In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 552):

I think the plan is to complete the Kukai mission first. Then come back at some other time for Sasumi, at which point we will hopefully have more information and be better prepared.

The group holes up for a bit, and with no other issues, shifts to Nippon once again.

Kukai, with the help of Yasashi, is physically recovered.  Mentally, however, is yet to be seen.

They find themselves on the slopes of the monastery, so the movement they made in the other realm affected their realm.

Guards, in the distance, see you pop into existance.  They duck behind some wooden barriers and call out a challenge.

"What manner of creature are you and what hope to you have assailing our monastery!

No arrows fly however.

In reply to Chiisai Tori (msg # 554):

Hiro remains hidden his garb instantly changing to the new environment. "Takeshi and Yasashi they know you please introduce the rest of us."

In reply to Hiro-matsu (msg # 555):

Totsu lowers any weapons he may have had out and points to Kukai and looks at Yasashi and Kukai to respond.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 556):

"Yes, Takeshi, Yashashi, These guards need to be dealt with."

Kukai pulls off his robe cowl and calls to the men.

Ushi.  Nabaku.  I have been rescued by these good men and woman.

He pauses to let the see him, and get over their shock.

I use your names so you know it's me and not some crafty illusion of the Kami.

We will remain here.  Go get the Council and they can verify our identities and allow us in.  There is much to discuss.

One of the men do as he's bid, which is ironic considering, if it WAS a crafty disguise, he just took orders from the wrong side.

A couple council members show and after a brief parlay, the group is brought inside the walls.

An emergency council meeting is held and the group's presence is requested.

The Kami have directly assailed us.  Do any know why?  Do any guess if they are directed or acting on their own?   Is this attack purely spiritual or is this an attempt to change the tenor of the entire island?  What has been done for our defenses at this point and whom have we sent ambassadors to in an effort to learn more and reinforce allies?  Despite his questions, Kukai looks tired still.

The Council have few answers.  They tell him they've closed the mountain for defense (Kukai points out that the attack happened within the mountain so that might not matter), and have put word out of the attack so other temples can also take defensive actions.  But, sadly, other than that, they have no answers.

Kukai thinks for a few moments, and then turns to the group.

I am in your debt.  My torment was stopped and my very life returned through your actions.  Why did you take such monumental actions and such grave risk to yourselves?  And, may I ask, what is your ultimate goal?

In reply to Kukai (msg # 558):

Totsu appears to be about to say something then stops himself and then looks at other group members to see if someone else wants to speak up.

Takeshi looks at the samurai, unsure if he should speak first in this setting, his home for many years. Though he knew of Kukai he had only met him a couple times in those years and there was no close bond which would over ride the honor due a samurai. He holds is tongue and waits for the samurai to speak of what we have learned.

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 560):

"Takeshi fill Master Kukai in on current events"

Takeshi thinks back to the information that he and Hiro already brought to Master Kukai and picks up after the bandit setup. He holds nothing back as he fully trusts Kukai and believes he is the key to keeping the Kami from taking over the island.

He speaks of Cawti the witch, her predictions about Kukai and Yasashi, and about the death of Yojoba-san.

About Jizai-sama and Yojoba’s grandfather, Ochino-sama and the way they interacted during questioning of the witch encounter.

About Jizai's sister, Sasumi Michizane, and her rumored death despite the witches divinations.

About Takeshi's inability to pledge loyalty to anybody or any organization.

About Doshaburi and his help rescuing Kukai based on our first meeting.

About the Iazki clan and Arashi's granting of a blood feud against them and the ninja Hojekei... though not currently allowed to pursue.

About Arashi's service to the Michizane clan.

And about what we have learned of the Buddhist and Shinto and of the Chosokabe and Michizane Clans.

(and he speaks of any important item that Ken has left out)

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 562):

Totsu adds
As you see we are trying to prevent a war from occurring

In reply to Totsu (msg # 563):

"Yes, as my companions have said, Peace is our ultimate goal, but it appears the path will lead us though conflict first; as is often the case."

Kukai, you ok?
Hope I did not bore you...
Wake up. We have things to discuss and plans to make...

:)

Being a great deal of information to take it, Kukai closes his eyes and processes it.  He makes no effort to school his features and his brow furrows as Cawti’s name is mentioned and what she’s added to the intelligence.

So there is a game someone in the shadows is playing.  Pitting Samurai clans against each other, and faiths against each other.  Even the spirits themselves against each other.  And we have no clue as to who is in the shadows pulling the strings.

He seems to find his mental footing as he considers.  First things must come first.  Arashi.  You are under constraint to pay your debt to Cawti.  You and your team saved my life and possibly my spirit.  I would make an attempt, once hale again, to bargain for her return if you wish it.

