NOIR
Chapter Three
Sword
By Steve Edward
Sunday, June 13th 1800 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan
Yoko Yoshiro's appearance at his residence had been unexpected. Randy viewed the young girl in the adjoining room then turned back to his wife Gina who had laid the parchment that Yoko had carried with her on the table, "Ok, first the sword now this."
Gina Baldwin had greeted Yoko, and in Randy's view had a woman to girl talk with Yoko, and then taking him to another room had nearly pinned his own ears back, "Why did you ignore the scroll in your dragon?"
The scroll, received with the origami dragon that had been delivered to the hotel after events in Singapore, it had read like a riddle "Thou as master shall come to the ancient land to bear witness of absolution and faith. Those that have given thy hands as protection of the weak shall be in the fore."
Randy had never shared the contents of the scroll itself, almost to a point of jealously he had safeguarded its contents. After being told where he had been keeping it, Gina had retrieved the box bearing the dragon and the scroll and read the perplexing message.
Gina spoke, "The take on master is curious. It pointedly specifies you my husband. Absolution and faith is subject to interpretation but absolution would refer to those receiving forgiveness and faith would relate to those having a belief. Ancient land points to a place long in existence. Very few countries have such long histories. In the eastern sense, it would be Japan or even China; but Japan has numerous religions, among the oldest practiced is Shinto. To bear witness likely means an event of some kind, and of some significance. Then the reference to those that have given their hands, it is very pointedly without naming names, references Noir."
Mireille spoke, "A trial? Here?" Kirika replied, "A blessing? We could be considered warriors in their view." Randy replied, "We have to remember that Yoko has a great-grandfather who is a practicing Shinto Priest. How he came to know about me and even your own identities would be something only he will likely be able to answer. I do not think we have a choice. He sent Yoko, damn well knowing that we would show up to confront him. Yoko is only the messenger for the current message; she was already on her way back to Japan when that origami dragon was delivered and likely never had a hand in its creation. I now believe it was never from her but from someone else all together."
Yoko waited patiently, her great-grandfather had previously sent her a parchment that had been enclosed with a letter not to open and read. The instructions within the letter stated to her that she would be told when to deliver the parchment and to whom. The phone call had surprised her and her family, but she had written the message in its entirety at the behest of her great-grandfather then delivered it and the parchment to her employer, the American.
Irena Baldwin with her sister Nina entered what they viewed as the parlor and delivered a serving tray with tea. Sitting before Yoko, Nina began the tea ritual and the three young teenagers began to learn about each other.
Mireille softly closed the partition, and then turned back to the Baldwin's "The details within the parchment could not have been written by Yoko either. Many of those events took place when she was no more than four or five years old." Gina Baldwin replied, "Some of which I never told Randy about either, and the same for my husband. There are events that he acknowledged as having occurred, Husband no matter what we will make plans to visit her great-grandfather," as Gina Baldwin opened the partition and joined her daughters to partake of the tea.
Monday, June 14th 0600 hours, Tokyo International Airport
Randy was not sitting in the usual seat that had become his accustomed place on the Gulfstream. The left seat was occupied by Kay Milroy and the right seat was Else F. Conroy. The two pilots originally hired to fly the massive C-130J Hercules known as BFII were flying the Gulfstream known as BFI. The Hercules undergoing a one month refit in Marietta, Georgia had no need for pilots. The two former Air Force pilots were enjoying the Gulfstream while they could. Kay had enjoyed the certification process itself, as was mastering the aircraft. The Gulfstream avionics rivaled that of the Hercules, and it was a high performance aircraft. The flight from the United States had been thrilling to both and at a much higher altitude than the Hercules could operate.
Kay Milroy swept the instrument panel one last time then keyed her headset, "Gentlemen and ladies we are number 2 for take-off." Else, watched the Air Nippon 747 rumble down the runway on its take off roll, "We are going to hit the wake if we follow standard climb out. I'd say we increase our angle by three degrees and with a turn to starboard by five, we'll give a smooth ride to the folks in back." Kay replied, as her fingers ran over the computer guidance system to make the final adjustments, "Randy would not like it if we tossed Harmony and Olivia around the cabin that's for sure."
