Promises
21 July 1998
by Jason Lauman

[Ishi whispers to Naoki...]

Cousin, you have treated me too well during these travels. I am not referring to the monetary aid (which has been appreciated).

You have been the only one to not look down upon me like I'm vermin. The others tolerate me, and even interact on some level. They cannot hide their true feelings from me; I have seen like expressions too many times.

[Ishi pauses momentarily to reflect on the pain.]

[Ishi looks up with a small crooked grin on his lips.]

So, tonight my cousin, I will retire early on the pretext of sedating myself as usual. When you are able to slip away unnoticed, enter my room, hand me your katana, and I will perform the Immortal Steel spell on it. The spell will take some time, so you must be sure I'm not disturbed.

[Ishi pulls his out opium pipe, and frowns at it.]

In return I must have a pledge from you. Pledge that you will stop me when I turn mad. My opium is running low, and I have not koku to acquire more. Without the opium my dreams turn toward the Shadowlands. I have been known to ignite my surroundings, and wander in an aggravated stupor. You must prevent me from harming anyone.