Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
3.11
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Drink tea with Shirou.
You and Shirou enter the inn, sitting down at a table. The number of people inside has not drastically increased since you ate less than an hour ago. The innkeeper, eager to accommodate those who helped end the terror that gripped his home, swiftly brews up a pot of tea and sets it before the both of you, two cups ready.
You stare at your cup in silence, trying to lock the story in your mind. You'll likely need to write it down while its still fresh. The Kuni would no doubt be interested in learning this. They will no doubt notice important aspects that have slipped your attention, and you would hate to undermine their efforts with faulty recollection.
Though, in truth, you're having a hard time seeing how this story Muharanok shared with you could be used to hurt the enemy. It's just ancient history at this point, relevant only to a few hundred beings at most. It's more insight into a recurring threat from the Shadowlands, but will it be useful in slaying those ogres directed against the Empire?
Even more, you're not sure how much you are willing to trust the ogre's words. Certainly Muharanok believed it, but that doesn't make it all real. These events would have happened thousands of years ago, preceding even the written histories of the Empire. Who knows what happened back in the depths of myth and legend?
Then again, you wonder as you continue to stare into the depths of your drink. Ogres don't seem to die from old age… Could Muharanok have actually lived through some of the history he was telling?
"That was certainly an intriguing tale," Shirou says before taking a sip of tea. You look up, taken from your musings. "And told remarkably well. Not what I would have expected."
"No," you respond. "Certainly not." You take a sip of tea, noticing that it is jasmine. It's not your favorite blend, but you're not picky. "I found myself surprised as well."
"This world is full of mystery and adventure," Shirou says. "Surprise is only natural when confronted by that which we do not know or expect."
"I suppose it's the most likely reaction," you say, glancing about. The room is pretty much clear, so you figure you don't really have to worry about being overheard. "Though I'm finding myself experiencing it far too often these last few months."
"We have had a harrowing journey," Shirou responds, nodding. "And amongst us, none have experienced so much of it as you." He pauses a moment, then leans forward. When he speaks, his voice is pitched low. "I hope I am not being too forward, Sosuke-sama, but how much do you remember of our battle within the cave?"
The question makes you flinch, and you close your eyes before inhaling deeply to regain your composure. This is a mistake, for this brief moment within your thoughts gives you no respite from your memories. That horrible chamber full of blood… The terror of the Oni… Visions of the empire in ruins, your parents in chains… That all consuming fire...
Shasa dying for you, and for all who live…
"I remember enough," you whisper, opening your eyes. "I doubt I will forget as long as I live."
Shirou frowns, reaching out with a hand before dropping it on the table. He keeps it there, not making any further move to approach you. Then his frown softens into a sad smile, and his eyes are filled with nothing but compassion.
"I apologize, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says, his tone gentle. "I only meant to discuss that strange fire that surrounded you, but I can see I have caused you pain. I've no desire to cause you further distress. Please, let us speak of other things."
[] Talk about the fire.
[] Talk about something else.
[] Finish tea and timeskip to Kyuden Tonbo.
[] Write in.
You and Shirou enter the inn, sitting down at a table. The number of people inside has not drastically increased since you ate less than an hour ago. The innkeeper, eager to accommodate those who helped end the terror that gripped his home, swiftly brews up a pot of tea and sets it before the both of you, two cups ready.
You stare at your cup in silence, trying to lock the story in your mind. You'll likely need to write it down while its still fresh. The Kuni would no doubt be interested in learning this. They will no doubt notice important aspects that have slipped your attention, and you would hate to undermine their efforts with faulty recollection.
Though, in truth, you're having a hard time seeing how this story Muharanok shared with you could be used to hurt the enemy. It's just ancient history at this point, relevant only to a few hundred beings at most. It's more insight into a recurring threat from the Shadowlands, but will it be useful in slaying those ogres directed against the Empire?
Even more, you're not sure how much you are willing to trust the ogre's words. Certainly Muharanok believed it, but that doesn't make it all real. These events would have happened thousands of years ago, preceding even the written histories of the Empire. Who knows what happened back in the depths of myth and legend?
Then again, you wonder as you continue to stare into the depths of your drink. Ogres don't seem to die from old age… Could Muharanok have actually lived through some of the history he was telling?
"That was certainly an intriguing tale," Shirou says before taking a sip of tea. You look up, taken from your musings. "And told remarkably well. Not what I would have expected."
"No," you respond. "Certainly not." You take a sip of tea, noticing that it is jasmine. It's not your favorite blend, but you're not picky. "I found myself surprised as well."
"This world is full of mystery and adventure," Shirou says. "Surprise is only natural when confronted by that which we do not know or expect."
"I suppose it's the most likely reaction," you say, glancing about. The room is pretty much clear, so you figure you don't really have to worry about being overheard. "Though I'm finding myself experiencing it far too often these last few months."
"We have had a harrowing journey," Shirou responds, nodding. "And amongst us, none have experienced so much of it as you." He pauses a moment, then leans forward. When he speaks, his voice is pitched low. "I hope I am not being too forward, Sosuke-sama, but how much do you remember of our battle within the cave?"
