Sadako's Ring (D9 ME)

[Jihen]

Monks of his training had a way of feeling these things even if they didn't observe it with their eyes... Hearing the breath... reaching out and touching the Void.

He said nothing as he sensed the firmness of the walls around her mind... simply moved his hand in a series of quiet motions taught among his sect to break down the barriers between one's self and the unity of the Void.

He then prompts in a soft voice, “Now feel yourself slowly soften that divide between you and the world…”

Jihen subtly matches his breathing with Sadako’s and then directs a soothing wind towards her gradually softening walls to lead her towards the rhythm that would allow her to touch the Void.

Slowly... the feeling of refreshment would seep through the walls of the selves and hopefully bring the connection of all things inherent in the void.

————

D9 ME Kiho Activation | 8k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 15)

To the Last Breath

Ring/Mastery: Void 3
Type: Kharmic
With a simple exhalation, a monk can expend his energy to the universe around him, allowing others to partake of it as they wish. Any one selected individual within 20 feet when the Kiho is activated gains a Void Point on their next Turn. No target may benefit from this Kiho more than twice per day.

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako breathes in sharply, as if surprised, then relaxes, almost but not quite sagging in upon herself.

Her eyes remain closed, and her hands do not move.

[Jihen]

Jihen let out a long breath and opened his eyes.

He sat observing Sadako for a moment as she almost sagged into herself.

After a few moments he spoke softly, “Seppun-sama?”

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako's eyes snap open, and for just a glimpse of a moment, they seem to shine with power. Perhaps it is only a trick of the light, because when she blinks again, they are normal eyes.

"Yes, Jihen-san?"

[Jihen]

The momentary brilliance draw his own eyes which stay locked on hers as she replies.

He smiles softly, “Nothing… just wanted to check to see if you were okay. Experiencing the connections between us and the world can be… overwhelming.”

[Seppun Sadako]

"It's not my first time," Sadako says. "Though it has been some time."

[Jihen]

“I hope it wasn’t unpleasant?” He said with a bow of his head, his mind lingering on the image of Sadako’s radiant eyes.

[Seppun Sadako]

"Quite the opposite, Jihen-san," Sadako says. "Quite the opposite, indeed."

Her hands fold over the front of her obi.

"As I said, it has simply been some time since I have had such an experience. And the past several days have been, shall we say, trying."

[Jihen]

He smiles softly, “That is good. I am glad to hear that it was enjoyable. And honored to be allowed to help facilitate a moment’s reprieve. You deserve all the replenishment in the world for the things you bear on our behalf.”

He then places his hand onto his lap, “Remember though… You never need bear them alone. We are all one. And there are those of us willing to give of ourselves completely to see you succeed.”

He bows, “Lean on me whenever the burden becomes difficult to bear alone.”

[Seppun Sadako]

"I shall do so, Jihen-san," Sadako says, returning the bow.

She rises.

"I do appreciate the assistance," she adds, squaring her shoulders and suddenly being very much the Lady Seppun. "Duty yet awaits.

"Walk in the Way."

[Jihen]

Jihen bows deeply again and watches her straighten herself and walk fully into her confidence. He smiles tenderly, allowing a piece of his heart travel with her to bolster her up.

And a poem comes to his mind as he watches her walk beyond his sight:

今宵はと
心え顔に
澄む月の
光もてなす
菊の白露

Tonight,
The light of the moon
Garnished by silvery dew
of the Chrysanthemum
has cleared my heart
And made me smile.