Lost At Sea (ATTN: Bleach)

Though not allowing it to distract him from the steep and treacherous downward slope ahead, Kaie found himself almost dumbfounded as he gazed over the horizon in all directions, towards the vastness of Kyokai's grand landscapes, over the Kamizawa Mountains, over the hazed and far landscape of the north, towards the coast to the east, and finally, over Kyokai's capital itself - Eidou. He'd once seen a similar sight when he was younger, visiting Kait Rakhát, the capital of Kšúkhešim - the most western island of his five islands homeland. But he'd never before seen anything quite like Eidou. Indeed, he was impressed, but somewhat lost for words. Taking a deep breath, in silence, he, with Ichiro, progressed down the slope towards the forests below.

Passing through the forest was much as it had been during their trip prior to reaching Falcon's Pass, alas, somewhat shorter - Though not yet at the city itself, they were within the greater shire of Eidou, and the trip through the forest lasted what seemed only a few minutes before reaching the open fields positioned short to the city's outer walls. The forest between the mountains and the fields, while as empty as had been the journey thus far, did seem far more well traveled - Kaie could both see and smell evidence of humans passing through the area, numerous hoof, cart and footprints marring the road along the field just outside the forest.

Looking further, throughout the field, a small number of civilians could be spotted going about their business, with several armed guards positioned by the main entrance of the city itself, blocking the way - His gaze following up the wall towards its peak, Kaie could see an additional number of armed guards along its edge, most likely on lookout against the threat he'd vaguely heard about earlier from Ichiro.

At the edge of the forest, before entering the field, Kaie looked to Ichiro for direction, a wordless, yet clearly understood prompting expression - Essentially, they'd successfully reached Eidou, but this was his first time here and he knew not of the correct procedure to follow in his situation at that point, not foregoing doubts regarding how well he'd be received at all.

The gates were as large as he remembered as a child, and oddly had not grown smaller as everything does upon growing up. The high stone walls stood as a grand bastion against the landscape, perhaps seventy or more feet high and thirty feet thick. The entrance itself was designed to hearken to a Torii Gate however of course it stood within the wall (as all good gate entrances should!). Drawn up by a duel-manual winch system was the Dark Ore barred gate, studded and quite thick. Ichiro was certain not even a siege machine could break such a magnificent gate.

The walls were topped by battlement and palisade, routinely patrolled by City Guards, and most definitely soldiers of the Shogunal Army. One could always tell between the two branches since the Guard remained as Irregulars - uniforms semi-standard and no armor to speak of aside perhaps from an undergarment of chainmail. The soldiers, always proud appearing, wore the standard infantry uniform of red, black, and while color and bore the emblem of the Torunaga - the Rising Sun. Most, if not all soldiers, wore an engraved breastplate of steel as well. All carried muskets of the latest variety in Kyokai, short-swords at their hips, bayonets, and even sidearm flintlocks. Most significantly, the troops of the Shogun who weren't Samurai, wore the Sakkat hats, traditionally used by rice-pickers to shield their face from the sun.

The Samurai, though few by the gates, still could be spotted. As tradition, they wore the fantastic set of armor (red, black, and white colors) and their high lofty helms that still held at the front the horns of the warrior. Although the Warring States period was long past, the ferocity in their eyes hadn't left them even generations after. They were not ever to be trifled with - every weapon at their disposal was deadly - musket, pistol, yari spear, naginata, and most definitely their katana.


Before entering through the gate, Ichiro pulled Kaie aside. He wanted to make a few things clear - for both their sakes. Looking into his comrade's eyes, his expression was deadly serious.

"Kaie-san, I must explain a few things to you for they would likely mean our passage through the capital unhindered. I will just say them straight, explanations have to be brief now. When you see a Samurai, do not look them in the eye directly. Depending on whom it is, it could be seen as an insult. The last thing we need is a fight between the Shogun's soldiers and us two. I know I wouldn't last long against them. Also, just as in Mibu, bowing is showing respect - when we meet the Regent, we must bow lower than if we were bowing to a casual friend... they are agents of the Shogun, his official councilors. When anyone asks for your identification, please leave it to me. I represent you while we are here, and thus I am in charge of you. If you separate yourself from me... I don't know what could happen, Kaie-san."

Ichiro found that he was blithering on like an idiot. He was nervous, and he could tell that Kaie was as well. Truthfully, he had never had to do something like this before, let alone meet with the Shogun's representative. He wasn't sure whether to consider this a great honor, or something to be immensely frightened of. Perhaps a bit of both. Although he was certain Kaie only understood a little of what he told him, he used enough of what was taught that he could pick out the important message behind it all.

