{"id":650,"date":"2013-12-18T03:49:31","date_gmt":"2013-12-17T18:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/?p=650"},"modified":"2013-12-18T03:51:07","modified_gmt":"2013-12-17T18:51:07","slug":"b2part02","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/b2part02\/","title":{"rendered":"Book II \u30cb Part 02 (Kite)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"chiyo_newoutfit\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Shichi rose before the sun. Chiyo was curled up at his side, still sleeping. She was a ball of white, her fur rising and falling with each slow breath. He sat upright, careful not to bump the kitsune as he left the futon. The room was still dark. It took him a moment to remember that he was not in Urameshiya \u2014 that they had traveled to a village of kitsune and stayed the night in Naoki\u2019s home. He was no longer surrounded by bundles of hanging herbs and shelves of medicine, nor could he go downstairs to find Fumie preparing breakfast for her patrons.<\/p>\n

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he found the jacket that the innkeeper had made for him. The fabric was still crisp and new. The tengu thought of his old haori, wondering if Aki still had it. Hopefully, it would help to keep her warm, despite being in a stark cell.<\/p>\n

As he dressed himself, his eyes caught the white ribbon that was tied around his wrist. He had kept it there for over a year and, unlike his jacket, the cloth was thin and starting to fray. His mind slipped backwards as he thought of the human who had given it to him \u2014 of Kana. It seemed like ages since he had befriended her on the mountain he\u2019d once called home. There were so much he had left behind.<\/p>\n

Yet, somehow, he still had Chiyo. He couldn\u2019t leave the fox behind if he tried \u2014 and he had. After all they had been through, she deserved to sleep just a bit longer.<\/p>\n

Using a pitcher and bowl, he washed up before making his way into the hall. In an instant, he could hear a rush of tiny paws as Naoki\u2019s sons hurried to his feet. It seemed that they\u2019d been waiting for him to wake up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to play?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have some tops. Do you want to see them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to,\u201d the monk replied, wondering where they got their energy from. \u201cAnd\u2026 let\u2019s see. Would you like me to show you how to make a kite?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d the two kits replied simultaneously.<\/p>\n

Not long after, Shichi and the two kitsune were seated downstairs amidst a collection of bamboo rods and paper. He and Ken were almost finished with the frame while his older brother was trying his hand at painting.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026 how do I write \u2018kite?\u2019\u201d Kyo asked, now in his human form.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike this,\u201d Shichi said, borrowing the brush to write on a piece of scrap paper. \u201cStart writing \u2018wind,\u2019 and on the inside, put \u2018cloth.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Kyo took a moment of intense concentration, his eyes flickering from the example back to his own work until he had made a wobbly copy of the character.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very good,\u201d Shichi said with a nod. He had clearly not inherited his master\u2019s style of critical, iron-fisted drilling. He could only imagine what she would have to say about the boy\u2019s crooked handwriting and stroke order.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2026 your father?\u201d the monk added, scrutinizing the painted design. It appeared to be of a large, gangly fox, its eyes in two different sizes and its mouth full of teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes! Does it really look like him? Do you think he\u2019ll like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to love this,\u201d Shichi said, squinting in amusement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you all doing down here?\u201d came a voice from above. The three looked over to see Hana descending the stairs, her body wrapped in a brown kimono.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s showing us how to make a kite!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see,\u201d she replied, kneeling beside them to observe. \u201cDo you make kites often, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Shichi\u2019 is all right,\u201d he said, a bit embarrassed at her formality. He still hadn\u2019t gotten used to the title. \u201cWe used to make them at my temple \u2014 for certain ceremonies or special occasions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Shichi, thank you for showing them how. I know they can be a bit of a handful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy to,\u201d the monk answered, giving her a nod. He thought once again of his temple, where he had often been tasked with watching new or visiting children. Sagiri had decided that one student was enough for her, having gone back to avoiding youngsters after Shichi had matured. He never seemed to mind the responsibility and couldn\u2019t imagine why his master detested it so.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also wanted to show my appreciation for earlier \u2014 for helping my husband,\u201d Hana said. \u201cIn a way, you helped me, too.\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, my friends are the ones to thank,\u201d Shichi said, thinking back to how helpless he\u2019d been when poisoned \u2014 how Aki and Chiyo had saved his life, how Rinka and Kazu had caught the impostor on their own.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was still you who cared for him,\u201d she said, shaking her head. \u201cSo it is you I want to thank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi paused at her words, then bowed his head in response. \u201cI\u2019m honored. And I\u2019m happy to see that you\u2019re well \u2014 we were quite worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHah, there was no need to worry. I\u2019ve lived through worse,\u201d she replied, her eyes narrowing slyly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, it\u2019s finished!\u201d Kyo exclaimed, holding up the large kite with both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we fly it now?\u201d Ken added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should show your father first,\u201d Hana answered. \u201cHe really must<\/i> see this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay!\u201d they cried before hurrying up the stairs. Shichi exchanged a look with their mother, wishing he could see the look on Naoki\u2019s face upon seeing his \u2018likeness.\u2019<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until after breakfast that Shichi and Chiyo said their goodbyes. Chiyo, having lamented vocally about the clothing she\u2019d left in Osaka, was presented with a new set of clothes in proper kitsune fashion. The crimson hakama were a bit shorter than her previous pair and the kimono was patterned in matching red diamonds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a good breakfast,\u201d Chiyo sighed, placing a hand on her belly. She had remained in her human form, wanting to enjoy her new clothing for the time being.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you found the village,\u201d Shichi said as they walked. \u201cIt was nice to see his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, right, his family,\u201d she replied absently. It seemed she was happier about the food than the company.<\/p>\n

