[center][h1]Takenaka, Ichiro[/h1][/center]

Ichiro had been painting when the intercom sounded, reminding the residents of the banquet. He'd nearly forgotten about the affair and the upcoming thirty days of darkness. He'd been too absorbed in a new series of paintings that had come to him in a dream. They were bloody and demonic scenes, but held a terrible and cruel beauty about them. He gathered his supplies and gently washed his brushes free of ink in his art studio's sink. After putting away the art tools and paints, he took to the walk in shower. He'd forgotten to do so the day before, so intense was his desire to put the images his nightmares had inspired. Even as he had rejoiced in the painting, a sense of foreboding had stolen over the man. The paintings were a bad omen and he hoped his superstitions proved false.

He dressed in a sharp black suit with a charcoal grey shirt and black tie. Before he left his suite, he knelt in front of the Buddha. He lit the three incense he had prepared beforehand at breakfast and began his chants and prayers. Soon, his rituals complete he stood and smoothed out his clothes. For some reason, Ichiro had decided to carry a gun for the first time in many years. A compact hip holster was well-concealed by his suit jacket. Luckily he had already filed and been approved by Aaron, a friendly acquaintance, to carry a concealed sidearm. The license and permit had not come cheap, but Ichiro valued his safety above all else and it was a fool who was not always prepared. He tamed his long black hair, pulling it back into a tight ponytail. Several silver rings adorned his ears and many adorned his hands.

Deciding he wanted the exercise, the well-built Japanese man opted for the stairs. He made his way up the levels quickly, spotting the chief on his way up to the banquet. "Officer McKenna, it's good to see you. How have you been?" He straightened his jacket as he came abreast of the police officer, falling into step. He secured the top button of his suit jacket, not wanting to put the man into unease even though he had gone through all the proper channels. "Looking forward to the banquet? I hear there is an open bar," he said the last with a bit of shared amusement. He himself didn't care for most Western drinks, preferring hot sake.