{"id":693,"date":"2014-01-29T04:24:44","date_gmt":"2014-01-28T19:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/?p=693"},"modified":"2014-12-16T05:07:36","modified_gmt":"2014-12-15T20:07:36","slug":"b2part06","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/b2part06\/","title":{"rendered":"Book II \u516d Part 06 (Fortune Teller)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

\u201cAh, there you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi glanced up in an instant. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d been so happy to see Chiyo. He\u2019d been sitting in the cold for nearly an hour. The villagers had eventually returned, their weapons unsullied and their hands empty. Luckily, it seemed the nekomata had managed to escape. His only remaining concern had been the cold night air. Try as he might, it was impossible to keep the egg warm on his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere you off playing with that cat?\u201d she asked, her arms folded in annoyance. Even after an hour, she could still smell the feline in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I was looking for the egg,\u201d he replied, having half a mind to scold her for letting it roll away.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, this,\u201d the kitsune said, kneeling to pick the egg up with both hands. \u201cThis thing is more trouble than it\u2019s worth. Are you sure I can\u2019t eat it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChiyo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, since we\u2019re here,\u201d she said, ignoring his glare. \u201cMaybe we should find an inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the town was larger than they had imagined. It was a hub along a major road and there were several inns nestled past the market. Unfortunately, there didn\u2019t seem to be any vacancies.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, there\u2019s no room,\u201d said the innkeeper from the second ryokan they passed. \u201cLots of people headed to the Ise Shrine this week.\u201d<\/p>\n

The kitsune folded her arms, scowling as the door closed in her face. \u201cGood thing I love sleeping in alleys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, there\u2019s another one,\u201d Shichi said, now perched on her shoulder. \u201cDown the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t get your hopes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The entrance slid open, rattling on the wooden track. It was a rather small inn, looking as if it held only three or four rooms. The interior was cramped, but warm, its walls plastered with inked papers. The sitting area was silent \u2014 neither customers nor the owner were anywhere to be found.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello? Innkeeper!\u201d Chiyo called, craning her head around a wall. After a moment, they could hear a door opening down the hall, followed by slow, steady footsteps. A man approached, his hands folded behind his back. He was an elder of very slight stature, barely meeting Chiyo\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry, but I can\u2019t accept any guests now,\u201d he said, his head bowed in apology.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? The place looks empty,\u201d she said, gesturing to the vacant sitting area.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t have the time. My son is quite ill and I have no wife to care for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay \u2018I\u2019m a doctor<\/i>,\u2019\u201d Shichi whispered, hoping the man\u2019s hearing wasn\u2019t sharp enough to catch his voice. It would probably be best if the villagers weren\u2019t aware that he could talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a doctor?\u201d Chiyo repeated, squinting at the raven as she spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are?\u201d the innkeeper asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay \u2018yes<\/i>,\u2019\u201d Shichi quickly murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA female doctor? I don\u2019t think\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/i>\u201d Chiyo snapped, her demeanor taking a sudden shift. \u201cYou think a woman can\u2019t be a doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, healing is just so\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cShow me your son. I\u2019ll heal the hell out of him!\u201d she said, now shamelessly looming over the old man.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-all right,\u201d the man stammered, holding up both hands. \u201cIf you\u2026 if you really think you can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi sighed. It wasn\u2019t quite the act he\u2019d been hoping for, but it seemed to have worked. They were led down the narrow corridor, its floors creaking as they walked. The inn was indeed empty, its silence almost troubling to the monk. At the end of the hall was a small tatami room. A lantern sat on a shelf, casting dim light on a lone figure in a futon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Munetoshi, my son,\u201d the innkeeper said, gesturing to the young man in the bed. \u201cHe\u2019s been vomiting all day\u2026 do you have any idea what\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ah\u2026,\u201d Chiyo began, staring at the patient from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at his tongue<\/i>,\u201d Shichi hissed, snapping her out of her stupor.<\/p>\n

Clearing her throat, she knelt beside the bed. Hesitantly, she reached for the sleeping man\u2019s face, then recoiled at the last second.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s all sweaty,<\/i>\u201d she whispered back. \u201cI don\u2019t\u2014 ow!<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

Having no time for further argument, Shichi had simply pecked the kitsune\u2019s shoulder. She gave him a sideways glare before taking the human by the chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s definitely\u2026 a tongue,\u201d she said, lowering her brow in feigned concentration.<\/p>\n