Gina Baldwin watched her husband's gaze out the window as he watched the final test of the control surfaces take place, "Well at least it will give you time to review what you will be saying to Yoko's great-grandfather." Randy turning his attention back to his wife, then looking at Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura sitting across from them replied, "Yeah I suppose, but how do you ask a 96 year old priest just how the hell did he know about what he told us in the first place?"
Monday, June 14th 0930 hours, Wakkanai Airport, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Landing at Wakkanai, which was the closest airfield to their final destination was the easy part for the Baldwin's and Noir. Kay Milroy and Else F. Conroy would be staying at a hotel within the city of Wakkanai itself, while the Baldwin's entourage continued their travels alone.
To get to the temple itself located in Bakkai was another matter. Taking three taxi's to the train station in Wakkanai and traveling by rail while making further travel arraignments on the move was no easy matter. Kirika Yumura with the twins, Irena and Nina along helped a great deal.
Monday June 14th, 1330 hours, Bakkai Train Depot, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
The van sitting at the train depot had been the largest of the vehicles that had been requested by Kirika Yumura. Gina Baldwin eyed the right hand drive vehicle then her husband, "And you expect me to drive that thing?" As her husband set the remaining luggage into what passed for a pickup truck, turned to address her, "Kirika or Mireille can drive it. I have to contend with driving what passes for a truck, and God help me if I hit anything. My knees are going to be against the dashboard."
Leaving the station, with Randy following and Mireille driving the van, the group made their way to the village of Bakkai. Corey Baldwin glanced at his step-father, "Father, Kirika's past in Japan? Is it a factor?" Randy replied, "I don't know Corey. Kirika has extensive training in martial arts. Your mother could not find anything that showed Kirika being here as a young girl, but that is not to say she was. You know what we went through with Irena and Nina, trying to learn about their pasts. Kirika's martial arts training point to heavy exposure in the martial arts fields among other things. She is second to none in marksmanship. Battlefield medical training is extensive, both Mireille and I can vouch for that. What else did Sister Altena have to do with Kirika's training and early life died with her. There may come a time when Kirika will suddenly recall certain events of her early life, until such a time comes Kirika will be faced with not knowing her past life."
Monday, June 14th 1500 hours, Bakkai Temple, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Kouta Yoshiro, kneeling in prayer arose. He had no time piece about his person, yet he knew the time from what clues nature provided. His great-granddaughter Yoko, had done as he had requested. A messenger from the village had delivered her response earlier in the day. Clapping and bowing once again, the priest backed away and turned towards his simple home to await the arrival of his guests.
Finding a place to stay in Bakkai had been high on Randy's list. The only Inn for miles originally had no room but a sudden cancellation had changed things. The hostess having given a tour of the simple facilities had finally departed leaving the party alone. Randy unpacked the portable satellite communications computer and had downloaded the e-mails.
Gina Baldwin ensuring Olivia and Harmony were comfortable in their portable cribs joined her husband who with Mireille and Kirika were reading the reply from Sister Katrina in Pas de la Casa, France "Requested research indicates no relevant interaction in specified time-frame of Noir in what is now Japan. It is entirely possible that Eastern culture at that time, may have utilized others in similar circumstances. Soldats, are aware of various ruins containing Seal of Maidens in Europe, however as you noted in later e-mail the photograph that is representative of Seal, did not show Latin inscriptions. Soldats at this point consider this situation purely coincidental."
Mireille Bouquet spoke, "Then it is entire possible that two different cultures utilized the same methods without realizing it." Kirika Yumura replied, "Then why was I affected and not Mireille?" Randy who had pondered that as well replied, "When the twins were hell bent on obtaining the Lagonel Manuscript and in effect were hunting you and Mireille to complete their trial to become Noir, they were doing so in a programmed state of mind while under the influence of drugs. Mireille as part of her upbringing was exposed to different experiences as were you and Chloe. Sister Altena casting the seedlings if you will resulted in different outcomes. One of which Sister Altena never anticipated, which was you Kirika. You broke the programming that had been so carefully crafted years before your meeting with Mireille in Tokyo."
Mireille spoke, "The drugs? Kirika's continued exposure resulted in memory loss, but we know there can be certain triggers. Chloe when she shot Kirika activated such a trigger and altered her behavior. But the sword and the inscriptions, I can read little Japanese and I am not fluent but I get by. The sword had no influence on me. Kirika's reaction was nearly the same as when Chloe had shot her. It had been to reach her objective, another trial."