"Wakarimasu ka? (Do you understand?)"

"Hai."

Kaie nodded - Indeed, he did understand quite well, for such customs were not overly dissimilar from those accepted in the Holy Empire. There were always particular commanders and the likes - probably most of them - that would certainly take looking at them too hard as sign of an insult. Albeit, in some ways, perhaps to a worse degree - Smiling too hard, and bearing teeth, would often be seen as a direct challenge to one's authority. Kaie would simply approach these Samurai under these same assumptions. So far as bowing was concerned, he'd learnt enough in his short time in Kyokai to understand the implications.

With that, Kaie quietly followed alongside Ichiro, moving as uninterestingly as possible - An attempt to avoid gaining attention - as they made their way through the gates, closely following his cues for how to act and what to say.

They made their way then, into a large, semi-circular cobblestoned courtyard. Sitting by the center was a large fountain with statue, depicting the old triumph of the Kyokans in forming their country. The stone man, tall and proud, stood tall with an unfurled scroll in one hand before him as if reading it, then his hand pointing to the heavens with another. If Ichiro was correct, the man happened to depict the very first Shogun (not the first TORUNAGA Shogun as the Torunaga Shogunate was created in 1450 AD), Yoshitsune Minamoto, and what he held was the Decree of the Kyokan State. He had ruled long, from around 794-850 AD. For a moment or two, he stood there and admired the statue and the trickling water that flowed about it.

"This is not to say, Kaie-san, you you cannot enjoy your visit here to the fullest. We are not so restricted here in the Shogunate you know, the people love our country, and for good reason. Even the Samurai are people, you know. It is all just a matter of giving the right respect, to the proper people." Ichiro said as he clapped a hand upon Kaie's back.

With that, Ichiro led the way through the bustling courtyard. Many civilians passed them by on their daily business - women wore colorful kimonos of beautiful to simple design, men wore more contemporary colors. If the citizen didn't look merely busy, many looked quite content, chatting to friends and family - enjoying life as they had it. Soldiers who patrolled the courtyard even looked content at their posts, performing their duties yet slightly leaning against the battlement wall for a shred of relaxation. The day was warm with a cool breeze, not a cloud in the blue blue sky. Ichiro almost found it hard to believe he was in Kyokai for such important matters on such a day.

Soon enough, they found themselves far from the Eastern Main Gate that they had entered from. The courtyard lay behind them, while around and before them stood shops, inns, taverns, hotels, restaurants, and general buildings of every sort. The roofs were a cobalt-blue tile and curved just as all pagoda style buildings were in Kyokai. The smells of so many types of foods wafted into their nostrils, delectable odors that nearly drove Ichiro into a restaurant many a time while on their path to the Highest Peak. Soups, stews, pastas, meats, fruits, vegetables, ramen-huts, sushi, sashimi, and everything one might imagine was there alongside employees happily trying to persuade passersby into entering their restaurant or shop.

Just as their path began to ascend, a wall and gate stood before them at the end of the thoroughfare. Four Samurai stood guard by the entrance, spears in hand and standard weapons at their sides. As Ichiro and Kaie approached, two Samurai stepped forward and bowed curtly to the two. Ichiro swallowed his apprehension and bowed lower as a sign of respect. He noted that Kaie did the same.

"Kyokai no ryoko-sha e yokoso. Anata wa, kono atari kara kita yo ni hyoji sa remasen. (Welcome to Kyokai travelers. You don't appear to be from around here)" The first guard said to them both in a low tone.

Ichiro could spot the Samurai looking curiously to the Toskhat at his side. Before he made any remarks, Ichiro chose to push on ahead of their uncomfortable conversation - perhaps at his own peril.

"Hai... Arigato gozaimasu. Wareware wa Naisei no Sessho to no yakusoku o motte iru. Kono otoko wa watashi to isshodesu (Yes... Thank you very much. We have an appointment with the Regent of Domestic Affairs. This man is with me)."

Ichiro pointed to Kaie with a polite smile to the Samurai as he handed the guard his Identification Papers. Unfurling them, the Samurai looked them down, peered at Ichiro then more abrasively toward Kaie, but in the end folded them back up and motioned for them to go ahead. He bowed them away, much to Ichiro's and Kaie's surprise. Albeit, he was keenly aware of the Guards watching them as they continued on down the road past the walled gate.

Ichiro took a sigh of relief. They had gotten past them without too much trouble. Perhaps it was a sign of good fortune. Looking to Kaie, he smiled, his nervousness was slowly starting to leave him. Confidence welled inside - maybe the Regent wouldn't be so bad either.

