Aileen
It was now Miu's turn to repay the debt of knowledge with more knowledge. This time they wished to learn about shugenja things, something Miu could talk about for ages and ages. She had found it strange that Kazuko had wished for this information as if the Unicorn did not have any shugenja. Still she was in good spirits. The furious red hairs danced around as she was there to arrive at the embassy. Patiently waiting with a simple knock on the door. Expecting a servant to pick her up until further instructions. The Lion remained calm and silently hummed a song. She had looked casually clothed, much like when Kazuko had met her for the first time. 

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Ericka
*The ashigaru manning the perimeter were quick to close in on the Lion, politely but guardedly ascertaining the woman's clan and if her arrival was scheduled. A runner was sent into the Residence, and shortly thereafter a familiar face would peep out and begin to make her way toward the Lion.*

"Ah, Kitsu-sama, welcome. A thousand apologies for the somewhat cold welcome here, matters of security are . . . Rather tense these days." Fuyuko bowed deeply to the Lion, then nodded to the ashigaru, who made way for Miu to enter the courtyard. "Please, follow me. Iuchi-sama is this way."

*Fuyuko would take the Lion to one of the outlying yurts surrounding the residence. Within its open flap could be seen a clean-shaven, averagely built but relatively handsome man in simple working attire, carefully whittling away at a curious woodcarving. At his table were scattered many tools and other wooden carvings.*

Looking up, he smiled warmly before bowing deeply, showing the utmost respect for his fellow priest. Nodding to Fuyuko, he beckoned the Lion in while dismissing her. "Ah! Kitsu-sama, thank you for coming today. Come in, come in. Let me make a place for you."

He began to hurriedly move through the yurt, tidying up what he could and bundling the rest carefully in a corner. The table was much more gently reordered, the shugenja treating each item upon it with great respect. Next, he brought forward a quite luxuriously cushioned four-legged gaijin sitting device alongside where his far more practical one was pulled up alongside the table. "Ahem. Sorry about the mess, things are getting busy around here and I need to spend whatever time I can preparing for matters to come."

His face fell a little at that, before brightening once more. He patted the chair a couple times, inviting her to take a seat. "Probably a bit more cushioned than you are used to sitting, but I made it for . . . Well, not really important now is it. Oh! And I almost forgot. Refreshments."

Standing up again, he moved over to what could be considered the kitchen. "I made tea. I usually make milk tea for guests, but I know Rokugani digestions can find it difficult so I thought a traditional green tea, but then I wondered if maybe the Kitsu were an exception because of the bloodline and maybe it would be rude to assume. So I made both."

After filling a cup with whatever tea Miu preferred , he would sit back down again and face her, bright eyes staring intently but not rudely at her. "I am sorry again. I have been talking a lot, I know. But I am so very excited to have you here. Iuchi Makoto, by the way—got so caught up I never even introduced myself."

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Aileen
At the sight of Fuyuko, Miu had been relieved. She hadn't previously realized that the guards had been swarming her, simply because she hadn't found them threatening enough in this case. After all she was aware that Kazuko must've informed at least one of them about the giant red haired shugenja who tends to waltz into embassies. Alas she would bow down to Fuyuko and slightly smile. *'It is no issue Fuyuko-san. Thank you for granting me a warmer welcome."* She would even want to sign the words 'thank you' to clarify she clearly had been practicing, but she did not just because of circumstances. Soon she would meet eye to eye with the Ide. Not only was she curious about the whole set up of a yurt, never had she seen one before. So the golden eyes would glance over the insides of this separate home. Attention soon to be divided to the energetic yet hurried man. She would bow down in return, but she had been unsure whether the Unicorn had even paid attention. Moving everything around. *"It is an honor meeting you Iuchi-sama."* Only hoping she had gotten the family name correct. 

But clearly no time for that as the man excitedly patted the strange wooden device. He wished for her to sit on it. Only a clear instinct made her tilt her head sidewards. She was not afraid of the device, but trust, no. The tall Lion had been sceptical about it but never showed. She would carefully attempt to sit down on it, but it creaked, it creaked so loudly Miu thought she would shatter it with her weight. So she carefully jumped up a bit. Deciding to settle herself down on the floor. Watching the man elaborate and move around like an unorganized being made her almost squint her eyes. What in the kami's name would he need in order to have a simple chat with her. Instead she had been smiling politely. Brushing away her red hairs a bit. Mentioning the bloodline of the Kitsu made her truly realize why she was here. She inhaled deeply once, then twice, then grandly smiled at him. A smile that had been seen as fake if anyone knew Miu, but this man didn't, nobody here did. She simply answered. 

*"Oh? It wouldn't be rude to assume. Just a bit, enthusiastic to assume I am pure Kitsu bloodline."* She would chuckle a bit. *"I however never have tried milk tea and am curious to try. After all Utaku-sama promised me a cup of it in the past."* The golden eyes would glance back at the Unicorn finally settling down. 

