pls note/mild cw: passing reference to suicide, reference to domestic abuse
Higa’s dusty road. Rice stalks bending in the wind. Mild, the summer’s breeze.
The sun is at its zenith; its warmth feels pleasant on my shoulders as I make my way back to Higa from the nearby shrine on Turtle Hill. Breathing slowly, I maintain a steady pace to which I’ve accustomed myself in the aftermath of my missions. Each year I grow older and wiser, but encounters with tortured spirits will never cease to be jarring. The calm wind provides me an example - I close my eyes in meditation as I breathe in, and out. Perhaps a spirit favours me and is caring for me. If so, I appreciate its kindness.
“It’s her, the exorcist!” a farmer exclaims. Others take notice, brushing sweat from their brow. Though Higa is a small village, its proximity to the Omi capital makes it popular with the Omi region’s lord Budō Orenji and his family - especially his wife, Lady Koshu. A crowd gathers as I approach Higa’s stone walls, fortified since the village was founded as a military outpost. Now a peaceful outcropping of rice fields, the village gates have long since decayed without replacement and mumbling villagers come to greet me in the opening between fortifications.
“The spirit in the shrine, has it been dealt with?” I hear amidst the crowd. I compose myself as the growing crowd of villagers stare with anticipation, some muttering to each other, some asking questions: “Is it done, can the priests return?”, “Did you find my husband?”, “Will my sister return to her senses?”
Finally, lord Orenji makes himself visible as the crowd goes quiet, moving aside to make way for him. A man in his fifties with a greying beard and stern visage, lord Budō Orenji stands about two inches taller than me and wears characteristic clothing - a double-breasted black military overcoat in the style of Thallian officials from out west, a fashion growing in popularity around Mizuho but not so common here in the Omi region. He seems rather overdressed for a summer’s day. “Miss Exorcist Sakuraba, you’ve returned.”
I nod and bow to the lord. “The shrine on Turtle Hill is cleansed. Parts will need repair, but the priests may return to their duty. No longer need the citizens of Higa fear trouble from confused spirits.”
A mixture of sighs of relief and further questioning from the crowd, all indistinguishable. “Silence!” Lord Orenji insists, and the commotion promptly subsides once again. “That’s a relief to hear, Miss Exorcist. I have further questions, and would ask that the good people of Higa let me represent them as their lord for the sake of good decorum - this good maiden has come from afar and cleansed our shrine, let’s show her proper respect!”
I blink. Some of the crowd whispers back and forth while others’ eyes wander anxiously.
“Now.” Lord Orenji continues. “Miss Exorcist, two of our priests have gone missing, and one of the shrine maidens is bedridden, accursed with profane thoughts and speaking nothing but atrocities. I see no men accompanying you… what do you know of their fate?”
I close my eyes, breathing in and out, then shake my head. “Out of respect for the dead as well as the living, I will spare any details. I apologize to the wives of the departed priests.”
A young woman in the crowd tries to stifle tears, to no avail as she bursts out crying - an older lady holds her, then looks back at me, wordless but desperately sad. I frown and close my eyes again. I often hear that dealing with death renders one insensitive - I’m glad to feel my gut wrench, though I shed no tears. I can only imagine how they must feel, but it’s reassuring that I can still imagine it. I wish the widows what fortune fate can spare as they depart from the crowd, holding each other in consolation.
“...I see. And the shrine maiden?” the lord continues. I return my eyes to him.
“I cannot discern her fate, but if the spirit can move on happily, those afflicted by its curse will recover.”
“Then, my sister…” an anxious young man with light brown hair mumbles from the crowd. Lord Orenji clears his throat and glares over his shoulder at the man, who shies away.
“With that in mind, Miss Exorcist, is the spirit pleased? And if I may...” I narrow my eyes and concentrate on Lord Orenji as he hesitates, “...what do you know of this spirit and why it haunted us?”
I sigh. “I cannot say. I do not spread the business of spirits and gods among mortals. You may trust that the shrine is no longer haunted and that I have done what is in my power to ensure that the spirits are pleased - no more.” I look at Lord Orenji sternly.
“I see.” The lord clears his throat, then smiles at me. “We are most gracious then, Miss Exorcist. The citizens of Higa and I, as Lord of Omi, am in your debt. You may stay in our finest lodgings for the night - what would you desire as a reward?”
I smile back at the lord. “Any payment you deem appropriate, Lord of Omi, though I have a request.”
The lord raises an eyebrow in interest. “Whatever you desire, good exorcist!”
“I would request two small objects of some significance to the village of Higa, selected by its villagers. Value is of no importance. I simply wish for something to remember it by - one to keep, and one to trade elsewhere.”
The lord blinks and looks at the crowd, and I note three women in particular grin at each other. “Well,” the lord looks around as chatter picks up among the villagers, “I suppose the good people of Higa will be willing to oblige. I will fetch you an appropriate monetary reward in the meantime, and we can meet again tonight!”
I nod - “Indeed, Lord Orenji.” - as he departs, then finally regard the women who have accosted me, speaking of some culinary masterpieces they insist I must try.
In truth, my mission is not quite over.
Time to recount my steps. Think back to this morning…
-
Pale blue morning light. Branches rustle in the wind… someone lingers here.
I breathe unevenly as I approach the shrine on turtle hill, windchimes hailing my arrival. A cool aura of death pervades this place in spite of the warm summer’s morning - I almost shiver. As I enter the shrine I see charms, fragments of wood and clay lying in disarray.
My duty is to ensure that ghosts, demons and unruly spirits do not hurt or cause mischief to undeserving mortals. For a week now, this shrine near the village of Higa has been uninhabitable, as priests started disappearing and one shrine maiden was driven mad. When I heard that the priesthood could no longer visit this shrine during my visit, my mission was clear.
I suspect a tortured ghost haunts this place. While Budō Orenji, the lord of the Omi region himself entreated me to exorcise it, I do this out of care for the villagers of Higa, as priests are cut off from their duty of caring for local spirits. In time, those spirits will grow confused and restless, causing misfortune and calamity among the village of Higa. The entire area could become cursed, uninhabitable.
Frankly, I am unsure why Lord Orenji did not address the issue sooner.
”Is that you, dear?”
A faint, sorrowful whisper reverberates through the empty, open shrine. I concentrate - indeed, as I’d suspected. Some manner of consciousness haunts this place, neither here nor not-here, but somewhere in between - a ghost. But why would it haunt a shrine to local spirits, rather than a temple or a tomb? I grip the scabbard of my sword with my left hand, its handle with my right. The Sanctified Blade, Juzumaru. “Ghost, listen to me - I am here to help you leave this place. Tell me what makes you linger here. I will set your soul at ease.”
