Cooldown (D4, EE)

[Utaku Mukai]

The day had not been particularly hot but Mukai knew that was, at times, more dangerous than high heat. It was warm enough to work up sweat and lather but the quick drop to cold would, in turn, lead to ill mounts if they were not properly cared for.

As such Mukai and Hachiko were once more moving among the the various workhorses of the army making sure they had all been properly prepared for the night to come.

(D4, EE - Metagame: Survival/Earth - Animal Bond, school ability to reduce TN | TN: 1 | Success: 6 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 1


3 points to Strength, 1 Strife gained, 3 Strife lost to Animal Bond)

[Hida Yoshiko]

Wandering around the camp, Hida Yoshiko looked at the horses that accompanied the Legion on the march. She noted the Utaku and waved to the samurai. "Utaku san!"

[Utaku Mukai]

Oh, back to family names, Mukai really couldn't keep track of these social rules but, as usual, followed the example at play.

"Good evening Hida-san. Hope your march went well."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"Yes it did. How did yours go?" She looked at the horse with curiosity. "This is your friend right?"

[Utaku Mukai]

"Uneventful, which I suppose is better than yesterday." She runs a hand through her hair still wondering what the fate of Pei would end up being even if it wasn't her place or responsibility.

At the second part she brightens up and nods, "Yes. Hida Yoshiko this is Hachiko. Hachiko this is Hida Yoshiko." The mare, in turn, whinnies an acknowledgement while lowering her head in the Hida's direction. It wasn't a bow, sure, but it did seem like the horse was greeting the Crab.

[Hida Yoshiko]

Yoshiko patted the horse's snout. "Nice to meet you Hachiko san." She looked at Mukai. "Yeah, people said we were a bit slow but we are really in good pace."

[Utaku Mukai]

The horse happily pushes its snout into the hand.

"Well I hadn't meant the pace though I suppose the two might be linked. We found a farm that had been attacked by bandits. Entire family slaughtered except for one of the kids who had been in the fields when it happened. Not a good sight."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"Oh my!" Yoshiko was quite surprised. "That is awful. Why kill a whole innocent family? I will never understand."

[Utaku Mukai]

Mukai shakes her head, "I can't either. Guess that speaks better for us." She sighs at the memory, "Worst thing is it wasn't just about need. It wasn't that they were killed for resisting. They made sport of it. Worse than animals." It takes a concentrated effort not to spit on the thought of them.

[Hida Yoshiko]

"That is cruel." The Hida fist closed mad at the idea of people killing just for fun. "It is so... infuriating. I can't believe there is people like that.... they aren't people... they are bakemono." Yoshiko took a deep breath and frowned.

[Utaku Mukai]

Mukai nods, a fist clenched, "I truly wish our duties kept us here a little longer. I would very much like to assist in hunting this vermin down. But Shinjo-sama has alerted the proper people. I am sure it will be done. I just wish I could be there."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"Good...we can't delay our march South sadly because we are due to be on time for the debrief." Yoshiko sighed as her fist unclenched. "They will get those eastwards and bring the justice of the heavens upon them."

[Utaku Mukai]

"Good...we can't delay our march South sadly because we are due to be on time for the debrief." Yoshiko sighed as her fist unclenched. "They will get those eastwards and bring the justice of the heavens upon them."

"Indeed. I do hope there is a proper outlet to excise this anger once we do arrive."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"I think we will. There are many dangerous things that people can take their rage out on. Not to worry about that." Yoshiko nodded.

[Utaku Mukai]

"I think we will. There are many dangerous things that people can take their rage out on. Not to worry about that." Yoshiko nodded.

Mukai nods grimly, "Good, I have a lot to take out."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"For now how about we just go for a nice plate of rice?" She smiled. "Inari blesses us all with a nice fill of food."

[Utaku Mukai]

"For now how about we just go for a nice plate of rice?" She smiled. "Inari blesses us all with a nice fill of food."

Mukai grumbles a little but nods, "I doubt it will quell the fire I am feeling but at least I can keep it fueled until it is time for it to properly burn."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"Hai..." Yoshiko nodded. "I know but remember that hatred in our hearts can also corrupt. Don't let that corruption eat you up."

[Utaku Mukai]

"Hai..." Yoshiko nodded. "I know but remember that hatred in our hearts can also corrupt. Don't let that corruption eat you up."

Mukai sighs once again, "Then I shall endeavor, Yoshiko-san, but that part I admit will be a greater challenge than most physical foes could ever hope."

[Hida Yoshiko]

"Understandable... compassion should rule your mind even if our enemies don't practice it. Think about that." She nodded. "Rage shall come when time is right and let it not corrupt your compassionate heart. Hai?" The weird Crab smiled.