Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] gman391
Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
[x] gman391
2.108
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
You remain silent as Shirou lights a few of the candles set before the statue of Osano-wo. The monk sits cross legged and holds both fits out, his arms tensing, and bows his head low. He's keeping his entire body wound tight, as if ready to spring into motion at the slightest provocation. But instead, he just sits there. All he does is hold ready, every muscle taught.
It's another display of strength, if less impressive than daring a lightning strike. It is the way of his order, these displays of strength. It is how they honor their patron Fortune, show him they are following in his path. It always comes back to physical prowess for the monks of Osano-wo, in the end.
Much different than the monk outside, you muse as you kneel before the statue of Hida and light your own candle. She hadn't been flabby by any measure, being fitter than any peasant, but she was a far cry from Shirou's muscled form. How very different, these two sects are.
Eventually, Shirou relaxes his muscles and rises. You stand up as well, your knees a little sore but otherwise all right. Your friend turns to you and smiles, giving you a bow.
"My thanks for your indulgence, Sosuke-sama," he says. "It might not be how I would prefer, but it does my heart good to give my reverence toward the Fortune of Fire and Thunder."
"I can understand the sentiment," you say. You look around, and wave an arm at the room you're in. "This is a temple for the Thousand Fortunes. Are there any great differences between this sect and your own, Shirou-san?"
"The bedrock of our Orders is mostly the same," Shirou responds. "As are most of the sects, in truth. We all believe in and acknowledge the Fortunes, and none deny that Shinsei and the Tao written from his conversations with the Kami are fonts of great wisdom."
"Why all the different Orders in the Brotherhood, then?" you ask. "Please forgive me if this is a rude question, my friend, but I fear I'm a little confused."
"There is no offense given," Shirou says. "It is because there are as many paths to enlightenment as there are stars in the sky, and no one path holds the sole grasp upon truth. The different sects are so that any who wish to seek understanding might walk upon the roads set by those who have come before. Each Order is different in how they build off from their common beginnings, following their own beliefs stemming from that base."
"I see," you say. "Yes, that does explain quite a few things."
It really does, now that you think about it. Just because many people acknowledge a common truth doesn't mean there can't be multiple different interpretations on how to follow it. The Brotherhood appears to have embraced this, and encouraged the formation of the different Orders instead of trying to enforce a set doctrine for all to follow.
The thought is comforting, that there are many different ways to seek wisdom. You stay silent for a time, basking in the atmosphere of the temple and the understanding Shirou's words have given you. There are very few other people in here at this hour, so the two of you are almost entirely alone.
"I saw Osano-wo that day, you know," Shirou says softly as you both observe the statues of the Fortunes. "When the lightning fell upon us. I saw him looking down upon you."
[] Write in.
You remain silent as Shirou lights a few of the candles set before the statue of Osano-wo. The monk sits cross legged and holds both fits out, his arms tensing, and bows his head low. He's keeping his entire body wound tight, as if ready to spring into motion at the slightest provocation. But instead, he just sits there. All he does is hold ready, every muscle taught.
It's another display of strength, if less impressive than daring a lightning strike. It is the way of his order, these displays of strength. It is how they honor their patron Fortune, show him they are following in his path. It always comes back to physical prowess for the monks of Osano-wo, in the end.
Much different than the monk outside, you muse as you kneel before the statue of Hida and light your own candle. She hadn't been flabby by any measure, being fitter than any peasant, but she was a far cry from Shirou's muscled form. How very different, these two sects are.
Eventually, Shirou relaxes his muscles and rises. You stand up as well, your knees a little sore but otherwise all right. Your friend turns to you and smiles, giving you a bow.
"My thanks for your indulgence, Sosuke-sama," he says. "It might not be how I would prefer, but it does my heart good to give my reverence toward the Fortune of Fire and Thunder."
"I can understand the sentiment," you say. You look around, and wave an arm at the room you're in. "This is a temple for the Thousand Fortunes. Are there any great differences between this sect and your own, Shirou-san?"
"The bedrock of our Orders is mostly the same," Shirou responds. "As are most of the sects, in truth. We all believe in and acknowledge the Fortunes, and none deny that Shinsei and the Tao written from his conversations with the Kami are fonts of great wisdom."
"Why all the different Orders in the Brotherhood, then?" you ask. "Please forgive me if this is a rude question, my friend, but I fear I'm a little confused."
"There is no offense given," Shirou says. "It is because there are as many paths to enlightenment as there are stars in the sky, and no one path holds the sole grasp upon truth. The different sects are so that any who wish to seek understanding might walk upon the roads set by those who have come before. Each Order is different in how they build off from their common beginnings, following their own beliefs stemming from that base."
