Hime’s word had been true — he had neither seen nor heard another soul for the last forty hours. Shichi wrapped his arms around his stomach. It was groaning again. The rice balls Yuu had brought the previous night had been his only sustenance in days. He had gone without eating before. Even so, there was one thing he desperately needed — water.
Through the hole in the screen, he had seen the sky go gray with clouds. He longed for them to erupt, to release their riches onto the earth below. They had teased him throughout the day, rumbling and drifting with not a drop to show for it. Shichi curled forward, hugging his body in an attempt to silence his own gut.
He wondered if Yuu was angry with him. She had endangered herself for his sake and he had thrown away the opportunity — risking his freedom for the sake of nostalgia. Yet, knowing she wouldn’t be punished, he couldn’t bring himself to regret it. Though the sword wasn’t in his hands, it brought him comfort to know it was still nearby.
A crack of thunder stole him from his thoughts. The rafters trembled with the wind and a pattering began to echo from the roof. The sound intensified, filling the air with a familiar hush. It was raining.
Shichi slipped his arm through the cut in the screen. Droplets pelted his hand, filling his palm with water. He drank quickly, able to feel the cold slide down his throat and into his empty stomach. It seemed, in spite of everything that happened, he wasn’t completely unfortunate.
As he knelt towards the opening again, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He peered closer, making out what appeared to be a small animal crossing the garden. It was headed for the tea house.
He leaned back just in time. The creature pushed itself through the hole, wriggling until its back half had made it inside.
Shichi’s eyes went wide. “Gin!”
“Finally,” the cat said, shaking the water from his fur. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”
“You’re here. You— how did you find me?”
Gin immediately set to cleaning himself, looking insulted at the very thought of being wet. “I asked the pharmacist if he’d seen a monk. He told me you were taken here.”
“I didn’t think—“
“What are you doing here, anyway?” Gin asked, giving the dilapidated room a once over. “Taking some kind of awful vacation?”
“They’re keeping me here. The daikan’s daughter believes I’m her pet.”
The nekomata let out of a burst of laughter. “A pet? You? Cats are much more attractive than tengu.”
“Yes,” Shichi said. “You are. Which is why you need to leave — now.”
“Leave? After all the trouble I went through to find you?”
“Gin, you’ve got to listen to—“
“What happened to your fingers?” The cat seemed to have noticed Shichi’s hands, which were still crudely wrapped with reddened bandages.
“I’ll explain later,” he said, realizing that the nekomata had no intention of leaving. “I— how is Chiyo? And the egg?”
“The egg is fine,” Gin said with a huff. “She’s been making me sit on it.”
Shichi’s face warmed at the thought. In spite of everything, they hadn’t forgotten to care for it.
“Well, anyway, we’d better go. I’ll unlock the door from outside.”
The tengu’s face fell. “I can’t leave. Now now.”
“What do you mean you can’t? You have to come. Chiyo’s going crazy looking for you. She’s even making me crazy.”
“Someone will get hurt if I do.”
Gin cocked his head. “Someone? Who?”
“There’s no time to explain. You’ve got to leave, before they catch you, too.”
“But what will I tell Chiyo?”
“Nothing.” Shichi shook his head. “You can’t tell her you found me. If she comes here, she—“
“Then what should we do?”
The tengu was quiet. With everything that had happened, he’d nearly forgotten about his companions. He was certain they could find a way to help him escape, but leaving was no longer an option. Would he be willing to stay at the jinya for the rest of his life?
“I’m not sure,” Shichi said, his voice soft. “I may not ever be able to leave.”
“But what about Edo? You can’t help anyone locked up in here.”
“I know. You don’t have to wait for me.”
The nekomata snorted. “Well, I don’t have anything better to do. Just figure something out.”
“I’ll try,” he said. “And promise you won’t tell Chiyo.”
“Fine,” the nekomata said as he turned back to the opening in the screen.
“Promise.”
Gin sighed, giving Shichi one last look. “I promise.”
The cat slipped through the hole and back into the garden. He trotted through the rain, climbing a tree before dropping over the stone wall. Shichi exhaled, glad to see he had gotten away safely. Even so, he couldn’t help but long for a bit more of Gin’s company. If he couldn’t find a solution soon, it would surely be the last time they ever spoke.
#
The sun had long since risen when Shichi was finally released. The dining table was once again laid out with elaborate dishes, each plate beckoning him with drifting scents. He made an effort to avoid looking at the table, not wanting to reveal just how desperately he wanted to eat.
