The Rurouni Kenshin RPG

ALL NEW RK RPG STARTED JULY 7!

2006-06-09T22:17:24Z

Six Months Later – The Next GAME!

This NEW Rurouni Kenshin Role Playing Game started JULY 7, 2006!
If you are interested in playing, please go to our Himura_Gumi Application Community. Read the rules on the RPG profile page and choose a character that is listed as Available

Copy and paste the Application listed on the user page, complete it with ALL of the information requested and then post it in the Application Community. This is a written role play game and your application is your opportunity to showcase your writing and characterization skills. Please be as complete and specific as possible.

October 9th, 1878--Night--Kamiya Dojo

2006-01-28T20:28:05Z

"Brrr... it's cold!" These are the first words out of my mouth once we walk back inside, back home. I look back at Kenshin who is fussing with locking the gate, tapping my foot and wishing he would hurry up!

From the looks of things, nobody else is home. I have not seen Yahiko all day and I have not seen Hiko-san in... quite a few days! (Where is he anyway?) It is a little strange coming home to an empty place but it also is pretty nice too sometimes!

"Well... how about I start dinner and you start heating up the bath, ne?" A nice hot meal and bath after such a long day, what more could a ~~newlywed couple~~ girl ask for?

( Clueless hubby entered with permission~ )

-:|:- 9 Oct. 1878: Afternoon to Early Evening: Oniwabanshu Bookstore -:|:-

2006-01-27T23:10:28Z

Not bad for the bookstore's first day.

Baa-chan is gracious enough to help me around our humble little store. Though there are some actual purchases made, there are people coming in and out, simply perusing what we offer. I give the task of handling the purchases to Baa-chan, while I handle our customers, and ensure their continued patronage.

As the afternoon wear on, I give Baa-chan a break, feeling like she needed it more than I do--despite her protests that she is younger than I am. Heh. You cannot fool this old badger.

It was good timing, when I took over for her. The single customer had left, leaving me alone with our books. I am tempted to take one off from a shelf, make perusals of my own, but my mind is more interested on unraveling the mystery shrouding the note that Misao... procured.

Granted that the Oniwabanshu has retired until recent turn of events forced some of us from the peaceful retirement. And granted that adversaries would surely come out of the surface at any given time, that is to be expected. But the note... it stirs not a single memory from days of old. It frustrates me a little that those simple words doesn't evoke a piece of our rather shady past.

I wish I can speak to Yukyuuzan-san again. We have agreed, after parting at Himura's wedding, to meet at a more convenient time. It is unfortunate I do not know where he resides. Perhaps Takani-sensei can help me with that...

But how will I whet this gnawing curiosity of mine? Something tells me, from deep within my bones, that things will take an interesting turn once we begin delving into the mystery.

I'm thinking of retiring early, and have Baa-chan take over for me here. Our food store is low, and I might need to go out to buy things needed for supper. Perhaps some fried seafood.

Okina exits thread.

Oct. 9, 1878 - Sunset to Night: Tokio gets tree-huggy somewhere deep in the woods

2006-01-27T05:41:21Z

Trees, trees

Still green, despite the encroaching autumn

I am glad.

The sun sets.

shadows, shadows growing longer

It is dark in here but the trees are comforting. Trees, plants...

Tokyo is all dust, suffocating dust, drab and dead

Here, one can dream... and be safe...

I collapse against a thick trunk and slip off into that land of dreams.

(ooc: parking her here for the weekend; she will not wake easily. outfit-wise she's still in "in-between" mode XD, i.e. woman's kimono, men's obi/hair)

Oct. 9, 1878 - Evening: Streets

2006-01-27T05:25:26Z

Mmm. I am utterly pleased with myself. I hold my newly bought package in my arms as I walk down the streets. This should be enough to last me a while....

When suddenly, I catch a glimpse of someone familiar*.

... Very familiar.

(Of all the people!)

"Yamazaki, care to explain what the hell is going on with the fucking ninja stalkers?"

Well, I'm not THAT angry over that incident yesterday morning.

But I'd like to know exactly what's going on.

