Araluen Capitol City

He'd come to Nexus, and at first had slipped into the city after watching from a distance, the guarded entrances, the troops with an unfamiliar banner marching about, watch the bustling unique culture and city being forced into isolation like situation -


Then it was time to find somewhere to meditate and search for his sons familiar feelings, at first it was brief and he made little sense of what his sons were feeling at the time because it had been a barest most brief touch.


Then it was a matter of sneaking into the city - not that he was the only rat person making his way in so it was relatively easy enough to slip under the notice of most.


And it was a relief to find he was not the only one trying to make it past the mostly but not exclusive reptilian types of Draco's guards to find the Daimyo - instead finding Usagi. The pair now hiding out of sight and focused. And joy! -

Draco's takeover of the Capitol must have started shortly after Usagi last left the city. Usagi had been travelling for some time, and he had heard about big changes and drawing forces in the Capitol, but he had never expected this.

He had been present during the last Battle Nexus Tournament, and had assisted Splinter and the turtles the final battle that had seen Draco and the Daimyo's son disappearing into the rift. They had all nearly been sucked along with them.

But somehow... it seemed that Draco was back. And this time, he had followers on his side.

As much as it pained the Samurai, Usagi found himself using much of what Leonardo had taught him. Normally he would never condone ninja trickery, but... Well... Usagi had come to see it's usefulness. Especially when a small group is trying to take on an army.

Usagi had known he could not do this alone, and he had been forced to lay low. Blend in as best he could.

And fortune had smiled on him when Splinter Sensei had made his way into the city! He had certainly never expected to see his friend here, and couldn't have imagined how he would have known about the trouble in the Nexus.

But Splinter Sensei's stories of the disappearance of his sons, and the manner in which it had happened sold him. Yes, he would have checked here too. And Usagi was saddened to be forced to report to Splinter that he had heard nothing of the turtles.

Other than perhaps vague rumors of Genio Innocuo having returned to the Nexus. Though honestly, Usagi hadn't considered that those Genio might actually be his friends! He had assumed that the mythological creatures of old had somehow returned. It certainly wouldn't have been the first time. So legend went... The Genio Innocuo returned in times such as these.

Though maybe there was more to the myth.

...or to his friends.

Splinter Sensei had seemed convinced though, after some light meditation. The trick was finding a safe place and time to do go deeper. With everything going on, they had to be vigilant at all times!

But now... now it was relatively quiet. And Usagi had offered to keep guard while Splinter sought out his sons, attempting to establish an actual contact this time. Not just a light brush.

When it was safe, and for brief periods, Usagi would dip into a light meditation, and touch Splinter Sensei's presence. Check in on what he was finding.  Usagi brushed against Leonardo San's presence. Assuring his friend that he was there too and would do what he could to watch Splinter Sensei's back, as he knew his friend would watch his.

But Usagi's touch was light. He could not afford to go too deep, let his guard down here for too long.

For the most part...

All he could do now... was wait.

Splinter and Usagi had not yet caught a glimpse of the drake himself yet but rumour had it he was... deformed...


Though Splinter did not put much stock in rumours usually, these ones maybe he paid a little more attention to when it turned out the rumours of Genio Innocou returned to Nexus turned out it might be his sons. Or at least what the collective lot of them are disguising themselves as whilst here. Either way, the aged rat was just glad to come across the young samurai! as much as this situation pained him so. Oh his good friend the Daimyo



He knew right now they had to be on guard, but -


he was a grandpa!


And could not help wanting to drag Usagi in just a bit more! and into the moment.

As a rule, Usagi did put more stock in rumors and tales than Splinter Sensei seemed to. But it was the nature of his home and the Nexus that stories and rumors often had at least an element of truth to them. The tale may not be exactly right, but... some element of truth seemed to occur frequently.

Usagi felt Splinter Sensei's pull on him. encouraging him to join him, deeper in his trance. Perhaps he had found something? Usagi nodded. He would be along momentarily.

Splinter Sensei had easily uncovered the pattern of the guards, and the amount of time between patrols. Once the guards had passed them by and it seemed that they were likely in the clear for at least another quarter hour, Usagi joined his friend deeper in meditation.

Their window was shortening, they would not be found easily, buuuuut the guards would be coming back, and they would eventually have to move, hide out else where and make other plans... but Splinter wanted to have a happy note, to meet one of his new previously unknown grand children.


Just a moment looonger...


Then they could hopefully find out who brought all of the turtles here, and more about Genio Innocuo. Find a way to prepare for a fight and an army that was not Draco's.

Usagi is coming back. He is more aware of their surroundings again. Making sure their hiding place is still secure, and keeping an eye out for the guards. They will be coming around again soon, and Usagi wants to be awake and aware when they do. Just in case.

He peeks carefully from their hiding place, making sure that all is well. He us well shadowed a d hidden from prying eyes, and for now, he watches. Allowing Splinter Sensei a few more moments with his son and the other dimensions' turtles.

He is glad to know that his friends are all here. Though... it seems much has occurred since he saw them last. And the multiple groups of turtles was something of a shock! Though... if they are as willing as the turtles he knows... perhaps they stand a chance in this coming war.

The troops trump past their hard leather thumping....


Splinter however important it is now to return will wait until his sons - a extra bit of healing towards Donatello. As much as he can before there is a fade out and he returns to Usagi.

Usagi had not questioned when Splinter-Sensei had told him they needed a quiet place urgently, that something was wrong. He trusted his friend, and did worry about the turtles scattered throughout the Nexus. He trusts that he will be told later what had happened. Or that he will find out more if he can join in.

He found a quiet nook, a small room in a home that had been abandoned after a battle. It's not the most stable structure, but it will suit their purposes.

While Splinter dips into meditation, Usagi will take awhile longer to ensure that they are truly alone. Only once he is certain it is safe, will he follow. For now, the troops tromp past the small dwelling, and Usagi stays quiet, making sure they pass on by as he expects and allowing Splinter the time he needs to make the necessary contact.

Slipped safely back into themselves Splinter can hear troops and traffic on the corridors but takes a few quiet moments to try reassuring the father's far away that their sons were okay.


Tried he is not sure he succeeded.


But he tried!


And it gives him and Usagi a few quiet moments to reorientate and then listen waiting for a break in the guard posts.


He breaths deep and comes back to himself. Opening his eyes.

Usagi is already back. He had allowed Splinter a moment for that brief additional contact. He had perhaps been a bit extra cautious, but given their situation, he felt it was warranted. The longer they could remain here undetected, the greater the chance that the others could arrive to assist them.

The extra caution had also allowed Splinter the moment to reach out for his counterparts, who were likely worried about their children.

A tactic that Usagi had learned from Leonardo. As a samurai, it was strange to feel so okay with ninja tactics now, but he knew Splinter and his clan to be honorable, and they trusted these other groups, Usagi would too.

The time would come to rush into battle, but for now... for now he would trust Splinter's instinct for stealth. And he would do his best to learn more about it from Splinter Sensei while they were here, for it was not the samurai way. Though as a Willahara, Usagi did have a certain level of natural inclination toward quiet movement.

