Lonnie
Kana couldn't help but feel a bit awkward as she made her way through where the Scorpion resided, towards the building where Bayushi Kaori had been placed under house arrest. The past little bit of exploring her suspicions around the women's disappearance seemed to yield one shocking revelation after another. She wasn't quite sure how to take it all, or how she should feel about it. Regardless, though, a friend had asked her for a favor, and if Mai herself wasn't after anyone's head, then Kana saw no reason why she should feel that way.

That said, there was still a certain awkwardness to her smile as she approached what she was certain was the right building, Do the two of them speak as if nothing had happened? Pick right up where things were when Yume-san had chased off the woman? Do they address it? The woman was under house arrest, so obviously she would know that Kana knew *Something*. What did the state of things between their clans suggest?

There was nothing for it but to enter and find out, though. So with that, Kana cleared her throat, and before entering, announced her presence.

"Bayushi-san?" She asked loudly and clearly. "It is Moshi Kana of the Mantis. I believe Rokugo-san may have told you I was coming. May I enter?"

||
Sydney
The little Scorpion looked up from where she reading *Lies*, frowning through the bars. She wasn't wearing her mask, but otherwise she was as well dressed and groomed as she could manage. She glanced at one of the yoriki apes and shrugged. "This is not my house, but I have no objection."

In typical Scorpion fashion the building was a little misleading. It looked like a fairly comfortable estate from outside, but within it was a prison as bleak and hard as any. The cells were individual, fully exposed except for a small toilet closet. This was not a place clan samurai were normally held, unless they were facing public execution the next day. 

The door was opened after a moment and a yoriki eyed the Mantis curiously. He kept his personal remarks to himself, though. "Moshi-sama, you are expected. Please, come with us. If you have any weapons or other items forbidden to prisoners please, leave them here..." He gestured to a small visitor's locker area. "For your own security."

He continued to brief the Mantis as he escorted her past barred rooms. "You have permission to enter and interact with the prisoner but you may not give her anything. Contraband will be confiscated and destroyed, and she will be punished for accepting. Do not take anything from the prisoner. We will be standing by, if she makes any sudden or aggressive moves just try to get clear and we will restrain her." 

He gestured to the forked spear meaningly. "If you need her restrained before you enter we can arrange that as well. The Ambassador is taking a strong interest in this case and she is known to be dangerous."

The cell he led her to was at the end of the corridor, but otherwise as bleak and exposes as the others. Kaori was standing by now, her face carefully neutral, interested to see who'd come to visit. 

||
Lonnie
Kana tried not to let her surprise show too much as she entered the rather gloomy looking holding cells; she had been under the impression that this was a case of house arrest. In reality this seemed anything but. Given Mai's own stance on the matter, this seemed decidedly extreme; she couldn't even imagine the Phoenix who was rumored to have unleashed lightning in the Leatherworker's quarter had to endure it.

Then the mention of the ambassador.

*Of course.*

Kana nodded, holding out her arms to reveal she had no weapons on her, and proceded along to the cell, following instructions as directed. Looking at Kaori, she once again had to hide her surprise at the woman being without her mask. She bowed to her, and offered a smile. Where she was, and learning more of what happened and where the clan stood seemed to have assuaged Kana's concerns.

"It is good to see you again, Bayushi-san. Would that it was under better circumstances. How fares your arm?"

||
Sydney
A Mantis? Not the mantis she wanted within arm's reach, but interesting enough to alleviate her boredom. She bowed. "My arm throbs with every heartbeat. I think I set myself back last night, something crept over my feet and I flung out an arm. It is bruising now. The skin is still knitted, but that is the only good thing I can say." 

She glanced at the door. "Forgive me for the squalor, I cannot offer you a cushion to sit on."

The yoriki rolled his eyes and unlocked the door, the iron grating heavily as it slid back. "You know the rules, prisoner. Break them at your peril." 

The facial scar kept Kaori's face pulled into a smirk, but she ignored this jibe, taking a single step back to make room for her guest in the close quarters. 

||
Lonnie
Kana's look turned to one of concern as she stepped into the cell. "I take it there had been no care then since our last meeting then..." She spoke softly. "No need to apologize for the conditions. I confess, this is... Not what I had expected, but no worse than some of the ships I've been in."

She chuckled a bit, rubbing the back of her head. The encounter was thankfully not as awkward as she feared, though the guard hanging over them didn't exactly make things any better. 

"If it please you, might I take a closer look at your arm and make contact as needed?" She asked, making sure to follow the proper protocol.

||
Sydney
The Scorpion turned slowly to glance at the yoriki, who stared back, clearly unmoved. She sighed and carefully turned her right side away from the bars and the man's line of sight. Every movement was with exaggerated care, being very careful to give no excuse for intervention. Her left hand rose to loosen her top, sliding it down her shoulder so her right arm was exposed. She wore it slung, bound tightly to her chest to avoid inadvertent use, and clearly it pained her to disrobe even partially in front of the guard. Once she'd removed the layers she beckoned Kana to approach. "Do what you must, Moshi-sama."

||
Lonnie
Kana made sure to give a displeased look to the guard before looking more closely at the arm. She was professional as she conducted the examination, very carefully adjusting the sling to look at the condition of her arm on the surface. She would gently press on the arm im various locations, asking Kaori how it felt in each spot.

"How is your range of motion, Bayushi-san? When your pain is particularly bad, are you able to describe it at all?" || Medicine 3 ||

||
Sydney
"It feels like the muscle wants to separate and roll back in each direction." The biceps had been nearly severed, and while Mai's intervention had brought the fivers back together the connection was always tenuous. "I can extend it with some discomfort, but flexing back is still impossible." 

