Tag: Queen of Hunger

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 37

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

Road Back to Ningen-dō

Donoha sama had long thought the souls belonging to owners of the blades that make up Mittsu Tamashi were inside the blade already. It had not occurred to him that what he’d managed to perform was creating a tether to those souls. A link to them in Gaki-do! In some ways he was destined to have to journey to Gaki-do in order to save them and bring them forth from the punishment of the realm of the hungry dead.

The three shadowy souls of Hida Nagahide san, Shiba Tsukasa san, and Akodo Chun san fell in line behind the Dragon courtier as musical bells began to ring out. Donoha sama was becoming convinced that one of Hanzo san’s relatives or close family friends had been a monk in his world’s Brotherhood of Shinsei. Their knowledge of rites typically done by monks whom focused on rituals for points in one’s life seemed prolific to put a word to it.

They all returned in mass to the shrine where Donoha reverently replaced the Karmic Key. After bowing in a show of respect to his part in helping the five samurai defeat the Queen of Hunger. He retreated to allow the others to make their feelings known. They have, after all, saved the process of reincarnation! Hanzo continued their performance with the bells used by monks to help guide souls to their place in reincarnation. Normally done from Ningen-do or Rokugan depending upon how the scholar wishes to describe the world.

Outside the shrine’s entry the mist parted to form a column of golden light. They were being granted passage back to Meido. With the constant echo of bells helping the shadowy souls find their place in a train behind the heroic samurai. Once everyone returns to the realm of waiting the one known as Tenth Kami appeared before them once more. The shadowy souls immediately began to find their way back into the line to be weighed again by Emma-O, the fortune of Death. This time their suffering in Gaki-do would be weighed as well and their chance at reincarnation seemed almost a given!

When the Tenth Kami turning their attention back to the group. The Lion bushi was knelt on one knee. The Dragon courtier in a kneeling bow with his head low and hand in gesture of contemplation. The others had deferred their gazes respectfully, and three lone souls stood behind Donoha sama watching him.

“Kitsuki Donoha san why have these three souls decided to remain with you?”

To be addressed directly by one of the Great Kami is a rarity for anyone in Rokugan since the founding of the empire. The Dragon courtier refused to touch his sword in the presence of the Tenth Kami when he answered.

“I believe these are the souls of Shiba Tsukasa san, Hida Nagahide san, and Akodo Chun san. Either their blades failed them and broke during their time as bushi samurai, or they failed their lord in their service. I was gifted each of their katana and used it to make the katana at my side, Mittsu Tamashi. I wanted to serve the empire by making swords that could be used to redeem the souls of samurai that had fallen. To give them another shot at reincarnation.”

The Tenth Kami spoke, “They have that chance and have decide to stay and serve you within the blade. I shall bind them to that fate they have chosen.”

With a raise of their hand each of the souls took the shape they had in life. Constructed by an outline of tiny pieces of light as though drawn in the dark sky. Then they became a bright mist that was absorbed into the handle of Mittsu Tamashi. Each time making it glow before settling down.

The Tenth Kami continued, “You have all done a service to every soul here and ones having gone through reincarnation. I will grant a boon to speak with a soul that has passed on.”

The first to choose was Akodo Asahi sama and they chose to speak with their father, Akodo Isoroku. Once their soul took form the two were allowed to wander off and have a private conversation. Hanzo and Donoha talk about the fact he came from a different history. Without meaning to the Dragon mentioned the Emperor had a vision and put the Emperor’s Gift Caravan together for forestall or alter that fate. According to Shosuro Hanzo san that moment is the event that led this world in a better direction than his.

Isawa Tamaki san asked to speak to the original Thunder Isawa sama themself! Only to be informed they had gone through reincarnation and were on Ningen-do actively at this moment! The Phoenix shugenja then asked for a private conversation with the Tenth Kami after everyone else was done, and was granted their request. I wish I knew what they asked but alas somethings must remain private.

