[Day 11 - Early Evening] Bon Festival: Game Stalls! [RP THREAD]

[Bayushi Hinata]

"I'll have my share," says Kazushi, "and as for where we're going next...I'm thinking about establishing a vacation home here."

"It's certainly a wonderful vacation spot... There's lots of fond memories around here eh? You think the clan will have you stay long term to establish the Departmen'ts new branch here?" He says in between bites of his takoyaki.

"I know I don't get much say in this. But I'm certainly not that keen on staying here... long term at least."

[Yasuki Honoka]

Honoka was present among the environs, between the events. At this time she was sat somewhere to rest. Hiroto was ever presently watching over her from nearby, enjoying food from one of the stalls. Meanwhile Honoka was busy staring at that stick while she had Crabbo resting on her thighs and between her arms, held secure.

(Please be sure to use the reply/quote function if approaching!)

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"It's certainly a wonderful vacation spot... There's lots of fond memories around here eh? You think the clan will have you stay long term to establish the Departmen'ts new branch here?" He says in between bites of his takoyaki.

"I know I don't get much say in this. But I'm certainly not that keen on staying here... long term at least."

"There's some speculation in that direction," confirms Kazushi, "although it's too early to tell just yet. It's a big galaxy out there, after all, and there's a lot yet to be done."

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko, carrying around a big bag of goldfish, hummed a content tune to herself as she wandered around the stalls again in her favourite kimono. It was a good way to spend the evening.

(ooc - quote to approach)

[Bayushi Hinata]

Sumiko, carrying around a big bag of goldfish, hummed a content tune to herself as she wandered around the stalls again in her favourite kimono. It was a good way to spend the evening.

(ooc - quote to approach)

"I guess not all pieces have fallen into place yet have they..." His eyes wander the scene until they find a certain figure clad in the black of her people. Icy blue eyes reflect a shadow on their irises as they focus on Sumiko.

"If you'll politely excuse me Kazushi-sama. I forgot something important I had to do. Thanks for the takoyaki." He turns to bow to the man, and again to each of the twins. He then turns and strides amidst the crowd with purpose, and yet as he hears it seems all nerve escapes him, each step eroding his resolve until he's there in front of her without realizing.

He bows politely to her, for a moment he seems confused staring at her, as if lost. "Susumu-san. Good evening."

[Susumu Sumiko]

"I guess not all pieces have fallen into place yet have they..." His eyes wander the scene until they find a certain figure clad in the black of her people. Icy blue eyes reflect a shadow on their irises as they focus on Sumiko.

"If you'll politely excuse me Kazushi-sama. I forgot something important I had to do. Thanks for the takoyaki." He turns to bow to the man, and again to each of the twins. He then turns and strides amidst the crowd with purpose, and yet as he hears it seems all nerve escapes him, each step eroding his resolve until he's there in front of her without realizing.

He bows politely to her, for a moment he seems confused staring at her, as if lost. "Susumu-san. Good evening."

Sumiko heard a voice as she stood in front of a stall. She turned and smiled, bowing.

"Bayushi-san, good evening! I hope you are well? You chose a wonderful time to find me, I just noticed this Omamori stall. Want to pick one out with me? The bamboo fortune says my short term Fortune will be lucky but one should not leave long term blessings to chance right?"

[Bayushi Hinata]

Sumiko heard a voice as she stood in front of a stall. She turned and smiled, bowing.

"Bayushi-san, good evening! I hope you are well? You chose a wonderful time to find me, I just noticed this Omamori stall. Want to pick one out with me? The bamboo fortune says my short term Fortune will be lucky but one should not leave long term blessings to chance right?"

"I-" he opens his mouth to answer, as it hangs open for an instant his eyes focus back, his lips curve into a smile. "Iam quite well today Susumu-san. Iam glad to find you in such high spirits." It's almost as if a weight is lifted off his shoulders, his posture changes accordingly. "I will gladly make such an important decision of which the consequences won't be my own! Do lead the way, we should head to the bamboo fortune next, I've yet to have mine read out "

[Tamori Kanna]

Kanna made sure to do rounds throughout the place, checking to see that spirits were good and folks were having a good time.

She wore her brand new yukata with crab motifs, purchased this day for the occasion, as she had wanted something that honored the host clan some more for the day.

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Taraka nodded.

"As it has been said, 'the warrior's path is made smooth by many feet walking the same way.'" Taraka said. "While I may not walk it myself, our mandatory military service as a clan means I have at a bit more understanding of that than clans who do not and have worlds that are completely pacified, away from all of the conflicts of the Empire."

She looked to the skies.

"There will be many more such losses when the war comes. I try to cherish my time with my friends who serve in the military, because who knows how many more festivals we will be able to enjoy together?" she offered.

