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 Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:25 am
 Death Is A Lonely Experience When Sara was younger she was always called crazy and for most of her childhood she believed that she was. For as long as she can remember she would hear voices that no one else could, feel the presence of people who were not their and the other kids stayed cleared of her for it. She remembers those days well, she was called a witch, a devil and even the grown ups treat her like she had the plague. She tried all she could to 'fix' herself but nothing seemed to silence those which wanted to be heard. It was not until recently that she found out the voices were those of souls which has passed on, the idea terrified her in a way but at the same time was a relief, at least she was not mad. Tonight was one of those nights, she lay in her bed waiting for sleep to take her however it never came. The moon was leaking in through her window, lighting the silhouettes of objects scattered around her room. The shadows danced like ghosts and the air was participially cold, she knew this feeling very well - someone was here. She opened her eyes, heart beating in her chest, she was almost a grown women and even though the spirits had never harmed her she was still frightened of them. It was something she could not explain, if you did not have her gift you would never understand how mentally straining her responsibility and connections to the deceased was.
There was silence, she closed her eyes and preyed to get some sleep, preyed that they would leave her be. Then she heard a sound that made her eyes jolt open wide, the sound of a weeping child faint in the wind. She could not stand a child crying in this reality but one from beyond the land of the dead was something that made your hair stand on end and your gut tighten. She leant up, long teal stands of hair falling over her shoulder as she did so. She knew that moment that she had to do something, if there was one thing she had learned was it is a lot better to confront the souls than to ignore them, plus the maternal instincts in her own heart would not let her leave a child suffering, if she could help she knew she needed to. It was her duty as a future Soul Conduit to do so. She slipped out of bed and wrapped a kimono around herself, holding the silky fabric tight in her hand as she wondered towards the door. Her feet were almost silent but Nori, the house's wolf woke from his sleep as soon as she stepped foot on the corridor. Sara looked at the animal with soft eyes, stroking him on the head on her way past. Nori looked at her and got up, following her - at night it was his job to make sure she was safe and raise the alarm if she was in any danger. So whilst she was moving he would not let her out of his sight.
She could almost feel the aura of the spirit radiating into her own body. She wondered outside, the battle beast not far behind her. She looked around the garden of the Ookami estate, all was peaceful to those with out her skills, yet she knew differently. "H-hello?... A-are you O-kay?" Came her nervous voice, just because she was trying to communicate with a spirit did not mean it was easier than trying to communicate with a person, she was still nervous, even more so that she could not actually see who was at the other end of the conversation. She wondered sheepishly over to a garden bench and settled down, the cold night air attacking her skin making her cross her arms and pull her gown tighter around herself, the moon was large in the sky and stars illuminated the grounds. Oh, how beautiful Lunaria was. Nori came to join her, settling by her feet, she could never get used to this. How could anyone feel comfortable when you were being haunted? She took in a deep breathe and waited, the weeping stopped and before she knew it she got her reply.
“No, I- It was not my time to die! I want my mum... and dad. I want to go home!” His words echoes threw the veil, it sounded almost metallic and magical. again it was another thing she could not explain to anyone who's ears rejected the voices of the dead. She closed her eyes and thought, this was going to be a challenge - how was she meant to explain to a child that he could not see his parents anymore? She felt as if all the important conversations always feel on her shoulders, all spirits asked the same thing, why did they have to die? Why was it their time? She did not know the answers even though they looked to her for them. It was not her duty to clarify the will of the God's but it was her duty to make it so these souls, still clinging to their lives before rested in peace. "You can't. I am sorry but everyone's path ends... yours was cut shorter than most but it does not change the fact... you no longer belong in this world." It was all that came to mind, all the comfort she could offer with her limited knowledge of the world beyond. She knew that someone so young did not deserve such a fate but it was not her choice, everyone has a destiny and it was his to pass, simple enough logic on paper but harder to explain or understand.
“I don’t want to be alone... I don’t want to be alone forever... I thought death was meant to bring us happiness, thats what mother said but how is a eternity of isolation happiness? How... why... I” Sara frowned and took in another deep breath. Shaking her head she tried to reason with him, tried to offer him whatever she could - she knew he was no spirit angry he had come to the end of his road, he was instead just a scared child wanting the warmth of his mothers arms. “My name is Sara... I don’t know what my words will mean to you however your happiness will come when you move on... you need to accept what had happened to you and I promise... you won’t feel alone anymore, let go of this world and embrace your new home. One day... your loved ones will join you.” She stated, this might be too hard for him to understand, heck she did not even understand most of it herself, she could only repeat what her religion had taught her... Everyone met the same fate eventually, everyone had to accept death. It was a topic most avoided, seeing it as too morbid to bring up however her whole life revolved around the topic, she could not simply put it to the back of her mind like others did.