“So, are you ready to behave?” Hime seemed pleased at the weakness in his posture.
Shichi gave a faint nod.
“I don’t want silence. I want you to answer me.”
“Yes,” he said. “I’m ready.”
The girl smiled to herself. “Good. Now put this on.”
His eyes fell to the same haori she had presented earlier. Every shred of decency in his mind was protesting as he began to unfasten his amber jacket — the gift Fumie had given him only months ago. In that short time, its fabric had gone through so much — through the mud, rain, and wind, through the bottom of the well and the hard forest floor. Each thread and stitch had reminded him of the people he cared for, that he wasn’t alone, no matter what trouble he faced.
His arms slipped into the new jacket, the black silk shining against his feathers. It felt cold and confining, like the silver collar around his neck. A sickness churned in his stomach, not one of hunger, but of shame. As he tied it shut, Hime tossed his old jacket to a servant.
“Please.” He took a step forward. “Don’t throw it away.”
The girl gave the old jacket a once over before before turning away with a sneer. “Burn it.”
“No, you—“
Hime’s eyes met his. In an instant, he remembered her threat — and Yuu. She seemed to challenge him with her stare, daring him to say another word.
Finally, he closed his eyes, unable to watch as the servant left the room.
“Very good. I think you’ll make a fine pet, after all.”
She took a seat at the table, gesturing for him to join.
“It’s a shame you were locked up yesterday.” Hime laced her fingers, resting her chin on them as she spoke. “My father knows a kabuki troupe leader and they gave a private performance for us in the hall. I can’t go to the theatre, the patrons are much too noisy. But what can you expect from common people?”
Shichi’s eyes tightened. “It was common people who produced the food on your table.”
“Well, of course they did,” she said. “That’s why we keep them around. Did you see the fish? It’s sea bream. It’s quite expensive, but I think I’ll let you try since you’re behaving. Go ahead.”
The fish had been served whole, its scales a brilliant red against the white ceramic plate. He had heard of it in passing, knowing that its flesh was often served as a symbol of fortune and joy. He wondered, as he gazed at the dish, if anything could be less appropriate for his circumstances.
“I don’t eat meat.”
Hime’s expression hardened. “You swore you’d obey me.”
Shichi allowed himself a slow breath, taking the air deep before exhaling.
“Have you kept your word?” he asked, his eyes flickering from the table to the girl.
“Yuu hasn’t been harmed. Don’t you trust me?”
“No,” he said. “I want to see her for myself.”
Hime pursed her lips in annoyance before waving her hand at an attendant. “Very well. Bring her in.”
The room was silent as they waited. Shichi would not give another word, nor follow any further commands until he was certain of Yuu’s well-being. It had been days since he had seen her, since she had fallen into Hime’s possession. He knew as well as any other the dangers of such a state.
He turned at the sound of the opening door. The servant entered, followed by Yuu. Though her attire and grooming appeared the same, the tengu looked considerably more weary. Unlike the first time she had entered, she now looked directly at Shichi. Her expression was warm with relief, yet seemed to hold a tinge of sorrow.
Shichi abandoned his seat, approaching her for a closer look. “Are you all right?”
Yuu nodded. Her mouth opened to speak, yet she seemed to reconsider after a glance toward the girl.
Hime cleared her throat. “Are you satisfied?”
Though he longed to speak with Yuu, it was clear that now was not the time. He only nodded, hoping he might find an opportunity soon.
“Then sit back down.”
Hime’s focus quickly retuned to her meal. Her chopsticks hovered over a plate, considering each serving of grilled fish with serious contemplation. Just when he’d thought she had forgotten her earlier command, she spoke.
“Didn’t I tell you to eat?”
There was no use in denying her. She had apparently kept her end of the bargain, giving him no room to disobey. He took a simple bowl of rice. His stomach stirred in excitement with the first swallow, yet he somehow managed a calm exterior.
“Don’t just stand there, Yuu,” Hime said with a gesture. “Make yourself useful. My fish has too many bones — take them out.”
“Yes, mistress.”
“Don’t speak to me, not with that ugly voice. You sound like a boy.”
Shichi straightened in his seat. “Stop that.”
Hime paid him no mind, only folding her arms as she watched Yuu part the white flesh from its bones.
“Haven’t you wondered why I never wanted you before? Well, who would? A worthless, barren thing like you.”
“Stop.”