“Dear… it’s you, it must be you! It smells like you…”
I shudder as I feel a cold, deathly presence caress the back of my neck and reflexively shrug my shoulders, drawing my sword and swiping behind me as I turn on my feet. Only air - no contact, even half-contact, with anything. The presence subsides, but the ghost is still here.
“Please don’t be afraid, dear! I’ve missed you so much! I’m so glad, we can finally be together again…”
This is not an ordinary ghost. Simply being near her and hearing her speak feels like something is tugging at my sanity - who is this strangely familiar woman?
I gasp. “Wh-who are you? Why do you haunt this place?”
Her thin voice sounds horribly sad - “Dear, it’s me, don’t you recognize me? I can’t believe you’d forget me…”
How could I forget her? No, who is she? I can’t even see her, let alone recognize her. “I’m sorry I’ve forgotten, it’s been so long!” I respond without thinking… but so long since what?
“It’s been too long, dear, I understand…”
I feel her presence on my back again, now growing strangely familiar. An almost lifelike warmth. Almost. She’s only a ghost - I don’t know her! I struggle to keep my grip on Juzumaru’s hilt with both hands, but it feels less and less real - while her touch, fingertips running across my shoulders and down my arms, only feels more real. I close my eyes and inhale sharply through my teeth. I know I’m hallucinating, but it feels like her breath is brushing past my neck.
“It’s me, your little Miss Ko… or Koshu Orenji, if you must.”
I tremble, heaving a deep sigh as her fingertips massage my back, setting me at ease. I’ve been wandering so long, with so little company - maybe I can rest, at least for a moment. “Miss Ko?” I manage to mutter. My blade clatters on the floor - I barely feel it slip through my hands. My body feels like it’s going limp as I cock my head to the side, as if to rest it against Ko’s shoulder.
Orenji. The same name as the lord who approved my mission. Isn’t Koshu Orenji…
I shake my head, opening my eyes. “Aren’t you the wife of Lord Budō Ore-”
“DO NOT SPEAK THAT LOATHSOME NAME! URK-!”
Ko gasps awkwardly as I regain my senses, her voice sounding agonizingly hoarse. She said I smell like her - who? Ko’s presence recedes and I hear a desperate weeping, ascending like a siren into a roaring yet pained scream. I seize the opportunity and dive to retrieve Juzumaru, tumbling as I turn just in time to deflect a wave of ghastly energy, cutting through it with the sanctified blade’s power.
“HOW COULD YOU!? WHY WOULD YOU MAKE ME THINK OF HIM!? AAAAH-GHHK!!!!”
Her pained wailing causes a nearby pillar to crack, deforming the wall, before her voice dissolves into a bloody croak. Bits of dust and wood fall from the ceiling as I struggle to compose myself. I hold Juzumaru at my side, focusing - I can finally see Ko’s ghost floating above me, a pale apparition barely visible in the similarly pale morning light. Her body hangs stiff in the air, her wide-eyed visage wracked with confusion, fear and agony. She twitches as her arms dangle in front of her, and in the opening of her robe I can see her entire neck and upper chest is discoloured, as if horribly bruised. She grimaces, cradling her throat, and starts moaning through intermittent sobs.
I’m confident that I could defeat her… Juzumaru could bind her soul, but I don’t know what to do from there. I straighten my face. “Lady Ko, listen to me! I’m not who you’re looking for, but I’m here to help you!” A vengeful spirit can wreak havoc if mistreated. I reach into my shirt with my left hand and reveal a paper talisman, holding it in front of me between two fingers. “Lady Ko, I am Mio Sakuraba, a Teido priestess. I’ve been sent here to put your soul at rest.”
Informing the deceased that they are no longer alive is never easy.
“At rest…? Who sent you? It was him, wasn’t it?” She speaks in a restrained whisper, like before.
I breathe, hesitating. “I don’t want to fight you, Lady Ko, but you can’t stay here.” I set my talisman aloft on the wind, whispering a prayer - “Spirits, I bid you - ease this tortured woman’s soul!” - before the talisman dissolves into the air and emits a pulse of energy through the shrine. Sure enough, the charm takes effect, and Ko’s spectral body begins to relax.
“It was, then. it was Budō who sent you… even in death, I can’t escape him.” Ko sorrowfully sinks from aloft before resting the palms of her hands on the floor, her head hung in shame. I pace slowly toward her, her teardrops momentarily darkening the floorboards before quickly fading from reality. “Is this my fate? I died so disgracefully. Those men I killed, I thought they were him! And you, I thought you were…”
I kneel down beside Lady Ko, who looks back up at me, still distraught as tears run down her cheeks. “Who was she?”
For the first time, something like a smile crosses her face, though she bites her lip in sadness. “Chika Yabura, one of the maidens of this shrine. She was all I had, though I know it’s silly to think anything could have come of our love. Still, I’m sorry for what I did, leaving her so alone! I came here because I wanted to see her again, but she just screamed and ran away…”
I watch Ko closely as I kneel. She looks back at me with weariness in her ghostly eyes, but composes herself. “I was so afraid of what he’d do if he found out. I used to come to Higa to escape him, but he monitored me more and more closely. He made it a ritual to come here. It wasn’t enough that I was married to him against my will, a widower with a lecherous and vindictive son not ten years younger than me that he expected me to care for, he had to control every part of my life! I hate him! I know he sent you here, but please understand…” Her voice, though faint, reverberates through the shrine. She looks at me hesitantly. “...You must think I’m awful.”
I shake my head and smile faintly in consolation - an expression she returns.
“I was a coward. It was impossible to keep anything from him, so I ended my life with a tea brewed with a poisonous local berry. If I waited longer, I was afraid what he would do to Chika if he found out. My throat still feels like it’s on fire. Raising my voice is unbearably painful. I’m sorry for the suffering I’ve caused, I just want this to end! But I can’t stop thinking about her… and him.” She grimaces in anger.
...To set a vengeful spirit to rest they must either forgive the subject of their vengeance or achieve that vengeance. A binding ritual can keep a spirit at bay in a charm or another object, but nothing is foolproof - now or in a thousand years, the spirit will escape. A ghost banished forcibly to the realm of the dead can have unpredictable effects, sometimes returning to the realm of the living more dangerous and confused than before, and neither binding nor banishment will remove the curse of a vengeful spirit. I emerge from my concentration, looking Ko directly in the eyes. “Miss Ko.”
She breathes deeply, or emulates it, as she looks back at me.
“It is my duty to ensure that you do not suffer anymore. Not for Lord Orenji, but for the good and dignity of the people of Higa, including Lady Yabura, and yours as well.” I stand and brandish Juzumaru. “Trust that with this spirit-binding blade, I will put an end to the torture you have endured.”
