As Charles closed his eyes to go to sleep that night. Sleep eluded him not because of the punishment. No he was used to that. He saw all kinds of weird letters and symbols. Unknown to him.
After a couple of hours sleep finally found him. When he opened his eyes it wasn't as he expected. He found himself standing in front of a Japanese shrine. When he walked inside. The first thing he felt was a hint of killing intent. From what it was too dark too see.
Too afraid to walk any further. He heard "so someone shows up and doesn't know how to pay respect before walking in my home". Except not with his ears it seems as though it was said inside of his head.
The lanterns cut on and as the room lit up. All that was there was a painting of a green dragon. Well I wouldn't expect many to even know how. Always bow before you enter any shrine or temple. The mouth of the dragon moved.
Charles bowed and said forgive me. The dragons killing intent disappeared completely. Then said think nothing of it like he didn't make Charles want to poop his pants.
Suddenly the dragon disappeared from the painting and a door behind it creaked open. What came out looked mostly human except it had horns. Charles afraid to offend this person bowed and said hello my name is Charles may I know who I have had the pleasure of meeting. Just call me Oni the being replied.
It seems before we start this training I have to teach you a few things. That are only known in places where im valued would know. Never bow more than or less than halfway. Halfway makes us equals. Less than means you think you're better than me and more than makes you think im better than you.
This is universal not just in Japan any diety would love this gesture. Don't ever see anyone or anything as better than you. If I thought I was better than you would I waste my time teaching you. Never think you're better than someone. Every mortal comes into this world the same way and will leave it completely alone. Do you understand?
Charles replied yes I understand. Can I ask one question. Oni replied yes what is it. Why is a demon teaching me not a dragon.
Still haven't figured it out human. The evil one labeled all of us demons. I am a dragon just in human form to make you more comfortable.
Before we start the training tell me do you remember in the book before lights out. Charles thought about it for a second. Then replied yes I was reading poetry. Oni said Now do you remember the essence that came from it? Charles replied What essence I just remember this cool wind blowing? Oni replied yeah thats essence. Everything has an essence. The air the dirt the trees the sky the clouds pretty much everything. Well right now I need you to focus on that poem. Then tell me what it was the essence of. Charles reply it was the essence of words.
Oni let just a tiny bit of killing intent for a fraction out of frustration. Let me explain one thing clearly a little upset. The essence of something or someone can be Captured in an infinite amount of ways. Poetry is just one. It could be painting, music dance but first you must comprehend the element in which the essence belongs to. Forget the poetry try and figure out the essence of me.
Oni went in his room and came back with a scroll and a quill and tossed it to him. You have until you are woken up for school to figure it out. Sit down close your eyes and focus on me.