Candy Coated || Buddha

Shining Confidence

"I'm ready to go," you announce with a confident smile.

As soon as the sun rose, you got ready; showering and dressing in the outfit that Buddha had given you. Breakfast had been a bit lonely, considering the fact you ate alone, but once you were refreshed, you hurried to the main hall to meet with Buddha.

He, like the moment you first met him, was in his chair. And after your statement, he smiled.

"You look confident."

You nod in agreement.

"I am confident...or at least I am trying to be."

Buddha hums and saunters down from his chair.

"That's the way to be." He skims you over and grins. "Looks good on you."

An embarrassed heat spreads across your face. You aren't sure if he means the outfit or the confidence but you will take the compliment.

"You're sweet."

"Am I?" He asks with a raised brow.

You know he's teasing you, so you ignore the question.

"When do we leave?"

"As soon as Brother Jataka gets here," Buddha answers. "He wanted to take a short walk before we left."

You hum in response. It's not a bad idea. Though you wonder how he feels about this? You don't want to leave the realm either. Taking a deep breath you remind yourself of your confidence. It's best not to dwell on what-ifs anymore.

The sound of quiet footsteps brings your attention to Jataka as he saunters into the room. You offer him a smile, which he offers back.

"Did you enjoy your walk?"

"I did," he retorts. "And now I am ready to go."

Turning his eyes to Buddha, he hums in question.

"No sweets or junk food?"

You are honestly a little surprised that he isn't taking any with him too. Buddha merely grins, sauntering over to his chair to retrieve his staff.

"I don't need to take any."

You raise a curious brow. That's a bit unlike him. Before you can question it, however, he rests his hand on your back; Jataka sets his hand on Buddha's shoulder and the staff activates.

When the scrolls disappear back into the staff, you note that you are in the Observation Room that Brunhilde had shown you before you met Buddha. It feels as though you've come full circle.

The faint glow of the flatscreen catches your attention and you sigh, viewing the Earth again, but there's something different about it. The images of twelve people are spread across it, one of which you recognize.

Kintoki?

Could this be the Einherjar he had mentioned?

The sound of rushed footsteps breaks your focus on the flatscreen, as Brunhilde and Göll pace into the room. The former sighs in annoyance.

"I told you to arrive near the arena with the others, Buddha."

The said man grins.

"I must have over-calculated."

"I doubt that," Brunhilde retorts.

Buddha laughs in response. Does he want to see the Einherjar for himself? You can understand Brunhilde's annoyance.

"Should we not go to the arena for the tournament?" You ask Buddha. It's best not to demand him to leave; it's obvious he does what he wants.

"There is a waiting room for you on the God's side, Buddha-sama," Brunhilde mentions. "It should have all of the accommodations that will make your wait enjoyable."