Welcome to Gaia! ::

The young seishi gave a quiet sigh of relief as the guard's life was spared. He wondered if the woman hadn't spoken up, if the shogun would have killed the man. Amiboshi wasn't sure if he could work with a man who killed over something that he found so trivial. He was stirred out of his troubled thoughts when addressed, "I suppose so, Lord Nakago. Though I did want to let you know, I've made my decision."

"I've decided," Amiboshi replied, "that I will go after the Suzaku. I agree that it would also be the most efficient form of communication to have one of us here, and one of us gone. My powers are more developed than my brother's, so your plan makes perfect sense. It's something I really want to do, and Suboshi will just have to deal with it."

|ooc: Let the plot twisting begin! blaugh |

There was one slight problem in regards to Tomo's illusion for only one of the seishi would be present within it mentally. This problem of course lay with the silent Subaru who remained completely motionless due to being 'trapped' within her own mind. As a result she was not aware of the power enveloping her nor of the impending 'doom' that lay beyond the gates. In truth she was also the only one of the Byakko seven that was mature enough to sense this danger and so, Tatara was left to deal with the unexpected.

Unfortunately there was very little way of predicting what would have should Subaru awake during this illusion, what would she see? What would she hear? Would she see what Tatara did or would she be aware of something else? To Tatara, he had the suspicion that she would no doubt be lost within herself for even longer than the duration from Kutou to Seirou and so he would be in charge of the journey...

Such things were not to his liking, for instead of such responsibility he often enjoyed quiet contemplation as he travelled but perhaps, just this once he would do as was his duty and protect his comrade despite her lack of explanation and reasoning for falling into such a stupor in the first place. Perhaps she would explain later though and so, with a deep sigh he pushed his mount forward and tightened his grasp on the reins of Thalin who snorted in obvious disapproval but obliged himself to move at a somewhat quicker pace.

"My apologies for the delays, I am not use to trailing a millstone around my neck, so to speak." He murmured towards Tomo and glanced towards what lay beyond, his lips pursing in both apprehension at the unknown and also anticipation for, despite the peculiar mental distortions of the plant auras, such foreign flowers would be a delight to see.

::Amiboshi's answer had been short and direct enough that Nakago did not even feel the need to respond back to it. He simply resumed motion back in the direction he and Soi had been going without another word, hardly even a sound save for his bare feet on the cool floor. The hall led on, turned a coprner and then another and then the passed Yui's room. Servants were hustling and bustling in and out of a nearby room to have it ready for Soi. Finishing the little walk, he stopped in front of his own door and snapped his fingers. One of the servants quite literally dropped what he was doing and sprinted over to answer the call of the Shogun. The orders were simple and clear, and quickly the servant was back on his feet jogging down the hall, as quickly and quietly as possible. Sleep would be a luxury tonight, after waking and now this. Nakago would have plenty to do before the night was done.::

(( Have the Suzaku guys started moving again? It looks like you need some Suzu-seishi, and I'd be happy to join, but I don't want to meet up with the team if no one else is here to play... sweatdrop ))

(Yesh Nakago you are forgiven, and thank you for speaking up ^_^)




"Understandable..." an illusion of Tomo replied as it walked alongside the Byakko in the illusionary world.

::In the real world, the actual Illusion Master was satisfied that he had fully extracted any and everything Nakago would want to know about the young man. Tomo turned his attention to the woman. He wasn't sure if he could do anything with her mind so deeply enveloped somewhere else, but since he was under orders, he could not let it go without any effort. Since he could not predict what would happen, he decided that safety was the best route to take. He created an illusion of himself in the real world, and let it take the reins of the horses he was leading. He commanded his illusion to continue down the path he would take them. He did so simply to stay out of harm's way in the event that he failed and the Byakko retaliated. Caustiously, he let a little bit of his magic seep slowly into her mind, and waited a moment to see if she reacted.::

