{"id":126,"date":"2013-06-01T01:42:15","date_gmt":"2013-05-31T16:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/?p=126"},"modified":"2016-08-06T14:38:32","modified_gmt":"2016-08-06T05:38:32","slug":"part014_edit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/part014_edit\/","title":{"rendered":"\u5341\u56db Part 14 (Garlic)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"17_bead\"
\n<\/a>Shichi awoke to the sound of songbirds. He waited before opening his eyes, trying to think through the terrible pounding in his head. The smell of poppy sap still lingered in his nostrils, reminding him of what had happened the previous night. Normally, a few drops were enough to ease an adult into a quick sleep. It was often consumed in a tea, as inhaling the vapor itself was considered too harsh and astringent. Shichi could recall the human crushing the entire pod in his fist, visualizing the white sap as it gushed between his fingers. At that dosage, he was lucky to have awakened at all.<\/p>\n

Gradually, his eyes dared to open. It was morning. Faint gray light filtered in through the paper doors of the room. A room\u2014he was in a room.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He pushed himself up onto his elbows, taking in his surroundings and trying to piece together where he was. The interior was fairly small yet ornate. Painted scrolls hung on the walls, and the cabinets were made of a dark, richly colored wood. His staff was in the corner, leaning against the wall in one piece. He himself had been placed on a bed on the floor, its covers made from crimson fabric and stuffed with warm down. He inhaled, happily taking in the familiar scent of tatami straw. He had missed being indoors.<\/p>\n

As he breathed in, he noticed another scent, one that made his heart skip\u2014food. It was the wafting aroma of rice and seasoned vegetables, with hints of vinegar and sweetness. His tongue tensed, eager to taste what he was smelling. Shichi turned his head, looking to the side in search of its source.<\/p>\n

What he saw made him forget about the food, if only for a moment. There was a young woman sitting on her knees at the table. She was sorting through colored beads, oblivious to his eyes. He had never seen anyone like her before\u2014her hair was short and stark white, matching her fair complexion. Outwardly, she looked human, yet there was an inherently non-human air about her. As he took notice of her eyes, he felt that there was something familiar in them. Then, as if feeling his stare, she glanced back over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, good,\u201d she said. \u201cI thought you\u2019d died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKitsune?\u201d Shichi asked under his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d She squinted as she spoke. It seemed he was already trying her patience.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it\u2019s true. You can take a human form.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, can\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Shichi knit his brow. That was certainly a question he\u2019d never been asked before. Realizing they were practically bickering before he even had the slightest clue as to where he was or what had happened, he shifted the dialogue.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you bring me here? Where is the human?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. I was just going to leave you there but . . . you did help me, after all. I don\u2019t know where he went. Or care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thank you. You have my gratitude,\u201d he said, lowering his eyes as he bowed. She didn\u2019t seem to have an appreciation for formalities, simply turning her attention back to the beads on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe stole your bag,\u201d she said. \u201cI think. You had a bag before, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d Shichi buried his face in his hands. The needle set had been his only real possession and, of course, they had been in the satchel.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd what about your ball? Where is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomewhere safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you . . . carried me?\u201d Shichi found it hard to visualize. Though she was seated, he could tell she was much shorter than he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m stronger than I look. And you\u2019re really skinny,\u201d she said, as if it were obvious. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

It took quite a bit of willpower to avoid jumping at her request. The scent of the food had continued wafting, tempting and beckoning him as they spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d came his simple response, barely representative of his actual desire.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp yourself, then,\u201d she said, gesturing toward the wide table. It was laden with dishes\u2014there were stacks of grilled sweet potatoes, of steamed pumpkin and mustard spinach. Of all options, however, tofu seemed to dominate the selection. There were fried slices and pouches stuffed with rice. Red bean jellies, buns, and pastes were laid out among the savory foods, drawing him in with their rich color.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Shichi could only stare. He imagined himself giving in to craving, shoving the girl aside and consuming everything on the table. He was, however, a monk, and monks were to act with quiet dignity. He closed his eyes, accepting her offer with a nod.<\/p>\n

