The Omotesando

[Immortal]

"well that depends on whether your beautiful friend expects you to be around on this day. If she is not expecting your presence today, a walk through the town may provide an answer or two to the demands you make of me."

Immo paused for a moment, wanting to say more than he did. Looking tortured, he braced himself for what he was going to say. He had to do it now, for his own protection, that security official and his pawn, that Pelion fellow, cannot plot against me, too much is at stake for the statue Immo desired so badly.

"But this much I want to make clear, I love my country, this female you frolic with, she may appear as a flower, but I hear here petals are of poison. Poison against Japanatica. I will make this clear to you now, I do not betray my country for profit, only those who have betrayed my country do I so freely plot against. You must choose now, walk the path of Japanatica, or of the foreign devil. Walk with me to the blossoms, or inside, and gather your belongings."

 

[Cyc]

"Walk with me to the blossoms, or inside, and gather your belongings."

Asano looks deep into his teacup in an attempt to divine from the tealeaves what mysterious events are to unfold for him in this town. "Immo, if I am to be associated with the people I speak with, in the manner you prescribe, then surely I will be called a bartender before the day is through. I am a businessman, not a revolutionary. I do not pander to the political whims of the masses or the rich. I am my own man, whereas you seem to crumble as soon as a government official has a drink in your bar. If this is the manner in which you do business, then maybe we should preclude further discussion." he says taking a sip from his tea.

Immo places his fingers over the blowholes of the instrument. It is then that Asano realizes that it is not a flute at all, but a cleverly disguised handle and case for a short sword. As he listens to Asano, Immo's head tilts in reflection. "Then you are telling me that you are not part of the regime that seeks to overthrow our government. You will not be one that brings the secret police down on my newly upgraded establishment."

"With all due respect", Asano counters, "I fear that with these words you offer with your tea you would bring those very government scoundrels down on me. I hope that is not the case. I grow weary of people telling me who I am and what I want. If it will help ease your conscience and prove my innocence, please examine the outer wall to my room. You will find that the person you speak of entered through a hole there, not through my door." Asano stands. "We may proceed with our business arrangement as planned, but now I will require much more detailed information.", he says glancing through the door of the Omo, making sure they are alone. "Let us walk together."

 

[Immortal]

A laugh, full and bold rises from Immo.

"No hard feelings old boy, I just needed to be sure! There are things you will learn about me, why I do what I do, why I must be so careful of security forces. This plan was going to go forward from the start, but my aims are single, the return of something dear to me."

Immo leads the way to the blossom patch.....

 

[Immortal]

Asano led the way around the building, down the wooded hill's path, room for a single person to walk down, little more than gravel. The two arrive at the small pond where the trees are in bloom, the pink petals of the flowers coat the surface of the water. Immo leans down to clean the stone seat at the pond-side.

"I was born the son of a magistrate, my father, his father before him, generations immemorable have been members of the council. However, our family has always had one secret, the Shinto religion of the nation dominate the highest positions in our society, while the order of yevon dominates most of the masses of Japanatica, they share enough that little conflict is done. But what of before? What of before the praetor of Yevon? We worshipped our world!

This is our secret, my families secret, we are among the last of the animists of Japanatica, our religion has been subdued for centuries by others, our relics confiscated by Shinto and Yevon clans, including one figure of the greatest importance to me: The Jade Eagle. The spirit of my family, and my descendants. The clan of the man we plot against stole this treasure from my people, his blood is tainted with his crime, only the aura of nature can cleanse it. But enough of my reasons, this man is disgraced by his clan for many reasons.

He coveted the wife of a clan member, and plotted the murder of the clan member, then when caught, refused to save his honor. FOr this, he must fall."

Immo paused, stroking the flute in his hands, ready to pull the dagger free if he should hear but a rustling in the bushes

"His home is large, a temple almost, with riches, all I ask in return is the Jade Eagle. His lands are yours, none of his clan will attempt to avenge his murder and the seizure of his assets. Two guards patrol the front, with a possible guard inside at his bed. If we could dispatch the guards in the front with bows, we would be able to enter his home before he is awoken. From there we storm the place, take what we wish, including the rights to his lands, and set the building alight."

Immo went into more detail, pausing briefly to take out a container of rice to share with Asano.

"My companion, Diana, says you remined her of a friend she had in Rome, strong and valiant." He handed Asano a roll of rice in nori.

