There is no enemy currently at Honnouji

[samuraisoul]

Odd visions, mysterious apps, the replacement of horses and countless small little oddities... since leaving Japan and coming to Recolle it feels as though as I have stepped into an especially vivid and realistic feeling dream. Next thing I know I really will be a samurai rather than just seeing myself as one; sword at my side and dressed in armour for a naval battle that ended hundreds of years ago.

I wouldn't mind taking part in the tea ceremonies, though. Or the poetry contests.

[And because he can't stop himself from bringing this up on the network whenever possible, even when it's completely at odds with the tone of the rest of the Jūbei's post:]

Oh, and thank you to all recent adopters of pets from the Animal Shelter! We've had a lot of rehomings recently and I for one am overjoyed to see it happen. Please let me know how you and your new friend are doing, and if you need any help with training, I will be pleased to advise you if I can. ♥

Comments

[standalonehuman]

Daisuke is settling in well. He won't stop trying to come up onto the couch and bed after me, though, so I've set up lots of makeshift steps for him so he doesn't hurt himself trying to jump.

The adjustment here is...interesting. But if looking through old art books is any indication, even if you did get swept all the way back to before the Edo period, you'd still be riding a bird into battle, instead of a horse.

It's disconcerting.

[samuraisoul]

I'm really glad to hear that; dogs can be very stubborn about keeping close to their beloved owners, can't they? It's really lovely that you're taking such steps to accommodate that. Daisuke appreciate it, I'm sure!

You're right... but the thought of it is very strange. I cannot imagine riding through an old town on the back of one of these 'chocobo' creatures. If I dream of doing so then I'll be even more concerned, though I suppose dreaming of the past on horseback would be no less peculiar at this point.

[standalonehuman]

At first I might have brushed off some of these concerns. Told a good friend of mine it was just his vivid imagination. I haven't experienced anything like it, myself.

Most vivid dream I had recently...

No, it was something I remember. Just an old partner of mine. Nothing from the far past or a life I might never have lived.

The idea seems to suit you, though. You'd be far more at home as a samurai, something in the pre-Edo period, than I would.

[samuraisoul]

Curious... well, let us all know if you do? Some have pointed out that it seems to be something only those who use this app have happening to them, along with us being the only ones who remember horses.

I'm not sure about me making a suitable samurai, though. I don't think I have the nature for it... I couldn't hurt anyone. Something about the aesthtic is pleasant, though!

[rebelsoul]

You never did describe your armour.

But you did promise me a hot drink. You're welcome to practice your tea ceremony on me. We can even rebel and use hot chocolate instead. A new trend!

[samuraisoul]

Well, I couldn't see all of it... I was seeing through my own eyes, after all. The little in my vision consisted of hakama and traditionally styled armour, in white, purple and blue with gold trim. There was a kamon on the back of my gloves but I can't quite picture it clearly.

You know, I forgot I even mentioned that. I'm happy to host you at any time, however, even for such a strange rebellion.

[rebelsoul]

That is enough for me to envision.

Excellent!

[samuraisoul]

You must have a very vivid imagination, Hibiki-san, though I suppose I already knew that about you.

[rebelsoul]

I've done music for taiga before. The sets were something to behold. Your looks suit the role of a noble, virtuous samurai. Do you have any kendo experience?

[samuraisoul]

Noble and virtous? I don't know about that... I don't think I'd make a good samurai in any way. But yes, I've done kendo before. I wasn't awful at it, I admit.

[rebelsoul]

So you are a talented kendōka, then. I bet you can guess my sport of choice.

We'll dress you up and see, shall we?

[samuraisoul]

Talented is a stretch, Hibiki-san, but let me take a guess at your favourite.

[He doesn't know why, but one thing does immediately come to mind without explanations.]

Sumo?

[There's a long pause before the next reply comes through.]

Dress me up... ah, I don't know, it seems like an odd thing to do...

[Someone's blushing.]

[momentaryspring]

That dream actually sounds pleasant.

[samuraisoul]

In comparison to some I've heard about, certainly. I can't say I want the pattern to continue in the future, the life of a samurai in that era was rather... bloody, for most.

[momentaryspring]

Helping animals is no doubt better for your health, too.

Speaking of dreams, I had a rather vivid one the other day. It involved a wizened old crone.

[samuraisoul]

Oh, has one of the vivid dreams happened to you too, then? I would be interested to hear what this dream about a crone was like.

[momentaryspring]

It involved something out of a kung fu movie. She blew up a rock with a single strike.

Then again, she did seem to be some kind of horrible demon lord, so there you have it.

[samuraisoul]

That sounds very much like a kung-fu movie... and very mild in comparison to some of the stories I've read, which you may find strange. Goodness.

[momentaryspring]

Oh yeah? I didn't know you were a fan. Or did you mean from this program?

[samuraisoul]

I do admit I enjoy some kung-fu movies, but the stories were from this program. Other users.

[momentaryspring]

That's odd. But it's not as though dreams ever make sense, right?

[samuraisoul]

I suppose not. Still... I have a bad feeling.

[momentaryspring]

You think you're possessed or something?

[samuraisoul]

Nothing like that. The disappearance and replacement of horses makes me hesitant to discount too much, though.

[momentaryspring]

Hmph! Tell that to some of the deniers around here.