The Day of Thunder

"I wouldn't deny what was promised", he said emphatically. "And rest is something I need, absolutely."

With a sense of regret for the possible sweetness of the moment he sighed. "What's coming for all of us will need our sharpest wit and most able courage."

"W-well, that's...", he didn't recoil, but he certainly wasn't plunging right into her either. Yes, that does seem to be the problem! Suddenly it's about my decision... He actually smiled. Of course. She hit it on the head. "Yukara-san, you...", he chuckled a little and petted her head. "No matter w...

Jiyo Sora wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:55 pm

"I shudder to think what my life would be like if I got what I deserved..."

"Remember, Ojichan, some of us actually do." And he puffed smoke, not looking at anyone in particular. "Though usually through their own instrument of kharma. The truly motivated make it happen."

Jiyo Sora wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:49 pm

"Finally manage to sleep through a night, did you?"

"I am blessed with friends I don't deserve", he said with a shrug. "The next step is to put their gift to good use."

Jiyo Sora wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:43 pm

"Ah, Bayushi-san, how could I complain?"

"How indeed? I suppose I could take lessons from the master." He bowed, somehow both with respect and mocking. "Though we should catch up on that now that we both seem aware enough to complain properly."

Sora grinned and gave him a wave. Norikage returned the greeting with a nod. His head slightly tilted though, reading if the old man needed something. He probably does, maybe he stained his fundoshi last night. Explains the discomfort on his face. He swaggered over, dodging children on the way. "Ev...

"Awful, want to hear about my nightmares?" he smirked. "I don't want to talk about them, so nevermind. Truth is this place is an onigiri full of shit and it's a matter of time before someone squeezes or bites it too hard."

"You're special to me, you're my good friend Yukara-san", he said simply. "When we met, it was fun, and perhaps I caused you trouble, but...I thought it was a crime how you saw yourself as unworthy, or unlikeable." He placed his hand on the table between them. "Now look at you, you're borrowed cloth...

Norikage showed up, not particularly in dire straights for once. He looked like he slept somehow, hair properly pulled back and groomed. His eyes had clarity and his mask seemed to ride his cheeks like he was smiling underneath it. He wore his travel cloak, had his swords, his had hanging on his bac...

He was too tired to press further. Later, maybe. Probably not.

"Good, certainly, thanks", he said and finished the tea. "Sorry it wasn't very good. Been working on my method, at least it shouldn't be poison."

"She isn't being dragged down too much by all the stress from these lords and ladies making demands of her?" he sipped again.

Isn't he a Dragon? Doesn't that mean he's an expert?

Norikage sipped his tea.

"Well, you can be certain I'll pass this along to the ojichan and obachan. How's Chouri-san, by the way?"

He clucked his tongue. "Hmm...". He did it again. "Well, I think you are the only one comparing yourself to the princess", he told her plainly. He reached across and took up the potion, drinking it without pause. Slapping it down on the table he fixed her with a stare. "It's hardly fair to compare y...

He didn't sigh. No matter how much he felt he wanted to. Instead, he scowled slightly as Kumori left. Then when he turned his gaze back toward Yukara, he smiled. "Well", he said, scratching the back of his head. I'm a good man, huh? "I've made something noble and kind you wanted to do for me into so...

"Well, wouldn't...", he was tired, true, but.. "Wouldn't any unseen effects be considered spiritual? I mean, people doing nice things for each other is an improvement on kharma of the devotee and the recipient, yeah?"

"Hardly, come on. I just made some", he said and waved him in.

Sure enough, at the hearth room table, was some matcha tea already made. Still hot. Norikage sat down after offering the Dragon a seat. "So tell me a bit more about what it is you're doing."

Norikage looked surprised, perhaps slightly nervous. "Kum-, Shiba-hime I don't think that...I mean you're the guest here too and we couldn't ask you to step out. We are all friends here, aren't we?" His expression calms somewhat as he fixes her with a momentary look. "There's no great personal busin...

"The...cranes...is someone sick?" He yawned. "Oh...no, this is well-wishing for Lady Doji, isn't it?" He took the papers. "You want some tea?"

That night, Norikage was ready for hell. He was rested, he had regained some of his spirit, he had a good night. He was fortified, focused. He was able to relax enough to sleep quickly. But jigoku doesn't know how to hold back, not when it already stalks you for fun. The worst of it was that he kept...

"The only thing you'd be interrupting is another nightmare, so I would be thanking you", the Scorpion replied, tiredly, grouchy, but he bowed his head in greeting. "If you were looking for Daisuke or Yoshie, they seem to be out already. Can I help you with anything?"