Welcome back to Tai Lung's journey on the path of redemption, not only for himself but for those around him as well. In our last thread, the group continued to search for clues in the ruined town of Xiqi. At odds with the townsfolk, Tai Lung and his friends camped out at the ruins edges as they searched. With a bit of searching, they uncover a journal and map written in a strange language. Before they can make any progress, the small town finds themselves the target of an another attack. Caught by surprise, the crew team up with both Po and Shifu to fend off raiders. Unfortunately, Renshu is injured in the attack and the group if forced to split up as he is sent away with the evacuation. Staying behind, Tai Lung, Xin Lan, Ming and the recently rescued third son of the Emperor Hien engage in a series of hit and run attack to hold the incoming army back to buy some more time. Currently, the group find themselves holed up in a cave waiting for things to calm down. http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Tai%20Lung%20quest
“Could you ever go back to your old life?” You ask. “Working at a shop?”“No...No I don’t think I could. Things were so...uneventful. Opening the shop, running it, going home to eat, close up shop. Rinse and repeat. It was so mundane thinking back. I don’t know how I managed to keep that up for so many years. Now I’m facing raiders, hearing about talking to spirits, avoiding curses. It’s like a story from out of the books. I didn’t...I didn’t even know such a life existed. Now I’m part of it. I fight evil. I’m being a hero. It’s like every kid’s dream.”You pat Ming on the head. "Well perhaps you should look for that in the pools." You say. "Finding your place in the universe is the a tremendous task but if there is any place that can help you realize that it would be the pools.""Oh...well I don't know." Ming says nervously. "I'm not even sure if I want to look at them. What if I don't like what I see?" "I wouldn't worry." Xin Lan says. "At worst, you'll probably just see yourself married to someone really boring and have like 6 kids. Just be an average house wife.""Oh gods. What if I do just become a boring house mom?" Ming asks."It's better than becoming a villian." You say. "Honestly Ming, I think you'll be fine. You're already taking your first steps to be more than the average person and I firmly belive that someone can change who they become. You've already seen it with with us. I'm sure you can do it too.""We'll make sure you're a cool mom at least." Xin Lan says. "You can beat up whoever bullies your kids." Ming glares at Xin Lan."Ming, life isn't set in stone. It's a series of steps and you decide where those steps take you. Be it becoming a cool mother, a master alchemist, or something else entirely." You say gently. "You decide what you will become and the pools may show you one vision or nothing at all but at the end they are simply a way to focus and meditate. Through that meditation is where you decide, where you make up your mind not the other way around where the pools decide for you.""Do you reallly think we can find the pools?" Ming asks. "Sure. We've done crazier things." You say.>What do you want do now?>Ask Ming something else about herself?>Go talk to someone else.>Go to sleep. There's tons of time left before you head out best you get some rest.>Write in.
>>4661069>Go to sleep. There's tons of time left before you head out best you get some rest.New thread, so I'm reminding myself to tell Hien about Oogway and Kai, Luo's story and give him the sword of heroes. Probably tomorrow to let him mull things over and talk to Xin like we suggested.
>>4661069>Go to sleepWe need the rest. I'm in the opposite camp for Ming. I don't mind her being resourced based but if we're traveling then she'll always be a bit strapped, kneecapping her effectiveness. The way it is we can't really do anything with her aside from being a medic. Maybe having her magic mitigate that could help it feel like less of a non option.
>>4661069>Get some sleep>>4661140Only if her resource is physically hard to get rather than time it energy based.
>>4661030Thoughts on Drunken Boxing and Eight Gates? Would Tai Lung know of these techniques?
>>4661322Drunken style, almost certainly. Actually fighting drunk, probably not.
Yeah Tai Lung knows the 8 drunken Gods and their styles but he's never actually put it in to use let alone tried to do it drunk. So he knows how to go up against someone who uses it as a main fighting style but he's never made himself drunk and tried it. I figure if he tried it now, he'd be decent at it but very out of practice.As for the eight gates like we disscussed in the previous thread? Not at all. He wouldn't even know how to start something like that. Tai Lung knows Chi for pressure point strikes and he's learned Chi healing and regeneration but nothing beyond that. Renshu might have a better idea as he's spent years using Chi and experiementing how to affect people's bodies with it.Teaching Ming drunken boxing is possible though I don't think Ming would enjoy it very much if you intend to have her actually practice fighting drunk.>>4661127>>4661140>>4661305Getting some rest. Writing.
>>4661675Oh she'd probably enjoy it plenty while training. It's the cool down that's hell
>>4661681A drunk Ming sounds frightening.
You stretch a bit and yawn. "I understand the idea of seeing your true self and discovering who you are is a scary thing but this is something everyone must do if they want to discover their place in the world. For now, I think we should handle the situation at hand and if you have any questions I'll try to answer them as best I can." Ming nods. "I'm going to head to sleep. We have a long day to wait tomorrow before we can move out best I get some rest." You grab one of the sleeping bags and settle in for the night. A few hours later, you find yourself waking up. The cave was cold even with the fire going. Opening your eyes, you see Xin Lan sitting next to your head peering into the fire. They're unmoving but you get the feeling they know you're awake. Sitting up, you move closer to the fire. "Hey." You say by the way of greeting as you pet the rabbit's ears.Xin Lan doesn't return the greeting but instead asks, "Do you think Stripes is ok?" Slightly thrown off, you nod."I think he's fine. Our plan worked perfectly and he'd be able to hear anyone following the evacuation. Then Po and my father can step in." You say."I'm not sure." Xin Lan admits. "He can't defend himself the way he was.""I'm certain your brother could pull something off if he really needed to." You assure your friend. "We have to belive in his strength too."Xin Lan remains quiet. "...I don't want him to die again.">What do you say?>Tell Xin Lan that Renshu won't die. He's far to doting to allow something that would make their younger sibling upset.>Tell Xin that everything will be alright. The evacutees might end up a bit worse for wear but they'll all be fine in the end.>Say you that you don't really know what the other group is going through but its in times like these that you simply have to have hope.>Write in.
>>4661757>Tell Xin Lan that Renshu won't die. He's far to doting to allow something that would make their younger sibling upset.
>>4661757>Tell him that Renshu won't die, He'd hate to make you upset. >"Sometimes Xin, you just have to have faith. Not in luck or the dragons maybe but in those who are doing their jobs. Renshu, my father, the Dragon warrior and the guards are all capable fighters and we just need to trust them that they will do well. Our own efforts keep him safe by running interference, so have faith in us if you won't have faith in them."
>>4661773>>4661777 Taking these. Writing.
"Renshu will be fine." You say smiling. "He's far too doting to do something that will upset you like that." You continue to pet Xin Lan's head. "Sometimes Xin, you just have to have faith. Not in luck or in the dragons but in those doing their jobs. Renshu, my father, the Dragon Warrior and the guards are all capable fighters and we just need to trust them that they will do well. Our own efforts keep him safe by running interference, so have faith in us if you won't have faith in them."Xin Lan leans against you and rests their head on your side. "Yeah...I guess you're right." They say. "But I can't get this feeling that something bad is gonna happen.""That just means you care about him." You say. "It's only natural you'd be worried about someone you're close to even if it isn't logical.""Can I beat him up for making me worry?" They ask."That's between you and Renshu. Not that I don't doubt you can beat him but best that you don't. You'll set a bad example for Ming and she'll beat you up next time you tease her." You chuckle.Xin Lan looks at Ming who was curled up in her bag, fast asleep. "Never mind. I don't want Ming swinging at me." They say. "Though she'd probably still do it." Xin Lan wiggles their toes on their injured leg. "Still hurts. Guess I'm out for a while too." They look at you. "You know, I don't like that Ming gets a free pass to get carried and the rest of us have to get hurt to get a ride." They say. "So I'm adding getting carried to the list of things you owe me." You roll your eyes."If you get drunk enough, I'll carry you home." You say."Isn't that the same as getting hurt?" They counter."You really want to be carried don't you?" You ask."Yes because it's my turn and because you're surprisingly comfy." Xin Lan admits. They look at the flames for a moment longer. "Fire is getting a bit small. Think we should make a quick trip outside to get some more fire wood?">What do you say?>Say that it's best to stay inside. If Ming gets cold, you can give her another blanket. The rest of you can probably handle the cold.>Say that you'll go out to get some. Xin can keep watch.>Go wake up Hien. Take him to gather more firewood and supplies. Ming mentioned she ran out of healing ingreadients and used whatever she hand on hand for the trap.>Write in.
>>4661895>Take HienFirst rule of working behind enemy lines. Always work in pairs, so if you die then the other personspn can report how it happened.
>>4661895>Go wake up Hien. Take him to gather more firewood and supplies. Ming mentioned she ran out of healing ingreadients and used whatever she hand on hand for the trap.
>>4661927>>4661937Taking Hien with us. Writing.
"I'll go get some." You say. "I'll take Hien and see if we can find some supplies. Ming's running low on medicine isn't she?""Try none at all." Xin Lan says pointing to their leg. "I didn't get anything for this and she had to cut a bit more. My leg is on fire right now." They say flatly. "See if you can find something to make tea at least. Ming's getting anxious. Something warm to drink might help her out." You nod and make your way over to the young lord. Hien was fast asleep with his back to a wall. His sheathed sword nestled in his crossed arms. "Hey, Hien." You say gently nudging him. "Wake up." The young man stirrs and slowly wakes up, slightly confused before their eyes come into focus and they yawn. ""Tai Lung." He says holding his blade with one hand and looking around. "Is something the matter?""We need to head out. We need more firewood and it's getting cold. Plus we need more medicines for Ming." You explain. "We're gonna need to get some while it's still dark out.""Yes, it won't do if we become sick. It seems like my idea has failed. Nonethless, we'll have to adapt." Hein replies as they stand up. He fixes his sword on his belt once more. The two of you head out, following the cold drafts coming in from the cave entrance. As you exit, you see that night is beginning to wane and the stars in the skies are slowly fading giving away to the morning. "Perhaps we mistimed our exit. Morning will soon be upon us." Hien mutters."Even so, we have to gather supplies while we still can. As you said before, every enounter with the raiders is a chance to get injured. It's best we're prepared for that eventuality." You say crouching down to avoid being seen."True enough." Hien agrees. "Perhaps we should gather herbs first. It'll be much more quiet than gathering wood.">What do you do?>Gather wood first. Even if you pick up broken branches and break from fallen trees, they're still an armful to carry. It's best you do that first to get as many trips in before anyone notices or hears you.>Gather herbs. Medicine is more important. Even if you get sick from the cold, some herbs can at least alleviate the symptoms. You think you can remember some of the plants Ming taught you a while ago.>Go check on the raiders. It's still far from the intended time but you want to see what their up to. Hopefully they're not on alert.>Write in.
>>4662122>Get the medicine first.Even a handful of wood is enough to make tea.
>>4662122>Gather herbs. Medicine is more important. Even if you get sick from the cold, some herbs can at least alleviate the symptoms. You think you can remember some of the plants Ming taught you a while ago.
Getting lunch so I'll be away a while longer.
>>4662122>Gather herbs. Medicine is more important. Even if you get sick from the cold, some herbs can at least alleviate the symptoms. You think you can remember some of the plants Ming taught you a while ago.Healing is top piority.
>>4662335That and it isnt like trees are hard to find. Just got to make sure we are aware of anyone trying to follow us.
>>4662139>>4662153>>4662335Getting herbs. Writing.
>>4662416Definitely clicked this vote too. Dunno why it wasn't added. Maybe I missed.
"Right. Best we have something to deal with injuries." You agree, nodding. "I know of a few Ming taught me. Shouldn't be too hard to find around here." The two of you sneak around the woods, crouched to keep your forms small and ears perked for any signs of the raiders. The dew on the grass quickly makes your fur damp and the cold begins to bite a little harder as soft breezes flow against you. Despite the lingering darkness of the dying night, you and Hien manage to see well enough. You begin to cut herbs and placing them in your pouch as you look for ones that match the pictures and destriptions Ming gave you before."There doesn't seem to be much around." Hien whispers. "Though it seems nature is blessing us with what little she can during the winter.""This should be more than enough. Ming is the best medic I've ever met. Perhaps even the best medic who ever lived." You reply. "She can make miracles happen.""You have a lot of faith in her." Hien remarks. "And her talent is obvious. What I wouldn't give to have someone as gifted as her at the palace." He says."Faith implies that I'm believing in her blindly. I've seen what she can do and I'm only speaking the truth. You are right however, she is talented beyond anything I've seen. I'm not sure how she would response if you attempted to hire her to work in the royal palace. No doubt she'd love to but I think her doubt will keep her from deciding.""And I would not wish to deprive you of your friend." Hien says. "You are all close and I would not want to ruin that. However, I will assure her that the offer will always be available. There are others who would do anything to undermine her talents for worthless pay. She at the least deserves to be properly compensated for her gifts."The two of you continue to cut and scrounge around the ground for herbs and roots when you hear the snapping of a branch nearby. Instinctively, you and Hien throw yourselves to the side and duck behind some trees before peeking out to investigate. In the distance you can see the bright glow of a torch and hear the faint sound of metal clinking grow louder as it approaches. Soon you see the forms of a squad of raiders wandering around. Judging by their looks, they did not seem lost and their alertness showed that they were on the look out for something. One of the raiders looks back at his group and begins barking orders as they all split up and begin searching the area. You glance over at Hien who was still studying them.
When he catches your eyes he points to the small satchels you were both carrying that contained the herbs. Perhaps he was indicating that this group was searching for medicinal plants too? Or did he mean that they would soon discover your presence because of the cuts you made in the grass?>What do you do?>Signal Hien to start backing off. Leave the raiders to their buisness and head back to the cave to regroup.>Signal Hien to stay still. Leave your hiding spot and try to lure the raiders away.>Tell Hien to keep hidden while you go and take out the squad. Best they don't accidentally find the cave.>Split up and try to pull the group appart before you return to your hide out.>Write in.
>>4662711>Signal Hien to start backing off. Leave the raiders to their buisness and head back to the cave to regroup.We need to make tracks leading to an direction away from the cave, ambushing then means they will know to search this area.
>>4662711>Signal Hien to stay still. Leave your hiding spot and try to lure the raiders away.
>>4662711>Signal for Hien to start backing away, but go a different direction than the cave. Time for some tricky plays.
>>4662742>>4663028So...we sneaking away i think. Writing.
>>4663390More like trying to misdirect the raidera by giving them wrong clues.
>>4663390it's taking an obscure route back, so that even if they spot us moving in a direction, it isn't immediately going to tip them off as to our camps location.
>>4663402>>4663426Gottcha. Altering the write up a bit to adjust.
You eye the raider group as they kick around the grass looking for whatever it is they are looking for. Taking them out would be easy, but you’d alert the rest of the camp of something going on in this area. Instead, you signal Hien to back off and regroup. The two of you keep low and slowly back away, using the trees as cover while keeping the group in sight. The two of you half crawl, half crouch walk through the wet grass and group up behind the biggest tree you can find. “What are the raiders doing here, I wonder.” Hien whispers as he keeps a lookout. “I’m certain neither of us were followed yesterday.”“From what you said, gathering herbs?” You whisper in return. “Perhaps we dealt more damage to them than we thought.” You continue to eye the vague silhouettes in the distance. “We better head back and lay low for a bit. Let’s see if we can’t lead them in the wrong direction.”“Do you plan to get their attention?”“No. We’ll leave some tracks leading in the wrong direction.” You say. “That should at least throw them off for a bit. Get them to poke around in the wrong area.” “Diverting their forces? Not a bad plan.” Hien says nodding. “By your lead.”“Head east. Leave some tracks but nothing too obvious. Make it seem like whoever made them is trying to keep a low profile. I’ll head south. Two sets of tracks should be enough to confuse them or think that we split up. We’ll lead them around for a few hours then head back to the cave. I’ll see you back at the hideout.” You quickly make your way out, taking the long way around around the raiders and slowly working your way south. Occasionally you stop to roll and stumble, crushing blades of grass and disturbing low hanging branches off of bushes. You work your way through the forest, taking sharp turns to the right and taking the time to kick rocks out of the way, disturbing the dirt. Halfway through your given time, you stop and hang back as you hear more patrols nearby. You climb up a tree and peer out into the distance. 4 squads were wandering around the woods in a classic patrol formation before spreading out to cover more ground. Each squad had a full complement of troops to cover all situations. An archer, a heavily armored combatant, spearman, and sword and shield user. There were one or two squads with an extra member or that doubled up with another of the same troop. It’s possible that they had managed to track your group down or even worse, they might be looking for the evacuees.>What do you do?>Head back to the cave and move Ming and Xin. Leave a note or hint for Hien to follow.>Find Hien and go get the others. The circle seems tightening around you.>Continue with your plan. It should buy you some time to make a plan once you get back.>Start picking off squads one by one to thin their numbers. Maybe you can pull the search around your area.>Write in.
>>4663523>Find Hien and go get the others. The circle seems tightening around you.
>>4663523>Find Hien and the othersOdds they are captured and need prison break?Not gonna lie, be pretty cool.
Right, so we are a couple of hours away from the town, with multiple squads all ready here and searching.I'm inclined to believe that they are looking for the refugees rather than looking for us, because if they could follow our tracks they would have found our cave.
>>4663535>>4663542Finding hien. Writing
>>4663523>Start picking off squads one by one to thin their numbers. Maybe you can pull the search around your area.I will always vote for misdirection. Loving the guerrilla warfare arc.
>>4663660Silly anon. You think they will last long enough for this to become a Gurrila operation, let alone a war.
You leap from tree to tree, trying to stay as quiet as possible while doing so as you search for Hien. You thank the spirits that you knew the direction Hien was going otherwise you’d spend just as long looking for him as the raiders. Halfway through your leaps you drop to the forest floor as you see a squad coming near. You roll upon landing and crawl as fast you can. Somehow the raiders were tipped off to come here. It couldn’t have been to find your friends so that only left the notion that they were looking for the evacuation group. You pick up the pace at that thought. It takes you a bit longer to find Hien than you wanted as you avoided squads of raiders. The trail starts to grow cold as you continue. You realize that perhaps Hien had started lessening the trail to double back. You hear the rustle of leaves nearby and the young lynx leaps down from a nearby tree. “The woods are swarming with raiders.” He says. “Evidently we have made quite the impression on them.”“I don’t think it’s us they’re looking for.” You say as the two of you begin to move to stay mobile. “They might be looking for the villagers. We’re several hours away from the town. If they were looking for us then why would they choose this area specifically?”“I’m not sure. But don’t wish to imagine the villagers being in danger. However, it would be foolish to not consider it. What is your plan?” Hien asks.“For now we retreat back to the hideout. We’ll have to discuss this with the others.” Hien nods and you make the journey back to the cave. It takes you about an hour to return as you work together to avoid raiders and leaving any tracks. The two of you forgo tapping as you enter, opting to dodge and deflect rocks thrown at you instead.“Pack up everything important.” You say before Xin Lan could explain themselves. “We need to leave.”“Why? What’s going on?” Ming asks, worried. You hand her the sack of herbs and roots.“Not you. Can you help Xin with this medicine?” You ask. Ming nods. “Good. The raiders are searching the area. We don’t know if they found us or are looking for villagers that escaped. Either way, we need to move out or we’ll be trapped here.”“Waitwaitwait.” Xin Lan says waving you down. “Forget the meds. We can deal with that later. Where exactly are we going? We can’t just run around.” “Xin Lan is right.” Hien says. “We might be capable but Ming cannot travel without leaving tracks. We made efforts to prevent that when we first set up here. If we are going to move then we must have a location or we risk simply wandering around aimlessly and getting ourselves cornered. We need a plan.”
>What do you do?>Be cautious. Wait til nightfall once more and use the cover of night to move out. The raiders might tighten their search around you but hopefully the darkness can let you slip through their patrols.>Make a diversion. Either you or Hien can pull attention away from the caves while the others make a break for it.>Head out now and make a run for it. You’re still faster than a set of squads and by the time they realize someone has traveled through the woods. You should be far enough away to slow and cover your tracks.>Put yourself on the line. You’ve never done it before but use your Chi to take on Xin and Hien’s wounds. Then have them leave you in the cave as you meditate to focus your Chi to heal yourself. You don’t know how long it will take, it could be hours or it could be days but you need everyone at full strength to escape.>Write in>Where will you go?>Head deeper into the woods. You can camp out there giving you a full range of escape options if you hear anyone approaching.>Find another landmark to hide behind. You think you saw an outcropping of rocks you might be able to hide under for the moment just an hour or so away.>Head in the direction of the evacuation. Try and regroup with them. They might need more help to circumvent the raiders. Or if you wish to try another attempt to slow the raider’s advance.>Write in.
>>4663660Thanks! I'm liking how it's going as well. Tried to do something different than just punching the bad guys. Now you can punch the bad guys while being sneaky about it.
>>4663699Funny you should say that.>>4663696>Make a diversion, Time to start taking down squads to draw them to us.>Have the others retreat to the evacuation, they may need helpWe can just follow Ming and Xin's Chi signitures. It kills me that the best option isn't to FINALLY use our chi healing, but what can you do?
>>4663707I will be man enough to admit it. I sometimes forget its a thing TL can do. Half the time I just left it as a write in possibility.
>>4663696>Put yourself on the line. You’ve never done it before but use your Chi to take on Xin and Hien’s wounds. Then have them leave you in the cave as you meditate to focus your Chi to heal yourself. You don’t know how long it will take, it could be hours or it could be days but you need everyone at full strength to escape.A good chance to practice this technique finally? Fuck yeah, brother. And the great thing about this is that Ming's medicine will be ready to assist us by the time we finish taking on the wounds of the others, presumably.>Head in the direction of the evacuation. Try and regroup with them. They might need more help to circumvent the raiders. Or if you wish to try another attempt to slow the raider’s advance.
>>4663712I think it's a case of always thinking "How immediately are we gonna get into another fight?"But out of interest, what wounds does Hien have?
>>4663696>Make a diversion. Either you or Hien can pull attention away from the caves while the others make a break for it.Rearm traps and relocate them, than run straight to the camp dropkick an officer and throw a torch in whatever stockpile we find. If that doesn't get their attetion nothing will.>Head in the direction of the evacuation. Try and regroup with them. They might need more help to circumvent the raiders. Or if you wish to try another attempt to slow the raider’s advance.
>>4663730He's got a big slash on the side of his ribs from when you rescued him. Ming managed to stitch it up but a few hours later you started distracting the raiders. Plus a few bruises and nicks from the rescue as well that aren't impairing. You don't know if the fights and running have aggravated his wounds as he hasn't mentioned them again.
>>4663738their camp is hours away. Not the best idea for us
>>4663739We can take them, they sound like low level injuries shouldn't take us more than a few hours to heal off.
>>4663740Well, then we find the biggest group and down their officer. It should attract attention and ruin coordination at the same time.Do we think we have enough time to prepere the traps?
>>4663811I don't, no. But the nearest officer? we can do that.
So what's the plan then. I think we swapped between diversions and healing. Luckily, regrouping the evac has won.
>>4663925The plan seems to get everyone going toward the evacution convoy while we try to find a big group with an officer, down him and then retreat towards the rest, probably in an roundabout way so we don't lead the raiders back.Maybe if we manage to pull it off without any injuries perhaps try another one. Also we should deaignate some meeting place so Xin can find us and lead towards the convoy in case we take too long? Since they are the fastest.
>>4663957Gottcha. I do have to point out that Xin has a bad leg. Took and arrow to it and then surgery to get it removed without pain meds.
>>4663964Well then scrap that part of my plan, we will have to find the group on our own.Probably should only try to sneak attack only one officer too, so we aren't gambling on our luck too much, but we will have to aim for the biggest group we can find to compesate for it.
>>4663968We won't need to find the convoy matey. If our friends make it, then we can just follow their soul trail.>>4663957This plan is roughly on the money. Drop an officer and his squad, get the other raiders to give us a roundabout chase then fuck off while they are still trying to understand just where we are.An hour or so should let our group flee well enough.
Alrighty. I'm gonna make some food then I'll do the write up.
>>4663990Oh yeah I forgot we can do that. And that we could astral project too, or ask the little sprite that follows us.
>>4664080Maybe I should post a character sheet. I had one in like the second thread but I never kept up with it.
"We're regroup with the evacuation. If the radiers are searching around with such a large group then the others will need our help if they get caught." You say. "Hien, you and Xin will lead Ming back to the main convoy. I'll hang back and try to hold their attention. I'll catch up to you when I can. Keep an eye out for the raiders and try to lead the group away from them when you meet up. Even if it takes a few days longer to get back to Taishi, it'll be worth the delay if it means you're not found.""You're crazy." Xin Lan says. "You think we're just gonna leave you?""Sorry. But you're gonna have to wait a bit longer for me to carry you." You say."You know that's not the point." Xin Lan snaps back. "We've already left Stripes behind. We're not leaving you now.""You're going back to Renshu." You counter. "You're not abandoning anyone.""It's not about the math! It's about the principal of the thing.""I already say I'm going to catch up to you guys." You say. "If we all go then we're a bigger group and we're make it risker to get caught. If one of us draws their attention then it takes the burden off the others and considering you're injured and Ming doesn't have experience in trackless travel then this is the best chance we have getting through here in one piece. Besides, you know even if you were ok, I'd never ask you or anyone else to do this." Xin Lan stamps their foot, despite it being injured. Dust rises from the impact and blood begins to stain the bandages around their leg. "I don't care! Then you should know I'd still tell you not to do it.""If you have a better plan then tell me. You know I'm always open for one." Xin Lan's only reply was to make a frustrated sound and look away. You look at the others, who were waiting on you with concern written on their faces. "I'll be fine." You assure them trying to alleviate their concerns. "We've done this one on a larger scale. Now I'm just going to do it on a smaller one. I'll find the biggest one of the lot and take him out. That should rile them up and make them follow me. I'll be their only lead.""If that is what you wish to do then we cannot stop you." Hien says quietly. "But we won't leave happy."
"If you're alive and well then I'm willing to be the focus of your ire." You reply as you grab a few rations and you bag. "Listen for fighting then leave when you think there's an opening. Don't wait for me. Don't hang back to see if you can help." You start to make your way out of the wave when you hear the sound of something cutting through the wind. Turning swiftly, your hand snaps up and catches both of Xin Lan's daggers, tied together with a thin wire. The rabbit glares angrily at you."If you die then I'll make Stripes find you and bring you back so I can never forgive you." They say before turning their back to you. Ming hurries over to help with their bloody leg. You nod."I don't doubt that you'd do it." You say before heading off. As you reach the mouth of the cave, you can already hear sounds of raiders in the distance as they continue their search.>Where do you head to?>Head to the area with the most squads in it. You should find a liutenant there.>Go to one of the areas with the least ammount of raiders. If someone is a leader in the raiders they must be a strong fighter and thus would be asked to work with a smaller group.>Head straight to the enemy camp. You're bound to find someone on your way there.>Write in.
>>4664211>Head to the area with the most squads in it. You should find a liutenant there.If this was an (non-lethal) assassination we would go for the camp ot after the strongest one, but since we want to attract as much attention as possible at once, heading to the largest group will have to do.Hopefully downing an officer in front of the rest will futher drop their morale too.
>>4664310Support
>>4664310>>4664597Going to the busiest area. Writing.
You leap back on to a tree branch to look out for raiders. If you were going to grab the attention of the scouts then you needed to make the biggest impact and to do that you had to find the largest group of them. It really wasn't difficult to find them. With the raiders on the search, they had no reason to conceal themselves, especially if they were searching for someone they though couldn't fight back. You leap from branch to branch, keeping off of the ground as you hurry over to the largest group.https://youtu.be/nMX5nw7-E_YTo the raiders, it must have happened in a flash. There was the rustle of leaves followed by an angry roar as you rocket towards the largest of them. A rhino. You thrust out both your feet as you drop kick the man in the face. His head snaps to one side from the impact but he turns and spins to roll with the hit and maintain his balance. By then you're already scrambling to a stop and rushing to attack once more. You ram your fist into the rhino's rock hard abdomen though it was less of a punch and more of a battering ram. With a loud roar you raise your fist while still sunk in, slowly lifting the rhino over your head before you turn and slam him headfirst into the ground. A crater forms from the impact and you dash past the stunned party but not before you clothesline, mostly out of spite, the nearest raider and leaping into the bushes once more. Your stunt had the, if not delayed, intent you sought as you heard shouting and the sounds of running behind you. You keep your pace to a light jog, staying out of sight but giving them enough leeway that your easily track able. You leap out of the bushes once more infront of another group.You run at another, spin and deliver a high kick right under the man's chin. The raider is lifted 4 feet from the ground and you turn with the kick to turn and smash both plams into his chest. The impact tears the raider from his armor as he crashes into a tree, knocking it down with a loud crack! The previous group manages to catch up with you and they join their brothers in their attempt to stop you. You duck under a sword swing and block the follow up shield slam just in time to tear it out of the raider's grasp and use it to block a series of arrows flying towards you!
