[Mako] Chapter 1: 18th Birthday

[Throndir]

Location: 2 hours away from home
Date: Day 5 - Noon

It took two hours to get back home, then two hours to come back. This time around, the water spirit wasn't waiting at the abandoned shrine's steps, she was nearer at the entrance to it, right before the stone steps that made up its front entrance, and path on top of the water.

"Human!" She called out when she first saw you. She was waving her arms excitedly. Once you neared, she made her way back up to the shrine and waited for you to catch up.

Once you finished putting the coin in, Kiyo frowned however.

"I guess that was kinda okay... Were you raised in a barn or something? Well... a couple of centuries might have changed the traditions..." Kiyo pouted. "Most of the time people dropped a coin in... And they would do this thing where they clap their hands twice, then bow twice!"

She eventually smiled though, as she herself reached out for your hand. You held her hand then, and at least to you, it felt like any other person's hand. You hadn't really verified if anyone else could or could not see her, but at least, she felt real.

"It's been centuries since I left this shrine... So tell me, is the village Kurokumo still around?" She asked. "The people in that village were the ones that created my shrine. They're not too far away... Surrounded by sakura trees, mountains covered by them... Is that where you're from?"

Kurokumo did not sound familiar to you. Nor were you sure about her claim with the Sakura trees, as they were supposed to be rare. Even finding a forest of one such as this wasn't supposed to exist.

[Manzokushi]

Mako listed to and chuckled a bit, "Though technically I may not have been raised in a barn, I am a farmer both in this life and the previous. I suppose that is some irony if you really think about it."

The fact that she had been so far removed from life for so long could bring about potential problems but for now it was best to just live in the moment. After all he had recruited a deity to his party! I wonder if I have to focus on the concept of party for the magic system to know we are companions.

He shrugged it was worth a try. He envisioned Kiyo as a member of his party, someone that was a part of his traveling formation.

Mako gave her another glance, "Kiyo-sama, I have not heard of the things that you describe. To be honest these sakura trees are quite rare and have not really been seen. As far as I am aware a forest of such trees should not even exist. I have also not heard of the village that you speak of. "

He paused allowing this to sink in, "We will be returning to Tamajima Village which is located in the Isikawa Sovereignty. Are you ready to depart, Kiyo-sama?"

[Throndir]

When you envisioned adding Kiyo to your party, nothing seemed to happen.

"You've never heard of it? I've never heard of the Isikawa Sovereignty or this Tamajima village. How old is this Isikawa Sovereignty? The village of Kurokumo... maybe 500 or 600 years ago was when they built this shrine to me, if I were to guess..."

Feel free to roll any applicable knowledge rolls, or if not, just a INT check

"Anyways! I am ready to depart, human mortal, who died and came back to life, Mako-kun!" She exclaimed cheerily.

[Manzokushi]

Mako took in everything that she had stated and attempted to recall anything that might help him to figure out her place in all of this.

Knowledge: History
History regarding Kurokumo Village

Rolled 1d20+15 : 14 + 15, total 29

Knowledge: History
Anything about a local water goddess.

Rolled 1d20+15 : 16 + 15, total 31

Knowledge: Religion
Attempting to recall anything related to Water Deities and any connection Kiyo may have.

Rolled 1d20+15 : 14 + 15, total 29

Mako will also attempt to call up his internet screen focusing on this world and search for any knowledge of Kurokumo Village and Kiyo the Water Goddess.

While preparing to address the other points, Mako looked over to Kiyo with a smile, "I suppose it depends on if others will be able to see you but how we address one another will need to be a bit less strange. I propose that you simply address me as Mako-sama and that I be allowed to introduce you as Kiyo-sama. If that is ok with you of course."

[Throndir]

Knowledge (history): 29 & Knowledge (history): 31
You retained information pretty well, and not only that, you had the knowledge of two worlds in your head. However, this particular village was unknown to you. The same with a local water goddess of any sort.

