[center][h2]Kyoto[/h2] [b]Sunday, June 5th 20XX[/b][/center] [hr] [@Taka] [hider] With each attempt, Aurelius' focus deepened, while his body fatigued. If not for his background and being familiar with physical exertion, he would not have the stamina to continue as he did, trying again and again, his movements becoming sharper. The basic forms he had learned from Akimoto along with the sparring helping him familiarize with how to wield a katana, there was no telling how he would apply this to his more European style blades, but that was of no consequence while he made attempt after attempt. Day turned to sunset as sweat dripped down his cheeks, running down his brow, his focus so tuned that he ignored the sensation, and... With a single stroke, he cut the leaf with nary a disturbance in the wind. The motion was fluid, quick, the wind around the blade did not stutter as the blade swept through it perfectly, and his movement was perfect for that one moment. [color=9e0b0f]"Oho~ Not bad... Hm, ordinarily I'd ask you to do it again, but it seems I should not stay here for too much longer"[/color], Akimoto looked towards the sky. There were ominous clouds as a flaming night slowly began to set in. [color=9e0b0f]"Well, for now, I'll let you borrow this"[/color], he produced what appeared to be a small, beaten handbook from his person, handing it to Aurelius. Upon it was what appeared to be some archaic sword arts... Anyone who had studied Musashi Miyamoto would not recognize it, but there were arts he mastered that he did not share with others, and this was what was suggested by the writings in this book. [color=9e0b0f]"I'd like you to learn everything in it. Next time we meet, hand it back since... It's also a bit of a good luck charm, but I'm sure this is what the old man would've wanted... Oh and that katana, you can keep it for practice"[/color], he looked to the sky again then turning back to Aurelius. [color=9e0b0f]"Well, I'll be going now, I'm sure you have some business in this city, so I'll leave you to that"[/color], he got up, they said their goodbyes, and just like that he walked away to who knows where. Just as Aurelius was packing up his gear and cleaning himself up of his sweat, taking a drink or what have he, he spotted a blue bird landing on the seat beside him. It was Utsumi's blue magical bird... So it appears it was time. [/hider] [@ERode] [hider] Motsumine fluttered his fan for a moment, closing his eyes before opening them again and answering Otis' question. [color=fff79a]"That, is merely the manipulation of Yoki, I suppose the idea of manipulating one's spiritual energy in such a direct way is a new concept to your world, however it no less requires great skill to do so"[/color], so it was just a natural ability. [color=fff79a]"I advise being wary, as such skills are known to be versatile, requiring very little preparation"[/color], he added. His eyes turned quickly to the side of the room where a member of the Alliance was there, bowed and waiting for him. It seems they've just arrived. [color=fff79a]"But it appears our time is up. Do be careful on your way back, and good luck to your endeavors"[/color], and with that, he allowed Otis to leave. It would seem he must conduct his business at the estate for the upcoming battle. As Otis began leaving the estate, he spotted a blue bird landing near him, looking directly at him... So it appears it was time to go. [/hider] [@I-Am-X][@Lonewolf685] [hider] Lorelai on her way back found herself with a small companion on her shoulder... Utsumi's blue bird. So the time had come. Meanwhile, over at the ice cream parlour, Helena and Asta eating their ice cream while Ultana was finishing hers off... As she only bought one compared to the others getting extra, a blue bird landed on their table. [color=8493ca]"Hm? Isn't that the teacher's spell?"[/color], pointed out Helena. That's right, these two had no idea what was coming up. [color=7ea7d8]"Must be serious if he's calling us this way"[/color], commented Asta. It wasn't for these two but for Ultana but... Well... She can explain it or not, regardless she needed to get going it seems. [/hider] [hr] [center][h2]Eiseikato[/h2] [b]Sunday, June 5th 20XX[/b][/center] [hr] The halls of the illustrious Inn run by Kitsune were quiet at this time. Swept clean, pristine, with nary a footstep found or heard, ghostly quiet some might even say. At the front of the Inn there was a sign saying it they were closed, and only guests already checked in would be allowed to stay. The staff was set to only the bare minimum, with only some chefs and attendants left to ensure the guests left over were taken care of. The young senior left in charge, Kohane, was stepping around the Inn, looking for the junior left in her care, Koyuki, and yet she was nowhere to be found. Her search finally led her to the last place she might be, the fine lady Kuzunoha's chamber, and as she stepped up the polished lacquered stairs, turning to her side, then slowly sliding the doors open after sitting down in seiza, she was surprised beyond belief with what she saw... Or did not see. Lady Kuzunoha was... Nowhere to be found. Kohane was told that they were to close and go onto minimal staff for the night, with other staff allowed to go and take the night off, she had all of them accounted for except Koyuki... Surprise turned to confusion, turned to speculation... [color=6ecff6]"Where... Where have they gone...?"[/color]