Medjay Stories: The ASN On Trial

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. A true statement in the life of Elias. He stands there in his living room, deep in thought while his armor bearers dress him for tonight’s big event. Tonight’s occasion had been planned from the moment the Medjay had become a part of the ASN under the banner of Nazogakure. Needless to say this was the most important day of not just Elias’ life but the entire Medjay culture.

They dressed Elias in garment resembling the style of the ancient Bachiatari commanders. His body was also covered in green and gold seals and symbols. The seals were liken to the tattoos and markings depicted in the heaven seal’s ballads.  And the symbols and letters wrote out declarations and affirmations of who Elias is and ought to become for his people.  Affirmations such as ,”The Provider”, “The Great Shield”, “The Highest”, “Great Conqueror”, and “Fate’s Lord”  written all over his body. ” Hey Tie, what’s all this mean?” His head armor bearer, Tieros was fixing his collar when he received the first question that Elias would ask all day.

“Ohoho!  Now that’s a surprise. You were so quiet I figured you already knew. Well Som, green represents life and gold represents divinity. Back in the day of commanders, our people wore these colors to represent Divine Life.  During ceremonies commanders would instead have their bodies decorated by their subordinates in seals, declarations, and affirmations.

All this in our signature colors, of course. As for what they wore, they dressed in beautiful fashion with colors and designs representing their division and gold trimming. The great leader known as a Captain Commander would do the same only difference is that their garment would have the primary color as black, secondary color being representative of their division and then gold trimmings. Since you’re the son of Medjay , you will be dressed in just black and gold with black nails and gold ties in your locks. “

Tieros waited for more questions as he paid close attention to how Elias looked. ”Word, but this seal right here is a real one tho. Like all Id need is to activate it and it’s good for use? Why’s that?” Tieros laughed even harder this time realizing that their leader might actually be as clueless as he lets off, “Ohohohoho!  Som, please don’t think too hard on these things. Our culture and traditions may seem very spiritual and symbolic now but just know that they were pretty simple and straight forward people. Your written seals are based on what we know about warriors from the heaven seal’s ballad. Since the last captain commander was of the heaven seal division and the ballad speaks of their warriors having such seals we only assumed it was because their captain had them too. So yea it’s a real seal and it should work if you know how to use it ,ohohoho. Heaven seal people liked to throw things, maybe you like to throw things, ohoho?”

Elias remained silent thinking about how little he knew about this culture that he supposedly represents. Tieros took his silence as embarrassment and tries to uplift Elias by pointing at a group of symbols that was painted on his body. “The Provider, it’s an affirmation.”  ”But I haven’t provided anything to anyone.” “Oho but Som, you’ve already provided hope”. Tieros grinned slightly as he looks at Elias in admiration, “And after you do what we know you will, We will..”“That’ll be all Tieros, please take the armor bearers and wait outside for your Som to finish his prayers.” Elias’ mother interrupted, walking in with her green and gold ceremonial gown with her black dreads tied up neatly. “Yes Counsel D.A.R.K, right away.” Tieros with the slightest hand motion mobilized the entourage of armor bearers but before he could walk out Elias would place a gentle hand on his shoulder. He’d whisper, “ Please, do as I had instructed earlier. Don’t let me down.” “It’s already done, you need not repeat yourself, only consider the issue to come with such a request.” “Well that’s not suspicious at all. You can go dude.” Elias’ father would interrupt dressed in his Nazo style Jonin gear as if he was about to run a mission. “Mr. Kaironokuma”, Tieros would answer with a bow and walk out.

Once the door closes behind him , Himiko-Armina would look at Elias confused. A few moments of silence would be enough for her to understand that Elias wouldn’t be letting them in on this little plan of his . “Listen mataro(negro) ,Dont go doin shit to make deez people hate yo ass! This Trial is goin to be big, it ain’t play time, ya hear me?” ” Cmon ma, I’m good.” “E, these Medjays aren’t all what you think. Don’t get too friendly with them. They’re your underlings and that’s how you gotta treat em. They might act all buddy buddy but they have their other intentions.” ” Pops, chill . You always getting like that when you got your jonin gear on. I done told ya that they’re too tight, you never listen.” “Matara don’tchu Sass yo daddy” Himiko throws a slap across Elias’ head . ” ouu ! Damn it! “ Elias’ scream was heard from the other side of the door and resulted in the armor bearers banging on the door, “SOM! Is everything ok? We’re busting in!! “” We’re good, just wait outside!” Elias stops the concerned group from breaking down their door. Elias’ father would suck his teeth and say under his breath. “Wish they would bust through my door. I bust throughout their heads” . Himiko would smack his arm playfully, “babe, no” . He’d place his arms around her and gently kiss the back of her neck while she giggles. “Well imma bust something. Now which is it gunna be you or them babe, hmm?”

