I am Oyashiman After all

[lemonke 6014]

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

[!] Small constructs with the likeness of a Geisha would wander across the world. A missive to announce the world of a certain happening in public.

I am Oyashiman. What does it mean? To be free. My ancestors suffered greatly under the Demon Shogun, and many of the Seisho, my own clan, were enslaved. For this, we sought freedom. Not to cause political disasters or seize power, but to bring peace. This is what I sought with my faith: to create a utopia where bloodshed is nonexistent, where our people can be themselves. Not only Oyashimen, but everyone needs this. For that reason, I founded the Rokudo Haven anew, a temple of my ancestors, to give a home to those in need. That is what it was built for.

In my life, I had many people telling me what to do, whether in Norland or Koyo-kuni, and that was fine. I understand that I had to adjust to their ways and customs. When I left civilization to pursue the calling of my faith, I held no hatred. I always supported my former brothers and sisters, no matter the taint placed on my name or the insults I received. Thus, I come now to say this:

Kurai-kuni, you believe I was some mastermind, or that I planned to manipulate and pull people away from your city. That is not true. I do not care what those I heal choose to do, as long as they do not become yokai or fall into darkness. Yes, I do not agree with the samurai system, but that is simply my way of life to not follow any powerful title, nothing more. It does not mean I desire an uproar. I do not keep such a hierarchy in my temple, for doing so would also disrespect your own nation.

My group consists of a young one who just turned eighteen, whom I watched grow and whom we saved from slavers back on Almaris; a native from another land who needed food and refuge; an Oyashiman forced to wander the streets in poverty, whom I welcomed; and a half-Oyashiman who lost his home on Aevos and cannot find his parents anymore, to whom I offered identity and purpose. Never did I tell them that Kurai-kuni must be ignored. As you know, I even took part in your carnival and performed as a Geisha. This is not a band of warriors but of Misfits, people who seek home and can choose what they can be, as long as a path of evil isn't chosen.

To your accusations of breaking an oath of blood: I am not sure what that even entails, nor what I supposedly did. I had already lost all duties in Kurai-kuni; I held no obligation to your nation or to the Shugo. Still, I never planned anything against you. Instead of sending me a simple letter, as old friends would, to discuss whatever this supposed matter was and find a solution, or me giving an explanation, you chose to spill blood in my forest by sending a force of marines, forcefully finding yourself across the Wood Elven nation's lands, breaking into my temple, and shattering my holy grove. A place meant only for rest. You butchered the home of my ancestors for nothing, when this could have been resolved properly. You will receive no response from me if you now choose to publicly declare what this “blood oath” was. I think we are long past the point of proper communication to understand whether it is the truth or a lie.

As for my presence in Iryalen, my temple stood there long before, alongside the other druids. I am an apostle of nature, and like all others of my calling, I must not be tied to politics. Sonna-sama has no authority over my temple, nor is it an official vassal. I stand on my own. I simply wish to help people and care for nature, nothing more. I will not kneel, for I seek no involvement in political matters.

Why was I in Norland? I wished to help their druid grove flourish again and to aid them in slaying the yokai that often plagued the city. Furthermore, their king indeed offered assistance in communicating with your Shugo to find a peaceful resolution, nothing so twisted or scheming as you had imagined, for I'm not a woman of war. Yet, there was no communication on your side as I tried so many times.

To Norland: I do not blame you for listening to the Empire and turning against my people. It is not your fault; you merely followed your duty.

To the Empire and emperor: I do not hate you. In truth, I commend you for the ambition you bear, your emperor’s ambition, the spirit of mankind itself. I know you are neither wholly good nor wholly evil. You are a primordial force, the raw drive of humanity. We were never a threat. We respected and preached Canonism all the same, for the Creator is as important as any Kami, if not more.

But we were not your enemies. We do not understand why you chose to pursue someone as insignificant as me, or my people, while the Black Church and the Xionists grow in strength once more. I know my place in the grand scheme of things; I am small, and my influence is little. And thus, I am left confused as to why the great empire seeks the demise of an elderly one and three young people who have lost all. However, if it is what you truly desire rather than to discuss with a mere human such as myself, so be it. I cannot blame you. It's in the nature of any mindless wolf to hunt any prey.

