Minkai has, in truth, been no stranger to civil war. The nation has endured several during its existence, although to date, none of these wars have fundamentally changed the empire's philosophy or methods of rule. In fact, Minkai has always been ruled by emperors from one of the five families invested with the divine right to rule by Shizuru herself. While one ruling family might command for several generations, it has traditionally been but a matter of time before another rose in power to take the place of the previous dynasty. Minkai's current internal troubles can be directly connected, it seems, to the fact that four of the five ruling families have vanished over the course of the last several decades. The last surviving imperial family in Minkai, the Higashiyama, held onto the Jade Throne of Kasai until just 3 years ago, when the Emperor was whisked away by his own guards “for his own protection” to an undisclosed fortification.
In the emperor's absence, rule of Minkai is the province of the empire's so-called Jade Regent. Unfortunately, as the years have worn on with no sign of the emperor's imminent return, this Jade Regent has grown ever more despotic and demanding. Many believe that the emperor is dead, and that the mysterious jade-armored figure known as the Jade Regent is in fact a pretender to the throne—yet the Higashiyama family continues to staunchly defend the man they put in the role of regent, thus keeping Minkai's eight provinces from outright rebellion. But while the province's leaders remain outwardly loyal, their citizens, emboldened by what seems a daily increase in unfair taxes, brutal police action, and ever more oppressive martial law, grow restless to the point of rebellion.
Minkai awaits the final spark to trigger an all-out civil war...
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Hidden away in the Forest of Spirits, near the border of Minkai just outside of the Jade Regent's influence and two hours from the Spirit Road, is the Twilight Monastery perched hundreds of feet above the ground on a towering crag called The Kami's Rest. The Monastery is a three-towered monument and only a score of monks dwell within it. They dedicate themselves Tsukiyo and a litany of exercises meant to perfect the body and spirit, and these secretive monks hold dusk as the holiest of hours, and sonorous chants emit from the central courtyard when the night sky appears in the heavens.
Foremost among the monks is Samuru, a peerless masked combatant. Travelers infrequently seek out the Samuru and those few that even survive the path are turned away without ever gaining access to the Twilight Monastery, for Samuru deigns to accept only a handful of apprentices foretold to him via the agency of the night sky.
Protected by the benevolent denizens of the Forest of Spirits; the Twilight Monastery guards a important secret that could save Minkai from the machinations of the cruel Jade Regent.
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The Twilight Monastery had existed in peace with the Kami for over fifty years and no one seemed interested in disturbing that balance. The day began like any other day, but it would not end the same...
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Yumi Ken and Mai Seori sparred in the training yard with the determination and drive that had carried them so far. It was a grueling match and each of them had been rewarded several bruises by the other's bokken. Kakita Ryuji, standing not far away, watched the match as it continued well-passed the usual length. Many of the other monks and samurai had already ran off to attend to their duties, but yet the pair continued to stare over the ends of their bokken at each other.
There was just a slightly breeze that brushed cross the courtyard, but it brought a flurry of action from the pair. They burst forward as if spurred by a hidden signal in the blink of an eye the pair met in the center and exchanged a series of cuts and blocks.
Yumi Ken
Mai Seori
Yumi Ken makes a series of attacks, but Mai Seori deflects each of them. She manages to open the other swordwoman for a counter-attack just when an acolyte comes running towards them. That split-second distraction allows Yumi Ken to recover and the match ends in another draw.
The acolyte takes a moment to breath then straightens himself only to give them a respectful bow. "Apologizes, but Master Samuru has requested both of you to meet with him."
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The towering creature made his best effort to sit a cross from Tampalasan as they played another game of Go. The table looked small in comparison to the creature and his hands seemed to fumble with the small pieces of the game. He was not much in the way of skilled, but he played like a child; unpredictable which helped to keep Tampalasan's skills honed.
Not far away from their game was Taliv. He had been assigned to help with the library but found himself more interested in the game. They didn't seem to notice him so he found a perch were he could clearly see the game and took a short break from his duties. It wasn't shirking them if no one saw him...
One of the few acolytes to the order that served the Monastery entered the library. He bows to the pair of them respectfully before speaking. "Pardon the interruption of your game, but Master Samuru wishes to speak with the both of you. Could you point me in the direction of Taliv? His presence has also been requested."
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Makiko had already left before the first rays of sun pierced the forest canopy. It was quiet today, and eerily so as she realized she hadn't heard a bird chirp or the movement of an animal through the leaves all morning. Something was wrong...
