What is love? Baby, don't hurt me.

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> Sayuri takes you into the woods, the path through them only a narrow dirt band. With the heavy tree cover and the setting sun, you don't have much in the way of light here, but Sayuri seems to know where she's going. OOC: how far behind are Nadia and Rena, for reference?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: well out of sight since we're cheating with the telepathy orb. Say half a mile?
<El-Cideon> OOC: Okay.
<El-Cideon> There are only a couple intersections along the way, just trampled patches of the undergrowth that might well be tracks favored by local animals. Sayuri ignores these, continuing straight on for about half an hour before two black-clad forms drop down into the path before her. (more)
<El-Cideon> "Sayuri, you bring outsiders here?" one of them challenges, clearly indignant. Your guide silences this and further protests with a sneer. "They already knew where to find us and came directly for me. What happens to them is a decision for the elders. Go and tell them to be ready." After a moment's hesitation, both of them run down the path ahead of you.
* Nadia_Chekova decides to go off the path, getting Rena to follow her and trying to be a bit more stealthy in their pursuit so that they don't get spotted by any other ninja guards.
* Yomi looks suitably impressed at Sayuri's commanding attitude.
<Erin> Erin glances warily about the forest, quite willing to suspect that Sayuri is not really the only ninja present.
<El-Cideon> Sayuri continues on. There are no further interruptions; either those two spread the word ahead of you or there were no more sentries along the way. The path ends abruptly--you break through the treeline and suddenly a building is ahead of you, an old-fashioned, two-storey Japanese house. (more)
<El-Cideon> A sliding front door is apparent, but the facade is otherwise devoid of windows or entrances. The surroundings have not been cultivated in any way, the forest simply stopping twenty feet away from the house.
<El-Cideon> "We are here," Sayuri announces, perhaps redundantly.
<El-Cideon> OOC: roll spot, idly
<El-Cideon> OOC: just Erin/Yomi
<Yomi> roll 1d20
* Hatbot --> "Yomi rolls 1d20 and gets 4."12 [1d20=4]
<Erin> roll 1d20+15
* Hatbot --> "Erin rolls 1d20+15 and gets 29."12 [1d20=14]
* Yomi gives Sayuri an incredulous look, though she quickly finds herself shaking it off. "In that case, you're going to introduce us to your elders, now?"
<Erin> Erin's gaze drifts towards the roof, although she manages to resist the temptation to wave. "Please," she adds.
<El-Cideon> "That's correct. Follow me." She approaches the house, but does not head towards the front door. She ignores it and walks around to the left of the building. The left side of the house is a seemingly unbroken wall of wood panels, no doors or windows, but Sayuri approaches an anonymous plank and presses on a knot in the wood. A chunk of the wall slides open smoothly; inside is a small room with a ladder.
<El-Cideon> "Follow after I ascend," she says, vanishing up the ladder.
<Yomi> "Doesn't there come a time when you decide that hey, you've got enough redundant traps already?" Yomi mutters, the next to climb up.
<Erin> "They must invest their ill-gotten gains into something," replies Erin, scampering up after the swordswoman.
<El-Cideon> You climb in darkness for what feels like the height of one floor before coming out in an empty room about thirty feet wide. Sayuri is waiting here, as are half a dozen masked man encircling the hole. All of them hold rifles and are obviously carrying blades about them; the guns are not pointed at you, but they give the impression that they could do so if sufficiently motivated.
* Yomi draws her confidence from the wrapped bundle she is carrying, and her polite smile at her hosts reflects that.
<Erin> Erin's fingers meet at their tips, although her schoolteacher's frown stands in sharp contrast to Yomi's pleasant demeanour.
<El-Cideon> "This way," Sayuri says, rather needlessly as there's only one door here, right across from you. She leads you down a hallway that twists and turns for what feels like the circumference of the building; doors line the walls, but she ignores all of them save the second to last (which looks just like all the others). She pauses outside. "Speak with respect. I hope you realize that violence will be met with lethal force."
<Yomi> "We did not go all this way merely to start a fight here," Yomi agrees, nodding at Sayuri.
<Erin> "I shall keep this in mind," notes Erin.
<El-Cideon> Meanwhile, Nadia and Rena wade through the undergrowth along the path. Makes it slow going, but you don't encounter any trouble. Eventually you catch sight of a break in the treeline up ahead, seeing the vague shape of a building on the other side. OOC: was Erin or Yomi carrying the main orb to transmit to you two?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: Yomi
* Nadia_Chekova and Rena settle down in the undergrowth, the plantgirl surely at home here and able to keep an eye out for roving ninjas while Nadia keeps watch over Yomi like some sort of benevolent deity.
<El-Cideon> "Many would," Sayuri says with a shrug. She opens the door and gestures inside. The room on the other side is modest and sparsely furnished, perhaps thirty feet square. A low table is in the center of the room, a couple cupboards at the walls, little more. there are three people standing around the table, waiting for you. (more)
<El-Cideon> All wear black and are masked, of course. The one in the center is tall, probably around six feet, and carries no visible weapons. The one to the right is clearly a woman, judging by her figure, and wears two long, curved knives at her waist. The third is a man bearing both a katana and a smaller sword. Sayuri clsoes the door behind you after ushering you in.
<El-Cideon> Rena doesn't seem to mind sitting in the woods and waiting. She picks at tangles in her hair as she lazily glances around the woods.
<Yomi> Yomi's gaze lingers on the swordsman, but her interest doesn't persist. "I am Isayama Yomi," she introduces herself with a bow. "Thank you for having me."
<Erin> "Erin Callahan," appends the mage, remaining a foot behind her companion.
<El-Cideon> "We do not often have guests," the central man says, with a note of amusement to his deep voice, "and some who seek to find us carry ill intentions. Hopefully you can overlook our manners not matching your respectful greeting. Now, tell us what brings you here."