Shichi moved to sit next to her on the floor. With great focus, he kept his hand from shaking as he lifted a pair of chopsticks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s so much here.\u201d He paused. It was difficult to choose what to eat first. \u201cWho prepared this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me.\u201d She examined a red bead. \u201cThe villagers offer me food to ensure a good harvest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can control their crops?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I\u2019m not complaining.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi cleared his throat. It wouldn\u2019t be proper to accuse his generous host of being a scam-artist. If it gave the humans comfort, then that was their own business. He picked up a piece of grilled eggplant, eating it with as much etiquette as he could muster. Not only was it fresh and brimming with flavor, but it was cooked. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time he had eaten prepared food. The flesh was mild and firm; he could almost taste the flames licking the salted skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Tengu,\u201d she said, leaning her elbow on the table. \u201cAre you a monk or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s correct,\u201d he said. \u201cThough my name isn\u2019t \u2018Tengu.\u2019 It\u2019s Shichi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m Chiyo. And that explains a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d he asked, giving her a sideways glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you\u2019re so poor. And strangely polite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not poor<\/em>, I just\u2014\u201d he began, then realized that he indeed lacked the property or possessions of a common individual. Shichi sighed, once again deciding to change the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, anyway?\u201d he asked. \u201cHow did that man manage to steal your ball?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came from the village with an offering of food,\u201d Chiyo said. \u201cThere was some kind of poison in it that paralyzed me. I tried to chase him, but I lost my strength by the river.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat could he possibly need it for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. It doesn\u2019t hold any magic for others, only me. Maybe he likes shiny things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps.\u201d Shichi recalled the look in the man\u2019s eyes. There was something unsettlingly desperate in his expression, something that hinted at more than a fondness for jewels.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so, since yesterday, I\u2019ve stopped eating the offerings from the village. For all I know, it could all be poisoned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s hand paused before he could take another bite. He slowly looked down at the piece of sweet potato, and then over at the kitsune.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you\u2019re giving it to me?\u201d he asked, feeling suddenly ill.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d she said, giving him a smile that only increased his nausea.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow very kind of you,\u201d he said, lowering the food and sliding the bowl a few inches away. He tried not to think of how wonderful it smelled, or how hungry he still felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t kill<\/em> you,\u201d she said. \u201cJust stop all of your muscles from moving for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you want me spending another night on your futon,\u201d he said with a forced laugh. \u201cDo you live here with anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I like being alone,\u201d she said, looking down at her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I suppose I\u2019d better get going,\u201d Shichi said, shifting to stand. He folded up the bed, placing the cushion and blanket onto a storage shelf.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Chiyo said, but didn\u2019t seem to know how to finish her sentence. \u201cMaybe, ah . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi fetched his staff, checking it for damage before heading toward the sliding door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, again, for helping me,\u201d he said with a low bow. \u201cI truly appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to leave just yet,\u201d she said, looking away as she spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy situation requires me to keep moving. But perhaps I\u2019ll see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi slid the door open. He was met by a heavy fog, making it difficult to focus on his surroundings. Squinting, he focused for a moment before piecing together exactly what he was seeing.<\/p>\n

Water. It was all water.<\/p>\n

The little structure had been built in the center of a lake, its surface perfectly still. Barely a ripple could be seen in its sheen. The shore was rather far, most of its trees obscured by fog. They were distant, pale ghosts, fading behind the cloudy air.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d he said, feeling rather foolish as he stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was trying to tell you,\u201d Chiyo said, stepping up behind him. \u201cWe\u2019re in the middle of a lake. You should wait until low tide; you can walk back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, a few hours passed before the water level dropped. Shichi accepted a cup of tea after being assured it hadn\u2019t come from the village. He let the steam rise against his face, remembering the scent and gentle strokes of warmth. His next cup might not come for a long time.<\/p>\n