The question makes you flinch, and you close your eyes before inhaling deeply to regain your composure. This is a mistake, for this brief moment within your thoughts gives you no respite from your memories. That horrible chamber full of blood… The terror of the Oni… Visions of the empire in ruins, your parents in chains… That all consuming fire...
Shasa dying for you, and for all who live…
"I remember enough," you whisper, opening your eyes. "I doubt I will forget as long as I live."
Shirou frowns, reaching out with a hand before dropping it on the table. He keeps it there, not making any further move to approach you. Then his frown softens into a sad smile, and his eyes are filled with nothing but compassion.
"I apologize, Sosuke-sama," Shirou says, his tone gentle. "I only meant to discuss that strange fire that surrounded you, but I can see I have caused you pain. I've no desire to cause you further distress. Please, let us speak of other things."
[] Talk about the fire.
[] Talk about something else.
[] Finish tea and timeskip to Kyuden Tonbo.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Talk about the fire.
- [X] somewhere private
I wonder ifKrillin Shirou, can also go super saiyan get the Flame?
- [X] somewhere private
I wonder if
[X] Talk about the fire.
- [X] somewhere private
- [X] somewhere private
3.12
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] Talk about the fire.
- [X] somewhere private
Emotions still clash within you at the reminder of the battle against the Oni. The monster's voice, the smell of blood… It all comes rushing back to like an avalanche tumbling down a mountain, sweeping away everything in its path. You know that you are within the common room of the inn, but you also feel as if you are back in the cave with enemies all around. Your knuckles whiten around your cup, and you wish desperately that you were armored and holding your tetsubo.
This is an entirely new sensation for you. For a moment time loses all meaning, and you exist in two places at once. Never before have you been drawn back into a memory, had the past overlap with the present in this way. Your breath quickens, just a little, and you have to force yourself to focus purely on the present lest you become swept up in events that have already occurred.
You manage to keep most of your turmoil from showing on your expression, however, keeping your lips in a neutral line. To express your feelings so openly would be shameful, and you've no desire to make a fool of yourself. You are Samurai. There are standards that must be upheld.
You take a full minute to steady your breathing and calm yourself. The effort is only partially successful. Your thoughts still flash back to the anger and terror your felt while fighting for your life, but you've managed to push it back such that it is a dull ache rather than a throbbing spike in your skull.
Shirou looks at you, his concern obvious. You can understand why. This is… It is unlike you to be so obviously affected. You have faced hardship before, as well as foes both powerful and horrifying. But this is different, somehow. You are shaken, and it isn't something you can hide so easily.
"It is alright, Shirou-san," you say as the man opens his mouth to speak again, cutting him off. By some miracle you keep your voice steady. "Let us speak in private, please. I've no desire to risk someone overhearing."
"That is fine with me," Shirou says, grabbing the teapot by its handle and standing up.
Your cup in hand, you lead Shirou up to your room. The movement distracts you, grants you focus on something other than the past. If you have direction, then you will be fine. Just get to the room, and then speak with Shirou. That's all you need to do.
Your friend closes the door behind him, and you sit down upon your bed. Your limbs are still stuff and weak, so all your walking about hasn't done you any favors. Hopefully tomorrow you will be back to something resembling your full strength again. If not, then the riding in two days time is going to be very unpleasant.
"If you do not wish to speak of what happened, Sosuke-sama, then we do not need to," Shirou says, sitting down cross-legged on the floor. "I've no desire to pressure you into anything you are not comfortable with."
"I'm fine, Shirou-san," you say, squelching down memories of the cave before they can truly form. "Please, ask your questions."
"In truth, I do not have much more to ask than what I already have," Shirou says. "When I was doing my best to grapple with that demon of Jigoku, I saw you alight with fire. I wasn't able to see much more of that before the Oni slammed me into the wall, however." The monk leans forward. "Sosuke-sama, do you know what happened to you? And please, if you will forgive my presumption, but are you sure you are alright?"
[] Write in.
- [X] somewhere private
Emotions still clash within you at the reminder of the battle against the Oni. The monster's voice, the smell of blood… It all comes rushing back to like an avalanche tumbling down a mountain, sweeping away everything in its path. You know that you are within the common room of the inn, but you also feel as if you are back in the cave with enemies all around. Your knuckles whiten around your cup, and you wish desperately that you were armored and holding your tetsubo.
This is an entirely new sensation for you. For a moment time loses all meaning, and you exist in two places at once. Never before have you been drawn back into a memory, had the past overlap with the present in this way. Your breath quickens, just a little, and you have to force yourself to focus purely on the present lest you become swept up in events that have already occurred.
You manage to keep most of your turmoil from showing on your expression, however, keeping your lips in a neutral line. To express your feelings so openly would be shameful, and you've no desire to make a fool of yourself. You are Samurai. There are standards that must be upheld.
You take a full minute to steady your breathing and calm yourself. The effort is only partially successful. Your thoughts still flash back to the anger and terror your felt while fighting for your life, but you've managed to push it back such that it is a dull ache rather than a throbbing spike in your skull.