<Erin> Erin's eyebrows rise quite high! Surely these secretive masters must have some idea?
<Yomi> If that's how things are going to be! "As I told Sayuri when I approached her, it is my sincere hope that we can resolve our problems to everyone's satisfaction through dialogue. As things stand, my cousin and her paramour desire to get me out of the way. It is really, at its core, a conflict within our family, and I would very much like to keep it contained as such."
<El-Cideon> "Family conflicts are not precisely our concern," the man continues, "except when it officially becomes our business to become involved. It would not be very professional of us to forsake a contract merely because the victim asked us to, would it?" he adds with conscious irony.
<Yomi> "Do I qualify as a victim, Erin?" Yomi asks her companion, glancing sideways at her.
<Erin> "Only one of conscience, Yomi," replies Erin, shaking her head.
<Yomi> "I am not suggesting you do so out of the goodness of your hearts," Yomi then tells the ninja. "I have provided Sayuri with documents which show a clear intent on the part of your empoyer to violate the terms of the business contract between you two. Can you truly be expected to extend him that professional courtesy when he is seeking to undermine you?"
<El-Cideon> "Ah, yes. Perhaps an amendment is in order. 'Target' would surely be more accurate. 'Victim' implies helplessness, the opposite of which you have demonstrated by finding us. My apologies." (more)
<El-Cideon> "In point of fact, we rather expect a difficult working relationship with most of our employers. If we had to deal with one preemptively, it would not be the first time. Survival does trump all other concerns. This is not desirable, of course. If the evidence is not convincing, there are alternatives for you." He nods for the swordsman to continue as he himself picks up the sheaf of letters from the table--Sayuri must have sent someone ahead with them after she climbed the ladder.
<Yomi> "Also, as I've told Sayuri," Yomi continues rather calmly, "I've relocated to Erin's homeland. Very few things would bring me back here; you certainly know what did in this case. I don't foresee any problems arising if this matter were resolved and I could return to my new life."
<El-Cideon> Out in the forest, Rena speaks. She's at least careful enough to do it quietly, of course, since they're supposed to be keeping watch and laying low. "Nadia, Yomi did not seem to like Nobu. Why is this?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "I don't know," Nadia admits quietly. "She complained a lot to Erin about him but I rather tuned it out. Was he any good?"
<El-Cideon> The swordsman speaks. You think you've heard the voice before. Sounds like the man you met in Osaka. "We endeavor to be practical, but it is a matter of professionalism that we not break a contract. I admit that several things speak in your favor, however: we are, so to speak, between contracts on you. It's obvious that our initial agent failed. We need to report this to our employer before we proceed further against you. We have not yet done this, wishing to verify the fate of our agent first. It may be that he will not choose to rely on our services again, though of course I understand this may not be a chance you wish to take." (more)
<El-Cideon> "There is another alternative available to you. There is one specific class of person against whom we will not accept a contract: our own. You have already demonstrated considerable skill in defeating our agent, evading our attention, and finding us, after all."
<El-Cideon> Rena nods. "He was very attentive and energetic. I was satisfied with the experience. He asked a great many questions about Yomi afterwards, though. It's bothersome when men speak about other women, isn't it?"
* Erin wrinkles her nose, finding many things about what she presently hears to be unpleasant.
<Yomi> "Could you simply not accept--" Yomi breaks into a cough. "Sorry. Could you not accept the new contract if he does asks for one?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "It's so selfish!" Nadia agrees in irritation, having to work not to raise her voice at the indignation. "I'm glad he at least satisfied you, though. You have seemed preoccupied from the lack of relations since you've travelled with us."
<El-Cideon> "We could refuse a contract, and have done so on occasion. Counting you among our ranks would be a compelling reason to do so."
<Erin> "I would presume that being counted within your ranks would imply being subject to your orders, as well," replies Erin, pursing her lips.
<El-Cideon> "It was a relief," Rena acknowledges. "I am glad for your support. Yomi and Erin do not seem to approve as much."
<El-Cideon> "That is correct," the swordsman says. The tall man, scanning the letters, hands a few to the woman to examine.
<Erin> "
<Yomi> "I'm afraid that I see it as my mission to defend humanity. I couldn't possibly make exceptions for this, even if it was to punish cheating scum womanizers," she says, her voice growing irritated towards the end.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Well, Erin's religious, and Yomi... well, she really hates Nobu, I think," Nadia smiles a little sheepishly, belatedly registering that Yomi can hear them.
<Erin> "I would personally find it quite objectionable if one such as Yomi was to turn her sword upon those who merely antagonize the rich," voices Erin.
<El-Cideon> "We consider ourselves facilitators of political harmony," the tall man says, over his reading. "Many of those we eliminate are very objectionable people themselves, you know."
* Yomi gathers her cool. "You should know enough about me to know that I fight on the front of a war more important than the current conflicts combined. Choosing to eliminate me puts you on the side of demons who would enslave and kill humanity if given the chance. Is that really something that money can make you overlook?"
<El-Cideon> "Religion is a very silly thing," Rena says. "I do not understand the attraction of a philosophy that tells you not to enjoy your life." She shrugs. "I will have to ask Yomi about Nobu, then. You are not religious though, are you? I have not seen you go with a man since I met you. I could help you find a good one?"
<El-Cideon> "You present a dichotomy which may exist only in your mind," the woman with the knives says. "Political grandstanding will not sway us. Instead, tell us when and where you acquired these documents?"
<Nadia_Chekova> Her mother wasn't religious and the afterlife seems to work out for her, so Nadia shrugs. "I think they believe that the more they suffer and sacrifice now then the more they'll be rewarded in the afterlife? I haven't really needed to use my charms lately, nor had much time to pursue romance. Perhaps when things settle down."