"They will be doubling back this direction soon, but it appears we have a moment yet." They were relatively safe here for now, so long as they were still and quiet when the guards came around, but soon they would need more supplies. As long as they were quiet and kept a watchful eye, they perhaps did have a moment to discuss what was going on, and how they might proceed from here. And with what they just saw in the astral plane, Usagi is wondering if Splinter Sensei even wishes to remain in the Capitol at the moment. Though there is still intel they could gather here, Usagi would understand if he felt they should leave and meet up with the others elsewhere. And that is another matter on which he will trust Splinter Sensei's judgement.

Splinter stills himself for a moment, trying to reach those far away Splinters, two because of distance, one because he was passed. And he comes back to Usagi and blinked, his whiskers drooooping, " I want to break out of the city and go to my son, Donatello first to help him more, but... we are needed here..." and he is putting trust in Donatellos companions to keep him safe and reasonably well of mind until he can be with them all again. And soooo hoped they would not take long to find each other out there in Nexus.

Usagi nodded. He understands, and does agree. But he had wanted to make sure that Splinter had been given the option.

"I trust your judgement in this matter." And if at any point, Splinter changes his mind, well... they will deal with it as best they can, and Usagi will support Splinter's decision as best he can.

Usagi is keeping an eye out on their surroundings, watching for guards, though at the moment, he's almost tempted to wait out one more round. That should put them closer to the evening hours when movement is easier to hide.

Splinter has managed to slip about the city without being seen even in the middle of the day, but Usagi is far less skilled in that. He has learned a lot though in the time since Splinter arrived here and they found each other.

"I admit I am somewhat shocked by his state." Though it was good that the others seemed to be in good health and spirits. Raphael in particular had seemed such!

Other than a short bit of time at April and Casey's wedding, Usagi hasn't really spent much time with his friends recently. In fact, before he had suddenly received the invitation to April and Casey's wedding not long ago, he had been shocked on his previous visit to hear that Splinter and the turtles had not been seen in many months! He had been thrilled to find out that his friends had returned and were okay. Though there had actually been very little time to really see them.

The rat's ears and whiskers relax and he smiles, tail curling a little, " thank you Usagi, it means a whole lot that you are here and trust me and are willing to help, of course not a doubt, I trust you young friend," but tone was more, other son, and he stands, thinking for several long moments about Donatello and what they can do to get a full account of the happenings here.


" We have had quite a few trying months of late and it's taken a physical and deeply emotional toll on Donatello I am afraid, but hopeful that when we return home we can improve the situation for him, somehow..." he didn't know the first know how but hoped together he and Donatello's brothers, April, Casey, the now discovered small son's will help.




I was thinkiiiiing - perhaps we should try to locate, Gyogi, I have not seen the ethereal Stuart to the Daimyo, I hope he is here somewhere and I'm in a state of still existing what ever that means for him and we can get a full account of Draco's take over and the state of the Daimyo."[/color]



He

Usagi smiled at the acceptance from his friend. They had certainly been through a lot together.

"It seems to me that it is you who are helping me,  my friend. For it is my world currently in danger."

Of course he would help his friends even if it had been their world in jeopardy, and surely when Draco is finished here, their home world would be next.

"And for that aid I owe you all a great debt." His assistance in this war was never in question in his mind! The appearance of Splinter and the turtles in the Nexus had been a welcomed relief!

Usagi frowned at the information about the trying months and the toll taken, apparently on Donatello in particular.

"I have seen many warriors lose their way. If there is anything I can do to help, please, let me know." There are a variety of ways he has seen this happen. Some just disappeared, but Usagi is certain he has seen them in villages, living different, quiet lives. Some died purposely in battle. Often inciting an impossible fight. Some, like Leonardo and even Usagi himself, were able to find their way once more.

While Usagi is maybe not as close to Donatello as he is to Leonardo, he has fought at his side, and Donatello had done everything he could to protect the Daimyo, even though it meant leaving his unconscious brother alone and open to attack.

He considers the search of Gyogi.

"The Gyogi, if he is here, will likely be deep within the palace, whether he is with the Daimyo or Draco. He is the sort of entity, that even with his loyalties to the Daimyo, he would be of use. It will be difficult to reach him."

Though he has no doubt that Splinter will have some sort of ninja treachery that will get them through! Usagi still finds the methods distasteful, but he is learning their effectiveness, especially for this sort of fact finding mission. And he knows that his friends are using the tactics for honorable reasons.

" some or all of us will always try to help you Usagi, and I know if you know of any ways a warrior can find their way you or we can share with Donatello when we see him." of that he was certain and grateful for the samurai's company for more than just it was great to have this formidable ally in his corner. " you are very wise for such a young warrior so perhaps when you see Donatello face to face you may think of some polite words, I know it didn't seem like it but your words resonated with Leonardo when he was in the midst of his troubled days and he has tried to be aware of them and other teachings since his time with The Ancient One."


s and eyes are focused on his friend as he thinks out loud, nodding a little, [color=#A0522D]"then we either start where there are rooms where a being like The Gyogi won't escape from or check at the side of Draco and Daimyo... which first? Flip a coin?" wonderingly and quite eager for a stretch after that meditation session!

"And the aid is greatly appreciated." Usagi listened attentively. He caught only a small piece of what seemed to be bothering Donatello, and perhaps conversation would draw out more. He was worried about his friend, as he had been about Leonardo when he had been struggling.

There is a slight smile hearing that Leonardo had taken his words to heart. It had certainly not felt like that had been true at the time. And Usagi was so grateful that his friend was whole once more. The smile is slight though because like Leonardo and Splinter, Usagi plays his emotions close to the vest.

Hopefully in person he can try to help Donatello more. Only time will tell, and for now they must waist and see what fate has in store for them.

"Flip... a coin...? Usagi is unfamiliar with this saying, and he does sort of hope that Splinter will explain!

His thanks to Usagi and the grin was followed by a quiet ruffling about in his robe pockets searching for a coin as he explains with a light chuckle.


" Ancient ninja way of making decisions when face with two equally difficult choices or directions." he begins with aha tone finding a coin. " we relegate on choice to the head iconography on the coin, like saw going and spying on Draco and the Daimyo to try figuring out if Gyogi is with them. And the imagery on the opposite side of the coin to the other choice, usually calling this side the 'tails' - to make a choice once the sides are coined we then flip the coin and whatever it lands on is the path we take." he demonstrates in slow mock motions smiling.



"wanna do the honor's?" holding out the coin.

Usagi listens to Splinter's explanation very carefully! Attentive to learning the art of 'flip a coin!'

He easily follows that they're assigning each option to a side of the coin. No problems there. When Splinter offers the coin, Usagi accepts it. He looks a little curiously at his friend, noting that the coin was handed to him in the 'heads' position.

Usagi does get a little stuck on the actual act of flipping the coin. He is a little confused as he 'flips' the coin over turning it 180 to the 'tails' side, offering the coin for Splinter to see.

"But... can you not simply predetermine the result by the state in which you hand the coin to me...?"

Usagi is not sure if this is Ninja Trickery, or if he is not understanding how the coin should flip.