*"I apologize for not sitting on the fancy wood. But it started protesting under my weight and I'd rather not destroy personal belongings because of my neglecting behavior."* She would pause. *"I am Kitsu Miu. It's an honor meeting you Iuchi-sama. I understood you're excited but I have waited for a day to share knowledge with a fellow shugenja."* She never specified what knowledge however. 

||
Ericka
"Oh." Makoto looked a bit saddened when the Kitsu declined the chair, but he perked back up, instead pushing his own chair out of the way to sit on the floor next to the woman. He gently handed her the cup of milk tea. "Here. Let me know if it does not agree with you and I can get you something else."

He also had a small cloth-wrapped package which he unwrapped and placed before them. Many pieces of golden fried dough—a strange sight to a Rokugani—sat within. "I had the staff make some snacks as well. Boortsog, we call it. They go great with the tea."

Picking one up himself, he dipped it into his tea, then took a bite. He closed his eyes contentedly for a moment, then reopened them. "Well, I for one am very excited to learn even a little about the Kitsu, and of course am happy to share whatever you would like to know of our own ways. I think Utaku-sama may have had different plans about how this was to go, but I understand the sacredness of both our traditions. If something is not mine to know, please do not be afraid to say so.

"Please, tell me some about yourself." The last thing he wanted was to seem as if all he was interested in was what knowledge the Kitsu had to offer, so he figured it was best to start with getting to know the woman first.

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Aileen
*"Uh. About myself?"* Miu felt confused. Normally people didn't really show interest in her or her lifetime. She would rub the back of her head as she had felt bad about denying the chair. She wanted to elaborate that she truly almost broke it when he was busy with the milk tea. She would bow her head down. *"Thank you for the tea. I heard it's a true delight."* A more genuine smile grew upon her face. 

The golden eyes would fall upon the food he had brought. *"Boortsog, it looks delicious."* When it came to food Miu had never hesitated. She would thank him once more before she decided to mimic him and dip it in the tea and bite down of it. A red flush went over her face. A smile from ear to ear as she almost wanted to chant 'umai!' as loud as she could. She stared at the snack for a long time before repeating the progress with another bite. Soon snapping back to reality as she stared at Makoto for a moment and chuckled. *"Apologies. This is beyond delicious!"* 

She would take a sip of the tea before she smiled again. But back to the topic she had reminded herself. The golden pair of eyes would glance at him. 

*"Well I am Kitsu Miu. I was born and raised in Bishamon's Seido. Where I was decided by birth to be one of his chosen. This uh... Happens when you are born in one of his temples, well actually only the Seido temple."* Miu paused for a moment. 

*"Please do tell me if I share information you know. I don't want to waste your time."* Miu stated before she continued talking about her life. 

*"I suppose what differs from you and me is that my or well my families focus is not only on communing with the kami, but also with our ancestors? Do correct me, I am unaware of other than my teachings. "* She would take another sip of tea. She seemed comfortable enough but she was clearly struggling with what to talk about. Not that she wished to remain it a secret. No she simply didn't know better than what life as a bishamon's chosen was. 

*"I follow the teachings of Bishamon much like you could expect. Are you aware of Bishamon? Like his teachings?'* 

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Ericka
"Glad you enjoy it! I find conversations far more enjoyable over good food." He readjusted his sitting position a little, listening with rapt attention. "All that I have heard it before Kitsu-san has only been through the lenses of my own people's views—both the good and the bad. So I welcome another perspective on even the simplest of matters. Open minds bring progress, I always say.

"I would not say it *Impossible* For us to communicate with our ancestors, but indeed considerably more challenging for those without especially blessed blood in their veins." He smiled warmly, taking another bite of the fried dough in his hands. At her question of Bishamon, he nodded. "Bishamon is one of the Eight Great Fortunes, and thus we venerate him as well. Fortune of Strength, he honors those who value strength above all, though they must use that strength with honor. However, quite the mercurial temper and at times *Odd* Definitions of such honor. His blessings and curses are known to be quite bombastic."

"It's unfortunately common for some of the more conservative in the Empire to think us heathen-worshippers, but we pray to the same Fortunes as the rest of the Empire. We simply understand there are spirits beyond these as well. Much the same way the Kitsu understand the power of ancestors, we understand other Celestial Courts." Makoto chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his head and pushing his ponytail around to the side instead of draping back. "That being said, I am sure you have much more to tell me of Bishamon than I know."

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Aileen
*"Do you wish to learn more about his teachings?"* Miu flinced. Nobody had asked this before as she smiled grandly. She had been proud of her strength. She could understand why the definitions of honor could be misunderstood. *"Many say the weak have no honor. We speak of heimin and hinin."* Miu continued to speak. *"Although Bishamon did teach me to be strong, I wish to be strong so the weak can be strong too. I need to protect them just as I must protect the ones stronger than I am."* Miu would take a sip of her tea. 

*"Do tell me, I am your visitor today to speak of everything I stand for and believe in. The next time we will meet for tea. Do tell me about your understandings of other Celestial Courts. I wish to understand."* Even though she had considered it heresy, understanding such things could much like the unicorn was trying to understand hers. The golden eyes stared at him intensely. She clearly seemed curious about anything. 

