Shadow over the Mori

[Kitsune Poxo]

Heavy footfalls heralded the arrival of Daichi. The door slid open as he entered the room. He was looking visibly tired. His eyelids looked heavy but he still stood tall. He still sported his battle dress. It was one of the larger rooms. It sat on the north side of the tallest structure in Kyuden Kitsune. It furnished for a small amount of comforts meant for their current guest. However wards did hang around the room. To keep prying eyes out and in.

He eyed Ayame, the charge of Manji. He leveled his eyes on her something that unnerved most superstitious. “So, start from the top. What do you know of this news that you bring?” He said in an ominous voice, his constant grin seemed to have faded.

[Tamori Manji]

OOC: Sorry for the big delay, the start of the semester at the university has been very hectic. This will probably be Ayame's biggest exposition, from now on I'll answer the questions you make and let her dialogue with Daichi.

Almost forgot to say, I'm assuming that the identity of the Shadow Dragon is still unknown to most of Rokugan, since he is officially exposed only in 1166.

Ayame enjoyed the brief moments of calm while being held as a guest by the Kitsune. She knew that soon she would have to face what happened to Manji and even she was not completely sure of what exactly he had done while in the Spirit Realms or what he had become. When the Kitsune daimyo entered the room she sighed, for this whole situation was uncomfortable to her and she had always been fond of the family. She observed Kitsune Daichi for a few moments, his weariness was palpable and his shoulders were heavy with the responsibility of being the only Mantis family located in the mainland and with something really important to lose. She wished the Kitsune were still independent because, even when in poverty they were rich with the gifts of the forest, something the Mantis would never truly understand. But she had an important mission to accomplish and it was time to dispel such thoughts.

Ayame bowed respectfully to Daichi, it is a complicated story Daichi-sama, please bear with me for a while. When Manji-sama was last in the Spirit Realms, he was captured by a very powerful spirit. Before managing to escape, he was able to discover that this spirit, once the Air Dragon that helped the humans during the battle at Oblivion's Gate, now fulfills the role of the Lying Darkness and is also tainted by Jigoku. Manji-sama also learned the motive behind his captivity. This being, that can now be called the Shadow Dragon, is keenly interested in studying and controlling the effects that our non-human blood have on your lineage.

As you know well, the Kitsune family enjoy an unparalleled relationship with Chikushudo, for humans, and its not uncommon for members of your family, especially shugenja, to be able to communicate with other animals, share their senses and, sometimes, even glimpse the future through prophecy. And its those gifts that are coveted by the Shadow Dragon. Given the circumstances, Manji-sama believes that it will try to attack the Kitsune family again during this moment of weakness, using the war as a cover, so he has sent me to help you. He also warns that other beings, who know of the Kitsune secrets, may try to seize this opportunity and do the same. My Lord would come personally but, unfortunately, both the war and the consequences of what he did to escape the Shadow Dragon's grasp prevent him from doing so.

As for me, I share his sympathy towards your family. You have always been loyal protectors of the forest and understanding towards its many inhabitants, its only fair that every one of us try to help you during these difficult times. As uncommon as it was for her, Ayame did not smile, nor did she joke. Her heart was heavy and, for the first time in her life, she was completely serious.

[Kitsune Poxo]

_{OOC: It's cool rl comes first.}

Daichi listened as Ayame went into detail of the news he had received as a letter. When she finished he listed his eyes to speak. “To think that the Lying Darkness could get to the Air Dragon… I have read the accounts of the battle, the Kitsune documentation still remains complete within our library but nothing pointed to its corruption was so complete that it became something new? Not that that I wish to doubt Manji-sama, but can he be certain they are one in the same?”

“You speak of others that plan the same; do you know who might they be? Enemies have never been something we have acquired. Even when Lion first claimed our lands and forced to this forest we did not keep them as enemies. There has only been one who has fallen to the taint from our family, a stain but I do not remember him doing much talking to be able to give our secrets away. Either way, we had already moved the children and those who cannot fight to the Kitsune Mori Mura. That is one of our most holy of places and you should know the wards surrounding it prevent outsiders from ever walking to it without our strictest of permissions.”

