Dragons of Heaven and Earth

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While travelling Zhuanxi, after he was sure the group wasn't in danger.

« Right, here is a letter I received from family in a distant land, may I ask that you read it for me? »

Post Scriptum OOC: You might want to consult with Dark Strider with the actual content of the letter, since my character can't read. I've left the content of the letter to him

 

Hideo took the letter and gently open the scroll, the calligraphy of the scroll looked rushed and half finished.

Zhuanxi-Yi

It is with great regret that I must inform you that you are being summoned back home. It is being present that we have been betrayed by what we had assumed was a close friend. He has forged documents that states that we owe him a large amount of gold. What is worse is that on collateral he has ask for payment the hand of your sister Chun-Yi. He already has gone to the counsel to seek proper, and quick payment.

I must ask you to come to our aid as soon as possible, we do not have the resources to pay him, and marriage to your sister is not an option ...

A tear on the scroll make the rest not readable, no signature can be read either.

"Zhuanxi, this sound very important, but we have our orders from Lord Cheng Mei. Where is your home? Maybe we could stop by your land in the way of Peach Blossom Valley!"

 

With a grasp of horror he just realised the awfull truth.

« It is unlikely, my family is in Nippon land, our family moved a 30 years ago, my father never saw fit to indulge me why, but I've come back to the land of my ancestors now. As soon as this task is done I shall be on my way though. »

 

Kahaki listened attentively and smiled widely while listening to Khiasan talk about life in the village
When she was finished he sat a moment in silence before answering. After a slight pause he spoke.
Humans are very peculiar if I may say so myself. They cling to traditions as if their very lives depended on it. They can also appear dour and sullen, but in truth they are not so bad once you actually get to know them.

As Kahaki heard the voices he turned to Khiasan and then stood up, looks like I'm famous he said to her with a snicker.
He then took a step forward and greeted the newcomers
Yes I am the one they call Kahaki, you must be the two people that Khiasan here have told me about.
He paused and gave them a bow

 

"Ah, greetings," Henjien said and bowed as well. "I am Henjien and this is my companion, QiShu," he continues as he gestures at QiShu. QiShu simply nods at the Vanarans' direction. He has never heard of this Khiasan before, but he assumed that the spirits must have passed on word about his arrival. The spirits work in mysterious ways...

"I was approached by spirits pleading me to assist you in a quest. Never have I seen such restlessness in so many spirits. This item you are to reclaim must be one of great importance indeed," and he pondered on for a few seconds. "Perhaps you would be so kind to enlighten us on this quest?"

 

Hideo looks at Zhuanxi with great astonish, "Zhuanxi, this is in fact a predicament"

Hideo rolled the scroll and handed it back to Zhuanxi, then get up and picked up the his pack, "We must move now, it is imperative that we finish our task, so you can go back to your ancestors and do what you can"

Hideo looked back at the city one last time and with that started to walk on quick pace.

 

The Outskirts of the Singing Forest

"Excuse me, I am Khiasan, a ranger from the village where Bheretsu our shaman awaits your arrival. Once I find Ansu, ah no need here he is" Ansu came through the woods back towards the rock, looking at Khiasan

"Are these the others we were waiting for? Then let's go I have things to do today"

Khaisan laughed "You'll have to excuse my brother, he likes a simple life, please come this way" she led them after her brother. As she walked she talked animatedly to Kahaki, touching him frequently pointing out things in the forest.

After a while they arrived at the village where they were met by Rellsu, Bheretsu's wife, who offered them refreshment, and the chance to avail themselves of the baths. She informed them that they would meet with her husband, once their guide for the next part of the journey arrived.

 

QiShu went and took a quick bath. She kept her weapons close, within an arms length never leaving her guard down, unlike Henjien. The Vanarans seem to be good people, but she trusts noone and rightfully so. She has seen much betrayal and deceit in her time with her clan and after. She sighs as she poured the hot scented water over herself.
After she was done, she quickly returns to the grand hall of the village where her hosts were waiting. Henjien was not there yet, and she quietly stays in the corner of the room carefully observing everyone.

Henjien on the other hand was glad to have a chance to finally bath himself. The last time he had a bath was back when he was in the city of Moon Sect and before the tussle with the bandits. He took a long and much deserved bath before rejoining his kind hosts in the grand hall. QiShu was already done and stood waiting for him in the corner of the room. She looks up at him, and nods at him.
Henjien proceeds to make small talk with the hosts while waiting for the elder and the guide.