“No.. I don’t want to pass on alone! My name is... My name is Hisoki, Sara... please. Help me...” He voiced, she could tell he was in distress but at the same time knew of nothing she could do. This was not about unfinished business this was about fear and she could not give him courage, it was a virtue she lacked herself - how could see tell a child to be strong in the face of his maker when she would not even talk to people. She felt... hypocritical. She closed her eyes and thought of this from a logical point of view, maybe she could find someone to pass with him, there must be someone else in his position after all. She did not know what she could do but she knew she would try everything to help Hisoki. That was a vow it was her duty and destiny.“Hisoki, I give you my word I will help you.”She nodded her head determined to do so. However the cold aura lifted and he was gone, she exhaled. She had made a promise and now she had to find a way to keep it. Standing up she wondered back inside... her work was never done.
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:37 pm
A Letter Home Dear Mother and Father.
Lunaria is a wonderful place, I wish from the bottom of my heart that you were here with me. I just thought I might write to ease your minds, I am well and even though my masters make me work hard its worth it. Hua is a lovely women, you would love her if you ever got a chance to meet her yourself, she might have her flaws but it is easy to ignore them because her virtues are so much greater. I thought that now might be a good time to tell you about some of the people I have met so far; I am actually making friends for the first time in my life and it is wonderful.
I had gone to visit Cherry Tree Hill for the first time, I had heard so many wonderful things about it I decided that I needed to experience it myself. I have to admit it was wonderful, because of the time of year the tree was bare but even so it still looked beautiful. Icicles hung from its long branches and snow piled around its routes. You could see the whole of Lunaria, only then can you get an idea of how vastly huge the city is. I would love to visit again when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, I have a feeling it will be a spectacular sight.
It was here that I made first contact with a young man named Youhei and soon after he became the second person who I have ever healed using my spiritual power. I did not ask how he got his wound, not wanting to pry into business where I was not wanted however I am glad that he seemed to appreciate my help. I was nervous that I was going to mess up however everything seemed to go smoothly and it has given me somewhat of a new confidence. It also has made me realize my training and hard work is starting to pay off. Suddenly they are not techniques learned in a class room they have become skills I can use in the outside world, skills I can use to help people!
Youhei himself seemed like a very pleasant young man. He was very handsome, with pale skin and blue coloration on his scales, hair and eyes. He appeared to have a good upbringing, his posture and manners were flawless. A lot of residents are like that, respect, discipline and correct conduction seemed to be traits beaten into people from birth. Some of the people are like robots, their conversations and actions can be scripted because it’s so predictable what’s coming next. Back home our people had personality, looking into the eyes of a tribesman meant you were able to see just a little bit of their soul. I hate to admit it but even their eyes have been trained not to give anything away, it saddens me in a way. How are you get to know a person under such a mask... Just thinking about it makes me want to return, it makes me feel as if I do not belong here. That people can tell that I am different.
Though Youhei did not seem to be such a extreme case, even though he does live up to the stereotype I have come to be used to he seems genuine and kind and I would really like to get to know him more. I just hope I did not make a bad impression; I am trying to be more confident however I still am unable to speak a sentence without a stutter or a flourish of confusion. The standards others were raised with are unknown to me and I am scared that people will pick that up and look down at me because of it.
I know that I said this was the second time I had used my abilities, the first time was on a young boy named Huojin, he works as a firework maker and is covered in burns, I have to admit it surprised me that he could be so passionate about something that caused you so much harm. He is blonde with olive eyes and is very friendly and hyperactive. His personality is bright and colourful almost like the things he creates. I have to admit I am a little scared of them myself, they are very pretty but I do not feel comfortable around explosions. He took me back to his home were I met his family. He is very different to the others I have met here, maybe it was because he was of a lower class, he was very childlike and open. He loves rats and is scared of ghosts. Even though we are so different we are friends. At least I like to think so.
Then there is Cias and Yue and... maybe one day you can meet them all for yourselves. Be safe, hopefully we will meet again soon. Write to me as soon as you can, I would love to know how everyone else in the village is going.
- Sara.
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:38 pm
The Aftermath Sara was dreaming, after Hua had brought her home the young academy student fell into a deep sleep and almost half a day later she was still a captive inside her own mind. Pain was not even the word to describe what she was feeling right now, she remembered when she was young and living on her farm. Her family kept some horses in which they used to sell goods to the surrounding villages, she had always loved horses and had been a confident rider for as long as she could remember. Yet just because she was comfortable on the back of a horse did not mean every trip was easy, one time her stallion was spooked by a snake and ended up kicking her off and down a hill. She tumbled, hitting rocks and bushes on the way down before she finally hit the dirt bellow. She broke her arm and had several grazes on her skin, she had always considered that the most traumatising experience in her life... until yesterday. She could still feel his clutch around her throat and the warm blood on her skin. She tossed and turned, unable to breathe because of his weight on top of her. Sweat fell down the side of her face and she panted before she suddenly darted upwards, holding onto her sheets as tight as she could. It took a few moments for her to realise she was actually in her room but when she did her heart rate slowed and she slowly leaned back in bed. Trying to make sense of what had happened.