She wriggled her fingers. "The pain is constant. When my heart rises it throbs worse. I would describe it as a four to an eight, on a scale to ten. I can keep composure only by the greatest effort of will when it is bad."
Lonnie
Kana nodded as she listened to Kaori's description. She seemed somewhat more open about how much it was affecting her than when they last spoke; whether that was true, a fault of Kana's memory, or something sustained here remained to be seen. She would gently massage around the elbow below the injury, taking care not to press too hard. She would pull back if she sensed the discomfort being too much for Kaori.

"Does the ambassador allow medicine?" She asked, keeping *Most* Of the contempt put of her voice as she asked the question.

||
Sydney
"My servant can bring me food and clothing, but she is unsure of the medicine she could bring. Neither of us wished to provoke further punishments. I would not see her targeted as well."

She grimaced as the monk squeezed her arm, letting the woman see where her pain was. "I was managing the pain well enough on my own though."

Opium was a wonderful thing. 

||
Lonnie
*Of course.*

Kana fought back at her disgust once more. She didn't see why the woman should be denied *Medicine* For an offence that the victim didn't have any desire to pursue. Hopefully Yuto's report would soon alleviate the situation. For now, though, she needed to think about treatment. Which was...

Well, what were the options? Exercises might help with building strength and long term rehabilitation, but it seemed cruel to go through that when she'd be denied any sort of medicine for pain management afterwards. Likewise with therapeutic massage. Tears of Heaven and further invocation of the Kami might have also been helpful, but were useless unless she could be taken outside for the Kami to act.

"Well... There are options we can explore once the situation is resolved." She offered. "For now, there are some exercises we can work together on, but I will not lie to you, Bayushi-san. The discomfort will be difficult to work through. It is why I leave the decision in your hands." She offered a small smile to her. "I can offer you my reassurance, however, that I will not push beyond what is safe, and that we can stop when you require it."

||
Sydney
"The pain would be a welcome distraction," Kaori deadpanned. "You may act as you see fit. I may need all the strength in my arms to conclude this ordeal."

The implication of ritual suicide was delivered with the same implacable calm. Kaori didn't know what Mai's gambit was, sending this monk to attend to her, and she didn't want to give any hint of concern until she understood. It would shame her ancestors to allow an enemy any hint of satisfaction.

||
Ashely
The Magistrate had made his way to the residence, heading towards the holding cells where Kaori was. Having been rather late to the appointment for Moshi Kana to tend to the Bayushis injuries. Hoping he wasn't too late for anything to happen, he saw his Yoriki standing guard. Smiling he patted one on the shoulder before entering the building, going down the stairs to see if the mantis had gotten a head start. While he didn't doubt Kaoris compliance there was the agreement with the mantis to be honored. If anything had happened to Kana Mai would have killed him. 

Following behind Yuto, dwarfed by his stature was a familiar servant. One belonging to Kaori that brought a change of clothes and a meal. Tori kept her usual body language and mannerisms, despite the slightly warmer setting of the visit. Things looked up, but were still uncertain. The samurai on the other hand brought a set to play Shogi and a tea set, with ~~opium~~ pain medicine concealed in his sleeve. 

"Oh shit." 

He whispered upon seeing Kana already in the cell and tending to Kaori. Nodding to the Yoriki he and tori had entered as well, settling into the cell as they'd help the scorpion woman deal with their struggles. 

"Moshi-sama, Bayushi-sama, I uh, brought umm... Stuff." 

Giving a bow to the two of them, he eventually sat in the corner letting them work. 

||
Lonnie
"Ah! Rokugo-san." Kana paused to bow towards him, smiling warmly. Making note of the tea, clothes, and food, it seemed that being a Magistrate was enough to help get past some of the restrictions Kaori was facing. She would have to make note of this.

*Perhaps he might also get it to a point where the three of them could speak with some privacy...*

"Don't you know it's improper to swear around ladies?" She joked. "Very fucking improper indeed!" ||Disadvantage: Crude||

Hoping the humor would lighten the mood somewhat, she turned back to Kaori. "Very well. What I'm going to do is help with some extension exercises. I'll assist you, then you try it yourself. If it's too much, let me know, and we'll know that will be the limit for today, okay?"

||
Sydney
Black eyes cut to the Magistrate, and her body relaxed slightly. Whether this was a genuine easing of stress, or a martial artist gathering herself to strike would be difficult to guess. She remained aloof in features. "Do your worst, Moshi-sama," She said grimly. "These walls have heard worse." 

She'd shrieked worse last night. 

"Rokugo-sama, forgive me for my lack of decor... Our guest is here by the will of the Mantis Ambassador." 

||
Ashely
Rubbing the back of his head at Kanas joke, he was truly surprised to see the mantis here. Slightly embarrassed by being caught swearing, Yuto wasn't one to have a potty mouth. Some things did catch him off guard though, such as this interaction. Though he chuckled at her returning the banter, somewhat surprised to hear the goody two shoes shugenja even knew what a verbal curse was. 

"As a matter of fact Bayushi-Sama she's here as my guest through my request! Figured since I interrupted your last session I ought to make up for it. Though I do apologize for my being late. I was uhhh..." 

He didn't want to tell them what he was doing. What did the Magistrate do? Well he wasn't going to spill! 

"Don't mind me or Tori, we're just here to... Liven up the room?"

||
Lonnie
"Well, I am here with Moshi Mai-sama's permission, but here of my own choice. Rokugo-san requested I help you, and I can certainly see why, and after some discussion, well..." She rubbed her head, and chuckled awkwardly. "I did promise to aid you. And as it happens I did enjoy your company. Truly." She offered a genuine smile to the both of them.

She began to gently move Kaori's arm out of the sling. "I won't insult you by asking how things have been, I can certainly see, but..." Kana paused for a moment. She tried to think of how best to phrase what she was going to ask. "Have you been able to stay hopeful through all of this? I can speak to at least some of the work that Rokugo-san has done to help you."

||
Sydney
There was a great deal of implications she wasn't following. This only added to her sense of social claustrophobia, so it was a miracle that she was able to stay polite as she responded. "Unfortunately I am without any knowledge of the dealings beyond these walls. All I know is what I am accused of."

