[IC] The War for Baji (open)

[Mogtaki]

Gin was feeling very curious about her, finding everything about her all the way down to what she wore on her feet to be of interest to him. He didn’t get out much and that was evident just by how he spoke and moved. He was sure he had found their target and was pretty happy about that, but at the same time he was very curious about what she had and how she looked. His main interest was on anything that glowed, especially when things that glowed generally made him feel happy and safe. Giving her a toothy smile when she took notice of him he tapped his fingers together, listening to what she had to say as he looked back down at the strange device. He couldn’t imagine how it worked like that but it was sure remarkable, finding how it must had been crafted to be of interest to him as well.

”Music…tool?” he spoke, giving it a look over before looking back to the woman as she granted her name, giving her a smile at his accomplishment. He never did get someone to be comfortable with him so this was nice, but she did spot he was different fairly quickly as well. ”Me…? I’m not from here…uhh, I’m Gin, it’s short for Ginkoruma! Heh! Heh…”

Well now he was just getting embarrassed, his cheeks flaring up as he lowered his vision. He shouldn’t be so direct like that. Looking back up at her he smiled at the offer for a show, giving her a nod but gasped when Metou suddenly spoke up, frowning once again at his denial for something pleasant. That was twice she had done that, first with food and now with this. Feeling a little frustrated he went all red again and lowered his head, hitting his hip with his fist a few times. He guessed it was time for them to get some information out of her, even if he was having a nice time having a casual conversation for once.

[Lekkuen]

Kiko was enjoying the brief conversation when she noticed an elderly tengu walk up behind Gin. Given what she said she quickly understood that they were together but without any specifics, she made her own assumptions. She looked back at Gin and smiled, especially since he was blushing and didn't want to not address him. "That is a very nice name Ginkoruma, I'll be sure to mention you by name in one of my future songs. I'm sure I can think of a nice melody in honor of my cute new friend " She turned her focus back to metou while keeping up her smile. "His grandmother I presume?" it was her guess given the age difference on display. "This land is filled with all sorts thievery and other crimes, such things happen constantly. But I will say a pattern has seemed to form, especially regarding the possibly corrupted person. My travels sends me all over, and some places have begun mobilizing over such things and banning outsiders from their territory. So depending on how specific you wish to get, I can likely provide the information. First though I need information myself, which clan are you from or working for. I need to know who I am dealing with and it will help me adjust the pattern I've noticed by knowing what is the closest case of said thievery." with conversation taking a more serious tone she placed her guitar at her side before reaching around to pull up a black case for it.

[Xartarin]

Kiko asked ambiently if Metou was Gin's grandmother, and she only responded without emotion, "We're not related."

The request for more information seemed completely reasonable to Metou, though her business-like thoroughness of the subject surprised Metou considering she was a travelling musician. There may have been a way the answer could be used against them, Metou considering, as a restraint against revealing your goals was often a good practice. However, the question seemed harmless to Metou, and it would need to be answered if they were to progress. "We come from Shima, and we travel on behalf of their lord, seeking the sacred relics that were stolen from Shima by these thieves," Metou explained.

[Lekkuen]

The answer intrigued her, she had heard about Shima but never been there and found it interesting that the clan had people on some sort of quest. This could be exactly she needed, and what a perfect time for it to be happening. Mentally she thanked the gods before she began to put up her guitar and chuckled to herself for a very brief moment before speaking up. "Alright I'll tell you what you need to know, and as well as give use the pattern I've found to help you find your relics. But only if you'll take me with you. Having people with me will allow me to travel easier and farther with less to worry about. I also just love adventure and this sort of quest could really help me in terms of musical inspiration. I'm sure their Lord wouldn't mind me tagging along for a while." This was a chance she couldn't pass up so she wasted no time is trying to make it the focus of the deal. She was sure it would be very easy to convince Gin to let her tag along, but she wasn't sure about the old lady just yet. Either way she knew the information she held was very valuable so there was no doubt in her mind that eventually they would agree, and so she just continued to give a sweet peaceful smile.