She did not remember much of last night after the battle, she remembered stumbling a little, she remembered flashes of Nori and Hua but she did not remember making her way to bed. Her pale eyes looked down at her battered frame, she had been leaned up and her wounds had been bandaged, she pulled the covers from her and noticed that her leg has also been wrapped tightly, she must have sprained it when she fell. The Mongolian girl sighed throwing the covers back over herself and staring at her ceiling, long green strands untamed and stroking her shoulders. She must have been found and treated by her teacher, her head was all fuzzy and even thought she was now safe the mental scars that the battle had caused were still making her feel uncomfortable and jumpy. Even though it was a morning like every other it ha almost a magical quality to it, the light coming in and stroking her skin felt wonderful. She was hopping that she would wake to discover that last night was just a nightmare, but the pain she was feeling was very real indeed. She shook her head and sighed, not really knowing what to do.
She told herself to be grateful that she was alive, that the spirits decided that she should live. Yet her heart could not help but think of Sakn, he was the victim in all this not her. She thought him dead, she thought... she knew that she had killed him. With that a cold shiver rippled through her body, she had taken a life. Sara has always been a very diplomatic character, she hated the war and even more so she hated the fact that people were out their dying for nothing. She did not want to be part of this conflict but what last night had showed her was she was in the very middle of it. Sakn attacked her because she was a Legionnaire, even though she was not a fighter she supported the Emperor and that was enough to make someone want to take her life, how was that logic? How many more reasoned the same way as that damn spirit did? She had to believe she did the right thing but for the moment she could not, he was not a monster. He was a innocent man being controlled, if his actions were his own she would feel better - yet that was not the case. She would prey for him every night, she would find his spirit and make sure that he would rest peacefully, if that is all she could do for him now she would swear on her life, on her powers and everything else she had to offer. She did not really want to talk about it, yet she knew Hua would want to ask her some questions. She wondered if she was mad, she gulped and looked to the side as her room door opened revealing the wolf maiden. They exchanged a look and then Hua approached grabbing Sara's hand. It felt so good.... to feel the touch of a friend.
"Are you okay Pup? you have been asleep for what seems like a lifetime." She asked, it was odd to see but even someone as strong as Hua sat there with tears forming in her eyes, the sight of it caursed them to build up in Sara's herself. "Hua, I am so sorry I did not... I should have..." She began and Hua shook her head stroking a hand threw the hair of her young student who she failed to protect. "Sara, you have no need to be sorry I was too slack with you... I wont let anything like this happen to you again." Sara forced a small smile onto her face as she looked at her menor, she was the closest thing to a mother that Sara had here, despite them being opposites they had a true connection, they truly did care for each other. However now Sara was scared she would be taken away. "Hua please dont tell the masters, say I am ill, that I fell down some stairs. Dont let them know. I dont want to loose you." Hua raised her head and looked at her. Sara... I." She did not know what to say or do, it was her duty to give them updates, was she really going to lie to her superiors? Sara saw her doubt and grabbed hold of the older womens hand tightly. "Please Hua, I do not need a protector I need you, I am happy here, I will be better. I... " She knew from that moment she needed to learn how to take care of herself, how to fight. She might not want to be part of this war but she doubted the Nobles would care very much about that. More so she did not want Hua being put in any danger because of her, she knew if she had been there she would have happily jumped in-between Sakn and herself and would have died trying to save her if she had to. She did not want that... not at all.
Hua smiled and stood up, it might have been forced for now but she needed time to think about what Sara has asked of her, she did not want to loose her student either. However it was a decision to be made when Sara was feeling better. "We will talk about it later Pup, now rest up. I will make us something to eat." She gave a small bow and then went to leave her room. Sara watched her till the moment the door closed. She knew it would be a while until things were back to normal.
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Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:39 pm
Enter Master Shinto Sara had been forced to stay in bed for several days now, her masters were told she had a illness and that she wished to stay away from them in fear of passing it on. It was so far away from the truth, hidden away in the Ookami estate she had been trying to recover from the beating she had taken. Waiting for the bruising to go down and for her leg to be strong enough to carry her weight without giving in. Someone that night must of wanted her to live, it gave her body the push it needed to keep obeying her before it gave out. It just reassured her, the spirits were out there looking over her, they must be. The green haired Mongolian sat on the corner of her bed and looked out across her room. Her masters would be expecting her back soon, her bruises were easy enough to hide with clothing however they would notice if she was not walking right. She needed to try, even if she was just smiling through the pain she knew if it got out that she has been attacked under Hua's watch they would take her away and that scared her more than anything. It had taken a lot of convincing to get Hua on side, she still blamed herself for not bring there but Sara has convinced her it was in her best interests to stay with someone she trusts and who actually cared about her. Just another battle, she would make sure that this never happens again.
"Spirits please... give me strength." She mumbled to herself looking at the floor. She was scared to try, in case she failed, in case her plan all went to hell right now because she was too weak. She closed her eyes and pushed up with her hands and before she knew it she was on her feet. She looked ahead and slowly put one foot in front of the other ever so carefully. Each time her injured leg touched the floor her face pinched in the sharp pain that jolted up it. However this did not slow her down, she carried on walking up and down her room. She needed to start walking normally or they would never believe her, and besides she knew her crippled state upset her Mentor, Hua had sadness in her eyes when ever they drifted her way and she hated to think she had caused her so much pain. Yet... at the same time she felt happiness in knowing she cared so much for her that the wolf maiden would react in such a way. She was hardly ever seen without a huge smile painted across her lips. Sara's pale eyes drifted over to the side of her room, towards the small shrine in which she preyed every day. She walked over and knelled down in front of it. She lit a few incense sticks and then bowed her head and closed her eyes. "Spirits, through out the years you have been my only constant. Knowing that you are real and not just a sign of madness has given me great happiness. So much has happened, I am in a new place and have found myself in the middle of a war which I do not want to be a part of. Please, stand by me now whilst times are hard and help me overcome this change. I am in need of your guidance more than ever." She whispered, before she felt a cold shiver crawl up her spine.
