Kaori's Story: Episode 1 - Tia & Kaori - Private

The day had come for the wedding, and Kaori was less than prepared. It had been over a decade since she'd seen Midi, and she wondered what had changed. What if the Lareci clan had changed while she was away? Kaori knew most of the happenings in her clan since she kept regular contact, and signed all of the documents for trade and laws; but, what if there was someone pulling strings behind her back? What if instead of changing for the better, her clan had become a bunch of cutthroats? What if what was left of her clan had been wiped out, and Saia was toying with her the whole time? Kaori paced around her room nervously as Ikuchi watched from the seat of Kaori's desk. "My master, you shouldn't be so concerned... I heard humans have skin reactions from stress." he said, referring to acne caused by too much stress in life. "I know... it's just... I haven't been home in so long, and I don't know what to expect. For all I know this could be a trap, or- or Kirei could be dead by the time I get there, or-" "Master, with all due respect, your worries are illogical." the man said, looking at Kaori with his hellfire like, dragonesque eyes.

Ikuchi stood up and walked to Kaori, resting his hand on the top of her head and gently rubbing it. "If this man is half as amazing as you are, my master, he would not be dead or anywhere close to it upon arrival." he commented in a soft, gentle tone. Kaori walked into Ikuchi's chest and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you Iku." she said in a weak voice. Ikuchi reciprocated the hug "Nonsense." he replied while holding Kaori and closing his eyes to feel her emotions flow into him. He admired Kaori for her strength, and weakness. She had so many different emotions hidden behind her mask, and bore the burdens of many without cracking under the pressure. At the same time, she worried many people -Ikuchi included- by doing this. No being existed who could handle everything, not even dragons could do it. He knew at some point Kaori would break, and he felt it was his duty to be there to help her pick up the pieces and put herself back together.

Elsewhere in the White Mermaid, Tia would be dealing with her own business. Kaori had picked her up at her guild hall to accompany her to the wedding. From what Kaori had told her, they would take the White Mermaid to a port in Midi where they'd meet up with a trading caravan and another Noble. The other noble was Mizuho, another old friend of Kaori's from when she was a child. She would be attending the wedding as well, but needed to be descretely transported since her family tree had been quickly dwindling at the hands of assassins. The trip would take four days in total, one day to fly there and three days to travel by land. Naturally, Ikuchi would be with them as backup. "All right ladies and Ikuchi, we'll be landing in five minutes. Looks like we're late on account of there being people waiting for us." the sound of Salty, the ship's helmsman, sounded over the loud speakers.

Kaori disengaged her and Ikuchi's hug and the servant went back to his room. Kaori turned to her wardrobe and gently opened it, looking at the setup within. She looked at the outfit within, a white kimono with blue trimming and a matching sash, sandals, her mask recolored to match her clothes, a hair tie, and a new katana. "Alright, let's do this." Kaori said softly, reaching for the robes and gearing up.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she donned her cat mask and tied the ribbons. She was wearing her hair in a pony tail that was mostly on the right side of her head, letting it dangle down to her thigh. Kaori slid her katana into her sash and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She remembered how she'd overcome so much in her life, and how she would have even more to get past. Kaori then turned and made her way to the cargo bay to disembark the ship. Ikuchi was waiting, wearing a pair of black dress shoes, polished to a perfect shine. In the middle of the bottom lace was a solid gold flower, a hibiscus. He wore a set of black dress pants to match, and a well cared for shirt of the same color was tucked into them. From his neck dangled another golden hibiscus, as though it were symbolic to the man. His broad shoulders gave way to normal sized arms, the muscular structure hidden behind black silk sleeves; courtesy of his dress shirt. The man wore a dark grey tie that had a crimson outline on the top, and holding the two tie ends together and preventing wind from flicking them about was a golden clasp. On his right hip, under his belt, was a katana that was white as snow; contrasting Kaori's black katana. "Are you ready, master?" Ikuchi asked while looking at where the cargo bay door would open. "I'm never ready." Kaori replied, commenting how she's never actually been ready for things to happen, but adapted when they did.