The swordsman is knocked unconcious as you headbutt him and before the archers can fire again, you hurl the shield at them, hitting on in the arm and knocking the bow out of his hands. The rest fire upon you but you roll out of the way and in the cover of trees to begin the chase once more.The next group didn't have the luxury as back up as you pounce on one, grab their arms and swing them around, knocking his companions aside before ending it by slaming them into the ground ontop of one of their fallen friends. By the time the others arrive, you were long gone. The shouts begin to grow louder as more and more raiders begin to converge on your position. Judging from the shouts, you guess they were trying to go the long way around and try to surround you.>What do you do?>Leap on to the trees. You can use the branches to go over the raiders.>Fight through the blockage. Force you way past and leave a trail of bodies behind.>Stand your ground. You wanted their attention and now you have it. Time to see if you can hold it.>Write in.
>>4665262>Leap on to the trees. You can use the branches to go over the raiders.But than attack them from behind, prioritize the archers and skirmishers.
>>4665262>Use the branches to strike from aboveWe can leap over 50 feet in the air with a swing, I'm pretty sure we can yeet our way behind their lines or attack from above.
>>4665286>>4665326Monkey style to escape and flank. Writing
You leap 20 feet into the air and kick off from the trunk of the tree. Bark and splinters fly off from the force of the impact, showering the ground below as you soar through the air. You repeat the process to race through the forest far above the unsuspecting raiders. To you such a feat was as easy as walking. To anyone who chanced a glance up, all they could see was the trees rustling as if an unfelt wind had blown by. Once you cleared the last of the raiders, your tail flicks out and wraps around the nearest branch. The sudden stop swings you around the trunk to the tree and, once you were facing the opposite direction, you let go. You sling shot yourself back towards the raiders.The archer never heard you coming. You slam into the man with such a force that he simply smashes into the ground, unconscious long before he hit it. His partner, turning only because of the sound of an impact, screams as you grab a handful of arrows from your victim’s quiver and drive them all into his thigh. A loud crack follows when your leg collides with his head a moment later when you stand. The rest of his squad turns around to face you but it was too late. You grab two of them by the throat and they go down when you slam their heads together. Fear grips the lone survivor as he sees a behemoth of a man approach him. He flees into the woods and you don’t break your stride as you follow. He wasn’t your real target. He was simply guiding you to the next group. If not, his panicked screams would attract more of the raiders.Your predictions come true in the form of a hammer strike towards the head. You quickly duck, your instincts kicking and you turn to see a large chunk of the trunk missing. A large boar comes barreling towards you intent on striking you and recovering his thrown hammer. Rather than move out of the way, you meet his charge. The two of you collide, the sound of flesh crashing together echoing through the woods. The both of you lock arms, intent on pushing or dragging the other to the ground. More and more raiders begin to pour in but do not move in to strike. Their faces are full of malice and eagerness and you realize that you might have found your lieutenant. Turning back to go face to face with the boar you see him smile evilly but much to his surprise, you grin back.>What do you do?>Pull the boar to the ground. If he wants to wrestle then you’ll obliged.>Strike at the boar’s vitals. Kidneys, liver, eyes. Anything is fair game.>Overpower the man. Show him what real strength is.>Break free from the grapple. Grab the hammer and use it against the boar.>Write in.
>>4665710>Write in.Supplex.And snap his hammer.
>>4665710>Use what you've gleaned of Xin's style to cripple him without chances of him dying. Make it so that he couldn't hurt a fly even if he wanted to. That should send a message to the rest of them.
>>4665710>Strike at the boars vitals, including his groin and joints. Leave him a completely broken mess.>Dragon roar when we are done, it should scare them into runningIt's time to systematically break him down as a message. Some may consider this too extreme, or evil even, but fear is going to break their pursuit more than anything else.
>>4665731>>4665734Damn. Thats pretty dark. Can't remember the last time we did something like that. Might have been with Xin? Or the wolf bandits. Not even to Jianguo. Wasn't this the exact thing you've been trying to get Renshu not to do? But votes are votes.
>>4665788Hey, war is war. This guy made his choice to go out and invade another country. If it strikes fear into them, then I'd say it's worth it.Besides, what good is a redemption arc without a few slips?
>>4665805They did hurt two of the three from best girl squad I'll give you that.
>>4665813Yeah. They've hurt his friends. They've hurt Hien, who he's starting to like. If given the chance, they would slaughter Ming. And right now he's in the thick of the action, adrenaline pumping, the scent of blood is in the air - Tai lung is a born predator, to ignore that in the middle of a fight would be monumentally hard. At the end of the day, those ruthless instincts were always part of him, even if he tries to suppress them these days.
I'm gonna get some food then ill get back to write.
>>4665788I still want an supplex. We got an audience, it's the perfect time to WWE this.
>>4665837But if the cripple vote wins, could it atleast not be too severe? Like break his arms and legs, but the shit can still be recovered if he spend months in bed rest?Making a paraplegic out of an nomadic sheppard might as well be killing him.
>>4665855You know the scene in The Dark Knight Returns where batman fights the leader of the mutants and just systematically breaks him down in the mud pit? I was gonna go with that. Clean breaks but nothing that'll be permanent. Bit more of a mix of both rabbits but still does the job.
>>4665880That will work fine, time to put the fear of dragons in their heart.Actually, would it be a good ideia to do a roar after we are done? Just to completly destroy their morale.
>>4665894TL certainly is becoming the dragon of domija. He just needs to take the dojima name. Anyways foods almost ready so I'll be away for a bit.
https://youtu.be/C-USb8-NMnQThe boar pushes forward, his muscles bulging as he puts all his weight forward. The raiders hoot and hollar as your slowly pushed backwards. Your feet slide backwards only because the dirt underneath gave away as he forced movement upon you. You body remains unmoved as you slide across the ground and finally you grow tired of playing the fool. You tense up and all movement stops as your body grows rigid. It's as if you were attached to the very ground it self. Rooted in place like a great tree, you refuse to move no matter how much the boar tried to push against you. The raider struggles in vain, his hands gripping your biceps tightly, but to no avail. As easily as you stopped yourself, you tear free from his grip and lean back. Grabbing the man's wrists, you pull him towards you just as you lean forward, directing his nose right into your headbutt. There's a crunching sound and you feel something hot and wet splash against your head. Crimson blood pours down your forehead, around your nose and down your cheek. The raider groans but resists going for his nose and you step forward. You wrap your arms around the boar and pull him into a hug before bending over backwards and slamming his head into the ground. You let him go and get to your feet. "Since your so eager to fight." You say wiping the blood from your face. "We do it on my terms." You grab the hammer from the floor and snap it in two. The boar's eyes widen as you hold the head between both palms and crush it as easily as brittle clay. You toss the crumpled metal heap behind you and draw both of Xin's blades, slipping them onto your fingers. "You got chance after chance after chance. Now it's time to see what happens when you push a man who can fight back."With a growl you dash towards your opponent, hands at your temples to block, hunched forward and ready to strike. The boar gets to his feet and strikes, thrusting his palm out to catch your chin but you had moved, almost imperceptively so, and the attack only grazes the fur of your cheek. You grab the man's wrist and hold his arm straight as you throw and uppercut into the raider's elbow. There's a sickening pop as the bones come apart at the joint. The crowd goes silent as the would be champion, their ace in the hole, screams in agony as he clutches his useless arm. You slap the man across the face, breaking his stance and punch him in the back right in the shoulder blade. The bone slpits like a china plate under the impact of your strength and the unnaturally resilient blades of your friend. The boar falls, his arm utterly ruined and you take your chance to stomp down on his shin breaking that as well.
The silence is broken as the raiders watch you grab the boar by the scruff of the neck and they groan when you pull his arm behind him and another pop follows. Dislocated arm in your hand, you throw the boar down face first into the dirt. You roar as you raise you iron knuckled fist and bring it straight down into the poor man's ankle, shattering it. Some of the raiders turn away, unable to look at the surgical brutality you were inflicting upon your opponent. The bravest among them continue to watch but still hesitate to join in and assist. Tossing the daggers aside, you grip the man by the throat and lift him with one hand. As you pull his bloodied face close to yours you say, "Listen and listen well. You might not understand me but I know there has to be one scumbag among this rabble that can. So when they carry your broken body back to your leader. When she asks what happened. You tell her this. China is off limits. It's people are off limits and she just crossed a line she won't be coming back from. You're in my territory now and you've used up every last ounce of goodwill I had. I'm coming for her and she had better pray to whatever Gods she has. I'm the oncoming storm, the fury of the dragons, I am Tai Lung and there isn't anyone in your army that can stop me. I hope for your sake you can understand me otherwise she's in for a rude awakening." To your suprise, the boar nods weakly, tears cleaning his bloodstained face. You roar with the might of a dragon and toss the broken man at the nearst group. The raiders, unsure whether to catch their wounded comrade and risk injuring more or to step aside and not get hit, fail to move out of the wait and collapse under the weight of the man. You flick your hand clean of blood, pick up your friend's daggers, and make your way back to the woods. The raiders in your way step aside, too terrified to do anything to stop you, too frightened to even consider the thought that they were letting you get away. All they saw was a monster, a dragon barely contained in the flesh of a mortal man.>Where do you go?>Head back to the cave. Gather what little supplies there might be left.>Go find your friends. They might be close by.>Go to find the evacuees. The others will catch up to you eventually.>Write in.
>>4666033>Use our spirit sense to catch up to ming>>4665788No. The context is different, as was written in the update they have had chance after chance after chance to stop coming, we bloodied their nose in a night raid, we broke limbs and hit them with putrid gas in their next assault and now we've brutalized a man to intimidate a hundred others into staying the hell back.The actions taken are similar to what Renshu was going to do, but his was an instinctual vice in a dream done to a defeated opponent while this is closer to just being a slightly more focused effort of our usual doctrine.
>>4666033>Go find your friends. They might be close by.Holy shit that was brutal.>>4665903Well, Kiryu never killed anyone is nearly a saint, so that wouldn't be far off.
>>4666356,and is*Fucking captcha eating parts of my post.
>>4666356Brutal. But required.
>>4666366It definitaly is. The supplex and hammer shatter together with the breaking of the bones ended up mixing really well.But it also was brutal in the cool meaning of the word, it was fucking beatiful.
>>4666092>>4666356Going back to Ming and the others. Writing.
The woods were quiet, almost oppressively so, as you make your way through them to get to your friends. Finding Ming and Xin Lan wasn't difficult. Their presence, not quite Chi nor spirit, burned brightly through the thick trees and undergrowth and though it was a small spark in at this distance it was still easy enough to follow. The sounds of the raiders had faded away sometime ago and you were certain none would dare make a move against you now.You travel for about half an hour before you catch up to your friends. You hear the sound of a blade being unsheathed, "Who goes there?" Hien calls out. "Ally or foe, I give you one chance to reveal and explain yourself." You step out from the trees, hands in the air. "It's just me." You say. Hien exhales a sigh a relief and sheathes his blade."You're safe." He says. "Anyone coming after us?" Xin Lan asks from Ming's arms. You shake your head and stride closer to the group. "No. I think they'll be too busy carrying their injured back to camp." You say. "In any case, we should continue moving. The evacuees have already made quite the distance and we should go farther out before we set up camp." You all move out, the others still somewhat wary of another attack but you continue to make progress away from your old base. Darkness falls a while later and you all settle down to make camp in a large tree, hollowed out by years of decay. Ming manages to make a small fire, big enough to keep you all warm through the night but small enough to keep safe and conceal within the tree's trunk."How much farther do you think the others are?" Ming asks as she pulls a blanket around her and eats some of the cold rations. You didn't dare make a bigger flame to cook, not unless some of the raiders decided that they still had a chance. Alone perhaps, Gods willing, you could probably handle a majority of them maybe even succeed against the whole army if not ultimately succumbing to wounds but with friends, it gave them other targets forcing you to divert your focus around too much."I don't know." Hien admits. "At their rate of travel, I would assume we can meet up with them once more in a few more hours tomorrow. After that, it's only a matter of reaching Taishi for safety.""With Shifu and Po we should be safe for the rest of the journey." You say as you quietly chew your food, mind on other things. "That's four fighters to cover the four cardinal directions. Renshu and Xin will be able to keep an ear out for trouble.""I just hope the Five arrive soon." Ming admits. "Then we can finally defeat the raiders and put and end to all this.""Yeah. Though that does bring up the question." Xin Lan says. "What are you gonna do after all this?" They ask Hien.
The young lord looks back from keeping watch through the small opening in the tree trunk. "Me?" He asks surprised. "I...suppose I'd return to the Forbidden City and resume my duties...and perhaps receive a rather large verbal lashing from my siblings." He says with a weak chuckle. "What about you? Mine is fairly obvious. Yours however is quite the mystery. Where does a wanted man and his friends go?">What do you say?>Say that you'll simply wander and deal with any troubles you come across. It's what you've been doing the past year.>Say that you're not sure. This whole raider buisness has kind of taken precedent. >Say that you'll head to the sacred library. You have need of their vast wisdom.>Write in.
>>4666809>The sacred library is our goal. If you must increase security because of that knowledge, at least give them the good sense to not attack first.Make it a bit of a joke. But the library was our goal before this
>>4666809>Say that you'll head to the sacred library. You have need of their vast wisdom.Gotta find them pools, we may have achieved inner peace, but we still have a lot of soul searching to do.Invite Hien too, he seema to be troubled, could do good to him.>>4661127Still haven't forgotten of this list. I swear that I will do it eventually.
>>4666863So what was thinking is that the whole talk about what kinda of person Tai Lung likes could have made him realise he still doesn't know what he really wants in life. So the pools of reflection could help him with it.
>>4666875>Ho great warrior, why do you come to the pools of eternal reflection, to gaze into your very sooooooooul!>TL: I just want to know what sort of porn I'm into.
>try to have a child with xin and call him caerbannog
>>4666880>The Pools: Yes>TL's face when
>>4666898Truly china's newest threat.
>>4666875Honestly, I always figured TL was more of "I love who I love and it'll happen when it does. Be it guy or girl, bunny or cat."But we all know whoever it is, Shifu is gonna be surprised.
>>4666898With Shen's death, no one will be able to great a weapon capable of stoping him.
Now I'm wondering. Is TL the kind of guy who cares about his lineage and legacy and would want a kid or is he content enough with the idea his friends will carry it in for him with his ideals.
>>4666915But now seriously, what I was trying to say is more like he realizing that after all of his life spent training and in prison, he doesn't have any idea what he wants in his future in general, and that conversation was a sort of catalist for the epiphany, instead of "I don't know what make peepee hard, better look at the magic pond".
>>4666925I say that we try to have a child just to see tai trying to raise him and go through all that also it would help tai a lot to leave the past behind and have a goal
>>4666928I get ya and I think its a pretty good idea. TL's quest is over...kinda. He's redeemed himself in his eyes. Maybe not in China's but he is more or less a good man. That goal now evolving into what he wants to do in the future is a good step forward. Be it having snow bunny hybrids or simply enjoying Renshu's company the rest of his life. Jokes aside it could be a good goal for next "season's" arcs. Maybe a time skip to him owning a dojo or building his mountain home. There's already a pretty big time jump in the works but thats just to develop Ming's skills and spend time with the gang.
>>4666925I think Tai is sort of like Renshu in that he doesn't really desire or "deserve" that sort of reward, a child of his blood.His legacy would be carried by his friends and his skills will either die with him or be passed to the worthy who manages to convince him to teach. Actually raising a son I don't see him doing, since I think he's just unable not that it wouldn't be adorable to see him try.>>4666942Timeskipping to house would be aight. Perhaps a vision from the pools will reveal the perfect spot.
>>4666831>>4666863Counting votes. Writing but no need to stop the conversation
>>4666942For a goal. . . Our quest for personal redemption is done but I think in between a few months of rest and training in that new house, we would have to head out again and continue to wander and help for one very good reason.Renshu.His own quest is to be a good man within 7 years, and to have made an exceptional turn around in 13 and once we breach that mark the man can go about his life until his natural death. Until said point, I don't feel comfortable stopping unless he has helped save china itself twice over, because Hell is not something you gamble with.And Daiyu would kill us for keeping ming all to ourselves.
>>4666942A timeskip would be nice after the poola if nothing important comes up.But it still long ways off, like beating the raiders, adding the leader to our party like a shounen were the enemies become an ally, stopping the invasion, discovering a conspiracy if there is one, revealing the past of Tai Lung heritage.You know the whole deal.
>>4666963>>4666965That's cute.>>4666966Nah, she needs to go to jail to think about what she did. And pray that the mongols aren't the sort to make "I'll only marry the guy who bests me in combat" oaths.
>>4666966Yeah, I need to get to the part where TL is actually part demon and dragon, Ming is some kind of goddess, Xin is the child of the greatest demon in hell and Renshu was evil all along was behind the destruction of his assassin organisation.
>>4666963>>4666965I absolutely love those. Wish I knew someone to commission art from but thats expensive too. Did some searching out of curiosity and found the perfect image for stripes.
>>4666942We must fulfill the greatest duty that a son has to a father which is to give him grandchildren to pamper and be the best grandfatherBased according to my father and mother hehehe God seriously pamper my daughter and son too much and I always the bad one ... I can't wait to have my grandchildren
>>4666987Shifu seems like the type of grandad who isnt sure what to do, leans down to make them laugh then gets his whiskers torn off again.Or alternatively, the one who laughs.
>>4666973Was more thinking that we were the son of some northerners that died in a raid and we have a sibling that vowed revwnge against China, ending if a climatic showdown in a thunderstorm.>>4666972I'm not sure, Hien did say that the problem was that the realation between the nomads and the chinese was bad because of bad blood, so I thought making one of them repay their debts by becoming a hero, and warming up to China could lead to better reaktions in the future.Also she would be a prisoner of war than a normal criminal right? Dungeons are fucking aborrent.
>>4666974When I qent to aearch for a image of Tai Lung to photoshop a meme, there were pages of Lung x Tigress pregnant, so I appalud your strength boss.
>>4666996Unfortunately yes. As of know, if you had asked Hien, the raiders are all charged with insurrection now that it is known they possess scrolls containing imperial secrets and they plan to use it against the royal family. What the Empress will do to the raid leader is anyones guys though as Hien points out, she'll put her nation's interests first before anything.
we are already a fugitive we can continue wandering let's do like sun wukong after the pools let's point out a cardinal point and see what is in that direction until we leave china
>>4667009I don't think we can hand her over unless we get the assurance from Hien that the execution would be quick or they wouldnt be tortured. Do our due diligence.We cant not hand her over, but we should at least exact what promise we can from him.
>>4667027You can definitely ask him. However hien doesn't have the power to change her sentencing. He can certainly talk to his sister but she has final say. Also sending hien to speak to his sister means he can't come along with you as he has to journey back to china's capital to do it.
“We’re heading to the Sacred Library. We have need of their vast knowledge.” You say and you chuckle as you add, “But if knowing that means you gotta send troops to boost security then can you at least instruct them not to attack on sight?” Hien gives you a smile. “If I can get through my siblings verbal assault I will endeavour to let them know. However, seeing as they tend to go on for a while, I might accidentally forget to tell them of your whereabouts.” He replies and leans against the tree. Xin Lan snorts and stretches with a yawn. “Well that’s assuming we find it first. All we know is that it’s in the mountains.” They admit with a tired nonchalance. “I guess most of the journey is figuring out where it actually is.” They put their arms behind their head and relax a bit more. “Of course before all that we need to survive new years. Otherwise Ming will kill us if we skip it.”“Yes I will.” Ming replies, pointing her spoon at Xin Lan. “We all promised we’d celebrate it together and even if it means looking at the stars at night around a fire then so be it but I won’t let you forget it.” Xin Lan sticks their tongue out at her and mutters something about making sure she doesn’t forget their birthday. Hien for his part simply looks amused and turns to ask.“What exactly do you need from the Sacred Library?” Hien asks. “There are plenty of other libraries that would be suitable for general knowledge so I’m assuming there must be something you’re looking for that can’t be found elsewhere.” Xin Lan and Ming exchange looks but Hien keeps his gaze on you, curious yet somewhat cautious. You’re not certain if he really wants to know out of genuine curiosity or if he’s trying to ascertain whether or not to follow through with what you suggested.You set down your flask of ice cold water. It’s contents refreshing you and making you a bit more awake. “We seek the Pools of Contemplation.” You say finally. “It is a journey I started alone about a year ago when I escaped. They say that one can study their own soul in true and utter peace there. I wish to go and see if I have truly become a changed man. My friends' reasons are their own but I appreciate their company more than anything. Perhaps they might find some answers there to their own questions and whatever it is they want to seek in them I will assist them. “Many think the Pools are a legend. I’m not sure myself if they are real but the truth is that only the Sacred Library holds the answer to that question.”
“And if they are a myth? If they truly do not exist? What then?” Hien asks as he tilts his head, now in genuine curiosity. You shrug, truthfully you never actually gave thought to the idea that perhaps your journey would end without answers. To call it a failure would diminish the progress you and your friends made. “I don’t know.” You answer truthfully. “Perhaps I will go wander China some more with my friends. Perhaps I might open a dojo under a false name. I have no intent on returning to prison. Not when my skills could be used for the betterment of others. Maybe its a selfish desire but one that has saved countless lives. Perhaps…” you say with a small grin. “I’ll go and search for someone to marry. All these questions have brought up some faults in my own personal upbringing.”“I see.” Hien says quietly but continues no further. Ming and Xin Lan simply sit there looking at you and Hien, unsure what to add to the conversion without divulging any information that you would not want to.>What do you say?>Ask Hien about the raiders. What will he do with them? Will he kill them on the spot? Execute them for their crimes?>Ask Hien about returning home. Does he really want to? It seems that he has always wanted to step out of his sibling’s shadows despite his protests to the contrary.>Ask about the scrolls. What does he plan to do with them? You certainly aren’t allowed to carry them.>Write in.
>>4667173>Ask him about the raiders>Ask about returning home.>Tell him the tale of Oogway and Kai, Luo's story and give him the replica sword of hero's. A memento for a paragon.
>>4667173>Ask Hien about returning home. Does he really want to? It seems that he has always wanted to step out of his sibling’s shadows despite his protests to the contrary.
>>4667191Support.I've been shilling that idea for days and ended up not being the guy to put to vote, ironic right?
>>4667191>>4667205>>4667226Taking these. writing
>>4667230Something came up write up will take a bit longer
>>4667191What if we told him it was the true sword of heroes?>"A true hero does not cut down all in their path. The obstacles in front of him are given a chance to part before him, and a chance to become better than they once were. One can never take back a life taken."
>>4667293It's better not lie. But we can tell that Luo himself gave it to us, that's a half-truth atleast.
>>4667300Not lie, just philosophize.
>>4667307I should clarify what I mean.True =/= original.The original sword of heroes is the one of legend, but also a regretted mistake. A weapon that can only shed blood and take lives. Though it is the most well known by a longshot, it would not be right to call it a weapon of heroes.The true weapons of heroes do not claim lives, they preserve them. That is why the second sword could be considered the True one.
>>4667319Well, as long we make it very clear to him that is philosophy, I don't see a problem with it.
It'd be interesting to see what you guys do with it. As it is right now, it does cut as any sword does but because it's meant to be an ornament piece, it's horrible at retaining an edge and it's cutting power is not the best.
>>4667410Make it blunt. I want to see Hien become like the swordman from that japanese puppet anime/show that uses a stick to sword people.
>>4667423I think I know the one...zatch bell? Haven't watched it though. I think Shaman King had the MC weild a wooden blade. And I think Yuyu hakusho had a guy who channeled Ki into his wooden sword to make it sharp.
>>4667456Know I'm talking about thundebolt fantasy. Had to google to find out what it is.Never watched it, but a webm keep getting posted in filename threads of one of the scenes of the sworddude cutting a sword with a stick and it looks neat.
>>4667486Making hien some kind of samurai warrior who can choose to channel chi into his blade to turn it into a lethal weapon or choose to use a nonlethal blunt blade sounds awesome.
"What about you?" You ask turning the conversation around. "Do you really intend to just return home? From what you've said, it seems like you want quite the opposite. A chance to prove yourself to everyone and step out of your sibling's shadows." You say. Hien gives you a wary smile. "I'm afraid you're incorrect." He says politely. "I simply wish to stop the raiders from attacking my country. I am not here out of desire to acheive fame or renown. I'm simply here out of duty to my people. Here because I alone can circumvent the politcal and social roadblocks that prevent my family from bringing the full might of China's armies down upon them.""Come on." Xin Lan says dubiously. "You can't tell me that you're ok with being the one son of the emperor no one remembers. Or that you're ok that you'll be relegated to just watching in the shadows." Hien nods. "That is exactly what I intend to do. By remaining within my sibling's shadow I am free to do what needs to be done to keep China safe. I'm free to attend to whatever issues they cannot." Xin Lan scoffs. "As you've said, I am just the average child of the emperor. My sister and brother are far more talented than I and deserve the positions they hold. Nonetheless I will not sit idly by when I can serve my nation. This is the duty of my family and one that I will uphold with pride and honor.""Then what about the raiders?" You ask. "Will you simply execute them? Kill them where they stand?"Hien hesitates and nods. "...yes. If I must. That is what I am bound to do. They are guilty of insurrection and they intend to harm the royal family and destabilize the country. I'm afraid I cannot allow them to live and should I bring them back to be tried for their crimes it will only result in the same." You nod knowingly and place a hand on the young man's shoulder."Can you do it?" You ask, looking him in his emerald green eyes. "Can you take their lives just like that?" Hien grips his blade tightly and frowns. His eyes flicker and seem to tremble in the fight light as the two of you look at each other. There was a long silence as the two of you look at one another before the young lord nods slowly.
https://youtu.be/lEnD93WJwoc "Yes." He says quietly. "Yes I can. It doesn't get easier. It never will but I will bear that pain. For my country." He pulls out the journal. "I read this all last night." He says quietly, his eyes watering, his face firm. The face of a young man struggling with themselves. "You know what I learned of the enemy?" He asks."What did you learn?" You ask, your voice quiet, even and neutral."Her name was Sarangerel. She was a scout in the raider's army. She joined early this year." Hien says holding the book out, his hand trembling. "And she missed her family." Hien grits his teeth as he continues. "She had two younger brothers and an elderly mother and she wrote fake letters that she hoped one day she could deliver them. She hated the cold and only joined because she wanted to earn money to feed her family. She was afraid because she was killing people who did nothing wrong to her. She was afraid that her companions would find out and leave her stranded in a forgein land. Every time they returned to Xiqi she would smuggle some of the loot they found. Stole it and hid it away so she could take it home as soon as they decided to return." Tears streamed down Hien's face but still he maintains a composed face, forced into place by his will. "She was a person Tai Lung. They're all people. Good or bad, evil or benevolent, they are people. They have friends and family. Hopes and dreams. And I have killed some. I have snuffed out their lives as easily as a candle. This is the weight of a ruler. I must judge who lives and dies and I must live with the weight of my actions. Not because I want to. Not because I can but because I must. Because the lives of thousands of other innocent people are at stake. I respect your vow to never kill again and I will never ask you to raise your hand to take a life but I will." Hien's voice cracks if only slightly as he pushes himself to go on. "Heavens forgive me but I will. So you ask if I will strike that woman down? That woman who I know nothing about. The one who may well be doing this out of a reason I may never know? I will. Because it is my duty. Because it is my responsibility." Hien stares at you with a look one would call resentful, angry. But you know that look, that tremble, that uncertainty. That was the look of someone who was losing themselves. The look of a man who was seeing the walls of his destiny close around him, smothering him but was unable to do anything about it. A look you remember often seeing in those rare moments of true loneliness when you were younger and you looked in the mirror.
You nod slowly, maintaining eye contact with the young man. "If that is what you wish to become then I will not stop you." You say. "You are the son of the emperor and you must find your own path." You pull back and sit down, never breaking sight with him, never turning away. "But...permit me one indulgence. Just one favor." Hien looks at you unmoving almost as if he was afraid that any sudden movement would break what tenuous grasp he had on his neutral demenor. You pull the replica Sword of Heroes from your side and hold it in your hands. Even after months of travel, it still retained it's beautiful sheen. The jade dragon embossed into the sides glittered in the fire, smooth and without imperfection. "Listen to my tale." You say simply as you place the blade across your lap. "This blade has seen me throughout all my travels. From here to the other side. Not once has it drawn blood, not once has it been used in war. This is a replica of the legendary Sword of Heroes but to me it is the true sword of heroes and it represents everything about you." You say holding it up to Hien. The sides sheen from the flames and the young lord is forced to see his own tear stained face reflected in the metal.