To my last words: I will not come to your trial, Kurai-kuni. It would be an insult to my freedom and to everything I’ve taught my students. I did not commit treason, for I am no longer of your nation, nor have I done anything against it. I am not obligated to follow your demands; I do not belong under your rule. I am free. And no, I will not fight, for my true oath forbids me from spilling the blood of any Oyashimen in hatred. I refuse to bear arms against you or your Shugo.

Will you hunt down my people regardless? I believe so. I believe you desire bloodshed, no matter what I choose. I know your next step will be to attempt to recruit my students into your fold if I come to the trial, and to that I say, this could have been done peacefully, without this needless conflict. But so be it. If my refusal to attend your trial means you will pursue children, or the homeless who simply sought family and food, then so be it. Understand this: no matter where I go, no matter what happens, the will of my people will live on. In life or in death. I will not be used for entertainment.

 

I am pained. I wish you could see past your veil of hatred and pride to understand…

I was never your enemy. You tried to make me into one.

I loved Koyo-kuni.

I loved and respected the Kato clan, and I was still ready to fight for them, even from afar.

I am sorrowed that you cannot see how pointless this conflict truly is.

 

I had thought one thing… that Choumi’s situation would have taught you something. That forcing the hand of the desperate, pushing them to follow the tide of your customs, brings only doom. Choumi is dead, and you placed her upon the altar of her own end. Your unrestrained desire to control led her there. And yet, I am past hatred. I only hope the Oyashimen will one day find true happiness and see such mistakes, that this is not the way.

 

Ja ne, everyone. This chapter concludes as it is, but a new book will soon be written. I thank all the people who helped shape who I am. I have many regrets, and yet I would change nothing about my life.

 

聖翔 恵刃

Seisho Ehiba

︶︶୨୧︶︶

 

 

Some private letters were sent out, all signed by Seisho Ehiba. DO NOT METAGAME THEM:

 

Sonna-sama and Iralyaen leadership ( @Junoix):

Spoiler

Sonna and your followers, it is Seisho Ehiba. I am deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused you, but I come forward with a warning: Kurai-kuni will soon pursue you. Perhaps they will use me as a scapegoat, perhaps not, but prepare yourselves for what is to come, for they hold deep disdain toward you all. This is not a battle I can fight. Regardless, be cautious, and trust nobody. Some people should know nothing of druid affairs and some non-druids do, and if the Oyashimen act against the Azdrazi, things will worsen. I ask you, Sonna, to send me a letter, for I may have something meant for you.

 

---

Magnolia-sensei and Aspen-dono ( @craneia @DragonofTaters) :

Spoiler

You two are my family. I will never regret meeting either of you, but know this: your druidic secrets are leaking. Subtly, yes… but in the coming days, you will see who your true allies are. Be wary of the storm approaching. I must depart for now; my presence would only bring danger to Illivira, and they will strike you because of me. I am sorry… I’m sorry I couldn’t be better or more useful. Especially to you, Aspen-dono. You have done so much for me, and I have given too little in return. My final request, onegai, then I shall bother you n omore: take care of my students, and teach them our Druidic ways.

 

---

Miyu-san and Laymech, Kanba@Adelemphii @_xMika @PolarLoLs:

Spoiler

You two are my pride, students who have never disappointed me, my little daughter, and my little son. The world is cruel, and we must accept that. I’ll be gone, for your safety. Find Ser Victor Rorin and hide. I wish we could have made our temple flourish again, but one day, we will return. For now, promise me you will survive and stand tall. Promise me you will not kneel, and that you will continue to do what is right.

 

You, Kanba, might have been the most stubborn and rude within our group, and yet, you were the strongest, the most real, and an honor-bound individual. You are perfect as you are; just know care can be a strong weapon. Nevertheless, promise me. Promise unto us all you will become the strongest to protect those behind you.

 

---

Fukuro-san @usercultist:

Spoiler

Your mother was a warrior who lived by her own will. Honor that, Fukuro. Be cautious, stop placing your trust so easily. Become the Shinobi you were meant to be. I do not know what they may do to you and your kin, so stay always two steps ahead.