Ko blinks, then sniffs faintly. “I trust you, Priestess Sakuraba. Whatever you determine to be my fate, I accept it.” She bears her chest, resting her arms at her side.
I nod, then plunge Juzumaru into Ko’s heart, sinking it up to the hilt. She sways quietly as rays of spectral light emanate from my blade, her apparition growing faint. “Is there a better life than this, waiting for us?”
I close my eyes and sigh. “I don’t know, but no longer will you suffer here.” Ko’s ethereal form flickers as she leans against the hilt of my blade, casting her dying light. She reaches out to stroke my cheek, and I feel her touch fading away.
“You really do remind me of her, Mio…” Though increasingly faint, I can see the outline of a smile on her face. “Maybe in a different world, we could have been friends.”
As her ghost fades from existence, Ko’s spirit is fully bound to Juzumaru. I press my hand lightly against my cheek - her warm touch lingers, like she’s still here with me.
I close my eyes… how strangely comforting.
-
A warm evening bath. Balmy steam, like dew, recalls visions from years past.
It’s been years since I’ve let myself rest; my travels are unrelenting. I enjoyed my afternoon in Higa. In the absence of their lord, the villagers here are energetic and proud of their work, and I much preferred casual bar conversation with them to Lord Orenji’s pompousness. Especially the women - proud of their culinary art as well as their agrarian vitality, the women of Higa have seemingly boundless energy. Mitsuki, Satsuki and Natsuki, a group of three friends who work at a local bar took it upon themselves to positively stuff me with dumplings. I cradle my stomach as I arise from the bath, water trickling down my legs. I fear I may have cramps, but I’m certainly satisfied!
As I dry my hair, preparing for my final meeting with Lord Orenji, I recall Mitsuki’s flushed grin - she was rather a doll. Were I of such a mind, Higa wouldn’t be an awful place to stay a while. It’s quiet, yet the villagers are friendly and engaging and I don’t think I would get bored.
I sigh... No, I have a responsibility to continue my travels, and if I’m to fulfill my promise to Lady Ko, it would be unwise to remain here. Perhaps Mitsuki will wait for me.
Donning the purple yukata provided by the bathhouse, I recognize a wrapped, cylindrical package sitting on a small table nearby. A gift for Lord Orenji; I wouldn’t want to be a bad guest, after all, and it suits him very well. Along with it, a wooden charm of a turtle, carved by a local sculptor named Kuromaru; Mitsuki’s friend Satsuki gave it to me as we bantered over drinks. And this glass bead, given to me by a nervous child named Ranko - she told me it fell off an old piece of jewelry, and its spirit was looking for a new home. Trinkets to remember Higa by - already, they bring me joy. I gather my things before I leave the bath.
I greet the keeper of the lodge and am informed that Lord Orenji has not yet arrived - good, some more time to prepare. She agrees to let me know when the lord appears, and I thank her before proceeding back to my room down the hall, a ryokan-style accommodation with a low table and a futon bed. Ensuring that everything is in order, I prepare some tea in a heavy iron kettle, then set out to meet with Lord Orenji.
Sure enough, just as I arrive at the reception, the peacoated Lord Orenji and two of his guards walk through the doorway of the lodge. I bow, a gesture he returns. “Miss Exorcist.”
I chuckle. “Please, Miss Sakuraba will be fine.” I would prefer he simply call me Mio, but I can’t imagine he’d be receptive to such informality.
Lord Orenji clears his throat. “Miss Sakuraba. I beg you forgive my tardiness, my eldest son was wounded in a duel with some vagrant charlatan this afternoon and I had to see that he was properly cared for.”
I narrow my eyes. “Your son?”
The lord looks agitated. “Indeed. I saw that he was trained in swordsmanship since childhood, an absolutely stalwart warrior. Over his twenty-two years, he’s been tested in hundreds of contests, never to lose even once until this disgraceful nobody exploited a loophole in the rules to bring a concealed firearm to a sword fight!” He grunts. “Humiliating. While the terms of the duel must be honoured, I have ordered that this man be exiled from the town tomorrow. He’s lucky I don’t banish him from all of Omi. Maybe I should! I could, if I wanted to!”
The lord lacks his previous composure; he must be very displeased. “I see.”
Lord Orenji grits his teeth. “Ah, I’m sorry to suffer a priestess my poor temper. I have brought your reward, but I was hoping you might spare a moment to discuss some things.”
I smile and bow my head. “Certainly, Lord Orenji. I have prepared some tea for you.”
He grins - “Fantastic. You’re a considerate girl, indeed.” - and follows close behind me as I walk down the hall to my room. I try not to let him hear me chuckle - a considerate girl, am I?
I slide the door to my room open and invite him inside. “Before we begin, Lord Orenji, I have something for you.” I retrieve my wrapped gift from the table and present it to him.
“Ah, what’s this?” Lord Orenji looks at the gift quizzically as he takes off his overcoat. He wears a clean white shirt and pinstripe vest underneath - more Thallian fashion.
“A gift for you, Lord Orenji. As appreciation for your hospitality.” I bow.
He furrows his brow. “You have paid us back more than enough by cleansing our shrine. I cannot.”
I hold out the gift insistently. “Please, Lord Orenji. I insist on repaying hospitality on its own terms, and I want to leave you something significant. It would honour me if you accepted this gift.”
Lord Orenji hums contemplatively as he places his folded coat in the corner of the room. “Well. I graciously accept your gift, Miss Sakuraba. You are most considerate indeed.”
I hide my smirk as Lord Orenji makes a show of accepting my gift, setting it down, untying the string, and neatly unfolding the paper around a floral-painted ceramic teacup. He eyes it closely. “Oh, my. What fascinating patterns! Where is this from?”
“Thallian ceramic, Lord Orenji, from out west. A merchant gave it to me during my travels in the Kasuga region north of here. It’s in the Chailian style.” The merchant admitted it was a cheap knock-off made in Ambrose, another kingdom of Thalos, that he picked up when exchanging wares. To me, that’s part of the charm.
“Chaile. Of course. A Thallian kingdom known for great cultural works. Ah, this craftsmanship.” He affects an air of inept sophistication.
“Yes, fantastic, isn’t it?” I smile. It’s true - I love cheap, gimmicky knickknacks. “I have blessed it with the spirits’ favour. Drinking from it will bestow a wondrous fate on you and bring good fortune to your citizens.”
Also true. I am occasionally selective with the truth, but I do not lie.