OOC: Sorry for delays. Usual story.

Kaie, too, was acutely aware of the Guards watching them as they progressed - Nonetheless, not wanting to look more suspicious than he likely already did, he avoided looking to their direction, generally appearing unnoticing.

The sights all around him as he passed through was amazing enough, but the smells were almost overwhelming - For he and his kin, having a generally far more sensitive sense of smell than most humans, what he smelt all around him as they progressed onwards - Mostly the unusual and tantalising food smells of the nearby restaurants and stalls, and to a lesser extent, simply the smells of the area - Were highly noticable. Several times, he almost wanted to stop and investigate, but did not, sticking to their plan without falter.

Getting past the Samurai and guards without much trouble and moving onwards, Kaie's attention moved to the new sights and landscape presented by the gradual incline of the path that lay at their feet - Snaking up a small path of the city, apparently built into the side of the mountain itself, Kaie noticed both the architecture and atmosphere of the area around them gradually changing as they went. As he looked, he asked of Ichiro; "Amazing smells back from where we came - Very tempting to investigate, if weren't here for different reasons. Interesting atmosphere, too. Where abouts are we heading at the moment? Seems a little different, here, and up ahead."

Ichiro nodded. "We're entering the Noble District of Eidou."

Kaie nodded as they continued, remaining silent, allowing Ichiro to explain what he had to explain. There was much that Kaie didn't yet know about Eidou, but equally, there seemed little he could ask at the time beyond the obvious.

As they walked, Ichiro explained many things of Eidou and its Noble District. He mentioned of course that he had never been this far before, seeing as how he had only ventured into the Capital once before and his father's business was not with the Nobility, nor the Bakufu. Even he didn't know everything about the area, prompting him to be as amazed of it all as Kaie undoubtedly was.

"You see, in Kyokai there is a noble class, the heads of which are the Daimyo - rather prefecture leaders. Generally, they govern the other great cities throughout the Shogunate, directly under the Shogun himself. By all rights, they are Samurai and highly militant, but work with everyone to make sure the cities function well. As for Mibu, we are actually under the direct governance of the Shogun since our village does not lay near any other jurisdictional region aside from the Capital." Ichiro explained.

Soon, as they made their way up the snaking road, they could see down below them the sweeping city making its way to the Bay of Kyokai. The sun shimmering off of the water cast a sort of glow upon the city - '"No wonder we are called the Land of the Rising Sun", Ichiro thought as he turned to look upon the sights. Finally, they stood at another gate - this time at the very entrance into the Noble District, a sort of prairie that sat within the Mountain's confines, a literal outcropping of rock large enough to support a city.

The buildings here were extravagant of course, seeing as how the nobles owned the land here. The buildings were of the pagoda style of course, however larger and beautiful to see. The roof tiles were of a cobalt blue, ornate inlaid design at the edge and all around. In the District courtyards stood fantastic gardens of every sort of flower and plant, luscious Sakura Trees bearing the last pink petals ready to fall. Koi ponds sat in the midst of the gardens, bubbling with small turtles and Kyokan Koi fish that would periodically jump from the water to catch a buzzing fly. The roads were still cobblestones, kept neat and tidy by the volunteer cleaners of the neighborhood.

What was truly remarkable about this place, despite the small woodland to one end and the Shrine that stood; the large opulent buildings and seats of power; and of course the grand scenery - was that the nobles themselves as they walked about, did not flaunt their power or socioeconomic class. They acted with the same manner as those who lived far far below them down the mountain - even as the peasants that worked the land. Truly, the culture and tradition there in Kyokai was something to behold.

As the two of them passed wordlessly by a great statue fountain that bore the very Shogun himself - Ieyasu Torunaga, who stoically stood piercing the sky with his stoney katana - they found the giant Dark Ore gates standing before them at the end of the last courtyard. There, to Kaie's wonder, stood soldiers that looked completely different from the rest of the Shogun's army. Ichiro had stopped walking for a moment when he spotted them at the distance.

"T-the Shinsengumi..."

Their reputation was known across the land, even more notable than some of the Daimyo. These soldiers were fierce, and their appearance served to affirm that point. They were the Special Forces of the Shogunate, and served three major functions - the defense of the Capital to all ends, the personal guards to the Shogun himself, and finally as His special strike force that fulfilled 'certain duties' that ensured the Shogunate's security. The latter point was left completely in the dark - Shinsengumi operations would never make it to the public.

One thing stood true of them - they were imposing figures, the most skilled and highly trained soldiers the Shogun had at his disposal. They were both feared and respected, loved by the people and hated by the enemy.

