Kyuden Shika

Murato was within the temple, kneeling at the tree, offering prayers. He had sent a note to his fellow Lion hoping they might join him.

The second Kitsu joined the prayer, paying strict reverence until the entire affair was complete. Once done, he bowed to his cousin.

"Looks like it's over, huh?"

"The miai," he says with a smile. "But everything else is still just beginning. It seems like I won't be wearing these colors much longer, but you will always be my family Moshu-san."

"Likewise - I'll be in the hands of the Emperor himself, now. That said, I'll always be a Lion at heart -" he chuckled. "-And if this miai has taught me anything, a hopeless romantic."

"Never understood that phrase," he says with a smirk. "You seem plenty hopeful to me."

He steps closer to offer a good natured hug to his cousin.

The Moshu returned the hug, but looked bashful.

"Just, ah... don't ask Seppun-sama about my works to her."

"Please."

The biggest Lion arrives as the Kitsu step closer to each other. He doesn't look entirely happy - perhaps just Stone Matsu stoic - but he approaches closeto the other samurai close so that they can speak frankly. His facade cracks a little and his eyes suggest he wants a hug too.

"You realize that you basically just asked me to ask," he says with a mischievous grin.

"Never would have thought to if you hadn't said something."

Patting him on the back before separating to let Ishioka in.

"But you can feel free to ask Bai about ours. I gifted her a song, and promised I would only ever sing it for her. So if you want to hear it you'll need to get her to request it."

"Is now a bad time to mention Bai assisted me in making something for her?"

As Ishioka came forth, he made room the third of the Lion.

"If only Kitsu-san was also here; we'd have the whole pride together."

Ishioka hesitates a moment, perhaps thinking of waiting for Tsugumasa, but then steps in to squeeze his cousins somewhat powerfully.

He relents, taking a deep breath. "This has all been very stressful. I am glad it all ended well," he says, a voice a little stained, but smiling and nodding emphatically.