"... I will help you my dear, do not be scared... there is no need for that anymore Sarangerel Odtsetseg." The voice was clear as a bell in her head, she cradled her arms. This was the first time she had been in the presence of one since the attack and even though she knew the spirit could not harm her it still made her feel uneasy, they were no longer the pure creatures she always thought, she now knew they could be as evil and corrupted as man. "H-how do you know my name?" She asked closing her eyes and trying to regain her concentration, she dare not offend them anymore and was even more eager to please them. There was a small laugh in the air and before long she spirit spoke once more. "I have been watching you Sara, for some time... You seek help, to protect your loved ones, to protect yourself, to understand what you are... I can help you, like no living teacher could. Of you are willing to hear my voice.... to listen." She voiced, Sara looked to the side, Sakn was possessed by a spirit, was she ready to trust one now? What is this only only wanted to use her body like that demon used him. She did not speak, instead she stared on and thought about her reply. Her whole life's teaching had been shattered, she did not know what to believe. Not right now. "W-who are you?" She asked, then as soon as the presence came it was gone, she blinked and once again stood up. She had asked for help and they had come... like they had never done before.
She put the spirit to the back of her mind, right now she had to continue perfecting her walking, she was in class tomorrow.
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2011 5:54 am
A Sigh Of Releif It was time for her to face her masters. She had spent all night trying to perfect her posture, to the untrained eye it would appear like nothing was wrong with her. The kimono she was wearing covered her chest and the scar which remained there from the fight. Hopefully this would be enough to hide the fact she had been attacked, she knew if they found out a Noble was able to endanger her life she would be taken out of the care of Hua and she could not let that happen, she did not want that to happen. She young Mongolian made her way into the shrine, closing the door behind her. Her pale marine eyes looked around and soon caught sight of Master Noki. She slowly made her way over to him and kneeled down in front of him. “Good morning Master, I hope you are in good health.” She nodded, bowing her head out of respect, he was much as you would imagine him to be, long grey hair, kind eyes, a little tubby; a true grandfather figure, holding with him all the wisdom that came with his years of experience.
“Good morning Sara, I am doing well -I hope you have recovered from your illness... yes?” He asked, Sara has bagged Hua to tell him that she was ill, to hide what had really happened whilst she was in a weakened state, and it also presented a reason for them not to visit her – for the sake of their own health. She nodded her head with a smile on her face. “Yes, I am much better now thank you master.” She thanked him with another bow. Maybe he had fallen for it, she felt some kind of relief come over her, and maybe there was no reason why she should have worried so much. The old man opened his soft blue eyes and tilted his head at her. “Youth, always so quick to presume the old are blind.” He chuckled; Sara felt her heart jump and then stop. She clenched her sleeves and tried her best not to give anything away in her face. “M-master?” She asked, trying to sound confused and innocent.
“Do not look so shocked, you called to the spirits that night for help and they heard you – do you not think the dead gossip as much as the living, there is nothing that they do not know, what they do not see. Now shall we start this again my dear?” He asked. Sara looked at the floor, did he really know? She did not know what to say she had lied to him; the least she could do was make sure Hua was not blamed for this in any way. “Please, let me explain before you come to conclusions.” She asked, she was not as nervous around her Master as other people – maybe it was because he was her teacher. The old man nodded his head and waited for her to continue.
“You see, I went into the forest... Hua told me not to but I did anyway. I put myself in danger not her and if I had of followed her instruction I would have been safe, she is always strict on what I do and what times I do it. She won’t let me go out unless she knows I will be alright... I... found a man, he was badly hurt and I knew I needed to help him so I did. However when he woke it became obvious he was possessed, he attacked me and I knew the only thing I could do was help him break the demon’s control over him. I...took his life. It was just bad timing and bad circumstances. Please, Hua is a wonderful guardian do not take me away from her, I will listen more, I will never put myself in that situation again – I take responsibility, it was not her fault at all.”
She protested, she took in a deep breath and looked on. Noki let a soft smile come to his lips. “I am impressed Sara, your skills in healing have come so far and you even were able to call on the strength to banish a angry ghost, something that most would find difficult. You showed strength and have made me think, maybe I have been underestimating you.” He stated, Sara could not believe her ears, she never expected him to look at it from that point of view, inside she felt complemented and proud. Yet... she should not. She still had not truly forgiven herself for doing that to Sakn, she might of won, but maybe someone better trained could have done it without ending the life of a innocent. “Does that mean... I get to stay with Hua?” She asked.