He looks to the rest of your team.  Next, I will say my inclination is to go speak to Jizai-sama personally – after putting my affairs in order here.  If his clan is the main Shinto presence on the island, and my monastery the main Buddhist one, then whispers from the shadows can have no effect when the two men are in the room speaking alone.  However, I am in your debt first, and as you say, you wish peace.  Is there an action you would like me to consider before I meditate on these issues?

Kukai is slowly looking more and more unaffected by his trial.  Very slowly, but the group has noticed the evolution in the last couple days spent with him.

In reply to Kukai (msg # 566):

I personally would like to do all that I can to help prevent this war and stop whoever or whatever is pulling these strings from trying to incite this war.  I was hoping rescuing you will help in this endeavor.  So anything you can think of that will help in this I would like to hear.

I will let my other group members speak as to what they were hoping to get in case they have any other things they would like to add to what I've said.

In reply to Kukai (msg # 566):

Hiro thinks and then says, "While I require nothing personal for myself, I will lend whatever favor I have in getting Arasahi free of Cawti's debt. Not only must he bring this girl back but must also marry her. Paving the way to that would also be appreciated."

"arigatou gozaimasu Sensei Kukai, for the help you offer in recovering the girl. I am not worthy of any favor or action from you. If there are things to be learned and we can help resolve these matters, please do not let us keep any more of your time."

In reply to Takeshi Oshiro (msg # 569):

"Kukai I would like to try and redeem Sasumi but we also need to identify the enemy and what their motivations and objectives are as well."

"I defer to you and Yasashi's wisdom in this manner in how best to proceed to save the princess and identify the enemy.  I suppose we should set up a meeting between the Shinto and Buddhist leadership to try and quell the animosity that may have developed through the enemies manipulation and normal human failings."

Kukai looks Arashi over.

If I understand correctly, Arashi-san, Takeshi said she does not even know you yet.  To draw her from the after-world, a crucial ingredient is need.

I would open a channel for you, with the potential draw her back to our world if she's amenable.  But it will have to be you who does the courting and convincing.  From what little I understand, you have no idea what Good would come of her returning.  Only that it was a price to be paid for information that you try.  A price, from a witch whose motives you do not know.

Are you certain you wish to attempt this?  Marriage is not a deal to be struck with witches.  And if so, do you need time to prepare young samurai?

Kukai, not immune to the other ramifications of this act - namely, a Buddhist rescuing the daughter of a stout Shinto, and the behest of one if the families retainers - but held his peace.  This was a potential marriage.  It was required, both spiritually and emotionally, that the two parties agree.  Even arranged marriages were supposed to work that way.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Tue 09 June 2020.

In reply to Kukai (msg # 571):

"You bring up a salient point Kukai;Is it honorable to court a woman whom does not wish your attentions?  I know that many marriages are arranged but not by a witch between the living and the dead. No I will not force myself on any woman.  But, Sasumi was likely murdered by the Korean contingent that came to the Island and may have been killed to keep her quiet. Perhaps saving her wont be such a selfish ambition as it seems.  I think we need her back to crack this mystery.  That being said I do not expect her to marry me unless its the will of the Divine and Sasumi.  Master Kukai, please try and bring her back in the way that is most likely to be successful that you know.  We need to learn more about the Koreans that came her around the time of her death.  What can be done to learn about them?"

I will do as you request, Arashi-san.  It is not in my hands to do anything but ask Buddha for help, but I will at least do that.

Do I understand, correctly, that Sugawara-sama is no longer head of his clan, and that his son, Jizai-sama, has taken over?  And while Sugawara-sama was Shinto to the extend of being intolerant of Buddhism, his sister, whom is now in hell, possibly died at the hands of the Koreans because she was denied a Buddhist priest whom might have healed her - or at least determined what the illness was?

With my return, and these happenings, the tenor of the island will shift significantly toward Buddhism.  Almost exclusively at the impetus of Cawti.

He considers a moment, warring between his faith flourishing and not knowing the motives of why someone wants it to.

He nods to himself.  Yes, I will make this attempt.  I will also be going to pay a little visit to the Witch shortly.

=-=-=-=-=

With little, actually no, preparation, Kukai closes his eyes and seems to find true peace for the first time since you've brought him back.

Takeshi - he is peering into the astral.  Assuming you do as well, a rather quiet, small spirit appears there (not in the real world).  Kukai explains that a young woman was killed by violence - before her time - and there is evidence he happened because of someones divination into the future, which is against Buddhism.