* permission given to spot susu

Oct.9: The Kite, Evening

2006-01-27T04:20:03Z

After leaving the shack, Okita-sensei suggested that we return to his dojo to better attend to Shura's wounds and while that was quite a solid idea, there were other problems with following it through. Such as I too was being followed and neither even knew about it yet. So on top of Shura's problems, I was mixing mine own in here as well.

I gave Okita-sensei some quick response and through the doubtful look he agreed. I could tell that he knew there was another reason and had stored his questions for later use. So the question came up again as we traversed through the forest, where to take the injured woman? I thought of the answer immediately after the question… where better to hide from the criminals and ruffians, than in the place that breeds and gives life to them?

Yoshiwara was a world where Okita-sensei and I could maneuver through and I was sure Shura could as well. We moved through the dark alleyways and behind buildings ease and unnoticed. We walked into each shadow carefully and made a slow procession through the buildings. I was pulling from experience from my Bakumatsu days and a glance at Okita-sensei told me he was doing the same.

Yet no matter how much we wandered we were still without a place to head to and Shura was looking worse, though she never once complained. In whispers and small pauses we deliberated a plan. I suggested that we move towards the Red Lilly, but half way through my suggestion, I remembered that Mayu-san was gone along with my connections to the teahouse. Okita-sensei then had us move towards the Cotton in search of his friend Miyuki-san. Yet that true proved fruitless, as the woman was not there, according to Okita-sensei.

We were at a loss, tired, and hungry when we happened to pass by another teahouse that Shura recognized. She knew the owner, a Yukishiro, and that he had extended some kindness to her in the past. It was a long shot but Okita-sensei went towards the front, while I waited with Shura behind the building. The two of us remained quite in a shadow, tucked away from view, as we waited for acceptance or rejection from the owner.

Minutes felt like hours and I could feel Shura become tenser in my arms as each one passed by. Finally, the back door of the teahouse swung open, revealing Okita-sensei accompanied by a small woman with a pointed look. I was not sure what the samurai had told her but she led us to a small room far from view of the other guests. I suppose two men and an injured woman was bad for business so we were placed in a room away from other's curiousness. I could hardly thank her enough.

Though Shura inquired about Yukishiro the woman merely rattled off that she would have fresh bandages and food brought to us before leaving, the question unanswered. I set the dark haired woman on the bed, taking care to not upset her wounds, and checking that the bandages held back the blood for now.

Through my steady work pace, I ask what I am sure was both on mine and Okita-sensei's mind, "Who is after you, Shura-san?"

((Permission to open the Kite & use of Kibagami-san granted by player. Direction of Shura and OKita granted by respective players.))

Oct 9, 1878, Early Evening, the Streets of Tokyo

2006-01-26T19:53:08Z

Heading on my way back to the Kite, which should be opening very soon, I have taken a slow pace through Tokyo.
I imagine the city around me to be like a river in high summer, flowing past me, taking the cold away by virtue of sheer motion. All around me are the sounds and smells of countless people and the lives they hold close.
I note that my hearing is continuing to improve; my ears are healing. It won't be long before they will be what they were, or so I hope.
It has been a very peculiar day.
Pensively strolling, I consider the faces who pushed their way into the winter of my afternoon, and the inevitable question arises.
What am I to do?
Decisions have been made. I have resolved what must be with the old man who calls himself my father, at least... and I realize that now, being the Yukishiro myself, that I have family honor to attend to.
Which before, was only justice for my sister.
'e-chan.
The riddle continues to torment me like frosty needles.
Is that finished? Can it ever be finished?
Not while the monster lives, the whispers come.
The journal in my pocket is more and more a maze, though it is a maze filled with 'e-chan's voice.
With all the echoes now, I cannot understand what she is trying to tell me.
What more must I do for the old man?
Must I treat the murderer as my brother-in-law, even now?

I realize that I have been losing these questions of honor and duty in business, and I decide for the moment to consider something other.

(Enishi is strolling through Tokyo, en route to the Kite, deep in thought. Encounter him at your own risk.)

