{"id":892,"date":"2015-02-17T05:16:25","date_gmt":"2015-02-16T20:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/?p=892"},"modified":"2017-01-14T02:52:45","modified_gmt":"2017-01-13T17:52:45","slug":"b2p15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/b2p15\/","title":{"rendered":"Book II \u5341\u4e94 Part 15 (Princess)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\"chap15\"<\/a>
\nIllustration by K. Ryan<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this everything?\u201d Chiyo asked, folding the last of her clothes into a neat pile. Her fondness for fine clothing was apparent, as she never took such proper care of anything else. Shichi placed a satchel of food into his bag, closing the top with a tug of the drawstring.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re still missing Gin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi gave her a pointed look.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I\u2019ll go find him. He\u2019s probably stuck in a box again,\u201d Chiyo said. She made a dramatic show of standing, stretching, and stalling before the tengu shooed her out with both hands. Once she had left, Shichi turned to look across the main room of Izumi\u2019s house. It was empty.<\/p>\n

Over a month had passed since they\u2019d first arrived at the little town. As the weeks passed, one villager after another had regained their strength and returned to their homes. Now, the only souls left in Izumi\u2019s home were the girl and her family. His work was finished.<\/p>\n

Izumi emerged from the kitchen holding a single water gourd. She knelt beside the monk, placing the vessel in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to see you go,\u201d she said. \u201cI wish we could have given you more.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shichi watched her for a moment. Her expression was soft, a contrast from the fear she had shown upon seeing his true form for the first time. He could clearly recall her threats and the fire poker gripped in her hands. Izumi had overcome her bias and apprehension, welcoming him into her home, showing him the same respect as any human, if not more.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave me more than I could have hoped for,\u201d he said softly. \u201cFor that, you have my thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

It felt natural to be on the road again. In the time they had been in the village, spring had reached its peak. The cherry trees were bursting with color, their fragrant petals falling like snow and nestling between the curled roots along the path. Shichi inhaled deeply, taking a moment to let the dappled sunlight warm his face.<\/p>\n

The moment did not last long.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain!\u201d Gin said, his body tucked loosely beneath Chiyo\u2019s arm. \u201cAgain, you almost drop me. How hard is it to carry a cat?\u201d<\/p>\n

The kitsune sneered, baring her teeth as she spoke. \u201cPretty hard when I\u2019ve also got a week\u2019s worth of food and water to hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can help,\u201d Shichi said, eyeing the load in her arm.<\/p>\n

Chiyo blew her white bangs out of her eyes with a huff. \u201cYeah, right. With those weak arms? You can barely hold that egg.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what do you suggest we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave the cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not leaving him here.\u201c<\/p>\n

The kitsune groaned. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s leave him further up the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, I can help you carry\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you can\u2019t. You\u2019re\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough<\/i>!\u201d Gin said, his voice startling the two into complete silence. Slowly, they glanced toward the cat.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down,\u201d the nekomata said with a hiss. Chiyo didn\u2019t need to be told twice. She knelt, dropping the cat onto the dusty road. He shook his head, then snapped his attention upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t take anymore,\u201d he said, \u201cof you\u2014 you idiots! I can walk, all right? I can walk<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled himself up on his legs, his fur puffed in agitation. The two said nothing, only staring as he attempted to kick off the splint. The cat stumbled, gnawing at the wrappings before tearing them off entirely. The stick that had supported his leg clattered to the ground, leaving his limb bare and bristled. Gin glared at them with glassy eyes, then turned to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d Shichi said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to carry me around anymore. I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cat froze in mid-step. Gin swallowed, then slowly looked back over his shoulder. \u201cYou do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah. It was really obvious,\u201d Chiyo said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen you sneaking around about a dozen times.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cat\u2019s eyes widened, his pupils shrinking to black slivers. He said nothing, seemingly paralyzed in place.<\/p>\n

