Hide quickly sent Eriko Akihiko’s contact informantion once she was given the okay by the man himself.



She looked up from her communicator and looked to the group. “So... Miai stuff?”

Before Hide does her next action, please roll Investigation(Notice)/Perception at TN20.

Hide wasn’t very bright, that was for certain.
____

D9: Unskilled Invest/Perception TN20: 2d10 3

There was an enlonged pause after Kuni Eriko was sent Akihiko's contact. Then, Akihiko got a message from Kuni Eriko.

Akihiko, tired and irritable as he is by this time, is immediately suspicious that someone wants to talk to him all of a sudden. Especially that "hero" business.

Not having spoken to Eriko before, Akihiko wasn't too aware if this was this lady friend of Hide's or not. However, it was clear that this person is hostile.

Akihiko bites his lip and closes his eyes again. "Matsu-san, it will be important," he says matter-of-factly, "that in a moment you remain sitting and remain breathing steadily."

"It appears," he says, sliding his densai with the message thread open to the center of the table, "that I may be delayed in responding to the news that Matsu-san just shared."

Hide looked down at the densai. First, in a state of shock. Her face had completely blanched as that cold feeling deep in her chest returned. Guilt? But that was quickly replaced by her face turning a very angry shade of red. She had remained seated, but this was the angriest any of the Lion has seen Hide.

She didn’t speak, but she trembled as she restrained herself from yelling all kinds of obscenities at this unknown person that decided to kidnap Eriko.

Shoan quietly sips her tea, face passive.

Mildly "What the fuck?"

"Language," Nozomi murmured to Shoan, as if they were already something more. She coughed and looked again at the message. "So, uh, this is convenient."

She glanced over her shoulder for anyone watching the Lion group. "Is this connected to our other issue?"

“I don’t think so.” Hide chimed in through gritted teeth, her gaze falling onto Akihiko. “So, any ideas who you made this angry in the past? Because they sure as hell seem to know who you are.”

Akihiko breathes deeply a couple of times before answering Hide, steering himself away from words he might regret.

"Clearly fame is a dangerous thing, for how many Mantis could this be, complaining of the kills I've earned against them?" He bows his head, vaguely nodding toward the Crossroads campaign honors on his chest. "I have no idea who this is, but I expect to deal with them brutally. But I would encourage you all to avoid getting involved unless Bushido demands it." The Akodo doesn't expect it to work, but he does what duty demands.

"Oh, sorry dear"

Turning to Akihiko


"You must do as your honour demands Akodo-sama. If I may offer one piece of advice."
Bowing her head respectfully
"Show them the very of what it means to be a Lion. They will not be able to stand before you."

“No. I’m not going to let them take another of us.” Hide stood up from her seat, her eyes bearing into Akihiko with disappointment and barely contained rage. “They took her. They’re using her. They used me to get to you! I will not take this insult and let you go off and get yourself gunned down by a bunch of pirates.”

Akihiko stands calmly and steps beside Hide, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. He speaks quietly, but it's loud enough for the other Lions to catch most of it: "I know. I won't leave you out. This isn't your fault. We will teach them a short and deadly lesson. Now sit please, Matsu Hide-san." There's a pause, and then he gently pushes pin her shoulder. Not enough to move someone as strong as Hide if she resists, but maybe enough to help her make the right choice.

Hide took a deep breath, her eyes flickering across to the other Lion present before she took her seat again. She was still furious, of course, but she was less likely to go run out and try and murder some kidnappers herself.

Shoan being a good Lion, simply chooses not to notice any outbursts, instead busying herself with her cutlery.

Still rather calm
"You'll want some other samurai to go with you, maybe Hotaru-san? I can vouch for his effectiveness and as a member of a Minor Clan he will not be able to steal any credit for what should rightfully be your expedition."

“Already planned on calling him. Koseki-san has history with both Eriko-san and myself. We’re pretty good friends.” Hide had seemed to calm down with the mention of the Firefly. He was dependable in her mind.

Akihiko had returned to his seat after very quietly thanking the Matsu for sitting. He couldn't imagine the rage she was feeling, and he felt himself on a knifes edge from exploding.

"Matsu-san, I trust you will find us the right people. Only true volunteers. We must plan for the possibility that there will be repercussions for handling this ourselves."

"It seems like we'll be divided for the time being. What a terrible coincidence," Nozomi muttered. "May this bring us closer to our intended allies then."