Almost Like Home (Ryou, Kimiko, Taylor)

[yamamoto]

The cool breeze that filtered itself through the trees, the sun that beat down overhead creating shadows that extended out from the roots of the trees. Tangling into the ground and shading those who stepped on them in the final approach to the city. A pair of figures walked side by side, one towering over the other like. Keeping up so close behind the shorter person the taller one almost seemed like an apparition that had attached itself to the male who for moment wore a dusty black kimono and hakama pants. This gave Ryou an unkempt appearance that was matched by the large woman next to him. Despite the fact she was wearing a long white rode, it was still covered in enough dust to make help with the charade that both her and Ryou where simply commoners. In fact though Ryou found himself slightly annoyed over the women who was hovering over him with ever step they took. It couldn’t be helped… she was just an older sister watching out for her younger brother.

Originally they had come into town to meet with a client who at this point had all but disappeared, leaving the pair dry when it came to cash. Sure he could probably steal some, but that was not his way and didn’t feel that his sister would approve of doing anything like that either. They may have been low on money, but they did have enough to eat and maybe one night in a local inn, well at least one that was on the very outskirts of the town given the normally high class nature of the city. It didn’t take them long to find the established as the two slipped inside, Ryou noticing instantly that sisters size drew some stares, but most of those people simply went back to eating after a moment. Walking over to the counter the young man nodded towards one of the closed off eating areas that were normally reserved for expensive parties. The tall woman headed towards while he walked over to the bartender and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to the bartender.

”I have a reservation for that booth over there as well as room three upstairs. We were going to have a third party show up and I believe they paid for it in advance. So we have come to make use of your hospitalities.” Kurosawa watched as the man studied the paper to make sure everything was in order before nodding his head, ”Well everything seems to be in order, I will be back with the ledger in one moment if you wouldn’t mind waiting right here.” Sighing softly the water mage sat down on the nearest stool and propped his head up with his hands, making sure to keep watch in the barroom mirror and also to face the door so that no one could slip in on him unnoticed.

[Taylor Devereaux]

Shirotsume. Its bright streets were filled with laughing children and the sound of laughter. Rich families paraded down the street one by one, chatting amongst themselves and looking through the windows of the various shops that ran as far as the eye could see. Its gardening was superb, with lush green trees and vibrant flowers. The sickly sweet smell of honeysuckle seemed to stick to the skin of anyone who walked by. This town seemed to have it all, full of happiness and nice people. There seemed to be no ruffians or delinquents or anyone who was underfed. It was perfect. Too perfect. Taylor disliked this place with a half-hearted passion. Sure, it was happy, but anything that was happy for too long was doomed to get boring. A balance of happy and sad was not only desirable to Taylor but also something that she strived for. To offset all the good energy she was feeling, it was only natural to feel bad about it. That way, she obtained a perfect amount of happiness and sadness. She was balanced. She was peaceful. She was neutral. But Taylor had not come to Shirotsume town just to practice her balancing act. She was there to take on a bounty request, something that Lion Heart members like her frequently did. Her client had specified to meet at a certain establishment in this town. Taylor guessed that he lived here, although she had never met him before. She was slightly annoyed to be out and about during the day, due to her nocturnal habits, but bills must be paid and ends must be met. It was not as if she was hurting for money, but it was not like she had anything better to do. It was better to have insurance money, anyways, just in case she was unable to work or wanted to take a vacation. She wondered if she could have found a better mission with a better meeting time. Taylor walked into the restaurant her head held high. She swung one of her pistols around her right index finger, the other pistol stored safely in its holster. She wore her usual formal outfit, consisting of a pseudo- black suit and a tie. Several bags hung from her waist. She did not even bat an eye at the waiter or the unusual couple standing by the front table, instead heading straight to room three upstairs. She grabbed the handle and entered the room.

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