"Fewer then you hope in my experience," Suh-Hyun smiled wearily, "Which I suppose makes the ones you have that much more cherished."

"Normally I am able to focus on the good memories, I suppose the sudden death just landed hard." Her eyes shifted to the Crab, "Are there any memories of comrades past coming to your mind?"

[Yasuki Taraka]

"Fewer then you hope in my experience," Suh-Hyun smiled wearily, "Which I suppose makes the ones you have that much more cherished."

"Normally I am able to focus on the good memories, I suppose the sudden death just landed hard." Her eyes shifted to the Crab, "Are there any memories of comrades past coming to your mind?"

Taraka nodded.

"This is the day to remember such. Kaiu Shingetsu comes to mind, for example. He was a good man, he caught a ride with us on a supply run to Naraku. Got to know him pretty well on the trip. He was a thoughtful man, quite well read, enjoyed traditional games like go and shogi over more modern games. Qujite pleasant to talk to." she reminisced.

"However, while we were docked at Naraku, the local inhabitants breached the perimeter. The stuff on Naraku....well it's a hell world for a good reason, and I don't want to go deeply into just how hellish it is. He died in the following action, but through his sacrifice, he managed to get that sections defenses back up and was instrumental in driving off the attack."

She paused a moment.

"It was interesting helping pack up his personal possessions in his temporary quarters. There was a book he was reading, 'The Third Ronin's Boat'. There was a bookmark wedged in the chapter before the book's big reveal. It kind of struck me how life can just be cut short like that. Things are building up, and you think you have time to finish them, you mark your place and then.....that's it." she said.

[Susumu Sumiko]

"I-" he opens his mouth to answer, as it hangs open for an instant his eyes focus back, his lips curve into a smile. "Iam quite well today Susumu-san. Iam glad to find you in such high spirits." It's almost as if a weight is lifted off his shoulders, his posture changes accordingly. "I will gladly make such an important decision of which the consequences won't be my own! Do lead the way, we should head to the bamboo fortune next, I've yet to have mine read out "

"How can one not be in high spirits when they have a family to look after now?" Sumiko chuckled, lifting the large bag with 4 goldfish in it "I'm not sure how well goldfish take to intergalactic flight though. I'll also need to study how the Longshore habits will be for Crab goldfish. I'm sure it'll be fine though, nature has a fascinating way of surviving no matter what is thrown at it. The stall is just here thankfully for me, we'll make sure to get your bamboo fortune also."

Sumiko turned to the stall, looking thoughtful.

"What do you think Bayushi-san. Good Fortune, Good health? Success? Love?"

[Kuni Sumie]

Earlier...

"You just missed him, I think he said he was going to the Shrine of Wealth."

"..The Shrine of Wealth?" She asked them for clarification.

Now...

Kuni Sumie was at the Shrine of Wealth, meandering about through the crowds like she had a clear purpose in mind. For this occasion, she was dressed in a black and white yukuta that had a dark pattern of gothic castles, gloomy nights and ravens. She might have even worn a spider web coat because she refused to let the Spider Clan have a monopoly on darkness. There was a time she would have fully agreed that the Spider Clan was cool...then they had allies with the Crane Clan and Mantis Clan, which absolutely elevated them to mainstream and wholly accepted status, the worst kind of Clan. Maybe the Shark Clan was still around as a Minor Clan...

She scanned the area with almost killer and laser-honed efficiency as she looked for her target. It was luckily busy at the Shrine of Wealth with all many distractions, but persistence and determination were strong traits in the Crab...

-

-

She approached them with a clear picture in hand...well, one that might have been taken involuntarily from afar and kind of blurred.



"Do you know Bayushi Hinata?" She would ask them bluntly.

[Bayushi Hinata]

"How can one not be in high spirits when they have a family to look after now?" Sumiko chuckled, lifting the large bag with 4 goldfish in it "I'm not sure how well goldfish take to intergalactic flight though. I'll also need to study how the Longshore habits will be for Crab goldfish. I'm sure it'll be fine though, nature has a fascinating way of surviving no matter what is thrown at it. The stall is just here thankfully for me, we'll make sure to get your bamboo fortune also."

Sumiko turned to the stall, looking thoughtful.

"What do you think Bayushi-san. Good Fortune, Good health? Success? Love?"

"Oh you're starting a family this early in life? You're quite the overachiever Sumiko-san." He says with a smile. The thought certainly not lingering in his mind. "My experience with goldfish is terribly limited I'm afraid, but if they're crab goldfish they'll be terribly resilient neh?" He takeas a step forward, a little closer before they turn to the omamori stall.

"I don't think they have one for everything though... that's no good. Ah well... Success you'll achieve on your own, no need for help on that. Health you already give to others. And you've already been promised fortune..." His hand goes slowly to pick up the remaining charm, hovering over it for a moment before gently picking it up. He rubs his thumb over the fabric before ltting out a soft chuckle. "Forgive me if I'm being a little obvious. I doubt you need any help getting what you desire. But I think everyone deserves a little more love than they get... romantic or otherwise." He extends the charm.

