Hi! I've always wondered what would happened if Goku had an adoptive mother. I hope that this would not be boring! I love Dragon ball since I was a child and also dreamed to create this Fanfic now. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own dragon ball, Akira Toriyama is the owner!
( The ratings might change)
Warning: descriptive birth scene ahead and language
She is clothed with strength and dignity
and she laughs without fear of the future
she speaks her words are wise
and she gives instructions with kindness
- Proverbs 31:25-26
Prologue
" Y-You...Y-you Demon!" I smirked at my good work, the three boys were on the ground were bruised up after their attempt to pull my jet black hair. They scurried away when I hissed at them like a cat would, my laugh echoed in the woods as they tripped their way out.
Since they're already gone I took my basket full of herbs and headed to another direction, I feel at ease when I heard the leaves rustling in the air and the smell of the forest through my nose. My body relaxed at the nature surrounding me, there is nothing compared to such beauty.
When I saw the small Buddha statues I grinned widely then ran over to the huge Japanese gate, I'm finally home after all the hours of collecting the herbs and essentials my mother needed.
My ears perked up when I heard whispering, the village women eyed me head to toe as if I'm some kind of outsider. I rolled my eyes and ignored them, they are not worth my time anyways.
For telling the truth I hated everyone who looks at me that way, I masks myself as a tough girl in order to show my pride. There is nothing wrong with me except for my crimson red eyes, I embraced it not too long ago.
I was always bullied the kids that I'm a ' Red-Eyed-Demon' then cry in front of them, but after filling myself with annoyance and anger I started bashing at them with my fists and my feet. After that day they feared my ferocity and strength like I'm some sort of monster...
And I loved it...
They started leave me alone, but there are some who tries to bend me over to my knees and cry, I won't give them the satisfaction. I would laugh after they proclaimed that I'm The Red-Eyed-Demon and run off like chickens.
But still...
I arrived at our small home, when I entered the house I took off my shoes and replaced them with my favorite floppy slippers. I slid the door close then happily skipped off to the kitchen.
" Tadaima!" I said happily, I set the bag of herbs on the table and gave my mother a peck on her cheeks. She slowly turned to face me with a frown on her face.
" What?" I asked her with an innocent look on my face.
" The Village elder told me you did something bad...AGAIN..." She folded her arms around her chest, I rolled my eyes then walk towards the window while puffing my cheeks in a childlike manner.
Deep inside I grinned maniacally at my good work, that stupid poultry farmer should have seen the look on his face when I destroyed his Chicken cages causing his hens and roosters running all over the place.
I even vandalized his store by throwing his prized brown eggs, he wasn't a good person to my mother and I returned the favor.
" He was mean to you mom, he called you a Demon's Whore-"
" Language Suika! Language!" I stomped my left foot then faced her, my cheeks were burning with anger and annoyance. She should have thanked me for what I have done for her.
" He may have called me that but it doesn't mean you have to cause trouble again! Please for Kami's sake stop acting like a wild animal for once and behave..." Mother said while placing her hands on my shoulders, I slapped them away then walked at the other side of the kitchen.
All she ever told me is behave Suika! You're a young lady so act like one Suika! Be kind Suika!
" You always tell me to behave...But...I just can't help it mom...All of our lives they say bad things about us because I'm different! The kids call me the red-eyed-demon...And the grown-ups look at me as if I'm a fiend mom! You don't know how I feel..." I felt her arms wrapped around my neck, I rested my head against her chest and tried to keep the tears from falling.
" Suika...You're not a monster, you're my baby girl...You're very special like your father...I even prayed to Kami to give me you...You're unique... Don't feel bad okay?" She said while hugging me from behind.
I sat in the Living room with my grandfather who was listening with my mischief, he doesn't seem to be angry whenever I tell him the troubles I made. Instead of scolding me he laughed out loud and smoke on his pipe.
" You should have seen his face Grandfather! He's looked so funny!" I said between laughs, he placed a hand on top of my head lovingly.
" I wish I could, maybe next time you can invite me with your littles escapades my dear." I smiled at him, he enjoys the stories that I tell him.
" Grandpa...Can you tell me more about the Tenkaichi Budokai? Please?! You told me before that you were able to knock out your enemies with just a simple push...Tell me what happens next! Please! Please!" I said while swaying side to side in excitement.
" Well let's see...I didn't push them my dear, it's called Shotokan Karate." He said with pride.
" Shot gun what now?" I made a puzzled expression, he slumped his shoulders knowing that I don't really know what he's talking about.
" Shotokan Karate dear, Or should I say Karate with style." I still had that puzzled look
Someone from this village taught me that martial arts technique. Oh, I was a little Tyke back then. Like you I always fought my enemies with strength, with that knowledge I traveled faraway lands. I enjoyed it very much until I heard about the Tenkaichi Budkokai...Oh boy, I entered the tournament..." My eyes were wide as saucers when he told me about his battles.
" I thought I was going to be the winner...But the legendary Master Roshi beat me to it...In the end we became friends. I miss that man..." he said sadly then blew on his pipe, I imagined what this Master Roshi looked like.