*"I could tell you about how we learn combat much like Bushi, I could tell you about my ancestors. I could tell you about the magic in my family. Although I must leave some details out. Secrets will remain secrets. Tell me. What is it you truly wish to learn? I could speak for hours and hours on about the kami, my ancestors, bishamon. I wish not to bore you."* Miu stated.
Ericka
"I would love to know more about, well *Everything* Really. But I suppose having somewhere to start makes sense." He chucked a little, taking another bite of the fried dough. "You see, I have always held that the way the Kitsu summon their ancestors and the way we Iuchi bind our talismans have a similar root technique.

"Let me explain." Reaching up onto the desk, he grabbed one of the items he had been carving when Miu first arrived, a bracelet of exotic hardwood with brass inlaid designs of a clouded night. Holding it carefully, he passed it to his fellow shugenja if she was interested. "We carefully craft a comfortable, ideal home for the kami we wish to work alongside. Then, by speaking its true name we command it to inhabit the vessel we provide for as long as it remains willing to do so. When it is ready, it departs the vessel, leaving it empty for the next inhabitant."

He was clearly quite passionate about his craft and the methods he used based on the excitement in his voice. After his brief explanation of meishodo, he focused back in on the Lion. "I understand there are things you may not be at liberty to tell me, but how do the Kitsu go about summoning their ancestors into themselves? If I better understand the process, perhaps I can find a way . . . "

He trailed off, a sad look passing across his features again as old memories flooded back. The enthusiasm waned a bit. "Well, maybe I can convince some that our ways come from within the bounds of the Empire. Maybe enough that my people can return to our ancestral shrine one day."

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Aileen
As he was passionate, Miu was enthusiastic. The golden eyes widened when he showed her the bracelet. *"So they like it there?"* She would take it when offered. Miu had never been this cautious before, as she had been holding a child. *"Does that mean they will listen to a user that is not a shugenja because they are comfortable?'* Miu questioned as she had been in awe about the bracelet. She would return it to him with caution as she would nod her head. *"So that's why Himiko wanted me to bring this."* She would show up with Kazuko's gift. She would hold it just as carefully as the other one. *"She said she was preparing something. I didn't understand but now I do."* She would carefully put it on the table. 

But it was now time for her to share. After all he had been sharing beautiful things about his detailed craft within being a shugenja. *"How do we summon our ancestors?"* Miu remained silent for a moment as she pondered over how they actually did do it. It was clear as day that she was simply thought by birth and it became a standard practice to her like breathing had. Not to mention she couldn't talk about her gempukku or other details without dishonoring her whole family. 

*"Well. We were raised with them. As you were raised with the kami and other Celestial beings I suppose."* Miu stated. She would look at the two handcrafted items and then back to him. 

*"I cannot share how. Not all the details. It would dishonor me and my family."* She stated. *"How much knowledge do you have about the spirit realms?'* She however did steer him in the right direction. She wanted to tell. Nobody before had been this interested. She would still show nothing of these conflicted feelings. 

*"Would you like to see? Would you like to meet an ancestor?"* Miu implied that she could. She perhaps would. As long as she knew she would remain safe. 

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Ericka
"Oh, goodness no, I understand the importance of secrecy!" He held his hands up apologetically, clearly not wishing to cause offense. He politely refilled both of their tea. "I ask more from a conceptual side than from the specifics. Do you have to know the ancestor you seek to summon, or simply roll the dice—if you will excuse the crass metaphor—and allow whomever is nearest the barrier to Ningen-do to hop over?"

He held out his hand to take the ring from Miu, gently rolling it between his fingers as he stared into the jade inlaid eyes he had crafted into the dog. There was an understanding and grim resolve as he considered what he should do with it. "I am well-acquainted with the spirit realms. I know the barrier between Yume-do and here is a harder one to traverse than Chikushudo and ours. So I am guessing that the ancestors you summon must be of great strength themselves."

Bringing up the ring between his fingers and holding it up, staring through it at the Lion shugenja, he would continue. "Much as our own customs vary on the strength of the kami within our talismans. We take great pains to ensure the kami of these lands are provided accommodations far more comfortable than where they previously resided. Still, only the strongest of such spirits can be harnessed by those not of the kami. Spirits of that nature are not easily convinced to leave their homes in exchange for our trinkets."

In the days of the Ki-Rin's wandering, methods were learned to *Force* Spirits into compliance. Very rarely were they used within the borders of the Empire, and certainly not mentioned to outsiders. Makoto was certainly not about to tell her about these. "Perhaps a trade of information? I can bring a kami into this ring so you may see what we do in return for your speaking with an ancestor."