"I see," you say. "Yes, that does explain quite a few things."
It really does, now that you think about it. Just because many people acknowledge a common truth doesn't mean there can't be multiple different interpretations on how to follow it. The Brotherhood appears to have embraced this, and encouraged the formation of the different Orders instead of trying to enforce a set doctrine for all to follow.
The thought is comforting, that there are many different ways to seek wisdom. You stay silent for a time, basking in the atmosphere of the temple and the understanding Shirou's words have given you. There are very few other people in here at this hour, so the two of you are almost entirely alone.
"I saw Osano-wo that day, you know," Shirou says softly as you both observe the statues of the Fortunes. "When the lightning fell upon us. I saw him looking down upon you."
[] Write in.
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[x] Raise eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
Wait for an answer.
Look up at the sky/ceiling.
"I thought perhaps, that I saw the same in the lightning and thunder, but I couldn't really be sure. Lord Osano-wo, is a mighty Fortune and when all is said and done, I am a Hida bushi of the Hiruma, no more no less. It's, strange to think of one so mighty looking at me in particular. That said, I strive to live by his example, facing the future with all my strength. I can't say what else I could do besides that."
Look back at Shirou, give a half smile. "Besides perhaps he was looking at both of us? I have not known many monks Shirou-san, but I am glad to have known you, and you seem me to have followed Lord Osano-wo even better than I have."
"Is that so?"
Wait for an answer.
Look up at the sky/ceiling.
"I thought perhaps, that I saw the same in the lightning and thunder, but I couldn't really be sure. Lord Osano-wo, is a mighty Fortune and when all is said and done, I am a Hida bushi of the Hiruma, no more no less. It's, strange to think of one so mighty looking at me in particular. That said, I strive to live by his example, facing the future with all my strength. I can't say what else I could do besides that."
Look back at Shirou, give a half smile. "Besides perhaps he was looking at both of us? I have not known many monks Shirou-san, but I am glad to have known you, and you seem me to have followed Lord Osano-wo even better than I have."
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[Q] Celebrate in your mind. Imagine yourself screaming "huzzah"!
[Q] Start wondering if there's someone out there who putting words you don't know inside your head.
And on a serious note
[x] gman391
I had to reread the vote because I thought it was being a bit blunt regarding the fact Odano-wo was looking at us, but at the end it is not.
Don't mind me, I'm just being nitpicky.
[Q] Start wondering if there's someone out there who putting words you don't know inside your head.
And on a serious note
[x] gman391
I had to reread the vote because I thought it was being a bit blunt regarding the fact Odano-wo was looking at us, but at the end it is not.
Don't mind me, I'm just being nitpicky.
- Location
- Canada
[x] gman391
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] gman391
2.109
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman
You glance at Shirou, trying to gauge his expression. He's looking at the statues and those few people praying with a neutral face. It's honestly a little odd, seeing the monk without a smile. In all the time you've known Shirou, he's always been full of cheer. Right now, though, he seems deep in thought.
"Is that so?" you ask.
"Indeed," Shirou responds. "In the space between the raindrops, before the thunder hit, I saw him look at you." He looks at you out of the corner of his eye. "A great surprise, by any measure."
You look up at the ceiling, wondering what to say. Shirou's not revealing much here for you to work with. There's no awe in his tone, nor is there jealousy. He's just stating a fact. Frankly, it appears he's waiting for you to say something.
Well, you'd hate to disappoint your friend.
"I thought, perhaps, that I saw the same in the lightning and thunder," you begin, still staring upward. "But I couldn't really be sure. Lord Osano-wo is a mighty Fortune and when all is said and done, I am just a Hida Bushi of the Hiruma Family, no more no less." You shrug. "It's strange to think of one so mighty looking at me in particular. That being said, I strive to live by his example, facing the future with all my strength. I can't say what else I could do besides that."
You look back and Shirou and give him a small smile. He has turned to regard you fully now, observing you closely. There's no aggression in his posture, though. He's just paying attention to the words you say.
"Besides perhaps he was looking at both of us?" you continue. "I have not known many monks Shirou-san, but I am glad to have known you, and you seem me to have followed Lord Osano-wo even better than I have."
Shirou shakes his head and chuckles, you quirk an eyebrow in question. That's certainly not what you were expecting. Though, now that you think about it, you really weren't sure what you were expecting. Trying to anticipate someone as odd as Shirou is all but an exercise in frustration.
"You are too humble, my friend, but this is not a bad trait," he says at last. "No, I could see it clearly as we fell. The Fortune was looking only at you, not the both of us together." He smiles. "There is something unique about you, Sosuke-sama. It's one of many things that drew me to joining your caravan."
