Traveling to the Great Temple [Trav]

[N A T S U M I]

Dusk scoured the area first, her padded paws barely touching the ground as she moved forward. Whiskers twitched in sync as her tail while her muscles rippled powerfully with each stride. With it being so bright today, her coal coloured coat appeared glossy and rich as the rays danced along it. For a moment she simply raced along ahead, then she returned to circle around my body as I stood firmly in place.

While the jaguar rubbed herself against my legs, I pull out my Map of the Known World from my butt bag in hopes that it would lead me to the temple I was assigned to trek to and prey. My long ice blonde hair was tied back into a high braided ponytail, the full length of it cascading down to my mid back, secured with a black tie. Before leaving the Ramen shop, I had quickly gone home to change my outfit and wash my face.

Now out in the sun, my porcelain white skin glowed healthily in the sunlight causing the black rhombus positioned in the direct centre of my forehead to stand out. The brightness of the sun also illuminated my amber eyes as they shifted around the area. Dusk had stopped circling me now and was standing to my right, nudging my leg as she attempted to gain my attention. Full lush lips coated in lipstick the colour of fire engine red curled up into a warm smile as I glanced down toward her. “Alright, let’s go.” I say softly, my voice soft like summer rain.

Today I decided to wear a bubble gum pink steampunk corset overtop a pair of black jeans. My footwear consisted of a pair of knee high black stiletto boots with a four inches heel. On my person, I currently had two empty medium sized scrolls alongside a large Tessen Fan which was strapped to my back. I also had a single butt bag strapped around my waist, the actual bag consisting of four Fragmentation Grenades, two Ice Grenades, fifteen Blood Clot Pills, six Kunai and a Map of the Known World, which I currently held in my hands.

I also wore a chest rig knife harness which was filled with ten Kunai knives which sat upon my corset and a dark mauve cloak consisting of another ten Kunai which flowed around my body like the cape it was. As I gaze down at my map, I begin to head south toward Ishi no Kuni, seeing as the temple was located there as said on the menu. So to what better place to begin?

Move to Ishi no Kuni please

[Tieren]

Moved!

[N A T S U M I]

Now that we were in the harsher environment of Ishi no Kuni, I put my map away in its secure spot inside my butt bag. The sun was beating down upon us, heating the stones to the point when Dusk was forced to move into the thick vegetation to avoid the heat of the sun. Despite my boots protected me from the heat of the sun, I simply withdrew my Tessen and used it as a makeshift umbrella by opening it and holding it above my head.

The area around me was a mixture between forest, vegetation and stone. Rocks littered the area as if the Gods had dropped pebbles onto the earth to give it flavour. The view was actually rather beautiful from this view. Here I stood upon what appeared to be a boulder-like cliff overlooking a wide span of land mixed with greens and stone. Taking a few steps forward, I noticed Dusk was moving down the cliff side, exploring the area expertly. Just watching her I felt a pang of envy.

I move across the boulder and follows my Jaguar down the Cliffside, using a more delicate and easier path than what the large cat had used. A series of rocks jutted out from the side of the cliff which were narrow enough for a foothold, yet this meant that I had to put the fan way. So returning my fan to its place at my back, I lean forward and jump down to the ledge, gripping wines for support. Pieces of debris fell from the perch I was standing on, but fortunately it didn’t give way beneath my weight.

I turn around and spot a nearby tree standing at least ten meters to my far left and pushes off the ledge in reach for it. My body sails through the air, dropping like a bomb until my hands grab hold of a branch branching off a thicker one. I pull myself inward, tucking my head inward to avoid getting knocked and twisted my body around to that the heels of my boots dug into the branch below me. I use that leverage to pull myself onto the branch and climb the rest of the way down the tree to safety.

Now with my feet firmly on the ground, I continue to venture forward. Dusk was four meters ahead, gazing around the area while I searched higher up to the hills for anything temple worthy. But what did a temple look like anyway?

[Tieren]

Hidden amongst the vast forest and vegetation of the Land of Stone, a temple would suddenly be seen jutting out behind some of the trees. It was rather easy to see once you finally got to the right area. This had to be the temple that belonged to the God known as Gabriel. Of course, finding the large beast would not be quite as easy.