 

Vanara Village, inside the Singing Forest


Khiasan came to fetch them, and took them to a private room where Bheretsu sat, in the shadows was a hooded figure about 5 foot tall. Khiasan introduced the visitors to the Shaman, turning towards the hooded figure she squealed "Der, how are you? Are you our guide?" collecting herself she looked at the shaman and asked "May I travel with the visitors, Bheretsu?".

The figure she had spoken to, reached up and pushed the hood back, a soft liquid crystal voice spoke "Yes, Khiasan I shall be your guide part of the way" turning towards the visitors, he continued "Greetings, and the Forest's Blessings to you, my name is Derhain and I shalll guide you on the next part of your journey."

If the voice hadn't given the visitors a clue as to been in the presence of Legend, then the eyes seeming hold the wisdom of ages and the ears sweeping upwards to form a delicate point, must have confirmed it. Before them stood an Elf!

 

In the Singing Forest:


Well then Henjien, Kahaki said, I shall explain this quest of mine as best as I can. Not long ago I was approached by the spirit of my ancestor who urged me to return the heirloom of my people, the Varana. this you already know if I am to understand correctly. It is also my hope that this quest will redeem my family's name, and I would be grateful for any assistance.
Kahaki then stepped back and let Khiasan introduce herself


Afterwards he followed as Ansu and Khiasan led them into the forest. He tried to lighten Ansu up a little with a smile but realized it was no use and instead turned his attention towards Khiasan.
He listened closely to all that she said and felt a great awe once walking with her and the others trough the Singing Forest. It was all he had dreamed of and more, its beauty seemed beyond description to him.

When they arrived in the village Kahakis jaw just dropped but he managed to get himself together enough to greet Rellsu although in quite a shy way, and thank her for the warm welcome.

* * *

Kahaki got up from the bath and started drying himself of. He had taken it simply because he didn't want to insult his peoples hospitality. What a very human thing to do he thought to himself and laughed. In fact he had much rather had a look around in the village but there was no time for sightseeing.
He got dressed quickly and followed Khiasan to the private room. When he saw the sitting form of Bharetsu he gave a low bow.
Kahaki also noticed the hooded figure in the room and gave a curious look. Khiasan spoke and Kahaki returned the greeting from the elf warmly while hiding his surprise.

 

"I have no questions my Lord" said Michiyo, Lord Mori then dismissed him and Michiyo backed out of the room. Outside he was met by a guard who returned Michiyo's belongings.

"We took the liberty of supplying you with a little bit of food for your journey" Said the guard.

"Thankyou" replied Michiyo, inclining his head.

He was escorted to the castle gate, the guards watched him move back into the mid day throng of people. He decided to be on his way as soon as possible, but before he left he headed back to the temple just for a last look before he left, it was a small piece of home in an otherwise un-known land.

It was about an hour later when he reached the main Northern gate of the city, pushing through the crowds of travelling merchants and caravans he made it back onto the open road, he began his relatively short journey to the village.

The Sun had set by the time the village came into view, the bright vibrant cherry blossom that gave the area its name seemed to glow in the darkness, adding a small amount of colour to an otherwise grey world...Michiyo had arrived...

 

Vanara Village, inside the Singing Forest

Bheretsu looked at his guests and spoke "Welcome to our village, I must first apologise to Kahaki and his family, for the exile that they have endured, most of which was wrongly applied. This is the story as I know, over 30 years ago when Kahaki was very young his parents gave shelter to a human who was ill and had stumbled into the forest. His mother nursed the stranger back to health, he repaid their kindness by leaving very early one morning. But he took with him a statue of great value to us, bothe sentimental and spiritual.

"The village was angry at this and tried to track the man, he went south and there was evidence of a battle there between Orc and something else, the man was found dead, but no sign of the statue was found. Now the village was really angry and blamed Kahaki's parents, and before too long they had been outcast and asked to leave the village.

"About a year ago a Wood Elf came into our village and spoke to us, asking if we had lost a statue, and describing the one that was stolen. He told us that it was not lost and would be returned soon, and then he left. That is as far as I will take the story, since the next parts belong to the Elves. Derhain will guide you on this journey, in the morning. Khia if you wish to travel with them then by all means do so

"Are there any questions, that I can answer for you?"

 

After Kahaki has told him about the quest, Henjien just nods. In all actuality, he suspects that there is more than meets the eye to this quest considering the big ruckus this little heirloom seems to be causing. Perhaps Kahaki and the Vanarans themselves do not know the truth behind the heirloom. Or perhaps he is just being too suspicious, which is rare of him. He brushes the thoughts away. Oh well, if it turns out to be more than meets the eye, he'll just have to wait and see. No point worrying about invisible problems.