Their outfits were rather flamboyant, perhaps as a display of their rank. They wore a light grey hakama (flowing pants), a white shitagi (like an under-shirt), a dark blue kosode (essentially the over-shirt), a light blue haori that held white mountain designs at the hem (flowing coat over the shirt), and under the haori they wore a Dark Ore breastplate bearing a golden Rising Sun inlaid as a design. Upon their feat, they wore the Samurai white tabi (split-toed socks) and straw waraji (sandals).



As far as weapons went for the five Shinsengumi standing there by the gates, they were heavily armed. Not only did they each carry their katana and wakizashi (which they were masters with), they carried a side-arm holstered at their other side, and a short-barreled custom Tanegashima Mk.II rifle slung at the back. Most of them also carried a yari spear or naginata in hand as guards naturally did.

Ichiro turned to Kaie, his smile was gone, he was obviously a bit nervous to come into contact with them.

"Kaie-san, these soldiers are the Wolves of Mibu. They are the special soldiers for the Shogun... and originated in our village." He decided to share that little fact with Kaie as they slowly made their way to the closed gates.

OOC: That's a hell of a lot of weapons. I could only imagine they'd make a lot of noise when they run, assuming they're not burried under the weight, lol. But cool, cool. I like. XD

Kaie nodded silently to Ichiro, as they progressed, taking quick mental note of the weapons that the 'Wolves' adorned, their posture, manner and body language, but conscious to not look for more than a moment.

He was somewhat surprised to hear that they'd originated in Mibu - During his time in Mibu, he did not recall seeing any signs that such soldiers may have once been there, signs of former or current militancy or the likes. But he said nothing of this, not keen to talk of strange soldiers bearing dangerous weapons while they remained in potential earshot.

Kaie remained acutely aware of the five Shinsengumi, though not directly looking towards the group or any one of them in particular, keeping each of his other senses fully honed, ready to react to any quick or sudden movements. He knew they were dangerous, but strangely, didn't feel nervous, alarmed or fearful in the slightest, but contrarily, remained calm, collected and somewhat expressionless. Perhaps he'd just spent too much time with dangerous individuals back home in the Holy Empire.

He knew they'd have to pass these individuals to pass through the gate, and could sense Ichiro's nervousness. Before they reached close enough to the gate for it to look awkward, with a light pat on the back, Kaie looked to Ichiro. "We'll be alright. Just take a breath and think of something else."

Ichiro and Kaie continued on their way to the gates. He was a bit nervous as he approached them, and he was acutely aware that they watched them as they drew closer. Two of the Shinsengumi started from their positions before the great gates and strode toward the two. Ichiro bowed low, and noticed that Kaie followed his lead. The Shinsengumi curtly returned the gesture, one hand by their katana - this didn't surprise Ichiro a bit, albeit unnerved him. They were the Shogun's person guards here in Eidou anyway.

"Watashi-tachi no tsukekomu, yoi haikei o kyoka shite kudasai. Wareware wa Naisei no Sesshou to no yakusoku o motte iru." (Please allow us entry, good sirs. We have an appointment with the Regent of Domestic Affairs.) Ichiro pleaded with the soldiers.

"Naisei no Sesshou? Anata wa shoko o motte imasu ka?" (Regent of Domestic Affair? Do you have proof?) The lead Shinsengumi asked inquisitively, taking a glance to Kaie.

Ichiro produced a parchment pass obtained by the governor instated in Mibu. The Shinsengumi looked down to the pass, at first with a quizzical stare, then his expression changed as he looked to the characters for "Mibu"


"Mibu? Interesting. Has the village changed at all?" The second of the Shinsengumi asked curiously.

"Since you moved out to Eidou? Not much." Ichiro replied with a nervous smile. "It's still quaint."

The Shinsengumi handed the pass back, their expressions a bit softer. With a nod from the leader of the guard, the gates were opened. As Ichiro and Kaie made their way forward through the gates, two of the Shinsengumi accompanied them a bit behind. They started their way up a beautifully landscaped snaking path to the grand Eidou Castle that sat perched upon the highest peak of the Kamizawa Mountains.

Soon enough, as they made their way around the peak, he could see the looming pagoda style roofs of the Castle ahead. Looking behind, he could see the entire city, dwarfed below them and crawling out to the sea and Bay of Kyokai. It was quite a sight, especially with the waning sun and the sunset in the clouds.

"No wonder we're called Land of the Rising Sun..." Ichiro commented more or less to himself.

