The Day of Thunder

Scene Theme...

Nanzi Ai was sitting on a stone playing music for a grave that marked a mother… or parent, it was unclear as to which, but it was enough. The song was a slow dirge as she plucked and played the strings diligently. She knew that she could not keep the news to herself, so she had left word for Hikaru to join her when he was able.

“This is my way of saying goodbye…
Because I can’t do it face to face,
So I’m talking to you before-
No matter what happens now,
You shouldn’t be afraid,
Because I know today had been,
The Most Perfect Day We’ve ever seen…”

She continued playing for the dead.. the living, and those that were in between.

OOC: Perform Shamisen TN 15 | 5k3 ⇒ 22 (TN: 15) and Singing TN 15 | 4k3 ⇒ 37 (TN: 15)

It was a mournful melody for a mournful setting. Hikaru could feel it from the moment he heard the first note. His expression was appropriately somber as he approached, his blues and greys feeling especially appropriate in the dim foggy light.

When he saw Ai, his brow furrowed, but he remained silent. In fact, he remained silent even as he drew closer, stepping into her line of sight. And while he gave a bow of greeting, he did not speak. He would not interrupt her music, after all.

He straightened, waiting and listening.

She finally stopped and addressed her clanmate, “Please join me Hikaru-san. I hope you have found sleep in the last few days.”

"Thank you, Ai-sama." Hikaru said, bowing again. They had known each other quite some time, after all. "My sleep has been disturbed, but I have managed to get enough."

He tilted his head, regarding her curiously. "I have my flute, if you wished to play together." His brow still creased though; it didn't seem like that sort of song.

“That is kind of you, but I am done playing for now, if you feel you wish to lay later then I will gladly join you. I had some news from home reach me and I wanted to ask about these tasks you have been given, from Satsuki-san?”

"You have?" Hikaru responded, a hint of surprise showing on his handsome features. "I thought we were cut off. That is good news." His forehead creased. "May I ask what it is?"

His expression softened. "Satsuki-sama and I have begun formally courting. She asked me how it is done in Crane lands. I told her first of our more usual customs, but when I told her of this less usual one, she was delighted."

Hikaru bowed. "I hope to do honor to your father, Lord Nanzi, by performing these tasks, as he once demonstrated for us. Even if my deeds cannot be the equal of his, I shall give them my best."

“Actions taken in pursuit of love and devotion are worthy, there is no competition there. My cousin will be pleased by you rising to the occasion and I expect you to give her all the devotion you have shown my Honored Mother, she deserves nothing less of you,” she said warmly.

She gave a long pause and then said, “Yes… it was delivered through dreams… by Jiyo Sora, he found a way to control his dreams I am unsure of the method, but my Honored Mother was able to speak with him. She left me a message but seeing as you are dear to her and she to you, I felt it incumbent upon me to share with you,” she said calmly.

She drew in a breath and then said, “She wanted us to know she is still engaged in spiritual battle, perhaps even buying us time for the Day of Thunder but such a trial is taxing and she may not return to Ningen-do even if successful.”

“She was saying goodbye, Hikaru-san.”

Hikaru bowed, a gentle smile on his face. "I shall, Nanzi-sama. I swear it."

And then she gave him the news.

Hikaru's expression went blank, staring off into the middle distance. For long moments, he did not say anything. Move. React. "I see." He finally said. More silence. More stillness.

Then he looked at Ai, his jaw tight, his expression intent. "Does Jiyo-sama know how he controlled his dream? Does he think he might be able to do so again?"

“It seems to have been by accident, perhaps a moment of clarity,” she said honestly. “Maybe we need clarity of thought and extreme focus in our dreams… perhaps a form of meditation? Mother does nothing by half, if she believes she may not return then her situation is dire indeed but needed.”

“I had not even thought such as possible till he said it… but if Yume-Jigoku can do so then it must be possible.”

Hikaru frowned as he considered that. "Yes..." He said, eyes narrowing.

