(Region 23 - Montreal, Quebec made public by L5R)

Nikesake, Phoenix Lands

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Chee’trr sniffed the air cautiously, his tail twitching in anticipation. The human scout who followed him waited, saying nothing. Chee’trr liked these humans from the legion tribe. They were good hunters. Not as good as he was, of course. How could they be? But they were good hunters, and they let him lead the way. Perhaps this was what the other tribes meant when they spoke of their Crab allies. If so, then perhaps Chee’trr could understand why they felt that way after all. He had never met any Crab, personally.

Chee’trr sniffed the air again and nodded. “We here,” he whispered. He pointed to a distant grove of trees. “The bad-bad ones there.” “Are you sure?” one of the scouts asked.

The Nezumi warrior nodded. “Watch them come and go. Watch them attack other humans for no reason. Their minds broken. Their memory smashed. Nothing left now, only dark power.”

The second human nodded. Chee’trr had only recently figured out the idea of shaking his head up and down to mean yes. Humans were so strange, but at least it helped him communicate with them. “Well done, Nezumi,” he said.

“Chieftain Emperor pleased with Green-Green-White Tribe?” Chee’trr asked.

The two men glanced at one another. “I am certain the Emperor would be pleased,” one finally said, “but we serve another chieftain. The Shogun. And I know that he will reward you for your service.”

Chee’trr’s nose twitched excitedly. “Good. You kill dark humans now?”

The first human smiled. “Absolutely.”

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Chee’trr munched on the rice ball contentedly. Human food was pretty good, and easier to get when one had friends. “Good food,” he murmured. “Got more?”

“Of course,” his friend answered. She showed her teeth to him, which he understood meant she was happy. “You helped me, and I am happy to give you these gifts.” She gestured to a large bag that smelled of bread.

Chee’trr wriggled anxiously. “What about other dark humans?” he finally asked. “Only lead legion tribe to some.”

“The others were not as sick,” the woman answered. “I can help them cleanse their Name. They will be well again soon. And my tribe needs warriors, just like yours.”

“Yes,” Chee’trr said. “Understand that very well.”

Asako Kinuye smiled. “I thought you would.”

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