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A lot can change in ten years. Some are born, some mature, some die. Time affects everything, turning ignorance to wisdom, weakness to strength. Like a river, it flows in a single direction, carrying you along.

The Yami has had these tens years to grow stronger, not only in numbers but in inner strength and unity. Its leader has had time to change himself into a far better leader than he was before. Reunited with his sister, the regrets of his past have all but vanished, and he is able to focus on the future and act according to reach what the land needs: a better shogun. He still lacks any intention of taking the responsibility upon himself, but he hopes that a suitable candidate will come forward, as the shogun has no male heir to take his place. But what of a female one? That, the shogun has. And if the shogun is killed, will she be a better leader than the man who took her on as though his daughter?

"Well it's an art form Yuuka and the people need to understand that their leader is cultured and wise, therefore fit to rule. Not to mention the dark and the quiet is a great place to take a nap."

The older man said, giving the girl a tired smile as he stretched, yawning slightly. He had been half asleep when she had vocalized her concern with his choice of activities, and it had taken him a considerable amount of self control not to start laughing at her comments. He wasn't the world's biggest fan of Kabuki either, but it had it moments, when he was awake that was.

"Look, it's gonna be over soon, and you have to appreciate all the work these men put into mastering their slightly annoying craft."

"Yeah, I bet it's real hard to learn how to make out with another guy." Yuuka droned sarcastically, but the man was right. From what little she could understand, the stupid pageant was just about over. She yawned, and took her pseudo-father's advice by laying down her head once again. Please, take me oh sweet god of dreams, and don't let me go until these men stop dancing around in their frilly dresses. Not that she'd ever say something so over-dramatic out loud....


Laughter could be heard from inside the house, and footsteps hurried to the door. A voice further away called to the person who belonged to the sound. "Don't worry about the door Aki, I'll get it, just make sure that Takehiko doesn't drop my little treasure, okay?" "Yes, ma'am," the voice near the door replied, then hurried off. Sure footsteps replaced the hurried ones near the portal, and the door opened to reveal Kudzu's smiling form. "Hello, can I-" She started automatically before she realized who it was. "Oh, Kurei... it's you..." Her figure didn't seem as perfect as ten years ago, and there was something different about her face. It still glowed when happy, but it was much softer, gentler than the bright light of her youth.

A man holding a baby came to the door, and kissed her cheek. "I'd never drop little darling! You forget that she's my treasure too." There was a boy at his feet who looked offended.
"Hey! What about me?!"
"Oh, yes. I wouldn't drop you either."
"Dad!"
Kudzu bent down next to the boy. "Your father and I cherish you too sweetheart." She kissed the top of his head, and turned back to Kurei. "Hunny, this is my old friend... Kurei."

The man looked confused, then his eyes darkened for a moment before returning to normal. "Well, if you're a friend, then you should come in! We were just about to sit down for dinner. Won't you join us?"
Kudzu looked uncomfortable with the idea, but sighed, and made room for him to come in. "Please do, it's been forever."

Raiden was luckily enough blessed with the ability to zone out, so the Shogun's choice of watching Kabuki theatre wasn't bothering him as much as the rest of the group. What did bother him was watching the man's grip tighten on his katana from the corner of his eyes. He turned his head toward Ryoku, his red eyes narrowing.

"Calm yourself."

The Shogun chuckled at the girl, not bothering to chastise her for her bad manners. She was good enough in public and trying to change a teenage was like running against the wind. He went back to sleep for the remainder of the play and when it was finally finished, he nudged his companion.

"Hey, time to make our exit."

Ryoku gave Raiden a look mixed with just about every emotion associated with anger. He said nothing to the man, but his grip on the katana's hilt tightened again. It was impossible for him to be calm anymore. He might put on a show of calm, but on the inside, he was as dangerous as a tsunami. His control had been slipping more and more often over the recent years, and it was only a matter of time before he lost it completely, at the rate things were going.


Kurei's head tilted slightly toward the raven as he considered the man's offer. He gave the raven a glance, and it seemed to nod in response to his unspoken question. Only when it did that did he nod to the man who was likely Kudzu's husband.

"I would like that," he stated. Even his voice had changed. It was more intense than before, and he almost seemed to radiate power as he stepped into the house.

"You are not going to be rid of me," Ryoku said, shaking his head at Raiden. "Would you prefer for me to be unleashed on the innocent people of Edo? If I am here, at least I can unleash h**l on your enemies." He seized a torch before stepping outside.

Kurei sat down at the table, his raven shifting on his shoulder as he did.

"Sake would be wonderful," he said to Kudzu, glad she had offered. It was remarkable how much the woman had changed. She was actually responsible now. He was rather surprised, but pleasantly so. "I hope you do not mind my feathered friend here." Of course, he meant the raven. "He could go out of sight, if you wish."

The raven glanced at Kurei as though surprised, but it made no other reaction to the offer. It shifted its position and puffed out its shiny feathers, making itself more comfortable on his shoulder.

"Of course you would," Ryoku remarked, not caring at all what Raiden would prefer. He was sure Raiden would prefer for Ryoku to be dead, but that certainly wasn't going to happen, now was it? Raiden would have to settle for being disappointed.