“Behold,” Penn-Penn said proudly. “The world of Kamigawa.” The penguin and Children were just outside that world, seeing it from without. It was a beautiful play on the yin-yang on a cosmic scale, one half conventional spacetime, the other wild colors and flashing vectors. It was like seeing into an unhatched cosmic egg removed from its shell.
“‘God river’?” Shinji asked, equally astonished and befuddled by the sight before him.
“More accurately translated as ‘spirit river’,” clarified Penn-Penn. “This plane is best described as the logical extension and application of Shinto. Every physical being, object, and concept has a spiritual equivalent.” Indeed, the two halves of the world looked a bit like mirror images of one another, provided one half had had a number of Photoshop filters applied to it. “As a bonus,” the penguin noted, “and as you may have already guessed, the natives speak Japanese.”
“How—?”
“One of those parallel cultural evolution things. Sociology was never my strong suit, especially when applied to multiple universes at once.”
Shinji frowned, but nodded. “Okay. So why are we looking at it from here?”
Penn-Penn sighed. “You might say that Customs is rather strict.”
“Huh?”
As if in answer to the Third Child’s question, two fierce, beautiful young women appeared in full, resplendent armor. At first glance, they appeared to be twins. Then one noticed that one had scales. Then one’s attention went back to the bows and spears they held with no lack of proficiency and determination. “Explain your reason for coming to this place,” they demanded, speaking in unison.
Penn-Penn bowed. “Well met, Sisters of Flesh and Spirit.” One could practically hear the capitals slipping into place. “I come to your realm bearing refugees from another, where mankind sought to claim godhood by slaying those who held it.”
The sisters’ eyes narrowed. The spears shifted in a decidedly unfriendly fashion. “You know our feelings on those who would pretend to godhood.”
“Indeed. However, the children I bring with me were naught but pawns in the hands of those who sought immortality. One suffered a harsh blow to her mind, which I intend to repair once we are permitted into your lands. The other, —”
“Achieved that to which his father did aspire.” The sisters smiled. “You are clever, Penn-Penn Planeswalker. Very well. We shall allow your refugee sanctuary. One in each of our realms.”
Penn-Penn raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”
“To maintain the balance of our realm,” the sisters said in stereo, “If they both entered the utsushiyo, the world of matter, it would begin a dangerous imbalance which could very well begin another war between kami and mortal.”
“The fact that you have a cute, submissive male to snare in the kakuriyo, the world of essence, has, of course, nothing to do with this judgement,” Penn-Penn deadpanned, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Excuse me?” Shinji said worriedly.
“Quiet, Shinji. The grownups are talking,” said the penguin.
“We have no idea what you’re talking about.” The twin divinities almost oozed innocence.
“I’m sure.” Penn-Penn sighed. He could always find another world for the two Children, but he’d much rather deal with draconian deities than bureaucratic red tape any day. He came to a decision.
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(Posted Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:07)
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