 

---

Haraldr and Iulius @__Stal27 @Iulius:

Spoiler

In knowing you two, I was honored to consider myself a Norlander once again. Do not bear guilt for what happened; be grateful instead, for you gave an old woman like me a glimpse of hope. You, Haraldr, I held as highly as the grand Atsuko. I was blessed to stand beside you in battle. You will become a greater king than you already are. And you, Iulius, you are a strong leader, caring and selfless. Do not let others look down on you. You are a prodigy. Let us hope that someday, we can sit in a tavern together and share a happy drink.

 

---

Victor @KidKrinkles:

Spoiler

You are a survivor, like me. We have both watched our homes fall to human greed. Only you truly understand how wrong all of this is. Please, take care of my students. I want Miyu to live peacefully, without fear of conflict. Her life has already been a tragedy; she deserves peace, not the path we walked. And… please say goodbye to little Ember for me. She, too, has suffered enough, and I do not wish to burden her with a letter full of sorrow.

 

---

Meta @Telmster:

Spoiler

Little construct, continue painting the world green. Continue living happily. I am not gone; I am not dead. I live, so hold onto that hope. One day, I will return. And above all… continue to hate the PALE BEAST!

 

---

The Vourkehardt duo and Hanzo( @RatFromTheTrash@The Vulgate Cycle:

Spoiler

It is true, I was concerned for Hanzo, to the point I acted so suspiciously, and still, I know this, I only cared. I am sorry if I caused trouble during the brief time we met. As you have likely learned, I cannot remain here any longer. Still, I truly wished I could have seen Hanzo at least once more. Please, ensure he grows happy and avoids the dangers ahead. It seems his old people refuse to end the cycle of pain they carved for him. Ja ne, my friends…

 

 

---

 

Melisende ( @Divinational):

Spoiler

I wish I could have told you more about Choumi and her past. Unfortunately, I may need to depart soon and go into hiding. It feels as though the whole world wants my head for a trial. One day, we will sit together and chat joyfully, without fear. Know this, Choumi was pressured; she was pushed into that fate. Keep it as a lesson, should you ever have a child: let them live freely, for the politics of man can corrupt and twist even the brightest spirits.

 

 

 

---

 

Moth-Dono @Wand:

 

Spoiler

You were my guardian angel; you made me feel comfortable and at ease. You are one of the most respectful and honorable warriors I have ever met. You did not deserve what they did to you, for I have seen much greed among the Templars, much dishonor, and yet it always seems to be the good man who suffers most. No matter. We will continue to be good-hearted, regardless of the pain. Stand strong. Watch over my people as well, and live your life to its fullest. May the Moth Kami guide you.

 

[Wand 1220]

A moth herald cradles a new batch of cocoons. He watches a few stained magenta, which do not make it, and a gold colored one which struggles. The smallest little survivor is a plain white cocoon which unravels. It takes flight as the Fae sings to it, watches its little wings beat into the sun and then it is gone.

 

"Ninety-nine years and another. You had a lovely spirit. Let it not be too soon, for what lurks on the horizon."

 

He drafts a letter.

 

"Be free."

[Islamadon 9158]

An old Rōnin reads the missive, and recites a relevant verse from the Kaninokyō.
 

15. The Sage understands Truth as Truth, and Untruth as Untruth. The Sage is clear of mind and is unyielding like a great mountain.

 

16. The Sage, in knowing truth, will embody Virtue and abstain from Sin. In knowing right from wrong, and acting rightly, the Sage is truly blessed. In knowing right from wrong, and acting wrongly, the Sage is truly damned.

 

17. The Fool mistakes Truth as Untruth, and Untruth as Truth. The Fool is clouded in thought and wavers like an unsteady branch.

 

18. The Fool, in mistaking truth, will embody Sin and omit Virtue. In mistaking right from wrong, and acting rightly, the Fool is a lucky Fool. In mistaking right from wrong, and acting wrongly, the Fool is a Fool indeed.

 

19. Virtue is not Sin. Truth is not Untruth. Thus, be wary of the Fool lest he cloak the mind in a dense fog, whereby no direction may be discerned.

 

20. So it is that the Wise Man need not falter amidst blame nor praise. In walking the meritorious path, the Sage peers beyond the faux semblance of the World. In grasping salt without wounds, he suffers no sting.

