You dream of Leona waving goodby and then walking off with Selene and their Father.

You slowly come to and find yourself in a park full of cherry trees in full pink blooms and a unfamiliar skyline

You Sense that there is no magic here. The Only magic is what is in you.

You Also Feel a vector for a verser.
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:52, Fri 05 June 2020.

As I come to I instinctly feel at my body confirming that I'm all there, knowing that I will be. I'll also double check that I have all of my artifact weapons and see whether I can store them back in my soul, except for Vadahf and the darkness dagger, which I'll wear at my side.

Just refreshing my memory, when I have an artifact stored in my soul I'm limited that I have to withdraw the artifact before I can manifest that fury correct?

I'll also just talk internally to my furies Thank you all, are we all ok? I am sad to leave that world but feel that we did a great service to the universe in our final moments  there.

After a moment of getting my bearings, I'll brush myself off and begin walking towards the verser, hopeful that Lita managed to come with me, but cautious that it may be another verser who I don't know.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 22:52, Fri 05 June 2020.

Pretty much. The Artifact acts as an anchor to draw the Fury fully into the material world. It is possible to manifest them without it. It just takes a lot of essence to do so.

Indeed. That being was very dangerous. Vahdahf, Vex and you did a great work destroying it permanently. I am fine.

The others comment

We are good. this world looks strange. I am not sensing any magic here.

We did good work back there. They Will know that was something spectacular.

Thank you for the Meal. It was the kind of Darkness you don't like. But I managed to purify it for our use.

You find yourself in a modern city. The signs are in Japanese. but you seem to be able to read them anyways. You are getting looks from the people with your oversized katana and the strange cloths you are wearing.

Judging from the time of day and the sun's position. You are heading north towards the Verser. You walk a few blocks and find a building labeled as Tokyo Medical University. You find Lita on the ground unconscious. With a crowd of Japanese people around her.
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:52, Fri 05 June 2020.

As soon as I notice the town is modern and I’m getting weird looks I’ll work on finding a place I can be unobserved to sheathe Vadahf in my soul as well as the dagger. I don’t want to risk a run in with any law enforcement that tries to separate me from them.

————-

When I see Lita surrounded by the group I’ll gently push my way through the crowd, <aqua>”Excuse me, coming through, sorry”<\aqua> and get over to Lita’s side and say “Lita, it’s me Mike. Can you hear me. Focus on my voice”
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:52, Fri 05 June 2020.

You manage to duck into an alley and pull Vahdahf and the dagger in with the help of Hermes and Vex. You exit out of the other side to not raise suspicions.

You make your way through the crowd and manage to wake Lita up with the sound of your voice. She gets her bearings and is surprised at the sheer size of the Tokyo Medical University. But she remains calm with you around.

Some of the crowd ask "Is she ok? We found her on the ground Unconscious.  We where about to send someone to get help."
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:53, Fri 05 June 2020.

I whisper softly to her for the others not to hear, "I'll explain what I can soon, we have to get out of the crowd first." I whisper this as I lean down to kiss her and give her a hand to her feet.

"She will be ok, thank you for being so kind to stop and help."

I'll start helping Lita walk off, offering her support to lean on if she needs it. I'm trying to put distance between us and the crowd.

Once we're a ways off I'll talk in hushed tones as we walk:

"So, I may not have been as careful as I promised... I saw the opportunity to kill Jormungandr and had to strike. I believe it may have saved that world a great deal of pain and torment however."

I'll weave between streets, looking for a park or something where we can sit down and talk more, and also where I can observe the city to get a feel for it. How people are dressed, how they move, police presence, level of technology or overall abnormalities.

Either way though, I'll continue:

"But it looks like our bond was strong enough that you versed with me." and I smile warmly at her, "This is the life I live, I don't stay dead but rather get shunted into a different universe and I don't age. I should say we, these all apply to both of us now. If you relax your mind, you should also be able to feel a tugging sensation towards me. Versers can feel one another, just as a direction, but it's helpful. That's how I found you so quickly after we arrived." I breathe out slowly, "I know it's a lot to take in, but we have time. We do need to figure out what type of world this is though. I've stored my weapons to not draw extra attention, although our clothing will do some of that by itself."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:53, Fri 05 June 2020.

Lita accepts your kiss and your explanation calms the crowd.

You head south to the park you wake up in.
Explaining things as you go.
It is called Shinjuku Gyoen National Park.

You note that the city is modern by your standards. People have smart phones. You see an occasional police officer.  The streets are one and two lanes for cars but have wide sidewalks for pedestrians. Many buildings are 3 or 4 stories tall and you see skyscrapers in the distance.

You two stick out a bit because of your size and ethnicity in the predominantly Japanese population.

The younger people and some older people tend to be wearing things like t-shirts and bluejeans while other older people tend to be in a business suits.

When you get to a relatively private part of the park. Lita hugs you and says

"I am annoyed that you where not as careful as you said you would be. But you did what you had to do. And it worked out for us.

Where are we anyway? Everything looks so strange. And I don't feel any magic at all... how do those carriages work without horses?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:53, Fri 05 June 2020.

I continue to take things in around me, marveling at how similar this world is to my home world, but also not convinced there won’t be major differences beneath the surface. I’ll continue monitoring just in case.

“I don’t know where we are. It’s a reasonably technologically advanced world similar to where I came from, and devoid of magic, also like my home. The carriages are called cars if they are called the same here, and they function by harnessing the explosive power of a chemical reaction and directing it through a series of gears and mechanisms. But that might be different here, but they do look like cars from my world.

Perhaps we can explore, get to see the city and try and find a place to stay. Is there something you’d like to see? It’s your first verse after all”
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 22:53, Fri 05 June 2020.

You did smell the exhaust as some of them passed you. The seem to be burning gas like your home world. The prices you see in stores are in yen

Lita Replies
"I doesn't even know where to start. This is all so new to me but walking aroundand exploring would be nice. I did notice that they don't seem to be using gold and silver. Why is that?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:53, Fri 05 June 2020.

"A walk would be good. If it's anything like where I came from, population outgrew gold and silver and other hard currencies. In order to represent the overall product of the nation or world nations created currency. The value of it is actually based on the faith in the social contract that everyone assigns it value. Depending on where they're at technology-wise, it likely is even tracked using digital means which are handled through the control of magnetism and electricity.

Let's see if we can find someone who's talkative. Chatty types sometimes will divulge a lot of information without having to give away that we don't know what's going on at all."

So planning to walk around for a while, holding Lita's hand as we go. I'm looking for someone who seems open and chatty, just someone with an overall friendly and outgoing appearance.

