The Mortal Paper Fist said:
As long as the wind isn’t to strong we should fly back the rest of the way to Yinshin-Pintai so that we hopefully arrive there before the rain storm.
Also ask our guide if she knows the Do’s and Dont’s when visiting Final Rest so that we don’t anger the ghosts or Ryokasei and may suffer a terrible fate.
At the risk of getting caught in a rainstorm the likes of which you experienced in Taihon-Nonchan, you decide to pick up the pace and stay ahead of the coming front. With Honourshine on your back, you take to the skies and follow the serpentine river southward through verdant valleys.
As you fly, you try asking Tsu-Ko about any customs you should keep in mind when interacting with the residents of Final Rest. The sprite’s voice rings clearly in your ears, despite the wind.
Tsu-Ko: “Simple: act like you would if they weren’t ghosts.”
At that, you can’t help but wonder whether or not the ghosts are aware of what they are.
Tsu-Ko: “Of course they’re aware, but the point is: they’re the same ponies they once were in life — bound by the same principles and values. Only, their bodies are made of ectoplasm instead of flesh and blood.”
Honourshine: “Honestly, I still find it hard to believe that ghosts are real.”
Tsu-Ko: “Ghosts don’t naturally manifest, obviously — this is all a greater demon’s doing. Even now, the Saint Omen’s designs are an affront to the balance between Light and Dark… but for the sake of the mourning, the Emperor tolerates it. Between that and the cruelty of life, most call it the lesser of two evils…”
You arrive in Yinshin-Pintai roughly an hour’s flight later with a windy drizzle on your tail. Soon after reaching the portal to Shui-Ti and landing on the other side, a noisy deluge begins to pour from the grey clouds behind you. You take a moment to catch your breath.
Honourshine: “What a sudden change of weather. Is this a common occurrence here?”
Tsu-Ko: “In some regions more than others. Not scared of a little rain, are you?”
Honourshine: “No, but I would prefer to avoid muddy terrain where I can.”
Fortunately, the morning sun shines in clear blue skies on this side of the portal, and no more than a few white clouds drift lazily across the horizon. But on the other hoof, the air is hot and humid; and the ocean breeze, unlikely to travel far beyond the coast.
Still, you can hardly complain about the summery weather… unlike Moonflower, who you notice seems to be running a little hotter than usual. You ask the young bat pony if she needs a moment to rest from the flight.
Moonflower: “Heehee…! I’m okay! I think the heat’s got my body actin’ up a little, that’s all.”
Honourshine: “I… don’t suppose you have any potions that could help with that?”
Moonflower: “I know some recipes! But we’d have to go foragin’ for ingredients.”
Or you could lend a helping hoof, you playfully suggest. And while this earns you some approving nuzzles from Moonflower, you realize by the look Honourshine gives you that she asked for a reason: in all likeliness, she, too, may suffer a similar fate.
Tsu-Ko: “Honestly! Have you ponies never heard of a cold bath?”
The annoyed sprite flicks her hoof, and a few droplets of surprisingly cold water hit your muzzle. You grin sheepishly at her, and concede that either way, a solution will have to wait until you leave town.
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