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Rising Star (Complete At Last)

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FinnKaenbyou: --- Quote from: Dorian G. on February 04, 2010, 10:34:05 PM ---But one thing makes me wonder how fits a abstract concept like a god in such a simple mind? --- End quote --- I always assumed they'd just assume He was someone really, really powerful, and as such they'd be terrified of him. Anyway, 1:30 AM update~ --- It was a good few minutes climb to reach the temple, and I was unused to this concept of stairs. My paw never seemed to find a fitting place, the step always being too small for me to get a proper grip on it. I could still feel the dust on the stone, though - this path was clearly an unpopular one. Whether that was the fault of my fellow tigers or Vaisravana I couldn't be sure. "Finding it hard?" The mouse again spoke very matter-of-factly. There was no sign of genuine sympathy in her voice, though I hadn't seen much emotion from her in general. She observed my paws, seeing them slip and slide with every step. "I guess I have no right to talk. I got carried all the way up here my first time." She looked away, apparently not having anything else to talk about. Or maybe she just saw no point in having a one-sided conversation with a tiger. Regardless, we finished the trek to the temple in silence. Any grandeur the building had from a distance was lost as I approached it. Windows were boarded up and broken, and moss had run across the walls unchecked. Was I honestly meant to believe that this place could support life at all? The mouse reached out to the entrance screen. I half-expected it to tear in her hand, but apparently it at least still worked properly. The entrance chamber was about as misused as the outside would have suggested, but its resident didn't seem to care in the slightest. She tip-toed across broken pieces of ceramic and torn, tattered manuscripts to make it further inside. With twice as many feet, I wasn't able to make the journey quite as quickly, and she was generous enough to move on without me. I get the feeling I'm not going to like this girl... "Hijiri, I've brought him." My heart jumped. Sometimes this whole higher thinking thing wasn't good for you. Hearing people talk about me like that made me feel a little ill now that I was aware of it... "Oh, excellent. You're certain he's the one Vaisravana chose?" Another voice entered the fray. An older sounding woman, whose voice was strangely calming whatever tone she was using. Even as I heard her speak, my awkwardness regressed slightly. Eventually, traversing the labyrinth of dropped and broken valuables I made it into the main prayer room of the temple. It at least had been given a little more care than its neighbours - there was nothing to step on, and the walls seemed to have been cleaned fairly recently. The mouse was nodding to who I assumed was the owner of the other voice - a woman whose form I had to stand still and observe momentarily. Her hair was the first thing to stand out - it started at a light-brown near the bottom, but as it rose it faded more and more into a murky purple. Her eyes, a light shade of brown, seemed devoid of any malice, almost childishly so. Her dress was particularly unusual - black and white, with black strips along the middle and white along the sleeves. The cape on her back seemed unnecessary, but it completed the outfit nonetheless. I didn't have much experience with other youkai, but even I could tell that this woman was incredibly beautiful. She turned to me, and her face seemed to brighten instantly. It was a youthful smile, the sort that no-one could avoid catching if they were faced with it head on. I, of course, was no exception. A tiger's smile may not be as enticing as a person's, but it was an unusual thing for me to do. Just being in this woman's presence made me feel more relaxed, more at home. "Oh, here he is now. Good evening to you, tiger-kun." She walked over to me, calmer and more relaxed than any creature ever had before. The instinct to tear her to pieces was still strong at that point, but the gentle presence she gave off forced that thought into the back of my head, never to be seen again. She rubbed her hand along my head, scratching me behind my ears. I purred - it was a pleasant experience