Origins Lore #29
- Tengu -
Day 1
Three Tengus waited on a mountaintop. A ferocious tiger, a cheerful ape, and a shrewd raven watched as a hawk approached them from the sky. Tied to its leg was a small paper scroll.
“Let's hope her first report is favorable. I just want to say again that it was a mistake to send her out there – she's not ready!” the tiger said gruffly as he took the scroll from the hawk and gave it to the ape.
“Let's read the note and give your granddaughter a chance,” the monkey said calmly. He unrolled the note and began to read:
Dear Grandpa, Father, and Big Brother,
Today was the first day of me leaving the mountain to train in the human world to become a great Tengu!
I clearly remember what I was taught, therefore, no need to be worried about me, hehe. I just need to practice applying what I learned in real life!
Although we are strong, we shouldn't bully the weak. That's why I decided to practice my skills by doing good deeds as soon as I reached human civilization.
You guys won't believe how much pollution there is in the city!
The air here was so bad that I immediately missed the fresh air in the mountains.
Therefore, I decided to help humans to alleviate the problem.
Ta-da~ Not a single vehicle in my sight was left untouched with their tires intact!
However, I was careless and was seen at the very last moment, what a shame!
“Oh dear, I do hope my daughter is ok,” said the ape with concern.
“Her solution was logical, but a bit hasty,” said the raven judiciously.
The tiger just grumbled.
Day 2
A second scroll arrived promptly the next morning.
Dear Grandpa, Father, and Big Brother,
Do not worry, I did not get caught yesterday. I moved swiftly and stealthily so the police could not get to me.
Anyways, I also realized that yesterday's fanfare was a bit too grand, so I decided to lay low today.
I wanted to see what a human school looked like, so I went to see the nearest one. I have to say that it was so huge and so many people were there.
I saw an old man standing at the entrance - I think he was the headmaster. He suddenly said that it was too hot and stuffy and that there was no wind at all.
I remember my father's words as clearly as day.
“Respect the old and love the young.”
Therefore, I decided to do him a favor and took out my divine artifact, the steel fan.
I swung the fan to conjure a light breeze.
I swore that it was just a tiny swing but people were running around saying that there was a storm approaching! I guess I'm stronger than I thought I was?
Anyways, guess what? It turned out that the old man was wearing a wig, haha!
"She remembered my teachings,” the ape said, beaming.
“She is learning the extent of her strength among the weak humans, this is good,” said the raven.
“She's making us look bad! She has one more chance to show progress in a respectable way!” the tiger growled.
Day 3
A third scroll arrived for the three waiting Tengus.
Dear honorable Grandpa, admirable Father and awesome Big Brother,
It seems I approached things the wrong way…today I saw my picture appear in the news. And not for being an outstanding member of the community - there's a reward for information leading to my arrest!
I was really trying to be good. But today, I saw a little girl playing on some train tracks, and a train was approaching! I was too far away to grab her, but I sent a blast of wind to move the train off the track. The girl is okay, but unfortunately the train is ruined, and hundreds of pigs that were on the train escaped and made a huge mess!
Looks like I might need to go into hiding for a while, so I will no longer write any letters to you three.
Don't worry about me. It is taking some time for me to adjust to the human's world, but I promise that I will return home one day and make you proud!
"My poor daughter, this is a big misunderstanding, I'm sure,” said the ape. He looked concerned.
“She should have given us a clue to her whereabouts - she must have forgotten our Tengu cipher. My sister is so forgetful,” the raven said, shaking his head.
The tiger crumpled the letter in his fist. A vein popped out in his forehead as he angrily snarled, "Argh!!!! I will drag that damn girl back immediately!!!!!" He rushed down the mountain path, the ape and raven following as they tried to calm him.