"This was given to me by the original creator of the Sword of Heroes, Luo Guanzhong. The original sword was what started him on the path to become the man he wished to be and so he gave me this replica with the same idea in mind." You flourish it and hold it with a reverse grip as you hold it out for Hien to take. "Now I offer it to you with the same idea in mind. In hopes this helps you become the man you truly want to be. Along with a story. Long ago Luo was no the man he is known for now. He was a blacksmith and more importantly what many considered to be the inferior of his three brothers and father. In his anger and his jealousy he forsook them leading to the death of his father. In his sadness and in his rage, he took his brother's weapons and forged them into the weapon we know today. He slew those who had hurt the ones he loved and was heralded a hero but to him it was a hollow victory. Power, skill, respect. He had all those but none could bring back those he had lost. Just as you want to be seen. Just as you lie and say you are doing it for everyone. Are you willing to sell yourself to be one everyone knows about? Even if it costs you everything?" Hien seems to open his mouth to respond but you ignore him and continue, still not handing him the sword. "But power for the sake of others also comes with it's own cost. Years ago, in the time of the three kingdoms there was a man and his sworn brother. Together they fought with the noble goal of preserving the country they loved. To unify it and bring about peace once more. Along the way they gathered a following. They made friends and allies. But peace always comes with a cost. The sworn brother became disillusioned with the fight. They saw what they were becoming. Warlords. So he offered a different solution. He and his closest friends traveled once more but this time to connect the nation through peace not fighting. It cost them dearly. As it was common in those times, betrayal followed suit time and again. Many of the brother's friends fell, lost to the flames of war but happy in dying for the greater cause. The man however, lost sight of his goal. He had sworn to gather more power so that such a thing could never happen again. So that no family could lose another one close to them. He too fell to the shadows as his sworn brother grew to be known as a diplomat and peacekeeper. But the man did not care for he was doing everything he could to protect his loved ones and gain more power. Soon his goals fell away, his noble purpose lost and all he craved was power. Why protect when you can conquer? Why offer peace when you can demolish? Soon he stole, killed and maimed. Anything to gather power. Anything to further his wants. In the end, the two brothers fought. In the end, the man was banished leaving only destruction and a heart broken sibling behind. Now he is known as one of the most feared legends in China's history. His deeds of good permantly wiped from it."
You hold out the blade and stare Hien directly in the eyes. "So now I'm offering you this sword. The sword with the weight of many tales. The sword that pushes men to become what they truly wish to be. A true hero does not cut down all in their path. The obstacles in front of him are given a chance to part before him, and a chance to become better than they once were. One can never take back a life taken. But you now this and so I leave the choice to you because you are the only one who can make it. I will leave you with one last question. When the time comes, when you see that woman on her knee, broken and defeated. Can you raise that blade? Can you tarnish it's clean steel with the stain of blood and weight it down with the act of murder?" Hien extends his trembling hand and pulls the blade away from you. "I...am no hero." He says quietly, unsure. The young lord holds the blade in his hand and looks at it quietly. You don't hear him speak again for the rest of the night.>What do you do?>Go to sleep. You'll need all your energy to stay on look out when you reach the caravan.>Stay up all night and keep watch. You scared the raiders but you never know.>Talk to someone else. Who do you want to talk to?>Write in.
>>4667550>Go to sleep. You'll need all your energy to stay on look out when you reach the caravan.>Stay up all night and keep watch. You scared the raiders but you never know.Set up a watch rotation, so everyone sleeps at least a little.
>>4667550>Got to sleep, set up watch rotation
I feel like the time skip is gonna involve teaching everyone chi. Which is cool. Makes the team unique...er.
>>4667565>>4667687Taking watch in shifts. Writing.
"We should sleep in shifts." You say as you carefully place another log into the fire. It immediately begins to snap and crackle as the heat begins to consume it. Warmth begins to fill the small enclosure again, a small advantage to being in such a closed space. "The raiders might be frightened off or busy looking for us but we can't lower our guard just yet."Ming warps her blanket tighly around herself. "Do you think they'll go after the other towns?" She asks quietly as she tries not to look at Hien who had now decided to turn his back to the group and stare at the stars, hunched over. "Now that they know they've been found...maybe they'll try and attack more people as revenge." Xin Lan, who had unrolled their sleeping bag, pokes their head out and looks at Ming as they rest their head on their hand. "I don't think so." They say. "If they do, they're only drawing more attention to themselves. Seems to me that their whole goal was to rob and pillage while not being found in order to get the most out of every attack. If they start going after towns now, they'll only bring us down on them. It'd be giving us a clear singal on where to go.""For now, we have to focus on the evacuees." You say. "We can't abandon them to chase shadows and we can't split up to go to different towns. We'd be too far apart to help one another if they do go and attack a town." You settle into your corner of the trunk. "But we can plan all that once we get back to Renshu. For now let's get some rest. I'll take first shift." Your friends nod and get comfortable for the night. Soon enough, the faint sounds of breathing come from your friends as they fall asleep. You wonder how long ago they became accustomed to sleeping while in danger and you frown. Maybe you didn't like the fact that this had become normal enough for them to sleep in peace during times like this...---By the time you reach the caravan the sun was high in the air. The cool morning air had given away to the warmth of the sun and the warm winds of spring gently blow in your face. The sounds of cart wheels stop as you and your friends emerge from the woods. The villagers look in your direction warily, their eyes unfocused and desperate to find the source of your approach. As soon as you appear within sight, their gaze locks on to you and as if on queue the guards move to cover that position. "Shut up." Xin Lan says preemptively as they hop down from your arms and limp toward the cart. "I want to see my brother and I'll hit anyone who tries to stop me." Shifu waves the guards away and you, Ming and Hien approach. "You're all safe." Renshu says from attop one of the carts, relief in his voice.
"Not quite." Xin Lan says. "Well, not entirely unharmed I mean." They pull themselves up onto the cart, and Renshu's gaze falls on their bandaged leg. Immediately you can feel rage emanate from the stripped rabbit. Pure and unadulterated, it seems to threaten to smother everyone around it. So much so that you're surprised that no one else seems to recognize or even feel it. Xin Lan sits next to their brother. "Got an arrow for my troubles but what can I say? I always wanted to be like you." They joke. Renshu pulls their sibling into a tight hug."I see." He says, his voice deceptively calm but the anger simmers, boiling and threatening to erupt. "But you're safe now. Everyone is here." He continues as he strokes the top of Xin Lan's head."Aww come on Stripes. You're embarassing me infront of everyone." Xin Lan says wiggling but not really trying to escape. Renshu's anger subsides to somewhat safer levels and he smiles."I will always embarass you infront of everyone." He says fondly and letting go. "It's my right and my reward for letting you steal food from my plate." Xin Lan gives them a smug grin at that and Renshu turns to you and the others. "What news did you bring?" He asks calmly, his rage finally vanishing. "Are the raiders still after us?" You shake your head."Not that we've last seen." You say. "We've managed to harass them for a long while and hide away for a night but they seemingly found us. We're not sure if they were trying to track you or us but we decided that it would be better to regroup with you all. We can defend the caravan much better than sitting around and hoping things are alright." Renshu nods and you walk along side the cart as everyone begins to move again. "What about you guys? How did it go?""Smoothly." Renshu replies. "Though we had a few close calls. Scouting groups that just missed us, sounds of fighting in the woods. We could not presume it was your doing so we did our best to hide our numbers. Luckily, it seems the Gods smiled on us and we managed to continue on undistrubed. Though...I'm afraid that there were many that had hoped you did not succeed well enough to return." He says sadly.>What do you say?>Shrug and say that it's not your problem what the villagers want. You're here to do a job and do it well.>Ask Renshu something else or talk to another person.>Keep quiet. You don't really want to speak about things with so many people listening.>Write in.
>>4668304>Shrug and say that it's not your problem what the villagers want. You're here to do a job and do it well.Doing good is it's own reward.
>>4668304>Shrug>Ask renshu about his wounds, How have they healed?Now that we are safe, we can start taking some injuries to get the others back in shape. Renshu and xin back at full force are equal to our lack.
>>4668342>>4668347We don't care about the other's opinions. We do what we do because it's right. Also asking best girl if they're ok. Writing.
>>4668394And because we feel guilty.And because it's basically our primary skillset unless we wished to become assassins on par with Renshu at his prime and open a take out.
>>4668431Not sure I follow there for either, friend.
You shrug, you've been dealing this animosity for the past 3 days. Frankly, you'd have been surprised if their attitudes had shifted since then and to be quite honest, you had always come to expect this reaction. It just so happens that no one ever knew who you were until everything had blown over. "They can believe what they want." You say nonchalantly. "We don't do this for the fame or admiration. Unless you think this will impede our goals?" Renshu shakes his head and stops doting on their sibling long enough to adjust their sling. "I don't believe it will." He says. "They are frightened, that much is certain but they are far more scared of the raiders than you at the moment. As silly as that sounds.""I suppose that is fear in a nutshell. It never is something coherent or logical." You say. "We still have many days before we reach Taishi, hopefully they calm down a bit more once we have a few days travel between us and Xiqi.""One can only hope." Renshu replies. "It is quite odd to feel the ire of these villagers." He admits. "I don't believe I've ever felt anything quite like it. It's a rather new experience." You tilt your head in confusion."Ever? But what about your...old profession? Or your time out of the country?" You ask, trying to be as discreet and more importantly, as tactful as possible. Renshu gives you one of his serene smiles. "I'm afraid most of my work went unnoticed and much as my time away, I never met the people who I would have drawn the ire of. One did not live long in my profession if the origin of my work was well known though...I must admit I was rather thorough as well when I wanted to be. I'm afraid there aren't too many left that would be aware of my existence." He admits as he adjusts a now snoozing Xin Lan. "Though it would be rude of me to say that thier ire for me is greater than their hatred of you. To them I'm merely a proxy. Someone associated with you." Once again you shrug. "It's not big deal. I expected this to happen sooner or later. I'm actually quite surprised that I went this long without being found out." You admit. "Their hate isn't really something I enjoy but it doesn't really compare to prison so I'll gladly take a few glares and whispers over manacles and restraints." Changing the subject you ask, rather concerned, "How are your wounds? Are they healing alright?"
Renshu adjusts his sling a bit, more out being reminded than habit. "I'm doing quite alright. The pain is manageable though I will be grateful if Miss Ming has any medication to dull it somewhat. I'm afraid however I'm still of no use to you. According Miss Ming, I've dislocated my shoulder. Though she managed to pop it back into place, it'll be about a dozen or so weeks before I can use it properly. And about half as many before I can use my leg. Judging by Xin Lan's injury, I'd say they're about the same. Arrow wounds are rather grevious. We will have a few weeks if more than one as we wait for the Five to arrive but I'm afraid we will be nowhere near ready for an all out war against the raider army.">What do you say?>Write in.
How did it manage to not include any of my options? Here you go.>What do you say?>Tell Renshu you can try to heal his wounds. You've never done it before but it's worth a shot.>Say that it's no problem. Even if he and Xin are too injured to fight, there's still you, Hien and the five as well as Shifu and Po to fight back.>Say that he's done enough. For now, he can simply rest and perhaps talk to the villagers to see if they can calm down a bit.>Write in.
>>4668493>Tell Renshu that we can try to heal his wounds, never done it before but it's worth a shot.>If we do this, wake up Xin and inform both them and Ming about what's happening. We promised not to scare them again.So two broken legs and a dislocated arm. I think when we discussed it we were able to condense our healing down from months to weeks, so about speeding our natural regen rate up by 4 ish. Using this hazy memory as a guide, a week and a half for us to get our legs back, and if we take about half the damage from his arm rather than full, we can also be done with that in roughly the same time.We will need some tending to stop the bleeding once we take on the wounds, but from there we can just straight trance our way through to next week and a half while Xin takes our place guarding the caravan.
>>4668530Support.Time to train this new ability.Also we are going to need Renshu and Xin to do a plan I'm making for when deal with the raiders.
>>4668530It would suck that we can't visit the captain or our taven bro's immediately, since we'd be spending a week in a trance, but is.Hmm, on second thought disregard this vote, we can explain that we can heal them but only after we have explained the situation to the guard captain, since if we leave it then he won't hear our report on the situation before the others taint his perceptions of us.Once we are back in town and dealt with him, then we will heal them.
>>4668538my plan will cost us a few days, so maybe just take a little of Renshu's injuries to see how it works without being incapacitated?
>>4668539That would be smart, yeah.Especially since the five will take a while to hear the message and to arrive anyway. And the guards and villagers might become even angrier that we apent the journey sleeping instead of guarding them.They may never like us, but it's better to not any more reasons.
Going over the archive, because I'm a big nerd, I will point out that doing Chi healing in any capacity also leaves you completely drained and doing the regen thing leaves you completely immobile and defenseless. Just pointing that out incase it messes with any plans you had in the works. Don't want to just spring that on you after the votes. wouldn't be fair.
>>4668538Actually, I'm going to say the plan here so the others anons can give their opinions, that way it may become more refined.So it start with ua sending the sneaky brothers, and maybe viper too to poison the fireplaces in the ruins during the night. The next day, Po and the five will march directly into the camp, drawing their attention, meanwhile Xin and Renshu will attack the sleepy guards while they awaken so they can't join the main battle, and we, shifu and hien attack the rest from behind.Depending if Ming learns more combat abilities, be they needle throwing or some magic, she will either skirmish at the borders doing hit and runs, or she stands back and help as support.
>>4668553No I do remember that part.It's why we haven't used it, far as I can tell, it leaves us completely defenceless. Was I right on the rate of healing though?But the way we'd do it is basically hand on each bloke, take it all in, try not to scream, take a drink and then drop into a coma for a while until we hop up good as new.Least that's how I see it.
>>4668553So better leave the healing for when we do it all at once than?
>>4668562I don't remember the healing rate. I'll go over it again but I need to head out for an appointment. I'll count votes when I get back.
>>4668558A bit risky, you have to admit. But I'd say instead that we should be one of those to march right into camp, since our abscence will be noted immediately, we being the terror of the raiders previous attacks.
>>4668564Seems that way. Being KO for even an hour is risky with these villagers.With allies this bad, who needs enemies?
>>4668581It is exactly because of us being the terror that we should show up out of nowhere a bit after the battle begins attacking their flank.Also we promised Po he would lead the charge against the raiders when the would come and I want to keep our word.
>>4668597While fair, and I'm fine with po leading us in, I think that having their focus on us would serve us better than their eyes wandering to see where we would come from.
Just so we are on the same page, we are dealing with the captain before healing the others right?
>>4668610Yeah, we return, report everything, give a heads up to the couple and go do our magic thing.Should also report togheter with Hien, just in case things go wrong.
>>4668622Hien, good catch. The man's word would be of no insignificant worth when his name drops. He may not wish for that though.
>>4668629We should ask him. Having us run out of town will hinder our efforts. Also could help convince the reat of the five to work with us too.But really don't want to force him to feel forced to do it, he helps if he wanta to.
>>4668648They can't run us out, not while they need us. We also have Shifu and our prior good reputation to help soften the blow but the captain needs to hear from us what we found and more importantly who we are.Best heard from us, and best to be unapologetic about keeping our name hidden. Guilt implies we did something wrong.
Hmmm...before Renshu helps on the operation, after we heal him, I feel we should remind him not to let his anger get the best of him when he's out there. He might slip up dangerously with how furious he is...
>>4668673I feel that his anger is understandable, justified even, in what he felt on seeing Xin. But a warning never hurt anyone.
>>4668677>a warning never hurt anyone.Unless it's in the form of a prophecy...right?
>>4668684Depends on the prophecy. The self fulfilling sort hurts people, but otherwise it's mostly fine.
I hate doctor's appointments. They always take forever.>>4668597We promised Po that? I honestly don't remember but I'll jot it down in my notes.Anyways, votes seem to be to get to town then inform the captain and then healing?
>>4668849i dont remember it either
>>4668849http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4613892/#p4643712Third paragraph, middle of the speech:"Once The Five return then you can lead a charge to fight evil."But it was written because of only one write-in that ws probably mine anyway, so feel free to retcon it.
>>4668888Nah, it's all good. Flanking with the others seems like something Tai Lung would do anyways. He's never been the kind of person who wants to lead glorious charges against evil. He just wants to go in, do the job and get out.
>>4668849I think so, we ask Hien if he wants to back us up in case shit hit the fan, go see the cap, maybe visit romeo and juliet and than enter a coma.
>>4668897Who knows, maybe if we’re lucky our chi bullshit combined with taking on an incredible amount of wounds will make us astrally project into Eureka where the dilated time will let us heal faster somehow.And then we come back with a bullshit upgrade because we obviously continue training in eureka until our body fully heals, in traditional shounen fashion.Wait a minute, i must be reading the wrong anime here
>>4668911You forgot the bit where you seal a demon in your stomach and learn to be a subsitute hell judge.
You place your hand on Renshu's good shoulder and give him smile. "Rest up my brother." You say. "I have a plan but now is not the time to discuss it. All I ask is that you have faith in me for now." Renshu returns your smile. "I'll always have faith." He says. "You've proved it to me more than you'll ever need to. I just hope that we are not burdening you.""If you were then I would be a poor friend." You say. "For all my talks, for all my journies, if I did not try to help you better yourself in that situation then I do not deserve the faith you give me. There is still plenty you can do right now. It's only a matter of playing to the strengths you have at the moment. For now take a rest. I'm sure you've been up worrying. The rest of us will take care of keeping watch." You step back and allow the cart to make some distance between the two of you before moving to go find the others. "Ming, if you still have some of those herbs can you spare a few to help Renshu with his pain? I don't think he's gotten much sleep." You say as you step in tandem with her. Ming rummages through her bags, a look of weariness from the light sleep you all had the night before."You got me a few things." She says. "Not much but something. As soon as we stop for the night, I can whip up a nice tonic for the pain. Can he move alright?" She asks."He seems fine but you know the rabbits. They're probably far more trained than either of us together to withstand pain. So he's probably not showing it." "You're right about that." Ming says unnerved. "I pull the arrow out of Xin's leg. No medicine, nothing to dull the pain. They didn't even move or react to it as I dug it out. Just had that deadpan stare they ussually get, you know? It was...unsettling." She admits.You nod. "I know but still, when you get the chance. Make them something to take the edge off. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.""What are you going to do?" She asks."I'm going to take mid point. Keep an eye out for trouble. Going to coordinate with my father and Po to try and get all sides covered as we travel. Keep an eye out as well. Might just catch something." You say and Ming looks around."Do you really think we'll run into anyone? We're pretty far out and I haven't really heard anymore of the raiders nearby either.""Until we're in Taishi, I'm going to assume we're still being followed." You say. "Better we keep vigilant for nothing than be caught off guard."
---The travel to Taishi was a long one. You don't remember the last time you had traveled at this slow a pace. Even when you took rides on carts and with other traders, you had the chance to zone out and not think. The constant feeling of being on edge never went away, even when you were a day's away form your destination. Finally, however, Taishi appears in your sight, a bastion of safety in the dark oppressive forest. As you arrive to the town's edge, people begin to come out of their homes or stores curious about the sudden arrival of such a large gathering of people in the off season. As soon as the evacuees arrived within the city limits they immediately broke formation and beelined it to the nearest tavern or eatery, hoping to drown their sorrows or eat their worries away. Others remained at the edge of town, though still within the safety of it's buildings to talk and get their stories told. This bode ill for you. They would speak about you, tell everyone your real name, and that would simply make things much harder. However, you had friends to tend to as well. You couldn't simply abandon them to get things done before everyone knew who you were.>What do you do?>Find Xin and the others a place to stay. Best you all have some shelter or else you might not be allowed a room because of name alone.>Go talk to the Captain. He needs to know what happened, he'd also be the angriest if he found out you lied to him by omission.>Find Chuanli and his family. Let them know you're ok. They at least know your name even if they thought you were joking.>Write in.
>>4669051>Go talk to the Captain. He needs to know what happened, he'd also be the angriest if he found out you lied to him by omission.>Find Chuanli and his family. Let them know you're ok. They at least know your name even if they thought you were joking.In order, quickly confirm that the noble is the sun of the emperor, Po and my dad is here. Then leave before the yelling/heart attack starts
>>4669051>Have Ming get the shelter, Xin and Renshu keep eachother company for the time being, while we talk to the captain.If we keep our conversation short, w eshould be able to get back to the others quickly and carry them to the inn. In the meantime, they can "Rest" or "stand guard" as a precaution.
>>4669290Don't forget to give him our name.And I think it should be "The noble was the sun of the emperor, and your mayor mistook his orders."Hien still wants to keep a low profile, I think
>>4669051>Go talk to the Captain. He needs to know what happened, he'd also be the angriest if he found out you lied to him by omission.Ask Hien for support just in case.>>4669294That's why I'm thinking of asking for hia help first, so we don't go over whatever he wants.>Find Chuanli and his family. Let them know you're ok. They at least know your name even if they thought you were joking.See if they are all right, hopefully.no one came to kidnap her while we were away.
>>4669407If they did, then WHOO BOY AM I GONNA BE 400% MAAAAAAAAAAD.
>>4669417I say if it happened, we heal Renshu and ask him to deal with it.Let's see how they will like the terror of japan.
>>4669421No, no. I feel that this is something we should be doing. Even after we help his arm, it's still going to be stiff.
>>4669290>>4669407Captain first so he gets mad. Then the family so anons get 400% mad. Writing.
>>4669698Oh no.Time to wipe out a trader dynasty from existance.
>>4669698Welp. Time to learn a new style.
>>4669702Honestly that seems to fit Xin Lan more but man just thinking of Dragon Style enhanced Mad Dog Shimano is pants shittingly terrifying. Side note, I beat Yakuza 0 and the legend styles broke the game. Majima's mad it almost unfun to play with how easy it got. Made me damn sad. Now i'm just playing the rest of the series as I wait for 6 to be ported.
>>4669703I get that man. Thug style was kinko though.
>>4669705Thug style was my favorite but I can't say I didn't love the hell out of the aoe potential of Breaker. Especially the 3v1 heat action. But god damn...Majima's story and ending in that game hit fucking hard. Puts him in a whole new light and I'm glad I played 0 after 1 Kiwami.
>>4669706It really was Majima's game, watching him go from two bit gangster to the most crazy yak legend to ever grace the streets.
>>4669715It honestly was and I love how you can see where he get's all his crazy habits. Mr. Libido's pelvic thrusting, Nishitani's crazy love of fighting, his (at the time) weird ass dancing fighting style. Yakuza 0 really was an excellent prequel.
"Ming, take the others and find us a room to sleep in." You say as you dig roughly through your pockets for your bag of money. "Before they're all taken. I need to go talk to the guard captain before his men start to tell their side of the story. Man has a temper and I really don't need him hunting me down because of some one sided tale." You hand Ming the money and nod to your friends. "Stay safe and keep an eye out. We're gonna be in for a rough few days once the stories start to spread around." Ming nods. "Hien, I'm gonna need you to come with me. Might need your help on this one." You say quietly. Hien, who seemed busy staring at the townsfolk in a kind of trance, is brought back upon hearing his name."Ah, yes...yes I suppose I will go with you." He says rather quietly before looking back at the town."You guys stay here." Ming tells the rabbits. "I'll come get you guys once I have something ready for us. Just try not to yell at people Xin." She pleads. Xin Lan shrugs, "They couldn't do anything even in this condition but yeah I hear ya. Just get us somewhere to rest up." With the mattered of behaving and rooms settled, you quickly make your way to the small guard station at the other side of town. Even in the scant few minutes you spend talking with your friends, the villagers had already started to mingle with the townsfolk of Taishi and even now, as you try to keep to yourself, people glance in your direction. No longer an odd stranger with odder habits, you were something to be wary of. Something to be feared. You can hear the scant whispers around you, some of confusion and of disbelief others of fear. You pick up the pace and hurry over to the station. The familiar sight of the two guards, the porcupine and the monkey greet you at the door as always. Unlike your previous encounters, the two seem wide awake and eye the town in a mixture of nervousness and intrigue."Seems like something is going on in the town." The porcupine says as you approach. "Should we go investigate it?""No. Best we wait til the captains orders." The monkey replies. You wave at them for attention. "We've got a big group of evacuees." You say. "From the reconstruction in Xiqi. I'm here to give a report to the captain. Is he in?" You ask. The two seem rather unsurprised at the news."Oh makes sense." One says.
"Told you." The other reprimands. Upon seeing the confusion on your face, the porcupine clarifies, "I was just saying that there was no way the captain was gonna let someone like you go after all you did when you were here. I had a hunch he had sent you on some kind of secret mission. Good to see you back sir." He says with a salute. One you return awkwardly."Right." You say, rather uncomfortable. "In either case, is the captain in?" You ask."Oh yeah. He's in his office. Think he's been dealing with another one of the mayor's crazy schemes. Something about a new years parade." The monkey says. "I'm sure he'll be glad to see you." You nod and the two guards stand by to let you in. You walk through the small building, down the familiar hall, and towards the captain's office. You knock firmly on the door and hear from within a voice. "Come in." Following the directions, you step into the office and see that it is it's ussually messy self."Ah, it's you." The captain says somewhat surprised but now fully alert. "I figured you'd be gone for longer. Something is amiss isn't it?" "What makes you say that?" You ask trying to keep the conversation light."Woman's intuition." The captain replies snarkily. "Now cut the small talk. What's going on?">What do you tell the Captain? (Or rather how do you want to relate the news to him?)>Write in
>>4669765A hard question.>Give him the details of the situation, the raiders movement, his people being safe, the raids and how many there seemed to be [a full fucking army] and the noble who ordered this all to happen [ask Hien to introduce himself. He can do it as son of the emperor or just an imperial noble as he wishes.] and give him their projected movements and our actions, as well as who we brought back and the plan to gather the five and break the raiders.Once that's all done.>Now captain, You have all that? Because I'd like you to consider it all and digested it before I give you the next matter that you should hear about.Give him a minute to get it all straight in his head and ask questions before we alter his perceptions.>Your men will be along to tell you this shortly, so it is better to hear it from me first, My name is Tai Lung.After he's got that news, we can relate that we do still plan on helping, regardless of the animosity of the townspeople or himself but we would prefer to do it with his cooperation.
>>4669838>their projected movementsI meant the raiders here, not Hien.
>>4669765Tell that the guards are alive and so are the villager, about the journal and map and how thet are rotating the ruins. How they had a weapons stash we destroyed and that they were returning to xiqi and we hekp held them off and with the evacuation. Warn that the forest is minefield of traps know and spread the knowledge so with the villagers return they can be careful.Tell him we are going to wait for the rest of the five and ambush the raiders. Also tell him that Hien was his "problem" noble and that he is a good man, all the trouble was the mayor's imcompetence and eargerness to please. Let Hien introduce himself as the prince. Ask with anything happened in town, so we can get info on what is trouble before he has an aunerysm of rage.And than we tell him that when we said we were a wandering martial artist, we didn't tell everything, so we are coming clean that our name is Tai Lung.And hope Hien can stop him for ordering our improsement. Not because he can stop us, but because it would make thinga complicated.
>>4669868Oh, and that shifu and Po are here too, some more good news for him.
>>4669868I don't think we should ask Hien to order us to be left alone unless he has to. It's always best for the captain to stay his hand out of choice.
>>4669920I wasn't suggesting to order Hien to order the captain, thats why I said to hope he would save our hide.Because it has to come from his own iniciative.
>>4669922>>4669920Oh shit, I misenterpreted what you said.Yeah, it would be best if the captain didn't become hostile to us by choice, but if it doesn't happen then Hien stepping in would be the next best outcome.
>>4669926Probably
>>4669838>>4669868Making the tiger angry. Writing.
>>4669955Making the tiger happy, then making him immensely angry.