I'd never had before. "I hope it wasn't difficult to bring you here - I understand Nazrin is hardly the best negotiator, but she has the best intentions in mind. She's difficult to understand, but she'll certainly grow on you." The girl in question had waited for her superior to start fondling me before pulling away another screen into what were presumably living quarters. Wasting no time in getting some shuteye, it seemed. "Ah, but where are my manners?" She stood straight up, bowing with a surprisingly mature strictness. "I am Byakuren Hijiri, faithful servant of the great Vaisravana. It's a pleasure to meet you." She held out a hand in front of my face. Now I realise she was probably hoping I'd offer a paw in some sort of handshake, but at the time I didn't understand the gesture and licked her palm instead. Byakuren giggled slightly as she pulled her hand back. "Ehehe...so that's how your kind says hello, is it? I've never worked with tigers before, so this is a learning experience for me as well." Her laidback nature didn't seem to fit given where she was. This sort of woman seemed the type to be trying her best to find a husband and have kids, not take vows and live in some ascetic monastery. I looked around the room more carefully. There was an altar in the centre of the room, on which was standing a statue nearly identical to the one my pack had been desecrating faithfully for years. This one had been kept in good condition, though - now Vaisravana's spear seemed outright deadly, and the stone pagoda He was holding almost seemed to shine. "Gao?" But where's the man Himself? I let off a puzzled growl. Byaku followed my eyes, seeing me stare at the effigy. Understanding ran across her eyes, and she nodded to me. "Ah, eager to get on with it, I see. Well, like they say, no time like the present~" Byakuren walked over to the altar, standing just next to a small depression in the floor. She motioned towards it with her finger, and still being fluent in body language I took it as a cue to take my place there. I sat in the spot, feeling an unusual warmth almost coming from the floor itself. Byakuren clasped her hands together, muttering some sort in incantation under her breath. As she opened her hands back out, something began to emerge in the air between them - a scroll whose characters seemed to float on invisible paper. Extending it until it was as long as she was tall, she held it upright and began to recite from it. Her eyes focused intently on the scroll, her brow furrowing. Any sign of her earlier laid-back attitude was gone - she was clearly a devoted servant to her god, and she had the skill and work-effort to match. "God of fortune, punisher of the wicked, ruler of the north! I, your humble servant Byakuren Hijiri, ask of thee to show us your divine and almighty form!" There was determination oozing from every word as sweat started to run down her face. This ordeal seemed to be draining the energy from her - calling on a god was a costly process, I thought to myself. The statue in front of me began to shimmer slightly. "I ask thee to look down upon this faithful and trustworthy youkai, and bestow upon them the powers to act as a worthy disciple! Vaisravana, in the name of the three treasures, heed my prayer!" There was a moment of silence as Byakuren's words trailed off, the last sentence coming out as nearly a yell. The ground began to shake. "G-Gao!?" It was like a quake had decided to strike at this room and this room alone. Fear nearly drove me to flee, but Byakuren's hand was soon on my back again. "Don't worry. You're perfectly safe." And I believed her. I was unable to think this woman could speak anything but the utmost truth, and stood steadfast in place. Sure enough, within a few seconds the rumbling had come to a halt. There was a humming coming from in front of me, and opening the eyes I hadn't even realised I'd slammed shut I once again looked at the statue. And looking down upon me, with the same cold and powerful stare I remembered Him having, was Vaisravana.

Dorian White: I was just wondering how he comes to the term "god" but that was before I realised that the story is written in retrospective. Now I'm curious what your interpretation of Vaisravana will look like.

Alfred F. Jones: By the name of the three treasures, I am very interested in this.

