It had already been a strange morning. What was a little bit more strangeness?

Hikaru made his way to the chambers appointed to the Bat; specifically, to Ryoshun Rei. Rei-rei. He suppressed a smile at that thought. Fortunately, his control was such that he knew he would not accidentally use her cousin's nickname in casual conversation.

He paused, taking a moment to brush back his white strand of hair; futile, he knew. Still, it was always worth taking the time to make sure his appearance was as impeccable as possible. Satisfied, he reached out, tapping lightly on the door frame.

The door slid open a few moments later as Kakita moved it aside. Within the room were he and Lady Rei.

Kakita bowed a greeting to his old friend and gestured for him to come in.

Hikaru returned the bow smoothly, giving his friend a hint of a smile as he stepped into the room.

He bowed again to Rei, even as his pale eyes swept the room curiously.

A small white piglet came scampering by. It dashed down the hall at top speed until a voice caused it to slide to a halt.

"Hen! Get back here!" Ryoshun Rei leaned out of her doorway, glaring down the hall at the small pig. Hen looked back with a guilty frown and began the slow walk to the room.

With a sigh, Rei composed herself and offered Hikaru a bow and a smile. "My apologies, Doji-san. Please, sit down."

"I..." Hikaru was not easily surprised, but nor did he expect pigs to suddenly dash out of rooms. He paused, jaw thoroughly dropped, watching the little exciting play.

And then, as Rei composed herself, so did he. What was social grace if not ignoring the truly bizarre. Still, he did smile, just a little.

"Thank you, Ryoshun-sama. It is good to see you again. And you again, as always, Kakita-san." He sat as directed, lowering himself gracefully. "I hope the day finds you well so far?"

Kakita nodded affirmatively with a warm smile and waited for Rei to reply.

She took her seat and allowed Hen to curl up beside her, petting him affectionately for a moment.

"It has been a pleasant morning, have you eaten?"

Hikaru inclined his head. "I have, thank you. And you?" His eyes flickered briefly to the pig, but he gave no reaction, positive or negative. Perhaps the hint of a smile? It was hard to say.

He inclined his head. "If you have hot water, I've brought a little bit of tea we all could share. A pleasant addition to a morning chat in cold weather."

"I have eaten, but tea would be lovely." she nodded. She had been preparing a pot of water for tea and it was readily at hand.

With a hint of a smile, Hikaru brought out a small jar. "This is a Crane blend. It is a bit stronger, quite suitable for early in the day, but not so strong as to need to be enjoyed with food."

He hesitated a moment; this was a social situation with several possible outcomes. "Would you allow me to serve you tea, Ryoshun-sama, Kakita-san?"

Kakita deferred to his charge.

"Please, I would be honored." she nodded.

With the same gentle smile, Hikaru drew a small teaset. With the hot water Rei had, as well as the pot of tea he'd brought, he proceeded to perform the tea ceremony as taught to him by Lady Doji. It was not the most talented example, but it was clear he had done it before, and he took pleasure in doing so.

...

In a short while, three cups were filled. Hikaru offered one first to Rei, bowing, and then to Kakita, likewise bowing. "I hope you enjoy it." He said simply in his soft voice.

Kakita accepted the cup and drank in the proper manner… doing so a half second ahead of Rei to ensure she had an example nearby to follow if she needed it.

After drinking Kakita bowed to Hikaru, “Wonderfully done. Lady Doji would be proud.”

Rei sipped and savored the flavor. "It is quite good, as was the way it was served. Thank you."

"Thank you." Hikaru said. His smile didn't change, but there was a flash of gratitude at Kakita's comment.

He took a sip of his own tea. "Ryoshun-sama... has Kakita-san spoken to you about Lady Doji's affliction?"

Kakita shook his head softly in the negative, “Not to any great extent.”

It appeared he was serious in following the injunction set on them by Shiba to keep things quiet.

“Merely that you had something which beguiled you concerning her affliction.”

Hikaru nodded slowly in understanding.

"There is something... a bit of paper, that she wrote upon. Strange, uncanny characters. When one looks at them, it is..." he pursed his lips, "-unpleasant. Like something trying to press into your mind."

He took a deep breath. "I had a thought that someone with your abilities, the ability to see other realms, may be able to make more of it than others. I recognize that this is not an easy ask. Nevertheless, need compels me. Ryoshun-sama, if you would look at it, I would be grateful." He bowed his head as he waited for a response.

"Viewing other realms, that gift is my mother's." she shook her head. "But, there are many things that can be accomplished through the Void. Please, allow me to see it."

Hikaru hesitated only a moment before reaching into the same pouch he carried his tea set in. He drew forth a well-worn piece of very fine paper, a poem written with exquisite calligraphy on it. But insinuated between the characters of the poem were other unreadable characters, strange and uncanny.

Gently, he offered it to her. "Be careful, Ryoshun-sama. Do not look at them too long." He gave Kakita a quick glance.