[Mogtaki]

Gin opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Metou, his eyes going to her when she sounded so dulled by it. That was a bit upsetting, she could’ve at least pretended but instead she immediately denied it and made it sound like it was a disgusting thought. Maybe it was the fact he was a half-Oni, they were usually a call of shame on a family and to think one was in her family was probably considered disgusting to her; shame, he would’ve liked some family even if it was pretend. Sighing lightly in slight sadness over the thought he looked back to Kiko, staring at her as she made an agreement to tell them what they needed to know so long as she could go with them. That was fair enough, he thought, not seeing any danger in it. ”I don’t see a problem. I would like some more company too if the others are okay with it”, he spoke, looking to Metou. He thought it would be nice, plus the woman seemed to like him so that was always a plus for him.

[Xartarin]

Metou glanced to her side to catch Gin's look, prompting her to respond as well. Kiko had actually made a good impression on Metou, as the meticulous way she talked appealed to her. As far as a reason to trust her went, Metou would find it hard to believe that a woman who didn't know they were coming would intend to take advantage of them, unless she was working for the Ki Witch, in which case they probably wouldn't be in any more danger than they already are. Besides, Metou was secretly hoping to score some free musical accompaniment on their journey. Not to mention, having an extra traveller probably would not cost them anything, and having her guide them was more reliable than Metou's failing memory. Metou cracked a slight smile, and said, "Having some more company sounds delightful, and I'm sure your journey will be safer with us around. However, there are others travelling with us, and I suppose we never agreed on a place to meet. Two of them went off to find this town's chief, at least, I'm sure I remember where that's likely to be..."

[PaulHaynek]

"I see." Kenji replied to Takumi. "Well then, I better join them to see if I am of any help. Will you be coming, Mister Takumi?"

Regardless if Takumi went or not, Kenji would join his comrades who seem to be having a pleasant conversation with a person of short white hair and sported a pair of catlike ears wearing only robes. Was he a Neko? Whatever the answer was, Yuudai was having great fun playing with the new person, carrying him on her shoulder like it was no one's business. Approaching the group, Kenji first addressed the half-Oni. "I see you have already returned Yuudai. Swift as the wind." He complimented Yuudai and not bothering to bring up his half-empty wallet.

"Sooo... is this the impostor you have been worried about?" Kenji then asked Jiang for an explanation for all of this.

[Kitsune]

Yuudai had picked up the robed neko as Kenji started to walk over to where they were "Ah, there you are. I was wondering where you were. Something keep you?" She asked before getting a tail whacked into her fact, which gave her all the hint she needed to put down Tetsu. She clearly did not understand his embarrassment about the whole thing, though that was common for her to think for everyone as she was way too honest with herself.

"By the way. Given what you are talking about I suspect you could not see the leader of Ru?" Despite everything that was being broguht up she remained with that look of indifference "Hmm well then it looks like you will have to tell us what you asked. Since it IS your fault that we cannot see her ourselves right Tetsu?~" Yuudai made sure to lean in closer as if to drive her point home that it was all his fault, bad neko. She did not really hold it against him though "Ah well, at least I will get to see this great leader as well tomorrow. We can go tomorrow right?" She looked between Kenji and Jiang.

[Wei Phoenix]

He was approached by Kenji and asked if this was the impostor in question so Jiang decided to clear the whole situation up. "He's no impostor, he's a vassal of Shima so all is well for the most part. I still don't think we will be seeing her today." He closed his eyes as time went on and the others conversed. Baji was looking forward to learning more about Ru so he could have an advantage when he meets her. Jiang quickly opened his eyes when Yuudai spoke about meeting Ru as a group. "We should discuss this when we get to his room. I do not want to speak about policies and official Shima business in a crowded or public area."

