Episode 87

[spongetastic]

[Peter has decided to write; this whole thing has weirded him out and he doesn't trust his voice]

Those figures in the courtyard. I think I know one of them. I think that samurai is a friend of mine. I recognize the symbol on his sword.

Comments

[spongetastic]

I'm not sure he'll answer back, but it's worth a shot.

[heloise]

I should at least like to know what a samurai looks like.

Shall I meet you by the courtyard?

[spongetastic]

Sure. [he'll be out there trying to figure out if the samurai is Hiro or Adam]

[heloise]

[ And Lucrezia comes a few minutes later, feeling sheepish about not asking how to tell it was him. It could be a her for all she knows. She steps closer to the man staring at the figure. ]

Pardon. Are you waiting for someone?

[spongetastic]

[Peter turns and smiles at Lucrezia]

Sort of. I'm trying to make this guy take off his mask.

[heloise]

[ She chuckles in return, then turns to look at the samurai. What an outfit. ]

There are only two ways to make a man take off his volto: tempt him with the finest wine. Or a kiss.

[spongetastic]

[soft chuckle] I don't know. If this guy is my friend Hiro, I don't think either of those things will tempt him.

But if it's Adam, he could be persuaded.

[heloise]

I assume you've tried asking. [ She beams at him. ]

Perhaps then, if we tickle him.

[spongetastic]

You can try. [reaches out, his fingers passing right through the samurai] I don't think it'll work.

[heloise]

An apparition? [ She seems genuinely concerned now. ] So he is not--present?

[spongetastic]

Doesn't look like it.

[heloise]

[ Very confused, but even that is no excuse to be ungrateful. ] So I have now seen a ghost of a samurai. Thanks to you, Peter.

[spongetastic]

I don't think he's a ghost, exactly. I hope not, anyway. That would mean my friend is dead.

[not that the option of it being Adam haunting him is an appealing prospect, either :| ]

[heloise]

[ Oh, no, she said something horrible. ]

No, surely not. [ An awkward pause. ] Your friend, Hiro, will you tell me what he is like?

[spongetastic]

He's an honorable warrior. He's very devoted to justice and good, and he has a lot of faith in others. I've seen him use that sword, so that's why I think this could be him.

I don't know much about samurai except what I've seen in movies, but the role definitely suits him.

[heloise]

[ She peers his way as he speaks, humming with some amusement to herself. ]

How wonderful. There are too few men like him.

[spongetastic]

Hiro's definitely one in a million.

[heloise]

How did you meet such a warrior, Peter? Are you one as well?

[spongetastic]

Hiro seemed to think so. He found me and asked me to help someone who was in danger.

[heloise]

[ She bites back a smile. ] And what did you do, Peter?

[spongetastic]

I saved her life.

[heloise]

[ She grins. So impressed. ] Then I think you are a great warrior as well.

[spongetastic]

Thanks, I appreciate that. [and Kensei gives a bow, like he agrees]

[heloise]

[ She gasps, staring at Kensei with delight before remembering to return the bow with a curtsy. ]

How would you interpret that sign?

[spongetastic]

[he bows back] The Japanese bow to show respect.