Elias watches the two with a look of utter disgusted. “Alright let’s pray and get out of here.” the three would hold hands and begin to pray together. Meanwhile Tieros personally delivers a message to  Kotone and Jinnouchi inviting them to tonight’s festivities along with specific instructions.

Spoiler:

This was a bit "out there" for Jinnouchi. He had a bit of a feeling that Elias was well off, but he wasn't expecting all of this secrecy. After they completed the Chunin Exams, Jin has been pretty much relaxing and trying to figure out his next moves. They all managed to make it into the hunter corps together, and Jin was thinking of a special project looking into the methods of awakening. There wasn't much information about it, but research about that and how to achieve it was one of his comforting methods of post academy relaxation.  Part of him also wondered what sensei Clio was doing? Once the genin of the winning team or the successful ones move on, do the jonin just get reassigned to another group? Maybe that was the life's purpose, cultivating the talent of others and ensuring that they truly know what they are capable of?

It was a simple life, but it wasn't so bad.

"Wait what the....."

Taken completely by surprise, which is a shame for a chunin of all people, Jin was met by Tieros in order to partake in a ceremony for Elias. Assuming Kotone was going to be there, Jinnouchi decided to come along, wearing his basic clothing and carrying a bag.  Beforehand, he did a little bit of shopping in order to have some kind of idea of what a dress code would be. Jin didn't like clothes all that much since he rips through them if they weren't made for him, but he wanted to show some support.

At the entrance, Jinnouchi quickly got dressed at B rank speeds while in the cover of the shadows so he didn't freak Kotone or anyone else out.

Spoiler:

"I spent a few my win earnings on this, I hope it's traditional enough."

Ever since their celebration night together Kotone had thought she would finally get to start seeing more of her brothers again, but as soon as she had returned home that night the walls of her clan suddenly got so much larger. And just like before the exams, Kotone hardly saw either of the rest of her team. Her father had taken to giving her plenty of work around the temple, and whilst her teachers didn't seem as active in pushing her, the temple side of her clan were certainly getting constrictive with her time. After a week, Kotone was beginning to wise up to what was going on. Her father was the same. He was like her teachers too. 'Those boys are a bad influence. You need to start preparing to take your place'.

But there were at least some perks. Her clan was preparing a get together to celebrate their daughter's success, and with the clan politics the way they were, and such a long line that coursed through Kotone's veins, money for small frivolties was never hard to find. And as such, when Tieros appeared, Kotone was just leaving a particular dress fitting. With a grin, she only asked to be given a distraction to slip away. Her clan could easily find her again if they were looking, so she just needed a moment to slip out of sight without drawing suspicion and she would be fine.

She would stop by a friends' place from her Academy days, unfortuntely having dropped out due to injury, and used their place to change. It was the first time she had put on the dress since it was tailored to fit her perfectly, and to add the detailing that would make clear just which clan she belonged to in the Zakiyoshi, and she spent a little more time than she might have needed to look in the mirror. Her friend also certainly approved on her way out.

"Woooow! Jin you're looking amazing." Kotone was amazing, practically throwing herself in to hugging her muscular friend. It was so strange to her friend actually covered up like like, and it absolutely worked for him! "I was kind of stuck for choice, first I wasn't even at home when Eli's... friend? I don't know... when they turned up to whisk me away, but also... I think this looks much better than my simple temple robes." Then a little bit of paranoia came over her. "... This isn't too much is it?" She nervously scratched at her tattoo'd shoulder just thinking about it. "Err... anyway. Have you seen Eli yet? What do you think this is all about?"