“It’s a rather long story.” You admit. “And I’ve heard that you’re rather busy so I’m sorry if this takes up some of your time.” You say. The guard captain grabs a handful of pages and throws them aside to the floor. “To hell with the mayor. Whatever you have to say is 100 times more important anyways.” He says gruffly and he leans back in his chair motioning you to one of the others opposite of his desk. You take one with a polite bow and sit though Hien decides to stand. “We found your men.” You say getting to the point. The captain nods, eyes glinting with something you can’t quite say is gratitude but also can’t say is excitement.“That’s good.” He says but then remains quiet for you to continue. “Luckily for us, our concerns were not reality. There was a real reconstruction effort going on in Xiqi. Your men had decided to stay as they had become rather attached to the progress that was being made and wanted it to be completed rather than leaving the villagers there defenseless. Something I can’t say I wouldn’t have done if I was in their place.”“Well that explains a lot.” The captain grunts. “Those idiots always did take things too far sometimes. Still...I’d rather they took their job seriously and stayed than some other idiodic thing like falling for a local girl. But I’m guessing that’s not the reason you’re here. You could have told them to write a letter and been on your way...unless you’re asking for payment?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. You shake your head.“No. Far from it. We ran into trouble.” You say and the captain’s eyes darken. “What kind of trouble?” He asks.“Raiders.” You say simply. “The ones we’ve all been tracking. Came out of the woods and attacked the remains of the town. We think they were using the ruins as camping spots to hide from guards or would be heroes and didn’t expect people actually trying to rebuild the town. We managed to fend them off but that was only a scouting party. The real trouble came the day after.” Your words carry a tone of finality and the room seems to grow smaller and colder as you continue with the grim news. “It’s an army of them. Hundreds of them. In the dead of night we had Master Shifu and The Dragon Warrior evacuate the villagers. My team and I stayed behind to hold them off. We have injuries but ultimately we managed to keep their attention and whittle their numbers down with hit and run attacks. As far as we know they’re still in Xiqi but we’re not sure if they’ll begin marching on other towns.”
The captain slowly sits up and then stands as he paces the small office. “I’m getting too old for this shit.” He mutters darkly as he stares out the window. For a moment his eyes seem to unfocus and stare off into nonexistent space before he turns around to face you. “So then, what is your plan? Xiqi is two weeks from here. I can organize another evacuation by then but we have many elderly and there are those who wouldn’t wish to leave. You’re putting me in a difficult spot here rookie.”“We wait for the Five.” You say. “They’re coming here in a few days, maybe a week tops. Once they arrive, I’ll go back with them and we’ll break the army apart. It’s the only plan we have at the moment. We have their movements down however, so should they not be in Xiqi, we know the next likely place they’ll head to next.” You motion to Hien and after a small delay, he reaches into his pockets and draws out the journal and the map. The captain glances at Hien for a moment, eyes lingering on him before returning to you. You unroll the map and begin to point at the various dates and locations. “We found these on a dead raider. It’s a map of their movements. Only intended for scouting parties in case they become separated from the main force. If they continue to follow their plan as such, we’ll be able to catch them if not preemptively get ahead of them for an ambush.” “Assuming they stick to their plans.” The captain points out. “What’s to say they won’t immediately abandon their routes? They know we’re onto them.” You shake your head.“They have too many injured.” You say. “Even if they do abandon their routes, the injuries they have limit how far they can travel. Even if they abandon them, it simply gives us more people to question. Although speaking of injuries...there are still some traps in the woods surrounding Xiqi.” You say a bit more sheepish than you intended. “Many were set and sprung to hold back the tide as the others escaped but I cannot say for certain if they were all dismantled.” The captain rubs his head and he shakes it.“Gods...you really know how to make a mess of things.” He says. “Alright, so we got them on the run. That’s good but what if they attack another town? What if they go for creating more havoc as a form of revenge?”
“That would risk them too much. It’d show us where they were and with a group that size, we’d easily catch them.” You counter. “I’ll admit that my plan was short sighted but I wasn’t going to let dozens of innocent people die just to make sure an army is caught. Had it been a group of fighters, I probably would have held the line along with them but what you’re suggesting is a waste of life.” The captain looks at you, not with scorn or malice but simply studies you.“Fine. At least you weren’t trying to get some glory.” He mutters and goes to a drawer in the back. There’s a jingle of glass and he pulls out a large bottle of alcohol. Popping the cork, the large tiger drinks from it directly, swallowing twice before he slams it back down. “Damn that boar makes some strong drink.” He says quietly before pouring himself a glass. Waving the bottle at you he asks, “Need a drink? Seems like you’ve been to hell and back with this information.” You shake your head politely. The captain shrugs and nods to Hien. “Who’s the kid? Your son?”A bit surprised you shake your head.>How do you introduce Hien?>Give it to him straight. Tell the captain it’s the third son of the emperor.>Leave the details vague. Say it’s the noble he met.>Let Hien introduce himself.>Lie and say he is your son.>Write in.
>>4670088>Let Hien introduce himself>I'd make a bad father, I'll stick to Kung Fu.
>>4670088>Your little "problem" noble>Let Hien introduce himself.
>>4670099Agree
>>4670098>I'd make a bad father, I'll stick to Kung FuLies. TL would make a great dad. He'd teach his kids kung fu just like he was...and Xin...and Renshu...never mind.
>>4670115Maybe we should look for some books about parenting in the sacred library together with the location of the pools.You know, just in case.
>>4670098Amending the statement to "Stick to Kung fu and Helping people"
>>4670088>Let Hien introduce himself.>"Do we really look that alike?"
>>4670099>>4670114>>4670098>>4670304Letting your "son" introduce himself. Writing.
"He's not my son." You say looking at Hien, who at the moment seems busy fidgeting with the Sword of Heroes. "But I'm not going to dance around the subject. He's that 'problem' noble you had a few months ago." The captain shrugs and sits down, setting the bottle and glasses on the table. "Figured as much." He lied taking another drink. "You seemed familiar. Caused me a lot of trouble you know." He says gruffly. Hien is pull away at from his thoughts and nods but then shakes his head."My apologies." He says quietly. "I did not think that your mayor would take things so far as he did. He had promised me he would do what he could not send his entire regiment. All I had asked was that he send what he could if anything at all. I had hoped a small bit of supplies from multiple villages would help kick start the reconstruction. It was never meant to starve on place for another." The captain snorts as he swirls his glass lightly. He downs the rest of his drink in one gulp before speaking."You have a lot to learn boy. People always do things to make themselves look better. That pompus fool especially." The captain sets his glass down and sighs as the alcohol seemed to work it's way in his system. "Take it as a learning experience. Luckily for you, no lives were lost because of it. Better you learn it now than later where it can cost so much more than a few measly supplies.""Yes...yes you're quite right." Hien agress. "I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.""I would blame more your mayor than anyone else." You say. "His plans were well thought out. It just seems that your mayor is more concerned with personal glory than the good of his people. I still think you should find someone to replace him." The captain shrugs."My point still stands on both cases." He says. "But if you can find someone willing to run against him, then perhaps the village will vote for them. As of now, the mayor wins by default every election.""More to the point." You say standing up. "Your men are here and they'll be coming to tell you their version of the events. As such I've decided to tell you before they can. I am Tai Lung. The criminal." The captain looks at you and sets his glass down again with a large sigh. "You really really know how to put me in a bind rookie." He says standing up. The captain stands up and locks the door behind you. "Alright. Cut the bullshit. Who are you really and what do you want? I've be retired from the service for nearly 20 years but I'm not an idiot. I've given you the benefit of the doubt, looked past your obvious over qualifications and now you give me this." He tosses the keys aside and they clatter in a corner. "You come with information you shouldn't, track raiders that no one else can find, and also come back with a wayward noble. So, I'm asking you. Who are you? Why have you chosen this town? What do you want?"
You face the captain and stare directly in his piercing brown eyes. "I am Tai Lung. I have journyed all across China in search of redemption. I help those who cannot fight back, defeat those who want to take advantage of others, and protect those who no one else will. I don't do this for fame or glory simply to know that I didn't waste my life on useless endevours like searching for power as I did when I was younger. Your town was chosen by mere chance and nothing else. I became a guard here simply because it was job to sustain myself and my friend on the road. I understand your hesitation and your reservations but I will point out that your jail can't hold me and though I'll let you arrest me willingly, if I need to I will break out to save everyone here. I only tell you this because I want you to give me an honest chance rather than have your view tainted by your men's biases. All I ask is that you remember what I did here and know that none of this was done to undermine or to trick the townsfolk. All I ever lied about was my name. If you need more proof then ask Chuanli, who's family I did give my name to. He can tell you I've been nothing but kind to his son and his girlfriend."The captain looks at you long and hard, his eyes studying every inch of you as if looking for a trick or some kind of attack. Given that you were going to do neither of these things, you hope that he doesn't find anything that would such and idea. "You're under arrest." The captain says pulling out a pair of cuffs. "I can't let you go free. Not because of what you have done but because it's my duty to my town to keep them safe. I'm sorry but the townsfolk also deserve to know who you are. I won't go to the mayor. Even if you are Tai Lung, you don't deserve to be paraded like a trophy. I'll talk to Chuanli and do an actual investigation. If I find you to a non threat then I 'll let you go but I need to do my duty for everyone's sake." The captain moves forward to lock your hands in place but Hien also moves forward as if he is about to do something.>What do you do?>Tell Hien to stop. You'll let the captain take you into custody. It's the right way to deal with this.>Push the captain aside and escape. You can't afford to waste time like this. You need to get back to the others.>Let Hien do what he plans to do. Maybe it might help you out.>Write in.
>>4670421>Let Hien do what he plans to do. Maybe it might help you out.Let things happen now. The captain will find that we are no threat to him, if Hien wants to talk let him.
>>4670421>Let things play out as they may.I don't think Hien is the sort to get violent, so we should stop him if he goes for a swing.Otherwise, if we get slammed in the slammer, Maybe make the point of asking for our friends to be informed/asking for Xin and Hien to turn up for healing measures. Meditating in prison isn't a bad passtime.
>>4670421>Let Hien do what he plans to do. Maybe it might help you out.
>>4670421>Let Hien do what he plans to do. Maybe it might help you out.Normally I would accept with no problem, but we don't have time. We got to heal our friends and prepare for the counter attack. Also Xin would try killing him.
>>4670717Actually, we really should tell the cap that we would accept be imprisoned while he investigate, and tell him that something similar happened in that last city with the five, but that we are starved for time. He is a good man, don't want to antagonize him.
>>4670722Life Hack: they can’t imprison you if you keep being critical to saving whatever settlement you’re in at the time!
>>4670751>Hey guys, Tai Lung back at it again with another prison unboxing video. Now if you're a longtime viewer, you know what's about to happen.Seriously though, it might ease some tensions if we were to be behind bars. So long as we are clear that when it is time to smash the raiders we are leaving. And maybe get some access to our friends.>>4670637Changing to "stop hien"
>>4670770I propose we explain to the captain we are going to be knocked out agter we do our magic chi bullshit healing, so he is gping to have time to inveatigate.Just don't want to go to jail because I know the retard pig is going to beat us during our coma.And then we are going to have to stop both Xin and Renshu from murdering him.
>>4670772You mean asking for about 2 hours or so to set everything in order before getting arrested?Dont think he would buy that chief.
>>4670774No, saying that we will be in house arrest. He can follow us and see we do our thing he wants.
>>4670777Again, doubt he will buy it. The reason he is putting us in a cell is to do his duty and house arrest would be putting us in easy reach of villagers which we could harm, which goes against his duty. Never mind the damage to the buissness it would be causing by having his guards there.
>>4670790The point is not to convince him, but to slighty appease.So it's not a total defeat for him, we aren't going to go jumping around beating people, but in a fucking coma, so he could investigate like he wanted.
>>4670804You're either down for being imprisoned or you are not. All we can do is ask for dispensations that he can choose to grant or deny, and if we don't like that then to get what we want would be to refuse to be arrested and in turn make the entire town turn against us.So yes, it's very much about convincing him.
>>4670836I already said I'm not supporting being imprisoned. The captain already showed he can't control his own men. What I'm saying is ro try to assuage his worries.
>>4670873And that is that we are going to be down for a few weeks, so if he wants to follow us to see it's legit and maybe post a guard to watch the hotel he can.He wants to investigate with Chuanli to clear our name without us walking arpund his town, well he can, because we aren't going to.Again, not being imprisoned, because ghe guards will beat us, and Renshu an Xin already want to kill them, and I really don't think we can stop them if we are in a coma.
>>4670877>>4670873I disagree. Because he hasn't actually had the chance or point to demonstrate his control to us, since he hasn't been in the same town to give orders.As for beating us, I really doubt it. It'd snap us out of our trance and even with one arm in the worst case we are still more than able to defend ourselves.As for the others, they won't kill them unless we die, so I believe. We can still wake up and they don't wish to disappoint us.Anyway, lastly is that refusing is just going to set the town as a hostile area and we're going to be driven out, which we can't allow. He isn't doing this out of worry, he's doing it out of duty and our words aren't going to stop him.
>>4670888Honestly, we should wait to see what Hien is going to say before making our decision. He may have a good idea.
>>4670895that's the way the vote is going.
>>4670438>>4670637>>4670677>>4670717Letting Hien murder the captain thus starting the chain of events that leads to the final boss of the quest. Writing.
You hold your your wrist. Jail time wasn't something new to you but more importantly you didn't want to cause a comotion especially when things were starting to get tense. Moreover, you wanted to see what the boy would do. Hien draws his blade and holds it out, pinning the shackles in the captains hands. "Boy...I don't care what wealthy family you belong to but I'm giving you five seconds to put that thing away before I throw you in a cell with him.""No." Hien says faltering slightly and sheathing his blade. "No you won't. I'll take his place.""This isn't a negotiation." The captain says. "You don't get to barter with me. I don't care how much money you have." Hien's eyes harden as he takes a slight breath and steels himself. He draws himself to his full height, a full head shorter than both you and the captain, and speaks, his voice authoritarian."It is now." He says. "As son of the emperor, blessed by the dragons, I order you to let this man go." Hien draws a jade tile from within the folds of his sleeves and holds it out. The tile, smooth as water, had the royal seal upon it but of more important note, a dark fluid swam within it, trapped by the jade itself that seemed to glow every so slightly even in the bright sun. It was said that every member of the royal family carried these tiles, a sign of their noble birth and authenticated by their own blood that flowed within the stone. No one, not even the greatest jewelers in China knew how this was accomplished and to attempt to break open or even hold such a stone was tantamount to high treason. The captain's eyes widen and he grits his teeth."Boy..." He growls but reluctantly lowers the shackles almost as he was fighting against an invisible force as he fought against his duty."Listen." Hien says. "At the moment, only a few people know Tai Lung his here. Let him go and take me in his place. We can't beat the raiders without him. I've seen him fight and risk his life. The Five cannot compare to the might he brings alone and I firmly belive he is the only one who can defeat the raider's leader. Let him go now and say he was never here. As far as your men know, they think I'm merely one of his friends. If they ask questions then tell them I was caught in his stead and Tai Lung fled. He's stealthy enough to get around town without being caught. He needs time to prepare for the battle even with the Five waiting.""And I'm just supposed to let him go? I have a job to do!" The captain shouts but Hien remains unmoved, his eyes stoic and unfazed."And you'll do it." He says. "Preform your investigation. If you find this man to be a danger, if he doesn't return after he heads out to face the raiders then I'll take accountability for all his crimes. Past and present.""You can't be serious about this! This isn't some children's tale about faith!"
"This isn't and I can order you to make this happen. As it stands, you're already under command to let him go. I'm offering you a chance to still continue with your duty. Believe me when I say that I do not relish having to use my position to get what I want nor to force command up on others but you're not leaving me any choice. The Five will be here in a few days and he's the only one with any experience fighting the raiders by a long shot. China needs him and his friends. So unless you have a counter offer, I'm afraid I'll continue to abuse my position. All else I can offer you is that instead of having him sneak around, I will personally announce my plan to the villagers. That Tai Lung is here and is preparing to fight the raiders and that I, Lord Hien, have taken his place in prison." The captain looks at you, anger and frustration building in his eyes."Fine." He says, his hands shaking and rattling the shackles. "Then you will speak to the village." Hien nods and turns to leave.>What do you say?>Stop Hien and refuse to follow his plan. Any planning can be done by him while you wait.>Tell Hien that it's better if you remain hidden. He doesn't need to annoucne anything.>Ask Hien if he really thinks this is a good idea.>Write in.
>>4671004>Stop Hien and refuse to follow his plan. Any planning can be done by him while you wait.>Tell Hien that it's better if you remain hidden. He doesn't need to annoucne anything.Now is the time to say that we are going to use the chi healing and be knocked out for a while. Say to find a hidden cell, get Renshu and Xin here at night and we do our thing.Also don't even bother putting shackles on, that would be the 3rd or 4th pair that we can break by just flexing.
>>4671030Oh, and get Ming too. Time for to captain to see someone that can get angrier than him.
>>4671004>Stop Hien and refuse his plan.>It's better that we remain in prison, thank you for your faith.>Tell him about our plan to heal our friends and get them up to fighting standards.Way I see it, is we calm the villagers while also assuring them that help is on their way/is already here.Now though, put us in as close to max security as they can manage, then keep all the keys with the captain personally, getting rid of the chance of being beaten to death in our meditations. We can astrally project to Renshu to explain to him the situation from our cell.
>>4671030Actually, should we tell Hien of the plan we have for now, so ge doesn't get worried that we being out for some time will not ruin everything?>>4668558It should be this one, if whatever changes the others anons want to propose.
>>4671070With, not if.Really mangled that one.
>>4671070there there anon.But assuring him that a few days lost won't mean shit since we will be trying to restore our friends to health. Maybe tell him to ask shifu about chi healing if he really wants an explination.
>>4671074Well, I was thinking about telling him the olan so he could theorize a better one too if he could too.But atleast reassuring him is good enough for me.
I do need to point out that refusing his plan means you choose to stay in jail. I'm also not sure what you mean about meditating in jail but I get the concern of being beat to hell while in it.
>>4671088Meditating, Coma, same thing.But if the captain is the only one with the cell key, then I'd like to trust him with it.
>>4671088I know, we are healing Renshu and Xin, and asking that the captain ensures our wellfare in one of the cells.They and Ming come around at night, we do our thing, Ming ensures we don't die, Hien refines the plan we take a nap.Also Xin and Renshi will probably threaten murder if anything happens, and Hien threatens post-mortal dishonarable discharge. And Ming probably threatens a fate worse than death.
>>4671148The only problem would be if there would be health complications without Ming looking over the wounds we take from them. If that would be the case, we would have to find another arrangement.
>>4671030>>4671056We're going to jail then even though the bunnies need hugs Writing.
>>4671176They are going to get hugs tonight when they come get healed.That's part of the deal, take it or leave it.
>>4671179Aye. It's really not negotiable since they are REQUIRED for our upcoming fight.
>>4671176Only tai lung is so big of a troll that he lets the emperor's son bust out his authority only to say "haha nah"I'm definitely proud of Hien, though. He forced himself to step out of the shadow, for a criminal's sake, for one reason only: Because he thought it was right to do so. Even if the consequences for doing so could ruin his life. Looks like we've had an effect on him already.
>>4671207It was beautiful.Even if we have to eat a bitch slap for making him reveal himself. Worth it.
>>4671176A question Luo.Is it a full coma or a trance as we channel our Chi?
>>4671227For self healing? Its more of a coma than a trance. I guess a bit of both. You're fully focused on coaxing your body to heal and using your chi to facilitate that so your unaware of your surroundings you can maintain a sitting position but its not required. You can't hear or feel anything outside of your mind.
>>4671246Good enough I suppose.
Sorry about this. Its a rather long post.
“Hien stop.” You say quietly. Hien stops, turns to face you and you shake your head. “Thank you.” You start. “But it’s not necessary. I’ll submit and stay in prison while the captain does his investigation. I already have a plan in mind and it will take me out for a few days.” Hien and the Captain look at you confused. “I didn’t plan on the captain arresting me but it doesn’t change much. All I need is to see Xin and Renshu tonight. They’re wounded and I have a method, untested mind you, but a way to heal them of their injuries.”“Why didn’t you tell me?” Hien asks. “Why haven’t you done it?”“Because it’s risky.” You say. “And is an absolute last effort. I plan to draw their wounds on to me. I know of a technique that allows me to heal faster than normal but it requires supreme concentration.” You face the captain. “That’s why I need your help as well. Your men are furious and I understand but should they have the chance, they’d no doubt attempt to beat if not outright murder me. What I attempt to do will leave me completely at their mercy so I would ask of you to keep all the keys to the cells on you captain.”“And what makes you think I won’t just give them the keys anyways. IF what you say is even true?” The captain asks.“Because you’re not that kind of man.” You say simply as you stare right into the captain’s eyes. “You want justice and order not murder. Murder doesn’t undo what I did. Murder doesn’t won’t keep the villagers safe and murder won’t make you better than the raiders. If the man who stood before me only cared about vigilantism or some crude form of justice then he’d have run the mayor out of town years ago. You do what’s best for the people of this village, not what you think will give immediate gratification.” The captain grunts and nods. “Damn right.” He growls as he picks up the keys and tosses them at Hien. “Here. You’re in charge of the keys, boy. That way we’re all on an even playing field. You,” He says pointing a clawed finger at you. “Come on, into a cell. Best we get this over with.” All three of you head into the main room of the guard house. Compared to the one in Zhengyi, the cells here were noticeably cleaner if not much smaller. Stepping into the one furthest away from the doors you sit on the small bench and Hien closes the door, locking it in place with the keys. “Bring them tonight.” You say. “Best they have some rest before all this.”“I’ll be back.” Hien says. “I swear it.”
---The next few hours were eventful to say the least. The storm of shouting and barking made you think the raiders had followed you back to Taishi before you realized that it was simply the guardsmen clamoring to talk to the Captain. Like small school children, they stumbled over each other’s words as they tried to decry your existence. The captain, for his credit, remained stoic throughout the minute before shouting everyone down. “Look at yourselves!” He roars and the room goes silent. “Like godsdamn children! Crying over someone who didn’t play fair! I don’t remember training any of you to be whiny little shits! ‘Tai Lung was here’ ‘Oh he was so rough with me’ Last I remember, I told you to come back with news! But no, instead I have to deal with all this shit while you’re all off playing hero! And you want to know what’s the worst thing?! The very man your bitching about was doing your job and doing it better! So I don’t want to hear it!” One of the guards made the unfortunate attempt to try and argue their point.“But Captain-”“I don’t want to hear it! The man is a murderer and I get it! But you’re just gonna let your own squad die because you didn’t want to work with him over a common goal? What kind of asinine ass backwards bullshit is this?!” He looks around, fire in his eyes and the guards shrink back under his gaze. The next words were cold and calculating, every single one of them bearing the weight of the past few days. “I’m counting less of you than I sent out. Those deaths are your fault. Every. Single. One. Tell me, was it worth it? Was your little squabble a good one? Yes? Fine. I want all of you to think of what you’re going to tell Tai Lung next as you explain to your guardsman’s next of kin that they died because of you. Becauses you slapped away the hand that wanted to help you. When their kids look at you and ask why dad isn’t coming home, you damn well better be thinking of you holding that blade in your hand. Because you might as well have run them through for the good you lot did!” The captain waves them all away. “Get out of my sight. There’s a town that needs to be guarded and I have to find a way to break the news to the families.”The room had turned from one of heated debate to an icy cold one. No one wanted to argue the point. It was as if all the energy was sucked out. As if everyone felt a part of them die when they remember the deaths back in the village. The guardsmen leave, subdued and exhausted, leaving you alone once more.
----By mid afternoon, the quiet is broken once again by shouting. “Let me through! He’s got rights!” You hear a familiar voice shout. Guang comes barreling in, not really impeded by the two guards outside and followed timidly by An Bo. “Guang maybe we should wait for them to give us permission to visit.” She says tentatively as she looks around wary of something jumping out of the shadows. Guang shakes his head as he leaps over the small receptionist desk and towards the cells behind it. An Bo scurries around the desk and after Guang reluctantly when he doesn’t respond. You see the two peek into your cell. “You still alive man?” Guang asks, grabbing the bars and peering in. Your tail flicks and you sit up yawning from your nap. An Bo peekings in, fidgeting and looking around worried.“Are you ok Mr. Tai Lung?” An Bo asks.“I wouldn’t say I was comfortable but this isn’t the worst prison I’ve been in.” You admit looking at the two. “I’m surprised you two are here. Kind of meant to go see you after coming here. Didn’t really expect to be arrested. More importantly, what are you doing here? What about the bar?”“The old man is keeping an eye on things. We came as soon as we heard the news.” Guang says. “I’m gonna see if I can convince the old man to let you go. You shouldn’t be here!”“Guang, you know who I am right?” You ask. “I told you.”“I know! But it ain’t gotta be like that!” Guang replies. “You taught me that a man needs to do what he’s gotta do to protect those close to him. But you also taught me that a man can change. That a man’s gotta change to be better and you’re the manliest guy I know. You’ve done some messed up stuff but that don’t mean it’s gotta define you. Just look at what you did here.” You can’t help but chuckle a bit. Guang’s reasoning was rather roundabout but you did appreciate the sentiment at least.“We’re going to go around and ask the townspeople to come support you.” An Bo says. “Some of the people here are regulars at the tavern and they thought you were a good person. Do you want anything? Guang and I can bring you some food.”“Yeah! Just hang tight man. We’ll get you outta here soon.” Guang says.“It’s alright.” You say as you shake your head. “I asked to be here. To make everyone feel more at ease.”“What?!”
“It’s fine. Listen...in a few days I’m going to leave again. I’m going to go fight the raiders that have been attacking the towns.” You explain. “For now, I’m in custody to give everyone some peace of mind while I plan with my friends.”“You’re gonna...just go and fight?” Guang asks, flabbergasted. “Just like that?”“Yes. Someone needs to stop them and I found them.” You say. Guang hits the bars and shakes his head.“Man...this is what I’m talking about!” He says. “You’re not a bad guy anymore! Why can’t people see?!”“They have good reason to be afraid.” You say. “I don’t blame them at all. It’s just a burden I will bear. Maybe someday I’ll be able to live in peace and maybe not. I’m content knowing I have my friends and what I do makes the lives of others better.”“It ain’t right…” Guang says.“Will you be ok?” An Bo asks.“I’ll be fine. Head back to the tavern. You don’t need to worry.” You assure them.“We’ll be back later. We’ll bring you some food.” Guang repeats.“I’m going to be out of it for a few days.” You tell them. “I have some meditating to do and I won’t be around while doing that.” Guang nods, his face solemn but his eyes glinting with respect and admiration.“Come on then An. We better get back before the old man gets overrun.” Guang says.“Ok…” An Bo says. “When this is all over. I’ll make some pies for you and your friends. Just...please come back.”“If the others find out that you’re making pie then I don’t think I’ll have a choice.” You chuckle. “I’ll send word that we’re ok if we can’t return.” Guang and An Bo hesitate but they relent and bid their farewell before leaving.
---Night falls and you can hear the soft rustle of the trees in the distance. A cool draft blows through the only window in the building, bringing in a chill. You turn to face the front of the cell as you hear the door open. Unsurprised, as you had sensed them approaching, you get up and wait for your friends to arrive. “Don’t say it.” Xin Lan says grumpily as you see them and Renshu hop down from Hien’s arms. “I’m not fat. That weight is all muscle.”“I’m sure it is.” Ming says as the group approaches your cell. “Hey. Are you ok?” She asks gently as she sits down next to the bars.“I won’t be if this goes to plan.” You say over the jingling of keys. Hien unlocks the doors and the group step into your cell.“It seems like every time we have our backs to the wall you manage to pull out more witchcraft to bail us out.” Xin Lan says. “You’re a witch now.”“It’s not...fine I’m a witch.” You say sighing. “And if you keep saying it outloud I’ll curse you.”“You can’t curse me.” Xin Lan says.“You wanna try out that theory?”“No but I am a blessing so it’s ok.” They remark as they sit down next to your leg. “What would you have us do?” Renshu asks as he also makes his way to your other side. “I’ve not heard of such a technique before though I must admit, I am not well versed in the healing arts with Chi.”“Just stay still.” You say. “I’m not really sure how this will play out...I’ve never actually tested this before.”“This is impossible.” Ming says. “Swapping injuries like this...I just can’t believe it. Can people really get this kind of power?”“It seems like those who survive death come back from the otherside with abilities even the more experienced martial artist would consider impossible.” Renshu says.“Yeah? Then what’d you get?” Xin Lan asks their brother. “Technically you’ve come back from the dead twice.”“I have you, Tai Lung and Ming and that is more than enough for me.” Renshu replies as they ruffle Xin Lan’s ears.“You just don’t wanna share your cool powers.” Xin Lan mutters.