“Why? I’m not hurting her,” Hime said with a smile. Yuu remained silent, her eyes cast down as she worked. She seemed unsettlingly experienced in concealing her emotions.
“There are many ways of hurting others.” Shichi’s hold on his chopsticks tightened. “All of which you seem familiar with.”
“I’ll do as I please.”
A sharp crack seized each person’s attention. Hime took in a short breath, her eyes locked on the snapped chopsticks in Shichi’s hands. He ignored the painful throb in his fingertips, keeping his attention directly on the girl across the table.
“You’ll stop,” he said. “Or I will.”
It took a moment for Hime to collect herself. The shock that had captured her face faded, replaced with cold amusement.
“Fine. Yuu, get back to your chores. You’re too slow, anyway.”
The tengu bowed compliantly, keeping herself low as she left the room. Though it pained him to see her go, he was glad that Hime could no longer abuse her with her venomous tongue.
“Those chopsticks were valuable,” Hime said. “Eat with your hands.”
Shichi’s fingers trembled as he once again lifted the rice bowl. Even so, his thoughts were not on his food. All he could think of was Hime’s rigid command over her servant, and just how long it might be before he could see Yuu again.
#
The chance didn’t come until the next day. Hime had left him alone in her room as she took lessons with a private tutor. Though he had been left unattended, the halls and grounds remained teeming with guards and government officials. He had been instructed not to leave the room, nor to touch any of her belongings. Even so, he found himself gazing at the chest of drawers against the wall. He was certain Hime had moved his things, as well as the key, and couldn’t help but wonder where they had been relocated to.
The door slid open, admitting the last person he expected to see.
“I don’t have much time,” Yuu said, kneeling beside him. “She doesn’t know I’m here.”
“Well, I’m glad you are. The last we spoke—”
The joy Shichi had felt upon seeing her buried itself in his chest. It was their last conversation that had led to his failed escape and his mere presence that had left her in the hands of a spiteful child.
“Yuu,” he said, his head low. “I’m so sorry. If I’d never come here, then you wouldn’t be caught up in this.”
She only shook her head. “Don’t apologize. I was blessed to meet you.”
In spite of her words, he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. He gazed at the tatami below his knees, his eyes trailing over the white fringe.
“But tell me something,” she said, trying to catch his eyes. “What deal did you make with her?”
“What gave you the impression we made a deal?” Shichi asked, his throat tight.
Yuu reached forward, her fingers brushing the black haori over his collar. “You’re obeying her.”
Shichi took a moment to consider his response. He thought of Aki, who had sacrificed her freedom for his safety. Though time had passed, the memory only ached more with each day. Now, he had done the same for another. He could not place such a guilt on Yuu’s head, not with the burdens she already carried.
“I cannot say,” he said. “But please don’t let it worry you.”
Yuu’s hand dropped from his jacket. “Well, it’s no matter. I have another idea for your escape. I could—“
“No,” he said, raising both hands to stop her. “I’m not ready to go. Not yet.”
Yuu tilted her head. “Are you certain? You seemed quite ready before.”
“I’m sure. Please don’t concern yourself with it.”
For a while, she only looked at him. As her eyes drifted over his features, a realization seemed to strike her. Her hands fisted, tight against her knees.
“Does it have something to do with me?”
Shichi made no reply. There was nothing to say, no possible way to explain that his escape would mean her death. To his relief, she pressed no further.
“I see. Then perhaps you’ll answer another question for me.”
“What would you like to know?”
She hesitated, glancing to the door before speaking. “Have you ever met someone who— someone like me?”
“Not personally,” said, glad for the chance in subject. “I’d heard of a monk from another temple whose body did not suit her mind.”
“What was her life like?”
“I can’t say, it was before my time. She died at her temple many years ago — she was their head physician.”
“Like you?”
Shichi gave a soft laugh. “No, I was only an apprentice. It was my responsibility to study the works of every head in the last few centuries. Her writings held techniques to strengthen female hormones in the body.”
“Techniques?” Yuu asked, her posture straightening. “What sort of techniques?”
“They were mostly dietary. I could likely remember if given some time.”
“So I’m not the only one.”
“Of course not,” he said. “But with every individual life comes individual experiences. No two paths are the same. If being here, in this jinya, is the path you want, then I’ll do whatever I can to support you.”
“I see.” Yuu went quiet with thought. She toyed with the gold bands over her wrists, twisting them as she considered his words.
“Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
“Tell me about your temple.”
“Kurohane,” Shichi said, his voice soft. “It was a beautiful place, built high in the mountains where the air was cool and the trees were tall. Their leaves gleamed in the autumn and would cover the grounds like a sheet of gold. The forest was great and winding, but I was never lost. It was my home.”
“Tell me more.”
His face warmed. It had been a long time since he had thought so deeply of his home and speaking of it made him forget the jinya, forget that he was a pet, a prisoner trapped within the walls of a human fortress. He could have sworn he could smell incense — feel the sun as it kissed the earth below. It was as if he had never left.
“Of course.”
#
That night, Shichi was woken by a terrible commotion. The air was filled with the shouts of men and a strange, warm glow leaked in through the slats in the walls. He stirred from his position on the floor, peering through the torn screen. From across the courtyard, he could see pillars of black smoke rolling above a wall of flames. Guards and servants alike rushed past with buckets and axes, following the commands of a foreman. The storehouses were burning.
The door clacked open and a voice called him from outside — Yuu.
“Come with me,” she said. “Quickly.”
Shichi hurried through the opening and, before he could speak, was pulled past the tea house and behind a tall shrub. Yuu watched the men through the leaves, ensuring they hadn’t been noticed.
“Yuu,” he said, breathless. “The storehouses, the rice — they’re on fire.”
“I know,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I set it.”
He stared at her, saying nothing as she placed a bundle in his hands. It was his things — all of them. Somehow, she had saved his haori before it could be scrapped.
“What are—“
“This isn’t the path I want,” Yuu said, the flames bringing a glow to her eyes. “There’s so much out there I haven’t seen. A whole world. I think, if there are other people like you, even just a few, then I’m willing to face it.”
Shichi let out a soft breath. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“We have to go. Hurry.” She took him by the wrist, leading him through the shadows of the garden and along the outer wall. Humans darted past, each too concerned with the fire to take any notice of them. Shichi’s heart soared as they reached the gate, completely abandoned by its sentries. Only one person seemed to have noticed their absence — the one person whose voice they never wanted to hear again.
“Stop,” Hime said, positioning herself in the threshold of the entrance. The two continued toward her, making no effort to obey her command.
“Someone catch them!” she said. “Stop them!”
Her cries went unheard. They stepped closer, only halting when the girl slipped a thin knife from her sleeve. Her eyes flared as she brandished the weapon, aiming it directly at Shichi’s throat.
“You swore. You swore you’d do anything I asked!”
Yuu took another step. “Don’t you dare point that at him.”
Hime snapped her arm sideways, directing the weapon at Yuu. It shuddered in her hand, the steel glinting in the light of the fire. “This is your fault. I’ll kill you — I’ll cut you from one end to—“
She could not finish. Her wrists trembled, both caught in Shichi’s grasp. Rather than push her aside, he drew her near, making sure she could hear each word he said.
“Drop the knife.”
The dagger clattered to the ground.
“Now listen to me,” he said, his words low against the roar of flames. “You’ve broken your word — I’m done obeying you.”
Hime’s eyes were wide, glistening with tears as she gaped at him. “Don’t hurt me.”
For only a second, he felt a hint of pity. Yet, even then, pain screamed from his fingers, reminding him of the savagery she was capable of. His hold only tightened.
“I don’t find joy in hurting others. Not like you.”
“I’m not—“
“You are,” he said. “You’re a cruel, selfish child. And a liar.”
“I’m not a liar!”
“Then prove it. Make a promise that you’ll keep.”
Tears had stained Hime’s cheeks, trailing past her reddened nose. “What promise?”
“Promise you’ll never take another ‘pet.’ That you’ll never hold anyone, yokai or human, against their will.”
“No,” she said. “I won’t promise that. You needed me.”
“She’ll never learn, Shichi,” Yuu said.
He kept his glare on the girl, searching for a sign of remorse. He found nothing in her eyes, not a single hint of regret at what she had done. Shichi sighed.
“This is the first time I’ve met someone like you, Hime.” With those words, he released her. “And I hope it’s the last.”
He exchanged a glance with Yuu before they made their way to the open gate. Hime stood frozen in place, staring at their backs. Smoke billowed behind her, covering the moonless sky in a gray haze. As they crossed the threshold, she snapped.
The knife was swiped from the ground, its handle braced in her hand as she lunged forward.