It had become late in the morning with not a sight nor sound of a creature in the forest when she decided to hurry back to the Monastery to inform the order. She doesn't make it two steps into the gate before she realizes that a young acolyte had been waiting there. He bows to her, "Master Samuru wishes to speak with you."
Seori almost doesn't regard the monk at first, her muscles frozen in a swing aimed for ribs. "The master has such terrible timing. We had quite the duel going; I was eager to see how far it would go."
With a light nod she acknowledges the monk, and withdraws, bowing to her opponent with an approving smile. "I need to redouble my training; your speed has begun to exceed mine, Yumi-san."
Makiko gives the acolyte a quick bow of acquiescence, before bolting full speed toward Master Samuru's office chambers. Halfway there, she slows herself down to straighten her kimono and adjust her wig. She struggles to achieve some small amount of decorum, but it is difficult when her instincts are screaming that something is wrong. She steadies her breath and walks into where several of the others are waiting.
Quietly making his way back to the floor, Taliv grabs at a random bamboo roller. It had been suggested he place the newly crafted rollers two to a writing desk and removing the worst rollers to be burned. This was to be accomplished before sweeping. But as he had only just grabbed the broom before noticing the two Go players, he had not really done anything out of order. Then again, he had not done any work at all, as of yet.
What could this be about? I do not think I have done anything to warrant punishment from Master Samuru. Well, best to look as if I had been doing work. Tampalasan will know better, of course. But, as long as I eventually get the work done, he seems nice enough.
Respectfully approaching the players at the game board, Taliv lightly holds the bamboo roller. He would offer each person a quick bow of the head, finishing with Tampalasan.
"Many pardons, Honored Tampalasan, what was I to do with the rollers that are still smooth and will not tear the scrolls? "
Taliv then would offer the smile he called First Among Duty and Innocence. He practiced this one often. Despite anxiety, it should be perfect.
Tampalasan stood, facing his hulking opponent and bowed. Even standing while Mamoru sat, the librarian's head still dipped below Mamoru's with ease. "We shall continue after our summons, then?"
He turned as Taliv approached with the rollers. "The smooth rollers are to be placed by the writing desks, two to a desk, newest first. Any good rollers left can be kept for later, stored in the cabinet for safe keeping."
Allowing time for an appropriate response, he then adds, "It is good to see you, Taliv. Master Samuru wishes to speak with us. We should not keep him waiting."
He waits a moment for Taliv and Mamoru to join him in leaving.
The monster nodded with slow politeness to his opponent then unfolded from seIza like a tiger waking up from a nap, rolling his back and neck before rising to his straight-backed and proper posture. He looked down at the messenger with golden eyes while unhuredly straightening his hamaki and adjusting the belt which held his ever-present swords. He tugged his sleeves and smoothed invisible wrinkles, again reminding observers of something vaguely feline grooming itself. Once he felt suitably impeccable in his appearance he nodded once to Tampalasan and gave a low-throated grunt indicating he was ready to follow.
Yumi bowed respectfully to Seori, bringing the battle to its proper conclusion. As always, emptiness returned with the end of the duel. When she used her sword properly, she felt the presence of her teacher, but one could not spend every minute of one's life fighting and practicing fighting.
Until the fight comes that takes the rest of your life, she thought, but she turned the thoughts away. That time was far away. She bowed to the acolyte and skipped to catch up to Seori, who was one step ahead of her, as usual.
"It would have been over in a moment, Seori-san. You had me," she said to the other girl, and then gave a rare, shy smile. "This time. When I can anticipate you the way you do me, you will truly have a rival with the sword."
Yumi pushed the door to the Master's chamber open, and held it for Seori. What could Master Samuru want with the two young swordswomen?
Responding with assent to Tampalasan, Taliv falls into step, well behind the giant. He pauses momentarily, glancing about quizzically. Shrugging, he places the no longer wanted roller under the table before hastily returning to his place.
I will remember to get that later. Nodding to himself.
A rare few have been admitted to Samuru's inner sanctum, and you realize that the room is open to the elements as the roof is completely missing. The seemly ageless master sits cross-legged before a pool of water that reflects the sky above, but the ripples of water burn with the rays of the sun.
He effortless rises in a single fluid motion and turns to regard the group silently. Just staring from behind the steel mask that covers his face...
