Description
In the most remote and darkened regions of our country, where shadows dance to the rhythm of torment, I intervene. My name is Kaito, a devoted monk on a sacred quest: to free living spaces from the nightmares that haunt the stone. These demons, manifestations of suffering and fear, thrive where misfortune has left its deepest mark.
My mission is not that of a solitary wanderer, but that of a monk guided by inner light. I am sent by my temple, the sanctuary of Buddha, to bring redemption where darkness reigns supreme. It is a duty I fulfill with honor, but also with the heavy burden of responsibility.
In every village I visit, my presence is greeted with a mixture of fear and hope. The inhabitants know that I am there to confront their inner demons, to deliver their souls from the chains of nightmares. In exchange for my services, I ask for humble compensation, not for myself, but for my temple, where every donation is dedicated to perpetuating our mission of peace and enlightenment.
My life is that of a solitary hermit, a guardian of dreams and tormented souls. Through misty mountains, ancient forests, and arid deserts, I walk, bearing on my shoulders the weight of the hopes and sufferings of those I encounter.
That day remains etched in my memory like a golden page in the book of my life. I remember vividly the temple surrounded by water and lush gardens, a place of peace and serenity where I had to intervene to soothe a soul.
The temple stood majestically in the middle of a tranquil pond, its roofs covered with glazed tiles reflecting the sunlight. The surrounding gardens were a true haven of greenery. Stone paths winding through the water of the ponds invited contemplation and meditation.
Inside, the temple was an oasis of calm and spirituality. The dark wooden walls were adorned with sacred paintings depicting benevolent deities and scenes from the monks' daily lives. Paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling cast a soft and soothing light, while incense burned slowly, filling the air with an enchanting fragrance.
At the heart of the temple was the meditation hall, a sacred sanctuary where monks sought communion with the Universe. A large stone Buddha sat at the center of the room, his benevolent gaze resting on those who sought refuge in his teachings. Around him, inviting silk cushions encouraged sitting and immersing oneself in silent contemplation.
As night fell, and I had taken my quarters in a modest room on a mat, while the starlight illuminated the sleeping temple, I felt the need to gather additional information about the history of this sacred place. I approached the monks of the temple, seeking to learn more about the events that had led to the nightmare's appearance.
During our exchanges, I noticed a timid cat wandering the temple corridors, casting worried glances around before rushing into the kitchen, where I heard dull sounds of broken dishes. Intrigued, I approached to discover the cause of its agitation.
As I approached the kitchen, drawn by the dull sounds of broken dishes, I was surprised to find a monk comforting this timid cat. The monk held the cat in his arms, gently cradling it while the cat sought refuge in the crook of his arms, appeased but still anxious.
Intrigued by this touching scene, I approached tenderly, my heart squeezing at the cat's palpable distress. The monk greeted me with a sad smile, his eyes reflecting the pain of those who have experienced too much sorrow.
"What's wrong, brother?" I asked with compassion, noticing the marks of sadness on the monk's face.
The monk looked at me, his gaze filled with sadness and resignation. "It's the story of this cat, Kaito," he replied in a gentle voice. "Once, it was the faithful companion of a beloved monk, but the death of its master plunged it into an abyss of grief and despair."
He then told me the poignant story of this monk and his faithful companion, a story of mourning and suffering that had left an indelible mark on the cat's soul.
Touched by this revelation, I realized that the cat's torment was a reflection of the pain and suffering that haunted the temple. Its grief had fueled the darkness that had spawned the nightmare, plunging it into a destructive cycle of pain and despair.
Taking a deep breath, I thanked the monk for his moving tale. As I made the connection with the early manifestations of the nightmare, I realized that the cat's torment was intimately linked to the appearance of the chimera, part-tiger, part-dragon. Its grief had fueled the darkness that had spawned the nightmare, plunging it into a destructive cycle of pain and despair.
Walking the silent corridors of the temple, I meditated on this revelation, realizing that the key to liberating the temple from darkness lay in healing the cat's broken heart. And so, with renewed determination, I prepared my mind for the impending confrontation, knowing that redemption and peace would come only after soothing the nightmares' torment. I fell asleep peacefully...
A new day had begun peacefully as I stood in the temple Armed with my faith and determination, I prepared to invoke the nightmare, aware that my only weapon against it would be the power of prayers through sacred psalms. The temple master had gathered the monks in the main hall, and I took my place in the center of the gardens, facing the altar where candles burned.
With a strong and solemn voice, I began to recite the psalms, letting the sacred words resonate. Each verse was a supplication, a fervent prayer for the protection and purification of this holy place.
As the psalms rose to the heavens, I felt the energy of the temple vibrate around me, as if the walls themselves were responding to my prayers. And as the last words of the psalms escaped my lips, a dark and malevolent presence began to manifest, revealing the presence of the nightmare.
During the battle, as my sword clashed with its demonic fangs and our spirits clashed, I began to speak to the animal in our intertwined minds, seeking to reach its broken heart. Suddenly a name came to me like an echo... Tora.. Tora..
"Tora, listen to me," I whispered amidst the turmoil. "I know the pain you feel, the heartbreaking loss of your beloved master. But you are not condemned to wander in darkness for eternity. If you let your soul be soothed and dry the hatred... I promise you that you will be able to find the one you loved so much."
My words troubled Tora, but I knew it wouldn't be that simple... And suddenly the temple was covered in a smoke that swallowed me...
May Buddha give me strengthβ¦