The Day of Thunder

[Hiruma Naraku]

Naraku makes his way to the gathering. He is nervous, how could he not be, but submits himself to the inspection.

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OOC: Great Destiny, no spiritual disadvantages, does not resist

Also got Lucid Dreamer and Inner Gift

[Kai]

Like always, Kai was around. The man just gave it a shot.

//Great Destiny and no spiritual disadvantage.

[Hantei Genji]

Genji stood patiently in line with the others, seeing Anjing up ahead. He waved at the veteran warrior who was among those who saved his life.

OOC:
Great Destiny
Child of Chikushuudo
Lucid Dreaming
Lord Moon's Curse 2

[Chuchu]

Goju returns the hug. Less hesitant than before. He seems lighter than he was before. If she didn't know before hand, she could probably tell there was a great change in his Name.

It's a relief. She lays her head on Tadaka, like she would with her father, just holding him for comfort. It's scary. Chuchu doesn't know if the worst will happen and, for once, feels like a child, helpless and unsure. But still... no matter what, Hisomu Tadaka will do his very best to help protect all the world's dreams, and she knows that with the surety only a child can.

[Hisomu Tadaka]

It's a relief. She lays her head on Tadaka, like she would with her father, just holding him for comfort. It's scary. Chuchu doesn't know if the worst will happen and, for once, feels like a child, helpless and unsure. But still... no matter what happens, Hisomu Tadaka will do his very best to help protect all the world's dreams, and she knows that with the surety only a child can.

Goju rests his arm around Chuchu's shoulder in a way that someone would comfort a child.

[Kaijarisuigyo]

Kai was wondering if all these meetings were not a better proof the madness was taking root in people's mind than any monster attack.

---

[either Great Destiny or, now, Lucid Dreaming (+5) / Cursed by Yumedo (-4) ; don't think eligible even by the updated rules so not really important anyway]

[Akodo Kenji]

There had been a meeting called this day and Kenji wasn't going to skip. Arriving at the field he took a position near Makime and waited to see what exactly would happen.

He hadn't met this monk after all, not really. But she at least didn't seem the punchy type, so that was certainly a plus.

((Spiritual Advantage (Great Destiny/ Disadvantage Cursed by Yume-do - Won't resist the Vulcan mind meld.)

[Chuchu]

Goju rests his arm around Chuchu's shoulder in a way that someone would comfort a child.

...annnnd Chuchu falls asleep standing up.

At least she's comfortable enough with Goju to trust him like that. In a minute the ratling startles awake, all wobbly and bleary, to mumble out, "Didah miss it?"

[Haka Tae-soo]

He and Ha-yeong had come to this village following the words of a monk met by the roadside.

If your soul seeks answers, you may be able to find them there.

He had believed those words, vague as they were.

He now, and for the last few days, wondered if he should have. Wondered day after day if coming here, especially with Ha-yeong by his side, placing then in danger, was a mistake.

The monk that looked a lot like the one he met by the wayside, the one he later learnt many believed would guide the way to an end of the nightmares, had become a nightmare himself. Perhaps always was?

The one who sent the message he received earlier in the day, he'd never met. Yet she claimed she would be the one guiding them. Apparently she had shared much of her life with the other one.

He couldn't but wonder. The last day had cemented some trust, at least towards some here. They had set to do something, helped each other make it happen.

Were the words from this one more important than the spirit of fellowship and collaboration? Was this one going to speak for the spirits, to call for their help as well?

Was she just another nightmare?

He stood there, the younger half impatient by his side, both half-unconsciously gravitating towards those he'd met before and who had opened them up for some trust at least.

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OOC: Please tag if approached!
Also -
Great Destiny and Friendly Kami (Water) tied for highest advantage. Not sure if both revealed or if it should be a die roll. Not that I think it'll matter.
Edit: also another lower cost spiritual advantage, probably shouldn't matter given the Kiho's wording, but I'm not sure how much of this is based on the Kiho itself vs other things, so...
No spiritual disadvantages.

[Nanzi Ai]

Ai was ready for the moment in full battle kit. She was worthy no matter the decision in her mind.

OOC: Not resisting, Great Destiny and Lucid Dreaming, that's it spiritually.

[Wu Zhe]

Did Zhe want to become a thunder? He did not know...not really. Who would wish for such a burden?

He might not wish for it...but he would accept it. For the people of the Empire, the village and for her.

