WR-6 Away in the Painting

Mmm...

Did I fall asleep?

Oh, now I remember... I was helping count the casualties till late last night, and I went straight to bed after I got back...

Looks like the sunrise and sunset have gone back to normal...

Kroos, wake up!

...Hfff...

Kr—oo—s—!

Ngh... guh.

*Yawn*... Morning, Lava...

I've been meaning to ask, but how do you manage to sleep so well with that crossbow as a hug pillow?

Well, sleep is... important... yep~

Hnn—

Okay, let me wash my face.

I wish you could be this stoked about getting up back at Rhodes Island.

Not happening~ We're on the job right now. I don't do this on my days off~

We need to help them rebuild...

Hey, Lava...? I'm not dreaming now, am I? Who's that outside the window?

Hm?

Mommy, mommy! Hurry! We'll be late for story time!

Okay, okay. Slow down now, or you'll hurt yourself.

I'll be fine! Hurry up!

......

......

I-Is that her mother...? Her mother's okay?

Uh, maybe...?

Look at the roof over there. I could swear the eaves were damaged by Arts yesterday.

You're kidding...?

Rice cakes fresh out of the steamer! Packed with sesame filling!

Sweet rice! Come get your fermented sweet rice right here!

What's going on...?

Hmm... Everything's back to normal?

My benefactors?!

My benefactors, you remember me, do you not? Please tell me this is not a nightmare!

Slow down, what are you—

Oh, thank goodness you two remember me! Please, hear me out. When I woke up, it was as though everything that had transpired yesterday had never occurred! Everything was in perfect order!

The Ink Spirits attacked? Families devastated? None of it ever happened! Look, even Ah Jan's mother is walking around in one piece, hale and whole! Gave me quite a start, I tell you! I thought I'd come upon a ghost in broad daylight—

—Right! Have you perchance seen the wandering monk, Saga? Where is she? Is she well?

I haven't seen her yet—Oh, hello, Ah Jan.

Why, hello, Little Ah Jan~!

Hm? Who are you, Mister? How do you know my name?

My benefactors, look! This is exactly what I meant!

Hey, Ah Jan, we're here to listen to Mr. Umbrella-Boiler's stories. How come story time is over already?

Oh, I see. The storyteller is sick today. My mommy is staying to help take care of him. Most of the people who came for his stories are staying to help, too.

That's a shame.

It really is!

Ah Jan? This gentleman actually missed the session yesterday. Do you remember what the story was about?

I wasn't here yesterday. I was flying my kite with my mommy the whole day.

That's too bad, then. It looks like you're out of luck.

H-Haha... Little Ah Jan? You don't know me? You must be playing!

Who are you, Mister? Oh, you must be the one who just moved into the house down the street!

N-Never you mind. Please, go on, frolic as you do...

Hm? Okay. See you, mister!

Why are we the only ones who remember anything...?

No idea, but look at how cheerful she is. This isn't so bad.

Well... *Sigh*... That I certainly have no qualms with, but, my benefactor, are you not being a little too... calm?

Is this what the clerk meant when she said that...catching the moon in the water thing?

Anyway, I think... I have a pretty good guess where Saga is.

Oh my! This sesame soup is unlike anything I've ever tasted! Simply exquisite! Wouldst thou like some, shopkeep?

I'll pass. I'm not too fond of sweets myself. Please, don't worry about me. Just enjoy it yourself.

I see. 'Tis a shame, but pray mind not if I do—

Saga!

Whoa—

Lava, why the commotion? I well nigh spilled my sesame soup...

So... you remember who I am?

Beg pardon?

Oh... I see. That must have left you quite flabbergasted.

Master, do you know what's happened?

As I said before, I have spent many a moon inside this scroll. It can hardly be called an astute observation.

For those not originally from the scroll, suppose we all have an eye each. With four of us, and that makes four eyes.

As we fall asleep, we close our eyes. With that, there is no longer anyone gazing upon its scenery... and slowly it returns to the way it was. By the time we open our eyes and lay them upon it yet again, everything has gone back to its original shape and form.

'Tis what happens every time we awaken here. I have long grown accustomed to this anomaly.

So... we're really inside a... painting?

Hm? Have I not said as much?

Saga, is this going to affect our thought process... the way we think?

Hm, now I wonder? Naught has ever seemed particularly strange to me...?

That's just how you've always been.

Thanks to your monastery's head priest, you're no less familiar with world affairs despite your isolation from the outside world. On the contrary. Since you left Higashi, each step you've taken helped broaden your horizons, and though you may be directionless, you have never let that dampen your spirits.