Thinking about what he wanted Donoha sama missed what both Otaku Gunba san and Shosuro Hanzo san asked for. He gathered they seemed happy, or maybe relieved at the outcomes of those discussions. The Scorpion courtier seemed to think this world was a blessing to him now. The Unicorn shugenja seemed a bit more contemplative about his their result.

Donoha thought about the people they could talk to that were dead and decided to try and make this a gift. He asked if he could pass this gift to the Ikoma. He tries to get a boon for the Ikoma family daimyo, Ikoma Anakazu sama. Acknowledging how much the Ikoma damiyo has done for him in the last year he asked the Tenth Kami if such a boon was possible. The answer was that it may be possible for them to grant such a desire. He would have to pray when he was near the person and hopefully the Tenth Kami would hear the prayer.

After all conversations were had, the group headed back into the mist and became one with it again as they were once greeted by the Maiden of the Void, Chiasa. Donoha and she shared a brief moment, although this author is sure it felt much longer to the Dragon than it was. She told him their would be a time in the future they could be together but her duties would not allow it yet. At the mention of possibly infringing on her duty to her cause or lord. He stilled his spirit and apologized for he would not wish to cause her any harm. It was a look shared of two people in love. The mist swirled as she sent them home to Ningen-do.

Back in the Dragon lands each of them came to on the 4th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), 1123. Three days had past and Togashi Hoshi sama had been caring for them and their mounts while their souls had been away. As everyone was beginning to realize how hungry they were for not eating for three days! Donoha sama and Gunba san shared a brief look about the journey. The Unicorn wandered off to the horses is soon joined by Donoha as he goes to groom Yukiabo, his personal horse. When he asked if the Unicorn shugenja was alright, Gunba san assured him it was nothing of import. The Dragon courtier leaned back and rubbed his eye apologizing for snow getting in it.

Togashi Hoshi welcomes us back as Donoha sama returns. Asahi sama begins cooking food with provisions. They are so talented at cooking one wonders if they had not cooked for a Hantei in a past life. The Dragon and Scorpion courtiers play a game of Go to pass the time. Donoha won the game, and its been a fair amount of time since the game they played in the Valley of the Centipede in Moshi no Machi against the Mantis captain, Yoritomo Sekimoto san.

As everyone was eating the food Donoha sama praises his cousin’s cooking alongside Hanzo san. After their food was done the Scorpion acted out one of the classic tales done normally in kabuki or noh mask theatre. They are an accomplished actor and everyone enjoyed the tale. Tamaki wanted to try and meditate during most of the meal. even going as far with magic of the kami to pull a flaming log up to him through the air to keep warm. Eventually, the log was not enough and they had to leave their spot they had claimed on a rock column. Even Gunba returned when the group was given our next destination on the way to the High House of Light.

The group was informed there is a shrine on a lake to Fukuro-kujin, the fortune or Wisdom and Mercy. There we will meet our next guide, Tetsuo san. Donoha sama asked about a few details of the shrine. Togashi sama confirmed and the Kitsuki nodded that he’d seen the shrine before but it was never on his way to or from Copper River Manor where he was born. The group decided that since the day was only coming upon highsun they begin their journey with haste. They packed up being rested, refreshed, and fed most importantly.

As they began to travel Asahi broke into song several times with amazing renditions of ballads heard around the Empire! Their voice is a joy to listen to, clearly another past life coming through this very talented samurai. Donoha sama gathered a thick branch and began to carve it in his lap on Yukiabo with his chisels and smithing hammer. He finished it on the following day of the 5th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}), 1123. He presented a three compartment stackable inro box to be worn from their obi. A scorpion was carved upon both its sides and stretched over the three compartments.

During the trek the group shared a number of shared moments between the group. When they arrived at the shrine on the 8th of Bayushi (Month of the Rooster {OOC: October}). Both the Lion and Dragon were inspired to come up with a haiku which I will record below. Donoha’s Haiku:
Quiet mind at peace.
Peaceful heart, a knowing smile.
Wisdom’s gentle light.

