There were many things to see on the World of Dreams, but which one and in which order depended a lot on what the tour operators expected their customers would appreciate. For example, a Shinjo tourist was likely to enjoy exploring the Wildlife Sanctuary, a Susumu to want to pass by the Shrine of Passion, a Doji to do some shopping at the mall, etc.

Kanna wasn't part of any tour. But, as a Kitsu, she couldn't not have a look at the the Temple of Ancestors.

So here she was, facing a temple that was both impressive on its own right and kinda disappointing in comparison to what could be found on Kitsu Prime.

She quickly dismissed the profane thought from her mind. Reverence to one's ancestors was a matter of soul, not of mortar budget. That the place appeared to be prominent within the context of its world was already reason enough to rejoice.

She entered and found himself facing the heroes of the Scorpion, some of which were heroes of the Empire as a whole, some more divisive figures, some barely heard of outside of their home clan.

After a second of hesitation, she went to the altar to the mostly consensual figure (as in: her problematic aspects completely washed away by her time as a Thunder) of Bayushi Kachiko and offered a courteous prayer of thanks for her defense of the Empire. Only more silence answered her own silent plea.

Koroshi was pleased to be on the surface of the World of Dreams. This was his first assignment as a real courtier and he would not fail!

The midling height samurai would not normally stand out from the crowd of Scorpion and tourists wandering as schools of fish among the sea of the temple floor. His hair was dark, his skin very light and well cared for, and his features were neither exotic or gruesome. But today he did stand out because today he was going to make an impact, an impression, a crater!

This was achieved by wearing a golden coin blazer which was a back of dark green with gold leaf circles lining the outside along with red and black striped pants. His button-down shirt was white and Koroshi had personally picked a solid gold colored tie to compliment the oppressively shiny ensemble. On his index finger was an ancient designer ring with the mon for the Otomo in black and emerald.

The young Otomo strode through the temple's ground floor with the easy grace of someone who thinks they look good. A poor tourist who had been using their flash taking pictures would likely recover their vision in a few minutes. But Koroshi pays no attention to what actual people think of his outfit. Instead he stops before the altar of Bayushi Kachiko with great ceremony. Both of his hands are raised above his head and he claps them together to silence his mind's moving parts.

A deep breath of quiet contemplation. This is the calm before the storm as the Otomo immediately smashes his forehead against the floor and prayed to the ancestor outloud. Emphasis on the loud.

"THIS HUMBLE SERVANT PRAYS FOR GUIDANCE IN THE FUTURE. FOR COURAGE TO FACE THE WINDS AND WAVES OF THE PATH. FOR EXCELLENCE IN DUTY IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY. HONORABLE ANCESTOR, LOOK UPON YOUR DESCENDANT WITH COMPASSION AND SHOW HIM THE RIGHT WAY TO OVERCOME ALL OBSTACLES WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS. GLORY TO THE HEAVENS, GLORY TO YOMI, GLORY TO THE ANCESTOR." Koroshi sounds from the floor's surface in a voice to reach the heavens. Or at least the second floor.

He remains there for a bit before rising like the sun and dusting some small bit of lint from his nose. The Otomo noticed the Kitsu a moment after removing the thread and gave a giant smile as he bounded over like an overeager dog to bow to her. "Glorious morning, and Fortune's Blessings upon you and your house, samurai-san. How are you?"

Kanna wasn't sure yet the ear closer to the Imperial outburst will recover its full capacity eventually. She didn't flinch regardless, and answered in a quiet voice, attempting not to bother (more) the other people praying around:

"Good morning and blessings to you too Otomo-sama.

My day has been quite fine so far. What about yours?"

Kitsu Kanna wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 02, 2022 3:22 pm

"Good morning and blessings to you too Otomo-sama.

My day has been quite fine so far. What about yours?"

Koroshi smiled even wider than previously revealing excellent dental hygiene. "My day has been a glorious mix of harmonious souls, singing together in the wonderful and graceful manner of those who do their duty without complaining. I rose before the morning's dawn to spend my meditation in silence and then burst forth into the busy and bustling city to share in their energy. Everywhere you look, a hundred thousand beautiful souls serving Tengoku's purpose! The light of the Emperor guiding each to their task! It is humbling and perfect."

He paused for a moment to breathe and realize he had not given her his name. Koroshi rubbed his ring for a moment to muse on why she had known who he was. Well he was not being stealthy.

"A hundred pardons, samurai-san. I did not introduce myself. I am Otomo Koroshi, courtier on assignment! My duties will be executed with efficiency and grace! My lord served, my enemies denied, and my friends made merry!" He does a little dance with his arms at the end to shine light like a discoball off the gold leaf of his blazer.