There was a slap of bone on flesh and Shichi glanced back to see Hime on the ground. Yuu stood above her, her hand motionless in the air. Her fingers had left imprints along Hime’s face, the mark burning red against the girl’s white skin. A dry sob made its way up Hime’s throat. With two clicks, Yuu unfastened the gold bands at her wrists. They clattered to the ground, rolling to a stop at Hime’s knees.
“This wasn’t my fault,” Yuu said. “It was yours.”
She said nothing else, placing a hand on Shichi’s arm as they stepped through the gate. Behind them, the blaze had spread from the storehouse to the great hall. Hime’s wails went unheard, lost in the roar of flames and the snaps of blackening wood.
Okay, phew… That was a tense chapter! Who else’s heart skipped a beat when Hime suggested punishing Yuu?
I do wonder though; has Hime really found the combination of tools that could break Shichi? Does she have what it takes to subdue his indomitable will? I mean, ultimately, it doesn’t matter, because if Gin didn’t have the willpower to keep his broken leg lie going, he’s sure as hell not going to keep a whopper like this secret… Pretty sure Chiyo’s going to bite Hime’s head clean off.
Um I probably say this a lot but I just wanted to say thanks for always reading, giving me honest feedback, and supporting this little story so much. I don’t know what I did to deserve you!
Awww, thanks!
But what you did to deserve it was create a spellbinding story with engaging characters, unpredictable twists, brutal cliff hangars, crisp writing, depth of tone, and dialogue that reads as naturally as any I’ve seen before… And you give it to us all for free! Oh yes, Jisuk; you deserve all the praise anyone could pour over you.
I like the symbolism that you place upon very specific objects throughout the series. A white ribbon, a knowledgeable stone, a tengu’s sword. Each is generally associated with either maintaining or severing a tie.
It would be nice if Yuu could somehow escape with Shichi by the end of this arc! She seems reluctant but I’d enjoy seeing more of her.
Thank you, I really appreciate it! I’d like to see more of Yuu, too. She’s fun to write.
Welp. RIP that escape plan. Though I wonder how important that key is to Hime. She seemed too focused on it for it to merely help Shichi escape his collar as he suspected it might.
And it seems Yuu may now have to escape with him considering she’ll be killed if he leaves by himself. Will she be able to take that chance?
Hmm, you’re the second person to say that about the key. There’s nothing special about it, she just thinks that if he shapeshifts, she won’t be able to catch him again. I’ll have to edit her dialogue to make it seem less important. Thanks for the feedback.
“If she comes here, she-”
What? She’ll get captured too? She’ll murder everyone in the castle?
This chapter is awesome; if plans didn’t occasionally backfire then they wouldn’t be gambles. But another way of looking at it is that if Shichi didn’t get captured they would still figure out Yuu set him free and who knows what Hime would have done if Shichi wasn’t there to use himself as a bargaining chip. Also, thank you for the clarification in the comments, I was starting to think Hime was actually some kind of demon but it can be just as if not more interesting if she’s just a horrible person given waaaaay too much power (and superhuman vocal cords apparently).
What? She’ll get captured too? She’ll murder everyone in the castle?
C) all of the above
I’m really glad you made the connection that she’d be in trouble if he actually got away. I thought of mentioning it in the writing but was hoping you guys would make the realization on your own. Thank you!
In regards to option C, imagine all the character strife we’d get to see between Chiyo and Shichi! Could he forgive her for such violence? Could Chiyo handle her ‘heroic’ rescue being spurned? Oh, the pathos!
Well, we’re back to the “Shichi, no” part of things. As much as I keep saying I love Aki, going to fetch her sword while injured, half-starved and in the middle of enemy territory is just… Ugh. Then again, with the knowledge we had at that point, it really was a terrible idea. But now that we know Hime has Yuu for herself now… Oh boy. I can’t help but wonder if she was just bluffing to see if she could use Yuu as a bargaining chip to keep her pet in line. And of course, without any contact, how would Shichi find out otherwise?
Yay Gin! Now that contact has been made, hopefully they can work on an escape plan! Silly Shichi, you just have to bring Yuu with you!
Ah, someone else complained about the ‘Shichi no’ thing, too. I’m sorry if it’s starting to be annoying! Thanks for being honest.
