[D1EE] Blast From The Past (Expecting)

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru carefully put his hands behind his back as he leaned forward to view the sword more closely. "Marvelous." He said, straightening. "I have heard it said that a true swordsman will view the sword as an extension of their body. But more than that, it is an extension of their soul. I am not surprised that in forging one, you also forged the other." He bowed.

Straightening again, he frowned thoughtfully. "It is good that you have a place. Destiny has seen to that." A slow nod. "I know little of Ryoshun and his followers, but none of it ill. I know they have many who can see what others cannot..." Hikaru spread the fingers of one hand. "Have they offered you any wisdom for your quest? Or might they offer you more?"

[Kakita]

“I have spoken with very few about it. Lady Nazo offered to look into what she could, but as of yet... there has been nothing forthcoming.” He replied.

“But that does not preclude assistance when it will be needed. There is a time and place for all things. The heavens and my... our spirits will provide what is necessary when it is necessary.”

[Doji Hikaru]

"Yes. Especially as our cause is just." Hikaru said, his voice still low, but firm.

After a few moments, he smiled, just a little. "You've changed. But not completely. I still recognize the core of the young man I knew. And this new destiny seems to suit you. As does life among the Bat. Is it very different from the Crane?"

For his part, Hikaru was likely very similar to when last they met. More grown, to be sure, but otherwise polished and sharpened instead of reforged.

[Kakita]

He paused as he sought to find an answer, “It is... not the same. There are so few of them. But each of them are intent on making the world around them better. There are some similarities... the Bat seek to excel as Crane are taught to do as well. But there is something less... structured about their approach; an approach that leans towards openness.”

He paused, “They are the Void... Their development will be interesting to observe.”

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru frowned thoughtfully. "Hmmm. I can see advantages. And disadvantages. Would I have become the man that I am today without Lady Doji to help guide me? Some flowers cannot exist in the wild... but then, some wild plants, when brought in to the garden, do not flourish as they do without constraints."

"And the Void..." Hikaru's thoughtful frown deepened. "Yes, it will be interesting to observe their development. I should have visited their lands in my travels." A brief headshake of regret.

"And what of Princess Rei? Is she the daughter of Ryoshun?" There was a bit of confusion in Hikaru's measured tones.

[Kakita]

He nodded, “She is. A young woman who personifies the potential within her small clan... You should meet her.”

He offered a slight smile, “And you should see the Bat lands when time allows. Where have your travels taken you?”

[Doji Hikaru]

"I would like to." Hikaru said, nodding. "I imagine she is special even by the standards of the children of the Kami." After all, her father existed beyond the veil of death.

"Hmmm." Hikaru frowned as he considered. "Most of them, but not all. As part of Lady Doji's retinue, I have been to most of them. By myself... Lion, Stag, Imperial, Dragon. It was then that I returned. Perhaps the Bat or Spider would have been better for what I seek... or perhaps I was not destined to find a solution just yet."

[Kakita]

He nodded, “The north is far to travel from the side of Lady Doji. You have been where you needed to be; and now aid has come.”

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru grimaced. "Yes. I learned much while I traveled. But worrying for her health quickened my feet but burdened my heart. I should like to see the world again, but only once that burden is relieved."

He glanced up, frowning. "It seems more than aid has come. The morning sun has given way to a chill wind..." As if on cue, a sudden gust of wind and ice swept through the courtyard, Hikaru's eyes briefly closing against the icy blast. "It seems an ill omen."

[Kakita]

He smiled and looked up at the skies, “During my years in the mountains ‘Grandfather’ would tell me, ‘When the winds and snow come... you can either be buffeted by them, or float aloft them.”

He then looked down at Hikaru, “Omens are new opportunities presenting themselves.”

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru took in a deep breath, letting the cold air sting his lungs again. "You're right, Kakita-san. If it is an omen, we shall face what it brings. Rise to meet it."

He turned his head to look at his friend, expression thoughtful. "Grandfather and Grandmother... were they spirits?"

[Kakita]

“Some might consider them such.” He replied simply with a nod.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru frowned, still thoughtfully. "Would you?"

He looked back towards the sky. "These are interesting times we live in, with gods among us, and where spirits aid us." His lips curled up. "Or non-spirits. Personages of import."

[Kakita]

“We live in a world older than Kami. Older than men. There are beings that have inhabited these same forests and rivers in the past. Ones whose times have passed.” He said as he looked to the environment around them.

“Those who linger have lessons for those who have come. ‘Grandmother’ and ‘Grandfather’ are just such beings.”

[Doji Hikaru]

Slowly, Hikaru nodded. "It is difficult to remember, sometimes. Speaking with some of the older Clansfolk, they talk about the time before the Kami came to us. But I've lived all my life in Doji's household. Can a fish imagine life on land?" Hikaru shook his head.

Then he smiled. "My first clear memory is of her, in fact. On a horse, smiling down at me. It was only the tiniest of smiles, but from a goddess to a child, it was like the sun coming up." Hikaru's pale eyes were distant in reminiscence.

[Kakita]

"She has been blessed with the beauty of the heavens in greater measure than any woman. And a caring spirit to match..." He nodded in agreement, seemingly remembering his first interaction with Lady Doji.

"I remember when my father dedicated our tribe to her service... it was a great day."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Indeed." Hikaru said, sighing softly. For a moment he was silent, his hair whipping in the chill wind.

Finally, he looked back to... Kakita, his friend was now. "I have heard the story before. But would you tell me again?"

[Kakita]

He smiled, "Another time... For now we have a wedding to get ready for."

[Doji Hikaru]

"Indeed we do." Hikaru bowed, his expression solemn. "It is good to see you again, old friend. Kakita-san." That was who he was now, it seemed.

[Kakita]

"And you as well Doji-san... More than you can know." He said with a soft smile and a bow of departure.

He turned and made his /exit through the wind and light dusting of snow.