Lord Orenji finally pries his eyes from the mug - perhaps he wonders what the artist was feeling with each stroke of acrylic paint - to make eye contact with me. “I am fond of Thallian culture. Thank you, Miss Sakuraba, I will treasure this. You do make the rounds - but that brings me to my question.”
“First, tea.” I interrupt him. “May I take your mug?”
He hesitates and stutters - “D… ah, yes.” - before handing me his new mug.
I fetch my tea kettle and perform the deftest imitation of a tea ceremony I can recall on the spot. I vaguely recall how to mix thin matcha with a whisk… I doubt Lord Orenji can discern my ineptitude. Indeed, in his effort to feign a cultured admiration for my lackluster performance, he has neglected to feign any semblance of standards. “Most impressive, Miss Sakuraba.”
I complete my sloppy performance, setting down our mismatched teacups, and kneel across from the lord at the table. I… don’t believe I cleaned the whisk properly, but I don’t let it trouble me long. “Now, Lord Orenji. I believe you had something to discuss.”
Orenji nods as he wafts his cup. “Splendid work, Miss Sakuraba.” I wait as he grunts and shifts his weight around a bit. “Yes. I’m wondering… your lifestyle, it involves a great deal of travel, does it not?” I take the opportunity to sip my tea as he speaks, so as to set an example.
I nod. “Yes, Lord Orenji. This tea is quite splendid.”
“Indeed.” he nods, though he hasn’t yet drank any. “Does it ever get tiresome?”
“My travels?” I sigh. “Sometimes, I suppose. But I do important work, and I don’t like being tied down. It’s a lifestyle that suits me.”
He leans forward. “But don’t you ever get lonely? You’re such a remarkable woman, strong in mind and body, why don’t you find a good lord to work for? You could fight for the legions of Omi, truly make a difference in the world.” I take another sip of tea, my eyes closed as Lord Orenji leans over the table between us. “Or better yet, haven’t you done enough already? You can’t be young forever, one day you will have to settle down, and…”
“Lord Orenji.” I interrupt. “Where are you going with this?”
Lord Orenji sighs. “I need to speak of something that is troubling me.”
“Do tell.” I look at his mug, as full as when I poured it. I fight off a twinge of anxiety.
Lord Orenji clears his throat. “Just last week, my wife’s body was found at the base of Turtle Hill. She was found just before the priests were killed at the shrine. We don’t know what happened, but she was found with bruises all along her neck, as if some bandit had strangled her - I believe it was the ghost, as the priests’ bodies bore similar marks. Our son Ume still doesn’t know his mother’s dead, and now he’s been disgraced in front of the whole village! It’s going to be so hard for him.” He looks me in the eyes. “Please don’t tell anyone that my wife has died. Especially not here - she was always more popular than me here in Higa, it could spell the end of our noble lineage! But maybe, if you could take her place as a model citizen of Omi, a popular exorcist and warrior woman, an inspiration to your son Ume through your marriage…”
“...Lord Orenji.” I squint, trying to keep a straight face.
He stares at me, his curled fingers grasping at the air. “Think about what an opportunity this could be for you! You are worthy of great things, Miss Sakuraba! Let me show you!”
Is that all she was to him? His playing piece for political gain? And now he wants me, a stranger he momentarily fancies, to take her place!? Besides… “I’m sorry for your loss, Lord Orenji, and I pray for the good fortune of Miss Koshu as she passes on. But if I’m not mistaken, she was your second wife, married eight years ago at age twenty-five. I know there are many ways to love, Lord Orenji, but you are twice my age, and you don’t even know me!”
Lord Orenji sits awkwardly. “You have a remarkable memory, Priestess. Koshu. Hmph.”
“Your son is almost as old as I am, Lord! What kind of life are you trying to live?”
Lord Orenji heaves a deep breath, his eyes closed - but can’t muster a word.
“I’m sorry. Please, drink your tea.” I close my eyes, hiding my anger.
“My apologies, Miss Sakuraba.” He takes a sip - at last. I heave a sigh of relief.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“May fortune guide you to a better future, Lord Orenji.” I manage to smile, knowing my mission is almost complete, but it’s hard to feel happy. He drove Miss Ko to suicide and only considers how it affects his reputation and his son, who…
My cheek twitches as I look at Lord Orenji once again. “You say your son Ume has hundreds of victories.”
At this, the lord puffs himself up, reinvigorated. “Yes. Undefeated in all but one dishonourable case, as you know.”
I furrow my brow. “How does one find himself in hundreds of duels?”
He crosses his arms proudly. “Ah, well naturally most of them are in training settings, but it’s not uncommon that some uppity fool finds himself in a duel with Ume. Even here in Higa, some few have tried to best Ume in a duel, only to find themselves bleeding for it later.”
I finish my tea as he speaks. “Higa is a rather peaceful town, to my mind.” I avoid eye contact, but see him nod out of the corner of my eye.
“Yes, but everywhere has its charlatans who act out. Ume is the heritor to my legacy - some people don’t understand what that means, and need to be taught.” I glare at him, and he glares back, smirking. “Lordship is a heavy duty. It demands respect. To betray that respect is treachery.”
I blink. “Finish your tea, Lord Orenji. The spirits are displeased when food and drink is wasted.” You don’t need to upset them more than you already have.
He nods. Agonizingly long minutes go by, the sanctimonious bully sipping his tea while I sit in silence. Finally, he places his empty cup on the table and addresses me: “Should I know better than to think the Priestess might be judging me?”
I can no longer pretend to smile at him - only a neutral glare. “It is not my place to judge you, Lord Orenji. That is the business of gods and spirits.”
He places his cup on the table and stands up slowly. “Then that, as they say, is that. Indeed, only the gods may judge me.” He retrieves his coat from the corner of the room. “Keep your damned gift. For all I know you’ve put a curse on it, you vagrant witch.”
I purse my lips and glare at him angrily as he makes a show of leaving, but say nothing.
He flicks his hand at me. “You’ll leave Higa in the morning tomorrow. I don’t want to deal with the problems of escorting you out. Don’t make things difficult.”
I stand up, taking his teacup as well as mine with me in the process. “That won’t be necessary. The next you wake up we will be worlds apart.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “I hope that means you’ll have left, you gibbering shrew. Your payment is with the receptionist. Good fortune to you, Priestess.” he snarls.
Budō Orenji, lord of the Omi Region of Mizuho, stomps out the door of my guestroom and slides it closed with a clatter. I barely knew him, yet still I knew him better than I’d ever have cared to. From here, his fate lies with the spirits.
I clean the teacups in the sink, then look closely at the faux-Chailian ceramic cup he rejected. He drank from it, so ultimately it’s of no concern whether he keeps it. But it occurs to me now, there’s someone else who will appreciate it more.
