Heavenfall

"Two leaders would make the task a great deal easier, how have you and yours fared?" he asked.

"We are very few in number, so thankfully we are faring well. I don't think I've been the best leader though, with my thoughts being so focused elsewhere" Reiko turned back to Nanzi "I've managed to secure some trading through between a few of the tribes during my visits, and there are a number of talented priests that follow me from the Isawa so I have been able to stay in relative communication with them."

"Your clan will be close to the spirits, that will be quite the blessing," he responded.

"I believe so. The combined wisdom of the Isawa tribe, and Fu Leng was the most knowledgeble of the stars on the Spirit Realms. He knows so much about all this..." she sighed softly "not much longer. Soon he'll be here."

"So then you have a plan and some idea how to best achieve the goal?" he asked.

"I've been planning and idea forming for five years, and this mission is the fruits of that labour. There will be a fight though, and not just a physical one. A spiritual one as well."

Reiko looked over at the two guards of Nanzi, then back at the man himself.

"Once I've learnt more about the spiritual protections needed, you have my word that it will be shared with all. For now though, I suggest you procure Jade for you and your kin."

"Jade?" he asked curiously glancing to Jongwun. He continued, "The green jewelry?"

Reiko nodded, taking out a necklace with some jade on.

"Where we are going, there is more then just a risk to your physical being. There is a risk to the spiritual as well. Jade can help protect against this. You need a few inches of jade per week you intend to spend in the Evil-corrupted lands. I don't know how far out it stretches, but we'll feel it when we cross over. Make sure your kin has at least this much."

"Then we will have jade," he said respectfully. "How does it work, do we just have to have it with us?"

"It needs to be on your person to protect you. I'm wearing mine as a necklace, as that's easier to keep on your person than just in your pocket. It won't work if it's in a bag, that much I'm sure of" Reiko clarified with a thoughtful expression "I don't know if it works while in a weapon, but if you were keeping it on your person I would assume so. Forgive me, this is a very new topic and one that as little study into it. I just didn't want my dear friend or any of his followers walking into this danger unprotected."

Kanna lifted her left arm, showing the jade hanging from her wrist, as if to provide a second example.

"Then my people will do the same, Nanzi is thankful for this guidance," he said warmly.

"If I learn anything more, I will share that also" Reiko said with a smile "are there many others from the Crane here?"

"We have brought some of our best to aid you, honored sister," he said proudly.

"Any that I may have met before?" Reiko asked, curious

"Nanzi believes Doji Kakuro is here but Nanzi is not sure if your paths crossed," he said throwing the name out there.

"I remember a Kakuro. Our paths never crossed but I remember his focus during the many discussions. He will be a wonderful asset to this mission I'm sure. Do you remember Yamadono-san and his daughter Matsu? They are here also, devoted to this mission to save Fu Leng."

Reiko smiled.

"It seems a good number from the events of five years ago have been brought together again."

"Those that have bound themselves to the Gods that walk as Men do, were bound to come together again in times of need or great change," he said confidently.

"Exactly so my friend" Reiko smiled "and please let me know if I can do any more for you and yours. This will be a long, dangerous journey, and I do not wish to return to an angry Flower Star."

"We get through this by working together, just as old times," he said confidently.