[Tamori Manji]

Ayame stood silent for a moment, measuring her words, then she said, pardon me Daichi-sama, but that was not the case. According to what Manji-sama related to me, for his direct interference in human matters, the Dragon of Air was severed from his connection to Tengoku. It then sustained heavy injuries while traveling through Volturnum and was severely affected by the Taint. After Goju Adorai was destroyed, which weakened the Lying Darkness and allowed it to be named by Hitomi-sama, the dying Dragon saw an... opportunity... to prevent the Lying Darkness to ever return. Daichi-sama, the Dragon devoured what was left of the Lying Darkness and willingly became what it is today. Manji-sama told me that while the Shadow Dragon lives, the Lying Darkness will never be able to return. Now, if that is a good or bad thing even he doesn't know, finished Ayame, with deference.

As to how he knows about it... she paused, a hint of fear in her voice, he told me that he saw it with his own eyes. He also told me that the Shadow Dragon has already interfered with the Kitsune before and that the death of Kitsune Ryosei was, in truth, part of a sinister plot concocted by it. Please understand, this being will not stop until it has what it desires, Ayame gently reached into her kimono, took out a single, lustrous dark pearl and placed it between herself and the Kitsune daimyo, Manji-sama told me that, if you desire further proof, you should keep this pearl close to your skin the next time you sleep. He trapped a piece of his memories inside it and they will reveal themselves to you in a dream, should you choose to, after which the pearl will lose its power and shatter. Be warned though, this is a very dangerous procedure and only suffering awaits you in those memories. He told me you should be fine, because of your heritage, but that a common human would go mad during the process. Please keep that in mind before you take your decision, she bowed respectfully to Daichi.

About who else would wish to steal from the Kitsune, one name comes to mind, Chuda Sprinkles. If I'm not mistaken, that is the name of the, thing, you met earlier. Please Daichi-sama, do not underestimate him. Manji-sama told me that Chuda Sprinkles is one of the few individuals, currently in Rokugan, more powerful than him and, given Manji-sama's current state, that was not a boast. That maho tsukai is very dangerous and should never be faced alone. Manji-sama is not aware of the true nature of his plans, but the sole fact that Chuda Sprinkles is still alive is reason enough for concern, Ayame bowed one last time and patiently awaited for the Kitsune daimyo's reaction to her revelations.

[Kitsune Poxo]

The Daimyo seemed to flinch at the news of who was behind the previous' death. Then he spoke his response on the news of who the Shadow Dragon was. "Through my long years of existence it is one piece of wisdom I have gained and that the monks would say I walk towards enlightenment with it in my mind. This world requires balance in all things. It is sad we lost the air dragon but in the lying Darkness's defeat it would have created a void that someone needed to have filled or else we would have given into the Nothing's aims. Its sacrifice as sad as it is, was necessary and this new being is a result of the balance we require."

With that Daichi collected the pearl and held it up in front of his eyes to examine it for a moment before speaking. "Seems my secret is the best known secret in Rokugan." He said mostly to himself before actually addressing Ayame with his furthered response. "I will gladly pay the price to know what is in store for my family and what I must do to protect them."

He then put the pearl away inside one of the many concealed pouches he keeps on him inside his loose clothing before continuing. "So that maho-tsukai had a name. I could sense more to him, the kensen alone around him bubbled thickly into the air."

Daichi gave a small smirk as he went into the next part. "He came here seeking a blessed item and what he got, I will easily assume he will return. The shale I gave him is no more blessed then you or I in that we are allowed to bask in the blessing of the sun. I will head the words to be careful of him, but with a name I can now begin searching our libraries to try and gleam some motive or plan or even a true name to add to our wards."

At this point he crossed his arms his smirk dropping off. He stared Ayame dead on as he finished his current speech. "So tell me, I would not be able to believe that Manji-sama has sent only a warning and his vassal. What is his advice for a course of action? He must have some specific request for his sister who still remains in this family. What is his plan?"