They stepped outside together. The land hadn\u2019t been entirely exposed, but was shallow enough to walk through.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you out,\u201d Chiyo said. \u201cI need to go hunting anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a deck of wooden planks around the house, giving it the illusion of floating. Just as Shichi stepped off into the water, he felt a weight land on his shoulder, nearly throwing him off balance. Chiyo had returned to the form of a fox, hopping up onto him without asking.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I look like a horse to you?\u201d he asked, eyeing her with a slight turn of his<\/p>\n

head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like getting my feet wet,\u201d she said, not budging. She hung comfortably over him, using her paws to keep her balance on his robe. Her tails wrapped around to the other shoulder, giving her the appearance of a rather large fur muffler.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and I do,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood to hear.\u201d Chiyo ignored the obvious dryness in his tone. Shichi sighed and gave in, making his way toward the shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you like to hunt?\u201d he asked as he walked through the inch-deep water. The lake was frigid and clear, rippling silver behind his ankles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to. Even if I could eat the offerings, the villagers rarely give me meat.\u201d She scoffed. \u201cStingy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou poor thing,\u201d Shichi said under his breath. Soon, they reached the water\u2019s edge. A torii<\/em> stood alone by the shore, the red gate signifying the sacredness of the lake. The more he got to know Chiyo, however, the less he thought \u201csacred\u201d was an appropriate word for her. Once his feet found dry land, she leapt down from his shoulder and trotted down the path.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, see you,\u201d she said, painfully casual as she went ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it?\u201d he asked, brushing the white fur from his collar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, do you want a hug or someth\u2014\u201d she started, but was rudely interrupted by a tug at her paw. The crude snare tightened around her leg, snapping upward until she was dangling upside down from a young tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! Stupid human, where are you<\/em>?\u201d She struggled admirably against the tight noose. \u201cShow yourself! I\u2019ll kill you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChiyo!\u201d Shichi called, rushing forward to help. Right on cue, the man from earlier emerged from the trees. He wore the same thinly woven clothes and tense look as before. This time, however, he had a knife.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay back,\u201d he said, angling the blade toward the fox\u2019s throat. She snapped at it, baring her small, pointed teeth, but he didn\u2019t falter. Shichi stopped in his tracks.<\/p>\n

Keeping his eyes on the tengu, the human took a firm grip on the tall sapling, giving it a shake. The kitsune flailed as the snare tugged once more, sending a silvery ball dropping from the thick fur in her tail. The man crouched to retrieve it, brushing a bit of dirt off of the side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mine!\u201d She snarled, thrashing in anger but coming no closer to freeing herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said it was somewhere safe!\u201d Shichi said, glancing up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like I have pockets or anything,\u201d she hissed back at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour fluffy tail is not<\/em> a safe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, like you\u2019re an expert on safety, Mister Knocked-out-by-my-own-poppy-sap,\u201d Chiyo said, her ears twitching in annoyance.<\/p>\n

Attempting to take advantage of their exchange, the man began to back away with the ball clutched carefully in his hand.<\/p>\n