(ooc: Candidate and not resisting, Paragon of Compassion)

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru had always believed in destiny. Certain things were destined to happen. Certain people were destined for greatness. He had once been told by a reliable source that he was not. That thought had been a nagging doubt in his mind for years. The saving of Lady Doji would require the guiding hand of destiny, how could he achieve that great goal?

He could only give it his best, as always.

Very little of this showed on Hikaru's handsome features as he stood, waiting.

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(Not resisting, Great Destiny, Wrath of the Fire Kami)

[Ryoshun Nao]

Nao waited patiently. She studied everyone gathered, as if trying to determine the heroes herself. How would the story of this moment go?

- - -
Great Destiny
Lucid Dreaming

[Togashi Satsuki]

Thunder, huh...

Satsuki stood next to Hikaru, reaching for his hand in this moment. These past days, becoming a Thunder had been farthest from her mind; she had been too busy thinking of how to help, how to do everything she could to make sure Jigoku would be defeated and Doji would be saved.

Her expression was thoughtful, almost contemplative, as she waited for the reveal.

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OOC: Not resisting.
Has Great Destiny (eligible for Thunderhood), and Inner Gift: Foresight for Advantages (among Fire Kami's Blessing, Touched by Tengoku, Kharmic Tie, and Benten's Blessing). Lord Moon's Curse for Disadvantages.

[Doji Hikaru]

Thunder, huh...

Satsuki stood next to Hikaru, reaching for his hand in this moment. These past days, becoming a Thunder had been farthest from her mind; she had been too busy thinking of how to help, how to do everything she could to make sure Jigoku would be defeated and Doji would be saved.

Her expression was thoughtful, almost contemplative, as she waited for the reveal.

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OOC: Not resisting.
Has Great Destiny (eligible for Thunderhood), and Inner Gift: Foresight for Advantages (among many others). Lord Moon's Curse for Disadvantages.

Hikaru looked down at Satsuki's hand, blinking in surprise. A moment passed, and then one could almost see the connections being made in his mind. Oh. Of course. With a smile, he reached out, taking her hand into his.

The smile faded as he looked back towards Nozomi, likewise waiting for the reveal, but his expression nevertheless did seem brighter as he held his wife's hand.

[Hisomu Tadaka]

Goju rests his arm around Chuchu's shoulder in a way that someone would comfort a child.

...annnnd Chuchu falls asleep standing up.

At least she's comfortable enough with Goju to trust him like that. In a minute the ratling startles awake, all wobbly and bleary, to mumble out, "Didah miss it?"

No. It hasn't started yet.

[Nozomi]

Nozomi got up, off of the rock, and stepped down. Returning the bows and in some cases the looks of sympathy from people who had reason to know what was on her mind, she brushed herself off and managed a wan, thin smile to Ukyou and to Sora. Her eyes scanned those who were present. There were some she knew. Her eyes paused at Satsuki, remembering the kindness her family had done to Shinsei long ago, shielding two young fledgling twins as monks in their midst. She barely saw the twins and it ached, but they were safe, away from harm. Her eyes lit on Matsu, the girl she had known and helped train in her youth, whose mountain of a father had strode into the darkness alongside old man Sora. Reo, with whom she had shared the same journey, and a host of others. Some she knew well, some she had only barely begun to know. Some, like Tadaka, were more confusing because of what she didn't know. All of them, here in this moment. There would be stragglers, but these were the ones here now.

Were they enough? They would see soon.

Nozomi breathed in, once as she'd trained herself to do. A slow, calming breath. She released the other kiho that she usually had activated, save for Hotei's Breath. She rarely ever allowed that one to be let loose because of the protection it offered. Her eyes closed and she released the breath, feeling her voice want to crack and stilling it. She would have time to grieve later, or when she was dead... if Yomi would ever bother with her. Her eyes opened.

"Welcome, defenders of the Empire. The time is fast upon us, and the time for talk is almost at an end. The thunder begins to rumble in the distance, and the lightning will crash soon. Jigoku has found for itself a champion, and it is my sadness to inform you the form that it has taken. Just as Jigoku once attempted to steal from us the presence of a kami, a god among men, to serve as its vessel, it is demanding. It claims that which is precious to us, and which many of us have relied upon heavily." Her eyes were steeled now. "We have good reason to believe that the darkness has taken from us the very man who brought us here to face it. Shinsei, upon whose back we have placed many burdens, has been assaulted by the darkness and though he has fought back against it, he has disappeared into that darkness, and we have not seen him since. There is a very real possibility that the Champion of Jigoku at this very moment uses his mortal shell as a puppet with which to undo all of the good that he and you have wrought these years."