The discussion was interrupted by Corey Baldwin when he entered the room, "Father? A message has been delivered for you." Randy accepting the rice paper from his stepson eyed the intricately tied ribbon then the wax seal which bore an impression. "Ok, Gina. The weirdness level had gone up another notch," as Gina was given the scroll eyed the wax seal, "Similar in design to the Seal of the Maidens."
Breaking the seal, then carefully removing the ribbon Gina read, "Those by hands of the chosen are present. To be absolved for thy chosen, thy mate will join. Thy witnesses will journey, the temple of the hill awaits."
Randy Baldwin sat back cross-legged "Well that is our cue; lets not keep the priest from waiting any longer; since he knows we are here."
Gina Baldwin rereading the message spoke, ""The "Thy mate will join" leaves me wondering what the priest means by that?" Kirika Yumura replied, "Mireille must join me. It is her destiny to do so." Mireille Bouquet eyed her long time partner and friend, "Exactly by what do you mean join with you Kirika?" Kirika Yumura rising from the floor replied, "In our trial." Gina Baldwin watched as Kirika and Mireille departed to prepare, "A trial husband? Just what kind of trial?" as Randy stood then aiding his wife replied, "The earlier message said it. ""Of absolution and faith," The trial will be a test of their friendship and faith in each other."
Monday, June 14th 1730 hours, Bakkai Temple, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Randy led the way, the tiny Mitsubishi truck's three cylinder diesel noisily pulling the vehicle up the final grade. The final switch-back which Randy negotiated with ease required Mireille to do a three point turn with the larger vehicle. Gina Baldwin eyed the steep drop off from the rear seat, breathed a sigh of relief as Mireille shifting gears eased the van after the truck. Going down at night would not be an option.
Gina had decided against staying behind with the babies, and as the grown twins Irena and Nina put on the baby carriers, Randy viewed the stone steps with Gina, "Once we go up, we won't be coming down at least I suspect not till another sunrise. The priest's arrival instructions were rather pointed. Remind me to have a chat with Yoko when we get back, I really need to have a long discussion about certain things."
Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura standing off by themselves looked towards the nearby sea. Mireille spoke; "We have traveled far together and faced many obstacles, together we will do as before." Kirika Yumura replied, "You and I will succeed." Then turning towards the stone steps both women began to climb to face what was to come.
The Baldwin's followed behind, with Corey and Ashley bringing up the rear. Losing sight of Mireille and Kirika, Randy continued to climb. In his left hand the carrying case containing the Daisho; his right hand held by Gina.
Priest Yoshiro stood within the courtyard, but not alone. Four men, two to either side, dressed in traditional Japanese garb with one exception, each bore a sheathed sword. The remainder, were eight women dressed in ceremonial robes. The positions that they had taken would be sufficient to encourage only one path of travel.
Mireille and Kirika walked the desired path, stopping before the priest who greeted them, "Kirika Yumura and thy friend of Kirika, Mireille Bouquet of Corsica welcome to this temple. Kirika, where is thy Daisho?"
Randy having reached the top step heard the question, "Priest, I bear the Daisho for Kirika, and I do so with high honor." Priest Yoshiro replied, "Randy Maynard Baldwin, husband of wife Gina and step-children who have come from the United States, your position as bearer is accepted. Please come forward."
Gina Baldwin looked at her husband, "Just how did he know your middle name? You rarely use it?" Randy ignoring the question, stepped forward, then setting the case upon the ground and kneeling he released the catches.
Gina Baldwin with Irena and Nina carrying Olivia and Harmony stood in silence as the Priest laid his aged hands upon Mireille and Kirika's heads and began to speak. Though they could clearly hear the Priest speaking, neither the twins nor Randy and Gina could understand what was being said. Corey and Ashley, behind their mother took in the scene.
Priest Yoshiro finished his blessing and gazed into the eyes of both women. Mireille with a questioning look gazed back. Kirika's return gaze seemed to be filled with insight. Nodding towards two women dressed in ceremonial robes that came forward, the Priest stepped out of the way as Mireille and Kirika were led away.
Two more women approached the case, and wordlessly removed the Daisho and placed it onto a cherry wood cradle which they bore after Mireille and Kirika. Randy rising from the ground to follow was stopped. The metallic sounds of swords being drawn and appearing before him was reason enough.