Shichi pointed the head of his staff at the human. \u201cYou stop right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need this,\u201d the man said, his teeth grit in defiance. \u201cAnd I won\u2019t let you stop me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019ll die without it!\u201d Shichi gestured toward the dangling kitsune with his hand. The farmer\u2019s hold on the ball only tightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so will my wife!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour . . . wife?\u201d Shichi paused as he tried to piece together the man\u2019s words. \u201cWhat could she possibly\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fortune teller said that a star ball could heal her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeal her? From what?\u201d Shichi slowly lowered his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares? Just hit him with your monk stick and get my ball back!\u201d Chiyo said, still contending with the rope.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet.\u201d Shichi kept his attention on the human. \u201cPlease, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s\u2014 she\u2019s very sick. We can\u2019t afford a doctor. But this,\u201d he said, looking down at the ball in his hand. \u201cThis will make her healthy again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Shichi gently shook his head. \u201cBut that\u2019s simply not true. That ball won\u2019t help anyone but this kitsune. And even if it were, how could you trade one person\u2019s life for another?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no choice,\u201d he said, his hands shaking. \u201cIt must be true. It has to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi looked down at the ground. It wouldn\u2019t be very difficult to subdue the man and retrieve the ball. It would not, however, be long before he tried again. A man fueled by desperation would never give up. He would continue to harass Chiyo until his wife passed away, leaving him alone and full of anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a healer. Perhaps there\u2019s something I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t fall for your tricks.\u201d The man looked offended at the very idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took my satchel. What was inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome old roots.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Shichi\u2019s eyes narrowed as he waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd . . . acupuncture needles,\u201d the human answered with a deep sigh. He ran his hand over his face, dragging his fingers in frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can either let this girl die over a false superstition, or you can let a doctor tend to your wife. It\u2019s your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better not<\/em> let me die or I\u2019ll\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChiyo,\u201d Shichi said, silencing her with a hand gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re lying,\u201d the man said. \u201cIf you can\u2019t help her . . . then I\u2019m keeping the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi looked up at the dangling kitsune, waiting for her approval. She returned his look with an icy glare, then looked over to the ball in the human\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine<\/em>,\u201d she said. \u201cFine, just get me down from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a quick cut at the sapling, Chiyo plopped down onto the cold earth, sending up a bit of dust as she fell. She shook herself off, then turned her attention to the human. It was clear that she was struggling against the temptation to lunge at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d the farmer said, then turned down a narrow opening between the trees. Shichi and Chiyo exchanged glances, then followed his path. Noticing that the kitsune was limping, he knelt and offered his shoulder. She hesitantly accepted the gesture. Though she had perched on him, the scowl hadn\u2019t left her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you really heal her?\u201d she whispered, sounding rather doubtful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

#<\/p>\n

The human\u2019s house was modest. Rather than the tile Shichi had seen on larger homes, the dwelling had a roof of thatched straw. There were farming tools and barrels against the outer walls, making his trade quite clear to anyone who might visit. The surrounding land was sectioned into several fields, all empty for the season. There was only cold, gray soil. Fog continued to hang over the landscape, causing the far end of the fields to disappear into a white haze. The farmer slid open the door, gesturing for Shichi and Chiyo to follow.<\/p>\n

An embrace of heat welcomed them as they stepped inside. There was a hearth set into a raised platform, its flames sending a trail of smoke up toward a vent. The other half of the house was level with the ground, made only of tidy, flattened earth. There were jugs and casks lined against the wall, accompanied by cooking supplies and a clay oven.<\/p>\n

The man said no more to his guests, turning his attention toward the hearth. It was then that Shichi noticed the woman lying beside it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy love, I\u2019ve found a doctor,\u201d the man said, kneeling next to her and taking her hand into his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d she asked. The act of speaking caused her to cough, and Shichi could hear the buildup of phlegm in her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but don\u2019t be alarmed. He\u2019s not human,\u201d he said, then slowly turned to eye the tengu in his doorway. Shichi knelt, allowing Chiyo to jump silently to the floor. He approached the wooden platform, removing his shoes before joining the man at her side.<\/p>\n

