[A/n]
M/n will be 15 when the story started then 19 at the present.
･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
★~3 Years Ago ~★
3rd P.O.V
The calm breeze of spring enters the humble temple in the Deep mountains of Hokkaido. The wind blows the wind chimes with the chanting of monks and ceremonial bells also follows.
In the slightly lit prayer room with dozens of monks meditating with scriptures our protagonist is at the center among with juniors and newcomer monks.
Donned in senior monk robe he clutches the prayer beads, with his eyes closed reciting the scriptures with his rosed colored plump lips.
One cannot deny the beauty of the said monk with neat plaided the inky straight hair with broad shoulders and tall build he would make anyone sway or legs trembled with his honey glazed deep voice. If his not a monk he will look like a typical princess in heian period except his a man.
As the last ring of the bells indicating the end of the prayer, like how the butterfly flutters their wings his long and thick delicate eyelashes opens showcasing his gem like maroon irises that shone like rubies truly a magnificent sight to behold for mortals.
As he prepares to clean his space he was stop by a call of his fellow monk.
M/n P.O.V
"Senior Brother M/n wait!" I was called by a little monk that recently joined the sect from last week this little kid is quite fond of me as he said he reminds me of his older brother from the country side and i also thought of them as my little brother also.
"What it is young disciple Kuzuki?" I asked him curiously as i approach the 7 year old young disciple as i stop cleaning my space.
"I have difficulty learning this scripture i wish to have guidance from you senior brother!" He excitedly said to me it made me chuckle at how he looks like a little cat beaming after it had eaten a freshly cook salmon,
"Alright let me finish putting my things" as i crouch then reach to the cloth i was quite surpised as he also crouch next to me.
" I will help you Senior Brother M/n!!!" He grinned and then help me put things, i let him help me as i chuckles at how sweet this child is despite having his family lost to the yokai's he remained happy and cheerful child he is compared to when he first arrived here at the temple.
I was the one to vanquish that yokai and i only saw him almost getting eaten before i behead the malevolent yokai.
"Come with me young Kuzuki we can go to the flower pavilion specially how pretty the sky is today for sure we can see satsuki sunbathing there" I rise then i gesture him to follow me as Kuzuki grins he sure fond of that naughty and spunky cat.
As we weaved through the hallways junior brothers, apprentice, and newcomers disciples greeted me as they clean or the others simply stared at me specially from the newly join disciples, I also smiled tell they are doing good.
It's been a years since i last saw of some of the elders and other senior brothers as they where away from their missions or from secluded mediation period. 2 years prior Father started the ritual of self mummification as he said he was not fit to lead anymore specially the weaken state and as of today it was the last day of the ritual of father or Head Senior Elder Toshiro as i was scared of when he would be sealed.
As me and young kuzuki talk about mundane things and lecture we almost reach the pavilion when a frantic junior was speeding the hallways.
"Don't run in the hallways junior brother Chigasaki!, what made you run like this!" As Junior Chigasaki collect his breath i cannot help but worry from the worse.
"The H- Head Monk Toshiro-sama.... *sniffle* Toshiro was finished *sniffle* had to do his last will M/n! And he wishes to see you with the other higher rank monks*sniffle* Waaaaa!" Junior Chigasaki after he said the message he cries with great sorrow.
I was stumped from my spot with dread and aghast expression from the information, i immediately bolted from my spot to the chambers of Father.
3rd P.O.V
All of the other elders and other seniors with grave or mourning expressions were summon and going to the chambers of the said Head Monk, then we can see the frantic M/n running almost knocking out the poor elder when he was stop by a fellow seniors, they all shared a look they knew that this would greatly affect the young lad as the elder was the one that adopted and treat the boy like a father and a mother when the kid was found at the foot of the temple with the pressumed dead mother in her grasp the baby swaddled in thin blanket by the elder before senior during his stroll in the cold snowy night of november.
M/n cried hysterically and tried to pry the other seniors from their hold, One Senior elder monk named Gochiro smacked him with a wooden fan and then he bellowed with annoyed expression " Get a grip of your rationality Disciple M/n! It's not time to be grieving, we all know how you feel but we need you at your best as possible so the Head Monk Toshiro-Sama may not worry in afterlife!".
Everyone become was silent specially M/n as his cries were become quiet and stop struggling he forced himself to calm down then he wipe his tears and snot with his sleeve.