"SHe would cry if she were wrong. Then again she considers the same about me. If only she knew, oh the tears she would shed!" Immo laughed.

 

[Cyc]

"Honorable Immo. You shall have your Jade Eagle. I thank you for the information as well as the history lesson," Asano says with a slight bow. "It will be better if you did not ride with us the night of the taking. And there will be no torching of the home, as I will need shelter. Simply tell me his name and location and the deed is done."

After another five minutes of conversation, enough information was exchanged to seal the deal. The two men stand and bow, then Immo takes the path back to the Omo. Asano moves to the pond and says a short prayer in the beauty of this garden. He wonders what has become of Riko...

 

[Immortal]

"Michiwara, in Nobii district. ANd Asano, bring me his hair."

Could those be the last words Immo would say to his compatriot? If it were, he would surely flee to Rome....

He walked along the blossom covered path back to the Omo, and went into his quarters, Diana followed him in. She sat next to him, and watched him quietly hold the small wooden carving of a turtle. Immo's mother had made it for him before the illness had taken her. From her deathbed Immo promised her the world, but he was too young to understand. The world of men was hostile.

Diana sat with him, she held him in her arms as he wept, quietly.

 

[superpelon]

Pelon had not slept that night. After leaving Noldodan, he had sent Seizo to watch Michiko, and then had gone back to the Zenedoshou House. There he had stayed awake the entire night, thinking, going over the day. He had also kept one eye on the lookout for any sign of danger. Pelon was not the trusting type.

He had also thought about Immo. Immo the bartender. The son of the Magistrate. Immo could not be a traitor. Pelon was sure of this. But he had promised to Noldodan that he would investigate him, Pelon felt it was his duty to get to the bottom of this.

Better him, talking to Immo, than Noldodan torturing a confession out of him.

Pelon walked into the Omo early that morning, looking over the new booths and the bar. His dark corner at the end of the bar was still there, but the air was cleaner, the floors where no longer covered in dirt and there where no drunks laying about. Pelon walked to his usual dark corner, placed his handbo under the bar and sat down.

A tall redheaded waitress walked up to him and smiled.

"You want to... order??" she asked in broken Japanatican.

Pelon smiled back at her, even though he knew she was a foreigner and was one of Immo little toys. "Yes, please... Miso and Ramen, a cup of Sake and a cup of water, if you please" Pelon winked at her and she smiled again and walked off.

Pelon looked around for any sign of Immo, Asano, Riko, Michiko or Noldodan. None of them was in at the moment just a few random customers and the old crones who cleaned, although Pelon thought he had heard noises from upstairs...

The redheaded waitress returned with Pelons order. She smiled again and said. "Ramen, Miso, Sake and Water. My name is Diana. You are??"

"My name is Pelon. You are from Rome arent you??" he asked.

"Yes I am. Anything else??" Diana smiled again and waited. "Yes my dear. I need to talk with Immo." Dianas smile faded quickly and Pelon lowerd his voice "It is a matter of some importance, so please tell him as soon as possible."

"Enjoy your meal sir." Diana said in a cold voice as she turned around and walked away.

 

[Immortal]

Immo came out from his quarters as Diana had asked, and approached the table.

"oh great, you again" he scoffed to himself as he was pelion. He sat down at the table.

"Pelion, you stay out of my business for 10 years and now I see you twice in one sunrise? Did you finally learn to play the drum correctly?" Immo Laughed.

"But to be blunt, you are affiliating with some interesting characters these days, internal security, if you wanted a position in the security groups you should have spoken to my father, he does after all help organize them...

Now then, what is it you need to tell your friend Noldodan there? My business dealings? That warrior gent with a penchant from freaking out last night needed a bed, which I graciously gave him. The wench I had nothing to do with, opium and whores aren't my trade anymore and Noldodan knows this."

 

[Civanator]

*Ixosis and Pete ride around back of the Omo into the stables. Ixosis gives the stable boy some extra gold dust to take care of the horses, and hima nd Pete walk up to the Omo. They walk in and take a table and a waitress, obviously Roman, walks up to take their orders.*

"What would you like?" she asked in broken Japanatican.

*Ixosis knew she was Roman, so he decided to make it a little easier for her.*

"I'll take a Lemon Water, and let me ask my friend what he'll take."

*Ixosis said this in the most fluent Roman around, and the waitress' eyes grew wide.*

"Pete, what would you like?"

