Some small delays (D0 EA Open)

[Bayushi Hinata]

"Hana introduced me to them about a year ago, I swear if Hiroki-san gave me an autograph for her I could get her to resign her part of our family inheritance for it!" He said between frantic movements, making sure to keep the pile of liggage mostly organised. At times Haruhi could swear she can catch Hinata sneaking glances her way. It's hard to be subtle this close. Her voice was simply so pleasant, it was quite serendipitous to have the chance to both help the idol and keep conversation with the performer at the same time.

"Oh please Kakita Hiroki-san don't worry! It's no big deal to lend a hand to a fellow samurai right? Helping fellow samurai is what the empire is built upon!" He says, his voice almost giddy to be directing his words towards the idol. Once the luggage is mostly put in order he returns to his charge's side, hands folded behind his back, and now looking even more austere in his frankly tiny amount of luggage compared to what everyone else had brought.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"I know of the artists, it's impossible not to within the Spider with a famous artist like Susumu Yakumo in our ranks. There's always a debate about who is better, Usagi Drop or Yakumo" Sumiko chuckled as she watched the two samurai near enough trip over each other to help the other Crane.

"Still, I might have little interest in being famous but having people running over to help me move my luggage around would be a bonus. Something I'm sure Bayushi-sama also enjoys in his position?"

"Now Susumu Yakumo I know," Kazushi says with a nod. "Before we were married, my wife took me along when she played at the Western Temple in Kyuden Miya. Namiko adores Absolute 5, and I have to admit, it's quite good.

"As for my luggage, that's what Katsumi is seeing to now. Employees, I find, are better than fans - they stay with you as long as the money's there, regardless of fame."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Apologies for stealing any spotlights." He glanced at Hinata. " . . . or yojimbo. When your job is promoting Crane culture across the stars, you tend to pick up a few fans. Kakita Hiroki at your service."

He grinned.

"Did I hear someone mention Ya-chan? Good job Naz-kun isn't here to go ballistic. I'd prefer a more sedate landing on the planet than one fuelled by an angry diva's spite."

Haruhi followed Kakita-sama back to the larger group, admiring how gracefully he brought the groups back together.

His words were confirmation the Usagi Drop! group hadn't traveled here together.

"What brings you to Nakahama, Kakita-sama? Are you planning some solo performances? Anything open to the public?"

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko was about to answer about Yakumo when the Crane and the fangirls returned. She gave a bow to them.

"No apology needed Kakita-sama, as Bayushi-sama said it was no big deal to help a fellow samurai. I believe he even intends to help with mine, such an honuourable soul" she gave Hinata a smile before looking back to Hiroki "I'm Susumu Sumiko and hai I was speaking of Susumu Yakumo-sama, Bayushi Kazushi-sama and I were just speaking about artists" she gave a nod of respect to the other Scorpion "but I shall avoid too much talking about my kin. I would not wish to accidentally summon your bandmates! Although from memory I remember Susumu-sama and Asahina Hinata-sama getting along well enough so I guess the feelings towards my kin is not across the whole band?"

[Kakita Hiroki]

" Although from memory I remember Susumu-sama and Asahina Hinata-sama getting along well enough so I guess the feelings towards my kin is not across the whole band?"

"Hai, only Naz-kun has any issues with the Spider, and all his problems are contained within Ya-chan."

"What brings you to Nakahama, Kakita-sama? Are you planning some solo performances? Anything open to the public?"

"Nothing planned. I usually leave that kind of thing to Naz-kun or Ta-kun, but never say never. I'm here on Clan business."

And as non Clan were present, that was ll he'd say on that for now.

"As for my luggage, that's what Katsumi is seeing to now. Employees, I find, are better than fans - they stay with you as long as the money's there, regardless of fame."

"One memory can last a lifetime, if it's aimed well and is succinct enough."

"Oh please Kakita Hiroki-san don't worry! It's no big deal to lend a hand to a fellow samurai right? Helping fellow samurai is what the empire is built upon!" He says, his voice almost giddy to be directing his words towards the idol.

"My thanks, Bayushi-san. If only our hosts were so keen to help their guests. Or perhaps we've overwhelmed them somewhat by all arriving at once."

He grinned. "Perhaps I should help you with that family inheritance later . . . . "

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Nothing planned. I usually leave that kind of thing to Naz-kun or Ta-kun, but never say never. I'm here on Clan business."

