Kaoru/Zelgadis: Personality Match?

[Shukuen]

Shukuen chuckled ruefully. "Yes, should our paths cross again and should I complete my schedule, then I might consider returning to your employment."

"And don't worry about security breaches. I doubt I would find anything of interest to risk going against you for." He added contemplatively, "Unless, you do aquire something of value to me."

"In any case, you have a deal." Shukuen bowed again. "So, does my employer have a name, per chance?"

[Carthrat]

The woman smirked. "Yamatoma Sanae. Call me Sanae-Taisho.

And please don't bow in front of me. I see you as an equal, unlike some of those under my employ..."

Her eyes flashed angrily, and Zelgadis noticed how determined she seemed.

Nothing of her was visible except for her brown hair and her face, which was somewhat angular, and still appealing to look at.

And her deep blue eyes, a rarity for Japanese people.

"Where does your schedual take you next?" she replied. "And along which route? I will have someone contact you along the way. There are... problems that need fixing all over, it seems."

[Shukuen]

"Hmm, very well, Sanae-Taisho," Shukuen chuckled, straightening out, a glint in his eyes. "I can respect that. Not many people would rebel against what society teaches them. Very commendable of you."

"And as for my destination. All that I am sure of is that something, important, will be happening in Kyoto that requires my presence. The path wouldn't be important." Despite the mask over his face, his smile was still visible. "They say getting there is half the fun."

[Carthrat]

Sanae chuckled. "We think alike, it seems.

Perhaps I should know the full extent of your skills before setting a path for you... after all, different problems require different tools.

You've shown yourself a fine swordsman. What else can you do?"

[Bean Bandit]

Bean sat back in the sand, pulling her torn kimono around her legs firmly, suddenly concious that her modesty was at risk. She rubbed at her cut leg, but the burning sensation from the water that had seeped into the wound abated only slightly.

Grimacing a little, she turned her attention to the parents, specifically the father.

After deciphering his English, she smiled tiredly. A million things flashed through her mind to ask for, but her conscience kicked her, hard, before she could actually ask.

She settled for asking the couple for a change of clothes, and hearing him ask her for a vacation suggestion, she frowned slightly. What did she look like, a tour guide?

No, no...Be nice, what do I have PMS or something? she chided herself...and suddenly paled as she realized that was a distinct possibility.

Shaking her head abruptly, she smiled and suggested an extended stay in Tokyo, claiming rumor stated that Kyoto would be dangerous for awhile...

[Shukuen]

"Hmm, well, I suppose it all depends, Sanae," Shukuen rubbed his chin in contemplation. "Do you believe in, ah, 'magic'??

[Carthrat]

The man nodded, seeming to agree with Kaoru. He, unfortunately, didn't have any spare clothes lying around, but if she accompanied him to the next town, he would be sure to purchase her some.

He left, and Yahiko started tugging on her shoulder.

"Kaoru... I think we need to get far away from that guy," he said, pointing at Zelgadis.

"Real far."

<->

"Magic is nothing but a collection of tricks designed to impress someone in to beliveving that a man can achieve the impossible," replied Sanae. There was a slight grin on her face as she replied, though.

"Exactly what tricks can you perform, then?"

[Bean Bandit]

Bean sat back in the sand, gripping the sword tighter. She sighed heavily and looked up at Yahiko.

"What do you mean, Yahiko? What's wrong?"

[Carthrat]

"He.. he just *killed* those things! I know they weren't human, but they were *intelligent*! He even turned his attention away from one to kill another one who was down.. and he woulda chased the other one down when it tried to run away!

And he's just plain creepy, too... with that mask and all."

Yahiko looked up at Kaoru, plain fear in his eyes.

[Bean Bandit]

Bean frowned. That didn't sound right...Zelgadis wasn't that bloodthirsty, was he? Unconsciously, she gripped the sword tightly.

If that really IS Zelgadis. You're here, aren't you? Who knows? Maybe a serial killer got shunted into his body...

Bean looked up at Yahiko. "The mask is because his skin is made of stone, Yahiko. As for the rest...You're right...but we need to keep an eye on him. What if he's working for Shishio?" If he's not, and Shishio finds out about him, I have no doubt he'll make a play to have him join the Juppongatana. At the very least, more caution is warranted in dealing with him.

[Shukuen]

"Interesting way to describe my entrance to your boat," Shukuen chuckled, reaching into his pocket and fingering the sapphire jewel reasuringly. Concentrating his senses, he tried to figure out how the gem would affect his magic.

[Carthrat]

Yahiko blinked. "Stone skin? Riiiiiight.... though he looks mean enough to work for Shishio."

<->

The sapphire seemed to be a kind of battery. It wasn't emnating anything, but as Zelgadis concentrated, he felt as if he had gotten inside the jewel, and was almost one with the energies within it...

[Bean Bandit]

Bean sighed. "Fine, I guess I can't expect you to believe it without seeing it."

She ran her free hand though her still-wet hair, marvelling briefly at how odd it was to have it so long...and how annoying it was that it took so long to dry, and was flopping around loose, getting in her eyes, and tickling her neck.

"I would have to lose the ribbon," she murmured to herself disgustedly.

"Alright, Yahiko...tell me something. Do you think we'd be in danger if we traveled with him?" she asked.

[Carthrat]

Yahiko looked troubled. "Maybe. I havn't seen much of him. Why would we want to travel with him, anyway? I mean, he's a good swordsman, but he dosn't look the type to be on our side..."

[Shukuen]

So that's how it works, is it? Shukuen pondered, then shrugged mentally. "In any case, whether you believe me or not is your business," he said indifferently, adding, "So long as I know I'm telling the truth, then it doesn't matter if others think I'm lying."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice seemed to convey a mischievious smile. "Of course, if you insist, I might be convinced to give a... demonstration."