FinnKaenbyou: Yes this update is longer than usually, mainly because I wanted to get this big segment resolved in one shot~ --- A fitting word for the experience doesn't come to mind even now. All I can offer is what you would need to go through in order for you to feel the same. Imagine that you owned a chair. It was worn down and beaten, but generally you ignore it and simply make do with the other pieces of furniture you own. If someone were to click their fingers and your chair transformed into a genie, then you would probably be able to relate with how I felt seeing that statue of Vaisravana look down on me. His eyes shone with a faint blue light, but His expression was as severe and determined as ever. His grip on the spear tightened, ready to strike me down at any moment, and a light red aura ran across His sculpted robes. The pagoda in His hand now let out a magnificent light, bouncing off every wall in the room. Byakuren's hand on my back drained away my feelings of fear, and I felt something different rising up in me as I witnessed His newfound greatness. A feeling I was not used to feeling for others, but others were often more than willing to give me. It was respect. He blinked once, observing me intently. His mouth slid open, as a powerful voice resonated throughout the hall. "I am Vaisravana. God of fortune. Guardian of the north. Punisher of the unjust." My heart shook a little at those words. Spoken with such authority, such power, I felt like I was back at the bottom of the food chain all over again. I unconsciously bowed my head toward the god as a sign of honour. It was the first time I had ever felt such genuine humility toward another being. "I can see your heart, child. I see your honesty, your loyalty, and your passion for justice - all signs of an excellent apprentice. Clearly, my servant has chosen well." "G-Gao..." Was I blushing? I didn't even think I could blush. Youkai are weird like that. "Aw, tiger-kun. You're so cute when you're nervous~" I-I'm not nervous! Really! Byakuren giggled again, stroking me down my back. I held in a purr with some effort. Vaisravana's face lightened for a moment. A smile slid across His face momentarily, but he was soon back to His typical stern self. "Know this - though I am a god, I am not omnipresent. There are many other temples who would call on me, so it is becoming necessary to train those resident to the area to act as my disciples. To spread the glory of Vaisravana, to bring punishment upon the villains and fortune to the just." He looked straight at my eyes, and maybe even through them - inspecting my insides, determining my worth. "Child - can I ask this of you? I see a great potential in you..." I had been intending to accept the offer long beforehand out of tedium, but in the short time I'd seen Him in the stony flesh it had changed entirely. Nazrin had been impressive, and Byakuren likely stronger still, but both paled in the face of a god. In terms of power and righteousness, He was like nothing I had ever seen before. Even being in his presence filled me with awe. And, along with it, a desire to become like him. "Gao!" I nodded my head excitedly, not taking a moment to pause. If the other tigers saw me as their idol, then Vaisravana had just become mine. "Excellent! Such enthusiasm shall get you far. Now, let me bestow upon you a pair of gifts..." He raised the spear slightly, His grip growing stronger still. His eyes closed, a familiar look of determination rising on his face. He slammed the spear's end on the floor, sending a wave of golden light along the ground. I could see something take shape in front of me, fading into existence at Vaisravana's feet. It was a light orange ornament in the shape of a lotus. "This is an enchanted headdress. Determined as you may be, it will be easier for you to perform your duty in a somewhat more...practical form." He raised His spear once again, and this time as He slammed down a green circle swept across the floor. Next to the headdress lay a smaller version of the jeweled pagoda that Vaisravana himself held, though duller and with no light coming from within. "This pagoda is the source of your power. I trust my servants will be able to teach you its ways, and how to harness my strength to be yours. It may be a difficult task, but I have faith in you." I nodded once again, smiling. I'll do by best, Vaisravana-sama! He smirked one last time. "It is pleasing to see such ambitious youths here. I wish you the best of luck." The aura began to fade, and in a matter of seconds the room was once again as it was. The only sign of Vaisravana's presence was the pair of artifacts lying in front of me. Behind me, Byakuren applauded. "Congratulations, tiger-kun! I've never seen Him praise anyone so on their first meeting!" I was blushing again, I knew it. I saw Byakuren slip in front of me and pick up the headdress, ready to place it on my head. "Well, let's get started. I wonder what you look like as a human~?" Time froze for