OOC: Wondering if we should skip ahead a little for the sake of keeping the flow going, also, to ensure we don't fall behind other worldly events, and because I'm heading to Vietnam tomorrow. >.x

Let me know what you reckon. I'm thinking, maybe, skipping right to the beginning of our conversation with the regent.

OOC: Roger dodger, I can wait until your next post if that's OK - you can make it short, then I'll macro a bit to the Regent.

OOC: Considering you're back from Vietnam, I'd like to get this started up again, Maik. I'm pretty pumped to get our story flowing, ahaha. Of course, it's likely best that you rest up and regain the health that you apparently lose on your trip (judging from a prior OOC post you made). So, I'll be waiting eagerly for the next post here. =D

OOC: Sick and sore at the moment, so in reality, should probably wait until tomorrow or something before I post, but had been wanting to squeeze this one before I went on my holiday and never got around to it, so whatever, going to post now. If it's tacky, apologies in advanced.

Kaie couldn't quite make out what Ichiro was saying as he made his comment, but somehow, the sentiment was felt nonetheless, and Kaie found himself nodding in agreement.

As they approached the castle himself, Kaie found himself taking in every last detail, watching with keen interest as they approached. The journey had been long, but felt short, and before they knew it, they were at the steps of the castle, making their way through.

Passing through the large, Dark Ore gates leading straight into the monolithic Eidou Castle, even Ichiro was in awe of what he saw as they went. The architecture was of the traditional build, however upon a tier of elegance and beauty unlike any other he had ever seen. The main hall they found themselves walking through was large, open, and supported by ten giant pillars of mahogany wood, polished until they gleamed as pristine as the hard wood floors and decorative walls. Chandeliers lined each hallway branching from the main foyer, casting brilliant glows from the flames contained as they continued on. At the very center of the floor in that great hall was the Crest of the Torunaga, traced in golden trim and specks of Dark Ore crystal.

Ichiro looked around fascinated at the sheer amount of people moving about in the castle. Everyone was about their own business, all well dressed as government workers - wearing kimono and haori to denote nobility perhaps - all outer jackets bearing their Lord's Crest. The security was quite overt there, at every corner and by doors, Shinsengumi stood at the ready, or patrolled the hallways on their routes.

The Shinsengumi that met them back in the Noble District of the city led them briskly through a hallway off of the foyer and thus they found themselves ascending the castle to the next level. Bordering their sides were walls bearing paintings and statues of various leaders and heroes of course - at intervals torch light allowed visibility to never wane (not that it was necessary yet, thus the flames were not lit).

Finally, taking several twists and turns about the castle, they soon found themselves face to face with a single door - a sign above bore the kanji denoting the room as belonging to the Regent of Domestic Affairs. The Shinsengumi stood, watching them as they waited after he knocked on the door.

"Enter." A voice simply said.

At that, their guide stepped back a pace, bowed to them both, and hastily walked back from where he had come. Taking a gulp, Ichiro started in, sliding the shoji door to the side and coming into a surprisingly spacious office. At the far end of the rectangular, tatami-matted room, a low desk stood of cherry wood with a rather squat man sitting behind on a cushion. His desk was cluttered with paperwork, yet somehow contained some specific order to things.

"Yes?" The Regent of Domestic Affairs, a Mr. Eizo Demigawa, said with an air of busyness about his tone.

Ichiro cleared his throat nervously and bowed as low as he possibly could without rubbing his nose into the ground. Straightening back up, he saw that the man was now looking to them both.

"Naisei no Sesshou-sama, we have both come here for an appointment with you, I believe you received my letter almost a week ago. I am Ichiro Sagara, It's an honor to meet you, sir!"

Having journeyed through the castle was no exception for Kaie's keen interest in the finer details of his surrounds and the natural happenings within, taking in, with similar sentiment as Ichiro's, everything he saw.

He instinctively knew to keep quiet and to himself while inside the castle - To not garner unwanted attention from unsuspecting guards, staff and denizens of within, especially, albeit now readily accepted in Mibu, as being distinctively a stranger in the capital.

Kaie copied Ichiro's motions and movmements as he entered and bowed, made himself known and introduced himself - Albeit, at this stage, Kaie probably felt far less nervous than his counter-part, contrarily, notably relaxed, given his previous dealings with those in positions of power, yet, at attention nonetheless, and not too relaxed as to be contrived as a sign of disrespect. Contrarily, Kaie, just as with Ichiro, intended to be as respectful as possible, for he understood well the situation.

Kaie considered introducing himself, but once Ichiro had introduced himself and mentioned the letter, Kaie knew that the regent likely already knew who he was. That aside, having spoken, Ichiro had the regent's attention, and Kaie didn't want to be rude by potentially cutting into the regent's words, and was naturally always weary of seeming too talkative.

