Welcome to Gaia! ::

It appeared that Kailani was beginning to settle, her tears slowing and even some levity showing when she chuckled. Shingen was relieved, so much co that his smile would not leave him. It wasn’t until he caught Kanna watching him that he became self conscious and turned away from her, pretending to be busy with their luggage. The tea and the table had been set and awaiting it’s guests. When Kai asked for tissues, Shingen scrambled back over to her. ”Of course. I’m sorry.” He replied for being inconsiderate. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a tenugui, a japanese handkerchief of sorts. A gentleman always carried one. Shingen handed it over to Kai then turned back to Kanna. It was a rectangular piece of unhemmed fabric, dark blue in color but at it’s center was the Maeda kamon, or family crest.

Turning to Kanna in order to give Kai a bit of privacy, he asked her a question, “Is there anything I can do? You’ve been such a help.” Shingen was eternally grateful for the hospitality despite their sudden arrival. Kanna pauses mid-pour, her sharp eyes softening as she looks at him. She finishes pouring the tea, hands Shingen a cup, and then sits across from him. Her voice is calm, with a touch of warmth. “ You’ve been through enough, Shingen. Offering to help says more than you realize. But if you really want to do something for me…” She said as she looked him directly in the eyes. “ Stop carrying every burden as if it’s yours alone.” Shingen stiffens slightly, his hand tightening around the tea cup. Kanna leans back, her expression thoughtful but firm. “You think you’re the only one who feels responsible for this village, for the people around you. But what about her?” She gestured toward Kai. “She’s here because she chose to be. Because she believes in you. And me? Nobuhiro? The others? We’re here too. Yet you act like the weight of the world is yours to carry.”

Shingen lowered his gaze, guilt flickering across his face but Kanna softened, her voice quieter now. “I don’t need you to repay me, Shingen. What I need...what we all need...is for you to trust us. Let us carry some of that weight. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.” Kanna picks up her own tea, taking a slow sip before adding with a playful smirk: “If you really want to repay me, though… there’s a pile of herbs that need sorting. But something tells me you’re better at fighting spirits than drying leaves.” Her teasing tone breaks the tension slightly. Shingen huffs a quiet chuckle, shaking his head as some of the weight on his shoulders seems to ease.

Kanna’s firm advice drew a pensiveness from Shingen. He took a sip from his hot tea, his eyes low in contemplation. When Kai tugged at his sleeve, he turned to find a compassionate look on her. She assured him that he wasn’t alone and pledged to do what she could. Smiling, he nodded with a new acknowledgement, marked by the way he searched her eyes. Shingen let them take their time enjoying their tea. Kanna must have worked her magic and put something in the leaves because by the time they had finished and were on their way, a deep and settled peace was upon them.

Returning to the main road up towards the temple, Shingen had his eyes up, looking ahead, ready for whatever awaited him. As the doctor tidied things up and returned to her work, she found Nobuhiro leaning against the door frame at the entrance, arms crossed in the leisurely way he often stood. “He’s different, isn’t he?” He said. Kanna only glanced over to him once to acknowledge him before moving to the bed in order to strip it and replace the bedding. “I mean, he never really cared all that much...about anything, really.” Nobuhiro shrugged, looking for any kind of reciprocation but Kanna only smiled that gentle, maternal smile. “The last time you saw him, he was still a child. At some point, we all have to grow up, don’t we?” She peeked up at him and he looked a bit taken aback as being called out then turned his head and pouted with a huff. “Yeah, I guess...”

The sun was beginning to set by the time they were back on the road but it was not far to their destination now. The lights on the main road began to be lit. There was an interesting marriage between the clearly antiquated architecture and modern innovation, well reflected in the varying kinds of lighting each building had. Paper lanterns lit by electrical means, designed to look like fire on the inside could be seen beside individual, ambient LED lights meant to light up pathways in and around the buildings. Foot traffic was also slower now as the village readied itself for dinner, villagers all coming home to roost. As Shingen and Kai walked by, however, many of the pedestrians would stop upon recognizing him and bow in a deeper kind of way to show respect. He would nod his head to each and every one, grateful for the gesture but fighting the feeling of guilt in his gut. There were a few who looked on with disdain and stared defiantly as they passed by. Shingen did not meet their gazes but glanced over to Kai, hoping it did not put her off too much.