Even without a proper diagnosis, it was clear that the woman was ill. Though she was next to the fire, she still shivered beneath her blanket. Each breath was audible, making a harsh, gravely sound as she inhaled. Her long, black hair stuck to her damp skin, splaying onto the mat below.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need anything?\u201d the farmer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTasuki,\u201d Shichi said. \u201cAnd a bucket of water, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the man went to fetch the items, Shichi noticed that the woman was staring up at him. To his surprise, there was no fear in her eyes. Her gaze was weary with exhaustion, holding to her last shred of hope as she looked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat may I call you?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKumi,\u201d she whispered. \u201cAre you a tengu?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cMy name is Shichi. I\u2019m going to do my best to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman smiled in response. Her husband returned, offering a white cord and shallow bucket. Shichi immediately set to work, holding the end of the cord in his beak as he tied up his sleeves. He washed his hands thoroughly, then leaned in to take her pulse. His fingers rested on her wrist, his eyes low as he counted each beat of her heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you been sick?\u201d he asked, gently touching her forehead. Though tengu had higher body temperatures than humans, her skin felt hot against his wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite her apparent disinterest, Chiyo had settled down next to them, watching the procedure from the corner of her eye. She remained out of Kumi\u2019s line of sight, not wanting any more human attention for the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas Junya been rude to you?\u201d The woman wheezed a bit as she spoke. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if he has. Inside, he\u2019s a kind man. Well, deep inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Kumi. He\u2019s been a pleasure,\u201d Shichi said as he examined her tongue. \u201cLet\u2019s try to avoid talking now, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded between coughs, laying her head back against the buckwheat pillow. Her husband sat on the edge of the platform, carefully watching the tengu\u2019s every move. When Shichi lowered his head to her chest, the man stiffened but didn\u2019t protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you take a deep breath?\u201d<\/p>\n

Focusing, he listened to her inhale, taking note of the faint crackling of her lungs. She had been breathing rather quickly and with difficulty, leading him to one clear diagnosis.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has pneumonia,\u201d Shichi said, straightening himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it\u2014 is it treatable?\u201d Junya asked, trying not to choke on his own words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he replied. \u201cIt\u2019s more dangerous for children and the elderly. Kumi is young and quite strong. But I\u2019ll need to work fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any garlic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we have plenty of garlic,\u201d Junya said, sitting upright as he prepared to fetch it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepare it in a tea,\u201d Shichi said. \u201cAnd in a paste, if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soon, Junya had returned to the hearth with a ceramic cup. Strong garlic fumes emanated from the tea. He helped her sit upright, supporting her back as she drank. Her face contorted at the powerful taste, but she remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d the farmer said, offering Shichi a mortar filled with an equally pungent garlic paste. Before Shichi could respond, the man pulled a wooden box from under his arm. He lowered his head, offering it to the tengu with both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . and this as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi glanced down at the box of acupuncture needles, then back up at Junya. He accepted it with a grateful nod, relieved to see them once again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Junya.\u201d<\/p>\n

The case was made of a fine, dark wood. The lid was embossed with the crest of his temple\u2014the temple which no longer stood. The only place the symbol existed now was on his robe and on the old, sturdy box. When Shichi had discovered it missing, he had tried not to pine for it too terribly. It was a mere possession and not worthy of true despair. Seeing it again, however, brought a warmth to his heart that could not be denied. He ran his fingers over the crest, thinking back to all the days Sagiri had trained him to use its contents.<\/p>\n

It was then that he realized his training held one glaring complication; he had only been trained on the bodies of other tengu. He had never performed acupuncture on a human before.<\/p>\n

From the neck down, humans and tengu were quite alike. There were, of course, differences\u2014feathers, claws, and certain organs. The flow of energy, however, was the same. They shared the same key parts\u2014the same muscles, joints, and functions. He would simply have to use the points that he normally would. Perhaps it would even be easier without the obstruction of feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you help her turn over?\u201d he asked the farmer, opening the metal clasp on the box and lifting the lid. Inside lay two rows of thin needles in various lengths. Junya complied, helping Kumi out of her robe and onto her stomach. He pulled her hair aside, leaving her back exposed.<\/p>\n