I will try to introduce myself, "Hello, would I be able to take a few minutes of your time? We just arrived in town, and we just can't decide what to go see first. What's your favorite part of the city?"

My hope is that I get someone who not only is willing to answer the question but loves to hear themself talk.
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:54, Fri 05 June 2020.

Lita nods at your explanation. You walk for a while and find a young man chating with some of his friends. You ask your question and he replies.

"Oh? Tourists? Your Japanese is very good. If you a fan of Anime and Video games then Akihabara street is the obvious place to visit. There are a lot of good shops there. There are also plenty of historical sites here like the Imperial Palace and various temples. There are also various parks and museums here. Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is nearby. oh! Have you seen where they are going to hold the 2020 Olympics? What sort of things interest you?"

"I think it would be best to visit both of those, it's important to see the historical sites, but I do have a love of video games and anime. We're actually planning to make this an extended stay, we've been considering moving here actually and we were going to see if I could land a temporary job to help offset the vacation costs. Do you know of anywhere that would be hiring? I have a fair amount of coding experience, I've done some bouncer type jobs before, I know structural and mechanical engineering principles, and I'm fluent in English. Honestly I'm willing to do just about any job, just want to get something to offset costs a tad bit."

Internally to my furies Is one of you translating this for me? I have no idea why I'm able to speak japanese or read and hear it for that matter

"Wow. That is quite the amazing skill set you have. I wish I was that skilled. Hmmm... My father works on Consumer Electronics and he always says that he always needs poeple that know English and Coding. Oh. By the way my name is Yagami Toshiro. What are your names? I'll introduce you to my father."

Hermes replies

We are not sure how this is happening.
I don't think any one of us are particularly associated with languages.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Yagami Toshiro, I am Michael Washer." and I give him a respectful bow, "and this is Lita (I'm assuming I would know Lita's last name in character, but as a player I forget). Skills are just a matter of the time that has been allowed to you to train, I have been lucky to have both good teachers and time allocated, should you ever wish to learn I'd be happy to share any knowledge I have and I appreciate you being willing to introduce me."

To my furies:
Odd, I assumed at first it was a technology doing translations in this world, but he seemed impressed by my Japanese. If it was a global technology doing the translation that wouldn't be an impressive feat. I'll have to keep an eye out, but also need to settle in and get situated to observe the world before deciding what to do.

"Thank you for the Offer Washer-san. My Father should be home soon. He will probably give you a test involving coding.

anyway, I Live about 4 blocks away. Would you walk with me Washer-san?"

I assume that you would follow him. If so Lita walks with you.

He takes you to some fairly well off apartments and heads inside. After a few minutes a gruff looking older man come out.

"I assume that you Are the Washer-san that my son told me about. What can you tell me about your coding experience?"

I bow respectfully to the man, and respond, "I am, thank you for taking the time to talk with me Toshiro-san. I've experience larger on back-end programming, having worked with C++, python, and SQL as my primary languages in database development. Largely I've designed systems for internal tracking of project management as well as optimizing employee workflow."

I avoid mentioning too many more languages, because I'm not sure they're called the same in this world, and if they're not I plan to play it off as a language conversion problem.

He looks at you for a moment and strokes his short beard.
"Come with me for a bit. I want to show you something."

He leads you in to a smallish apartment. And goes over to his computer and pulls up a C++ IDE along with a source file.

It is sparsely commented but you don't detect any bugs at a glance
"Ok. Could you explain what this code does in Japanese?"

You Read though it and follow the logic. It seems to take data from a database and convert them to pixels on an image once a minute to represent the change in data over time.

You do so and he looks impressed.

"Hmmm. Yeah. I work at Parasol Incorperated. And we would love to hire you. We have been needing a Programmer that Spoke both English and Japanese. What do you say? I would need to get it approved through Human Resource. And we would also need to discuss Salary and Benefits."

I smile and nod, "Absolutely, thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to talking with Human Resources and working for Parasol Incorporated."

Mostly just going with the flow on this, my hope is he offers us to stay the night and I can go into the office with him the next day then to talk with HR, but don't want to be rude and ask for that.

"hmmmm... It is getting sort of late to find a hotel. If you like, You could spend the night here Then we could go to the office tomorrow. But I only have one guest Futon. Would that be acceptable to you Washer-san and Lita-chan?"

"Thank you Toshiro-san, that would be a great help to us, thank you for your hospitality"

I give him another respectful bow, and otherwise just go with the flow and get situated. If the futon is too small to share I'll sleep on the floor, otherwise I'll cuddle up to Lita once getting ready for bed. I'll say to her quietly as I'm slightly paranoid of people overhearing, "Thank you for your patience with all of this, it'll be good to get established so we don't have to worry about how to get food or shelter, then we can figure out what's going on here."

Otherwise not much that I'm trying to accomplish. When talking with HR my goals are just going to be to get a small signing on bonus that will help with having currency to get by until first paycheck, even if it's a forward payment on my first paycheck. Otherwise just negotiating reasonably to have comfortable wage and perks. I'm assuming they may have to get me registered with a work Visa or something too.

The wife cooks extra and the Family shares a meal with you and Lita. The son Yagami tries talking with you in English. You have to correct his pronunciation and explain some sayings. Then you go to bed cuddling with Lita.

She whispers back.
"I understand. That is why I have been letting you take the lead in all of this."

--------

The Next day you go with Toshiro-san to Parasol Inc.
You go to HR and They seem to be willing to Get you a Work Visa 100,000 yen sign on bonus. There are also decent wages and benifits for working there.

It is mid-Afternoon by the time you are done. They do need you do find an apartment so that they can put down your residence.

"I appreciate that, thank you for the trust. I hope we can get pretty well set up tomorrow." and I'll kiss her lightly and go to sleep.

-------------

I'll let HR know that I'll go look at apartments first thing and thank them again for the opportunity.

-------------

Once done with HR I'll meet back up with Lita, who I assume either waited in like a company waiting area or outside looking around.

I'll tell her, "Good news, it looks like we're all good here, just need to find an apartment to rent. Let's go look at some of the nearby apartments."

Once outside and walking a bit, "So apartments are housing units run by people in exchange for money. I'd like to find an apartment close to a transportation system in town, pretty close to this building since I'll be working here. Otherwise just overall would like it to be a nice place. Anything, in particular, you want to look at for where we live for now? We should have enough money with the sign on bonus I just got to afford a fair amount of comfort."

I'm largely willing to go with whatever apartments look best to Lita, just trying to stay close to stuff going on. One that would have a grocery store nearby would be nice too.

Also, I'm assuming my motes did not regenerate over night? Are my furies ok? I'm assuming my soulscape is sufficient to sustain them without problem, but wanted to check.