"Something unique?" you ask. "What would that be? I'm just a Bushi. There are thousands like me."
"I could not say," Shirou says. "It's just a feeling I have."
The monk gives you a bow, and then heads for the temple door. You stare after him for a few seconds, thinking on what he said. Shirou seems convinced there is more to you, but no matter how you approach the matter you can't imagine why. You are only a Bushi.
That's really all you want to be, for that matter. Your position allows you to serve the Clan to the best of your abilities. Everything else, this expedition with Yasuki Goro included, is but an extension of that. You are Crab, and thus you are the Wall. That is something that will never change.
[] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
[] Timeskip to departure tomorrow morning.
You glance at Shirou, trying to gauge his expression. He's looking at the statues and those few people praying with a neutral face. It's honestly a little odd, seeing the monk without a smile. In all the time you've known Shirou, he's always been full of cheer. Right now, though, he seems deep in thought.
"Is that so?" you ask.
"Indeed," Shirou responds. "In the space between the raindrops, before the thunder hit, I saw him look at you." He looks at you out of the corner of his eye. "A great surprise, by any measure."
You look up at the ceiling, wondering what to say. Shirou's not revealing much here for you to work with. There's no awe in his tone, nor is there jealousy. He's just stating a fact. Frankly, it appears he's waiting for you to say something.
Well, you'd hate to disappoint your friend.
"I thought, perhaps, that I saw the same in the lightning and thunder," you begin, still staring upward. "But I couldn't really be sure. Lord Osano-wo is a mighty Fortune and when all is said and done, I am just a Hida Bushi of the Hiruma Family, no more no less." You shrug. "It's strange to think of one so mighty looking at me in particular. That being said, I strive to live by his example, facing the future with all my strength. I can't say what else I could do besides that."
You look back and Shirou and give him a small smile. He has turned to regard you fully now, observing you closely. There's no aggression in his posture, though. He's just paying attention to the words you say.
"Besides perhaps he was looking at both of us?" you continue. "I have not known many monks Shirou-san, but I am glad to have known you, and you seem me to have followed Lord Osano-wo even better than I have."
Shirou shakes his head and chuckles, you quirk an eyebrow in question. That's certainly not what you were expecting. Though, now that you think about it, you really weren't sure what you were expecting. Trying to anticipate someone as odd as Shirou is all but an exercise in frustration.
"You are too humble, my friend, but this is not a bad trait," he says at last. "No, I could see it clearly as we fell. The Fortune was looking only at you, not the both of us together." He smiles. "There is something unique about you, Sosuke-sama. It's one of many things that drew me to joining your caravan."
"Something unique?" you ask. "What would that be? I'm just a Bushi. There are thousands like me."
"I could not say," Shirou says. "It's just a feeling I have."
The monk gives you a bow, and then heads for the temple door. You stare after him for a few seconds, thinking on what he said. Shirou seems convinced there is more to you, but no matter how you approach the matter you can't imagine why. You are only a Bushi.
That's really all you want to be, for that matter. Your position allows you to serve the Clan to the best of your abilities. Everything else, this expedition with Yasuki Goro included, is but an extension of that. You are Crab, and thus you are the Wall. That is something that will never change.
[] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
[] Timeskip to departure tomorrow morning.
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I feel like there's a word missing here.
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
The game is now afoot. To be a bushi is no shame it is indeed the truest measure of Samurai, but Hiruma Sosuke, being just a bushi is a path now denied you.
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
Finbar
Generic Minion #314
- Location
- Sydney
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
Today isnt about just following Shirou. It's about him showing us what his day would consist of should he choose to be on his own and the lessons you gain from that.
That said, the Lion and Unicorn have 'Lively' Bushi. There could be a brawl in the tea house we are in and lets face it, Crab Are The Wall, plus we are huge. Plus Crab hands, mean we can Duel Wield other Bushi!
Today isnt about just following Shirou. It's about him showing us what his day would consist of should he choose to be on his own and the lessons you gain from that.
That said, the Lion and Unicorn have 'Lively' Bushi. There could be a brawl in the tea house we are in and lets face it, Crab Are The Wall, plus we are huge. Plus Crab hands, mean we can Duel Wield other Bushi!
Cannongerbil
I came here to nep at you
- Location
- Soviet Lunar Base
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
Gonna need a few more votes.
Also, behold the perfect pet for Sosuke!
Also, behold the perfect pet for Sosuke!
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cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[x] Timeskip to departure tomorrow morning.
- Location
- Canada
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Follow Shirou and continue about the day.