Upon getting closer to the temple, you would notice strange symbols across the entrances.

What was the purpose of this symbol? It was hard to say for certain. But what was easily seen is that at the front of the temple, there was a large pathway leading up to it. From that pathway, it broke off on each side. One path continued to the left, one to the right, and one that went straight ahead. It was up to you to decide which path to take. And were any of them laden with traps? Only exploring would show that answer.

[N A T S U M I]

As I ventured deeper into this mystical land, I noticed that a large cluster of trees appeared to be blocking something. Some part of it appeared to be made of stone which immediately sent a pang of hope through me. Picking up the pace alongside Dusk, I suddenly reach an area leading up to a beautiful temple which stood upon what looked like a rocky hill. But the pathway leading up to the entrance branched off into three different directions: left, right and straight ahead.

Dusk stopped moving at my side, glancing up at the temple before letting out a roar. She faced the right path, yet my gaze was resting on the strange symbol. “You think right?” I ask my companion. Dusk answered by walking toward the right side of the pathway, expecting me to follow. My eyes moved back up to the symbol, but my body moved toward the right path, following after Dusk. Just where was this path going to lead us?

[Tieren]

As you continue to the right, a simple library opens up before you. Strange, ghost like creatures wander the room. They pay you no mind as they make sure all the books are in proper order and where they belong. But if you were to walk into the room and just scan the titles of the books, you'd notice some that you couldn't understand. Only ones relating to Iwagakure and Tsuchi no Kuni were readable to you, being the place where you live in now. Furthermore, each was color coded. The ones you could read were all colored a dark brown color.

If you were to touch any of the books, the ghostly companions would look in your direction, but would say nothing. They would return to their work after a brief second, but they at least knew you were there. Which made it better or worse. That was hard to tell. But each of the books here explained the history of the land. In fact... The history was in such great detail. Who could possibly have this kind of knowledge stored away like this. Whatever the case was, it was clear that there was no God here.

[N A T S U M I]

Dusk moved swiftly down the path, her movements silent and predatory. Despite I was in heels, my movements were also silent as I skimmed the pathway rather than walk it. While amber eyes scanned the area, the pathway lead me straight to what appeared to be a room housing a large selection of books. Excitement shot through me as I stopped just short of the threshold. Ghostly creatures roamed along the shelves of the room, assorting various books which appeared to be colour coded.

Dusk had already stopped beside me, her spotted black tail curling around her front legs as she sat down. I place a hand upon her head and stroke her fur gently before tentatively crossing the threshold and entering the room. I approach the left side of the room first, studying the spines of each book to realize that some of them were printed in a language I couldn’t understand. I frown slightly before pulling out a brown coloured book from the shelf.

Immediately all spirits in the room would stop and stare at me. I freeze instantly, holding the book in a fierce grip. Dusk simply laid down on the ground by the door and placed her head between her front legs and watched me. She was clearly not bothered by the spirits and as my attention shifted toward back to the spirits they seemed to pay me no attention. Realizing that I had been holding my breath, I exhale and turn the book over in my hands before returning the book back into the slot I had pulled it from.

With further examination of the room, I realized there were no more doors leading out apart from the one I had walked in through. This was obviously the wrong path. I sigh softly and heads toward the exit, leaving the ghosts to their book sorting while Dusk moved alongside me in silence. However, once I reached the pathway intersection, I decided to head straight toward the centre of the path. Maybe this one would lead to the area where the Gabriel was.

[Tieren]

The spirits pay you no more attention as you leave the room, clearly having their task of sorting the books and making sure everything was in its proper place. They did nothing to try and harm you, only being aware of your presence.

But heading toward the middle path would prove to be quite different. The hallway was long and lined with the symbol that was seen outside. It wasn't until you traveled quite the distance that you would notice a large stone statue. Surrounding it was 12 figures, looking like human. They were also encased in stone, each holding a different weapon in them. Their faces looked peaceful, but each bore the symbol of the God.

"Greetings, Shinobi of Iwagakure. I hope my librarians did not startle you too much. They just keep a close eye over the books. Can I assist you today?"

Said a voice, almost out of nowhere. But upon closer inspection, you would notice that the large statue had a spot that was glowing the same golden color as the symbols you had come across. Perhaps this was in fact the God you were looking for.

