Heaven and Earth (Saint)

[Kazuya Hikari]

... There it is... The bitter cold, howling wind of the snow covered mountains roared constantly, the outline of a village barely visible through the snow that was whipped into a frenzied rage, in the distance, a temple towering over it, as a lone figure charged onward through the terrible conditions. Equipped with little more than the clothes and the backpack on his back and the blade strapped to his side, Kazuya had been, for the last week or so, journeying up the mountain to a village that his great-grandfather sent Kazuya to, in order for him to try to attain enlightenment and clear his mind, when actuality, his great-grandfather wanted to toughen him up, which had already begun the moment Kazuya started his climb up the mountain. Kazuya hadn't even reached the village and temple yet, and he had already begun his training regiment, the journey alone had toughened him up slightly. The snow crunching beneath his fur-lined boots, he came to a halt, the village entrance gate towering over him as he stared up at it. Stepping through the gate, he trudged on through the snow storm, heading towards the temple in the distance.

He could barely make out the outlines of the homes lining the road he walked down, the faint glow from the candles inside barely even cutting through the thick, raging snow storm. He then began his ascent up the stairs of the temple, taking it one step at a time. One mistake would prove to be fatal and costly. Reaching the final step, he stared up the temple before him, as he trudged along the path leading up to the temple doors. Placing his shoulder up against the red door, he pushed it open with little difficulty, the snow piled up behind it only a minor hindrance. Closing it behind him, he made his way along the path leading into the enclosed outer area. Stepping under the solid wooden covered outer walkway, he stood in front of the door leading to the main shrine, his face hidden by the hood lined with fur he wore over his head. It would be impolite to just let himself in. All he could do now, was wait to be given permission to be let in.

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Silently the monk sat in mediation within the inner sanctum. He’d been there since the winter storm had started some many hours ago, without so much as the slightest motion outside the passive breathing. Statuesque and seemingly dead to the world, yet fully aware of everything and everyone within existence at the same time. It was an amazing feeling that he was still leaning to cope with and handle. Such power was not easy for the mind to process and handle. The approaching presence of another life echoed within his mind, he could see the young man’s journey to this hallowed place. Every detail laid out like words on a page…

A gentle smile came to the twenty year old monk’s face as he rose to his feet and started toward the large gate that remained locked, only those who had reached enlightenment could even comprehend the power needed to open that gate and it was here in this place that his powers were their greatest. He departed from the inner sanctum and headed down toward the main shrine, the empty temple grounds a cold reminder of how the world had changed. It was a fairly short walk, though long for the one waiting, and made difficult by the storm even if the complex’s many buildings hindered the bluster. Zachariah strode into through a side entrance to make his way to the front entrance of the main shrine. The large old wooden doors swung open allowing the visitor to enter.

“Welcome, my friend.”

Inside the shrine side walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and golden statues that seemed to file the eye toward the large golden Buddha at the back wall. Before all the statues were rows of candles, the most in front of the Buddha, going seven rows deep and one hundred in number across. Everything still showed the wear of its age as one monk could only maintain so much. The monk stepped aside with the opening door to allow the newcomer to take in the sight of it all. Meanwhile the young monk waited, in his simple clothes robes, socks, and straw sandals, to see if his guest had any questions.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Much like the Emperor entering into the Imperial Palace, the large old wooden doors slowly swung open in front of Kazuya, revealing the young monk standing behind them. "... The first and last time we met, it was the day that seer, John Strife, gathered us all together and told us of the prophecy foretelling of Public High School #259... And I never forget the faces of those I've met. It's been a while..." Kazuya began, as he reached up and pulled his hood down, revealing his dark blue hair pulled back and tied into a ponytail. "Saint..." Bowing his head slightly in respect as Saint stepped aside, allowing him in. Pulling his boots off, Kazuya stepped into the main shrine, leaving his boots at the door. A soft ruffling sound could be heard issuing from inside Kazuya's back as he unlatched the top, a black furry head popping out from the backpack opening, as Kuro mewed happily at Saint.

Lifting his kitten out of his backpack, Kazuya plopped Kuro down on the floor, pulling his jacket and snow pants off, revealing the traditional outfit he wore underneath. "... Solitude seems to have served you well, my friend. You have achieved enlightenment..." Kazuya said simply, having placed his backpack and outerwear off to the side, now standing before the impressive large golden statue of Buddha and the many rows of candles placed before it, Kuro sitting beside Kazuya's right foot. Just looking at the serene face of Buddha smiling down at him, Kazuya could feel his mind beginning to clear already. "... Perhaps you already know the reason why I have journeyed far to here, of all places. I humbly ask permission to stay here and try to clear my mind of all unnecessary thoughts and achieve enlightenment, while assisting you in maintaining this shrine."

