Desert Chapel

[Redemption]

†

Shou's body lay before the steps to the altar. Above him hung the crucifix, the Lord's ceramic body nailed to the cross. In the silence of the Chapel, the barely audible murmurs of the young priest's whispered prayers carried like a gentle breeze, asking forgiveness from sins past, present, and future. His eyes were closed, the purple irises hidden from sight, while the golden rosary which had been suspended on black cord around his neck was grasped tightly in his right hand.

It had been many years since Shou had been to this place, the sand fortress he had come to see upon his many pilgrimages around the world. This Chapel had been one of his favorites, likened for its distance and solitude from the world around him. It offered a place of peace and quiet, of true sanctuary, and allowed for comfortable hours of prayer to be spent without worrying about the disturbance, wars, fear, and hatred of the world infested the Shinobi world.

Of course, a hatred to fight for unjust reasons had been the main repulsion that had caused the young priest to forsake a life as a Shinobi. The other had been the calling inside of his soul, to seek to become closer to God, which had led the young boy to leave the Fire Country and to travel the world, donning the attire of a priest and learning the Word of God deep within his soul.

"Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos.
Amen."

[/b][/right]

With the prayer complete, the young man stood and stretched his limbs. Although it was slightly past noon, Shou had been in prayer since just before dawn. A slight hunger stabbed at this stomach, but he ignored the pains of the flesh and opened his eyes before turning around moving to one of the pews on the first row, taking a seat. There were things to contemplate, and Shou was glad that he had time to do that.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Comatose]

In all of my worldly travels I had never stepped into a place such as this, as there was quite simply never a need. Regardless of my own madness and callousness for most things I would never tread on such sanctified ground without proper purpose. I wasn't nearly that sacrilegious, if anything, I respected the religious views of people of this world despite having none myself. A small bit of common courtesy coming from someone who has killed without much remorse. I didn't come here to repent for my sins or confess them though, I came to seek a priest to perform a the ceremony for my own wedding. Thinking about it before I pushed open that door was odd, this was the last thing I figured I'd be doing only months ago.

The inside was a bit more remarkable than the outside. The outside had seen much wear likely due to the constant storms and shifting sands, but inside the church it was almost brand-new. The pews, the altars, the stained glass — all remarkable in it's own right, all were perfectly kept. There was an odd lack of anyone in here, and not a priest in sight. Of course, I knew it was not cordial to simply yell or call out for one; chapels and churches were places of quiet prayer when there were no services going on. I couldn't do much but make myself apparent, as if entering wasn't enough.

I sat at the end pew on the left side of the church patiently, to be attended to should the priest actually be in. I only half expected one to exist at all, the only person here at all a young boy in the front rows.

[Redemption]

†

It may have seemed odd, but for some reason a tranquil peace filled my soul as I sat on the pew and thought about life, the universe, and the question as to why God allowed the world to be full of sinners, blasphemers, idolaters, and the unrepentant. It was obvious to the reason of the first; all men were Sinners - but the rest were things that the Priest truly couldn't fathom. Then again, the priest thought, the Word says that we should turn the other cheek towards those that insult us. Perhaps God does the same.

Satisfied with that question now answered, I then heard the sound of the door to the chapel opening. That was quite the surprise! Not many came to this out of the way place, for not many who lived in this world obeyed the commandments of the Most High. It was a Shinobi world out there, and only those truly righteous seemed to come into this hidden, forbidden Holy ground to seek guidance from their creator.

From my position upon the pew, I waited for a while, a couple of minutes, perhaps, but never once did a person approach the altar. I didn't want to be rude and turn to stare, but finally I could abide it no longer and turned my head to let my eyes peer through the distance, spotting a man with deeply tanned skin and dark hair. Neither of these attributes were that rare within this sandy domain, but what WAS rare about this man was the aura that he gave off. Power emanated from him, that and the ability to command.

I found myself caught slightly in awe, for never before had I met a person that I would have truly described as powerful. After all, the only one that I deemed to be truly great was the Lord our God, but had I not kept my eyes upon heaven for almost the entirety of my life, this man would have been a person that I might have termed god-like. He was sitting on a pew near the back, and I found myself wondering his purpose for this place.

Since the Priest in charge of this parish was away on vacation, visiting family in some remote sector of the Wind Country, I had been left in charge. Knowing instinctively that this man had not come to pray or seek a blessing from the Divine, I found myself standing and then walking towards upon. As I came within 5 feet of the pew, I stopped and spoke in a clear voice.

"Do you need any assistance, my Son?" It seemed silly, calling a man so obviously older, mature, and mighty than myself 'Son', but I was an ordained minister and such was the way that I was supposed to address people.

[Comatose]

"Are you the priest that takes care of this church?" I spoke formally, curbing both my tongue and usual demeanor and exchanging it for a more respectful one. I had to play the part of the husband before doing so. I had wanted Youka to be happy at our marriage, and everything to go smoothly. The only way to be officially married, even in the world of ninja, was to be married by an ordained minister. Well, that wasn't exactly the only way, but obviously there was no way for us to get in contact with the other officials capable of doing it. I deeply doubted that they would even perform one for a shinobi couple.