Oct 9 - 7 pm - Sekihara Tae's house

2006-01-26T04:29:02Z

Shit. The Chou is standin’ here in front o’ Sekihara-san’s house, wishin’ he’da had hisself at least one more freakin’ hour! I got all the right ‘gredients ta make Sekihara-san the nicest damn down home Osaka dinner you’d ever wanna see like. Not that I had time ta make the freakin’ meal after poor Sou-chan had his freakin’ meltdown right out on the freakin’ street.

By the time the Chou got back ta his house, it was damn near dark and way too freakin' late ta be doin’ none o’ that fine an’ fancy cookin’ like! Damn. O’ course, the Chou ain’t one ta let a little thin’ like that stop ‘im from makin’ a damn fine dinner for the little lady. No freakin’ way.

I get the rice cookin’ the freakin’ minute I’m through the door, so’s it’s all done and ready like after I get done cleanin’ up both me and the Chou’s place. Not too much ta do there, Mama Sawagejou didn’t raise no sloppy children! ~~I sure as hell hope Kamatari and Sou don't drive the Chou nuts by bein' slobs.~~

My buddy the fishseller had the best lookin’ fish and had saved plenty o’ it for the Chou. I got all the ‘gredients for a snackin’ fine supper o’ sushi and sashimi over rice. Everythin’ is all sliced and diced and ‘splayed all pretty like and such ‘fore the Chou heads out ta pick up the purdy lady herself. Plus, the Chou always has some special treats and sake ‘round for enjoyin’. Settin' the freakin’ food on the trays takes ‘bout as long as makin’ the delicious morsels, but the Chou loves makin’ it look all purdy like.

One last touch o’ class, the Chou picks one o’ the last flowers o’ the season for the table. The Chou don’t do no Ikebana - but close. One lone chrysanthemum, white in color, with jus'a tiny bit o' yeller in the center rests in a bed of the seven grasses of autumn - jus’ like the Chou would like ta see Sekihara-san restin’ in his bed!

What the fuck, fat chance o’ that happenin’ with Kamatari and Sou-chan showin’ up later like. One thin’ is certain, Sekihara-san should ‘preciate the damn fine lookin’ table the Chou has ‘pared for her. Seein’ how as she’s in the bizness and all.

Screw it. That’s all the Chou has time ta do now. I told Sekihara-san I was pickin’ her up like ‘round seven o’clock so’s I better get my ass movin’ or I’ll be late.

The Chou goes through the freakin’ gate right ‘bout seven. Here’s hopin’ Sekihara-san is ready for a nice dinner at the Chou’s!

Evening to Night, Yoshiwara, Oct. 9, 1878

2006-01-25T23:05:33Z

After leaving the longhouse, I went to Hiro’s place and convinced him to join me in a jaunt to Yoshiwara.

After all, there’s only one way to forget about women—hang out with your buddies, go gambling, and drink large quantities of sake.

Just outside of Yoshiwara, we ran into Kamue, another of our mutual acquaintances. Within minutes, all three of us were in the heart of the pleasure district, at one of best gambling houses around.

I lost all my money in less than an hour.

Not that I cared that much as long as I had enough sake to drink, which wasn’t that much of a problem. Hiro won quite a bit and bought enough for all of us.

After awhile, we got tired of gambling and stumbled back into the street, half-empty sake jugs in each of our hands, looking for something else to entertain ourselves with.

Kamue suggested that we go out try out the new place.

“I am not going to the Kite,” I told him emphatically.

“No, not there!” he replied. “I was at this place last night. Let’s go!”

Hiro and I followed him along the streets, into one of the seedier parts of the district. He led us down an alleyway, in which I could hear a lot of noise. At the end of the alleyway, he stepped through a door. Hiro and I followed him only to have our ears assaulted by a loud, large jeering crowd of men. They were gathered around an open area of the floor in a circle, betting, yelling, and applauding while two men wrestled and beat on each other.

“Wrestling?” I asked Kamue with disdain. “Watching wrestling is boring. I’d rather fight myself, you know?”

