thenearshore | Here comes the sun [closed]

Here comes the sun [closed]

Who: Chuuya & Sanzang
What: Sanzang running herself ragged meets her new, official, shinki
When: Apr. 21
Where: Kanzeon's Temple
Warnings: None??

[Hahaha. Sleep? What is sleep? She's been getting a few cat naps in here and there, but between the assault on Heaven and having to take care of Sanzo and popping around the rest of Sanzo's group... Well, who had the time?

It makes the sudden vision of someone's death a little rougher to take than it might normally have been, subject content notwithstanding. She stumbles into the wall when her vision clears, touching at her nose in surprise, fully expecting to see blood. There is none, of course, but she keeps touching at it anyway with a suspicious frown.

That was... But didn't they usually only get those when they got shinki? She remembers seeing Barry's, so-- A new shinki? Sanzang hums lightly, pushing away from the wall and wandering to the front of her temple. Although she's still dressed in her normal attire, the crown headdress is missing, as are her shoes, but she makes a quick stop by her room to make sure Sanzo's okay and to grab her long watersleeves before heading back out.

She's got a new addition to the family to greet, after all. It'd be a lit to say she wasn't excited]

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[After being left wandering, it's more than a little disorienting to suddenly be somewhere else-- he's got too much pride to ask to crash with someone or to just sleep wherever, so honestly, Chuuya hasn't been bothering with sleep either. It's a comfortable habit, but he's dead, he can deal with it.

This whole situation, though, isn't going to be as easy to deal with.

She'll likely be able to feel the wariness from him before she ever spots Chuuya, who's hanging around the front of the temple with his arms folded, giving the place a look over. Much nicer than Dazai's place, at least, he'll give it that-- the first sound or sign of movement pulls him off that train of thought, though, attention turning to Sanzang.]

So you're the new one, huh? Or do you just work for them?

[There could be other shinki, right? Hard to tell at a glance.]

[She can't help but laugh a little at the question--it's a valid one, really! But somehow she never thought to be questioned on that. Check your God Privilege, Sanzang, jesus.]

Ahaha! I'm your new god, yep! 'New one,' huh...? So you didn't just arrive? [She frowns a little at that, concerned. So what happened to the other one?? Why were so many gods disappearing all of a sudden?]

You're my second, after the first one up and disappeared on me. Not like he did his job to begin with, honestly, so it's no real loss.

[He says it casually enough, keeps it from showing in his voice or expression, but there's a flicker of something along with the words, brief enough to be hard to catch aside from that momentary pang.

Nobody really warned Chuuya about the 'gods feeling negative emotions' bit, so he just carries right on, sweeping off his hat and bowing his head to her.]

Chuuya Nakahara. It looks like I'll be at your disposal, now.

[Sanzang is quiet for a moment, feeling a particular prickle to her senses that tells her there's a little more there than Chuuya's saying. This isn't really a surprise, in and of itself-- maybe it's just a defense mechanism? Even if it wasn't on purpose, anyone would feel upset at being seemingly abandoned.

She can sympathize, really, and as much as she wants to automatically reach out and comfort him, there are formalities to get out of the way first. She likes the ritual and formality, honestly, it's kind of cute and it's fun to indulge in, so she bows a little back and smiles]

I have a few names, but it'll be easier if you call me 'Sanzang'. I'm also Kanzeon, the goddess of compassion and mercy. You can call me whichever makes you more comfortable!

I look forward to working with you. I'll be counting on you! [No pressure.]

Sanzang, then. Pleasure to meet you.

[Chuuya replaces his hat, glancing back up to her (realizing in the process that yes, he probably would need to look up to make eye contact if she were just a little taller-- shit, is everyone in this place taller than him??)]

I'll hold up my end of that, don't worry about it-- seems like you take things more seriously than my first god did, so as long I can actually do my damn job this time, I don't think there'll be any problems.

[Sanzang can't help but laugh-- he takes this a little seriously, huh? But that wasn't so bad either, she's glad there were shinki who really wanted to live up to their roles here. It's nice to see people living with a sense of purpose]

Mm, no worries there. I've heard your first, official, shinki is supposed to be a guidepost of sorts, someone to steer you down a better path. I'll try not to make you work too hard on that part of it, but I'll definitely work hard to be someone you won't be ashamed to work under!

