InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Purifying the Jewel: The 500 Year Journey ❯ Men of Hitobito ( Chapter 3 )

 

“You got the jewel?”

Sayuri nodded, “hai,” and held out her hand.

Midoriko's hand flew to her lips, “oh, Sayuri, what have you done to yourself?”

Sayuri smiled, “I'm fine,” but winced when Midoriko grabbed hold of her burnt flesh.

“You didn't heal yourself?”

Sayuri shook her head, “I didn't feel it was appropriate.”

Midoriko looked at her strangely, “you didn't feel that your well being was appropriate?”

Sayuri nodded and sat on the floor of the cave. “I hit a child today, I don't know why. Words were said and I just lashed out and struck her, right round the face.” Sayuri shook her head, “she accused me of being a dark miko,” she sighed, “with this darkness I feel in my soul; perhaps I am.”

Midoriko sat down next to her, darkness in your soul?”

Sayuri nodded, “you know, before I came here the first time, Sesshomaru stopped me in the woods. He wanted me to leave the shrine, the army, everything, and take the position of miko of his house.”

Midoriko shook her head, “he's hurt you before, what did he do?”

Sayuri sighed, “When I was young, before my training began, I had a family, a good one, and we were happy. He took that away, when he killed them.”

She buried her face in her hands, “even now he's managed to taint me to point where I would injure an innocent. Perhaps, not everyone is meant for happiness.”

Midoriko laughed, but it was a sad sound, “you mean you?”

Sayuri looked away from her, “I don't know.”

Midoriko shook her head and pulled Sayuri close to her, “Sayuri, you deserve only the good things in this world, never believe anything differently.”

Sayuri shook her head, “I should be dead, he took them but left me alive, to suffer.”

Midoriko rocked her slowly, “you will stay here with me tonight, and tomorrow we will discuss that jewel.”

Sayuri nodded, “of course.”

They sat down and said nothing for several moments until Midoriko spoke. “Do you hate him, Sayuri?”

Sayuri shook her head, “hate clouds your soul; it has no place in my heart.”

Midoriko grabbed Sayuri's hand, and slowly healed it.

“Who told you to say that?”

Sayuri stared at her, “nani?”

Midoriko bit her lip, “all your spiritual life, you've been told to forgive those who've hurt you. But you've never been taught how.”

Sayuri nodded, “I thought that if I trained enough, and meditated long enough, the hate would expel itself from my soul on its own.”

Midoriko smiled, “if only it were that easy.” She stood and motioned for Sayuri to follow her. Sayuri complied and they left the cave, and started walking through the forest.

“Sayuri, you're soul is among the absolute purest I've ever encountered, and you are wise beyond your years, with many great philosophies, but your perception is in need of a little work.”

Sayuri smiled, “I'm not so wise, and I've no idea why people continue to call me pure, I'm no purer that any other miko.”

Midoriko smiled at her, “you are Sayuri, because you became a miko, not for revenge, nor greed, nor social status, but to purify yourself. Your family died, you did not seek bloodshed, but enlightenment. That makes you special. But no one, is completely pure, the darkness you spoke of is anger. I wonder if you've been kept from reality for so long that you've forgotten what it is.” They continued to walk, “Hitomi was always wise, but she did you an injustice, by not allowing you to experiment in the many ideals you developed throughout your life. In theory, they are amazing, but in practice, they leave much to be desired.”

They stopped by a stream, and Sayuri stared at her reflection, “have you ever been angry, Midoriko-touji?”

Midoriko laughed, “Be my friend, Sayuri, not my servant, drop the honorifics.”

Sayuri nodded, “of course, but have you?”

Midoriko nodded, “hai, I was angry just then, when I thought you were neglecting your health.”

Sayuri smiled, “arigatou, for caring.”

Midoriko grinned, “Friends care, Sayuri.”

She nodded, “hai, they do.” They both drank from the stream and returned to the cave, where Midoriko told her to start a fire. Sayuri complied, and soon there was a beautiful flame dancing before them. “Are you hungry?” Sayuri shook her head, “no, just tired.” Midoriko nodded, “you should rest then. I will keep the fire going.” Sayuri nodded, “arigatou,” she whispered. She was soon asleep.