Bending low, Shichi began to feel down her neck and spine. He took note of each bone, measuring with his fingers toward her shoulder blade. It was then that Chiyo lifted her head, no longer attempting to hide her curiosity as she watched.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you comfortable?\u201d he asked, taking a needle from the box. She gave a slight nod. He found the first point, positioning the needle before pressing it into her skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you feel any pain?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s brow lowered in concern. While the absence of pain was positive, the lack of any sensation at all meant he had made a mistake. He wondered if he had inserted it correctly, or at the right depth. Noticing the anxiety building in his chest, he reminded himself that it wasn\u2019t over yet. Keeping his hand steady, he turned the needle, applying faint pressure as he manipulated it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s pulse began to quicken. If he had spent all of these decades learning acupuncture, only to find that his technique was useless on humans, how could he be expected to help them? There was only so much one could accomplish with herbs. His hand began to shake, hovering over the needle with hesitancy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Junya asked, his tone low with suspicion. Seeing an acupuncturist with trembling fingers wasn\u2019t exactly comforting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . .\u201d Shichi wrapped one hand around the other. His heart jumped inside his chest, pattering like rain on the surface of a roof. He could feel the weight of eyes on him, imagining their inner thoughts. Is he really a physician? Was he<\/em> lying?<\/em><\/p>\n

Shichi closed his eyes. He focused on breathing\u2014on allowing his body to calm. It was his first attempt on a human; he couldn\u2019t expect everything to go perfectly. He would simply have to try again. Waiting until his palm was still, he removed the needle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne moment,\u201d he said, taking a fresh needle from the case. He held it up to examine, making sure it was the proper length and thickness. Placing his hand flat on her back, he kept her steady as he looked for the point. He thought of the years he had spent memorizing every location\u2014the ones that he should use, as well as the ones that he shouldn\u2019t. He visualized the meridians, considering the depth of her skin and the strength of her body. Taking in a soft breath, he slid the needle down into the point.<\/p>\n

\u201cI-it tingles,\u201d she said immediately, unaccustomed to the feeling. Shichi exhaled, finally allowing himself to breathe properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good. It will fade in a moment,\u201d he said, attempting to hide his relief. He continued in a row along the side of her spine, finding the points in relation to her vertebrae. Each insertion took a few adjustments before creating the proper sensation. He could only imagine the look of impatience Sagiri would have had were she present. His master would certainly have done it correctly the first time, human or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it finished?\u201d Junya asked as he watched Shichi remove the last of the needles.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said, taking in a slow breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will she get better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will take some time. I\u2019ll stay until her condition improves, so don\u2019t worry,\u201d Shichi said, though part of him wondered if he was being too generous. He was still being hunted by Zaisei. The longer he remained in one place, the more danger he put himself in\u2014and those around him. Hoping the hunter wouldn\u2019t stoop to breaking and entering, Shichi resolved to stay as long as it would take.<\/p>\n

As promised, he remained at her side through the night. He applied the garlic paste to a thin cloth, placing it on her chest in intervals. Chiyo had curled up in a corner of the room, sleeping as Shichi worked. He continued to check the woman\u2019s pulse and listen to her breathing, noting that it was beginning to slow. As she rested, he sterilized the used needles with a low flame, waiting until the metal glowed red before moving to the next one.<\/p>\n

The moon was high in the night sky when Junya approached once more, this time holding a bowl of rice porridge.<\/p>\n

Shichi shook his head. \u201cShe\u2019s asleep now, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s for you.\u201d The man offered the bowl once more. Shichi paused, his eyes dropping to the porridge. He had forgotten to eat anything since the potentially poisoned food, having been too focused on his work. Though the meal was humble, the gesture itself gave the monk a sense of warmth and purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he said, accepting the bowl gratefully.<\/p>\n

By the time the sun rose, even the farmer had fallen asleep. He sat against the wall, his head lolled forward with his arms folded across his chest. Shichi was glad that the man was getting some rest. Worry could be just as bad for one\u2019s health as exhaustion. As he checked the woman\u2019s breathing once more, she startled him by opening her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Kumi cleared her throat, taking in an experimental breath. The sound was clear, no longer clogged with fluid. She placed her hand on her chest, her expression brightening with each intake of air.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy cough is gone,\u201d she said, shifting to sit upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cCareful,\u201d Shichi said, holding up both hands. \u201cYou still need to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKumi?\u201d came the farmer\u2019s voice from her other side. He hurried over to his wife, grasping her hands as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour voice . . . your fever,\u201d he said, his face taut with disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s still not\u2014\u201d Shichi said, but went ignored as the two embraced. He sighed, figuring there was no use in ruining their moment. They had been so desperate that even a slight ease of her symptoms seemed like a miracle.<\/p>\n

