It is a modest yet comfortable abode located on the outskirts of Lighthaven. With three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a backyard, it provides ample space for visiting guests. Genno's house has a traditional Japanese home filled with scrolls and paper walls. The house itself has a simplistic and practical design with little decoration and no elaborate architecture.
The floors are usually covered by tatami mats, and most of the furniture consists of low tables and cushions. The interior is usually lit by paper lanterns or candles. It has been used to entertain guests, and the atmosphere is peaceful and serene.
Trees surround this cozy home while the beautiful night sky shines above. The full moon casts its gentle glow upon the land below, illuminating all who dare to tread. Animals roam freely throughout these forests, hunting prey and avoiding predators. Nocturnal birds soar high overhead, flying across the endless expanse of stars that glimmer in their wake.
And in the occupied bedroom was resting Seth, whose grievous injuries have been miraculously healed. The window is slightly ajar, and moonlight is allowed to enter through the glass frame, bathing him in its silvery rays. He lies beneath thick blankets, comfortable and warm, as he sleeps peacefully.
The room where he is staying has a wood floor and walls that are painted a pleasant shade of green. The furniture is plain but functional, consisting mainly of a bed, desk, and chair. The only decorations are a small potted plant and a painting of a landscape that hangs on the wall. It is a tranquil and pleasant environment, ideal for rest.
Sitting in front of his bed with a wooden chair was Sister Tera, worriedly staring down at him as Genno stood at her side, comforting the old woman with the best of his abilities, that is, through small talk of their own while the monks and remaining followers returned back to their homes.
"None of this was our fault," he softly assured, trying to console her of what she felt as the woman quietly sobbed in having to see what her dear friend went through. All while he placed his hand on her back, gently rubbing it for some warmth and comfort, he said, "We are in his debt for showing us his unconditional love and that we are his family, friends, or strangers," expressing his opinion that no matter who they are, they all belong to the same fold.
Though he glanced over at Seth, remorse in his eyes was apparent. "His kind is rare to see in these dark times, and we should cherish what is given to us." The wise monk is sad to say that few are this compassionate. "Be grateful that this teacher of yours was good, generous, and kindhearted enough to risk his life for ours," reminding her that without him, they would all be dead and buried right now.
Removing his hand, he sighed tiredly before saying, "I'm not sure what will happen now." His eyes stared down at his own feet. "If they found him alive, then—" He was quickly cut off in mid-sentence when the elderly woman answered.
"They'll kill him."
Her cold reply was all Genno needed to confirm that his assumption is true, for their hatred and vengeance are strong and the bond of trust has been severed. Only for their desires, greed, and selfishness are men still bound to their desires, which cause more suffering.
The silence between them was all apparent while she decisively grabbed Seth's hand, holding him like if she were his grandmother, wishing him a good night. It was a sweet gesture of her if he was awake to see how extremely proud she is of all the deeds and love he has given her and everyone else.
"I need some privacy," Sister Tera tearfully said to Genno, wanting to mourn privately everything that had happened. "Please..." Turning her head, her face showed pure grief towards the concerned monk, who in turn nodded without hesitation.
He respectfully left without saying much, closing the door behind him before sighing as the silence returned with a lingering guilt: "Why did I freeze...?" Looking down at his right palm, he stared at it deeply. "How could I do nothing?" He was unable to understand how much of a liability he became to his best friend.
Genno didn't lay a finger to do anything; he just watched with the others, and it made him sick in his stomach. What kind of person is he for letting things play out in that manner? After having lost his friends, is he now going to lose another by his own incompetence?
Clenching his hand into a fight, he bared his teeth in frustration while still in control of his emotions. "What kind of friend am I?" He is trying to understand his situation as he ponders the ceiling above. Was he just scared, that's all? No, that can't be right.
Being terrified is an emotion he already overcame, so whatever made him like that was because of his humanity. After all, he is still human, regardless of how much he tries to overcome his selfish desires and be better than the world around him.
Shaking his head, he began to slowly inhale and exhale while making his way through the hallway, where its silence engulfed him again. But the sounds of crickets and other insects were soothing in some degree, as they brought peace to his troubled mind.
Only to hear light knocks coming outside from the entrance within this living room, making him stop dead in his tracks, he wondered who it might be and for what purpose they were knocking at this hour. Turning to the doorway of the entrance, Genno decided it was better to check than to ignore it. He made his way to it and opened the door.
Revealing three priests and three nuns who had sided with Seth while having witnessed the miracle that transpired earlier, "is our master here?" One of them asked, and their faces were mixed between anticipation and concern for the man's health.
Genno realized the six were the only followers who remained loyal to Seth's side; "yes, his resting," he answered them while moving away from the door to allow them all in. The six stepped inside with anxious looks as they glanced around.
The living room is spacious, with a fireplace, bookshelves, and couches. The lighting is dim, with candles and torches providing a warm, ambient glow. The carpet is soft and plush, and the windows provide a view of the woods beyond. There are several portraits on the wall, depicting scenes from Buddhism as well as some historical figures. Overall, it has a rustic charm and feels very welcoming.