-----------
-----------
"So they are like an Inn that you stay at for a long time?"

You find that housing is pretty expensive in Tokyo but you find a decently sized one bedroom apartment that is near a subway that has another station near your workplace at Parasol Inc. There is also a food market near the apartment.
You manage to secure it with a 50000 yen security deposit. They expect a payment every month. And you are going to get paid weekly by Parasol.

--------

You didn't recover any motes from sleeping. Your Furies seems to be ok. Your soulscape seems to have suffice magic for them to subsidize on.

”Precisely. Normally you pay by the month as opposed to per night you stay there. As such you get more leniency on what you can change around and decorate and all”

————————
Sounds good about the apartment, meets our needs. Are we going to be able to move in the same day?

Once that’s all settled, I want to find a phone service provider store and get Lita and I two smart phones and data plan, and get groceries for us to be able to cook.

Once that’s done I have what I think I would need in order to at least be able to work for the week to get some more cash flow in, observing the world and trying to look for unexpected twists.

Lita nods in understanding

-----------

You find a phone provider that you can get  decent smartphones and a voice and dataplan for 20000 yen up fron and a 10000 yen bill a month. The next day you go into Parasol's office and update your contact information. They want to to come in to work the next day.

----------

You spend about 15000 yen on bedding, dishes and enough food for a week.

----------
 Lita comments when you get home with the phones.
"So what do those magic things do? These 'Smartphones' we bought?"
----------

Parasol Inc. Appears to be a firm that researchs genetic engineering. They have a few products like corn and rice that have much greater yields and amazing Resistance  to disease.

They have you translating research papers and code. Mainly from English to Japanese. But occasionally from Japanese to English.

After your first day is done. Lita is bored and wants something to do.

"A smartphone is a communication device, it uses network towers that are set up around the world, and satellites that orbit the planet to connect everyone. It'll let us call one another to talk, or text to send written messages. You can also look up information from the internet which is a global network of information. I'm making some assumptions, but they're likely right, this looks to be a mirror universe of where I grew up, about 4 years after I first died."

I'll take her phone and program in my number then and show her how to call me.

"It's not always possible to answer though, based on what's going on. But you can leave a message and call back, or text what you want to say which helps when schedules don't align or the message isn't urgent."

-----------

So after expenses tallied so far, there's 15000 yen left. And currently, monthly commitment is 100000 for the data plans/phones and whatever rent turns out to be

-----------

"Let's walk about town and see about getting you something that you can pass the time with during the day. Would you like to pick up some books to read, or perhaps get a few games to play, or maybe the basics to start a small indoor garden?"

You show Lita how to use the phone. She gets how to make a call and plays on the internet a bit and ends up getting sucked into a wiki walk on wikipedia.

Every once in a while she asks you to explain a term that she doesn't understand.

-‐-------
That is correct
----------

"Yes. Something to grow would be nice. The apartment is a bit too small to practice my Martial Arts in. Could we fine somewhere where I could practice them? The books sound interesting. But what kind of games do you play by yourself?"

"Do you want to practice martial arts with others, or just have an area for it? There is likely a Dojo you could join where people train together. It might also be a good way for us to meet more people and learn about the world. Otherwise we can try and find a park with a nice open area.

And for games, there are video games that are meant to be played as one player, effectively a computer in the game runs the game's storyline or plays as a second player. Some of those get pricey though, might be best to hold off until we have a bit of a cushion first.

"hmmmm... Why don't we do both? It would be nice to talk to and train with others. And I would also enjoy doing my katas in a park.


Computers can do that too? They are amazing machines. I would like to see one once we get our feet on the ground."

You look and find a Hibiya Park within 30 minutes walking distance. It also happens to be practically next to the Imperial Palace. It is a open western style park with trees, shrubs, flowers and grass. It has plenty of open area where Lita can practice along with a outdoor fitness gym.

Is there any particular styles you are looking for in a dojo? There is a Mixed Martial Arts gym about a 15 minute walk from your apartment.

Lita wants some seeds, dirt and pots that total about 2000 yen. She got a mix ofa few flowers, some medicinal herbs and small food plants like strawberries.

At the book store Lita seems to be interested in all sorts of books. She was interested is a book on herb she looked at for a while. There is books on martial arts and their history she also liked. There was also a general history of the world.
She also found the manga section and thinks that the art is pretty.

Mixed Martial Arts works for me, and should give Lita a lot of options of styles to learn to avoid boredom while we get set up. Plus it'll be good to train with there together after work.

You visit the MMA gym with Lita and she seems fascinated with the modern equipment and sparring gear. The gym is 10,000 yen a month but they have a offer right now to try it out for a week for free.

It quickly becomes apparent to them that both Lita and you are not amateurs. You can tell that Lita is holding back while sparring so she doesn't hurt them. But it is still pretty brutal. You also note that you just don't feel their hits while sparring. Like your incresed Toughness from the last world is still with you despite the lack of magic.

-------
I assume that you also get Lita some books and show her where to fine more things to read online.
-------

A week passed and Lita is adapting and is in a good mood. You get your first paycheck for 120,000 yen. (You have gathered that that is worth about $1,200)
Now that you got income and cash, a lot more options opens up.

Ok, I'll sign both Lita and I up for a membership at the MMA gym then, it'll be good for both of us to practice, and it'll help form ways of learning what's going on in the world.

--------------

After a week, I think the priority is going to be building a desktop PC for Lita and I to use. I want to focus on solid components with an upgrade path in mind. So things like picking a good CPU, and choosing to forgo getting a GPU until later, using a linux distro instead of windows, but sizing the power supply to be able to handle being heavily upgraded.

Having a computer in house should help both of us learn more about the world, still largely in recon mode right now.

My medium term plan (which may change radically once I learn more about the world) is to focus on getting Lita acquainted with the technology level here, first step of which is getting her used to cell phones and computers which we're a good step along, and then looking up stories of spiritual holy sites or pilgrimages that are weekend tripable. I want to start going to them, and meditating and seeing if I can resonate with any of the energies there. I'm curious if even in a low magic world, if I find a hot spot if I can recharge motes, or possibly amplify the nature of the location by resonating with it. I'm likely one of if not the largely magic hotspot in this world, or rather the combination of Lita and me.

You join the MMA gym with Lita. You two quickly become favored sparring partners for the ones that are trying make it in the MMA world because of your obvious skill.

-------------

You find out from some coworkers that you live within 5 kilometers of Akihabara Electric Town. Which is practically the best place in Tokyo to get PC parts.

Assuming you go there. You find a Mecca for Consumer Electronics, Anime, Manga and PCs. There are Maid Cafes here and there and Cosplayers everywhere.