In that moment another slips from a hidden alcove and bows low before the monk. Master Shinmei sets his forehead to the ground and doesn't move again until acknowledged by Samuru who just continues to stare a piercing gaze with dark eyes at the group.
Upon entering the sanctum, Taliv's eyes sparkle with interest. This was his first time within these walls. A smile slowly forms as he gazes about. His raw delighted appraisal of the open roof easily read upon his features.
As Master Shinmei gives the most formal of bows to Master Samuru, Taliv's smile begins to turn to an adolescent sneer.
About time Master Shinmei had to show respect for someone, I know he has made me rehearse that same bow to one's betters many times. As if I would ever be allowed to meet with someone of that stature. Xijin do not have that....
Mortification sweeps across Taliv's face. An unsuspected breeze begins to gust through his clothes while Taliv's hair dances upon it.
But, it would not last. With the grace of a piglet tossed into a mountain stream, Taliv's forehead met the wooden floor with a soft impact of greeting easily muffled by the sounds of his palms making their own introduction to the same. Taliv attempts to match Master Shinmei's exact posture.
Lessons Taliv! I should have been more aware. Fool. Fool. More the Fool! Maybe Master Shinmei did not notice. Oh yes, Taliv. And maybe Master Urashida has made you a special dessert for being such a nice boy. Just listen and learn, no distractions! This must be really important. I hope I did not land too near that giant.
Worriedly, Taliv chews at his lower lip.
Supplication is nothing without power.
Tampalasan surveyed the scene, watching the roof, Master Shinmei, and, of course, Master Samuru. It is an elaborate display, meant to demonstrate the proper decorum to those of us who may not have had the chance to witness this before.
As he bowed his head to the floor, he examined the situation. Samuru is silent. The roof is open to the sky. With one's head to the ground, neither the sky nor the master is visible. Any test this causes, the way around it is via cunning. And yet, it is impolite to demonstrate such an expectation. Thus one must obey.
The monster bowed expressionlessly and slowly, just low enough before rising. It could be construed as slightly disrespectful or familiar and at ease. It could also be that the Oni had little cause or need to revere mortal hierarchies. Whatever the case, the monster was silent on the issue.
What have I done wrong this time? Are the monks going to send me away too? Worthless. I can't do anything right. But with the bow at least, and the hunting, I had thought maybe... but no. Why would the Master wish to see me, a nobody, unless its to tell me I am unwanted... again.
Trying hard to hold back tears and assume the smooth mask of a face that her mother despaired of teaching, Makiko straightened her smudged, twig-strewn robe and simple black-haired wig.
She paused at the threshold, startled to see Taliv and Tampalsan there, then quickly removed her sandals and touched her forehead to wood with the others.
Taliv gets in trouble sometimes. So maybe the wrongness I sense has to do with both of us. But Tampala-san is wise and full of decorum. He would not be here for a scolding or a... dismissal.
After stepping backwards out of her tabi and pushing them backward with her toes, Seori entered the roofless room, she allowed her eyes to drift closed a moment as she inhaled deeply of the fresh breeze before continuing inward. Reaching respectable distance, she adjusted her robes as she bent both legs and placed her feet beneath her. Now sitting on her knees, Seori leaned forward with one hand atop the other on the floor, just barely touching the top of her hands with her forehead.
Samuru-Shisho...there must be something of great import, or great tragedy, to summon us all at once, here and now. Let it be the former...
For a moment, Yumi looked up at the sky through the open roof of the sanctum. Then Master Shinmei entered and knelt, reminding her of where she was. She knelt quickly, pressing her forehead to the floor, showing Master Samuru the proper respect. Soft rustles of movement around her told her that the others were doing the same.
Seori and I, the swordswomen, the silent archer, the library's mage, the demon and the breezy kitchen-boy, she thought, noting who had been summoned with her. None of us truly followers of the path the Master and the monastery teaches. Are we to be reprimanded? Banished?
Patience, child she thought in her teacher's voice. Shugi would have told her to be still and listen, which she was doing, at least outwardly. He would have reminded her that she was by no means important enough that Master Samuru would deign to discipline her. He would have told her that drawing conclusions without knowledge was a waste of energy akin to swatting mosquitoes with a katana.
I will do better, she promised his memory, but it was hard.
