Takeya lowers the brim of his hat as he steps behind Miyuki. He refrains from jerking his head to look up. He would swear he saw a few phrases that his parents drilled into his head as a child.
"Your guess is as good as ours Shiori-san. Regardless, we are all here together. Let us not be hasty with our actions. Perhaps the far side of the room will let us leave, perhaps it leads to our doom."
Kitao look bewildered at the scene and the others with him in the room "Where is Kohuri?" More importantly is this even my room? Did someone opened a portal or am I still dreaming? Kitao can't help but rest his hand on his katana, gives him a fake sense of security if you could ever have one in this situation.
Heizo stands up and looks around the room, trying to figure out where they could be.
"This doesn't add up. We were at the tournament, then the Empress... What happened? How long have we been out?"
Suana checks if he still has his possessions. -Well, were we kidnapped, they would've stripped us of our weapons. Maybe we fell unconscious somehow, and were carried here to rest?- Suana, wanting to test his theories, walks to the door and checks whether is it locked or not.
When Suana reaches the door, it slides open, revealing a familiar face: Kitsu Shisou. He steps into the room, closing the door behind him. Behind the shugenja, you catch a glimpse of a hazy mountain vista.
"I am glad to find you, samurai," he begins, unsteadily. He looks shaken and weary, much older somehow than his appearance from just the previous evening. Disturbingly, his bright red eyes are now slitted like cat's and he moves with a strange feline grace. "I fear I will need your help, as will we all."
Moving forward to konfront the lion Tanawe speaks up.
[b]"What has happened? Why are we here?[/ooc]
"Shisou-sama!" Heizo exclaims in surprise. "What's happened to the Emperor? Our wards?"
We are aware we are no longer in Ningen-do Shisou-sama, and any assistance we can render you we would be happy to provide
she bows deeply to the red-eyed man.
What can we do to help?
"Yes, they are right and we'll indeed help, Shisou-sama, but first we need answers for in the Crab, those who rush blindly forward are the berserkers and I'm not one of them." She pauses to breath, trying to use this technique to calm herself, with no avail. "We need answers first..."
Takeya bows alongside Miyuki, and immediately after her question asks his own.
"Where can we be of most use"
After a steadying breath, Shisou continues. "Miyuki-san has the right of it: we are no longer in Ningen-do, the Realm of Mortals. I am not sure where we are; I can… sense… that it is a spirit Realm, but it is not one I know or have ever heard of. It reminds me of Yume-do, to a certain extent, but also feels rather like Meido, and there is something else, too, that I have never felt at all…”
He shakes his head, trying to refocus. “Regardless, it would seem that the Empress’ death opened a passage to this Realm, and it is shaping itself to the minds of those trapped within it.” He gestures at the dojo. “You are here, I think, because you are the teachers and guides of the contestants, and that focus carried you to this place… or perhaps this place came into being for you. Regardless, I have already found others, including Toku-sama, who is even now seeking the Emperor; I plan to continue searching for more who are trapped within the Realm, as well as for a portal back to Ningen-do. I would suggest that you begin searching for the tournament contestants – as their sensei, you will have the greatest chance to find them. Miya Yumi-sama also remains missing.”
"Our duty is clear. It seems we have work to do!"
Bowing deeply to the Kitsu, the crane moves forward for a moment before stopping.
"Do you have any.. wisdom you could share with us. I have heard in diffrent realms the universe is not in harmony as at home!"
Heizo bristled at the news that they had been whisked away to an unknown spirit realm. This was far beyond his expertise. He decided to stick with what he could safely wrap his mind around.
"Where shall we begin searching for them?"
Miyuki nods at the Lion's words.
Very well, we will continue our duty here, wherever here is, and seek out our students to protect them.
She straightens her kimono and glances around.
We should travel together at least to start with, if everyone is ready?
She moves to the open doorway and prepares to step through, holding a clear image of Shichiro in her mind and then stepping through the doorway.
Miyuki tries to open the door, but finds it stuck.