Lita decides to go with you to shop. And seems to be fascinated by the cosplay and the Maid cafes and the anime pictures everywhere. She is also curious about the pc components that you bought.

You manage to get a cpu that would have been amazing in 2015 or 2016. But it is just above average here. You get a decent Motherboard that has an integrated GPU. And 8 GB of ram. Along with a case, Monitor, keyboard and mouse. All for under 70,000 yen. (About $700)

All from a out of the way shop in Akihabara
The shop did help you out by letting you download a linux distro and burn it to a dvd.

You take it home and build the computer and install linux to it and hook it to the Apartment's internet.

---------------

You do find various temples around Tokyo. Vex points out a Toyokawa Inari Shrine near the western side of the Imperial Palace since it is about a 15 minute walk from your apartment. There are many statues of foxes.

You Enter the shrine and fine the thinest dregs of magic there. You feel a presence there and you can feel it's attention on you and Lita.

That's exactly the type of reputation I'm looking to build, and also just get a grasp of where I sit with martial arts skills without motes enhancing my every movement.

----------------

That's awesome to learn about Akihabara, I'll have to take advantage in the future. I'll make a mental note about Lita's interest in Cosplayers, and say that we should see about finding some conventions at some point to visit. I'm not familiar with Japans local conventions, but I can't imagine they're all that infrequent. But that's for another  day and goal.

----------------

I will try and find a fox statue that does not have anyone attending it currently, and sit lotus style in front of it meditating on the presence here. I'll reach out with my mind,

Can you hear me? We are travelers new to this world, and seek to learn and protect. I can sense that magic is scarce in this world, but it lingers here yet. Perhaps I can do something to help you?

You and Lita are in the highest tier of mortal skill in the Martial arts.

----------------

You note advertisements for a Anime Convention in about 6 weeks.

----------------


You sit in front of a fox statue and meditate.
What are you? I haven't sensed such an amount of magic since the Last Age.

We are versers, and I have dedicated my life to finding balance and protecting those in need. Myself, Lita, and my elemental furies or spirits Hermes, Nix, Zeke, Ursulus, Galad, and Vex travel across the multiverse. The travel isn't exactly under my control, and I don't know yet why I have landed here. Who are you, if I may ask, and what is this Last Age? What happened to reduce the magic present in this world.

I am Yozora no Kitsune. I am an aspect of Dakini-shinten and Inari and I am The Guardian Deity of this shrine.

We don't know why Magic has mostly left this world. It started about 1500 years ago. but it got really bad about a hundred years ago.

The last age was the Age of The Gods. The gods ruled everything in harmony and magic flowed freely.

It is an honor to meet you Yozora no Kitstune. I find myself wondering whether the magic the flowed freely has found a constrictive force, which has drained the supply to the rest of the world. Or perhaps it has to do with the end of the last age. What happened to the other gods that they no longer rule in harmony? Perhaps that change is at the core of why magic has faded.

I suppose I am being presumptuous, as a newcomer. Am I safe in assuming the return of magic would be beneficial to you and yours? Perhaps if I meditated here on local magic over the coming weeks and months, I could help reinforce the flows of magic. Is there a mortal here I should speak to if I am to frequent your temple for meditation?

Perhaps. But your heart is in the right place. What is your name. You mentioned your partner and the aspects of yourself.

A lot of gods grow weak and where unable to answer the prayers of humans. Starving for both magic and faith, many simply died.

Indeed. I haven't been able to manifest since this temple was build and then rebuilt when Japan angered the Sleeping giant.

I doubt the magic will return in such a way. But you can try if you wish. Just remember. If you damage the fragile Dragon lines and Dragon nests you will kill me and the other gods in the temples in the New Capitol.

You can sense her feelings of grim fatalism with that.

This is an temple to the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in addition to being a shrine to Inari. Talk to the head Monk about wishing to meditate here. He should allow you to meditate at reasonable hours.

Ah, my apologies. My name is Mike. So the magic grew weak before the gods left, so it wasn't triggered by their departure.

Who, or what, is this Sleeping Giant?

And I shall be careful, I do not wish to harm the leylines of magic here, and will only attempt to bolster them if I am confident I can do so safely.

After talking with the spirit of the temple I will get up and go in search of the head monk.

When I find him, I will bow and introduce myself, "Greetings I am Michael and I am informed that you are the head monk of this Temple. I was hoping to gain your permission to meditate here. I wish to meditate on the leylines of power that flow through this temple and the nature of Yozora no Kitsune."

The Sleeping Giant stands Astride the World now and Japan is now friends with them. They are called America

For a split second the monk seems shocked. But he regains his composure.
He speaks
"The name of the guardian of this temple isn't common knowledge. I sense power from you so you must be Awakened... Come with me."

He leads you to a private room.
"What do you wish to learn from the Geomancy of the Temple and Yozora no Kitsune?"

"I am new to this world, and am seeking to understand it, and offer my help where I can. My companions and I have arrived but a little over a week ago, speaking with Yozora no Kitsune while meditating is this first magical being I've sensed and interacted with since arriving.

She informed me that magic used to flow freely in this world, and I'm curious what is blocking it's flow. I am hoping by meditating here I may get a better grasp on what may be wrong and if I would be able to help the flow return. She asked I but be careful, and speak with you about permission to meditate here.

I'm curious about your story as well though, what are the Awakened that you speak of, and how much you can sense of me. Do you sense just me, or my spirits as well?"

"... What do you mean by you are new to this World?...

We are not sure why the magic started disappearing. It was said to have started over a thousand years ago. By..."

He thinks for a bit, Apparently doing mental math.

"around the Western Calender's 500th year of The Common Era a large part of the worlds magic disappeared Preventing the use of grand magic that legends are told of.minor practices where still possible and and the Gods and Yokai where still with us.


Now Magic was so thin now that no one can do anything overt. The most anyone could do was minor blessings and curses.

The Awakened are what we call those that are still sensitive to magic and can possible learn it. I sense a lot of Power and it is difficult to sense clearly."

"Lita and I travel between... worlds is the wrong choice of words. Fabrics of reality that loosely tie universes together, we travel between them. The conduit of traveling is painful and inconvenient, and never something I do willingly. But alas,  it happened recently and I arrived here.

Where I last came from, magic was brimming, and I could recharge simply by sleeping or opening myself to the elemental motes that permeated the world. I know a not insignificant amount of magic, both martial arts that channel the flow into it's forms and crafting motes of essence into patterns to do what I wish, I am hoping by reaching my mind out and following the thread of magic essence present here that I can trace  it back to a blockage that stops the flow, or otherwise help act as a conduit to restore what was lost."