Priest Yoshiro spoke, "You and thy friends of Yumura and Bouquet must be prepared, and thy young children will be cared for. Please allow to be led to where you must go."
A woman from each side approached and removed Olivia and Harmony from their carriers and gently cradling the babies walked to a nearby building and disappeared.
Gina coming to the side of her husband and taking his hand into hers spoke, "Just what the hell did we get ourselves into?" as Randy Baldwin replied before being led away with Corey, "Something that neither I nor Mireille expected. Keep an eye on the girls to keep them out of trouble."
Separated by sexes, each were led to different parts of the temple grounds. The guides, female were escorted at a distance by the sword wielding men. No words were exchanged; there was no reason for it. Like it or not all were participants.
Monday, June 14th 1900 hours estimated, Bakkai Temple, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Led to a building, with their guides motioning for them to enter Randy and Corey did so. Going back was not an option. Randy was unarmed, the Colt Combat Commander, was in the vault in his residence in Tokyo as were Mireille's Walther and Kirika's Beretta. To even consider taking on the sword wielding escorts would have been suicidal.
One of the women bowed before Randy and speaking flawless English, "Remove thy clothing. You must prepare for cleansing." Randy blinked back somewhat surprised and replied, "You want us to do what?" The woman replied, "Please remove thy clothing."
Randy crossing his arms, "Like hell I will. Not in front of you." Unconcerned she bowed again, "Then we will allow your privacy. After removal, please enter through door."
The escorts bowed again then retreated from view. Randy turned to his step-son, Corey. "I don't think we can talk ourselves out of this. God help us both, if your mother finds out." Both man and step-son began removing their clothing, and then Randy noted two pairs of hands thrusting towels through the curtain, "Corey. Our skivvies too." As step-son and step-father took the proffered towels and wrapped them around their waists, they walked to the door and entered.
Gina Baldwin was livid but silent. Irena and Nina with Ashley were similarly attired in towels. Their female escorts had remained present aiding them in positioning the towels. Ashley glanced back at the curtain, "You do not suppose he may still be there?" Gina looking at the direction of where her daughter was talking about replied, "He better not be. So help me, I will clean his clock if he so much as peeks." Nina cheerfully replied, "Step-Father and Step-Brother must be enjoying." Gina held her tongue, she would have to talk to Nina later as their guides ushered them through the door.
Mireille Bouquet was making the final adjustments to her new garments. Though assisted in being toweled, Mireille still felt as though the steam was still rising from her skin. The disturbance of the water as Kirika exited caused her to turn.
As they had done with her, their escorts and guides patted down Kirika in a gentle fashion and when done, one bore forth a similar garment to Mireille's. Kirika held her arms away from her body to allow the robe to be placed about her without hindrance. Mireille stood in silence viewing the scars born by Kirika, which like Mireille she had collected during their partnership as Noir. Each had a story, and as Kirika turned slowly about the scars upon her back came to view, the flickering of the candles highlighting each. Mireille focused on three of the larger ones, wounds that had brought Kirika down.
The man racing across the compound, ignoring incoming gunfire to scoop Kirika up and carry her to safety and likely saving Kirika's life as he did so, then treating her wounds in near darkness to stop the bleeding. Mireille found herself tracing a large scar on her left side. The same man, four years later. Doing the same favor yet again, ensuring that those trying to kill her failed as he opened fire from the dark river waters of a Georgia river; then ensuring that her wounds were treated and that she and Kirika were reunited.
It had not been necessarily a friendly relationship at first. There had been disagreements between them. Mireille remembering the rocky relationship between her and Kirika, the friendship development with Randy Baldwin had turned out much the same way. The eventual trust between them and his future wife had taken a toll, but they had rebounded to which included their acceptance by Gina and her children. The twins, Irena and Nina viewed them as their own blood relatives yet they were not. The Baldwin's risking their own safety had adopted the former Noir candidates who would become emotionally well balanced young women. Mireille returning the present as Kirika came to her side understood the strange riddle that had so haunted Randy Baldwin. Randy had been the master of their friendship, and had at times offered them advice, to which she and Kirika had accepted. They had been at the fore, their hands being the retribution.
Led to a stone entryway, Mireille and Kirika began the descent, the stone steps neither hot nor cold under the soles of their bare feet, both women following the flickering torch descended into the darkness below.