<Yomi> "It's not self-evident from the context?" Yomi asks, slightly incredulous.
<El-Cideon> "We find it telling to hear things firsthand," she says.
<Yomi> "Ichirou Fukui kept them," Yomi patiently elaborates.
<Erin> "Don't forget the when! Was it... yesterday?"
<Yomi> "The night between the day before that and yesterday," Yomi affirms.
<El-Cideon> "Yes. When were they retrieved? ...Ah. Well. And this is the entirety of what you found? You left nothing of note among his possessions?"
<Yomi> "Perhaps he has copies stored away somewhere, but yes."
<El-Cideon> "I am not certain there is an afterlife," Rena says. "I have not seen anything to convince me that there is. I think it's pointless to worry about something past the life we know we are living right now. But I don't think about these things much. It seems like a waste of time when there are more enjoyable things to be doing."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I think there is. If there are demons and magic, why not souls?" Nadia shrugs. "But I'm not there's any sort of judgement involved. It's probably the same for everyone."
<Yomi> "What if I hired you to destroy Fukui's financial capital, so that he would not have the means to take out another contract against me through you?" Yomi suddenly wonders out loud.
<El-Cideon> "'Perhaps' comes with a vagueness we find alarming," the woman says. "The simple fact of the documents being gone may force Fukui into some sort of action when he becomes aware of it, however. We may wish to act against him in advance in any event. ...Demolishing his industry? Is a formidable task. Easiest to eliminate the man himself if we choose to act."
<El-Cideon> Rena nods. "Yes. If everyone's life ends the same way, why should we worry so much how someone else judges us? It's just a nuisance to be bothered by such things."
* Yomi glances at Erin for advice.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Even if there's no God to judge us, other people can. You want Erin and Yomi to like you, don't you?" Nadia asks carefully.
<El-Cideon> Rena frowns. "If someone else doesn't like me, it is their problem and not mine. Someone else shouldn't just like you because you behave the same way they do. But I do enjoy travelling with you all and I try to avoid causing problems. Have I failed?"
<Erin> "You will need to do what you must to preserve your position," replies Erin, uncomfortably. "I despise bloodshed, personally. To avoid it, I have a simple proposition. Report the success of your mission to Fukui, claim whatever bounty he grants you, and allow Isayama Yomi to leave the country. As we've told you, she is relocating abroad. There's little chance of this deception being undermined."
<Erin> "Pepper your missive with idle threats, if you must, to the effect that you do not appreciate the efforts he has put into spying on you. Such an act would be in character with your group, wouldn't it?"
<El-Cideon> "We do not threaten," the tall man says. "We eliminate obstacles when necessary. We do not warn them in advance. Doing so would be counter-productive. Nevertheless, your point is taken. Your plan relies on Yomi never coming to Fukui's attention again, however. If he, or anyone associated with him, became aware of her survival, it would compromise us. How can you guarantee this will not happen?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "Oh, no," Nadia smiles at Rena, "You've been very pleasant company, and I know Erin and Yomi both like you as well even if they disapprove sometimes. But look at it another way... you remember Wakahisa? He did not like the way you approached him, and thus you never got to know him better. Wouldn't you rather he had judged you more kindly and taken you to his bed?"
<El-Cideon> "Ah," Rena says. "Yomi has spoken to me of things like this. 'Small talk.' I have not got the knack of it yet. It's so much simpler to ask for what I want."
<Nadia_Chekova> "And it often works, especially looking as you do," Nadia agrees. "But blunt honesty is not always best. Remember, those who judge you do not have to know what you're 'really' like, only what you present to them. If you comport yourself as chaste and coy you may be able to seduce men who would be put off by a more direct approach."
<Erin> "Only that as far as I know, Yomi has no reason to return to Japan," replies Erin, with a shrug. "Fukui's reach surely does not extend to Europe. What are you expecting? A contract, sealed in blood? Who would want to stay near those who want them dead?"
<El-Cideon> Blunt incomprehension is apparent on Rena's face. "I should tell them I do not desire intercourse in order to have intercourse?"
<El-Cideon> "It's a question of logistics," the tall man says. "What further business do you have in Japan? It's necessary that we know this. Fukui is indeed unlikely to detect you outside the country. But within, he has many friends."
* Nadia_Chekova shakes her head. "Sometimes, but it's better to be more vague. Make them see you as a prize to be won rather than a done deal. Make them think that sex is *their* idea and not yours."
<Yomi> "This is my last remaining business in Japan," Yomi responds. "Erin may stay for a while longer for her own reasons, but I have no further reason to remain, if we can part on amiable terms."
<El-Cideon> "If Erin is a known associate of yours, she may also be watched and her communications monitored. What other plans do you have in this country, Miss Callahan?"
<Erin> "I'm conducting an ongoing spiritual analysis of Mt. Fuji."
<El-Cideon> "I may try this next time we visit a location with many eligible suitors," Rena acknowledges. "I do not like having to behave differently to suit other people, but if it enhances my prospects then it may be worthwhile."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I'll help you when we next get a chance," Nadia offers happily. "It'll be fun, trust me."
<El-Cideon> A raised eyebrow is the only physical response Erin can observe. "Truly a curious range of interests you show. How much longer will this keep you in the country?"
<El-Cideon> Another nod from Rena. "Thank you, Nadia. I am glad I have someone to help me with these things. If I find a good man, I could pass him on to you?"
<Erin> "Spiritual analysis isn't an exact science," replies Erin, nebulously. "I'd intended to travel back with Yomi for the time being, and return later in the future to take new measurements."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I'm sure I can find someone on my own," Nadia demurs, "But we'll see how it goes when we have a chance."
