Kaji
“Yes, it appears so,” Kaiten-sama replied with a strained smile. He then turned his attention back to the battle. Easily, he moved out of the way of one of the creatures’ attacks, and drove his blade deep into its chest. It screeched and vanished a moment later. With a growl at its companion’s destrution, the second shadow creature slashed at Kaiten-sama viciously, cutting a deep wound into the Crane’s side.
Kaji was managing to hold his own against his opponent. He attacked twice, opening up two wounds on the creature, which oozed a thick grey mist in place of blood. The creature howled in rage, even as its claws narrowly missed him.
Ai
The shadow creature moved closer, looking for an opening to strike Ai as she cast her spell. However, it found none. It soon lunged forward, its claws finding her opening three cuts in her arm. Behind her, Iuchi-san is not faring any better. The shadow creature attacked, cutting her deeply, then struck a second time when Iuchi-san attempted to cast her spell. Still, the Unicorn stood bravely, despite the two wounds that were now bleeding heavily.
Itarabi
As Itarabi searches his memory, he does vaguely remember a small scrap of information from his history lessons. The Crane diplomat who had been in charge of the negotiations was none other than Kakita Toshimoko, who, at the time, had been seeking to court the daughter of the Fox daimyo, Kitsune Ryosei.
The opinions of those present would most likely be as varied as the clans from which they hailed. Seiyo might side with the Fox clan in this matter; the Mantis were known to be allies of the Fox clan. A Crane might feel that the negotiations were handled as best as they could be, considering the fact that Toshimoko had to deal with two uncivilized minor clans. A Phoenix might point out that no evidence of maho-use on the part of the Hare was ever uncovered, despite the overwhelming testimony of the opposite. And as for the Dragon and the two Scorpions… it was difficult to gauge what they might be thinking.
As Itarabi was considering his stance, he noticed a young member of the Fox Clan had approached Megumi, and was questioning her regarding the events of the night in question.
Hyota
The Sparrow woman looked surprised at Hyota’s questions, and hastened to answer. “Why, this happened nearly thirty years ago, Fox-san. Nobody knows how it happened, though the Hare clan had been implicated in the slaughter.”
Meanwhile, a handsome man in green robes, wearing the Mantis mon approached. “Is there something amiss?” He looked at Hyota with raised eyebrows.