\u201cFood poisoning. Ginger.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like food poisoning,\u201d Chiyo added, doing her best to sound informed. \u201cDo you have any ginger?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes. Yes, I do,\u201d the old man replied, his face brightening with the diagnosis. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The innkeeper hurried off, shutting the door behind him and leaving the two alone with their patient.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lucky he has poor hearing,\u201d Shichi said, hopping down from her shoulder. \u201cAnd he probably can\u2019t afford a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo was already wiping her hand on her hakama, her face contorted in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh, I don\u2019t know how you do this. Is it really food poisoning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see,\u201d Shichi replied, resting a clawed foot on the man\u2019s wrist. Though it was difficult to take a pulse without proper fingers, he eventually nodded in confirmation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it seems so. We should find out what he ate,\u201d the bird said, taking note of the man\u2019s fevered complexion. \u201cGinger will help for now. If he\u2019s still sick in the morning we should go to the market so I can make a formula.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we just do some acupuncture? I can\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Chiyo,\u201d he interrupted before her terrible suggestion could complete itself. \u201cI really don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? I\u2019d just have to stick a bunch of needles in him, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi could only stare back at her, his face deadpanned.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, fine,\u201d she groaned. \u201cWe\u2019ll buy your smelly plants.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

A shift in the futon startled the two and they both stiffened at the sound of a third voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that bird\u2026 talking?\u201d the human mumbled, his tone weak with exhaustion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour fever is making you hallucinate,\u201d Shichi replied. \u201cGo back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d the man replied. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the innkeeper\u2019s son had been treated, the old man decided to grant accommodations for the night. It was a narrow room, barely suitable for one. Luckily, birds didn\u2019t require much space.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to forgive me,\u201d the innkeeper said, standing in the threshold. \u201cThe only meal I can offer is\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Chiyo interrupted, waving her hands as she recalled the symptoms of food poisoning. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about your pet?\u201d he asked, gesturing to the raven on her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026? Oh. Um, he\u2019s fine, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, sleep well,\u201d he said with a courteous bow. \u201cAh, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo looked back up, noticing the man\u2019s expression soften.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for looking after my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cD-don\u2019t mention it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door closed, letting the room fall into silence. Chiyo waited on the floor, taking a moment to realize that Shichi was in no shape to lay out the futon for the night. With a sigh, she stood to prepare it herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like I have to do everything now,\u201d she mumbled as she pulled the bedding from the shelf. \u201cWell, at least we only had to pay for one person. Maybe you should just stay a bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t,\u201d Shichi said from his perch beside a tea pot. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be in this form anymore. I keep\u2026 I keep losing control of my emotions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI noticed,\u201d Chiyo replied with a grin. \u201cYou should do it more often.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi exhaled, noticing that she was still in her human form. He supposed it wouldn\u2019t do for the innkeeper to come knocking and find a fox instead of a woman. This time, she settled down with the egg on her own, holding it to her chest as she nestled beneath the blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Chiyo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t let it roll away again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi continued to wake throughout the night, his eyes repeatedly falling on the egg in his friend\u2019s arms. True to her word, Chiyo kept it secure in her hold. Eventually, he stopped worrying, tucking his beak below his wing until sunlight leaked in through the window seams.<\/p>\n

Their first task of the day was to visit the market. Munetoshi\u2019s condition had improved, but the young man continued to bemoan the pain in his stomach. The shopping street was busy, crowded with both locals and travelers. It was a new experience for Shichi \u2014 to move openly through a human town without the typical serving of stares. It was a bit odd for a small, white-haired girl to wander about with a raven on her shoulder, but nowhere near as strange as an actual tengu.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like we\u2019re on the Tokaido Road now,\u201d Chiyo said, eyeing a wooden sign posted on a gate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are?\u201d Shichi replied, speaking softly beside her ear. He had heard vaguely of the highway, only knowing that it ran through the center of the nation from the capital to Edo.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the fiftieth station. We still have a long way to go before Edo,\u201d she said, turning to follow the crowd. \u201cAt least you have plenty of time to get back to your old self.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo was right \u2014 their destination was still a long way off. If he were to regain his tengu form, they would have to return to using back roads and forest paths, making the course even longer. Either way, their journey would not be easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, there\u2019s a pharmacy,\u201d Shichi said, picking up his head to look over the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we get something to eat first?\u201d the kitsune mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile Munetoshi suffers in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The raven bumped Chiyo\u2019s ear with his beak; it was too early in the morning for a debate with a hungry kitsune.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeesh, you\u2019re so violent as a bird,\u201d she muttered, begrudgingly turning towards the medicine shop.<\/p>\n