There's a subtle flush on his face, his smile does not waver despite the seeming embarassment.

[Yasuki Taraka]

-

She approached them with a clear picture in hand...well, one that might have been taken involuntarily from afar and kind of blurred.



"Do you know Bayushi Hinata?" She would ask them bluntly.

Taraka turned at the approach of the Kuni.

"Oh, is that what he's supposed to look like?" Taraka said, studying the picture. "Sorry, Kuni-san, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting that samurai. Honestly, I've kind of wondered if Bayushi HInata was an actual guest or an alias. Is he missing?" she said, turning to the Unicorn. "Have you seen him, Shinjo-san?"

[Kuni Sumie]

Taraka turned at the approach of the Kuni.

"Oh, is that what he's supposed to look like?" Taraka said, studying the picture. "Sorry, Kuni-san, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting that samurai. Honestly, I've kind of wondered if Bayushi HInata was an actual guest or an alias. Is he missing?" she said, turning to the Unicorn. "Have you seen him, Shinjo-san?"

"Yeah, he totally looks like that," she would confirm. "Sometimes he would unbutton his shirt for random reasons and often he likes to wear shirts of the thinnest material when it's raining. Not that I'm leering, just a VERY concerned medical professional because that's how you get wind kami in you, then you get all sorts of elemental imbalances in you for illnesses. Very contagious. If you see him, don't get close, even if he's crying for help. Those are...uhm, illness symptoms."

Sumie wasn't going to bother rolling for that, so they could take the words of a professional DOCTOR BADASS as they would like.

"Yeah, totally missing, from a room for medical observation. He has an unpaid tab from a love hotel to his name, too," she bobbed her head surely at that, before looking to the Shinjo for her answer.

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

Taraka nodded.

"This is the day to remember such. Kaiu Shingetsu comes to mind, for example. He was a good man, he caught a ride with us on a supply run to Naraku. Got to know him pretty well on the trip. He was a thoughtful man, quite well read, enjoyed traditional games like go and shogi over more modern games. Qujite pleasant to talk to." she reminisced.

"However, while we were docked at Naraku, the local inhabitants breached the perimeter. The stuff on Naraku....well it's a hell world for a good reason, and I don't want to go deeply into just how hellish it is. He died in the following action, but through his sacrifice, he managed to get that sections defenses back up and was instrumental in driving off the attack."

She paused a moment.

"It was interesting helping pack up his personal possessions in his temporary quarters. There was a book he was reading, 'The Third Ronin's Boat'. There was a bookmark wedged in the chapter before the book's big reveal. It kind of struck me how life can just be cut short like that. Things are building up, and you think you have time to finish them, you mark your place and then.....that's it." she said.

"I've had one too many unknowing final drinks with comrades." Suh-Hyun shook her head, "We didn't clean out anyone's bunk, but I've had the experience of walking into the four person cabin only to find orderlies packing up a bunk mate's belongings."

"Maybe we should..." Whatever the Unicorn was about to say was cut off by...

She approached them with a clear picture in hand...well, one that might have been taken involuntarily from afar and kind of blurred.



"Do you know Bayushi Hinata?" She would ask them bluntly.

"I...don't know you." Suh-Hyun blinked at the blunt Kuni, then looked down at the picture. "Yes, he's a security specialist with a Scorpion firm. I can't recall which one. Wears an oni mask sometimes."

She turned her eyes side to side looking in the crowd, "But I haven't seen him here. Is something wrong?"

[Kuni Sumie]

"I...don't know you." Suh-Hyun blinked at the blunt Kuni, then looked down at the picture. "Yes, he's a security specialist with a Scorpion firm. I can't recall which one. Wears an oni mask sometimes."

She turned her eyes side to side looking in the crowd, "But I haven't seen him here. Is something wrong?"

"Doctor Badass," she would tell the Shinjo, highlighting her very professional credentials sternly. "That's right, one and the same. But, have you considered who secures the security specialist? There must be someone who does that, like maybe some sort of watch-people? Or the government?!? Nah, I don't think I see anyone like that here. In lieu of that, it usually defaults to very capable, very official, and very concerned health professionals, like shugenja such as myself. Non-lame, non-celebrity shugenja, too, by the way."

"Yeah. The last time I saw him, he was over at a crime scene with injuries, like a gnarly wound on his lovely abs. Shot directly at spot of the meridian where you might be doing some irrational thinking. Like ignoring health professionals. Forgetting about former relationships. Maybe too much of the keikaku on the brain. There were magistrates involved. Yeah, magistrate business and I'm just following up on that, so..." she said before clearing her throat. Now, she wasn't saying that she was with the magistrate, but maybe vaguely (and badly) suggesting that they were connected, to sound more official!

