ICHI 05: Off With Her Head

[Shu]

The moon shimmered with profound brilliance in the evening sky above the capitol city of Kaze no Kuni. All the stars in the heavens piercing through the silky shroud of darkness. But there would be no one to admire such beauty on this night. None with any sense in their head. No, on this evening everyone stayed huddled up in their abodes as a wicked wind blew through the metropolis, and on its heels the worst sand storm of the season.

ICHI 05: Off With Her Head

Through the wails of the wind laughter resounded from inside of the Daimyō's chamber. Tonight was one of those rare moments when she allowed herself to let everything go. She would allow herself to set aside her armor of prestige and authority. Tonight she would not be Kaze no Kuni's symbol of perseverance and strength. Tonight she was simply Yorimasa Aizu spending an evening with a man who had come to be her most trusted friend, Moboya Nū.

"I really must apologize," the dark skinned man said as he further reclined on large cushion. His normal suited attire had been reduced to rolled sleeves, unbuttoned collar, his shirt untucked with a vest and slacks. Compared to his usual appearance this was him 'slumming it.' "You seemed to excited to go to the theater tonight. I had not expected the storm to arrive so quickly."

"Do not worry, Moboya-san," Aizu said with a smile. Much like her friend, she too had decided to dress down, wearing a simplified teal dress and scarf. Placing a pipe to her lips she drew a deep breath from the hookah sitting between them. Tilting her head back she exhaled the white smoke slowly, a light dizzy sensation bringing out a smile. "I have enjoyed this evening far more than if we had gone out," she shifted and looked over at her friend. "So, thank you."

"It is always my pleasure to bring out that smile of yours. Besides, even you need to relax some times," Nū said as he took a hit of the hookah and rose to his feet as he exhaled the smoke. "But I think I've reached my limit," he said with a laugh. Looking at his watch it was well past the midnight.

"Oh, come now!" Aizu said with a look of disappointment. She opened her mouth to speak, but the wind took the words right out of her mouth.

"The party was just getting fun!" the wind echoed throughout the chamber, as a gust blew open a window blowing sand all over the place. While the Daimyō and her business partner shielded their eyes the sand whirled around the room before the window slammed shut. The sand then formed into a spiraling cocoon and dispersed to reveal a tall man with braided hair, a dark smirk set upon his face. "Greetings, the name is Gunsenkai Shōgo! I'm here as an envoy for the Bijūtsukai," Shu said with an exaggerated bow.

...to be continued

[Shu]

Nū wasted no time in moving to guard the Daimyō. Intruders and potential assassin had a sobering effect on him. Especially when they were a threat to his clients. His golden eyes locked onto the supposed Bijūtsukai, sizing him up and evaluating what he could. Aizu went through a similar change in demeanor. Rising to her feet with all the poise of her position she once more adorned her stoic armor. "I have heard of your organization. You seem to have set the shinobi abuzz," she stated simply, to which Shu let out what seemed to be a prideful huff.

"However, before we delve too deep into this conversation, answer me one question," Nū said sternly and in response Shu gestured for him to proceed. "How did you slip past my sentries?"

The smirk on Shu's face rapidly shifted into a sinister grin.

"They're alive. Can't say for how much longer though," he answered simply. "Took everything I had to get my friend to stop," the tanuki's voice sounded troubled by the deed, but the smirk showed otherwise.

"Friend?" Nū questioned, his fangs bared.

Shu seemed absolutely giddy with that question, which put both the Daimyō and Nū on edge.

"I'm sure you know of him. He's very popular right now." At that moment the window burst open once more, and sand whipped violently across the room. A cackling echoed in the wind that sent a chill down Aizu's spine. Even without being a sensor she could feel an oppressiveness in the air. It was almost suffocating.

Kill. Kill. Kill. KILL! KILL! the wind chanted eagerly.

Reacting quickly Nū sped through a series of hand seals and dark purple butterflies began to manifest around him. However, before he could do anything Shu pointed in his direction and all the sand slammed into the man, pinning him to the wall and slowly taking the form of a human-sized Shukaku, black magatama patterns replacing his old pattern. "Kill!" the Ichibi clone shrieked as it was about to impale Nū with his tail.

"STOP!" Aizu commanded, her voice carrying every ounce of authority she possessed. Shu snapped his fingers and just like that the clone stopped, millimeters from Nū's forehead. "What purpose is there in this intrusion? You said you came as a messenger not an assassin. Or did you merely seek to flaunt your hold over the beast?" At those words the clone looked at her and growled.

"Somewhat. While Ōjin-sama disproves of this methodology not everyone in the Bijūtsukai possess his level of strength," Shu stated. "So for the purpose of getting rid of the tailed beasts I will gladly become a hypocrite. I will use their own power against them and anyone who seeks to interfere," he said as he walked past the Daimyō and dropped down on one of cushions. Picking up one of the hoses for the hookah he took in a deep breath, exhaling the mixture of apples, pear, and mint. "So, this is a word of warning. To you, your fellow Daimō, to any anyone else you choose to associate yourself with. The Bijūtsukai will be making a move very soon. Do not interfere."

"You expect me to obey the edicts of a terrorist? One who cannot even control the weapon he seeks to lord over people?" She said in clear reference to the incident in Kaminari no Kuni, assuming that the Ichibi's miniature size was a hint at his limitations. Opting to play along, Shu's expression darkened. "I have faith in my shinobi, and in time what is rightfully mine will be returned," she said as she glanced over at the clone.

Before she could react the clone's tail smacked her across the room, and in the process implanting a Jewel of Subjugation upon her abdomen. At the same time, Shu decided he would implant one in Nū as well. The clone then began to put pressure on the man's chest until he eventually passed out. Shu then walked over to the Daimyō, who had crashed into one of the pillars. He smiled at the small crater she had left, and crouched down next to her as she writhed in pain.

"He doesn't like when people get possessive," he said with a light laugh. "But this was fun. I like you," he added as she viciously fought to remain conscious, a fire burning in her eyes until she ultimately collapsed. With the host of this little party out cold there was little need to stay any longer. So Shu and his clone disappeared in a whirl of sand, exiting just like how they arrived.

…end