::It was only a short wait for the word to spread through the neccessary channels. A trained eye, or one well aware oof their own senses would be able to pick up on the shadowy figures that were converging on the shoguns chambers. Palace guards and the few servants who were taking care of the late night duties were all but oblivious to them, and if they did happen to catch a glimpse or a sound, the would pass it off as shadows in the night. When the majority of those who were left still in the palace had gathered the planning began. Late night became very early morning...and the moon, past its peak began to gall quickly. Slowly dark clad figures would leave, having received their orders. Some would go on ahead of the Kidnapping party and prepare disturbamnces that could be blamed on the Suzaku so that Nakago's claims wouldbe more readily accepted by Amiboshi, and with his reports back through Suboshi, also effect the thoughts of sceptics still in Kutou. He didn''t know the Suzaku to be as sinister as he had made them out to be..but he would need them to belive it to begin motion. Others would be in the party with Amiboshi...and their orders we're simple, Amiboshi was in charge unless he said or did...or began doing anything that might jeapordize the mission...intentionally or not, at which time they could take matters into their own hands. Most of these ones were lower in ability, and thus, did they but know it...we're expendable should anyhting happen, and we're effectively to be targeted by others who were given Their orders after the lesser ones had left. This would add t the effect as well as weed out weaker soldiers fromt he elite class. A select few were to order troop movements, In Nakago' name just enough to get reaction from Konan's soldiers. The more real happenings that could be manipulated to his advantage the better. If a troop of Kutou soldiers could lure some Konan Soldiers near a village and then flee just as the Kidnapping party showed up...Not much more should be needed to convince anyone..But then...he had not gotten to know these new warriors...the Boshi brothers.::

::Shortly after the last had left, his thoughts moved to the ever approaching day. Lady Yu iwould be informed of the arrival of Soi, and each of the Seishi would meet each other, formally for the first time. Tomo shouldr eturn with the desired information at some point...Nakago would have to look into that as soon as possible...because at this point...the Byakko were a sever wildcard. Preparations could begin for the changing of power from the current emperor...Nakago scowled at this point...to Her as empress. This event would spreead quickly through the world and throw everyone a curve unlike anything in a LONG time. Whether the act would actually take place that day or not would be more up to Yui. He knew he couldn't force her into it...not directly..but she had all but agreed to it..even though he was sure she didn't know the implications. This would accomplish more than one of Nakago's purposes...and his thoughts were clear and straightforward on the matter. He would need Tomo when theactual time came for it...But that was a matter for a later time.::

::As the moon drifted slowly towards the horizon, with little distance left, Nakago was finally able to rest...Anything else at this point needed direct interaction with others...so that would begin on the morrow. Nakago drifted quickly off to sleep, his mind more settled than it had been before...dreamless this time...which was to his benifit.::

::First light was quick in coming...but not quick enough. Nakago's body and mind...the mind and body of a soldier, despite the long night, woke bfore the sun began to rise....he was awake and in full armor as the sky lightened, but before the sun could be seen. He would Visit Yui, right around sunrise, and then things could begin.::

::Nakago stood before the full body mirror. The glint of the ever approaching morning reflecting off the polished armor, and threatening to give a faint glow to his lockes of blonde. He ran one hand through it flipping it out, only to come to rest upon the vibrant blue cape that swayed from side to side as he turned from the mirror and stpped to the door. Food had been prepared and left just inside the door, but he only partook of a small portion. He was expecting to probably dine with Yui or the other Seishi or both, ad di not want to eliminate all traces of an appetite. He turned in his room towards one of the walls..yes...Tomo was still at work...this cold mean a number of things....and time and his return would be the telling factors. He turned again and slid the door of his room open and stepped into the hallway. still too early for the normal palace hustle and bustle, the walk to the Shrine of Seiryuu was quiet. Kneeling in fron of one of the ppols of water, he began focusing his power on the already cast barrier that was all but maintained by his will alone. The shrine itsself was direcly gaurded by Seiryuu's on power...Nakago simply expanded on this principal with power of his own. With the upcoming events in mind...he wanted to be sure there was no unexpected interferance. Having meditated and focused as much as he felt neccessary, he ros again and stepped back into the halls and began the walk towards lady Yui's room.::