She glanced at Yuto. "I'm sure that Rokugo-sama has been doing his best to uncover the full meaning of this event, but hope counts for little against the will of the Ambassador. He has already destroyed me, this trial is merely the screen to his motions."

Pain shot through her arm and she gritted out, "If Moshi-sama has had a change of heart and sends you now for my forgiveness there is little value in the song of a broken sparrow."

She wasn't ignoring Yuto, just... Distracted.

||
Ashely
While they spoke and did exercises the Magistrate was setting up tea, having four cups set out. Figuring the woman's servant was going to stick around and clean she ought as well have a drink. 

"You'll have to forgive my absence from these walls, aside from the investigation at the embassy, writing up the report, and doing some thinking to make the truth of it all. It's been rather time consuming. Though I do believe the exhausting efforts will bear favorable results to you Bayushi-sama." 

Yuto did everything he could and that was the truth, Mai literally made a statement to get the woman free but as Kaori stated. Junichi may have sought this further, of course they'd have to wait and see but it was expected. 

"How's the physical therapy going?"

||
Lonnie
An expression of indignance crossed Kana's face momentarily. She had been sympathetic, understood that Kaori had been kept in deplorable conditions, and that there was more at play here than the pursuit of justice.

Yet the notion that Mai needed *Her* Forgiveness? When she wasn't the one pursuing this? When she hadn't forced Kaori into making the decisions she had in the first place?

Kana paused what she was doing, and took a deep breath. She chalked the comment up to stress and anger at her situation, which was understandable if misdirectsd. She considered even with the guard present, she would be able to pass along this message. "Actually, Moshi Mai-sama 
Wished me to give a message while I was here. She wanted you to know she harbors no hard feelings or ill will towards you."

She took another breath. "However, don't take that as me being here as a messenger. I was asked to give this message only because she knew I wished to come here and would be able to deliver it on her behalf. Regardless of this message, my friendship with Rokugo-san and his request, I am here because I want to be. There is nothing more to it." She met Kaori's gaze. "I promised to help, and I enjoy your company." 

She then looked over to Yuto. "Well, we are about to begin. We're going to work on some aided extension exercises. The goal is to help rebuild strength and facilitate healing." While she answered the question, there was somewhat of a hopeful look in her eyes. If everything was done and it looked like it might end favorably...

||
Sydney
"The evidence of my surroundings is a strange contrast to your words," Kaori gritted as her arm was stretched once more. "Ambassador Moshi is not a fool, her words are darts feathered with deadly purpose—ah!" She broke off, her eyes closed, panting hard. "Again! Do it again!" 

There was no denying her tenacious desire to recover. Her eyes cast back at the yoriki and caught the man grinning like an ape behind Yuto's back. She would curse him and all his spawn, and furthermore should she catch him on the street alone she would thrash him black and blue with a stick. That mental image was enough to get her through the next series of exercises, though she was pale and trembling by the end. 

One of the two ambassadors had assassinated her. The other was the knife, unwitting tool. Kaori was still unsure which was which, Kana's words had not been able to confirm the identity of her enemy. Her hair was sticking to her forehead and she panted like a stag at bay. 

Tori did her best to set up the tea table while keeping her eyes averted. She knew better than to witness her mistress in the throes of such pain. She was still extremely deferential to Yuto, but her cringing fear had abated somewhat. She was careful to give the guards a very wide berth. 

"Lord Rokugo-sama," She whispered as another nearly silent cry rose from the cell, "Would you care for some kind of musical entertainment while you await my Lady's pleasure?" 

||
Ashely
Kaori took these things personally it seemed, harboring harsh feelings toward Junichi and Mai. It was quite understandable, though at her sharp glare Yuto himself noticed the Yoriki behind him outside the cell. Gesturing as he would shoo the man away, with the Magistrate here there was nothing going down. Having no need to pester them with their presence, he sent the Yoriki men away. At least to guard outside the room where their eyes and ears couldn't reach the ones in the cell. 

"Now, now Bayushi-sama, Moshi Mai-Sama wrote a statement regarding your case. She absolved you of any crimes you were accused of. Considering the allegations it's quite favorable, this could have ended much worse." 

Yuto took off his mask, setting it aside as he'd twirl it on the floor like a top. This new mask he had wasn't much to his taste, but he dealt with it in silence. Though he almost spat at what Tori said. 

"While I await her wha-ummm, sure! You two don't mind do you?" 

Inquiring to Kana and Kaori. 

||
Lonnie
Kana once again paused at the implications being thrown towards the Mantis clan's way, biting her tongue nearly hard enough to draw blood. She knew she had to keep quiet though, in the presence of the guards. The last thing she needed was to say anything untoward. It was already difficult enough not telling them to avert their leering, sickening gazes elsewhere while she worked.

There was also the reminder that she might also say some things that might anger others if she were going through such pain without relief.

She waited until she had calmed before continuing the exercises, more slowly now, so as not to risk reinjury to the wound; the way Kaori was approaching this, pushing too hard too soon might be a legitimate concern. Despite her offence, though, she managed to offer words of encouragement.

"Excellent work, Bayushi-san! The dishonorable will be fearing you in no time at this rate!"

She took a small break once Yuto had sent the guards away, though, breathing a sigh of relief, remaining quiet until they were out of earshot. Once Yuto had revealed the information, though, she broke out into a big grin.

"Excellent!" She spoke in just above a whisper. Hearing that seemed consistent with her own conversations with Mai as well. "I am glad to hear that indeed." She then turned to Kaori. "So, hearing this from Rokugo-san, does this satisfy your concerns about my presence and intentions? Or do you still think I come here to taunt and prolong your suffering?"

"Oh, and as for the music, I don't mind at all."

||
Sydney
Once the guard was out of earshot Kaori turned to the two samurai. She was panting, her skin pallid, and her eyes glittering. "Moshi-sama, Rokugo-sama, I do not doubt your good will or intentions," She said. "Nor am I ungrateful for the efforts you have made on my behalf. But you must understand, your words are incense that fills an empty shrine."