\u201cGin,\u201d Shichi said, his voice firm. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re injured or not. You\u2019re welcome to stay with us for as long as you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tengu gave Chiyo a gentle nudge.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Chiyo said, her voice painfully flat. \u201cWe love you. Stay forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nudged her once more, only not so gently. As the two exchanged a mixture of glares and scowls, Gin finally spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd not just to watch your stupid egg?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi lifted the egg with both hands. \u201cI think I can handle it from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gin\u2019s eyes fell, watching the pale petals on the ground. After a long bout of deliberation, he turned to face them properly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell.\u201d Gin\u2019s tails flicked as he forced the next words from his mouth. \u201cAll right. But only because Chiyo begged.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi snagged the back of her collar before she could stomp towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it,\u201d the tengu said. Gin trotted back to their sides, ignoring the kitsune\u2019s perpetual glower. The three continued on their way, leaving only the remains of a forgotten splint in the path behind them.<\/p>\n

Shichi could smell the sea before he could see it. Hints of salt and port timber lingered in the evening air, growing stronger as they approached the outskirts of a post town. The main path was visible from the forest passage they had taken. It seemed they had once again found themselves on the Tokaido Road.<\/p>\n

The tengu paused at the edge of the trees. His dark feathers blended into the shadows, keeping him out of sight as he considered his next step. The road was humming with traffic. Humans bustled past, carrying goods to and from the town ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this another station?\u201d he asked, his voice soft as he addressed Chiyo.<\/p>\n

The kitsune nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s Yokkaichi, the forty-third station.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s eyes fell. The forty-third \u2014 they had only come seven stations since the first post town. At this rate, they were likely to reach their destination in a year. That wasn\u2019t promising.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many more do we have left?\u201d Gin asked, echoing the monk\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n

Chiyo\u2019s lips flattened. \u201cWell, we\u2019re going to Edo, so\u2026 forty three.\u201d<\/p>\n

The nekomata groaned, slumping into the bushes. \u201cI made a mistake. I\u2019m leaving.\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cJust shut up and get on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the point? No inn is going to take a tengu for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch what you\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Chiyo.\u201d Shichi shook his head. \u201cUnless we can find another Urameshiya, I\u2019m going to have to try transforming again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Urameshiya \u2014 the name tasted bittersweet on his tongue. They had been fortunate to find an inn that welcomed yokai in Osaka, though it was unlikely they would be so lucky again.<\/p>\n

The kitsune, folded her arms. \u201cWell, go ahead then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi lowered his eyes as if in meditation. The last time he\u2019d transformed had been in dire circumstances, forcing him to overcome his fears and failings to save a village. Now, his only goal was to sleep in a bed instead of the forest floor. There was no adrenaline in his veins, nor desperation in his heart. He focused, trying to ignore the sound of travelers shuffling by just past the trees.<\/p>\n

After a moment, he glanced up. Both Chiyo and Gin were staring at him expectantly.<\/p>\n

The tengu\u2019s face grew hot. \u201cI can\u2019t do it when you\u2019re watching me.\u201d<\/p>\n

His companions scoffed, begrudgingly turning their eyes away. Once more, he centered his thoughts. A tingling ran through his limbs. His pulse quickened as feathers and claws dissolved, baring fair skin and flat nails. Once the feeling subsided, he lifted his hands. They were human.<\/p>\n

Shichi smiled in spite of himself. \u201cThat was much easier than last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful, you\u2019re a natural.\u201d Chiyo waved her hand dismissively. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before the two could step onto the road, Gin\u2019s voice caught them from behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on,\u201d the nekomata said. \u201cI\u2019ll change, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

With seemingly little effort, Gin\u2019s body rose. He shifted faster than they could follow, his head lifting just inches past Chiyo\u2019s. His human form was that of a young man, his chin narrow and his hair dark. Two silver locks sprouted from his crown, the same color that had once tipped the cat\u2019s ears. His feline eyes remained a bright, watchful green. There was no mistaking this human as anyone but Gin.<\/p>\n

Chiyo stared, caught off guard by his new shape. \u201cYou have a human form.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat.\u201d With a grunt, she deposited an armload of rations and supplies into his hands. \u201cYou carry this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou owe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gin fumbled with the weight, his lips returning to a familiar frown. It seemed he was already regretting his transformation.<\/p>\n

The town was filled with throngs of pilgrims, each journeying to the grand shrines of Ise. Chiyo had no trouble slipping through the crowds, a task which proved to be a bit more challenging for the monk. He was bumped by a passing merchant, the man\u2019s pack heavy with iron pots. A hanging kettle bounced on the back of Shichi\u2019s head, forcing his sugegasa down over his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh<\/i>.\u201d Shichi hissed in pain. As he reached up to adjust the straw hat, the sight of black\u00a0froze his hands. His arm had returned to its original color, dark\u00a0and sleek with feathers. His eyes rounded and he scrambled to cover the arm with his sleeve. He took a slow breath, ignoring the flocks\u00a0of people to focus on his form. Slowly, his skin regained human color.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you\u2019re not a natural after all,\u201d Chiyo said. She slapped him on the back, once more jostling the hat and sending a few more feathers drifting down.<\/p>\n

