Gennai's Garden: The Aftermath
by Kakita Kaorind Shinjo Keetan
A story of the Space Ronin, Shinwa, in an age of Space Travel, wherein our heroes remember the fallen...
The Wake Angels softly set down their craft on the dock provided, and as soon as the magnetic clamps take hold, they are up and out of the cockpits. Ketaan almost trips over himself getting out of the hatch, but catches himself at the last minute. He grins sheepishly at Ariel's concerned look, but shakes his head to show he is not injured, and walks to join his squadmates.
"Well, we seem to have pulled through in one piece again," Tai-Wen comments, leaning up against Ariel as they watch the Path landing from the observation platform.
Meanwhile, Kiru is standing in the cargo hold of the ship, chittering reassuringly with his brethren whilst the ship finishes its descent. Only someone who has known him for as long as Rik or Shinwa have would be able to tell that M'thack-kir is severely fatigued, having expended all of his energy in performing minor miracles to cure the majority of the other Nezumi of their ailments or injuries.
At least they should all be safe, now.
"Hmmm," Ariel muses out loud.
"What's on your mind, love?" Tai-Wen asks, pushing herself wearily off his supporting arm.
"It occurs that we really should invite our fellow conspirators to the funeral," Ariel comments with a gaze that seems almost to stare through the landing vessel.
"Is that wise?" Ketaan offers, laying a hand on Ariel's shoulder. "They aren't like us. They might not understand."
"True, they are sky-blind," Ariel agrees, "But they have nonetheless fought alongside us, and their cause was noble. I trust them."
"Hai, there's truth in that, but Ariel my love, you trust everyone," Ketaan says as he squeezes the large man's shoulder.
"Maybe," Ariel acknowledges, only flushing slightly at the jab at his judgement, "But isn't that the best way to live? Better to be hurt than to shield yourself against anyone who would come close and never know a softer touch."
"Alright," Tai-Wen says suddenly, her voice more fatigued than assertive.
"Well, if you've got her vote, who am I to disagree?" Ketaan lets his hand fall off of Ariel, and starts to approach the landing pad. "It would be a poor omen for me to be the voice of reason after all."
Shinwa walks down the boarding ramp from the Cargo bay of the Kirin's Path, speaking with Kiru. He too looks weary, though it is hard to tell why. Perhaps reflecting the mood of the whole crew, or the mission has just earned him a few more gray hairs.
"Itsuki said he has managed to find us a place to stay until been arranged for the night at the Sweet Yomi hotel. Just our sort of cheap inn. If they'll be all right for a while," he gestures at the ship behind him, "you might be able to scout out the best path to get everyone there while I pick up some supplies."
He hesitates and adds, "I will need to pick up some work to cover the cost. We may be a few days."
Kiru nods before whispering, "Shinwa saved many lives. Kiru owes Shinwa a great debt."
The three Unicorn are just ahead of them; when they all meet M'thack-kir bows very low. He is too tired to smile.
"Hail, our victorious comrades," Ketaan smarms without a second thought as the pair approaches. He wafts into a bow that lacks a certain airiness when he does so in only his skintight jumpsuit. "A job well done, and though it did not go as quietly as we had hoped, the results were most acceptable."
"The Angels seemed prepared for the exact circumstance," Kiru replies. "Most impressive. M'thack-kir thanks the Angels for their assistance."
Shinwa also bows as the Wake Angels approach. "Yes. You performed a great kindness. Thank you." He looks up at the large engines of the Path that rise above him. "I hope your skills serve you long and well."
"It is what we do," Ketaan replies with all the modesty the Fortunes gave a peacock.
"Well, it's your idea. You present it," Tai-Wen insists gently as she and Ariel approach.
"Of course dear," Ariel says, turning to face the odd pair. "We plan to hold a ceremony for the fallen, and humbly ask if you would join us. You need not participate if you feel uncomfortable doing so, but you may observe if you choose."
Kiru's ear twitches and he immediately casts his gaze around the area. "Fallen? M'thack-kir has detected none here. Nor ever. How do the Angels know of the Fallen?"
His hand flexes, rather ostensibly near his holstered gun.
Ariel gives the nezumi an odd look, while Ketaan and Tai-Wen nearly simultaneously roll their eyes.
"Apologies, friend. You seem to have mistaken my meaning. I speak of the dead, those killed during our raid."
"..."