She was trembling, although that might have just been the pain of her therapy. "Do you not understand? I am Bayushi Kaori, the most lethal duelist in this city. Even wounded as I am I could go through the noble Rokugo-sama as a hot knife parts snow. But this trial has already painted me as so incompetent, so untrustworthy, so *Broken* That I am no more than an attack dog! That I am even now chained behind the gate, to be beaten and fed scraps and mocked with soft words while my masters decide where to unleash me! I am no Lady of the Scorpion, I have been reduced to a creature barely tolerated in a cage!" 

She pointed a finger like a dagger at the two of them, her lower lip trembling. "*Your* Ambassador put words into the ear of *Your* Ambassador and he did this to me! And nothing, nothing under heaven will restore what the Scorpion have cast aside at the word of the Mantis! So while I am most grateful that you two wish to ease my worries, you both should understand that the future is irrelevant, that you are shutting the door after the child has already strayed. That I am already lost! Do you understand me at last?" 

She was all but weeping at this point. Turning around she pulled her hairpins out with a furious jerk, letting a black silk veil cascade over her tears. 

||
Ashely
If it wasn't already somewhat awkward it certainly did just now. Anyone would have acted the same way she did in this situation, no, perhaps they'd have broken much sooner. Yuto couldn't imagine being locked away whilst their reputation went asunder. Even though this case was being treated delicately and in confidence, on the inside damage had been done. The pain wasn't just physical either. Paying no mind to the comment of being cut through like a hot knife to snow, the Magistrate knew who was truly being insulted. One was trying to find the words, but couldn't.. 

"I cannot, rather, will not pretend that I understand. You've been insulted, stripped of your honor and dignity, belittled and reduced to a mere cage. Over mere non proven accusations that don't warrant such behavior towards you.." 

Yuto wasn't good with words in moments like these. But he'd speak his truth, unable to lie about sharing the woman's understanding. Taking a breath he continued. 

"Only you can ease your worries and restore what has been taken from you. I'm not very good with sayings, but in your darkest hour resides your greatest moment. ~~I think that's how that goes..~~ But I believe after this great struggle, you'll stand taller than you ever did."

||
Lonnie
Kana was taken aback by the sudden outburst, for a moment left with naught else to do but blink helplessly a few times. While she refused to believe that Mai went to Junichi to pursue the matter, the hurt evident in Kaori's voice managed to cut through. After all... What other conclusion was she supposed to draw? If Kana were in her place, would she really come to any other conclusion herself?

Closing her eyes a moment, released her arm, but left a hand upon the woman's shoulder, her touch meant to be comforting rather than therapeutic. A faux pas, to be sure, but it seemed proper etiquette was out the window right now. There'd be time to reason things out (after all, why would Mai turn her in only to work for her release so soon afterwards?) For now, though, Kana knew enough that this wasn't she was needed right now.

"Bayushi-san," She spoke softly. "What has happened to you was unjust. You should never have been treated this way without a chance to defend yourself. To treat a Samurai in this way before any judgement has rendered speaks to the honor of the one responsible, and they will have to answer to the heavens for their conduct," She spoke.

"Yet the heavens do not call for you to answer to them yet, Bayushi-san. As along as you yet draw breath, it is not too late. It is as Yuto-san says," She glances back to him. You may yet stand taller and stronger after all of this."

Ironically, the taller woman would hunch down somewhat to meet Kaori's gaze, but would do nothing to force her to return it. "What hides in the shadows can only hide for so long, as Amaterasu's light will always return, and illuminate all beneath it. There is always an end to the night, my friend."

||
Sydney
Her fire spent, like the volcano's fury, Kaori held out her maimed arm again. This was not a demand for service but the silent plea for distraction, for the fire of pain to burn her grief out. 

"In better times I shall remember this," She said softly. Whether she meant the advice and succor or the actions that had placed her here, she left unspecified. "And my memory is long..."

She sighed and wiped at her face beneath her hair. "So, Minna-samas," She said, changing the subject, "How has the world changed in these last few days? What latest gossip or juicy scandals have rocked our world? What news from the capitol?"

||
Ashely
Remaining silent as Kana then spoke, it was nice to hear someone outside themselves sympathize. In truth the Magistrate couldn't say much, partially blaming himself for this happening. He may have been able to dispute the allegations, but at the time there was no way of doing so. Upon seeing a subject change this was the best time for him to jump in.. 

"I can't say much is new but uhhh, did you notice my new mask?" 

Instead of a red half wolf mask this new one was a gold and red primate, covering all of the scorpion's face instead of just the lower half. It looked a little more ornate and fancy than the other one, being slightly uncomfortable to wear but he just dealt with it. 

"After losing my old one I figured something else was in style. I've also begun reading uh, a certain book!" 

||
Lonnie
Kana smiled a bit as the woman seemed to find her resolve. Letting her hand rest on the shoulder just a tiny bit longer, she then moved to continue the exercises. "Just three more repetitions, then we will end it. Your muscles should not be overworked, and I can't provide a full treatment program as is."

Glancing back to Yuto, she tilted her head slightly. "...That is indeed a new mask, Rokugo-san. If I may ask, what happened to the previous one? Where did you lose it?"

As she continued to work, she then thought a bit to herself. "Sometimes I wonder if I may benefit from a mask. On account of my disfigurement. I know some who have said it doesn't make them think me less attractive, but I don't see how that can be true."

||
Sydney
"It is an excellent mask, one that suits you well. The lines of the last drew your face to a point that was unseemly. This one gives you a fuller, more masculine air." 

Kaori hissed through another rep and wondered if her muscle would twang like a bowstring when it split asunder. "Moshi-sama, the pain is nothing... This I can bear, and will bear again, if it means I can return to my full strength one day sooner. Do not let my grief stop you... If my body can bear it my mind will as well." 