<El-Cideon> There's a long moment of silent, obvious consideration. "Fukui is known to be away from Tokyo on business," the swordsman offers. "They may have time to conclude their business and leave." The tall man nods. "We give you three days. If you have left Japan on the third night following this one, we will consider our business done and report to Fukui your successful elimination." (more)
<El-Cideon> "We will, of course, need to monitor your movements ourselves to ensure you exit as scheduled."
<El-Cideon> "There was a pleasant club in Paris that Yomi and I visited," Rena says. "It's too bad you weren't with us. If we are there again, I will take you with me."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Oh, yes. I was disappointed not to see much of Paris when we were there," Nadia smiles and nods. "I could show you around Monaco some day. The men there are such easy marks for a pretty face."
<Yomi> "That should not be a problem," Yomi responds after a pause.
<El-Cideon> They nod. "Then I hope you understand we need our own eyes with you to verify your departure," the tall man says. "Sayuri is already known to you; she will accompany you to confirm that you follow your end of the agreement until such time as you leave Japan. This is our final condition."
<El-Cideon> "Yes, that sounds like an acceptable deal to me, Nadia," Rena says in the other conversation.
<Yomi> "Not a problem," Yomi repeats.
<Erin> "Yes, that sounds like an acceptable- I mean, I have no objections."
<Nadia_Chekova> "It sounds like they're about done in there," Nadia adds for Rena's benefit. "No more ninja attacks at least... lets leave now so we can meet them further away from here," she starts to sneak back towards the road away from the secret ninja village.
<El-Cideon> "Then we are finished here," the lead ninja says. "Sayuri will escort you out the way you came and confirm your departure. If all goes as planned, you will not see us again." The woman with the knives exits, explains things to Sayuri, and sends you on your way with her in tow. (more)
<El-Cideon> Soon enough you're on your way back down the forest path. Sayuri doesn't look too happy, but she never really has.
<Yomi> "There are worst ways to spend your time than traveling with us," Yomi notes.
* Nadia_Chekova sneaks out to join the trio, although the less stealthy Rena will probably ensure it doesn't come as too big a surprise.
<El-Cideon> "I am aware," Sayuri says. "I will not complain about fulfilling my duties. Go about your--" her eyes narrow as Nadia and Rena slip out of the forest, the latter indeed not having much skill at subtlety in any of its forms. "Did you lead others here?" the ninja says suspiciously.
<Nadia_Chekova> "You didn't expect us not to have a backup plan in case you weren't reasonable, did you?" Nadia sniffs haughtily at the poseur. These ninjas are nothing to a catburglar of her calibre!
<Yomi> "No, it's all just a big coincidence. When is the next train to Tokyo, you think?"
<Erin> "Did you think we would deign to visit your village without taking precautions?" wonders Erin, rolling her eyes.
* Yomi pouts.
<El-Cideon> "Tomorrow morning," Sayuri says, ignoring the reassurances. "Little traffic comes to Ueno at night. There is an inn of sorts where we will rest, then leave tomorrow."
<Erin> Leaving the logistics to the hands of their watcher is quite alright with Erin. "You seem to have it all planned out."
<Yomi> "Sounds reasonable enough. So how did you become a ninja?" Yomi asks curiously.
<El-Cideon> She doesn't seem to mind sharing this information. "I was approached by one and asked. My father makes swords for the great generals of the imperial army, among others; I learned to use them on my own time. One of his customers must have noticed something in my stance that suggested such when visiting."
<Erin> "Why on earth did you accept?" wonders Erin.
<El-Cideon> "I spend my days working as a secretary. Have you ever been a secretary?"
<Yomi> "Yes, I'm certain there are many other career paths open before a swordswoman," Yomi agrees. "Like a secretary. So, just how good of one are you?"
* Nadia_Chekova admits some small modicum of respect for Sayuri wanting to leave the drudgery of a menial career.
<Erin> "Trust in assassins to find a way to plug the unemployment gap," mutters Erin.
<El-Cideon> "I have eliminated four targets," she says. "I am also an expert at typing memos. Does this answer your questions?"
<Yomi> "Your secretarial expertise is admirable, of course, but I was wondering how good you are in a straightforward duel."
<El-Cideon> "It is generally our preference to strike before a target is aware of our presence, but we do train against each other to stay sharp. I believe I am confident in saying that I am better than most."
<Nadia_Chekova> "It takes far more finesse to infiltrate and steal away without ever being seen than it does to just go in and slaughter someone in their bed," Nadia can't resist sticking up for the gentle nobility of the legendary thief as compared with the callous assassin.
<El-Cideon> "It is fundamentally the same set of skills that we employ," she disagrees. "Who are you?"
<Erin> "So, Rena. How have you found Japan?" asks Erin, grabbing the German woman's palm and striding ahead of the trio.
* Yomi misses a step at Erin's question.
<El-Cideon> "The countryside is very pleasant to look at," Rena says. "And Nobu was a very satisfying partner."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Nadia," Nadia replies simply. "And assassination allows far more room for error. What does it matter if you slip up and get seen if you're just going to kill the witnesses anyway?"
<Erin> "Is that so? I've heard some unpleasant rumours about Japanese men in that regard, but I suppose they really are nothing more than rumours," replies Erin, talking very quickly and looking fit to blush. "Tell me all about it."
<El-Cideon> "The skill lies in not alerting any witnesses," Sayuri says, merely raising an eyebrow at Erin and Rena up ahead. "A successful mission ends only in the elimination of the target."
<El-Cideon> "What do you mean, Erin?" Rena says. "I didn't think you were interested in such things. If you want to know, I can describe everything for you. It might be easier to sleep with him yourself, however."
<Erin> "Of course I'm interested- I'm a woman, after all. Normally, I would keep it circumspect, but I'd much rather talk about love than murder and thievery. Wouldn't you?"
<El-Cideon> "Oh, yes. I agree. When is the last time you were with a man, then? I have not seen you show much interest in them since I met you."