Knowledge (religion): 29
You knew that your people worshiped 6 goddesses, the Goddess of Light, the Goddess of Darkness, the Goddess of Water, the Goddess of Earth, the Goddess of Fire, and the Goddess of Air. However, you also knew, from your mother, that long ago in the past, people worshiped local deities they called 'kami'. However, most of that practice had died out, and shrines like Kiyo's was something long forgotten. Although you don't recognize the name of her village, Kiyo doesn't seem to be the Goddess of Water you are aware of, she seemed to be much more similar to those 'kami' from an ancient time in Isikawa.

When you brought up your Unlimited Internet blessing, then searched up Kurokumo village, as well as Kiyo the Water Goddess, there were a few things you noticed.

The first thing you noticed was that the search results now seemed to have been divided by different categories. One seemed to include results as you would expect back on Earth. The next category seemed be information related with Kurokumo. This category took the form of written accounts, along with official historical records.

From what you gather, the records from 'Kurokumo' was never a village in the Isikawa Sovereignty. In fact, this spoke of a whole different empire, called 'Tokoyama'. According to what you were reading, this empire neighbored another, and when a war broke out, Tokoyama's people lost. The Kurokumo village was one of the casualties, and it had become an abandoned village.

The research above is involved enough to take at least 30 minutes. We'll do 30 minutes for each section of information using Unlimited Internet for researching.

"Me! Adding 'sama' to your name doesn't sound right!" She puffed up her cheeks.

Roll some sort of social skill

[Manzokushi]

As he reviewed all of the information it all started to make a bit more sense. She was a spirit or being of power that has since been forgotten. That information along with a better understanding of her accounts of time helped piece it all together. 

Choose to fail social check; he was just testing to see how she would react.

Mako looked away for a moment and blushed, "You don't have to call me sama, after all you have lived much longer than I and I have certainly not earned the honor. You can simply call me Mako, but please do not add the other titles as you did previously. No one aside from you knows of my other past / death and I would prefer to keep it that way at least for now."

His ability had grown along with his prowess. His thoughts trailing off into the possibilities, he would likely be able to uncover other aspects of this world but that research would have to wait. His focus was on the moment and not into the distant future.

Mako finally calmed his nerves and gestured for Kiyo to walk with him, "Based on what I was able to put together, Kurokumo Village was once a part of the Tokoyama Empire. What I was able to find regarding it alludes to the fact that the Tokoyama Empire was destroyed by a neighboring Empire a very long time ago. Since that time the Kurokumo Village was destroyed and the only thing that remains is ruin. I am sorry that I do not have better news regarding this, Kiyo-sama."

He glanced at her from time to time, surprised that he was in the presence of a powerful spirit. His world had been truly turned upside down. Mako considered the boon she may pass to him and hoped that it would strength his grasp on his fate / future.

While the walked he thought to himself, "I feel like my instincts are right on choosing her to be by my side. She has a deeper understanding of magic and the universe, I suspect."

[Throndir]

"Just Mako? That's a bit friendly... But okay! Mako!" She declared. "But I'm still Kiyo-sama!"

She listened to your explanation of Kurokumo village. Her normally joyous mood became a bit more sullen.

"That would... explain why no one came to visit me, huh?" She said somberly. "Some of the people in that village I knew from their birth to their death..."

Before the two of you left, Kiyo went back inside the shrine.

"Come with me for a second... There's one thing in here that I want you to take with you..." She said beckoning you into the shrine. Once you were in, she produced what looked to be a medallion. It was enshrined at the center of the building.

"I'm bound to that medallion. It's why I can't leave the shrine for very long... With the village actually... gone... There's no reason for me to be here anymore, right? We can take it." She smiled at you, but you can tell she was forcing it.

[Manzokushi]

What an interesting concept that she is bound to an amulet. That certainly feels like a video game element to me. Also in ancient cultures it was not uncommon to worship an object. According to some scholars they believed those sacred relics held power and in some cases embodied the essence of their will. At least that is what the older half of his soul kept shouting out to him.

This was obviously important to her as it should be. Kiyo was essentially entrusting her power to him. Before accepting the gift he took the time to study the shrine committing it to memory.

Then bowing deeply he lowered his eyes and his neck.