Shichi ignored her dry remark, focusing on the road ahead. Further down, the path split four ways through the woods. Until then, the only direction they had been moving was \u2018away from Osaka.\u2019 It seemed that now, they would have to make a decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, which way should we go?\u201d Shichi asked, rubbing the feathers on the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one with a purpose here. Shouldn\u2019t you decide?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know much more about the world than I do,\u201d he admitted, remembering how overwhelmed he had been upon arriving in Osaka. It had been his first time in a real city.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, let\u2019s see,\u201d Chiyo mused, finding a thin stick on the side of the road and examining the length. With a determined breath, she tossed it into the air. It flipped above them before clattering down to the dusty path. The pointed end had landed east.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like we\u2019re going to Edo,\u201d she announced with both hands on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 that\u2019s how you deci-\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou asked me,\u201d the kitsune interrupted. \u201cNow, let\u2019s go. There will be plenty of people to help there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edo wasn\u2019t merely larger than Osaka. It was, unbeknownst to them, one of the largest cities in the world. Where Osaka was a place of merchants, Edo was a political center, home to daimyos and samurai. If the city lacked anything, it wasn\u2019t people.<\/p>\n

They had only traveled a few hours before Chiyo was hungry again. She eyed the bag at Shichi\u2019s waist, remembering that Fumie had given them some provisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Shichi said before she could ask. \u201cWe need to save our food for emergencies \u2014 not snacks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said there was plenty in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis bag can\u2019t even hold a cabbage \u2014 or this kit,\u201d he insisted. He was still holding the box of sword cleaning materials in one hand. \u201cHow much food can possibly be in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we at least look?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he sighed, untying the bag from his belt. \u201cOnly a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo hurriedly loosened the colored rope at the top, opening the bag to peer inside. For a moment, she said nothing, only staring at its contents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Shichi asked, uneasy at her silence. Without a word, the kitsune lifted her hand, placing it inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cChiyo, I said only\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

Shichi stopped, gawking as her hand disappeared, followed by her arm. Soon, the bag had gone up to her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cCh-Chiyo, what is\u2026 how are you\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s huge!\u201d she exclaimed, looking rather pleased for someone whose arm had disappeared. \u201cThere\u2019s a whole week\u2019s worth of food in here. And look, your acupuncture kit.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment later, her hand reappeared, this time holding a wooden box. The monk could only stare.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on, you look like you\u2019ve never seen magic before,\u201d the kitsune smirked, waving the box at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how\u2026? It barely weighs anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re complaining?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no, but\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me that kit. It\u2019ll easily fit in here,\u201d Chiyo said. \u201cAnd maybe Aki\u2019s sword, too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, the sword slid inside up to the hilt, finally disappearing into the small bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I wonder\u2026\u201d she murmured, setting the bag down before returning to her fox form. It took the monk a moment to realize what she was attempting and he faltered before rushing to stop her.<\/p>\n

\u201cChiyo, no! Get out of there!\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the large store of food they had discovered, the tengu remained intent on using it only when absolutely necessary. Shichi couldn\u2019t help but think back to the time he had nearly starved in the mountains of Shikoku \u2014 how he had resorted to eating pine needles and bark. He didn\u2019t want it to happen again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, fine,\u201d Chiyo snorted after his lecture. \u201cI\u2019ll go hunt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi paused, realizing that his stinginess was about to lead to some poor animal\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, in that case, maybe\u2026 just a little,\u201d he started, but the fox had already darted off into the woods. He sighed, watching her tails vanish into the underbrush. He was alone.<\/p>\n