[She claps her hands (er, sleeves?) together and looks enthusiastic] I want to see what you can do, but first do you want to see your room? Or are you hungry or something? [His comfort is important okay?]

I'm fine, I'm fine. It's not like you have to eat when you're dead, right?

[He waves a hand dismissively, there. Not that he'd mind, but what's he going to do, starve to death?]

Wouldn't mind seeing where I'll be staying, though, just so I know-- we can talk about everything else after. If I'm your first official one, I figure there's things you wanna know about me.

[Because that whole 'steering someone down a better path' business sort of strikes him as-- well, potentially not his strong suit.]

Ahah! I guess that's true. [Her mind goes to the same question and it makes her smile at the morbid humor of it all .Not that she probably should find it so funny, but... Well. Whatever.

Maybe he won't steer her down a 'better path' but... a path? Maybe? It'll be fun either way, whatever.]

And you might have some questions for me too! [The questions she really wants to ask she knows she can't, the ones that revolve around who he used to be. It's really too bad. But she gestures for Chuuya to follow her]

Your room is near mine, but if you want to change rooms or something, you can do that. Oh, and you're welcome to decorate it however you like! It doesn't really have much now, but it's big... You don't have to ask permission-- it's your own space, after all. [It's not really a far walk and she gestures for Chuuya to go ahead in.

The room is pretty spacious as promised, even if the furniture is sparse. There's a bed with curtains, currently pulled to the side, that could be pulled around it to conceal it (the bed is also piled up with an unnecessary amount of pillows); there's a low table in the middle of the room and a desk on one side. The bay windows overlook some of the gardens and ponds.]

It's not much right now, but... [Sanzang looks a tad embarrassed, but hopeful that he'll like it anyhow.]

...it's still more than what I'm used to.

[Honestly, the temple in general is nicer than the last was, and she sure wasn't kidding about it being big-- it seems more comfortable, really, and his commentary's given over his shoulder as he paces across to the windows.

Not a bad view, either. He could get pretty used to this.]

Don't worry about the furniture or anything- [That comes with a wave of one hand.] I'd rather have the space anyway, you know? Doubt I'll add too much to it.

[Another glance out over the gardens before Chuuya turns away from the window, pausing to give Sanzang an appraising look. Back to business.]

So, what exactly does a goddess of mercy do?

[Sanzang looks pleased, smiling brightly.] I hope you'll enjoy your new home. [It's said with the utmost sincerity and hope, though she hesitates slightly at the end of it.]

I hope you like animals too... There's a pack of monkeys that live on the grounds too. They're very sweet! ...For the most part. They just like to get into things. Try not to hurt them, okay? I've named the leader 'Wukong'! [Not that he'd understand the significance of that or why it's like an inside joke for Sanzang, but. Still. Try to get along with the monkey gang, Chuuya. Or maybe they'll adopt him as one of their own.

Who knows.

She feels the need to straighten up a little when he looks at her like that and she clasps her hands behind her back, letting the sleeves trail on the floor a little.] I'm still a bit new to this myself-- It's been a busy first week! But I knew the Kanzeon in my world... Mostly she offered protection to people-- the characters of the name mean "he who perceives the world's lamentations."

The Lotus Sutra describes her "if one were to pray with true devotion to Kanzeon for 1 second, they would generate more blessings than if one worshiped with all types of offerings as many Gods as there are in the grains of sand of 62 Ganges Rivers for an entire lifetime." [She just switches the Indian name for the Japanese one--they're all the same after all--but she looks proud.] It seems a huge responsibility, and it seems like in this world none of the gods are as popular as they should be, so I suppose doing small prayers and raising that awareness again is why we're here... I haven't really heard a lot of specific prayers or anything yet.

[AKa congrats Chuuya you're working with possibly the most popular, beloved, and important god in Buddhism.]

[One day one of those monkeys will steal his hat and he will never trust a monkey again, but until then it'll totally be fine.

That is a whole lot of information...he listens attentively, at least, arms folded as he takes that all in. If he hadn't died somehow and shown up here, surrounded by gods, her claim that she knew one before would seem kind of far-fetched, but-- well, everything about this situation is new, so why the hell not. Sure, she used to know the god that she... is. He's just going with it.]

So just... answering prayers and blessing people, huh? Doesn't sound too complicated-- I guess that'll change once you're more well-known, but if you're new, it's probably for the best.

-for both of us, honestly. Like I said, I didn't get much of a chance to get experience with this-- we barely got around to figuring out what my other form did.