"I'm afraid it is not that easy, Miyuki-san," Shisou explains. "This realm resembles Ningen-do to some extent, but it is rather malleable. It seems to respond to meditative focus. If you can meditate on your target, you should find yourselves drawn to them."
Shisou turns to Tanawe. "This realm seems to respond to what its visitors focus on. It seems somehow tied to the Void itself, possibly because of the Empress's death. I suspect that calling upon the Void here would be... a potent experience."
"I do not know where your students are… but if they were, as I suspect, concentrating most on the upcoming tournament, they will likely have found themselves in areas of the Realm that somehow correspond to the tournament, or at least some facet of it."
"Many of the samurai and peasants in the audience were swept up in the Realm passage, just as we were. The Emperor for certain, as well as the rest of his entourage on the main dais; as I said, I have already encountered Toku-sama, but Kakita-sama and Miya-sama are undoubtedly somewhere within this Realm as well."
"There is almost certainly a passage back to the mortal realm somewhere nearby, the same passage that brought us here to begin with. I will be searching for it as much as for any other victims I might be able to find; hopefully, it will soon stabilize and allow us to return as soon as we are gathered together once more. Gather those you can find as quickly as you can; passages between realms are notoriously short-lived, and I do not know what might become of you should you be trapped here."
Takeya focuses his mind on Shichiro. Despite how much he disliked the young man, he was tasked with overseeing his gempukku, failure was not an option.
"Let us find Bayushi Shichiro, he has been watching over the other contenders, if we find him first, we might be able to focus more of our effort on finding the others. He was at the Poisoned Toad last night, so afterwards we can look for the Hida, Mantis, and Unicorn contenders in that order. Afterwards, Lion, Crane, Dragon, and Phoenix."
Concentrating on his inner self, Tanawe moves past the door.
Kitao tries to pass the threshold of the door but in return he feels dizzy awkward and out of place, and once able to recover just to be punished again for attempting to pass...
Before attempting to walk through the door, Heizo pauses. He regards the door a moment, lights his kiseru, takes a slow drag, and closes his eyes in concentration. Then he exhales the fragrant smoke, taps the pipe empty, and puts it away.
Then, as centered as he's going to get, he adjusts his straw hat over his eyes and steps through.
Takeya steps through the open door, before his foot leaves the dojo he holds his hand out to Miyuki.
"Miyuki-san, it would be best if we did not get separated. Please, take my hand. It looks as though your rumor of a secret test nobody had to take in the past is coming true."
He gives a small, genuine, laugh.
"Although I did not take you much for fortune telling, perhaps the kami were speaking through you. Now come, we must find Shichiro-kun so we may find the others."
Takeya refocuses his vision. The moment at the beginning of the tournament where many had gathered. He envisions the scene underneath the tree. Unfortunately he won't have his pillow book if he does wind up there.
Suana chews the Kitsu's words. -So, is that why I'm here? An unexpected situation... Why me?
There are so many things on the table, the bet is a dangerous one. Suana has no option but to try to find Sachiko, and quick. He regrets not having his tea set with him, a ceremony would help him ease his mind.
Shisou bows deeply to you as you prepare to leave, raising a hand in blessing. After stepping through the open door, you find yourselves surrounded by dense, grey fog. It is a dizzying, timeless place with the only sense of motion is an intense feeling of vertigo. Shisou’s voice follows you through the void for a moment. “The Fortunes and your ancestors watch over you even in this place, samurai.”
The gray mists clears suddenly and you can hear the soft murmur of conversation and the whispered swish of fine silks around you. The world resolves into the great hall of a samurai lord, where the daimyo is clearly having court. Courtiers swathed in heavy finery cluster in small groups, speaking quietly to one another behind delicately painted silk fans, while servants move noiseless among them, offering tea or delivering messages as unobtrusively as possible. All the samurai you see are wearing masks, and many of their kimono are in patterns of deep scarlet and black, easily identifying this as a Scorpion court.
