Kyuden Shika

Wearing a her, well, not so new kimono Oubahime was under an umbrella waiting in the market near the ramen stall. The bells decorated her hair and the bracelet that Murato gave her, her wrist. The white feather was on one side of her obi and the brass bell on the other. She was feeling a tad better than in the morning. She expects that soon the Crane would appear.

Soyokaze approached the ramen stand with hesitant steps wearing a new kimono of steel grey dotted with purple and yellow lotus flowers and his hair looked like he had recently re-dyed it. Reaching the stall he offered a bow to the Phoenix. "Good evening Bai-san, I hope I haven't kept you waiting long. Thank you for inviting me out tonight."

"Not at all Asahina sama" The girl continued with her whispering. "I hope Inari's blessing will befall upon us this evening." She bowed to the Crane.

Soyokaze looked puzzled by his date's demeanor. "Let us enjoy Inari's bounty then, I do hope they have eel." Soyokaze waited for his companion to take a seat and joined her. He looked at her for a long moment trying to read her face and understand the whisper.

"Hai" She smiled "I haven't tried eel one.I like pork one."

"So how has the rest of your day been since this morning?"

"Good..." She nodded. "I let the rain wash me... and Ebisu blessed me..." The Kaito smiled.

"That is good to hear, so many here are frustrated by the rain but you thrive in it; the water dances in you." He poured her some of the tea the shop provided while fighting with himself on how to proceed. "So what has you troubled then this evening?"

"Anooo... do you think father will be proud of me?" She shrank. "I did my best but it wasn't enough."

The hurt in her words wounded him. "Of course he will. How could he not be? You are focused on one result that doesn't meet the pressure you are putting on yourself. I have understood the hidden meaning with most of these tests the Shika put us through but not this one. Regardless of that our goal here is to stand out and show the world who we are and no one here an have any doubt regarding you. You are an infinitely kind, utterly compassionate, determined, devout and thoughtful samurai. We should all aspire to emulate you."