Shichi swallowed. \u201cWhy did\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to concentrate to keep that form. All beginners do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cI suppose I\u2019m not used to such crowds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the fourth of the month. This town has a big market today. Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019ve never heard of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

Chiyo waved him off. \u201cAll right, country boy. We get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like these crowds either,\u201d Gin said. His eyes were darting back and forth, wary of each human that passed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you go find an inn,\u201d Chiyo said. \u201cCountry boy and I will go shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded. \u201cI need to buy some medicine to replenish\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll<\/i> go shopping. Shichi can waste money on leaves and dirt. Meet back at this sign in two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before either of them could protest, Chiyo had already disappeared into the crowd. The two stood in silence for a moment before looking at once another.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better do as she says,\u201d Shichi said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, give me the egg,\u201d Gin said, his hands outstretched.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you didn\u2019t want\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seriously want it to get crushed in a crowd of humans? After I wasted a month of my life watching it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The monk restrained his smile, gently passing over the egg and sling. Gin hung the cloth over his shoulder, making sure it was secure before tucking the egg against his waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d the nekomata said, finally satisfied. \u201cNow go buy your flowers or whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not\u2014\u201c Shichi began, then trailed as Gin\u2019s body was swallowed by the river of townspeople. The monk frowned, then haughtily straightened his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not all<\/i> flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the market had many stalls, most were selling artisan crafts and food. Shichi passed a half dozen merchants selling local porcelain and found himself tempted to stop at another offering tea. This wasn\u2019t, however, a mission to buy personal indulgences. The village had run his herb supplies dry and it would be unwise to continue without a proper stock. Focusing on his task, he lowered the brim of his hat and slunk further through the mass of humans.<\/p>\n

As he reached the edge of the road, his eyes caught the sign of a medicine shop. He exhaled at the sight of it, eager to finish his errand and remove himself from the busy market. The medicine seller was seated outside, flanked by rows of skinned roots and coarsely ground formulas. A woody, bitter scent filled the air. For once, Shichi was glad the kitsune wasn\u2019t around to complain about it.<\/p>\n

He was already eyeing a particular batch of yarrow leaves when a small group of men rushed forth, brusquely shoving him aside. Shichi was about to open his mouth in protest when he saw that two of them had swords. One of the men was dressed in servant\u2019s clothes, his head perfectly bald.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, medicine seller,\u201d said an armed man, his voice loud with urgency. \u201cWhere is the physician who works on this street?\u201d<\/p>\n

The pharmacist rubbed his jaw in thought, apparently unfazed by the men\u2019s weapons. \u201cAh, he\u2019s on his way to Ise. He\u2019s making his pilgrimage for the\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will he return?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a week or so, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

The armed man hissed in irritation, then turned to speak among his companions. The men murmured to one another, shooting the pharmacist glances as they spoke. After a few nods, they seemed to come to an agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll come with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with you?\u201d The shop owner blinked. \u201cWhatever for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is an illness. I cannot tell you more.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pharmacist only chuckled. \u201cMe? Tend a patient? If you need me to grind stems or haggle prices, I\u2019d be happy to help. But I am no doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a metallic clank<\/i> as the man drew his sword, brandishing it in a show of force.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will come, or\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a doctor,\u201d Shichi said before he could stop himself. All eyes turned to the monk. He swallowed, resisting the urge to step backward. The servant looked Shichi over, seemingly evaluating him, then returned his attention to the shop owner.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look at me.\u201d The pharmacist raised his hands helplessly. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen him before.\u201d<\/p>\n

The servant let out a frustrated breath, then thrust his finger towards a random selection of herbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, doctor<\/i>. What are these?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi glanced down at the seeds, briefly noting their dark, wrinkled shells. \u201cThey\u2019re black cardamom seeds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what are they for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey help with the stomach and kidneys. They\u2019re also an anti-diarrhetic.\u201d<\/p>\n

