Why Won't the Pounding Stop? (D6, LM)

[Doji Ameka]

"Fascinating... I will ask more later, but please go on for now, Shinjo-san."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He nodded and continued.

"The Otaku found the City of Sorcerers, home to evil magic users the clan had encountered a century before the families separated. Many of the Otaku were captured and enslaved. Those who remained free returned generations later, led by Otaku Kunami. She and a small group infiltrated the city and manipulated the sorcerers into fighting each other. As tensions free and erupted into open conflict, she signaled the remaining Otaku outside the city to attack."

"As they made their escape, Kunami came across a herd of mystical horses, led by the great steed Vata. They had been enslaved by the sorcerers as well. Kunami freed them and, together, the Otaku and the herd fought their way free of the city. In gratitude, Vaya and the others agreed to serve as mounts for the Otaku, on the condition that they were only ridden by the women of the family."

"The Iuchi encoutered the Jinn. Immortal beings of smokeless fire. They are powerful creatures of magic. Initially the Iuchi found themselves fighting against these creatures, but managed to find peace. They spent their time as welcome guests, learning from the Jinn and their libraries."

"All of this happened over a span of two centuries, with these families hearing little from Shinjo. Then, they saw a vision of her in their shards of the mirror. She was under attack, assaulted by dark talons. They rushed to her aid, making their way into lands of darkness. The Shinjo family was found their imprisoned in dark tendrils. Only the Kami and a small group of her followers continued to fight. The Ide, Moto, Otaku and Iuchi fought to free them. They accomplished this only to be surrounded themselves. Shinjo ordered the clan to flee, standing against the darkness with the last of her children to buy escape for her followers. That was the last she was seen in person."

"The Ki-Rin adopted the name of the Unicorn after that, believing the clan had been forever changed by their experiences. They traveled the continent, constantly exploring new lands and discovering new cultures. They believed that was the life they would always have."

"Twenty years ago, the Iuchi shard of the mirror given to Lady Shinjo by Lady Doji showed a different fate. Shinjo herself appeated with a message that the Unicorn were needed in Rokugan, so that the Thunders would be ready. She commanded her followers to return to the Emlire, but she did not show the way before she faded back into the darkness. We rode for Rokugan, regardless, eventually crossing through dark and deadly lands where faceless monsters dwelled. In our darkest moment, the Otaku shard of the mirror showed the face of a Togashi monk. Through Lady Doji's mirror, the Dragon were able to finally guide us home."

Finally finished, he took a breath and waited for her thoughts.

[Doji Ameka]

"Your Clan has gone through quite a set of trials in your explorations, Shinjo-san, and have come out stronger for them," she says, bowing. "Thank you very much for sharing the history with me."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hai, but it was our ties to Rokugan that gave us the strength to endure those tribulations and guided us through our darkest moments." he smiled, definitely feeling better. "It is good to be home."

[Doji Ameka]

"I don't wish to speak for everyone, but for my own part, it is like the return of long-disappeared family. I'm sure the number of people who were sent here to create more immediate ties to the Unicorn shows how happy most are with your Clan's return," she agrees cheerfully.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"As one who will be leaving my family for another, I can say that we are just as pleased." he nodded.