Topic: Lotus Business

Myllyanna Lotus

Date: 2014-08-06 23:43 EST
Myllyanna was happy to take this walk around the market place. It was more in the public eye than she had been in the habit of doing. There were things that had to be done and she couldn't think of any reason not to see to them herself. Chong and Hao walked with her. Ami shuffled along holding two small shopping gift bags from a local dessert Shoppe. Mylly had taken up to liking very particular and tiny gourmet desert in her last travel binge, and now there was only one Shoppe that could make it in town to her specifications.

Myllyanna had wanted to see to the new opening of a few businesses under the Lotus name in town. They had done well in AmberMist, so she wanted the same here. One of them was a gift for her niece, Kaede. It was just as much a gift for her as well. Anyone that knew Myllyanna, she did not deal in uncertainties, or believe in coincidences, but she loved fortune readings. Kaede had a gift; Myllyanna would not see it go to waste and decided the girl would get a specialized shop. She let Kaede pick a spot out of a few Mylly had scouted out. The shop would be gutted, refitted and decorated how Kaede wanted and needed.

She stood in front of the little building in a perfectly tailored pinstripe long skirt and jacket. "I still need to get with Ravenlock, about the other amenities. Here," she motioned to Chong, he handed a letter to Hao. "Deliver this to him please."

Uncle Chow

Date: 2014-08-09 00:07 EST
What happens when you take a chinese inter-demonsional criminal and give him an MP3 player loaded with J-Pop" No, strike that mess. What happens when you do that and THEN slap his asain butt in the middle of the market with no rhyme or reason'

"Dakara Shiny Make up tatakau yo hoshizora wo mamotte

Atarashii densetsu ga ima koko kara hajimaru

La La Pretty Guardian SAILOR MOOOOOOOON!!"

That's exactly what you get! A singing Uncle Chow stepping down the road clad neck to ankle in an old school track suit of gold with black stripes down the side, with some white Adidas kicks and yes they had the fat laces. Expensive aviator shades, along with a big gold chain and medallion, wrapped up the ensemble for the man who obviously stood out, as he began to twerk.

Yes, Uncle Chow just twerked to Sailor Moon's opening theme. In the middle of the road, that run through the middle of the marketplace in the middle of the day with everyone present. It didn't matter to Uncle Chow, cause that's how Uncle Chow rolled. Like an asain boss, singing J-Pop.

Chow stopped, "What you fools looking at, never seen a Chinese man dance like Disney whore on shore leave?" Chow didn't care, he waved the people off and went on his way again, soon catching sight of some figures across the way.

"Chow know that anywhere, yup."

So there went Chow across the way, "Mylly girl, wassssuuup! Air kiss to you, an you too Kaede! What you two girls doing out here in this hot %$# sun??

Kaede Chow

Date: 2014-08-10 09:54 EST
Kaede had a gift to be sure. And as we all know, some gifts come at a cost. In this case, the girl was what could be called legally blind. Oh, she could still see, but rather poorly. This led to a lot of bruise shins, scrapped knees and a battered dignity.

Still, she enjoyed the time out wandering the marketplace with her aunt. They did not share a bloodline, but then it didn't matter. Uncle Chow proclaimed her his niece and that was the end of that. Still she often wondered about her birth family.

"Mylly girl, wassssuuup! Air kiss to you, an you too Kaede! What you two girls doing out here in this hot %$# sun?"

Those thoughts fled her mind as the aforementioned Uncle put in an appearance. She smiled indulgently to him. "Good afternoon, Uncle." Her aunt once accused her of encouraging her uncle...

The imp just had to smile at that thought.

Myllyanna Lotus

Date: 2014-08-15 02:52 EST
Mylly had spun on her heels, the fan flickered the air about her face and hair a minute as she'd heard Uncle Chow. She thought to herself 'he found us how"' Then the thought was gone.

She turned right back and faced the shop. She explained as she walked up to the door and opened it with a different pair of keys than the ones she gave Kaede a few nights ago.