============================

Henjien was mildly surprised to find an elf here. In all his travels (and he does get around alot) he has only heard of these elves. And they do not look too different from normal humans. "It is certainly an honour, Master Derhain, Master Bheretsu. The stories that I have heard about elves throughout the years are true then! How did you get to our lands? Perhaps by way of portals?"

It takes more than an elf to surprise QiShu. If that is even possible. She merely raises a brow, and watches him intently. Like she does, all strangers.

 

Midorikawa began his journey in a very sullen mood. The Mire of the Damned was not a place you overlooked. It has claimed many a brave soul, but what needs to be done, must be done. Tomok attempted to follow part of the way, but Midorikawa was alert now and spotted her every time she came close enough to check his path, eventually she gave in and returned to her village, he hoped. By Mid-day, Midorikawa had reached the outskirts of the Mire; he quickly noticed a large pillar of black smoke on the horizon, and quickly set off towards it, fearing he was too late to help.

It took Midorikawa only an hour to reach the smoke due to his long loping stride, and instantly he noticed the 3 zombies aimlessly wandering around the area now that they had executed the task given to them by who ever controlled them. Midorikawa notched one of his long broad heads and drew the bowstring to his cheek, aimed upon one of the walking corpses and let loose at its heart. The foul creature fell upon contact, with the arrow sticking out of its back. The other slowly turned, realizing that there pitiful existence was under threat, and started shambling towards Midorikawa. Midorikawa let loose another of his large arrows, but the arrow only impacted on the second zombie’s shoulder, Midorikawa’s third arrow landed in the zombie’s pelvic area.

By this time the zombies had closed the gap, forcing Midorikawa to drop his bow and draw his swords. Quickly Midorikawa lunged in towards the injured zombie, slicing up its thigh and down its calf with a quick spin around its side, narrowly dodging a swipe from the un-injured zombie. The second zombie fell from its wounds, still clawing at the ground, unable to use its damaged legs, while Midorikawa dodged around the slow but powerful swipes of the third zombie, parrying and countering when possible. Midorikawa was being pushed back defending against the last zombie; sword play had never been his forte, when he noticed a grey blur diving towards the zombies face, clawing at the foul creatures eyes. The distraction gave Midorikawa an opening to lunge both short swords into the creature’s heart, ending its evil existence.

“I’m glad you found me Galan, I was begging to get worried, and your timing was impeccable as always.” Commented Midorikawa to the hawk sitting on his out stretched arm.

 

Makoto leapt from the bushes, sword in hand, and scanned the encampment. Only a few bandits were left, and even they were dropping quickly from the waves of arcane energy emanating from Kumiko's hands.

He dropped into a sword stance as he was rushed by a bandit wearing dirty leather armour, and the largest nose Makoto had ever seen. A parry from his dagger followed with a swing of the longsword soon ended the problem of the large nose, and the next slash finished the rest of the bandit.

Kumiko darted into the lower branches of a tree and began to move her hands into the passes and motions she had learnt back in the village. As she fired off the next spell, she saw Makoto finishing off the bandit's leader, the man with the huge nose.

She supposed that bandits preyed on travellers, and rarely expected to face armed men, or a Wu Jen.

As the last man fell, she dropped to the ground and walked up to Makoto, who was cleaning his blade.

"Is that everyone?"

Makoto looked over his shoulder at her and shrugged. "We shall have to check. Perhaps there are others."

Kumiko smiled, and dropped to her knees. She placed a hand on the ground and whispered to the floor. She shivered as the magic flowed through her, and nodded as she received her answer.

Makoto watched her with an air of fascination. There were few magicians in the village he had grown up in, but even after leaving to serve Lord Hojo, he'd seen few.

Kumiko jerked, and leapt to her feet, sprinting to the body of a man. Before he could stop her, she spun him over and punched him in the gut. He was about to reprimand her about respect for the dead when the 'body' groaned and curled up. The body was alive.

His sword was out again in an instant, and at the man's throat.

"Wait!" The man yelled as the blade pressed against his neck. "I'm not a bandit! I just make arrows! Please, don't kill me!"

Makoto ignored him, but Kumiko's hand caught his arm and pulled the blade back.

"Perhaps we should hear him out?"

 

The apology offered by Bheretsu took Kahaki completely by surprise and it took him quite some time to regain his bearings and find the words to reply.
Your apology truly warms my heart great Bheretsu, and I assure you I do not, nor does my family, bear any I'll will towards anyone in this village despite the incident. You all did what you deemed best at the time.
After that Kahaki was able to listen to the story of his families banishment without feeling guilty about it. It was a great sensation and Kahaki wished he had only visited the village earlier.
As for questions, Kahaki said, I would like to know more about what the elves know concerning the statue and its whereabouts but i realize i will get those answers in due time.

