Monk's Song (Closed)

[Kirin]

About a week had passed since Chizuru and Soren arrived in the capital city. Chizuru had stayed mostly in the castle with Soren. She still held onto the staff. She had completed all of the necessary interviews for becoming the Heiress and she had grown nervous, unsure of whether or not she got the title. She hung around outside of the castle, wandering the many gardens, often talking with Soren. She rarely wore armor in the castle, for it was unladylike.

This day was a sunny one, full of activity, though muted since the news of the return of the Tyrants. As Chizuru found the time to escape, she was confronted by a woman dressed in the clothing of a beggar, concealing herself with a scarf.

"A coin, please? Food? I've lost my home, my family.." The woman's voice sounded sorrowful as she outstretched her small hand.

Chizuru frowned, giving the woman a few coins. The woman glanced at Soren, never revealing her face, keeping her head bowed respectfully. Chizuru tilted her head. "I'm sorry for your loss. If there is anything that my partner and I can do to help you, do not hesitate to ask."

The woman bowed. "I thank you for you kindness, my lady."

Chizuru blushed, then immediately bowed. Lord Shichiro made his way up the stairs, stopping next to Chizuru and Soren. He bowed briefly as Chizuru greeted him. "Kensei Shichiro." She greeted him.

"Lady Michiba Chizuru, the Emperor wishes to speak with you." Shichiro spoke.

Shichiro was a fox, quite simply. A bipedal, six foot tall fox. One of his ears were slashed. His tail was half the normal length it should be. He, though, appeared quite arrogant, barely even glancing at Soren. In the native language, he spoke to Chizuru.

"Who is this?" He moved his hand briefly towards Soren.

Chizuru answered. "His name is Soren and he comes from some place called Xexoria." Her pronunciation of the name Xexoria was awkward. Shichiro just gave a brief nod.

"He's the one that is seeking his master. The Emperor knows of him. Both of you may follow me." Shichiro cast a sideways, almost withering glance towards Soren. "You'll get to meet your master."

He smiled his own little vulpine smile, fangs showing menacingly.

[Soren]

“You should not be so nervous. I am sure that you were born for the role.” He stepped outside with her, loving the bustling city. “Chizuru...join me for dinner later?” Soren had been gaining feelings for Chizuru and it showed through his obvious emotions. While he was often good at hiding his expressions, he realized he could never behave the same around Chizuru.


He watched the beggar woman approach them. It was a shock, since he had never seen poor folk before. He could be called ignorant and even more-so by his next move.

Even though he lacked superior magical ability, he could still play some role in mortal lives. He emptied out his pocket and revealed his ration of coins for the day. He gave the woman his entire allowance. He already lived in comfort and hardly needed to spend coin, so he thought this soul would find better use.

He spoke to the beggar woman and hoped his mind speech wouldn't frighten her. He warned her of who he was and what he was attempting- he only meant to help her.

You are an equal. Do not hide your face. Use my name in the Castle and you will find work. Use my quarters to sleep in for the night. These coins will last you until the next eve.

He could put confidence in a normal being, even though he knew he shouldn't. Would Chizuru punish him, or would she even be aware of his meddling? He grinned through the entire exchange, which would come off as flirting for the beggar woman.

That was when his thoughts became interrupted by Chizuru and the sound of another male. He turned to see Kensei, a strange being indeed. He stared, completely taken aback by what he saw. The beggar woman, had made her way past them with a clouded vision. Soren knew she wouldn't be turned down. He had grown quite a reputation from the other night. He watched Kensei intently, following him all the while.

Can we trust this fox? He asked Chizuru through mindspeech.

[Kirin]

Chizuru turned towards Soren and nodded in response to his question. "I'll tell you more later." She whispered in his ear, not having the whole..mindspeech ability. No doubt, Shichiro could hear them.

Shichiro led the pair to a large meeting room. The 'beggar' had disappeared into the castle. A guard opened the sliding door to the room while bowing to Shichiro. There were mats set out at different points on the floor in a circular pattern. Shichiro motioned for Chizuru to sit first, then he would sit.

As Chizuru sat down, she lowered her gaze. The doors slid open on the opposite side of the room and Chizuru bowed deeply. Shichiro followed, bowing just as deeply. Two guards stood at the door, at attention as a man wearing all white entered the room.

"Greetings, Tiger Emperor." Shichiro greeted the Emperor, while Chizuru remained respectfully silent.

"You may rise." The Emperor's voice was thoughtful as he spoke. "Good day, Lord Shichiro, Lady Chizuru, Soren. Your name precedes you."

There was a trace of a smile in his voice.

[Soren]

"I am sure that it is not as great as one would think." That was all he said to the emperor. He didn't want to cross over forbidden territory just yet. This place was his new home, but it was still new and fresh. He had to gather his bearings and understand a new culture altogether. His kind had never been seen or experienced by these people, so he wasn't surprised by the amount of rumors spreading.