“Before we begin, I have a rough plan of our attack on the raiders.” You say. “I’ll need you guys to flesh it out more while I’m out as I won’t be able to communicate. Once Xin Lan and Renshu are up and running, I want to use the powder on the raiders the night before the attack. Hopefully several are affected by it. During the attack, The Five, Po and Shifu will attack the front. Hien and I will target the back while Xin and Renshu will target the poisoned guards to keep them from joining the main group. It’s not much a plan but it’s a good start.” You look at your friends. “This plan hinges on working with the Five. We have to work together. Set aside your differences, suppress them if you must but work with them. Even if you need to undermine them for their own good.” You face Renshu and pull him into a hug. “Renshu...you’re angry. I know...but you can’t let it rule you. They hurt someone you love but you can’t stoop to their level. You can rule your anger not the other way around. I believe in you.” Renshu stiffens a bit in surprise but sighs and relaxes before nodding.“Yes...you’re right.” He says quietly. “I have to be better than this…” You pull Xin Lan into your embrace. “Whatever happens, don’t worry. We’ve gotten through worse and we’ll get through this as well. Just hold on for me. I promise it’ll be alright.” You say before grabbing Ming’s wrist and pulling her close as well. “And you...keep an eye out on these two. You’re the only one who can keep them reigned in.” Ming sniffles and nods.“You can’t die you know! We...won’t forgive you if you do. We’ll bring you back and make you say sorry.” She says. “I don’t doubt it.” You say laughing and you look at Hien. “Hien...you’re a good kid. You’re at a crossroads right now. You can decide the man you want to be and whatever you choose, I hope it’s one you decided on your own. I have faith in you and I ask that you be the balance both groups need. You can mediate this.” Hien gives you a solemn nod.“For everyone’s sake...I will.” He replies. You let go of your friends and take a deep breath. Xin Lan and Renshu step back a bit and you hold out your hands above their wounds. You’re not sure if that is really necessary but you feel better about it. With your mind settled and clear you begin to feel out for your friends. You feel for their aches, their pains, their burdens, their injuries.”To take one’s burdens is a noble endeavor.” Oogway says quietly, calmly. “But that seems to be your weakness, my friend.”“Weakness?” You ask,confused. “Master, how could wanting to help people be weak?”“You are strong. There is no denying it and your intentions are noble. But how much can you take on before even you are broken? Having died already, could you say that you would do it again?” He asks.
“I would.” You say. “A hundred times over if it meant saving my friends.” Oogway nods, though you’re not sure if you can see disappointment or sadness in his eyes.“Then I will not stop you from pursuing such a technique. If you wish to push yourself in this regard then I hope it serves you well though I also hope that such a time where you are required to use it does not arrive.” He says…You scream. The pain is blinding as you feel the muscles in your leg tear themselves apart as if a pair of invisible hands grab the tendons and twist them around like paper. You feel your vision darken for a bit and your focus falter but you grit your teeth and power through. This was nothing. Compared to hell, this was nothing. Compared to allowing hundreds of innocent lives to go to waste, their justice not delivered, this was nothing. You feel a vein pulse in your head and you grunt. Your other leg rips itself open, like a knife across your skin. Blood splatters around it and the wound deepens, widened and forced open by another pair of invisible hands. Ming screams in horror and starts to reach into her bags. Unable to carry your weight, your legs crumble beneath you and you fall to the floor.You tremble as you keep your arms raised, sweat pouring all over you. You continue to pull at the ethereal, drawing their wounds to you and your shoulder pries itself apart. With a dull thud, your arm falls to the ground, numb and useless. You want to say something, to assure everyone that all is well but you’re so exhausted that all you can do is succumb to the embrace of sleep.
---You’re not sure how long you stayed unconscious. It must have been days but as you open your eyes you can see the morning sun and realize that it had only been a few hours. You find yourself laying on your cell’s bench, blood all over the floor. Your leg was bandaged up and your arm was in a sling. Your whole body aches and a migraine begins to form. Unable to sit up, you simply lay there and close your eyes and begin to focus your mind. You feel yourself slip into the misery of the pain, letting it engulf you and surround you before pushing it away as easily as you would push a blanket off of you. The pain subsides and you slowly coax your body to heal, running your Chi through your veins and nerves. Light dims, sounds fade and the world around you slowly vanishes.---When you awake, you feel better than ever before. As if you had the best night’s sleep you ever had. Your limbs feel relaxed and better than ever before. Had it not been for the bloody bandages on your leg and the stains on the floor, you'd have been convinced that the events of who knows how long were simply a dream. Sitting up, you look around. It was now mid afternoon and you were alone.>What do you do?>Call for a guard or the captain. Tell them to let you go.>Wait, hopefully one of your friends comes to visit and you can be caught up.>Leave. Open your cell and find the others. You need to make up for lost time.>Write in.
>>4671684>Focus. Feel for Renshu. Try to send your own feeling of wellness his way.
>>4671684>Feel for our friends, then meditate to send our spirit to him.Astral projections.
>>4671684See if we can meditate. Either astral projecting, or asking the sprite friend if everything is okay is fine.Also the captain is based and I'm sorry for doubting him even for a moment.
>Leave. Open your cell and find the others. You need to make up for lost time.We are healed and we have work to do so it is better to leave, let us break all the chains, open the lock on the door with our claw and just go out and continue with the plan ... kek, nobody can stop us.that or when they come to free us we just stand we stretch to break any chain and open the door
>>4672104While showboating is always a respectable pass time, it's better to know what's going on before we break out.
>>4671698>>4671723Ghost talking with the bunny. Writing.
Rather than wait for someone to come get you, you opt to be more proactive about this. You remove your bandages and cross your legs, closing your eyes. A sense of familiarity comes to you as you reach out with your senses, beyond your body and out into the town. You can feel the presence of Ming and the others bringing you relief that they were ok. Stepping out of your body, you move through the psuedo town. Both real and yet at the same time not at all, you leap from rooftop to rooftop to see them. They were all apart, Xin Lan was in the market place within the medicine shop perhaps buying more supplies for the powder. Surprisingly, Ming was in the Mayor's home though you're unsure what she was doing. As far as you can tell she was speaking but given that you could only feel out your friends, you're unsure who she's speaking to and the fact she is unable to hear the spirits nor communicate meant that you couldn't hear what she was saying.You head back out, Renshu was your only option for now. You find him wandering through the town. Landing next to him, you see his ear flick in your direction but his eyes were blind to you. "Renshu." You call out tentatively. "Can you hear me?" The rabbit's striped ears swivel in your direction a mixture of confusion and intrigue emenating from him."Brother?" You hear him speak out through unmoving lips."Yeah, It's me." You say as you keep pace with the rabbit's walk. "Figured you'd be able to hear me. How long has it been?"You sense Renshu supress a laugh though he cannot hide the waves of relief and hope coming from him. "Since you've fallen unconcious? It's been roughtly about a week. The Five have already arrived. Are you...well? Or have you passed on and this is merely my madness coping?""I'm alive and well." You say. "I figured it would take a while but I have no idea how much faster I can urge my body to heal. Nonetheless I am awake now. I just need to be let out.""That is good to hear. I'll let Hien know. Perhaps he can convince the Captain to allow you to leave." Renshu replies. You nod and then realize Renshu cannot see you or perhaps he can if you were dead. >What do you say?>Ask Renshu how he is.>Ask Renshu how the Five are.>Ask about the plan, is it ready to go?>Write in.
>>4672642>How are the five? Has tigress attempted to smother me in my rest yet?>How are you?>Have I missed anything important? Ming is in the mayors house, but I don't know why.
>>4672649It occurs to me that now is a good time to inquire as to why Tigress seems to have a special emnity that the rest of the five lack.
>>4672642Is he and Xin fine? Did our healing work?What is Ming doing in the Mayor's house? Hopefully not trying to kill him by words.What has Hien been up to?How are the five? Odd for them to not try to put us in heavier chains (even tought it does nothing)
>>4672671Heavy, not heavier, since we aeem to not be wearing any.Hien, Shifu and Po probably had something to do with that, but I want to know exactly what happened.>>4672653That will probably come out soon, with the whole making peace with dad deal.
>>4672671>Trying to kill him with words"I fear no man, but that thing.">Angry ming appears"It scares me"
>>4672706I love how the meme of an angry Ming has evolved despite the fact Ming hasn't ever exploded on anyone. She's scolded so maybe she gets a really scary look on her face. Now I'm wondering how she'd be when she really gets mad. I don't want it to be mad like how the buns get though. I'll need to think about it.>>4672649>>4672671Taking these. Writing.
>>4672731You know how it is, the disapointend face hurts more than angry shouting.Maybe she could have the calm anger trope?
>>4672731It's just really a fear of disappointing her at this point.Ever since that bout of insecurity she had [and breaking out of bars to give her a hug, which is still my favorite update to this point] I just can't really stomach the thought of making the completely fictional character disappointed or sad with us, so it's easier to imagine them going off on a more comical and exaggerated rant than a genuinely hurtful dissapointment or just flat out pained reaction from our actions.
>>4672757>>4672797Might just be she goes real quiet and gives you the cold shoulder to go cry somewhere else. Or she probably just gets really disappointed in you and tells it to your face.
>>4672839Why must you hurt me this way.
>>4672860Don't upset the Ming and you'll never find out if it's true
"I think it's more important to ask how are you and Xin?" You ask. "Perfect." Renshu replies with awe in his voice. "As if we were never injured. No aches or pains. There's a disjoint between what we used to feel and how we feel now. As if our injuries were simply a vivid dream and yet we can still feel the pain we one had. Once again, we have no means to thank you for what you've done for us.""It's nothing." You say though you're sure Renshu was getting ready to argue the point. Rather than have a back and forth about how much debt the rabbit's didn't owe you, you ask, "I sensed Ming at the Mayor's office. What was she doing there? Hopefully not trying to depose him with a stern scolding." You joke."Unfortunately, Miss Ming is the only person The Five are willing to talk to." Renshu says. "The mayor, in all his infinite wisdom, demanded that all meetings be held at his home. To hold them elsewhere would simply be a dereliction of his duty. According to the bakers, he's been damanding feasts for The Five for the past two days which is how long they have been here." He explains scathingly. "Luckily for us, Hien was spared in revealing his true identity and his clothing was enough to throw the mayor off the scent. He truly believes that Hien is a different person though The Five have been appraised of it. Otherwise, we might not have been involved in any of this.""Why's that?" You ask as a feeling of dread emerges from the pit of your stomach.Renshu sighs both in the ethereal and the material and sits down on a public bench. You do the same, still somewhat surprised that things were solid to you. "A certain little sister decided to have an arguement with Tigress." He says in a rather restrained tone. "I'd suggest you ask them what happened though rest assured they've already gotten two earfuls from Miss Ming. If it wasn't for her and the young lord's intervention we might have been left out of the loop. The concession being that only Ming is allowed to talk to them from our group and Hien to serve as mediator."You groan. "Was it really that bad?""Not particularly. However, you were brought into the discussion and neither party wanted to back down. Such things tend to get rather heated. Luckily for us, Xin Lan has shown regret and is keeping their distance from Ming and the others while getting things done."You rub your temples. "So the Five know I am here then. I'm surprised they've left my body alone. I take it that was your guy's doing?" Renshu nods and hides it as if he was scratching his ears.
"Yes, though I presume that not even The Five would be so rash as to attempt to subdue an injured man least of all one in a coma. Undoubtly your actions in Zhengyi have also guided their actions. As Xin Lan told me, you simply broke out of your restraints several times. No doubt they realize such attempts to keep you restrained would be foolish and this town isn't big enough to do anything of that level again. For now they merely have to trust us in the fact that you won't try and escape. We, as the saying goes, have the deck stacked against them. Perhaps it is that fear that drives them. Nothing compels us to do good other than our own volition. Should we decide that we no longer wish to follow this path then we would be free to do as we please and there is no force on China, barring sending a vast army into a slaughter, to stop us. We are, in effect, a distaster only kept in check simply because we do not want to do harm."You nod, the feeling mutual. Many of your own fears were simply of how easy it was to turn the other way. The fact that no one could stop you meant that you had no safe guards other than ones you placed on yourself and given that you had failed so many years ago to restrain yourself what was to stop you now? Renshu and Xin had you. You were their deterrent but first and foremost their hope. But you, you had no such thing. Rather than dwell on that, you ask something else. "What about Hien? How is he?"Renshu gives you a look. It took you a few seconds to realize that he was somehow able to see in your direction. No just merely in the direction your voice was coming from but right were your face was though his eyes still had that unfocused look as if they were trying to see something that was not there. "He is uncertain and troubled. Far more troubled that when we first met him and he has seemingly lost all that self assurance he once had. He is a broken man. The question is...what happened while you were out there?">What do you say?>Say you don't know. He seemed fine to you.>Say that perhaps leadership doesn't suit him or that finally seeing a real battle has made him change his mind.>Say that you did something. You made him look deep inside himself. More than ever before.>Write in
>>4672910>Say that you did something. You made him look deep inside himself. More than ever before.His idea of the good of the empire and his duty was what held eveeything for him, that no matter what that should be above all. We simply told a couple of stories and asked hum to think about it all.
>>4672910>Say that you did something. You made him look deep inside himself. More than ever before.>"I don't know exactly what he saw, but his mind and his heart are in conflict over it. That inner conflict fuels his doubt, but it cannot last - he will be forced to make the choice he fears during the coming conflict. Whatever he chooses will decide his path for a long time to come, I'm sure."
>>4672919Support, because you were absolutely right.Also I want to ask Renshu to give him some help, if he can.
>>4672929Oh and further more, When this convo is done can Renshu tell the others that we're awake?I presume he would anyway, but it's the proper thing to ask of him.Once we are done here though, I think we should get back to our body, check that nobody has tried to get our attentions and maybe try and improve our understanding of spirit languages.We won't be let out until the mission is nigh anyway, so may as well use our time productively.
>>4672919Mfw anons pushed Hien into the same path TL started on 8 threads ago.
>>4672937>That alternate timeline Hien who gets punished as a political scapegoat when the mongolians assassinate one of his siblings or his father due to his sketchy-seeming involvement in Zhengyi>The sense of betrayal he feels from being punished for trying to accomplish his duty causes him to snap and strike back at everyone around him for revenge, just like Tai Lung
>>4672937I don't quite see the resemblence.Ours was "Oh god, what have we done, what have we become?" his is more "Is this really what I want to be with my life? Can I put myself before my proposed duty?"
>>4672955I'm looking it at it in more broad strokes. Both mindlessly persued their goals because of what others wanted. Tai Lung to become the Dragon Warrior and Hien to be like his genius siblings and his family legacy. Both were faced with the fact that their goals, as well as they preformed at accomplishing them, are leading them down a path of darkness. And both are now faced with making a choice that will ultimately force them to be someone else.Bit broad I guess but what I mean is that TL sees the direction Hien is heading. It's the same one he went through and it's the very reason why he's in this situation. Hien hasn't reached that point yet and there's still the chance to pull him out of his and for him to come out as a better person. How much more does Hien have before his ideology of giving up his own life and desires for the good of the country become an ideology of the ends justifying the means? Tai Lung originally learned Kung Fu to make his dad proud then to be a hero that protects someone before it evolved into getting power for power's sake. TL's been through it, he's seen it happen, and he's heard it happen. It's never ended well and now here stands a young man who's making the same mistakes he and many others are.Hien on his end, and like everyone else, thinks he's doing the right thing. He's being selfless, and for the most part he is, but he's not seeing himself slip. He's grown up all his life not being told no and compared to his siblings. So when he decides to try to emulate them no one tells him otherwise. Instead they praise him for upholding his family's traditions. When he goes off to fight raiders, no one tells him no, instead they tell him he is doing his duty. Until he meets the crew, TL is the one who finally asks, "Is this really what you want? What kind of man do you really want to be?" and now Hien is wondering "What have I been doing? Is this really the man I want to be or merely the one I'm expected to be?" So now he's were Tai Lung was at. Lost and confused and unsure about his place in the world.Of course that's just how I'm seeing it.
>>4672944Damn anon. That's some grim AU right there. I dig it.
>>4672983Broad strokes makes a bit more sense, Aye
>>4672919>>4672926>>4672929We did it. Please don't tell Ming. Writing.
>>4672937A heir to both Oogway and Luo.It seems revenge is not the only vicious cycle there is.>>4672983You know, maybe Tai Lung would be a good father after all.
>>4673010Hey Luo, when is News Years coming around? Is it going to be after all this raider business or are we going to have to break out to celebrate with the gang?
>>4673028I'm planning it after the raider buisness. Hopefully it can be a nice celebration after all this running around.
"That was me." You admit though there was no sheepishness in your voice. "I saw what he was becoming. Where he was headed..." You pause as you come to terms with what you saw. "...I saw myself in his eyes. When someone follows their goals blindly, when they devote themselves so fully to a direction that they don't question who they are...that only leads to sorrow. Luo when through it, Kai when through it, and so did I. Simply because we became so single minded that we no longer considered other options. Our goals, once pure and selfless, became corrupted and evil. Hien thinks he is doing the right thing. He thinks this is what's for the best but just like me, he never stopped to ask himself if this is what he truly wants or if it is merely what others wish of him. How long before his ideals of putting himself aside for the betterment of the country became one of the ends justify the means?""Do you think it was wise to have him contemplate this before we engage the raiders? It may cost him his life." Renshu says plainly and direct."Yes. This is the exact situation his was raised to face. Now is the time he truly gets to decide. Does he follow what he wants to do or will he choose to fall back on what everyone told him to be." You say. "But I ask that you help guide him. You also are on the same journey. He can't do this alone. None of us could and we have the chance to help someone become better." Renshu nods though this time he does not attempt to hide it."You are right. To turn our backs on a wayward soul would be selfish and hypocritical. How often have we wished that we had someone help us before we made our mistakes? It would be a stain on everything we stand for to not assist. I will speak to the young lord though I am not sure how he will receive the advice." He says."I'm certain he will be thankful for any advice you can give him. Though I never imagined we'd serve as advisors to the royal family." You say.Renshu chuckles, amused. "Nor did I. I suppose things have a strange way of working out.""Perhaps you might be able to retire as Hien's personal advisor. You could live comfortably." You joke. Renshu laughs."And you leave you and Xin alone? I fear for what will befall China." He says shaking his head."Could you let the others know that everything is well?" You ask. "I don't want to keep them worrying.""Once Miss Ming is available, I will let her know. Xin will be glad to hear it as well." Renshu stands up, ready to go. "Would you like me to visit you once I'm done? I'm not sure how long you will be kept incarcerated.">What do you say?>Tell Renshu you'd welcome his company.>Say that it's best he keep himself busy. You don't want to give The Five any reason to antagonize the group.>Have Renshu bring you some food at least. You're kind of hungry.>Write in.
>>4673104>Tell Renshu you'd welcome his company.>Have Renshu bring you some food at least. You're kind of hungry.Time to meditate in prison with your bro.
>>4673104>At the risk of sounding like Xin, Food is always welcome, as is your company
>>4673119>>4673152We need food. Writing.
"I would always welcome your company." You say. "Thought, at the risk of sounding like Xin, I could go for some food. I haven't eaten since that night." You admit. Renshu smiles."I will bring something." He says. "Just bear with it a bit longer.""It's no rush." You say. "I'll leave you to it then.""And I will see you later." You retreat back to your body, leaving Renshu to his tasks. Your stomach growls rather ferociously now that you're fully awake and aware of the condition of your body. With nothing better to do you decide to meditate to calm your mind. You wonder how much longer you'll be in here but more importantly you hope that the plans were going well. The raiders were bound to move sooner or later and you wanted to catch them. Even with map, there was still the chance that the raiders might split up and their leader go into hiding. You didn't like the idea of her getting away without facing justice. Nonetheless, you there wasn't much you could do other than wait. It was about an hour later when Renshu walks through the door, their ears visible over the front desk. He walks over to your cell, arms full of food, and picks the lock to your cell door. Opening the door with his foot, he calmly walks over to you and sets your meal next to you on the bench. "My apologies. Most of the town is busy and finding a place to cater is getting rather difficult." You open the sack of food and grab the warmest of buns. Stuffing it into your mouth, you ask. "Why's that? Have I missed anything important?""Nothing too important. Other than the Mayor's demand for catering, there is the New Year's festival. The event is nearly upons us and the mayor insists that it must go on, despite the raider's being a few weeks away, much to the captain's fury.""I really wish the townspeople would choose a new mayor." You admit. "The man is a fool.""I do too but it really isn't our place to decide for them." Renshu says as he hops on the bench and grabs a bite to eat. "The people must decide when enough is enough or else we might end up trading one fool for another.""New Years..." You say thinking as you chew. "I wonder what we will do for it.""What do you want to do?" Renshu asks blowing on his rice to cool it. "Assuming we deal with this raider situation once and for all."
"I'm not sure." You admit. "Perhaps we could go back to Zhengyi. I'm sure the celebrations there are something to behold. Or maybe we could spend it while camping. Some peace and quiet in the wilderness could do us some good.""I'll make sure to pack up some extra food then. In the event we spend out celebrations out of town, then we can at least prepare a nice feast." Renshu says quietly. The two of you eat in relative peace. You hear the guard drills outside but none come in to disturb the two of you. There was a sense of contentment doing this. Simply sitting with a friend and enjoying a quiet meal. Not having to deal with angry townsfolk, or raiders. No plots and planning just a simple meal.>What do you do?>Eat quietly. It might be some time before you get another chance to be in peace.>Ask Renshu something. Break the silence with conversation.>Write in.
>>4673268>Ask Renshu something. Break the silence with conversation.So what exactly did Xin do that made the five so angry? Must have been something to behold
>>4673264>grab the warmest of bunsBold as fuck move tai lung, you chad, just grabbing renshu like that>Ask Renshu something. Break the silence with conversation.His favorite story. We know xin's and the reason behind it, now i'm curious about the brother...surely someone like Renshu would have his own affections towards writing, with how philosophical he is. Tai Lung's favorite story is, without a doubt, the various tales surrounding the Eight Immortals. A close band of ungodly powerful friends that get up to all kinds of shenanigans, including creating some legendary martial arts styles...such as the drunken style.
>>4673299>grabbing renshu like thatAfter grabbing Xin, you think the man is gonna stop at one bun?
>>4673311The real question is if he's chad enough to grab a bun's buns.
>>4673312No, only Xin is allowed to steal food from other buns. Ming gets mad about it enough as it is. Having a big snow leopard steal food will only make her angrier and scarier. Bascially pushing towards the bad end where Ming becomes a food tyrant.
One last thing to point out. If you do invite Hien to join and he chooses to do so. Your party now equals Five. Have fun with that information!
>>4673409Only need three more after that to become the second coming of the immortal eight.I wonder if a certain bat could truly change their mind...it would DEFINITELY be fun to see the dynamic between he ling and hien considering the history. I think they have the strongest chance to be both enemies and friends, with their upbringings.
>>4673418You inadvertantly made your own version of the Five and that's hilarious to me.
>>4673268>Break the silence.I feel like telling him about our empathic and presence tracking abilities
I'm excited at the prospect of hanging out with Crane again. Tai Lung should invite him out to Chuanli's.
>>4673445So Fated Five now?Thank the Dragons that Four and Five starts with F
>>4673409The problem is that if allowing Hien to go back to the palace is the only way to ensure the raiders are treated well, and that realtio s between china and the nomads dosen't get even worse, then I'm viting for that.Shame on passing up on a new party member that I really want, but it feels like it's the right thing.He can join us later though I suppose.
>>4673696There isn't any certainties there either. His sister's word is the word of the great dragons as far as anyone is concerned. Nor is the relationship going to get worse if those raiders are tortured to death, because no word of it will leave the forbidden city.All that changes is they have a representative.Instead what I am concerned about, is tarnishing his reputation and breaking his lifestyle. Hanging around with Tai Lung is going to tar you for life, even if the only people able to order you to trial is your brother and sister, because while I may not know what official policy for us on an empire wide scale is, I know that our reputation and bounty is terrible.Ultimately if he wishes to come with us, and it should be his choice, I'm happy with that but I don't think he should without some serious considerations.
>>4673677>>4673409Also interesting, is that in chinese mythology, 4 is the number of death.Our relation to death is quite interesting.
>>4673696I had posted a continuation of this post, but it ended up on another thread and now I can't delete it there.Fucking 4chan.
>>4673703If he follows us he should pick up a fake identity too.Also the relations would worsen if they are imprisoned and never appear again, probably because the nomads already don't like China, so they will always assume the worst anyway, and even though they are the agressors, it wouldn't stop the anger.Revenge is a vicious cycle after all, they need the mystical Kung Fu wisdom bullshit to break it or something.>>4673409Also Luo, you said they would be charged with insurrection, but how would that work if they are actually foreigners? Isn't that some type of internal crime?
>>4673731China is the superior empire here. Reprisal attacks against the raiders are likely from my estimations, but if we break their army here and leave some survivors to flee back with tales of our forces, they will never return in our lifetime out of fear.Their leaders being captured and likely executed do nothing to increase or decrease these events, since you can't really get worse relations than "Hey, I'm here to raid, rape and raze your people along the boarder."as for insurrection, it is crime against the government, typically by naitives but forigners can still be charged with it, so same punishment.
>>4673731What >>4673738 said. Insurrection was the closest word I could think of because rebellion implies that they're citizens trying to overthrow their own government. So does insurrection I suppose but the meaning there seems more loose. Basically they're going to be charged for trying to dismantle the government and for plotting to assassinate the Royal family. Technicalities of them already attempting to do so with Hien's life aside they also killed to steal government secrets which is damning on it own right. Its really owning the scrolls thats pushing it to insurrection because otherwise they'd simply be another band of bandits. You couldn't prove that they were plotting against the throne in that case but now there really isn't any other crime could cover it.
>>4673738That's the thing, our lifetime, about china. That exactly the mentality that Hien had, and it really doesn't mesh with what we have Tai Lung become, condeming not only the soldiers that made those crimes, but their entire people they came from.It really looks to me that we should try to do what we can to give them a chance for redemption and better relations with the nomads, any other option seem way too out of characther right now.Not that they should go free, maybe put them in a force and make them rebuild the towns they razed?Fuck it, I will post the post that went to the wrong thread and expand it.Unless we go with him to the capital too. Start the try to not get executed and maybe get a pardon act.I got this image of Tai Lung in a borrowed outfit that's obviouly smaller than him, arguing the case about him and his friends to the imperial family, while being backed by all our friends and people that we helped along the way, and how the raiders should be given a chance to attone for what they did.
>>4673748We really need to discovery how they found out about the scrolls. I still think there is some conspiracy from some higher ranking noble family that is manipulating the nomads grudge for China to do the dirty work for them. Probably would kill them after they are done, claim they have the divine mandate now and then invade the steppes using the regicide as casus belli.
>>4673752The raiders are being executed mate. There is nothing we can do or say to prevent it happening, because that decision lies with the empress and the empress has the law saying "kill the fuckers"Tai Lung's mentality is "Everyone has a chance to redeem themselves, but if you don't take it then you aren't getting another." We did give the raiders a chance to redeem themselves, we told them to go home. They ignored us and now they will be broken and cast back from whence they came, any who can't flee are going to face the justice of the land they have been raiding.Tai Lung as he is, Isn't going to stop them being executed because it isn't his choice to make nor is it at all unjustified. Divine Regicide is going to be one big fucking crime.What he would oppose to, as far as I understand him, is needless cruelty and inflicting pain which means that torture is something he will oppose completely. It's not to say that he likes that they will be executed, but it's not his place to refuse. If it was not crime against the royal family, maybe we have some wiggle room, but it isn't.
>>4673767Oh well, whatever.It's not like the imperial family is not going to be slaughtered to the last man and the killer applauded for it in the future.Happens every 100-200 years anyway.It's think we have to really investigate, it's smell like scapegoat.
>>4673769Well yeah, how else is divine mandate going to get to it's new owners?But jests aside, investigation and interrogation are indeed the way to go once this is all over, maybe send them along with a letter to the royals.
>>4673776I would prefer a concetration camp or forced labor than outright executivon, Hien should probably suggest that.But yeah, they have to do a through investigation, probably under the supervision of people loyal solely to the imperial family.Do you think we could train chi to read peoples mind, or atleast their surface thoughts? Maybe with Renshu's ability to read emotion, Po natural talent with chi and our experience we could come up with something.
>>4673783Nah, doubt our Chi can do that. Emotional sensing sure but I doubt outright mindreading.As for forced labour, it's more the case that imperial forces can't really afford to show weakness or leniency with people attempting to dismantle their dynasty.But yeah, leave the suggestions with the empress or hien if he chooses to return home.
