A different path (Spider only)

[sprinkles]

Sometime after the tournament of the White Orchid

Somewhere where prying eyes and hears can't reach

Sprinkles makes arrangements to meet with Chuda Shoju, knowing how busy he is.
"Shoju it is a honor to meet you."
Shoju notices Sprinkles did not use any formal greeting or title. Sprinkles had always used his gaijin origin to insult others and get away with it.
"I am sure by now you have realized just how powerful I am. And that I have not been placed under your command while you lead our host in Toshi Ranbo. It is time you knew why.
I have been tasked with discovering the Secret of Maho."

[Shoju]

Shoju's facial expressions grew stern at the word power. "And what, I'm supposed to just hand over all my research to you? All the information that I have gathered?" Shoju looked The Gaijin in the eyes. "You are powerful indeed. Your power over the elements is impressive. But blindly wielding power will end in your destruction. I wonder if you have the power over yourself to not be lost? Do you have the will to not end up as another Tsukai that I put down because of your folly? Shoju leaned in close. Do not think yourself invincible because of your power. Do not lose yourself in the power that Maho brings. No matter how powerful you are, if you abuse the power, Shoju turned away from him You will be destroyed.

Shoju walked a short distance away, "Besides, the secrets of Maho lie with the history of Isawa. The Isawa tribe are the originators of the magic. They used it when it was pure, and Isawa later became the first Master of the Void. There is a connection between the void and Maho. I hardly see what secrets you plan to find of Maho without angering the Phoenix? Is that really the plan?"

Shoju turned back and looked at him. "You also understand that if you are embroil yourself in a conflict that would bring shame upon the Chuda while we work to legitimize our position in the Empire, I will claim that you are acting without my authorization, and you will be at the mercy of those who quarrel with?"

[sprinkles]

Sprinkles smiled. He knew of Shoju's distaste of senseless maho use.
"Even Isawa's knowledge was limited. I will go beyond him. I will unlock the riddle no one else sees.
I do not expect or require anything of you but I see an opportunity for my research and you campaign to meet."
He pulls a scroll from a case. "The Battle of Mountain Watch Keep allow me an opportunity to experiment with mass amounts of blood covering a battle ground. This spell is the result of that research. It will allow you to control Gaki-do. It is yours to use to defend the Emperor if you wish it."

[Shoju]

Shoju was surprised. No desire to take his research, and an effort to share knowledge. This was definitely a move that he didn't see coming. "Thank you very much. I appreciate your openness about your desires. Forgive me if I come off.... agitated by the situation. I have seen many a man attempt to unravel the shroud around Maho only to find that they lost themselves in what became a bid for power. It was this senselessness that ultimately drove me here to where I am today."

Shoju looked down at his arms. His new arms didn't hold the scars from opening the black scroll, but his mind still remembered the pain. Tell me, where is it that you will start? Surely you have an idea in place?"

[sprinkles]

"I will continue to pursue my own course. It has proved quite progressive so far. I imagine the coming war will allow me to further my research."
Sprinkles paused for a moment. "The sighting of the Ki-rin interested me though. What could maho do to a creature such as that I wonder. Perhaps once some time has passed I shall travel back to the Shrine and attempt to find out."

[Shoju]

Shoju thought about his experiments with the corrupting Rain of Blood. Its potency could be increased ten fold with the blood of a celestial being. "I think you might find some research of mine interesting regarding the Ki - Rin. I doubt I would go so far as to practice it, as the repercussions of using the spell on the sacrifice of the Ki-Rin could plunge the empire into anarchy" Shoju's mind hummed. "The power of the spell has driven men into chaos before me, it has turned their fears and primal hatred upon their allies. It has bent men to my will. It has also... caused more than one to lose their respect for the art, and pursue most drastic measures. It is the nature of the fine line we must walk."

[sprinkles]

" A spell like that would prove most useful. Especially if it can be altered. If I could bend the will of something other than men, something larger." Sprinkles closed his eyes and let his mind wonder. "Yes. A spell like that is just what I am looking for."

[Shoju]

Shoju smiled, and walked over to his scroll case. "I have committed this spell to memory. The Rain of Blood is a ritual, and its strength and intensity is greater the more who participate, and the greatness of the sacrifice. May it serve you well."

[sprinkles]

"Thank you." Sprinkles seemed genuinely grateful.
"I'll be pursuing my own goals of course but when the time comes to defend Toshi Ranbo I'll be there to assist you. Until then stay alive Master Chuda."