User:NekoRex/Temple1

ated onto the Avatar of Bishamonten as she walked into the room, seeking refuge from her worries. >> »	Marisa_Kirisame flies in from town, having to run a bunch of errands today. She's got a chip on her shoulder, and some large scabs on her head from a recent injury, and faintly visible bandages under her dress. She seems nervous entering the temple grounds, looking around cautiously. »	Shou_Toramaru 's footsteps make a distinct creaking noise as Myouren Temple's wooden floor bends lightly under her weight. :Shou_Toramaru:. �ACTION stops as she's about to open the door that leads to Byakuren's room though, not willing to slide the shoji open, but not really willing to walk away. For how long would she hide it? That she had lost her pagoda? The last time, it had been fine as Nazrin and her had been able to keep it a secret... plus they had been able to find it back. Now though, Shou was too worried that Nazrin would get hurt on her quest to get t :Marisa_Kirisame:. ((her quest to get t)) :Shou_Toramaru:. (( to get the Pagoda back. )) »	Marisa_Kirisame floats inside the temple, prefering to sit on her broom rather then walk, her hakkero out. She continues to look around nervously, almost expecting something to jump out at her. :Marisa_Kirisame:. (Damn chimera, I can't believe I'm getting paranoid over her. I can only hope she's out wrecking something else somewhere else) »	Byakuren_Hijiri rolls up and stows the scroll in its case once she is done with it. With a deep, calming breath, she exits the sutra hall, catching a glimpse of Shou in front of the door to her room. With a slight frown, she soundlessly moves closer, coming to rest a gentle hand on Shou's shoulder. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Is something wrong, Shou? It's not like you to linger in the halls. :Shou_Toramaru:. << As Marisa floats in, she attracts the attention of the crowd of youkai that's enjoying their small break time. Most of them know who Marisa is, and are quite curious as to what the witch might be doing here on this day, looking rather... wary. Is she up to sometihng bad? A small group of local human and youkai ascetics that were conversing in front of Marisa turn around and greet her, inquiring as to what Marisa might be :Shou_Toramaru:. after. >> »	Shou_Toramaru was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't notice the outlines of Byakuren moving behind the shoji. Shou let out a surprised gasp as Byakuren slid open the door and put her shoulder upon her. :Shou_Toramaru:. "A-ah! Hijiri-sama, apologies, I was merely... thinking about something." »	Marisa_Kirisame looks everyone over carefully, but seems pretty satisfied none of them are likely to be Nue Houjuu in disguise after a few seconds (mostly for the fact all of them seem too nice). She tells the group she's looking for Byakuren-sama, and actually seems more relieved that she's among a crowd, putting her hakkero away. »	Shou_Toramaru lets out a weak laugh, rubbing her nape. She's trying to appear cheerful perhaps... but that in itself is somewhat out of character for Shou. Maybe that she failed to realize that falling back upon pure happiness was going to do nothing more than arouse Byakuren's further suspicions, as the Tiger wasn't one to display her happiness in such a fashion. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Actually, I'm glad to see you, I wanted to speak to you about something. If you'd like to come in? »	Byakuren_Hijiri says, stepping aside slightly to allow the tiger entry into her room. :Shou_Toramaru:. << Those that came forward to speak with Marisa look at each other for a brief instant. They were mostly thinking on the same wavelength, wondering what the witch wanted with Byakuren. However, seeing her standing as one that helped solve Gensoukyou's incidents, they let Marisa in. Some figured that she wouldn't listen if they told her to wait, but... this was Marisa Kirisame, yes. >> :Shou_Toramaru:. << The people pointed towards the Sutra Hall, where Byakuren should be by this time of the day. >> :Shou_Toramaru:. "You did? Oh... I shall do so then." »	Marisa_Kirisame waves to the group with a thanks and sees herself down the hall towards the Sutra Hall »	Shou_Toramaru says as Byakuren speaks of wanting to have a talk with her. It is most peculiar that Shou wanted to avoid talk mostly... and yes she had come out of her own volition to the Sutra Hall, rather than just use the pretense that there was more work required with the younger disciples. »	Shou_Toramaru had perhaps thought that doing the same thing twice was unacceptable? »	Byakuren_Hijiri is about to move further inside the room, but catches sight of Marisa coming down the hall. Another odd occurrence. Still, she waves to the other magician, signaling for her to wait just one moment before entering  the sutra hall, retreating back into said room. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Now then, Shou...you know I have the utmost trust in you, but Nue told me about something...worrying. Tell me, is it true that you've been painting her as a monster that 'needs to be put down'? »	Marisa_Kirisame spots Byakuren just as she gets down to the hall, and gets the message, waiting outside of it. »	Shou_Toramaru wasn't exactly in the calmest of mindsets by this point of time. Still, knowing that she was in the presence of her savior, the temple leader, and most importantly, the person that she revered above all; Shou couldn't even jump into an agitated state if she tried to. This was Byakuren whom she was talking with -- merely being next to her soothed the Tiger's spirits. »	Shou_Toramaru still made a small grimmace though, a sign that she was displeased with this matter that Byakuren had been dragged into. :Shou_Toramaru:. "I've only been asking her to remain in line with our teachings." :Shou_Toramaru:. "Had I wished for her to be put down, I would ask immediately that you do so with myself, Hijiri-donno. It is your wish to have her around, and I respect it with all of my heart." »	Shou_Toramaru speaks in a composed, honnest voice. It might sound somewhat stern, but then, Byakuren was used to it -- that is how Shou often spoke, being the straight and right to the point kind of person. :Shou_Toramaru:. "But..." »	Shou_Toramaru speaks up after pausing for a bit. :Shou_Toramaru:. "... may I ask you something about Nue?" :Byakuren_Hijiri:. I only ask because she mentioned slander. I shall investigate further. Do remember that we practice free choice, we shouldn't force anyone to do that which they do not wish for. That said, I sense something wrong about you. What's going on? :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Ahh, yes. If you've something to ask, then, I will answer to the best of my ability. »	Shou_Toramaru prefers to keep the talk about her own problems for later... maybe in the hopes that Marisa would barge after having run out of patience, a bit like how she supposedly did to others. What a quaint wish for the Temple's Avatar. »	Shou_Toramaru at any rate takes a breath and closes her eyes, thinking well and setting her thoughts straight. :Shou_Toramaru:. "Freedom is indeed the greatest gift that we've all been given... but how should one proceed when another impedes upon it? Our freedom that is, or even, the freedom of others." :Shou_Toramaru:. "We are all aware that the Nue refuses to adhere to the way, and that, I am very fine with. What I have trouble with though Hijiri-donno, is that she rejects the teachings of this temple while... acting as if she was here more as a resident than a guest." »	Marisa_Kirisame seems to be getting a bit bored indeed, and decides to get closer to the dor to start listening in on the conversation from outside the hall. :Marisa_Kirisame:. (Eh? They're talking about Nue, how convienent.) :Shou_Toramaru:. "Shouldn't we make it a point that she understands the true "residents" of this place are those who at least show will to learn of your teachings?" :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Well, that is a very good question. In this particular case, we assert that we have our freedom just as anyone has theirs. Nue has not yet embraced our teachings, but a river cannot suddenly flow against itself to go in a new direction, it takes time making a new path. I have made clear to her what I expect of her, and things will change in due time. :Shou_Toramaru:. "I... I see..." :Shou_Toramaru:. "But I would call her a torrent rather than a river though, if I may say so, Hijiri-donno. A torrent that in particular, can wash away the life of others." :Shou_Toramaru:. "I suppose that it is but me being sentimental about her killing of humans as if they were mere objects..." »	Shou_Toramaru looks down at the floor, letting out a sigh. She's really burdened herself in keeping all of these thoughts to the confines of her mind, and releasing it to Byakuren has been... quite helpful in having her stress released. »	Shou_Toramaru has a weak smile on her face. It may be weak, but it's already an improvement from the moment Byakuren had seen her. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Yes. Her behavior is indeed destructive. I can only hope that our influence will save her, lest those that protect this realm refuse to hold patience for her any longer. »	Byakuren_Hijiri returns Shou's smile in kind, reaching out her hand to rest upon the tiger's head in a motherly fashion. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Everything will be alright, we simply have to persevere. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. However...back to the other matter, something is not right about you. Care to tell me what's wrong? :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Hiding it behind other matters simply won't do, Shou. »	Shou_Toramaru can't really find the words to describe what she was doing other than hiding the fact that she lost the Pagoda. Well, it is true that her main intent was to spare Byakuren trouble... :Byakuren_Hijiri:. ...Shou, it's alright. Whatever it is, I am certain it isn't worth getting upset over. You can always speak to me about anything. »	Marisa_Kirisame decides she's heard enough, and, not wanting the conversation to change, loudly says, as she opens the door. "Patience for Nue Houjuu may already be thinner then you think, Byakuren-sama. Pardon the interruption, but I can't let this one slide..." »	Byakuren_Hijiri pauses, turning her gaze towards the doorway, resting her eyes upon Marisa. She takes a breath before motioning for the magician to enter. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. And why might that be, Kirisame-san? :Marisa_Kirisame:. "The trouble she's causing is getting out of hand, and stopping her antics has been... tough." Marisa says, entering. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Mmm. What has she done? Certainly nothing that bad, I would hope... »	Shou_Toramaru is 'unblocked' by Marisa's interference. She certainly was in a tough corner, and would've probably gone around and told Byakuren "I've lost the Pagoda" if it hadn't been for the witch suddenly deciding she had waited enough. Also... in hindsight, this wasn't something to say in front of Kirisame Marisa. »	Shou_Toramaru turns around and listens in onto the conversation, prefering to leave the talk between Marisa and Byakuren. The moment Marisa mentioned that Nue had been causing trouble, Shou had to bite her lips a bit, but she refrained from expressing any more of her feelings -- there had been enough of an outflow in the last discussion. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Hmph." Marisa huffs, with a grimace. "She's been in two of the attacks on the human village in recent memory, and I've caught her making holes in other places nearby too, like that floating castle. I've dealt with her personally twice, and... while it pains me to admit, I'm losin' against the damned youkai." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. ...I see. »	Marisa_Kirisame isn't known for her hot head, but she seems to be pretty steamed about this matter. »	Byakuren_Hijiri sighs taking a moment to close her eyes, appearing to be deep im thought. Certainly this was a matter that demanded attention, but how to go about it...? :Byakuren_Hijiri:. I suppose that I will have to speak with Nue on this matter, thank you for bringing it to my attention, Kirisame-san. »	Byakuren_Hijiri opens her eyes again, but they seem a little distant, now, her smile having faded to a slight frown. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Right. Someone's gotta put reins on her, I reckon. IF I gotta deal with her again, it's gonna be with Reimu an' Alice, and she's not gonna be getting outta that fight so easy." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Violence is very rarely the answer to anyone's problems. If anything, it makes them worse in the end. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. If you attack Nue, all that's likely to happen is her sustaining a grudge against those involved, and it will only get worse when she lashes out at you and when you retaliate. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. An infinite circle of pain and suffering. :Shou_Toramaru:. "But... Hijiri-dono." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Yes, Shou? :Shou_Toramaru:. "Are you suggesting that they let her do what she wants?" :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Of course not. Simply that there is another way. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. ((Ah, one moment, I'm getting my hair cut)) :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Heh, if she's gonna keep fightin' back, I'll simply have to exterminate her, or have Reimu seal her away. Problem solved, right? If you have another way, I suggest ya' start tryin it. With Nue, I don't see much else workin' though." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Mmm. Well, Nue listens to what I say, to a degree. I shall simply have to try my methods first before such extreme measures are taken. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Hmph, I hope so. I don't want to have to deal with Nue again if I can help it, personally." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Patience in all things, Kirisame-san. »	Shou_Toramaru merely stands at Byakuren's sides and listens. She didn't think that she'd be able to contribute much to this discussion, since following the previous discussion, it was clear that the Avatar of Bishamonten had very strong feelings about Nue's case, and if not careful, things could go wrong -- keeping silent and discovering how Byakuren would handle the problem would be the best course of action, for Shou at any rate. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. I realize that Nue is not the easiest to get along with at times, but she cannot stay ignorant to the way things should be forever. Certainly, she seems to have gotten better compared to when she and I first met. It simply takes time, more so for some people than others. »	Marisa_Kirisame sighs. "Well, I'll trust you as a fellow magician, Byakuren-sama, that what you do works." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Have you anything more to say on the matter? If not, I did have something I needed to discuss with Shou, here. »	Marisa_Kirisame shakes her head, but does have one more thing to ask. "Have you seen Koishi-san around? She ran off earlier today and I haven't seen her since. Maybe she went here?" :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Hmm..No, she hasn't been here, sorry to say. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Ah... well then, I'll see myself off then. Sorry for the interruption, Byakuren-sama." Marisa apologizes, one hand behind her head. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Yes, farewell and be safe in your trip home. »	Byakuren_Hijiri offers a bow in parting before turning her attention back to Shou. »	Marisa_Kirisame closes the door and leaves the building, waving to the followers gathered around the place as she flies down the hall back towards the entrance. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Now then...before all of that, you were going to tell me something, Shou? »	 walks down the hallways, with Unzan accompanying her person as usual. Her steps were brisk, but slows when she sees Marisa_Kirisame flying down. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Ah, Kirisame-san." »	Marisa_Kirisame stops when she hears a somewhat familiar voice, turning her attention to Ichirin. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Oh hey, you're that youkai with the cloud buddy." Marisa greets. »	Kumoi_Ichirin makes a little bow in greeting, though a little miffed at how she was called. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Yes, I suppose you could say that." :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Whatcha need?" Marisa asks, plainly. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "I'd heard from some of the acolytes you had come into the temple; I was wondering just what it was that you intended to do." »	Kumoi_Ichirin hides the fact that she was going to keep an eye on Marisa for any tricks, though it seems that the witch herself was already done with business. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Ah, I just had to talk with Byakuren-sama about some stuff. As a friend and such, ya know." :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "A talk?" :Shou_Toramaru:. "Ah... aha..." :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Yeah, a talk. Ya don't think there's anything strange in a couple o' magicians havin' a conversation, do ya?" »	Marisa_Kirisame seems more amused then suspicious at this line of questioning. »	Shou_Toramaru 's assumption that Byakuren would forget about the matter was... did she really expect that because of a random interruption, the Acarya that Surpasses all Primates would forget about it, her 'problematic' behavior that is? Byakuren knew Shou too well -- unlike Minamitsu or the rest of the Myouren Temple, she wasn't going to be able to hide anything from her. :Shou_Toramaru:. "I..." :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "I only find it strange because you don't usually come along for mere 'chit chat'" »	Byakuren_Hijiri simply waits for Shou to get it all out, folding her hands in front of her body patiently, smiling warmly. :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Well, if you really must know, I had to ask her a request." Marisa says. "Why do you haveta know anyway, hm? It's not like I'd pick a fight with her." »	Shou_Toramaru hesitates, really having trouble admitting that she could have let such a horrible thing happen. The Pagoda was one of her great er symbols as an Avatar of Bishamonten -- while it wasn't necessary for display, the fact that everyone knew that she had it, and its generic power as an artifact that 'brought wealth' attracted many converts, something that if lost, could be rather bad for the temple. :Shou_Toramaru:. (( did I cut off somewhere? )) :Byakuren_Hijiri:. ((I don't think so.)) :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Come now, Shou...You know that whatever it may be, I can help you solve it. There is no need to be so nervous, really. »	Shou_Toramaru closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She was going to tell this as calmly and as properly as she could. :Shou_Toramaru:. "The Pagoda... I've lost it." »	Kumoi_Ichirin pauses for a brief moment to converse with Unzan, murmuring a few hushed words. She turns back, shaking her head, "pardon my rudeness. Your visits are just such a rarity I cannot help but wonder just what you could possibly be discussing with Byakuren-sama." »	Shou_Toramaru finally manages to say. :Shou_Toramaru:. "I-I'm very sorry Hijiri Donno... but a white snake took it away while I was travelling in the forest..." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. O-oh dear. A...a snake, you say? Well...I do know of a few snake youkai myself...Don't worry, Shou, I'll get it back for you. But you really must be careful with the pagoda from now on, alright? :Shou_Toramaru:. "I... I think that I know who the culprit is, but I haven't gotten a glimpse of them lately. That snake friend of Nue's... I'm not sure wherever you're aware of her or not, but she's been loitering around the temple for a while." »	Byakuren_Hijiri Takes a moment to list all the snake youkai she knows of on a scale of who would be most likely to do something like that before nodding to herself. This shouldn't be too hard. :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Oho, so it was her? I'll give them a talking to and retrieve your pagoda, worry not. Stealing is not permitted within the temple, after all. :Shou_Toramaru:. "I- I can go retrieve it, don't worry!" :Shou_Toramaru:. "I was planning on doing that soon, after I had calmed down enough!" »	Shou_Toramaru gets a little bit hysteric. There mere idea of giving Byakuren more work irked her, and made her feel bad about herself -- what proper follower made their leader's life harder? :Marisa_Kirisame:. "No prob." Marisa says, chuckling at the apparent seriousness that was behind this. "It was a problem only Byakuren-sama could deal with, I reckon. She's pretty tough, and pretty nice regardless. I respect that." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. No, no. It's important that they know that they cannot get away with anything like that without me finding out, I think. If you wish, you may come with me there when I retrieve it. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Hmm.." »	Kumoi_Ichirin only felt her curiousity grow stronger, but it was true that she might be pushing it a little too much. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Very well. It's true that Byakuren-sama is very capable herself." :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Right, as magicians are." Marisa replies, hinting a reminder to who she was. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Doubtlessly." :Marisa_Kirisame:. "So, anything else you wanted to ask?" »	Shou_Toramaru didn't really want Byakuren to tire herself with the trouble that Shou's carelessness had engineered, yet she couldn't really refuse anything from her as well. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "No, pardon me for taking your time." »	Kumoi_Ichirin bows a little, stepping away as she does so. »	Shou_Toramaru figures that she might as well relent to Byakuren and get this situation fixed up. :Shou_Toramaru:. "My apologies for imposing such a burden upon you, Hijiri-donno..." :Marisa_Kirisame:. "Later then, I guess." Marisa greets goodbye, letting herself pass by towards the exit again. »	Shou_Toramaru has been stuck in her bowin posture for quite a while... but that shows how much she's appologetic. :Kumoi_Ichirin:. "Farewell..." :Shou_Toramaru:. "And thank you very much for your help. I will come alongside you. The root of this trouble was my lack of attention after all..." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. It's fine, Shou. I'm happy to help you out of a bit of trouble. In the future, don't hesitate to ask me for help, okay? :Shou_Toramaru:. "I will remember that yes." :Shou_Toramaru:. "Once again, I cannot express my gratitude to you, Hijiri-donno." :Byakuren_Hijiri:. Good, good. Now, I suppose that I should be getting some rest for now. Shall I fetch you tommorow before I go and talk to Kuchinawa-san? :Shou_Toramaru:. "It would be my shame to have you walk over to fetch me... I will be waiting wherever you want me to tommorow."
 * Shou_Toramaru:.	<< Break times during the day were sparse and rare at the Myouren Temple. After intensive study of buddhist scriptures and the teachings of peace on how to cherish life with each other no matter the species, everyone took a well deserved break. It was in general by this time of the day that Shou visited Byakuren to have a small chat. However, as of late, Shou seeme awfully quite and preocupied. That very same expression flo