>>4673783>train chi to read peoples mindMing and Renshu definitely wouldn't be into that. Ming out of moral obligations and Renshu out of the fact that it's take a step backwards for his progress. Also he would see it as hypocritical of both TL and him after you shot down the idea of tearing memories out a ghost.>>4673703>His sister's word is the word of the great dragons as far as anyone is concernedYou also have to remember that it's probably infinitely more merciful than that of an actual great dragon. In the eyes of an immortal being, to whom centuries are a small drop in the sea of time, what is it to him to execute an army of beings who live less than a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things?>>4673715>Also interesting, is that in chinese mythology, 4 is the number of death.>Our relation to death is quite interesting.And like many thing. Purely coincidental. Ming deals with death by preventing it. TL has died. Renshu has died twice (Technically. Once when Xin killed him and once when he was captured by the judges). And both rabbits sold death as a career.
I'll be late posting today. Have a few things to do so I won't be able to do write ups until this after noon.
>>4674047I meant reading, not torturing someone's soul and ripping a memory off. If that would be the only way than of course that would be a big no. The memory ghost wasn't because privacy, but respect for the dead. No hypocrisy here. The idea was if there was a way to do it peacefully, it would actually be more humane than most methods of interrogation, including the one that you cooperate, since it involves coersion, lying, stockholm syndrome and other forms of psycological abuse.
>>4674047As the other anon said, reading a thought isnt the same as painfully ripping a soul apart for the meaning. We didnt do it to the raider because it was torture, not because their memories deserved respect.Unless of course that is how it works here, removing the memory with violence, in which case hell nah.
I'll be posting in an hour.
>>4674421Whooooooooo
>>4674421Hype
>>4673282>>4673299Grabbing Renshu's buns and talking...and continuing to eat too I guess. Writing.
You grab another bun and chew. "So..." You start, breaking the silence with an awkward pause. "What exactly did Xin say to make the Five angry?" Renshu quietly chews on his food for a moment before drinking, you sense that he was trying to settle his mind which only added to your worries. Finishing his small ritual, Renshu sighs and speaks."It started...well I suppose innocent isn't the correct term...it started mundane enough. Though wary, The Five at least listened to our proposed plan. Once Hien and Ming had explained the process in which the powder worked and how it was a non lethal toxin, my little brother decided to make an off hand remark surrounding the idea that things would be simpler if we could simply kill the raiders as they slept. A macarbe statement but one not to be take seriously. Unfortunately before Miss Ming could reprimand Xin Lan, Tigress took the initative and stated that it would be just like you and them to stoop to murder to solve a problem. In response, as tactful as ever when they're angry, Xin Lan pointed out that most of the work in finding the raiders was our doing and should she wish to suggest something then it would be the first actual bit of help the Five had done Shifu and Po not withstanding." Renshu grabs his flask and with surprising proficiency, opens it up and chugs down it's contents. Fortunately, the flask was full water and not alcohol as your can smell. With another breath, Renshu continues, "This of course led to a shouting match, which then became a contest of insults. The final straw seemed to be when Xin Lan claimed that Tigress could never be half the person you were as she never had to do good under the ire of the entire country. It was at this point that the young lord had to draw his blade and step between the two as they had both lept on the table ready to fight. I dragged my sibling out of the building and left the diplomacy to the two left behind. Frankly it's a miracle that they're still willing to talk to us."You groan and rub your eyes. The one thing you asked Xin Lan not to do and they went and did it. Perhaps it was too much to expect given the tension between the three of you after the events of Zhengyi. "What about the plan? Did they at least agree to it?" You ask. Renshu gives you a slight shrug.
"Of that I'm not sure. It seems like Ming and Hien have had some trouble convincing The Five due to the very nature of me and Xin Lan distributing the powder. Though Ming had suggested that the Five may do so in our stead, they still have reservations over our groups splitting up. While capturing you is no longer their primary goal, they seem to worry that they cannot keep an eye on us in the upcoming battle." Renshu explains, his demenor a bit wilted though he does chuckle a bit as he goes on. "However as we both know, Ming can be quite...persuasive when she wants to be and basically laid down the law. Either the Five were on board with the plan or we would simply go on without them. One way or another, we were going to be on the battlefield with them."You snort and cough on your drink as images of a petite but athletic cat glaring at the Five with hands on her hips, her eyes undaunted and stern in the face of some of the greatest masters in China. "I presume that went well?" You ask trying to eat and chuckle at the same time."About as well as it goes for us." Renshu replies. "Despite the combined efforts of The Five, Shifu, The Dragon Warrior, and the third son of the Emperor himself, Miss Ming would not budge. The stalemate lasted until she threatened to go with all of us onto the battlefield and cling to you for protection if the others weren't ok with just us three and Hien. So the Five relented rather than continued to be glared at and the planning has continued. While we're allowed to join in the battle, our roles are still as of late unknown as it has become a matter of negotiation now." You give Renshu and understanding nod though in reality you wished that The Five would simply push their feelings aside to get the job done. Moreover, you were rather baffled at Tigress's animosity towards you. The others, though wary and on edge around you, simply did their duty as it needed to be done while Tigress seemed to take every opportunity to look for a reason to incriminate you or at the very least to give credence to her ire. You sit in silence as you ponder to yourself.>What do you want to talk about next?>Ask Renshu about his favorite book. Xin loves to read and give Renshu's philosphical nature it might be wise to assume he does too.>Tell Renshu about your new abilities. You can sense your friends presense and their emotions. Perhaps Renshu might be interested.>Ask Resnhu if he'd like to go somewhere else. You've been cooped up for a while, maybe it would be good to stretch your legs.>Ask Renshu something else.>Write in.>>4673594Missed this vote. Terribly sorry anon.
>>4674589It's all good.>Tell him about our new abilities>Renshu, do you have any inkling as to why Tigress bares us such emnity?>Ask him about his favorite bookWe can't leave the cell, unfortunately. least not without causing trouble.
>>4674589>Tell Renshu about your new abilities. You can sense your friends presense and their emotions. Perhaps Renshu might be interested.We should ask him to call the captain before we go take a walk, don't want to make a fool out of him.Also we should straight up go to tigress and ask why she is so especially angry with us.
>>4674604Oh, maybe ask Renshu about the differences in philosophy between japan and china, since his cover is as a monk he should have a lot to talk about.
>>4674589>Renshu, do you have any inkling as to why Tigress bares us such emnity?>Could you perhaps ask her to come here, so that we can talk? I'd like to do what I can to help our groups to get along more, and if she's the strongest opposition to that, then it's best we settle it somehow.
>>4674607I'll support that.>>4674612You're mad, man. But hey, if she fucking agrees lets go.
>>4674607>differences in philosophy between japan and chinaUhh...let me just...google that furiously. Odds are I've probably be using Japanese philosophies in this game.>>4674600>>4674604>>4674607>>4674612>>4674617Lots of votes. Telling Renshu about our super powers and then asking about why Tigress is angry at the gud boi and best girl gang. Writing.
>>4674626Well, most parallels I could think of would be taoism and shinto being both different forms of native animism, and the different forms of buddhism that are more popular in those countries.
>>4674646I'd say Renshu wouldn't actually know all that different, since he was raised by being thrown to the wolves and abbandoned, then just murdered his way across Japan.Sure he may know the lay faiths, but we could probably get off with "I can only tell you of the differences between the people and their attitudes."
>>4674617Tigress has a lot of problems with us that need directly aired out. Unless we directly face her and address those problems, ALL of them and not just the ones she brings up around the others, then we won't be able to fix it.One-on-one time with her to break through those walls is the best way to do it.
>>4674660Yeah, we need to do a no-bullshit what is your problem and deal with it.Ironically Tai Lung will probably kinda understand and sympatise with her.
>>4674670She might just be mad that she's not part of best girl squad. You should invite her. inb4 you make Tigress turn her back on the Five in a quest for revenge or to join you in an attempt to best you
>>4674677Tigress is many things, Cute among them, but one thing she is not is a person who would turn her back on her friends and team.
>>4674660It is a shame that we can't just fix these issues by ritual combat with one ideal vs another, like Xin and Renshu did.
>>4674679>Tigress>CuteA man of culture I see.
>>4674684KFP2 sold me on it, whenever she got serious with Po and let down her Hard-style personality for a bit.
>>4674689Not gonna lie, and I guess a bit off topic, but I do want to see Ming and Tigress fight. But I'm a sucker for underdog fights. Thing is, Ming's not the type to pick fights even if she was trained and Tigress wouldn't fight Ming unless it was absolutely nessecary.
>>4674694There is always "the friendly spar" when we have the down time
>>4674694I think Ming would do it if it proved a point.Like to make someone see that she's not incapable of protecting herself, or to prove that she's not a hostage. Hell, a Ming with a point to prove would absolutely take advantage of Tigress hesitating to fight her.And she'd probably fight sherlock style when she does get some experience under her belt. Analyzing the weaknesses and condition of her opponent, playing out a mental construct of what she plans to do + how the enemy is likely to move, and then following that construct to the finish.https://youtu.be/lLuhWLNqpiA?t=114
>>4674694Just make a verbal fight.She would win by miles.
>>4674716That doesnt make it interesting. Besides, Luo wants to write a cat fight.
"The thing that bothers me..." You start, trying to choose your words correctly. "I don't know the source of Tigress's animosity. Perhaps you could shed some light on that? You've been around her for a while, maybe you got a glimpse of something to explain it?" Renshu thinks as if attempting to remember something from long ago despite the fact it was probably only 2 days since he was last in Tigress's company."I'm afraid I can't say." He admits. "I've not spent much time with her when comes in regards to you. Though it's something deeply rooted inside her and such things are not something that comes about recently. She's been harboring this and it's festered. Hence, why she seems to lose reason when it comes up. Her anger towards us simply seems to be a side effect of that main issue. As we're your friends and associate with you so to do we become associated with whatever issue she has." "Anything else?" You ask, hoping for your friend's supernatural abilities to come in. Renshu thinks harder and rubs his chin."She hides it well." Renshu continues. "As do you and your father. Sharing your feelings is not something that runs in your family I'm afriad. A shame I cannot read her as well as I can read you but if I was to summarize it in short I would say...inadequacy. That seems to strongly resonate her." You furrow your brow as you try to dicern the meaning behind that. You had bested the Five long ago but you didn't think it was so soundly that she would have harbored such feelings from that. You didn't think your father's training would allow that. Compounding the issue was your lack of understanding when it came to social situations at least when it came to actually thinking about them. Sighing you say,"Could you ask her to come here, so that we can talk? I'd like to get to the bottom of this or at least find a way to let both our groups work together. Since she's the strongest opposition to that, it's best that we settle this once and for all." Renshu wipes his mouth and folds his napkin, as he looks at you curiously.
"I...suppose I could ask her that." He says. "Though I am unsure if she will comply. Still, attempting to reconcile these feelings would be increadibly healthy if not for you then for her." You nod, thankful that there would be at least an attempt at this rather than consider the whole situation hopeless. With nothing more to add you decide to shift the topic a bit."You know...I have picked up a few new things recently." You say unsure how to word it without sounding boastful. "I can...feel where everyone is. Well...not everyone. Just you, Ming and Xin. I can feel what you're feeling. Rather...I can push forward and meditate on someone's feelings." You struggle to put the words together on something that felt so...intrinsic. It was as if you were trying to explain how to breathe or see. Renshu looks at you interested."Really?" He asks, his attention on you. "Is there anything else to it? What is it like?">How do you explain it?>Say that you guess it's very much like his ability only that yours requires meditation.>Say that...it's like diving into someone's core. Like swimming into a sea of their being. The only one that seems to circumvent this is Renshu, whom you can feel effortlessly or when someone else is feeling something very strongly.>Say that it's vague and you can't really put your finger on it. You haven't tried it that often.>Write in.
>>4674718I see what you did there. But >>4674702 is right. I want to do it simply to see how creative anons get. Ming will very much be a sherlock/shikamaru/gadgeteer kind of fighter. As Xin put it, her strength comes from her intelligence and creativity and the fact when she has her back against the wall she doesn't falter and instead becomes more steadfast which is probably one of a martial artist's greatest strengths. Coupled with alchemy, chi, and throwing and Ming suddenly becomes a very versitile fighter. Not TL levels of mook destruction but in 1v1s, she could be a force to be reckoned with.
>>4674724>It's like swimming into someone's coreWe did it with Xin on the boat, we felt it with Renshu when we came back from the raiders, despite looking completely serene we could feel a violent rage that honestly felt murderious.Hmm, he said he could read us well, maybe it's a two way street? or perhaps tigress is just harder to read than bleeding a stone.>>4674727Neat. Prepare for flying by leaping on thrown needles to drop kick someone.
>>4674729Oh, and of course, when we got the ability.We sort of senses our friends emotions when we opened up about our experiences in the hells, and we "took" or internalised some of the emotions of the others. Sounds terrible in hindsight, but that's when shit got mystic.
>>4674724>Say that it's vague and you can't really put your finger on it. You haven't tried it that often.We do not have enough empyrical evidence for a conclusion.
>>4674724>Say that...it's like diving into someone's core. Like swimming into a sea of their being. The only one that seems to circumvent this is Renshu, whom you can feel effortlessly or when someone else is feeling something very strongly.
>>4674736He isn't asking for a conclusion, he's asking for what it feels like. And we've done it a few times already.
>>4674729>>4674740It's a weird swimming feeling. Writing.
You ponder for a moment as you once again try to find the right words. "It's like....swimming." You start. You decide that perhaps the best way was just to talk and let the words come through. Since the ability felt like something natural to you then perhaps naturally speaking would explain it. "Like I'm delving into someone's core. The sea of their being. It can't really feel emotions like you can instinctively but I can dive into someone and feel what they're feeling." You explain. "It takes a bit of time...except when someone is feeling really strongly about something. It seems to escape them. Radiate from them at least...that's what I think." You admit. "You are the only one I've felt that but you're also the only one whom I can feel out instinctually without needing to meditate." Renshu raises and eyebrow. You give him a weak smile. "I guess I'm not the only one who is easy to read." You chuckle to which Renshu returns the favor."I suppose I now have to watch what I do and say seeing as you'd be able to read me now." He says."I'm afraid it might ruin a few things for Xin." You say with a grin. "For starters, they can't hide from me anymore. At least not without actual effort.""I'm not sure they're going to like that." Renshu admits. "But to be able to sense them is quite a feat indeed.""I think I'll keep that a secret a bit longer." You admit. "Just to mess with them a bit." You think for a moment. "But just like the emotions, your presence is the one I can sense the strongest as well." Renshu tilts his head."Really?" He says thinking. "Hmm...I'm afraid these are abilities I've never truly heard of before to be knowledgeable enough to explain that. I had always assumed my own were unique to me so I never truly studied them beyond their applications.""They've proven useful so far." You say. "As limited as their applications are. I'm not sure what to make of them.""Treat them as you would any other skill." Renshu says. "With dilligence and respect and they should serve you well."You nod and think about your abilities a bit more. Months ago, you probably would have dismissed them for being useless in combat. Now, you wonder what these abilities could do for you outside of combat and for others.>What do you say?>Continue talking to Renshu.>Ask Renshu if he can go find Tigress right now.>See if the Captain is near so he can let you out.>Write in.
>>4674877>Ask Renshu if he can go find Tigress right now.Now im thinking about if Xin and Renshu truly are the only ones left from their organization or not....and if Xin was the only child they successfully got to that degree of “non presence”. After all, it worked once, so why stop there? What if we kept breeding more like them, kept doing the ritual. Hell, what if they thought they could take it even further somehow? There could be an even more terrifying assassin out there, and nobody would know it. Maybe they experimented with the rituals to try to bring out different effects, like making it legitimately impossible to remember the assassin when you look away from them. Or make them give off a calming, natural, belonging aura that would let them attack in plain sight and slip away.
>>4674897OK. Who's leaking my notes? because that's literally post timeskip Xins abilities to a certain degree. The others still have some growing to do.
>>4674877>Ask Renshu if he can go find Tigress right now.>See if the Captain is near so he can let you out.I don't know if the talk being in the cell would be better or worse.
>>4674928I'll just have to brainstorm an even wilder ability natural to 'The Successor'.The ability to mimic someone's chi, thus fooling natural and unnatural senses into perceiving them to be the person who's chi they're copying. Of course, this would only be the 'shell' covering their true chi, which is as much of a blank void as Xin Lan's.
>>4674877>spend some time in eachothers company and then ask to see tigress
I'm also looking forward to the jarring normality the crew will face when they meet Ming's family. I don't think they'll be able to cope.
>>4675652>Tai Lung keep asking if there is anything wrong in the surrounding house, then town, then country, then world>Renshu is given full time cook duties while Ming tries desperately to explain that the others are just energetic as she is strangling Xin and TL in their attempt to go out and find something that they understand as her family just watches the scene with confusion and bemusement.>Hien just compliments them on the home.
>>4675719I'm already imagine how her friends and family are gonna reacted to how toned and muscular she's gonna be after training.>Mom or dad playfully toss a fruit to her and she instinctively catches out of the air without even glancing in that direction. Takes a full minute for everyone outside the crew to notice what happened.
>>4675725They are going to ask if we are her new boyfriend and we are going to drop the spaghetti aren't we?
>>4675727>They are going to ask if we are her new boyfriend and we are going to drop the spaghetti aren't we?Don't worry about it anon.
>>4675727>>4675732L-look guys. So long as nobody, and I mean nobody, mentions that Xin has been called our wife in the past, then we should be fine.
>>4674897>>4674981>>4675250Asking to speak to Tigress. Writing>>4675774Don't worry about it. I'm sure Xin won't conviently forget to not mention it.
You sit with Renshu in silence. There was a sense of contentment in just sitting there with your friend and eating. It seemed, for the moment at least, there were no raiders to worry about, no plans that needed to be made, no life or death situations just peace. Unsurprisingly, Renshu felt the same way as you can feel the same coming off of him. The two of you continue to eat in this peaceful silence until there is nothing left in the cloth bag. Downing the last of your drink, you decide this would be a good time to continue the conversation. “Xin Lan likes to read.” You say it as a way to make conversation and feel a bit foolish by simply stating a fact. “I mean...Xin likes to read but other than playing music I guess I don’t really know what you like to do? Do you have any books you enjoy? Or maybe you like to play board games like Ming?”Renshu sips at his tea. “Well…” He starts quietly. “I do have a confession to make...I...don’t know how to read.”“Seriously?” You ask in amazement then catch yourself. “I mean...I didn’t mean it like that.” You say, suddenly finding yourself worrying that your gift for him is in poor taste. Renshu smiles at you and chuckles.“No. I was merely teasing you.” He laughs softly. “I can read quite well though I must admit I haven’t taken the time to do so in a long while.” He takes another drink and seems to think for a moment. “I wouldn’t say I have the same fancy towards literature as my little sister does but I do have some works that I remember fondly.”“Really? Which are those?” You ask, curious as to what kind of taste in books Renshu has.“Well...I’ve always been fond of Miyamoto Musashi’s work.” Renshu says. “Though he only has two works, 五輪書 and 獨行道 “ You tilt your head, helplessly confused when he speaks in another language though Renshu’s Japanese always seemed to remind you fine penmanship. Like something written elegantly and with a flourish. You guess it’s because the words sound exotic to your ears. Unfortunately for you, your response is not nearly as elegant as you say, “I’m sorry...what?”“My apologies.” Renshu corrects himself. “Go Rin no Sho which roughly translates to The Book of Five Rings and Dokkōdō which is roughly The Path of Aloneness. They are two schools of thought that intertwine and were the man’s personal philosophies.”“Who was this Miyamoto?” You ask intrigued that you might finally be learning about another country and more importantly about Renshu’s time in Japan of which he rarely spoke about, at least not in a positive light. What little he would bring up would often be with scorn or contempt, a testament of his cruel upbringing there.“A wandering swordsman.” Renshu replies. “And the closest thing I had to a father I suppose. Although that implies we were close. No, I was just a student of his and though, as arrogant as it sounds, was his best.”
“Wait...but I thought you were only in Japan for a few years? You never mentioned him before.” You ask as dozens of questions begin to pop into your head. “He taught you swordsmanship? Then why don’t you ever use a weapon?” You catch yourself before more questions spill out. Renshu seems amused. “I was in Japan for only a few scant years.” He agrees. “But I learned quickly from him, as I said, I was his best pupil. He was the one who convinced me to return to China though he perhaps did not expect me to return to murder my birth father. Many of my habits come from The Path of Aloneness which is a set of 21 precepts to live, in Mushashi’s eyes, an honest acetic life. I must admit however, I fail at a few but such is life.” Renshu sets his flask aside. “As for my swordsmanship, I am quite the swordsman as he was. I simply choose not to use them. Precept #16; Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.” He recites. “As my training continued when I returned back to China, I learned how to use as many weapons as perhaps you do. However, my body is my one true weapon, my own sword, and I keep it as honed and sharp as can be. A lesson I should have imparted in Xin Lan.” He chuckles. “Though should the need arise, I can pick up a weapon easily enough.”“What about the other book?” You ask and you struggle to pronounce it properly before simply dropping any attempts to do so.“Ah, The Book of the Five Rings. It was a sort of combat manual.” Renshu explains. “For swordsmanship and Mushashi’s attitude towards combat. Once again, Xin Lan’s opposite.” He laughs. “It stressed simple clean strikes and a no nonsense attitude towards combat though perhaps a bit hypocritically it taught a style based on wielding two blades at once. Mind and body are to be one when striking. Perhaps it could be Japan’s version of Sun Tzu’s Art of War though more specialized for swordsmanship and more detailed on the actual tactics of duels and fighting rather than the philosophy. Oddly however, Musashi preferred people to learn through experience rather than be taught through a book. I say book but the truth was that Musashi never put his ideas into writing.”“Is he still…” You dare not ask if Renshu had killed his former master but the rabbit senses your meaning and shakes his head.“No. I did not kill him.” Renshu says. “I am unsure if he is still alive but I highly doubt a war could put the old dog down. As a child, his teachings intrigued me and perhaps fed into my more rebellious phase. To come back with forgien teachings and turn my back on anything Chinese as revenge for my abandonment there.” He explains bitterly. “As I grew, I began to take them more seriously if only to protect Xin Lan as they grew up.”
You nod though you did not understand the concept of youthful rebelliousness. Shifu would not tolerate any lack of discipline and would often threaten to withhold teachings and techniques if you ever displayed rebelliousness. You never did have any problems following these guides as training was the only life you had up until now. In a way, Renshu did the same though his self control and training came out of need to protect their younger sibling. A thought that made your reasons for training as you grew feel even more selfish and shameful. Trying to escape these feelings you ask, “So there’s no books based on these teachings?” You ask.“As far as I know. None. Though Hien has mentioned that Japan is now at peace so it’s quite possible that Musashi put his works into writing now that his blades had no foes to face. If so, finding a copy here in China would be next to impossible.” Renshu says. The two of you grow quiet once more and you get a strange feeling from Renshu as hard as you try to ignore it. Vulnerability, no doubt in part to having revealed something as personal as his upbringing. Not wanting him to continue to feel like this or at least wanting to spare his feelings you decide to move forwards.“Would it be too much to ask if you could go ask Tigress to come see me? It’s the afternoon, perhaps the meeting is complete.” You ask and you hope that Renshu can feel that you weren’t trying to get rid of him but rather you were trying to spare his feelings. Renshu nods.“I will see if she is...amicable enough to ask.” He says.”Do you think she’ll see you?”“I’m not sure but it’s worth a try. I’ll see if I can get the captain’s attention and see if he lets me out.” You say.“Hopefully he does but for now, I’ll go and find the wayward master.” Renshu bids his goodbye, heads out, and in a bit of what you catch in mischievousness, leaves your cell door unlocked.>What do you do?>Remain in your cell and try to get the captain’s attention. Won’t do if it looks like you escaped.>Get out of your cell and walk to the captain’s office. It’s not like you couldn’t have escaped before. This way means there’s less property damage.>Head out and go to the guard’s training. It’s quiet now so it must be over but perhaps the Captain is still there.>Wait. Someone will come eventually.>Write in.
>>4675951>Remain in your cell and try to get the captain’s attention. Won’t do if it looks like you escaped.Part of me just want to go to his office and say we just woke and the door was open, but that feels like being a dick.
>>4675951>Remain in our cell and get his attention.I can just imagine TL sat looking at the open door and meowing like a house cat because the door is 1 cm from being as wide open as it can go.Cats are so bloody picky.
>>4675959>>4675973We're gonna meow really loudly. Writing.Also TL Quest has hit 79 pages on my Google docs and thats only from the times I had to post on phone so a while after the Warring Triad arc. I write a lot. And so do you guys because that's not including votes or side conversations. Makes me proud.
>>4676005Got reason to be proud man.Gonna suck if his investigation isn't done yet, or he asks that we stay here anyway to preserve the peace.
>>4676034Well, we can tell him that we are planning to talk to a member of the five, so we could ask for a place that is more private. Or soudproof. More for the guards own confort than anything.
>>4676070Don't see the need if I'm honest, Guards are probably going to leave out of respect for Tigress and any shouting she does will be heard on the other side of town.If this becomes an actual fight, then it's best to not have witnesses.
You watch your friend leave and vanish as the door closes behind him. You sit down and wait then realize you don’t really have anything to do or even a way to contact the Captain to see if he can let you out. You could just walk out and go to his office but that feels kind of rude. A bit stumped at your conundrum, you pace a bit to try and think. You suppose you could try yelling or shouting for attention but you didn’t want to get the captain angry or, more likely, angrier. You pace for another few minutes and then sit down, a bit embarrassed at what you’re going to do next. You close your cell door and it shuts with a loose clang as there was nothing to lock it back in place. Bending down, you pick up a few loose rocks from the ground. Sheepishly, you weigh one in your hand and hurl it at the door. It connects with a loud “thunk!” and the rock embeds itself into the wood. You wince but do it again, hoping to get the guards attention outside and praying that they were still posted at the door. It takes a few more attempts but after the 5th rock falls to the ground, someone opens the door. You manage to hold your fire before you get into the rhythm of doing it.The porcupine sticks his head in looking confused and you wave at him. “Hey, good timing. Could you see if the captain is free? I want to ask him something.” You say, trying to sound nonchalant about the whole thing. The guard nods and steps indoors.“You hear something?” He asks looking around, missing the small pile of rocks that were knocked away by the door. You shake your head.“I thought I heard something.” You lie crushing the small rocks you hid behind your back. “But I was just talking to my friend a bit ago and wasn’t paying attention.”“Weird.” The guard responds. “Well, I’ll go see if the captain is in.” He turns and heads down the hall to the captain’s office. Moments later, the porcupine returns with the Captain following him. You stand, not wanting to seem ungrateful or cocky. With a wave, the captain sends the porcupine back to his post.“You’re awake.” He says gruffly and matter of factly. “Thought you were dead.”“Injured. But not dead.” You say. “Healing takes a lot out of me.”“I’ll bet. It’s a miracle your legs even work. Injuries like that can leave a man disabled. I’ve seen many take an arrow to a limb and have it heal wrong. Leaves their limb stiff and nearly useless. Figured you’d have gone the same route.” The captain continues. “In either case, it seems that you’re not the kind of man to stay laying down. What do you need?”>What do you say?>Ask the captain if you can go free. Did he finish his investigation?>Say that you want to speak to a member of the Five. Though Renshu is already on that, wouldn’t hurt to have someone else do it.>Tell the captain your cell door is unlocked. Might as well let him know.>Say that you want to speak with your friends.>Write in.
>>4676096>Have you finished your investigations?>Have I missed anything important in the past week other than the 5 arriving?>How is Guang and family?>The door is unlocked, by the way.
>>4676141Taking this. Writing.
>>4676271sorry for my lack of input, just got off workwoulda voted for the same thing anyways
>>4676271Oh shit missed the vote.Is there still time to warn him that if tigress actually comes here there is a chance of it being a near apocaliptic event?Giving a heads up is the least we can do after all.
>>4676354If his investigation isn't over, we can warn him.
>>4676354Sure ill toss that in. Really what we should tell the captain is that best girl viper is here.