As the door opened, letting the warmth of the morning sun in, Kaori took a deep breath and began walking forward. Ikuchi spoke to Tia saying "Lady Haiku, I know you believe yourself to be strong- but there are many definitions to that word." with a gentle tone before walking forward. Ikuchi had smelled her emotions, or lack there of, for some time after the meeting Tia attended a month ago. The man had incredible ears, and a just as noteworthy sense of smell; able to sense subtle changes in a person's natural scent. Something was bothering her, but he had no intentions of forcing it out of her- he had no right. On the other side was the same old man from the meeting, as well as another nineteen men with katanas at their waist, and bows slung across their backs. "Lady Lareci!" one of them shouted, getting on his knees and placing his forehead to the ground. "My Lady, welcome home!" another said, doing the same as the first. The entire group had done it, all welcoming the clan leader back. Kirei's vassal spoke up saying "Your clan welcomes you warmly, Lady Lareci. Lady Suki is in the carriage, waiting to depart."
Kaori: "Did you bring what I requested?"
Vassal: "Of course, you don't think I'd get sloppy after a decade do you?"
Kaori: "No, but I can't afford to not check. A lot can go wrong in three days."
Vassal: "Indeed, I see you've brought company."

The vassal turned to Tia, locking his eyes on her. "Haiku-sama, you look more radiant than the last time I saw you. Thank you for accompanying Lady Lareci so far from your homeland, the honor extends from her clan to ours in equal." he said and bowed to her out of respect. Kaori had been taken back by her warm welcome, and had just began shaking it off. She got weak knees and fell to her knees and placed the forehead of her mask to the floor towards her warriors. "You all have no idea... how honored I am to be welcomed by you. I'm sorry for having been absent for so long, and swear on my pride that I'll make it up to you!" she said with a shaky voice. Several of the men got up and walked to her, helping her off the ground and giving her an embrace. A small number of the warriors were female, who also greeted Kaori with displays of affection. None of the men wore masks, but the women all wore cat masks with markings that differed from Kaori's. Ikuchi stood beside Tia and leaned over saying "Master was the first female warrior to reach one-thousand kills in battle. Wearing the mask became a tradition for other Lareci female warriors to honor her, as well as terrify their enemies by making them think Lady Lareci was on the field."

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 1,385
Rolls:
6 Boss
6 Strong
22 Normal
6 Weak
Convert:
1 Boss -> 8 Weak
3 Striong -> 12 Weak
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Kaori could feel Tia's heart, there was pain and sadness mixed with anger and bitterness. Unfortunately for her, she was knee deep in her clan and their reunion; these matters were best left for when they were alone or as close to it as possible. They'll be making camp closer to twilight, when the night sky is at its most beautiful and the shadows at their darkest. Kaori got into the third carriage in the group, a simple wagon with a canvas roof- nothing special or fancy about it. In front were two more just like it, and another four in the back. "Miss Haiku, come, I'd like you to meet someone!" Kaori hollered with a friendly and exuberant tone. Ikuchi would follow behind Tia, getting in whichever wagon she decided to ride in be it Kaori's or another.

If Tia would get in the wagon with Kaori, she would see a woman with pale skin- though not as pale as her own. She had long black hair that looked silky smoothe, and quite soft. It was straight, and ran down to the middle of her back even though it were tied in a pony tail. Her face contained about as many blemishes as Kaori, evidence that she was truly a noble. While her eyes were brown, it was such a dark shade of it that they looked black in most lighting. Even still, they were gentle and compassionate looking. Her hands were soft with slender fingers, and showed no callouses. Her nails were perfectly trimmed, and a healthy shade of pinkish-peach. The kimono she wore was white with a red band over her bus, and the robes under her kimono were the same shade. If Tia looked at her right hand, the fingers would be interlaced with Kaori's and her arm would be wrapped around her's. Kaori used her other hand to hold the woman's, and even though she were wearing a mask, the ninja's tone would imply she were smiling greatly. "This is Mizuho, but I call her Mizzy! We were both born on the same day, and within a minute of each other! Mizzy, this is Tia Haiku; an ally of mine from Fiore." Kaori proclaimed, which showed the difference in Tia's status and Mizuho's in the ninja's eyes. Mizuho had earned a nickname, Tia was just Miss Haiku- an ally.

