The First Casualty

Rise Before the Climax
I'm going in blind.

Like some sort of mystic mantra endless repeating itself inside his skull, Tsuchimikado could barely contain his exhilaration. It was less of the thought, a thought afterall was just that, something that existed but did not yet exist in reality, it was potential unrealized. This? This was reality, this was an event in progress, its conclusion not yet determined.

I'm going in blind.

He shook with anticipation. The very notion that someone, something had the ability to obfuscate any information from him was astounding! It was a marvel, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! He had to give Shigenaga Arma credit, the man had his secrets buried so deep, he may as well have been a monkey wildly reaching for the moon.

I'm going in blind.

Skipping like a schoolboy, Tsuchimikado made his way towards the noble's manor. When he arrived, what he saw was neither a home or anything like it. It was a small fortress, situated atop a massive garden of roses, black as night climbing across its jade walls. He stared in wonder, his senses tingling at the faint and subtle traces of magic which literally lined the manor. Brought out of his musings he was greeted to the sight of Shigenaga's guards.

He was escorted rather leisurely passing an assortment of paintings of Shigenaga draped in lavish clothes of various eras and fashions, along with others. Some he recognized, others he did not. Awaiting him at a luxurious table with fine drink, food and women sat the man himself, dressed to impress as it were. Grinning like an idiot, Tsuchimikado casually sat himself down at the offered seat.

I'm going in blind.

"So," He drawls out with deliberate intent. "the infamous Shigenaga Arma finally recognizes my amazing prestige. Perhaps you would care for a drink?" He raises a drink pointedly.