He rose, when he was told to rise. Soren realized that he was looking at true nobility. He had been named a Prince out of fear, not out of true royalty. He hoped to earn this man's respect.

[Kirin]

"I didn't say it was great." The Emperor remarked, mostly to himself. "I am here for two reasons. One, I am to introduce you, Soren, to your new master. She will be overseeing your training, as well as part of Chizuru's training."

The door slid open and the same woman who was begging for coins earlier stepped into the room. She now donned the red and white clothing of a priestess. Her hair was parted neatly down the sides and braided. She was human with the exception of a monkey's tail. She got down on her knees and crept towards the Emperor, bowing.

"Soren, this is your master, Lady Matsurishima Makoto, the Monkey Princess." He said solemnly.

"I am honored to be able to teach you." Her voice sounded serious, perhaps more serious than it needed to be.

"The second thing I wanted to say is this. Lady Michiba Chizuru has been chosen as the Heiress of the Twin Countries, the Princess of the Tiger. From this point, she is to start her training beginning when this meeting is over. Soren will be training with his appointed master. I wish you the best of luck. I will be handling Chizuru's training personally."

Chizuru bowed deeply. "I am deeply honored." She was blushing, almost at the point of tears.

"These roads will not be easy. I hope you both are ready." The Emperor said slowly as he stood to exit the room, with Chizuru after him.

[Soren]

Their meeting had taken them to a strange Tavern. It was something that Soren had never stepped foot in. He shrunk back, getting closer to the entrance. He inhaled deeply, mostly from nerves. This was not his usual environment, even though he looked the part. He choked back, immediately getting the scents of the patrons. Drunkards and cheap perfume assaulted his nostrils.

The tavern was dubbed The Laughing Goblin, but the scene couldn't have been duller for Soren. People were lined up against the bar idly drinking from their wineskins, or flasks. He sat down at his own table and ordered something mild. He didn't need to get drunk in front of his new master.

He studied her wearily, wondering when he would see Chizuru and his powers again. It was still an odd thought, that any drunkard could take him on in a fight and possibly win. He didn't like being average anymore. He was starting to get impatient.

Soren tried to make conversation, but failed at the attempt, without realizing it himself. "What can that tail of yours do?" He had never seen a creature like her before, so it was natural, that his curiosity had been running wild since their meeting.

[Kirin]

Makoto walked into the tavern, glancing around. She normally did not go to the barbarian taverns, not that it was below her. She just typically didn't like the vibe. Her tail moved around behind her as she smirked to herself. She sat down at the counter, ordering some sake. As Soren spoke to her, she finally got around to talking. Especially after she got her sake.

"My tail? Oh, it's like having an extra arm except without a hand. It's pretty versatile. Too bad you don't have one." She mused, glancing at Soren.

Makoto reached into her pocket and dropped a simple ball on the floor. It bounced up and Makoto whipped out her tail. Her tail wrapped around the ball and brought it up to her hand. She rose an eyebrow. "It's all about knowing what you're capable of doing..minus the magic. Magic should only be an enhancement of your abilities."

[Soren]

His young eyes watched with feigned boredom. She was everything and more, but he knew that was his young mind working. When she talked of her tail and gave a demonstration, he imagined it wrapping around something else...until her eyes fixed on him. Soren wondered if she knew anything about him- other than appearing to be Chizuru's pet.

"I won't get too personal with you, but I will tell you one thing- I won't be strayed from my purpose. I have to have my power back and soon...if I'm going to help anyone." He paused, his mood suddenly carrying a burden. "My race depends on it. I can't let my mother take control of the Vuri." Soren rambled, the drink finally taking hold of his inexperienced body.

[Kirin]

Makoto was quiet for a while, letting everything Soren just said to her sink in. She made a quiet noise, then stood. Makoto was used to this tavern thing. She just nodded slowly. "If that is the case, think about that during your training. We will be travelling into the forest for your training. There is a temple there. The faster you show aptitude, the faster you'll earn your powers back. The Emperor is training Chizuru. You will see her in probably two weeks, once her transformation ceremony is complete."

Makoto made her way out of the tavern. She waited for Soren to join her, standing outside. "Until then, I'd advise you to not rush things. Your tasks will seem insignificant, but there is a reason and a purpose, and it will be up to you to figure it out. Until then, I will give you a practice weapon. We'll work from there. Of course, we have to make it to the temple first. Are you ready?"

[Soren]

He spoke quietly, realizing he may have exposed too much of himself. This place was still new to him and he couldn't let anything happen, because of a few poor choices. He stood up and acted as though he were about to head toward the exit. "I am ready. I have been ready since I took my first breath." His first breath, had actually been several weeks ago. Surprisingly, he looked like he could be in his mid twenties. However, he was still a new being, in a new land that had barely accepted him. Even though he was quite different, he was learning to become like these people. He felt a desire to protect this new land.

"Before we continue with my training...I would like to summon my mother. I do not wish to leave her unguarded. Once I know she is safe, I will continue with my training." He bowed to her, respectfully, after he spoke.