Upon entering, the pair was enveloped by the strong scent of herbs. Shichi closed his eyes. When he ignored the sounds from outside, he could almost imagine he were in his temple\u2019s infirmary. He could see the light filtering in through the slatted window and hear Sagiri\u2019s voice as she explained the proper way to cut kuzu roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome,\u201d came an older woman\u2019s voice as they stepped through. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking for\u2026,\u201d Chiyo began, then paused. She had no idea what they needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeony root, milkwort, cinnamon bark<\/i>,\u201d Shichi murmured. \u201cAnd licorice root<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeony\u2026 peony root. Milk, ah, wert\u2026 no, wart,\u201d Chiyo stammered, rubbing her temples as she struggled to keep up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMilkwort. Wort<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know<\/i>. I got it. Slow down, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2026 all right?\u201d the shopkeeper asked, leaning sideways as she watched the young woman mumble to herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d Chiyo insisted. \u201cAh, give me those. And cinnamon leaf!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBark!<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCinnamon bark!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see,\u201d the woman replied, nodding gently. \u201cAre you running errands for a doctor? You poor thing, he didn\u2019t even give you a list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. A list would have been really helpful<\/i>,\u201d Chiyo seethed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell excuse me if I can\u2019t write,\u201d <\/i>Shichi hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, this is all the peony root I have,\u201d the shopkeeper said, removing a drawer from a wall of herbs. \u201cHow much did you need?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Chiyo could answer, Shichi hopped down to the wooden counter, flapping to keep his balance. He lowered his head, examining the drawer of root slices with scrutiny. He couldn\u2019t trust Chiyo\u2019s judgment on the best pieces, nor could he allow her to determine measurements.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, your pet,\u201d the woman said, touching her chest in surprise. \u201cIt\u2019s-\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. I trained him to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

One by one, Shichi began to pick out root pieces with his beak, setting them aside for purchase.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he\u2026 clean?\u201d the shopkeeper asked, looking disturbed at the sight of an animal digging through her wares. Shichi\u2019s feathers ruffled as he turned to shoot the woman a look. She took a step backwards, startled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry. I give him baths,\u201d Chiyo said, holding in a nervous laugh. \u201cEvery day!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2026 I suppose that\u2019s all right, then,\u201d she said, still visibly unsettled.<\/p>\n

Soon, they had a proper selection of herbs, including a few staples for their journey. The shopkeeper bowed gratefully as they exited, though she was undoubtedly glad to see them go.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow<\/i> can we get some food?\u201d Chiyo groaned, her eyes trailing towards a stall selling fresh sushi.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe spent a lot on the herbs. I don\u2019t know if\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no you don\u2019t. Not after putting me through all of that,\u201d the kitsune said, folding her arms over the egg sling. \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing I \u2018trained\u2019 you so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo trailed off, her brow lowering in thought. Without warning, she smacked a fist into her palm, looking up with intention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Shichi breathed. Somehow, those words put a sick feeling in his stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen up!\u201d she called, attracting the attention of the people walking by. \u201cHow would you like to see the best-trained bird in Shiga? No, in Kansai!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, no,\u201d Shichi murmured to himself, shrinking in an attempt to hide behind her head. A few passersby glanced over, curious about the odd girl and her pet.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, hop down,\u201d she instructed once she could feel the eyes of onlookers. Shichi remained put, only burying his head below his wing. Chiyo retained her smile as she jerked her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d she hissed. Another hard shake sent the raven flapping down to the road. He shook his head upon landing, instantly turning to glare at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, watch!\u201d she exclaimed, holding up a simple chestnut. \u201cAs he catches this in his beak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi quickly shook his head, his glare intensifying. Chiyo ignored him, giving the nut a light toss. It hit the ground unceremoniously, rolling a bit before stopping at the bird\u2019s feet. A few of the villagers mumbled amongst themselves, clearly unimpressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, you\u2019re embarrassing me,\u201d she hissed, her smile starting to falter. Once again, Shichi shook his head. Her hands went to the egg, her fingers clutching it threateningly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, you want to catch this egg instead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare!\u201d<\/p>\n