Dress:

Tieros did as instructed and escorted Jinnouchi and Kotone to their hidden location. Upon arriving with the two at the entrance they would notice a massive rock standing alone in what seems like the entrance to a swamp like terrain.  Tieros stood silently doing a strange motion with his right thumb. The move was so slight, it was as if he was using his thumb to slowly pass something through his palms outwards.

A few moments passed before  the rock and surrounding area  transformed into a massive venue.  A man dressed in green and gold opened the door and came forth. “ Tieros”, the man addressed their escort directly in a concerning tone. “Oho, No need to worry these are the Som’s honored guests. He’s given me specific orders to retrieve them for tonight’s ev..” “I will not grant entry!”The gatekeeper interrupts aggressively placing his right hand on the handle of his blade. “If you wish to enter you may take Master Tapir inside with you, but she will not enter. She will not be welcomed here.”

Tieros sighed knowing this would happen, “Surely,  The Som has mentioned her coming here.”Tieros would start again a bit more aggressive, “I would not have brought her all this way for nothing!”The gate keeper would fix his eyes on Tieros and without a second thought deny him again,”Leave here. By my authority I...” “Is your authority greater than your Som? He said they’re my honored guests, now what’s the problem?” Elias finally makes his appearance having planned for them to be there waiting around this time.

”Som, forgive me but I cannot grant entry to any outsider. No matter how dear or trustworthy.” the gatekeeper replied with caution in his tone. ”An outsider?” Elias confused by his response. ” A shinobi, Sire” ” Well then there’s a mistake. I’m a shinobi as well and so is...” Elias goes silent for a second while pointing and staring at a full clothed Jinnouchi. The stare now became that of greater confusion, “who the heck is this?” The gatekeeper would break the pause by clarifying what he meant. ” You’re the Som, and Jinnouchi Tapir ,Elias’ eyes would shoot wide open and realize that this dude actually is Jinnouchi. Damn he looks like a totally different person with a full shirt on. is from the line of the mighty Enzo, repented be his name. Jinnouchi’s attendance in this meeting is symbolic to our people.” Elias is becoming impatient, ” It’s simple, wherever she is, I will be there too. If she must stay out here then you can go explain to everyone why the Som will not attend the most important event for our people.”

The gatekeeper lowered his head from Elias and looks into Tieros eyes. He’d then move aside granting entry to all of them. Tieros would move in close to Elias and whisper to him,” You sure do take your time, ohoho.” Elias responded to him while keeping his focus on his friends, ” I just got here myself, bruh. Thank you for bringing them here”. ” yea, no problem.” Tieros would make his way inside while Elias addresses his friends. ”Hey y’all thanks for coming. Jin! You look great ma dude! Why you never wear this before? He’d dap him up then look at Kotone greeting her with a hug. “You always look great tho. Check me, I’m jacking your royal flow,haha.  Today is going to be intense, and as you can see the Medjay are very serious today. Just stay close and don’t do or say anything out of pocket.” He’d look at the two for confirmation that they understand and once they give it he’d lead them in.

Spoiler:

As the rock moved past the entrance, Jin kind of wondered how they managed to set up this secret entrance in the first place. Either it must have been some incredible technology in order to get this to work, or maybe it was through the use of some jutsu? It won't be too far off, Elias was the earth in their little combination.

"I gotta say, Eli's family sure knows how to throw a party."

Jin said this as he was walking inside of the massive venue.  But then some cranky man started to show up and he seemed really cranky for some reason. It had a problem with them being here, or maybe he had a problem with Kotone and him arriving at Eli's celebration.

"I only became a shinobi by chance, or else I would have never left new mirstone city, not really anyway. Shinobi isn't an evil wise guy, and I mean it because you are older and probably seen a lot of things I can't imagine. But we went toe to toe against the best and completed the chunin exams, we know you guys are immediate family, but the bonds we share are like family. We really just want to see Elias win, in every stage in life. After the main celebration is over, we will go, and if Kotone was truly a problem, I will take full responsibility for anything she does as the leader. "

Jinnouchi was trying to be polite and negotiate for them to have safe passage, but that was before Elias showed up. But he didn't know who he was?