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Aileen
As polite Makoto had been, the directness reflected from the lion. She was much like a gentle punch to the face, speaking her mind out straight but in a way one couldn't mean it as an offense, more as a clear will. The golden eyes would glance at him as she spoke in a more serious tone. *"I do not seek out trades, Iuchi-sama. It sets expectations of getting certain information, otherwise a trade would not be completed. Which would be left with an favor owed."* As much as a dimwit Miu would present herself as, she at least had a clear form of morals and understood wisdom perhaps more than others could. 

She would take a sip of tea. *"I do not mind summoning an ancestor for you, it does not require a trade."* Miu seemed warm again. A polite smile formed on her face as she would put the cup down. *"After all I think Utaku-sama already asked you to do such thing as it will be used for her safety as well. Why else would Himiko-san clearly ask for me to bring this to you without having a clue what your bond with the kami can truly do?"* She would give a clear warm smile. 

*"Our bond with our ancestors is assumed to come from the Kitsu bloodline. Perhaps our dedication and worship caused our connection and ability to commune with them. One would say it would limit me to only our families ancestor, but if I wish, if I am willing enough I could let in an ancestor of another family or even clan. If they wish to come to my mortal body that is. It is like a dice roll, but more if they wish to come to me or not, a coin flip. Like the kami. It remains uncertain whether they wish to respond."* She would look at the fried dough and decided to gracefully treat herself on another of those treats. *"Would that suffice your satisfactory for information?"* She would tilt her head slightly at him. She knew she told him things he'd possibly already know, but speaking on how they truly did it was a secret, it would bring dishonor to her family.
Ericka
"O-of course, Kitsu-san. But please, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable with sharing anything." He chuckled nervously to himself. This was not his forte. "It's just—I didn't really know this was happening until Utaku-sama informed me of it, and if it was me being told to talk to some other shugenja about what I held sacred . . . Well, I guess I would be more than a little uncomfortable myself."

A long, slow breath with closed eyes followed, calming his jittery nerves as he tried to regain composure. When they reopened, he seemed to be calmer. "I would love to see this. It would probably be a challenge to find one of our ancestors, so I am happy to see whatever is easiest for you."

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Aileen
*"I didn't intend to frighten you or make you more nervous Iuchi-sama."* Miu looked at him. She was genuine. Almost like she was not able to lie the way she brought it. Nodding her head at him. *"I did not understand the purpose of this either. All I know is that both of us can learn many things from each other. If we stay afloat from the parts that we both know are secret and sacred, this conversation may not be that nerve-wracking."* She stated as she hereby confessed that she had been nervous as well. *"Although your first secret was spilled when you gave me these delicious treats. Or perhaps yet have to because I wish to learn how to create these."* She had chuckled slightly as she held up the doughnut in her hand. Smiling at him. 

After devouring the treat she would rummage through her belongings and a small box would appear. It would show the most delicate and curious incense that would've been used by the Ishiken, gifted by a phoenix. Said to be one of the strongest and best. *"Do you mind?"* She showed the box, she did not want to burn his tent down, or smoke it if not wished. 

But in case he didn't mind, she went ahead and find something in her belongings to light the incense with. Whether it would be inside or outside. The smell of it was strong. Very strong. So not all had to be used. *"Summoning ancestors is never easy. I am willing to share my Lion body with an ancestor that perhaps slaughtered many of my clan. Prepare what you wish to learn. Prepare to converse with it. You will know when or if it reached me. You just have to be patient."* Miu stated. 

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Ericka
The laugh that came this time was a bit heartier, and more genuine. Makoto picked up one of the fried dough himself. "Well, if you must know the secret of boortsog then I could have one of our chefs write it down and give it to you. Though it may be difficult to get all the ingredients from a Lion Clan pantry."

Animal fat was not in common supply amidst the Emperor's right hand.

Upon seeing the incense, the shugenja gave a curious look. "I do not mind at all, Kitsu-san. Please, whatever you need to use. I am ready to share in this experience."

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Aileen
More items appeared through the rummaging of the Kitsu. A bottle of sake, one that was clearly even older than the one she had given Kazuko at the chickenfest. She however had not offered Makoto a cup of it. Instead she would make a cup appear from the bag. One that seemed nothing out of the ordinary as the Shugenja started to pour the drink. It was a libation. Even more offerings would appear from her bag. Dried flowers and even some pastries. All would be put down between the two of them, perfectly arranged. The golden eyes would glance at the Makoto who had now been sitting across from her. She had not spoken one single word as it was clear her ritual had started. She had been silent for what had felt an eternity. Soon she spoke. A prayer. 

*" Honorable Kami of the Air, whisper through the leaves, rustle the trees. In the breeze, your presence I seize. Bearers of life, in each breath we share, Kami of the Air, I offer you my prayer. Guide my spirit to find what seeks, Guide my will to not be weak. Honorable Kami of the Air, in the boundless skies, seek my gift to you, as your guidance will carry my will through."* Miu spoke, she paused another moment. Watching the offerings for a slight moment as she closed her eyes once more. Another prayer. This time for the ancestors. There was a strange power between her words in this one. Strange how simply her voice and words could convince a person to a faith so strong it radiated within her. 

