Wings of Darkness (D2, Early Night)

[Mindshred]

The birds stare at Kitakuhime for a moment longer before turning back to Khulun.

"...you understood the message...?"

[Moto Khulun]

She replies, "This symbolizes the friendship between Crane and Unicorn, that is all I could learn great Herald. I will listen if there is more."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

The birds stare at Kitakuhime for a moment longer before turning back to Khulun.

She tightens her legs over the saddle as a cold shiver runs down her spine.

[Mindshred]

"...disappointing..."

The undead birds sigh, a sound like leaves rattling down a paved street.

"...perhaps... more wise to approach an Iuchi or Ide..."

[Moto Khulun]

Moto Khulun frowns and says, "You have a message for us some secret you wish to give, Herald. Tell us what you want, you know of the Unicorn return yet you offer only tricks and puzzles. Perhaps you are not so great and offer nothing of value!"

She pulls out the charm and says, "Tell us what this means, prove your worth or begone!"

[Mindshred]

"...I had thought to offer... an alliance to the Unicorn..."

Once of the crows bobs its head toward the trinket.

"...mutual enemy..."

[Moto Khulun]

“Are the Crane our enemy?” she asks looking at the trinket.

[Togashi Udo]

Udo is silent during the exchange, but he finds the birds even more odd than before. Were they truly trying to be friendly?

[Mindshred]

The birds make a rattling sound that might have been a snort.

"...if you understood... you would understand..."

The birds stretch their wings, a few dark, rotting feathers falling to the ground.

"...perhaps this is... a conversation best held... in person..."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Alliance with dead birds? Kitakuhime takes measure of how many birds there were. Meanwhile, Gekko's breath starts to become louder than usual.

There's something wrong. Someone... or something, is causing these disturbances. This is the sacred land we have strived to reach. It cannot be cursed. We have past the shadows.

"Show your true form!" She demands.

[Moto Khulun]

The Moto princess nods and says, “Agreed, it should be face to face.”

[Mindshred]

"...four days..."

The birds tilt their heads toward Kitakuhime.

"...on conditions... an offering of trust between those meeting for the first time..."

[Moto Khulun]

"Speak your terms, Herald," Khulun says as Oguro stirs. She pats his neck to calm him and waits for the reply.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Why four days... why not now?

The girl shakes her head, asking for more, "You know about us, yet we know nothing certain about you. Tell us who you serve, and trust may be granted."

[Mindshred]

A few of the birds cast a glance toward Togashi Udo.

"...once I carried the name of Miya... though that name has since been set aside..."

The birds turn their attention back to Kitakuhime.

"...now, I am merely Kiyoshi... the Onyx Champion... and servant of the Ninth Kami..."