Aikiko was intrigued by the strange assortment of guests and all at once, too. She bowed and swept her hand towards the shine.<br/><br/>"The shrine is right this way if you'd follow me."<br/><br/>She led them the 20 or so feet down the paved path towards the shrine. The first stop was at the purification station. A stone basin full of sanctified water sat on the left while to the right, directly across the path, sat the scared fire. She stooped to pick up the water scoop. She poured it over her hands and then dipped it back into the basin to bring to her mouth for a rinse, careful not to touch her lips to the purified scoop. Gargling, she spit the water into the clay container beside the basin. She moved to the sacred fire and wafted her hands through the smoke. As she did so, she wondered who else would as only most devout Shinto followers do that. It always intrigued her who followed this practice. She paused after purifying to allow the others to finish.<br/><br/>Once everyone was finished, she led them down the final few feet to the shrine. Two stone Shishi (lion-dog) sat on either side of the door, guarding the entrance to the shrine. Entering the open wooden room, it was immediately apparent that this was indeed a special shrine. It may not have been the largest but it did have a special feel. The room was rather smokey and smelled rather sweet from the incense burning around the altar.  The altar sat at the far end of the shrine, opposite the door. A scroll sat on a stand in addition to the traditional sacred mirror, sword, and jewel. The altar was roped off with shimenawa with shime (special pleated rope with paper wards hanging from it) and surrounded by standing torches. The donation box sat on the floor outside the ropes on the side closest to the door.<br/><br/>Turning to her right, Aikiko rang the bell hanging by the door. She approached the altar and stopped in front of it. She followed the standard procedure, of course. After bowing twice, she clapped twice. Bowing once more, she opened the offering box and dropped a few coins in. After the ritual, she bowed her head and placed her hand together in front of her. She prayed silently for the Great Spirit of Byakko to protect Kumishiri, the shrine, the sacred objects, her family and, most importantly, the scroll. Not that these folks would realize the important of the scroll. In fact, it was rather strange to have an additional artifact. They might pray for its safety, simply out of respect for it being on Byakko-kami's shrine, but most outsiders would not give it the special consideration Aikiko and her family did. Its content was a secret to all but her family. She smiled and stepped aside to allow the others to have their prayers.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">*****</div><br/><br/>Ishii Gorou paused a moment. He smirked. The small village was exactly where the unfortunate man had said it was. He felt better in having given him a quick death. He had been honest, after all. He adjusted his shakujō staff and its rings rattled slightly. He pulled down his large bamboo hat a little. He smiled the warmest, friendliest smile he could and walked into town. It was enough to follow the villagers unfortunately.<br/><br/>His clearly religious attire served its useful function again. The villagers were sure to get our of him way, smiling and bowing. He made his way to the first shop stall he saw. The young woman tending the stall bowed her head reverently.<br/><br/>"Greeting, sir monk. Can I interest you in a fresh batch of carrots?"<br/><br/>"No, thank you, my daughter. I am seeking your shrine?"<br/><br/>"Oh yes, my lord. Its that way." She pointed in its direction.<br/><br/>He smiled and thanked her. She bowed. Ishii kept his warm composure until he was on the steps of the shrine and sure that no one else could see him. His face returned to its dark, empty countenance. Chou was coming out of the house, carrying her newly made charms to the storage shed. She sensed his presence and turned to greet him, a smile spreading across her face. She froze when she saw his face. She didn't even need her spiritual powers to know that this man was evil. The priestess knew immediately that this was about the scroll. She set her jaw and narrowed her eyes. The monk smirked wider. He tapped his staff on the ground.<br/><br/>"Good day, Lady Priestess. I see you have already discerned my intentions." He took a menacing step towards her. "Let's see this through the easy way, yes?"<br/><br/>Chou scowled. "Never!"<br/><br/>She threw the charms to the ground. She'd have to make more as they were no longer pure, but more important matters where at hand right now. Chou drew a wakizashi. She had learned some defensive techniques from her late husband, though nothing near her daughter's skill. She was far too peaceful a soul for that. She turned to her mother who was still in the house.<br/><br/>"Mother! Its happening!"<br/><br/>Sayuri wasted no time. She rushed out of the back of the house and to the left towards the shrine. The monk clicked his tongue.<br/><br/>"Have you no sense, old woman? I see you there."<br/><br/>Ishii reached into his robes and drew a knife. He threw the knife and it pierced Sayuri through the back of the left shoulder. For a brief moment, Chou's heart stopped. That was far to close to the heart! Sayuri fell forward onto the ground. Chou's glance shifted back and forth bewteen her mother's limp form and their attacker.<br/><br/>"Mother? Mother?! Are you alright?"<br/><br/>Sayuri moved subtly. She slowly started to crawl forward towards the shrine. Chou sighed in relief. She was still alive! If she hurried, she could still get to her. Chou grit her teeth. She had to distract him from her mother.  She couldn't last too long against him, but if she could buy enough time...<br/><br/>"You fiend!" She shouted as she charged him.<br/><br/>*****<br/><br/>The entire scene unfolded with anyone in the shrine being aware. Ten minutes later, a bloody Sayuri crawled to a stop under the gaze of the Shishi, breathing shallowly.<br/><br/>"Aikiko! Under...attack...Scroll!"<br/><br/>The last of her strength spent, she collapsed unconscious.