In Need Of Directions (Éclair, Kouzai)

Audurna and Aryianna laughed for the first time in a long time.  Audurna was usually quite while Aryianna was always serious and frowning, but now they had let go.  Until they reached the Spirit King's Palace their duties were over.  They were done.  Their hardships behind them for a rare sliver of time, a fraction of nothing.  But it was better than never.

The two girls laughed at Raijin jokes, and agreed.  "Of course Raijin knows all about strong women, he's slept with all of them," laughed Aryianna.  Everyone else laughed and agreed.  Raijin was a well-known for being a ladies man and for sleeping around.  He travelled the world, and had slept with women everywhere apparently.  Half the time he was known for being drunk.

"Speaking of Raijin and strong women, you'll never believe what I found out," smiled Audurna, she was quickly silenced though, as Mai shot her a glare.  Audurna went back to being quite, listening to what Clair had to say about herself. They were curious to learn about the girl their cousin Hito had brought home.

He had never brought a girl home before, or at least, never one for this long. Now he's living with a girl while his father was away, and she was helping the family evacuate their citizens. This was not just any girl. She was a keeper for sure.

Morohito sat in his room, alone, staring out the window as he smoked his pipe.  Yet alas, his solitude was not to last.  Within moments of him sighing, enjoying his peace and quite, Raijin burst through the door.  While Morohito loved his family, and he believed Raijin was perhaps his favourite cousin, there were times where his company could be more harmful than good.  Now was one such time.

"Hey there cousin!" shouted Raijin as he burst through the door unwelcome, "Hope you're not sleeping, I brought sake and a party!"  Hito sighed and rubbed his temples as he puffed his pipe.  "What do you mean, Raijin?" he asked his cousin.  Raijin didn't answer; he didn't have to.  Through the door burst his brother, Hiruko, followed by Izanagi, who entered slowly and cautiously.

Perhaps the only one aware that they were not currently welcome while Hito was trying to relax.  Regardless though, the trio of cousins remained, sitting themselves down upon the furniture like a band of raiding brigands.  "What do you guys want?" asked Hito as he doused his pipe.  Clearly relaxation was not going to happen anymore.  He eyed the sake bottle carefully.

"I figured if the girls can have their little get together we can have ours!" cheered Raijin as he produced several small glasses and began pouring very hearty helpings of sake in each.  "When was the last time we all got together like this, brother?" asked Hiruko rhetorically, "We figured it would be a good idea.  We're all off in the world, busy doing own thing."

"Leilani and Mai and out travelling, chasing each other.  Audurna and Aryianna are out in Tenchi.  I'm out in the capital," continued Izanagi.  Hito did not allow his cousin to continue listing things; he would go on forever if he did.  "I understand.  But why right now?" asked Hito rubbing his wounded side and shoulder.  "The real question, cousin of mine, is why not now?" asked Raijin with a massive grin.  

Hito sighed.  They were not going.  Oh well; if you can't beat them, join them.  He raised his sake glass, gave a toast, and drank as a small smile crossed his lips.  The sake was a good vintage; perhaps family time wasn't so bad.