 

21. Verily, in quieting the delusions of the Meditation, the Sage becomes as silent and tranquil as the Mountain Lake. In holding no respect for silence, The Fool babbles without end akin to an everlasting gale.
 

Which was Ehiba - the Sage, or the Fool? The Rōnin had made his judgement.

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

Ena was far from the Azuras and could not receive the missive in his work vacation back to the Koyo-Kuni province. He toured around the old tiger sanctuary now defended by the automaton legion and remaining Senritsu Grove members that had remained as one of the last bastions against O-Sanro and care takers of the tigers, pandas and giraffes.
 

It was in this part of his tour of duty that Ena reflected back on Ehiba and the recently inflamed anger he felt when Shizuka had came to Ena requesting to be trained as a shinobi at Ehiba’s recommendation. Ena had taken a moment to decide how to handle the problem with precision so not to punish the young Oyashi misled by the former Tiger Sanctuary protector. But such precision was not without its blind destruction.
 

“Blood in, blood out. The special operations force doesn’t exist. If you wanna pretend to be an onna-musha go out with honor.”
 

An honest mistake one might argue, but one who would argue this surely lacked the experience in life to understand the weight of their words and vows made. In a world where honor and high credit was valuable and one was expected to keep promises akin to a vassal lord to their monarch, a knight to their liege, or a promise made to a companion; a broken vow of secrecy carried great weight. It would be another reason when Ena heard of the invoking of his niece.

[Adelemphii 1766]

 

A girl found her way into an abandoned hovel somewhere on Azuras, clutching a letter in one hand and naginata in the other. She knew this was going to happen, eventually, but had hoped it would not be so soon. 

 

Without wasting a moment she flipped open the piece of parchment, eyes scanning the text. The first emotion she felt was anger, anger towards those who had pushed them so far, fists clutching the paper as if it were a bully that threatened her lunch money one too many times. 

 

Then there was anguish. She did not trust the man mentioned in the letter, as he was of Norland, and Norland led them to her when she had assumed it was safe there. She did not wish to return to Iryalen out of fear of bringing them pain due to her association with Ehiba. 

 

Then, akin to a barrel leaking its secrets, water dripped onto the paper. The girl’s eyes threatened to let loose a tidal wave built upon frustration and sadness. Her knees gave out, naginata clattering to the floor. Her fists crashed into the floor, kicking dust into the air as her sobs filled the room.

 

The girl cried. Through the whole night, for a whole week, and those who traveled past the hut might have become convinced of a ghost haunting such, but once they gathered the courage to look- it was empty.

[Telmster 130]

A small, pink-clad Sorvian clutched the letter they had been sent.

I will, they thought determinedly. 

I will. 

It had taken years, even decades for them to meet again after their first encounter during the battle of Koyo-Kuni, but the second crossing of their paths came at an even more important time for the construct. In a short time, they had grown to truly admire the woman. They vowed to themselves that they would cling to every word of wisdom that she had bestowed upon them.

I will make you proud. 

 

 

[latte 2238]

It was early in the morning when Seiryu Hina caught wind of the news. Her duties as Onna-Musha were plentiful, among that of her business. A never ending cycle of duty, work, rinse and repeat. Always moving, always doing. However, upon hearing the news of her former Geisha teacher's death, the woman stilled.  A hand moved upwards to her lips as she stared out into the city as a shaky exhale was pushed out of her lungs. She knew duty, she knew loyalty, but something that Hina did not know very well was inner conflict. 

 

Yes, this death created inner turmoil in her mind like no other. It was unusual, strange, and greatly disturbing. Like a constant buzz in her ear she could not get rid of. But when Hina eventually started to move again, to teach her own students in the Kurai-machi, she didn't berate them as she usually did. She didn't beat them when they made mistakes. She was   .. . kind.

[PolarLoLs 984]

 

Where winds blew cold  a young oyashi nested within a small borrow as the missive was cradled by the Northern weather. He merely stared at his letter allowing the harsh songs of frost to sing for him, for the first time in his life he was left speech-less. ‘Twas in the bark of a nearby tree where he’d answer this promise, declare what would become his eternal mission.