-
Midsummer; new moon, stars dazzle the cloudless sky. Our fates come to pass.
I knock on the door. I know it’s getting late, but with any luck, he’s still awake - sure enough, I hear footsteps approaching the door, and encounter the light brown-haired young man whose concern about his sister was shut up by Lord Orenji during the village gathering. “Who’s… oh my god, the lady exorcist!” He opens the door.
“Hello, I take it this is the Yabura household?”
He nods, wide-eyed as he stands in the doorway, then frantically mutters under his breath, “Is something the matter? Do you need to come in? Please keep your voice down, I need to let her rest, and…”
“Please, calm down! I’m sorry for coming so late, but there’s something I need to give you.” This poor man - I make eye contact, trying to calm his anxiety.” What’s your name?”
He trembles. “I-I, I’m Yabu… I’m Shiki Yabura. My sister’s the one who…”
“Your sister’s the shrine maiden.” I nod. He nods back, stiffly.
“I’m sorry for being like this, I’ve hardly been able to sleep over the past week. She started screaming awful things at other women whenever she saw them, acting absolutely mad while yelling and spitting at men. What’s worse… she doesn’t seem to be getting any better since your exorcism this afternoon. I’m starting to worry that she might be gone forever…” He clutches his head and moans, then covers his face before staggering back inside.
“Shiki! I have something that I believe will cure your sister.”
Shiki staggers back to the doorway. “Ohhh, I was hoping you would say something like that! What is it? Please, what is it, what is it I’ll do anything!”
“Shiki, please - calm, breathe. If you do not follow my instructions carefully, the results could be catastrophic.”
Shiki gasps, then stands straight, breathing in and out, his hand clutching his heart, then tries to gain composure. “Okay. Lady exorcist, what must I do?”
I smile. “First, you may call me Mio. I’m really not much for formality!”
Shiki nods exaggeratedly; a rigid, militaristic gesture. “Yes, Lady Mio!”
I sigh - it will do. “First, you must promise that everything that happens tonight stays between you, Chika, the spirits and myself; and you will respect her wishes after she recovers. Especially as it concerns the people she loves.”
Shiki nods again. “Um… yes, Lady Mio! Wait, how do you know my sister’s na-?”
I cut him off. In my hand, I carry the cheap teacup the good Lord Orenji rejected earlier. “Take this teacup, and brew a pot of tea. Be careful not to drop it. When the tea is ready,serve it in this cup and place it in the doorway of Chika’s bedroom. Be careful not to spill.”
Shiki nods insistently, nervously.
“You don’t need to approach her, just leave it where she would be able to see if she were sitting up on her bed. Then, go to sleep; it’s time you rested soundly for a change. Trust that if you hear further screaming it will not last long, but you must not disturb her for the entire night after you have left the tea for her. If you follow all these instructions correctly, in the morning, your sister will return to her senses.”
“No late-night trips to the bathroom! Y-Yes, Lady Mio!” Shiki says, fidgeting.
“Just Mio is fine.”
“Mio! I’ll… I’ll put on a pot of tea!”
“Excellent.”
He thanks me as I give him the cup, and I thank him in return before walking back to the lodge. The rest is in your hands, Shiki Yabura. I pray you keep them steady.
Lady Ko, I wish you my final blessings on this night. Rest well, beloved spirit.
-
A quiet sunrise, the yawning town awakens. Early, I wander.
My rest was short but sweet, held up by meandering thoughts. Through my meditation, I can determine that Lady Ko’s spirit no longer lingers on the mortal plane. To set a vengeful spirit to rest they must either forgive the subject of their vengeance or achieve that vengeance. Whatever means I might have used to beg Lady Ko to forgive her accursed husband would have been dishonest, to my mind. It isn’t my business what she did to take her revenge on lord Budō after he drank from the teacup to which her spirit had been bound - I am simply relieved that she has been able to move on to another life.
Yet it wasn’t just vengeance that tethered Lady Ko to the realm of the living, but unfulfilled love - which haunted the mind of her mortal loved one as well, driving her into uncontrolled fits of lust and violence.
I knock on the door of the Yabura household and quickly hear footsteps getting closer. “Lady Ex- I mean Mio!” Shiki slams the door open, wearing a brilliant grin. “You did it, it worked!”
I smile. “I’m glad to hear that. Is Chika awake?”
Shiki nods, his eyes filling with tears. “Yes, yes, she’s still in bed, disoriented, but she’s definitely back to her senses. Thank you so much!”
Perhaps Lady Ko’s vengeance would cause her curse on Chika Yabura to subside as she left the world of the living, or perhaps she would have found her way to her love on her own after her vengeance was complete - but in the end, giving Chika the teacup I had intended for Lord Busou Orenji ensured that Lady Ko was able to set her soul at ease, and Chika had her final moment of closure with her departed lover.
I step forward. “I’d like to be able to speak with her before I depart from Higa, but I don’t have much time. May I see her?”
“Uh, of course! But why do you have to leave so soon?”
I proceed into the household as Shiki guides me. “I’d like to make some headway before the day gets too hot, at least make it to the village of Shōwa to the west - several hours’ walk.”
“That’s sad…” Shiki sounds forlorn.
I chuckle. “I don’t doubt I’ll come back here one day, Shiki. Just… now’s a bad time.”
I look through the open door to Chika’s room and see her sitting upright in her futon. While Shiki is somewhat younger than me, Chika seems to have four or five years on him - closer to my age. Her hair is light brown, similar to Shiki’s but much longer. While she’s rather sickly at the moment, still recovering from her days of stress and poor nutrition, her deep brown eyes portray an acute sense of awareness as her bewildered gaze turns to a smile. “Mio?”
I smile back. “Hello, Chika. I suppose someone told you my name.”
I hear Shiki mutter “I mean, I didn’t…” in confusion as I proceed into Chika’s room.
Chika looks at her brother and smiles. “I’m sorry Shiki, would it be okay if…”
I kneel next to Chika as Shiki replies, “Oh, yeah! Of course. Sorry, I’ll just… maybe I’ll get breakfast going or something.” He idly walks out of view. “Peace.”
Chika and I smile at each other momentarily, but not even a second goes by before she bites her lips and her sorrowful eyes fill up with tears - she throws her arms around my neck, sobbing uncontrollably. I hold her as she buries her head against my shoulder.
“I’m so sorry, Chika.” I say, rubbing her back.
“Thank you, Mio. Thank you so much.”
Some time passes in silence as I comfort her, before we finally look each other in the eyes again. “Did she come to you?” I ask.
