Trouble on the way home.

[Kitsu Hiraku]

Daisuke became a lot calmer after he heard he wasn't a prisoner. The thought of finally eating something was also pleasurable.
- I see. Seems the opinion about you is a little biased then. Although Fujimo is kinda scary. Or his minions for that matter. And of course I would like to return to my clan... just not right now. I-I would really like to see those documents. I do understand that it may bring me closer to a rather "unpopular" way of living, and I thank you for your concern, but do you really think I would stay out of this if I didn't know who wrote them? Daisuke stopped to catch his breath - I think that the choice will be easier too make if I knew the truth, rather than if I made assumptions blindly. And... as a Kitsu I need to know about my parents. If they brought shame to the clan then it must be known.

After he stopped talking he suddenly started coughing. When he took away his hand from his mouth, both were covered in blood. - That's... dangerous. Kami damned Yobanjins

[Shoju]

Shoju simply nodded and removed the scroll case that was slung over his back. "This research is all that remained of a bloodspeaker cell found during my journeys. I know not who was a part of the cell when they were found, but I know that any who were found were put to death. The research was buried in the floor of the basement where they were meeting. Luckily, the Magistrates were slow getting a shugenja to search the place, and I was able to save the research."

Shoju handed a scroll to Daisuke and watched his face for a reaction.

[Kitsu Hiraku]

Daisuke grabbed the scroll quickly but didn't open it yet. He held it in his hands and looked as if he was extremely concentrated on something. Finally, after w few moments, he opened it. After reading the first few lines his eyes widened a little. He began reading faster and faster. - Yes... and then... with some... uhuh... really?... incredible The boy muttered to himself. Suddenly he realized what he was doing and threw the scroll on the ground.

- My... head. So loud. Is it always like that Shoju-san? There were some many spirits associated with this scroll... so many different people. And all of them insisted on me reading this... interesting text. I meant this evil ritual. And I don't want to have anything to do with it. He said but it could be easily seen that he was hiding something.

[Shoju]

Shoju let out a small sigh. "The voices.... When you succumb, they will stop, and you will have a clear and singular focus when studying." Shoju collected the scroll from the ground. "You aren't being forthcoming Kitsu-san. Tell me, Was it your mother who penned this information? Is she the one whose research I am perfecting?"

Shoju looked straight into the eyes of the Kitsu. "Your connection to your ancestors will make avoiding contact from them even more difficult now." Shoju leaned forward. "I thought I could live with it, and I did for nearly 4 months. In the end, I succumbed to the whispers. I don't regret my decision, but not everyone has that strength."

[Kitsu Hiraku]

Daisuke inhaled and exhaled loudly before speaking. - She... didn't make all of the research. But she did gather what the others thought of, and invented the way of binding the "souls" together, finishing the whole work... How did I know that? He stopped to wonder for a while.

- Perhaps you did. But as you said yourself you weren't a great shugenja in your past. I suppose I could withstand those voices... but then again I might not. The greater someone is, the harder he falls. May I... may I ask for your help if I notice I'm losing control? If simple means of the Kuni and similar factions let me down I suppose the only option of maintaining sanity would be following a path such as your own. And to be frank I do not wish to try the... final method a simple bushi might choose, before looking for other ways, as I was taught to value my life and task above other things..

[Shoju]

Shoju looked at the Kitsu. "Of this I am certain. If you begin to lose your battle with the whispers in your head, you had best be a good liar." Shoju looked over and Fujimo was bringing food. Time had passed quickly it seemed. "The Kuroiban would end you on site merely for being in my presence. The Witch Hunters would interrogate you for anything that could lead you to me, and the inquisitors... Well... I think I would start with them if I were you."

Shoju smiled as Fujimo handed Daisuke a plate. "Eat up young one. Your injuries seem to be great. Good food will help you recover." Shoju pointed at the plate. "And to answer your question. Yes. I will help you. I can help you with anything except the ritual that was performed on me. Ulike Gaijin traidition, I did not remove my own heart. It was a hasty ritual done to preserve me from tasting death, and to ensure my obedience." Shoju looked down at his chest. "And one day, I will yet again be the master of my own heart."