“Ah, more guests!” booms out a voice from the far end of the hall, and masked faces all around turn toward you. Rising from his cushion atop a small dais, a smiling man in a rich red kimono, decorated in black and gold patterns of scorpions and frogs, bows to you and beckons you forward. “I am Bayushi Miyeshi, lord of this castle – be welcome in my court.” He gestures to one side, and you realize that Bayushi Shichiro is kneeling next to the dais, watching you approach with eyes both wary and hopeful. “I believe you know my other guest, Shichiro-san? He has been awaiting your arrival, so that he may complete the task I have set for him. As my guests, I would ask entertainment of you: would you, perhaps, favor my court with a debate of learned philosophy against young Shichiro-san?”
Being close enough to whisper and not be caught has its advantages, as does wearing a face mask. Takeya leans close to Miyuki to speak.
"While I believe I could defeat the young man in this game, let us test Shichiro-kun, see how he fares against the Yoritomo."
Takeya looks quickly from the lord of the castle to the various other people in the room. He looks towards the others in front of him.
"I see no reason not to, while we must be wary of the realm, this may be a test to leave, but I only speak for myself. Does anybody else have a plan?"
Miyeshi-sama, you honour us with your hospitality and generosity
Miyuki bows and leads the small group further in to the court to stand by Shichiro.
Her fan is out once more, though none present could remember her pulling it from her obi. It flutters around her face like a butterfly, masking her mouth as she whispers to Takeya quietly.
She flicks her fan at the lord's kimono
The Scorpion and the Frog, or am I reading too much in to this strange realm's manifestations?
she sighs dramatically as if overcome by the dilemma, though her mind is racing at the possibilities, then she nods oh so subtly at Takeya
My lord Miyeshi, we would be only too pleased to indulge your court with a philosophical debate she smiles
She astutely uses we so as not not nominate anyone in the group specifically, hoping that more information will be revealed before someone must step forward and participate.
Heizo bows to the daimyo, to all outward appearances completely at ease; regardless of where they had just came from, court was the one place where weakness cannot afford to be shown unless it was part of your plan was to feign it.
"Miyeshi-sama, it is our humble group's privilege to be welcomed to your court. Of course we consent to your delightful suggestion."
He produces his own fan--teal green with gold, opulently crafted--but unlike Miyuki he keeps it half folded at the side of his crossed arms, a gesture of ease and openness.
"As I see it, we play along, show no fear, and hope we get lucky along the way."
Takeya nods, he had never spoken directly with the Mantis, but gives warning.
"Heizo-san, you choose your words carefully and show wisdom. But I fear that if we do play along, Shichiro-kun may not play by the rules. Well, you do know the tale of the Scorpion and the Toad correct?"
Takeya bows to the lord.
Miyeshi smiles at your assent and claps his hands once. The rest of the assembled courtiers move away from the center of the room, turning the cleared space into an arena of sorts. Shichiro rises from his place next to the dais and goes to stand along one side of the room, while Miyeshi gestures for you to move to the other.
"My thanks, good friends," Miyeshi says, returning to his seat and kneeling once again on the fine cushions. “If you will allow me, then, I will set the topic for debate and our new guests may speak first: what is the most suitable reward for a liar?"
Shichiro stands before your group, his eyes determined.
lying face.” Bayushi smiles in pained understanding, puts on a mask for the first time, and then loses his duel on purpose.
Looking at the scorpion courtier Tanawe politly bows. "As the Kakita are unmatched in duel, so are the scorpion in this kind of contest. I think, you will find the greatest challenge, and therefor honor in challenging lady shosuro."
An ideal topic to debate in such surroundings my lord, thank you for such an appropriate suggestion
Resting her fan against her lips thoughtfully, she nods at Tanawe, her eyes half closing as she does so, evidently composing herself for the debate to come.
she raises her fan, and begins the debate with a downward wave of the scarlet and black lacquered design.
Unhappily, this poor samurai possesses neither the eloquence of diction, poetry of imagination, nor brilliance of metaphor to fully encompass the truth of the matter Bayushi-sama, she will leave that to the kami and the wisdom of Shinsei! I will however speak of the virtues of Bushido, and how they might guide us to an answer.