The monk looked up at the trees, paying close attention to the subtle shifts of branches. The wind rustled the newly budded leaves, sending a clean fragrance through the air. The atmosphere was serene \u2014 now would be a good time to meditate. Settling at the base of a large cedar, he folded his hands and lowered his eyes. Recently, he\u2019d had little time to meditate; his mind had become clouded with stresses and worries. His breath came in slowly, expanding his chest and allowing him to focus. The woods seemed silent as well, mimicking the peace in his mind.<\/p>\n

After a moment, he realized that it wasn\u2019t just his mind \u2014 the trees had<\/i> gone silent. No longer could he hear the faint chirps of birds or the rustles of insects. It was as if the forest was holding its breath, afraid. Hesitantly, he glanced up.<\/p>\n

A pair of eyes met his. A beast stood before him, covered in matted, silver fur. It was a cat, its body as large as an ox with claws like a bird of prey. The animal\u2019s tail forked into two lengths, each of them swishing in agitation. It was staring him down, narrowing its eyes as it stepped closer. Despite its size, its feet made no sound over the dry forest floor.<\/p>\n

Shichi had seen those eyes before \u2014 between trees and sideways glances. No, it hadn\u2019t only been in the woods. He had seen them in Urameshiya. At the inn, however, the cat had appeared significantly smaller. It must have been capable of shapeshifting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you,\u201d Shichi said evenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not be so quick to presume, monk,\u201d the animal hissed in a low, male voice. The fur on its scruff was standing on end, making its form seem even larger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy have you been following us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo find the right moment to kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you have a good reason to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a monk,\u201d the cat said with a sneer. \u201cOne fewer monk in the world will ease my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHas a monk done you wrong?\u201d Shichi asked. His hands remained folded in his lap, his fingers resting against his palm. He wondered what had happened to this poor beast \u2014 why its fur was in such poor condition and why its eyes, behind the glare, looked so empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough. You ask too many questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. If it will bring you peace, you may kill me,\u201d the tengu replied simply. He had no intention of reliving his encounters with Zaisei.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t toy with me,\u201d the cat snarled, drawing back its lips to reveal a row of pointed teeth. \u201cWhat are you planning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not planning anything. Though my friend may return soon and I would rather you not fight her. If you could do it quickly, it would be appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLies! Every word from your mouth\u2026 you must think I\u2019m a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not. Though I wonder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d the cat growled, its teeth snapping together. Its eyes had widened in frustration and its claws had begun to dig into the soil.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour voice seems dry. When was the last time you used it?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was answered with silence. The nekomata\u2019s eyes began to quiver, as if it might lose control and tear into him at any moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t remember,\u201d Shichi continued.<\/p>\n

The beast\u2019s chest began to heave. Clouds of breath escaped its curled lips and its claws sunk deeper into the earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all alone,\u201d he finished. \u201cAren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

An otherworldly screech filled the air. The nekomata\u2019s head tossed, shaking away the monk\u2019s words, grimacing beneath the weight of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill you!\u201d it cried, its green eyes piercing into his. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you!<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a rustle of bushes before an enormous white shape bounded from the tree line. Dust rose around the kitsune\u2019s feet as she skidded to a stop between them. The fox\u2019s body had grown exponentially larger, her teeth bared and her sight set firmly on the raging nekomata.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing,\u201d Chiyo growled, her voice rumbling from deep within her throat. Rather than attack, the beast faltered, backing away from the other yokai. As it panted for air, Shichi could see the outlines of its ribs pressing against its skin. The two beasts stared at one another, silent aside from their breathing.<\/p>\n

After a long moment, the nekomata yielded. It locked its gaze on Shichi, tightening the corners of its eyes before turning to retreat. Its body disappeared into the trees, leaving only dusty footprints in its wake.<\/p>\n

\u201cShichi,\u201d Chiyo said, turning to give the monk a similar glare. \u201cWhat did you do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d he replied, staring at the spot where the cat had been. \u201cI think.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shichi rose before the sun. Chiyo was curled up at his side, still sleeping. She was a ball of white, her fur rising and falling with each slow breath. He sat upright, careful not to bump the kitsune as he…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-two"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/650","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=650"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":652,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/650\/revisions\/652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}