Ninja Strike!
[As you make your way up the steps (which you have been climbing for forever!) you start to see buildings take shape against the backdrop of the grey and white mountains. You watch as the towering walls and the sky-scraping towers begin to become obvious, Silver and Gold trimming the Shimmering stone of the structure. The 'Castle of the Pure Hearts' is indeed a great sight to behold.]
[As you get to the outer perimeter, walking up to the gates, you see no one around. You didn't just walk all this way to be graced by a locked gate did you? How infuriating... as you turn to leave, the gate opens slowly, the creaking of the aged metal raking against your eardrums.]
[You walk onward, graced by... more steps. Wonderful. You trudge onward, determined to see what awaits your troubles in this settlement of good.]
[After a few minutes of walking, you start to notice movement in the distance. People! At least you now know that it isn't deserted... They come into view after a bit more walking, moving in every which direction, determined to get to their destinations, wherever that may be. There are several roads with plenty of travelers on each, Snaking off of each other as if the paths were branches growing from the main one on which you were so anxiously climbing]
[Deciding that you would explore more later (after something to drink and finally being able to sit down... so many steps!) you continue onward and upward, finally coming up to the main castle, its walls looming over you. walking through its massive doors, you enter the main Foyer, surprisingly calm and empty. Walking into the center of the room, you turn, looking over the inside of the grand castle, impressed by it's elegance. Completing your turn, coming to face the direction you were originally moving, you find yourself inches away from a floating man...]
(CLICK FOR LARGER VIEW)
[You jump backwards a bit, surprised and slightly annoyed.]
["Greetings, traveler."]
[The words ease into your mind, the echo of spoken word absent of them. His mouth did not move. He simply spoke into your mind, you realized... another one of those mystic mutes, perhaps?]
["You must be Tired after your trek. Please, help yourself to any of our services. And please, make yourself at home. You are among friends now..."]
[You have been welcomed into the arms of the Pure Hearts. Your story begins here. What will you do? Where will you go? Who will you befriend, and Who will you defend? This is your story, as told by the Bards to generation after generation...]
(shi*hikitsuri*shi)