"Ehh?!! Hey hey, it's me, if you touch me and kind of feel like a warm fire you make smores off of, it's my aura. Therefore, you know it's me for sure! I'm not an imposter or anything, there is no trickjutsu shenanigans on your birthday............its not your birthday.... I mean... ahem.."

Jinnouchi still needed to work on his people skills.

"There is no jutsu-ing going on.... I have found clothing hahaha. But, your talk-no-jutsu is the most excellent sire. "

But even if they weren't listening to Jin try to talk his way out of something he didn't need to do in the first place, the mention of the mighty Enzo was something he hasn't heard of before. When things were getting resolved and Jin followed, he folded his arms and nodded.  A little bit of steam was coming from his body as he said his next words. He was rather fired up, but purely because he was excited.

Spoiler:

"I'm always a man of my word, I have nothing but gratitude that I was even invited. I know our family has a history but at face value, besides us using that connection and being a team, you didn't initially owe me anything.  Both of you didn't, so I decided to be the rock of support for these kinds of things. Kotone's wedding, whenever that is...and you.....your birthday party....it's not your birthday. Ok, coronation."

Kotone felt everything around them sour as the great grump pushed his way in. Something about it rubbed her the wrong way, the way he spoke to her. Maybe it was all the time being pushed to think more of herself lately, but that just made it worse, and she was incredibly close to simply going off. Instead, Elias arrived and defused the situation some. Everything about her relaxed in an instant. "I know right? Our fearless leader looks super good. And of course I know I always look good. A Priestess always has to make an entrance." A phrase she had used before when complaining to the two of them about how her clan was treating her, but this was perhaps the first time she'd said it seriously. "And hey, I'm diplomatic. I understand this isn't my place exactly." She turned towards the particular man who didn't want her here.

"... You probably already know I'm Kotone Zakiyoshi. But if you're going to speak of Jin's ancestor, then surely you know mine too. The woman who put her life on the line to keep him alive, and the woman who promised aid with but a breath to Elias's ancestor." Another look then towards Elias. "I'm... Assuming I'm not wrong that is related." A smile flashed and she turned back, bowing her head. "So thank you for allowing me to remain with my brothers, with my promise that nothing of this place shall leave me but in the safe company of my brothers."

Believing that might help things a little, even if Elias asked her not to speak out of turn, she turned to the two boys again. "I'm pretty sure it's not his birthday Jin." She tried not to show the little panic of worry that it actually was. But then Jin's comment completely threw her. "W-Wait! Wedding?! Where did that come from? I-im not getting married any time soon! I-Ive not even met anybody I like in that way!" She was all ready to follow however. She trusted Elias.

Tieros was waiting for them on the other side. As the trio came in they’d be met with the sound of loud music and laughter. The place as far more lively than the entrance. It was as if they walked into a massive Egyptian themed festival. There were tons of shows with different fauna, lightning jugglers, martial arts competitions, acrobats and much more. This truly was a party and as they moved around , Tieros would have a server bring them drinks. The expressions of the people who recognize the three were mixed. They were very excited at the sight of their Som and Jinnouchi, but were skeptical about Kotone.

Tieros figured it’d be time to address it to the other two. ”Take no offense, ohoho. Everyone is well aware of who you two are , but understand that what you might believe out there isn’t the same in this community. Trust in your friend and remember the less the two of you say the better. But enjoy the festivities! I’m only a call away”. With that said he’d leave off to eat , drink and be merry.

Elias would be left in the crowd with his friends. ” Jin, you don’t know my birthday dawg? Tsk tsk. Remember a few months ago after the second round of exams, I told y’all about a trial that has to happen? Well that’s today. Strangely, I thought it’d be a lot more strict and serious in here. Anyway y’all hungry? Maybe we can play some of the festival games, or maybe even watch a show! What you wanna do first Koto?” Elias for the first time the whole day began to loosen up and not stress over this.

If the two looked around at the faces in the room they might find them familiar. Depending on how much time they usually spend outside their houses , they’d notice that these faces were civilians , teachers, merchants , and owners in Nazogakure.

"Maybe I'll try to be apart of the performance? Some knife tricks in order to show some good faith? Oh right, you told me not to do anything. Hm, doing nothing huh? Well, do they have apple cider? I always had to drink it only one time during the holiday season but it is one of my favorite drinks. " As jinnouchi looked around to see what he could do to pass the time, he patted both Kotone and Elias on the back.