"You see father. ." I paused, standing to my feet, noticing immediately the height difference, the young man just a bit taller than myself. ". . I am engaged, and our marriage is fast approaching. However, we have no means of making the marriage official. I want only the best for my beloved. So, it's necessary to have an ordained minister to oversee the ceremony."

There was an expectation in my mind that he would never do it. It was easy to see why when one looked at it. Youka and I were by no means religious, let alone ever sought repentance for anything we had ever done. In fact, the things we have done, and the utter callousness we have shown for it them should never be redeemable. The father had no real reason to perform the ceremony. Somehow, even if this was in the village, Youka had explained that this holy ground did not belong to it, a long time ago the church had bought the land. Since we had no claim to the land, he was not within our grasp of control, and his actions were his own. As much as I fancied myself powerful, I by no means wanted to piss off a god.

[Redemption]

†

"Ah... Yes, I am in charge of the church for right now. The Father that usually oversees this church is currently on an extended vacation, visiting his ill mother and family. I'm to be in charge of the parish for the next month, at the least." I had spoken in response to the man's question, and then waited for him to continue on with the rest of this story, letting me know that he was in the market for a priest to officiate a marriage ceremony.

Such an idea brought a true smile to my face. While young, I had overseen over a dozen ceremonies and each and every one of them had been both beautiful and different. It brought tears to my eyes to join the hands of two who had found each other through love, for I knew that love was the ultimate instrument of the Lord God, and that no evil could ever come of an act of true love. It was at this moment that I realized that I was speaking to a man who had power and authority, and I found myself needing to know this answer.

"Before I can agree or disagree to perform the ceremony, I will need to know these answers. What is your name, as well as the name of your betrothed? Also, are either of you Shinobi?"

Before I had even asked, I knew the answer to the last question, at least. Of course this man with his might of arms so easily detectable was a fighter, and in this world and in this village that meant that you were a shinobi. While it would fill me with sorrow to know that one had condemned themselves to Hell through the path of contracted murder, I would still find it inside of my heart to join the hands of anyone who asked in marriage.

This was just something that I needed to know, for my own sake.

[Comatose]

Somewhere internally I had hoped he would take the marriage blindly, and this question wouldn't need to be answered.

"We are Shinobi. My name is Len---" My voice trailed off for obvious reasons. Should he knew who I actually was? Was he capable of knowing what I had done? For obvious reasons it didn't sit well to lie to a minister, especially when I asked this of him. I couldn't in any capacity, and thus, I simply told the truth. "My name is Len`autre, Asato and her name is Etsuko, Youka."

There was no way that he wouldn't know her name given that she was the current Kage. Though she had no claim over his land, she did well to explain to the ninja that the area was off-limits to them, and to bring the church the supplies it needed when it needed it. After watching her 'work', by overseeing the village's activities I had observed her doing such, sending food to the church for it's Father and the few people who attended it.

I waited for his immediate reaction to the news for a number of seconds before continuing, feeling obliged to explain my understanding for how almost blasphemous it was to ask him to perform the ceremony with such pretext.

"I understand that. . we by no means have much of a right to ask. However, it couldn't hurt to try. I do love her very much. If takes some sort of conversion-- confirmation -- repentance -- something. If it'll help, I'll do it."

[Redemption]

†

Etsuko Youka?! My mind went racing, unable to contain itself. Even though I stood before the betrothed of the Kage of the village, I couldn't find the words to speak. The Queen of the Damned and her consort were seeking a contract of marriage, a sacred vow between themselves and the Lord?! It came close to blasphemy, and I could feel my jaw drop slightly, though I had not the strength of mind to shut my mouth again even though I realized it. A shiver ran down my spine as I continued to ponder the implications, and then he spoke again.

As he said that he would perform some sort of task, or conversion, or repentance, I felt a warm glow radiate from my heart. It was clear that the man felt as though he loved the woman, but from the way that he carried himself I knew that just as much as he thought that he loved her, he also loved the thrill of the fight, the rush of battle. I knew that he had taken a life, likely several now, and I spoke without really thinking.

"Would you take a vow upon the very bond that you wish for me to sanctify that you would never again kill beyond the absolute defense of your life?"

As I had spoken, a powerful energy had flowed through me, and I knew that at this moment in time I was becoming a pawn of Providence, guided by the true Will of God. This is the sacrifice that the Lord would demand from the heathen - an exchange of one love for another more gentle, pure, and true love. Now the only question that remained was... would he take the vow?

[Comatose]

Those words the father spoke didn't even hit me for a few minutes after he spoke it. I supposed he would look and stare at me in misunderstanding, never knowing how hard it was for me to even fathom such a thing. Ever since I had left alone and the world had come down upon me all those years ago, I had never been the same. Killing, maiming, pillaging — it was all second nature now. I was on my own, and thought only of my self. it was only until I had met Youka that I ever considered anything for another. She was the only one could keep me sane now; someone I never wanted to be without. I wanted, to even my surprise at the realization, to be with her forever. That was the internal resolution necessary to make up my mind.