He left the choice to her, she could entrust the amulet to him or bring it with her. He would not assume that was her intent.

With his head still bowed, "I promise you Kiyo-sama, that I shall protect you and work to find others like you. Once I have made my vision a reality, I will rebuild this shrine and cultivate belief in you. Please join me and help me build a world where freedom can be found without fear of persecution. I am not exactly sure how I will do this yet but I know that its possible with you by my side."

His voice took on a somber tone, "Remember that you are the shrine and that belief follows you."


Perhaps that was a way to unite the powers of the land behind his vision and his will. He would seek out other "kami" and rescue them from their forgotten tombs. Mako envisioned his screen again and thought to pin this as a note. He attempted to place a reminder that he would research and seek out other kami throughout the land (side quest).

[Throndir]

The girl then took the medallion and held it up for a few seconds. She admired it for a bit, and then finally placed it around your neck. Before she pulled away, she leaned in and snuck a light kiss on your cheek.

After she pulled back, she had a mischievous smile.

"That's your blessing!" She declared as she smiled warmly at you with a hint of a blush on her face.

"Feel honored!"

I'll include this in your Unlimited Internet Browser. There'll be a bookmarks section in there. It just so happens Google Docs is on the internet too, so you can make use of that just fine.

[Manzokushi]

His face turned bright red as he blushed. Though not how he environed his first kiss, he was KISS BY A GODDESS!!! His eyes turned to hearts and danced for moment. Not exactly what he expected BUT this was so much better! He still felt ill prepared to face his father but at least he had done a good deed.

His eyes still averted and blushing, "Kiyo-sama, thaaannk yoouu for the blessing." He barely got the last part out before he looked away. Slowly sucking up as much as he could of his embarrassment, he started to walk towards the village, with a spring in his step. It was obvious that he was extremely happy; he just lacked the ability to show it properly.

He did his best to look composed, "Lets head home Kiyo-sama. Well at least our temporary home. Once this duel is done one way or the other, we will strike out in the world!"

Now where would she sleep? His mind wandered off in all the wrong places as they began their journey back.

[Throndir]

Location: In front of Kiyo's Abandoned Shrine
Date: Day 5 - Noon

"Whichever you want, Mako! I'm excited to travel... This is the first time, you know?"

When the both of you were about to leave the shrine's ground, the water deity stopped. With a wistful smile on her face, she faced the shrine, and bowed in a 45 degree angle.

"Thank you for taking care of me everyone from Kurokumo." She said softly.


Location: Fields before the forest
Date: Day 5 - 12:30 PM

When the two of you were far enough from the forest to see both the pink trees and the normal green trees further away, Kiyo-sama looked at it curiously.

"This is strange... I thought all the trees in this land were sakura trees."


Location: Tamajima Village
Date: Day 5 - 2 PM

The journey back home was uneventful, though Kiyo-sama continued to be amazed at the sights. But eventually you made it back home, it was just around after noon. Your mother was waving towards you.

"Mako! There you are... You didn't run into any more wolves did you?" Your mother sighed. "You had me worried when you came home yesterday covered in wounds..."

[Manzokushi]

Location: In front of Kiyo's Abandoned Shrine
Date: Day 5 - Noon

He looked at Kiyo and smiled at her, "Indeed it is. This must be very strange for you? So if you have never left the shrine did you just wake up one day in the shrine?"

It was worth the question just to get a better understanding of how the kami were formed.

Location: Fields before the forest
Date: Day 5 - 12:30 PM

Her comments about the surroundings being different were more than likely because of her inexperience in the outside world. As they walked Mako continued to make small talk explaining the surroundings and describing various plants and animals. He thought of it like an outdoor nature walk for a Biology Class.

"Kiyo-sama, once we reach my home there is a chance that no one will be able to see you. I will do my best to address you and work with you. However, please be understanding of this fact and try not to get to angry if it appears that I am ignoring you. I assure you that is the farthest thing from the truth."

Location: Tamajima Village
Date: Day 5 - 2 PM

Mako recalled his conversation with Kiyo and wanted to test her explanation that no one had ever saw her before. If she was correct he would need to be careful to not exhibit behaviors that might make him appear to be crazy.