Chika nods, sniffling. “Yes. Miss Ko was the first face I saw as I came to, the taste of tea still lingering in my mouth. My heart was pounding, I had no idea how I got here, but when I saw her again, I finally felt calm. She said she was sorry for leaving me, that she couldn’t speak in more than a whisper because of what the poison had done to her throat, even in death.” Chika’s eyes hang solemnly. “She wanted to protect me. If her husband found out, I’d be lucky not to be put to death.”
She smiles and looks out her window. “But that’s not what matters. We had hours to spend together, watching the stars - just the two of us alone, with no fear of others finding out. We laughed and told jokes, just like we did before. For a moment, it was like she’d never died.”
Her deep sigh is just audible over the cicadas. “Every once in a while I’d remember how little time we had left and begin to cry, and she would console me. Each time I felt less and less sad, but it feels like I’ll never be done mourning her.” She turns to look at me. “I don’t know what will happen when I die, but she told me I’d see her again. Is that true, fellow Priestess?”
I sigh and look away. Mortals and spirits alike have turned to me for wisdom about what lies beyond, but it’s a question fraught with ambiguities. My duty is to let the dead pass on to a realm about which I know little. Sometimes I hear that those in the spirit realm simply wander forever, like I do now. Others attest to a “Pure Land” of eternal peace and happiness. I have heard the Thallian gods record the deeds of the individuals who have died and lay them to eternal repose in their care, or immortalize them in elaborate stories of incredible men. I simply ensure that ghosts do not linger torturously in the realm of the living, and to keep them from hurting others. Other spirits like tengu, kappa and oni are their own matter, but ensuring harmony with all of them is my duty.
“I don’t know for certain, Chika.” But I turn back to her - perhaps I can give her some semblance of hope. “On some days, when the boundary between the realm of the living and the dead is weak, it’s not unheard of for people who were important to each other in life to see each other again. Perhaps… if your bond was strong, you may see her on some nights as you attend to your shrine.” I know this very well.
Chika smiles, a tear running down her cheek, then stifles a laugh - or perhaps a sob. “Thank you, Mio. I hope you’re right.” She hesitates. “As the sun began to rise, she said she had to leave me. I tried to cling to her as long as possible but she slipped through my arms. I felt helpless, watching through the window as she departed this world, waving her goodbye. It wasn’t long until I couldn’t see her anymore.” Her cheek trembles. “Still, I’m glad she was able to finally move on. Thank you again, Mio. I truly owe you my life.”
I’m surprised as Chika places her hand on mine, and I lock my fingers with hers. It’s comforting, at least for the moment, and we smile at each other faintly. “It’s my duty, Miss Yabura. Truly, you owe me nothing.” I straighten my face. “But speaking of my duty, I must be going soon. The cicadas’ song suggests this will be a particularly hot day, and I need to make it to my next destination before it becomes unbearable.”
Chika blinks. “You need to go? I had hoped we could get to know each other…”
I nod. “We will get the opportunity, Chika. Whether in a few months or a few years, I’m sure I will return to Higa one day. This was not my most difficult mission, but it was certainly one of the most complex - I’ll not forget this place soon.”
“Then, let me ask one more question, before you go.” Chika looks away from me, considering her next words. “Miss Ko’s last words, she told me not to let our love keep me from being happy in the future. I think I understand, but I feel it’s impossible that I could ever feel for anyone how I did for her, especially here in a small town like Higa. I… I don’t want to feel that way for anyone else. We were too close; I feel like I would betray her.”
I smile and momentarily tighten my grip on Chika’s hand. “Miss Ko wanted you to be happy, Chika. She would be overjoyed to see you love again, I’m sure of it.”
Chika sighs. “I know, but it’s difficult. We didn’t have long together, but it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. And sometimes I still…”
Chika goes silent as she frowns at me. “You understand, right? Sometimes I feel horrendous about my own love - it’s even worse to think it caused her death! Even though she’s told me again and again, that…”
Suddenly, she’s on the verge of tears. I place my palms on her shoulders, but she rests her head against my chest in response, whimpering, trying not to cry. I hope not to ruminate on this long, but: “I do understand.” I whisper, massaging her back. “It’s sickening to feel like your love is shameful, like your passions are monstrosities.” If I think too hard about it I’ll gag. “But even now, what you had with Lady Ko was beautiful, Chika. It still is.”
She sniffs as she raises her head from my chest, looking forlorn. “I feel like I could never share that with anyone, ever again. I don’t feel like I deserve it.”
I feel a lump in my chest as I look away. “I’m so sorry, I must be going, Chika. But…”
She looks back at me expectantly as I lean away, and I hold her hand again, smiling. “You might be surprised to hear there are many women who’d find you very deserving.”
Chika’s eyes widen and she looks away in surprise. “Oh. Um.”
I feel my heart leap - this isn’t the right time, so short after she lost her love. I compose myself. “I… can’t imagine it’s easy for you to move on, but both Miss Ko and a certain traveling exorcist want you to be happy. And the spirits know you are deserving.”
“Mm.” Chika smiles faintly as she looks out her window, then back at me. “I just don’t know what to do. I shudder to think what people would say.” She cringes.
I shake my head. “Spend more time in town, Shrine Maiden. There is a woman who works at the bar near your house, her name is Mitsuki. She takes great pride in her dumplings, and when she smiles, her flush is as warm as the sun. You might do well to drop in on her - tell her Mio sends good fortune, and I regret that I couldn’t see her again before I left.”
Chika looks bewildered, blinking as she blushes. “Er… okay, I should have some time. Perhaps I can check in before I return to my duties at the shrine.”
I nod. “I must be going, but I promise you that I will return to Higa before the end of the year - you can introduce me to the local spirits when we see each other next.”
She nods, stifling a faint giggle. “I would love to see you again, Mio.”
I feel a slight tingle in my face as I smile. “Were it not for my duty, I’d stay longer, but…” I lightly grasp her fingers between my thumb and index finger, taking up her hand.
“Uhhh…!” she blushes.
“Is this okay?” I look into her eyes. She hesitates as she looks back…
Chika hesitates, then nods sheepishly. Then more enthusiastically.
I kiss the back of her hand as she blushes, turning away to hide her face with her sleeve.
“Breakfast’s ready!” I hear from around the corner of the room before Shiki slides into view in the frame of the still-open door. “Lady Mio, I packed you breakfast and I insist you take it with you! I know you like keeping mementos, so you can keep the box! It’s fine! And Chika, you gotta eat, okay?”
Chika and I stare at Shiki, bewildered, before we notice we’re still holding hands - two inches from my face. We struggle to hide our hands behind our backs. “That sounds great!” Chika finally says.
Shiki looks baffled for a moment. “Oh man, sorry. Didn’t realize you were, uh. You two just, keep being cute. Just come out when you’re ready.”