*"My Honorable Ancestors, whose echoes resonate through time, in the tapestry of our family, your stories linger. I stand before you, bound by the threads of our blood and history, my gratitude strong for the paved path I now traverse. Guide me with the silent wisdom of your experiences, may I carry myself with the grace of those who came before. Reaching across the veil that separates us. Grant me courage in the face of life's challenges."* 

The last part of the prayer was whispered. The reason behind it was a question. One that remained unanswered. Miu remained silent. Only her breath, the small twitches of her closed eyes and occasionally the expressions of her face could tell Makoto of her journey. A drop of sweat would run down her face as this had clearly taken an effort out of the Kitsu. One that remained unanswered for the longest time. *"Iuchi-sama. Please teach me about the ancestor. Teach me about their victories. The things they were known for. Perhaps then they will not shun me."* Miu had not opened her eyes. She had to remain focussed. After all otherwise her efforts would fade. Leaving the Unicorn with an empty promise. Yet this, this summoning had been nothing more like summoning kami, just with a little more effort. 

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Ericka
"Iuchi Enebish." There was no hesitation after the question was posed to him. The ritual was watched in respectful awe as the offerings laid out, then the prayers made, but Makoto knew already who it was he sought. The ancestor who shaped his bloodline. "Long ago, in our travels, she was tasked to find and slay a demon of the Ivory Kingdoms that had taken to harassing the Purple Horde. A *Rakshasa*."

The word was harsh and foreign, not a creature of Rokugan. Yet in the way he spoke the name, there was no doubt of its danger and power. "Enebish-sama was an accomplished shugenja on the battlefield, and she battled the demon for a fortnight.

"On the fifteenth day she returned. She was different. The struggle had taken a toll on her soul. Our histories tell us little of what transpired, only that she learned an ancient truth from a long dead empire." He looked down, piecing the scraps of stories he had learned of her together as he strove to provide context of who he sought. "She went on to lead us to victory in the great battles against the unholy, immortal *Khadi* To come. Yet she forbade any of her descendants to ever call upon the kami for battle again. Since then, any who trace their blood back to her devote their lives to peace."

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Aileen
Miu would open her golden eyes. A blink of seriousness struck her face. She was clearly still the same person. *"I apologize Iuchi-sama. I might not be able to summon Iuchi Enebish."* She knew that she was capable of doing so if she only was willing to make a trade of all her power for it. But if history remained secret, her soul had been struggling, it was not an ancestor she had wished for in her body. Perhaps he was unaware that she after all would take a mental strain as well. But even though uncapable of telling lies, the Kitsu decided to tell a secondary truth to why she not wished to summon the unicorn. *"You see, some of our ancestors are much more honorable than I am. It can be that they will refuse me. But, I will attempt, but do not be restless if it is not the ancestor you wish for."* It was the truth. It would wreck her connection with the ancestors and kami for days, a week even. Not to mention the horrors she would see. Not something she was willing to sacrifice for a stranger. *"It is like summoning the first descendant of a bloodline into my body. It will leave me hurt for days. It will leave the ancestor restless and perhaps it will shun me forevermore."* Miu was not afraid of speaking such things. She was strong, she knew she was. After all the Unicorn simply did not know what he was asking for when it came to the consequences.

Her eyes had never focused on him though. Even with her eyes opened it was clear they were seeking for something beyond. Darting around every so often then stopping, as if she was looking somebody else right into their eyes. Those eyes showed kind spirit. *"I am happy you have grand expectations, perhaps one day I will fulfil those. Today we will have to suffice with an ancestor that holds less history, significant nonetheless."* She was ready for some sort of tantrum. As to where Akio had been amazed beyond even envisioning such thing, this man held wishes and expectations. She would close her eyes again. 

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Ericka
"Oh, I was not aware it took such a toll on you. My apologies, Kitsu-san. Please forget I asked for such a thing." Makoto bowed in apology. He was not upset in the slightest, instead showing a level of concern and a slight color rising into him as he realized he may have gotten a little too eager. This was a magic he was unfamiliar with, and so his expectations were of course less than accurate. He smiled warmly. "Well then, let's try for someone a little less dangerous. Iuchi Souta, my grandfather. He was a talented Traveler, and served the Unicorn to reposition their armies mid-battle."

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Aileen
*"That would be easier. Thank you for being thoughtful Iuchi-sama."* Miu had mentioned as the silence fell once more. Miu continued her prayer, almost whispering as if she were to wake up beings she did not want to wake up. *"Perhaps your grandfather might be a bit restless due to the fact that I am a Lion. But who am I to judge before truth?"* The grand Lion stated before silence fell once more. The seeking eyes, visible underneath the eyelids, would stop moving. They had locked a target. The pace of her breath, which had slowed down to the point that one would question her being alive, picked up to a normal one. Not hers however. Within the split second of a moment another spirit had found itself in Miu's body. One of an ancestor. One of his grandfather. Around 30 to 45 minutes had passed before she could make this happen but she managed to do so. His characteristics were clear and recognizable, even in a body so strange. 