[N A T S U M I]

Seeing as the right path had led to a library of some sort, this particular pathway was entirely different to the previous one. The hallway was long and had a high ceiling. But the symbol on the entrance of the temple was lined along the walls. The symbol must be some sort of insignia for the God Gabriel, but I never saw it in the library. Perhaps this was the right path to take? My movements were slower now, the sound of my boots clicking against the floor gently.

I was a little uncomfortable with the sound, but I felt comfortable that this place would not have any guards. Considering how much Iwagakure cherished the Gods, I felt certain that this place had its own power without having the need of any living to protect it. But I stop short after traveling a fair distance only to be greeted with a large stone statue. Dusk moved ahead, curious about the statue and grazed alongside it.

Twelve other human figures surrounded the statue, but I paid them hardly, if any attention. The statue before me was so beautiful I couldn’t remove my gaze from it. That symbol was present here too. However, almost immediately a gentle voice suddenly echoed throughout the temple, bouncing off all walls and the high ceiling above. The sound was graceful yet held a power I will never have. My head darted around cautiously, my body resisting to grab the knives attached to my rig. I swallow.

“Hello, my name is Aurora Blasius, Chuunin of Iwagakure no Sato.” I say in greeting, my voice gentle yet the tone quivered slightly. I would be a fool to say that I wasn’t afraid. “May I introduce to you my companion and best friend, Dusk.” I then say, introducing the jaguar that stood staring up at the statue, her long tail twitching curiously. “I am here in hopes of speaking with Gabriel,” I say, raising my voice an octave. I squared my shoulders and stared directly at the statue as if it were speaking to me.

As my gaze travelled over the statue’s head, I realized that an area around the head was glowing the same golden colour as the symbols that litter the temple. “You see, I have never been to the temples before and had been briefed about them when I was a genin by the medics in the hospital.” I begin explaining, my cheeks slightly pink. “The medics there relied heavily on the Gods to assist them in their abilities to save our shinobi, and I had come here to speak with Gabriel to thank him and all the Gods for their assistance in treating the shinobi of Iwagakure.”

I realized that by saying those words, I truly meant them. I remembered assisting four medics in a surgery when a young boy was badly mauled by a bear. Six times we lost the boy, but when one of the medics called upon the Gods for strength and wisdom, the boy was able to recover fully afterward. We were all thankful for the assistance, if only I could remember the name of the God.. “You see, I am a medic and during a surgery I took part in, a young boy had been mauled by a bear..”

I pause to take a deep breath. “He died continuously on the table until one of my co-workers had begun praying. Forgive me for not remembering the God’s name, but I thought it would be a good idea to come and personally thank you all for your assistance and for not allowing the little boy to die.” I said, a radiant smile curling my blood red lips. I then dropped down to both my knees and bowed toward the statue.

[Tieren]

The voice listened carefully to what you had to say, but as your words were complete, the light golden glow on the statue enveloped the entirety of the statue before the graceful phoenix seemed to burst forth, flying up into the high ceilings before floating back down and gently hovering above where he once was. His eyes looked deep into yours as a semblance of a smile appeared upon his face.

"It is good to see that you have come. My name is Gabriel, and I happen to be friends with the God that you seek. For you see... The co-worker who prayed is a follower of his. I am sorry to say that I am not the one to help the young boy. But the God, Uriel, is the one who aided in that. He gave your co-worker the knowledge needed to save that young boy, for, as I hear, your co-worker was a devout follower and great aid to the God, Uriel."

He explained, his voice seeming to echo throughout the large room. His clawed feet touched down to the ground as his glowing wings moved to his side.

"Tell me, Aurora... Do you know what we Gods represent? What it is we hold power of in this world?"

He asked, wondering if you would stay for a moment or wish to seek out Uriel, the one who's power rests over Ninjutsu, and by extension, medical techniques.

[N A T S U M I]

The light hovering around the head of the statue suddenly grew so large that I was forced to shield my eyes against the brightness. The entire statue before me was engulfed by the glow before a large phoenix shot out from the stone and into the air. I watched in amazement as it flew around the temple while Dusk darted off toward the wall, roaring as she did so. Her body was in a stance to attack, yet her eyes scanned the phoenix’s every move.