<Erin> "The last time? The last time," replies Erin, slowly.
<El-Cideon> "Yes?" Rena prompts.
<Erin> "Well.. it was, um, a while ago. I can't even remember."
<El-Cideon> "He must not have been very good."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Perhaps so," Nadia concedes to the ideal espoused by Sayuri, "But still having the goal in mind of murder ensures the risk of being seen is lessened. It encourages sloppiness."
<Erin> "Well, I wouldn't really know. But it was nothing memorable, no."
<El-Cideon> Sayuri shakes her head. "No, we are actually strongly encouraged to make every effort at avoiding this. Precision is very important in our work. We kill only who we are contracted to."
<El-Cideon> "How would you not know?" Rena wonders, still pressing the point.
<Erin> "Well, I wouldn't know what a really good man was like unless I'd.. been.. with him, would I? Which I haven't. I presume. If I have, then I couldn't tell the difference between good and bad, because good was also bad."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Yes, well having seen one of those contracts put in practice I can't say I was very impressed," Nadia shakes her head disparagingly.
<El-Cideon> "I don't think I understand, Erin," Rena says. "If you have not found a good one, perhaps you simply need to try more?"
<Yomi> "Please don't encourage the ninja to display her competence with assassination," Yomi requests, breaking her silence.
<Erin> "I'd rather not. I decided a long time ago- I mean, after that- to wait until I find the right man," replies Erin.
<El-Cideon> Sayuri nods. "Yes, it is a shameful failure of ours that Miss Isayama is still alive," she continues. "I presume that the agent responsible paid appropriately."
* Nadia_Chekova pouts. "I can't help it. Seeing my own trade skills used to such ends offends my pride!"
<Erin> "That's not the only shameful thing about you," mutters Erin to herself.
<El-Cideon> "But how will you know he's the right one?" Rena wonders. "It did not seem to me as though you were looking. Did I not notice something?"
<Yomi> "I realize my continued existence is a great disappointment to many," Yomi says irritably.
<El-Cideon> "Oh, you needn't be offended," Sayuri says. "Your survival speaks well of your skills."
<Erin> "I'm not looking at the moment," replies Erin. "I've got bigger concerns than my romantic life. But, you know, I think the best encounters are chance encounters."
<El-Cideon> "It is sometimes good to be surprised by the opportunity, yes," Rena agrees. "I did not expect such when we went to meet with Yomi's friends."
<Erin> "But to me, Rena, it's not just a physical thing that I would look for in a man," adds Erin.
<El-Cideon> "Oh? What else is there?" Seeming to remember something, she turns to those walking behind her. "That reminds me, Yomi, Nobu asked a great many questions about you while we were together. He was very worried about you."
* Yomi grits her teeth. "Yes, there were many who were very disappointed I'm still around. Thank you for the reminder, Rena."
<El-Cideon> "I do not think he was disappointed. He wanted to know what you'd been doing outside Japan, whether you were healthy, or involved with anyone. That sort of question."
<Yomi> "Fine. I'm disappointed, then."
<El-Cideon> She shrugs and keeps walking. "I don't see why."
* Yomi turns towards the ninja, asking, "Sayuri, when your fiance breaks things off and then shows interest in you by sleeping with your friend, how exactly are you supposed to react?"
<El-Cideon> "Personally, I would begin by questioning exactly how devoted I am to only killing those who I am assigned to kill."
* Nadia_Chekova twitches and turns to Yomi. "Fiance?" she repeats, eyes widening.
<Yomi> "Yes, it would be what you'd like to do with scum like that, won't it?"
<El-Cideon> "Yes."
<Yomi> "My faith was sorely tested. I believe that I shouldn't kill people, you know, even in self-defense."
<El-Cideon> Sayuri shrugs. "Self-defense is the most reasonable time to kill someone, I believe. It stops them from trying again. But I understand."
<Yomi> "I've considered compromising by taking my attackers permanently out of commission. I suppose it would go against my agreement with your elders if I did something so obvious to someone close to my cousin."
<El-Cideon> "Yes. We need you to make every effort to avoid trouble with them as long as you're here."
<Erin> "Rena, you've got to understand something about most women," mumbles Erin, talking to her in a lower tone. "Most of us like to think being with a man is something special, a kind of... representation of our love, rather than just something to do for fun. In a way, acting as though something is special and wonderful makes it so."
<Yomi> "I'm telling myself that womanizer isn't worth it. But I did hope for... I don't know, something better. I shouldn't have bothered."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Um... sorry," Nadia mumbles, feeling very bad about having encouraged Rena and Nobu's union.
<El-Cideon> Rena says, "I have heard people talk a great deal about love and sing songs about it. I am not sure I know what it means. I am not sure they do, either. I know what helps me get what I want and what makes me feel good." Turning back, "Yomi, did my actions hurt you in some way? It sounds as though they did."
<Yomi> "If you were anyone else, Rena, I would slap you. Or hit you."
<El-Cideon> "Why? I didn't mean to bother you."
<Yomi> "That's why I said if you were anyone else."
<El-Cideon> "I would be very confused if I were someone else," is all she can conclude as she keeps walking. You're out of the forest by this point, back in the small mountain town. It's evening by now, the sun down, insects chirping out in the darkness.
<Yomi> "Want to share a room together?" Yomi offers to Sayuri as they approach the town.
<El-Cideon> "I wouldn't have thought you eager to spend more time in my presence than you had to," Sayuri says with some surprise.
<Yomi> "What gave you that idea? You're not the one who stabbed me in the chest."
<El-Cideon> "Only your obvious disdain for my occupation and all those within it. Perhaps I overestimated this."
<Yomi> "That's all Erin. And partially Nadia. I actually dressed up as a ninja while in the middle east. It was a very strange experience. Don't you get really hot wearing all that cloth over yourself?"