Instead, Kaie simply stood at attention, beside Ichiro, awaiting the regent's response.

"Yes... yes, I remember the letter. I hope your journey here was safe?" The Regent asked pleasantly as seemed to remember exactly why the two stood before him. "Ah, please sit." He finished, pointing toward two cushions opposite him at the desk.

Ichiro did as he was bidden, just as Kaie followed suit. Tea was promptly made and brought to the Regent and his guests - as now Ichiro and his comrade were deemed. Truly, this was something Ichiro had not anticipated - he knew that the Shogun was supposed to be a rather... unorthodox man, but to think that the Regents that he installed were just as different. He entered Eidou Castle with the preconception that all the Regents were strict, bureaucrats who would lop off a man's head if they looked at them wrong. But then, it was no longer the Sengoku Era, was it. The Age of the Samurai was quickly dying away unto a more modernized society... albeit tradition still was apparent, even with such an untraditional authority that sat before him.

"I understand your situation, and I'd like to help." The Regent began.

Ichiro thought he heard the man wrong. He wanted to help them? Was it so easy?

"The only thing is that this process will be long and hard. You know the written Code of Law, Sagara-san. You know that foreign peoples are to be accounted for... before they can live in Kyokai. We don't know that he isn't a spy or --"

"He... He isn't! I can vouch for this man!" Ichiro burst out. He put his hands before his mouth, he hadn't meant to do such a thing, and he could see the shock upon the Regent's face. Getting upon his knees, he begged for the man's forgiveness for his rash outburst.

"Please, I understand your situation Sagara-san. But we need to keep our heads here, especially you." The Regent answered calmly. "After all, you have now been placed into the precarious position of being this Gaijin's spokesperson. You represent him and what he stands for now."

Looking to Kaie, Ichiro nodded, understanding now what his position was. He vowed to himself that he would defend Kaie if need be.

"W-we have come seeking your approval for Kaie-san's citizenship. This is a special case... he comes from a land far far away..." Ichiro started.

"I can tell that without you having to say such things, Sagara-san - no offense intended Kaie-san." The Regent added, looking to the Toshkhat. "However, I cannot merely grant this person citizenship - not without our Lord Shogun's Approval. No longer is this merely a condition of domestic affairs... this is national affairs, albeit to a light degree."

"Th-the Lord Shogun..?" Ichiro asked.

"Yes, and because he is currently very busy, I suspect that this all won't be able to be proposed to him for a few days at least...." The Regent was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the Shoji door. "Ah, please enter."

Standing at the door was a tall man, rugged yet regal appearing - Ichiro recognized him immediately though he had never seen him in person. The Shogun himself stood at the doorway, a smile spread across his face.

"Demigawa-san, I have returned from Hinamizawa - we are to have a Regents Meeting tonight, I have already contacted Maebara-san and Yutagane-san for this - ah, who are these two? Guests I presume?" Ieyasu Torunaga asked as he looked keenly down to Ichiro and Kaie.

For a minute, Ichiro could hardly believe his eyes and struggled to find speech. Finally he found his nose already to the ground as he bowed as low as he possibly could to the Shogun. A noise next to him told him Kaie bowed as well, likely taking the hint that the man before them was extremely important.

"Demigawa-san....?" Torunaga asked after a short pause.

"Ah, my Lord, what perfect timing. This citizen has a plea that I believe now falls into your department.. or at least Oishi Noburo-san's Department." Demigawa said as he stood and bowed lowly.

"An issue that the Regent of Domestic Affairs cannot handle... how curious. Please, follow me then." The Shogun bid them with a rather casual tone.

Ichiro did as he was told, as did Kaie. Demigawa followed closely behind the Shogun as they made their way up another floor and to a large, open chamber. It must have been the Shogunal Chamber due to the elegance and vastness of the room. At one end of the room was a sort of thrown-like seat that Torunaga sat in upon retrieving several silken cushions for his Regent and guests.

Demigawa informed the Shogun of Ichiro's and Kaie's situation, detail by detail - essentially quoting Ichiro's entire letter to him. The entire time, the Shogun was quiet, listening intently. At mention of Kaie's name, Ieyasu seemed to gaze over toward the guest with a look of interest or curiosity. Ichiro hoped that Kaie didn't take any offense to it... to be honest, he did stand out from every other Kyokan out there...

After the explanation was given to the Shogun's satisfaction, Ieyasu Torunaga stood up and walked toward where Ichiro and Kaie sat, and to their shock he sat himself upon the wood floor, facing them and with a smile much like an interested kids, he looked to them both.