"Greetings Miss Haiku, I thank you for escorting Kary to the ceremony." she said with a gentle smile on her face, bowing in her seat. "I hope she hasn't been too much trouble. She can be a bit too playful sometimes-" "Mizzy!" Kaori responded with an offended, but playful tone. "Am I wrong?" Mizuho asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yes!" Kaori replied, still holding onto Mizuho's arm. "Weren't you the one who came up with the idea to bounce rocks off of the men's heads when they were praying?" she asked, providing a perfect example. "You were the one who got the high score." Kaori countered, revealing that Mizuho was in on it. Mizuho giggled and boasted, saying "Ten men, including a bystander." with a beautiful smile on. "So that's who it was... I had a lump on my head for a month after that!" the driver for the wagon complained, having been one of Mizuho's victims. "Well, you're fifteen years too late to punish us now." both Kaori and Mizuho commented, snickering afterwards.

Regardless of which wagon he was in; Ikuchi was sitting at the back of the wagon, one leg bent and propped up against the tailgate with his hand resting on its knee, the other leg stretched across the floor. He looked out across the vast expanse of land as it passed by, and noted the vast difference between here and Fiore. If Tia were in a different wagon from Kaori, he would speak; otherwise he'd stay his tongue. "Lady Haiku, why is it that you hold back your pain? To what cause are you obligated to steel yourself?" he would ask in a calm voice.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 2,058
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Ikuchi was glad that he'd chosen Kaori for a master. Had he gone with his other options, a powerful male warrior who adorned ninja like robes and used ice magic, he would never have been obligated to learn about women. Furthermore, he likely would have ended up fighting Kaori which, from his various training sessions with her, was not for weaklings. Ikuchi listened to how she felt, not speaking nor looking at her, but listening very carefully still. As she said that she wanted to disappear, Ikuchi let out a small sigh and turned to her.

Tia would feel Ikuchi's arms slid under her, one under her thighs and the other behind her back and immediately lift up. She would realize that even though she weight a fair amount compared to a normal thing to life, Ikuchi's arms didn't buckle in the slightest. The man slid himself under her and rested her across his lap, wrapping the arm that supported her back around her and pulling the girl closer in. His other hand was removed from under her legs and slowly, carefully went around the back of her hair to untie the mask before taking it off. He then wrapped that arm around her front and pulled her into his chest, holding her in a warm embrace that would let her hear his heart beat. It was strong, not quaking in the slightest. It was steady, showing no signs of fear or hesitance for what he was doing. Ikuchi rested his hand on Tia's head and gently rubbed it. This was something Chai couldn't do, not because of anything illogical, she was just too tiny. "You are paranoid, Tia." he said, addressing her by her first name- something that no one in Kaori's clan or allied clans had done thus far.

He would embrace her tighter, but not suffocatingly so. "If my master hated you, you would not have a head right now." he said calmly, but also with some degree of sadness to the fact that, that was how Kaori solved her problems. He rubbed Tia's head soothingly while speaking. "Though you're amidst a great battle, know you may cry as you see fit. This is the strength I believe in, and you have held back many tears. Let the river flow, so that I may share its waters with you." His words were soft, but his voice was strong. It didn't sound as though he were trying to make a move, but rather, he were simply trying to support her. It was something he'd done for his master, and several others who were at their breaking point. While Ikuchi was physically strong, emotionally tough, and mentally powerful; he attribute his strength to the ability to let others support him when needed.