"We are looking at all my stores. Also, I bought Kaede a little shop." She pushed open the door and stepped aside. She'd let Kaede get escorted first as she continued talking with Chow.

"I have secured a little laundry shop, and..." she gave a look down her nose to Chow, trying to judge what he may say ahead of time, "I'm also building a love hotel. I'm sure you were familiar with those at one time?"

The multi-themed hotel for lovers should be completed soon. She'd kept most of that quiet afraid of what 'suggestions' Chow would have for the decorators. While she was sure he'd have some interesting ideas, she wasn't sure if the customers would agree on what was interesting and what was down right criminal.

She'd let Kaede get a feel for the place and some of the things she wished to get done, mentioned. She looked off into the direction the Hao had gone. While Hao was long gone, one of their fastest, something off-putting caught Mylly's gaze. This was not a well traveled section of the market place. But, it wasn't unusual for some bit of traffic. The Lotus Clan's own noodle cart rolled down this very street most afternoons and early evenings.

What ever it was, she felt she'd seen it before. She'd ponder later. Right now she was more interested in Kaede's shop. She glanced over her other shoulder looking for Yu.

Rong Yu

Date: 2014-08-18 00:50 EST
Yu kept to the flanks as per instruction. Chow hadn't noticed him, yet; let's see how long that lasts. While the Madame, Chow and Kaede conversed his gaze roved the vicinity. On the next sweep back to the trio Yu noted they were starting to venture into a nondescript shop. Several paces behind he'd make his way after.

"Master Chow." A keeper of formal greetings Yu nodded his head to Chow. Then came the look from the Madame. His brows rose from behind the frames of dark sunglasses. "Yes?" Expecting the Madame to give him further instruction Yu stood at the ready.

Uncle Chow

Date: 2014-08-19 00:38 EST
Oh she thought alright and do you know why the thought that Mylly had in regards to our dear uncle Chow had left her, as soon as she had thought the thought' I'll tell you, it's because she already knew the answer. That answer being, "Because it's Chow, that's why". Chow is as Chow is, Chow does as Chow does, Chow is Chow, it is as simple as that. As constant as the northern star, is our dear Uncle Chow. " Now if Uncle Chow was anything at all, it was predictable to a fault. Some of you out there may think that's a bad thing and in some ways you may be correct in your assessment, however when it comes to Uncle Chow, that just doesn't seem to be the case. Why, you ask" Because it is simply, Uncle Chow. That's why. You see, just because you know something is coming, doesn't mean that you will be prepared for it, despite your best intentions. Uncle Chow seems to be one of those things, which is something that has never been lost on Myllyanna.

" And even though Chow had been fooling around with his MP3 player and seemed totally oblivious to the words of Myllyanna let me be the first to tell you, you'd be almost right. He saw that look she gave and he heard her too. Well, he heard some of what she said. "Laundry shop, how cute and clich". We get all the sweat shop kiddies to come down and work for us long time, right' We open some take out stands too with some shiddy-wok too' Maybe Mongorians can deliver for us" Why not open love hotel" Wait, what"!" " Chow's eyes rose to meet Myllyanna's, while he dropped that MP3 player. The fact that it clattered to the ground mattered little to the man. In fact he didn't care at all, because Myllyanna had said something special that was very near to the man's heart. "Did you say, hotel for lovers" Love hotel" Is that what you said" You did say that right?" Chong's eyes went wide for a moment, looking for some sense of clarity to be given from Myllyanna. He spoke again, this time his voice lost all hint of any accent. "Myllyanna don't you dare joke with this old man's heart, especially at such a time as this. If you indeed plan to build a love hotel then you know that I, Uncle Chow, MUST be allowed to partake in the development process. After all with such a vast and quite categorized experience in such matters, it only makes perfect sense, as I am sure you will understand."