Noki gave a gentle nod of his head. “Indeed, however let’s not try anything like that again. Everyone will be keeping a closer eye on you young lady – and do not think your actions will not go unpunished. I think this whole place needs cleaning from top to bottom. Maybe after you are done with that we will start your lesson.” He nodded and stood up. Giving a bow, Sara did the same, so she got to stay with her mentor... yet she was not looking forward to cleaning the hole shrine – it was huge! She gave a nervous chuckle and a small sigh before getting to work – it was going to be a looooong day.
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 6:37 am
Learning The Hard Way Sara could not sleep, it had become quite a rarity these days. Once more she laid in bed, pale eyes scanning around her room in hope that dreams would take her. However when ever she dared to close them she could feel his blood on her body, he could see it in horrifying detail and once again her eyes opened. She sighed and sat in in bed, hugging her legs to her chest. Her long hair followed down and covered her like a second blanket. She did not know how to talk to anyone about this - so for now it was just a battle she had to struggle with by herself. "Why do you hold death as such a heavy burden on your heart?" Asked a faint voice, one that she had only heard a few days before. The spirit was back, the one which she had drawn to herself with her prayers. She raised her head, even though she had more reason than ever to fear them. She was too tired to react, even more so she knew if it wanted to harm her. There would be no stopping it.
"W-what do you mean?" She asked, how could he ask her that. She had taken a life, there was no bigger crime, nothing she was more dead set against. She did not want to be a part of this war however now she had taken the first step her soul would never find peace. She felt guilty and generally with everything she had to deal with life seemed like one bit huge mess. "You know more than most people, it is not the en so what does it matter?" The voice asked. Sara thought for a moment on how she should answer this, it sounded like such a stupid question what did the spirit mean why does it matter? that much should be obvious. "Because that person is no longer in our world, a part of it will forever be missing." Sakn's mother and father would never see their son again, his friends had lost him forever. When something is lost it can not be returned and the world would never be the same again. A small light had taken and she would forever know that she was the one that had taken it.
"Yes, but in the next life they will be there and the part will be retuned for eternity, it is nature, the circle of life. Tell me, why do you think yourself a murderer?" She was not liking this spirits logic, she could not understand it and if its intention was to make her feel better she was afraid that he was not doing a very good job at it. "Because... I killed a man." She stated quite simply, resting her head on her legs and hugging them tighter, she could feel the tears swell up in her eyes however she did not want them to fall, she hated crying in font of anyone, be them dead or live. The next part of the conversation went past quickly. "Who was going to kill you." He responded and the second he stopped she snapped. "That is no excuse.. I still took a life." She shuddered, before her eyes loosened out a little, she did not mean to snap... she was just in a foul mood and to be fair he was not helping. Just confirming that she was a murderous monster. Like so many others in this city.
"He would not have stopped at you... the spirit would have gone on and killed many other people, is one life not worth the lives of countless others?" It seemed to be the only point at the moment she and the spirit seemed to agree on, it was the reason why she fought back. She would never let anyone harm someone close to her heart and even though she was scared - her drive to protect them was stronger than that to save her own life. However that does not mean she was not happy about what she did, if she had been stronger she would have been able to separate him from the spirit with out the outcome being so permanent. "All life is sacred." She nodded, closing her eyes."No, souls are sacred Sara, life is just a small stepping stone on the grander scheme of things. To determain what kind of person you are. If you are true you will be rewarded if you are evil you can no longer cause harm... its not something to fear."
"Hmm..." She thought for a moment, that was the whole point of life and death. If Sakn was the innocent she thought he was he would be left in peace, however what was her soul? she was no longer someone who had clean hands. Maybe her fate would not be so kind. Maybe the spirit knew that because his next words hit home. "Do you fear death?" He asked, she had been around it all her life however she would be lying if she did not answer like she did. "Yes..." She uttered, leaning back down in bed and closing her eyes. She was so tired and the voice she had heard was surprisingly soothing. She fell asleep with a lot to contemplate - the last words she heard were. "You will learn, when you do not see it as such a final, such a burden. Your fears will melt away. See the world through the eyes of a spirit not a person only then will you come to master your powers."
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Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:10 pm
You Can Not Save Everyone Cherry tree hill had become Sara's favourite little hide out in Lunaria, a place where she went when she did not want to be disturbed even though more often than not she usually found someone hanging around under the great tree. She smiled, walking along side her was Nori. She had grown used to his company, used to seeing him when ever she looked over her shoulder. Everything was how is should be, everything was normal. Yet this illusion soon faded as the young girl noticed a red liquid splattered across the floor. Her eyes widened and she knelt down, she pressed her finger against it to discover it was still warm and fresh. Her pale eyes turned to Nori and the large wolf lowered his nose to try and pick up a sent. Before she knew it he dashed off and Sara jogged after him to keep up. Following both the wolf and the trail of red which was at her feet.
Soon enough she came to a man laid at the bottom of her tree, she covered her mouth and let out a small gasp. She did not know what caused this man to collapse however if the danger was still around Nori would take care of them, especially now the dangerous creature was on high alert. Sara skittered over and knelled down by the man, putting her hand on his shoulder and pulling him to lay on his back. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked, however when the man she meeped and was frozen in shock. He had clearly been hit with a large blunt object like a hammer, his chest had basically caved in and his rips were crushed. Blood was pouting out of him and had already soaked through his clothes and stained the land he laid on. "Everything is going to be fine, I will help you." She uttered, pressing her hands against him, it was a obvious lie the man's heart was almost too slow to detect and his breathing was shallow.