OOC: Sorry for the long wait, finally got my new computer. No more random shut downs. I can finally RP, play games and whatnot. Feel free to message me for any questions <3!

[Kirin]

Makoto turned with a raised eyebrow. In an almost icy tone, she spoke slowly.

"That is not up to me. If you want your mother here with you, you will have to speak with the Emperor. Guaranteed, I know what he will say. Mind you, I helped to raise the Emperor." Makoto stood up, making a face. "I am not the one to wheel and deal with." She paid the bartender.

"You're talking crazy talk and with Chizuru having your staff, you had better watch out. We haven't even begun our training and now you go off making demands." She was clearly drunk, but clearly able to speak her mind without the filters of formality. Soren apparently got her all fired up.

[Soren]

"I mean no disrespect, but I am still the Vuri prince. Shouldn't I look out for my people? Even though I am here, training, I should still watch out for them! Even if you disagree with my thinking, I should speak to the Emperor." He was not impressed by her display of retort against his wishes. They were not harsh demands and certainly not unheard of with such a situation. How could he leave one of the last remaining Vuri unguarded? His sister was grown, more then likely off in the Fae, but his mother was left to herself. Caela would be completely isolated. The consequences of someone or something attacking was a thought he didn't want to visit. They could easily be destroyed and he would have no hope for rebuilding their race.

"I'm sure when your mind is cleared, you will see my reasoning. I will seek council with the Emperor myself." Soren bowed to her once again, noting the possible slurred speech in her voice. She was intoxicated with their strange brew. He was glad that he hadn't indulged in drink that night.

He stepped up to her, feeling brave for that single moment. "Haven't you had family? Wouldn't you want them to be safe?"

[Kirin]

Makoto rubbed her forehead. Was the Emperor trying to kill her? Her eyes closed slowly. Sure, she drank, but clearly not enough to be swayed so easily.

"Soren, you chose to leave your home. You chose to be away from your family. It was your choice to come here. Chizuru did not cast a spell on you and force you to come. The fact that you are standing right here and not a bloated body floating in the ocean is beyond me. You came here because you wanted to grow." Makoto was very calm as she explained this.

"Now, the Emperor isn't someone that you can just have any old audience with. He's an extremely busy man, particularly in these times. I'll make a deal with you. I consider myself understanding..usually. You start showing some self-discipline and I will set up a meeting with the Emperor. What I will do for you is set up some sort of way so that you and your mother can communicate regularly. However, I feel that it is not within your best interest to summon your mother to come here. A mother's love softens the heart of even the most hardened of warriors."

Makoto sighed, massaging her temples. "For your information, yes, I do have family. But in essence, my family will always be safe." She gestured towards the sky. "My Father has ascended a long time ago. I am one of the few remaining earthbound beings left."

[Soren]

He was the prince of Vuri, but he had to remember he was a student here. If Caela were to die during his absence, there would be nothing he could do to help prevent that. This was a reality he had to come to understand. He had always been isolated with his family. Even venturing into crowded taverns, was something of a new experience. Soren had to watch his body language and learn his place at a faster pace then the norm. It may have been his negative thoughts, but that was when the sour smells from the tavern, began to bother him even more.

Soren didn't expect the Emperor, to sit and have tea at the moments notice, but it was an issue that would have to be discussed. "Let's go and talk about this in private. It looks like my mother will have to grow on her own as well..." Soren waded through the thick crowd. His sensitive Vuri ears could pick up on the slightest shuffle. It was almost unbearable, but something he would have to learn to control. Everything his new master had said was making sense: he had to grow, before he could start making demands about situations he knew nothing about.

The safety of his family plagued his young mind, but he knew the wisdom coming from Makoto. The power in the staff - just the idea that someone else held it- worried him more then the welfare of Caela. If someone else got hold of that power, they could twist its nature if they were skilled enough.

He didn't want to think of that outcome. Soren could only hope that his training would end as quickly as it had begun.

The Vuri prince would be in for a rude awakening.

[Kirin]

Makoto didn't object to speaking about this in private. In fact, she would have preferred it. Makoto was not one for making scenes in a gaijin tavern. Nor was she one for discussing serious things that were much more of a bore to her than she put on. She guided Soren outside. Once the pair were outside, Makoto waited.

"We can talk as we head to the inn." She said quietly. As she walked, she would occasionally gesture to different parts of the city, sort of as an introduction to Soren of their culture.

The unfortunate thing for young Soren was that as nightfall began to arrive, numerous distractions would begin to filter out into the night. Beautiful women set out dressed in bright colors and wearing heavy coats of powder on their faces trying to seduce men. Makoto seemed to be unphased, but she glanced at her pupil to see if he was still with her.

One woman walked straight towards Soren, brushing against him with a soft silk scarf. She sighed exaggeratedly, dropping a delicate paper fan on the ground. "Oh, dear." She appeared to be in her twenties, pretty but not stunningly beautiful, with thick hair and white powder on her face and neck. Makoto made a face, but she wanted to see what would happen.