>>4676364We'll make sure not to mention how we found a Viper poster hidden in the captain's desk
“I just wanted to ask if you had finished your investigation.” You say sitting down once more. The captain nods. “I have but I got a few questions.” He says. “Been meaning to ask them but I’ve been told you wouldn’t be around for a while.”“Sorry but it had to be done. We need as many capable people to fight off the raiders. This was the only way to have that happen.” You explain. “Any other circumstance, I would have been able to wait.” The captain gives you a look before turning and grabbing the small chair from the receptionist desk. He drops it in front of your cell and sits down on it, backwards and facing you.“Well, the sooner we stop dancing around the subject the sooner we can get this over with.” He says. You nod. You weren’t sure what the Captain could ask you that you hadn’t really answered already but there was no real point in delaying it. “What do you need to know?” You ask.“Why?” The captain asks. A bit confused, you answer, “Why what?”“Why’d you do it? Why are you even here?” He clarifies. “Out of all of China, out of anywhere in the world. Why stay here? You’re a murderer. A killer. Anyone with any sense would immediately run you out of their city if not try to kill you for what you did. But you’re still here. Helping...why?”>What do you say?>Write in.
>>4676449>I no longer am the man I once was Captain. I may be still trying to understand what I want, but I know what I must do, and that is to help people, no matter what. Not to attone my soul, or to repay my crimes, but to do good for it's sake, because it is the right thing.I could run away, find a place in the world and be at peace, but then what? Just selfishly away with all the strength I gained from all my training, while others suffer? Helping those who are weaker than oneself is the least a man should do, and if I can help others away from the dark path I took too, than it's all worth it.If someone can make it less cliche please do.
>>4676483>Selfishly hide away>Dark path I once tookFuck
>>4676449>"I'll try to keep this short Captain, I know you don't enjoy me wasting your time. When I escaped prison, I almost murdered my father in a blind rage over a scroll that when I held it, was nothing but paper in my hands. Then as I fled, I came upon a woman who the townfolk spat on for keeping to the old faith, for tending to her own patch and respecting the forest. She sacrificed her life and freedom so that ungrateful people who wished to lynch her could have their children back. Then I met Ming and Xin Lan and seen the extent to which we would each go to for one another.>Over all this time, I've come to learn that one thing which all of these different tales have taught me is this. If you are willing to stop, to change your ways and put your every effort into mending your mistakes and trying to repair that which can't ever be fixed then you can find some sort of peace with yourself. I have friends now who also wish to do good, I have found peace, I've helped save a ship of innocents and a city of people in the grips of a traid coup and solved a love dispute, I don't need China's respect or forgiveness for what I've done to mend my mistakes, I just need to know that this is the right thing to do and I'll keep on walking this path until the great dragons see fit to send me to Hell or to my ancestors."Right, to clarify in case that was too rambling, the main reason to do it is "I'm trying to make up for all the deaths I've caused and I don't give a fuck if everyone hates me while I do it. I'm here to save them because it's the right thing to do and to not let my friends faith in me down."
>>4676483I prefer parts of that actually.Replacing >>4676492 "I don't need china's respect or forgiveness for what I have done to do good,"Because doing good for goods sake is TL's new sort of motive, as a way to avoid returning to his old way.
>>4676492I don't know. No matter how good you become, nothing can make up a death, unless you view it in the bureaucratic way that less people ended up dead overall.That's why I push for what is done is done, now I have to do good because it is what is right view.
>>4676449On a word, redemption. Longer story, I always wanted to be the hero, the one to get praise for helping. It isn't how it turned out, you already know that part of the story. I no longer care about the praise but I still want to be the hero, to help others. Eventually I might be able to help more than I have hurt. I want to be the man younger me would be glad to become.
>>4676505>>4676492But telling the short aide of the events that changed our mind is a wonderful idea. Maybe add our encounter with the bat that showed what we had become as a villain, so we would never go back?
>>4676505That's sort of the point. Nothing is going to erase or fix the Razing of the valley of peace. Trying anyway is a futile effort that's going to help everyone else until we die of old age.And talking about our encounter with the bat, like staring in the mirror, is an okay idea
Posting in about 30mins
>>4676483>>4676492>>4676513Write ins are great. My turn to write.
You look at the captain for a moment. No one ever truly asked you why you did anything. Sure, there were plenty of times you explained your ideologies as a defense or argument but never as an explanation for your actions. You turn and sit at the edge of the bench to look directly at the Captain. "I'll try to keep this short Captain, I know you don't enjoy me wasting your time. When I escaped prison, I almost murdered my father in a blind rage over a scroll that when I held it, was nothing but paper in my hands. Then as I fled, I came upon a woman who the townsfolk spat on for keeping to the old faith, for tending to her own patch and respecting the forest. She sacrificed her life and freedom so that ungrateful people who wished to lynch her could have their children back. Then I met Ming and Xin Lan and saw the extent to which we would each go for one another. Over all this time, I've come to learn that one thing which all of these different tales have taught me is this. If you are willing to stop, to change your ways and put your every effort into mending your mistakes and trying to repair that which can't ever be fixed then you can find some sort of peace with yourself. I have friends now who also wish to do good, I have found peace, I've helped save a ship of innocents and a city of people in the grips of a triad coup and solved a love dispute." You give the captain a long look. “I no longer am the man I once was Captain. I may be still trying to understand what I want, but I know what I must do, and that is to help people, no matter what. Not to attone my soul, or to repay my crimes, but to do good for it's sake, because it is the right thing.I could run away, find a place in the world and be at peace, but then what? Just selfishly away with all the strength I gained from all my training, while others suffer? Helping those who are weaker than oneself is the least a man should do, and if I can help others away from the dark path I took too, then it's all worth it." You stand and pace a bit. "I no longer am the man I once was Captain. I may be still trying to understand what I want, but I know what I must do, and that is to help people, no matter what. Not to attone my soul, or to repay my crimes, but to do good for it's sake, because it is the right thing.I could run away, find a place in the world and be at peace, but then what? Just selfishly away with all the strength I gained from all my training, while others suffer? Helping those who are weaker than oneself is the least a man should do, and if I can help others away from the dark path I took too, than it's all worth it. So in short, I used to do this for redemption. I wanted to be a hero, to be honored and praised for my deeds, but we both know how that turned out. I no longer care about praise or fame but I still want to do good. Eventually, I might be able to help more than I have hurt. Eventually I might become the man the younger me wished to be.”
The captain gives you a long, hard, appraising look. You felt as if he were examining some kind of code. As if what you said had some hidden meaning or as if you yourself were hiding something on your person. It made you feel slightly bare. Finally, with a heavy air he says, “You’re not a good man.”“I don’t think I’ll ever be what many would consider to be a ‘good man’.” You reply calmly. “But that doesn’t prevent me from doing good.”“No. It doesn’t.” The captain replies. “Though more accurately, I’d say you’re a right pain in my ass. Do you always manage to cock up the plans and schedules of everyone you try to help?” He asks slightly indignantly though there seemed to be a hint of amusement in his tone.You shrug. “It just seems to come with the territory. I never really intend for things to go south...people just tend to be stubborn.” You say thinking back at the small ornery fox from a few weeks ago. The captain grunts in response and says nothing. “So...am I free to go?” You ask.The captain stands, “As it stands. No. Even if what you said is true, you’re still China’s number 2 criminal and it’d be foolish to just let you go...officially. However, nothing says I can’t let you out on supervised parole.”“And who will be supervising me?” You ask a bit wary.“Luckily for you the Five are here and have volunteered to do so.” The captain says going over his papers. “As it looks right now...Mantis and Viper have been chosen.”>What do you say?>Ask if this is really necessary. You won’t cause trouble.>Ask if it can be anyone else. Like Crane and Mei Ling.>Say you’d rather just wait in jail.>Write in.
>>4677787Unintended probably, but the fact we repeated a paragraph twice after promising to keep it short.>Well it isnt my friends on the five, but I see nothing wrong with it.>Warn the captain that Tigress may be coming by soon and where we plan to visit in case she asks.I see no reason to stay inside at current, let's go see An Bo and company.
>>4677801That is my bad, yeah.
>>4677787>That shouldn't be a problem. I've been meaning to get to know them better anyways.
>>4677787>Warn the captain that Tigress may be coming by soon and where we plan to visit in case she asks.>She has a specially string hatred for me. I will avoid any fights, but it would be better to find a resilient cell just in case
>>4677801>>4677810>>4677817Warning the cap that angry sis might be storming the jail. We'll be fine with mantis and viper. Writing.
Daiyu is gonna have a field day next time she sees ming.
>>4677828I don't see why, unless you are saying they will go out to a field for a day to test out Mings new superhuman skills. (And endurance.)
“That won’t be a problem.” You say. “Not my friends in the Five but it’ll be a chance to get to know them.”“You’re friends with the Five?” The captain asks, amused.“Only with one. At the very least, I get along with him better than most.” You admit. “I’m guessing they’re still not here?”“I’ll send someone to get them, you’ll just have to wait a bit.”“If that’s the case, then I should warn you.” You say and the captain gives you a mixture of a glare and exasperation. “I asked Tigress to see me. She has a particularly strong hatred for me and I kind of want to get to the bottom of it. I don’t intend to fight her but in case it does break out...I’ll try and keep it away from the town.” Seeing the captain’s look you quickly add, “I’m also planning on visiting the Tavern...in case she asks where I went.” The large tiger turns his back to you and waves you off.“I’ll keep it in mind.” He says with some restraint. “Just try not to completely destroy the town before you leave your cell.”---It was about another hour before the two arrived to collect you. You couldn’t really help but feel slightly amused when you simply pushed the door to your cell open and saw the look on their faces. Both of them seemed incredibly wary of you and seemed to be on edge as if they were waiting for you to pounce. Ignoring their paranoia, you stretch a bit now that you weren’t in a cramped cell and had a cramped inn room with your friends to look forward to. Without a word, you begin to head towards Chuanli’s tavern only to realize that you probably should appraise your two new jailers of the situation. “I want to grab a drink and catch up.” You say jerking your thumb at the building. “I know the owner.” Mantis and Viper exchange a look between each other but say nothing. With no protests, you quickly make your way to your destination. The tavern was as busy as it ever was with people pouring in and out of it both from the town itself and the evacuees. Despite this mass influx of patrons, the atmosphere of the place was no one of revelry but of commiseration. A heavy depressing atmosphere hung over the place and you weren’t too happy about it as you missed it’s previous boisterous tone. Nonetheless, you enter. A hushed silence ensues as you step in through the doors as if a blanket had been placed over the building. Everyone stares at you and quiet whispers echo about as you stride forward towards the bar. Viper and Mantis follow you, unsure of the crowd’s demeanor but bound by duty to follow you.
You sit down, and An Bo pops up from under the counter, bottles in her hands and confusion on her face as she looks to see the cause of the sudden silence. “Mr. Tai Lung! They let you out!” She shouts, surprised and elated. Putting the bottles down, she turns around and shouts, “Guang! He’s here! He’s out!” The sound of crashing wood echoes from the back room and a dusty boar comes rushing out, barrel in his arms. “Hey man! You’re free!” Guang says grinning. “How was your time in the clink?” Before you can answer he frowns and turns to face the patrons. “Hey! Who said you can listen in?! Get back to your drinks! All of ya! Or do I need to cut you all off?!” The customers, rather than be deprived of their source of alcohol, cast one last glare at you and return to their drinks, noise returning back to the tavern. Guang grunts and looks very much like his father for a moment before a grin returns to his face. He grabs a clean mug, turns a spout on a barrel and pours you a drink. Mantis and Viper look positively perturbed, completely unsure of what to do.>What do you say?>Ask Guang if he’d like you to leave. You don’t want to drive away his family’s business.>Ask Guang how he’s been since you left. How’s the tavern treating him?>Ask if he’s heard anything. It’s a tavern and drinks tend to loosen lips.>Write in.
>>4677884>Ask if they would prefer we come back at another time, we dont want to drive away their custom.>If they dont kick us out, how have they been? Has there been any more trouble with the trader family?>Belatedly introduce them to Mantis and Viper, then Viper and mantis to them.Just a completely natural conversation.
>>4677888Oh and>I take it your father is not best pleased with my revealed identity?
>>4677884>Ask Guang if he’d like you to leave. You don’t want to drive away his family’s business.>Ask Guang how he’s been since you left. How’s the tavern treating him?>No more problems with merchants and angry mothers I hope?See if viper and mantis wants something. Maybe one of those mixes he came up with? Or something non-alcaholic with they think we will escape while they are drunk.>>4677893Well, we did they them when we left
>>4677903Stop eating parts of my post 4chanWe did tell them when we left. Shouldn't been that much of a surprise. Not our falt if he didn't believe it.
>>4677903We told these two, not his dad proper I dont think.I do like the idea of cocktails. Just make sure we can pay for them, he will probably not press the matter but he deserves the money for his efforts.
>>4677888>>4677893>>4677903Talking to old friends. If they'll have us at least. Writing.
>>4677905Maybe we can encourage the 2 of 5 to open up a bit by asking them their thoughts on the place.Our story of how we helped them is also worth it for their looks of shock.
>>4677837Didn't even see this but yes that's exactly why. Its rather difficult to keep in touch when both parties are constantly traveling so there's gonna be catching up to do and maybe someone might confess their feelings.
>>4677936Ming is a real romantic, I think she will do it over dinner.
>>4677936More proof that Luo is trying to push away Ming as a waifu canditate through emotional blackmail, so he can push his favorite waifu to win the LungBowl.The identity of said champion is still unknown however.
>>4677989Fool! Do not look at who he has suggested, look at who he has not!It is obvious that Luo himself is a jealous waifu trying to keep him for himself by miring down the Lungbowl with too many candidates to ever get anyone picked!
>>4677989>>4677997Thats some 4d chess right there to try and narrow down the choices to Ming only in this waifu completion through reverse emotional blackmail. I shan't fall for it. I'll just throw in more waifus in.
>>4678000The mad man, he can't be stopped.
>>4678000Beware Luo, you may throw so many of them that you might accidentatly create the perfect waifu, thus losing.Unless that was your plan all along. Your favored waifu simply never was introduced to begin with! By eliminating Bao early, you destroy the power of the First Girl tm, thus making any option possible!
>>4678023GAH! Such intricate harem politics, surely he must have been sired by the emperor's finest concubine.We must be devilish if we are to overcome such insurmountable traps within traps. Though our perceptions are that of a Frog in the Well, we can surely overcome him with effort!
>>4678023Lads we've just upgraded from 4d chess to galaxy brain 5d tetris.
You take the drink gratefully and drink. It was warm and sweet making it a rather pleasant feeling when you drank it. You tasted hints of various fruits in it, mainly strawberry, while the light alcoholic content gave it a small kick as if to jumpstart your taste buds. You figure drinking this after a long day of training would certainly help lull you into a nice sense of comfort. Setting down the glass, after once again not fully finishing it in order to avoid seeming ungrateful, you ask, “If you want me to leave I will. I don’t want you to lose business because of me.” Guang laughs and smacks your shoulder. Viper and Mantis look downright horrified. “Get a load of this guy. ‘Want me to leave?’” Guang says looking at An Bo with a large grin. “Nah man! You and your friends are always welcome here.” He motions at the customers rather flippantly. “These guys don’t know you. Hell, half the town is on your side. The other half don’t want to get caught up in it.” Guang leans on the counter. “We’ve heard the stories you know. The real ones. Bout how you and your friends stuck your necks out for the evacuation. Your girl’s brother came in the other day to explain it.” He says quietly as if it was some big secret. “I was just telling An a few days prior that you were out saving someone else. Didn’t think you’d be taking on an army. See, this is why I and the town respect ya. You’re a real man. You fight the good fight because someone’s got to. Not because you’re gonna get paid or because you’re gonna get all the women. But because it’s what needs to be done. Everyone in town knows it. Saw it when you were running around asking ‘em to keep An safe incase her mother flipped out.”An pours you some more drink and, despite their protesting looks, you place a few coins to pay for it on the counter. “Guang and I have been telling everyone the truth.” She says quietly. “We’ve been telling them everything you’ve done for us. Most don’t believe it but some do after they saw what you did to help them escape.” You bury yourself in your mug as you try to hide the warm feeling in your face. Once you put the mug down you say, “Thanks.” You motion to Viper and Mantis. “This is Master Viper and Master Mantis.” You say. “They’re here in town to help figure out how to deal with the raiders and to keep an eye on me too.” Guang eyes the two for a moment, once again emulating his father.“Ain’t that a thing?” He says. “I didn’t know you were friends with the Five.”“Well…” Mantis starts waving his hands in protest.“He’s not really...What I mean to say is…” Viper stammers.“Crane’s my friend.” You say, cutting through their words and you drink a bit more. “This stuffs really good. You gonna be serving this for New Years?” You ask before adding and placing more coins on the counter. “Can you serve them some? I’ll pay. Non Alcoholic please.”
An Bo nods eagerly and grabs a few more mugs. “We might serve something else.” She says happily. “Guang and I have a competition going.” She explains rather proudly. “He, Mr. Chaunli, and I are seeing who can make the best meal. Drink and food together. We’re gonna serve them in the festival and see who can sell the most.” You chuckle. “Good to see you’ve settled in nicely.” You say. “Didn’t know you’d be confident enough to complete with the owner and his son by now.”“I’ll say.” Guang says proudly as he pulls An Bo into a hug and planting a kiss on her head. “A week after you left, she was already taking orders and serving drinks like the best of them. By the next week she’d taken over the kitchen. We’ve had more food ordered along with drinks since...well ever.” An Bo blushes furiously at the praise and wraps her arms around Guang.“Ohh this is really good!” Viper says, raising her head from the mug. “You made this here?” Guang nods, pride swelling in his voice.“All of our brews are made in house. We’ve been experimenting here and there but nothing we have is imported or borrowed. If you wanna make money, you gotta make it with your own two hands. That’s what the old man taught me.” He says, beaming.“Speaking of Chuanli…” You say slowly. “How is he? Don’t expect he took the news of me well.”Guang’s face falls a bit. He rubs the back of his neck and looks away as if a bit ashamed. “Well...it was kind of rough.” He admits. “Old man wasn’t too happy you lied to him. Had a bit of a fight about it. Pretty bad one too. Took hours to get through to him that you weren’t just planning something and even more to convince him of not spilling your name out to everyone.” He shakes his head. “But he came around eventually. Right now, he’s been going back and forth from the guard’s office to the mayor’s place. I think they’re asking for his help since he used to be in the army with the captain.” He sighs. “But now that you’re on the job. Guess things are looking up.”>What do you say?>Say that things aren’t set yet but you’ll do everything you can to stop the raiders.>Say that you’ll stop the raiders. You promise. All they have to do is worry about the festival.>Say that it’ll be the Five that will stop the raiders, you’re just here as a sort of advisor and mercenary.>Write in.
>>4678048>Say that things aren’t set yet but you’ll do everything you can to stop the raiders.>We have a plan to work with the five and the dragon warrior to take down the raiders, but if the negotitions don't go well we will just take them on ourselfs, just like we were planning to before all pf this anyway.
>>4678048>Things aren't set yet, but we'll do everything we can to stop it. The five, us, the Grandmaster of the jade palace and the dragon warrior>If nothing else gets done, I'll take on the army myself and be back in time for the festival, nobody is going to stop me trying some of your drinks.>If you see your father before I do, can you pass on my apologies. Even if it's a lie of ommission, it's offended him.No need to mention that negotiations between our groups are tense.
>>4678076That's true actually, Mantis and Viper are right at our side, I'm changing >>4678057 to>We have a plan to work with the five and the dragon warrior to take down the raiders, but if it doesn't go well, I will take down their leaders myself, wouldn't be the first time.That last part being a reference to both the dream/soul sequence at the library and us taking down the officer at thev forest.Also when we ask forgiveness to the dad, we could add that people tend to not want anything with us when we use our real name.
>>4678089I feel like everyone and their mother understands why we hid our name. But to what purpose is what has everyone on edge.
>>4678096You hide your name to scout potential waifus. If they don't like you at your sneakiest then they can't handle you at your freakiest.
>>4678116What IS his freakiest, given his skillset?Waking up from dying multiple times?
>>4678048>We have a plan to work with the five and the dragon warrior to take down the raiders, but if it doesn't go well, I will take down their leaders myself, wouldn't be the first time.>That being said, I have full faith in the five. Their teamwork and skill are legendary. When I last fought them, I only got as far as I did because Mantis was preoccupied. No force could ever stand against all of them working together unencumbered.Always good to spread some faith among the townspeople. If they believe the five have things handled, then it's good for morale, yeah?
>>4678133Gentle handholding in public and him not bring embarrassed by it
Gonna get some food. I'll count votes when I get back.
>>4678137I'll support adding a "buff up the five" option but maybe change the wording to "Because I struck using techniques they had never seen before" so it doesn't sound like we can trash 4 of them at once.
>>4678173Ultimately, mantis DOES fill in a gap for the 5 that none of the others can fill in. He's raw power combined with sudden and unexpected strikes, and a master of grappling and uprooting the opponent from their footing.When all five work together, they cover each other's weaknesses just about perfectly, and their strengths pretty much have a multiplicative effect. Rather than their total power being all of them added together for '5', it's '5*5'.
>>4678178I'm aware, but it's implied that with mantis being abscent and us almost winning that we were a match for 4 of the 5 at once.Which while truthful, isn't the sort of message you want to give to the villagers. We want to play into their myth of indominability, and instead of overcoming them with brute force we did it with techniques which they had no defense for or a dirty trick, it'll keep them indominable in the minds of the villagers listening and potentially make them think worse of us. . . By which I mean continue to think we are scum.
>>4678076>>4678089>>4678137Taking these votes. Writing.
"Things aren't set just yet but I'll do everything I can to stop the raiders. My friends and I are working on the plan with the Five and the Dragon Warrior but if it must come down to it then I will take down the raider leaders myself if it's the last thing I do." You say and you take another drink. "That being said, I have faith in the Five. Their teamwork and skill are legendary for a reason. Speaking as someone who has faced them personally, when they work together I believe that they are without equal." Guang grins. "So then we really have nothing to worry about." He says looking over his shoulder as he pours someone else a drink. Handing the mug back to it's owner, he begins to wipe down the countertop. "I believe in you. Honestly, those bandits have better start counting because their days are numbered." An Bo comes out of the back room with 3 bowls of rice. "You will be careful right?" She asks quietly as she sets them down infront of you and the other two before gently placing grilled scallions ontop of the rice then drizzling a dark sauce onto it. "It sounds like something every dangerous."You take the food, beyond grateful for the tavern's hospitality. You reach for a pair of chopstick and surreptitiously place a few more coins on the pile knowing full well this was meant to be free. You nod, "It is dangerous, I won't lie but I promise we'll take every precaution we can before we engage." You take a bite of the hot rise. Despite the meal's plain look, it was actually quite well seasoned. The rice itself had a nice salty seasoning that blended well with the sauce. The sauce itself was spicy with a sweet after taste and it's consistency made it so that it seeped into to center of the rice. When combined with the taste of the grilled scallions the combination of flavors was homely and comforting with each bite urging you for another bite. "This is amazing." You say in between bites. "What's in it?" You ask pointing at the rice. An Bo giggles and shakes her head."I can't say. I don't want Guang to steal my recipie before the contest." She says smiling. Guang gives his girlfriend a shameless grin. "I would never. If I'm gonna win, it'll be by my own strength and technique. I couldn't face you knowing I cheated." He says.
"So that just means I still can't tell you." An Bo says wagging a finger. Mantis and Viper eat greedily, unable to stop keep themselves from stopping. You couldn't blame them. It was as if you could eat this forever without being full. It wasn't until the bowl lay empty before you that you feel quite full. Content with a good drink and warm food you say, "Well I can say that if you'll be serving this at the festival then there's nothing keeping me and my friends from coming back here. Not any raiders or bandits. Just make sure you make extra because Xin will probably be coming back for 6ths if we let them.""Hey if that's the case then it only means more publicity. People are gonna be curious why someone's coming back to our place." Guang grins. "This year's festival is gonna be the best one so far.""Then I look forward to it." You say as you get up. "It's been good talking to you two. If you see your father before I do, then pass on my apologies. Even if it was a lie of omission, I've offended him." Guang gives a dismissive wave."The old man will live." He says. "But I'll let him know you didn't mean any harm." As you step out of the tavern with Viper and Mantis in tow, Mantis asks, "So...uhh...where to?">What do you say?>Head to your friends. You want to see how they're doing and get some sleep on an actual bed.>Go to the mayor's house. See if you can learn what the plan so far is.>Go somewhere else in town.>Write in.
>>4678506>Did you enjoy the meal and drinks? Guang and An are both incredibly good at their crafts even though one had no interest and the other was a trader.Throw them off guard with utterly mundane subjects and then>I'd like to meditate at the shrine>How has the planning gone while I was indisposed?
>>4678506>Go take a bath. Tai Lung has not showered in over a week. He does not need to be a dirty Kung Fu hobo unless he was planning on weaponizing his smell against the raider.
>>4678807>In over 2 monthsFTFYMaybe getting cleaned up is something to do, on reflection, but I'm still going to push for asking about the planning and their thoughts on the meal.
>>4678506>Meditate in the shrine.We haven't talked to our dragon friend for a long time, we should catch up. Than it's going to see our friends so they know we are ok. Bath should probably left after we talk with tigress.
>>4678714>>4678858I think it's going to the shrine that won. Writing. No fluffy Tai Lung for now.
>>4679278Gotta postpone the write up. Got some electrician in my house messing around with my air vents. Something about making sure there isn't any energy leaking or some such.
>>4679339Aight.
Back to writing. Sorry about that.
“I want to go meditate for a bit. There’s a small shrine in the center of town I like to frequent.” You say as you begin walking. Before either master could say anything you ask, in a rather casual manner, “What did you think of the food? Guang and An have incredible talent for their craft despite hating running a tavern and being a clothing trader until a few weeks ago.” Mantis and Viper share looks of disbelief. “How...did you mean them?” Viper asks rather cautiously as if almost afraid of hearing the answer. “I helped them.” You say. “Reunited two lovers despite their hag of a mother. Saved An Bo from being sold into a marriage with someone she didn’t love. Possibly even saved her from living a life run by her mother.” You grin, “They’re pretty happy together, don’t you think?”“Uhh...yeah...good job.” Mantis says, a bit taken aback. The three of you arrive at the small shrine which at the moment was surrounded by dozens of villagers. The shrine itself was covered almost completely in talismans, flowers, and various offerings as the villagers kneel at it and pray fervently. Though slightly surprised, you realize that it was only natural there would be so many people here. With the attack and their near death, it was only natural that the evacuees would come here to offer their prayers to the Gods for good fortune and protection. Stand a few feet away, not wanting to cause a scene and unsure of how to proceed.>What do you do?>Walk up to the shrine and meditate. There was nothing illegal about that.>Try and wait a bit. Maybe the villagers will go away after a bit.>Go and do something else.>Write in.
>>4679643>Walk up to the shrine and meditate. There was nothing illegal about that.Incense for our friend.Maybe the wind sprites will throw gusts at people that try to awaken us.
>>4679583Also Luo, is everything alright with your eletrical installation now?
>>4679643>Go get an offering for the spirits, they liked sweets I recall, and hope that the villagers will have cleared off by the time we get back.If they haven't fucked off by the time we have something to offer then we can just sit down.
>>4679651Everything is going good now. Had an old thermostat changed, vents resealed so the heating and AC don't have to work harder to keep the house at temp but my system itself was fine thankfully. Some of the neighbors were having issues so the electric company was having a check up. Thank you for asking though, means a lot to me.
>>4679646>>4679659I can combine these. Writing.