He shook his head, his white lock swirling about. "I spoke with that monk, Kichi, yesterday. He suggested to me that it might be possible, if the dreamer realizes he is dreaming, to be able to change the dream. He suggested that it might be possible to somehow use this to assist Lady Doji."

Hikaru took a deep breath, then bowed again. "Unfortunately, neither of us knew how this could be done. But I think it is worth attempting."

She sighed heavily for the umpteenth time that day… and said softly, “Hikaru-kun, what I have to say is in extreme confidence. It cannot be repeated.”

“I think speaking with Kichi may be worthwhile, but… You must know one thing.”

She paused and added, “This cannot be repeated.”

Hikaru frowned deeply, even as he inclined his head. "Very well. I shall not repeat it, then." He said

He waited, his expression intent.

She closed her eyes and then found her center and said, “Kichi is… or was… Hadananzi, Hajime’s father and the monster defeated by Kakita. I believe he is mortal now… or much less than what he was and seeks redemption, Jiyo-sama and myself are aware of this but if you wish to work with him you need to know too.”

“But if this secret slips from your lips then I am sure it will not be long before some hothead seeks his head, perhaps justifiably.”

“With all that said, I think we seek Kichi out, for this express purpose,” she said honestly.

Hikaru did not normally express surprise, but he certainly did now.

"He what?!?!" Hikaru's pale eyes were wide and wild as the truth of Kichi's identity was revealed. Slowly, as she went on, he relaxed.

"Ai-sama..." Hikaru took a deep breath. "Regardless of what rumors may say, he may have infiltrated our household for some time." He raised a hand, palm out. "I know the truth is complicated. I speak of now."

Another deep breath, and he gave her a nod. "I am concerned. But if you and Jiyo-sama believe he can be trusted, then I will trust him as well." Hikaru spoke with determination.

“I would not say that he can be trusted, but he is under the observation and tutelage of Ukyou-sensei, a powerful ally of Shinsei,” Ai said calmly.

“We must always be alert that he could relapse but for now we can expect him to act in our interests; he is here for a reason, all of us are. Maybe this is his role. I will not say that he can ever redeem himself for his betrayal, but if he can play a role for good in the Day of Thunder then I will give him that chance.”

“I apologize for burdening you thusly, we can seek out Kichi this evening and have him reveal what he knows of this dreaming technique,” she said confidently.

Hikaru tilted his head, considering. "So long as he had no part in Lady Doji's suffering, I am willing to accept this." He sighed, shaking his head. "It is strange to think of. And yet, I knew him as an honorable man for years. I did not think a demon could stop being a demon. But if he is sincere in his desire, and he is vouched for by such luminaries, I will accept it as so. And if he can help us to help her..."

He blew out a breath, brushing his hand through his hair. "My apologies, Ai-sama. This news, it rather surprised me." Taking another breath, he composed himself, once more becoming the perfectly put-together samurai that he usually was.

Hikaru frowned. "I do not believe that... Kichi..." Hikaru grimaced, then nodded. Perhaps that was what he was called now, in his new life. "Kichi knows little more than what he suggested. I think we may wish to seek out other wise people who know the ways of dreams."

"Hrrrm, we can start with him and I can invite Ryoshun Nao as well," she offered.

Hikaru nodded, sighing relief as his jolt of adrenaline settled him further. "Satsuki-sama has helped with this sort of thing before. We should ask her."

He frowned. "Do you remember, at the meeting yesterday, the Hantei samurai mentioned a Nezumi, visiting dreams? I wonder if there is a way to meet this Nezumi. They supposed to be here, are they not?"

"Satsuki is an excellent choice. Unconventional but this is not a conventional situation, if this nezumi can be found, then she will be enlisted," she said calmly.

"I just want you to know Hikaru-kun, this is not a burden you need to carry on your own and more importantly you need to start focusing on your courtship as well."

Hikaru sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I will try to remember that, Ai-sama. Thank you. Although you know that if your family has need of me, I will be there."

He frowned. "I do find myself pulled in two different directions. But as to the courtship... I believe I may have an answer for two of the challenges." His frown deepened. "The third yet eludes me."