"The Teacher would not wish this. I know him well enough to know that." Ok, she did crack her voice slightly, motioning for a moment more. "If he can be saved, there are those who would wish to save him. A good hope. If you can spare and save him from this monstrous thing that has already taken so much, that is beautiful, but in the end? Jigoku must be stopped. If it claims Shinsei's mortal life, then this is as it must be. But he is not here to measure out the task of knowing who the Thunders are. Now it is up to our eyes to see the path forward, no matter the cost."

As she said this, her eyes flared a brilliant gold. "And Shinsei was not the only one who can see the potential in the hearts of men. I did not learn this to take his place." She'd learned it to know her daughter's true potential. "But it seems that the kharmic wheel knew that someone else would need this gift. Come before me, and I ... I am not Shinsei, but I will see what I can see."

(OOC: I have received clarification from Canary. Birb says that we will focus upon those who are selected instead of an individual reply to each character in turn. If you'd like an individual reply, let me know, but Nozomi'll be focusing on nine replies related to those who are selected.)

[Otaku]

Otaku stands quiet and self-contained, one hand resting lightly on the swords in her belt. The image of samurai composure is slightly marred (or augmented, depending on your opinion) by the scattering of horse hairs clinging to her coat where Tsubame rubbed up against her after his afternoon workout.

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Spirit ads: Great Destiny, lucid dreaming, Kharmic Tie.
No Spirit disads.

[Saru Ranmaru]

Thunder, huh...

Satsuki stood next to Hikaru, reaching for his hand in this moment. These past days, becoming a Thunder had been farthest from her mind; she had been too busy thinking of how to help, how to do everything she could to make sure Jigoku would be defeated and Doji would be saved.

Her expression was thoughtful, almost contemplative, as she waited for the reveal.

Hikaru looked down at Satsuki's hand, blinking in surprise. A moment passed, and then one could almost see the connections being made in his mind. Oh. Of course. With a smile, he reached out, taking her hand into his.

The smile faded as he looked back towards Nozomi, likewise waiting for the reveal, but his expression nevertheless did seem brighter as he held his wife's hand.

Ah. But of course.

Ranmaru suppressed the emotions raging inside him and made his approach. To Hikaru he gave a slight wave and then he leaned in to whisper into Satsuki's ear. "Let us see if this man is selected. If so, then it's only right that you march together. But if he does not, then you should refuse."

Out of curiosity, he glanced at Hikaru to try to gleam his feelings on the matter. Would the man be broken by having her go to this challenge without him?

It was, of course, a little problematic that he didn't think it'd be so bad if she was to watch him go.

"Send me in your stead if he does not go." He smiled. "This is all theoretical though." This suggestion was based on pure impulse. But a warrior needed to seize the moment before it passed.

[Nozomi]

Did Zhe want to become a thunder? He did not know...not really. Who would wish for such a burden?

He might not wish for it...but he would accept it. For the people of the Empire, the village and for her.

(ooc: Candidate and not resisting, Paragon of Compassion)

Nozomi looked among the many souls who were present. Her eyes were torn and she swallowed, hard. How could she determine who among these reflected the pieces of who her husband was? So many had traveled with him. So many had learned at his feet. It was dizzying. but then, there was a moment. It was a glimpse, the smallest of things.

Compassionate Eyes. Her golden orbs lit upon Zhe and she frowned, before walking towards the Wu, one step at a time. She stood right in front of him, those eyes boring pupil-less into his before she sighed sadly. She saw a moment in time, a glimpse where an angry young man had shouted 'was this really necessary' as the building burned to the ground. She saw another, where a small, balding man looked with kindness on his young daughter, reminding her to be forgiving of the bully she'd been dealing with that day. That there were always other sides to a conversation.

She laughed. "Of course. Of course, the first thing I would see would be eyes that are as Merciful as his could be, even when it was not merited. Yours are eyes that see hope, when others see only the need to cleanse and destroy. Even the most holy fire must sometimes be tempered, Wu Zhe." She reached a hand over and patted him on the shoulder. "I... am sorry, but you are indeed a reflection of the Mercy and Compassion in his heart. You will serve your founder well in this. Temper their hearts as you stand in the heart of darkness."

(OOC: Wu Zhe is selected as the Thunder of Mercy)