*"He is here. I'll wait."* Miu spoke. She was not sure how this would turn out. 

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Ericka
Makoto had settled into a meditative position as he waited, content to focus his mind and project as much calm as he could. Then, suddenly, he was sitting before him. Well, not his grandfather, but also yes his grandfather. An amazed gasp, followed by breathless laughter like that of a child.

"It's—wow. It's really you, isn't it? Ojii-sama, it's me. Kenji." Makoto used his childhood name, the only name that Souta would have been familiar with. He smiled, not really sure how to process the shocking sight before him. "Hi."

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Aileen
*"Kenji-chan."* Miu spoke in a voice ever so similar as to his old man's voice was. Even her movements were like his as she would've gently nodded her head just in the mannerisms he would. He would touch his face once as it was clear he was unaware of what or who he shared a body with now. *"How are you my boy?"* He questioned. The golden eyes had clearly dulled almost to mimic the eye color of his grandfather. He was interested but there was some melancholy in his voice, perhaps even confusion. He would not show however. *"How did you... Do this?"* He eventually questioned after Makoto would answer the question on how he was doing. 

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Ericka
I'm . . . Well, ojii-sama. Life has been kind to me, far kinder than it has to many of my kin." There was a distinct melancholy in his voice, the reminiscence of a man who had lost many friends to an equal number of wars. Quickly he recomposed himself, blinking away the sudden water kami which threatened to escape from his eyes.

"It was not me, ojii-sama. It was the Kitsu in whose body you are currently inhabiting." A rising excitement in his features now replaced the sadness, as he leaned forward. He popped another of the rapidly diminishing boortsog into his mouth. "Your theories on the connection between Lion shugenja and our own ways, I kept researching it. I know there was little chance for cooperation in your time, but we have that now. Kitsu Miu-san . . . Found you in Yomi and brought you here."

A questioning raise of the eyebrow as he considered what questions to ask. There were so many, and no doubt very little time. "How does it feel? Is Kitsu-san alright? It isn't hurting her, is it?"

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Aileen
*"You found a way to convince a Kitsu to bring me back from Yomi?"* The old man questioned as he examined the body he had been inhabiting. Raising his hands as he clearly wasn't used to this stature, especially in his last few years of his life. His eyes of disbelief as it was clear he had not even remotely expected to be summoned at all. To be found on the plane of the living once more in a body like this had blown his expectations beyond. *"Has she told you things? Did you find out about their ways? My boy-"* 

The old man paused, there was a clear melancholy in his voice. It was the strangest thing to hear from his old man perhaps. Even stranger as it was the Kitsu's large hand reaching out for his face. Giving him a good pat on the head. *"You. "* He paused again as if he was struggling to stay. 

*"I am proud of you my boy."* The old man spoke. No sign of struggle anymore as a little drop of sweat had left Miu's head. *"The Kitsu will be alright. She doesn't speak much though. To be expected. I am speaking for the both of us to say she is okay however."* He stated. Her eyes were no longer gold. They were brown, a deep brown, reflecting the eyes of his grandfather in the detail. Those eyes glimpsed upon the boortsog as he took one as well. Smiling as this was perhaps the last time he would taste such a thing so magnificent. 

*"I am in disbelief. Even if the lions were our enemies once, they wouldn't reveal these secrets to their own kin."* The old man stated. Munching on the treat. 

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Ericka
"Well I wouldn't say she's told or revealed anything, just a demonstration. But I also wouldnt expect her to. The Lion are still . . . Well they're not . . ." Makoto sighed, wiping a hand across his eyes. Politics and religion were complicated between the closest of clans, let alone here. "It's complicated, like a lot of things.

"I'm glad she is still well, it took nearly an hour for her to even find you." He chuckled a little in what was still a measure of disbelief. "To be honest, I was not sure if this would even work. I knew connections across an ancestor's line were possible, but outside? It's frankly amazing."

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Aileen
*"I'd advice keeping her as your friend."* There clearly were things the old man wished to say but not to share with Miu. A pause followed in his words soon after. He was enjoying the little fried snack as if it was his last meal. Sadly to say it was. Happy to say he got to experience this for another time. The brown eyes glimpsed past the boortsog right at his grandson. A melancholic smile was granted. A stare followed, as if he wanted to remember every detail of Makoto before he would pass on again. He did not fear death but it clearly made him aware of his existence in the other realm. The little twitches of the eye, the slight slump in the corner of his mouth. It was strange to see another inhabit the traits of his grandfather, but it was him, truly him. 

The silence was broken at last, if Makoto hadn't earlier. *"Have you found a wife?"* Just like the old days the grandfather had been nothing different. This was one of the questions he had asked many times before. A sleek smile grew on the face of the Kitsu. With those words many other questions had followed. More based on how Makoto was doing in his current life, the adventures he had lived on without his grandfather, how the remains of his family were doing and what kept him busy these days. He would answer Makoto's questions about the past days if he had any. 