[Lekkuen]

Both of them approved of her being with them, something that came as a pleasant surprise to Kiko. What wasn't surprising was that there were others that needed to approve, but with two people on her side she expected things would go smoothly for her. Since it sounded like the others were doing their own little missions in Ru she would be patient and not ask to go see them just yet. "Well I'll be staying here tonight, so whenever they are done with that you can bring them here to meet with me. I don't want to intrude on something as sensitive as their meetings with the leader here, so I'll wait here and get some rest or maybe even work on a new song. I'll be sure to let the two of you hear whatever I come up with." She would prefer going with them right away but felt it would be coming on too strong and seem suspicious, two things that would hurt her chances to get to travel with them. And then she would be stuck in her current situation, stuck playing music at random places and doing the best she could. With Shima representatives she could get a real audience and be right in thick of what was going on, something that would really help her.

[Vena Sera]

Tetsuya was trying to be polite as could be with Yuudai, not wanting to outright tell her off. When he was lifted up like a sack of grain however that was as much as he could take, squirming fitfully before giving her a small smack in the face with his tail, relieved to finally be put down. Blushing indignantly the Neko fixed his robe, tugging the drawstring tighter around himself and folding his arms in a childish manner. If they were back home the Oni would never... Actually nevermind, she completely would be doing this to him. Every time they came across one another she had this innate urge to treat him like a plaything, goodness knows why. Maybe if they could just get back onto the topic at hand without his being mauled then this night wouldn't be too bad.

"I did see her as a matter of fact, and I even got to speak to her before someone else did," Tetsuya said with a smirk, unable to conceal the bit of pride seeping through, "She and I... Well we did plenty of talking." Unfortunately not very much information was gained from it, or actually none whatsoever. This was hardly the type of place to be discussing what he had or hadn't found though, it was a really private matter and should be discussed somewhere far less open. Especially now that another person looked to be joining them, someone that he didn't quite as readily recognize as the others. They seemed to be with Yuudai and Jiang though, so he supposed he ought to trust the man.

He had never met Kenji before, but the first words out of his mouth made the Neko not a huge fan of him already. "Impostor? I am not an impostor!" Tetsuya said annoyed, his tail swishing about as he balled his hands into fists. He was getting fairly annoyed with how he was being treated here, he was supposed to be one of Lord Shima's guards! Realizing he was at risk of acting... Well like a child he took a proverbial step back, sighing and closing his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose. I agree, this isn't the place for this kind of conversation. And since it seems that we're using my bedroom as the meeting place..." Tetsuya trailed off, smiling slightly as he gestured to the hall where his room was before walking off to it.

"It might be a bit cramped, I didn't expect to have any visitors tonight," the Neko explained, opening up his room and stepping aside to let the others in, "Make yourselves comfortable, just uh... Please don't touch my things?" Not that he had very much on him, save for his armor, sword and shield. Not quite knowing what to do with himself right now Tetsuya took a seat by the door to the courtyard, managing a slight smile as he looked up at the trio gathered in his room. "I have to ask... Just how many of there are you? How many more did Lord Shima send...?"

[Wei Phoenix]

Jiang Baji stood up against the wall when they arrived in Tetsuya's room. "There are six of us in all so far." He said bluntly in response to the neko's question. Baji then took a deep breath as he prepared to explain his plans for Ru tomorrow. The Dog didn't expect this to go well at all but he would tell them the truth and give it to them straight. He wasn't a fan of being the serious and straightforward type but he knew that sometimes that approach would be necessary. He started by addressing Yuudai first.

"Well, to be completely, yet reluctantly serious, I don't want to be accompanied by anyone when it comes to speaking with Lady Ru, unless it's Takumi. For starters, you and I haven't agreed on a single thing since this journey has started and we're bound to disagree on policies and negotiations in front of Lady Ru. We have very different outlooks and beliefs of this land and the wrong thing said can destroy our chance at an alliance. She's also one person who speaks for her entire clan, so she should meet only one person who speaks for our entire clan. We don't want to intimidate her with numbers or bore her with having to show courtesy to an entire group. Lady Ru isn't very traditional, according to Takumi."