No, no! This wasn’t an annoyance! I’m sorry if it sounded that way, I was just taking a fun jab at what you posted on your tumblr a while back: “Possible Karasu titles” which included stuff like “Shichi, no”, “Shichi, just don’t”, so please, don’t take my comment negatively! He wouldn’t be Shichi if he acted otherwise, and as stated, it worked out for the best in the end if Yuu would have gotten hurt from him escaping, and you’ve been getting very positive feedback on her, we all want her to be okay :) This just means we’ll get to see her some more!
Oh, I see! Thank you for clarifying, I guess I misunderstood. I think it was the “ugh” that gave me the wrong impression, haha.
Yeah, I re-read my comment and thought it sounded harsh, the “ugh” was just to signify how MUCH of a bad idea going back for his stuff was. Sorry, I didn’t express myself properly with that last comment, but I promise, I still love Karasu and your characters and I still want more! :)
GAH. Again! I keep slipping behind on this as finals start rolling around. My fingers really hurt from reading about Shichi’s pain. Between your excellent descriptions and my overactive imagination, this has been rather excruciating. >.< However! As always, I cannot wait for the next chapter. Perhaps I'm a bit sadistic but I love it when a character has to face a conundrum so difficult, a choice so impossible, or a situation that seems to have no good solution. I can't help but wonder if Hime was lying about Yuu being in her possession, though it is not outside the realm of possibility. All that's left is to convince Yuu to join them so that they may escape together. Hmmmm…
Thank you for catching up! I added more to this chapter so I hope you find the end to this arc satisfying when you get the time.
YESSSSSS. This was infinitely satisfying! I’d been wanting to smack that detestable child since we first met her. I am glad you wrote it the way you did, showing Hime with no remorse, stuck in her decided ignorance. It would have felt cheap had it not been shown this way. I am also looking forward to seeing what Yuu is capable of when not weighed down or afraid. I’m sure Chiyo will have quite a few colourful words for Shichi upon their return, and I look forward to seeing them all united. :D
Ouch! Those fingers must hurt like hell when Shichi is using his hands. Once i had ripped fingertip (by small explosive and stupidity) and it hurt like hell when touched. Especially when changing bandages. But it didn’t bleed much. Tissue tend to get swollen and that stops bleeding fast. It only looked like smashed tomato. :D Cuts are far more bloody.
And it was only left ring finger (and only one!), but when it was hurt i realised how useful it is, and how often i’m using it. Pain in the ass for a few weeks, i’m telling you… Now Shichi need someone to help him with healing himself and others. Yuu maby? He.. or maby she could take care of that egg too. Gin would be happy. ;)
I wonder how he’ll get out of there. Now he must run away with Yuu? Or be released by hime or someone over her.
Did i mention how tense this chapter was? But i knew that everything will go wrong when Shichi decided to come back for his bag. That just had to happen. ;) Keep it up, and maybe someday Shichi can have a bit of luck too? I mean he’s already lucky to be alive, but he’s paying high price for that luck… Maby he’ll be more cautious next time? Own experience (and pain) are best teachers. ;)
Ohh, I’m really sorry you injured your finger. That sounds terrible. I hope it’s okay now! I updated this chapter with an ending if you’d like to see how it plays out! Thanks for commenting.
Don’t be sorry, i’ve got what i was asking for, and it was very important lesson. Own experience is best teacher. Finger is fully healed now, only slightly out of shape, but you need to look closer to notice it. Things could have gone far worse, and you can call it educational slap. ;)
I like how you changed this chapter. I wonder who start that fire? Yuu, Gin or it was simply luck? Hope that didn’t spread to the city, but they need to leave fast anyway. At least it would be wise thing to do.
I was amazed and surprised by the turn of events in Part II. Yuu’s actions at the end impressed me. Bold and slightly dark.
(Also, snapping chopsticks never sounded so cool)
Haha snapping chopsticks, which some people do purely by accident. At least the cheap ones from the konbini. It’s nice to hear you enjoyed the end, though. Thank you!
What I like most about this chapter is that it shows how much you take audience feedback to heart while still keeping the story you want to tell. It’s cool that you connected how Shichi knew about other transgender tengu with what would make Yuu join him.
For the record, I like when Shichi gets into these kinds of situations. He’s not a fighter, he’s a healer. This last failed endeavor to get Aki’s sword back was just him making an honest mistake, it isn’t realistic for a main character to make perfect snap decisions, especially considering he had just gotten his nails ripped off. The only reason we can say ‘no, Shichi, that’s dumb’ is because this story revolves around conflict and so we know conflict is going to happen and that Shichi is ill-prepared to deal with it. (wasn’t this same conversation had like a year ago?)