"So, tell me Kaie-san, where do you hail from? What is your home like? Do you find Kyokai a pleasant place to be? How did you become shipwrecked here? Was it a Tsunami? Have you been adjusting to Kyokan life easily?"

The forwardness and casualness of the questions seemed to baffle the Regent and Ichiro both... glancing to Kaie, he wondered how he would answer the Shogun.

All things in consideration - The weight and seriousness of their reason for being there; the surprise encounter with the Shogun, who's position, power and authority within Kyokai, by this stage, Kaie was well aware of; the casual manner of the Shogun, combined with the curious glances and other various body language; and combined with the knowledge that he was racially isolated - Another Toškhát of similar rank and age may have panicked, or, out of stress or alarm, reacted inappropriately. However, Kaie was generally more calm and collected than many of his former brethren, and considerably more intelligent than most - Combined with his short time and experiences thus far in Kyokai, he felt familiar enough the customs and ways of Kyokai, felt he knew how to behave and react appropriately, and had no qualms or difficulties in doing so.

That being said, the forwardness of the Shogun and the manner in which he spoke, which to Kaie, appeared a manner of speaking on equal level, to peers, or to those of equal rank, caught him by surprise. On one hand, he appreciated it - The casualness and forwardness of the Shogunate would make it easier to know exactly what to say and how to see it. But on the other hand, the formalities allowed one to dictate what they should do in any situation - Without any formalities all together, Kaie would likely have felt uncertain about the correct way to approach or behave in the situation, physically speaking.

With Ichiro's glance, Kaie momentarily glanced back to Ichiro, as if for guidance, or some physical cue as to what he should say or how he should behave at that moment. After a short second of silence, quickly returning his gaze back to the regent - Making his best attempt to maintain eye contact, but finding it somewhat difficult, considering what the cultural implications of such eye contact would likely be back in his homeland - Kaie began his attempt to answer some of the Shogun's questions.

"Ớy-uh.. Where to begin..?"

Kaie, collecting his thoughts, spoke slowly, clearly and carefully, making sure to maintain the appropriate tonalities and manner.

"I.. Come from a country known as Toškhát Kait Guótšué in it's native tongue, or in Kyokan tongue, The Holy Empire of the Toškhát. It's directly north of the Sea of Embers - Almost directly east of Kyokai - Though some great distance away. The country consists of six states or territories - I was born and raised on the third smallest of those six, an island called Sudšim, or South Island. Though I hope they last long, my experiences in Kyokai thus far have been short, but in my time here so far, I've found Kyokai to be a wonderful, culturally rich, warm and welcoming place. To be frank.. Though my arrival in Kyokai was accidental, I'd deeply prefer to remain here than return home - Though I mean absolutely no disrespect to my native homeland, and though there are some similarities, overall, I feel there are deep and significant cultural differences between my native homeland and the culture and ways of life of Kyokai, and I feel that I associate more strongly with the culture and ways of life of Kyokai than I do that of my native homeland."

Pausing momentarily to breath and for the Shogun to process what he'd said, he continued.

"As mentioned before, I arrived here by accident. I'm more than happy to share the entire story, but I must warn that it isn't as short as it could be."

Kaie paused to gauge the Shogun's reaction - Gauging if the Shogun was particularly interested or not, or pausing for the Shogun to speak, if there was desire, comment or other question. Seeing the Shogun's clear interest (or simply polite patience - He couldn't quite tell which), Kaie continued. "This essentially goes back to a political coup ďétat that occurred nearly a year ago to-date in Kšetai Rakhát - The capital city of the Kait Guótšué."

Kaie briefly outlined - explaining the necessary details but avoiding anything irrelevant - the circumstances of the coup ďétat: How the former leader was a xenophobic, isolationist, traditionalist, with a strong militant background, a heart and mind in the right place, but lacking the sense and intelligence required to prevent the empire from degrading through a downward spiral, and how his son, a progressive protégée with big ideas, who understood tradition but understood the need to change policies and open communications to the world, took power in the most direct manner.