 

Southern edge of the Jade Forest

Fujiko sat up on his heels and made the bow of full obeisance, his head touching the floor of the forest, sitting back after a few moments, his hands resting on his knees, his head bowed, he started to speak

“Honoured Sir, honoured lady you have the misfortune to behold the miserable wretch that once was Fujiko, once I lived in the village of Setting Moon, so called because when they finished building the main hall, the first thing they saw from the completed steps was the setting moon.

“I was apprenticed to an arrowsmith and fletcher, and soon was helping him make arrows and selling them. He had a daughter beautiful as a spring day; we fell in love over time and with his blessing married. Then we had the joy of our own daughter to cherish and nurture and life seemed good to us, later that year, in the middle of the hot summer last year, the wasting disease came, and it struck all 3 my father-in-law, my wife and my daughter. I tried to help them, I paid the grossly inflated prices they wanted for medicines that didn’t work, soon the shop had no money and the savings were gone. To my shame I stole some money to pay for more, but to no avail, first father died, then my wife and last my daughter all in the space of a day. With them gone I felt I had nothing left, in times of trouble like that who needs arrows?

“The bandits found me a couple of months ago, drunk and making arrows at the side of the road, their leader who I do not see here, brought me back to their camp, I made arrows for him, I drank and I tried to forget that once I was a man who was happy, for their part the bandits laughed at me and kicked me. Perhaps honoured sir it would be better if you could kill me, for then I can find my wife on the wheel and join her again”

With this Fujiko fell silent and waited for the young samurai’s response.


===========================================================================


Mire of the Damned

As the last zombie fell before Midorikawa, a man came running out of the burning house, “Thank you, thank you” he cried over and over again “You saved me, I didn’t know what to do, so few people come into this area that I thought I was surely going to die, thank you again.” With this he rushed back to the burning building and started to remove items from the house, various kegs of wine and sake, bolts of cloth and silks, bags of various sizes and description. As he worked he was muttering to himself

“Now I’ll have to find somewhere else to set up business and let them know where to find me, nice little hidey-hole this has been for many a year, goddamn witch, why’d she have to come after me? I told her we could live together, leave me alone I said and I’d leave her alone and none the wiser, but no she had to get rid of me and my friends!”

It became obvious from his ramblings and the pile of goods mounting up that the man was a fence.

[ June 19, 2006, 15:47: Message edited by: DarkStrider ]

 

Michiyo walked into the village towards the inn, as he opened the door the noise of the patrons flooded into the street. He passed into the room, people took a quick glance his way and seeing a stranger conversation slowly died in the inn.

"I come seeking your elder, I am on an errand from Lord Mori" Said Michiyo to the silent room...

 

Cherry Blosson Village Inn

The Innkeeper rushed forward and bowed to the young monk "Honoured sir, if you would wait at this table, I will have our elder informed of your presence, meanwhile please enjoy some tea and some food." A pretty girl came to the table bearing a tray, she placed some rice, stemed vegetables and fish down, and then made some tea for the monk. As she finished she looked up smiling, as she saw the scars the smile broadened, "Ah, I see Lord Mori sends us a seasoned battler of demons..."

A soft voice comes from behind Michiyo, "Daughter!" the voice gently chides "allow the man his privacy before you swoon over him, my friend I am Ichi Takahashi" he said as he came round the table and sat with Michiyo. The girl left quickly but not before the monk heard the whispered "Yes father".

Ichi continued "It was I who sent to Lord Mori for a demon hunter, the spirits guiding me in this as they do in all things. On the northern edge of the village about 80m away from that edge is a barn that holds the straw and hay we make for our animals. Just over a week ago something took residence in there, we have been unable to move them and the spirits told me I needed a demon hunter, and here you are. If it pleases you in the mornig I will escort you, and show you the barn"

 

Makoto looked over at Kumiko as Fujiko finished his story. He felt that the man was telling the truth; although he had much reason to lie, he radiated such misery and misfortune that makoto could not disbelieve him. However, he couldn't release him either.

He sheathed his sword and looked down at the wretch before him.


"Fujiko of Setting Moon, get to your feet. We shall return to Hojo, where you shall be judged there. WHile I believe that you are no bandit, you have aided them in terrorising this forest. FOr that crime, you must be judged. However, I shall speak on your behalf to Lord Hojo. I can offer you nothing else."