Everyone seemed to be relieved even Senior elder Gochiro with a strained smile they are all trying to be strong.
"Thank you Senior Elder Gochiro i may ask your forgiveness and to everyone from this humble disciples rude conduct with this i will atone..." M/n kowtow three times to the senior elder.
"You may rise young disciple M/n i may asked for forgiveness for implicating pain" Senior Elder monk bowed.
They continue to walk as they reached the chambers they waited for the head elder permission to enter.
The other elder open the Sliding door from the inside" Please enter fellow brothers and disciples" then he part.
Upon entering they courtesy by bowing then they seated themselves from concrete floor, M/n was seated near the Head Monk.
M/n P.O.V
I try to hold in my tears as i stare at fathers frail form his hair let loose as he sit on his favorite chair, i know I'm supposed to be ready when he consumed that leaves but it's still heartbreaking loosing someone.
Father then reach his hands to me then said "Come here my child i had something to say to you" i scoot closer to father then he grasp my hands.
"When i left this world i wish for you to be the successor but i know you are not ready for that position yet*cough*" then father pause a little after he cough,
" But even so you must take care of the temple and the people here you are smart and capable guide the young one's and seek advice if troubled to the other elders do not shoulder always the problem alone my child". He smiles gently towards me
I let a single tear slip my eye and sealed my lips i resisted the urge to hug father, Then father utters" My child do not worry i will wait for you at the other side so we can be together with the ancestors and the members of the sect" he grinned and look at the ceiling, I silently cry, i cannot hold the tears anymore, Then father glances at the other elders from the room as i hide my face to my sleeves.
"My fellow brothers i guess i will leave you first take care of the needy and manage the temple holistically even I'm not here anymore always remember my teachings and the teachings of our sect". The elders burst into tears specially Elder Gochiro.
"Brothers don't cry... Don't cry.. I'm still here right?" He reassure us then he glanced at elder gochiro.
"Brother Gochiro i know you hate too much work but i will leave it to you the leading" then Elder Gochiro cried harder as i also cry.
" The senior elders please prepare a ceremony tommorow and also inform the young one's and read my last preach for them"Father orders, "Yes Head Monk Toshiro-sama" all of us kowtow He then dismissed but he called for me.
"M/n you become a full fledge lad now it's ok if you left this sect and find the truth of your birth, you think i didn't know what troubles you all this years? Just don't be consumed by anger and negative emotions my child" he said to me i look at them at shock as it was indeed true.
" Yes, Father but i will not forget about the grace you grant me i will find a successor disciples to continue our teachings and i will slay all the yokai's for you and everyone to rid of this evil for the world." I say my vow to my dying father.
Father laugh weakly then said that i may able to left his rooms before telling me to call for Elder Gochiro.
I left reluctantly but i know it's for the best i resume to go to my room and i cannot cry anymore as i know that father will be in better place.
I prepare my attire for tommorow and my other materials as i know i will be the one performing the last dance of the sword and that i close my eyes and let the embrace of slumber consumed me.
★~Next day~★
3rd P.O.V.
The sky seems to be grieving as well as it looks gloomy but it was still not raining at the slightly dim path of the west of the mountain lies the burial site and a large ceremonial venue.
Within the procession all of the monks are praying at the center is a red colored sedan covered with jewels and fine silk seated the head monk carried by the 4 younger senior monks.
At the first right handle clad in grey and navy blue brocade styled in more elaborate monk garb with a top knot opposed to his typical plaid and simple monk robes is M/n with solemn expression painted to his picturesque facade as he held his sword ready and the other carries the sedan.
Then they reach at the very top of west mountain the sedan was placed carefully at the ground then they open the peach colored muslin cloth the bare sole of the Head monk is shown first then he appears.
The others proceeds to bow to the Head Monk, the said Head Monk glance and spoke with serene expression" You may all at ease my children no need to bow as i was a deadman walking now" he laughs but the other's didn't, they try to not sigh as the Head elder let out a terrible joke in an inappropriate timing.
They approach a table and there the leaves and other embalming materials and finest silks. The Head Monk with the help of M/n he sits and started the ceremony.
The other played the Gongs and sang the song of the epic of the first warrior monk and founder going to defeat the Evil yokai Nurahiyon that plague people in the time of origin before the japan was formed.
Then M/n proceeds to sword dance with his katana forged by M/n himself, he fluidly dance light on his feet. With moves gracesfully like a crane and the impact of the pounce of the dragon, then magically at his steps there is a fire that follows the sword and footwork then he ends the dance with a flip and the musics stops.