In the meantime Miu had been exhausting herself over and over just for the family to converse. The constant cast and focus on the spell made sure the two could reconnect. She did hear their words but did not progress them as overtime her body started to slightly protest during their conversation. Sweat started to be generated as it was only ever so visibly dripping down. The twitch of her fingers, the shiver of her hand. Thus it was time for them to break up their conversation. He knew. His hand grasped Makoto's, a painful smile as he even shed a tear right in front of his grandson. 

*"The man you've become my boy. If Kitsu-san is willing to I'd love to see you again this lifetime. But for now she must rest. "* The hand squeezed his tightly. Wiped away the tear with the other hand. *"You make me proud. "* With that the old man had bowed down deeper than he had before to show his respect to his grandson. He held it for a moment. 

A loud gasp and a sudden motion to sit straight showed clear signs of Miu. The large body had wobbled around as the pair of golden eyes clearly had returned. The other thing the eyes showed were the clear loss of location and time and place. Before Makoto could say or do anything the lioness spoke *"I am fine. Worry not about me."* Trying to brush it off like a true warrior. This however failed as the torso fell down with a loud thud. The sweat was covering her and her eyes were spinning. *"I'll lie down for a moment if you not mind."* Other than this Miu just showed signs of over exhaustion. The sweet smile on her face showed the pride of how long she had continued to hold the connection. Normally the spell would only last 5 minutes, Miu had managed to hold it for 25 of those minutes. Yet even in her misery the woman asked. 

*"Are you alright Iuchi-sama?"* She knew how it could feel talking to a person that had left your life. 

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Ericka
Of course he would ask about marriage prospects next. He chuckled to himself quietly, then told him—carefully of course, not wishing to share anything too personal—of his fiancé. Kazuko was a fine samurai to be matched with, but there were struggles to say the least. She was not the easiest to deal with on the best of days.

Then their conversation flowed onwards, to questions back and forth on life and memories. Of Yomi, how it was organized, if certain friends and family were also there. Interspersed throughout was the regular check to make sure the Kitsu was not overdoing it. The strain appearing on her face was hard to miss, and Makoto was loathe to press her abilities, impressive as they certainly were, beyond their limits. "Thank you."

And just like that the connection was gone. Miu was back. Deep concern filled the Iuchi's eyes as she attempted and failed to stay upright. He grabbed some folded blankets nearby for her to rest her head under, then took a cloth, dipped it into the basin nearby filled with clean and cool water, and gave it to her. "Of course, Kitsu-san. Please, rest. Take whatever time you need, and let me know if there is anything else you need. That was amazing. You're amazing."

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Aileen
*"Just some forgiveness and mercy from the kami. Truly I have exhausted them. They'll be angered with me for more than one day."* Miu stated as a chuckle echoed. It was strange for somebody to be so cautious with her. Normally all she was granted was a punch on the shoulder calling her out weak for collapsing. *"Did you know I officially hold the best record for enduring this spell by today?"* It obviously was a joke. Miu's mechanism to hide her exhaust and pain was a simple joke. She would take a more relaxed pose as she gave in to the sudden exhaustion for now. 

*"I hope you two had a good chat. Better be. He attempted to refuse me several times."* She smirked once more. *"Did this answer most of your questions however?"* Miu asked before brushing her wild manes around, attempting to adjust them correctly but failed, resulting in a grunt and more struggle. 

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Ericka
"Well I'll be there for the ceremony celebrating your achievement." The Iuchi humored the Lion's attempt to mask her exhaustion with a joke by laughing along. "But yes, your help answered a lot of my questions. And raised more, but not for today."

He brought over more boortsog and tea for her should she want them, then moved back to sit across from her, rolling the dog-shaped ring he had been given by Miu gently between his fingers. "I made this to give a home to one of the air kami who live in these grounds. Do you want to see the process?"

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Aileen
It took a solid moment but Miu had been nothing but glad that the man had humored her. She didn't know what else to say. If only there was a true ceremony celebrating this. She gladly took the tea but refused the boortsog, she would gain too much weight with a sweet tooth like this. She watched him roll the ring between his fingers. Miu carefully managed to sit back up. Her face drained, her eyes as if she hadn't slept for weeks, her spirit however was still radiant like lady sun herself. 

*"I wouldn't want to miss that."* She smiled. Her hand shivered whilst holding the cup, accidentally spilling some on her clothing as she nodded it away. Making sure she hadn't spilled on anything else. Perhaps he now understood the impact of the ancestors. Perhaps Unicorn were willing to learn as well. Stubborn as they sometimes could be, she hadn't met somebody like the actual known stereotype yet. *"As for your more questions, feel free to write them down yes? I don't mind answering them."*

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Ericka
"I will, Kitsu-san." Oh so many questions he would write, but for now it was his turn to display what the Iuchi were known for. He brought before the two of them a small carved wooden box. Opening the two door outward revealed within a small statue of Natsu-togumara, the Fortune of Travel and Experience. "My people often travel from village to village across our lands. Portable shrines become invaluable in the middle of the wilderness."