When life gives you lemons, if you then proceed to make lemonade, you would of course think nothing of them.

To most people, this is nothing but a dream. The longer you're here, the easier it is to forget the things that should have been natural. The longer you're here, the more you come to accept the place as natural.

In the end, you come to know the painting, and the painting comes to know you. You have become one with the painting, never to leave again.

Oh! So this is what you meant when you had me look for Lava! My, my. How dimwitted of me.

Hey, Lava? I noticed it yesterday, but... there's no Originium here.

......

I can't imagine building a village of this size without any Originium at all. Not even villages without any kind of mobility, in the most remote parts of Yan where Catastrophes rarely happen, can get by without any.

Right...

Hold on, Dawn, what about you?

I am but a local shopkeeper.

But you remember everything that happened yesterday...

To me, yesterday is today, and today is still tomorrow.

I promised her as much, after all...

I know that I am not the real 'me,' but does it matter? That doesn't change who I am.

My apologies, but I'm afraid... you've lost me.

Out of the goodness of your hearts, you gave this village the helping hand it needed in its time of need, but... it was all futile and pointless.

Sorry for not being more forthcoming before. At the time, we still had a guest in P'o-shan. It looks like she is already gone, though.

I'm sorry you had to go through such a fright yesterday. It must have been a disaster.

Hm? That guest thou speakest of... It cannot be...?

That's all I can say, I'm afraid.

Very well. Methinks I know who it is.

Let's stop it with the riddles—Okay, let's say this is really just a painting. How did we get here?

I'm afraid I can't give you the answer to that either.

My goodness. What are we meant to do with all this secrecy?

Is that because... the people you've mentioned... are one and the same?

Excellent deduction.

Where is she?

Not here.

Who is she...?

You know her.

You mean...

Shh.

Do not speak her name, please.

......

She's not one to do something like this without cause. Actually, she usually tries to avoid trouble when she can.

I suppose you've crossed paths with her before...?

Yes... And if it's her, then it all makes sense...

This P'o-shan is the moon in the water.

Well, even if I do not ring the bell myself, there is bound to be someone else in town who would take on that responsibility. 'Tis a shame... I quite enjoy ringing bells myself.

Is this... the signal that the Ink Spirits are about to attack?

Yes, and it might have been because I told you the truth... But now that you know the residents here can't be harmed, this should be much easier than it was yesterday.

Just find somewhere to hide. You could also go east. to the Tung-shêng River. There is nothing there. It's a safe place for you to hide.

Be extra careful, though. If you go any further east past the easternmost part of the river, you will reach Mt. Hung-tung to the west of here.

The Ink Spirits should calm down before long.

So what are these monsters?

They are the brushstrokes she sprawls when she is in a bad mood. You could say they are her musings.

F-Find a place to hide? I'd rather not sit back and watch that all happen again...

You saw Little Ah Jan crying her eyes out. It was heartbreaking, I tell you...

Just remember this is all fake.

But...

What if it's not?

You have seen it with your own eyes that it is.

Still though...

Still though, I don't want to have to hear those screams again. I'm sick of it.

We just need to go west and take care of all those monsters over there, right?

Exactly! If it puts our minds at ease, why does it matter if we fish the moon in the water?

I shall go with you!

W-Wait!

Calm down~ If we just take it slow, this actually isn't all that hard~ Right, Nothing, mate?

H-Haha, I'll be sure to lend my assistance this time...

Wait! Hold on, my benefactor! You forgot your crossbow!

She has the right of it.

I just can't imagine why you have to keep these good people in here...

Gkhaa—!

Is it just me or there are fewer of them?

It does look that way, and they don't seem that scary any more.

Could they have forgotten about us?

Day after day, year after year, all that they ever do is attack the village for naught... it's wretched, and heartwrenching!

How would you know? They don't talk—

They—I suppose they just might be able to speak.

What? The head priest always said we must forever be compassionate. If that really is the case, then we are in quite a pickle...

But if this is really just a painting...

Maybe we've already found the right place.

I should've figured this out sooner. Damn it, Nian... She didn't tell us about this on purpose...

She's probably worried we'd let something slip that would tip Dusk off and let her get away.

Would someone that powerful even run? To be honest with you, I'm a little scared of her...

Let's not talk about how all of this works for now. She's keeping us live humans hostage in this little world she created for herself. What's this supposed to mean?

Anything we eat might as well be real, and not only that, the people here can actually hold a conversation. Is this supposed to mean anything?