<El-Cideon> "Sometimes. It's helpful in avoiding detection, however, so I consider this a necessary sacrifice." Sayuri's currently still wearing the office clothes she had on when you met her, of course.
<Yomi> "I don't like the part where you kill people, but I don't consider it particularly worse than any other occupation that does that. Have you actually considered killing evil demons instead?"
<El-Cideon> "No. Is there really a great need for that? I know I've never seen one before."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Maybe you have but just never knew it!" Nadia points out smugly.
<Erin> "There's no money in it, so I suppose there is no great need."
<El-Cideon> "Wouldn't it be obvious?" she says to Nadia, rather coldly, not liking her tone.
<Yomi> "They're usually hiding until they get the jump on you. I come across demons in every town I travel through."
<Nadia_Chekova> "You'd be surprised. Yomi has seen demons in all sorts of places," Nadia agrees. "I'd never have noticed most of them without her constant vigilance."
<El-Cideon> "You'll have to point out the next one we meet, then. Until then, I remain skeptical."
<Yomi> "I can't promise it will be a particularly scary one, like a zombie or a restless spirit, but I'll do my best," Yomi promises.
<Erin> "Please, don't give the ninjas another channel for recruitment. I'm sure their stock of bored secretaries hasn't run out yet."
<El-Cideon> "No, most were criminals or soldiers beforehand," Sayuri corrects Erin.
<Erin> "Really."
<El-Cideon> "Yes."
* Yomi laughs. "It's been a while since I saw so much posturing. It's kinda nostalgic."
<El-Cideon> It's a short walk through town to a small boarding house. Sayuri seems to know the proprietor and you get a couple rooms without any trouble. OOC: any other chatter for the night, or move on to morning?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: I'm good
<Yomi> OOC: Likewise
<Erin> OOC: I am also godo.
<Erin> OOC: Good.
<Erin> OOC: Godo sounds like the name of a wrestler or something.
<El-Cideon> OOC: Alright, where are you heading next?
<Yomi> OOC: I want to say my goodbyes, and we'll leave for Manchuria?
<El-Cideon> OOC: Alright. Who in particular are you dropping in on?
<Yomi> OOC: Exorcists! I need to tell them where they could reach Erin and all that.
<El-Cideon> OOC: your friends in Tokyo?
<Yomi> OOC: Yes
<El-Cideon> The night passes uneventfully. Sayuri is obviously not 100% trusting of Yomi and Rena spends some time vocally wondering why Yomi doesn't like her now, but nothing substantial comes of this. Everyone piles into a train bound for Tokyo the next morning, then heads for Yomi's office. (more)
<El-Cideon> "I do not think this is a good idea," Sayuri offers in the street outside. "Anyone associated with your old life could spread word to Fukui."
* Retrieving #HometownHeroes modes...
* El-Cideon changes topic to '6Yomi: 63/63, Nadia: 58/58 -1str, Erin: 54/54, Rena: 60/60 '
<Yomi> "I realize that. However, they know I'm alive. Therefore, I need to go in there and tell them to forget all about that," Yomi returns. "You could wait here so that they don't see you, if that matters to you. I won't be long."
<El-Cideon> "I was assigned to you to monitor your actions," she says. "I will accompany you."
<Erin> "Actually, Yomi, a word," replies Erin, grimacing.
<Yomi> Nodding, Yomi approaches Erin. "What is it?"
<Erin> "Look, I... I know we covered this before, but I got rather drunk at the time. Why was it that you left Nobu, again?" asks Erin, eyes sliding away from Yomi's face.
<Yomi> "He was the one who left!" Yomi exclaims. "How could you forget?! I--" She takes a deep breath, then another. "I had nothing left, alright? My sword, my home, my position, it was all taken away from me. He must've only been in it for one of those. Just I wasn't enough."
* Nadia_Chekova cringes at Yomi's outburst, hoping that her cautions on the train to avoid Nobu will have stuck with Rena.
<Erin> "Look, don't you think it's strange, then?" replies Erin, wincing at the outburst she nonetheless expected. "I think Sayuri has a point. A man would not usually- you know- talk about another woman in front of a more recent paramour. It might be that he had second thoughts, but it's just as likely a way of gathering information," replies Erin, speaking out that last part in a rush.
<Yomi> "You are... saying he's not just scum, but... you're saying he wants me dead?" Yomi asks haltingly.
<Erin> "I can't know that..." mumbles Erin. "But don't you think it's a bit much? Saying he can get in good with this Mei, and get good information on Fukui in a matter of days, it's just so... odd. Maybe we should just make a clean break."
<Yomi> "I don't want to live like that." Yomi shakes her head. "What you're suggesting is that I write off my old friends, after fighting alongside them for so long, and go with my new friends. Until what? I start suspecting you too?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "Well, at least Nobu then?" Nadia posits. Ordinarily she'd then suggest that Rena could distract him so Yomi could at least say goodbye to her other friends, but she just doesn't have the heart.
<Erin> "I'm only saying this because you felt betrayed in the first place," replies Erin, exhaling. "I can't tell you if you're correct in feeling that way. But if you were..."
* Yomi nods curtly. "You can check if it's... safe. I'll wait."
<El-Cideon> Sayuri just shrugs at the whole exchange. "Do what you need to do. Just don't get far out of my sight."
<Erin> "That would only apply to Yomi, and not ourselves, surely," notes Erin. "Alright." She starts to head inside the office of the demon-hunters.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Want me to come as well?" Nadia asks Erin.
<El-Cideon> Rena also seems inclined to tag along with Erin, unless someone stops her.
<Erin> "If Nobu was there, I was going to talk under the pretense of paying a professional visit," replies Erin, glancing at Rena. "But maybe some backup wouldn't go astray."
