Those Who Wander

[mermalaide]

"Well then we have something in common then!" She gave a smile. Helping people made Tatsu pretty happy by virtue of her nature. It was something she couldn't help doing, which often got her called a but nosy or possibly a goodie-two shoes. "I can see why, you have likely gotten more than your fair share of that." She shook her head and took up her drink again. It was a good refresh from today's walking, and there would likely be more walking. "I am sure it has not been easy, especially because you can't hide it." Tatsu knew that people could be pretty cruel, she had it happen when her mother had died. But, that made the good people shine brighter.

"I am glad to give it. You do a service to our community, and that is very important." He leaned forward to take the papers from Bernard and to give him what he had so far. "Oh.. well no, I think you would be fine to wear it. I am sure you will still be quite identifiable. It's hard to mistake your other attributes." He looked over what was filled out. "When you are finished eating, come over and we will take a picture and print out your id." He handed over the money that was made from the umebozo, which was actually a lot. Then he turned back around to put everything together for him.

Tatsu looked over the paper. "The Immaculate Heart, I know where that is. We can walk there after all of this. It's not too far." She tried to remember is she had seen or worked with Father Dorian. He didn't seem too familiar. "You don't have a phone, but both the guild and places around here have payphones. I should leave you the number and address of my temple before we part ways too. In case you need something or watch to meet up." She took a paper from her bag and wrote her name, her number and the address of the temple she worked at. "You can find a lot of places on this map you have now."

[froststepper]

Bernard nodded. He didn't wear mask to hide his sickness from the people. He was simply aware he wasn't exactly pleasant to look, and disturbing people with his ravaged form was impolite. After finishing the meal, he followed the inn keeper for the picture. When he recieved the payment for the umibozu, he put the amount in his satchel, without counting it. Not only did he trust the inn keeper, he wasn't going to have that wealth for long. His vow of poverty barred him from aquiring wealth beyond his needs. Bernard planned to donate what he did not need for either Church's coffers, or local charities. 

Bernard hoisted his weapon over his shoulder, and turned towards Tatsu.
"Lead the way then, if you may." He said and followed the girl. He accpeted her contact information  written on a map, and placed it inside the folder inside his bag.
"I'll contact you in the earliest convenience, so you'll know where to find me. You've gone beyond simple favors in helping me, so I feel I am in your debt. I hope you contact me, if you're in need of aid." He stated sternly. The tone implied he wasn't saying this lightly. It's as if he was making a solemn vow.

[mermalaide]

Kenji made sure to quickly print out a card, one that had his picture on it, and had the holographic seal on it and bar code. It could be scanned at any transit. It also gave discounts here and there. He gave a printout of where the card was used, which was mostly for new members. Tatsu gave him the thumbs up when he got his picture taken. She waved to Kenji when they were leaving. The guild likely went back to it's noisy atmosphere.

"Sure." She looked at the address again and typed it into her phone. It gave her exact coordinates. "Certainly! You know you are always welcome to stop by at out temple Bernard. Grandpa and I both do healing so if you need any help, or you can't get back to the church as fast as you need, you can stop by for help with us too." She turned pink when he said that she had gone above and beyond helping. Tatsu hadn't felt so, but still, he conscious would not have left her alone if she had done the bare minimum.

"I would appreciate it, as well as your friendship. I have been pretty lucky, in spite of the bad that has happened to me. People have helped me so much...I couldn't imagine helping someone just as much, if not more so than I have been helped." She did not elaborate. Better to not, because of how disturbing what had happened to her had been. "Let's get you to Immaculate heart!" SHe was cheerful, and led the way with gusto. It was only four or five blocks from where they were.

[froststepper]

Bernard nodded to Tatsus words. He could sense she was carrying a weight that compelled her to be helpful, but didn't push her about it. He was still pretty much a stranger to her, so asking about that wouldn't gave been proper. Something made him think he would run into the girl often. Be it a hunch or divine guidance, he trusted those feelings. Sometimes more than one would find reasonable.
"I'll be sure to take you up on that offer. Probably not for the healing, but counsleling of the land and its otherworldly habitants is valuable. There's not much one can do for my condition, and injuries I can usually deal by myself." With that said, he followed alongside Tatsu to his destination.

[mermalaide]

"Mmm! That is probably true. I think from what I have read, the only thing we can try to do is reduce some of the infection, to keep it slightly under control, but that is about it." She shook her head. "At the very least I can try to offer you comradery all the same." Tatsu was a cheerful person by nature. Some of the most hurt people ended up one of two ways, they were really very kind or they hurt others.

The streets that they walked were starting to die down in the tides of people. As you got closer to the district where The Immaculate Heart Church was nestled, the style of things inside the area became a little more western in design and function. Some of the buildings were a little newer. More things were in English, Italian, and a few random ones were German. There were more westerners in the little space. It was a little community that had a bakery, a school, a shadowy hospital and what looked like an impressive little church.