He tilts his head to the side, as though doing so will provide better perspective in this confusing situation.
"The Angels wish to allow our enemies to live on in Yesterday? No. M'thack-kir thanks the Angels for their help, and extends his wishes that the Angels prosper in the land of tomorrow, but M'thack-kir would bring disgrace to all Nezumi by participating or even witnessing such a thing."
At least his hand has moved back away from his pistol?
Ariel nods slowly, a little unsure.
"I... am not sure that I understand, so I would ask you to explain, please. I do not wish there to be any bad blood between us, whether intentional or not. After you do, I will explain our intentions. Is this acceptable?"
Kiru shrugs. "Nothing to explain, really. Nezumi do not try to remember dead enemies, because they would live on in the Field of Dreams. That is reserved only for those of Great Name."
He laughs joyfully.
"It's hard enough for Nezumi to remember anything, so we prioritize kith and kin so they can live on."
Ketaan pipes in with, "Not so dissimilar to Yomi then. I suppose I follow. Seems strange that their entry would depend on people remembering them rather than their own personal enlightenment though."
"Don't be an ass," Tai-Wen says, lightly slugging him on the arm. "Our ways seem no less strange I would imagine," She turns back to the Nezumi and explains, "Long time ago, tradition was that the swords of those slain in combat would be returned to the families. A kind of kindness mixed with stupidity, I suppose, so that they would know that they had died and to let them know who to seek revenge against. Superstitious nonsense, but it did apparently cut down on angry ghosts."
"Thing is," Ketaan adds, "In this day and age you can kill dozens, hundreds without knowing their names. If they had swords, they are probably lost to the Void. If their families learn of their demise, it might be years later once the bureaucracy fishes their names out of a casualty list. So the only real people to make apologies to are the Ten Gods. That's where this soft-hearted fellow got the idea."
"Essentially," Ariel says, seizing the conversation before it can become too off-base or blasphemous, "We proclaim our deeds to the Gods of the Dead, that they may know who sends the souls of the slain to their halls for judgement. We will never know who we have killed this day, but by proclaiming ourselves their killers, we accept the burden of the deed. If we acted justly, then the Ten Gods will judge our enemies harshly. If we did otherwise, then the souls of the falsely slain with be appeased knowing that our punishment awaits. Instead of returning swords to the living, we return souls to the Cycle. Whatever the result justice is done."
"That's a nice gesture. M'thack-kir understands."
He looks Ariel dead in the eye. "Kiru is glad to have met the Angels. Kiru reaffirms that Kiru cannot participate, not even observe. To do so would be an affront to Nezumi tradition, and M'thack-kir cannot defy tradition, for it would weaken Name."
He bows very low, and almost perfectly, too. "Gomen nasai."
Kiru holds the bow for several seconds, to demonstrate to these Rokugani his sincerity. Then he smiles and reaches into his neck scarf.
"Rik is not Nezumi, though! Rik can observe, if Kind-Angel doesn't mind a weight on his shoulder?"
"Of course, Kiru-san. Your ways are not ours, but thank you for enlightening me," Ariel responds with a bow of his own. As he rises, he looks askance at the garment in question. "Ah... remind me, who is Rik?"
"I'll go. I would like to."
Shinwa's voice is sober. "Rik shouldn't. People have different ways. But I will go. Who knows what parts the Scorpion would have had in this story if their feet hadn't been planted along the path they were? Even the worst of them ; samurai sometimes do insane things for duty. We did not speak to them to find out. I will go."
It is not visible on his face, but the Nezumi picks up a quick scent of fear in some of those words, though he knows for a fact Shinwa has no concern with /very/ different customs than his own.
Kiru is about to answer Ariel when Shinwa speaks.
He shrugs, rubs his scarf, and explains to Ariel, "Rik. Friend. Angels and Shinwa are all Rik."
He glances at Shinwa, nose twitching briefly. "Kiru will determine a route of safe passage for the Tribe."
With a final bow, he turns to leave.
Shinwa nods at Kiru. "Thank you, Kiru-san. It will be all right. I will talk to you later."
"Of course," Ariel says, bowing once more to Kiru as he leaves. He rises, and then nods to his fellow Angels. "Engineering then?"
"I seem to recall an appropriate place from the last time we landed here," Tai-Wen agrees. She turns and makes for a quieter section of the space-docks. As she does, she pauses and tosses a look over here shoulder, "This way, Shinwa-san."
