The Day of Thunder

[Ryoshun Nao]

"What are you calling yourself?"

[Shiba Kumori]

“The best Shiba-child.” She replied with a chuckle.

“Or to everyone else… Han-Hei.”

[Ryoshun Nao]

"That's a good one." she approved. "Best Shoba-child is a bit too obviois."

[Shiba Kumori]

“Just a tad…” She smiled.

“I have no real intention on hiding who I am from those who know me. It was convenient for travel… to build a story rather than a name…”

She then tilted her head, “And to keep the more self-sacrificing types from doing stupid things that they normally wouldn’t do.”

[Ryoshun Nao]

"It also keeps those here who haven't recognized you from acting weirder than they are." she added. "Although, things are probably going to get weirder, regardless."

[Shiba Kumori]

“Yeah… I have never really wanted the attention my name draws..” She replied.

“But as things get weirder… maybe the name might bring some people strength…”

She let out a long breath, “I don’t know…”

[Ryoshun Nao]

"I think it would." she said. "Honestly, I think that having children of the Kami here is good. We are all mortals and we will all defend this realm together."

[Shiba Kumori]

"You're right."

She looked over at her younger cousin and couldn't help but be impressed with her youthful wisdom.

Her conversations with Ai and the Ryoshun earlier in the day came back to her... What was her mask really doing... Was there really no self-doubt being shielded by the slab of carved wood...

"Why don't you hold on to my mask until tomorrow? For good luck..." She replied.

[Ryoshun Nao]

"Alright." Nao agreed with a smile. "I need to go write down my notes for today."

[Shiba Kumori]

She nodded and smiled softly, “Better hurry then.”

She paused for a moment after she stood to watch her cousin leave, “Thanks Nao-chan…”

Then with a heartfelt intentionality, “Take care.”

[Ryoshun Nao]

"I'll see you in the morning, Kumori-chan." she responded. "Sleep well."

Still smiling, she returned to camp.

[Shiba Kumori]

“I sure hope so little one…” She said under her breath as Nao faded into the distance.

Her gaze turned back to the misty woods for a moment… She’d always detested feeling like she was in a cage… And now she had run into this one head first.

She waited for a moment… staring into the mist… and felt as if the cage walls were slowly closing in…

Her jaw tightened for a moment before she spat on the ground.

Bring it…

/scene