Back on Kaori's wagon, Mizzy had turned to Kaori. "Your ally seemed rather distraught. Did the two of you have a falling out?" Mizuho sounded genuinely concerned for her. She lacked an understanding of the woman, so she didn't fully understand the situation. "I'm unsure myself. She began acting strange shortly before I asked her to accompany me. I intend to find out before we arrive, I wouldn't want her feeling even more alienated than she already must feel." Kaori replied, leaning back on the wall of the wagon. "So, you find any good men in the other lands?" Mizuho asked. "Mizzy!" Kaori screamed in her playfully offended tone. "What!? It's not exactly an inappropriate question!" Mizuho replied. "It's extremely inappropriate!" Kaori shouted back. "Fine, muddy stick." Mizuho puffed her cheeks at Kaori.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 2,654
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

"My master has never known love. She's never fallen for a man, woman, or beast beyond camaraderie. She is playful, and knows not what to look for when someone is-" His words were cut off by something... Ikuchi had expected many things of humans, but what was to come next, he had not seen coming. It was like a freight train sneaking up on him even though the conductor was blowing the horn rather often... Suddenly, their lips touched and Ikuchi felt a strange sensation... It felt good, and he began reciprocating the kiss but Tia had seemed to fly to the other end of the wagon out of fear.

Ikuchi had been witness to many adult themed things, and knew what to do despite never having done them. He also knew the reason behind Tia's... promiscuity. "Miss Chai, would you mind going over to my master in the third wagon? I believe a conversation is taking place that may benefit us all." Ikuchi said calmly. His words were honest, and that reflected in his tone. He could hear for an incredible distance, and the conversation they were having was relevant to the mission. If the exeed did so, then she'd be able to hear the conversation just as Kaori began explaining the different ranks of ninja that Saia's forces used and their capabilities. Something that'd help her to help Tia prioritize targets based on her capabilities.

Back at the wagon, Ikuchi had made his way to Tia and lingered in front her. He slid his hand under her chin, re-adjusting her head before placing his lips against her's. His hand then slid under her legs and began straightening them out while maintaining contact. His face separated for a brief moment, and cerulean eyes locked with her own. "You do this because you've never done it before, and you want to know what it's like." he said, providing a long-winded way of saying she has hormonal issues. His lips then reconnected with hers as he began showing her, allowing her to feel first hand what she'd been wanting to feel for so long. If Chai had remained on the wagon, she'd have a front row seat for it all. Either way, when the wagons stopped at noon to set up for lunch, Ikuchi would have finished teaching Tia a lesson she'd likely never forget.

---

"So Kary, what sort of enemies has your brother been throwing at you?" Mizzy asked curiously. "Saia's been using a mixed bag lately. Some are incredibly weak, others are mages like myself. His goal seems to be using me to weed out the weak members, leaving him with an army of strong ones. Foolishly, I attack but benefit by getting stronger myself." Kaori replied. "Members are identified by their wrist bands. Whites have always been the easiest for me. They're skilled with a sword, but lack battle experience so they make stupid moves. Crimson is next, fairly average fighters that are only slightly more annoying than the whites. After that is Gold bands who seem to be veterans. They're a good fight when it's five on one, but just a chore if their numbers are less." Kaori sat back and let out an exasperated sigh. "And then there's the damn platinum bands. They use magic, and are a pain in the ass to kill. Lucky for me, I have magical training that dwarfs them normally." Mizuho looked at Kaori with a smile "I'm glad that you have that experience, otherwise we'd have issues if ambushed."