Asahi’s Haiku:
Cold Snow Falls So Clear
A Statue’s Silent Gazing
Mercy and Wisdom

Tetsuo introduced themselves to the group. Then offered them a chance to visit and pay their respects. The Lion and the Dragon bow and kneel at the stairs to offer their prayers. The Scorpion took some wonderful incense to burn at the alter of the fortune. After their prayers the Phoenix offered some of theirs as well. The Unicorn took the most time but he carved a token to add to the altar. They did a job that made them feel the Fortune would be happy with the offering. As they came out Shosuro Hanzo was beginning a divination by the nearby lake.

Scroll of Kitsuki Donoha Part 36

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Shanzi Matsu

The Queen of Hunger

Shosuro Hanzo san performed a divination to see if he could find a way to remove the Karmic Key from the pedestal. It matched the same result of Donoha’s investigation. There did not appear to be a non-supernatural way to take the disc off. What they did learn was that the stone was different but fused in a way masons were unable to do.

Isawa Tamaki san offered to use their spell, Reads the Essence, on the disc and they were granted a vision. In it they learned the disc and the pedestal are fused using the four elemental kami with the first being air, followed by earth, fire, and water. They explained upon coming out of their vision they would need to figure out how to unlock it to remove the disc.

Gunba san and Tamaki san discuss the options and the use of the spell, Reflections of Pan Ku. Tamaki san was trepidatious because their was no confirmation yet this disc was the Karmic Key. Being in another spirit realm how would their magics behave? Donoha sama mentions to Tamaki san to practice Yu (Courage) and do the thing because they’re afraid not because it is safe and easy. Tamaki san thanks the Dragon for their wisdom and performs the spell. The Phoenix confirms Hanzo san’s divination.

Asahi sama and Donoha sama acted as guards during this time. Gunba san shares the concern of Tamaki san that this may not be the Karmic Key. They begin discussing his concerns and it is decided to try and entreat the kami in the reverse order of the seal. The Phoenix shugenja begins to communes with the Water Kami, via a bowl and a waterskin he keeps for such purposes. The water becomes a misty cloud, but to the Phoenix they saw the kami before them. The Water Kami shows how to unlock the key. When asked about if they were forced to perform the sealing they said they were made offerings and accepted to help in exchange for the tributes paid unto them. Tamaki san asked if they would help and they said they would once the other three elementals kami had found a host. The Water Kami chose Tamaki san as their vessel.

Otaku Gunba san goes for the Fire Kami next and Asahi sama donates some cherished letters he swore he could re-create as an offering. With their questions they confirm two important things. One, the disc is the dormant state of the Karmic Key. Two, they are doing the ritual correctly to unlock it. Their next question explains that if the Queen of Hunger continues to devour the souls of Gaki-do then they will have the power to move to other realms and destroy the karmic cycle of reincarnation! Death would become permanent there would be no chance to redeem your soul in your next life! The Fire Kami agrees to help if Asahi sama is their vessel. The Lion agrees and is surrounded by a swirling mote of flame.

There was some talk about whom the last two vessels will be. Gunba san felt he would be a sure fit for earth. A few thought Donoha would be the one to represent air. The Dragon thought and suggest they would like choose Hanzo san for being more dexterous than he was, despite the surprise from his cousin. When looking for actual earth to use, because the ground around him was being adjusted mystically to prevent a state of madness from setting in. Donoha sama offers up his last finger of jade to the Unicorn shugenja in order to invoke the Kami of Earth. The jade dissolves into a fine grain jade sand and they swirls into a cloud. The Earth Kami was quite pleased with such an offering and chooses Gunba san for their vessel.

The Phoenix shugenja then performs the commune for the Air Kami using a deep breath and then exhaling to offer the wind of their body. The first question informed them and later shared with the group. They will need to put the Karmic Key inside of the Queen of Hunger to prevent them from using foul, dark magics against the five samurai. The kami spirit is willing to help if Hanzo is the vessel and the Scorpion agrees.

