An Unsuspected Visitor.

Subject: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 4:02 pm

Mika sat in a hot spring, resting back the water went up to her neck, a folded towel balanced on her head. It was getting close to the full moon and the moon cycles where such a stressful time for her. She had to make sure the settlement was safe and that no outsiders where there. All just to make it easier on others. She yawned a sunk down into the spring more, the water now by only a inch away from her chin. At least she had nothing going on today, she had made sure of it. All she was going to do was sit in the spring and relax. She closed her eye and rested her head on a rock. It was all good until one of the elder barged in.

"Mika, you have a visitor. Or did you forget." said the elder sternly. Mika just raised her arm out of the wait a waved it away.

"I don't have anything today and i'm busy tomorrow, tell them to comeback after the full moon, I'm busy." replied Mika with a yawn.

"You're soaking in a spring... how do you call that busy." replied the Elder. Mika shot the elder a look.

"Before I answer that why don't you tell me why you're in a women's spring old man." said Mika smugly, her eyes closed now. The elder grumbled and walked off. She kinda wished she saw the old man's face, but hey, at least he was gone and she could relax again.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 4:30 pm

It was a fairly warm late spring afternoon in the Land of Hot Springs. The source of all the ungodly heat must've been some looming volcano, though he couldn't see any such land-form within range of him. Apparently, the Noroi clan was welcoming guests and trying to branch out of their shell of exile; this way of thinking was because of some young upstart named Mikazuki, apparently the House Head; being that there was a wayshrine within this region, it seemed convenient for Daisuke to meet this woman himself. He was on his own for this journey, trying to maintain a low profile as he traveled from one country to another.

A few steps and just in front of him was a welcome sign written in kanji 呪い "Curse" not a very comforting name for a clan, but it was what it was and that wouldn't stop Daisuke from making a visit. A shriveled, elderly man came walking Daisuke's way when he noticed him at the entrance. Before the elderly man could speak, Daisuke was one step ahead of him, "This is a splendid compound you have here. A little less developed from what I'm used to, but all the more humble and welcoming. You've put some real work into this place, sir. It has its own character." The old man smiled, he was liking Daisuke already. "...What was it you were going to tell me?" He asked innocently. "Oh, um. Her Ladyship is currently unavailable. You'll have to come over later, preferably tomorrow." Daisuke sighed. "...I don't have a place to stay, I'm afraid. I assumed that I would be welcome to stay at the compound as an honoured guest." The old man's eyes widened. His clan's reputation was on the line. They were never looked upon as a foreign power with some real authority, if he were to deny him his stay, his clan would come off as having no class whatsoever, not to mention the fact that they'd never be taken seriously by other clans in the future...

"Y-Yes, of course! Please, Daisuke-sama, stay for the night." He could contain their little problem, just keep Daisuke in a room far enough away from the main household and don't take him out with the rest of the clan later that night. "Wonderful." Daisuke said with a soft smile that could make anyone's heart feel a little warmer inside. "Right this way..." He was being led to his living quarters for the day. The moment he stepped into the compound, simply having the luxury to sit back and relax in a hot spring came to mind and he was hoping that that option would be available to him here in the Land of Hot Springs.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 4:46 pm

After a long and satisfying soak Mika finally rose out of the spring, lightly drying her self off as much as the small towel could before grabbing a robe and loosely tied it around her. She realized she forgot a few things and if she was going to spend the rest of the day in the spring, she would probably need them. She walked back to her home and picked up some soap and a back scrub, as well as a few snacks to keep on the side of the spring. Smiling happily she walked back to the spring. She when into the changing room and slipped the robe off. She grabbed a new towel and folded it, balancing it on he head as she picked the rest of her stuff up. She walked back into the spring and stared. A man was here, one that she didn't know. She tried to keep clam and collected but she couldn't help but turn red as she tried her best to cover herself up without dropping her stuff.

"W-Who the hell are you and why are you in the women's spring." said Mika sharply. "Outsiders shouldn't have free run of the place, why are you here."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 4:59 pm

After the elderly man had helped Daisuke unpack what little he brought with him, the two went their separate ways in the compound. He had no intention of letting this visit go to waste, instead, he stepped right out of his room and began exploring the compound. He noticed steam seeping from one of the rooms that led outside. There was no doubt about it, it was a hot spring. He stepped inside and a couple of spare towels were cpnveniently set out. He reached for one and wrapped it around the back of his neck and over his shoulders after having undressed. Slowly but surely he made his way into the warm waters. "Ahh..." He let out a long sigh of relief. Afterward he simply closed his eyes and relaxed.