Splinter chuckled and encourage Usagi with a playing twitch of tail and sort of a shrug. " I am surprised, and yet not, you have a quick inquisitive mind, that you picked up on that so quick. Yes some do have a knack for flipping in just the right way or obscuring the results to claim the one they would prefer." he admits.


" And for a ninja that is relatively easy trick to pull, but this time, give it another go, with a learner coin tosser we have a fair chance of just having a random selection of the two options." he smiles gently, not really ninja trickery as he just explained, even if there are those clever and skilled enough to use it to their advantage.


And well another go would give usagi another moment of pointless fun, and they have a few quiet moments, and its a way to make the decision for them.


~


Buried away in that little store room with its locked with magic the real Gyogi just siiighs wondering if his spell had worked, if the turtles were here and if he would ever get out of here...

((OOC: *Actually flips coin...*))

Usagi is still not quite following this whole 'flip' concept as he accepts the coin once more and listens to Splinter. He turns the coin over a couple of times, trying to figure out how this was apparently somehow not a 'proper' flip...

After some moments of consideration, Usagi seems to realize what is expected of him. Because Splinter also used the word 'tosser'! Oh!

So there's both a toss and a flip, and perhaps allowed to flip more than once? Alright, he'll try! He holds the coin on one edge and tosses it in the air. They have made a point of being very quiet since they found each other in the city, and Usagi makes a last moment decision. He doesn't want the coin to clatter to the ground so he catches it in the air and holds it out on his palm.

"I believe you referred to this iconography as 'heads'."

He thinks he got it right this time! In his glance at Splinter, there is the slightest hint of an alllllmost childlike hopefulness that he has performed this ancient decision making ritual properly!

((OOC: bwhahahaha hey the Nexus groups were formed due to names being drawn from a hat ))


Splinter is patient and encouraging and when Usagi gives it a better toss that had the little coin spinning and glittering and flipping in the air he silently watches trying to inwardly guess the side it would land on, and well he would never say, and had excellent poker face but he got it wrong.


Peering down onto the coin and nodding. " yes that was a most excellent coin toss and now our decision is made for us, it will require some more ninja sneaking I am afraid but we will go have a look and see if Draco has chosen to keep Gyogi by his side." brightly, it was not the easier of the two selections by far as much as he knew or understood but it was a start and if they were careful they should hopefully avoid detection and get a good look, the spectral referee and steward had specific magics and he might be of help to them or the daimyo - though he might have been locked away or perhaps was being kept from the daimyo for the matter of having power.


He gestures for Usagi to keep the coin if he wants it, " Not important currency for third earth, more a good luck trinket that is sold as a token or keepsake." smiling, voice always barely above a whisper and moving to listen hard at the door - Usagi's hearing was still better. Waiting for a opening to slip out and into the servants passages or into the rafters or some other way of sneaking about together.

((OOC: LOL! Love it!))

Usagi cannot quite read Splinter's poker face, but he does accept the praise of the coin toss. He is glad that he managed to get it right this time!

He looks less pleased at the ninja sneaking about that remains to be done. He is Samurai! This sort of behavior just seems dishonorable!

Usagi had been offering the coin back when Splinter said he could keep it. And it is rude to refuse a gift! He smiles and tucks the small decision making item into a pocket.

"I still dislike all this sneaking about. As I once told Leonardo, I feel you are all turning me more ninja than samurai." Maybe slightly perturbed by this, but it's entirely cultural. He knows that in this case, there is a good reason for it, and he absolutely trusts Splinter and his clan. "But I understand, and will do what I must to protect the daimyo."

Moving to the door, and checking for footsteps of those outside, Usagi believes it quiet now. They should have time to move! Usagi has better hearing that Splinter does, but Splinter's is far better trained for this sort of listening than Usagi's is. Though he is getting much better, and has been following the lessons that Splinter has offered in their time in the city.

Splinter is all unreadable Master Sensei Ninja face at the glance, but when a bit more hopeful looking at the acceptance of keeping the coin he smiles widely, " one of the better coin tosses I have seen and seems now we have a decision, lead on to the Daimyo and Draco."



It was not a perfect solution but neither of their options had been and this way they might get a few answers, at the very least the size of the forces Draco might have gathered. Anything they could share to the Leo's of the Nexus!


A chuckling and friendly bump of tail against his companions shoulder. " wellll Samurai Ninja Warrior has a ring too it." tease!


All tease! And pulling on one of the brownish non descript cloaks they found and waited to be lead out nose and whiskers feeling and tasting the air. Listening!

Usagi is quietly pleased at the assessment of his final coin toss!

Like Splinter, he is also hiding himself in one of the brown robes. It feels... dishonorable to hide his identity in such a way! But he does so, knowing they could not launch a frontal assault at the moment. And that Splinter's ways gave them a potential path to victory.

He glowers at Splinter's words about the ninja samurai! But he recognizes the tease, and there is a level of playfulness in the near glare.

Usagi knows much of the city, and he has learned much in these past few days, keeping quiet and listening, sensing and avoiding guards. He is doing his best to keep these new lessons in mind as he moves, and he is even picking up on slight things that Splinter is doing that he has maybe not explicitly stated, and Usagi does his best to follow those unspoken lessons as well!

As a prey species, he does have some natural inclination to stealth though, and for the most part, he is doing quite well at avoiding detection, especially with Splinter there too.

It will get more difficult as they make their way deeper into the city, and especially into the palace itself.

A bit of a grin and turning the teasing on himself at that sort of almost playing glare, " or perhaps this will turn around upon me and you will be the one that makes a small clan of samurai ninjas." amused! and voice soft because they are about ready, covered just enough to be some of the many milling about on the streets during day time and small few that travel about after dark - the guards and dracos forces shouldnt feel the need to stop them for anythingif they walked slow, looked like they had a quiet purpose to go about doing and made sure all their weapons were tucked as much out of sight as possible. Which was easy for Splinter he didn't have any aside a few tucked away in his belt smoke bombs and stars and his walking stick. Anything else he would find and use on the way he would gather from vanquished foes. Or trade.



But like Usagi's train of thought he is aware being on the streets is one thing, they had stayed in the middle ground of the well to do and the low income earners to not look out of place and it seemed the best given a fairly strong city population of reinigen and wilhara. Though Splinter had only seen his fellow ratmen from afar and Usagi didn't seem keen, much to his amusement to be among the bunnies. But that could be that at this moment they had a mission and purpose and not much time for social.


" anywhere you know might have some old maps or perhaps a spot palace workers like to come to trade or drink or relax... or even the home of some we can try to bribe or follow into work or something/" just curious not sure if Usagi would know any more than he did but it was possible he had an idea or too - or maybe the rhino guy had mentioned a few or visited a few folks in the past Usagi might recall would have been... the kinda folk they were looking for to help them out.

Usagi chuckled at Splinter's words.

"It seems to me that you already have a small, and growing, little clan of honorable samurai ninjas." And Usagi means that as an honest compliment. For in his world, ninjas are rarely, if ever, honorable. Though he has found that Splinter and his small clan certainly are.

To be perfectly honest, Usagi doesn't really want to mingle too much with anyone. He is aware of how well known he is in the Nexus, and how recognizable. Though hopefully wrapped up in this robe he is far less so. Still, he doesn't need anyone recognizing him right now.