Thanks for discussing it with me earlier! It’s helpful to have your input and I hope this explanation was satisfying for you. I appreciate all of your feedback and commentary!
Oh, good, they were able to escape! And with Shichi’s belongs as well! I hope Yuu will find happiness out in the wide open world. Though I have a feeling Chiyo will have quite a bit to say to Shichi once he gets back to her.
I also wonder if anything they said to Hime will get through to her, or if she’ll just ignore this lesson. Maybe she’ll become a better person as she gets older?
Thanks for your feedback, you’re starting to sound like Shichi! Unfortunately, there are truly rotten people in this world, and she is one of them.
Huzzah! An excellent conclusion! Think Hime got better than she deserved, but that’s a minor quibble; she won’t soon forget the two Tengu.
Definitely heartwarming to hear Shichi describe Kurohane and I love the little hints about the other temples and Tengu history; it really brings the land to life and sets the imagination to wondering.
Above all that though, I really liked this bit, /“This isn’t the path I want,” Yuu said, the flames bringing a glow to her eyes./ Flame is an excellent metaphor for her new desire to see the world. A smoldering coal brought to blazing life by a breeze from the outside.
Thanks Jisuk, and well done!
Yeah sorry she didn’t get hit by a bus or something, I probably wanted that as much as you did. But you are awesome for giving me advice about this chapter! Thanks for noticing my metaphor too, haha.
Upon further consideration, it is possible that her home burned down… That fire sounded a bit out of hand. We can call that justice, right?
You’re more than welcome, and I’m happy to help in whatever amateurish way I can.
I usually check back on this site once a week to see if you have a new chapter, and realised that you’ve changed the title for this one 3 times. I thought that was odd. Then I realised you’ve added more sections to it and I have only read the first one! Booyah! What a lovely ending to the Jinya arc. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that Yuu and Shichi got out safely with their heads held high.
I apologize if the update was confusing, I moved some chapter parts around to consolidate. I’m glad you noticed the additional section, though. Thank you!
I want to run around and do cartwheels (which I won’t because I will likely fall flat on my face if I try). Yuu is free! Shichi is free! When Yuu originally said she wanted to stay there, it made me sad. She is such a gem and deserved better. But now she is free! She went to great lengths to secure their escape. She is flourishing into this great character that will take control of her life and it is such a joy to see!
And I have to say I was sad when Hime said to burn his haori. The sword, while stolen, would have continued to exist and could have perhaps been obtained again later. But burning one of his precious items that contained such memories? I actually started to reach out to the monitor without realizing as if I could stop the guard from leaving with it. But Yuu got it back! Happy dance time!
Shichi’s imprisonment was painful to read, but a grand escape like that, and a final showdown with Hime (I honestly hope everything burns down to the ground and that she is forced to learn some humility afterwards) complete with Yuu having the last word (and slap!), priceless.
This (second part of) chapter honestly left me giddy. I wanted Shichi to escape so bad (hence my reaction when he failed that attempt), but now instead he got to escape with Yuu. So worth it! Thank you so much for this chapter! It made my day!
I’m really happy you liked the end of this arc! I wasn’t sure if it was satisfying enough since people were calling for Hime’s blood and all she got was a slap but your comment really encouraged me. Thank you!
Ohhhhh what a relief, I’m SO glad they made it out! I was worried it was a tease when Gin the Glimmer of Hope came to visit. Optimism for them getting out, laced with worry that even worse things were coming… I’m glad I was wrong :D
I have a sense of dread that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Hime, if only because she was the cruelest villain yet… Hope I’m wrong with that too, and we won’t see her guards chasing the poor tengu down in the future.
SUPER thrilled that Yuu is coming along with Shichi! Very much looking forward to how her interactions with Chiyo and Gin will play out :D
Wow April was the last one? It didn’t feel that long ago…
Hope you’re ok and well! I don’t think I’m following you on other sites so not sure on life updates. I really enjoy this series and looking forward to when it starts up again.
Please don’t be dead.
I want to tell more of my friends to read this, but it’s been over a year since the first book went down for revision. I patiently await the day we can step off the hiatus boat read your great writing again.
As long as it takes…
I really wanna read this from the beginning. But I can’t.
Wow lol just read this chapter again good stuff yay. ^_^ <3
Can't wait to read more ^_~
Merry christmas and happy new year! I’m still lurking this site from time to time. Any updates planed anytime? ;)