And as non Clan were present, that was ll he'd say on that for now.

She smiled. "Of course. I am here for an artistic commission, but if I can be of any help in your endeavors, just let me know."

And then she turned to the Spider.

Sumiko was about to answer about Yakumo when the Crane and the fangirls returned. She gave a bow to them.

"No apology needed Kakita-sama, as Bayushi-sama said it was no big deal to help a fellow samurai. I believe he even intends to help with mine, such an honuourable soul" she gave Hinata a smile before looking back to Hiroki "I'm Susumu Sumiko and hai I was speaking of Susumu Yakumo-sama, Bayushi Kazushi-sama and I were just speaking about artists" she gave a nod of respect to the other Scorpion "but I shall avoid too much talking about my kin. I would not wish to accidentally summon your bandmates! Although from memory I remember Susumu-sama and Asahina Hinata-sama getting along well enough so I guess the feelings towards my kin is not across the whole band?"

"If talking about Susumo Yakumo-sama would summon all of the band, it is surely a worthy endeavor. I am less familiar with her work - his work? - probably solely because I've only lived in Crane spaces. I'd love to hear a sample since it sounds like they are a worthy rival. Do you have a digital recording? Maybe we could listen to it together at some point."

[Bayushi Hinata]

Hinata perks up at the Spider's coment, offering a friendly and reassuring smile as well as a thumbs up. "Once the shuttle's here I'll provide all the help ya need Susumu-san! I meant it when I said cooperation os the foundation of the empire." He let's out s soft laugh as his ears catch Hiroki's comment.

"Y- you really would?! My sister is going to fall over backwards if she gets an autograph from you!" He almost breaks composure, almost (not really, very much uncomposed at the moment.), his face putting on a wide smile as he looks over his superior before tensing up again.

"Ehem. As Kakita Haruhi-san mentioned... Iam also unfamiliar with other groups adjacent to Usagi Drop!. I'd also personally enjoy a few samples."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"One memory can last a lifetime, if it's aimed well and is succinct enough."

"In my business," Kazushi says, quoting his signature, "you're only as good as your last deal. Chasing trends - or indeed, creating them - gives one a useful lesson on the impermanence of all things."

[Kakita Hiroki]

To Kazushi

"Some memories last forever, yet those are legendary not just merely famous."

To Hinata

"Of course. As you said, samurai are here to serve, to help."

To Haruhi, but mostly looking at Sumiko.

"Really? I'm not entirely sure how anyone could be unaware of Ya-chan, Susumu Yakumo. Darling of the Imperials, Servant of the Spider and trained by our own Academy. A symbol of our clans current friendship, wouldn't you say Susumu-san?""

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Some memories last forever, yet those are legendary not just merely famous."

"Ah, to be a legend," Kazushi says, a bit of playful mockery creeping into his voice. "Alas, I must settle with being a mere mortal, subject to the whims of the capricious public."

[Kakita Haruhi]

To Haruhi, but mostly looking at Sumiko.

"Really? I'm not entirely sure how anyone could be unaware of Ya-chan, Susumu Yakumo. Darling of the Imperials, Servant of the Spider and trained by our own Academy. A symbol of our clans current friendship, wouldn't you say Susumu-san?""

Haruhi looked chagrined. That did seem like someone she should be very familiar with.

"Forgive my ignorance, Kakita-sama, Susumu-san. I should indeed be familiar with those who attended our academy! And with such extraordinary talent and reputation. A vocal talent, at that."

Her own area of study.

"My sensei likely wished to avoid study of recent breakout talents to avoid any hint of derivative performance. And the music on Golden Mirror where I have been most recently is taken from the far past. It is not a place to stay current."

"But all the more reason to rectify the gap! I will take advantage of my time here to catch up, so that I do not shame the Academy further with my ignorance."

Oh golly. Where was that shuttle? She was just making a fool of herself. Of all the things she could have studied on the flight, why not current popular music????

[Susumu Sumiko]

Hinata perks up at the Spider's coment, offering a friendly and reassuring smile as well as a thumbs up. "Once the shuttle's here I'll provide all the help ya need Susumu-san! I meant it when I said cooperation os the foundation of the empire." He let's out s soft laugh as his ears catch Hiroki's comment..