Shiki shuffles away awkwardly, and I turn to look at Chika again with a momentarily embarrassed grin. “I really should be going!” I say, standing up.
Chika closes her eyes and nods. “I look forward to seeing you again, Priestess Mio.” She looks up at me as I look back - I exhale sharply through my nose, stifling a short laugh - she grins in response, then perks up. “Oh! Do you want your teacup back? It’s… a rather odd piece, such garish colours.”
I can’t help chuckling. “Hahaha; it’s awful, isn’t it? It’s why I love it!” I smirk at our artifact of Thallian culture. “No, I want you to keep it. It’s… an item from Thalos, to be brief, but I have a soft spot for tasteless kitsch.”
Chika looks baffled, squinting as she side-eyes the cup. “If... you say so, Priestess Mio. I don’t understand, but I’ll cherish it as something to remember you by.”
“Don’t think too hard about it, fellow Priestess.” I look back at her, sighing deeply as I feel a cold lump in my chest. I have a duty. “Truly, fellow Priestess - I wish I could stay. Good fortune to you, Chika Yabura.”
Chika nods with a forlorn, fading smile. “To you as well, Mio Sakuraba.”
Chika watches as I drift away from her, coming to pause at the entrance to the room. With a final wave farewell, I start my next journey - the image of her struggling to keep smiling as she bites her lip, holding back tears still in my head.
I wish you the sweetest fate, Chika Yabura. You will be in my heart.
-
Pollen in the air portends rising temperatures. Tempers rise as well.
“Lord Orenji requested I leave early, so I’m here to collect my things;” a selective truth I told the warehouse keeper. It would have been tedious, not to mention it would attract undue attention, to carry them in Higa. My habit of collecting old trinkets leaves me weighed down with odd knick-knacks, to say nothing of my multitude of magical tools. On my back, the most distinctive of these tools: Izumi-no-Hyōtan, a four-foot-tall magical drinking gourd that I collected during a mission in the land of giants. For most, such a huge gourd filled with water would be difficult to carry, but the favour of the spirit living inside makes it almost as light as air for me.
Adorned with several charms and talismans, I set out past the gates of Higa. I enjoy the silence of the fields as I walk, but not so much as a minute goes by before I hear a man’s voice from behind my back: “Not so fast, you treacherous asshole!”
I turn, preparing my blade… but calm myself. None of my concern: A pale young man with long black hair and a white robe over a dark blue hakama confrontationally - and furiously - approaches a man who looks to be in his thirties who wears a rather ostentatious purple hakama - embroidered with subtle floral accents, it seems more like a fashion statement than the garb of a Samurai. They stand about fifty feet behind me. Just two men quarreling.
“Ume.” the man in purple responds - Ume? “Your dad wanted me out of here, so I’m leaving. I don’t do rematches, and after yesterday, you’re not in any shape for it anyway.”
“How dare you, Keishirou Sakai!” Ume Orenji sounds grievous. “How dare you even speak his name, and then mock me! You did it, didn’t you!” Keishirou. He must be the “nobody” Ume’s father mentioned last night.
I narrow my eyes. No, this does have something to do with me, after all.
“Did what, Ume? Did your dad reprimand you for breaking your precious streak?” Keishirou speaks in a mocking groan as he looks away from Ume.
Ume steps closer to Keishirou and roars in his face. “My father is missing, you coward! Don’t talk to me like you don’t know!”
“Then go find him. I’m leaving.” Keishirou walks down the path, toward me.
“Sakai, you wretch.” A crowd of villagers begins to gather near the village gate. “You were with that damn witch weren’t you, you both… you!” Ume notices me staring. “Aha! You are in cahoots after all. Guards!”
“Will you shove off?” Keishirou angrily turns to Ume as his guards hesitantly prepare to fight. “I don’t even know who the hell she is. Just fuck off! You lost, get over it!”
“This isn’t just about losing, Keishirou! You’ve insulted my family name and now you mock them!”
“Sir Orenji!” a guard from the town approaches Ume, darting past the crowd. “I… I have received dire news.”
Ume angrily turns to look at the guard. “Well, speak!”
The guard nods. “Lord, your father was found by a priest near the shrine on Turtle Hill. He… appears to have passed away, with the same deep purple markings on his throat as your mother a week ago.”
Ume widens his eyes in shock. “He… wait, my mother!?”
“I apologize, sir, your father didn’t know how to tell you, but just last week your mother was found dead near the shrine. We thought it was suffocation, but the priesthood has informed us that the markings left on their throat are from a poisonous berry that grows near the shrine. The same fate befell the two priests.”
“Then, the ghost…” Ume appears distraught.
The guard shakes his head. “None in the priesthood have seen the ghost since the exorcist visited the shrine. It appears, somehow, your father may have been the last victim.”
Ume Orenji stands aghast, and I hear murmuring from the crowd. “No… you! This is witchcraft!” He points at me, growling. “You cursed him! You lowlife bitch.”
I squint and turn away. What am I supposed to say? He’s not even wrong - it’s time I left.
“Lord Orenji!” I hear a woman’s voice behind me, and look back again. A shrine maiden - I recognize her, the younger of the women who lost their husbands. “That ‘witch’ exorcised our shrine, allowing us to re-establish contact with the spirits. What right do you have to accuse her of anything? What have you ever done for us other than throw your weight around and hurt us, your own citizens!?”
Ume sneers. “Ksh. What right do you have to have to speak to your lord like this?”
“What right do you have to act like you’re above us, Ume Orenji?” A gruff man shouts from the crowd. “The only reason we ever put up with it was because your father threatened us!”
“I…” Ume hesitates.
“You never even listen to us, you just force us to work for you!” A young man’s voice - I recognize it as Shiki Yabura, uncharacteristically assertive. “We don’t need you! You hurt us and treat us like dirt! We were doing better before you showed up, when it was just your mother, Koshu! Before she got married to-!”
“How dare you speak her name!” Ume shouts back.
“You never even cared about her!” Shiki responds.
Ume grunts in confusion as the crowd jeers at him, louder and louder, in condemnation.
Keishirou speaks up as he talks over his shoulder at Ume in his gravelly baritone. “You might want to find an unassuming cave to live out the rest of your days, Ume. Your dad just left you in charge of a decaying estate, with no governing experience over and above threatening people and pushing them around. Doesn’t matter how good you are in a duel - that’s a shitty tactic when you’re alone and unpopular.”
Ume grits his teeth, biting back tears. “Shut the fuck up, Keishirou.”
Keishirou scoffs. “I’d feel bad for you, but you’ve caused even worse, far worse suffering to others and you know it. I know they don’t count as people to you, but that’s alright - I don’t feel bad for the ruling class on principle.”