Jiang then looked over at Tetsuya and addressed him. "We weren't met with the most welcoming hands, they were respectable but by their actions and words, I believe that it is safe to assume that you were unable to secure an alliance with Ru? I'm not mad or anything, so long as you did your best." Then he began to speak generally to the entire group. "Ru has to hear one united voice speaking for Shima, if we go back, contradict or trip over another person's words then we will look weak and Shima will look weak. One of us falters with their words and stutters then Shima looks weak. I know I'm asking you all to put your trust in me to do this alone, so if I fail all of the blame is on me." Jiang laid it all out for them, completely raw and unfiltered. He didn't regret a single word, and he didn't speak to be disrespectful to anyone.

[Xartarin]

"That sounds like a good idea, we'll return to this inn when the rest of our group comes to an agreement," Metou said. She didn't mind Kiko hearing what she said next, but it was directed to Gin, so Metou turned completely to him to discuss what they should do next. "I don't know where Yuudai and kenji ran off to, but Takumi and Jiang went to speak with Ru's leader. I'd honestly rather avoid speaking wtih them myself-"

Someone sitting at a table behind Metou noticed she was speaking ambiguously and with gender neutral pronouns. The man grabbed Metou by the shoulder to turn her slightly, and as a reflex Metou's hand darted halfway to her pistol. "We serve Lady Ru, hag."

"O-of course, Lady Ru, right," Metou said nervously, trying to resist a scowl, vaguely threatened and wanting to just shake that man off. The man grunted and turned away, uninterested in provoking the old tengu further, and Metou could keep speaking to Gin. "Anyway, I'll leave the task of giving Shima a noble face to someone younger and more charismatic than I, but if they're not still there I think we can ask a guard or someone else where they went. I'm pretty sure I know where Lady Ru is, does that seem like a good idea to you, Gin?"

[Kitsune]

Yuudai clearly got defensive at Jiang's words as she crossed her arms across her chest, though her expression did not change the whole feel about her got a little more aggressive. "I don't agree with you because I find what you say wrong. There is nothing wrong with that, I don't even agree on many things Shima said. Though admittedly I had Keiji to talk about on those matters. That being said, who said you spoke for us?" It was a rather forceful question but if he being blunt then she would as well

With a sigh she shook her head, she knew he meant well but it was clear he was judging her based on how she looked and the fact she did not agree with him, a annoying prospect to her. "I said I wanted to see her. I don't need your permission, so I will be coming along even if you like it or not." She raised a hand to her chin for a moment as she changed topics, clearly feeling the matter with her going was finished with as she would be doing so.

"That being said, I did hear about someone else was here too. Could that have been the reason you guys couldn't see her?" Another guess but given the talk around Ru it was a simple one to make "I think I would like to go and see them too, if they caught the attention of the Clan Leader I would love to see them for myself."

[Wei Phoenix]

He just sighed and lowered his head. Though it shouldn't be, but it was completely believable that she wasn't listening to him or taking the time to comprehend what he was saying and why. "There lies a part of the problem, it's your ego. One day it will get you killed, it almost got you killed today. Are you fine with meeting her after the negotiations are over. I've done enough begging today, but I will beg once more. Let me do this, let me prove myself to Shima and help me save the people of Ru. I'm not as strong as you, I'm not as durable, I can't support and heal people like Kenji, but I know that I can speak, I know that I can persuade others. If I fail tomorrow then I won't say another word and take myself out of all future decisions and follow whatever you all think is the best course of action."

There was absolutely no way that these two could stand side by side and speak in harmony with one another at this current time. Sending them both or sending anyone else, for that matter would only complicate things. The entire group couldn't agree on anything, so why would they be able to agree this subject. He had no problem with them meeting her, he planned on introducing the group to her so she would know who they all were.