The phoenix began to hover above the statue, its face smiling as best as the bird could. The words that flooded the temple next belonged to the God that I had sought. So Uriel was the God that had assisted the medics in saving the boy. The light emitting from Gabriel was so bright that my amber eyes grew darker, illuminating as I stared wide-eyed at the God. “Yes, she loves all the Gods dearly. I believe that she has a statue of each God at her home.”

I chuckle at memory of being at Mai’s home. The statues were made of jade stone and were positioned in such a way that it looked as if the house was protected by them. Gabriel’s voice was so powerful, I swore that it could be heard from miles away. Was the temple soundproof? My attention focused intently upon Gabriel as he addressed me with a question. The question was somewhat simple, yet I was dumbfounded. Embarrassment shot through me as I cast my gaze to the floor of the temple.

The truth was that I didn’t. I take a few moments to ponder on the question however, I didn’t want to displease Gabriel by replying with an “I don’t know.” Could it be that each God specialized in certain specialities? I pull out the menu that was given to me by the chief at the ramen store. It had each God’s details and specialities printed in a fine black script. Uriel’s name and details were beneath Gabriel’s. “Well, I do know that all six of you all represent certain specialities, like here it says that you represent Taijutsu and is located here in Ishi no Kuni.”

I drop my gaze to the menu again. “And that Uriel specialises in Ninjutsu and is stationed in Shimo no Kuni. And that three Gods and good while the other three are bad.” I stop speaking abruptly, thinking that I chose the wrong words. I raise my chin slightly and regard Gabriel with a gentle stare. “And that no matter what alignment you all may abide by, I do know that each and every one of you are very special toward my comrades.” I said, meaning each word. “Truth be told, My Lord but I do not know much about any of you at all. But what I do know is that we, myself included value your presence no matter how far away you are.”

I raise from my kneeling position, returning to my full height. The cloak I wore enveloped me rather ceremonially, revealing my outfit and chest rig beneath for a split second. Dusk remained positioned to the left of the temple, staring intently at Gabriel as if trying to figure out what he was and wither he was friend, foe or food.

[Tieren]

He listened carefully to your explanation, the smile not fading from his face as you explained what little you had learned from that menu given from the restaurant in Iwagakure. But he was even more inspired by your story regarding her comrades appreciating what the Gods do for them.

"You are correct in the regard of myself and Uriel, as well as in what we represent. Three on each side of the alignment, each one representing either Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu. And one final one in the middle to keep the balance. Uriel is the God of Ninjutsu here on the same Good side as myself."

He explained, pausing for a brief moment, making a note of the animal who was still unsure of his presence.

"You see.... Each of us hold a certain power within us that allows us to govern our own aspect. I am the God of Taijutsu bearing an alignment that rests of the Good side of the spectrum. It is through me that every punch, swing of the sword, or throwing of a Kunai has any sort of power behind it. At least, if your heart rests more on the lighter side of things. If your heart contains more evil, then your power would come from Xerxes. But judging from the sheet of paper you hold there, you wouldn't have come to me if your heart was filled with evil intentions."

His words remained calm, the voice loud but not deafening. It was echoed... but it didn't hurt to hear for long periods of time.

"Ultimately, choosing to follow a God or not to is up to you. But, as you have seen first hand... Doing so can lead to quite beneficial results."

He added on, curious as to what you would think about all of this. It was quite a bit of information, but the Gods tended to work fast.

[N A T S U M I]

For a moment Gabriel was silent, but his smile never waned or faded. Had I appeased him? He stated that I was correct in what they represented, I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly at this and listed as he continued speaking about a lone God that kept the balance. I counted each God on the list and frowned. I had missed one. The neutral God, Sophron.

When Gabriel paused, I remained silent due to a feeling he had more to say. When he continued speaking, he move on to what his abilities were which made me realize that he had assisted me on numerous occasions. I shake my head at his last remark. “I specialise in Medical Ninjutsu and Taijutsu and has never harmed anyone intentionally. It is my duty to save lives, not end them.” I said, a great wealth to my tone. I loved what I did and made no attempts at hiding it.