The Angels, putting on their deck-clothes over their flightsuits as they go, lead the Ronin past the exits to the more populated areas of the Garden. They stop briefly at a simple metal hatch, which Tai-Wen enters alone. The sounds of conversation can be heard within, then a pair of local mechanics in work clothes exit the room, bowing to the samurai as they go. Tai-Wen pops her head out, then waves everyone inside.
The interior is a small, cramped box of a room, more of a workspace than a social area. Tai-Wen casually moves everything on the desk to the side, clearing a space for the ceramic bowl that Ariel sets on the center of the area. Ketaan pulls out a white-stained cloth, as well as a small pot which he sets down next to the other items. Ariel whispers a quick prayer, and a ball of crackling flame whooshes to life in the ash-stained bowl.
"Are you watching, or participating?" Tai-Wen asks.
Shinwa follows, eyebrows creased like a man examining a mystery to which, perhaps, there is no answer.
"I think in this it is this one's place to observe," he offers quietly. "If that pleases you."
Lest like ripples on the pond...
The ronin watches all things.
"As you will," She says with a shrug, and turns back to the table. She nods to her fellow Angels, and Ketaan picks up the pot. He removes the lid, and dips two fingers inside, smearing a line of white paint across his eyes.
"I am Shinjo Ketaan, blood of the Goddess. This day I have delivered to you a unit of Chuubushi, their names unknown to me. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
He passes the pot to Ariel, who has already placed his glasses in an exterior pocket of the flight jacket. The stripe drawn across his eyes stands out in stark contrast to the dusky color of his skin.
"I am Moto Ariel, of the People of Steppes and Sands. None have I slain, though my magics have aided in the killing of many this day. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
The pot is passed to Tai-Wen, who starts speaking immediately in unapologetic tones, before she has even draw her mark.
"I am Koshuud Tai-Wen, the second generation to bear that name. This day I have cleansed a bunker in fire, killing an unknown number of strangers. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
The pot is set down, and the Angels reach out to join hands over the table, their forms casting dancing shadows on the walls from the light of the fire. Ketaan speaks again, and the cycle begins anew.
"May you judge the souls that we send you swiftly and fairly, as we will one day hope to receive such judgement."
"May our enemies find it in their hearts to eschew vengeance, as we promise to do when our times come at last."
"This prayer do we send to you, as we hope our enemies will do for us when fortune no longer favors us."
They speak the final line together, their voices forming a practiced harmony that echoes off the hull-metal of the workshop.
"We are agents of your blessings. May they fly far from us."
Shinwa nods once, silently, acknowledging the ceremony and the responsibility, It is a heavy one to carry.
There is a moment of silence, then Ketaan reaches for the cloth and wipes the paint from his face. He passes it along, and then starts packing the altar away as the fire snuffs itself out.
"Thank you for attending, Shinwa-san," Ariel says as he scrubs the last of the paint from his face. "Were we an army unit, then perhaps there would be a more formal ritual. But we must make do."
"You honor me by inviting me. Thank you." He gives a sincere bow to the Angels. "Although those that fell by my hand will have their blades found and, I hope, returned, I see the significance of this type of ending. Even though it is unfamiliar to me. I have no idea what the Brotherhood of Shinsei would have to say about such a thing." He straightens.
"As for business, all else should be attended to. And I hope you find nothing wanting. If there are issues, I can be reached for a few days at least at the Sweet Yomi hotel. Though placing space between yourself and us should the Scorpion have inquiries might be a very good idea."
He gives a small smirk. "And for the rest, I am glad to find you all true Children of the Wind. If the threads of our stories cross again, that would not displease me."
"Who can say what the Brotherhood would think?" Tai-Wen yawns as she finishes cleaning up. "Regardless, I would say everything has concluded satisfactorily. Now then, I'm due for a nap."
"Indeed, we should all be on our way. May you go with the Fortunes, Shinwa-san," Ariel mirrors the Ronin's bow.
"And if you need us, we'll be in the wind. It is our way after all," Ketaan adds with a wink. "Safe travels, friend, until we meet again."
"Safe travels until we meet again." Shinwa inclines his head in a gesture of farewell, and the exits through the simple metal hatch and down the stairs to depart.
As soon as he leaves, the panel of lights that illuminate the room immediately go out, the sensors for some reason failing to detect the presence of three more people within, and casting all three into inky darkness.