She gritted her teeth before adding, "One must be whole whatever their fortune."

Tori had fallen silent at her mistress's rant, her intention of drowning out Kaori's pain with song now obviated. She was busying herself with what cleaning she could manage around the crowded cell, dusting and sweeping and turning down the futon. 

||
Ashely
There was a look of shame and shyness as Kana asked about what happened to the old mask. Would he tell her? Mai was relatively an open book and might have done so, should the Scorpion just be honest? No! He wouldn't tell them he practically proposed to the ambassador, it wasn't exactly a proposal but treated like one. Luckily for him she went on and spoke of herself, replacing his expression with that of disbelief. Could she have been insecure of her scar? 

"I don't think a mask is the answer, Moshi-sama. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I believe the days would fall dull in every honorable one's eyes if you hid Amaterasus light. I hear you mantis choose to live free on the sea, shrinking behind a mask would be unbecoming of your nature." 

If there was any doubt or insecurity Yuto sought to reassure the woman, hoping he didn't lay it on too strong. Though soon after he pouted at Kaoris comment on his old mask, only finding such shade in what was said due to preferring the old one. This new one completely hid himself, and it made his face hot and uncomfortable! Besides, he thought the old mask was more intimidating and cool. 

"I suppose... But my old Mask was given to me b-with better interests!" 

Did that make sense? Yuto didn't seek to talk about himself nor give lead to pry into his life. 

"What about you Bayushi-sama, haven't thought about taking on a new veil?"

||
Lonnie
"Oh, I do not doubt your spirit, Bayushi-san. You've more than proven your strength there," She explained, helping her through the final rep. "Healing is a long road, however, and pushing too hard too soon might serve to set you back or worse, make your injury permanent." She offered a slight smile. "Rest assured, friend, just as I will not push beyond your limits, I will not limit you unless necessary."

Yuto's compliment, however, managed to break through Kana's composure for a moment, the tips of her ears and her cheeks starting to glow pink. "Ah... I um... T-thanks Rokugo-san! You are very kind to say so!"

She smiled awkwardly and rubbed the back of her head. It seemed to be enough to distract her from the question of what happened to his other mask.

||
Sydney
"I have a mask," Kaori flicked her finger wearily at the white porcelain mask with the broken cheek mended in gold. "And my lace mask... And there are others." She gave Yuto a warning look through her hair. She didn't want to discuss masks in front of an outsider, friendly though she may be. When her exercises were finished she excused herself and headed for the wretched lavatory where she cleaned her face with a few drops of water from the jug and attempted to make herself presentable. 

Her hair pinned up again, her face serene, her arm howling with pain, she came back out and rejoined the group. Kana's remarks had struck a deep nerve, since her own soft cheek had been mutilated by a crossbow bolt, and she had never reconciled to the fact she was marred so deeply. Hopefully things had turned to lighter topics. Watching Yuto make the Moshi blush could be amusing. 

||
Ashely
He had a bright and genuine smile, speaking his truth towards Kana as he wished to not see her saddened by a scar. Now that he thought about it, they all had scars on their face... It then raised the question, how did they all get their wounds? Should he dare ask? 

"When I received my scar, I was ashamed. I felt dishonored, ugly, it was before my Gempukku so I couldn't hide behind a mask." 

Reflecting on his childhood, he remembered all too well of how he acquired his scar. Though he wasn't sure if that was the most appropriate tale. If he wanted to know their stories he'd have to share his own. 

"When I was a boy, I was much more arrogant and angry than I am now. I picked a fight with a drunken ronin and got my face slashed, I almost lost my life and barely won. First time I ever killed a man." 

Using a finger to caress the scar that fell over his nose and cheeks, it healed well, but was quite a notable feature when one was up close. 

"What about you two?"

||
Lonnie
Kana offered a polite smile as the discussion turned to masks. She knew it was something special to the Scorpion, and perhaps not a discussion meant for her as an outsider. She quietly finished helping with the exercises, and stood back, letting Kaori leave for the lavatory. 

When she returned, she offered a bright smile to Kaori. "You look as beautiful as ever, Bayushi-san," She spoke genuinely. It has been the first time she would have seen her without her mask, or without her hair covering her face, and while she did speak sincerely, she knew enough of the Scorpion to know this was not something done lightly. She seemed to pay no mind to the scar; it would seem Kana was much harsher on herself, treating what she would view as a flaw in herself as nothing such on others. 

After listening to the story, visibly surprised to learn Yuto had been the type to start dangerous confrontations, she winced upon hearing the question from Yuto. Kana did not mind answering herself, but had a feeling given the state she was in, Kaori would not be so open to it. So... She jumped in right away.

"I am afraid my own tale is nothing so daring, Rokugo-san. I was out exploring one day as a child, climbing trees, digging in the dirt, searching for insects, frogs, and other such things..." She chuckled. "When I encountered a wild dog. In my eagerness and curiosity, I approached the dog as though it were friendly. It... Turned out to be anything but." She shook her head. "Sparing the graphic details, he left me with my own scar. At the very least, it seems an extension of my smile?" She chuckled.

She then went right in to asking Yuto to continue his own story, giving Kaori a chance to be spared if she wished it. "If I may ask, Rokugo-san, how did you come to fight with the ronin? Did he do something to offend you? You don't strike me as the type to go starting unneeded fights..."

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Sydney
The Bayushi bowed at the compliment, and then sat back to allow Tori to bring in the tea service. She had her arm bound up once more inside of her kimono, and the angry throbbing left her oddly content. She'd had a good vent, as good as any, and the pain meant she was getting stronger. For all her consternation earlier she considered it a day well spent. Certainly better than counting stones once more or laying in wait for that horrible mouse to show itself once more, geta poised like a scorpion's tail. She did snort softly in amusement at Kana's words, remembering the Magistrate's lack of subtlety that had gotten her into a fight or two along the way. 