Usagi considered Splinter's question about where they might find maps or information.

"Hmm... There is a market near the palace. A variety of stalls have food and drink. I believe I have seen members of the palace staff frequent them."

Usagi pulls his hood up a little more and leads Splinter, as inconspicuously as he possibly can, toward the market.

Splinter is doing his very best to draw no attention to themselves, walking in a slow old pace as hinted by his walking stick and encouraging Usagi to be even more slow and casual with him, just a pair of humble worked huckered against the slight cool in their cloaks and chattering softly to themselves.


Nothing to seeeee hear, " That sounds like the place to start -" and they have started off that way and he lets pride well upchuckling, " A grooowing clan... ooooh my sons are young, these kids are young and I should ben indignant on their behalf but I am thrilled, I can't want to meet the lil ones physically too... never thought it would actually happen at all... or not for much longer and unless Donatello made it happen somehow with all his science." shrug and grin at his companion. " is always room for more though, especially the best samurai uncles."


And he can immediately scent when the smells came first and their closing in on the market place - especially the smells of food - mmmm -


and even better, as there was still a crowd they could slip into the bustling few twos and threes milling about and become part of the shoppers, looking for a map or something.... " any familiar faces?"


There would be several, past helped and saved ones of Usagi's doing, a few that he might have seen from afar and a lot a mix of bunny and rat people scurrying about scared as extra reptilian types seem to be out and about.

Though Usagi is known as being something of a wanderer, he typically moves with purpose. He may not have a destination in mind, but he has a direction. This sort of movement that Splinter seems to be encouraging is very different. But he is doing his best to back away from that and move more like the almost meandering mosey.

Usagi is aware that Splinter and the turtles are not the norm on their world, but he himself is from a land with many hybrids.

"Truly? Never thought even one of them would be a father?" Most of Usagi's siblings have families. Usagi is definitely something of an anomaly. And even he would not consider a family out of the question someday.

He does smile and reach over and squeeze Splinter's shoulder for welcoming Samurai uncles.

As they near the market, Usagi is becoming even more careful about how he is wearing his cloak, making sure it is covering absolutely as much as possible. He looks around at the questioning. The reptilian types are mostly new, but even there he has spotted a few familiar faces.

Hopefully they have not spotted him.

Among the Wilhara and Reinigen more are familiar. Some he knows well, others merely acquaintances or familiar faces from time spent in the palace or in the city.

"Hai... far too many, I am afraid." He is very concerned about being recognized here, especially by the reptile types. Normally he would just fight his way through, but that is not their aim at the moment! And it would be suicide to try. "The Wilhara and Reinigen heading off to our left I have seen in the palace before."

And he looks to Splinter, his inclination is to head after that small group and maybe see if they can talk once they are clear of the market and the reptile types. Another couple members of their species joining them shouldn't seem out of place.

Unless someone recognizes Usagi too soon!

Splinter appreciated the effort to mingle at this slow unfocused meandering pace that had a purpose, but gave the appearance to all - even the servants and crew they began to catch up to - no one really gave them much of a sideways look. Which was good! He made sure to show Usagi with a grin and a appreciative hum sound in his throat that he was playing the 'go unseen' in plain sight rather masterfully. The good sort of throaty hum. And he uses the moment to consider Usagi's question, " yes?... and no - I mean I was never sure if they would find partners, or more over try to, mostly my own doing with all the becareful and secret and shadowy... but also I just didn't know if such a thing would be possible... outside science... and funnily enough that seems to be the case of the little -"


his voice trailing a little as he and Usagi slip into the crowd of the rat and bunny looking folks, and wow he was intrigued!


But also - for the first time in his now quiet advanced - not ancient sure but advanced - mutant ratty age he actually takes note of... actual his size female mouse and rat and shrew types, well thats what he could liken this small group too. But his voice lowers for Usagi not realising a cook who maybe had a bit of a crush on Usagi and always tried to give him the best vegie and fruit pies, soups of deserts when he visited was just ahead of them. His voice dropped mostly out of habit to keep the rest of his thought to himself and Usagi. " it seems science intervened much sooner than any of us thought and... I am soooo just over the moooooon..." leaving it up to Usagi if he tries to make contact with the folks they were sort of joining the tail end of. And maybe interested checking out a mousey, she had to be sort of older, gentle and soft of tone and lean, like she spent a lot of time as... laundry...


the cook, a young wilhara with a pleasantly round figure for a bunny and a pelt that had sweet patches of snowy white, chocolate brown and midnight black fur, one almost black eye and one hazel in a patch of brown, Jenny would definitely had made a fuss over Usagi, not the only one of course but definitely with the best sweet perks (according to her) - for now an unfamiliar worried look on her face she is busy and a little flustered keeping the kitchen hands in line and moving along, buying more meats in this latest trip out and not enjoying it. Sure the Daimyo ate meat but not nearly as much as the Draco!

Usagi glanced over at his friend when he trailed off as they entered the crowd. Splinter could be difficult to read, but he is certain there is a sort of fascination he is reading off his friend. Usagi would sort of liken it to the 'tourist vibe' Michelangelo had told them they had when he had visited New York with Gen back when Leonardo was struggling to find his path.

They are well covered though, and Usagi is actually pretty sure he's the only one who noticed. And if he's not very much mistaken, Splinter's eyes seem to be lingering on one of the laundry maids. Usagi does not know her, but he is pretty sure he has seen her bustling around, usually with towels or linens. And he smiles. Perhaps someday, Splinter may spend time here without the war lingering over their heads.

Usagi easily spotted Jenny. She did come with some sweet perks when he was in the Capitol. Though, he had always been careful to know that he was not ready to leave his current life. Still, they have enjoyed each other's company. He debated for a moment before moving closer. Though her demeanor was definitely different hat he had seen on previous visits to the Capitol. Not that he could blame her.

Usagi purchased an item similar to what Splinter would know as celery, though far darker, and more blue toned. A standard enough ingredient, but they only grew so large, and it would suit his needs.

He worked his way to her side.

"Miss, I believe you dropped this." And careful to give her a quiet sign not to give away his identity in the market!

But they need information, and Usagi knows Jenny well enough to know where her true loyalties lie!

Splinter indeed is watching the city of Araluen in a new way, usually he is here only on Nexus Tournament reasons and therefore has seen a far busier and cluttered and full space. Very touristy. Though he does regret the cart stall with his fave grilled pink looks like a long corn cob on a stick delight is not here.


Then again that might just be due to the current situation of Nexus.


He follows Usagi, but make sure to keep the limpy sort of walk and be as unobtrusive as possible - also the crowd of servants is slowly making their way back towards the gates for the palace, so to his delight he is able to keep the firm but kind face of the laundry matron - and listen when Usagi greeted the plump kind faced kitchen bunny.