Monday, June 14th Time Unknown, Bakkai Temple, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Randy no longer felt tense or for that matter irritated at what was transpiring. He and Corey after entering the door had descended into a bath. It was fed by a natural hot spring. The temperature of the water took some adjustment. A part of his mind said he was being boiled, another that he was not. It was evident that the natural stones had been formed to capture the heated spring waters, but how the temperature was being regulated was interesting. Randy could feel momentary jets of cold water briefly around his legs. Finding that an outcropping in the shape of a bench had been built, he had sat, with the waters coming to his shoulders. Corey who joined him had to squat, he was not tall enough to sit next to his step-father.
Soaking, Randy had closed his eyes. Hearing the waters disturbed, Randy had opened his eyes to look at Corey, only to come face to face with a Japanese woman. Corey, speechless, was in the process of being washed by another, as Randy spoke "Don't even think about telling your sister and mother about this," as Corey finally getting over his shock stammered, "Father? She, um, they don't have um anything um on." Randy closing his eyes again replied, "You do have your towel around your waist don't you?"
Both step-son and step-father exited the bath upon being signaled to do so and led to another room they were encompassed with towels and the women softly patted them down. Turning to a nearby stone bench, Randy retrieved their garments. The clothing that they had worn to the temple was no where to be seen. Handing the robe to his step-son, and Randy after donning his, it was then he allowed his towel to drop. Randy raised an eye brow upon seeing Corey who was hurriedly putting on his own robe, "Corey? Where is the towel?" Corey replied, "It, uh kind of fell off, sir." Looking back into the bath, Randy saw one of the Japanese women looking at him and smiling. Sighing, Randy shook his head then turned to follow their escort. Moments later, he and Corey following the flaming torch in front of them descended into the darkness below.
Priest Yoshiro standing before the Alter after bowing. He turned to view the two women, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, both of whom sitting upon pillows, "Bouquet and Yumura are you prepared?" Mireille glanced at Kirika then replied, "We are."
Randy Baldwin with Corey, set foot on level ground and exiting the passageway entered a larger area. In the distance, his wife Gina Baldwin with the twins and Ashley, who were attired in silk kimonos; which Randy noted were of different colors. Gina's was a brilliant red matching his own robe, while the teenagers wore blue matching the color of the robe that Corey was wearing.
Joining his wife, they briefly embraced. Gina seeing Randy's style of dress spoke "You and Corey too?" Randy nodded, "Let me guess, you and the kids had to go into the bath as well." Gina blushing replied, "It was not exactly what I had in mind." Seeing Corey flushed, Gina spoke "Ok. What happened to Corey?" Randy without turning around replied, "His towel fell off while he was being bathed." Nina overhearing that comment replied, "See mother? I told you they would be having fun." Gina and Randy both blushed, Randy replying "Young lady we will discuss that later, a lot later."
Their guides had assembled ahead of them, one of which bowed and spoke "The ceremony begins please follow." With Randy and Gina leading, the procession continued.
Gina adjusting to the slow pace surveyed their surroundings, "We are underground. Is this place natural or man made?" Randy replied, "A little of both. Have you noticed that the air temperature is rising as we go?" Gina replied, "Yes, I have. It should be getting cooler."
The beat of a drum, came to their ears as they exited into a large cavern. Gina saw Mireille and Kirika then something else garnered her attention, "Husband? There was only one Daisho correct?" Randy had been surveying at the overhead, looked towards where his wife was talking about, "Yes. Why do your ask?" Gina nodded in the direction of the Alter, "Well there is another."
There was no way to tell the difference at least at the distance they were at, but nevertheless Randy noted another cherry wood sword cradle, it too supporting a Daisho.
As their guides led the Baldwin's to their positions, Randy observed no movement from either Mireille or Kirika. Gina, who with her husband assumed comfortable positions on the ground, spoke "Mireille and Kirika, they do not appear normal to me. It is like they are in a trance."
Irena Baldwin leaned forward to her step-mother, "Perhaps it is the heat?" Randy heard the comment studied the area around the Alter more closely. He saw a ceremonial drink serving set upon a small table, "No Irena it is something else."
Mireille could see what was going about her, but it was more of a dream than reality. She had heard the Baldwin's enter as the drum beats began. Kirika experienced the same as well. She recalled the distant journey she had made years before then again as she made another journey to another distant land. Returning to the present, Kirika could see in the periphery of her vision, the Baldwin's to her rear.