If she's able to do all this with just Arts, then this sister of Nian's—

You're right about that... I've seen lots of weird Originium Arts before, but this is maybe a little too out there.

My... Never in a thousand moons would I have imagined the person you are looking for could be so... extraordinary.

Is that so? Here I was thinking that, of all the places I've visited, this P'o-shan has to be one of the simplest, most unassuming towns.

Where have you been...?

Why, I could go all morning about this.

During my travels, I have come across many an odd character. I have met someone who would use ale as a blade and betake herself like lightning. I have also seen someone fight with the most peculiar style, able to swim up a waterfall.

I have met one so sagacious, he could write a poem in eight steps. Alas, he offended the wrong men, and practically had to bring with him his own coffin to his final audience with his liege.

I have seen the famed Boulder of Pei-Hsüan. According to legend, in eras past, the boulder sprang up from the ground, suspending in midair when an emperor of the past ascended to his throne.

At first, it was thought to portend the country's prosperous future under his rule, but it was also thought to mean he had a heavy load to bear, and was thus seen as an omen by many.

I have visited a mountain that scraped the skies, where, amidst the clusters of Originium left behind by Catastrophes, there stood solemnly a towering pine tree, reaching upwards, as though splitting the sea of clouds in twain.

I have seen many a blade piercing chessboards, books sauteed in woks. I have also met a woman of Yan performing the most extraordinary feat, forging a city all on her own. Yet, strangely, it was hazy in appearance, and she would only allow us to view the city from afar, not in its vicinity.

I would be remiss to forget the Yan emperor's close friend from faraway lands. He told the Lung of his journey to the west, and of the countless towns and cities his travels took him.

Each and every time he spoke, I could see the townscapes before my eyes!

—Anyway, I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two.

Uhh, I know of this Boulder of Pei-Hsüan. I was under the impression it was destroyed years ago during a Catastrophe?

Exactly the one. I saw it float with my own eyes—

How many years ago was that?!

I just want to make sure. The person you speak of... That's her sister?

That's right.

How is their relationship...?

......

Oh~ Getting right to the meat of it.

Could it be the sisters are not on the best of terms?

Remember the thing I showed you? Nian gave me that. At first, I thought she gave it to us to prove our identities to Dusk...

Ohh, the fascinating little trinket? What is its purpose, then?

No idea...

Allow me? Oh, have you shown this to the storyteller?

Hm, has he seen it already? Did... Did he say anything about it?

He said he's never seen it.

I think... we should still have him take a look.

Err, if I may, there is actually one other thing that has left me quite perplexed...

What's up?

Well, I mean, my benefactor, you saw me take on one of the fiends, did you not?

Oh... You mean how it took you forever and a half just to get away from one of the Ink Spirits?

Precisely!

I saw it too, but why that all of a sudden?

Well... I am but a defenseless layman in the martial arts. Be that as it may, I cracked an entire canister of whoop-ass on the fiend. Surely you too must find that strange!

Uh... You call that a can of whoop-ass?

—*Cough* *cough*! Umm, well, I have a few tricks up my sleeve—Now, I implore you, don't get the wrong idea. It's not that I don't want to do my part in our battle against the monsters. I just have my reasons—

So, your point is...?

Um, my benefactor, certainly you believe me?

I certainly believe you not. You may be good at tricking people, but definitely not me. If I couldn't figure this much out, I wouldn't be any use out here on a mission.

Oh, I had my doubts about that too! I saw Master Nothing dart away with the little girl on his back in no time and without a breaking a sweat. I am certain he is no less formidable than my fellow disciples back at the temple!

H-Haha, please, don't give me that look. I'm trying my best now, am I not?

Right! It's getting late! Let's make our way to the storyteller and check on him! He is ill, is he not?

*cough*... Are you here for my tales? My apologies, but I'm afraid I won't have any stories to tell today with the shape I'm in.

Please, you must get more rest. Just leave everything to us.

You need not worry. I'm fine... *cough*... This is the first time we've met, is it not? Where are you from, my friends?

Why, uh... I'm from quite far away. I'm merely passing through, but with all the men in the village singing the praises of your storytelling, I had to come hear for myself!

But if you're indisposed, then we could... pay you a visit another day. Yes, we shall return, haha.

A moment, please. *cough* I cannot fault you for not knowing, but we rarely have any visitors here in P'o-shan, and I am not one to turn away those who wish to hear my stories.

I have a guest room in my garden. Perhaps you would be so kind as to stay the night?

Are you feeling okay?