The moves required precision and correct breathing as it was more complex than the sword art as sword dance focuses on stamina and flexibility while sword art techniques are for fighting it requires power and agility but the both can be use in battle.
The Head Elder Toshiro then announced the next head of the sect and few advices to the young monks before he eats the leaves of eternal grace at the last piece of the leaf he proceeds to be cleaned at the nearby lake and placed the embalming oils on him then lastly they put the robes.
The higher ranks are the only one's allowed to go into the an hour journey to the burial chambers of the masters.
M/n P.O.V
We follow them to the burial site it was placed the manmade cave inside the west mountain. As we near the place for fathers rest place i cannot help but glance at the cave as it was my first time coming here.
The walls are filled with elaborate of the techniques and epics of the previous heads and heroic warrios especially the founder. Some of the elders tried to decipher the lost language as i heard that there was a major battle of the sect and the yokai's in meiji period. As i saw the thousand year old history of our sect we stop at the gigantic door resides the room of the previous heads.
When they open the doors all i can see is stone coffins of the previous head with portaits even the greatest ancestors portait was preserve well then we walk to the newest coffin with my fathers portait when he was in his youth.
We assisted Father into getting into the stone coffin and seated in lotus position he was handed the strings that have bells attached and connected to the outside of the cave with the bigger bell so the junior and new disciples can hear and pray also the ceremonial circle.
With the open coffin we seat at the praying center 6 meters away from the coffin we recited the mantras and scripture that will help him and protect to the afterlife and not turn into vengefull yokai.
We recited for a day in a half when the bells didn't ring anymore when all froze and rose from the seat, with careful steps me and the elders check his breathing and pulse then we let for a 4 hours confirmation before we seal the stone coffins. At the nearby box we placed his sword and other items that are personal to him.
After we exist and sealed the burial chambers with talisman and big rolling rock, I cannot help but have a final look at my fathers resting place. After offering small prayer once and for all i follow the others and never look back again.
★~2 years later present day~★
3rd P.O.V
After the death of the previous Head, The new Head monk Gochiro Lead and M/n become more focus and exorcising yokai's and teaches the junior disciplesthe sect sword art.
M/n only do the mission at the nearby mountains now with the rank of the Junior Elder he was task to rid all of the yokai from the Hokkaido Prefecture mountains.
M/n was never task to go to cities as he was not familiar only on the villages so he was quite backward in the technology.
The mission took 2 years to complete and is now seated from far from the Head monk and reporting his progress and journal.
M/n P.O.V
As i described my findings to Gochiro-sama we cannot help but dread at the patterns the movement of the yokai's exhibit, i saw in the corner of my vision Satsuki purring in the window sill being a bread loaf.
The horror that terror after a thousand years will be awakens once again, the bane of the humanity that wreck havoc all throughout japan.
"Honorable Head we need to inform the other branches of sect! I know for sure that i cannot be wrong about this discovery, i can prove it to you honorable Head" I plead then i show him files and testimonies if the previous senior monks
"We know that unmentionable demon would be awaken in this era but what we didn't know that it would be this soon..." Gochiro-sama said while looking at the documents.
"Honorable Head what is your order?" One of the senior elder said worriedly
" We must act quickly our time is limited, we must locate quickly his summoning circle and send a messenger crane inform the other sects". Said Gochiro-sama then he look at me and said
" I will assign you to oversee the ceremony inform all of the senior monks and gather all of the sect members as soon as possible and prepare also the mirror of truth"
We were dismissed then we go the basement of the temple it was long and dark narrow way i had difficulty going there because of my height.
"Clean the place! then M/n get the searing sword at the lower level hurry!" Gochiro-sama commanded 'Huh I thought it was lost in the warring period when Oda Nobunaga persecuted the temple of colluding with the enemy, Thank goodness it was here all along'
"Yes Honorable Head!" We chorus then did the task.
I fetch some flashlight and emergency kit incase of steep stairs that have Moss, As i reach the door the air seems to be heavy and humid, i open the door with my jade pendant.
There i witness suspended in air the mythical sword that the first monk uses that slain Nurahiyon it was estimated to be 5 feet in hight and 3 inches thick, the guard seems to be reacting to my presense.
But did Honorable Head forgot that only the chosen are supposed to only the one to wield the Sword?
