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One hemisphere of the world, known to those that inhabit it as Shǐshī, has lived in peace, save the two dragon nations, Lóng-Yongdi and Ryū-chi, who have been at war for centuries. Two months ago, warriors from the northeast invaded the Nezumi homeland, Chaoxue Laoshu and drove the rat-folk from their home. Each of Chaoxue's neighboring kingdoms dismissed their fall as a sign from the kami. They were certain the vikings intended to stop their invasion at the rat's nest.

One Nezumi, Renji Udo (from hereon referred to as Udo Renji for traditional purposes), had made his way to safety in a small boat and had sailed in a terrible storm for one week. After he had arrived on shore, he was met by a young Kitsune ronin named Kito Hoshi and was soon after taken into her home. After he had stayed the night, eaten, and had his injuries tended to, he revealed two things to his host:
First, that he was a type of wizard known as a Maho-Tsukai, or blood mage. Blood mages were generally revered as villains and demons, often due to their close association with the latter.
Second, he revealed that he had intended to unify the remaining nations of Shǐshī against the invaders, for fear that the vikings intended to push their march into the rest of the hemisphere.

The black-furred Nezumi re-tightened his hand bandages and looked up at Hoshi. "I hope you didn't pack too much, my tiny little boat may not be able to hold us both if we are also hauling a lot of weight." He stepped outside and squinted at the fog that was still blanketing the island after the storm had passed.

Renji sighed.
"Well, it held on for a solid week with no relief from the storm. I owe it my life." He looked back at the barn and then to Hoshi.
"Very well, lead the way."

Renji looked at Hoshi, still far too weak to engage in battle.
"I think we're being robbed."
He looked to the Ronin for help with this matter. He had yet to see Hoshi fight, but he assumed that her status as ronin would still put her a step above the rest as far as combat was regarded.

Renji looked doggedly at the goblin.
"Riches? I just returned from my country being taken over. I have no riches. All I have on me is this carving knife. The rest belong to her." he gestured with the knife to Hoshi casually.

Renji held back a chuckle.
"And what good would my small blade do a warrior like you? You already possess a capable blade in your very hands. Would you truly take the blade that I use to clean fish and carve sticks with? Why...it's so dull, I doubt it could even break skin." he waved the tanto about a little, in an attempt to emphasize its uselessness.

Renji looked over at Hoshi and then back at the goblin.
"She's not my woman, but if you want my seat, Sir Hoki, then be my guest. Renji pricked his finger on the edge of the tanto without anyone noticing and made certain to touch the seat as he pushed himself to a stand and hopped down from the wagon. He then gestured for the brigand to take his place. The small drop of blood on the seat was already forming a small magic circle in its place.

Renji smiled as he sucked on his fingertip.
"Miss Kito, if his presence bothers you, you may stand up and find that he can not follow you." He then stood just shy of sword reach from Hoki Doki Nao.
"Master Akki. I am a friend to the spirits of earth. They have seen fit to bind you to your place and never let you go until you die of thirst or starvation. I am willing to ask them to forgive your transgressions if you return your stolen goods and promise to the earth kami never to harm the innocent ever again." he looked at Hoshi and nodded.