There was some trepidation on how to apply the kami spirits to the stone pedestal. Donoha sama suggested everyone to stand around the pedestal and take their left arm. Then use it to touch the person to their left forming a connection between them all. Next, take their right hand and place on the pedestal in reverse order: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. This process works and the disc transforms back into its oval shape with engravings denoting the cosmos upon it!

Stepping in between the four Donoha takes the key gently in both hands and lifts it free from the pedestal. The others then broke their connections to the pedestal to gaze upon what the group had suffered for. When Tamaki san asked to cast the Reflections of Pan Ku upon it the Dragon handed him the Karmic Key and once his hand let go. The artifact yanked Tamaki san’s arm straight down as it made a whopping thud into the ground! Donoha sama could lift it as though it was light as a wooden tray. When they let Asahi sama try the result was the same. Apparently, the Dragon was the one virtuous enough to wield it.

To help the Phoenix shugenja, Donoha sama sits and allows Tamaki san to cast Reflections of Pan Ku upon the Karmic Key. Tamaki san described it as a religious experience, as he saw the history of the Karmic Key! It’s taken on many forms throughout history, but without it the cycle of reincarnation will stop! Only Tamaki san has seen this and managed to keep his sanity. Afterwards, the the group took one more rest before heading out to face the Queen of Hunger.

They left the temple and came upon further corruption of Gaki-Do. Hidden from driving our heroes mad with the illusion affecting their sight. Chiasa’s power to commune with the kami for such a boon is powerful indeed. Coming upon a valley in the shape of a circle as the mists parted to reveal the battlefield. Across the way was a gigantic, but vaguely humanoid shape of shadow. Dark and wispy, thick tentacles of shadow writhed forth from its back and limbs! Eyes made of burning hate, a mouth that exuded a bone chilling breath as though it could still the warmth that was your soul.

Otaku Gunba san prepared everyone with the spell Courage of Seven Thunders. The two Dragon and Lion cousins realized they could not defend against the Queen of Hunger’s physical strikes effectively. Decided it would have to be a full on attack. Tamaki first cast the Embrace of Kenro-Ji-Jin upon Hanzo san. Thus, granting them the ability to swim through the ground and get in closer with the bow and the jade arrows. Next, the Phoenix shugenja cast the Fires of Purity spell upon Asahi sama. Wreathing him in flame to aid in his attack and rebuke strikes upon him with the pure flame of the kami’s blessing!

The battle began with the Lion and the Dragon rushing across the valley. The Unicorn shugenja began a spell called the Tomb of Jade which takes significant concentration to invoke. The Queen of Hunger attempted to invoke fear among them but the spell of Otaku Gunba held firm! Tamaki san began to move in with a Jade Strike spell as the Queen turned their wrath on Asahi sama by causing him to begin turning to stone! Jade flashed overhead from wherever Hanzo san was shooting from! Their shriek from the impact was made worse when the Dragon brought Mittsu Tamashi down upon one of the shadow tentacles while holding the Karmic Key in their left arm.

Tamaki san raced to Asahi sama’s side and pulled the magic from the Lion unto himself using a spell of Void origin! Donoha sama was able to press the Karmic Key against the creature causing it to wail in paint momentarily pause its movement. When the Lion was able to join the fray wielding the ancient jade katana suffused in fire as well! One could have called him the divine judgement of Tengoku! With their flaming strikes they began to tear into the Queen of Hunger! Coordinating with the direction of his Dragon cousin. Asahi sama was able to allow an opening for Donoha sama to use his training with Kaze-Do martial arts and improvised weapons to push the Karmic Key inside the Queen of Hunger!

The shrill howl of pain could be felt in every bone of the samurai present! In what seemed like an explosion of shadow, with no shockwave to follow. The Queen was shriveled up and pulled inside the as though consumed by it, and set back into the karmic cycle from whence it came. The exploded droplets of shadow began to take forms briefly before being freed and set back to the karmic cycle once again. All the consumed souls were being freed not just from the Queen, but from Gaki-Do! As this realization settled upon those witnessing it, or being freed from magics of the Queen. Three droplets of shadow landed in front of the Dragon as they took human form. In unison they began to bow.