Realizing he lost himself in the moment, Uncle Chow stood there wondering just what to do in the wake of pleading his case as such. So he did what only Uncle Chow would do. He bent down and picked up that MP3 player, dusting it off as he spoke once more. "Uncle Chow got excited, anyways forget what I said. Except part about love hotel, you don't forget that. Besides you already know Uncle Chow big fan of big booty %^$#% and all that other Bangkok &%#$ so Uncle Chow help."

Yu, oh sweet Yu. It was almost cute how he skulked around like he did. It almost reminded Chow of his younger days, when he would steal into homes, stealing panties for his ever lasting collection while dodging a pissed off red head and her over stuffed panda companion. Or was that part of a plot line to some anime he used to watch, he couldn't say. Anyways, Yu was waved to. "Yu, why you call me master" Chow's no master to you, if Chow was you'd be dressed like little school gir....oh nevermind, Chow like you too much!" Chow grinned, lifting his shades enough to flash a wink to Kaede. "Chow likes this city, love it long time!"

Kaede Chow

Date: 2014-08-22 18:57 EST
Kaede was quietly smiling as her Uncle tried to horn in on her Aunt's "Love Hotel."

Yes, her beloved Uncle was a force of nature unto himself. Even if you said *No* and did everything possible to keep him out, he still found his way in. The family knew this very intimately. Though sometimes Kaede would egg it on just because...

Still to hear her Uncle tease Yu kept the smile on her face, perhaps growing larger. Don't mistake the intention, she genuinely liked him and seemed to enjoy having his presence near her...

To not hear her Uncle being himself caused her to worry to no end. To hear him being Raucous, Rowdy and Rude meant that everything was as it should be in her own world.

To the young woman there were several things that were expected and even considered *normal*; whatever that may mean.

~ The Brothers' serious and near silent presence ~ Her Aunt's calm presence even in the face of Uncle Chow's disreputable charms. ~ Her Uncle's chaotic presence; all sound and fury signifying seemingly nothing at all....

Until you discovered something of value missing.

Ladies, check your unmentionables!!!

Myllyanna Lotus

Date: 2014-09-04 19:27 EST
She knew "That' would placate Chow for a little while. She looked at Kaede, who still r remained silent. Myllyanna looked at her a while longer in the hall of the shop before she turned to Yu and Chong.

"Chong, leave Yu here with Kaede. She can think about what she wants to do with the room with fewer distractions. We need to go on to the next. I want to check out each of the buildings before we open fully to the public." Myllyanna knew some of the other Lotus Clan brothers would be waiting, guarding until Myllyanna and the others would show up.

With the sound of the door shutting behind her and Chong ahead of her, stepped back onto the decorative stone of Market Place sidewalk and street. She was pulling off a pair of thin soft leather gloves as she walked on towards the Laundry service. The weather had been too warm for gloves, but Myllyanna had other reasons for not leaving an imprint at the shop. Each step she took seemed effortless, and it was. Chong walked ahead of her not as any real station, but that he was actually clearing the way for her to walk without having to pause or wait for anyone to move out of the way. She did like that about Chong. He always seemed her favorite in that aspect, and she smiled at his back thinking about just how loyal he had been these so many years. As a matter of fact, Myllyanna could no longer count the years that many of the clan had been with her. Sure many had been lost, some even killed by her hand or word. How many had joined since then" How many alliances had come and gone?

Maybe it was because she'd been walking in such thought that she almost missed it. She halted at once causing Chong to heel to her suddenly in concern. She felt it. So faint, so light. It was like feeling a cold raindrop against your skin on a hot summer day, but when you looked up, nothing but clear blue skies and no hint of a raindrop remains on your flesh. Her face blank as she looked into the nowhere, a million miles away into the space between the now and then. An expression no one could explain, but many would recognize. Unblinking she looked to a small spot on the side of a building As if her eyes would catch that' thing, that feeling just one more time.