Jenny sort of starts as Usagi came up - and for a moment that wide friendly open grin and almost did she shout his name in delight as she normally does when he comes to compliment some cooking in the kitchen. It was that habit that made her so enamoured quite openly with the nomadic warrior, that and he sometimes shared tales about his trips, which she adored - she was a home base girl, she longed to get back to the outskirts of the bunny burrow she grew up in find her own burrow and make it her own home maybe sell pies on the side but she didn't have the money yet, she hoped when she did Usagi would visit there too one day and always reminded and invited him to that for now imaginary place. But her smile fades a little and she self hustles the eager usual response under a worried tone. " Thank you kind sir..." so as not to attract attention and lower her voice a little, " your here? - I mean... thank goodness your here... but... you here?" delight at seeing him, worry.. about seeing him... and relief an actual very capable warrior was here to help she immediately assumed given the long held respect the Daimyo had for the young samurai. They all flitted over her expressive face and mismatched eyes and the way her pert nose twitched.

Splinter she cast an curious look at but didn't immediately recognize the warrior limping under the cloak as she had Usagi, now offering Usagi the basket to put things in.

Oh thank goodness she didn't call his name out as she usually does! Usagi chuckles softly at the disbelief in her voice. He had to sort of chuckle softly as she convinced herself that this was really happening. She seemed thrilled to see him, but also he was pretty sure he was picking up on a combination of worry and relief. Maybe for the first time in some time, hope.

"Yes, Jenny, I am here. Along with some good friends." His words are soft, and he does a little to disguise his voice slightly. He doesn't want anyone but Jenny to recognize him.

Usagi did genuinely enjoy Jenny's company. There  were others in other places, but he did always look forward to a return to the Capitol. Still, As much as Jenny longed to return to her home, and an eventual burrow, Usagi needed to roam. Maybe someday his wanderlust would fade, but he doesn't really foresee that happening for many years. Perhaps in another lifetime, he could have been happy

They cannot speak freely here, and for now, he dare not utter Splinter's name. While Jenny may or may not recognize it, there are others who might. Usagi accepts the basket, and will assist Jenny in the rest of her shopping before hopefully they find a place they can speak a little more openly. They still need information about Draco and the Gyogi and anything else they might learn about what is going on inside the palace! And Jenny should be a wonderful contact for that.

Jenny doesn't know yet if she is immensely relieved or still entirely too worried or some weird mix of inbetween those and ooooooh she is just glad to know he is here! she gives Splinter a bag to manage too, not sure still who he is but he is with usagi so must be okay. " thank you again, as repayment I insist , if you'd both kindly help me and my kitchen hands gather some more - meat for the palace, I will make yous fruit pies a piece as repayment." and well in a bustling busy kitchen seated at the near window bar they would have noise to cover any talk and a host of too busy bodies to try listening in, unlike the rest of the usually kept quiet palace that had peep holes and secret corridors for staff that also got used as spying vantage points.


She offers Usagi her best cheerful light up a room smile, even if the light of it is dimmed with worry and the horde of kitchen hands wheeling trollies and or carrying baskets moved ahead, she had slowned them down a little, " a busy kitchen is one of the better places to chat." she whispers and maaaybe subtly she had slipped in there to Usagi she was no longer the apprentice cook, she was the master cook, her predecessor had moved on up to do the private cooking for the... draco at the moment.


But she is still proud of her promotion and now the kitchen staff where hers and the budget hers to barter with to find items like her kitchen hands to fill their carts and baskets and the mesh bags like Splinters with all sorts of odd looking foods for the pantry and granary and cold storage.



Splinter was listening and sticking close and playing up his slow old ratty persona well, mock old grumbling about the price of this or that, smiling, well a busy kitchen would certainly let them blend in and give them that footway back into the palace after getting out.

"You are too kind." Warm words for Jenny, before Usagi turns to Splinter. "Jenny makes the best berry pies." In another situation, he might have played a little, but given the situation... no, he will stick to the more formal phrasing, but fond tone.

As the move through the market, he hears Splinter muttering like a crotchety, old rat. And he can't help a bit of amusement at that. Sure, Splinter is not as young as he once was, but Usagi definitely recognizes this as a character he is playing.

"Ah, My Friend, many items are scarce as of late." A fair response to the muttering, but also letting Splinter know that many are suffering under Draco. And this is but one way. Though those in the Capitol have much more access than some of the outlying areas.

Though he does trust Jenny's judges regarding a busy kitchen being safe to chat, he does send a glance Splinter's way, seeing if he agrees with the assessment.

Usagi is thrilled to hear of Jenny's promotion, she certainly deserved it! Though he wishes the current circumstances were better, and he hopes it plays out well in the end and that she doesn't get in trouble for helping them. Still, that is wonderful for her.

He keeps his voice low.

"Jenny, this is my good friend Splinter. He is a past Champion of the Battle Nexus Tournament. Splinter, Jenny." Usagi gave them a moment of greeting before he got straight to business. Once ge is certain of an all clear, he speaks very quietly.

"We have reason to believe that Splinter's sons and students were brought here. And we must find out why. And while we are at it, we hope to gain some insight that might help us... ah... moving forward." Even if this is a relatively safe place to speak, Usagi will not outright say they are plotting to overthrow Draco.

Oooooh Jenny wishes as she leads them up through the guarded but not as heavily so side door into the main palace that staff used no one looked to closely at any kitchen or maintenance or cleaning staff. And suuuure there were more lizard guard men on watch around the kitchen but Jenny set various hands and underlings to prepping meat and vege for storage whilst giving Usagi and Splinter bowls of almost too hot but not quite so water to wash hands in before setting them some berries to clear for her to cook, she knew these ones with the just right amount of tart and sweet were the better and she gets to kneading dough.



She wished she could look prouder then the moment of pleased flooff and more excited for having not only one but two accomplished warriors in her presence - hers!


But she manages to get a grip and smiles, [color=#ffffff]" thank you, it's all in the knead and roll Annnnd picking the best berries-" and thus as the chopping and grinding and slicing and other noises started and soft talk went around the guards didn't over hear nor did anyone else.
She chews her lips in stead of hopping about in giddy yays and relief. Thinking, [color=#ffffff]" it... the Daimyo, his son and Draco. They seemed to be... One now in a mis mashed grotesque way and the Daimyo mourns, under some enchantment of the Draco I think, and they have a fake Gyogi with them, or a bad one, I know a few of the spirits not just Gyogi existed... I don't know where the real one went... And there have been whispers brought in by Terror mail that Genio Innocou are roaming the lands again. Here to right wrongs, end this fight and some even trying to make hybrids." She whispers all in a way that makes it sound like her usual talking to the pastry dough she was rolling out now.


Nodding at Splinter as she spoke in greeting an smiling in return to his smile, [color:fbda=#A052#D]" do you know where the real Gyogi would be stashed??" after a gentle bow and hello of greeting... under slightly huffy cantankerous mutterings about Berri juice staining.


Jenny thought a bit harder. [color=#ffffff]" some of the cells in the lowers basement are enchanted to hold a soul like Gyogi,... Or the previous masters office." A grin at Usagi genuinely glad to see him and Splinter.

Usagi did his best to make his movements similar to Jenny and those around him. Sort of a bustling, pace, making their way through the halls without seeming to pay any mind to those around him. Though he definitely noticed the lizard guards. And it was difficult not to react to them!

He washes his hands as directed, and does his best to follow Jenny's cooking directions. He has prepared plenty of meals for himself on his various journeys, but it is typically over a small fire, not with this sort of full kitchen. Still, Jenny has assigned them simple enough tasks.