"Long story short.. A majority of the empire supports its new leadership. But there are a small handful of generals which don't. My occupation in my native homeland was that of a low ranking military officer, and the general in charge of the settlement I was assigned to was one of these generals. Furthermore, this general had ideas of his own, which, if he got his own way, would've undoubtedly led to an entirely unnecessary full scale war between Kait Guótšué and several of its immediate neighbours, in a manner that I personally felt to be particularly dishonourable and against both my own and common moral code. My plan was to leave by boat, circumnavigate the country, reach the capital, explain what I knew, see what I could do to maintain the peace and ask for reassignment elsewhere, before anything could happen. Unfortunately, what I hadn't accounted for was being caught by surprise in particularly ferocious super-storm cooked up by the Sudmaré - A small stretch of water between Sudšim and the Sea of Embers. Regardless, I assume my former general failed, as, if he'd succeeded, undoubtedly, word would've already reached Kyokai a long time ago, but that's unrelated to the story of course. My boat was small and I quickly lost control of it - The storm dragged my boat in the opposite direction to what I was intending, dragging me out to sea. The storm lasted about a week, quickly tearing my boat to shreds, until I was eventually left with a single plank of wood. Eventually the storm died down, I passed out, and when I came to, was washed up not too far off the shores of Mibu. Ichiro found me during one of his fishing excursions, and.. Well, you know the rest from there. I'm rather lucky to be alive, considering - I do not doubt that if Ichiro hadn't found me, I would've eventually drowned."

Kaie paused once again, to allow Ichiro, the Regent and the Shogun to process the story.

After a few moments, he continued. "I think, overall, I've adjusted to Kyokan life quite well. I.. Like living here, to put it simply."

((THANKYOUSOMUCHMAIK))

The Shogun was quiet. Very quiet. He had listened intently to Kaie's story through completely. Truthfully, he was in awe that he survived such a harrowing experience. The man's culture and way or life seemed so very different from their own. But then, the Toskhat was in the same boat as he, new to a culture. Ieyasu Torunaga smiled a bit, and leaning back in his high Shogun's seat, he looked to Kaie and Ichiro.

"You know our language well now. A quick learner, and a gaijin to boot." Torunaga began, and seeing the blank look upon Kaie's face had him speak again. "But this is no insult to you, Toskhat-san - you, among every other foreigner who has set foot upon Kyokai soil, have tried to learn and live within our culture. I commend you."

The Shogun then looked to Ichiro, who seemed to still be waiting with abated breath for the answer to his and Kaie's problem. Ieyasu smiled pleasantly for a moment before continuing.

"And what's more, is how Kaie-san addresses you, Sagara Ichiro-san. Addressing by your given name? No honorifics? This is only done between great friends. It seems that Kaie and you have developed quite the friendship since he landed here."

Ichiro swallowed his fear for a moment. He knew not where his Lord was going with all of this. Was he letting them down easily? Was this just the Lord Shogun's way to reject something? Was he mocking them?

"M-my Lord. I am responsible for harboring this man in Kyokai without proper consent from the Bakufu. I know I have broken a law, and hence I shall receive any punishment you deem necessary for my crimes. E-even.. if it's s-seppuku..." Ichiro announced, trying to muster what courage he had left. "Just please, allow Kaie to live!"

Torunaga laughed at the rather gutsy show of resistance by Ichiro. Standing from his seat, he walked over to the both of them and knelt down. Putting a hand upon the fisherman's shoulder, he returned his answer.

"Sagara-san, I'm afraid that Seppuku is much to drastic a punishment for someone who has done no wrong. The Bakufu isn't the type of government to punish good will and a helping hand - even if that help has been given to a Gaijin. What does it matter, the race or nationality? What kind of Bakufu I work with if we were to sentence a good man to death?" Torunaga said. "We reward those who do a kindness unto others, Sagara-san. And so, I shall do just that."

Looking to Kaie, he bade him to rise from where he was and look him in the face. Putting his hand upon his own shoulder, he addressed him.

"Kaie-san of the Holy Empire, I henceforth name you a citizen of Kyokai, bearing all our rights, liberties, and privileges that my people enjoy. You are one of us now, Kaie-san." Torunaga paused to clear his throat. "And in addition, you may reside wherever you wish. I believe Mibu is a beautiful little town, close to friends... and family." Torunaga glanced for a moment to the ecstatic Ichiro.

Everything had worked out exceptionally well. Bowing to the Shogun, Kaie replied, his voice calm, collected, and paying the appropriate respect.

"Thank you, my Lord. This means a great deal to me."

Following the Shogun's glance, towards Ichiro, Kaie continued. "I would be more than happy in Mibu, if Mibu is happy to continue having me there."

(( Pretty much at the end of this chapter. If you've still got your old PMs, maybe have a quick read over them. I think we need to find the time to do that brainstorming we talked about, to sort out exactly what's happening. XD ))

OOC: Indeed. We'll have to brainstorm a bit for the next chapter. This is a fitting end for "Lost at Sea" of course. Lemme look over my old PMs and we can discuss how to continue this.