Mission #159: Spiritual Release [Open]

[aslan]

MISSION #159: SPIRITUAL RELEASE

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Objective: Release the people of Dojo Island from the dictatorship rule of the grand dojo master by destroying and stealing all wealth from the temple.

Dojo Island was a sight to behold, secluded in the cover of trees that surrounded the town like a protective barrier. Shun had heard of this place before he had decided to journey here, lured by the foreign yet familiar passion of the people who lived there. There was also the fact the island was also known for their rare spices and wide array of sweet fruits. If there was anywhere to stock up on new and exciting ingredients, surely this was one of the places to be.

However, his intention remained be related to the name of this location. Even though Karate Island held the love of martial arts in a different way, he couldn't think of Dojo island of being horrible in any way. After all, practitioners were commonly simple and hardworking people dedicated to their craft. At least, that was the impression Shun had upon entering the town and being greeted by the visage of the gigantic temple that dominated the skyline. Even the road he stood upon that wound down the street seemed to lead like a passage way to the heart the city.

From here Shun could see the temple quite clearly, adorned with shining gold lining and statues of what looked to be dragons fighting upright. It seemed all very gaudy if he had to say so, but everyone had their own tastes; this grand dojo master in particular likely valued gold as a spiritual medium perhaps? Covering his eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off the metallic shine, Shun decided to leave visiting the large structure for last and instead made way towards the street market in search of food.

Open to two participants!

[cremuex]

Cremuex stepped off the small fishing boat that had helped to smuggle her onto the island- outsiders were not often welcomed here and it was only through some sheer act of god that she had been permitted to visit the island as an aspiring cook. She had to change her clothes to fit more towards the more respectable dress of the island. She wasn't wearing a Gi or anything, but more the traditional clothes of a house maid or servant. Still, even the fabric was intricate with it's weave of dragons and spirals and the light pink colouring with white accents seemed to cling to her body in places that she otherwise would prefer it not to. Still, she wasn't one to make a fuss of such things and so long as she was allowed to cover her wings (something that would surely give her away as an outsider) then she was content. Her hair was pulled up into a neat bun which served to expose her neck, while she didn't mind it, she couldn't help but notice that her guide found it somewhat... exotic to see the back of a ladies neck. She didn't know what that meant but assumed it was more of a cultural difference than something of a kink, and thought nothing more of it.

Some understanding had been made between her and her guide, the middle aged gentleman that had snuck her onto the island under pretenses that she herself wasn't privy to. She was not to speak unless spoken to. Her guide was to be referred to not by name, but by either "Master" or "Teacher", since she had come her to learn how to properly handle and cook with spices, a specialty of the island. She was to have the utmost respect for every man on the island, and not to make direct eye contact, as it was assumed to be an insult. There were many, many more rules other than those, and she needed to keep them all fresh in her mind as not to slip up. While she was in no way rude, their standards were simply different here than what she was used to.

The day had only recently started, and there was still plenty of time left, so her lesson today began with gathering the freshest of herbs and spices so that they had something to cook with for lunch. She listened intently on her guide's lecture about the island as they continued walking towards the town's market district. She was informed that she was to walk behind him, and slightly to his side, and with a humble nod she followed his commands, keeping her eyes low, as not to meet the eyes of anyone else.

Of course, she was curious about the island's markets, everything seemed to have a more oriental feel to it, and even the fruit stands were adorable with their mats and paper walls. However, she was no allowed to express her like for them, since if she had grown up here, they would not seem so cute or unusual and to show such enthusiasm was not dignified for a woman of her age. Even the children seemed quite disciplined and she wondered how long she would last on such a strict island before messing up.

[aslan]

It had not been until Shun entered the depths of the town that he slowly realized how out of place he was. Unlike those who wore Gi-like clothing or thick robes that removed any sign bodily gender from their body, he was wearing his own usual attire. There were some onlookers and curious eyes towards him, though the man was hardly the only one in such a position. There were a few merchants here and there, but little tourists to be seen for some reason.

Of course, being the type of person he was, Shun decidedly ignored all social and cultural conventions. Instead, he proceeded to follow his extra special nose towards some extra special smelling spices. And he would have reached it too if it weren't for these meddling kids. Suddenly grabbed on by a bunch of curious kids who were playing in the street, they proceeded to hound him about his weird clothing and slovenly appearance. Which was rude but also true, given that there was an evident lack of showers on the boat he came on.

Finally, the children were reprimanded by a tough looking fellow for their undignified act and he was able to go on his merry way; though not before the bald robed man gave him a side glare. There was something obvious that Shun was missing, but saying what it was was impossible. Honestly, it was more from lack of desire than a lack of clues. For one, the woman he bought ingredients from acted oddly cold, hardly looking at him at all. Then there was the 'spiritual protection of dragons' tax he had to pay on top of that, whatever that was.

A crash, the sound breaking of wood capturing the attention of all who were in the market. Looking back, the sign of one of the stands was broken in half. The prideful looking male from earlier, rose from the dust and splinters of the physical act, hand undamaged breaking through a piece of wood. This time, the fiery gaze was not direct to Shun, but a quivering shopkeeper. "You have shamed us but not offering contribution to the Temple. You who are gifted with the Protection of Dragons from us and given spiritual guidance of the Grandmaster. Let this be a warning to you, the broken sign a memory of your dishonor upon us."

Even as the vehement man left, the crowd was left in an moment of silence. Some nodding their heads, while other citizens looked upon the merchant in pity. Looking up at the sculpture of gold dragons he saw earlier, it was becoming apparently just what the tax he paid went to...