[Kitsu Hiraku]

- Thank you for the meal. And indeed food will surely help. Daisuke said before eating. - Seems that I will have to watch out not to have my secret found out.

- And I didn't really plan to rip my heart out of my chest. But that is and interesting idea. As for our goal I hope you succeed. Every man should be the master of his own heart and ideas.

[Shoju]

Shoju chuckled. "I didn't plan to have mine ripped out either.... " Shoju looked up to the sky and back at Daisuke "Sometimes, you are left with no alternatives. Now Daisuke-san. Let us camp for the evening, and in the morning, we can see about getting you home, if thats your wish."

[Kitsu Hiraku]

- Indeed, let us decide in the morning. As they say. night brings counsel. Now if you excuse me I have to prepare for my sleep. Daisuke said and walked a little form the rest of the group. He prayed to the kami for good health but for the first time he wasn't sure if they listened. He decided praying to his ancestor might not be the best idea so he didn't. After that he prepared for the night and felt asleep while thinking about his future.

Next day he woke up with a short scream but stopped immediately after he noticed where he was. - Now that was a realistic nightmare. Excuse me for this.

[Shoju]

The morning sun was just peaking up when Daisuke woke from his nightmare. Surprising or not, the camp was bustling with activity. Truth be told, it never stopped.

More Men were at the camp when Daisuke woke. Some of these men looked like they were not to far removed from a recent battle. Shoju was standing Stoic, facing west with his eyes closed, and his hands clasped firmly behind his back. The breeze was flowing on his face, and his trailed off behind him. Odd... His jingasa seemed to be missing.

[Kitsu Hiraku]

* Reinforcements? More minions? Guess I'll have to ask * Daisuke thought while also noticing that he indeed felt a lot better than last day. He approached Shoju yawning in the meantime.

- Good morning Chuda-sama. I don't want to disturb you, as you seem to be thinking about something important or at least interesting but I feel we need to talk... and also, where is your helmet? And where did these men come from, battle losses?

[Shoju]

Shoju didn't open his eyes. "It appears that the Minor Clans that were marching had found a small group of our forces who were making their way back home. They were routed, and this is all that remains. My jingasa has gone missing. I believe that we have had a visitor in our camp that wasn't noticed due to the disturbance."

Shoju opened his eyes and looked down at Kitsu. "Tell me Daisuke-sama, have you decided on what you would like to do? "

[Kitsu Hiraku]

- I have indeed made a decision. My dream brought me the answers I was looking for. One of my ancestors had already told my daimyo of what happened here. And she will not understand. She will treat me like a traitor and if I return she will probably have me executed. Thus my only option is to flee... and the only place where I can go to while having hopes of remaining sane is going with your people. Daisuke answered, looking into Shoju eyes.

[Shoju]

Shoju raised an eyebrow. "It appears that being a kitsu is sort of like always being followed by a tattling younger sibling.... Anyway, It is most unfortunate that you find yourself in this predicament Daisuke. " Shoju turn and began walking towards camp, pointing at several things, and guards began moving and mobilizing. The Lost were very adept at breaking camp.

"If you travel with us, you travel to Saisei. My home. There, you can begin to understand what it is that your family was working on, and keep your sanity for sure." Shoju stopped and stared Daisuke in the eyes. "Are you absolutely sure that this is the path you choose? The empire will call you traitor. Your clan will hunt you. Your ancestors.... likely would forsake you sooner or later."

[Kitsu Hiraku]

- As you said before, the empire already made it's verdict when I talked to you instead of trying to die while fighting with your whole group. Various groups would seek me, and question, possibly even torture. My ancestor had already betrayed me, and my family hates me for their version of truth. I have no place to go back... and if I follow you, not only will I have my place in this world... but I could, and only maybe but still... maybe I could find the spirits of my parents. He answered to Shoju - And the most important thing will be that others would share a fate similar to mine... and I do not wish to be alone.