"Can that condition be altered? I don't mean to be rude, or for you to take offense. I will swear to never harm another unless my own life is threatened, but, I feel that Youka's name should be added to that notion. For I could never stop myself from reacting should someone harm or attempt to harm her."

The father's thoughts of the unconditional love that I had were true. I did not even think of what I was saying as I said it. It came out unscripted. I would move the mountains, and seas for Youka. In terms of the scale of change, this would assuredly be equivalent.

There was no further hesitation.

"Is there any further ritual to make this an official vow father? Must I swear before your lord? I will, if required."

I was lying to myself really, as the possibility of being such a way was simply just not possible, however, the facade needed to be kept if that was the case.

[Redemption]

†

It would seem as if this man truly cared about his beloved. It was difficult for me to accept that there might be a contracted killer who would give up everything that he had for the sake of one woman, but so far this man had seemed to be truly faithful towards her. When I had declared my requirement for him to be married by my hand, he asked only for a simple modification, to add the girl he loved to the list.

I did not hesitate in my response; indeed, this would be but another test for the man.

"I will allow the modification, but at this moment you must choose to take one of these two vows: I, Asato, do vow to to never again commit the sin of murder except as the very last defense of my own life; or else, I, Asato, do vow to never again commit the sin of murder except as the very last defense of the life of Etsuko Youka. A declaration towards the Lord God would not have the same meaning to you as it would to me; instead, vow upon your own life. Simply declare one of these two vows and I will perform the ceremony for you. It's up to you which vow you will take."

Of course, I did not mention to him the fact that should he choose to vow for himself, he would regret making it for the rest of his life. That was something that he should be able to understand. It also meant that the man who had probably slaughtered in the dozens would no longer be allowed to kill in defense of himself - he would have to defeat his opponents without slaying them. Such a change would be powerful inside of this Shinobi world, where one could easily kill hundreds, and I longed to see which it would be.

[/justify]

[Comatose]

It was rather naive of the father to believe that anyone could quit such a thing in such a manner. For a ninja their livelihood depended on killing. Missions more than not these days involved the assassination of one or more people. Not completing the mission meant not getting paid, and not getting paid meant being unable to support yourself. However, I'd indulge him for now, and vow under his request to do so. Not for myself of course, I had already stopped such selfish thinking, but for Youka.

"I, Asato, do vow to never again commit the sin of murder except as the very last defense of the life of Etsuko Youka."

I had fought for Youka all this time already, there wasn't even an afterthought. The purpose of this vow was simply for the man to perform the ceremony, if he was even needed at that, I hadn't explored the other options yet despite believing they'd fall short. After the ceremony was finished and his job was done I had no qualms with continuing what I did best; mercilessly killing whomever crossed my path in a wrong way.

I did not believe in his god, and my respect for his religion and his beliefs only went as far as performing this very ceremony. There was no loyalty after that.

[Redemption]

[Sorry for the late response, I was basically kidnapped and held a friendpoint, forced to participate in what the plebeians call a 'party'. D:]

†

It was done. The man had vowed to end his violence against the world except for in the defense of the one that he loved. It filled my heart with a gentle sort of peace, and I felt that, for once, perhaps I had managed to be the influencing factor in a change for the good of the world. I smiled a little bit and then nodded my head.

"With the vow taken, I shall agree to perform the ceremony. Do you happen to know the date? No, if you don't know yet it doesn't matter; I shall remain within town until it is time to join the happy couple together. My first ceremony presiding over two Shinobi... Hm." I stood lost in thought for a few moments before remembering that the man was still about.

"Was there anything else that you needed from a Priest?"

[/justify]

[Comatose]

"The date isn't exactly set." I replied quickly, before allowing my arms to stretch above my head. "However, it will be very soon. We'll definitely keep you posted, Father."

There was nothing more I could want from this place — this church of god. In fact, it felt almost a bit blasphemous to even stand in the church, as if asking a priest to marry Youka and I wasn't enough. The guilt over that was overshadowed by the fact that he actually had agreed to do the ceremony at all.

"I'll see you then."

With nothing more to say, I turned a boot and exited the building.

— exit

[addy-hime ♥]

Comatose: 110 EXP.

Lash, I wasn't sure if you were gonna stay in the thread or not, so I didn't grade you. PM me and I'll edit in one or something. ♥

[Redemption]

†

With the man having left, I returned to my position on the pew, closing my eyes in prayer. I hoped that I was doing the correct thing in agreeing to marry the two shinobi, but I couldn't see a way for this to go wrong. One of the world's most vicious killers had sworn off murder for the sake of peace, love, and guidance under God. Again, a smiled shone upon my face and I opened my eyes, peace once more filling my soul.

Standing up, I decided that I should go and find something to do. I had time to develop my ceremonial speeches later. As much as I loved standing inside of the House of God, one sometimes needed to descend into the realm of mortals or else one might also lose his sense of being a mortal.

[/justify]

-exit

[addy-hime ♥]

Shou: 60 EXP.

There ya' go!