an instant. ...Human? That thing is gonna make me...human!? I leapt away on instinct. Byakuren's eyes widened, puzzled, as she looked across at me. "Eh? What's wrong, tiger-kun?" I was shaking, uncontrollably. I knew enough about humans to know that putting that thing on was a bad, bad idea. Unfortunately I'd caught myself in a corner, and as Byakuren slowly walked towards me with the artifact in hand I noticed there was no way out. "Aw...nothing wrong with being a little pretty, tiger-kun. Don't be so prideful~!" I-It's not like that! Seriously, I can't wear that thing! I didn't want to bite her - she clearly didn't know how bad this idea was - but I couldn't think of another way to get rid of her. I had to come up with something quick, something she wouldn't predict- Pat. "Gao?" Clearly I still didn't have the whole 'quick thinking' thing sorted out, because while I'd been coming up with a plan Byakuren had ample time to plop the lotus on my head. "There we go! Now, this may hurt a little..." I looked up at it for a few seconds, puzzled. I wondered if it was metaphorical, some sort of symbol of my new life under Vaisravana. Was it a test of some sort, perhaps? Then the headache started, and I decided it was very literal. "Gaooo..." I...need to lie down a little... The strength in my legs ebbed away, and I let myself slide onto the floor. My body lost all feeling, as if it was no longer my own. My eyes slipped shut, on the verge of sending me into a deep slumber. Then, suddenly, pain. Everywhere. "G-GAOOO!" Burning. Burning burning burning. Fire in my blood, on my skin, on my fur, in my eyes, everywhere. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see, I couldn't move. Was this a trick, a trap? Did they mean to kill me after all? "S-Stay strong, tiger-kun! It'll be over soon!" Byakuren's concerned words echoed in my ears, almost unheard over my own cry of agony.  I grit my teeth. She seemed as shocked as I was at the intensity of the pain, and that was enough to convince me to fight on. I can't...let them down...! Admist the pain, I felt something else seeping into me from the headdress. It was power, in its rawest form, starting at the top of my head and flowing through me. My body almost seemed to shift as it moved through me. As it passed through the pain changed for an instant, the feeling of every hair on my body being torn away save a small section of my head - and then it was gone. As this new strength finished its journey around my body, I hugged myself in relief and congratulations. I felt cold, but the passing of the pain was enough to keep my mind off of it. Looking down, I realised just what I was doing - I saw a pair of arms wrap around my shoulders and I realised they were my own. "I-I'm..." As human words slipped out of my mouth for the first time, the logical continuation of the voice in my head, I realised the transformation was complete. I was bare, exposed for all the world to see. "...human..." Byakuren applauded again. "Well done, tiger-kun! I knew you could-" She cut herself off. She took a look at my body more carefully, shock slowly registering in her eyes. "...oh. Oh, my. You're a..." I hung my head in shame, blushing furiously. I felt disgraced, ashamed, humiliated. My secret - the one thing I'd kept from even my own pack - had been revealed at last. "...Yes," I muttered, beneath my breath. "I'm no tiger." I wept quietly. "I'm a tigress." --- At the time, hiding it had been a mechanical response, one to prolong my life and improve my social standing. As the years passed I eventually assumed the problem solved, and it wasn't until tonight that the old insecurities rose back to the surface. And in a matter of hours, everything had come tumbling apart. Byakuren bit her lip for an instant, but eventually sighed. "...It seems I made a mistake. I must ask for your forgiveness." "...Huh?" I lifted my head in surprise, eyes watering. Why was she apologising to me? I had been the liar, and the proof was right here. Hanging from my chest, plain as day - two mounds of flesh that a man was never meant to have. Despite that, Byakuren stepped over to me, still smiling, and stretched out a hand. "Come on, tiger-chan. I've got some nightrobes you can wear for now." I looked blankly at the hand. I convinced myself that it was an illusion, that no-one would be so kind to a liar like me. That now she saw me for the weak young girl I was that I'd be cast out again and Vaisravana's wrath would fall upon me for my falsehood. I blinked once. The hand was still there. "It's alright. I understand, and it's okay. You can stop hiding it now." Byakuren's patience and kindness were seemingly infinite, holding by me regardless of whatever weakness I seemed to show. It was too incredible, too good to be true. I'd never seen dedication like this in the wild, even between father and son. Still, as I leapt into her arms sobbing, I was more grateful for it than I could imagine. My once proud war cry descended into a pathetic