Eventually, the path opened up to a crossroads ahead where a staircase led up to a Torii gate leading to the Maeda Temple. There was someone standing near the crossroads just to the side, partly obscured in shadow, cast by the true lantern light of the stone lanterns flanking the corners of the four paths. The posture of the figure was one of a man but was made even more threatening by the way he looked to be waiting for them. Expectantly tense, arms at the side but hands clenched into fists. Shingen already knew who it was before they ever reached him and tension had already welled up in response. So much for Kanna’s tea.

“Well if it isn’t the prodigal son, back to grovel.” He said in an insulting tone. Shingen intended to walk past him and up to the temple for sanctuary but the way the man stood in the middle of the road made that impossible. “You’ve got some nerve showing your face here again.” Shingen's jaw clenched in frustration as the two stared each other down. “Tatsumaru.” Was all Shingen muttered. The difference in light had forced his eyes to adjust, eventually focusing upon a well-muscled man not far off Shingen’s age although still appearing a bit younger. He was of a dark countenance, his appearance almost mirroring his predisposition. Tatsumaru was Shingen's younger brother. A much more intense and fiery fruit of the Maeda main branch.

“You thought you could just show up here again after running out on us?” He said, Shingen noticed a blade sheathed at Tatsumaru’s side. “You wouldn’t understand, Tatsu.” He replied, almost through gritted teeth. “Understand!?” Tatsumaru took a step forward as if being provoked by an insult. “I understand plenty! You were too much of a coward to face the music. You never had it in you to be a real leader, so you spat in the face of the elders and ran!” Tatsumaru was becoming increasingly angrier and Shingen's dismissiveness only seemed to fuel the fire. “I’m not doing this with you right now.” Shingen said, trying to hide how true his words had struck and how unprepared he actually was to defend himself.

By then, two more people had appeared at the summit of the stairs, looking down on what was happening below. “Tatsumaru!!” an older man’s voice called out from above, drawing the attention from both men. IT was only then that Shingen realized his brother had a grip of his weapon and released it when he saw who was calling him. “We’re not done.” He hissed before storming off down the left path. As he moved away, he had given Kai the same look he gave Shingen, full of ire and disgust. “I’m sorry about that". Shingen apologized, staring past the stairs and into nothing in particular. “I’ll have to deal with him at some point.” He then looked up at the people waiting on them at the top. There was a burdened glance over to Kai to make sure everything was alright before beginning to climb.

Shingen watched Tatsumaru storm off. He knew that things were going to likely escalate if they continued but Shingen truly had no words for his brother at that moment. There was much truth to what he said and in reality he had left all the same. He knew there would be people that would be hurt and those that would resent him for it but he felt like it was something he had to do. Feeling a tug at his sleeve, Shingen turned to see Kai telling him to go after his brother. “I don’t think now’s a good time. He needs to cool off, Kai. It’s…just too soon.” He said hesitantly. Shingen would face him soon enough, he owed him that much. He slowly started up the stairs, hoping Kai didn’t think he was making excuses. There was a sliver of fear in the idea of the confrontation, enough to give off the notion that he was putting it off.