[New youtube series: Chuuya vs. The Monkey Gang's Shenanigans.]

Right now, the prayers we can answer aren't terribly exciting, but once we start building up our experience and stuff, I'm sure it'll open even more doorways for bigger jobs! [Hope...fully...

Ah, that's a little sad to hear, but it does remind her that she wanted to figure out his other form here.]

Do you know what you turn into? I don't know if it'll be different for me or not... But we should try it out!

Well, if it's the same as it was for Dazai-- you're gonna want to take those off. [He gestures to her long sleeves, there, before plucking at one of his gloves.] Apparently I turn into these, covering them up might make things difficult.

[Chuuya hesitates for a moment then, and while his expression shifts to something carefully neutral, she'll be able to feel it's a front; it's the same as the first time he mentioned his former god.]

...He named me Kuroki. Should still work, unless you want to change it.

[It'd be her right as his new god, he thinks, but-- there's that uncertainty again. Maybe he should ask her to rename him, but he can't help being a little attached to the original one.]

Oh. [She looks at her sleeves in mild surprise, but-- Well. She laughs a little, nervous.] I suppose I should've expected that. Ahaha!

[She carefully unhooks her sleeves and slides them off, setting them to the side. There's nothing wrong with her hands at a glance--maybe a few faded scars on her arms and palms from past battles before she'd started using the sleeves, but they were her main weapons for a long time now. It feels strange to take them off.

It's a feeling mixed with the twinge of Chuuya's emotions, and Sanzang looks at him carefully.] Kuroki. [She tests the name out herself, not summoning him just yet, but getting a feel for it. Her smile is gentle and understanding.] I like it! We can use it for now-- If it's uncomfortable or you want to change it at any time, we can look for a new one together.

[She lets that sink in a moment before holding out her hands (she's not entirely sure what else to do with them since he's potentially becoming gloves)] Come, Kuroki!

((movin' from this thread here))

[He'll be in the gardens as promised-- Chuuya's found a spot near one of the ponds to sit and wait, but as nice as the scenery is, it's not helping him relax much. Even here at home, he keeps the hat on and still has his coat draped on his shoulders, a habit he doesn't know the source of but hasn't bothered to break; it's just more comfortable this way, somehow.

His eyes stay fixed on the water when she arrives, but he at least doesn't leave her to deal with the silence.]

Sanzang. [A brief acknowledgement that comes with a nod, followed by a short pause. She was direct with him; he'll return the favor.] Look, I can respect not breaking your word to someone, but nothing you say's gonna make me like it any more than I do right now.

[Sanzang pauses for a moment, waiting for him to acknowledge her, but he's speaking before she can even think to.

She laughs gently, moving to kneel beside him; her headdress is gone, as it usually is when she's home now, and her sleeves have been deliberately removed and kept back in her room for this conversation.

(Not that Sanzang would need them anyhow with Chuuya near-by, but still.)

She rests her hands on her knees and looks out across the water, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling; it's peaceful here, she thinks. It reminds her of her temple back home in a few ways, but the ache of nostalgia is sort of welcomed now.]

I'm not going to try and change your mind, Chuuya. [Sanzang breaks the silence that followed his words after a moment, looking to him] You don't have to like it, and I'm not going to force you to, but... Can you at least trust me?

I know it's not an ideal situation, and I shouldn't ask you to endure it just for my sake, but... I'll have to be a little selfish here, I'm afraid, and ask just that.

What kind of exemplar would I be if I wouldn't trust my own god?

[He scoffs at that, shaking his head.]

I don't trust nora. You can't trust them. It's like I said-- if you're not the only one they've got some kind of loyalty to, you're not gonna be able to rely on them for anything. Their other god's gonna come first.

[Another thought occurs to him there, though, and he adds:]

And if their other god doesn't still come first, you can trust them even less.

Hmm, I see. [Sanzang hums thoughtfully, plucking at invisible strings on her pants. She trusts Sanzo because she is Sanzo, and partly because she's trusting by nature, but she doesn't need to let Chuuya know that.]

You raise a good point, but if that's the case... Chuuya? [She turns towards him and rests her hands on the grass for support; leaning in close, her eyes focus on his face. Though there's still that hint of a smile, the barest twitch to the corner of her mouth, her eyes are serious and heavy and her tone firm with finality. Whats she's saying isn't so much a choice as it is a command.]