Otomo Koroshi wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 02, 2022 3:31 pm

snip

"Kitsu Kanna, journalist for Ikoma press, and a recent arrival on the World of Dreams. Nice to meet you Otomo-sama.

Happy to hear the delicate mechanics of the Celestial Order are running smoothly within the city, and that the Emperor sent one of his most diligent servants to help keep things that way."

Kitsu Kanna wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:27 pm

"Kitsu Kanna, journalist for Ikoma press, and a recent arrival on the World of Dreams. Nice to meet you Otomo-sama.

Happy to hear the delicate mechanics of the Celestial Order are running smoothly within the city, and that the Emperor sent one of his most diligent servants to help keep things that way."

The energetic Otomo nodded like a bobblehead on stimulants. "It is my most spectacular pleasure to greet you Kitsu-san, I have long been a fan of the Ikoma theater and movies. Though I have not read anything you have written I will seek to rectify that immediately upon my return to my quarters. I am absolutely certain it will be an enthralling dive into the various people and places you have investigated!"

He combined this loud exclamation with some more dance moves, though these seemed more in line with an action hero transformation sequence. Koroshi showed exactly zero shame at doing it either.

"It is a great and terrible honor that I have been tasked to serve the Emperor in even this small way. I hold it near to my heart and meditate on its meaning daily that I might perform in such an exceptional way that my service is accepted on his behalf by my lord." He gestured to the altar nearby. "So, prayers, supplication, offerings, pleas to the honorable ancestors, and donations to the temple. All to focus the mind, steel the heart, and sharpen the soul! That what obstacles stand may be cut low!"

His whole body lept up to swipe a hand and chop the air with vigor.

Koroshi realized he was sweating and pulled out a piece of silk to dab his forehead carefully. "But I get ahead of myself. Are you pleased with the temple and its objects of devotion? I am personally only tangential related to Bayushi Kachiko, and a few others here. But it would not do to begin my work without recognizing even the most distant of my ancestors, dishonor awaits those who forget the past! And there I go off again, a thousand apologies, uh...do you like to drink? I have been meaning to see about the restaurants and bars available on the planet and would not wish to be selfish with my time. A drink shared is a drink enjoyed twice!"

"I wouldn't mind moving to a restaurant, tea house or similar place."

Anywhere the Otomo could be as loud as he wants without disturbing people and spirits really. She wasn't picky on that point. And needed to eat lunch anyway.

Kitsu Kanna wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 02, 2022 6:25 pm

"I wouldn't mind moving to a restaurant, tea house or similar place."

The Otomo is overjoyed. "Successful interpersonal interaction is the cornerstone of diplomatic efforts, and sharing a meal demonstrates trust and unity of purpose is possible." He seemed to be quoting from a book given the rapid fire phrasing.

He put his shiny arms together to rub the fabric together and enjoy the prickly sound. "But I would not wish to take Kitsu-san from her own duties. Nor ignore her preferences, do you have any suggestions? I did not look at any of the guides provided in the embassy for this area of the city." Or indeed any area of the city.

"From my understanding we're more likely to find a good restaurant in the mercantile district, but really, anywhere will do Otomo-sama. I'm new in the city myself and not picky."

Koroshi put a fist into the air. "Then we shall ride into the future, fearless and bold!"

Then paused suddenly before scooting over to ask a nearby person if there was a mall. Upon confirmation he gave them an unnecessary amount of thanks and scooted back to the Kitsu. "She said there is a mall in the mercantile district nearby. Malls offer many accommodations involving food, fun, and fashion."

This also sounded like a quote.

"Let's go then. Will be an opportunity for me to test one of the local specialties of the World of Dreams. Did you get the chance to try some yet Otomo-sama? The fondue with spices maybe?"

Kitsu Kanna wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:29 pm

"Let's go then. Will be an opportunity for me to test one of the local specialties of the World of Dreams. Did you get the chance to try some yet Otomo-sama? The fondue with spices maybe?"

"No, but I will immediately rectify this in Kitsu-san's name! I am afraid my own meals have been less exciting, ship food", he made a face, "and then this morning I ate rice with pickled vegetables. No cheese, no spice. The tragedy of circumstance, and on a planet brimming with spicy culinary excellence no less!"

Koroshi pulled his blazer together and buttoned it so that he could look more presentable. "I will hail us a ride, fear not fair lady!"

And galavanted off to get transportation with a parting bow.