[Yasuki Taraka]

"I...don't know you." Suh-Hyun blinked at the blunt Kuni, then looked down at the picture. "Yes, he's a security specialist with a Scorpion firm. I can't recall which one. Wears an oni mask sometimes."

She turned her eyes side to side looking in the crowd, "But I haven't seen him here. Is something wrong?"

"Doctor Badass," she would tell the Shinjo, highlighting her very professional credentials sternly. "That's right, one and the same. But, have you considered who secures the security specialist? There must be someone who does that, like maybe some sort of watch-people? Or the government?!? Nah, I don't think I see anyone like that here. In lieu of that, it usually defaults to very capable, very official, and very concerned health professionals, like shugenja such as myself. Non-lame, non-celebrity shugenja, too, by the way."

"Yeah. The last time I saw him, he was over at a crime scene with injuries, like a gnarly wound on his lovely abs. Shot directly at spot of the meridian where you might be doing some irrational thinking. Like ignoring health professionals. Forgetting about former relationships. Maybe too much of the keikaku on the brain. There were magistrates involved. Yeah, magistrate business and I'm just following up on that, so..." she said before clearing her throat. Now, she wasn't saying that she was with the magistrate, but maybe vaguely (and badly) suggesting that they were connected, to sound more official!

Having encountered Doctor Badass a couple of times, Taraka was used to the patter, but didn't fully buy-in on her working in any sort of non-imaginary official capacity.

Still, she nodded.

"We'll keep an eye out, Kuni-san. I believe I have your contact information through the store. Should we spot him, we'll be sure to contact you immediately." she assured her.

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Oh you're starting a family this early in life? You're quite the overachiever Sumiko-san." He says with a smile. The thought certainly not lingering in his mind. "My experience with goldfish is terribly limited I'm afraid, but if they're crab goldfish they'll be terribly resilient neh?" He takeas a step forward, a little closer before they turn to the omamori stall.

"I don't think they have one for everything though... that's no good. Ah well... Success you'll achieve on your own, no need for help on that. Health you already give to others. And you've already been promised fortune..." His hand goes slowly to pick up the remaining charm, hovering over it for a moment before gently picking it up. He rubs his thumb over the fabric before ltting out a soft chuckle. "Forgive me if I'm being a little obvious. I doubt you need any help getting what you desire. But I think everyone deserves a little more love than they get... romantic or otherwise." He extends the charm.

There's a subtle flush on his face, his smile does not waver despite the seeming embarassment.

"It wasn't planned, but the Fortunes decided I needed fish for my travels" Sumiko said with a smile "sadly goldfish in general are not the best travellers especially when one does not own any craft she travels on. I'll have to make sure they have the safest travel back with me."

She considered the options. She wasn't sure she gave health to others, but the man had a thought process she wouldn't interrupt until he made it to the last one. Then there was a thoughtful look.

"You know, I have heard that Benten often favours me with a smile when the morning rises. I do make sure to offer a prayer to Benten along with all fortunes in the morning Perhaps it's a sign that Hinata-san was drawn to the one that I was also drawn to" she commented as she picked the charm up, taking a moment to check where her money was in her kimono.

[Bayushi Hinata]

"It wasn't planned, but the Fortunes decided I needed fish for my travels" Sumiko said with a smile "sadly goldfish in general are not the best travellers especially when one does not own any craft she travels on. I'll have to make sure they have the safest travel back with me."

She considered the options. She wasn't sure she gave health to others, but the man had a thought process she wouldn't interrupt until he made it to the last one. Then there was a thoughtful look.

"You know, I have heard that Benten often favours me with a smile when the morning rises. I do make sure to offer a prayer to Benten along with all fortunes in the morning Perhaps it's a sign that Hinata-san was drawn to the one that I was also drawn to" she commented as she picked the charm up, taking a moment to check where her money was in her kimono.

"I'm certain you'll take great care of them." He says with a smile.

He looks intently as she explains, his eyes trace her features. The curve of her face, the color of her eyes, the way her hair reflects the light. Kami she was blessed, to his eyes she may very well join the constellations in the night sky. As her hand reaches for the same Omamori his heart skips a beat, the flush deepens, and he lets out a chuckle in a vain attempt to keep his cool.

Before she has her coin purse he already has his own out, a plush taiyaki opens to reveal a handful of coins he didn't use for claw machines. He pays for both Omamori, and as he turns back towards her he had a hand on his hip, the charm held by his side.

"I guess you'd know, blessed as you are. Thank you for sharing such blessings, it does mean the world to me." He steps into her personal space again, his hands moved to her obi, hooking under it and tying the charm to it. Once it's secure he gives it a gentle tug before stepping back.