Shirou looks at you, his concern obvious. You can understand why. This is… It is unlike you to be so obviously affected. You have faced hardship before, as well as foes both powerful and horrifying. But this is different, somehow. You are shaken, and it isn't something you can hide so easily.
"It is alright, Shirou-san," you say as the man opens his mouth to speak again, cutting him off. By some miracle you keep your voice steady. "Let us speak in private, please. I've no desire to risk someone overhearing."
"That is fine with me," Shirou says, grabbing the teapot by its handle and standing up.
Your cup in hand, you lead Shirou up to your room. The movement distracts you, grants you focus on something other than the past. If you have direction, then you will be fine. Just get to the room, and then speak with Shirou. That's all you need to do.
Your friend closes the door behind him, and you sit down upon your bed. Your limbs are still stuff and weak, so all your walking about hasn't done you any favors. Hopefully tomorrow you will be back to something resembling your full strength again. If not, then the riding in two days time is going to be very unpleasant.
"If you do not wish to speak of what happened, Sosuke-sama, then we do not need to," Shirou says, sitting down cross-legged on the floor. "I've no desire to pressure you into anything you are not comfortable with."
"I'm fine, Shirou-san," you say, squelching down memories of the cave before they can truly form. "Please, ask your questions."
"In truth, I do not have much more to ask than what I already have," Shirou says. "When I was doing my best to grapple with that demon of Jigoku, I saw you alight with fire. I wasn't able to see much more of that before the Oni slammed me into the wall, however." The monk leans forward. "Sosuke-sama, do you know what happened to you? And please, if you will forgive my presumption, but are you sure you are alright?"
[] Write in.
Last edited:
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[x] Describe in detail your memories and sensations of the fire while simultaneously describing the dissociation you felt from your self and driving need to kill the Oni and Purge the taint above all else.
[x] Write in:
"Alright...what counts as alright Shirou-san? I will tell you what happened, but whether I'm alright, I honestly don't know right now. All I can do is push forward and endure."
A deep breath.
"As the creature screamed I found myself in a world, where the Empire had fallen, the darkness of the south had consumed us all...I was shattered, tortured, pushed past anything a man could endure...and then told to chose between my mother and my father. I chose to die with them, and the illusion shattered as the creature raged. Then I burned, I burned with the fire of the sun searing my skin and soul. The white light coursed through me, I couldn't think, I couldn't breath, all I could do was move and attack the creature with everything I was."
Another deep breath.
"The fire faded a little then as Sasha called out to me, I could hear her but I couldn't recognize her, all that mattered was killing that creature, so I did, and as I did, the portal deepened, and I had to stop it too, so I poured my fire, my hate, my power into it, poured it deep...and the thing closed but not enough, not nearly enough."
Look out the window.
"I came to my body like you found it at first...I was in no position to stop her as Sasha ended the portal somehow...and as she died, I collapsed. I don't know what happened to me, I truly don't...I only wonder if I had been stronger somehow, would we still have our friend?"
"Alright...what counts as alright Shirou-san? I will tell you what happened, but whether I'm alright, I honestly don't know right now. All I can do is push forward and endure."
A deep breath.
"As the creature screamed I found myself in a world, where the Empire had fallen, the darkness of the south had consumed us all...I was shattered, tortured, pushed past anything a man could endure...and then told to chose between my mother and my father. I chose to die with them, and the illusion shattered as the creature raged. Then I burned, I burned with the fire of the sun searing my skin and soul. The white light coursed through me, I couldn't think, I couldn't breath, all I could do was move and attack the creature with everything I was."
Another deep breath.
"The fire faded a little then as Sasha called out to me, I could hear her but I couldn't recognize her, all that mattered was killing that creature, so I did, and as I did, the portal deepened, and I had to stop it too, so I poured my fire, my hate, my power into it, poured it deep...and the thing closed but not enough, not nearly enough."
Look out the window.
"I came to my body like you found it at first...I was in no position to stop her as Sasha ended the portal somehow...and as she died, I collapsed. I don't know what happened to me, I truly don't...I only wonder if I had been stronger somehow, would we still have our friend?"
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
So not that I don't like it or anything but... Do you really need to do a write in for so many things, again no insult but I prefer how Weighed Knight writes the character and his speech. Also I feel your write in doesn't convey entirely accurately or with enough detail what happened not to mention I don't recall Sasha calling out to us having any effect at changing us at all.
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@cokerpilot
You do realize you're essentially asking "Do you have to vote all the time?"
We get a lot of write in options, and when we do, I write in what I think Sosuke would say, that's all. If I don't win I won't be offended, I encourage other people to make their own write ins.
If you read back in the quest for a long time many of my write ins lost to @Sirrocco AKA Tiny Squid and that was fine too.
You do realize you're essentially asking "Do you have to vote all the time?"
We get a lot of write in options, and when we do, I write in what I think Sosuke would say, that's all. If I don't win I won't be offended, I encourage other people to make their own write ins.
If you read back in the quest for a long time many of my write ins lost to @Sirrocco AKA Tiny Squid and that was fine too.
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
Sorry tired and grumpy. But still what about my comment
I don't recall Sasha calling out to us having any effect at changing us at all.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] I appear to have Solar Exalted.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
[x] Gman391