Bow's Travelogue - A Shrine Visit (Bow)

From Radiant Heart MUSH

Bow's Travelogue - A Shrine Visit (Bow)
Date of Cutscene: 10 March 2024
Location: Shinto Shrine - Tokyo
Synopsis: Bow's first travelogue takes him on a shrine visit!
Cast of Characters: Bow

"Crystal Hope, are you recording?" Bow asked as he sets the small henshin device on a stand and steps back from it.

"Yes, Bow, I am. Though I do not understand the purpose of this." Crystal Hope responded, a little chime of 'agitation'.

"Because, if we're going to return to Etheria and all turns out well? I want to remember this. And I want to show others what we did. It could be useful there, to share another world's cultures!" Bow responded, a glance towards the crystalline creature on his shoulder. "Would you not agree?"

Crystal Hope chimed for a moment, "That is surprisingly insightful of you, Bow. Continue." she offered in encouragement.

Bow grinned. "Thought you'd see things my way!" And then, stepping out of the way, showing where they are. It's the serene Japanese countryside, with lush greenery and a small winding path leading up to a traditional Shinto shrine. Birds chirp in the background as the camera zooms in on Bow, walking up the path with a sense of wonder and reverence. The sakuras are just starting to bloom, staining the area in pink and white.

"So this is what they call a shrine." Bow offers to the camera, dressed in casual clothing, with a backpack slung on his shoulder. "Much like our Rememberence Day, people come here to offer blessings and hopes to their ancestors!" And then he turns to look at it again, whispering, "Wow. This place is incredible."

He approaches the shrine's entrance, bowing respectfully before stepping inside. The camera follows him as he walks through the quiet courtyard, taking in the peaceful atmosphere. As he does so, he continues to speak, forgetting his script, just overtaken with wonder. "It's so quiet here. Peaceful."

And then he spies at the altar a small wooden ema, or prayer plaque, hanging nearby. Bow approaches it and takes a marker from his backpack, then begins to write a message on the ema.

May Etheria and Earth be filled with love and harmony. And may my friends and I always fight for what's right, no matter the odds.

Hanging up the ema, and then closes his eyes, his thoughts stilled as he offered his thoughts to those that came before him, and those here, and still on Etheria. Finally, opening his eyes, he smiled. "Thanks for listening!"

As he starts to leave, he spots a group of kids playing soccer nearby. He makes his way over to watch, but within a few moments, Bow is among them, laughing and playing, making new friends and contacts, gesturing around him and learning new things, their laughter filling the courtyard with warmth and joy. Once the game is over, Bow comes back to the camera and looks back to the shrine and it's beauty. "...we can make this happen. For both our worlds."

The video ends.