At the top of the stairs and just within the red framed gate, stood two individuals. To the left was an older man dressed in priestly garb and on the right was a woman closer to middle age, dressed traditionally like most of the villagers but not nearly as flashy as the elder. When Shingen and Kai approached, the two smiled. “Welcome home, my son.” Said the older man before lowering himself into a bow where the woman also joined. “It’s good to see you again, grandfather. Mother.” Shingen replied with a look of relief and warmth. He bowed to them in return. Shingen wasted no time introducing Kai. “I’d like you to meet Kailani Zaccheus. She is the wielder of a very interesting kind of magic and a close friend.” He said, turning to her now. “It means a lot to have her come along and put up with everything she’s had to put up with until now.” The last part mostly directed towards her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kailani.” The woman spoke this time. “My name is Hajime. I am Shingen’s mother.” She bowed again. “And I am Hideki. Shingen’s grandfather and head of the temple.” He followed suit. “Come, You both must be weary from the journey. I understand you paid a visit to Kanna on your way in? Is everything alright?” Hideki asked them as they began to walk into the courtyard at the forefront of the large temple grounds. It could be assumed they were at one of the highest points, elevation wise, due to there being nothing above the temple and it’s buildings save for the mountains.

“Oh, yes. We needed a break. The way up felt longer than I remember.” Shingen chuckled. “What brings you here, Kailani?” Hajime politely asked, her hands folded over each other and a curious expression on her face. She was her usual hospitable self but seemed to take an interest.

It likely wasn’t clear to his elders that Shingen was still frazzled by his brother’s confrontation but he recognized that Kai surely would. Her wise words sat heavily with him as they continued on inside, although he tried to live more in the moment for his family’s sake. His mother looked all together pleased but women had a way of putting their best foot forward when it called for it. He could tell that she was genuinely happy to see him but there was no way around the fact that they had not spoken or seen each other for a long time. The same could be said about his grandfather. The older gentleman, however, was a deep well of understanding that Shingen could never get a read on. Shingen had often found it difficult to hide anything from him and would eventually stop trying altogether.

Shingen could hear Kai’s and his mother speaking, the smaller brunette being as polite as ever and reflecting the same energy and respect as she bowed. He couldn’t help but smile warmly at the sight. It was true that Shingen had recruited Kai to come along but in reality, he wanted to keep everything about their dealings a secret. The money that he happily donated to her family’s business and all the resources expended to have her come along had been made on his own accord. And with everything involving The Watcher and the incident in Barcelona, he had to do everything in his power to keep her safe. Even now, he had people watching over her family, just in case.






Leaving the courtyard and entering into the estate, the four walked into an immaculately kept home. Hallways of locally procured wood flooring stretched out before them, lined with walls with wooden trims and Japanese paper door framing. The spaces were ample and set in a way that allowed free movement across the building although everything from bedding and cookware was readily accessible through compartments as was the Japanese way. There was also the lingering scent of cypress wood filling the space, likely coming from a stick of incense burning somewhere.

“ I see! You must be doing important work. Thank you for supporting my son. He’s always kept more to himself so I’m glad he has good people at his side.” Hajime replied. The two turned to Shingen and Kai once they had come to the central point of the house. “ As you must know by now, the elders want to speak to you.” Hideki said to Shingen much to his rancor. Expecting this, Shingen's grandfather waved his hand a few times and spoke again. “ Do not give that much thought. I am sure there will be plenty of time for that. In the meantime, please make yourselves comfortable. We will have a special dinner prepared for you tonight as to welcome you properly. It will also give friends and family a chance to see you in case business takes you away quickly.” The thought of a home cooked meal sounded just right and Shingen was sure Kai was just as hungry as he was after their trip.

“That all sounds great, grandfather. Thank you for going through all the trouble.” Shingen expressed gratefully. “ It is no trouble, my son. Hajime will show you to your rooms. You will find that we have provided most of what you will need. If there is anything else you require, please make it known and we will make the accommodation.” Hideki smiled. “Thank you, very much.” Shingen bowed quickly before his grandfather took his leave. Hajime happily moved down the hallway to the left, leading the two. A few quick steps and they stopped. “ This, as you remember, is your room, Shingen.” She gestured over with her hand to a closed paper panel before continuing down the hall. Stopping once more, she turned to face them and gestured to a room on their right now. “ Here is your room, Kailani. I hope you will be comfortable here.” Her room looked into the garden and was fully stocked for guests to enjoy. It included an attached full bath, television, phone and a few set of traditional clothes and sandals.