Midoriko watched her sleep, and sighed, “I don't want to hurt you Sayuri, but,” she glanced at the jewel still clutched in the sleeping girl's hand, “I need you to do something for me.” She sat next to her and stroked her hair, `it is lovely. No wonder she doesn't cut it.' She stared into the fire, “that jewel is dangerous Sayuri, Kikyou died protecting it, but don't take everything at face value. There is always more, find out what happened there, and destroy this jewel. It's asking a lot from you, I know you're tired but you gave me your word.” Midoriko sighed, “sleep Sayuri, it will be the last time you sleep soundly for a long time.” As if to contradict her, she started to cry, and began to shake violently. “Sayuri?” she whispered alarmed, she rocked her back and forth, “rest Sayuri, please, rest.” When she didn't stop, she began to sing, just above a whisper, a song sung to young children frightened of the land of sleep.

Nen nen kororiyo okororiyo
Boyawa yoikoda nenneshina

Boyano komoriwa dokoe it ta

Anoyama koete satoe it ta

Sato no miyage ni nani morata

Denden taikoni sho no fue

Sho no fu

She quieted and was soon peacefully asleep once again. Midoriko continued to hold her, until the sun had risen and light poured into the cave, thinking about what she was about to condemn her too.

When Sayuri woke up, she found Midoriko meditating nearby. “Midoriko?” she called out softly.

Her eyes snapped into focus, “Sayuri, you're awake.”

She walked over to her, “you had a hard night, are you alright?”

Sayuri smiled, “I'm fine. I dreamt my mother was singing me a lullaby.”

Midoriko grinned, “That sounds like a nice dream.”

She pointed to the jewel in her hand, “the men arrived in the village last night, so we'll make this quick.” She took the jewel, “this jewel, is a source of great power. In the wrong hands it could destroy everything. But the jewel houses souls, and is alive. When the jewel becomes tainted, everything it touches becomes tainted as well. I want you to destroy it.”

Sayuri nodded, “I figured it was something like that.” She nodded towards the gem, “How do I do it?”

Midoriko shook her head, “you can't. I just want you to find someone who can.”

Sayuri grinned, “That's it?”

Midoriko shook her head, “I can honestly tell you, there is no one, anywhere, right now who can do it, so you'll have to wait.”

Sayuri nodded, “okay.”

Midoriko shook her head, “it could be a very long wait, longer than you will live, so,” she faltered, but then she set her jaw and continued, “So I need you to stick around, indefinitely.”

 

Sayuri blinked, “you want me to stay alive, indefinitely?”

Midoriko nodded, “hai, I wouldn't ask, if it weren't important.”

Sayuri nodded, “I know,” Sayuri looked down at her hands; “I would be honored to do you this service, Midoriko.”

Midoriko nodded, and motioned for her to come closer to her, “from the moment the jewel enters your protection; you won't age, or change, or die, no matter what. So tread with caution, it would be best if people continued to believe the jewel was destroyed with Kikyou's body.”

Sayuri shook her head, “the people of Edo saw me take it. It will not be long before word spreads.”

Midoriko nodded, “but you have no scar from the fire, and it's our word against theirs, it shouldn't take long to dispel the rumors.”

Sayuri nodded, “how will I hide the jewel?”

Midoriko pulled a dagger from the inside of her obi, “inside you, Sayuri.”

Sayuri paled but nodded, and Midoriko quickly thrust the dagger into her chest and Sayuri screamed in pain. When the hole was big enough, she stuffed the jewel inside of her, and sealed the hole with her power. Sayuri withered on the ground in pain, and Midoriko clutched her hand, “it won't last Sayuri, just until the jewel begins to bond with you.” Sayuri barely heard her as her body fought the foreign object placed within it. As soon as Midoriko spoke the words however, the pain began to subside, and she was capable of conscious thought once again. “Sumimasen, Sayuri.”

Sayuri shook her head, “nain, it is my wish to serve you, arigatou for the chance.”

Midoriko nodded, “you should go, the men will be wondering where their shoukan went.” Sayuri nodded and rose to leave the cave.

Sayuri's eyes flew open and she looked around the cave. Dark patches on the ground caught her attention. `Blood,' she realized, and looked down at her shirt. She saw blood there as well and a tear, caused by a dagger. 'but it was in my mind...how did...?' She stood and winced at the pain in her chest, but it was no where near as excruciating as it had been when Midoriko had first inserted the jewel. `It will be fine,' she decided, and hurried out of the cave, where she journeyed around the outside of the village through the forest, until she came to a group of boys practicing with wooden swords in a clearing. “Kazuki-kun” she called out softly. One of the boys's looked up sharply causing him to be the victim of a thrust from his opponent.