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 3,248
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Kaori and Mizuho both looked at the picture, with the latter immediately turning red. "To do such a thing- a- are they, you know... lovers?" she asked with an astonished face. Kaori however wasn't so easily fooled and she took the iLac from Chai while using her telekinesis to keep the small cat in place if it tried taking the item back. "Ikuchi would never willingly kiss anyone, male, female, or otherwise. He's completely detached from human emotion, and has no concept of sexuality." Kaori commented while looking in on the image as much as possible. "This image was edited. The pixels on her mascara are more uneven than they would be if it were freshly taken." Kaori commented, her eyes narrowing on patches were the mascara was too thin or too thick- where an erase or smudge tool was blatantly used. "Chai..." Kaori said while looking at the exceed. Chai would feel a certain... negativity in the air, much like what a deer feels just before a wolf bites a chunk out of it. "Miss Haiku may condone slandering her name from you, but I'll not have any of it- especially when my clansmen are involved. Are we clear on this?" Kaori asked with a vicious tone. She then moved her finger around on the iLac before giving a powered down version to Chai. As soon as Chai turned it back on, she'd find the phone, and the online backup were erased.

"Kary, how do you know about those things?" Mizuho asked with an impressed tone. Kaori reached between her breasts and withdrew an iLac of her own. "Oh. That makes sense..." Mizzy said in acceptance. Kaori had leaned back and rested on of her legs over the other, an annoyed look on her face. Her mask concealed it, but Mizuho knew Kaori better than anyone. "Miss Chai, I understand you must be feeling unhappy right now; but I must urge you to accompany one of the other wagons please." she would say in a soft, peaceful, lady like tone. "Kary's very protective of her clan, so that image is considered a crime since we're passing through Lareci territory. Understand the alternative was obligating you to fight for your life." she added, educating the exceed of how things worked in this part of the world. If Chai had any instincts, they'd have her divert her attention to any wagon that didn't have Ikuchi and Tia in it right now... for the next hour at least.

---

Sunset was beginning to take effect as the large ball of burning gasses began hiding behind mountains on the horizon. Tia would hear Kaori in her head saying 'Look outside' in a soft, friendly tone. If she did, she'd see a sunset that rivaled the one from the silent glaciers. The caravan had stopped and pulled over to a large field and began setting up for the night. Kaori had taken a bow from one of the men and standing atop one of the caravans, her feet on the frame rather than the canvas. She was standing guard, watching for enemies that may decide to venture too close. Ikuchi was helping to set up tents, being sure to make sure everything was done correctly. What Chai and Tia were doing were unknown to them since the general rule was to find some way to help, and do it. There was no specification on what needing done, but Tia could ask any member of Kaori's clan and they'd let her know what was left.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 3,744
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

While ignorant of any emotional connections he may have formed, Ikuchi had done well to help Tia feel better which would be a benefit to the mission at hand. The stars were up by the time Ikuchi had finished helping to setup the fourteen smaller tents, and one large tent. The large one was for Mizuho and Kaori, them being nobility, they weren't expected to help with anything or sleep in a small tent. Kaori was a leader, not a dictator so she helped by keeping watch and making sure everyone was safe. Mizuho was more of a gentle person, so she handed water to the camp as a way of pulling some of her weight.

In the tent designated for Tia, Ikuchi had calmly walked in. He'd already seen Tia's less innocent side, and all aspects associated with it, so he didn't feel the need to confirm she was dressed. Inside, he only saw Chai and the make shift beds designated for the residents. "The other tents were full, and my master is sleeping with Lady Mizuho; so I did not wish to intrude on them. I was told this tent had a free space, so I'll be resting with you both tonight." Ikuchi said in a gentle, respectful tone to the small cat. He walked over to the far end of the room and rolled out his bed, making sure it was neatly on the ground. He then unbuttoned his shirt and folded it up, revealing his very well developed muscles from the waist up. It was uncommon for members of the Lareci clan to not be ripped, even the children, since they were continuously working. Farming, basket weaving, water management, hunters, warriors, and concubines alike had all gotten an intense workout just by playing their role. Ikuchi had untied the mask that was resting beneath his chin and set it on top his folded up shirt and began stretching to relieve some tension, all the meanwhile making his muscles more pronounced. He didn't over exaggerate the quality of his stretch with any useless grunting, he was respectfully silen for Chai.

