within the soil and the bark of wood. It smelled... alive. Pure.

Slipping his hands from his sleeves and hiking the sweeping silk up to his elbows, Toratetsu took a moment to let the fresh and chill waters cascade over his bruised and scuffed hands. His forearms, like bundles of steel cords, also bore precise bands of surly bruises and welts, some aged and yellow, others so fresh the skin was still hot and pink. Each mark was a lesson, each wound turning into wisdom to mark a mistake to never be made again. It was Sensei's philosophy, and Toratetsu had found it appealing in the challenge alone, as well as the small honors earned when a student such as himself scored a blow against a senior.

As if thought invoked presence, Toratetsu heard Koan call for him by name. Taking a beat to wipe his hands on his face and run his fingers through his hair. Shaking out the excess droplets, his hands returned to his sleeves as he turned on the cloister of students that, much to Toratetsu's chagrin, had fallen outside his notice up until now. He really mustn't lose himself in his own head. Was Koan testing him? Shadows striped along Toratetsu's jaw as it clenched briefly in a moment's contemplation.

"Every life is, in itself, a tapestry of singular uniqueness. I will, of course, defer to your acumen on matters of importance," Toratetsu said with a propriety that was as pretty and thin as a hand fan, offering a reserved smile without a flash of teeth or a pinch at the corners of his eyes. "I would not turn away from a hot meal on a day like today. Under the present circumstances, I believe a round of sake might also be in order," he said with a touch more earnestness and a glint of mirth through the stoicism. With a rustle and sigh of silk, Toratetsu's hand appeared in a knife-like gesture towards the dining hall.

"Shall we?" He asked, glancing first to Koan-senpai, expecting the senior classman to take the lead. Apart from his fellow Military student and Hoshiko, the rest were unfamiliar; faces he may have seen in passing, be it recently or over the last year, but they were without names. Only the obi girdling their middles gave any indication, as did the clockwork pipe-contraption clutched idly in the hands of one.

Curious indeed, thought Toratetsu. The capabilities of such minuscule works of machinery, and we still engage in combat like we did centuries ago... There was perhaps merit to the stringent preservation of tradition, but innovation was the sole preventative of stagnation. In time, with the sciences growing as they did, the Military would be horrendously overshadowed should a threat arrive that paid no mind to the Emperor's allergy to firearms technology... Like today...

I really need to stop thinking so much... Toratetsu scolded himself in time to hear the young woman in the science-sash speak. Stepping out into the rain to cross the yard, a brief plume of fogged breath puffed out from Toratetsu's nostrils in what must have been a scoff. One arm extended in an unspoken invitation for shelter from the rain to whomever wished it, while Toratetsu peered over to the science student, who bore a modicum of familiarity. Perhaps it was the Crane Region cheekbones.

"Surely that would be a violation of the Headmaster's explicit instructions, would it not?" Toratetsu said, walking in long strides, shortened just enough for others to keep pace without running. "Unless, of course, certain members of the student body happened upon, say... prohibited chemical reagents in the science storerooms, then one might consider it their solemn patriotic duty as a citizen and a student to reveal such things to the board."

( Purr - Koan, Pepsionne - Kiku, Kaerri - Hoshiko, dr xenon - Shinjo)