You must never betray me.

[He's serious enough about loyalty that she knows that wouldn't happen anyway, but it's a point to drive home. And maybe, deep down, a selfish, terrible part of her wants it set in stone.

(She was so, so tired of being betrayed)]

You're a good boy, I know that, and there's nothing to prove to me. I believe in your loyalty, but it's something I'd like to hear. And-- [Here Sanzang hesitates, just for a moment, before she smiles a little more] If the nora I have do betray me, strike them down for me, alright?

[That serious look is met with one from Chuuya, too-- but where her expression still has that bit of softness, the suggestion of a smile, there's nothing like that in his face. No light in it, only something more determined, almost businesslike, acknowledging that command.

(There's a twinge of irritation at the 'good boy', but this isn't a conversation he'll interrupt to complain. Besides, she can probably feel it anyway.)]

I'm your weapon. Maybe they don't take that seriously-- but as long as you're wielding me, I'm not gonna turn on you.

The nora, though...

[Now there's a spark in his eyes, alert and almost eager. He'd suspected she might be the type to object to killing, even for traitors, and he's never been more satisfied to be wrong.]

You don't have to tell me twice. Can't say I ever planned on letting any of them live, if they turned on you.

-that reminds me, though. I don't care about introductions, but I'm still gonna need to know who they are.

That's all I ask from you. [Eternal loyalty, nbd. She feels that irritation, but it doesn't bother her-- really she just thinks it's cute, and it's a good thing the feeling things doesn't go both ways because she's sure that'd just irritate him more. But she doesn't giggle like she wants to, she just smiles in a pleased way.

If having such a buffer will make him content and, hopefully, keep some of the pace around here, Sanzang will gladly offer that sort of promise. It helps that she doesn't think it'll ever have to happen anyhow, of course.

His eagerness about it though... That's, um... Sweet? It reminds her a little of Goku and she can't help but laugh a little then.] Well, let's hope it never has to happen though, right? I'd rather they not turn on me to prove your point!

Hmm, but that's a good point... Well! Barry isn't usually around here much, but he's hard to miss. He's loud and boisterous, a little big? He's blond, and he's got a beard! The other one is Sanzo. He's, hmm...

[She hesitates a moment, trying to figure out how to say it. The cheer is gone and she rest her hands on her lap, expression going serious] It's going to be a little hard to believe, but... Sanzo and I are the same person. Our worlds are different, but we're the same person, so that's part of why I'm making him one of my nora. I need to keep him close to me. Ahha, it might be a little hard to understand, but...

Well. You'll probably see him around the most. He's blond too, with purple eyes a little like mine, and usually dressed in priest's robes. When you see him, you'll know exactly who he is. [The two of them don't look alike enough to be mistaken as siblings or anything, but there might be a definite feeling of strange familiarity. At least that's how it was for her.]

You're what?

[Never mind anything else she'd said, that last part grabs all of his attention-- Chuuya stares at her, eyes wide with disbelief, but that serious look and the lack of cheer... she's really not kidding, is she. At the very least, she must believe it's true.

It's pretty damn weird to consider.]

... alright. Alright, if that's the case, I can kind of get keeping him around, but--

[That just makes the whole 'nora' thing into a new type of problem, and Chuuya's eyes narrow, indignance clear in his tone.]

You're the same damn person and that's not enough for him to have you as his only god? Staying with them like that if you've got that kind of connection-- just what kind of guy are you deciding to tie yourself to, here?!

[Sanzang can't help but grin sheepishly. Yeah it's always a bit of a shock to deal with, but at least Chuuya seems to believe her, which is all she can ask for. He understands, then! He even said as much! Cool, good, now maybe they can all live together as one big happy fam--

Ah.]

I'm sure he has his reasons... [Sheesh, he makes it sound like she's trying to marry a serial playboy or something.] He was with most of those gods before I came along. Maybe they just won't give him up so easily? [Of course, she doubts Sanzo would ask them to free him to begin with, but. Still.]

I think he's just got a very different idea of what being a shinki means. But as long as he's there when I need him and his other gods are treating him badly, I'm alright with it, I promise. [Maybe being Kanzeon just means she's got a greater capacity for forgiveness. Mercy and compassion and all that.

Or maybe it's just Sanzang being Sanzang. Pick your poison.]

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Here comes the sun [closed]

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pops this over here since we already have this log

THUMBS UP

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