Garet

Date: 2014-09-04 22:02 EST
He'd been there. He'd always been there, even if they had not known. Such was the way of the man formerly known as Garet Jax and after that, Garet Ravenlock.

Now, he was simply Garet, her Garet. Which was perfectly fine with him, because that is exactly the way it was. Such as the way with Chong, Ami, Chow and so many others, when it came to the Lady. And much like the others, Garet was never too far away from her. Much to the disappointment of some, which did not bother Garet at all, because when it came to her or the Lotus, Garet did not concern himself over the issues of others. It was they people would say, what it was.

So, from the shadows across the way, the man appeared. Looking quite the contrast to those that were out and about, as he wore a pair of black creased dress slacks, with matching shoes, along with a single breasted black jacket of velvet that had a solid collar of mandarin for accent. It was Armani, and he made no apologies for it. His eyes canvassed the area rather intently, from behind the narrow framed sun glasses he wore, as he cut that distance between he and the Lady. Ever present in his left hand was a shin gunto, a sheathed Japanese katana, circa terra 1941. A relic of a long since passed war that engulfed much of the earth, for many years. A relic that he himself had found, while on a dig site at the behest of the Lady, and more so it was a gift from her to him. Completely restored, no less.

Another look was taken around the area, and then? He was standing right next to her, as she had been watching the building. Not a word was said, for he understood all too well that none were required. Instead, he waited for her, such was his way.

Myllyanna Lotus

Date: 2014-09-13 23:22 EST
At first she had thought it was the simple presence of her Garet that caught her attention. No. This, this was something else entirely. It was far away, yet still too close. She didn't bat an eye at the discovery, that was not her way. Instead she turned and looked towards Garet and assumed a stoic demeanor before continuing the way towards the cleaners. She took notice of the relic and suit, a small flicker in the corner of her mouth would tell him she very much approved, even if she was no longer looking directly at him.

"Chong, I've decided to have dinner tonight at Gonpachi tonight. I want everyone there, even Chow and Kaede since they have yet to visit the steakhouse. Make sure to tell the others." She knew she would not have to ask or tell Garet to join them. He just would.

It had been a while since they had all sat around and had a large festive meal. To check on the business and to treat the Clan, even the little brothers would be allowed to attend.

She could smell the scented detergent of the cleaners before the small shop came into view. The scent of lavender was something she demanded be added unless otherwise asked not to. It was something small she could always remember from forever ago. The sentimental nature of it caught her unaware, but she would not change it. There was a reason even if it did not announce itself yet.

As they reached the cleaners, the little old couple came hurrying out with their sons, huge honest smiles on their bowing faces. Myllyanna began to talk to them very quietly, but swiftly in a slightly different language then heard even around the house ShinKa or Clan members.

Myllyanna Lotus

Date: 2014-12-20 22:42 EST
Months Later

Many months had passed and winter was knocking on the door. Myllyanna watched the snow fall. Another year, another season, another snow covered night. The house was full except for one room. Mylly was expecting a very dear and old friend to come for winter. She knew it would be his last and a little something pained her heart.

She stood in the vast study near one of the high arched windows. For all her love of back home, she'd become a fan of Gothic to Victorian architecture through all her trips in and out of realms of different eras. She assumed it was the balance of arcs and curves with straight lines. There was much to admire about it if one was to look past the paint and gilded edges. She'd savor that conversation for very few friends.

She sipped warm sake from a little cup and pulled herself back to the thoughts that were more important...

The holidays were upon her. She didn't mind them at all. But now she had Chow in the house. His festive side was in no way tame. Almost every bit of the large manor had been decorated, spare her most library and her private chambers. She agreed to a small tree in the library but only bits of winter flowers, candles, and garland in her room. Most of it was to shut Chow up but it seemed to have cheered Ami up a bit.