But following a God was something that had never crossed my mind. In truth, I merely assumed that my strengths and weaknesses were my own doing. “Should a person follow a God, how could the follower be benefited? For an example, if I were to follow both you and Uriel; you through my taijutsu abilities and Uriel through my healing, the benefits could mean that I aim better and protect more comrades and my healing is stronger due to the help of Uriel in dire situations?”

I had never classed myself as an inquisitive person, but what Gabriel was saying was striking chords within me that I never knew existed. I also knew that the moment I leave this temple, I would have gained some knowledge about the Gods that would benefit me in a spiritual and mental way.

[Tieren]

For the first time in their conversation, Gabriel's smile faded slightly. It wasn't as though he was mad. It was that he was saddened that he had to inform her of the following news.

"Regrettably, each person can only follow one God. Your Co-worker followed Uriel, but also believed in the others. You may do the same, but you can only follow one of the Gods. The power gained from this following would harm you more if you were to follow two. There is only one who has followed us all, but that is because he is our prophet and he carries an item that allows the power to not overwhelm him."

He explained, pausing for a moment to allow her to take that in before continuing.

"And while we cannot directly give you increased power, as it would upset the balance that Sophron works hard to maintain, our guidance alone can be what aids you in your travels. My guidance would aid your Taijutsu, whilst Uriel's would aid your medicinal training. The choice on which to go with is up to you. Following one of us allows you a direct link to us. A voice to speak to when there are no others. And at all times, we will be watching you."

He informed, wondering what she would decide to do. It was a lot to take in at once, and he hoped that she would understand everything and make a wise decision. Gabriel wasn't specifically looking for her to follow him. He was merely wishing that she followed where her heart was telling her to go.

[N A T S U M I]

Gabriel’s radiant smile faded slightly, his glow dimmed but a fraction. My gaze rose higher to meet his face as he spoke. Following one god would actually be a very difficult task. A single shinobi is able to benefit from each god equally when you really think about it. But only one god would give a stronger vibe to the follower should they favour that one more. My gaze flickers to the floor.

“I meant no disrespect, Lord Gabriel. It’s just that I believe all gods are followed by a single person. Despite your words, each and every shinobi can gain something from them even without hearing their voices or being aware of it. Take Mai for an example, she has all six statues at her home and yet she is not harmed. She favours Uriel more than the others, yes but she still favours all the gods. Each shinobi is unique and each shinobi has their own specialty.”

I fall silent then at Gabriel’s next words. He made perfect sense, but I felt hesitant in replying. My gaze flickered to the floor again, moving along toward Dusk whom was sitting now, her tail flicking in agitation. She longed to be outdoors and was not comfortable with being inside a building for long periods of time. Although she was silent, her body language was enough to tell me she wanted to leave.

“With all due respect, My Lord but I highly favour my abilities in the healing of others. Although I am extremely grateful for your assistance throughout my taijutsu I will be forever in your debt for that. I just believe that by healing others, it is fulfilling and brings a great happiness for me. I love seeing the grateful expressions and the way a shinobi looks upon me with respect due to having treated them sometime in the past. That for me, is a power that I bring forth on my own.” I say softly, raising my chin in triumph.

“My heart tells me that healing others and saving lives is my reason for living. If I didn’t have that, the brightness that many people have said that I bring fourth would be diminished and I would continue to walk this Earth an empty shell of the person I once was. I do hope that I have not offended you in any way, it is just how I feel.” My tone was rather quiet, I had not wanted to upset Gabriel, I wrap my arms around myself, hidden beneath the cloak as they were.

[Tieren]

A graceful wing rose up toward Aurora's face, the tip of one of his feathers brushing gently on her cheek. The smile he had before had returned when he heard what she had said.

"You do not offend me, Aurora. You are honest and true, and that makes you who you are. It is not to say that you cannot follow all of the Gods, for most people use all of their powers within one day, even more so without knowing of our existance. But you will only be able to be a true follower for one of the Gods, bearing their mark and hearing their voice when needed most."

He explained a little further, pausing for just a brief moment.

"You may still believe in me and draw upon my power when needed. But from your answer alone, I suggest you head to Shimo no Kuni and meet with Uriel. I am sure you can gain from his wisdom, and perhaps receive his mark so that he may guide you even closer than he already has. But for every action you take, you receive power from us. When you throw a punch toward one who threatens you and those you care for, you draw upon me. If you cast an illusion to prevent such attackers from seeing you, you'd draw upon Alyx. If you use your medical prowess to heal another, you'd draw upon Uriel. And for every time your action works in favor of the balance of this world, Sophron is by your side."