wimper. "Gaoooo...I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry..." My tears slipped onto her dress as I held my head against her breast. She wrapped her arms around me in a delicate embrace. "There, there. Let's get you to bed for now. You've had a long day." She led me through to the living quarters, into one of the small bedrooms the temple had to offer. There was little beyond a bed and a solitary table with a mirror on it, but right now that was all I wanted. I caught a glance of myself in the mirror, seeing that no sign of my old form remained other than my hair - blonde with streaks of black running through it - and my eyes, as bright and golden as they had always been. Leaving me on my own for a few short seconds, Byakuren brought a simple black nightgown from her own room and offered it to me. I slipped it on, still unused to the feel of cloth against my skin instead of fur, as my teary outburst died down. Being in the presence of someone who cared to this extent was a relief in itself, and my composure returned far sooner than if I'd simply been left alone. I sat on the bed, turning away. "I...I'm sorry. I've already been a burden to you, haven't I?" I tried to make it come out light-hearted, but my voice betrayed me. Byakuren smiled regardless, sinking to her knees to look at me eye-to-eye. "Don't hold it against yourself. It's always rough at the beginning. Nazrin was very similar in that regard, and she recovered from it. In a few weeks it will pass and you'll feel right at home here." I forced a smile. I wanted to believe what she was saying, desperately so. She seemed so kind, so genuine, I couldn't believe she simply wanted to comfort me. She honestly believed that I would enjoy my time here. "And...it doesn't matter? I'm not going to get struck by lightning or anything for not being a brave manly hero?" "Of course not, tiger-chan. Man or woman, you still have the promise Vaisravana spoke of. There is no reason for you to be ashamed." I clenched my fist unconsciously. "Um...could you stop calling me tiger-chan? It's sort of impersonal..." "Ah, sorry. It's just that you don't appear to have any name of your own, and..." Byakuren's eyes turned away from me, looking out of the room's solitary window. I followed her gaze, looking out into the clear night sky. A single star shone brighter than the rest, earning the attention my newfound fellow disciple. "...Beautiful, is it not? It reminds me of you, in a lot of ways..." She looked back to me, a new confidence running across her face as she stood straight. "You were trusted, loved by your people, weren't you? You were a beacon to them, a shining star to your little ring of tigers." The metaphor took a while to sink in, but eventually I nodded. "I-I guess..." "Then that's what I'll call you." She stood straight, bowing to me again. "Star of the tiger circle - Shou Toramaru. Does that sound good to you?" The words ran through my head. I let the name slip out of my mouth silently a few times. ...Shou. Shou. Shou. That was me. That was my name. That was who I was. Not the strongest of the tigers, not the latest follower of Vaisravana. I was Shou Toramaru. "It...has a nice ring to it," I finally managed to spit out. Byakuren grinned. "Wonderful! I thought you'd like it." She ruffled my hair slightly as she took a step towards the door. "Now, get some rest. We'll start your training tomorrow, so for now you should take it easy." I nodded, feeling better already as I slipped beneath the covers. "Right. ...Thank you." Byakuren shook her head. "No need for thanks, Shou-chan. Good night." "Good night, Hijiri-sama." Byakuren carefully slid the door closed, leaving me to myself for the rest of the night. By now there were likely only a few hours until the morning, so I decided it was worth getting all the sleep I could muster. "...I owe them. I owe them a lot." Both of these people had offered me something new in these hours. Vaisravana had been an idol, a goal to strive for. Byakuren had been a solace, a shoulder to cry on. In their own way, they'd each managed to offer me something I'd never experienced before. "I can't let them down. I won't let them down." Bring on this training of yours. It's the least I can do to pull it off, right? Determination began to rise up in me. I needed to get all the sleep I could now if I wanted to get anywhere - no point in showing up for training tomorrow almost unconscious. Sleep came quickly, and peacefully. The last thought that passed through my mind was an endeavour to please both of them in return for what they'd offered me. It was only fair, after all. --- tl;dr - Oh, snap.

IcedFairy: Hm, I wonder how she managed to keep the other tigers confused.  Meh, I'll just file that under magic. I'm enjoying this piece.  Shou needs more love, and I how you portray her sense of duty and competence.  And I'm looking forward to see how later events that we know must happen will be portrayed.

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