I turned to leave, but he stopped me. “No, that’s just it, Sano! You can!” He pointed to the bulkier of the two men who were fighting. “All you have to do is stay in with that guy for three minutes, and you’ll win three yen. Take him down and you’ll win 10 yen. I heard that no one has been able to even stay in with him.”

I look over at the guy and sized him up. Geez, if I could take down Shikijou, I could take this guy.

I shoved the sake bottle at Hiro, took my gi off, and handed it to Kamue.

When the guy in charge asked who was next, I stepped up.

I took my opponent down in less than two minutes.

Then the man in charge offered me his place—I was offered another two yen for any other guy that I took out. He had a deal.

Yeah.

This was the way to make money.

Evening, October 9: Streets of this city called Tokyo

2006-01-25T05:45:25Z

After leaving the home of Yukiko-san, I go to pick up dinner and then make an unscheduled stop at a particular store.

It seems they don't have the seven-shot gun things, so I take what they have, as well as the bag that Kakunoshin-san gave me, and head towards the hanamachi district, hoping when I get home that Shin-san will be there.

With the wind blowing, I clutch the coverlet around my hair and walk quickly, still mindful that there might be people about looking for me or my brother.

Mid to Late Afternoon, Ueno Park by the Pond, Oct. 9, 1878

2006-01-25T02:15:11Z

Oh, it's such a pretty day out! The perfect day to take a walk through the park and follow Jiya's advice!

I take my time as I walk toward my destination--the pond. I like being near water when I meditate. The trees are turning, and the leaves are so beautiful!

There aren't that many people about when I reach the pond, just some ducks swimming lazily by. I watch them for a few minutes before I sit down by the edge of the pond, take off my tabi and socks, and let my feet dangle in the water. The water's a bit chilly, but I don't mind that much.

I just sit there for a few minutes and stare across the pond, trying to clear my mind of all everything that was bothering me earlier today.

A buttery yellow leaf from a horse chestnut tree goes floating by, and I reach out and pluck it from the water, laying it my lap.

Some people when they meditate prefer to clear their minds completely and not think of anything of all. Some people chant the same sound over and over again. Both kinds of meditation can help a person discover who they are inside.

I prefer another kind of meditation. I like to look at something created in nature, cause everything in nature is beautiful. You just can't go wrong when contemplating nature. Nature helps you find the beauty within.

I lay the leaf flat in my palm, still dripping water between my fingers.

I turn it over and over again, studying it. Its texture, its shape, and the warmth of its wonderful yellow color. I let one of my fingers trace along the tiny veins and along the edges.

After a long while, the leaf is dry. I hold it up by its delicate stem and let it blow away in the wind.

I smile.

Late Afternoon, Sano's Long House, Oct. 9, 1878

2006-01-24T03:14:21Z

I didn’t look back to check if Kenshin and Kaoru had followed me when I left the cabin by the river. I had a feeling that they wouldn’t. It was okay with me, because I did want to be alone, as least for a little while.

Besides which, they deserved some time to be alone together. I did, after all, drag them along on a search for a woman who did not want to be found.

As I walked, trying not to think about anything at all, I eventually reached the dojo. I paused, hands in my pockets, as I stared at the gate for a moment or two before I shook my head and moved on.

I kept on walking, my feet taking me through the streets of Tokyo until I reached the long house. I entered, slipped inside, and locked the shoji behind me.

Once inside, I leaned back against the wall, eventually letting myself fold down to the floor.

I stared at the opposite wall for a very long before I fell asleep.

October 9th, 1878--Early Evening--Ueno Park Area

2006-01-23T20:15:11Z

As we leave that shack by the beach, I feel that I have every right in the world to be upset. What was Aoshi-san trying to prove? I thought he was our friend. The Oniwabanshuu have been there to help us plenty of times before in the past just as we have also out of kindness. They let us stay at the Aoiya when we were in Kyoto, we let him and the others stay at our home here in Tokyo. What was he trying to accuse us of anyway?