“Shut the fuck up, Keishirou!” Ume turns his head in anger.
“Guess that means I can go, then. Good fortune to you or whatever. You’ll need it.”
Keishirou turns to look at me and begins walking. I turn and set down the path as well, since everything appears to be in order. “Don’t ever come back, you witch!” I hear Ume yell behind me, pathetically drowned out by the jeering of Higa’s citizens.
As I walk, the noise from the village fades… perhaps I’ll have some precious silence. Nature provides me inspiration during my travels, and between destinations I seize every opportunity to listen to the whispers of the spirits.
“It’ll probably be fine to return later.” Keishirou says, approaching me. He must be in a hurry, to catch up so fast! “In a few months’ time, he’ll probably have been assassinated or something. Almost feel sorry for the guy.”
I keep walking, silently. I close my eyes and breathe in the air, the crisp scent of rice fields permeating my nostrils - it’s a hot day. I’m glad to see a forest ahead, that will provide shade for at least part of my many hours’ walk. A few dandelion seeds float past me.
“Keishirou Sakai, by the way.”
-
Shi-sh-shi-sh-shi-sh-shi. Cicadas whisper, faintly singing as I walk. They’ll enjoy this day.
“I heard you’re some kinda exorcist?”
I hum a traveling song I learned back in Kahoku. It makes me think of far-off places.
“You had something to do with Lord Orenji’s death, didn’t you? Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”
Far-off places. The road ahead is full of far-off places. That… doesn’t make any sense.
“Exact same kind of death as his wife. Spooky. Like a ghost did it. Ooh-aah.”
Far-off places. Perhaps a tengu might summon up a wind to whisk this man away to some far-off place.
“Hmm-hmm.” Keishirou begins to whistle along ineptly with my traveling song, throwing me off completely. Fine. I stop and turn to him with an exaggerated smile.
“I’m sorry sir, do you have need of my services?”
He grins, standing quite tall, a head higher than my own stature. “Oh, not really. Just thought I’d chat is all.”
I tilt my head to the side with a wide-eyed pout. “Oh, my apologies! I have a duty to the people and spirits of this land, and it’s important that I resume my travels. Thank you for understanding - I wish you good fortune.” I turn and continue walking - perhaps he’ll take a hint.
...But he follows. “Alright, I just thought since we were going in the same direction…”
“I travel alone.” I answer bluntly.
Silence. “So, we’ll just walk along like this, not acknowledging each other.”
“I’d prefer you were farther away, in fact. You’re carrying less and have longer legs, so feel free to go on ahead.” I plod onward.
Quiet. Footsteps in the dusty road. The flutter of a swallow. The snap of a twig. The rambling of an idiot: “Where’d you get that big-ass gourd?” I turn to face him again.
“Stop asking stupid questions! I don’t want company, especially from men who go around picking frivolous fights out of a misplaced sense of justice. Go away.”
His practiced grin finally fades. “Oh. You heard about that…”
“The man who brought a gun to a swordfight; I heard it from Lord Budō Orenji himself. I’m sure it will be a fun and clever story to tell your friends, but I don’t care about such things.” I continue walking.
“He was hurting people! He was threatening the villagers, fighting old men, harassing women, so I…”
“So you decided defeating him in a duel would settle it? You’re hardly any better than him, just fighting people to get your way.” I try to think about something else. Food - the breakfast Shiki left me smelled nice. I look forward to eating it later - maybe it will tether me to something other than this stupid conversation.
“It’s the only language that kid understands. He does it all for his honour. I did it because I’m sick of letting people get stepped on by powerful men.”
I look over my shoulder. “As I say, you have a misplaced sense of justice.”
He shakes his head. “It’s not about justice. It’s about mercy. Men like him have none.”
I hesitate a little, then continue. “Whatever you call your high-minded ideals, I want no part in it. Leave me alone.” I start to pick up the pace, but…
“Says the woman who just decided whether a man should live or die.”
We simultaneously stop in our tracks. “I… I am not interested in arguing with you, Keishirou Sakai!” I turn to glare at him, my face welling up with rage - to think he’d reduce my actions to anything about that lord! “I did what I did for the people of Higa, for a woman whose husband abused her to the point of suicide, and for a girl driven mad with guilt! I couldn’t care less about Budō, whether he lives or dies!” I walk up to Keishirou. “Who did you truly help with your actions in Higa? Or were you just trying to teach that man a lesson?”
As Keishirou stands taken aback, I turn away and resume my journey. Of course, he’s not done yet. He speaks slowly as he follows. “There’s more to it than that, Priestess, but you might be right.” He sighs. “Can I at least get a name?”
I heave a sigh in response. “Mio.” Anything for him to leave me alone.
He walks beside me, looking over his shoulder. “Mio. I’m truly sorry for wasting your time, and thank you for your wisdom. I’ve spent many years in Thalos, and I came back to Mizuho to re-ground myself. This conversation has helped. You’re better than most Priests.”
What’s that supposed to mean? I narrow my eyes, but in short order he walks ahead.
“I’ll stop troubling you with my nonsense, Mio! I take my leave. Maybe we’ll see each other again, seeing as we’re both traveling west.” He salutes me with a grin as he turns his back. “Well, good fortune to you, Priestess!”
I slow to a stop as Keishirou walks off down the path, taking my earlier advice to go on ahead. “To you as well.” I mutter - though he probably didn’t hear me with his back turned. What a strange man.
I take a deep breath in, then out. A Mizuho man who has spent years in Thalos. Like me, a wanderer; but I wouldn’t care to wander so far. Thalos’ presence is felt in Mizuho enough as it is, I hardly have a mind to visit it. Still, I have to wonder what he’s seen. I wouldn’t imagine Thalos’ spirits are too unlike those that roam Mizuho. If I see him again, perhaps we will have something to talk about. But I travel alone.
The air is still. Already, the heat is beginning to feel itchy on my skin - though perhaps most due to stress from the previous encounter. I grab Izumi-no-Hyoutan by the rope holding it on my back and pull out its stopper to take a drink. Its water is sweet, crisp and refreshing, and I feel it reinvigorate my body like electricity running through my veins. With any luck there will be a natural spring in which to refill it soon; perhaps in the forest up ahead? Though the gourd is tremendous, I haven’t had a chance to refill it since I entered the Omi region. I admit, I would have difficulty traveling alone without it.
I return the gourd to my back. It’s best I don’t dawdle here. A mild breeze blows through my hair for just a moment as I resume my journey. Spirits, grant me good fortune.
Rising at my back, the sun escorts me westward. New stories begin.