"Bayushi-sama is a paragon of kindness" Sumiko smiled brightly at this, bowing to the man "thankfully I'm very small so I pack light enough, however going through security and the station was...challenging" she rubbed one of her arms, managing not to wince from the bruises already formed under her hoodie.

She avoided commenting on the memories. Being a librarian all moments were forever for her. Instead she focused on the music discussion as she took out her phone.

"I can play a small piece from her latest album. I don't generally have music on my phone but I did pick up her latest album as I was blessed to hear some of it live during my time on the World of Dreams."

She found the music player and there was a small smile to herself as she quietly played Charge, Love Heart!! (ft Soshi Kazumi and Asahina Hinata) to the group.

[Bayushi Kazushi]

She found the music player and there was a small smile to herself as she quietly played Charge, Love Heart!! (ft Soshi Kazumi and Asahina Hinata) to the group.

"That's Soshi Kazumi on guitar, isn't it?" asks Kazushi. "I got a chance to work with him on the promotion for our Phoenix Down club-wear line, and I think he played one of those riffs for us one day, while we were waiting on the weather to clear for a shoot."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"I can play a small piece from her latest album. I don't generally have music on my phone but I did pick up her latest album as I was blessed to hear some of it live during my time on the World of Dreams."

She found the music player and there was a small smile to herself as she quietly played Charge, Love Heart!! (ft Soshi Kazumi and Asahina Hinata) to the group.

Haruhi listened curiously. A driving beat! Great vocals!

She started bouncing and swaying along. Not quite dancing, but letting the music move her.

"Oh this is so energetic! Brilliant!"

[Kakita Hiroki]

"Oh I hear Ta-kun in there. He really enjoyed himself on the World of Dreams. I bet there's several food stalls mourning the loss of income now he's back home."

Credit where credit was due. The Scorpion world had been good to Ki-kun's bandmate.

[Susumu Sumiko]

"That is indeed Soshi Kazumi" Sumiko confirmed with a nod to Kazushi "and it is Asahina Hinata-sama" she also confirmed to Hiroki "Asahina-sama seemed to have a lot of fun hai, we had a discussion during a festival called 'the Festival of Fire' about fireworks and festivals. Quite an amusing World of Dreams festival to celebrate the Fortunes Kanna and Akino. These two temples to the aforementioned Fortunes launch fireworks as each other to hit the others bell."

There was a small laugh at the moment.

"We both jumped a lot at the direct hits! But hai that was Susumu Yakumo-sama, one of the greatest talents in the galaxy. A song from her newest album in fact. I was surprised to hear Asahina-sama on Susumu-samas album."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"That was wonderful. She is crazy talented. I'm so glad you shared it. I'm hoping to find a dance club tonight when I finish my work. I'm feel more like dancing than ever, all revved up!"

"So have they become a band? Is Asahina Hinata-sama a bandmate now?"

"That festival does sound fun. I wonder if there is a festival here in the next several weeks."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"Kazumi-san is working on a solo project next," Kazushi notes, "but I'm not sure I can say more than that right now..."

Conversation tracking.

[Kakita Hiroki]

"That was wonderful. She is crazy talented. I'm so glad you shared it. I'm hoping to find a dance club tonight when I finish my work. I'm feel more like dancing than ever, all revved up!"

"So have they become a band? Is Asahina Hinata-sama a bandmate now?"

"That festival does sound fun. I wonder if there is a festival here in the next several weeks."

"Ah, no. Ta-kun is decidedly still part of Usagi Drop! Knowing him and his . . . . impressionable nature, he probably had no idea Ya-chan was going to use his vocals. Oh I have no doubt she would have asked him . . . and he probably completely forgot to clear such things with our management. To be honest he's probably forgotten he did it. He's off working on a secret project that isn't really secret at all, as it seems everyone knows there is a new Inu-Tai movie coming soon."

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Ah, no. Ta-kun is decidedly still part of Usagi Drop! Knowing him and his . . . . impressionable nature, he probably had no idea Ya-chan was going to use his vocals. Oh I have no doubt she would have asked him . . . and he probably completely forgot to clear such things with our management. To be honest he's probably forgotten he did it. He's off working on a secret project that isn't really secret at all, as it seems everyone knows there is a new Inu-Tai movie coming soon."

"Intriguing. I will look forward to the movie. Is it an action/adventure kind of story? A romance? Hopefully a musical?"

"I am glad your management was not too upset. It sounds like a song together is one more symbol of the alliance between the clans."