"I'll go ahead and scope the place out, I smell food so I'll be back with a plate probably. But I will be right back. Kotone, turn that frown upside down from the inside. They will warm up to the dream team eventually. Let's have some fun!"

Jin then quickly whispered to  Elias.

"How about something a little more high profile with kotone so they feel at ease? With you, who they hold in such high regard, perhaps she can play some festival games with you or something?  Being seen with you and just seeing her in an everyday light might be what they need. But I really don't know. "

After that, Jin went to get some food and search for some apple cider.

Kotone might've started excited to spend time with her best friends and brothers, but very quickly she was feeling very... Out of sorts. And then of course everything her teachers had been drilling in to her were coming back. Strong. "They're not like you Miss Kotone." "You don't belong with them as an adult," "They're already moving on, why aren't you," None of it was true. She knew that. But that nagging feeling was difficult to scratch when she was looked at so wrong. Even Jin's touch to her exposed back did nothing. And she hoped he wouldn't see through the half hearted smile. She'd push through. For these two.

"Do? Oh, right." She hadn't even looked around much she realised. But the more she did the more... Well, off she felt. One perk, or maybe boon now, to being a Priestess of Kikuri, you do a lot of jobs in the village. You get to know people. And now... Wherever they were participating in to uncertainly or not of the young Zakiyoshi, Kotone was seeing them in a new light. "I... Don't really know. This is your home turf and the people are making that very clear. I guess I just don't really blend in very well." Once more she was nervously scratching at the tattoo on her shoulder, but knowing that bringing Thadie in to this wouldn't be the help she needed now. But just thinking of that, it reminded her she wasn't acting like herself. And the last time Kotone wasn't Kotone, the two of them dressed in horrible drag to come see here. "Ah to hell with it. I might not belong to your people, but I belong with my two brothers. So let's go find some carnival game to kick your butt in,"

It didn’t go unnoticed that his team was feeling a bit uncomfortable, especially Kotone. Elias was warned that this wasn’t the time or place for friends despite the festive ambience. Knowing this, he still ignored Tieros’ warnings and invited the two hoping they could endure the discomfort for his sake. He needed them by to make a hard decision because he believes that both Jin and Kotone makes him better. Now, we the time he has remaining, he’ll have to find a way to keep his friends entertained. ”um alright. You go ahead and get your grub on. Kotone and I are going to play cups and see if we can win some prizes!! Wanna do that Koto?” He’d ask hoping she’d get out of her head and enjoy the time with him.

If she isn’t opposed to playing, the two would make their way over to the cups table where a woman with darker complexion greeted them with a grin on her face. “Well aren’t you cute! That priestess outfit, you must truly be Kotone. Well we are very happy to have you here today although it’s a surprise. Som, you are looking sharp today. I didn’t expect to be able to play with you, being that you’re so young with such a big decision to make. You nervous? she came off very sweet but chatty and when Elias would be reminded of what he’s to do later he’d only grin right back at her. “psssh being nervous ain’t my thing. That’s for the unprepared.” He’d cross his arms and begin to shake slightly. The lady would sarcastically ask him, ”Ya cold? You’re shaking quite a bit there.” the room was warm and she new it was just nerves. ”How about we focus on these cups. I have this coin, the object of the game is to pay attention to which cup that this coin ends up under by the end of my rhyme. You beat me three times in a row, you’ll get a prize. Think you can manage? She’d wait for confirmations from both Kotone and Elias. If they are ready then she’d begin shuffling the cups and coin while keeping her rhyme.

She’d begin with three cups and a high flip of the coin. I took some sake and the long way hooomme.There was the right cup(RC), the center cup (CC), and the left cup(LC). I couldn’t stand listenin ta youuuu”coin drops to the right and she taps the table near LC quickly. “You keep complainin’ that love  done left you hangin Lifting the CC to cover the tapped area then moving LC to the center to cover and RC to the right to cover.But baby boy you ain’t got a cluuuueee. In the end no coin is in sight. She’d stop rhyming and ask in a very alluring tone, ” which cup hides the coin,Ms Kotone?”. Elias looked at Kotone , he was distracted by the story,  so he’s depending on Kotone to choose. He’ll pick whatever she decides.


