paradisalost | Legend of the Atoning Soul

[Ever the brooding type himself, Raiden will join Tashime on the roof, leaning against the wall.]

That's the one bad thing about being a soldier; No matter how much good you might think yourself doing, you can't ever know peace. Not really, anyway.

[Tashime regards Raiden with fraternistic concern.]

It sounds as if you speak from experience. What troubles you, friend?

You could say that. I've been a soldier since I was old enough to hold a weapon.

[Raiden almost has to laugh at Tashime's question, the irony of asking a large metal man what's troubling him.]

More than I'm sure you have the patience to listen to, Tashime-dono. I've learned to accept that my life won't ever truly be peaceful. As long as there's an enemy to fight, and I have the strength to fight it, I will.

I think you give my patience short, but I will not force it out of you. Still, that is admirable dedication. I hope that when the time comes I can show a similar resolve.

[He turns his gaze away, his eyes focusing on some unseen sight in the distance.]

I would be surprised if the dead can reach you here--we're so far away from anything resembling home.

[this guy's not exactly one for quietude, he just likes getting in other people's business. he's hanging out one tier above him, legs dangling over the edge, not looking at anything in particular.]

[Wary of Zelman's uncanny insight, Tashime stands up, but does his best not to betray any hint that he feels threatened. Instead, he nods in response to the newcomer's observation.]

It is as you say. It seems death is a fleeting state in Paradisa, and as such, there is no way to cleanse one's shame. Fate could not have chosen a more fitting hell for one with my regrets.

But I forget my manners. [A slight bow.] I am Seppun Tashime, who was once a magistrate of some prestige in the Empire I call home, but while I am here I still intend to cherish my honor, such as it is. And you are?

[ah, this guy sounds pretty serious. Zelman doesn't get up, but he at least assumes a somewhat professional and polite posture.]

I am Zelman Clock, son of the Fire God. Those on my world called me the Prince with Blood-Colored Eyes and the Ancient Dark Hunter, among other things.

[he smirks a little.] If you are a truthful man, then I assure you that I have no intent to take that honor away from you. Everyone is deserving of their own here.

[He peers intently at the Man of a Thousand Epithets, noting the wisdom in his words.]

So you believe that truthfulness is the key to true honor, is that right? I...suppose that makes sense.

And just as such, honor means very little if one does not truthfully believe in it.

[he tilts his head a little, leaning more over the edge.]

But that is a largely internal matter.

[Tashime gives a hearty chuckle.] You had best be careful. Lean over too far and you're sure to fall!

[he looks very amused himself.] Is that a metaphor, or are you honestly concerned for my safety?

No, my meaning was literal, except feel free to pay it no heed. You are young, and surely accustomed to such altitude. I, on the other hand...well, let's just say I wasn't sitting in the absolute center of this roof for my health!

Ah, I see. Well, I appreciate the concern anyway.

To be up here at all is somewhat impressive.

[She's just wandering out onto the roof for a little quiet/time to think when she spots him. Well, there's no way those robes belong to anyone else! So she'll step closer and wave in greeting]

Oh, hello, Tashime-san.

[A modest bow.] Konnichiwa, Ino-san! It has been a long time. How does the day find you?

[Nods back politely! Gosh, this guy is so gentlemanly.]

Pretty good, I guess. How about you?

[Tashime thinks for a moment.]

Well, to tell the truth, I had come up here in search of peace, as my heart had been troubled. But people have been visiting me so often up here that they have distracted me from my woe, which is surely a welcome thing.

Troubled? [She'll sit down next to him, looking mildly concerned.]

[He nods solemnly.]

There is someone in the land I come from whom I once vowed to protect. But I failed in that duty, causing her to become undead, and failed again when my honor called for her death - that is when I was brought to Paradisa - and now I am not sure what to do.

It is as if the heart that once guided my every move now rests silent. I thought I could hear it better if I sat in contemplation.

_{[Ashura had come to the rooftop to spend some time of quiet to himself. He needed these moments to work through the memories of Yasha that still throbbed in his mind at times. He knew they always would and the pain they brought, though dull, was always there. So quiet helped ease it, meditation.

But it seemed someone had beat him to the roof sanctuary.

His brow puckered to hear the things the other said. Ah. Unfinished business in his own world. He could understand that.]}

Probably you are to far from the realms of your own world for their voices to reach so far to your ears. Tis no fault of your own.

I have heard that the gods of my homeland only look upon that land itself. It's a dreadful thought, but perhaps they have forgotten me now that I no longer reside there.

[His eyes widen, very suddenly.]

But how did you know I was thinking of them? Are you one of my ancestors?

_{[Ashura moved his hair to the side, showing his long ears wrapped with gold and rubies.]}

You spoke aloud and my hearing is better than most.

It seems the very concept of honor has fled me. I know that everyone loses something important to them in coming here, and if that's true, I believe that the code of bushido is my loss.

[He steps back, admiring the view despite himself.]

Anyway, what am I to do, now that I cannot plead upon my ancestors' wisdom, or pray to the Kami for their guidance?

You could always depend upon your own wisdom. Surely you have gained some of your own in your time.