Perhaps she would have been more joyous herself at the gift giving and festival season if she didn't know what was soon to follow. She'd known for months. She'd been planning for months. Even though she had a great idea of who, she was unsure exactly when and what. Those terms she would discuss with Chow and Chong in private and separately. The others were fine not knowing. For there wasn't much that would help. Her eyes has slowly moved to Ami and Jun. Ami was busy looking over a large book as Junbao helped her with a few hard words or translations.

Junbao and Ami had grown as close as maybe many siblings would. Though Ami was no sister of blood or title, Ami has been raised by Myllyanna since a child and many years before Jun was even born. She'd helped raise him, filling in the part of nanny and light caretaker until his formal education had started. Ami, was rather delicately educated, so now it was a rare glimpse at the kindness that Junbao had and he was now helping her. Ami had never asked, but it was for her own safety that her education had been slow. Now that time had passed and soon Ami would be granted freedoms Myllyanna knew would free the child from harm.

Even as she watched, a small shadow upon the table shifted. Across the table, stones of various colors and shine marked many different things. But the shadows where no stone stood slowly made their way from the edge of the table's furthest map edge.

Junbao

Date: 2014-12-22 17:50 EST
the next day

After seeing Kaede to the fortune teller shop, Junbao and Tibs has a more than enough time to kill. Slowing their pace, it was Tiberius who spoke first. Tibs seemed to meander, his walk always near a casual stroll and a strut. Jun never figured out how he did that. Perhaps it was to keep his strides a bit shorter, though Jun had no problem keeping up with his taller friend.

This being the second day of winter and full Yule was underway, the streets where snowy and the crowds seemed clumped. In some places there were just too many, so Tibs had waited until he felt they'd survived the last wave of holiday shoppers before she spoke up.

"Your mother..." Tibs started to ask but said so in a quiet yet curious tone.

This made Jun come to a sudden halt in the middle of the sidewalk. He stopped and looked curiously at his friend, this was very unexpected. A snowwhite brow lifted as he waited for Tibs to continue. He watched the breath form pockets of steam as Tiberius sighed and looked as if he was trying to form his words correctly. Jun may not have thought much about it if Tibs had used a different tone.

"I know she, knows thing. Or, ways about things."

Tibs was many things, but unobservant was not one of those. When he chose to pay attention, he caught the smallest of things with a speed Junbao had to admire. Now whether or not he would act on them or not, or admit he knew them was another thing. There had been plenty of opportunities and insight into Jun's family that Tibs had been privy to as one of his closest friends for nearing 2 years.

"What about her." "I am at a dead end and I don't know where else to turn." he lowered his voice a bit as a pair of shoppers started their way. "I was wondering if maybe, she would help me."

The young men started to walk again. Junbao buried deeper into his luxurious coat letting a few thoughts surface in his mind at the request. He could feel Tibs watching his face for a reaction.

"You understand there would be a price. My friend or not. There is always a price, even I could give you no insight to the cost until you speak with her." "I figured." "Is this about your father?" "Sort of, mostly. Yes." "She's not a detective agency, you know." "I know." "She may not be able to help you." "I know that too."

Jun stopped with an exasperated sigh and turned to look at his friend again.

"You may not like the answer she gives you but the price will still need to be paid." Tibs nodded like he understood.

Jun had to wonder if he really understood. Really really understood. He also knew the price of the deal would depend on the answer or help she would be able to render. But looking up and studying the face of his closest friend he saw something he's not seen before in the eyes of the young man. His friend was standing on the edge of bleakness. For him to come to seek help outside his own resources regardless of the cost, he knew it was humbling act.

"We'll talk to her." Jun sighed again and turned starting to walk again. Jun would talk to her with Tibs so that he would know the extent of his favor and to make sure Tibs, while his mother seemed to like the family very much, didn't get put in any uncomfortable situations. This would also leave Chong out of it. Chong made Tibs understandable nervous after some of the little brothers under the command of Chong and Hao nearly killed Tibs quite a while back.

"Thanks..." "....Don't thank me yet."