It had only been a few minutes until Daisuke heard footsteps getting closer and closer. He resituated himself, sitting upright against the hot spring. A woman stepped inside shortly thereafter. With a wide smile on his face he greeted her, "Hello, stranger. These hot springs are just as great as I imagined they would be. Is it customary for the men and women of your clan to bathe together?" He asked her curiously. Apparently not, given her reaction to his being there. "...Pardon, I was unaware this was a female-only bath. There was no indication and not another hot spring anywhere else along the hallway." He stood up from spot in the hot spring and the steam had just barely blanketed his bare skin. He wrapped the towel around his waist. "I am Daisuke Hagoromo, guest to the Noroi clan compound, it's a pleasure meeting you." He stretched his hand out.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 5:36 pm

"There is a spring for that but not here, besides who was the idiot who let you in." said Mika. "It's getting close to the full moon, I gave orders to have outsiders leave, not to invite them in." She sounded a bit peeved. She turned her head as the man stood up, by the time she turned around the man had wrap a towel around himself. "Do you have no decency, A bit of a warning would of been nice, not that I particularly care, but if you're going to expose yourself to me at least get me drunk first." said Mika.

The man introduced himself as Daisuke Hagoromo and held his hand out. She turned her body slight away from him. Trying to cover herself more. "The feeling isn't mutual. Sorry if I don't shake your hand, it's embarrassing enough that an outsider was able to see me exposed. It's still embarrassing that I have to cover myself up cause some idiot yet an outsider in. Such a disgrace." said Mika. "Mikazuki Noroi, give me a reason I shouldn't gouge your eyes out for looking on me exposed outsider." His name sounded farmilar but she couldn't place from where.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Fri May 17, 2013 6:41 pm

The Noroi woman introduced herself as Mikazuki Noroi, just the person Daisuke was looking for. "Oh my! This is an awful first impression on my part. Do forgive me." He was a tad embarrassed but let out a modest smile. She had asked for a reason why she shouldn't "gouge his eyes out" an unfavorable sentence for simply having gone in the wrong bath. "...Because you didn't care that I was 'exposed'. Is it wrong of me to expect the same courtesy?" He decided on using her own words against her. "...And also because I think a peaceful relationship between our two clans would be beneficial to both of us. I meant no harm, coming here... Otherwise I would've brought an escort with me had anticipated danger; I counted on the Noroi being a reasonable people with interests of their own out of creating outlets with the rest of the ninja world." He neglected to mention the elderly man who brought him into the compound earlier, the last thing he wanted to do was start trouble and create somewhat of a divide within their clan -- something he's experienced within his own clan already.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 12:26 am

"As an outsider who walked into the village, the fact no one showed you out, and then you go to bathe in the women's bath, no you don't get the same courtesy, not at the moment." said Mika, her face slowly turning a brighter red. "Can you at least turn around for a moment so I can put a towel on." said Mika. She waited for him to turn around. Once he was she placed her stuff on the ground and tied the towel around herself tightly. "Okay you can turn around now." said Mika. She looked the man over again. His name sounded farmilar but she still couldn't place it. The red from her face was now gone. She felt like she had regained a sense of control over the situation.

"So outsider, you're a diplomat." said Mika. She reached down and picked up a small package from the stuff she had. Undoing some of the package to show beef jerky under it. Resting her body on a rock she took a bite out of the jerky. "Your head of house should of warned you about the moon cycles and when not to come here. You're dangerous close to the full moon, it's in two days. Also they should of told you that walking into a bath meant for women was inappropriate. You're lucky i'm not a punch first ask later type of girl."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 12:40 am

The House Head of the Noroi clan puzzled Daisuke. He couldn't quite tell if she was comfortable around nudity or not at all used to it. It mattered little to him, he was simply measuring her level of maturity before speaking up again. When he turned around Mikazuki had already gotten comfortable, this, to him, meant that she approved of his company so he chose to sit down. At this point, the heat was sort of getting to him and instead of sitting in the bath he sat along it, with his legs in the water. "...Not just any diplomat, I'm -the- diplomat; the House Head of the Hagoromo in the Land of Fire." He wasn't being haughty, he was merely being honest with the House Head of the Noroi. She made mention of the moon cycles, more especially the full moon. "Your clan is a mystery to the majority of the ninja world. All I was told was that your clan was principally attuned to the moon , but mainly that your clan was looking to develop relations with other clans; hence my reason for being here." He looked up to the sky. "Well... That wasn't the full reason. This is my first -real- visit to the Land of Hot Springs."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 12:55 am

Mika hid her shock well. This guy was a head of house... explains why the name sounds familiar. She scowled a bit. "If you're friends of the Inuzuka, leave... I will not have my clan have relations with allies of that clan." said Mika. She pushed herself off the rock and began walking to the changing room, her hips swaying back and forth. "I suppose I can't get rid of you since you are here, this is no place for diplomatic discussions, follow me." she called back to him. She finished up her jerky and threw it in a trash can. Once in the changing room, she undid her towel, with a flick of her wrist the towel fell to the ground. Back turned to where Daisuke would enter she slipped the robe on, tying it loosely. She did both looking to see if Daisuke was following her. She left and began to heading to the main compound.

Once there she walked to her office and sat down behind the low desk. She sat cross legged on the ground, the desk rested a few inches above the center o her stomach. The left shoulder of her robe had fallen to the side. "You have come at a dangerous time. This close to the full moon we don't allow outsiders in."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:08 am

The two had stopped bathing sooner than Daisuke would've wanted. He did so enjoy the hot bath. Next time however, he wouldn't go into the wrong one. "Very well." He stood up and followed closely behind Mikazuki. He didn't want to find himself entering the wrong room again. He didn't forget to grab his robe, which he slipped on after having dried off for but a moment, doing so carefully so as not to reveal anything that would be inappropriate. It seemed Mikazuki was becoming more open to Daisuke already since she simply let her towel fall before putting on her own robe. Once she sat down behind her low desk, Daisuke sat across from her with his legs crossed.

Once more, Mikazuki made mention of the full moon that would be looming overhead in just two days. "...Care to explain?" A young woman came in with a platter of tea. She poured the tea into two small glasses intended for Mikazuki and her guest. Daisuke nodded, taking a sip of his tea. It trickled down to his stomach and felt invigorating as though his body was being cleansed of all filth. The feeling was reminiscent of seika.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:24 am

"You really don't know anything do you, tell me why do you think out clan name is Noroi." asked Mika. She picked up her cup of tea and drank a bit of it. Waiting for Daisuke to give his answer. After a while she told him the true. "On full and new moon we all lose control of our kekkei genkai, regardless of level the 3rd stage awakens for everyone, we become more powerful but we are animalistic attacking anyone who gets to close that's not part of the clan. Once the morning breaks we revert to our normal state but our energy level is near non existent, as well as most of our clothes and occasionally our livestock and such. You're probably wondering why I acted strangely at the spring if that happens, well it's different if it is an outsider. We are a close knitt group, but we still like to have privacy where we can get it, thus the 3 different bath houses." A young women walked in and handed Mika a scroll. It was the scroll of information of any clans they could get. Her eyes scaned the scroll until it found Daisuke's clan. Not much was there. "It says here that you're nomads. And that there is a shrine around here considered holy by your clan. But nothing else."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:46 am

Daisuke was unimpressed with Mikazuki's condescension. Before he could strike back at her with a clever retort, she had already continued speaking, going into an elaboration with regards to the significance of the full/new moon to their clan. It made sense now, somehow those two moons tap into their primal natures and actuate the beast within. A woman entered the room with a scroll containing intelligence on other clans. It was a poor diplomatic move on her part, but Daisuke didn't take offense. "That's partially true. We were nomads in the distant past and a minority remain that way to this day. It's called a wayshrine. They are sacred to our people, places of worship and portals that lead from one to the other." Talk of his clan's nomads reminded him of his parents and their leave of the compound less than a year ago. "Have any Noroi in the past found a way around it or at least attempted to?" His curiosity got the better of him. "...Earlier you had mentioned the Inuzuka clan of the Land of Fire, I know of them and all I felt from that remark earlier was disdain for the clan. Why is that?"

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:56 am

Mika nodded. "Yes we have, even I can't control myself on new and full moons. Why we lose control on those days has yet to be figured out. And as for the Inuzuka clan... we were once part of them. The elders of the clan didn't want to use Ninken, partially to save money partially not o feel second rate to other ninja. They used chakra to spice animal DNA into our DNA. when it was discovered we were kicked out... their are currently 3 generations of Noroi clan, with a 4th starting soon. I am from the 3rd generation. It just our DNA now. The hate for the clan is out of resentment, they kicked us out, and we want revenge. We have tried dipolomatic relations and all we do is butt heads. The only thing keeping us from fighting is the distince of our settlements." She finished up her tea ad place it down, putting the scroll next to it. "So why would you want to open relations with my clan Daisuke. Do you still want to open relations with my people?"

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 2:12 am

Daisuke listened carefully to the answers Mikazuki gave him. He finished his tea shortly after she was done talking. She had asked him what his motives were for arriving in their compound today. "I'm a man of principle, my reason for being here is a genuine gesture of friendship from my clan to yours." He smiled, that probably wasn't the response she was expecting. "Though I can handle the politics that come with the job, I'd simply like to lend a hand where it's needed and in the process develop safe passage to and fro Hi no Kuni and Yuga no Kuni with the use of our combined security forces; shinobi from our respective clans. My clansmen could certainly use this province as an outlet. Understand that while your war is yet political with the Inuzuka, we are in the midst of a destructive clan war with casualties." He let out a mild laugh. "...Isn't that ironic? Here I thought you and your clan needed an outlet, but it's me who's asking for one."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 2:27 am

His answer slightly surprised her. Usually after hearing that people back away. "Before we make any kind of alliance I think you should see my people during the full moon. Because if your asking for safe passage we may not be able to provide it, and I would like you to see why." She poured herself more tea and took another sip. "I know it will be dangerous but you are the head of your house so you can handle yourself. What we could try to do to make it safer is get the sent of the clan on you. There is a good way to do that but I just met you so I'd prefer to avoid that option. But by staying close to me over the next two days might make it safer if my sent rubs off of you. Considering our sense of smell, taste and hearing is stronger. Also staying close to random villages could help but I don't think they would like some random person in their personal space. It's not a full proof chance and I've never tried this before but it could work. Alternatively you can come back the day after and see the damage to the town. There always is some and if you are far enough away during the night you'll be fine, but you won't see the damage first hand."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 2:41 am

Mikazuki insisted on Daisuke actually witnessing their clan's Kekkei Genkai first-hand. "If it's completely necessary I'm open to it. However, should I be put into an unfavorable position and require I defend myself, I will not hesitate to do so." He was warning her here and now that there could very well be casualties if this observation were to go south. "...What exactly would be required of me to receive this scent of yours?" He asked her strictly out of curiosity. The way she put it, it seemed like he'd have to lower himself to doing something he normally wouldn't be required to do under most circumstances. A part of him was looking forward to examining the effects of the moon on the Noroi clansmen, but he wouldn't allow for his intrigue to get the better of him. No matter what may occur, he'd remain as composed and restrictive as possible.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:13 pm

"Well if you are going to have relations between our clans, I feel that it is." said Mika. Apparently Daisuke didn't pick up her hint, so her face turned a slight shade of red. "I'm going to have to say it... you're going to make me say it... One of the best way to spread scent is uh... well, you know.. the thing people do together, usually at night..." Mika shook her head violently. "No, we aren't going that though. There are other ways to get scent onto other people. Although even then the scent thing is only a theory. I don't know for sure that it will make you safe. But just us spending time together, my scent could rub off on you, we just need to throw personal space out the window for a day or two till the full moon. Or you can try to be stealthy about it and watch from downwind, cause like i said, our sense of smell is really good."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 1:36 pm

When Daisuke realized what Mikazuki was getting at he scratched the back of his head and smiled widely in an attempt to distract her from the redness of his face. "Oh! Well... Hah. Erm... I'd rather not." It seemed she didn't want to resort to that either, he certainly wouldn't. Another alternative was brought to mind, simply being in one another's presence for the next two days. What was unnerving to him was the bit about having literally no personal space. "It's a dual-edged sword; both sides will do me some level of harm or discomfort, but it certainly beats being mauled by werewolves or having to murder innocent Noroi clansmen." He was unsure about the effectiveness of her tactic. Could his scent be recognized as identical to another Noroi clansmen simply by hanging around them for a couple of days? He doubted it would work for very long. Either way, it was his only chance of not having to be harmed or do harm to others; one he would have to take. In the midst of thought, Mikazuki also suggested a stealthy approach. "I will be stealthy either way, Mikazuki-san. Even with the scent I don't want to position myself smack in the middle of thirty or so werewolves. How close would we have to be for this method?"

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 2:50 pm

"That's a good question and I simply don't know the answer." said Mika. "You obviously want to stay down wind, but for you, i'd say it's up to you how far you want to stay." Mika stood up. "Excuse me for a second." She then left the room. A few minutes later she returned, dressed in her normal clothes, her robe hanging over her shoulder. She tossed her robe to Daisuke. "Put that on, it has my scent on it, as long as we stay close to each other for the next few days my scent should rub off on you." Mika sat back down. "The longer you are expose to my scent the less chance you are attacked in a few days, but keep in mind most of us don't stay in the settlement during the full and new moons."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sat May 18, 2013 3:04 pm

Mikazuki had told Daisuke that the key factor to masking any trace of his scent would to be to remain in the direction from which the wind's blowing. Before she continued, she left the room and got changed, throwing her recently worn robe onto Daisuke's lap. "...?" It was for the sake of veiling his scent using her own. "I have to wear this robe for the next two days...?" He wasn't looking forward to that. Not only was it dirty, but it was a woman's robe; letting out a sigh he too exited the room and got changed into the robe. It fit him well enough, he had a lean if not petite physique, but it wasn't at all comfortable and he certainly wouldn't want his clansmen back home to see him like this.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sun May 19, 2013 2:41 pm

"I can give you more of the worn clothes but i don't think you'll like them as much." said Mika waving over her clothes. Daisuke got up then left, coming back wearing the robe. Mika fell over laughing. "You know you can just wear that over your clothes." said Mika with an amused. She stood up and walked over to Daisuke, she wrapped her arm around him. "Come on, let me know you around the settlement."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Sun May 19, 2013 2:57 pm

"I think it's more effective if I wear it over my skin. If I wore it over my kimono, then I'd be wearing the same kimono for the next two days to generate a nigh identical scent, whereas if it's in immediate contact with my skin, I can wear any piece of clothing over it and emit the same scent." In a strange way, subconsciously, Daisuke rather liked the robe and the way it fit on him. Mikazuki led him outside of the room and started giving him a tour of the Noroi compound. He was looking forward to it.

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Mon May 20, 2013 1:04 am

"Their was a method to my madness, but whatever you're comfortable with I guess." said Mika with a shrug. She pulled Daisuke alone. Pointing out important place but didn't go into much detail or point out any hidden exists. They weren't allies yet. The settlement wasn't very huge, but then again there weren't many of the them around. Before she knew it the day was at an end. "Since your here i expect you to help with preparations, Tomorrow we make sure there are certain things that survive the night. Take it as a chance to meet the rest of the clan."

Subject: Re: An Unsuspected Visitor. Tue May 21, 2013 1:16 am

The transition from night to day felt a lot shorter in the Land of Hot Springs than in the Land of Fire. It was new to Daisuke, days normally went along fairly slowly for him back home, probably because his station was behind a desk. Daisuke nodded when Mikazuki had informed him of her expectations for tomorrow. "Yes, we wouldn't want the clan's food supply or equipment to be torn asunder." ...Not that there was much in the compound anyway. It seemed as though the Noroi clan traveled lightly and morosely relied on the wilds than proper planning ahead of time for outside ventures. It's something Daisuke liked about them. Their simple needs. There weren't any ceremonial battle garbs or embellished robes nor was too much expected from the kinsmen of the Noroi. It was pleasant. It was then that Daisuke realized he shouldn't get too comfortable with the night's pleasures; much would be required of him the following day. "...I should get to bed." He began walking away, but halted his next steps. "...That's right, I'll likely be sharing your living quarters tonight. Do you intend to stay up much longer?" He let out a yawn.