While Jenny speaks, Usagi is doing his best to remain focused on his task. He is samurai, and this sort of deception is still strange. He is doing his best to follow Splinter and Jenny's lead though. Following the instructions and speaking softly.

"Truly...?" He absolutely believes Jenny, it is just alarming and incredibly bizarre that somehow Draco and the Daimyo's son would have somehow mashed into a single being. Though they were pulled into a rift of time and space. The vague wondering of how that came to be is more rhetorical than anything else. He is also careful of his wording. His response could just as easily be in regards to an instruction she had just given. Sort of an 'oh I get it now.'

And he hopes he is making the right decision here, but he does trust Jenny. She knows the stakes involved here, and would want the Daimyo returned to his rightful place. Draco is no quality leader.

"There is some truth to those rumors." Though he does not say how much or which part. And really, even from Jenny, it would still be no more than a rumor.

He returns the grin. A silent thank you for that information. It might not be a lot as they still don't know exactly where the real Gyogi is, but they have learned that the one at Draco's side is a fake. They also have a couple places where the real one may be! And that was an excellent start!

"Thank you, Jenny." She is taking a risk just speaking to them, and Usagi genuinely hopes she is not discovered. He would feel terrible if anything happened to her for helping them. They will have to slip away as soon as the opporunity presents itself. In the meantime, they will continue to assist in her kitchen until they can slip away.

...preferably with those pies! They are quite incredible.

Jenny nods and shudders, " it's awful, Draco seems the stronger mind in control of the body, and I can't imagine what horrible hexenbeast kind of magic created them - and they struck at the right time the Daimyo has not been the same for some time, withdrawn and not eating right and barely seeing his council -" depressed, grieving, " ever since his son was sucked away and I don't think the sight of him as he is now with Drago stuck in him is helping, might be making it worse, or the fake Gyogi might be helping through magic means to keep his powers bond in grief and loss." she can only guess and she is soft of tone and her ears droop showing her worry and her just lack of being sure.


Cooking was her knowledge, she knew how to grow and tend and harvest and prepare and cook - beyond that her skills were generl house upkeep and care, partly why she enjoyed Usagi's visits so much, he knew far more than she did about everything! and she enjoyed living vicariously through him, content enough with whatever story he liked to tell her. But homemaking, growing a garden and filling others with incredible food that gives them seconds of bliss in a wholesome way was her passion.


She is very aware of the stakes, and is careful of everything she and her kinda hands do, she is trying to keep them safe as much as Usagi now he was here and - Splinter! like wow it was a moment that would usually have her bursting with all sorts of excited joy but she was managing to keep cool.


Being worried and fearful helped.


they were quick with their task though so she encourages them to wash and dry hands again and then move to another spot and gives them bread dough to knead, the kind of dough that will double and triple in size and be the base of feeding the staff and guards of the palace and gardens. " wow... genio innocuo... mmmmm lets get these pie done so yous can take a few with yous... and maybe some staff wear?" so they could move about the palace without much notice. " if, neither of you mind helping deliver dinner around." wink.


Splinter assumed, in the middle of his worried thoughts about his usually powerful friend Daimyo and absorbing the news whilst working on the kneading, that the wink meant Jenny was not lookign to make her job easier, or that of her kitchen hands, she was subtly offering a way to at least for a little window of time deliver food to some area, disguised in a staff get up and probably with a trolley or basket to hide their weapons in and be able to look about. He looks at Usagi, it was a good idea, but his friend had already had to behave more ninja that he'd preferr for much of the time together, so he leaves it up to him to decide with a small nod, he'd go with that idea or any other. " I would feel more comfortable with working for a few delicious pies and tea?" hopefully?!


He'd like cake too but a tea would do for now - and maybe in line of moving about under the guise of work they might find the normal Gyogi somewhere, might not be able to get him out but they may be able to find him, and or get a closer look at Daimyo and the situation with his Son and Draco.

"Hmm..." It's not a plotting sound, or any sort of idea really. It's more a sound he makes meaning that he's accepting the information. It will definitely be something they need to know going forward, and will likely be useful later.

Usagi is not terribly surprised that the Daimyo did not respond well to the loss of his son, and he is certain that the sort of joining that Jenny is describing would not help matters. And knowing about the fake Gyogi is definitely helpful information! Though Usagi is uncertain how they might know the difference between the two just yet.

For now, hopefully it will be enough to know that the fake is near Draco.

Usagi is definitely not a fan of this continued sneaking about. And he almost says as much.

But there is still more they can learn here. Still more they need to learn here. And he sighs, but acquiesces. Especially as Splinter does seem to think it is a good idea. He does trust his friend's judgement, particularly in matters such as these.

"We would be happy to assist in this task, Jenny." And well... that much is true. He is happy to help her, "Especially in exchange for those berry pies!" Usagi will never admit it aloud, but he does have a bit of a soft spot for a good berry pie. And Jenny's are truly the best. And they do need more information, regardless of how much he dislikes this ninja sneaking.

"Though, I do know Splinter does have a fondness for cake." He does know of his friend's weakness for anything cake-like! Certainly not required, as Jenny offered pies, but he will make the suggestion all the same.

Splinter cannot help his ears perking up and making his cloaks hood stand up a bit making his head look larger. Oh yes cake! - he appreciates that Usagi wasn't fond of all this sneaking and undercover but is glad his friend will take these subtle ways with him for now, time would come for more challenging Draco face to face... but when they had the force and numbers to do so.


Jenny manages a nervous chuckle and happy sort of grateful grin at them, " thank you, it will be great to have extra hands here for as long as yous both can afford to give us... come the pies need to cook annnnd I can porbably send a piece of cake or little cakes along with yous to munch with your pies...and yous need to change into uniforms." and their kneaded doughs needed more time to rise and so she shows them how to put the doughs in wooden bowls and cover with thin cloths and tie it in place with some so much used twine it was smooth and had kinks from previous knots. And whilst they did that to the doughs she finished the pies placing them into a stone fire place to cook. She then leads them away to the small adjacent room where uniforms were hung up by the laundry staff, the lean leading matron in there clipping up more and Splinter ... was not even remotely sure how to approach her so he just sort of focuses in being deeper inside his cloaks hood.


The matron gave them a smile, and slipped back out with her empty basket and Jenny whispers softly, " Draco has many of the lesser reptilian leaders locked up in the guest suites, controlling their armies - the fake Gyogi is like the real one, a spirit of a elemental, not many of them were ever powerful enough to remain as spirits but there are some, real Gyogi was once a water elemental, their kinda like fae but their magic is all in the element their are attuned to. the fake gyogi... I don't know what it's name originally was, is a air elemental spirit." she is trying to give them both whatever knowledge she knew... " there is also... I have seen... Draco trying to find any one powerful enough to use the war staff and some other staff he has together at the same time for him... but I don't know why for and it hasn't worked so far."


she gives them both some uniforms she think will fit them and gestures to the shelvings carved into the wall on one side of this room, " anything yous don't want to carry around place in one or those, we don't get raided or um... 'checked' as much as the rest of the staff in the palace by the guards so its unlikely anything with be thought of as sus." the food got raided and the horrible Draco used the other nobles stuck here as taste testers to ensure none of the kitchen staff tried to poison him... but she didn't go into that now - no doubt in their travels around in disguise Splinter and Usagi would learn the horror of working under Draco's regime soon enough.