After his stretch, he turned and looked at Chai with rather soft eyes. The contacts he was wearing made his eyes look human, and a bright cerulean color so no one saw his real eyes. Looking at the cat, he felt something begin to burn inside him. He walked over and picked her up, walking back to his bed and getting under the covers with her whether she liked it or not. The car would feel his bare chest against her back, and strong arms holding her firmly to his chest without crushing her. She'd feel his lips touch the back of her head for a moment. "Goodnight Miss Chai." he would say in a soft tone and fall asleep. Chai would find that Ikuchi was a cuddler, and even in his sleep he had a good hold on her as he used the exceed as a plushie for sleeping with.

---

When Tia arrived to where Kaori was posted, the masked girl had vanished and reappeared next to her. Kaori took her by the hand and began pulling Tia over to one of the wagons where the tailgate was pulled down, providing an excellent seat. "Sit, please." Kaori said, and waited for her to do so. Her tone implied she wanted to talk, but contained no emotions to judge the nature of their conversation off of. Once Tia was seated, Kaori would climb not onto the wagon, but on Tia's lap. She sat with her legs strewn across Tia's, and using the hand farthest from Tia's body, Kaori gently took hold of the girl's dress while leaning on her. Kaori stretched her mask forward and through it, planted a small kiss on Tia's cheek. "I'm sorry." Kaori said in a soft tone, keeping her head on Tia's shoulder. "Though I don't know how, I seem to have made you upset." Kaori said and then relaxed more; putting her weight into Tia and adding pressure to her possibly still sensitive breast. "I'm sorry..." she stated once more.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 4,438
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Kaori had noticed Tia creating the book and stating that she'd like to read it with Kaori some time. Kaori commented by telling Tia that she'd enjoy that, and mentioning that she loved reading. She then showed Kaori how the book could craft a pair of marvelous wings. The wings were not for show either, in fact they functioned as true wings to let the user fly! Kaori had agreed to take flight with her, and climbed on Tia's back. Before the girl could take off, Kaori tightened her grip on her shoulders and got ready for the inertia to Kick in. After all, an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stayed at rest until after upon by a greater and opposing force. Not only would Tia's wings need to exert enough force to lift over 200 pounds of human, they needed to counter the downward movement that gravity put them in, and then counter the gravity trying to pull them down. The force would have to be immense to accomplish that.

Once in the air, Kaori let go of Tia's shoulders and let herself slide off her and enter free fall. Out of seemingly nowhere, a red streak shot across and intercepted her with blinding speed. Kaori situated herself on the lava hawk's back and began circling around to meet back up with Tia.

Flying next to her, Kaori would tell Tia to follow her and began banking left towards a large lake. The lake was large,  and obviously quite deep. In the middle was a small island that was large enough for four people to use as a 2 on 2 match stage. Landing on it, the lava hawk ruffled its feathers before letting Kaori off its back. Once she'd gotten off, she walked to the birds face and began gently rubbing his beak. "It's been a while since we were here, hasn't it?" she said in a soft, and loving tone. The bird replied with a type of cooing sound before taking a rested position, as though he were sitting inside a nest. "Since you do a lot of reading, your probably know that this is a lava hawk. I met him when a storm sent him through my window while I was a child. When we took him home, his mother was already gone and the nest was destroyed. Grandfather and I tried leaving him to live in the wild, but he continued returning to wherever I happened to be. After I left home, he followed me." Kaori said to Tia. She then sat down next to the bird and leaned on him, the bird being considerably larger than Kaori herself. "I thought that it was because I fed him, but he stuck by my side even through times where we went a week without food. After he learned to hunt from above, he started bringing me a share of his catch instead of the other way around."