A hush fell over the crowd. They stared at the bird who, somehow, had just spoken back to its owner.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it!\u201d Chiyo insisted, her face twisted into a scowl. \u201cSo help me\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t<\/i>,\u201d Shichi replied, too concerned about the egg to worry about the surrounding humans.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust watch me! You keep playing dumb and I\u2019ll drop it right on your head!\u201d the kitsune retorted, her eye twitching.<\/p>\n

Murmurs began to rise from the audience, the size of which had suddenly grown.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid that bird just talk?\u201d one villager whispered to another.<\/p>\n

By now, Shichi\u2019s feathers had risen in agitation. \u201cAt least I know the difference between a root and a leaf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares? They all taste the same!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been eating<\/i> my herbs?\u201d<\/p>\n

At that moment, applause began to rise from the crowd. Both Chiyo and Shichi froze at the sound of coins being tossed to their feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds just like a person!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you train him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan he sing, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026 ah, yes, maybe next time!\u201d Chiyo replied, crouching to gather the money with her palms. \u201cThat\u2019s it for today! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

By the time the people had dispersed, the kitsune had collected a pile of money in both hands. She had completely forgotten her anger, too distracted by the glint of coins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that worked!\u201d she said, her eyes practically glowing. Shichi couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d seen her so happy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was dishonest,\u201d the raven muttered. \u201cIt\u2019s practically stealing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo only scoffed, placing the coins into the bag at her side. She was so pleased with herself that she barely noticed as a shadow fell over her body.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite entertaining,\u201d came a man\u2019s voice from above. The kitsune glanced up, squinting at the human who was in her light. He was dressed differently from the other villagers, his clothing much more ornate than a typical farmer. There was gold thread embroidered into his high collar and strings of wooden beads hung loosely around his neck. His hat left a shadow over his eyes, both of which were cast down at the girl and her bird.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Chiyo said after she had gathered herself. \u201cA fortune teller.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you think you know me,\u201d he replied, his mouth slipping into a smile. \u201cBut I am not exactly as I seem.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused, focusing on the raven at her knees.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd neither is he.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi stiffened, wondering if he had gone too far by speaking in public. He said nothing, only staring up at the strange man with tense, yellow eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, you may speak. I know what has happened to you,\u201d the fortune teller said gently. \u201cAnd I can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026 you can?\u201d Shichi asked, his chest rising with hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, follow me,\u201d the man instructed, already turning to leave. Chiyo frowned, her brow knit in suspicion.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t trust fortune tellers,\u201d she said under her breath, glaring at the man\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t trust anyone,\u201d Shichi said, hopping up onto her arm. \u201cPlease, this might be my only chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, all right. But any funny business and we\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p>\n

They followed the man down the road and through an alley, their path finally ending at a small shop. Its walls were lined with trinkets and talismans and a strange, ethereal odor hung in the air. One wall held nothing but shelves of books, each one dedicated to some kind of superstition. Chiyo eyed a tapestry depicting a descending goddess, clearly unimpressed with her surroundings.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what was it that cursed you?\u201d the fortune teller asked, glancing back at his guests as he rummaged through a shelf. \u201cAn oni? Or perhaps this kitsune?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo bristled, her mouth flattening to a thin line. \u201cExcuse me<\/i>, I don\u2019t-\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I jest. Please calm yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seemed that being told to calm down only angered Chiyo further and she bit her lower lip to keep from snapping at him once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a jorogumo,\u201d Shichi explained, his eyes lowered in embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d the man said, raising his eyebrows. \u201cI must say, you\u2019re quite lucky. Most victims of spiders do not live to tell of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d Shichi murmured as he stepped down onto the counter. \u201cDo you know a way to change me back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said, you\u2019re quite lucky. I have just the thing,\u201d the fortune teller said, removing a small satchel from a cabinet. \u201cThis will do the trick rather nicely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh-what is it?\u201d he asked, lifting his head curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cA simple tea,\u201d the man explained. \u201cDrink one cup and you\u2019ll return to your proper self. Ah, but this is quite powerful magic. It won\u2019t come cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it,\u201d Chiyo muttered. \u201cHe\u2019s nothing but a scam artist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Chiyo, what if it works? What if\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have that kind of money,\u201d the kitsune huffed, folding her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I remember correctly, you recently came into quite a bit of money on the street,\u201d the fortune teller said, his smile never faltering.<\/p>\n