A story of the Space Ronin, Shinwa, in an age of Space Travel, wherein our heroes remember the fallen...
The Wake Angels softly set down their craft on the dock provided, and as soon as the magnetic clamps take hold, they are up and out of the cockpits. Ketaan almost trips over himself getting out of the hatch, but catches himself at the last minute. He grins sheepishly at Ariel's concerned look, but shakes his head to show he is not injured, and walks to join his squadmates.
"Well, we seem to have pulled through in one piece again," Tai-Wen comments, leaning up against Ariel as they watch the Path landing from the observation platform.
Meanwhile, Kiru is standing in the cargo hold of the ship, chittering reassuringly with his brethren whilst the ship finishes its descent. Only someone who has known him for as long as Rik or Shinwa have would be able to tell that M'thack-kir is severely fatigued, having expended all of his energy in performing minor miracles to cure the majority of the other Nezumi of their ailments or injuries.
At least they should all be safe, now.
"Hmmm," Ariel muses out loud.
"What's on your mind, love?" Tai-Wen asks, pushing herself wearily off his supporting arm.
"It occurs that we really should invite our fellow conspirators to the funeral," Ariel comments with a gaze that seems almost to stare through the landing vessel.
"Is that wise?" Ketaan offers, laying a hand on Ariel's shoulder. "They aren't like us. They might not understand."
"True, they are sky-blind," Ariel agrees, "But they have nonetheless fought alongside us, and their cause was noble. I trust them."
"Hai, there's truth in that, but Ariel my love, you trust everyone," Ketaan says as he squeezes the large man's shoulder.
"Maybe," Ariel acknowledges, only flushing slightly at the jab at his judgement, "But isn't that the best way to live? Better to be hurt than to shield yourself against anyone who would come close and never know a softer touch."
"Alright," Tai-Wen says suddenly, her voice more fatigued than assertive.
"Well, if you've got her vote, who am I to disagree?" Ketaan lets his hand fall off of Ariel, and starts to approach the landing pad. "It would be a poor omen for me to be the voice of reason after all."
Shinwa walks down the boarding ramp from the Cargo bay of the Kirin's Path, speaking with Kiru. He too looks weary, though it is hard to tell why. Perhaps reflecting the mood of the whole crew, or the mission has just earned him a few more gray hairs.
"Itsuki said he has managed to find us a place to stay until been arranged for the night at the Sweet Yomi hotel. Just our sort of cheap inn. If they'll be all right for a while," he gestures at the ship behind him, "you might be able to scout out the best path to get everyone there while I pick up some supplies."
He hesitates and adds, "I will need to pick up some work to cover the cost. We may be a few days."
Kiru nods before whispering, "Shinwa saved many lives. Kiru owes Shinwa a great debt."
The three Unicorn are just ahead of them; when they all meet M'thack-kir bows very low. He is too tired to smile.
"Hail, our victorious comrades," Ketaan smarms without a second thought as the pair approaches. He wafts into a bow that lacks a certain airiness when he does so in only his skintight jumpsuit. "A job well done, and though it did not go as quietly as we had hoped, the results were most acceptable."
"The Angels seemed prepared for the exact circumstance," Kiru replies. "Most impressive. M'thack-kir thanks the Angels for their assistance."
Shinwa also bows as the Wake Angels approach. "Yes. You performed a great kindness. Thank you." He looks up at the large engines of the Path that rise above him. "I hope your skills serve you long and well."
"It is what we do," Ketaan replies with all the modesty the Fortunes gave a peacock.
"Well, it's your idea. You present it," Tai-Wen insists gently as she and Ariel approach.
"Of course dear," Ariel says, turning to face the odd pair. "We plan to hold a ceremony for the fallen, and humbly ask if you would join us. You need not participate if you feel uncomfortable doing so, but you may observe if you choose."
Kiru's ear twitches and he immediately casts his gaze around the area. "Fallen? M'thack-kir has detected none here. Nor ever. How do the Angels know of the Fallen?"
His hand flexes, rather ostensibly near his holstered gun.
Ariel gives the nezumi an odd look, while Ketaan and Tai-Wen nearly simultaneously roll their eyes.
"Apologies, friend. You seem to have mistaken my meaning. I speak of the dead, those killed during our raid."
"..."
He tilts his head to the side, as though doing so will provide better perspective in this confusing situation.