The longer that we walk, the more that my anger starts to subside however. Eventually it is replaced with a quiet sadness. Sanosuke can not find Shura-san, nor could Kenshin and I. I try and push that thought aside for as worried as I am about Sanosuke and her, I am also worried about the person beside me.

I turn my head a little to look at him. Kenshin has not so much as squeaked out an oro, even when I was literally dragging him around when I had wanted to walk at a brisker pace. The sadness that I could pick up on as he was handing Aoshi-san our money from various wedding goers; it certain pulled quite a few heart strings.

Now... I just stop, knowing that he has no choice other than to stop too.

Autumn is starting to get into full swing here in Tokyo. Right here alongside Ueno Park, reds, yellows, oranges mingled with greens and even subtle hints of pink. The colors are not in peak quite yet, but it is still not too early too....

"Let's go a different way home." It is the first thing that I have said in quite some time and I blurt it out too. Suddenly on impulse I am starting to pull him in a different direction.

I do not know where this path leads too but finding out is half the fun, ne?

( Kenshin pulled along for the ride with permission )

Yukiko's House, Oct. 9, Later Afternoon

2006-01-23T04:14:20Z

Before long the three of us make our way through the busy streets, finally arriving at my house. For a woman living alone it's a tad large, but I love it all the same...for the storage space and training space.

Safely inside and with the gate securely locked, I turn to my two companions.

"Now then, ladies, if you'll follow me, I'll show you my collection."

Outside of Enishi's Cabin, Afternoon, Oct. 9, 1878

2006-01-21T16:39:31Z

I step outside of the cabin and move a few feet away from it as I wait for Kenshin and Kaoru to come out.

Suddenly I'm feeling very tired.

Oct. 9, 1878 - (early to mid) Afternoon: Streets

2006-01-20T08:01:42Z

I am not hungry. My body is tired, but the thought of sleep fails to interest me.

I should not have gone to her. I should not have gone to her.

Why is my judgment no longer what it once was?

And then, as the hours wear on, I find myself no longer caring.

What is done is done. There is nothing I can do but plunge on.

I think idly that I should leave a message at the Kite. Thank you for your help, I do not know how I can ever repay you, I apologize for the short notice, good-bye.

Not necessary, his voice whispers. You will not be missed.

Let's go, I say tiredly. Let's go again, to that place. That place where the magnolias blossomed beneath the blue sky, and the land was like a mirror reflecting water and air.

Yes, we will go.

I do not know the way.

Of course. You have forgotten, he says cruelly. You often forget such things. These things that should never be forgotten.

No, don't say that. I have never forgotten. Never. Never.

But I do not know the way.

But he does not reply and when I look, I see two snakes slithering along the side of the road. I wonder if one of them is the little green creature I released just days ago. I wonder many things but it is useless to wonder. They are both black anyway. Green does not turn to ink so easily.

They go on and on and on, and I step after them tiredly, and wonder where they lead me.

It does not matter.

All roads lead there in the end.

*wanders off*

Fever Dreams at the Kite

2006-01-20T00:00:13Z

[Flashback]
Everything was gone.

The dreams, the memories, the laughter, the tears--everything was consumed along with the house in the flames of revolution.

The old man put his tattered hat over his head, protecting the only remnant of the life he left behind.

If his children would not come to him, then he would go after them.

He would follow them to the very depths of hell if he had to.
[/Flashback]

Oct 9. sitting by the river, Late Afternoon

2006-01-19T02:59:34Z

Then Mushashi being...something...something...did fight something... I blink and close the book for a moment, running a hand through my hair. I start a bit as I see the sun's position. I had been reading a long time. Or...trying anyway. My head is aching a little with the effort. I put the book down and flop back on the grass, staring at the sky. Puffy white clouds pass overhead. The sky was blue that day too. Even though it shouldn't have been. I close my eyes tightly, fighting back the images that are trying to spring to my mind. I'm tired of seeing them.

"Stop thinking about that," I tell myself forcefully. I had a family...well...somewhere to stay now. With Saitou-san...even though...well... I wasn't really staying with him either at the moment. I sat up again, staring at the shimmering river. It hadn't too long and allready I was missing how it was. Helping Tokio-san around the house. Waiting for Saitou-san to come home and now everything was...uncertain again. Staying with Okita-san is fine, but...I just wish something would stay the same from one day to the next.