 

“What are you asking me?”

 

….

“I promise.”

[KidKrinkles 2043]

 

Was it a betrayal?

 

The man swept through Vjardengrad, quiet as a ghost, as he moved through the gates, to the square, and to the crowd. The masses of Koyo-Kuni stood around Miyu, in the square, and the man could feel the tightening of a noose.

 

Ahng Gulr was not exactly the smoothest spy. But, any bump in the road ignored is simply that. The surveillance was plain. Anyone with eyes could watch the noose slowly close.

 

The funny thing about tension is, you just never know when you’re neck is going to suddenly

 

Snap.

 

—{☼}—

 

The Imperial led host had came and left with their prize. Not a word from the bowie-knight, who stood and watched, silently, a boiling anger within him.

 

He couldn’t act, in the square, unless he invite another massacre,

 

But it took a lot of willpower to not chase them to his death.

 

A late letter came,

 

“Victor-san,

 

I will be truthful when I say that I do not trust you, or anyone from Norland at this moment,

But I do nto know what to do going forward. Kurai-Kuni has the Empire backing them, which essentially gives them privilege to do whatever the want.

 

Well. I hope you can still be trusted, I do not want to… lose more friends.”

 

He wrote back, to Ehiba, 

 

“I would advise steering clear of Norland. It seems the Empire has carte blanche, and skeleton keys. Be safe.”

 

—{☼}—

 

… and a letter returned. “Protect Miyu.”

 

…

 

The bowie-knight quietly bowed his head.

 

“Aye. A’ will.”

 

A true swordsman always chooses death.

 

[DragonofTaters 920]

Wind whispered through boughs as moss muffled footfalls of a silent figure. At their side a small stream ran, water bubbling over rocks, carrying leaves and twigs with it. Quiet reigned deep in the woods. 
 

Death carried new beginnings. Be it metaphorical or physical; Ehiba had sought to bring Death notice. Call attention to Her. This was not the Aspen’s way. She knew Death in the silence and peace. Understood endings as a doorway to new beginnings. So in silence, having received an expected letter, she went forth. To keep a promise, in the shadows and the stillness. To show the mercy and kindness in being willing to let go…

 

~*~

 

No reply from the Aspen would reach Ehiba. Nothing but a small red squirrel, flitting its way through trees after the Druid. Following her trail wherever it might lead…or end.

[usercultist 148]

Locked beneath the bustling city, the young Half-Oyashi sat within his cell. His body splattered with bandages, wounds, and the remains of a lamb, he listlessly stared unto the wall. Alien thoughts and instincts consumed his mind, far from any state to grieve, or communicate to letters. A sad revelation, yet one burning question pierced through his subconscious. 

 

 

What had he become?

[craneia 232]

A heavy sigh is heaved from the Magnolia druid as her eyes trail across the words of both the missive and the subsequent letter received. She pens a simple reply, words inked in a deep emerald green.

 

"Be well, my daughter."

 

The rest of the page depicts a tree with flowering branches - seemingly frozen in a state of gentle windswept sway as blossoms tumble to the ground, on and around a slumbering tiger. The roots of the tree seem to provide some shelter, a bed of moss half-hidden, for the feline's reprieve.

 

It reaches Ehiba via a small fox, who then dashes into the underbrush nearby and out of sight. The vulpine's presence still lingers, nearby, watching - observing. Almost guarding, in a way. But never quite caught by one's eyes.

 

Nature coils around the elder druid as she sends off her letter - an attempt to comfort her as she grapples with the grief. Guilt, for failing to protect Ehiba - and the anger of a mother whose child has been deeply wounded by the world, in a way that no medicine can truly repair.

[_xMika 284]

Within a snowy mountains, hidden in the fog their stayed the half Oyashi, a missive in his hand he wasn't surprised, perhaps he expected a similar outcome. He decided, to walk the path he had long before meeting his new teacher that of a Vagabond. 

"Take care of yourself"

Are the soft and angered words spoken by the man, he softly lets go of the letter allowing it to fly away whilst he walks the other way. His boots crinkling against the cold snow beneath him, though he seems unbothered. He had been in a situation like this before, survival to him wouldn't be an issue. . Perhaps, he had found peace his own way.