While the hallway was visible to the right and left, leading into different sections of his house, he nonetheless didn't bothered going either of them as the six guests had another reason for their arrival. The nun with round glasses and a veil shyly asked, "We wanted to apologize for their action; it was incredibly selfish of us after what he had done to us." The young lady was close to crying, but she remained in control of herself. "It is unforgivable on our part, but we couldn't bring ourselves to stop them either."
Understanding where she was going with this, he said, "That's in the past and it cannot be changed anymore; your intentions are valid, for we are all humans, which means that we are still weak and foolish in making mistakes that can't be undone," he brutally answered, knowing fully well what they had done, but in a sense, he is no different from them.
After all, Genno did nothing to prevent the event, and he shares the same grief they're having. Regardless, the guilt they felt can't be forgotten overnight. "Our friend has given us more than we deserved, and his forgiveness is what matters to me; do you think the same?" Questioning their own decisions, "Seth has already and will always love all of you, even when you become his enemy," smiling charmingly at them.
Their once melancholic looks were replaced with growing relief and gratitude upon hearing the encouraging words of a different teacher. His teachings were of positive encouragement with no bias whatsoever, an act of a saint who cares about others rather than discriminating against them for being different.
A black-haired priest with a thick mustache responded to this inquiry, "What must we do to show our appreciation to him?" Thirty-year-old man clasped his hands together, determined to redeem their past actions, as the three women and two men also wanted to find a way to repay this kindness their beloved founder and master had shown.
But Genno shook his head. "You all have done your part by trusting in him," he reassured in a kind tone while giving them a smile of appreciation. "That's all he wants from each of you," stating how they don't need to do anything in return for this generosity of a selfless person.
The nuns and priests were all surprised at this answer, but they were relieved that the wise man himself had reminded them they had already shown their appreciation by believing in the one that shaped their lives as joyous ones. The six smiled and thanked him deeply before saying their goodbyes.
One by one, they left, only leaving one nun left, who was also a young woman in her mid-twenties. "May I stay here until he wakes up?" She asked kindly, timidly holding her hands together and fidgeting in front of the person, "Please?" Nervously asking permission from the owner of this humble home.
"Definitively!" Mirthfully said with a smile, "Come on, take a seat near the table, and I'll bring you some tea." He instructed the small table in the middle of this room, "Make yourself at home," before he turned his heels and left. He was stopped when she suddenly spoke.
"My name is Mabel Beaumont," the nun introduced herself. "It's a pleasure to meet you...?" She tried to recall her host's name but unfortunately failed, as it has eluded her memories after the troubling thoughts regarding today's events that caught her attention.
"Genno Shinsho," he answered on her behalf, "that is my name," introducing himself in a formal and respectful manner. "Nice to meet you as well, Mabel," the monk told with a hint of good humor. Then he resumed walking back into the kitchen area while she sat down on the carpet and crossed her legs alone with her thoughts.
She was filled with amazement after seeing Seth's miracle. The heavens have shown them that he really is what he claims to be. However, there is a chance that he is simply a magician and nothing more. That could be another reason why it happened.
But deep in her soul, she doubts that. Because when it had happened before their eyes, the scene was holy and sacred to make it simply someone doing magic. Besides, nearly all magicians require words to speak when casting spells.
Yet their master did not even speak during that moment. He had simply stood up with severe injuries and raised his hands upwards in the air as if praying to something far above in the stars and the moon itself. There were no words spoken or chanting when the clouds themselves formed a circle.
As a beam of light came from the sky down to the founder, healing every injury that covered his body and vanishing any pain or suffering that once fell upon him, even his robes were repaired by it. This was something unheard of and incomprehensible for what it truly was.
So she waited and waited; her dreadful thoughts about the situation had slowly dissipated before she realized the truth. The man who claimed to be the Son of God was actually right about everything, and it made her smile happily in joy. What an incredible truth she discovered.
Sounds of approaching footsteps broke away her thoughts when he placed two cups on the table and poured green water from the kettle. "Your master will wake up soon, no need to worry," he said, pouring hot water into the first cup until it filled half way. He then passed the cup to her. "Here, drink this tea while we wait," Genno said calmly and handed it to her.
Taking the cup, she drank its contents; it tasted surprisingly bad but not so awful that she spit it out and vomited, "What is this?" She inquired before the monk who would sit at the opposite of this table as he placed the kettle between them while drinking his own tea.
"Green tea," he answered without much thought, "helps relax the body and mind while also helping to improve your physical and mental condition," drinking more of the beverage before putting down his cup. "Now, is there anything else in your mind that you wish to speak of?" Genno politely questioned.
Looking down at the small liquid in her cup, Mabel sighed before raising her head and answering, "I wish to know about your religion." Her query has been answered with a surprised expression on the wise man's face: "I am interested in learning more of the teachings of Buddhism," confessing her interests in eastern religion.
Inhaling and exhaling through his nostrils, he nodded with a smile and said, "I'm happy to know that," Calmness exuded from him like gentle waves on a beach at dawn.