<Nadia_Chekova> "I'll come as well, to be on the safe side. Rena, er... perhaps you should stay with Yomi?" Nadia attempts some damage limitation.
<El-Cideon> "Why?"
<Erin> "It would make things more tense, and we're not really there to play, Rena," replies Erin.
<Nadia_Chekova> "Nobu doesn't deserve to have the pleasure of your company. You're too good for scum like him," Nadia asserts emphatically. "We can find someone better for you later!"
<El-Cideon> "I wasn't planning to play," she says. "Didn't we come here to say goodbye? That was all I was going to do."
<Nadia_Chekova> "You can say goodbye along with Yomi once Erin and I have made sure it's safe?" Nadia suggests.
<El-Cideon> "I'm not sure why I can't help with that, but if you say so." She shrugs and just goes to lean against the building wall, waiting in the sun.
<Erin> Somehow glad that Nadia is able to handle the intricacies of getting Rena to do what they want, Erin returns to completing her journey within the building!
<Nadia_Chekova> Somewhat stressed out from her efforts, Nadia follows Erin. She'll be a lot happier once they're back in Europe.
<El-Cideon> Erin finds no one in the front room. She can hear voices from the briefing room, though. You recognize all three of them as the trio from last time.
<Erin> Erin listens in for a moment!
<El-Cideon> It sounds like just idle chatter, as far as you can tell. Yuuki is being complicated on her tea and accepting the compliments with appropriate modesty.
<Nadia_Chekova> "So..." Nadia whispers to Erin, hearing Nobu's voice from within...
<Erin> Since they were able to get in without, presumably, letting anyone know, Erin is quite happy to leave in the same fashion!
<El-Cideon> No one seems to have taken notice of anything outside their conversation.
<Nadia_Chekova> Nadia likewise aways like a thief in the night!
<Erin> "He was there," states Erin, upon return to the others. "They all were, actually."
<Yomi> "We have three days," Yomi muses, having regained her composure. "Would it be possible to keep watch over the office? Eventually, Yuuki or Takeshi would leave. Or be left there together. If we leave the country tonight, we might get a chance."
<Erin> Erin winks at Yomi.
<El-Cideon> "We would much prefer that you not loiter in Tokyo for the remainder of your time simply because you can," Sayuri says irritably. "We would like you to keep a low profile while your conclude your business."
<Nadia_Chekova> "If you like I can get rid of Nobu," Nadia offers uncomfortably. "He would be left disappointed."
<Yomi> "It would be just today, and I'll keep out of sight," Yomi assures Sayuri. She wavers at Nadia's proposal. "Let's just wait somewhere out of the way and hope it's not necessary?"
<Erin> "You have your worries, and we have ours," replies Erin, equally irritated at the ninja's intrusion into their affairs.
<El-Cideon> OOC: so, going to wait somewhere down the street and keep watch, or what?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: lets delegate that to the familiar and go crash somewhere comfortable?
<Yomi> OOC: We can grab lunch or something, Erin has a familiar
<El-Cideon> OOC: okay.
<Erin> OOC: Yeah
<El-Cideon> Everyone settles in at a small restaraunt a couple blocks away. It's actually not very long before Erin's familiar reports someone leaving, though. It's Nobu, stepping out of the office alone.
<Erin> Erin's familiar assidiously decides to stick around Nobu, alighting from building to building as he makes his way around!
<El-Cideon> He meanders along the street, picking up a newspaper from a vendor, eventually stopping at what seems to be a tailor's shop.
<Yomi> Since the coast is clear, according to Erin, Yomi proceeds to the office once more.
<El-Cideon> Sayuri, of course, accompanies Yomi inside. Yuuki is tidying up, apparently having prepared tea and breakfast for the three of them. "Oh, Yomi! Hello again. Any news?"
<Yomi> "Yes. Some good, some bad." She hugs Yuuki. "I'm going to miss you guys."
<El-Cideon> "You--what? Why?" She returns the hug but is obviously confused. "Going somewhere?" Takeshi wonders.
<Yomi> Takeshi gets the next hug, once Yomi parts from Yuuki. "I'm leaving for good after all. If I stay here, I have to fight people I don't want to fight." She releases him. "So if I want to avoid any deaths, I'm the one who needs to be dead. Do you understand? I'm going to pretend that I was assassinated successfully."
<El-Cideon> "What? But--you mean you're just going to let her WIN?" Takeshi's indignance is plain. Yuuki is more concerned than upset. "Leave home forever, and never come back? Yomi...where would you go?"
<Yomi> "England. There's a lodge there," Yomi says, glancing at Erin, "and if you're ever in trouble, or being asked to do things you disagree with, you could go there too. I'll definitely help you!"
<Erin> Erin dutifully copies down an address and a phone number onto a nearby notepad. "We would never turn away a friend of Yomi's," she notes, placing it upon a desk.
<El-Cideon> "I don't understand how you can just turn your back after what she tried to do," Takeshi presses. "It would feel like giving in, to me. It--" Yuuki shushes him into silence. "It's her decision. Look, Yomi, we'll keep our ears open in case they do hear something about you, and try to get word to you if that happens. And we'll lie and say we haven't spoen to you, if someone asks us. I'll hate doing it, but I'm sure it's easier than fighting family."
<Yomi> "Yes. I haven't made it back to Japan after leaving it that time, and you haven't see me since." Yomi smiles at Takeshi's persistence. "It means a lot to me that you're angry on my behalf. But if I have to break my vows to myself to get justice for myself, would it have been worth it?"
<Nadia_Chekova> "It's a big world, you can always avoid your problems if you travel far enough," Nadia nods sagely.
<El-Cideon> "No. No, I guess not. A code doesn't mean much if you don't stick to it. Take care of yourself out there," he says. "You just missed Nobu," Yuuki adds in. "He was going down the street to get a suit, if you want to say goodbye to him."