She closed her eyes and took in a deep breathe, once again trying to let her own spirit energy flow into him. Yet the task was impossible, death had his claws dug into this man deep and despite her best efforts she was fighting a battle she was frantically loosing. "Come on breathe. Please..." She muttered opening her eyes so they feel on the man once more, the blood had left his face leaving his pale corpse behind, yet he was still warm, his heart freshly still. She had never seen a true dead body this close nor had her skills failed her in the past. She had never let someone die under her care before and spirits help her this man was not going to be the first! "Sara, he is gone." Echoed the voice of her master, Shinto always seemed to be around her in some way or another, especially when strong emotions inside her were triggered, she gritted her teeth and shook her head, placing her hands on the man once more. "No I can still hel-" She began however she was soon cut off by his voice once more. "Sara... he is gone, there is no helping him now." Suddenly the girl snapped out of the trance she was in, and her eyes fell on the man. He was gone, she sighed and sat back.
"Not everyone can be saved Sara, it was his time." He voiced, Sara closed her eyes processing what the spirit was trying to tell her, truth is it had irked her for a while how he was trying to convince her that death was not a big deal, of cause it was! "No it is not, it can not be his death was not natural." She argued, this man's life had been taken from him, it was not his time to go at all. "What was unnatural about it?" Asked the voice, Sara's pale green eyes opened once more, a small pout coming on her face. "He was attacked. A person took him, not nature." She protested, even though master Sinto was trying to teach her how to become a stronger Soul Conduit his lessons were often hard to swallow and she often seemed like she did not want to accept them, even though she was the one that did ask for his help. However this can not be a uncommon thing as the spirit was very patient and did not mind her conflicting opinions. "Are people not part of nature? Sara, there is no such thing as a untimely death, his destiny was to die today. The fates decided it, remember what I have taught you."
She had been listening to his lessons for a very long time and the young Mongolian nodded her head. According to her master not everyone could be saved and sometimes the spirits saw it was the most merciful thing to do to send a person to eternal peace. According to her master he was meant to die today however it was not a sad thing for this man was not sitting equal to the spirits. He had reached a place with out suffering, becoming one with nature and the life beyond, it was the natural flow of life. She sighed once more, ashamed that she was still acting so reluctant and childish. She wanted to grow up and this was a part of it, she was not a little girl anymore and things like this happened. "I... I am sorry, I am trying." She apologised, her head hung low and her eyes scanning the man who was laid dead by her side, her hands covered in his blood which was slowly cooling. "You have grown so much my girl, when we first met you would be in tears now. Why do you not cry Sara?" He asked, Shinto seemed pleased with himself, his voice soft. He knew that finally he was just starting to get threw to her.
"I am a little upset, but... at least no one can hurt him now. He has reached eternity and completed his path. I do not cry because... this is how the world works and death is something I need to accept... if I am to master my abilities." She had learned not to cry, not to let things get to her. After all she did not control the world, all she could is help when she could and try and live a full and meaningful life. She closed the man's eyes and put her hands together to prey for him, she would have to return to report the body soon, all she could do now was prey that he had reached the beyond peacefully and his spirit would not linger to harm the spirits of the living. "See you are learning, I am proud of you Sara." His voice rang and soon enough his presence dispersed until the next time she needed him came to pass. "Thank you Master Shinto..."
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Z o m b i k ii generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:23 am
Battle: A Blast From The Past
Sara vs Kin [ A resident of her home village. ]
Kin Win! It had been many months since the young Monoglian came to live in Lunaria, every day the memories of her village had faded more and more until the home sickness had become bearable. She had got used to her new life and had expected that it was fate what had lead her here. She would like to think she had grown up a lot, developed as a person. Deep down she knew she had all thanks to her masters and the many friends who had helped her along the way, she had come out of her shell a lot and gained some confidence. Even though she still was shy old Sara, she was day by day becoming a lot more comfortable in her own skin. It was the middle of the day and she had just come back from a trip to the market. She wondered down the streets her mind recalling the lessons she had been taught today. They told her that soon she would be ready to graduate and this excited her, however at the same time she was nervous. Her pale green eyes drifted to the side and she stopped in her tracks. She was not sure if she was dreaming however before her she thought she recognised a girl who she grew up with in her home village. She wondered over, hoping to hear news of her parents.
"Kin? If that you? What are you doing here?" She asked, the girl was pinning up some washing, admittedly she did not know why someone from the village was here. Maybe her family had moved? Either way she was happy she had seen her. It was a little reminder at home. Truth be told she had never really talked to Kin before, but she remembered her and she hoped that she would be able to do the same. Kin looked over her the direction of Sara, truth be told she did not recognise her at first, her hair was cleaner and straighter, the clothes she wore made her look like any other noble women in the city. Her gaze turned into glare as both jealously and anger flowered into her. She could not believe it. "What does it look like I am working." The girl snapped as she put down the basket and folded her arms, clearly it was something that Sara did not have to do. Sara stepped back a little and looked confused wondering why the girl had reacted in such a way. "W-working?" She stuttered, her voice a lot quieter, she felt slightly intimidated by Kin. She was glaring at her like she had done something seriously wrong, Yet she could not think of what she had done to cause such offence.