He put on a big smile for his mom, "No mother no wolves today unfortunately. Well if I want to beat dad I need to give myself the best chance possible. If I plan to do that I need real world experience outside of practice. Though as I am now this will be a very difficult challenge."

He will take the remainder of the day off and rest until after dinner. This time will likely be filled with small talk. If they do hold any conversations, Mako does his best to wander around the farm away from the prying ears of his parents.

Once he was left alone after dinner, Mako will spend some time in mediation. The feeling he had earlier today when holding the rock had given him an idea. He would attempt to delve into the katana and work with the metal. To strengthen and lighten the properties of the metal, effectively improving the quality of the blade.

Training / Spell Craft Check: (Whichever this should be)

Rolled 1d20+10 : 10 + 10, total 20

[Throndir]

Location: In front of Kiyo's Abandoned Shrine
Date: Day 5 - Noon

Kiyo-sama nodded.

"Before I became who I am now, I was something different. That I know at least. But yes... When I first 'woke up', I was here!" She smiled wistfully.


Location: Fields before the forest
Date: Day 5 - 12:30 PM

"Ohohoho! You underestimate me Mako! Kiyo-sama understands."


Location: Tamajima Village
Date: Day 5 - 2 PM

When you began to focus on the material to increase the properties of the metal, you were able to almost feel and sense every part that made up the blade. You could sense each of the three types of specialized steel that master katana smiths use to forge it. It was finely crafted. You were able to find the small imperfections in the blade, some parts there were not quite sharp at all. You felt your mana drain a bit, making you slightly tired. Once you were done that process, it felt like you could keep doing more, even as far as changing the material itself.

No roll required for using your blessing.

Weapon is now considered Masterwork Katana.

[Manzokushi]

What an interesting ability to have. Each property of the metal was obvious to him. The more he delved the deeper his connection to the katana grew. When he was finished and all of the imperfect metals had been removed it appeared to be as pure as it could be. He had the impression that the metal could be altered to another material as well. But what would you turn it into that was superior to the quality of the blade in his hands.

He turned to Kiyo, "Kiyo-sama what is a powerful metal that has magical properties on this world? I seem to be able to alter the state of this weapon but I have limited knowledge of materials on this world."

If she provided any insight he would attempt the alteration. If she was unable to provide assistance, Mako will turn to his terminal and search for metals with special properties, searching for anything that might give him an edge.

Mako will attempt to train on increasing his blade drawing and stance speed, for the last part of the day and all of the day before he was set to face his father.

At dinner he relayed to his mother that he would focus on his martial training tomorrow and would wait to continue magic training after the duel was over.

If there is time he begins his training on improved initiative. That evening he would prepare for bed without thinking of where Kiyo would rest. He was exhausted after a long day of training and travel and basically collapses to rest.

Improved Initiate Training

Rolled 1d20+11 : 3 + 11, total 14

Location: New World - Isikawa Sovereignty - Tamajima Village
Date: Day 6 - Throughout the day

Improved Initiate Training

Rolled 1d20+11 : 7 + 11, total 18

Improved Initiate Training

Rolled 1d20+11 : 18 + 11, total 29

Constitution Check

Rolled 1d20+10 : 6 + 10, total 16

Improved Initiate Training

Rolled 1d20+11 : 10 + 11, total 21

Improved Initiate Training

Rolled 1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15

Constitution Check

Rolled 1d20+10 : 2 + 10, total 12

[Throndir]

Location: Tamajima Village
Date: Day 5 - 2 PM

Kiyo-sama nodded.

"Magical properties? Hmm... Well, I can tell you all about water!" She said. "But metals? They're a bit beyond me..."

At the end of the day, you began to look at videos on how master swordsmen were able to stay alert and react quick.

Trainings
Improved Initiative: 1/8

Location: New World - Isikawa Sovereignty - Tamajima Village
Date: Day 6 - Throughout the day

Like the day before, you used YouTube videos as reference.

Trainings
Improved Initiative: 6/8