“ I will take my leave to prepare for dinner but if you need anything, the phone in the room dials to the attendant’s station.” She explained gleefully. She then dawdled for a moment, looking to Shingen. “ I’m happy you’re home, Shingen.” His mother said before Shingen embraced her. “Me too, mom.” He said quietly, closing his eyes. Not trying to make too much of a moment, Shingen let go. “I’ll see you at dinner.” He grinned. Once she had taken her leave, Shingen turned to Kai. “Well, we made it! They didn’t say what time dinner would be but I’m sure they’ll let us know.” He smiled. “I’ll probably shower and relax until then.” Shingen rubbed the back of his head and looked down the hall. “Did you want me to come get you? Or did you want to skip dinner altogether? I mean, I could bring you back something?” He looked down to her curiously, giving her an out in case she wanted to rest instead. There was no telling what kind of emotional roller coaster of a dinner it was going to be and he wanted to make Kai as comfortable as possible. The estate wasn’t a five star hotel or anything but he cared about the little things, personally, and could probably throw his weight around for some special favors.

Hajime shook her head quickly and smiled as if embarrassed. “I couldn’t have a guest be put to work in the kitchen, of all places!” She said politely. Shingen couldn’t help but feel a little pride in Kai. She truly was a hard worker, and selfless enough to give away what she worked so hard to make. It brought him back to the first time they met. “It’s ok, mom. It’s actually part of her skillset. You should try some of her cookies. They’ll change your life!” He grinned.

The older woman lit up just like Shingen, revealing where he got his smile. “Really? It’s been some time since we last had cookies. But since you do come from America, maybe we can learn something too. It would be an honor to have you help us.” “Alright, then.” Shingen said looking at the two. “I’ll make sure our luggage gets to our rooms and all that. And I’ll see you at dinner?” He asked his mother before lingering on Kai. He wondered if this was her way of contributing, going off what had happened at the doctor’s house. Shingen knew she had a constant drive to be a provider and not simply a passenger.

The virtue of selfless service would no doubt get her far. And it always had the welcome effect of motivating others of the same inclination, picking up the slack wherever it is. For Shingen, it makes him want to take over everything and let Kai relax but Kanna’s words still hung over his head, keeping that controlling side of him in check.

Kailani was her usual, bashful self when he praised her cookies. Truth was, her cooking did have the potential to change the outlook of a person’s day. That very might well inspire someone to do something they otherwise might not have done. To Shingen, that was life changing. He smiled as he watched them both go off to join in on the preparations. He returned to his room, letting himself in. He stood there for a moment as he took in the view. It was clearly kept tidy in his time away but everything seemed to be right where he left it all those years ago. Walking over to the corner, he picked up a shamisen from it’s stand and blew on it, getting some of the dust off it’s body before running his hand over it and across the strings. Memories of practicing with his teacher came back to him, the frustration and the uncomfortable chord formations.

Placing the instrument back, he moved on to a longbow hanging on the wall. His combat instructor used Kyudo as a means to learn patience and focus. He could remember pulling back hard on the string and barely being able to hold it long enough to get a good aim in. The lessons still remained with him to that day. Tenugui hung on the walls, personal paintings of his that he had made as a child. They were simple but accentuated where his mind was at that age. One was of open fields of flowers, the sun overlooking the landscape. He called that one “Freedom”. He chuckled when he saw a doll on a shelf across the room where the bed was. He picked it up, a simple doll made of sack cloth and rice but painted and dressed as a warrior.

A glance over to the bed revealed a set of clothing and sandals left for him like his mother had said. Placing his hand on the Haori, he rubbed the material between his fingers, knowing it was the color reserved for the clan head. Shingen took a deep breath and looked out the window which overlooked another garden. Closing his eyes, he let the scent of wood and faint incense join him. I wish it was like before. Wished I didn’t have to go. He opened his eyes to see the breeze shaking the sakura branches outside, casting little shadows across the room. He remembered Aella and the others. The way Mephitis looked when he found him in that bar and how long they all had been running. I can’t be selfish again. Not yet. Shingen then headed back out to bring in all of their luggage.