Clapping twice then bowing from his seated position, he offered the proper reverence . Then he placed the ring on the floor in front of the shrine. "I have been speaking with the kami who reside here, learned their likes and dislikes. Let's see who is here now."

Makoto began with what would be known to Miu as the prayer to commune with the kami. A breeze whipped through the entry flap, coalescing into an ever swirling wind around the shrine. The Iuchi gently waved his hands through the windy cloud closing his eyes and focusing. The strain pulled the corners of his face taut. Then he spoke again, in that strange tongue used to speak with the spirits of the world. Three words, simple yet resonating with a deep power that even the Lion could feel within her core. No, not words: *Names.* The swirling, tiny tornado between them split in thirds as the true names of the spirits who joined them today were called out. This was meishodo's truest form. Before a spirit could be properly bound to an object, it must be understood. *This* Was the power of name magic.

"They are a little shy today, a bit intimidated that a Lion is present. But this one," Makoto's eyes reopened, the strain still evident but lessened, and he pointed at the rightmost puff of wind, "They are ready to enter what I made."

The Iuchi shugenja chanted the name of the kami, again and again, his voice growing deeper and hollow as the power of speaking a true name flowed through him and into the room around. The ring rose in the air, lifted by the spirit being bound into the talisman, the sound of wind whipping across the two shugenja's ears even though it had become deathly still around them. The jade inlaid eyes of the dog-shaped ring flashed brightly as the incantation changed, adding into it the words of a scroll that Makoto had opened at some point in the ceremony. The kami was being told the invocation it should be prepared to produce in return for its new home.

Suddenly, the wind holding the ring aloft stopped and it went falling down from where it hung nearly two shaku above the ground. Makoto's hand shot out to collect it before it fell, a smile dancing across his face as he held it tightly in his palm. Then he passed it back over to the Kitsu. "It's done. The kami lies within, and you must only speak its name to rouse it to action. It wishes to protect, not attack, and will defend its wearer against a rain of arrows should such a time come."

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Aileen
*"Arrows... Hm..."* Miu was still weakened like crazy. She knew what she had gotten herself into. But this. This scared her for some reason. The idea of letting kami reside things like these, even though beautiful of craftsmanship, it haunted her. She wished to speak its name so it would be freed once more, not waiting for an eternity. 

Miu did not show this however as she was truly mesmerized by the craft of this. That way she could hide the opinions, those were to follow later. After all Makoto must have his opinions on her grasping onto a spirit and forcing it to be tethered to a mortal body... It was the same. It was exactly the same. 

He did nothing to dishonor the kami, he did nothing else than ask for their guidance and protection in the form of something mortal and bound to their plane of existence. Curious. Miu settled in a sitting position before the demonstration even started. Her eyes had gleamed and beamed all the way through and through. She had questions too. Many. But it was not appropriate right now. He had been patient with her. But her curiosity urged her. 

*"Why?"* She first did not clarify this question. She was thirsty so she took a bit of the remains of her tea. *"Why would you get out of your way to show me this Iuchi-sama?"* It was never a question of doubt in his craft, a judgement. But she never forgot her purpose here. They taught her the sign language, she taught them things about the Kitsu. Not even details, a demonstration had been generous enough. 

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Ericka
"Because our people have suffered for generations due to a lack of understanding." The response was quick, but not angry. An old, deep melancholy motivated the Iuchi as he spoke. "We are labeled dangerous, heretical, denied our freedom to worship, all because there are far too many secrets in this world."

He shook his head slowly, the hair he had tied back bobbing back and forth in the motion. "I am not saying my own family is not without fault. The power of meishodo is significant, and our . . . Concern over what would happen should its use spread has at times clouded our better judgment. But if we ever plan to move forward, then others need to see that it is not some evil ritual."

Makoto paused, rubbing the back of his neck as if willing the tension to fade. His eyes moved back to Miu. "Plus, I know I would never bring a strange gift to Kazuko-sama without knowing exactly what it was. I doubt you would to your Ambassador either."

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Aileen
*"I fear others will have difficulty understanding such things."* Miu stated. She understood. But she understood that bringing ancestors into your body was not some vile tactic to make others fear you. *"But they might. Thank you for showing me this Iuchi-sama."* She would bow down once more. She was truly grateful to witness such a peculiar thing. 

*"As for the conversation with your ancestor... How was it?"* Miu had experienced talking to an ancestor once and wasn't sure how she should feel about it. Her curiosity sparked once more, even though exhausted. 

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Ericka
"Amazing. A little odd at first, but good." As he spoke the Iuchi absently fiddled with a wooden medallion that previously sat on his work table, idly running it between his fingers. "Sorry for anything . . . Tactless he may have said through you. He is a man of his time, and his views of other clans were colored by old wounds."

Something Makoto himself struggled with often.

He expounded to her his conversation with Souta, how he spoke and acted through the conduit that was Miu, any detail he could give to her beyond what she would have been aware of. "He even explained a bit about Yomi. For a realm we aspire to reach one day we know surprisingly little about it."

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