The Final Chapter

4. Rei Hino

Failure is unacceptable, so how does failing over and over again look? The witch says that if he failed another time at taking down three dainty school girls in fukus he would be terminated—permanently. Her threats send shivers up and down his spine every time he thinks about it. Beryl is capable of finishing him off. She created him and therefore has the power to annihilate him.

This is why Jadeite has traveled north to pay a visit to Bishamon, the God of War. Maybe a tribute to the venerable god could bring some good fortune as fortune is capricious especially around Jadeite. Evidence of his misfortune is, everyday having his plans spoiled by three bratty Sailor Senshi.

Jadeite stops on the pavement, half-way up to the temple of Bishamon. Even though he is almost there, Jadeite stops to adjust his cloak. He has been afraid of the cold forever. He does not remember a time when he wasn't. After he tightens the cloak around his neck he finishes his walk.

He enters the temple and first spots the icon in the center of the dull room. The icon is just a stone statue of the god, sitting on his pedestal. After a long look, he takes to disdaining the god's visage because he seems to Jadeite more benevolent than fierce. Jadeite's vision passes over the statue to sight the portrait behind it. He could feel the adrenaline running in his blood as he gazes admiringly at the painting. The painting portrays the God of War in full armor, standing on demons and holding a spear in his grip. 'Now, that is the kind of god that is worthy of admiration,' he privately told himself.

Smiling clandestinely, Jadeite settles in front of the icon, wrapping his cloak more tightly about himself to shield his freezing body from the cool winter air. He continues to gaze up at the statue with a new supposition.

"Hey! What are you doing here?"

Jadeite turns his head and sees a girl standing at the entrance to the temple. Wrinkles of a frown etched her young features. She wears only a windbreaker for protection, which is the only shocking detail he noticed about her. Wasn't she cold at all?

Feeling embarrassed and sensing how rude she might have sounded a moment ago, she apologizes. "I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone actually came to these places anymore. I'll leave and come back later when you're done."

"No," Jadeite says, facing Bishamon again. "You are welcomed to join me."

She does not say a word as she finds a seat on the hard, cold floor next to him.

After a moment of silence, Jadeite turns his head again to examine the beauty before him. Her eyes have closed, now, in her deep meditation.

"I come here once a year. In fact, I visit all four cardinal points to pay my respects to all four deities. Bishamon is usually my last stop…" She pauses to let her words sink in. "I feel that technology and other modern devices influencing society has destroyed tradition. I used to believe that temples like these were forgotten, but I guess I was wrong."

A silent spell sets in and she waits expectantly for him to speak.

When he doesn't, she starts in an irritated tone, "So, are you going to tell me what your problem is?"

Jadeite makes a sound from the bottom of his throat.

Finally, she looks at him with her mesmerizing, violet eyes. She waits for him to look back at her before she begins to say, "I help my grandfather run Cherry Hill Temple back in Tokyo, so I know a lot about these places and have a good guess of why anybody would visit a temple."

Jadeite grunts in annoyance. "Do you ever shut up?"

"Excuse me?" She cried, "Hey, Buddy. I'm only trying to help. You look like you think it's the end of the world tomorrow. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Jeez!" Still offended, she lets out a frustrated sigh and a puff of warm air is released. Then, she rubs her hands together and focuses her energy back on the fire in her soul, which she relies on to keep warm.

"You can't expect me to hand out my sorrows on a platter to share," says he.

Jadeite suddenly slides closer to her until their arms lightly meet. She does not seem to notice, so he just undoes his cloak and drapes it over her slim shoulders. Surprised, she widened her big eyes and stares at him. Jadeite continues to stare at the icon in front of them, though.

"But, it is the end of the world for me," he admitted, in a deep, and powerful voice. "I can't seem to ever… Win."

"And so you've come to see Bishamon for help," she concludes, absentmindedly tracing the edge of his cloak. Jadeite nods stiffly.

"You know," she straightens abruptly, with his cloak sliding off her shoulders, "Bishamon is not only the God of War, but he is also the God of Justice and the Protector of the Law."

Jadeite's shoulders slump visibly. It is a difficult task to accept the goodness in the god he worships. By watching him closely out of the corner of her eyes, the girl notices his spirit falling.

"He is the 'Patron of Warriors,'" she adds in hopes of brightening his day, "Always will be."

Jadeite sneezes and starts to shiver. The girl grins and picks up the cloak. This time, she throws it over the both of them.

"But there's something else you have to know about him," she whispers, now reaching a hand into the inside pocket of her windbreaker.

She takes one of his frigid hands and places an object in his palm. Still holding his hand, she says, "Bishamon is one of the Sichi Fukujin, the 'Seven Happiness Beings.'"

Jadeite looks down at the wooden tumbler type figurine colored in bright colors. The face stands out the most, overshadowing any other vibrant feature. The wide smile from the left side of the face to the right side of the face curved in a perfect bow.

"Good luck, Cold Stranger," she murmured.

She stays with him for a while longer, even though her last sentence held the tone of farewell. Under the cloak, she stays with him just to keep him warm and happy, maybe never knowing that the next time there paths crossed, she would play a part in his demise.

Fin.