"The Angels wish to allow our enemies to live on in Yesterday? No. M'thack-kir thanks the Angels for their help, and extends his wishes that the Angels prosper in the land of tomorrow, but M'thack-kir would bring disgrace to all Nezumi by participating or even witnessing such a thing."
At least his hand has moved back away from his pistol?
Ariel nods slowly, a little unsure.
"I... am not sure that I understand, so I would ask you to explain, please. I do not wish there to be any bad blood between us, whether intentional or not. After you do, I will explain our intentions. Is this acceptable?"
Kiru shrugs. "Nothing to explain, really. Nezumi do not try to remember dead enemies, because they would live on in the Field of Dreams. That is reserved only for those of Great Name."
He laughs joyfully.
"It's hard enough for Nezumi to remember anything, so we prioritize kith and kin so they can live on."
Ketaan pipes in with, "Not so dissimilar to Yomi then. I suppose I follow. Seems strange that their entry would depend on people remembering them rather than their own personal enlightenment though."
"Don't be an ass," Tai-Wen says, lightly slugging him on the arm. "Our ways seem no less strange I would imagine," She turns back to the Nezumi and explains, "Long time ago, tradition was that the swords of those slain in combat would be returned to the families. A kind of kindness mixed with stupidity, I suppose, so that they would know that they had died and to let them know who to seek revenge against. Superstitious nonsense, but it did apparently cut down on angry ghosts."
"Thing is," Ketaan adds, "In this day and age you can kill dozens, hundreds without knowing their names. If they had swords, they are probably lost to the Void. If their families learn of their demise, it might be years later once the bureaucracy fishes their names out of a casualty list. So the only real people to make apologies to are the Ten Gods. That's where this soft-hearted fellow got the idea."
"Essentially," Ariel says, seizing the conversation before it can become too off-base or blasphemous, "We proclaim our deeds to the Gods of the Dead, that they may know who sends the souls of the slain to their halls for judgement. We will never know who we have killed this day, but by proclaiming ourselves their killers, we accept the burden of the deed. If we acted justly, then the Ten Gods will judge our enemies harshly. If we did otherwise, then the souls of the falsely slain with be appeased knowing that our punishment awaits. Instead of returning swords to the living, we return souls to the Cycle. Whatever the result justice is done."
"That's a nice gesture. M'thack-kir understands."
He looks Ariel dead in the eye. "Kiru is glad to have met the Angels. Kiru reaffirms that Kiru cannot participate, not even observe. To do so would be an affront to Nezumi tradition, and M'thack-kir cannot defy tradition, for it would weaken Name."
He bows very low, and almost perfectly, too. "Gomen nasai."
Kiru holds the bow for several seconds, to demonstrate to these Rokugani his sincerity. Then he smiles and reaches into his neck scarf.
"Rik is not Nezumi, though! Rik can observe, if Kind-Angel doesn't mind a weight on his shoulder?"
"Of course, Kiru-san. Your ways are not ours, but thank you for enlightening me," Ariel responds with a bow of his own. As he rises, he looks askance at the garment in question. "Ah... remind me, who is Rik?"
"I'll go. I would like to."
Shinwa's voice is sober. "Rik shouldn't. People have different ways. But I will go. Who knows what parts the Scorpion would have had in this story if their feet hadn't been planted along the path they were? Even the worst of them ; samurai sometimes do insane things for duty. We did not speak to them to find out. I will go."
It is not visible on his face, but the Nezumi picks up a quick scent of fear in some of those words, though he knows for a fact Shinwa has no concern with /very/ different customs than his own.
Kiru is about to answer Ariel when Shinwa speaks.
He shrugs, rubs his scarf, and explains to Ariel, "Rik. Friend. Angels and Shinwa are all Rik."
He glances at Shinwa, nose twitching briefly. "Kiru will determine a route of safe passage for the Tribe."
With a final bow, he turns to leave.
Shinwa nods at Kiru. "Thank you, Kiru-san. It will be all right. I will talk to you later."
"Of course," Ariel says, bowing once more to Kiru as he leaves. He rises, and then nods to his fellow Angels. "Engineering then?"
"I seem to recall an appropriate place from the last time we landed here," Tai-Wen agrees. She turns and makes for a quieter section of the space-docks. As she does, she pauses and tosses a look over here shoulder, "This way, Shinwa-san."