The commotion stirred Chiyo, who made a few lazy stretches before looking in their direction. She looked relieved\u2014not that the woman was healthy, but that their stay might finally be over.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go now?\u201d Her tails twitched simultaneously. Junya looked up over his wife\u2019s shoulder, having forgotten about the impatient kitsune in his home.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes,\u201d he said, fishing the pearly ball out of an inner pocket. \u201cHere you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo\u2019s teeth clicked around the sphere as she snatched it away, giving the man an irritated glare as she did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease forgive me, Miss Kitsune. I should never have tried to steal from you,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo only snorted, turning toward the door without a word.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe forgives you,\u201d Shichi said. \u201cSomewhere in that heart of hers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stole something?\u201d Kumi narrowed her eyes at her husband.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I\u2014 I\u2019ll explain that later. You need rest, don\u2019t you?\u201d he said, forcing a soft laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do need rest,\u201d Shichi agreed. \u201cIt can take a long time before you\u2019re fully healed. Stay in bed and have plenty of hot water and garlic. Pneumonia can return, so you must be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Junya replied, bowing low as he faced the monk. \u201cI can\u2019t thank you enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-it\u2019s quite all right,\u201d Shichi said, not accustomed to such gratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry that I can\u2019t offer you more, but this\u2014\u201d Junya said, holding up a string of copper coins.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary.\u201d Shichi held up both hands. \u201cYou kept your end of the bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Shichi said, lowering his head respectfully. \u201cI need to be on my way. But I was honored to meet both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three said their goodbyes, though not before Kumi insisted that he take some dried vegetables. As he stepped outside of the farmhouse, Shichi noticed that the previous day\u2019s fog had cleared. It wasn\u2019t until he was a fair distance from the house that his actual emotions pushed through.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did it,\u201d he said, touching his forehead in elation. \u201cI helped someone. I actually did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could make an even bigger fool of himself, Chiyo\u2019s voice cut through the air behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi turned, startled at her presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh . . . Chiyo? I thought you ran off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have taken the money,\u201d she said, looking up at him in disappointment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the reason I helped them,\u201d he said, looking helplessly back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but he offered!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi only laughed. He noticed that, as he continued to walk, Chiyo was keeping up next to him. Her lake, however, was in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you following me?\u201d he asked, glancing down with a raised brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You\u2019re just going in the same direction I am,\u201d she said, proudly lifting her<\/p>\n

nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which direction would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. This<\/em> direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are<\/em> following me,\u201d he said, stopping in his tracks. Chiyo stopped as well, averting her eyes in embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I . . .\u201d she started, still refusing to make eye contact. She fussed for a moment, then lowered her voice. \u201cI lied. I don\u2019t like being alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s look of annoyance quickly faded. He was surprised to hear such honesty from her and was caught off guard by the softness of her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s safe to come with me,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m being tracked by a hunter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t be worse than a lying fortune teller,\u201d she said with a huff. \u201cI can\u2019t stay near the village anymore. Not with those rumors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Shichi said, rubbing the side of his face. \u201cI suppose it would be all right if you accompanied me for a short while. Until you found a new home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d she said. \u201cCan you let me up? My leg still hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The empathy in Shichi\u2019s expression dissipated with a sigh. He took a knee, allowing the white fox to clamber up on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd could you walk a little faster? I\u2019m getting hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say, Miss Kitsune.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shichi awoke to the sound of songbirds. He waited before opening his eyes, trying to think through the terrible pounding in his head. The smell of poppy sap still lingered in his nostrils, reminding him of what had happened the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-one"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=126"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1087,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126\/revisions\/1087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}