“Sayuri-sama?” he asked and she nodded as she came into full view.

“Kazuki-kun, I'm supposed to meet the men, but I can't, looking like this,” she motioned to her ripped shirt that was missing a sleeve and had blood smeared all over it. He nodded and motioned for her to follow him, and he led her through the forest until they saw the back door of his hut. He led her inside and knelt in front of a chest.

“These were my mother's, but they should fit you.” She nodded and took the kimono he handed her. “I'll wait outside for you,” she nodded again and studied the kimono. It was black and had silver butterflies and flowers stitched all over it. She quickly put it on, but had trouble tying the obi. “Kazuki-kun,” she called out.

He ran into the room, “is something wrong?”

She shook her head, “nain, it's just, I can't tie my obi.” He nodded, and quickly tied it for her. She turned her neck to see the bow, and grinned, “It looks lovely. How id you learn to tie them like that?”

He smiled, “I used to tie mother's obi,” he said, “When I was younger, I guess I just never forgot how.” She opened her mouth to ask about his mother, but stopped herself, and just nodded.

“Do you know which tavern the men are gathered at?”

He nodded, “I'll take you there, Sayuri-sama.” Together they walked to the edge of the village and went down a short trail to a tavern by a hot spring. “They're in there,” he said and turned to return to the village.

“Kazuki-kun,” she called, “where are you going, I'm meeting the army now. That includes you.” He grinned and together they entered the tavern.

The owner showed them to a closed dining room behind the sliding door. Her eyes widened, as she stared at the hundred men crowded into the room. They looked up at her, and Masuyo bowed lowly to her, “Shoukan-sama, you've arrived.”

She nodded, “hai, my apologies for my lateness, I had business in Edo.” She looked around again, “is this everyone?”

He shook his head, “Sayuri-sama, you've obviously never met the men, there are five hundred men in the army.” He gestured to those around him, “Here are the highest ranked.” She nodded and smiled at a few of the men, but frowned when she noticed Kazuki leaving.

“Where are you going?”

The boy shook his head, “I don't belong at this meeting; I've never even fought before.”

She shook her head, “you will stay.”

One of the men spoke up, “he's right Sayuri-sama; he doesn't belong here.”

She put a hand on his shoulder, “If anyone else wishes to challenge my authority over this army, please speak now, and fight me for leadership of the Hitobito men.”

A large man stood up, “I will, I've felt for a long time that the battlefield is no place for a woman. Midoriko-sama may have been a great fighter, but that doesn't mean you all are.”

She nodded, “then we will step outside.” She turned to the other men, “those of you who harbor doubts, should come watch.”

Masuyo shook his head `Shiro no baka,' he turned to the man next to him as they all stood in the clearing in which Sayuri had found Kazuki just moments earlier.

“Shiro's going to be awfully embarrassed when she kicks his ass.”

The man stared at him, “you really think she has a chance?”

He nodded, “you've obviously never seen her fight. She exceeds Hitomi-sama by far.” The man nodded slowly and turned to watch the battle.

“Father,” he turned to see his son standing next to him, “she will win, won't she?”

He nodded, “I believe she will my son.” They then both turned to watch the scene before them. Shiro, the one of the largest had been with the army for a very long period of time, he was a seasoned fighter, and an excellent swordsman. He hoped Sayuri wouldn't injure him too badly in her demonstration of power. He watched as they both drew their swords, he noticed that Sayuri had turned hers, so that the blade faced downwards, she had no intention to kill. Shiro however held his so that the blade gleamed in the sun, facing towards the heavens. `He will try to kill her, to put women in their place,' he thought, `but then, some women just don't fit there.' He made the first move, by running at her; she dodged and struck his exposed side. He turned to Kazuki, “if she wanted to, that blow would have been enough to finish him; she must want to give him a chance to surrender.” The boy nodded but gasped when Shiro's sword made contact with her face, grazing her cheek. She didn't bother to wipe away the trickle of blood, as they circled each other. “He's already lost,” Masuyo said knowingly, but the men around him shook their heads, they'd obviously put their faith in their colleague.

“Don't hurt her too bad Shiro; she's only a girl after all.”

Another man nodded, “She'll make a lovely wife to one our sons one day, if you don't scar her too badly.”

Masuyo shook his head again, `don't they realize this is Midoriko's successor, a skilled warriar and miko, general of our army and leader of our shrine?' Kazuki put his hand on his arm, “it's alright father, they will see.”