Uncle Chow

Date: 2014-12-23 11:10 EST
Somewhere inside the manor

"Jingle Bell Chow been to hell, they kick chow out and say!

Get you @#$ out of here, no numbah 5 combination platter todaaaaaaay hey!"

The singing could be heard all over the impressively large manor of one Myllyanna Lotus, much to the dismay of a great many. Still, dismay aside Chow was in the most festive of moods and made no effort to hide such a fact, which had been made more the apparent by the white trimmed-crimson coat and hat he wore as he sang loudly for the world to hear.

"Weeeeck the baw with Chow an Chawhee Fah Rah Rah Rah Rah, Rah Rah Rah Raaaah!

Then we run cause it so funny, Fah Rah Rah Rah Rah, Rah Rah Rah' what that' Chow got word wrong" You for real" No, Chow no get...hey what that' Book" Horiday Songs" Okay Okay, Chow have look! Give Chow book! Okay, okay' Hey! Chow not look like Candy-Cane Pimp! Chow smooth Crimina, like Jackson boy, cept Chow no like little boys half off!"

And as if there were a small Yule-ish miracle, Uncle Taefong Chow the 3rd went quiet. Mind you, it was only because he was reading the book of Holiday Songs he had been given by one of the staff, who had lost a game of "rock paper scissors " the was thus forced to tell the Inter-Demonsional Criminal and loveable figure that he had in fact had been singing the songs most incorrectly.

Then a few minutes later something miraculous happened. The eyes of Uncle Chow widened three times, allowing him to truly see the error of his ways!

"Horee chit! Uncle Chow been wrong all arong!" Uncle Chow see now, thank you young woman! Uncle Chow owe you big time, you look for gift under tree from Chow! As bonus Uncle Chow even forget Candy' No Uncle Chow no forget, in fact Uncle Chow thank you again! Next Year Uncle Chow start new horiday line of clothing! Horiday for Pimps! Chow make lotta money you see an Chow reward you too!"

A pat on the head for the young woman who just stood there looking dumbstruck and then Chow was off once more, singing no less!

"Con mi burrito sabanero voy camino de Bel"n ! Si me ven, si me ven, voy camino de Bel"n!

Tuquituquituqui, tuquituquita , apurate mi burrito que ya vamos a llegar!

Tuquituquituqui, tuquituquitu, apurate mi burrito que vamos a ver a Jes's!?

Ami Lotus

Date: 2015-04-22 22:27 EST
Spring

Within the walls of Shin Ka, far away from the Victorian Estate kept within the city proper, a light drizzle of pink began to fall. A very old and dear friend comes to stay.

Takashi had been gone so long now so long he lost count. His unnatural long life had been a gift of light and dark, and his journey long. Even had his bone not been brittle, his joints wooden, and his eyesight failing, he would have insisted walking arm and arm with the lovely young maid Ami. She was patient and kind to him with each slow step up scant stairs that led to the garden. They had offered him a chair or to be carried, but he insisted on walking. Ami was just thankful it was spring and a day of pleasant weather. Today was truly blessed with such a clear sky and tender rays of sun.

Takashi patted Ami's hand that gently lay over his forearm with his own shaky hand. "You are a good girl, Ami." And another step was taken slowly. "Thank you, Takashi-sama but I would feel better if you would have let us carry or lift you." Ami blushed in shame thinking her Mistress would be cross she didn't insist and all but force him to do so. "Bah, nonsense. I am no more a guest here than you are. I have just been gone longer." "But Mistress Myll.." "Thank you for humoring an old man." He patted her hand once more as he gave her a wrinkled and wise smile cutting her off.

A pink petal fell before his white silk slippered feet causing him to hault. Ami's face was lit with concern at his sudden stop. "Takashi-sama?" Ami inquired turning to face him more, feeling his hand grow heavy on her arm. She must have looked like a cat caught in the butter, she felt so scared suddenly when he did not answer.