Holding out their new gets ups she nods to the able to be curtains off little alcoves, no bigger than a shower space really. " change spots are over there."


" thank you very much Jenny, for the food and work..." and the information she could give them so far, for helping them find a way to get around without much notice for now. A grin at his friend, " ready?" to leave the sweet cook with their cake and pies and basket or trolley of deliveries to be made and to try catching a glimpse of their friend the Daimyo and find Gyogi?

Usagi has been doing this long enough to know that one must take amusement where one can find it. And right now, he will take that amusement from the way Splinter's ears perk up at the idea of cake.

Grand, highly skilled, ninja warrior... that turns to an excited youngling at the mention of cake. He might have chuckled softly.

Usagi is also sort of surprised that Splinter isn't saying hello to the laundry maid that he has been watching with such interest. Perhaps when it is time to return the uniforms he will encourage him to say hello.

Usagi listens attentively to Jenny's information. It is definitely useful. Servants will often have the best information. They can move about with relative freedom, and often without being noticed. This seems to be no exception.

Usagi looks to Splinter regarding anything they should leave behind. He is hesitant, sure, but they were bot here for open battle. They were here for reconnaissance, and that was definitely Splinter's area of expertise!

"Thank you, Jenny" The gentle squeeze to her shoulder, a relatively rare display of affection, promises that they will do everything they can to make this right. And what Jenny has already done will be invaluable!

And once changed, he looks to Splinter. No, he is not ready, but as ready as he'll ever be.

Splinter is used to the amusement his cake love inspires, and truth be told he can't help being amused himself. His sons all found it amusing too, Raphael and Michelangelo he is sure it's more an endearing amusement whilst for Leonardo and Donatello it was probably both that and also a little exasperating, especially when they two try to be so careful with their fathers diet. Especially regarding sugar.


Hard to tell with a hidden face but he is grinning under the hood. A grin that said he so accepted his own addictions to anything cake and the excitement he got hearing some was on offer.


He is sure his hesitating with the laundry matron was not noticed. And it probably would surprise his younger companion why. He got nervous. Splinter does not recall at time as a rat if he ever tried to court and mate a female, and as a mutant rat with four mutant son's the opportunity had never really arisen for him to consider it, and now it had... He sort of internally let nerves beat him.


But perhaps that was for the better, he was able to then just absorb whatever Jenny could tell them. " very much appreciated Jenny." slight bow her direction.


Oh Jenny wanted to grasp that hand and pull in for a hug! And she does grin, some of her usual cheerful bubbliness showing, then the new familiar worried face and she ducks out to leave them to change and get their trolley to deliver reminding herself to put in a scroll map - Usagi and Splinter were of course not new to the palace but there were places servants went and the services passage ways that were not always known to others.


Deciding on a trolley so she could give them more to deliver and thus a longer timer frame as possible to do some good old snooping about.


Splinter gets changed and places away some unnecessary weight in small weaponry, smiling at Usagi a nod, good. And it seemed in the time they were in there getting ready the trolley was there. " looks like our shift begins." moving closer to the trolley, a couple of small baskets labelled one with his name, one with Usagi's had cloth coverings and smelled good, the rest was trays with room numbers on them. A scroll did catch Splinter's attention and he reached for it with a sort of playing grin, " I think the young and strong among us can start pushing the trolley."

Usagi had actually learned of Splinter's love of an aything cake-like at a Christmas party with his friends. They had spent much of the night at an orphanage, giving toys to the children there, and Usagi had greatly enjoyed the event, but later, they had eventually sat down to a dinner and dessert. He had learned of Splinter's addiction from Leonardo who had been amused and also somewhat concerned and exasperated. Usagi's friend had shrugged off the concern with a soft "It's Christmas," which Usagi understood to be a special event for Leonardo's world.

Usagi sighed softly as Jenny leaves. He had wanted to hug her too, but it seemed inappropriate at the moment. Mostly though...

"I worry about those here."

He is hesitant as he follows Splinter's lead, tucking away weapons, but he trusts his friend, and Usagi knows that this is part of what he needs to do in order to protect his friends here. And so he does what he needs to do for now.

Usagi takes a moment to familiarize himself with the room numbers. It looks like the rooms are all over the palace, and that will help cover their snooping! Thank you, Jenny!

He gives Splinter a wry smile as he takes a place pushing the cart. Then Usagi nods for Splinter to go first, before repeating a tease that he had once heard Michelangelo use toward Raphael.

"Age before beauty."

Splinter had by now given up trying to hide his cake and sweets soft spot, mostly because Michelangelo sometimes used that and his skills in the kitchen to bribe him sometimes whilst Donatello and Leonardo fussed over his health and Raphael found the whole thing adorably amusing... so the aged rat who straightened now and gave Usagi an imperious look and definitely leading the way out. " indeed fuzz before fluff." in his best lame response and with the best serious face he could pull but once out and moving along to the first stop he steps in close. " I am worried to, truth be told I hadn't thought much on the culture of people in the tournaments usually, except the wondering thought that they were kind and trying to pay my best price for things... Hopefully we can all help not restore things to what they were but make them a bit better and safer..." oh he worried, immensely but choosing to focus on what they could do about it.


" it is good to have friends on the inside." if there is a sliiight tease in tone... not yet realising his own interested gaze had very much been caught out!

Usagi chuckled softly at Splinter's come back, even as he pushed the cart out after his friend.

"It is not that bad for most. They find their place within the system." Usagi commented softly, though perhaps those are the words of one raised within the system, and perhaps somewhat blinded by his upbringing. By not knowing any better. Or perhaps not truly understanding some of the problems with it.

Still, he does agree about making things better, and safer.

He looks at the first tray on their cart, and follows Splinter to the assigned room. Jenny really had given them a nice selection of rooms they would need to visit, and a good reason to make their way through much of the castle. And perhaps, while they were here, it might not be horrible if they were to 'accidentally' find themselves in the wrong room. Or at least near enough that they might be able to hear goings on within.

And a slight grin at Splinter's comment about having friends on the inside.

"Particularly useful when they work with the food or laundry. Most everyone needs those services." Slightly covered 'gotcha' though the words disguised much more of that than his tone did.

A nod, and going slightly ahead of the cart, holding the front corner, not to control it or help Usagi unless the carpet in some places are a bit soft and make it slow going, mostly just to keep up the charade of being a slightly older and more limpy old rat. " this is true, adaptability the name and aim of most folks lives." a grin, because no not really, a small amount to survive their systems but rarely outside that. Well hopefully some changes.


Their first few down this hall - and Splinter notes some of the rooms had only slits to slip trays in the room. Some the creatures within could just open the door - like a blutbad with a growly voice and an attempt to scare them a bit. And the rooms were all spread apart probably to not allow those that are imprisoned to talk to the others much.


he fumbles with the knocking on a new door down a different hall to look at Usagi in a sort of deer in headlights look then tried to play it off. " the kitchen yes, I have no idea what you mean by laundry too." absolutely aware if Usagi caught him staring he wasn't going to wriggle out or make a good denial of having seen the pretty laundry matron.