The skies above were crystal clear, and showed the stars spectacularly. There was no questioning where the stars were, as even the ones that were dim could be seen. This land, or at least, Kaori's portion of it lacked large cities with extravagant lighting. They used only what they needed, and when they needed it. Magic was a new concept for her clan to embrace, so lacrima weren't in use as of yet; but, as the new clan leader Kaori would change that. "When I was a girl, I came here to practice fighting with my Grandfather. He encouraged me to use my burst to attack rather than my strength. He always told me that I need to use everything in my arsenal, and never hold back when fighting him... This is also where I was told that I would inherit the clan rather than my elder brother. Much to his surprise, I was sad about that. My brother was training his whole life to lead, and I was being trained to serve at his right hand. The roles had switch so quickly that neither of us could adapt to it, and my brother was heart broken. That's how this war began." Kaori could feel her spirits energy as they looked down on her from above, listening to her story and understanding the true reason she couldn't beat her brother. Kaori was heartless towards her enemies, but she loved her family, her brother included. They knew that she would have a hard time killing him, and that it was their responsibility to help her gain that kind of strength.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 5,205
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Kaori accepted the embrace and reciprocated it by holding Tia. However, there was something Tia said that Kaori couldn't let her continue thinking. Her voice came across soft, and slightly sad. "Understand Miss Haiku, I can't call you a friend. Not because I dislike you, but because I don't truly know you. You seem kind, and quite sweet- but there's several masks I'm yet to see." Kaori paused and walked over to her lava hawk to resume petting him. "You kissed Iku today, of your own free will. You were emotionally distraught, so I won't get on him for allowing it. Much like I've only seen some of your masks, you've only seen one of his. Be prepared for anything- and I mean anything if you intend to pursue him. There's much about humans he doesn't understand due to the circumstances of his upbringing, but he understands loyalty, which is more than I can say for most other humans- he won't betray you."

Kaori then got on her lava hawk and situated herself on the beast. "We should get back to camp. The sun rises early this time of year, and we rise along with it in my clan." Kaori said with a strong voice before the Lava Hawk took off. Kaori honestly didn't care about what happened between them, but she knew that Ikuchi probably did something that was overkill to console her; what that was, she knew not. Though, if she ever found out there would be hell to pay with sales tax on the side. Upon arriving to the camp, Kaori went to her tent with Mizuho. Kaori had the option of having her own tent, but that means that Mizzy was unprotected. While in her tent, Kaori didn't sleep in her sleeping bag, but rather directly next to Mizzy. The ninja was holding onto Mizuho, curling into her and pressing her head into the other woman's chest while sound asleep. Mizuho knew that Kaori was at her heart an absolutely sweet person, and she hated sleeping alone. Mizzy held onto Kaori, keeping a hand on the back of her head to hold her close. Like this, if anyone snuck into the tent; they'd need to get past Mizuho's vicious guardian- the adorable girl sleeping while embracing her.

The following two days of the trip were highly uneventful. Kaori stayed at Mizuho's side constantly, making sure no one could get within sword strike of her friend. Kaori would occasionally swing by Tia's tent at night to share dinner with them. Ikuchi had been busy during the day when the group was traveling since one of the hunters had been hit by a deer while passing through some woods. During the nights he had taken to holding Chai, yes, still shirtless on account of her being incredibly soft and adorable. Once they'd arrived at the wedding site, there was only one night before the ceremony. The area was an outdoor one with incense burning, and traditional music being played. Kaori and Mizuho were both wearing the same style of clothes, as were nine other women. All were wearing white Kimonos with red sashes and a katana under them. Kirei was easily identified since he was the only man wearing a black suit, every other man wore robes. But everyone at the wedding was wearing a sword... even the children.