"Takashi-sama?" She stepped to move in front of him letting go of his arm but not his hand in an attempt to see his face. But as she did, his hand came out and halted her. His strength and quickness shocking for his dusty old bones. Before she could take another step she looked down to see what he'd been looking at, the same petal was there but under the shadow of her own silk slipper. She slowly withdrew her step avoiding stepping on it. Obviously it had been the object of his sudden fascination.

"Takashi-sama" Please, say something. Are you okay?"

The elder slowly looked up towards the gardens where two more danced in the air briefly before they too sank gracefully to the ground.

"Yes little dove. I am okay." he places a hand over hers reassuringly and started to walk again. Some how more purpose in his step causing Ami to move back to his side, arm in arm. "How long have they been here??

Ami Lotus

Date: 2015-04-22 22:29 EST
Ami thought for many a moment. "She had them brought in to SkinKa and had one planted in town as well, some time last year. I am sorry I don't remember exactly. It was funny Takashi-sama. One day the gardeners were tearing up every Camellia." Somehow even though she was trying her best to not frown, she had been extremely sad to see them go. They had been so pretty and red.

Some how this cause Takashi to start laughing. Softly at first then a bit more loudly causing Ami to look at him, eyes wide with surprise. "My dear you are such an open book. But a new book. It is refreshing." They started walking again as she tried to not turn red at feeling like she was the butt of a joke.

"Takashi-sama..."

"No, no dear. I'm sorry." He took another step and they were finally in the garden. Flowers of many sizes and colors seemed to look up, reaching to catch the light drift of pink petals that flickered down here and there. "Let us have a seat while we wait. Ah. This will do."

He sat down having picked a soft white bench under one of the new trees in full bloom. Their cherry blossoms painting the air with soft hues and soothing fragrance.

"This is something, though it breaks my heart also fills it with joy." "I don't understand." "Of course you don't. But you soon will. Why did you like the Camellia?" "In the language of flowers, the tsubaki means love." "So you think that by tearing them all up..." "....she has forsaken love."

Takashi laughed even deeper, his wrinkled face seemed to smile even more with each wrinkle upturned.

"Of course you didn't come from the same place and she did. Where I did, not the same time to fully understand." he let out a happy sigh as he looked at the small petal that fell into his hand. "It actually explains why she has summoned me here from the mountain top. She's chosen another."

Ami knitted her brows but before she could say, "But the Mistress seemed so happy with Master Ga..." she slapped her hands over her mouth realizing what she was about to say. One it was not her place, two was not her business. Lastly, three was one and two.

"I will say this, without saying too much. So listen closely as this is saying more than she ever will. The Love flower is gone because she has chosen her warrior, her protector for many things to come. Someone very close to her. For there is no love flower for the warrior, only sadness for he and those that love him."

"The Sakura bloom with such life and then fall to the ground within days. Many considered such a thing to remind us of mortality and just how beautiful but brief life is and die with a dramatic fall. The sadness and tear. The warrior dislikes how the Camellia, or the Tsubaki, fall. All at once and thunk to the ground. They consider them bad luck and a sign of a disgraceful death."

Ami watched as another petal floated down as she took in the tale. She knew she'd heard bits of the story and over time with Myllyanna, she had forgotten just how ancient the Dragon Lady really was, the era was so steeped in tradition compared to Ami's own.

"Such a romantic time..." she let slip out.

"So you see, she must care deeply for this warrior to have uprooted her own garden. The one in which she would let no other warrior find a blessing in." He let out a big quick sigh as he started to stand up. "I often worried knowing my time was soon coming to an end I know another's is just beginning. I worry about her until I see just how devoted you young ones are. And now that I know she holds someone that close to her heart, even if she'll never admit it out loud, I can die a happy old man in a luxurious bed and a full belly."

"Takashi-sama, don't talk like that." Ami was quick to her feet to help him get up, taking again his offered arm to help him. "Let's get some tea, Ami? he gave her a wrinkled wink as they headed indoors.