The human knit his brow, then pointed at a bundle of crimson flowers in a wooden vase.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd these?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are tsubaki blossoms,\u201d Shichi said. \u201cThey\u2019re\u2026 decorative.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pharmacist coughed, obviously attempting to cover a laugh, while the servant\u2019s face reddened to the same brilliant shade as the flowers. Shichi inwardly winced. Embarrassing the man would certainly not win his favor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but the seeds can be processed into an oil,\u201d the monk said. \u201cIt\u2019s useful for growing hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

This seemed to catch the human\u2019s attention. \u201cIt is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded, averting his eyes from the man\u2019s hairless crown.<\/p>\n

The servant quickly turned back to the shop owner. \u201cDo you sell\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough,\u201d said another of the men. \u201cYou \u2014 pharmacist. Is this monk correct? Is he a physician?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can\u2019t comment on his character.\u201d The old man scratched the side of his face. \u201cBut he has the knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll have to do. Take him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi stiffened. \u201cTake me where?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re coming to the jinya.\u201d<\/p>\n

A jinya<\/i> \u2014 Shichi had only heard of such places in passing. They were government buildings, often used for administration of a district, as well as serving as villas for officials. Whoever was ill, they must have held some importance. As the men nudged him forward, he couldn\u2019t help but wonder if he\u2019d made a mistake. Chiyo would certainly be upset if he were gone too long.<\/p>\n

Before long, they reached the grounds. Tall, solid walls encompassed the property, giving only a peek of the structures that lay inside. As they approached the entrance, two guards pulled the heavy gates open. They creaked on their hinges, slowly revealing the inner courtyard.<\/p>\n

Shichi had never seen such a grand residence before. Even the samurai\u2019s property, the house that had once kept Kana, was a fraction of the size. His eyes caught servant\u2019s quarters and large, earthen storehouses. Shogunate crests adorned hanging lanterns, each casting a soft glow on the walkway. Stout guard dogs stood at either side of the path, their ears alert as the men passed through. Shichi forced his eyes forward, his thoughts wandering to the patient.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi closed his mouth, trying to ignore the heat in his ears. He supposed there was no time for talk.<\/p>\n

They made their way into a long building, passing through a grand hall and into a corridor. As they reached an inconspicuous door, the party made a sudden stop.<\/p>\n

The servant turned toward Shichi, his voice severe and his glare firm. \u201cYou will not make eye contact. You will speak of nothing but the patient\u2019s illness. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

A moment later, the door slid open. Shichi exhaled, then stepped into the wide room. On a thick futon in the center lay a single figure. The blanket rose and fell with the person\u2019s breath. The monk crossed the tatami floor, kneeling beside the lavish bed to address his patient.<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive my intrusion,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m here to tend to your illness.\u201d<\/p>\n

The figure stirred, wearily turning to face the monk. Shichi blinked. She was a girl \u2014 a human girl no more than sixteen years of age. Her long, black hair was cut straight across her forehead, the rest draping over the silken bedding below. The girl\u2019s round face and white complexion hinted at her opulent lifestyle \u2014 it was clear she rarely saw the light of day. Shichi quickly cast his eyes down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a doctor?\u201d she asked, her voice surprisingly strong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d he said. \u201cMay I see your wrist?\u201d<\/p>\n