Tori placed the tea set between the three of them and bowed out of the cell once more, retreating a respectful distance and bowing low to await any needs during the refreshments. 

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Ashely
The more Yuto spoke about himself the more he realized how much he hated it. Did he have nothing but embarrassing stories? While some would look poorly on his tale others would believe it to be a feat that a young boy defeated a grown man. Though the Magistrate simply looked at it as a humiliating story. 

"That's why I prefer Turtles." 

That was his only response to Kanas tale about the dog, while it was true Yuto did prefer turtles he simply had no other way to respond towards such a story. The magistrate being socially awkward was beyond an understatement. 

"When I was a boy my family treated me like an outcast for the most part. Guidance and education weren't given to me, only a sword was. So there was a point where I didn't know any better. I don't particularly remember how the fight started, only how it ended. I guess we just didn't like each other? That or he ticked me off." 

Yuto was prone to anger and in many situations had to suppress it. There was no telling what he'd do when losing control, luckily over the years he developed much discipline. 

"I've dreamed of being the best swordsman for a long time, so perhaps I just swung on him? Can't say, all I know is my younger self was impetuous and something to behold. Of course if I had acted so rambunctious toward the wrong person I wouldn't be here."

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Lonnie
Kana seemed genuinely surprised to hear the story. Yuto had always struck Kana as a gentle, affable sort. It was shocking to get her head around the idea that he was the type of person who could take a life and not even remember why.

All the same... She knew the expectation to speak highly of one's upbringing, or at least downplay the flaws. She wasn't so naive to think all Samurai grew up with proper care and tutelage. It left her not quite sure what to think about the whole thing. 

Still... He had become a friend as well as far as Kana was concerned. For now, that was enough.

"For what it is worth, I am glad you are here today, Rokugo-san."

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Sydney
Kana was right, Kaori didn't care too much about other people's misfortune but she felt her own quite keenly. She avoided the question of her mutilation and focused on the group, listening to Yuto's story with appreciative noises. 

"Glad I am that you are my friend too, Kana," She added. And despite her weariness it sounded very nearly sincere. Probably just the emotional fatigue after the outbursts earlier. When Tori retreated Kaori began to serve the tea. It was her cell, after all, so she took the role of hostess. Working slowly with her one good hand she poured out refreshments one at a time, bowing, gesturing silently for people to partake without interrupting the flow of conversation. 

It was a good time... A gentle time... She could almost forget her troubles. 

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Ashely
And there it was, he was already regretting telling such a story. Not only did he hate telling it but could feel it didn't sit right, only leaving him with an awkward feeling. Before the man could go and bang his head against the wall, Kaori had begun serving tea. Giving a bow from his seated position he took a cup, staring a bit toward Kana to respond. 

"Thank you Moshi-sama, I'm gl-content with being here too. And I'm most happy over the breakthrough in this case, I expect you to walk free soon Bayushi-sama." 

Yuto couldn't say he himself was happy, he wasn't, but there was a bit of cheer to his face as he brought up the investigation's potential conclusion. Putting this behind all of them were the man's intentions, hoping he had recovered enough to do just that. 

"I'm sure you're eager to swing your katana after the arm is healed Bayushi-sama. You know Moshi-sama, I didn't know how to perform Iaijutsu or even study it until she taught me. Kenjutsu itself was always my greatest strength, but I find the rush in quick drawing to be very fun!" 

Him stating it was fun told one everything they needed to know, never truly believing his life could be in danger. The samurai was truly arrogant in a way, but he hadn't failed yet and didn't expect to do so. 

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Lonnie
Kana offered a sad smile, making note of how Yuto had amended his statement. Despite her shock, she found herself somewhat more sympathetic towards him, making note that even if he remembered little, the guilt still stayed with him.

"Your work in that case, then, is admirable, Rokugo-san. I ah..." She lowered her voice slightly. "I hope you are able to get to the bottom of how this began and escalated in the first place." She dared not give specifics or offer a theory, of course.

As she held on to her cup of tea, letting the warmth soothe her fingers, she glanced between Yuto and Kaori. "Truly? It seems you both have multiple talents, in that case! Myself, I could never be an Iajutsu expert. I much prefer to deal with matters more up close and personal." She chuckled, seeing her cup down to flex an arm jokingly. Even then, though, her muscle definition was evident. "I don't know that it's the same rush, but there's some thing about a contest of wills, naught between you but your hands."

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Sydney
"Yuto is not unfamiliar with that sensation," Kaori murmured into her tea very softly before she drank. She looked rather pained at the Magistrate's words. "In truth all I showed him was the basics, he did the work at the dojos. He's a deadly warrior now. I look forward to seeing him in practice. Perhaps in time, with the right senseis, he could rival any from the east. I have heard there is to be a dueling tournament in the next few weeks. Will we see the skill of the Magistrate on display?"

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Ashely
It was surprising to hear that a Shugenja out of all people preferred to handle things up close and personal. Was Kana more rowdy and rambunctious than she was letting on? He thought for a second but threw the thought away. Never being one to make split second judgements, though he wouldn't lie in its humor if such was true. 

"I envy you Moshi-sama. I've always wanted to learn with my hands more, but I find a sword is always in one of them." 

It was then Kaori spoke about him specifically. Was she giving him praise? Blinking a few times he pinched himself to see if he were dreaming, either she was being genuine or the Magistrate was going to die very soon. 

"I've entered the tournament. Though I'm not sure how to feel about it yet. If rumor spread of my skill then everyone would know not to toil with me, although my size is intimidating many would assume I lack finesse. Between the three of us I was thinking about flunking out, but I'd not wish to dishonor my opponent." 

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Lonnie
"Oh? Well, it's never too late to start, Rokugo-san! I think there is a dojo being opened up to teach such things. A Crab Samurai is running things, if I remember correctly. There is also to be a hand to hand tournament if you'd like to watch. I'll be entering, as a matter of fact!"