"Yea that's right, I see someone has done well for herself. I did not know they paraded freaks around here." She spat, Sara cringed slightly. She had not been called that in a long time, suddenly her memories of the village came back very strongly, all the children called her such things. They tormented her because at the time no one understood who she was. They all hated what they did not understand. Growing up she was very lonely, outside her own family no one really craved her company. All she wanted to do was have some news on how her parents were doing, maybe catch up with someone from her past however it seemed like approaching Kin was a bad idea. She had no idea that everyone still disliked her with such venom. "... that is not very nice." She mumbled, looking to the side, wondering if it would be for the best if she just wondered off. She never really appreciated the ways of Lunaria until now, at least her no one treated her in this way. Here she was special and appreciated, not some kind of monster which nature decided to spit out one day.
"You think that bothers me? Look at you Sara, you have had everything given to you. You are not better than us just because you where born lucky." Sara, stared at her. She really thought her life was so easy? well it was not. Her life was a constant struggle, a emotional roller-coaster like no other. Sure, she did not have to worry about money, however she had been forced to deal with darkness, death and corruption. She had seen mean and spirits at their worst and she would not wish that on anyone. Her gaze hardened, she was not going to stand for this. All her life she had been a push over and maybe some time ago the words of Kin would have made her cry however she would not have such things been said about her. She had no idea. "I was born lucky.... how can you think I am lucky, I got nothing but abuse back home and I can assure you life here has not been easy either." Her words were not mean, however they were firm. She did not expect her to understand or even care, yet it made Sara feel better. He heart started to race in her chest, she knew this was not going to end well and not a second after her statement had left her lips she started to regret it. She did not want the atmosphere to turn into this, she did not want conflict. She just wanted people to look at her with a more open mind and not jump to conclusions. She did not ask for any of this after all.
"My heart bleeds, look at yourself Sara you are a spoiled little brat who feels sorry for herself, You do not know what struggle is anymore, little girl." It looked like Sara's words had only waved the red flag in front of the girl. She seemed to be unable to see it any other way, all she saw was a dressed up Legionnaire who was brought into a life of luxury as the people she left behind were still struggling for food. She did not care or understand what Sara had to be so down about, deep down she felt it almost insulting that she would complain after gaining so much. "Shut up Kin, you have no idea what you are talking about, I am not going to take this from you anymore." All those years she was bullied she felt like it was the end of the world, however now she knew it was not. She had a life here and she did not have to let words of people like Kin back into it. She shook her head and tuned to walk away, she was going to whip her hands clean of all this childishness. "Don't talk to me like that, just because you are a upper class puppet does not mean I am scared of knocking you out you little b***h." Kin spat as she reached forward and grabbed Sara's arm refusing to let her leave, she was not going to allow her to address her in such a way. In her mind it confirmed that Sara was this wealthy stuck up person that she presumed her to be.
"No, I will not be ashamed of who I am anymore. If it will make you feel better go ahead and do your worst. I can not help who I am more than you can help being a stubborn heartless fool." Sara protested, pulling her arm back and staring at her, the street was quiet, not a person to be seen. However Sara did not mind, she hated violence more than anything else in the world but at this present moment in time she was willing to take whatever Kin had in store at her. Even if she was beat at least she would be able to leave with her pride, knowing that for the first time in her life she had stuck up for herself. "You know what it will make me feel better, I have wanted to do this for a long time you freak." Kim uttered as she flung her fist towards Sara, the young priestess in training was knocked back to the ground almost straight away and this is where the battle between two old neighbours began.
Kin stared down at her and let down her foot in order to try and stamp on her head. Sara gasped and rolled over, barely avoiding her foot. She jumped to her legs and held her hand out to her face, a small trickle of blood coming down from her nose. Kin had a good first hit. Sara was no fighter, however she knew she had to defend herself. After all she was partly to blame for this fight starting in the first place. Kin lunged at her again, Sara held out her hands grabbing Kin's before throwing her to the side, the girl stumbled and as she was off balance Sara pushed her again. Stepping back to put some distance between the two. This battle was not about alliance, it meant more to Sara than that. This was her trying to prove to herself that she could not be blamed for what she was, or that it was the curse that some people made it out to be. Her pale green eyes scanned the girl once more, Kin gritted her teeth, a wall stopping her from hitting the ground. She spun around tackling Sara; they both fell, Kin landing on top.