The Zen Master stares at you for a long moment before speaking
"I am forced to believe you because no one could gather that much magic here.

Did your studies of magic include Geomancy?"

"They were not the focal point of my training, but I did have limited training in identifying and following leylines to nexuses of power. Primarily when I was searching for ideal locations for a large magic ritual I was preparing for. I am always eager to learn however, should you be willing to teach."

"It would be good for you to learn Fusui then. I will teach you and allow you to meditate here. Would you be interested in learning Zen Buddhism as well?"

"I would be honored to learn whatever you are willing to teach. Where should we start, and what is the proper way for me to address you when you are teaching me?"

I'm assuming Lita will also speak up about wanting to learn, but don't want to speak for her.

I'll then follow his directions to beginning learned Fusui and Zen Buddhism.

"A simple Sensei will do."

You and your teacher go to Lita and he says
"I also sense great power from you. Your Friend Michael-san asked is allowing me to teach him Geomancy and Zen Buddhism.  Would you like to learn?"

" That does sound interesting. I would like to learn with Michael."

His eyebrow raises a bit with her lack of honorific to refer to you.


"Come with me then."

He takes you to a quiet room.
And Instructs
"Sit on the floor with good posture."

After you get situated he asks

"Michael-san, what do you know about Buddhism?"

I sit lotus style and focus on my form while awaiting questions or instruction.

"Sensei, what I know of Buddhism is little and of the world I came from. My understanding is that it's a spiritual view of the world, with a focus on inner improvement and meditation, and many sects are non-violent in nature. Unfortunately, that is mostly all I know about it."

"That is true. But only scratches the surface. It is nice to know that Buddhism arose in other universes as well.

The most basic premise of Buddhism is that we all are bound to the Cycle of Reincarnation and the Wheel of Samsara  through our accumulated karma and Attachment to the World and the Self.
Buddhism is the path to exit the Cycle of Reincarnation and end the suffering that arises from living in this impermanant world.

There are many paths and sects of Buddhism. Our sect focuses on Meditation to achieve Mind of No Mind. And eventually maintain this state throughout everyday life.

For now. Just sit. And focus on being aware. Breath in deeply, exhale fully and focus on your breathing for now. Let your thoughts come and go. But don't linger on them. Always return your focus on you breathing.
"

I will listen, and obey, the fleeting thought coming to me that by buddhism's standard I may no longer be human. If being human is to be reincarnated, what does it mean when one is immortal,  or is each verse just a reincarnation.

But then I focus on my next breath and let that train of thought float away. I focus on my breathing, and the flow of magic, however slight it might be, and the similarities between the air I breath and the magic flowing into and out of me, how they are not all that different.

and then I let that thought pass, so I focus on my breathing.

I then think about what I could be doing to excel at this training, but how does one excel at breathing, and then I let that thought drift away to stay focused.

I continue this, as the thoughts become more as background noise to the attunement of myself to my breathing.

You sit and meditate. Your furies are quiet. Perhaps sensing your desire to quite your mind for a little while. You also sense that they are paying attention to your meditation.

Eventually your mind quiets down and you are just Aware. You sip the trickle of power here. But not enough to hurt it you feel.(Gain one undifferentiated mote)

You Sit and Meditate. It feels like an hour. Then The Head Monk says.

"That is enough for now. Judging from both of your steady breathing. You both got into the proper mindset to meditate. Now all you need to do is practice every day.
Do you have other things you need to accomplish today? I could continue teaching today. Or we could work out a scheduled."

Lita get up but seems contemplative.

"I am open to learning more today, but I want to be respectful of Lita's wishes as well. There is much to learn, the challenge is always finding the balance.

So what do you think Lita, do you want to continue on today? I am leaning towards continuing, but I know there is much to learn about this new world and I don't want to deprive you.

As to schedule, I do have a job during the week, but perhaps we can plan for us to come to the temple and meditate after work."

Unless Lita has a preference, I would continue with the training today.

The question brings Lita back into the conversation. She thinks for a moment then
says.

"I would imagine that the head monk is rather busy. Why don't we set up a schedule and come back at a time that is convenient for all of us?"

"I think I can arrange my schedule to put a hour free at 7 pm on the weekdays"

"I look forward to learning more from you, 7PM on the weekdays works for me."

I'll bow to the head monk as we're getting ready to leave, grateful for his time.

As we leave, I'll ask Lita, "So what is it you would like to experience about this world next?"

She replies

"Remember those people in consumes that I thought where cute? I think you called them Cosplay.
I am curious as to who they are dressing up as. That 'website' you showed me says cosplayers usually dress up as characters from Anime, Manga and Video Games. I seen some of that I think and I thought the art was pretty. maybe we could get something to watch those things. Then I can understand the characters they are dressed up as."

"I would be thrilled to watch some anime with you, let's go to Akihabara and pick out a few anime's that catch your interest. Can pick up some pocky to eat while watching to. We might be able to find a decent TV  while there too, otherwise we can watch it on our computer monitor."

I'll be looking to pick up any anime that appeals to Lita, but also trying to influence her to pick up a couple of different genres so she can get a good cross section. I'll also keep an eye out for any video games that we might be able to play together.

You find a smart tv with about a 40 inch screen and dvd/blue ray player for about 15000 yen.
You find a Nintendo system that has been out for a few years here called a Nintendo Switch. (Your character left before 2015 so he hasn't seen a Switch before) It is 20000 yen used.
The equvilant generation of Playstation and Xbox are rarer but still possible to find.

How much are you going to spend on Games and Anime?

The switch would be perfect for what I'm looking for, and honestly I wouldn't be able to resist when seeing it for my first time. I'll get the TV, switch, and about 6000 yen on video games adn 4000 yen on video games. That leaves 18000 yen left over, which I don't really want to go much below. More expenditures will end up needing to wait for the next paycheck. I think it would be great to get Mario or a similar game for Lita and me to play together

In talking with Lita on the way home I'll mention, "I have to admit, I've not seen this game system before. This world seems to be a bit more advanced than my home world, or rather just older than when I entered the multiverse. Some of this is surreal."

You get a half dozen used switch games and Anime dvds. The anime is older shows but you managed to get a good variety. And even a old Ghibli film, 'Nasuca and the Valley of the Wind'.
The Switch games include 'Super Mario 3d Land' which is actually multiplayer too and the Newest Zelda game called 'Breath of the Wild'.

Lita smiles and says
"Then that means we are enjoying something new together. All the things we got look interesting. What should we start with when we get home?"

"Let's start with the Switch and Super Mario 3D Land. It's going to take a bit of learning as well as concentration, we can play a few games of that and then maybe relax to one of the animes when we get a little tired. It'll be nice to curl up to at the end of a good day."