He nodded, “yes, of course.” A cry of pain brought his attention back to the fight where she stood over Shiro with her sword to his throat. Her kimono was bloody; he could see many gashes on her body that dripped blood onto the forest floor. Shiro's face was already bruising, and his arm was broken.

“I should kill you for your insolence, however you are strong and I need you. Will you trust me?” The men all waited for Shiro to answer and when he gave a weak nod, she wiped off her sword, sheathed it, and helped him to his feet. She pointed to one of the men, “help him inside, I need to realign his arm.” The man who'd made the crack about her marrying their sons hurried forward to take him inside. As the crowd dispersed Masuyo made his way towards Sayuri.

“You surprised the men, Sayuri-sama,” he said with a small smile.

She nodded, “yes, it would seem so.” They walked to a small stream and both drank the water, “he is a strong fighter,” she said after awhile as she cleaned her various cuts.

He nodded, “yes, I'm glad you didn't kill him.”

She gave him a faraway look, “I couldn't release him. He still has a job to do.” He nodded, but didn't understand, `a job?'

She turned to him, “I moving the army's base,” she said.

He blinked, “what?”

She shook her head, “what I saw today was mistrust, and I can't blame them for that. Hitomi-sensei was a great teacher, and a good friend. Very powerful, but she couldn't be at two places at once, no one can. So I need to bring the two places together, the army will base at the shrine.”

He nodded slowly, “I suppose that would make sense.”

She smiled, “I don't expect your people to leave, you have a good place here and the land is yours, I'll send for you if I need you.”

He nodded, “that is a good plan, but shouldn't you get back to the tavern to deal with Shiro?”

She grinned, “I thought I'd give him enough time to make up an acceptable excuse for his failure.”

He nodded and stood, “I'm sure he won't dissapoint.”

She nodded, “I have no doubt.”

He reached out a hand and helped her to her feet, “but you've proven yourself to him, and he will respect you, and protect you with his life.”

She smiled sadly, “many people seem to be saying that lately, your son for example.”

He sighed, “I know, he holds you in high regard.”

As they walked through the trees, the sun shone through the leaves revealing a strange look on his companions face, “has he ever been in battle?”

He shook his head, “nain, he thinks to die for his shoukan in battle would be heroic.”

She snorted, “He is naïve, but young and has plenty of time to acquire proper wisdom.” He gave a slight smile, “if he has you for a mentor, he will do well.”

They reached the tavern and hurried inside. Shiro was lying on a futon and groaning as a young girl cleaned his cuts. “Daifu,” she whispered quietly, “why did you fight that horrible woman, who thinks she can rule you?”

Sayuri listened to the girl's whispered words and decided to answer. “I can assure I'm not all that horrible,” she said as she walked towards her, “I could have killed him,” she knelt beside him, and reached for his arm, but the girl slapped her hand away. Sayuri frowned at her, “I'm just trying to help.”

“Stay away from him, you horrible woman, don't you have other men to injure?”

Sayuri turned to Masuyo and gave him a pleading look, he reached over and pulled the girl away from Shiro, “you must show shoukan-sama proper respect,” he said whispered in her ear. She fought him but couldn't pull free and when sure she wouldn't be interrupted, Sayuri reached for his arm and started to realign it. As soon as she touched it, Shiro cried out and the girl burst into tears, Sayuri shushed him quietly and set his arm.

“Shiro-san, I was very impressed with your fighting capabilities, let's be friends, yes?” She stepped away from him and nodded at Masuyo to release the young girl.

The child ran to her father and turned to Sayuri, “you are a miko; you could heal him now and save him this pain.”

Sayuri turned away from her and nodded to Masuyo who followed her to the door. She motioned for him to go first and then turned back to Shiro's daughter, “he has many lessons to learn, and pain can be an excellent teacher.”

Once outside she turned to Masuyo, “That girl, what is her name?”

He smiled, “Shiro's only child, his late wife, Ayaka, they thought she was barren. Then when she was with child, Shiro was the happiest man in Japan,” his smile faded, “she died giving birth to Akane, he named her that for the red of her mother's blood. He turned bitter and untrusting after that.”

Sayuri shook her head, “that's horrible, but perhaps complete dependence on his daughter will be good for him.” Masuyo frowned, “with all due respect Shoukan-sama, if I was to be totally dependant on my son, I would rather end my life, then hinder his.” She smiled, “perhaps, but i have no for a man unwilling to be humbled.”