Sohma Temple (rp with machi_in_snow)

[nerdherdchuck]

Machi had shown Chuck many beautiful and interesting places within the Sohma Temple. Now Chuck was following Machi through the forest surrounding the temple.

They had just passed a tiger which made Chuck a bit nervous. But Machi didn't seem too worried and said to Chuck that it was probably more scared of him than he was of it.

He thought it would be best just to follow Machi and attempt to not make any sudden, panicky moves, just in case.

Comments

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi noticed that Chuck is not doing well with their encounter with the tiger. She is use to the animals of the temples and they know that Machi is a friend of the Sohmas. She understands Chuck's fears since he has not been around a free tiger... ever.

"Bartowski-san, take a deep breath. It's nice and peaceful here. The animals like the peace too so they will not do anything unless you do something inappropiate." Machi looks up. "Look Bartowski-san, it is Kureno-san's friends! I mean, red sparrows!"

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck takes a deep breath and continues to follow Machi. He then smiles as he sees the sparrows fly by. Seeing them calms him down a bit though Chuck was thinking to himself, Oh good, creatures that, well, wouldn't consider eating me.

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi does not understand why people are so scared of the tigers. They are mostly like big kittens. If stop trying to kill them, then the tigers wouldn't have a reason to attack.

"Bartowski-san, be careful where you step. This is a game trail that crosses right here." At the moment, the game trail is being used by a family of rabbits.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Given how tall he is, Chuck almost didn't notice the rabbits until Machi mentioned them. He stopped and crouched down watching the rabbits scurry across the path.

"Quite a variety of animals," Chuck comments as he continues to watch the rabbits. He smiles again and twitches his nose at one of the rabbits that passes by.

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

"This is a sanctuary for animals as well as people. We live in harmony here." At least, that is what the people at the temple try to do. They had a few burglars learn that sneaking through the woods to rob the temple is not a good idea.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

"This may sound like a dumb question, but does any live here? Or I mean...stay here for a long period of time?" Chuck asked.

He stood up and continued to look about at the forest.

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

"Are talking about the forest or the temple? The temple does house a few servants and a few monks. Anyone seeking sanctuary can stay there too. The forest is mostly home to the animals."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

"Oh, right. I did mean the temple. So do people often seek sanctuary here?"

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

"Not very often. People have spread a rumor that the temple is cursed. It is not by the way. I think people are just scared of the tigers and bears."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

"Why do people think it's cursed? Is it just the tigers and...bears?" Chuck then joked, "Any lions too? Cuz if there were, I think I'd be going all Wizard of Oz all of a sudden." He then chuckled sheepishly.

"Um, anyway...sorry. Silly joke there."

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi laughs. "Sorry Bartowski-san. Lions are more of an African animal. We do have monkeys. Some of them have fluffy hair that resembles lion manes."

Machi returns to her normal state after a few seconds and continues, "They say that the temple is cursed because of the strange things that happens around here. They say that people see spirits or their dead relatives around here."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck nods. "I didn't think you had any lions. I just couldn't resist the joke. So, monkeys, huh? Maybe we'll see some of them."

"Oh...uh...whoa. That's a little creepy. D-do you believe any of those rumors?"

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

"The monkeys are probably playing somewhere in the treetops. They might drop by since they are curious little creatures."

Machi gives a comforting smile. "No, the rumors are just the byproduct of overactive imagination of some people. There is nothing to worry about."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

"Okay! I'll keep my eyes open."

Chuck nodded. "Yeah, that sounds...logical," he replied. "I mean, people's minds play tricks on them in the dark and stuff."

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi smiles. "If ghosts are around, why would they be in a remote temple like this? Wouldn't they be near where they died or something?"

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck shrugs. "I dunno. Unless they're cursed spirits or something. Or maybe...they're animal spirits?" Chuck shrugged again.

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi wondered how she is going to respond to that. "People say that they look human. Cursed spirits don't haunt temples. Holy ground does not support cursed spirits unless God allows it."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck shrugged again. "Yeah. I really was just wildly guessing what people thought they saw. I mean, what you said makes sense - it probably was just the mind playing tricks and all."

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi glances towards Chuck. "I understand. People are weird sometimes."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck nods and after a pause says, "Well Machi...I uh...think I should be getting back..."

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi nods. "This is a good time to head back. I'll lead you back to the temple." The tigers are still around the area after all.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck nods and follows Machi back to the temple.

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi leads Chuck back to the temple without stirring up the animals. The tigers have decided that they did not feel like making a return appearance.

Machi looks at Chuck when they exited the forest. "I hope that the forest did not worry you too much, Bartowski-san."

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck shook his head. "No...it's just that I think I need to start heading home. Go see Sarah and stuff. That's all." He smiled a bit and then added, "But thanks again for inviting me."

[machi-in-snow.livejournal.com]

Machi smiles. "I understand. You should go home and see your girlfriend. Your friends are peobably wondering if you dropped off the face of the earth since they couldn't contact you."

Machi leads Chuck to the front of the temple. "Take care, Bartowski-san." Machi bows.

[nerdherdchuck.livejournal.com]

Chuck nods and chuckles slightly "Yeah, pretty much..."

Chuck bows in return and says, "You too, Machi," before waving goodbye.