The Angels, putting on their deck-clothes over their flightsuits as they go, lead the Ronin past the exits to the more populated areas of the Garden. They stop briefly at a simple metal hatch, which Tai-Wen enters alone. The sounds of conversation can be heard within, then a pair of local mechanics in work clothes exit the room, bowing to the samurai as they go. Tai-Wen pops her head out, then waves everyone inside.
The interior is a small, cramped box of a room, more of a workspace than a social area. Tai-Wen casually moves everything on the desk to the side, clearing a space for the ceramic bowl that Ariel sets on the center of the area. Ketaan pulls out a white-stained cloth, as well as a small pot which he sets down next to the other items. Ariel whispers a quick prayer, and a ball of crackling flame whooshes to life in the ash-stained bowl.
"Are you watching, or participating?" Tai-Wen asks.
Shinwa follows, eyebrows creased like a man examining a mystery to which, perhaps, there is no answer.
"I think in this it is this one's place to observe," he offers quietly. "If that pleases you."
Lest like ripples on the pond...
The ronin watches all things.
"As you will," She says with a shrug, and turns back to the table. She nods to her fellow Angels, and Ketaan picks up the pot. He removes the lid, and dips two fingers inside, smearing a line of white paint across his eyes.
"I am Shinjo Ketaan, blood of the Goddess. This day I have delivered to you a unit of Chuubushi, their names unknown to me. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
He passes the pot to Ariel, who has already placed his glasses in an exterior pocket of the flight jacket. The stripe drawn across his eyes stands out in stark contrast to the dusky color of his skin.
"I am Moto Ariel, of the People of Steppes and Sands. None have I slain, though my magics have aided in the killing of many this day. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
The pot is passed to Tai-Wen, who starts speaking immediately in unapologetic tones, before she has even draw her mark.
"I am Koshuud Tai-Wen, the second generation to bear that name. This day I have cleansed a bunker in fire, killing an unknown number of strangers. Ten Gods, hear my prayer."
The pot is set down, and the Angels reach out to join hands over the table, their forms casting dancing shadows on the walls from the light of the fire. Ketaan speaks again, and the cycle begins anew.
"May you judge the souls that we send you swiftly and fairly, as we will one day hope to receive such judgement."
"May our enemies find it in their hearts to eschew vengeance, as we promise to do when our times come at last."
"This prayer do we send to you, as we hope our enemies will do for us when fortune no longer favors us."
They speak the final line together, their voices forming a practiced harmony that echoes off the hull-metal of the workshop.
"We are agents of your blessings. May they fly far from us."
Shinwa nods once, silently, acknowledging the ceremony and the responsibility, It is a heavy one to carry.
There is a moment of silence, then Ketaan reaches for the cloth and wipes the paint from his face. He passes it along, and then starts packing the altar away as the fire snuffs itself out.
"Thank you for attending, Shinwa-san," Ariel says as he scrubs the last of the paint from his face. "Were we an army unit, then perhaps there would be a more formal ritual. But we must make do."
"You honor me by inviting me. Thank you." He gives a sincere bow to the Angels. "Although those that fell by my hand will have their blades found and, I hope, returned, I see the significance of this type of ending. Even though it is unfamiliar to me. I have no idea what the Brotherhood of Shinsei would have to say about such a thing." He straightens.
"As for business, all else should be attended to. And I hope you find nothing wanting. If there are issues, I can be reached for a few days at least at the Sweet Yomi hotel. Though placing space between yourself and us should the Scorpion have inquiries might be a very good idea."
He gives a small smirk. "And for the rest, I am glad to find you all true Children of the Wind. If the threads of our stories cross again, that would not displease me."
"Who can say what the Brotherhood would think?" Tai-Wen yawns as she finishes cleaning up. "Regardless, I would say everything has concluded satisfactorily. Now then, I'm due for a nap."
"Indeed, we should all be on our way. May you go with the Fortunes, Shinwa-san," Ariel mirrors the Ronin's bow.
"And if you need us, we'll be in the wind. It is our way after all," Ketaan adds with a wink. "Safe travels, friend, until we meet again."
"Safe travels until we meet again." Shinwa inclines his head in a gesture of farewell, and the exits through the simple metal hatch and down the stairs to depart.
As soon as he leaves, the panel of lights that illuminate the room immediately go out, the sensors for some reason failing to detect the presence of three more people within, and casting all three into inky darkness.