Listening to Kaori's praise of Yuto, then to hear he was considering disqualifying himself from the tournament was a bit of whiplash, to say the least. "If I may ask, why would you consider that? From all the things Bayushi-san and you have told me, you sound as though you'd have a very good chance of winning. Why even consider disqualifying yourself?"

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Sydney
The Bayushi snorted. "Oh do not speak nonsense, Yuto-san. You would never insult your opponent by giving them less than your very best. I have every confidence that you will fight with all of the skill I have imparted to you. And when you carry the day, those within the city and without will know that the Scorpion have one honest samurai in their ranks. You will have no choice in the matter."

She flicked her hair back. "When shall this hand to hand tournament take place? I should like to observe your skill, Moshi-sama."
Ashely
Hearing of a Jiujutsu dojo was surprising, and exciting! That and a hand to hand tournament? That seemed to be more fun in his eyes, while he pursued the sword he had great respect for those that fought without. Perhaps he'd ask Kana to take him to the dojo sometime. 

"I'll definitely make sure to watch, I hope to see you win it! Observing other fighters could be an opportunity for myself as well. Perhaps you'd be willing to instruct me sometime!" 

Then there came the questions of why he'd do such a thing from Kana, and Kaori pitched in too. While they both were right, Yuto had a reason himself, though it was weird to say. 

"Well, I'm a man of no reputation as of now. It serves me well in a fight. Due to my size people think I'm slow and without skill, relying solely on my strength. I don't like a man knowing what I can do before I fight them. Though I guess since I'll be fighting noble Samurai and not bandits or ronin criminals it'd be dishonorable to not let them know. I don't know, perhaps I should drop out altogether." 

The Magistrate was unsure of how to answer, and uncertain of his answer. 

"That probably didn't make any sense, did it?"

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Lonnie
"Ah, thank you Rokugo-san! It means a lot to know there will be people cheering me on. As for your question, Bayushi-san, It will be on the Tomodachi Maru in a few days time. ||Note: She'd have the exact date ICly, but OOCly I don't actually know it >_|| With Rokugo-san's hard work, I have every confidence I'll see you in the crowd that day."

The topic changed to lessons, and she nodded eagerly in agreement. "Of course! While I'm perhaps not as knowledgeable as some, I would happily share what knowledge I do have about the art. Let me know a day agreeable to you, and I will find it in my availability to work with you."

Listening on, she found herself able to understand Yuto's point somewhat. She knew well from her own work that as frustrating as it could be, there was a certain strength in being underestimated. When people assumed she was empty-headed and naive, it meant they were all the more likely to be less cautious, allowing her to be better able to do the work of investigation. Still, she personally couldn't ever imagine dropping from a tournament and a chance to win honor for her clan simply to preserve that.

"I'll say it is a bit unusual. The choice, however, remains yours."

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Sydney
The Scorpion princess gave the magistrate a withering look before gesturing at herself. "Yuto-san, subverting expectations is *My* Area of expertice. While that time is now past, nobody has ever seen me draw steel and lived to tell of it. I do not spar and I do not train openly because my skill, like the Scorpion, is best experienced. Yet I must evolve with the times, and create a new reputation. If I can do it, you certainly can. Some of us must remain in the light so that others can work unmolested. That duty is yours, and now it is mine too. So if *I* Can compete in the tournament, and compete cleanly, you can do no less." 

She glanced at the Mantis. "But if you *Must* Fall early in the bracket, I can assist you in making it seem believable. After all, I lost the topaz championship in a way that convinced the wisest swordsmen in all of Rokugan, and I was only seventeen." 

There was no fear in speaking so openly in front of the Mantis. At this point, any further accusations of misconduct from that quarter would just seem like victorious crowing. 

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Ashely
Now he was starting to feel bad for not entering. Could being more interested in Kanas tournament be a sign? Well if it was to win honor for the scorpion he'd do so, especially seeing that was something they NEEDED. Yuto wouldn't call himself honest, but he was certainly one of the brighter scorpions in the city. If he were going to enter, he'd have to go all in and claim the victory. The rewards were good too, he could use a new sword. 

"I guess I'll give it my all then, it's about time I got a new Sword. Mine is starting to give way, I prefer cheaper swords. The blade doesn't make the swordsman after all!" 

He was actually becoming cheerful at the idea, clenching both fists in front of him smiling. There were a few ideas on how he wanted to draw, but nothing stuck with him yet. Though he was interested in whether Kaori would enter. 

"I think it'd be swell if you entered too Kaori-sama, perhaps you can gauge my skill before the tournament. You are the only one to ever teach me Iaijutsu after all."

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Lonnie
Kana looked a bit shocked at Kaori's comment. She certainly had no intention of just laying down in the tournament, no matter the bruises she might spare herself by doing so! As stiff as she knew the competition would be, she knew she stood a damned good chance. Or at least she believed she did.

"I appreciate the offer, Bayushi-san, but should I have to fall, I think it best to convince people that my opponent would have had to have fought for every inch of ground. That said... I would be most intrigued to hear your story! You competed for the Topaz Championship?"

She leaned forward slightly, both excited to hear the tale, and happy to see that Yuto seemed to be feeling much better about competing.

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Sydney
"Well, I did well enough in the prequalifiers," Kaori hummed softly. "I broke a bokken over a Lion's head and goaded this poor Phoenix into making an utter ass of himself. But the real tournament was going to be the next day. Now I didn't want to be noticed, but I didn't want people knowing I threw the tournament. So I impeded myself. I stayed out late with the other young samurai, I met these two young men, we shared a bottle of sake and then..." She covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. "Then they shared *Me*."

She waved her hand. "The next day I could hardly walk, let alone duel. I didn't look like a skilled warrior holding back, I looked like a fool who was out of her league." 