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Zachariah simply smiled at recollection of events that had, for all intents and purposes for this young monk, happened a lifetime ago in another world. He’d removed himself several years ago, even before his physical graduation and departure due to the sense that he never really belonged there. Given the distance and time, it might have been a shocking coincidence that another student would make his way to this place, however the monk felt no such thing. Every student thrown into those schools had great potential and subjected to those very trials all were capable of great things, for better or worse. Still it was another world to him now, thus he returned the respectful bow, his short braid of hair falling from its position as a scarf as he did so.

As Kazuya made himself comfortable, the young monk went about closing the large wooden doors to make sure the storm stayed outside, though the old wood and stone walls were hardly good insulators thus making it a rather difficult adjustment for anyone keen to the warmth of California. Zachariah turned back to the new arrival as he finished the task of closing the entrance, his hands resting inside the sleeves of his robes as he brushed aside the compliment and watched the guest’s approach to the statute. Soon the explanation of why Kazuya had come to this remote location was put out into the open. Zachariah simply smiled and nodded along with a rather gentle reply to his request.

“Very well, as you wish. I shall do my best to guide you along the path.”

Inwardly the monk was not sure if the young man was genuine in seeking enlightenment or just using this time to enhance his own abilities but that would be settled in time. If Kazuya’s only goal was strength, he would fall along this journey. But despite any reservations that Zachariah might have about his new protégé, it was the duty of a monk to assist people along with path toward enlightenment, toward better understanding of the world around them. Zachariah took a few steps forward before giving a gesture toward the walkways and halls the lead to the other buildings of the temple complex.

“For today I leave you to survey the grounds and find a place to wish to rest. We shall eat at sunset.”

Another soft smile as the monk patiently waited again for any questions or concerns that his guest might have.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Having spent the majority of his life growing up in Japan, not to mention living in Alaska and San Francisco for a little while, Kazuya was more used to four seasons weather than California weather, which came as no surprise that he easily adjusted to the cold weather of Tibet. Can't get any lower temperatures than Alaskan weather. While Saint set out to the task of shutting the doors, keeping the snow storm outside, Kazuya stood in front of the giant statue, his hands resting inside the sleeves of his kimono, as Kuro sat beside Kazuya's foot, curiously looking at what had attracted his master's gaze. "... Thank you..." Kazuya said simply, bowing his head slightly to Saint. It was not his great-grandfather's wish for Kazuya to simply grow stronger physically, though strength was simply something that could be attained along the way, his true wish was for Kazuya to seek enlightenment, and to clear his mind of thoughts that would seek to cloud and impair his judgment.

What ever reservations Saint may hold against Kazuya wanting to genuinely achieve enlightenment, it did not matter, Kazuya did not hold any ill feelings towards the monk and pacifist, it was to be expected. How many students do you know would go out of their way to journey to a temple that no one really knew exists, and from Public High School #259 of all schools? Not many, and those that do, usually have an ulterior motive for doing so. "... Then I shall take my leave for now..." Kazuya said quietly, as he folded his jacket and pants up and placed them inside his backpack, before hefting it up and over his shoulder. He then headed down the nearest hallway, Kuro padding down softly beside him. "What a beautiful place. And not just the building. The whole area, including the air, is so pure..."

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{OoC: Apologies on length and wait. ^_^}

The young monk nodded simply as the newcomer went to explore the complex It was a good metaphor for the journey about to be undertaken, much of it would be through self-examination rather than the martial arts training he might be used to. Zachariah could not show him how unlock his first chakra, to take the first step to letting the universal wisdom of enlightenment through, but these things were better left for another day.

After the short nod, Zachariah proceeded to the stairs to ascended to the top floor of the main building to tend to the high shrine. It was a brief walk in comparison to the other walks around the complex, however long due to the fact it was not aided by any modern device. The sounds of the creaking steps echoed as he passed the floors for the library and elder monk housing, which was empty. He entered the high shrine, which would be a shock to anyone expecting to see something of material worth within, instead there was a pot with a scrawny tree that looked just like a normal branch arising from a little island of dirt and grass surrounded by water with mats placed around in a circular fashion. Of course there were tables around the walls with the same assortment of candles. The young monk sat down before the pot in a meditative position…

It would be up to the guest when to begin training… although it would eventually be time to eat as well, perhaps the villagers would bring something good.

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