She couldn't help it and there wasn't a reason to - she held her sister tight and began to cry in earnest.

"It's an if, hopefully," she replied with an awkward smile.

She reached out and took it without hesitation. There was no burning, no cry of pain. She slid her thumb over the surface. "I must not be too far gone, at least."

"I do. I'm grateful for you and everyone."

She looked down and placed a hand over her obi. "I... We won't know for a while, probably, but... it's possible..."

"It is to be expected, I am surprised they have not lined our doors with copious wards and guards," she said calmly. "Never mind that, I was asking how you feel, it feels like you have been pulled in so many directions this week." She settled back down and refreshed her tea. "I am... staying above ...

With that, she returned to Dojihime. "My apologies."

"I understand. If you don't mind, I will leave you to your work with my uncle," she said, stepping back and bowing. "I should return to my sister."

"I have removed all of my items. Going through a demon's effects is hardly an intrusion," she replied. "Everything should be fine with that, as far as I know."

Ananzihime nodded at her sister. "I will be right back." Closing the door behind her, she began leading Kyosei down the hall, back toward her old room.

"Ah... I moved rooms. I can direct you to the one we were in before, if you'd like."

She sniffed a little and nodded, trying to get herself back under control. "She will. I don't know yet... I suppose it depends on my conditio- oh. Someone is here. We should continue this conversation, but I should answer it." She took a deep break and got up to answer the door. "Ah- I'm sorry, Isaw...

Ananzhihime took her hand in both of hers and squeezed gently. She gave a weak half-smiling, her eyes welling up a little bit. "Yes. Yes, it is."

She nodded. "You know you have my full support. Anything I can provide is yours."

"Perhaps..."

She frowned. "What are you planning to do?"

"... I don't know the answer to that. Knowing what we did in hindsight..." She pressed her fingers to her mouth briefly and shivered. "It is possible he left Jigoku's mark on my soul. Then there's the dishonor on my family for harboring him... I don't know if Father had any idea."

It's in a different hallway - Ananzihime couldn't stand to stay in the same room after everything was revealed. Dojihime is able to get there easily enough, though. Anazihime answers the door, expression stoic, but her eyes are tired. She steps aside to let Dojihime in, gesturing to the table where ...

Kuni speaks carefully and as delicately as he can, allowing the sympathy in his voice to show. "I have studied similar creatures. Though none so advanced. I would be happy to share my notes with the Crane so your Clan can watch for any presence the creature's spiritual corruption with those he may ...

"It look like there is no spiritual danger. Just in case, I will have notes of things to keep an eye out for. Though since he had been trying to pose as a human, it is likely he did not try to harm your spirit, so it shouldn't be anything to be too worried about." He looks to the Crane and bows jus...

Kakita felt the blade be pushed out by his own body’s enhanced healing powers. The sword dropped to the ground with a clang and he flexed the muscles in his arm… they felt tense despite the magical regeneration. He bowed to the healer politely before turning to Hikaru. “The fog of darkness has been...

"Hada-" Ananzihime's reaction was cut off as she slapped her hands over her mouth as the wound began to burn, taking two steps back with wide eyes. Then... He changed.

Her head was spinning, and she wobbled unsteadily where she stood.

Ananzihime waited next to him. It was about her fan, and she had a vested interest in the outcome... even if she had no idea how she would want it to turn out. She resisted the urge to fiddle with the fabric of her sleeves, hiding her nerves behind a calm facade.