"Sounds fun."

You head home and set up the Switch and the Tv. You start with Super Mario 3d Land and Lita does about as well as you would expect someone that hasn't touched a video game in their lifetime. She is learning pretty quickly though. She seems pretty good at knowing when to dodge. And she thinks the 3d models and art is pretty.
Afterward you set up an anime. It turned out it be a fairly standard Isekai Anime and Lita commented on the similarities between it and your experience. Lita ends up cuddling with you as you both go to sleep.

The Next day you get up and have a fairly standard day at work translating code and comments. Apparently the code is to some sort of medical equipment and it mentions something called Oracle Cells. Based on the profanities in the comments they are rather difficult to extract. Unfortunatly there is no hard data in the code explaining what they are.

I chuckle to myself over the name and think:

Do people never learn? Names like Oracle Cells are just asking for trouble... I wonder whether there's any published information online... but I also don't know how much of a surveillance state this world has. I'm too new here to get caught overly investigating projects I'm in. My curiosity will have to wait, perhaps future work will shed some light.

Overall just going with the flow for a bit, helping establish ourselves enough to have flexibility and some luxuries. I'll try to focus on performing well enough that I may get assigned to future projects that might have interesting elements about the world, who knows, I may end of seeing hard data on these Oracle Cells that way.

A month passes and you get 120,000 yen per week. You spend 10,000 yen on the MMA Gym membership, 10,000 yen for the phone and data plan and rent is 125,000 yen per month. Food has been relatively inexpensive since both you and Lita like to cook. Lita's plants are doing well. The training at the MMA gym is going well. You aren't there as often as Lita because of your work. But you hear that they are thinking of offering Lita a job as a MMA teacher.

Lita is getting fairly comfortable with technology. At least as a user. She has a vague understanding of how electricity and electronics work

You and Lita follow the Buddhist Monk's instructions regarding meditation. He teaches the basics of Zen Buddhism and Fusui. Lita Seems to like talking to Yozora no Kitsune. They seem to discuss various edible plants and the best way to grow them

It is May 1st, 2020.

You prove yourself at work and get to translate some sensitive documents about the Oracle Cells. It seems that Oracle Cells are found deep with in the earth somehow eating rock. They are capable of incredible mimicry. From the smallest bacterium to the largest amoeba. they can mimic their structure and abilities. Unfortunately they seem pretty hard to extract from the rocks. Parasol is researching possible medical uses for them.

I'm going to keep pushing to do well at work, with the hope of getting assigned to more Oracle Cell projects. I am curious what corporation (or if there are several) is doing the testing, some of the cells hardiness and replication capabilities raises red flags in my mind.

Also trying to get enough of a nest egg, since if something goes wrong that I want to rush off to help with I'd rather have the funds to do so at the drop of a hat.

Does my meditation techniques seem to help with my ability to embrace magic here? Wasn't sure if it would help me with communing more with my furies despite the low magic present in the world.

Another month passes and you make 480,000 yen and spend 185,000 on food,rent,phone and MMA gym membership. So you put 295,000 into your savings. Your savings is 608,000 yen now.
Lita got hired at the MMA gym as a trainer and instructor. They are going to pay her 80,000 a week. This also reduces the MMA membership cost down to 5,000 yen per month. She has scheduled her work times so that she is only working when you are working to maximize the time she spends with you.

Mediation outside sites of power like the Temple does yeild some magic. But is is slow going. About 1 mote per 4 hours of solid Mediation. In the esoteric Fusui you are learning, those sites of power are called Deagon Nests. And they are where the the Dragon Lines that carry magic power around the earth gather. There are quite a few Dragon Nests in Tokyo. Apparently due to the influence of various magical groups that monitor the Geomancy of the city.

It doesn't seem to be affecting your methods of communicating with your furies and Vahdahf. You can still go to your furyscape when you sleep and they can still talk to you in your mind. Although you have a feeling that it would probably be very uncomfortable for them to manifest. Due to the lack of magic and furies.

You end up translating a report that details a possible use for Oracle Cells in the cleanup of waste plastics. Apparently they where trying to make a culture of Oracle Cells on a plastic Petri Dish and the Oracle Cells were observed growing into the Petri Dish. The reply report advised extreme caution and looking for something that the Oracle Cells can't grow into.

Apparently the Oracle Cells where discovered by Parasol INC. And the testing so far has been done by the company.

Parasol is now training you with their advanced medical equipment so that you know how they work. Basically training you to be a lab technician.
You have become the official translator for the Oracle Cell project because of the accuracy of your translations.

I would like to start making trips on weekends to visit these Deagon Nests, with the goal of meditating at each of the sites in Tokyo. I am experimenting to see if meditating at a number of the focal points of power will help me feel a way to strengthen magic in this world, or otherwise yield interesting results.

Meanwhile at work I'll continue helping with the Oracle Cell project, excited for the lab technician training. I'll put forward the idea of using a vacuum chamber for testing containment, as some structures that replicate need atmosphere in order to do so. Alternatively, it may be possible to feed the Oracle Cells enough magnetic material to turn them magnetic, and then use electromagnetic containment, where no physical contact is necessary.

My goal here is to continue showcasing my talents, benefit from the training they appear willing to give me, and learn more of what concerns me as a world crisis possibility.

I will also chat with Lita about what she would like to see while in this world. Another trip to pick up anime and video games is surely in order at this point, and the budget can more than handle it.

I would also like to look into the types of battery recharging tools they have the technology for. I'd like to get a portable solar powered battery. My goal is for something that is highly portable, utilizes long cycle batteries even if at the expense of efficiency, and that I can study up on and understand enough to maintain. I'm willing to spend a lot on this battery, so it might not be something that we get this month depending on cost.

The various temples around Tokyo tend to be situated on Dragon nests so it is not too strange when you meditate at them.

Some have the remains of old gods. Rendered innert from the lack of mana, they hibernate to try to conserve what little power they have left.

Others are awake like Yozora no Kitsune.
They tend to inhabit Temples that receive offerings and worship from the community.

You do note one temple that should have been a Dragon Nest. But it is as mana dead as the other areas when you visit it. You do note something in the area trying to draw motes from you.

---------------

The mention of electromagnetic containment has some of the scientists think for a bit and then go "ah ha!"
Precisely controling a magnet so that it doesn't flip over is hard unless it is too big to flip over like a Maglev train. Or if it is stabilized by spinning or other mechanisms.
However a superconductor behaves as a perfect Diamagnet. Which repells magnetic fields due to the magnetic fields inducing Eddy currents in the superconducting material. These eddy currents induce their own magnetic field with the opposite polarity to the magnet. All this is described as the Meissner effect.