This is where the girl began to hit Sara wildly in the face, all she could do was put up her hands and try to protect herself. Kin was powered by rage, she did not know why totally but she knew this fight was more than a dislike to her, it was what Sara represented in general. Sara opened one of her eyes slightly, her face was tender from the pounding. She kicked up, kneeling the other girl in the back and whilst she reacted to the hit Sara was able to push her off of her. There was distance between them again but Kin got up a lot quicker, the next thing she knew Sara received a sharp kick to the face. She screamed and feel back. Dizzy from the blows she found herself unable to move. Kin smirked, her frustrations had been let loose and as a last insult she put her foot on the back of Sara's head, rubbing it in the dirt. "Now remember, you are not welcome back home. Everyone was glad you left, you where always just a burden. This place is your grave little puppet and you can never leave it." Then she was gone, she had proved her point and now the girl was satisfied that Sara has learned her lesson. The long haired girl sat up and watched as her former neighbour wondered off. A small smile creeping onto her face. Even though she had lost she felt like she won a small victory. Maybe she had grown... just a little.
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Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 9:54 am
Shinto's Rod "Where are you taking me Master?" Sara felt like she had been walking for hours. Shinto has waken her from her rest and told her that something important needed doing. He told her to hurry out of bed, get dressed and wait for his directions. She did not like sneaking out, but she had learned. This time she had taken Nori with her so if she got into any trouble she had some sort of defence. The darkness that night had brought made her feel uneasy, she reached down and stroked his head for reassuringly. She always felt safer with him around. "It is just a little further. Do not worry." Voiced her master, she had followed him far beyond the city streets and was beginning to worry that Hua would notice she had done.
Eventually Sara found herself looking into a small circular building, it was made of wood and had no door, inside it was decorated in scrolls and candles. It did not take the young Mongolian girl long to realise it was indeed a shrine. "Wha.... what is this place?" Came her voice, she did not understand why she had been brought here. She stepped in the building, it was so dark however she noticed there was some matches hung from a lantern, she stuck one and used it to light all the candles. She could now see more clearly. She knelled down and said a small prayer before taking in her surrounds some more, it was a few moments till her master spoke again. "It is a small shrine that my family created after I passed. My body is in the water now, however this is where they come and visit me." Sara listened to his words, suddenly Shinto felt more real to her, this was somewhere personal to him. A connection with this world, the feeling that came over to her she could not describe. She reached forward and grabbed a picture which was painted on a scroll.
"Is this you Master Shinto?" She asked, taking in the man's features. He had bright eyes and black hair with a blue tint. She smiled as she heard her master speak once more. "Yes, from my younger years - I was quite handsome no?" She smiled, she had never heard him talk so casually and she even heard a small comical ring to his voice. She put the scroll back on the table and bowed her head. "Yes you were. Why have you brought me here Master?" She asked curious. It was strange to know what he looked like, she had heard his voice for so long, but now she could picture him along with it. She never expected to know and again it made him feel so much more real to her. This was the evidence that he did indeed once live - that there was a Lunarian behind the voice.
"I have a gift for you, do you see the box in the middle of the candles?" Sara blinked and looked around, next to her was a wooden box, it was quite large and surrounded by candles which flickered and showed her the grain in the wood. On it was engraved symbols which spelled out 'The Blue Eclipse' she put her hand on it and tilted her head. "This one....?" She asked nervously, she did not know what was inside, she could feel her heart racing this was so strange. She still did not understand what he was giving her or why he felt the need to. A small part of her felt like she had no right to be here - even though they were friends now she was worried the family might be mad that she was messing around with things. "Yes that is right, open it." He told her, however she hesitated. "Are you sure, I feel like this is a little disrespectful." She stated nervously, however as soon as her words had left her mouth he commanded her once more, this time his voice was sterner. "I gave you permission, just do it."
Sara nodded her head and put her hand on the lid, opening it to reveal a long preyer rod resting on a silk pillow, she gasped and put her hands on it listing it from her case, the light shining on it and reflecting its colours into her eyes. "Its beautiful..." She muttered, not to anyone in particular. It felt so comfortable in her hands, for a moment she spaced out just looking at it before her masters voice once again brought her back to reality. "It is yours, you are in need of a medium and this was mine." He stated, Sara's eyes widened as something became obvious. "You... were a Priest!?" She asked, this was the rod of a priest, a man who knew what he was doing. Her master was not just some random spirit who wanted to help her. He was someone who had to learn and do what she did. He understood more than she ever realised before. It was a honour, she wondered why he had not mentioned it before hand.
"Yes, this is my Rod - I can not use it now but maybe it will do you some good." He told her, she was greaftul however something still felt wrong with this, she felt like she could not accept such a thing. "Thank you Master. But will your family be okay with it?" She asked, she really did not want them to think someone had come and stolen from the grave of their relative. She closed the box and stood up, holding the rod out and spinning with it. For some reason with it in her hand she already felt more powerful. She could concentrate her energy into its tip and the flow was much easier. She closed her eyes and spun again, the rod gaining a faint glow as she did so. Soon enough the stood and studied it once more. "They already know that you will be taking it, do not worry how or why. Just know that it is yours now." He reassured her. Sara held it close and nodded her head, she did not want to sound ungrateful and she had to admit, she had already grown attached to it. She knew his hands once held this... it was the bond between her and her master. Something to connect them both forever. "I do not know what to say...." She muttered, still lost for words. "Then do not say anything Sara, use it and make me proud - as you always have." He told her, Sara smiled and nodded her head - it was time to head back home before Hua caught on that she was not in her bed.
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