*But Ixosis noticed Pete had fallen asleep from the long ride here, so Ixosis gets a room and brings Pete and puts him on a bed to rest. He comes back and takes his seat and starts a conversation in Roman with the waitress, but also keeping an eye on the suspiscious character Immo was talking to in the corner. All Ixosis could catch was something about internal security, which made him a bit more suspicious.*

 

[Noldodan]

Noldodan waltzes into the Omo and slams the door behind him, every inch the arrogant Internal Security official, and proceeds to Pelon's table, where he's talking to Immo. As Noldodan plops down onto the bench, he slips a note into Pelon's pocket and laughs inside; he doubted Pelon noticed the pass, let alone Immo.

"I heard my name mentioned. Anything you would like to talk about, Immo?"

......Later, when Pelon returned to the Zenedoshou House, he discovered the note: "Come to the Shinto shrine tomorrow. I have your proof."


(OOC: If Pelon or Immo could finish writing up the conversation, that would be great...)

 

[Cyc]

Asano picked up his bag and walked back to the Omo. Seeing that Riko was not to be found, it was off to collect Ako from the stables. He also stopped at the local merchant to pick up some supplies. This would include some freshly butchered chicken, and lamp oil. This done, he rode out of town headed East by Northeast, to skim the edge of the forest.

Strange days these were. Nothing like the old days when Oishi and Asano trained and climbed the ranks. Even though their talents lay in different areas, each had spurred the other to exceed the norm. Asano went to tactics and strategy, Oishi to weaponry and procedure. Asano to administrator, Oishi to Samurai. Asano to military intelligence, Oishi to Zen Master. The real split was there. Oishi learned to expand and develop beyond the limits of Asano. His brilliance in weaponry has placed him highly ranked in the Kanpaku Samurai class. He became proficient in Lotus and Nirvana Sutra. Oishi's choice to leave with him was the best thing that could have happened to Asano. Together, their balance made for the perfect team. Their life-long loyalty to one another set it in stone.

The sound of an arrow sailing through the air filled Asano's ear. It then stuck into the ground some 15 feet in front of Ako. It was immediately recognized as one of Oishi's. Looking in the direction the arrow had come from, Asano saw Oishi's familiar clothing disappear into the forest. After collecting the arrow, the rider took his horse to the forest's edge and dismounted. As he entered the forest, Asano saw his partner walking back to his camp, small as it was, his footsteps unheard, his movement swift. Soon they were eating roasted chicken and talking of the events of the last few days.

"So things have become very complicated in Immo of late. I have inadvertantly been drawn into the situation, simply by riding into town", Asano says shaking his head side to side. "It is a strange world we live in." Oishi nods in agreement. Rising, Asano continues, "But tomorrow will be a better day. Our new target lies 6 hours ride due east of here. In the flood plains, there are freshly irrigated wheat fields controlled by a disgraced noble. He has left his compound poorly gaurded, has no social or government backing, and is sitting on a title for maybe two or three hundred acres of land. Tomorrow we ride to wish him luck on his new journey into a brand new day."

Oishi smiled and finishing the last piece of chicken, says "I let the birds fly yesterday after speaking with you. They carry a message asking for two lieutinents to meet us here in Immo. They should be here the day after tomorrow."

 

[Rik Meleet]

"You've endangered the complete plan !!" Michiko said, "How could you be so stupid??"

Riko stared at Michiko in a secluded area of the Bamboo garden. Usually she wouldn't allow a lower-ranked member of the order talk to her like that, but she wasn't in prime condition. She had missed the obvious insult.

"Err, I was poisoned with the fruit" Riko mummbled. Het brain was still in low-gear.

"Lesson 13, subsection B - never accept any food or drink from a stranger" Michiko quoted, "Weren't you paying attention the day that was taught ?".

Riko looked down. Humiliated and emberassed. She thought over the night before.
Why did she go to Asano's room? Because her chieff instructed it. Because she knew this man could help them. Because the order needed this man. Because no-one else could. Because she found him attractive.

"Michiko, all is not lost. He is also not completely Japanatican. He is unhappy too; I've felt it."

"Yeah, I know what you've felt!"

Suddenly Riko's mind worked again. This insult was unacceptable. Riko jumped up, drawing her Katana. Michiko knew she'd gone too far.

"Apologise Michiko-chan, or fight!"

Michiko looked at Riko. Riko was still under the influence of the poison and not in prime condition. Michiko could win this battle. But did she want to ?
No - she had stepped out of line. Michiko threw herself to the floor, her face in the dirt.
"Accept my apology Riko-san. I went out of line!"

