Garoth listened to Scarlet's story, but it didn't really mean much to him. She kept going on about Megumi's "aura," but he really didn't see what the big deal is. "So what you're saying is she's got some serious power in her blood? I don't see why you're so nervous. If anything, it's good she's on our side. Best not to piss off the child of a god, right?" He hoped that Scarlet and the council would just ease up on Megumi already. He saw firsthand how she risked her life to protect others and knew that she wasn't the type to go on rampages. Sure she was a bit odd, but no more so than the rest of the people here.
"I am pleased to hear that you are willing to join us," Ayako said pleasantly as he lead her back into the room where he had branded her. "But before you join, there are a couple of things we must speak about. First, I want to tell you what I found out about your father, and then Councilman Malik would like to interview you." He took a seat and waited for Megumi to do the same before he continued. "I should not give you the truth you seek because it is classified information only accessible to masters, but because of your particular circumstance and in consideration of your cooperation I feel morally obligated to make an exception for you. What I tell you does not leave this room. You will not mention it to any other soul. If a council member asks, this conversation never happened; you may simply tell them that the information was classified and that I refused to disclose it." Once again, he waited for Megumi to give an indication that she understood the nature of this conversation before continuing.
"I believe that your pack were descendants of the wolf of the black moon, a powerful spirit that served as a guardian between the gates of heaven and hell. It makes sense to me why they refused the brand and why we hunted them down. Do you remember when I said that there was darkness in both the mortal and the spirit worlds? Long ago I came to this world fleeing from a being of immense power. If that being came to this world, it would be the end of days as we know them. In order to prevent this from happening, we created the brand and established The Guild. Our brands do a bit more than simply mark us. They are wards that prevent spirits from passing over to this world, and in turn they prevent the branded from returning to the spirit world. In short, the are our way of keeping the door between worlds shut. Now, your pack were gatekeepers. Do you see where the problem arises? They would no longer be able to perform their duties if they were branded, yet we could not make an exception for spirits with the ability to open a door between realms. I feel bad that I have been a part of a great deceit, but I do not regret it nor will I apologize for it. Believe me when I say the alternative is far worse. If there is anything you would like to say, do so now. This conversation ends today, and you will forever hold your peace." Ayako's voice was kind, yet firm as he spoke. It was clear that the old fox had made some difficult choices, but that they were the best choices he could have made, even given what he knew now.