[Tamori Manji]

The fox girl smiled prettily, do not worry Daichi-sama, your secret is only apparent to those who share the same heritage as you and neither me nor Manji-sama have any interest in revealing it, but her smile quickly faded away when asked about Manji. Although she tried to disguise it, her sadness and worry were visible whenever his name was mentioned, there are three children who need to be protected from the Shadow Dragon. One is your sister, the other is Manji-sama's sister and the third is Kitsune Narako. The three of them have special talents and a peculiar relationship with the kami that may turn into the ability to peer through the veil of time. As of now, none of them have manifested their powers yet but they should be watched closely for each will have a part to play in the future of the Kitsune.

Ayame paused for a moment and slowly reached into one of her kimono's hidden pockets. From inside, she produced a peculiar white wooden box of fine craftsmanship with Manji's personal mon of dragon and fox engraved on it and another, unknown mon that depicted a nine tailed white fox running in a field of stars. Ayame placed the box in front of her very carefully and said with a sad voice, many years ago, when Manji-sama first went into Chikushudo, he met a very old fox spirit. After years of training, this spirit gave him the blessings of Inari for him to spread among the people of Rokugan. Unfortunately, to confront the Shadow Dragon and survive, Manji-sama had to let go of everything that made him who he was. But, even though he is not a priest of Inari anymore, he decided to honor his former patron by relinquishing his powers and sending them back to those who have the right to wield them. Within this box is a nemuranai of my Lord's own making, a set of crystal o-nenju that symbolizes everything that he once was. He told me its powers will help the Kitsune heal and bless both the land and its people and that only a Kitsune may wield it. Kitsune Daichi-sama, Ayame bowed low and gently pushed the box towards the Kitsune daimyo, my Lord trusted that you would know how to best use such a gift when the time comes.

As to what he plans, unfortunately, there is little else he can do to help the Kitsune now. He is currently alongside the Dragon, fighting against the Lion and the Unicorn at the Castle of the Swift Sword. Which is why he sent me to you with this knowledge. He hopes that by knowing the true face of your enemies, your family will be better able to prepare themselves for the unavoidable conflict. My Lord also asked me to tell you that an official ambassador of the Dragon Clan, named Togashi Eizo, is en route to visit the mainland families of the Mantis, namely the Kitsune and the Tsuruchi. You should hear of him shortly. After finishing her speech, Ayame bowed respectfully once again.

OOC: I will be away for a couple of days and unable to answer further posts until I come back. If you have any doubts about the gifts brought by Ayame, just ask me and I'll detail them to you. Basically, the dark pearl will show you the tragedy that befell the Air Dragon and the death of Kitsune Ryosei, in a very haunting first person way (during the dream, you will feel the same pain, despair, the corrupting influence of the taint and the emptiness of the Nothing that the Dragon felt. But, despite it being a very unpleasant experience, it does not have any permanent or lingering effects). And the o-nenju is a nemuranai that boosts the healing powers of those who have them, confer small healing capabilities to those who do not, imparts blessings over crops (increasing their productivity), purifies food and drinks from poison, turns spoiled food edible again and allows its holder to pray for Inari to cast the spell Inari's Blessing a number of times per day equal to his/her water ring.

[Kitsune Poxo]

Daichi bowed as he accepted yet another item from Ayame stepping through the motions of standard protocol for gift giving. Finally standing back up, his grin at returned to his face as he spoke. “I guess I should not expect much more as for what he has already done is great enough. You are welcome to stay here. I must begin yet more preparations it appears. Tracking down my sister appears to be back to the top of the list.”

He seemed to not have noticed the pains that came with the further mentioning of Manji but he was well in tuned to picking such subtleties but did not push the matter. “If you wish to aid, I can easily find a spot for you but if you wish to return to your master then you are free to do so. Do not feel obligated. With that I must take my leave.”

Daichi gave one last bow before turning and exiting the room. As he walked down the hallway the thoughts swirled around him in a maelstrom of noise. It was more worries for his pile on his shoulders. The question to be asked how much more can his shoulders take?