"Disciple M/n actually the previous head Toshiro-sama predicted your future even before you are born he said to me before he departed" I glance at the doorway and saw Gochiro-sama
" On the evening of Great winter Storm in the year of Ox there shall be the arrival of the chosen one that will free the humanity from the clutches of evil; He shall be the one to wield the sword of our first" Gochiro-sama stated the oracle
"But are you really sure it was me? What other things that can prove it, this responsibility is too much to bear for i am still not qualified and confident of my skills!" I asked with doubt laced in my words.
" You have the mark of the Soul in your chest, you may think it's only a normal birthmark but this is the key to fully access the power of the sword M/n, this information was deliberately concealed because we don't want infighting inside the sect so only the worthy Heads of the sect are the bearers of this secret." Gochiro-sama said with all seriousness.
There i feel the searing pain in my right chest my birthmark was glowing and the sword is also reacting, I cannot believe that this was happening i saw the figure of Gochiro-sama.
" M/n you may doubt your skills but for us you are the youngest to become junior elder that proves your strength is unparalleled" Gochiro-sama Smiles fondly at me
"Thank you Gochiro-sama i was ashamed that by doubting my skills im also committing a blasphemy that my previous master is not capable" i tearfully said to gochiro-sama why the searing pain in my chest subsidies as Gochiro-sama hugs me.
I then open my robes to find a strange tattoo instead of the birthmark, Gochiro-sama gasp then utters in disbelief "Thank the Almighty Dieties this is my first time seeing the mark of the chosen child, Quickly grab the Searing Sword! We must Quickly see the Truth seeing mirror! " Gochiro-sama ushers me to the sword as I approach it glows brightly before i grab the sword 'Huh I thought it will be heavier than it appears, W-Ait! The blade is glowing again!!' There in place a rustic but elegant matte scabard
"*Chuckles* See the sword took a liking to you M/n, Stop dilly dallying follow me" We then exited the room and sealed it, i smoothen my uniform 'i guess this is my new life now huh?, I will defeat you once in for all Nurahiyon wait for me'
★~ 2 hours later~★
After the mirror reveal the location of the summoning circle we prepared to wrap up when the truth seeing gave another vision. In the vision they said that a orange cat with a particular markings is the guardian of the chosen child and the crane is the travel companion that soars the sky, they will aid in finding the summoning circle.
We are shock as we know who was described "So Satsuki that mischievous cat is the guardian all along? " Gochiro-sama Sama said in disbelief and irony.
' Poor Gochiro-sama, if there was a contest on who was pranked the most by Satsuki nobody would dare to covet that place'
"*Sigh* alright find that sneaky cat then clean and M/n prepare your things I'm afraid that you must journey alone but send a crane if you need back up ok?" Gochiro-sama assures me.
"Yes, Gochiro-sama can i bid farewell to the others, i know this mission is supposed to be confidential but i don't want to worry the others... " Gochiro-sama laughs " Of course you can silly child, just don't reveal it, oh! before i forgot i saw a school on top of the mountains there if you successfully slain Nurahiyon i can try to enroll you i know that you wanted to study this is the gift i will give to you but do come visit here ok?"
"*muffled* thank you thank you Gochiro-sama!!!!, i will miss everyone of course i will visit you guys" i hug my father/uncle figure.
3rd P. O. V
After that tearful moment the disciples are aware that they're favorite brother is going to quest but they don't know what for and where. The most affected by this is his little buddy and Best friend of course the people who all knew the reason he will go.
With a cat on perching on his shoulders he trudge his journey on foot to go to mount mori and hopefully to rid the yokai as soon as possible.
Ⓦ︎Ⓞ︎Ⓡ︎Ⓓ︎ Ⓒ︎Ⓞ︎Ⓤ︎Ⓝ︎Ⓣ︎: 3910𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
[🅵︎🅰︎🅲︎🆃︎🆂︎/🆂︎🅴︎🅲︎🆁︎🅴︎🆃︎🆂︎]
In their sect it was important to have neat apperance and long haired styled based on their ranks.
M/n prefers to play erhu or Samishen and sometimes gardening instead of sword training with Gochiro
Other monks dubbed him as Prince of benevolence but Death reaper to the yokais
The other Yokai's specially that comes from the Heian period stated he look like an incarnation of a court lady or a wealthy noble lord from their time period.
Satsuki once broke a bronze insence holder and Gochiro almost behead the cat if the other monks didn't hold him back.