[x] Gman
You can't help but frown at Himawari's words, mulling over them as you both continue to kneel before the statues of the Thunders. What she is talking about doesn't make much sense to you, though it is already quite apparent you knew very little about the abilities of the Kitsu. But this isn't so surprising. You are a Bushi, not a Shugenja. The ways of spirits and the kami are not relevant to your duties.
Though now that you consider those thoughts, perhaps that isn't exactly true. As much as admitting it makes you uncomfortable, your experiences on this trip have not been typical for a Bushi. You've interacted with more than one spirit, and you did see a figure standing atop a mountain during the storm at Shinden Osano-wo.
It cannot be denied that your life, short as it's been, is strange. You've dealt with more supernatural happenings in the last two years than many Samurai ever experience in their entire lives, even for a member of the Crab Clan. You've seen ghosts and fox spirits, visions while awake and asleep… No, your career has hardly been normal by any means.
But perhaps you might learn more about these things by speaking with Himawari? At the very least you can enhance what knowledge you already have. It seems a fine opportunity to learn, and in that learning become better capable of adapting to the strangeness that is your life.
"Spiritual links? What does that mean exactly?" you ask. "The Ancestors look on us all to my understanding, and in turn we honor them." You take a deep, steadying breath before continuing. "If I am wrong please forgive my ignorance in the matter. This isn't a subject I've much experience with beyond the basics."
"The Ancestors look on us throughout our lives even as they guard the blessed realm of Yomi, but they aren't usually able to give us aid in any blatant fashion," Himawari explains. "So they must do so subtly, passing on gifts through the spiritual links they have with their descendants."
"I'm sorry, Kitsu-san, but I'm not sure I understand."
"Hmm… Well, let me use an example," Himawari says. "You know how some of the Mantis and the Crab are able to withstand terrible storms or crippling heat without suffering, or how some families always seem to hold good fortune?"
"I've heard of such things, yes," you reply.
"These are often the result of connections to one's Ancestors, allowing their influence and gifts to pass on to their descendants through the chain of blood and spirit," Himawari says. "And we of the Kitsu have the ability to entreat our own Ancestors to allow us the ability to see these links."
"So you are able to see exactly how the Ancestors have blessed a person?" you ask, eyes going wide. "That is an amazing ability!"
"More than that, we can see any kind of spiritual blessing given to a person," Himawari says. "So if the kami are paying special attention to someone, be it good or ill, we can see what kind and exactly how they are expressing their influence."
You nod, fully enraptured by Himawari's words. This is fascinating. To be able to perceive and understand something so mysterious as the mystical underpinnings of the world is a wondrous gift, and this is but the lesser power of the Kitsu Family! Those of the most pure lineage could pull back the veil separating the realms and speak with the honored dead directly!
What would it be like to be able to speak to one's ancestors? You figure it would be useful to seek guidance from those who have passed. After all, it is upon the insight of those who came before that the Clans came to be, and how they have remained strong. The Lion are truly fortunate to be able to continue seeking such ancient wisdom even centuries after it has left your mortal world.
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