Therefor by growing the Oracle cells on a magnet suspended on top of superconducting material by this perfect Diamagnetic effect, we can contain them without physical contact with anything.

They implement that method of containment with some high temperature superconducting material.  It still needs liquid nitrogen to cool it to the proper temperature.

And if they become magnetic then they will float as well.

They also experiment with pulling a vacuum on the Oracle Cells. The results are mixed.
On the plus side it stops them from growing.
On the negative side it doesn't kill them.
They tend to form a hard spore that resists the vacuum.


You also notice somethings odd when around oracle cells. One, they have a noticeable amount of mana despite being microscopic organisms. Two, you get a feeling about their nature from being around them. They feel like a being of endless hunger. Three you also notice that they always grow and move towards you.

--------------
It has been about two months since you got the Switch and Lita has pretty much beaten the games that you got. And watched all the anime dvds that you got with you.
She comments when you ask.

"I have looked on the internet and there seems to be an enless supply of anime and videogames. So lets get a wide variety to figure out what we like. Then we we can focus on specific genres that we enjoy. I have heard that there are streaming sites that do anime like Netflix and Crunchyroll. Maybe we should subscribe to them? I am making some money at the MMA gym. I could cover it and pay for the amime and games we get. There was also that Cosplay that we see sometimes around the city. Maybe I can get some textiles and sew some things together for us?"


-------------

You look around Tokyo and online and find a variety of power banks that have integrated solar panels and a few where the solar pannels are a seperate unit. Prices tend to vary between 5,000 yen and 20,000 yen. The capacities vary between  10,000 mAh and 50,000 mAh. One in particular has 4 solar panels and can fold up into something the size of a hardback book.

There are even bigger units that can run house hold electronics.  But the battery pack is probably about 60 or 80 pounds and it costs something like 200,000 or 300,000 yen and the solar panels are abour 2 foot by 3 foot. So they are pretty awkward.

I will try with one of the old gods that is hibernating to see if I can feed it a trickle of power to see if they respond. I'm cognisent that it still takes me a lot to recharge my motes in this world so I'm not just opening the tap wide for this experiment.

With the mana dead temple, how strong is the pull of what's trying to draw motes from me? Similar to the hibernating gods, I'll let out a trickle of power and follow where it goes to see what absorbs it.

----------

How long did the oracle cells stay magnetic when fed magnetic material? Or is that still under observation?

Do people touch the oracle cells at all? Is it restricted who does?

Also, do I get a sense of if I could siphon mana off of the oracle cells? I'd like to test out with a small sample when one is nearby to see if my siphon pump would give me enough pull to draw in motes from them. I'm suspicious that they may have in their possession the motes of the hibernating deities.

-------

"That sounds like a lovely idea Lita, let's also be proactive and make sure some of this is downloaded to portable harddrives. If we verse out, the streaming service won't help if we want to relax and watch some anime. Next time we're out lets make a trip to a textiles area and pick up some basic goods to start with and equipment to sew. Can't say I've ever enjoyed sewing, but it's probably a skill I should at least have base levels on knowledge on. The cosplaying sounds fun."

-------

I'll order one of the nicer end portable power banks, closer to the 20,000 yen range. I like the hardback book with 4 solar panels model you described.

Not this paycheck, but next paycheck I'll plan to purchase one of the household electronics battery packs. Trying to prioritize everything that would get base functionality should we need it.

You are at the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine which is east of the Imperial Palace. The Shrine is dedicate to the Buddhist and Shinto deity Hachiman. He was the patron deity of the samurai but now it is usually fishermen the pray to him for protection at sea and a large haul of fish.

You send a small amount of motes for you to the sleeping god. After 10 motes you hear the god in your mind.

It has been more than a century since an Onmyōdō offered me such a gift. I am Hachiman. What is your name Onmyōdō? And what do you desire my help with? For I know that the Gifts of an Onmyōdō are not free.

----------------------------------

The Draw is strong enough to be noticeable but not strong enough to actually get the motes from you. You send out 10 motes and track them as they go down. you feel them get about 500 feet down before they disappear. Presumably into the being.


----------------------------------

As far as the Scientist can tell, the Oracle cell remain magnetic until they are fed something that counteracts the magnetic properties.

The Oracle cells are in a strict clean room environment. Because they do not know what would happen if the Oracle Cells interacted with human biology.


You try picking up a mote from the Oracle Cells with your mind and there is quite a large clump of Oracle Cells that float up with the mote. It feels like you would have to expend a lot more effort to rip the motes from them. And there is the possibility that it will draw the Oracle Cells into you.

----------------------------------

Lita agrees and uses her income mainly to get entertainment for both of you along with supplies to sew and do cosplay.
She gets a large portable hard drive and copies the DVDs that you have already purchased to it with your help.
She teaches you the basics of sewing and ends up making a pretty functional SOLDIER uniform for you to cosplay in. She also made herself a Tifa cosplay. She is pretty and comfortable in it.


And a one point you came home from work and she was wearing a frilly kimono. She turns to you and says
"Welcome home Michael. Would you like dinner,a bath or perhaps... Me?"

----------------------------------

You Get the the one that has four solar panels and folds up to the size of a hardback book. it has a 30,000 mAh capacity and the solar panels output about 10 watts. so it takes about 2 to 3 hours to charge it to full with sunlight. And to top it all off, it is also waterproof.

I find a location to sit and meditate as I converse with Hachiman, in a sign of respect to show he has my full and undivided attention.

Well met Hachiman, I am Mike, though I know not of the term Onmyōdō. I... well I suppose at this point I am many things but most importantly I am a traveler and a student... and also a helper. I wish to see those lands that I arrive in better off. I would not say I desire nothing, but hopefully, it is not overly onerous. I would like to know more of these lands, the history, what's led to those such as yourself being largely asleep, and if there are actions I can take to help return magic even in some small ways. Unless there is better reason that it needs stay dormant in these lands. I am but new to this world, and admit it takes me considerably more time to coalesce motes of power.
--------------------
With the entity deep underground, I will meditate and try to extend my thoughts downwards, reaching out to make mental contact with it. I'm broadcasting a simple message:
I am here to  help and listen to your story
--------------------

I release my hold on the mote, not wanting to risk drawing an oracle cell into me. Do I think that I could push and pull a mote around outside of just trying to absorb it? It occurs to me that may be a way to move concentrations of oracles cells.

--------------------

I get caught off guard slightly by Lita but recompose myself quickly, adopting a mischievous smirk and saying "I think dinner can wait, you just look too delicious." I cross the room quickly and pick her up and carry her off to the bedroom.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:03, Thu 16 June 2022.