"Get up Michiko!" Riko ordered. Michiko obeyed immediately. The 2 women looked at eachother knowing that everything had changed between them. They were friends no more.

"Now give me the message!" Riko ordered.

 

[superpelon]

Immo glared at Noldodan as he sat down at the bar. Out of the corner of his eye Pelon saw that the Roman waitress slipped out the back door of the Omo. Noldodan was carrying his sword and Immo had quite a few weapons behind the bar. The last thing Pelon wanted was a fight here in the bar.

Pelon turned around and looked at Noldodan. He took a deep breath. "You keep quiet. This is my buisness, and if you know whats good for you, you will keep out of this..." Pelon quickly turned around and stared at Immo. "And you. Dont go throwing Daddys name around here. This isnt Fanatikku, it wont help. The only thing that has keep you out of a Internal Security interrogation cell right now is my word that you are clean."

Pelon stood up and looked at both Noldodan and Immo. "I know you think Im just Internal Security pawn here Immo. If thats what you think... fine. Just remember what I said Immo."

Pelon turned around and looked at Noldodan. He could see that Noldodan was not happy. Not good. Pelon was walking a very fine line here. He could well end up dead in a ditch somewhere.

"You leave this man, and his bar alone. I told you last night. You want my help, you leave him alone."

Pelon stood up, turned around and saw Seizo standing at the doorway. Pelon walked towards him and said in a low voice "We are leaving NOW. Go."

Immo and Noldodan watched Pelon leave, then turned around and looked at each other.

"Your friend is very loyal..." Noldodan said in a mocking voice. "Too bad he doesnt know the truth."

Immo stood up "That man is not my friend."

Noldodan laughed "You couldnt tell that by the way he keeps on covering your back." Noldodan lowered his voice and leaned towards Immo "And he is right. He IS the only reason I havent brought you in for questioning... so Id be a bit more careful if I where you."

Noldodan stood up and lay down a few coins and a folded piece of paper on the bar. He strolled out of the Omo.

"I can protect myself from that paraniod freak. I dont need my fathers connections." Immo thought. He then picked up the coins and looked at the piece of paper. He picked it up, looked at it and then touched it with the fire of one of the torches.

"Whatever it said, it can only bring me trouble."

________________________________________
OUTSIDE...

Pelon and Seizo had sat down on a log on the riverback in front of the Omo. Pelon was nervous.

"Immo doesnt trust me... and Noldodan would give me necktie if he didnt need my help... I should have never gone into that bar again. Next time I see something wierd at a bar Im just going to order more sake."

Seizo pointed at Pelons pocket.

"What??" Pelon felt inside the pocket and and read the piece of paper "Oh. More intrigue. Great... So Seizo, what happened with Michiko at the Shrine?"

Seizo made a few had gestures: Woman. Foreigner. Arrive.

"Riko is at the Shrine? Damn!! Lets go Seizo..." Pelon and Seizo stood up and started running

 

[Noldodan]

The Babylonian was at the Shrine... This made things difficult. Doubtless Michiko thought all her priests loyal, but there was one, a former animist, that Noldodan had let go in return for his services. He disliked using IS's usual methods, and the fellow had started talking as soon as he saw the badge, so fearsome was its reputation.

He knew he was just wasting time standing there thinking about going in. His only choice was to go in, but he felt uncomfortable about it, especially Pelon's involvement. Whatever had sent him running in there, it surely had to do with Michiko and Riko's meetings, which meant Pelon had known about them and hadn't told him. Most people were reduced to meekness and a will to please after a single meeting with IS, however friendly, but Pelon had held out on him. He would doubtless be a useful ally in this new endeavor, but he seemed to be too trusting.

Suddenly the shrine erupted in noise. Whether just shouting or a fight, he had to go in now. With a sigh, he rushed in, fearing what kind of madness he would have to stop inside.

 

[RoboPig]

Gulliver walked into the Omo and sat down at one of the barstools. "I'll have a Okonomiyaki and a sake please" he said. As the bartender fixed his drink he asked "you have a funny accent mister, are you from Rome?". "Yes,yes, I am " Gulliver replied,"I'm a beverage salesman." "You don't happen to have a bottle of that roman whiskey do you"asked the bartender. "No, I,don't" replied Gulliver "Do have a room that I could stay in for a month or two months while my house is built". " Yeah maybe, I'll ask Immo next time I see him, but anyway are you building your house in Rome?" Gulliver started to feel suspicious, why was this bartender asking him all these questions? "No, I'm moving over here." Gulliver replied "So that I can start a rice wine buisness with a few friends". " I'm sorry but I have to leave" said the bartender suddenly " All those customers are waiting over there,enjoy your meal".