[Vena Sera]

Six? There were six more people on the job? Tetsuya couldn't help but feel a touch deflated hearing that, surprised that so many others had been chosen. He had felt special honestly when he'd been assigned the task, hoping it might be a chance to do some good for his Lord and perhaps even show him gratitude for taking him in by solving this crime. In retrospect it was a foolish thing to hope for, there was so much ground to cover and he was inexperienced, but still... Looking between Yuudai and Jiang as they spoke he couldn't keep from frowning, surprised that people who were having such a hard time getting along were assigned to the same job. Whatever petty squabbles they were having should be put aside, they had an important job to do and couldn't waste time bickering over who got to go and speak with who. Mentally rolling his eyes he looked away from the pair, turning back only when Jiang spoke to him.

"I... Already spoke with Lady Ru, so there's no need for you to go and do it again. She agreed to keep an eye out here in Ru, but that's about all she said she could do," Tetsuya explained. If they continued to pester the woman he worried they might lose her support, and seeing as she was their only informant right now he'd hate for that to happen. If these two were going to have a pissing contest and attempt to outdo one another then he would do his best to keep them away, though he hadn't the faintest idea how he might accomplish such a feat. Yuudai could quite literally manhandle him if she so chose to, and while he didn't know much about Jiang he hardly wished to cross swords with the man. Hearing Yuudai only further pressing the matter. Groaning under his breath he put his head in his hands, lifting it abruptly when the Oni mentioned someone else being here.

"Huh? Oh, there was no one else here! No one that I saw!" Tetsuya said hastily, shaking his head as he waved his hands, "I mean... There were her guards and all, but no one else. No Clan leaders or dignitaries or anything like that. Just me, Lady Ru and some guards, that's all!" If these two were to confront Princess Naji he couldn't see anything good come of it, worried one or the other might mouth off or say something out of line. They were here on Lord Shima's behalf, and if they were going to argue like two children then neither of them had any business talking with someone so important to their mission. Hoping to change the subject he smiled meekly, getting up to his feet and shuffling over to the door, "How's about we go ahead and get some dinner, hm? They must have some good food here, what do you say? I'll even buy!"

[Kitsune]

Yuudai's normal look turned slightly sharper when the boy dared to speak of ego to her and something finally snapped inside of her after all that happened today and sadly they were in the firing line. "Ego?... You dare speak of ego oh speaker of Shima? Oh Dog of Shima?" Stepping forward she uncrossed her arms, making sure to make herself as open as possible, a move in body language used to taunt as if saying 'you are no threat to me'

"Despite the fact that I have have been working for Shima longer, and have grown up having to deal with people in high standing because of my work, I allowed you to try and prove yourself, to become what you call 'the voice of Shima' and yet despite my humble request to simply stand there and watch you brush me off like nothing. Because I am a women? A half oni? A person? It doesn't matter the reason but make sure you know what you are talking about before even opening your mouth child."

Each of her movements and words were meant to sting but nothing more, nothing deep rooted and she knew just how to say it with negotiation tricks that one would not expect of someone like her. "So petty." She sighed, relaxing only a little bit before turning towards the door, not even bothering to listen to what he had to say, because that way her words would be the forefront of the boys mind. "Also I heard that groan before Tetsu..." She had slight disappointment in her eyes but she had enough by this point and started to head out past Kenji "It is clear you wont get anywhere if you have to listen to reason so I will leave it to you boys and be the bigger person and leave." With that she would just leave without answering them she had enough of their petty arguments and round about ways of doing things.

---------------------

Making her way back towards the main part of the Inn she let out a sigh "So frustrated~ I need a nice girl to keep me company for the night" She muttered to herself as she came to a stop to overlook the Inn, though she would also pass Gin and Metou without even noticing as she went to look outside for any nice looking girls that wanted a escort that night, after all she would like one that caught her eye.