As the ceremony was beginning to get under way, Kirei was waiting at the front of the area with a religious looking man. The eleven women, Kaori, Mizuho, and the other nine, all walked in rows of two. Kaori and Mizuho were at the front. Thing had gone from flawless to horrible as the religious man had a look of terror while shoving Kirei out of the way. An arrow was fired from the rooftops that hit the religious man in the middle of his forehead, where Kirei used to be standing. Ninjas began rising from the rooftops, all drawing bows. Kaori used her telekinesis to yank the bows, causing them all to fall from where they were and onto the ground. Five ninja had grabbed Kirei and Mizuho and began leaving the area. 'Get things under control here, I'm going after them.' Kaori said as a mental message to Tia and Iku before vanishing. Swords from both sides were being drawn and the sounds of battle began.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: 5,932
Enemies:
5 Boss
3 Strong
22 Normal
26 Weak

Three men had begun running towards the exit to follow Kaori, but were quickly cut off by a fairly old looking man with narrow eyes and a calm expression. The three men were all wearing gold bands on their wrists, and were shortly joined by five men with crimson bands. The eight of them had quickly drawn their blades and came after Kirei's vassal, thinking their numbers mattered to a skilled warrior. They quickly learned that their number were a moot point when argued against a master swordsman, their teacher was their stomachs all being sliced open as the old man seemed to dance between them. While the men were drawing their blades, the vassal had already began moving forward while drawing his. He cut the first man on the draw, then spun and cut the two next to him across the sides of their stomachs. The last five were in the middle of processing the information their brains had gotten, ill experienced brats in the eyes of Kirei's vassal as he cut them all open.

Tia would notice that she was regenerating her magic power at a faster rate than normal, and that her spells were a good bit stronger. Ikuchi had activated his inner power, empowering magic users near him to fight harder. The ninjas who approached him wer hardly any challenge, and he normally took them down within a second of them coming at him. His master was Kaori Lareci, the most terrifying clan leader to head the great Lareci clan. She trained with him often, and she almost never showed him mercy... The ninja attacking him now were a far cry from matching his master. Their movements felt slow, their attacks felt hollow, their power was lacking, and their hearts were weak. The other members of Kaori's clan were very skilled as well, and few of them were hit while none were unable to fight. Kirei's and Mizuho's clans were both present, and had been fighting as best they could but it was obvious that Kaori's was the stronger of the tree. The other two settled most issues with words, documents, and gold while Kaori's settled it with blood, steel, and corpses.

Kaori had stopped the five ninja in the courtyard to the reception building. Her sword was already drawn, and the five of them had pointed their blades at Mizuho and Kirei's throats. Kaori let out no sound, nor did she move. Her eyes slowly moved between each of the five ninja while examining her options. She knew they were skilled, and that they all were capable of using magic; but not what that magic was. She also knew that none of them could keep up with her speed since they all left the room first, but arrived to her position last. Kaori vanished and reappeared over the group causing them to flinch in anticipation for an attack, but not for smoke to suddenly erupt around them. Her friends had already hit the deck as she mentally ordered them to do when she did her disappearing act, so when the five ninja tried stabbing them, they did nothing but hit air. Kaori landed on the ground next to them and used her Passionate Burden spell to lock them down, and swiftly ended them all. When the smoke cleared, there were five headless men and women, and two people ducking on the ground. "Parties not done, ready to go?" Kaori said in a calm, collected tone. Kirei and Mizuho drew their swords and the three began rushing back to the wedding room where most of the enemy ninja were dead and the last two were just about to be- nope they were dead too.

Kaori had looked at the dead religious man, and let out a sigh. "The reception will continue under a new blessing." Kaori said with a commanding tone. Kirei had agreed, and asked for help in clearing the room of unwanted guests. Everyone had begun helping to move corpses out of the way, Kaori included, and putting them outside. Kirei took his place at the stand, and rather than Kaori joining him, she took the spot of the religious man. The one who was at his right hand was Mizuho, and they were each holding hands. Kaori delivered the procession in Midi's natural tongue, a language that no one would blade Tia for not understanding. After Kirei and Mizuho had kissed, Kaori said "Gokekkon kokoroyori gosyukufuku moushiagemasu" which was a way of wishing them a good future together. After which, everyone had scattered to go get cleaned up before dining. Kaori was quick to find Tia and thank her for coming, saying that Ikuchi told her of the girl's admirable magic.

Lava Hawk
Motorcycle
Ikuchi
Job Info
Word Count: Done
Enemies: