Much had changed in seven years, and yet so much had stayed the same. These were initial impressions as he stared out over the town"no, city might be the correct word. Star's End was a bit closer now, due to the growth of the city limits. Several districts were now scattered about if the pamphlets were any indication. The venues for ritualized dueling were still in place, and the inn central to it all still stood.
He had changed little, except perhaps for a few new scars. He had been warned when he first arrived in Dragontown: Once you're touched by the Border, you're never quite the same again. And so it was with him. For a man of nearly forty he was as fit as kobun half his age. And that was only one reason he was regarded at times with suspicion. His tales of Bordertown and RhyDin were sensational, full of yōkai and best left unnamed and forgotten. A poor story to cover his true actions for the family.
His kumicho, however, knew better. There was a steady stream of trade between Osaka and Bordertown. Otherworldly art and treasures found their way into the collections of those with the money to afford them, paid for with the boxes of silk and chocolate that were wealth beyond compare in B"Town. It was an arrangement that served the Kuroi Kiri and the Dragons well.
Now, though, he was called away from his duties and back here. He did not know the reasons why, and he did not question the orders of his kumicho and oyabun. He would learn in time once Amaya-chan arrived. For now, he would find a suitable place to stay and to watch.
And perhaps, finally dream of a chance to rectify loss?
He had changed little, except perhaps for a few new scars. He had been warned when he first arrived in Dragontown: Once you're touched by the Border, you're never quite the same again. And so it was with him. For a man of nearly forty he was as fit as kobun half his age. And that was only one reason he was regarded at times with suspicion. His tales of Bordertown and RhyDin were sensational, full of yōkai and best left unnamed and forgotten. A poor story to cover his true actions for the family.
His kumicho, however, knew better. There was a steady stream of trade between Osaka and Bordertown. Otherworldly art and treasures found their way into the collections of those with the money to afford them, paid for with the boxes of silk and chocolate that were wealth beyond compare in B"Town. It was an arrangement that served the Kuroi Kiri and the Dragons well.
Now, though, he was called away from his duties and back here. He did not know the reasons why, and he did not question the orders of his kumicho and oyabun. He would learn in time once Amaya-chan arrived. For now, he would find a suitable place to stay and to watch.
And perhaps, finally dream of a chance to rectify loss?