Somewhere Along Tokyo Bay, Afternoon, Oct. 9, 1878

2006-01-19T02:48:37Z

After leaving Saitou, as Kenshin and Jou-chan catch up with me, I tell them that I want to check along the bay.

I may have checked the port, but what if Shura just went off to be alone for some reason? She definitely wouldn't go to the port, then.

The bay would be the perfect place for her to go. It's got lots of little places where a person can be alone and not see another single soul.

I lead both Kenshin and Kaoru over the stretches of white sand and the occasional bits of rocky soil that make up Tokyo's open waterfront.

As we walk, my eyes are constantly moving. Up to the water and back, all the way to the tree line that marks the border between the forest and the beach. Searching for any sign of Shura.

It's October and grown colder, so there's no one else about. The wind off the water has a chilled feeling to it.

After we all hike for a long while, I suddenly stop walking and find myself staring across the water as a few clouds go scudding by on the horizon. The water is a blue-gray today; not as beautiful as the clear crystal blue that I usually like, but still pretty.

"Why don't we take a break?"

(Kenshin and Kaoru moved with players' permission.)

Oct 9. Wandering Around The River; Late Afternoon

2006-01-18T05:45:54Z

After a discreet and silent retreat from the clinic, we scour the river for a place a body can be hidden.

Of course, it needn't sound so morbid. From what Yamazaki said, she should be alive. But we do not know how long she has.

Still, I find myself more fatigued than usual. I didn't exactly get a good night's sleep and this exercise of carrying my lady love across half the town is wearing on my reserves.

Damn that shinobi. He couldn't be a little more specific? Did he expect Megumi to just run over here by herself and find this 'Shura' woman?

I settle the good doctor on her feet after coming down from a brief perch in a tree to see the lay of the land. I need some rest. And we need to figure out what we're doing out here. Can someone say 'ambush?'

I wander down to the river's edge near a familiar bridge. The water is cold on my hands and colder on my face.

"Ideas on where to go? Do you think she could be..." I don't want to say it. "Where...he was before?"

He. The man I'd like to forget.

October 9th, 1878--Afternoon---Takatsuki Household

2006-01-18T00:58:43Z

On my way home I had thought over the conversation this morning about Aizu with Takani-sensei and the himesama. Mostly about how guilty I felt at not having felt more strongly about the subject. Should I go back? When? What could I do?...Gen-nii what should I do? Would Shigure-san want me to? I shake my head as Takani-san's other words float through my head.

... I would enjoy having the opportunity to talk to another person from Aizu.

We are a rare breed ne? Odd that I've lived years in Tokyo and haven't branched out to other's from Aizu. I suppose Musashino-san was feeling similarly about his roots as well. Shigure-san knew that too. I now think he may have sheltered me too much.

"Takatsuki-sensei...may I have my brush back?" Oh how embarassing, there I go, thinking too seriously. "Maa, of course." I hand the writing brush back over to Suzume before walking to the next row of children.

Mou I'm tired.

Oct 9 – Afternoon – Streets of Tokyo

2006-01-16T22:59:21Z

I lock the gate after Kaoru and Sano step out into the street. I wonder if Sano is still gagging on that……soup…..too. I only know it was soup because it was liquid – or at least had liquid in it. And it was in a bowl. What else could it have been? Kaoru is not trying to poison me already, is she? Then, I notice she did not have any “soup”. Note to self: hide the daikon.

Once the dojo is locked up, I turn to speak to Sano. “Where shall we start our search? Do you know where Shura is living in Tokyo? Perhaps we should check there again in case she returned home?”

Oct.9: Afternoon, Gensai Clinc

2006-01-16T04:28:20Z

After leaving Shura, I head to the only place I know that can help her… the Gensai Clinic. However, once I reach the gates, the quite stillness lets me know that there is no one there and I wonder if maybe, just maybe I really can come back to this place. Being a doctor was something that—never mind, such frivolous thoughts would get me killed.