“Do you bow out of respect for me or do you bow out of obedience as you have been taught to do?” The voice that comes from beyond the mask is soft-spoken, but clear. It may surprise you that a man that commands so much respect in the monastery has a voice like the lightest breeze. ”Shinmei, repeat what you told me.” There was a noise of surprise, but it appears that Shinmei recovered quickly.
”I heard rumors on my travels that the Jade Regent was searching for something. His forces have been massing and searching the empire for it, but now they say he has turned his sight outside of the Empire. I came to bring the information back as I do after unloading the harvest, but I found soldiers on the road. They are coming for the monastery.” Shinmei's voice fills your ears...
“I found soldiers on the road. They are coming for the monastery.”
At these words Makiko goes completely still. It would be difficult to find even her breath or her heart beat. A great storm is coming. It will swallow us all, large or small. It would seem wisest to go to ground, wait for it to pass. To fly in its face would be reckless. But could there be a way to ride the wind?
Soldiers on the road?
The Yoshi? she thought, but she knew it could not be. Yoshi Hayao had left her for dead. Even if he had discovered that she lived, he would have no way to know that she had come here. Except, of course, if someone had told him.
There were other clans, other armies. The Jade Regent could be reaching out his hand to wipe the monastery out of the world. What would she do then? How could she endure seeing another home destroyed? Would everyone around her die?
Patience. Listen to the Master.
Rising, Tampalasan is about to answer, although the discussion continues quickly. He makes a note of his thought for later. Both, Master. Your generosity and lessons have led me to become what I am today, and you are deserving of respect. To show that respect, I use a bow of supplication that has been taught to me as appropriate.
At the news of the soldiers, the librarian folds his hands and presses his index fingers to his lips. "And what they seek, is it properly protected?"
Unflinching at the weighty statement, Seori's eyes meet with the master's, holding a steady gaze that nonetheless hinted at true worry.
"Samuru-shisho, We bow for both reasons, for our respect and obedience are born of gratitude. But these soldiers...Your calm hints at a prepared response. What would you have us do?"
The others were predictably talkative. The masked elder had not told them everything, that much was clear. More would follow once the jabbering mortals managed to still their tongues.
The monster simply waited.
Soldiers of the Regent? Coming here? If they wanted the harvest, they are too late. Mayhap the coin and trade from the harvest?
Taliv pursed his lips in furious thought.
But, why would Master Samuru wish for us to know this? No good will come of us being informed. There must be something more.
With trepidation, Taliv quietly waits for the Masters to continue.
The masked elder shakes his head, ”For years it has been protected, but now it must be taken away from here. This day was inevitable, and I have prepared as much as possible. You have each been chosen for this task before you were born and foretold to me by agency of the night sky.” Samuru removes a small amulet from around his neck, and allows it to dangle from his outstretched hand a moment.
”I have concealed much from those who live here about the true purpose of this monastery. Located at the bottom of this pool is a small indention where this amulet will fit that will cause the pool to rapidly drain. It will reveal the entrance into a small cavern where you will find what the Jade Regent wants.” He sets the amulet on table carved of rock near the pool, and his gaze passes over the group again.
He stops at Onitora, ”You must go too, Onitora-san. Down in the cavern what you seek will be revealed.” He addresses the entire group again, "He indicates the group, [b]" You will have to forgive my breach of etiquette, but we have little time left so I sent the acolytes to gather your things."
He points towards the door, and gestures for the acolytes to proceed. Several acolytes enter and with care set out all the contents from your sleeping quarters before they bow and back out.
"Come, Shinmei-san, we have to inform the other monks now. Our time here has passed and the future belongs to you." He indicates the group before he sweeps pass them with Shinmei on his heels; leaving no time for you to ask questions.
Yumi rose as the Master left. She picked up her things and walked to the rock table where the amulet sat. With a glance at the others, wondering at the strange assortment of individuals that the Master had assembled for this mission. Whether or not they had been foretold, they made a good feint, she realized. The Jade Regent would expect this great secret to be protected by the Master and the most powerful of his monks.
"I suppose that's clear enough," She said to the others. She picked up the amulet and dove into the pool. She swam to the bottom, searching for the keyhole to which the amulet was the key.
Seori's face remained composed, but the observant would notice she is quite disappointed at being asked to leave. I will miss this place. It was peaceful, simple, and focused. I wonder if I will ever have the chance to return... As she gathers her belongings and secures her sword to her side, she bows in the departing master's direction with a hopeful smile.
"I pray we will have the chance to share tea one day, Shisho."