There were guards of various lizard types or reptile... also some that looked liony or wolfie to Splinter but the kitchen crew were mostly invisible to them unless food was being delivered to their quarters then they followed them in eagerly.


Up next on their list was a room that would take them through a laundry and cleaning crew slip way, secret hall, and let them see and hear into the throne room from, not the best view or place, but they would be able to see and hear a bit, Splinter not realising that just yet.

Usagi is maybe not entirely sure what to make of Splinter's response, but he accepts it for what it is, and does think there has to be a better way. Perhaps Splinter knows something he doesn't, it would sure not be the first time!

He did notice Splinter putting on the act of being older and more frail than he is. Though his first inclination was to fight the blutbad who growled at them, Usagi actually managed to sort of cower back instead, offering the food and skittering away as one would expect a prey animal to do.

Usagi is amused by Splinter faltering a little. Oh, yes, Dear Friend. Busted.

But Usagi will play the part.

"Surely you did not believe the soiled linens, towels and clothing replaced themselves by magic."

Usagi is pretty sure they are bear the throne room, but he has not had cause to use the servant passages before. Usagi made sure that as many of the guards as possible saw their food being delivered. That should help keep them out of the way fir a little while. Then he pointed Splinter closer to where he thinks the throne room is!

Splinter heaves a siiigh but is totally still trying to play it out and not mention the pretty laundry matron he'd spied and watched and wondered about. " I supposed all the times I have been the magic behind fresh linen, made beds, clean sweet fluffy towels I should have known better right?" tail lashing and voice growing all the lower, liking the fact most were ignoring them.


Guards - unfamiliar but in odds ways familiar - lizard types that maybe looked like geekos or bearded drgaons - or snakes, some that looked like humanoid dragons and dragons on a small scale.


He pulls his mind back to task - in fact when they do reach the spy holes that gaze out into the throne room for a moment it is both immediately recognisable and yet entirely different, a little darker and a dead tree base with gnarled fat thick python length roots reaching around edged the throne itself and Splinter could see, horrified where the Daimyo was. twisted in amongst the roots, held captive there... and he'd never seen his powerful old friend look so... defeated.


Drako himself - well what must be him but was a them, a head in the middle and a long stalk head on top. How disturbing. He watched the being pace, impatiently, perhaps for his meal, but that was not on his and Usagi's trolley. He follows the movement of Draco with his left ear the other fastened on his friend and missing at first the fake Gyogi, one might not at first notice with the darkened nature of the room now the thick drapes on the walls masking light and making it a little too warmish with the fire blazing in the massive fire place along one side of the wall, opposite to them here. the fake Gyogi did not float about on a swirl of water or and look like a puddle formed into a being, it had a vague misty windy sort of state and the cloud it sat on was indeed a wispy slightly greyish cloud. Draco was moving knee high or in Splinters case half his height pieces around a floor length map of Nexus world, though whether his forces or others Splinter was not sure yet. " I wish there was a way to sneak close enough to give Daimyo some hope." he whispers to Usagi as some other lizard and snake and... lion? and wolfish folks come into the throne room. Leaders of Dracos allies Splinter supposes. " hang about and listen to this meeting?' encase Usagi had other ideas.

Usagi is quietly amused at Splinter's response. Yes, Dear Friend, you have been busted! Though he doesn't say anything, and allows Splinter a break.

...For now!

Usagi frowns slightly at the creatures he is seeing on guard duty throughout the palace. He shouldn't be surprised. These would definitely be the types most likely to follow someone like Draco.

Usagi is quietly appalled at the Daimyo's state! Though, for things to have reached this point he should have known that something like this must have befallen their powerful friend, and the protector of the Nexus!

He sort of had to wonder if Draco understood the sorts of powers that the Daimyo protected them all from. Usagi is certain that Draco could never do the same.

Or... perhaps Draco simply did not believe the stories.

"The Samurai in me wishes to deal with this here and now." Which of course, Splinter would know. Samurai fight head on.

"But I fear any attempt to reach the Daimyo would have the same result as a frontal assault." Usagi keepa his voice quiet. The Daimyo did not appear fully present. He is worried that anything they do that is overt enough to actually draw the Daimyo's attention will also draw Draco's!

Especially... since whatever Draco is now seems to have two heads...

And Usagi nods, a silent agreement to stay and listen. Gather what information they can! That is why they are here after all!

Draco might not believe the stories, but the Daimyo is alive so the power is still accessible... well some of it. And he is using the connection with the Daimyo's son for the moment to press back against the forces, protecting, but he really wants to harness all the power, have the power over this place between places!


He waits until most of his generals as seat around the hug map. "Report." half a snarl.


the daimyo's son does occasionally have pity and worry for his father. Draco does his best to squash the feelings, " I want the genio innocuo here, especially the babies..." pacing, to and from, " and what of the oldest elundari - that of Glaedr the golden dragon..."


One of the Lowen's looked uncomfortable, he grunts out a low grumbly voiced admission, " The vessel has gone missing... and the cargo containing the elundari. unhappily all of them barely unable not to flinch when Draco roared angrily at this news.


Daimyo flinched a little, but seeing the mishappened form of his son just makes him look away. The grief and lose and trapped here in the tree roots.


Splinter is quiet watching the lion like male fumble and try to explain and maybe the shipment is not lost its just late? " the ninja in me likewise wants to slip in there and free our friend... and it sounds like they want my new grandsons..." he whispers agreeingly and in a voice that was barely there watching the others relay what they knew of ... his sons and the others whereabouts in the world of Nexus. Talks of capturing, of bringing them here -


thankfully most only had vague ideas sent through messages - and no one had a clue where the dangerous samurai Usagi was.


To Splinters very evident relief no one had a clue.

Usagi is listening quietly. Paying close attention so he can later recall as much of this conversation they're listening in on as possible!

There is a soft gasp when the Eldunari is mentioned. Part of him had thought those myths, or at least lost from the Nexus. Much like the Genio Innocuo. He glances to his friend, wondering if Splinter knew what Draco was talking about. While he was often surprised by how much Splinter knew about mysticism, their worlds are different, and Usagi is not sure in this instance.

And Draco, particularly in this form must be a powerful being, or at the very least successful in using powerful objects, but...

Usagi cannot help but think that perhaps this time he is dabbling with things that even he will not be able to control. Powers that he cannot truly comprehend.

Even if Drakes are dragon hybrids. Their magic has been lost to time.

"Do you believe we can manage it without giving ourselves away? And even if he does see us... he is shackled by grief, part of him may not wish to be rescued."

From what Usagi can follow of the talks of capturing the genio innocuo, it doesn't seem that Draco's men have had much success... or any. And he does know that as of a short time ago, his friends were all safe in their groups scattered about the Nexus. And he glances to Splinter at the talk of the children.

"Then it is up to us to see that he does not succeed."

And since it does seem that Draco and his cohorts do not know that Splinter and Usagi are here in Araluen, it seems even more important that they keep that element of surprise until they are ready to use it.