[Wei Phoenix]

Jiang thought to himself, "Yes, I'm so sexist that I don't think that a woman can speak with another woman." after hearing her accusations on why he thinks she wouldn't work well with him. She was already contradicting herself and her words, but he kept his mouth shut and not let this drag on any further. Soon, she left the room and Baji just shrugged his shoulders and came in closer to the group and continued their discussion. Tetsuya was being secretive of who was already here, Jiang had heard from Takumi but he wasn't going to out him. "Relax, whoever it is and whoever knows about it is sure to have a valid reason to keep it to themselves. Remember that Tetsuya, and know that we don't judge or condemn secrets kept to ensure the safety of others." After all, he planned on keeping the secret of Lady No and her daughter's involvement.

Baji then went on to continue the discussion about Ru, herself. Things weren't going to look good for either of them if all she would do is keep an eye out. Ru had to be stronger than it is right now for whatever tragedy or war that is coming to this land. Shima and Ru had to become friends and allies. "Well, we're going to need to warn Ru. Before we reached Ru, there was an attack, very skilled and elite bandits attacked a fortune teller. We saved her and as a gift she told our fortune and predicted the future. She said that the nearby villages have to prepare for a dark event to come. They must deal with their own issues if they are going to survive." His voice was as stern and authoritative as he could muster, but he wasn't speaking down to Tetsuya or trying to intimidate him. The survival of those around him was serious business. "I intend to help these people and help Shima. We will be prepared for whatever comes our way."

[Mogtaki]

Gin didn’t know how to negotiate something like this, knowing it was right out of his field of expertise. He had no idea how to deal with other people regarding these situations, seeing them as pretty impossible to get right. Blacksmiths weren’t exactly sociable with people they didn’t know and even if he was adopted he still shared that trait with his guardian. He never knew who his parents were but it was obvious he didn’t belong with them, even if they never outright told him. It was just obvious that someone like him didn’t belong with a pair of humans who had obviously been together for as long as he could remember.

Looking to Metou when she asked him a question he gave a quick look around the inn, curious to where they all might be himself. He didn’t know where they went off to but they were probably somewhere, seeing how they wouldn’t leave either of them behind. Just checking to see if they possibly ended up in the inn he gasped when he heard someone else in their conversation, turning to the strange man who was rather rude to Metou. Showing his teeth at the man he soon let out a huff, folding his arms as he looked back to Metou. That was rather rude and a bit silly too, seeing how they were visitors and threatening them like that didn’t give this place a very good name.

”Uhh…charismatic? I don’t think I’m that word”, he spoke as he looked around himself again, ”I guess so, though…uhh, what do you want me to do? I don’t do good without guidance…” He didn’t join this quest to end up trying to make decisions that could probably end with him being left behind, that was the last thing he wanted. He knew he might end up getting separated if he so much as looked away from the others for two minutes. ”Maybe we should just ask a guard…besides, they would probably notice another half-Oni walking around, right?”

[PaulHaynek]

From what Kenji could comprehend, the conversation about who was to meet the leader of Ru turned into a rather sour argument between Jiang and Yuudai, the former not liking to be accompanied and the latter having a problem with that. The Neko tried to calm the situation down but Kenji could only stare and keep quiet, not knowing how to exactly defuse the heated argument. In the end, Yuudai stormed out of the room and left the three men in the Neko's room.

Jiang continued the discussion and told an edited truth to Tetsuya regarding the dark future all of Baji were to face. While Kenji could see the reasons for secrecy, there was a flaw that might bite them in the future. "Secrets kept may ensure safety, but it kills trust. And trust is something we will need in the future, yes?" He voiced out to no one in particular... or maybe everyone in the room.

"But enough about these secrets, Mister Tetsuya has already talked to Lady Ru about Shima. If so..." Kenji turned to Jiang. "I'm sure Lady Ru takes her job seriously and will do more than keep an 'eye out' despite her words." Kenji said. "However, if you insist on meeting her then I recommend you take Mister Tetsuya since he has already met Lady Ru and so will likely smooth out the meeting." He continued.

"But... that is just what I think. Feel free to ignore it entirely." From where things were going, Kenji had a feeling things were not going to be peachy. Perhaps this was the reason his Lord Oja was not very proactive?