* Yomi gives her a long look. "Where it comes to Elder Sister Mei, however... I happen to have some of her correspondece, as I've mentioned. It doesn't go into detail who she wished to assassinate me, but the intent itself is very clear. I could leave this to you as insurance, though if she caught wind of it, that could put you in danger. I wanted to make the offer, though."
<El-Cideon> "Maybe," Yuuki says. "We'll hold on to it, and wait. Maybe if we can find the right person to get it to, if something happens that leaves her and Fukui weak, then we can get her deposed. We'll see."
* Yomi smiles. "Good luck with that. And stay safe, no matter what."
<El-Cideon> "Of course. You too!"
* Yomi nods, glad that she decided to visit them while in Japan, despite all else.
<El-Cideon> ~

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> After the last meeting with Yomi's old gang, mid-day. Everyone breaks for lunch, knocks out errands like errands like checking in at the hotel you'd used in case there were any messages waiting, and generally getting ready to leave Tokyo. It's in the hallway there that Yomi finds herself approached by Rena, who abruptly declares, "I want to talk to you now," before leading Yomi into an empty room.
<Yomi> Startled by the abruptness of Rena's approach, Yomi is dragged along with surprisingly little resistance.
<El-Cideon> "Yomi, I want you to explain why you dislike me now," she says once you're inside, with her usual frankness.
<Yomi> Her first instinct is to be indignant, but... "Alright. Can you tell me why it matters to you, first?"
<El-Cideon> Rena pauses to collect her thoughts. Obviously she was supposed to be asking the questions here! "I don't like worrying about other people's opinions. If someone doesn't approve of me then I usually think it's their problem and not mine. But I think I should avoid causing you problems while I'm travelling with you. I need to know what I did wrong."
* Yomi finds herself grasping her wrapped up sword tightly and places it on the low table in the center of the room. "I told you that here, in Japan, we get engaged to other people. And we spend a lot of time around them, get to know them, laugh and fight together... want it or not, you start treating that other person differently.
<Yomi> You might even worry about not being feminine enough, or troubled when he's joking about that."
<El-Cideon> Rena sits down on the bed. "I don't understand what this has to do with me."
* Yomi paces in an effort to control her agitation. "Do you have any idea how it feels to have him be all over you while I'm right there?" She stops suddenly, turning away from Rena. "Does it really not matter one bit who it is, as long as you have sex?"
<El-Cideon> "It can matter. I wouldn't do it with someone I disliked." She shrugs. "You said you weren't involved with him any more, though. So how did I do something wrong?"
* Yomi hangs her head with a sigh. "Rena, don't ever believe people when they say that," she tells her quietly.
<El-Cideon> "Then why did you say it?" General incomprehension is very, very plain.
<Yomi> "What do you want to hear? What?" Yomi asks tiredly. "That I'm an idiot who hoped he'd realize he made a mistake? Or that it's not easy to admit? Or that I couldn't come crawling back to him? That there's never a chance of me taking him back, now, or that I don't think he'll ever even bother? It's funny, I can't decide which of those last two is more depressing."
<El-Cideon> "I don't think you're an idiot," Rena says, ruling out at least one possibility? "I just want to avoid bothering you. You've been very helpful by teaching me how to protect myself better; I have observed that people work together better when what's given is returned. So I try to help when there is something to fight. I don't always understand what goes on in other people's heads, though."
* Yomi snorts. "In this case, I don't think you can do anything about showing me that the person I sometimes thought I'd spend the rest of my life with thought so little of me."
<El-Cideon> "He did seem worried about you when we spoke," Rena says. "But if I had known it was going to be a problem for you, I would not have initiated anything."
<Yomi> "What am I going to do now?" Yomi asks in frustration. "I'm leaving and I'm never coming back. You wanted to talk. So what next? What's there left for me, besides the demons?"
<El-Cideon> "It isn't enough? I thought you enjoyed fighting monsters. If that is not accurate, then I don't know, Yomi. I have never made plans."
<Yomi> "I do. It was a bit scary at first when father taught me, but...." Yomi sighs. "Is there really all there is to me? I lost my place here, so what's left? Even getting Shishio back wouldn't fix everything anymore."
<El-Cideon> Rena shrugs. "I don't have a home anymore either. It hasn't bothered me. I found new people."
<Yomi> "It should. It really should. You want to understand?" Yomi shakes her head. "You can't, not from words. You only will when you have a real home."
<El-Cideon> "I would have to find one first. I am not sure what to look for. Right now I am content to travel. Should we look for one for you since you're worried about it?"
<Yomi> "That's not what--" Yomi takes a deep breath, shrugging. "Why not? Let's do that, Rena."
<El-Cideon> She nods. "Very well. What do you desire in a home? Should we look for somewhere like Japan? Perhaps you'll be more at ease if we can find such a place. I do prefer normal confident Yomi."
* Ayane (~eb@95.146.2.75) Quit (Quit: bedtime)
<Yomi> Oh, it is so easy to respond snidely to this.... "Would a determined Yomi be good enough?" she asks instead.
<El-Cideon> "Yes," Rena says. "I should help you, after all. You have assisted me in many things. I am sure that I can rely on you to act in my best interest. I would be disappointed if Yomi could not also be at her best. So tell me when there is something I need to do, or when there is something I need to not do."
* Yomi doesn't respond right away. "I need time," she finally says slowly. "You just have to give me some time, Rena."
<El-Cideon> "Alright." She stands up. "How long? Should I leave now?"
<Yomi> "No, you... I don't know." Yomi shrugs. "No one does. We'll have to wait and see."
<El-Cideon> A nod. "Very well. Tell me when you know what you want." She goes to the window to stand in the sun until everyone's ready to go.
<El-Cideon> ~