She lazily brushed aside her blanket, offering her wrist. Shichi took her pulse, centering his thoughts on each beat and making every effort to avoid the girl\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your tongue?\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl opened her mouth, allowing him to check the color and texture. Shichi narrowed his eyes, feeling her throat for swelling and considering of the reddened edges of her nostrils. The entire examination was fairly quick and, once completed, he dropped his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have hay fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHay fever?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi sighed. \u201cAllergies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have common spring allergies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the monk was relieved to see the girl was healthy, he could not help the twinge of annoyance that crossed his thoughts. Her men had threatened the pharmacist, then taken Shichi across the entire town to tend to her trivial discomforts. Commoners died every day with much less fanfare and drama. Even so, a patient was a patient. He pushed down his negativity, returning to the task at hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill I be all right?\u201d she said, grasping the hem of her blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-yes.\u201d Shichi cleared his throat. \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019ll ask your attendants to prepare a tea of stinging nettle. It should help with your cough.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he shifted to stand, her hand shot forth to grasp his wrist. He faltered, hoping the guards at the door hadn\u2019t seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d she said, gazing upward. \u201cDon\u2019t leave yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi stared back at her, momentarily forgetting to avoid eye contact. \u201cIs something else troubling you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice dropped to a whisper. \u201cI knew I wasn\u2019t sick. I lied to my servants and they believed me. I always get what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused, then lowered himself back to her side.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you lie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor\u00a0company. I have no one to talk to in this big house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi fought the urge to sigh again. He was tempted to remind her that doctors were meant to cure disease, not loneliness, but was stopped by a hint of pity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you, that you have this room all to yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Hime. The daikan \u2014 the magistrate, he\u2019s my father. But he\u2019s always so busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Shichi said, his expression softening. \u201cIs there something I can do to help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you stay, just for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi thought back to Chiyo\u2019s request, certain he would be late to meet them. In spite of his obligation, he found himself concerned for the girl. It seemed she was sheltered from everything \u2014 from the sun, the sky, and other people. All the wealth in the world had little meaning without loved ones to share it with.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he said. \u201cBut only for a moment. I need to return to my travel companions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hime gave a sweet smile. \u201cYou\u2019re traveling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said with a nod. \u201cEast, on the Tokaido Road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds wonderful. Will you tell me what you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Shichi. I\u2019m a monk and a physician.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl shook her head. \u201cNo. What<\/i> you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cYour eyes.\u201d Her smile tensed. \u201cThey\u2019re not human.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi took in a sharp breath, instinctively backing from her. It was now he remembered his promise to avoid eye contact. He cursed himself for being so careless, hurrying to hide his eyes in the shadow of his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid. You can tell me the truth.\u201d Hime\u2019s smile hadn\u2019t fallen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise I won\u2019t tell anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

He thought back to Izumi. She had feared the yokai at first, yet had eventually grown to respect him. Though gaining trust as a human had its advantages, being accepted in his true form was much more satisfying. Shichi waited, then lifted his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a tengu.\u201d<\/p>\n

To his surprise, her smile widened. \u201cAre you really? I\u2019ve never heard of a tengu that could shapeshift.\u201d<\/p>\n

He cleared his throat. \u201cIt\u2019s a long story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you show me? I\u2019ve always wanted to see a real tengu.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I don\u2019t think\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

As if reading his thoughts, she called out to the servants by the entrance. \u201cClose the door!\u201d<\/p>\n

The door slid shut, leaving them in total privacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s safe now. Please show me,\u201d Hime said, her hands clasped together. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever have another chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2014 I suppose,\u201d Shichi said. He ignored the knot in his stomach, slowly reaching up to remove his hat. This wasn\u2019t a good idea. He was in a walled building filled with humans \u2014 armed humans. They would certainly be unhappy to see a tengu alongside the magistrate\u2019s daughter. Yet, in spite of his fears, he thought of the girl, of her loneliness and thickly veiled view of the world. If it could make her happy, just for a moment, he couldn\u2019t possibly turn her down.<\/p>\n

He closed his eyes, shifting his focus away from his human body. Skin darkened and feathers spilled forth. Shichi was almost afraid to open his eyes. When he finally looked up, her expression startled him.<\/p>\n

Hime\u2019s face was overcome with delight. Her lips parted with a gasp and, without warning, she reached forward to grasp his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d His back stiffened at her touch. \u201cAre you satisfied?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019re perfect. You\u2019re just perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a strange gleam in her eyes, one of greed \u2014 of desire. He was unsure of how to respond to such a comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. If that\u2019s all, I\u2019d better\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d She shook her head. \u201cYou\u2019ll be staying here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very kind, but I really must return to my companions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s fingers tightened. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t an invitation. It was a command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA-a command?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like you. I want to keep you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s voice failed him. The girl leaned closer, her cheek brushing the side of his face. He found himself unable to move, nor could he process what she was saying. Hime\u2019s next words were whispered, tingling as she spoke into his feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, as I told you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Her fingernails dug into his wrists as she smiled against his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always get what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Illustration by K. Ryan \u201cIs this everything?\u201d Chiyo asked, folding the last of her clothes into a neat pile. Her fondness for fine clothing was apparent, as she never took such proper care of anything else. Shichi placed a satchel…<\/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-892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-two"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/892","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=892"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/892\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1135,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/892\/revisions\/1135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}