Topic: Unfinished Business

Minobu Nokamura

Date: 2011-06-10 14:34 EST
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?

Minobu Nokamura

Date: 2011-06-10 15:55 EST
The apartment was like many in this part of town. The West End, it had been called by the realtor that had shown him the small studio apartment. The realtor, a Mr. Lantash, had been quite animated when explaining the colorful neighborhood. He had been quietly unimpressed. As with his original assessment, so much had changed, yet much was the same. The tower clock, the various markets"it was as he remembered. He had rented the studio apartment on the top floor of the brownstone near the heart of the West End, and spent the next several hours making the place ready to be lived in. Food had been purchased, and a quiet note of the routes and disposition of the Watch in the area made.

Smoke from the incense drifted slowly around the lotus blossom set on the low table, before which his weapons, a katana, tanto and the twin Glock 18c's. He sat in meditation before the makeshift shrine, his thoughts cast back into the fog of time, to a spot not too far to the north"

Again Minobu stepped in, his katana sweeping around in an arc that would, if it hit, take out Wylde's knee. Over the clash of steel and thunder he could hear the two fighting in the back.

Well, hell! Lusiphur threw open the door, pistol already in hand. He saw black hair, and fired that way. "You want some, mother f#&ker" Here's some for you!"

Grabbing more of the spelled acorns Tasha drew back to toss them at Omeko, and frowned as she disappeared in the black smoke. Pouting, she turned as Luse took off for the door. "Hey Grumpy, wait up! Don't you leave without ME!"

Wylde got his sword around to stop the blade right at his knee, then he was ducking for cover behind one of the hedges as Luse started firing like a madman. Growling in annoyance but loud enough to carry for the long eared elf he muttered. "Frell, Luse, watch out!"

He was about to bring his blade back around for another slash at Wylde when bullets started flying. Going down to one knee he pulled his own pistol and returned fire, spraying bullets across the front of the O&A.

Coming up behind Luse Tasha tossed out a handful of magical acorns before hiding behind the door frame, yanking him back with her. "Watch out!"

Luse knelt behind the porch railing, aiming at Minobu when he was jerked back. "Dammit Tasha! Can't ya see I'm busy here?"

Tasha's only reply was the sudden bubbling of delighted giggles as the area around where her acorns had tumbled was exploding with sound and brilliant light. "Oooh! Wicked!"

The world exploded in flashes of light and smoke, thanks to the tiny elf chittering like an insane chipmunk. He ducked back behind another bush, looking over toward where Wylde hid.

Wylde returned that stare, but with a rampaging Luse around, he wasn't about to move yet.

The storm answered Raidon's call, and he used the wind to lift up from the roof and land by Minobu. "The others are gone, and Samhain cannot hold the vampire much longer. Others will also be coming soon when their warfights are finished."

Kneeling in the doorway, Luse fired again, this time at the bushes where the two Asian's hid.

Minobu nodded. "Go." A bullet clipped his shoulder, and he gritted his teeth as he turned to melt into the shadows.

Wylde watched the two, and shook his head. Somehow he knew this wasn't finished. "Luse! Go check on Smoke.? Slowly his eyes opened, and he looked at the blades laid across the small table. Soon, perhaps, he would again be able to confront the one-eyed Trueblood. Soon, perhaps, there would be closure to unfinished business. For now, he was to watch and wait for the others to arrive. He would know more soon enough.

((Partly adapted from live play circa 2003 in The Oak and Ash memberroom on AOL))