Her eyes cast around the hall to include every samurai present in her speech.
Written in Akodo's Leadership it says 'Speaking and doing are the same action'. To promise to do something is irrelevant, when a samurai says a thing, the thing is true. A samurai would not wish to cause pain to his lord, or his family, by being untrue to his word. This aspect of Bushido then is the only comparison we need to draw upon when we consider what reward would be appropriate for a liar.
she gestures at Shichiro with her fan
First and foremost, no matter what mask a samurai may wear, a lie should only be rewarded with a punishment appropriate to the size of the lie itself. We should never lose ourselves in understanding the purpose of a lie, this duel of reasoning is flawed, when it is plain to see that there can be no justification for betraying the code of Bushido.
She steps back and bows, allowing Shichiro the floor, and a chance to respond.
Reward for a liar? Surely we are among scorpions...
This was not Shiori's arena so she decided to remain silent, looking around for any apparent danger for disguised danger was all around her, that she was sure.
Kitao is not sure if he is joking or not Liars... truly the scorpion sting will be felt this day looking to the Hida Punishment for liars Kitao says those words with a flat tone and keeping his On to show no feelings, but he probably knows she will understand the meaning.
Truly impressed with Miyuki and noting how dangerous and useful she can be to the group as they move forward in this twisted realm, a Scorpion Clan realm...
Shichiro's eyes widen in understanding at Miyuki's words, but the young Scorpion quickly recovers his on, masking his face with cool politeness.
"Miyuki-sama makes a compelling point on how lying relates to Bushido, but her position lacks subtlety and nuance. I would defend the liar, possibly reward the liar, for Bushido supports him in many situations, Shichiro begins.
"If a samurai lies to protect the honor of his lord or family, does that not satisfy Chugo? Actions and their consequences define those who take them. The samurai's loyalty to those that he guards must be unshakable, even if that requires a lie."
-Be careful what you say...
Suana carefully listens to Shichiro's words, and patiently waits for him to finish his statement.
-Clever words of wisdom are spoken by both contestants. I am not really in my terrain here and, willing to learn from the best for I am but a soldier, have a question to add to the battlefield which may add a different frontline from where to approach the skirmish, if you excuse the military jergon typical from my clan.
Suana pauses for a moment, to be sure everyone is paying attention.
-If a loyal servant lies to protect the honour of his Lord, and that Lord protects him for doing so... is the Lord betraying his own honour by associating with dishonourable vassals willingly? Should he instead punish his vassal for being dishonourable, even if the lie was told by the servant willingly and with knowledge of what would be the final outcome, in an ultimate act of Chugi?
Heizo's face wore an expression of quiet bemusement, as if he was thoroughly enjoying the contest. Internally, however, he was wracking his brain for an eloquent answer of his own and coming up empty.
He silently admonished himself for favoring trade ledgers over book learning to such a great degree, but knew that a inept argument would hurt their chances far more than staying silent, so he continued to do so, hoping the Akodo reputation for command of Bushido was not overly exaggerated.
Tanawe, remebering an old discussion adds."The vassal, who sacrifaces his own honor for the honor of his lord, is to praised. Our lives are nothing, compared to those higher in the celestial hiararchy. Lying is not to be condemed, lying to take what is undue is to be frowned upon. Also what is lying. One would say hida-san is the most beautiful woman. And speak the truth. Another would feel andsay shosoru-san is more beautiful. No one would lie."
He doesn't recall the tale, while Shichiro's answer was sufficient, for the new Scorpion champion, this was not an acceptable answer.
(untrained)
I'm a samurai I live bushido, but this is the clan of lies, and not surprised the treacherous crane defends such notion of lies
Shichiro listens to Suana and Tanawe, before attacking their statements although it seems to contradict his first argument.
"Lying might be useful for some lords and vassals, but it is a paradox for an honorable servant. It places a barrier between thought and deed, one that weakens a warrior and prevents him or her from performing his or her duty to the best of his or her ability."