He said, the smile not fading during this conversation.

"If there is anything more I can help you with, Aurora, feel free to ask. And if ever you need to speak with me, you know where to find me. So long as you do not bear the mark of an evil God, I will be available to you."

[N A T S U M I]

To be caressed by a god was something that will be imprinted into my soul for all time. The simple touch sent shivers down my spine, which was forced to remain straight due to the corset I wore. Gabriel’s light returned, burning brightly as he spoke. I was immediately happier the moment he told me he was not offended by my choice of words. I nodded in understanding just as he made his first pause.

“Thank you for the compliment, My Lord.” I said softly, flushing as I bowed low. He continued speaking, suggesting that I head to Shimo to speak with Uriel. The thought had indeed come to me, but I knew that I needed to report to Iwagakure first. I nod at the appropriate time. Gabriel made perfect sense as he spoke, it was something about him that I liked. The amber of my eyes was a liquid colour due to being bathed in his light, I simply felt safe and at peace in the god’s presence.

But as he bought the conversation to a close, I nodded. “Thank you very much for your time. And you probably will hear from me again in the near future. I shall take your advice about visiting Uriel in the near future as well.” I pause, smiling winningly. “I can also assure you that I will never turn to an evil alignment. It is against my nature.” I sounded so matter of fact as I spoke the words. Already Gabriel’s wisdom had fallen upon me. This mission was indeed a very fulfilling one.

Bowing once more, I raise my right hand to signal Dusk to accompany me as I bid the god farewell. “Goodbye for now, Lord Gabriel.” I say before turning from the statue and heading toward the exit. Should Gabriel speak any further, I would stop to listen, if not Dusk and I would head out of the temple and begin searching for the cliff that had gotten us down to this area and begin our climb back toward the country. Now was the time to head home.

[Tieren]

The God smiled once more as he backed up, nodding toward your words.

"I look forward to hearing of your endeavors. Best of luck to you, Aurora."

He said, that same calming smile appearing upon his face as he stepped a top his pedestal. From there, stone surrounded him once more, the brilliant light that filled the room was gone. Asleep he was until the time came for him to speak to another. Your adventures here with Gabriel were complete. But would your meeting with Uriel go as smoothly? It was hard to tell.

[N A T S U M I]

Gabriel’s voice continued to echo inside my head. For a God whom spoke the way he did, he surely did have a gentle voice. The appearance was also something that I wasn’t entirely expecting either. But this visit and encounter was indeed something that will remain engraved within me until the end of time. The sun was still high in the sky, Dusk ran happily ahead, weaving around bushes and stones, even leaping upon a few as she moved forward.

I smile warmly as the panther virtually ran up the cliff that had taken me longer to climb down from. It stood higher than I originally thought, and after seeing the tip of Dusk’s tail flickering out of view, I knew I needed to get a move on. For a moment I simply scanned the area thoughtfully, looking for indentations or footholds. When I spot one at least two meters above the ground, I take a simple leap toward it and dig my fingers into the Cliffside and hurl myself upward while grabbing another chunk of the cliff.

Climbing up the cliff was somewhat easier than climbing down. It took less than five minutes before I reached the top to find that Dusk was nowhere in sight. Hurling myself over the edge and climbing to my feet, I take a few steps forward to find Dusk lapping at a small pond three meters to my right. A pond that I had not spotted before until now. Frowning I approach the jaguar and watches as she raises her head to look at me.

“For all we know that could have been poisonous.” I say firmly, my gaze hardening slightly. Dusk stretched and gave out a lazy roar before darting off toward Tsuchi no kuni as if the large cat knew that the water was completely drinkable. Shaking my head I followed after her with a smile upon my face.

Move to Tsuchi no Kuni please

[Tieren]

An error has occurred

Due to a lack of a compass, you find yourself traveling in the wrong direction. This is known due to a sudden drizzling of rain as you pass into Ame no Kuni.

Moved to Land of Rain

(I know you have the Kunai Compass tech, but you still need to actually use it for it to count as having a compass)