I'm not sure myself. It might just be a cold... though it certainly doesn't seem that way. The doctor wasn't sure of the cause either. I suppose it's a sign my body's gotten weaker because I've been neglecting my training. Please, don't pay it any mind.

I-Ch'uan, take them there.

Of course.

Well... We'll take you up on the offer, then.

Please, this way.

Why, this is peculiar. I walked out of this very house in the morning and went on a stroll, and now I'm being invited to stay here anew... This really makes no sense!

Well, my benefactors...

Nothing.

Uh... Haha... *Ahem*. I am not getting out of this one, am I? I understand.

Well... Where should I begin...? After all, I've been deceiving the two of you right from the start.

That I've more or less figured out.

Please accept my apologies.

You sure know how to switch up your attitude quick, don't you? Oh well, whatever. I understand. You can't just completely trust a person you come across out in the wastes.

You have my thanks.

Are you from Kou-wu?

No... my hometown is farther north. Just your regular small town.

I had resigned myself to live a normal, uninteresting life as a plowboy. That summer, a few men from the cities came to our town, led by a fine, magnificent lady. She said I was the one they sought.

I was just thirteen at the time. They brought me to Kou-wu to a martial arts school, the Liens, and she was its master.

That's how I met my master, and all there was to it. I had room and board, and when I had the time, I could help out at construction sites and earn some coin to send to my family back home.

I remained diligent over the past ten years, but never once did I think my master did me a favor for taking me in.

I made it a point to rely on none but myself. I would rather go without a meal than be looked down upon by my master.

But... she was getting on in years. I once thought her formidable, matchless, even. But she was seriously ill. Couldn't even get a decent night's sleep.

That was when I came to realize I could stay there no longer. All my fellow disciples had left, and it was my time to do so as well.

But... last year, I killed someone by accident. Someone whom I should not have killed.

I thought it was a friendly match between dojos. It wasn't until much later that I found out the man had sold his life. He was meant to die by my hands.

The Lien style's reputation was already on its last legs, but they wanted to defame our name nonetheless. It was all a ploy to bring my master to swallow her pride and get her down on her knees.

—And then—

My master, her hair white as ash and braided just like my mother's, stood before all and spilled her own blood as the rules dictated!

...My goodness!

'Rules!' It's murder, I tell you!

I brought my unconscious master back, but they had our school completely surrounded.

I could not call for an ambulance, let alone my fellow disciples!

All I could do was watch her body turn cold. Their men stood outside, unmoving until they saw my poor master buried.

My master left me with this fan. I don't have the courage to use it, and certainly not the moves she taught me.

The school was lost, and I had no way to get in touch with my fellow disciples. So I concealed my identity, masquerading as a fortune teller, a Messenger.

But no matter the case, I did whatever it took to leave that city, and I will make my way to the capital or Lungmen, wherever. The more people there, the better—

—Then, one day, I shall return to Kou-wu City and make things right.

That is the story... my benefactor, Kroos, what you said on the day of the rescue. You had the right of it.

All those years I spent in Kou-wu City... I wasted.

I heard stories of the Yan martial artists' sense of honor, yet never would I have imagined such a tale...

So it wasn't just a traffic accident...

Correct... the villains had men in every corner of Kou-wu City! I watched in hiding from a nearby village, but luck was not on my side. In the end, my only choice was to find myself a car and skip town—

Your master had gone that far, and they still wouldn't leave you alone?

Leave me alone?

If they had their minds set on leaving anyone alone, I doubt they would bend the rules to kill!

To think that there are rules this rotten and unreasonable... 'Twould seem there is yet much for me to learn about this world.

Alright then... This all sounds like something out of a martial arts novel, but well... I believe you.

*sobs*, my benefactor! Your reason moves me! As your stalwart underling, rest assured I'll do all that it takes to return the favor, come hell or high water!

*Sigh*...

My benefactor... you wouldn't think I'm still lying, would you?

Well, you'd be one hell of a liar if that was a lie.

Please, come in.

*cough*... Full glad am I to find you here, my guests. I thought you would be resting in your room. Could you find our hospitality wanting, perchance...?

Uh, no, not at all. We are just talking about something among ourselves.

*cough*, I see... Pray accept my humblest apologies for interrupting. I merely wished to caution you against visiting Mt. Hung-tung. It is abound with monsters ahead of the New Year.

Okay, thanks for the reminder.

Most certainly. I shall take my leave now... *cough*—

Hope you get better soon.

......

What's up?

The Umbrella-Boiler guy... You think he's from inside the painting?

If even this is part of the painting... what about us?