ALL THINGS MOVE THROUGH AS THEY OUGHT.  IF SHE DIED OF MUNDANE ILLNESS, IT IS NOT FOR YOU, NOR I, TO CORRUPT THAT.

And if it was not mundane?  I cannot know either way, but it is clear that a Shinto faction is involved in whatever is going in and may well have been involved with her death.  It was only Shinto's which watched over her.  If a Kami was the impetus, the the corruption of times passage has occurred and should be rectified, neh?

AND YET, OF THIS, YOU HAVE NO IDEA.  IN FACT, YOU ARE UNCERTAIN IF THIS PUSH ON SHIKOKU BY THE SHINTO WAS INSTIGATED BY THEM, THEIR KAMI, THE KOREANS, OR EVEN SOME OUTSIDE INFLUENCE.

This is true master.  But learning if Kami are involved is something well within your power, if you thought it wise to pursue at least that far.

The spirit nods the point and motions for him to continue.

Kukai explains Arashi's part, and when asked if this was a question of desire, Kukai immediately says, They havenever met and Arashi seems like he neither needs, nor wants, a wife at this point.  But, of course, getting him to bring us to this point could have been Cawti's motivation all along.  His success in his courtship might be irrelevant to her.

THAT SENTIMENT IS BENEATH YOU KUKAI.  IT IS ONE THING TO EXPOUND ON PLAUSIBLE THINGS, IT IS ANOTHER TO FLIPPANTLY GUESS ABOUT SOMETHING AS COMPLEX AS PROPHESY.

Kukai humbly bows in acknowledgement of the admonishment, shame on his face.

But, and there is nothing flippant about this, someone wanted me out of the picture and Kami stole me to accomplish that.  That's either a Kami, or a great Shinto Gakusho.  No other could have coordinated it.  Kami ARE involved.  The natural flow of time IS interrupted.  But more importantly, there is an aggressor out there.  Likely against Buddhism, likely against Shikoku itself, and possibly against Nippon in entirety.  A war.  Between spirits, between samurai, between islands, and clearly fought for a goal if tearing apart rather than building.  Bringing this girl back, who might be a lynchpin or might just have useful information, seems reasonable.  Especially since she was Buddhist and is not in a Shinto hell.

FIRST, BUILDING IS AN ILLUSION AND YOU KNOW THIS WELL.  DECAY AND GROWTH ARE PROCESSES, NOTHING MORE.  SECOND, I BEGIN TO THINK YOU PLACE MORE STOCK IN THIS WITCH PULLING STRINGS THAN YOU REALIZE.  JUST BECAUSE HER ACTIONS HAVE AIDED BUDDHISTS ON SHIKOKU RIGHT NOW DOES NOT MAKE HER AN ALLY.  REMEMBER THAT.

BUT, WHAT YOU ASK IS WITHIN MY POWER.  AND WHAT YOU ASK IS NOT FOR SELFISH REASONS - NEITHER YOURS NOR ARASHI'S.

=-=-=-=-=

All of that unseen and unheard by all but Takeshi and Kukai, it seems as though both men are listening to something you cannot see or hear when mists coalesce to the right of them.

Bursting through them, out of thin air, is a young Nipponese woman.  She is rather homely, with a slight overbite, mildly buggy eyes, and just a little too much asymmetry in her features.  She is bird-like frail and wears a tattered gauzy white kimono, which, while covering most of her, would be scandalous in samurai society.

She is unarmed, there are scratches, like from branches and briar being run through, on her arms and legs.  Her arms are held in front of her face as she barrels into the group.

She makes solid contact straight into Totsu, and crashes to the ground as if having hit a sturdy tree, at the feet of Totsu, Ayare, and Hiro-matsu.

In reply to Kukai (msg # 573):

Totsu (looking obviously confused) helps the girl up.

In reply to Totsu (msg # 574):

Arashi wil also help her to her feet and ask her if she is ok. If she is well then he will introduce himself and ask her name.

Takeshi is awed at what Kukai has accomplished and the power of the buddha as he watches Sasumi appear out of the mist. He is concerned there may be immediate retaliation.

Cognizant of the probable emotional and mental state that she is in He moves behind her out of her sight and casts mirror of deception, the duplicate images now hovering around him.

Her awkwardness and lack of physical bearing reminds Takeshi of himself. In a female, these traits are not as necessary but she also is lacking in physical beauty which has probably made her life very challenging. Takeshi feels sorry for her and hopes that her union with Arashi will be a blessing for both of them.

He stays in the back, not wanting to overwhelm the poor girl, and waits for Arashi and her to have their first meeting.

In reply to Arashi Fukushu (msg # 575):

Hiro will search the gear for a spare cloak to cover the girl.