Candy Coated || Buddha

Ghostland

For a creepy and remote village that lies abandoned in the mountains, you find comfort in the silence it brings.

For hours, once the sun had risen, you explored the surrounding area, checking the nearby houses and enjoying the comfort of your own company. Thanks to Buddha.

"You don't have to stay in the temple," he had mentioned. "Go out and do as you like. There's more to the God Realm than this."

You had appreciated his offer, but sticking close to the temple was the safest route, considering you are unfamiliar with the realm. You don't mind starting small.

Sitting near a bubbling river on the outskirts of the village, you stare into the distance. It's peaceful here. No wonder the carefree God often frequents it.

At some point, you notice Jataka approaching the village; he must have been exploring himself, as he often does. You wave at him, once he too notices you, not minding as he joins you for a moment.

"Morning," he states with a smile. "I didn't expect to see you out."

"Me either," you utter in honesty.

But you are glad you did. It's a beautiful day, despite the sharp wind that oddly doesn't bother you. Sinking your fingers into the water in curiosity, you squeak in shock; it's so cold.

"It's strange," you utter. "Some things I can feel, like the water, and some things I can't. I'm aware that this village is at the base of the Himalayas, but I can't feel the bitter chill of the wind."

Jataka softly smiles.

"Being dead takes some time to adjust to, but it isn't awful. There is no sickness here."

You hum and turn your eyes to him in curiosity. It sounds like he knows a thing or two about sickness, however, you consider it rude to ask, so you ignore the temptation, facing the water again.

"I reckon it isn't all bad here."

Though I wonder how Buddha stays entertained.

Being from the 21st century you admit you are a bit spoiled when it comes to technology. You can't fathom what his time had been like. What sort of things did he enjoy doing?

An embarrassed heat spreads to your face as you imagine Buddha riding horses or wandering the marketplace; whatever he did in his time.

This tether is becoming a problem.

Reaching into the cold water, you cup your hands into a makeshift bowl, splashing your heated face with it; a shiver runs down your spine in response.

"I think I'm ready to return to the temple," you utter.

Jataka smiles.

"I'll escort you."

You are grateful.

Once in the quiet stone corridors of the ancient temple, you follow Jataka to the main hall with the notion to say your thanks to Buddha for giving you the push to explore, but when you see him, you are mesmerized. He isn't dressed in his usual attire; wearing a black tank beneath a diamond-patterned see-through long coat. It's flattering on him.

"What are you wearing?" You ask.

"Clothes from your period," Buddha answers. He turns completely around, then grins. "What do you think? Do I blend in?"

Your face turns red as you examine him.

"For a tourist, I suppose."

The small crossbody bag he's wearing screams that he's a tourist. But he does blend in. The crown he usually wears in his hair is replaced with a thick ribbon decorated in a Paisley pattern.