Seori then turns to regard her companions. "I hope also that this 'treasure' is something we have the means to transport. If the regent's men are inbound, we will not have the forces to simply fight them off; nor do I wish to start a war with the regent."
The monster's eyes blaze at the old master's words. "Hai." he rumbles with an abrupt nod and said nothing more as the master left. He stood and watched the others, still waiting.
Makiko bows again mutely, and prepares to follow the others.
I am being asked to leave, but not for the reason I expected. Will I ever know a home? This is a good place. And the monks almost made me feel useful. I don't think I'm ready to guard something and elude the Jade Regent. I hope the others are better prepared than I.
She surveys the group dubiously.
Yumi dives into the water without hesitation after grabbing the amulet. The pool is deep, but shaped like a bowl. She doesn't see any places the would indicate cave entrance, but she concentrates on finding the slot for the amulet as her lungs begin to burn. The light does not penetrate as deeply as you would expect so she begins to use her hands to feel out the bottom. She brushes her hand cross the indention and slips the amulet in. Off to the right there is a flash of fire and rocks are blown into the pool as it immediately begins to drain through the hole.
Yumi dives into the pool without hesitation. Moments begin to tick as Yumi vanishes from sight in the surprisingly deep pool. A moment later there is a flash of fire in the pool and the area under your feet rumble but not even a moment later the pool begins to drain swiftly as Yumi reappears. A charred hole in the side of the pool is exposed for the group...
As the breach is revealed the monster walks forward barely waiting for the water to finish draining.
With fear and excitement at facing the unknown, Makiko follows behind the intimidating creature.
Tampalasan stopped, the world dissolving around him. He flashed back to the last time he was offered an amulet. The last time he was told about the agency of the night sky.
"There! Do you see that star? The small one, right there? Never chart by it. The star lies, it brings only ruin!" His father quickly took off a pendant of his, put it on Tampalasan, picked up his boy, placed him in a barrel, and with a kick, rolled it off deck into the sea.
He only begins to relax once the water drains away. He heads over to the acolytes, gathers his belongings, takes the reins of Yamashi, his goat, and heads down the hole.
Seori moves to the breach to examine the interior and steps inside. what in the world could possibly be worth invading the monastery for? What could drive a man with such power to risk so much and send so many?
Yumi takes a deep breath as the water recedes, and does her best to wring the water out of her clothes. She scrambles out of the pool to retrieve her scant possessions, and drops back down, her hand resting on her sword's hilt.
What will this be? she wonders. And how will this new obligation affect my old obligation?
You squeeze your way through the entrance into a large cavern; water has flooded part of the cavern. Five human skeletons lie on the ground, scattered throughout this large cavern. Four of them wear broken armor that can be identified as Tian in style, probably from Minkai, while the last one is foreign. On the other side of the cavern sitting motionless atop a large jade and cherry wood chest like some guardian is a skeletal samurai.
A battle? Likely most tried to invade this sanctum; were they all fought off by one warrior? But this must have happened decades ago, maybe centuries...
Yumi glances from the skeletons on the ground to the samurai skeleton sitting on the chest. Her mind skips through the last few moments. The Master's summons, his curious question, his orders. The amulet and the pool, and now this.
An undead samurai guardian? These others, robbers? Was the Master's question a warning to us? Do we bow from obedience or respect? Can't hurt to try. She bows towards the skeletal samurai, bending at the waist and straightening quickly, holding up the amulet.
"Honored guardian," she says. "We come on Master Samuru's orders, to remove that which you have protected"
A battle? And an ancient guardian. It is proper to show respect. It is also good to be prepared.
Makiko gives a bow behind Yumi, but not so low she cannot see. And she holds her bow and first arrow ready.
Never be satisfied with what you see. Many secrets lie just beneath the surface...
Not even sure that the spirit of ancestors dwell in this place, Tampalasan taps his forehead and hums a quiet chant.
The skeletons remain silent as Yumi Ken offers respect then speaks to the skeletal guardian.
Tampalasan is bombarded with magic aura the moment that he finishes the spell. Each skeleton except the foreigners shows a magic aura, and he even discovers two more skeletons in one of the pools of water that have flooded the cavern.
Tampalasan steps back, surprised, overwhelmed.
To attempt to determine the school of magic.
"Tampalasan? What do you sense? What is wrong?"
"The skeletons... They are covered in supernatural energy! There are two more in one of the pools... But the foreign one is unenhanced."