Meanwhile Jinnouchi is off finding some food. He’ll find many different options from noodles to barbecue meats. “Pa..pa..playa playa!! Playa playaaaa!! Come here right quick! A groovy looking chief calls Jinnouchi over to his station. ”cmon big man! Don’t leave yo boi hanging like dat! I gots da eats! Not just the eats, but also... Da Spicy meats ! Odededede! “ The dude was high energy and he rocked a wicked Afro but if Jinnouchi decides to approach him, Jin will notice his miniature stature. Dude was about 4ft tall. ” Now I saw you come in with yo two friends there. Food for all of y’all can be pretty darn expensive. But don’t ya break in cold sweats just yet , big papa protein pump! Because if ya can riddle me dis! I’ll give you the first meal for free. Whatever ya like, three meals , three riddles. Ya in?” He’d turn on the fire and grab his spatula, waiting and ready to cook whatever Jin wanted for the first order if he’s willing to play. ” What’d ya say? Willing to save some money?”

Jin was pretty much looking around, first making a beeline to go towards the guy who was enticing him, It doesn't matter what he was saying really, but the keywords were what really got Jin going. Spicy meat, juicy barbecue, this is what Jin wanted But there was another word that was just as powerful, a word that shook the fabric of Jin's very soul.

"Free? Ya don't say?!"

All he had to do was answer some riddle? This seemed like a mock practice for doing the delves, perhaps they had some riddles that needed answering as well? As long as he can get those three riddles right, he could get three plates for free.

"Alright, show me what you got, what's the first riddle?"

Kotone went along with Elias to the game table, and ever the friendly sort she was happy to return the greeting with a smile. Albeit with her eyes closed, though that still looked very natural for her when smiling, as she rolled her eyes. Happy she was here didn't feel the case. She needed to move on though, and focused on the game in front of her. But perhaps more was whatever was going on with Elias. With his shaking pointed out, she threw her arm around his shoulder to stand together like it was nothing at all.

She felt she could have easily cheated, but anybody that saw the exams would easily tell too. "I think... It's the middle cup. What do you think?"

Elias being as confused as ever just went with what Kotone chose. ”Ye, I say it’s the middle cup too.” The cup in the middle at the time was LC. The kind lady would stare at them for a few moments to ensure that they would not reneg on their choice. Once certain , she’d lift up the middle cup to reveal that no coin was there. Elias looked at the reveal intriguingly, then focused his attention towards Kotone. He figured that she’d been paying attention the whole time and that there was no way she could’ve gotten that wrong. What a cool trick this was. The lady would then lift the right cup to reveal the coin underneath it. “Gotcha! Ahaha. So do you get it now?” She’d smile at Kotone hoping that she was amused. ” Ok so that’s strike one. Ready for round 2?” ”Yea bring it.” Elias replied determined to win the next one. She’d look over to Kotone and wait for her response.


Jinnouchi on the other hand is now in competition with the chef of many riddles. He’d begin to cook his first bowl, a house hold special this is packed with delicious meats and fried rice. This is the chef’s personal favorite so he wasn’t about to just let it go without asking a mid level riddle. ”Well alright young buck! Here it is: If you throw me out the window I’ll leave a grieving wife. What am I? “

"Oh, I know this one. The husband."

It must have been a really huge window with them being high up. He wanted to say rock, but that would be too easy. From Jin's point of view, he was thinking of if he was the one who threw the person out of the window. However, it was hard to tell if it was the correct answer or not. He simply waited to be told otherwise. Regardless, he still had some pride with the answer.

"See, I'm pretty good at riddles. Like, rumple stilt skin or whatever his name is. "

"Yeah yeah, I'll have it perfectly this time." Honestly Kotone didn't know if she could, she was just as certain this time but clearly her eyes had played tricks on her. This time she was training her eyes that much more, she was already relaxing with just one game. Although with a little more thought she would have uncovered it was just because she could tell at least that time that Elias had relied on her, and then suddenly this was just as serious as their exams had been. Elias was counting on her, and she wasn't going to let her brother down.