Priest Yoshiro entering from the rear of the Alter, began speaking. Neither Randy nor the twins understood, but Mireille and Kirika rising from their resting positions walked slowly to the priest who laid his hands once again upon their heads.
Two Japanese women then came from the each side, then kneeling before the Daisho's they removed the individual Shoto's and carried them, cradled in the palms of their hands. Priest Yoshiro, then taking each Shoto, beckoned for Mireille and Kirika to stand.
Priest Yoshiro speaking the only English words since the Baldwin's had arrived "Let the absolution begin," sent Randy towards the priest, "Oh hell no!" Gina rising as well, witnessed both Mireille and Kirika spin and lash out at her husband. Their combined kicks sent Randy backward, landing hard upon the ground.
Mireille saw the surreal scene. The shout from their friend and then her and Kirika's reaction, and their combined assault sending him back from where he had come. Mireille wanted to apologize yet she could not. The priest called to them again and she and Kirika refocused their attention upon him.
Gina struggled to turn Randy over, Irena and Nina then Corey and Ashley aiding Gina looked downward then shaking Randy, "Husband! Randy!" Randy Baldwin was out cold.
Corey Baldwin rose from the group and advanced, "I demand that you stop this nonsense now!" The metallic sounds of swords being drawn from either side did not stop his advance. Taking the first step onto the Alter, it was when the blades appeared, both of which had crossed each other, they blocked his path.
Yoshiro until that point had ignored the outbursts, and then as he watched the step-son unafraid began to press his body against the deadly steel blades he spoke, "Corey step-son of Baldwin, he may pass." Gina turned away from her husband and watched as her son, but of 16 years of age walked without fear and with rage onto the Alter.
Corey ignored Mireille and Kirika; stepping between them he came to a stop, toe to toe his gaze locked into the Priest's eyes, "You shall release them." Priest Yoshiro replied "I can not. It is foretold, they must receive absolution." Corey replied, "Absolution? Will this release all that has been done to our family friends?" The priest replied, "Yes young step-son of Baldwin, they shall be released." Corey without looking at his mother replied, "Then carry out this absolution. What must be done?"
Gina Baldwin held back by the twins and Ashley listened as Corey began to perform the absolution, "My blood, is your blood. Your blood is my blood, thy sins that have blackened yours blackens mine. Thy fears shall be my fears, thy bravery shall be my bravery, my fears shall be your fears, my bravery shall be yours, and thy challenges shall be mine as mine is yours." Pressing the palms of each hand to Mireille and Kirika, Corey Baldwin completed the absolution.
Tuesday, June 15th 0630 hours, Bakkai Temple, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Gina Baldwin stepped into the room then kneeled next to her husband Randy, his eyes tracking her movements, "Ok. I should not have done that." Gina replied, "You are not the only one regretting that either. Both are here to see you."
Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura entered and joined Gina. Kirika spoke, "Corey carried out the absolution." Easing himself painfully to an upright position, Randy blinked his eyes then replied, "Considering what has transpired, I hope like hell you are back to normal? I will not go through this again, nor will I allow my family to be put through this as well."
Gina replied, "Both Mireille and Kirika have no ill effects. The memory trigger that afflicted Kirika is absent also." Randy spoke, "The priest? What explanation does he have for his actions?"
The voice behind them replied, "A legend from our people told of a Western woman and an Asian woman who sought to correct wrongs committed against those of lower class and stature. The legend has it that the Asian woman brought forth the Western woman whose skills in swords had been legendary in the West to teach the skills to the select of the lower cast. The Western woman had brought with her an ancient language yet still spoken and written. The woman's sword bore the inscriptions which later were carried upon those swords made and blessed from within the fires of hell itself."
Priest Kouta Yoshiro having finished then bowed. West meets East, during what was known as one of the most turbulent periods in ancient Japan. It made sense at least to Randy as he replied, "Kouta? Why Kirika?" as the priest sat on the floor, "My great-granddaughters tale of her exploits and that of her friend Mireille lead me to believe that both are the reincarnations of these great warriors whose own names are lost to our history. The absolution according to our legend was carried out to help cleanse their past sins and to give them spirituality. The second to a great Daimyo, served as the vessel for the absolution." Mireille replied, "And the legend came to pass."