"Ranma, do you see this?" asked Genma, pointing toward the most imposing building in the village.
The young martial artist and occasional thief snorted "It's just a temple, old man. I've seen bigger and richer ones in the last city we went to" Ignoring the glare his father sent at him, he got a closer look "It's a temple of the Moon goddess... Only girls in there and they're not fighters. I don't see why you'd be so interested"
Genma whacked his son on the head and dragged him in a quiet and secluded spot "Foolish boy! You don't know anything! This temple is the key to..."
*POW!* Ranma punched Genma, sending him face-first on the ground "I'm not going to rob another temple for you, old man! Last time was bad enough. That magical guardian nearly ate me!" He sighed, shaking his head in disbelief "Forget it, I'm outta here..."
Ranma turned to leave but was kicked down by a miraculously recovered Genma "Stop whining, boy! This is for your training's sake! You still haven't mastered the way of the silent thief!" Genma took a dignified attitude, only marred by the bump on his bald head "Only by facing the toughest odds can you hope to progress!"
Ranma grumbled, rubbing his neck. His father always came up with training like that, centered on thieving. Food, money, valuables, anything to feed his fat stomach and pay for his booze. Adventuring and mercenary work didn't interest him in the slightest, much too dangerous...
Still, Ranma had to admit that as unorthodox and illegal his father's training methods were, they worked. He had thought of ditching him and strike out on his own before but Genma hadn't taught him everything he knew yet. Once he learned all his secrets though... "So what's got you so excited about this particular temple?"
The glint of greed appeared in Genma's eyes "I heard in the last town that there is something kept in a secret chamber of this temple! Surely some great treasure or artifact of untold value..."
Ranma wasn't convinced "Meaning, you heard rumors during your last drinking binge in the last tavern we stopped at..."
"How did you know? Ahem! I mean... Boy, stop doubting your father! Think of what we'll do with all this money!" Genma was crying "Will you let your poor old father die of hunger? Oh, the shame..."
******
In a room of the temple, a girl was preparing for the greatest day of her life. Today, she would pass the trials and become a priestess of the Moon goddess.
Rei Hino was a young and attractive woman. Her sixteenth birthday was barely past her but she knew she was ready. The Goddess had blessed her with great mystical talent and she was the best novice in the temple. She simply couldn't fail.
She heard the room's doors open. Ending her meditation, she turned and saw the twin sisters Phobos and Deimos "Lady Rei, it is time..."
"Yes..." Rei stood up and left the room, following the two initiates.
Phobos and Deimos escorted her to an imposing doorway of carved stone "First you must purify yourself before the trials. Enter and perform your ablutions in the sacred pool. Someone will come for you when you're finished"
Rei bowed ritually. The door opened, allowing her access to the inner sanctum.
"May the blessings of the Goddess accompany you on your path..." Rei bowed again and the twins reprocitated. She went in and felt the door close behind her.
Rei looked at her surroundings. She was in a great room with a round pool of water in the middle. The only light came from the full moon in the sky going through the stained-glass window in the roof. Stone columns and simple yet artistic carvings completed the solemn atmosphere.
Rei unfastened her toga, letting the ceremonial garment fall at her feet. She was now completely nude. She basked in the moonlight for a minute, arms stretched, singing a prayer to the Moon. Then she walked into the pool, immersing herself in the cold water. She let herself float on the surface, eyes closed, and waited.
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(Posted Sun, 15 Feb 2004 01:11)
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