 

[Rik Meleet]

Riko got out clear. The back fence of the Bamboo garden was no obstacle, but Superpelon and Noldodan had people guarding the fence.

But this was close again; too close. Seeing first Pelon and after that Noldodan was a bad sign. This could be no coincidence. Not that they'd ever catch her, but she had to have the freedom to move around.

The small note, written on rice-paper and tied to the leg of a pigeon was enough. She'd warned the Chieff, who had set some fireworks to explode across the street, so she could jump the fence unnoticed. Back in her hide-out there was a pigeon waiting with a written note from the Chieff. "Furansu". This meant "France".

"I need to take a low-stand now, perhaps even leave town for some time". The Chieff's note left nothing to be imagined. She had to leave for France, where-ever that might be.

"No, I won't !" Riko said to herself. I've felt passion and love for Babylon all my life. I recognise the feeling. And I've felt the same just yesterday. Asano's kiss unlocked her heart. She wasn't going to France, she'd go to Asano. That way she still could try to turn him.

"What do I need ? Well, 2 things; Asano's location and a horse". Getting a horse was no problem. The stable was owned by a Japanatican fool who believed Riko was part of the Nihonnians, a secret Japanatican female army-group who were to perform as horsewomen in case of war. She had borrowed horses so often, using the excuse: "All Japanatican horses need to be trained".

"The hardest part will be to contact Asano. There will be only 1 who knows where he is; Immo. And that means I have to go back to the Omotesando". But not dressed like this.

Riko walked to the river-side where in the floodplains men and women were harvesting wheat. She stole some poor women's clothing and disguised herself as a peasent, going to town for groceries. This way she reached the Omotesando unrecognised.

The Omotesando was virtually empty. She saw Immo near the bar and some men in the corner laughing and chatting. They didn't seem to pay any attention to her.

"Immo, where is Asano ? I need to talk to him!" Riko whispered. Immo looked at the peasant woman, not recognising Riko at first. Suddenly he realised.

"Riko, is that you ??"

 

[Chieftess]

"'-chan', huh?", thought Michiko. She knew that long-time friends calling eachother 'san' (or even chan/kun) is a grave insult. "Very well, I'll return to my Shinto Shrine".

OOC: (Michiko's part of the story continues there)

 

[Cyc]

Having discussed their unseen options, Asano and Oishi rode out at a strong gallop towards the East in mid-morning. The lay of the land had allowed them to make good time and neared their destination sooner than expected. It was around noon when they decided to ride Northeast beyond their goal and then cut Souteast to the river. This would allow them to not only survey the land and the river, but enter the compound from the back. It was late afternoon when they met the river and watered their horses. Refreshed, they followed the river Southwest, walking their horses. As the sun started its speedy decent towards the hills, their future Headquaters came into sight.

"So far, I see wheat, rice, tobbaco, and fish jumping in the river", Asano said, making mental notes. "Enough to feed an army." Oishi has been counting medicinal plants. It could be that dream come true.

Tying their horses to a lone oak tree by the river, they scan the two hundred yards to the compound. The sun is just setting as they make their way in. The two guards roam the front of the house, thinking about dinner. Oishi crouches and pulls back an arrow aimed at the farthest guard. Asano leans in and sends a knife into the throat of the near gaurd, and as the other turns to investigate, Oishi lets fly, straight to the heart. "No witnesses" were the only words spoken as they ran into the large home. The immense size of the building, which would probably house a family of twelve comfortably, meant it might take some silent hunting to find the owner. Amazingly the house was empty as they made their way through it. Oishi cleared the first floor, as Asano climbed the stairs to the top floor. There he found Michiwara, reading by torch and candlelight. Asano examined the small leather pouch in his hand that was filled with lamp oil, which he opened slightly. In one swift move, he entered the room and kicked the sword Michiwara was reaching for to the wall. Then he squeezed the pouch, ejecting the oil into the eyes of his target. Asano rounded the table and had a knife to the rich man's throat before he could clear the oil from his eyes. "Fold your hands together in front of you and walk downstairs" he said, grasping the man's hair and collar with one hand, holding the knife to his throat with the other. Being forceably moved by his assailant, Michiwara stumbled towards the stairs still unable to see much. They met Oishi on the second floor, "All clear, the house is empty", he said. "I'll recheck the top floor." Movement down the stairs was slow and tedious. Asano did not want the man to fall to his death. As they made it out the front door and across the deep patio, he pushed the man down the small steps, forcing him to his knees in the dirt.