” No Sir!! The answer is N”! he’d pause for a bit waiting for a laugh or for Jinnouchi to get it. After a while he’d move on to the next riddle after having made the first bowl anyway. ”Well big man you’re down one here’s another! A doctor and a bus driver are both in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Sarah. The bus driver had to go on a long bus trip that would last a week. Before he left, he gave Sarah seven apples. Why?“ he gets ready to make a second meal just in case.

Meanwhile Elias stands there with Kotone ready for round two. She’d pause a moment then begin by flipping the coin high into the air. ♪ she went with him and didn’t think of you. ♪ All the cups were in their original position. ♪ Something I cant seem to do ♪She’d move CC to the right and LC to the center.♪ And now you’re cryin, baby boy you got me dyin cause ♪RC was then moved to the left and CC switching places with LC. ♪ you don’t know I still love you ♪ Coin hits the table dead center but she quickly hits the table to the left and cover left with RC, she covers right with LC and center with CC. ” Your move, where is it?” Elias confusingly picks the Right cup. Now it’s up to Kotone to choose.

"Huh, the letter N? Is this one of those deep thought riddles........... uh.........huh................."

Somehow he didn't get that riddle, but maybe the reason was located in the letter N? Maybe he can ask the others about it some other time. The second one seemed a little more of Jin;'s speed, maybe he would be able to guess this one?

"Ok, so the answer to this has to be.... because if her name was thottianna and she was sharing that good product with the doctor she would have none a lot quicker. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but she might be seeing that mysterious third guy nobody talks about. Wait, you read Icha Icha
short stories too?"

Kotone always figured herself good at cup games, but something about this one was making it really quite difficult. Something about the method of it was sitting funny. But alas she had to pick, and as such, she went for the Centre Cup. Where else could it be right?

Why she was here she didn't really know, but an invitation was an invitation. It wasn't like she was doing anything. Mei, dressed in the qipao designed for her grandmother and replicated for the past two generations, was happy just to explore what was to offer even if she was out of place. The people were friendly enough to her though, even though it took some a telling who she was before that. One she could not miss seeing was the large, and now armoured, Jinnouchi at a for stall. A familiar face was very nice. This included overhearing the riddle he was being given. "That is some strange logic. The answer is just as you say correct? An apple a day keeps the doctor away. So he wants his love rival to stay away. It is nice to see you by the way... Jinnouchi Tapir, wasn't it? I do apologise if I am mistaken, I am still recovering from my time in the examinations."

"huh?"

Jin looked back to see another young woman that he met very briefly in the exams. He didn't actually get a chance to talk to mei, but he was asking around about a woman that could use crystals at the same capacity as her.

"Mei Suisho?! Wow, this is like a ninja college reunion!"

If she allowed it, Jin gave her a big hug and then stood beside her with a look of awe on his face.

"How are you? How were the exams for you? I ended up in the military police myself, but it's not so bad. What about you? What promotion did you get... and oh..... recovery? I know a great stretch for you if your muscles are sore. "

Now that he thought about it, did she also get an invite.

"Fancy party huh? My boy Eli is from the other side of the tracks with this one. I only heard stories about places like this. Are you enjoying it?"

"This party is out of my depth too. They keep treating me like I'm some guest of honour? But I don't know what anything here is about." Mei nervously played with one of her high buns, though in part to test they were still neat and secure. "I was promoted too. But I had to delay my placement due to family obligations." She was fine with the hug, if awkward with the size differences. "And my recovery. But I am fine. Thank you for the concern though."

Hm, but you know what, I was looking for you. "

Showing mei his gauntlets,  Jin gave her a puzzled look.

"I think it needs Crystal's. But I honestly don't know what.  After giving it some kind of blood from a weaponkin it changed color. Do you think you can give me a hand with this if it's not too much trouble?  I'll do you a solid and maybe teach you something cool."

He was hoping that she would help, but that was ok if she didn't.

Spoiler:

Mei shrugged, a simple request. "You said somebody bled on it though? That does not really sounds healthy." As she worked, rolling her fingers with little clanks as crystal plates vibrated from her skin and formed two different looking crystal shuriken in each hand. "We can try this?" She said and held them out, offering up the crystal to the gauntlets.

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