“Let’s go somewhere else for a bit.” You say turning around. “I forgot to buy an offering and want to give the villagers time to leave.” You head to the general store where you remember buying a sewing kit for Ming. A soft orange glow began to tint the skies as the sun began to set over the town and you wonder if the villagers ever looked up at the sky and wondered if that would be the last day they would ever see. “I need to buy some incense and some fruit.” You say out loud. “Think they liked sweets and nice smells.”As was the habit by now, the two members of the Five exchanged looks and Viper asks, “I thought you were going to meditate.”“I am.” You reply looking around town before you realize you had begun your normal patrol route and promptly make your way off it to head to the general store. “The sprites like something to smell, particularly the air ones. I’m not sure what the others like but I assume the water sprites must like something liquid. Maybe I’ll offer them something from the tavern...haven’t seen many here though.” You say absent mindedly as you enter the shop. You hear the familiar jingle of the bell above the door and the kindly old woman makes her way out to the front counter.“Oh hello dearie.” She says with a smile as she adjusts her thick glasses. “Did you forget to buy more food this time? Or did you want another look at the sewing kits for your little friend?” You shake your head politely.“Not this time ma’am.” You say trying to hide your relief that you weren’t being shouted at or screamed at. “I’m just looking for a bit of incense and some fruit. I want to make an offering at the shrine.” The old woman turns around and begins to look around through the shelves as she hums quietly to herself. “Such a good boy. Always good to offer some prayers to the Gods.” She says politely. “I tried to get my boys to do the same. Never stuck.” Mantis and Viper wait patiently with you as the old woman searched around.“So by sprites you mean...spirits. Like actual elemental beings?” Mantis asks.You nod. “Yeah. The elementals, children of the great dragons. Some are harder to understand than others but I can get the general gist of what they want to say though even then they tend to get a bit distracted unless it’s the earth sprites. They mostly prefer to be left alone so they can do their jobs.” You say nonchalantly, mostly accustomed to talking about it with your friends. Viper and Mantis look at you in awe.“W-when did you learn to do this?” Viper asks. “Master Shifu never…”
“It’s a long story.” You admit. “But to make it short I learned it when I died. Or at least I practiced it when I died.” Viper and Mantis look at you aghast and before either of them could say anything the old woman calls out, “I found them sweetie! What flavors would you like?” You stride over to the counter and look at worn boxes of incense sticks. You avoid the peach smelling ones lest someone else gets the wrong idea about you and go for some apple scented ones as well as some that had a peculiar spicy scent to them. You figure that the wind sprites would enjoy the curious smell and take those before finally grabbing a few sweet fruits from a nearby basket. “Oh a big offering.” The old woman says happily. “Praying for some good luck? Maybe with that lady friend of yours?” She teases with a giggle. You fail to keep your face from burning causing the old woman to giggle some more.You pay for your goods and bid the old woman a good day, and out of habit remind her to keep her doors locked and to let the guards know if she is worried about something. The old woman reminds you once again that she’s as spry as she was back in her youth and once your daily ritual was complete you step out of the store. You can feel the questions just wanting to burst out of your two handlers and you look around a bit more before deciding if you want to answer them.>What do you do?>Take some time to answer Viper and Mantis’s questions. Might be handy that they know a few things.>Go somewhere else before you go to meditate. You’re in the market district, might as well take advantage of it. Answering questions can wait or one of your friends can do it. You kind of find it amusing at the two’s reactions.>Go meditate. Hopefully the shrine has cleared up.>Write in.
>>4679813>Take some time to answer Viper and Mantis’s questions. Might be handy that they know a few things.>Go meditate. Hopefully the shrine has cleared up.Answer on the way, and if there are still some people in there.
>>4679813>Take some time to answer Viper and Mantis’s questions. Might be handy that they know a few things.>Ask them if they would like to join you in today's meditation. Though they might not be able to see the sprites as you do, the possibility is always there - and you do know what it's like to pull the veil away and see what you were always capable of seeing, so perhaps you could give them some advice on it.
>>4679824>>4679838Going to meditate. Asking Viper and Mantis if they would like to join. Also not being like Ming or Xin and actually answering questions rather than just teasing them for a bit. Writing.
"Come on." You say as you make the trek back to the shrine. "You can ask your questions on the way there." The two, who have been quietly following you, are practically bursting at the seams with questions. "You died?!" Viper blurts out."Wait, you can talk to spirits? Like full on conversations?!" Mantis continues."How long have you been dead?!""What do they even tell you?""Who killed you?""Can you do it all the time or just in towns?""How are you even here?"Bemused at their barrage of questions you answer them to the best of your ability. Even so, you withhold the majority of your adventures. The attack of the spirits at sea, your time in the Spirit Realm, your talks with Shenlong. You did not feel close enough to them to want to tell them these rather personal details. Instead you avoid having to answer questions regarding these and stick to the details of your ability to speak with spirits. How it works and generally how spirits act, mostly how sprites tend to get rather overexcited and forget what you asked for them. Mantis and Viper listen to you with rapt attention, enthralled with this information and every word you speak. By the time you finish your explanation of how wind sprites and water sprites who have too much fun tend to cause weather issues, you have returned to the small shrine at the center of the town. Many of the villagers had already left and only a few reamined, still in prayer or consoling one another. They cast anxious looks at one another as you walk past them, towards the shrine itself. Whispers arise around you but as always you ignore them. You set the sticks in a row around the shrine and light them quietly, more invested in your simple task than the gossip. You place both hands together and offer a small prayer to your friends. Opening your eyes, you pull the fruit from your bags and gently peel them before cutting them into interesting shapes. You think that the sprites might find them amusing and enjoy them more. They seem to prefer the thought behind the gesture rather than the offering itself. This small ritual takes a few minutes and once you were done you turn to the two. "Would you like to join me? In meditating I mean." You ask politely as you motion to the shrine. Mantis and Viper seem taken aback at that and seem unsure."N-no. It's ok." Mantis says."It's fine. We'll keep an eye out." Viper adds gently.You nod and sit down, crosslegged, before closing your eyes and letting yourself go once more.>What do you do?>Reach out and see if you can contact a sprite or spirit. (What kind and what do you say?)>Try to head to Shenlong's home. The presence of the wind feels weak here however.>Contact Renshu again. >Write in.
>>4680079>Try for Bao. It's been a while, and you certainly consider her a friend.
>>4680079>shenlongs home, even though the wind is weak.We wont catch Bao, since it is not morning but maybe we can reach Shenlong.
>>4680079>Try to head to Shenlong's home. The presence of the wind feels weak here however.Bao would be around Shenlong's home anyway. Maybe we will get to catch up with two friends this time.
I feel an increasing desire to tell them to just calm down, god damn. It's like they are stuck in a cage with a snow leaopard, we've said we won't cause trouble and even if we did they have the five, Shifu, Hien and the Dragon warrior within a stones throw.They need to calm the fuck down.
>>4680601You have to remember that this is their 3rd time dealing with us. The first we beat the crap out of them, their master, and the dragon warrior. The 2nd we werent opening hostile but we did have an air of "you couldn't stop me anyway so let's just save some time".The only one who won't be freaking out is probably Crane because he's great. I'd love for him to talk to Ming about how he was a janitor before he was a kung fu legend.
>>4680785We don't still have that aura? Damn.But you make a fair case that they haven't had much time to acclimatize, but still, flinching whenever we look at them or speak is starting to get on my nerves.
>Visit Master Oogway, see if Kai has returned yet
>>4680886I'm sure we do when there's something that needs to be done but we're in as close to RnR mode as we ever get. Plus they probably grew up hearing tales of the scourge of the valley of peace. It's hard to reconcile those two mental images.That said I do agree. I get where they're coming from but it's grating.
>>4680953If we are 40ish, tigress trained by punching trees for 20 years and was seen trained by Shifu from about age 5, assuming he had a brief period of mourning and not accepting apprentices of say 2 years then yeah. Being raised with tales of the Razing is a complete possibility. These peasants on the other side of the country knew of us and the empire hasnt made any secret of spreading wanted posters left and right, so living closer is bond to be a real talking story.I do wonder though even with we and Kai being seemingly the only recorded martial masters to turn supervillain, I am rather suprised that martial arts isnt a heavily restricted art form permitted to only a few.
>>4681045It's more of the scope of the game? Or rather because this is a game about Kung Fu then you have a tendancy to run into other martial artists more often. But really the majority of the population doesn't practice it in any capacity and those that do, do it as a form of exercise like tai chi (although there might be combat ready tai chi masters just for shits and giggles). Most people like in, real life, don't have the time, energy, or funds to dedicate their lives to mastering a martial art. Learning a weapon is more likely because as mentioned with Ming, gives you a bit of a leg up on the training. You don't need to be a master to stick a blade in someone or smash bone with a hammer. You and the gang, The Five, Po and various others are actually quite rare in the grand scheme of things.Same goes for Chi, learning how to use it is hard. Which is why the Five don't know how to use it. Po has the whole dragon warrior thing going on for him, you're an idiot savant when it comes to Kung Fu, The bunnies were basically bred into it, and Ming is sensitive to the supernatural (so she doesn't remain utterly useless forever. Looking at you Kishimoto) but that doesn't have to relegate her to Chi. The thing is, because of the themes and scope of the game. You kind of just run into it more often than the average person. Also banning martial arts sounds like something the bats would have done to prevent an uprising, which sounds cool as part the first Friend of the Wind's backstory.
>>4680174>>4680384Trying to go to Shenlong's home it is. Writing.
>>4681056Even one man able to do what Shifu or Tai Lung or oogway can is an immense threat to national security and stability, being army stalking badasses.It's not that I'm saying that such people are common, I am just saying that they exist and are decently public figures on a wider scale, and it surprises me that there is no regulation or attempts to curb its learning such as making all schools directly under the command and jurisdiction of a speciality branch of office.But maybe they simply grow complacent that actually mastering the art at the highest levels takes a good person.
>>4681077That is the reccuring theme of superheroes. How to regulate them and make sure that the daunting power they weild doesn't threaten the stability of already established power structures. Governments don't like being undermined and it's a question I've always asked myself. Worst case senario what can the world do if someone who couldn't be stopped in any capacity physical, mental, social, ect decided he no longer wanted to follow the rules? You can't kill them, you can't lock them up, can't hurt people around them. So what do you do?Unfortunately, I don't really have the quest set up for an Avenger's Civil War kind of thing and the (whatever is the opposite term for grimdark is) nature of the game lends itself to believing in the best of people. I don't really think I'm a good enough writer to handle a game or topic like that either. I think, and I'm sorry that it's a bit of a cop out, that in this setting people who reach the level that Shifu or TL are in martial prowess are few and far between even within the community of martial artists. Hence why such masters are on a first name basis because they're that rare. Everyone else simply isn't that talented and even the talented ones among that group are still just regular men and women. Men and woman that can be taken down by a simple platoon of guards albeit with some difficulty. But I think I'm probably just overthinking things again. It seems like the setting is starting fray at the edges and sometimes I wonder if I should start looking to ending the Quest. Proper ending mind you or at least one with a hopeful tone. But then I think that if I do that and start a new quest...will the issues really go away?
>>4681097Nah, the setting works fine. It's just a problem if you arent satisfied with accepting genre conventions, which as far as I'm concerned is only for if you dont like the genre or are having some literary discussion.You are within your domain to start bringing it to a close, it is the domain of the author, but I'm happy to ride the train until you pull it into a station.
You reach out with your senses and try to make your way to Shenlong's home. It had been so long since you've seen Bao and him. Where they worried about you? Had it been a long time for them? Considering how time flowed and ebbed in the spirit realm, it might be possible that they haven't even noticed. At least Shenlong wouldn't. He was an ancient being and to him time would not nearly seem as long as it seems to you. You weren't sure about Bao, she was no longer a mortal woman but did she, too, lose her sense of time? You make a note to ask them about it if you ever met them.The sounds of the busy streets fade away and soon all your senses are devoted to feeling out for spirital presences. You try to imagine traveling to Shenlong's home, the floating island in the sea of island in the spirit world. You can feel a tug or a presense of doing so but nothing occurs. You frown a bit and try harder. You remember last time you just felt out towards it like you would any spirit or did you just imagine sitting at the shrine. You sigh and feel yourself stumbling over your thoughts. You had hoped now that you were at peace with yourself you would be able to travel to this place as easily as before. Before you can make another attempt, something tackles your side.You tumble for a bit and open your eyes to face your foe, only to find yourself eveloped in the presence of air. Far stronger than anything you have felt before in the mortal realm. It takes only second for your mind to catch up with your eyes and you see that your once again in the beautiful shrine island in the spirit realm. The large statue of Shenlong standing proudly in the center, a large lake and waterfall behind it. You fall to the ground and feel a weight upon your chest, looking up you see the figure of a young woman in a shrine maiden's uniform, her glowing eyes teary, and looking down at you. Her hands rise to her mouth and she whispers as if any loud noise would cause you to dissappear, "You're back. Oh Gods, you back again.">What do you say?>Say hello to Bao. Ask her how she's doing.>Get up and ask Bao where shenlong is. How much time has passed?>Hug the cat. Lift her up like you did last time.>Write in.
>>4681097The opposite of grimdark is noblebright if I recall correctly. The setting is fine enough and it really only frays if you start looking for things outside of the quests scope. None of the characters strike me as the type to worry about the politics of it all or how the sausage gets made so it can be ignored.
>>4681118>Hug the cat. Lift her up like you did last time. Ask how she's been and how long you've been gone.Cover all the bases really.
>>4681118>Hug the cat. Lift her up like you did last time.>Say hello to Bao. Ask her how she's doing.Warning: Bao is now rapidly rising in the waifu ranks for me
>>4681114I figured people who couldn't suspend their disbelief wouldn't read or vote to be fair. I'd rather have a small group of voters who enjoy the game than tons of votes with people unhappy. My gripe is that I don't like having to fall back on "Well the setting really wasn't made with that in mind." or "It's just something you kind of have to ignore." But I'd rather do that than make up some random BS like Rowling does with the Potter Universe. I like having discussions about the universe, it's fun. I'm just not very good a making a setting I suppose. As for ending the game. I have a few ideas of how to proceed but I'm content with running it for now.Being the big nerd that I am. How would people take seeing TL and the group in other Quest in the event I do run another (probably after a break)? Not as giant talking animals but just as npcs that match the setting and have the general personalities as the current crew. A cameo kind of thing or possible npcs you can hang out with. I think it would be cool but I can also see the faults of it too. Could be seen as fan service for the sake of fan service. I just think of it as a fun nod.
>>4681130I'm fine with it depending on type of quest. I like little cameos and crossovers if they make sense.
>>4681118>Say hello to Bao. Ask her how she's doing.>Hug the cat. Lift her up like you did last time.>>4681127Do it. Join me. Together we will overrun this quest and than, all of /qst/ itself!>>4681130As long as you only run another quest after this one ends, and is just some cameos, not some major characters in the story, than I think it's fine.Also I'm pretty sure that martial arts already are goverment controlled in the setting, since all of the masters ended being part of some major dojo or school after the dynasty was set up right?
>>4681125Support. We aren't a quippy lot in this situation.>>4681130Personally man, just from what I've gleamed from your "meta posts" lets call them, you are rather overly critical of yourself.Setting building really is a case of "Make shit up and retcon it as and when it's no longer convenient."There's nothing wrong with bullshitting something or just ignoring it.
>>4681138I don't think those dojo's are directly subservient to the government other than the government being ruled by divine mandate.>>4681130Oh and Cameo's are fine, you're only gonna get it if you read this quest anyway. Tyler Lang, mercenery with a heart of gold leading his merry band the 'fearsome four' on many contracts that don't violate their moral code could be fun.
>>4681147Well not directly, but they are most definitaly cooperstive and the most ilustrious probably had imperial funding and endorsement. There is no way that the jade palace didn't have goverment support in it's constrution and maintenance.
>>4681164Actually, Kung Fu is probably treated in the same stipend as temples in the imperial bureaucry, kinda like Shaolin is actually a zen buddhist temple.Treated as semi-independent than.
>>4681168Neat.Also as a note, that Renshu studied with Mushashi makes me exceptionally happy. His history is one that makes me enjoy personal histories.
>>4681181Glad you liked it. I wanted Renshu to enjoy a book or two but I'm not as well verses in Japanese tales as Chinese ones so I looked up Musashi on a whim. Turns out he had some philosophy under his belt that actually matched Renshu's personality perfectly. Even more so is the parallels it has to Xin. Xin's and Renshu’s favorite authors are warrior philosophers but one taught Xin about loyalty and friendship, the other taught Renshu about war,combat, and Aloneness.
>>4681125>>4681127>>4681138Hugging the cat. Writing.
>>4681214His twin mountains sword technique and his tales of his victories are also fantastic to read about, really making him one of the stand out characters of the period.
>>4681223It was two heavens technique sorry, the name I was thinking of was "from mountain to sea", basically adaptibility.
>>4681223I like the idea of him seeing a very angry bunny child and clapping across the back of the head and telling him to settle down. Then went on to teach him how to control his anger. Didn’t really work, by then Renshu was pretty broken and he mostly followed along to learn how to get revenge but once the rabbit became responsible for his younger sibling, he started taking it more seriously.
>>4681237Imagine if Renshu ended up meeting Shinran instead and studyed Amida Buddhism, the focus on the ease of the savation for the soul, and it belonging to everyone could have helped him.And Rennyo would also have a super assassin working for him when he started the Ikko-Ikki movement.
You wrap your arms around the cat and lift her up as you give her a hug. Bao’s arms quickly find themselves around your neck as she hugs you back tightly. “Hello Bao.” You say gently as you feel the wind whip around you. The presence of air bore down upon you, like a large thick blanket. But rather than feel suffocating or overburdening, it felt comforting, welcoming, like the memory of a distant friend or the warmth of summers long past. “How have you been? How long has it been since we spoke?” You ask, holding her. Bao pulls back and rubs her blue eyes.“How have I been?” She echos,almost indignantly, as she tries to keep her voice from breaking. She hits your shoulder with the palm of her hand with a surprising amount of strength for someone her size. “I’ve been dying of worry! If I could even die to begin with. It’s been months on your end! How many centuries do you think went by here? I knew something was wrong when I could no longer keep in touch with you. I tried over and over again to talk to you and no response! Oh even the sprites tried to get your attention and nothing.” She says fretfully. “But how could I know you had done something so stupid?!”At that you begin to feel shame. Images of a worried Bao shouting and calling for you into nothingness with no response floating in your mind. While you did not regret your actions, you did regret making those close to you upset even if unintentionally. “Y-you knew?” You ask nervously.“Of course I knew.” Bao says, her tone softening and ears bent back. “Oh Tai Lung, of course I knew. I told you I’d always be with you. I’m the High Priestess, how could I not sense you when you’re Shenlong and my best friend?” She returns to hug you once more. “You foolish, foolish man.” She continues. “How could you possibly think you could take on hell?” She sighs. “But I’m not one to talk am I? Not when I’m like this.” Bao motions to her grab and then her eyes. “How is your friend? Is he doing ok?” She asks in a motherly fashion.
“He’s fine.” You say smiling. “We’re both worse for wear from that experience but I think we came out fine.” Bao nods, a bit more at ease. “It was rough...I won’t lie and I wish I could talk about it but...I couldn’t. My mind..it just wouldn’t.” You shake your head as memories of those cold sleepless nights return. Of you tossing and turning, desperately trying to forget your time in torment. Bao gently cups your cheeks and holds your head. “It’s ok.” She says gently as she looks into your eyes. “You’re home now. It’s ok.” Bao motions to a small table near the lake at the base of the waterfall. “Would you like something to eat? I managed to get a few offerings before I returned.” She asks and you suddenly become keenly aware that the table had not been there before. Sensing your confusion, Bao giggles. “I’ve been practicing. Have to if I want to do my job properly. I did a bit of remodeling. This is my home too you know.” She says hopping out of your arms and landing on the soft grass. Her voice grows a bit quiet as she continues, “Had to...after the incident.”“Incident?” You ask. “Did someone attack this place?” Images of a battle raging in the forest, full on spirits coming to the aid of a helpless Bao, all the while you remained in ignorance in the mortal world rose in your mind. “Shenlong happened.” Bao whispers and though her tone was quiet, you feel the utter terror in her voice. She turns on her bare heels and faces you, you can almost notice the tremble in her glowing eyes as she says, “He was furious.” She says half in awe, half in horror. “I have never seen him that upset in my life. It felt like…” She shudders and holds herself. “Like I was being torn apart from the inside out. Like the winds were ripping me from my threads. The island itself wasn’t as lucky. Trees were torn apart, splintered in mid air, the ground split in two, even the spirits looked like they were about to burst and explode.”“Why? What happened?” You ask as your mind fails to comprehend the kind of destruction your friend was describing. “Was it because of me?”
“Yánluówáng had no right to make a deal like that with you.” Bao says, her tone hardening. “The Great Dragons might not meddle in his affairs out of respect but that didn’t give him the right to do that. Especially with the Friend of one of the Dragons. He overstepped his position. If he wanted to pull a stunt like that he should have asked first. It might not be blanket immunity for you to do what you want but-” Her face softens and grows worried. “Tai Lung, dragons are possessive especially on those they deem close to them. It’s simply their nature. You already know He considers you a real friend and when someone does something like send his friend to Hell.” Bao wrings her hands and shudders again. “He was furious like I said. Some of the spirits say that his roar shattered a few dozen islands nearby. Last I saw of him, he flew off to go confront the judge.” Bao leads you to the small table at the edge of the lake. It was white and appeared to be made of marble. In its center was the image of a large dragon, made of jade and embedded unnaturally in the marble as if grown from it. Atop the table was a small feast of various foods. Dishes of noodles, buns, snacks, and fruits. Bao sits on her chair and tucks her legs underneath her before covering them in her dress as she motions for you to sit next to her.>What do you say?>Ask Bao if you can even eat this? You’re technically still in Taishi.>Ask Bao how she got all this food.>Ask where Shenlong is now.>Write in.
>>4681328>Ask Bao if you can even eat this? You’re technically still in Taishi.She alredy said that she doesn't know where Big Green is and the food is either conjured thought or offerings.We really need to find Shenlong and Yanma and apologize for our mess.
>>4681334Oh shit, I meant Yánluówáng.Yanma is his weeb name I think.
>>4681328>Can we eat this?>How long ago did he leave?>Can you call Shenlong? Or at least help me get down to the judge? I shouldn't let my mess stay down there unfixed because of my actionsWe did fuck up,but it was our choice to make. And while he shouldn't have messed with one of Shenlong's toys, I do think we should try to calm him. Not even for the judges sake, since he accepted the deal and I doubt Shenlong would hurt him, but because it is the quickest way to soothe his pain.
>>4681347Also on memory, When another great dragon said "Don't listen to him, just because he has an empty title, doesn't mean his word is worth squat" Shenlong went on a full shout to shut the fuck up because we were his friend.I thought that was just because he was the sort of guy to listen before acting, but put in this new context. . . Yeah, that sort of possessiveness is quite extreme.
>>4681354At that point is was a bit of both. He was willing to hear you out before deciding because you intrigued him. At that point your title was just that but on the same coin you had the title. Tradition had to be followed. In the case of hell, it is your decision to make but considering the judge works for the dragons it would have been respectful to his employer to give a heads up. "Yo your friend walked in here and wants a trip into hell."As Bao said, it doesn't give you blanket immunity and as anons mentioned before, calling Shenlong to bail you out is a big big favor to call in. To add another perspective, dragons are possessive. You've seen it with the treasure and the murder of the sea kings kids. And now you're seeing it with Shenlong. Its less of him seeing you as a fancy object to horde and more of a fragile thing that needs to be protected. You're a unique soul and Shenlong knows that in a blink of an eye you'll be gone. The fact that someone did something that might permanently damage you in an irreparable way pissed him off something fierce. A sentiment that TL could agree with. Of course that's not to say Shenlong's perceptions will match yours perfectly. He is a being who is grander than any scale mortals could hope to comprehend.
>>4681369Yeah, can't really look through his lens, nor is there a point to try.I'd like to tell him that our soul wouldn't have been permenantly damaged, but he's probably dismiss it as the meaningless bravado it is. At this point though I just want to try and soothe the anger of a being who's well of emotions are more akin to a sea than a well.But if there's one thing we learned here, it's Shenlong is in fact peak Waifu material
>>4681347Supporting, but not before catching up with our other otherworldly friend. Give her the rundown on our adventures in a nice and hopefully succinct package
I'm making food and I gotta get something done so I'll have to count votes tomorrow. But we got to see Bao again! Haven't said it in a while but thanks for voting and enjoying Tai Lung's shenanigans. Have a good night!
One last thing though, do you guys want to recruit Hien? Honestly he was kind of just an npc I made up that kind of grew in detail...kind of like all your companions. Anyways just curious.
>>4681470I'd rather not. Catching up with him at later dates? Sure. But he needs to do his own thing for a bit.
>>4681470I 200% agree with >>4681474He's having his own tale, let's let it go on its merry way. If our tales collide afterwards then so be it
>>4681470As long as he stay on the good path after parting ways, than he can go as he pleases.We should send the location of the pools in a message to him later though, so he reflect alone if he wants to.
>>4681470If he wants to come then so be it
>>4681470Personally, I think I want to help him sort his head out and then send him on his way. We learned about being the man we wanted to be through travel and friends so He should do the same
>>4681461Bao being seen again in her semi-motherly manner would be funny if she didn't seem so upset.
>>4681334>>4681347>>4681419Talking to Bao and trying to eat food. Writing.
You're about to ask for a chair to sit on when you suddenly realize that Bao is now sitting on a bench which she is gently patting for you to sit down. Still unacomstumed to Bao's new abilities, you settle in and look at the food again. "Can...Can I even eat this?" You ask, curiously. "I'm not really here am I?" Bao giggles, her voice like a soft breeze in your ears. You're not sure if it was always like that and you feel a bit of shame when you realize that the only thing she ever felt around you when she was normal was distraught. "Of course you can." She says as she grabs a fine pair of chopsticks and places them in your hand. "You can hold chopsticks, you can eat. You'll just find the experience...a bit different than eating in the mortal realm." She adds vaguely. You hold the utensils in your hand. They felt real enough and so did Bao but you always assumed it was because she was a High Priestess. In the hiearchy, she was basically Shenlong himself when your friend was not around so surely that gave her some benefits. You think back to when you used to eat here with Oogway and push that out of your mind immediately. You were dead when you did that so technically, you were here. Shaking your head, you can feel Bao watching your hesitation with amusement and eagerness and so you quickly snap up a meat bun, stuffing it in your mouth as you were trying to eat somthing unplesant without tasting it. You chew and pause. There was no flavor. You chew again, as if trying to squeeze flavor onto your tongue. It was the most curious thing. You weren't actually tasting it but rather you "tasted" a the memory of the flavor. Swallowing, you grab a few noodles and eat some of those. "So...how is it?" Bao asks sipping from a wooden goblet. Comapared to the table and dishes, the goblet looks increadibly mundane. You swallow before you speak in an effort to not be rude."It's like...I remember the taste. Kind of like as if I was imagine a meal I once ate but just as vivid and clear as when I first had it." You take a drink from a goblet you suddenly find next to your hand. It was a fine wine, one you had so many years ago that you could scracely remember the reason for drinking it. It was cool and crisp just as you described. Not the true flavor but a fascimile that you could confuse for the real thing if it weren't for the fact that, instinctually, you could feel that it was not the real thing. As you continue to eat, you come to realize that you weren't getting full despite having a meal only a few hours prior at Chuanli's tavern. You look at Bao who was enjoying some sweet bread with a kind of fruit jam in it. "Is this...is this how you eat?" You ask, now a bit worried that your actions had not only cost Bao her old life but also her ability to enjoy the simple things. Thankfully, Bao shakes her head.
"Oh no. It's normal for me. The way you do it is show the spirits do it although they don't actually eat but the idea is the same." She says adjusting her legs and dress. "I can bring offerings here from the shrines. I don't do it too often, I don't really need to eat anymore but when I'm craving something, people always leave something tasty. That being said, you don't have any excuse to not invite me over for a picnic." She teases. "You already know you can call me at a shrine of Shenlong so you have no excuses for a friendly visit." Bao pushes a cake towards you and cuts herself a slice with a golden knife before serving you one. "Most of the times I'm pretty busy but I'm always willing to make some time for a friend.">What do you say before you ask about Shenlong?>Tell Bao there's always New Years. Maybe she can get some time off to join?>Ask if there are any specific shrines you can use. Most you've found have been weak and not dedicated to Shenlong.>Ask Bao what her favorite food it. You can leave her a dish next time you have the chance.>Write in.
>>4682305>There is always new years, perhaps you can meet some of my friends properly. Guangxi and An Bo make some good stuff too.>Is there a specific shrine?>What is your favorite?>Have you heard much from little Fan? A sprite who apparently enjoys watching my misadventures, though to my shame I cant tell them apart from the others at a glance.If we get a homestead, we should really get a proper shrine to Shenlong and Bao.
>>4682305>Tell Bao there's always New Years. Maybe she can get some time off to join?>Ask if there are any specific shrines you can use. Most you've found have been weak and not dedicated to Shenlong.Perhaps there is a rite to temporarily consacrete a shrine to Shenlong so we can use it? Also might as well get all of our friends together for new years. Couls make Hien wait a little before departing too so he can participate.>>4682308We are going to need a lot of things in our little future homestead/dojo depending were things go too.
>>4682401It's an idea.But yeah, going to need a lot of stuff.
>>4682308>>4682401>inb4 people confuse Bao for your wife.Getting to writing.
>>4682451Is Tai Lung such a chad that people just assume that any woman with him is his wife?
>>4682484>>4682451God damnit not again.Not to mention we never actually dissuaded anyone from the notion that Xin was our "girl" as Guang puts it. Nobody ever asked and they just assume shit, so imagine the rumour mill spinning if and when Bao appears.