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Ashely
Listening to Kana ask Kaori, the man didn't know she had entered a competition before. This was certainly an interesting topic, though of course it seemed natural for her to already have competed in one. As she explained the Magistrate listened intently, impressed that she overcame a Lion and a Phoenix in the matches. There was a certain comfort in knowing his teacher was already an esteemed Iaijutsu combatant. It was then he completely spat his fucking tea out over her comment, two young samurai shared her!? How many people did the woman sleep with? It seemed going through windows wasn't all that she was guilty of. He coughed to get the liquid stuck in his throat out, but as she went into more detail the Magistrate couldn't handle the information. 

"T-That's, I-I think I'm d-dying! Be right back."

He definitely wasn't coming back. Standing up the Samurai tucked his mouth into his elbow crease, vacating the cell as he went up the stairs and into the other room. Choking and coughing the entire way up, little did the two know this was Yuto completely LEAVING. As he had no idea of how to respond towards such a thing, not wanting to show visible disgust and disappointment. Though the words Kaori spoke did genuinely make him choke on his beverage. 

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Lonnie
"OH!" Kana soon felt the tips of her ears turning red, then her face, and then her whole head as she listened to Kaori. For someone who only alluded to having been in a certain ambassador's bed, she was very frank with the discussion of group sex! "I, um, well..." She stammered, taking out a fan and covering her face. "I suppose that is not the worst way of throwing a battle..."

Then she only *Narrowly* Dodged Yuto's spat out tea. Sure, the news was a bit, well, abrupt, but the least he could do was give some warning before spraying at the both of them!"

She blinked a few times as she watched Yuto leave, taking a moment to try and comprehend what exactly had happened, and why he was reacting so badly. She understood being flustered, but it seemed rather dramatic to go charging up the stairs...

"Ah, um... Do you think he'll be all right?" She asked Kaori awkwardly.

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Sydney
The little Scorpion watched Yuto flee with a smirk, inwardly giggling like a maniac. "Oh, I think he'll be all right," She said lazily, leaning in to confide, "He is as the untrodden snow, if you understand what I'm saying." 

She sat back and dabbed at a stray bit of spittle. "I don't know why he's shocked, I have always been clear about the sacrifices I have made to build the reputation that would serve the Scorpion best. Whether it is seducing clan ambassadors or giving my chance at true matrimonial happiness such heartbreak that he flung himself from a roof." 

Her eyes were cold now, hard as basalt. "You must think me a monster, Moshi-sama." 

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Lonnie
"Rokugo-san? Really?" She looked genuinely surprised by the revelation. "Not even a dalliance? I suppose I could see how overwhelming it might be in that case," She noted, overlooking the hypocrisy of her own blush only now starting to fade.

The sudden turn the conversation took, however, was even more unexpected. She wasn't quite sure how much of what Kaori said was the absolute truth, and how much contained a seed butnwas embellished with a flair for the dramatic. The first confession she knew she had heard a slightly different version of, at least.

Regardless of how she chose to process it, though, the question remained.

She chose to answer it honestly.

"I do not. Some of what you've done is not a path I would choose myself. Not that I'm a prude or anything of the sort..." She rubbed the back of her head. "However, it would be a lie to say I never had such questions of what I myself have done for clan and honor. The tenet of compassion doesn't allow a magistrate to hide from the harshness justice sometimes demands..." She trailed off. "Were I to open up all my actions for scrutiny, you may well find something you would consider monstrous."

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Sydney
"Then let us speak no more of it, lest we convince ourselves to leap from the roof hand in hand," Kaori said briskly. "Regardless of the sacrifices we have made, we are here now—and there are duties still to perform. When the time comes we will die in service to our lords, but let us not be over-eager to hasten that day. I am sure my lord still has many things to put me through before I am done here in this city." 

She smiled grimly. 

"Once I am at liberty to move about once more there are certain tasks I still have to do. The assistance of a Mantis, a magistrate no less, could prove invaluable. If I come to you and ask for your assistance, on behalf of the people of this city, can I count on your assistance? Or will your duties forebear action alongside a former ally?"

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Lonnie
"Indeed, Bayushi-san. As Samurai we may be asked to die for clan or honor, but I've no intention of doing so prematurely. Let us live instead!"

The next matter was not quite so easy to respond to. There were other factors to consider, her having been burnt when she made a similar pledge to another Scorpion was amomg her concerns.

"In such a situation, I can promise I would listen. If I am not required to act against my clan or allies? Then I would gladly work with yoi for the good of the city and its people."

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Sydney
"I would not ask you to do anything against our duty to the Son of Heaven," Kaori said, which meant almost nothing at all but sounded better than 'that I would not do myself'. "That is good to know. I have a feeling that my summer will be busy. I will want strong allies when I move against the wicked. Your clan has proven itself to be competent in some matters. I promise, I will not ask you to risk yourself half as much as I have." 

She glanced down at her wounded arm, a not so subtle reminder of the price she'd paid for trusting Mantis intelligence. "But I fear I am starting to bore you with my singular company, Moshi-sama. I would offer to walk you out, but the guard may grow alarmed if I leave this cell and I would not have him fear the wrath of his masters." *Before he feels my own* 

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Lonnie
Kana nodded in response to Kaori. What exactly the "Wicked" Were in this situation would remain to be seen, but she had meant it when she stated she was seeing Kaori as a friend. The idea of working together certainly did appeal to her, and she was reassured by the fact that Kaori seemed to hold no love for that certain other Scorpion either.

"Oh, rest assured, you would have to try hard to bore me, Bayushi-san. That said, if you would prefer some time to yourself, I would be happy to grant that to you." She smiled, rising, and reaching into her pouch, producing a slice of what looked like Yuzu. "From a stand that produces candied fruit at the docks. I do not know if you've much of a sweet tooth, but if you do, well... It appears your guardian is still at break." She smiled, and bowed to her. "Thank you for meeting with me, Bayushi-san. Hopefully the next time I meet you for therapy, you will be out of here."

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