Takeya hung near the back with Heizo. Arms crossed he pondered actually striking the youth across the face to remind him of Miyuki-san's words before wiping that from his mind. Shaking his head he continues his conversation with the Mantis.
"Were I the type to gamble, I would say that Shichiro-kun is losing his footing. He would also be wise to remember who his current lord is. What are your thoughts about this debate Heizo-san?"
Heizo stroked the whiskers of his chin thoughtfully as he took in the scene. His voice low, he answered the bushi:
As it stands, I fear that young Shichiro-kun is either missing that point, or is conducting a feint to draw his opponent into making a critical misstep. As he is one of your esteemed kinsmen, I would normally be inclined to expect the latter, but his youth and possible inexperience are suggesting to me the former. Either way, I'm not sure that his current argument holds much water according to the way he is presenting it."
Beneath his mask, Takeya smiles. The Mantis apparently can be swept away by the tide.
"Heizo-san, with all due respect, I believe you are missing the point as well. This was never a question of Chugo or Meyo, the Lion seems to have fallen for that trap. I would also bet that you have yet to meet our current Champion, the Honest Scorpion."
Takeya closes his eyes to remember his training. The principle of Gi. He pauses slightly between each sentence, speaking softly and calmly.
"Set lies aside. A samurai does not make honesty or justice a matter for debate; he knows that there is only truth and falsehood, justice and injustice. To a samurai, there is right and there is wrong. In this case, I would say that Shichiro-kun is in the wrong. I also would say he tried to feint, but his inexperience caught up to him. But he will learn in time."
Heizo frowns, considering the bushi's words. As possibly the most worldly family in the Empire, the Yoritomo are much more open to shades of gray than most others are, so to his mind the Scorpion is being too dogmatic in his interpretation. However, this is a courtly matter, so his personal feelings are irrelevant; the answer given will be perceived as either right or wrong with almost no room for debate, so in that matter he concedes that the Bushi is correct. The courtier decides to be diplomatic:
After waiting with impeccable patience and listening to each of the others speak, Miyuki fans herself and yawns behind the lacquered black and red paper as Shichiro raises another aspect of the topic, before she smiles and bows, stepping forward oh so slightly to take the floor once more.
The words that echo in this court are clear to all, well argued and concise...
her fan sweeps a circle on the floor to include Shichiro
...and yet the words I hear speak of lies being justified, how those of different social positions are affected by such dishonesty in different ways, and what such an abandonment of their sacred duty might do to a samurai's strength...
she pauses to snap her fan shut, her mouth a hard line, eyes stern and unforgiving as she silently admonishes the young man
...I hear no words addressing the actual question our gracious host has asked. No words about what a suitable reward would be for telling a lie... no words about that at all...
She steps back, glancing at Takeya and Shichiro as she taps her closed fan but once on her lips before quietly making her closing speech
So I must find the appropriate words to use, snatch them from the abundance of echos and craft them in to an answer befitting the question.
Her eyes never leave Shichiro's as she finishes
One can best reward a liar by not believing anything of what they say...
She sits down, opening her fan once more and waiting for the court's decision as to who has won..
Shichiro bows to his opponents and then kneels before Bayushi Miyeshi. The Scorpion lord regards the contestants with a look of bemusement before laughing out loud. "So you figured out my little game, eh? You are more clever than I assumed. Allow me to thank all of you for the fine entertainment of your spirited discourse. I wish you farewell and safe travel from my court. You have given us much to think on, samurai... I hope that this exchange has been reciprocal."
He directs a final, meaningful glance at Shichiro before the court is shrouded in grey mist. The murmur of conversation and fluttering fans descends into a muted silence. You find yourselves once more in the spirit realm, with Shichiro in tow.
The young samurai approaches Miyuki and kneels before her. "Arigato, Miyuki-sensei. Without your warning, I fear I might have argued myself into staying with Bayushi Miyeshi forever."