In the church's yard was a man in a priest's uniform. His shoulder length hair was slicked back, he wore some aviator sunglasses, and a cigarette dangled from his lip as he swept the walk way. He breathed smoke like a dragon. When he made eye contact with Tatsu and with Bernard, well, the chest of Bernard, because Bernard was humongous, he shifted his broom to one hand and stubbed out his smoke with the now free hand. "Buongiorno friends! How can I help you?"

They were an odd pair that was to be sure. "Are you Father Dorian? My friend here, Bernard was looking for the local parish." She motioned to Bernard. "He's new and a part of the church, so I led him to the Hunter's Guild and to here." Father Dorian seemed none too surprised. They saw a few like Bernard, he was a little surprised at his condition, but not too surprised, and he wasn't really rude. "The Order of Lazarus perhaps?" He asked Bernard.

[froststepper]

Bernard didn't have the heart to tell Tatsu that there was absolutely nothing anyone could do for his sickness. Even before his revelation, both the magical and worldy medicine had not made a difference to it. He chose simply to nod to her words, to show the appreciation for her kindness. As they walked, Bernard noticed that architecture of the area seemed alot more familiar to him. He suspected the area was designed by foreigners moving in, wanting a little reminder of the homes they left behind. Interestingly, though the styles were alot more foreign, it wasn't too striking, as if to not stick out too much. Such was the state of the church as well. While impressive, it was noticeably small compared to those he had seen before. Perhaps to not draw ire from the establishtment powers.

In the yard, Bernard saw the priest. If there was a word to describe him, Bernard would use "worldy." He allowed Tatsu to introduce him, assuming that was the proper customs of the land.
"Deus sit apud vos, pater." Bernard greeted Father Dorian formally, and produced his insignia.
"I am indeed from the Order of Lazarus. I hope this doesn't cause you burden beyond your capabilities." The Order of Lazarus was rather exceptional in one aspect compared to other Knightly orders of the Church. When members of other orders requested aid from individual churches, by the Papal degree, they couldn't refuse. Lazarus Order was an exception for obvious reasons. Lazarusian knights tended to carry diseases that were either infectious, unsettling, or very resource draining to manage. It was rare that churches would outright refuse aid from them, but they had the right for it.
"I am in need of permanent residence. Naturally, I'm willing to work for my upkeep."

[mermalaide]

"Grata domum filius meus!" He made a sign of blessing, so easily and so fluid and looked over his insignia. "Domus domini Lazari filium corde aperto excipit." He raised an eyebrow. "My son, God makes even the heftiest burdens a bit lighter, fret not. Besides, this is not the Lord's first rodeo, nor mine with the Order of Lazarus." He said so with a smile. Tatsu was left to wonder what the hell a rodeo was. "We have safe and clean accommodations for you. We do not often receive brothers from your order, but there have been enough to warrant making a permanent space within these hallowed walls."

That was something Tatsu seemed glad for. They didn't seem like they would turn him away, which she was grateful for. "Bernard-san." She spoke quietly to get his attention. "I should go back to my grandfather.. but if you need help of any kind, call on me. I don't know what I can do, but I will do my best as a friend, I promise." She produced one of the cards she carried with her and offered it. "This is the phone and address of the temple, and my own phone is also on there too." She gave a bit of a bow. "It was good meeting you."

The priest looked perplexed. "Don't go, we always have room for another sister." He teased, which made her face turn a little red. "Father Dorian, yes?" Tatsu looked at him, and tried to imagine being as tall as Ryo or Bernard. Her face was a little puffy as she did this, trying to be bigger was hard, if not somewhat comical to an onlooker. "I must decline, but I hope that you will take care of friend Bernard. May this church, as well as Japan be a second home, ripe with hospitality!" She was one hundred percent serious, very sincere, and apparently having none of Dorian.

[froststepper]

Bernard was lucky that his mask hid most of his expression, for though he could manage his smile, he couldn't prevent the raising of his eybrow.The way this peculiar priest could switch from formal latin to very worldly way of words was something he didn't see often. He wondered if this was his own nature, or if the living this far from the Vatican had made him more... tongue-in-cheek? Still, he was relieved the Church could accommodate him, and he bowed appreciatively.

Accepting the card from Tatsu, Bernard placed it his satchel.
"You have already done so much to me, young lady. Know that you can in turn contact me, if you are ever in need. I do not have phone, but I suppose if you contact the chruch, you can reach me that way." Modern world wasn't very convenient to those without phones, but then again, the word "convenient" and oaths rarely mixed. And when they do, the latter rarely had much weight.

Before he could say his good byes to Tatsu, father Dorian decided to be quippy. To Bernards amusement, Tatsu wasn't letting him get to her.
"I hope rest of this country greets me with same warmth as you, young Tatsu. May God walk with you, even if you don't find our faith true to your heart." Bernards smile, as ravaged by sickness as it was, was soothingly warm. He had a feeling his and hers paths would cross again, but not necessarily in a setting as peaceful.
"Come now, father. Long journey over sea has taken its toll, and i would require a place to rest. Preferrably a room that isn't shaken by the waves."