If Gensai-sensei and Megumi-san were not here, then there should be someone nearby that can help right? But who is someone that Shura trusts? I do not know her well enough to even know what her problems are and if I left a note here, would those chasing her find her easier?

Ugh… I’m going to have to leap the gate. How bothersome…

I walk around the clinic so the neighbors do not think that someone odd ~~(me)~~ is trying to break into the building, even though that was exactly what I was doing. Still it would give the good doctors a bad reputation if something shady were happening around this place, so I have to be extra careful in my entrance.

I choose a spot where there were less chances of me being seen and quickly scale the wall into the yard of the clinic. I rush towards the kitchen, where my original note still lay untouched, and left another note to be found.

I ran into a woman named, Shura, who was injured. I fixed her up as best as I could with my limited supplies, but left her in a secluded cabin off the river, not far from here. It seems that she is in some sort of trouble, so I did not wish to bring her here and have her troubles come towards you. However, if you can stop by and assist her somewhat, that would be wonderful if not… I might as to purchase some supplies from you to use on her.

I hesitated signing the note this time. A few more seconds passed before I scrawled my sur name on the note and leaving the same way I came in.

((Susumu exits.))

October 9, 1878-- Afternoon-- Streets of Tokyo

2006-01-16T03:01:05Z

Chou and I manage to get Sou-chan out of the bookstore without any trouble, which I'm thankful for. The last thing we needed was Shinomori making a scene, or something.

The streets are noisy, and I frown in irritation. A man is shouting at the top of his lungs that some fishmonger shortchanged him. I roll my eyes. I couldn't care less. I've got my own problems right now.

I'm still not sure what set Sou-chan off like that. Ok, so I do know-- it was that kid, Eiji-- I just don't know why.

Sou-chan's been strange since I ran into him. Well, he was always strange, but now he's strange in a different way. He's acting like a child now, and that includes having a child's fear. Damn it, what did Battousai do to him when they fought?

It doesn't surprise me that this is all Battousai's fault. It always is. I really hate that bastard. None of this shit would be happening if Shishio-sama was around.

Damn Battousai.

But I can't think like that right now. I need to try and cheer up for Sou-chan's sake. Kid's got enough problems right now without me being in bad mood.

Right, cheerful, I can do cheerful. "So, Chou," I say noting the cookbook in his hand, "I hope you're planning to cook us something good from that book."

(OOC: Chou and Soujirou moved with permission.)

October 9th, Tokyo, the Kite, noon

2006-01-15T17:03:04Z

My return to the Kite was inobtrusive. After my conversation with Takani, I had sat in the silence of my house, locked away in thought until I turned my head and realized that night had long since come.
A few hours of thankfully dreamless sleep, pure oblivion, and then the day.
Kibagami-san gives me my messages, discusses the business. I absorb the words without expression, part of my mind still turning over Takani's words, examining them, memorizing them.
I find it curious how quickly she cuts to the heart of things, but then, a doctor should know exactly where to cut.
In that, we are much alike.
Later, in my office, hands warmed by a cup of tea, I force my mind to business, and away from Takani's understated elegance.
There is something bothersome in my regard for the doctor, which I would prefer to not consider
because it is easy to consider it too much
so I attack the numbers and papers and notes.
A sip of tea, feeling the warmth branch into my body, and I see that the Kite's business has been modestly good. As favored patrons accumulate, it will increase, especially once gambling begins to move more money. I notice that my choice in entertainers has also been good; some of them have brought their prior patrons with them.
Ignoring the sounds of the ghosts shuffling outside, I also mull over the message Kibagami-san gave me about the old man.
It must be the man who says he is my father.
What could he possibly want?
He can't make reparations. Some things can never be made whole again.
some people can never be made whole again

"Kibagami-san... arrange a sake tasting for tomorrow night. I've set aside funds for the purchases... also, if anyone pays a call and wants to speak to me, I'll be in my office. Send them in."

(Enishi is doing some accounting, both internal and external. Feel free to stop in and interrupt him.)