Chiyo took in a slow breath, hesitantly glancing down at Shichi. His eyes were drawn up pitifully, begging without words. After a moment, she shut her eyes, reaching for the bag on her belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive ryo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chiyo\u2019s hand twitched, but the kitsune said nothing. With grit teeth, she removed five gold coins and slapped them into the man\u2019s open palm. Just as he moved to pocket the money, he found his wrist locked in her grip.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou listen well,\u201d she said, pulling him close to hiss into his ear. \u201cIf you got his hopes up for nothing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The fortune teller swallowed, motionless as she tightened her hold.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be as \u2018lucky\u2019 as he was.\u201d<\/p>\n

They made it back to the inn before noon, the tea satchel in one hand and herbs in the other. Despite his anticipation, Shichi thought it best to tend to their patient before trying the tea. If something were to go wrong, there would be no one to help the innkeeper\u2019s son. With precise instruction, Chiyo managed to grind, mix, and settle a proper herbal formula. As the day progressed, so did the young man\u2019s condition, and by evening he had ceased his sweating and moaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Shichi said, lifting the tea satchel with his beak and setting it on the table before Chiyo. \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

The kitsune frowned at the small bag, recalling the questionable fortune teller and his shop. There was the possibility it wouldn\u2019t work, but there was also the chance it would harm the bird. She was already regretting her purchase. With a sigh, she prepared the tea in a clay teapot, allowing the leaves to steep inside.<\/p>\n

Steam rose in curls as she poured it into a small cup. Below the rim, the water swirled with color, darkening to a rich, earthen red. The surface glistened in the dim light, emanating a deceptively sweet scent. Shichi looked down into the cup, his heart thumping below his wishbone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre my clothes ready?\u201d he asked. Though Chiyo\u2019s garments seemed to shift along with her, it was clear that his had no connection to his form. If he were to return to his tengu body, he would most certainly be unclothed. Chiyo nodded, placing her hand on top of the folded pile at her side. After a steady, deep breath, he lowered his head to drink.<\/p>\n

Though the cup was small, he was only a bird, and only after some effort did he manage to finish its contents. Shichi closed his eyes, focusing on his body. His belly was warm and his head felt light. Silently, he waited, intently visualizing his true form. Seconds passed, then minutes, until finally he looked up once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything?\u201d he asked, hopeful as he caught Chiyo\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

The kitsune only exhaled, lightly shaking her head. Shichi looked down at himself. His body was indeed still that of a raven\u2019s. He slumped, flattening himself on the table with a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Chiyo,\u201d he murmured. \u201cFor wasting your money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d she said, narrowing her eyes to the side. \u201cWe\u2019ll get a full refund<\/i> tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her knuckles cracked as she spoke, emphasizing her intention.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was<\/i> my fault,\u201d he said, his body weak against the tabletop. \u201cI\u2026 I really am naive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. Why don\u2019t we get some rest? We\u2019ll get our money back in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded; he did feel quite tired. Soon, the room was dark, and he nestled into place against Chiyo\u2019s back. Hopefully, she would be able to get her coins back and, more importantly, do so without resorting to violence.<\/p>\n

By the time Shichi awoke, the sun was already quite high. It seemed he had slept in. Perhaps the stress of the previous day had drained his energy. With a light groan, he glanced sideways to see if Chiyo had also overslept. Her side of the futon, however, was empty. Perhaps the kitsune had gone for an early bath.<\/p>\n

Sluggishly, he rose, attempting to shake the sleep from his head. It was only when he opened his eyes that he made a sudden realization.<\/p>\n

He was sitting up.<\/p>\n

Beneath the blanket, he grasped the fabric of the futon. Hands \u2014 he had hands. His heart began to race as he pushed off the cover, lifting them to get a better look.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt worked!\u201d he exclaimed, wondering if his companion was in earshot. \u201cChiyo, it\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

As his eyes focused, he forgot how to speak. There were no feathers on his arms. There was only skin \u2014 bare, pinkish skin running all the way to his hands. His claws were gone, replaced only with flat, impractical nubs. He turned his wrists, staring down at the pale color of his palms. These weren\u2019t his hands. They didn\u2019t belong to a tengu, nor any race of yokai he could think of.<\/p>\n

These hands \u2014 they were human.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cAh, there you are.\u201d Shichi glanced up in an instant. He couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d been so happy to see Chiyo. He\u2019d been sitting in the cold for nearly an hour. The villagers had eventually returned, their weapons…<\/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-693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-two"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693","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=693"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":814,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693\/revisions\/814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}