Hachiman replies

I see. You seek knowledge.
An Onmyōdō were court magicians in the Shogunate.
Information is a fair exchange for your gift.
Japan has a history that is thousands of years old. I suppose that what you want is the History of the Gods.

He goes into a detailed history of the gods of Japan. It confirms what you know about how the magic started disappearing 1500 years ago. And got bad about 100 years ago.

...There is an odd event that happened about 500 years ago. There was an odd god or perhaps they where a Youkai. That being didn't talk and gave off a feeling of Hunger. I fought with it and ended up destroying it. But it seemed to dispense.

-------------–

You just feel an endless hunger from it. It feels like the hunger you feel from Oracle Cells but bigger.

You also feel like it is coming up to get you.

--------------

It feels like you could move the mote around for a few minutes before the Oracle Cells consume it. It is somewhat difficult to do and you feel that it would require your concentration.

--------------

She giggles as you pick her up and you carry her to the bedroom.
And.... Fade to black.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:47, Tue 28 June 2022.

I'll thank Hachiman for the information, and ask if it's ok for me to visit periodically, as well as asking if there's anything he needs or desires I bring next visit.

--------

I'll break off contact once I feel the entity coming up, thinking back to what I recently learned from Hachiman. I think I need to reconvene with that deity before messing with this more

---------

Good to know about the motes, I'll table experimenting too much with it for now since it may draw too much attention to why these cells that are under intense investigation behave differently around me.

---------

The morning after, I'll sneak out of bed quietly to make breakfast and bring it in to Lita.

While eating, I'll share with her the stories of Hachiman and the hungry entity:
"I've been trying to figure out what's going on in this world, especially around the trace levels of magic and the voids that seem like there should be more magic. I was able to make contact with.... well at least one, possibly two... of the ancient entities yesterday and learned more of the past. I'm told magic started to dissipate 1500 years ago, with a major fight with an entity of hunger 500 years ago that the deity Hachiman fought and defeated, but the problem continued getting worse, getting really bad about 100 years ago. It's probably worth noting, that was all from what Hachiman told me, I suppose it could contain falsehoods but I felt him trustworthy. The second deity I tried making contact with I broke off after I felt an incredible hunger. I would like to travel back to Hachiman today to converse more with him, or at least soon, as I fear that the creature he believes to have been destroyed was only driven deep into the earth. Would you like to accompany me, I would appreciate your insights and it would be nice to walk around Tomioka Hachiman Shrine with you."

Hachiman thinks for a moment.

Do you Intend to fight these Hungry Ones? If so, please bring a weapon for me to bless. An ordinary weapon would be hard presses to damage one of them. But one with magic can cut them easier.
I'm not sure how you will get a weapon here thought. The Modern Government frowns on people carrying weapons.

----------

You retreat from the shrine and and sense that the Hungry Entity stops coming up once you get about 100 meters from the shrine.

----------
----------

Lita Smiles happily when you wake her up for breakfast in bed. She listens to your explanation attentively.

"I would love to accompany you to the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and talk to Hachiman. I would also like to go with you when you confront the second deity."

I do intend to fight them, balance is key to a well-functioning system and I've seen insatiable hunger before and it does nothing but destroys. Does a weapon need to begin as non-magical to receive your blessing? An artifact weapon has chosen to join me in my journeys and is currently stored in my soulscape. With preparation I believe I could bring Vadahf out, but she is a sentient creature of her own, if this blessing would harm her or subvert her nature I would rather pursue getting a non-magical non-sentient weapon here instead. I also have multiple others who have joined me, but while they can manifest as weapons it's not the same. I would also like for you to meet Lita, my significant other. I suspect she will want to fight the Hungry Ones along side me, and she has much power in her own right.

-------
-------
-------

What weapons I bring back to Hachiman will vary depending on whether he indicates the weapon needs to start mundane to receive his blessing, or if a magical weapon can receive it.

If magical weapons work, the next day when I bring Lita I'll also pack her gauntlets in a backpack. I'll show her around the Shrine, enjoying the day with her before and making sure to look like normal tourists before finding a location to meditate together and try to contact Hachiman. I will offer up another 10 motes as I reach my mind out to Hachiman, noting to myself I'll need to recharge for a while after all of this, but I do want to help Hachiman grow back some.

Once I have contact, I will introduce Lita, Hello again Hachiman, it is my honor to introduce you to the lovely and talented Lita. I have brought our primary two weapons... or well I brought one of them and one of them is still inside me. I'll take a look around to make sure I picked a sufficiently isolated area to pray before reaching my hand to my chest and focusing my energy to begin the process of pulling Vadahf out from my soulscape before setting her down reverently in front of me as I continue communing with Hachiman And this is Vadahf, a friend and wind attuned artifact who has helped me slay jormungandr and save a world from perpetual darkness. She, and my other furies that is... spirits of the elements who have joined my cause and journey. I then unpack the backpack and lay the gauntlets in front of Lita, showing them the respect they deserve as artifacts and allowing Lita to speak to their qualities.

Hachiman replies

You are quite an advanced Onmyōdō to have Artifacts in this age. I would have to see them to tell you what I could do to them. The weapon must be potent to have an Awakened Kami. If I can bless them, I don't think that my blessing would harm the kami of your weapon

----------

You bring Lita along with her artifact Gauntlets.
You find a secluded spot to pray. You make your offering. You also sense that Lita made an offering similar to yours.

You sense that Hachiman is stunned when you reveal Vadahf and Lita's Gauntlets.

I haven't seen Artifacts this dense with magic in a millenium. My blessing would have Enhanced your weapons enough to hit these hungry ones. These weapons would have no problem with that.
Where did you get these weapons?

They come from another world, which we do as well. Perhaps another time entirely, although that is hard to say. We are travellers of the multiverse, and try to leave those worlds we arrive in better off for us being there.

Vadahf here has chosen to accompany me, and now normally resides in my soulscape, the domain that I have cultivated and shaped together with my furies, or spirits, or there are a million terms for them, but perhaps most accurately friends and allies.

I do realize that this all sounds a little far fetched, but I assure you these words are true

Hachiman considers your words and the replies


I am forced to believe you. Your stores of ki is like the sea compared to the puddles of modern man...

You say you have this Soulscape that can store spirits. Does Lita-san have a Soulscape as well? If so, you two might be the last hope of the gods. Obviously you have felt how thin the ki of the world is today. The Gods of Japan have only survived due to the rich Dragon Nests and the worship of the people.


Lita comments
I do not have a Soulscape like Michael. But I would like to help the gods of Japan.  Perhaps I can learn to form a Soulscape like Michael's.