Heavenfall

A deeper frown. "Will? You're saying an entire realm has a will? If we need jade, I take it that means that it can reach into our realm too?"

Shinsei nodded gravely. "It has its own will. Lesser beings created by its influence are scarcely aware of it, but greater creatures sometimes act in accordance. It is a small thing most times, but dangerous. Channeled through a strong enough being..." He let the thought hang unfinished.

"How far does it reach? What's its will want people to do? Can it make them do it? My hammer might be able to hit the beings from there, as you say, but it can't hit a realm's will." This was sounding worse and worse.

"Only those deeply affected by it are moved by its will, but the area it encompasses is... significant. We will be the better part of a day's march beyond the edge before we reach the pit itself."

"Pit? Oh, like where the Kami hit? I see." The look of dissatisfaction had settled onto Umeno's face by now. "This is all a lot more than I was told coming here, and a lot more than I was told following as well. I'm not saying I'd leave back for Scorpion lands, but this is turning into a lot more than a rescue mission."

"By the look on your face I'd say it's turning into a rather sour plum that you just found half of a worm inside..." Umeno seemed to be increasing in grumpiness every time he spoke. Maybe it was for the best, though. Perhaps her power with the hammer grew in proportion to the sourness of her mood.

"Well what do you expect? For a wise man, I'd think it'd be pretty obvious. There's a whole journey's difference between marching off to save someone and marching to a willful, malevolent realm to save a divine being from its soul shattering influence." Umeno gave a bit of a sigh, but her look didn't change much. She wasn't much for anger, and it really came out more as disappointment.

"There is indeed, and the dangers of this realm will be the most terrible challenge for those of us here. I wish it could be that we were more prepared, but Jigoku is preparing as surely as we are. I can think of no good time to attempt what must be done." Shinsei tilted his head to the side for a moment. "You may hit me with the hammer if it would make you feel better overall."

"Not the sort to hit people that don't deserve it," Umano said with a grunt. "How 'bout this then; why's this realm we're talking about preparing now? Was it not trying to influence us before? Or... or does it have something to do with that crater perhaps?"

Shinsei was silent for a while, but ultimately sighed. This far out there was little point in secrecy. "It plans for war, aiming to take the fallen Kami as the general of its armies so that it may subjugate Ningen-do beneath its rule."

Frown. "...I see. And how long has this been known?"

Shinsei counts on his fingers briefly, then wiggles them. "Since time immemorial. Or maybe three weeks? At least with any certainty. It's based on ancient knowledge that was only recently rediscovered."

"I can somewhat understand why this isn't common knowledge shared with the camp, but at the same time... I think it'd motivate more than it'd scare away or worry unduely." The Bayushi seemed less troubled now, her face more resolute. "I take it at some point it was decided to be kept secret for safety however, hai?"

"It is less about panic and more about making rushed choices. Many present would hear that Jigoku is rallying for war and rush into danger without so much as considering the practicality of their actions. Besides that, any predictions about this war have it falling well after this mission succeeds or fails. Would you speak up, allowing those around us to believe that we are doomed to failure because the timing is too soon?"

"I think more would be thoughtful than you give credit Shinsei," Umeno said calmly. Finally she shook her head. "Still, if you believe so, another question I suppose; is it better to rush in knowing better what awaits you, or to slowly make your way in not knowing what awaits?"

"Knowledge is best when tempered. A warrior might strike another down upon learning they were a thief, but the thief only stole to feed their starving children. To learn this before may invite mercy; to learn it after, only sorrow. I have provided the most of what I believe is necessary, out of what I have learned. The rest, I shall be learning alongside you and the others."

Umeno stared a moment before she finally gave a grunt and sat up, nodding. "I suppose that'll have to do then.I know I know a lot more than I did before I came to talk to you. If I cared more about the others, I'd insist they all know as much as I did, but if things are good as is and the rest is all a voyage of discovery, I'm certain Bayushi would tell me to listen to my betters on the matter."

"He might, that does sound like something he would say. Though I'm not so eager to define myself as better than anyone else, I simply know a bit more. If you are satisfied with what you've learned, however, then I am content with the results."

"Content's a better word I think." Her face wrinkled a bit in distaste. "Can't say I like all the facts of our trip, but I'm glad to know them now at least. You'll share if you find out anything else, right?"