"Who are you? And what do you want? I can give you anything... Gennan!" Michiwara cried, his tears mixing with the oil.

Filled with displeasure, Asano just looked at the man. "Bow to me...", he said. The man froze, and slowly bowed in Asano's direction. Oishi, who had silently come along side of him withdrew his sword and decapitated him in perfect executionary style. Michiwara never felt a thing.

"I'll take three horses upriver and you dig the graves. I'll be back as soon as possible" said Asano as he headed for the barn. Oishi picked up the feet of his victim and started to drag him in the same direction.

Asano bridled the horse that was obviously Michiwara's and two lesser horses. He then rode out to where Ako had been patiently waiting. Switching to his own horse, he took the other three into the river, crossed at an angle and took the horses deep into the hills to free them. Soon he was back at the compound, helping Oishi finish up. A quick day's work for extremenly high pay.

 

[Cyc]

He had spent most of the night going through Michiwara’s office looking for not only the Jade Eagle, but also all legal and financial papers. Oishi was also going through the “books”, only in a different manner. One of the office walls was filled with books ranging in subject from weaponry to haiku to the future of mankind. All of which had intrigued him. “Still no sign of that Jade Eagle, I’ve found all the hidden compartments, I believe. I guess I should have gotten a better description of it from Immo.”

Oishi wonders whether it could have been a book, entitled ”The Jade Eagle” instead of a statue, but says nothing. He is knee-deep in reading and doesn’t want to lose his train of thought. He will learn much here.

“I did find the title to the land here, it says Michiwara owns just under 300 acres. Quite a farm he had here. I will draw up a ”new” document later.” Said Asano as he threw the rice paper document down on the large desk. “I’m turning in. I’m claiming the bedroom across the hall (which was the only bedroom on the top floor). See you in the morning.” To which Oishi’s only reply was a quite glance and a turning of the page.

Once nearing the low-lying, large, black-framed bed, you couldn’t help but notice the immense headboard that commanded the area. It was deep and ornate, with books and metal and glass. The centerpiece was the trophy. At last, the Jade Eagle.

The next morning, Asano wrapped the Jade Eagle in rice paper and then a blanket. He would hand-deliver this beauty to Immo himself. It’s easy to see why it’s a treasured item. Just the sight of it was inspirational.

Looking out the back door, he saw Oishi at the water tower. This farm being the size that it was had all the tools and equipment normally associated with it. One could not have asked for a better deal. Next to the water tower was the buckboard wagon, horses hitched and ready to go. It was strange, just the two of them on such a large compound. But then crops were not due for a while and everything was cleaned up and in good repair. Asano carried the covered statue to the wagon and put it securely in the back. The wagon was needed to transport the bird, as its wingspan was about two and a half feet. The wagon would also be needed for carrying supplies back with them. Oishi on horseback (he refused to ride in the wagon), the two set off for the Omo.

 

[Rik Meleet]

Riko rode her horse on the road towards the East. She rode hurriedly, but with care. Once in a while she'd stop and hide, to make sure she wasn't followed. These stops could last for upto half an hour.

"Asano ? You want to know where Asano is, Riko?" Immo had whispered "He's somewhere you won't find him and I won't tell you. It's a secret". The last word made her even more eager to find Asano.

She deducted: Northwards ? no; there is a new city being build there and all those preparations for Iron-mining. Not the location Asano would be heading.
Westwards ? No, he came from that direction and she expected him to see Immo as a stop-over place, not a destination.
Southwards ? Impossible; she would have seen him.
So it's eastwards. And Riko rode of.

During one of the safety-stops a horseman and a wagon passed her. She saw the wagon was carrying something big and heavy. Not her problem. She about to look away when she recognised the man riding the wagon;
"Asano ?"

Asano heard a woman's voice call out to him. He abruptly stopped the wagon, signaled Oishi, who had drawn his weapon, to put the weapon away. He jumped of the wagon smiling and walked into the bushes.
"Hello Riko, are you always going to turn up when I least expect it?"