I bet he's a very scary man with huge muscles and cat like claws...
" Grandfather...Why didn't you live outside the village?" I asked him sadly.
" I fell in love with your Grandmother...That's why, I stayed here trying to win her heart. A very stubborn woman with a really strong personality. I tried to make her marry me but all she did is punch or slap me silly and say ' no.' She was the love of my life..." He said with a dreamy state.
" H-How did she marry you?" I asked him curiously, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes as if he's having a dream. His lips curled up into a smile as he blew on his pipe again.
" You see...I tried many things...But one day she told me that 'll marry her if I hunted down the huge bear that has been ravaging the farm crops. No one couldn't beat that bear, it had a strength of a thousand men...But knowing that I'm strong I beat the bear and even cooked a meal out of it." I laughed at his story, he would smile at the scene then smoke on his pipe. I really enjoy this kind of bonding, it helps me feel happy.
I don't have friends at my age and I'm glad grandfather was there for me.
" Then she married you?'
" Well...She said she was a liar...She still said no... But there was a certain incident...Her Mother was giving birth to her baby brother. With their crops destroyed, they couldn't earn any income for a while, the healers refused to help them..."
I suddenly became completely annoyed with the healers, all they thought about is money! Why couldn't they be more charitable like Mother? They needed help and no one could turn to them.
This place is getting on my nerves, bit by bit...
" They didn't know what to do, so I volunteered to help them since
" I helped her mother, it was terrifying but I was able to deliver the healthy baby boy...Ringo was thanking me and after that...She fell for me and we got married." I smiled at him again, this made wonder about my father.
Mother never told me anything about my father, she always tells me that it's a story for another time.
" Grandfather?"
" yes sweetheart?"
" Do you think someday...I'll be like you? Travel around the world?" I asked him.
I felt a tug on my stomach, he inspired me to fight against my bullies and one day I wanted to compete with tournaments like he once did.
The one thing I desire most is to become free from this stupid cage, travel to different places and meet new friends...
" Nothing is impossible dear, you can do anything you want...Things have changed though, the village became stricter about what happened...Only healers can leave...Maybe someday little one, someday." He kissed my forehead, I embraced my grandfather and felt the happiness bloom inside of me.
I never did anything but punch random tree over again, my would hands bruise or bleed like crazy but the pain slowly faded as I got used to the feeling.
Mother always get angry whenever I train, she would nag that I should act more like a lady and decide if I should be a healer or Midwife instead of being a fighter. I scowled at the words she would say and let my grandfather handle things with her.
" Suika's a natural born fighter, let her do what she wants Momoko! Man, or Woman, fighting is essential!" Grandfather defends me every time, I praise the gods for his kind understanding.
Something inside of me awakened, I'm determined to be stronger like grandfather. Every day I would run for two kilometers and carry bags of dirt over my head.
My Grandfather would watch me sometimes, I beg him to teach me some martial arts. He was reluctant at first but I was able to convince him. It's too late to turn things around now, all I ever want to do is fight.
He would teach me the basic about Karate. It went down through blocking, punching and kicking in different styles. Everything about the training makes me more determined, slowly my body is becoming tone with muscles after all the exercises that I have been doing.
After Two months he taught me my first Kata; Heian Shodan which might come in handy...
Then some of the bullies would visit me, they would make fun of how stupid I look when I'm training and in the end, I beat them off their butts.
" It's the Red-Eyed-Demon! She's going to eat us!" They howled in horror as I gave them my signature death glare.
Right after my training Mother forces me to study about Midwifery and creating medicine, she always tells me it's essential to learn these in order to fulfill my ultimate profession. (or my ultimate demise)
The process of birth is utterly disgusting, I tried everything holding my lunch whenever she discusses the stages of contractions. Giving birth is not really that easy and this is why I'm never going to have children!
My mother eyed me angrily, I went down my knees and bowed respectfully in front of the elder, he stared at me with soft eyes and I asked him permission.
" Are you sure that she's ready? This is no easy task Momoko? Suika is just 14 years old." He said in a strict tone, I sat up carefully and smirked at him cockily.
" Suika may be young My Lord but she thinks has have the knowledge about Medicine, my daughter may not have performed Midwifery yet but I taught me everything I knows about it." Mother said in a angelic tone, the elder glanced at the both of us. When we locked eyes, I can see how soft his eyes were.
Its as if he isn't disgusted with me, the villagers despise me for what I am, they also call me a demon because of my red eyes.
He looks hesitant at first, he glanced at his councilors with puzzled looks, some of them are not eager for me and others are rather interested.
Suddenly a man slid the door open, he panted heavily and his eyes were bloodshot as if he has seen a ghost.
" V-Village E-Elder please! M-My Wife's water broke!" He said stuttered, all of us were glancing at each other in surprise.
" Are you certain?"
" Y-Yes My Lord! She said that the baby is due anytime soon! Please I need help!" He went down his knees to bow respectfully, Mother turned her gaze to the village Elder pleadingly and this time he stood up from his seat and walked towards to where I'm kneeling.
" Very well then, if you truly want Suika to become a healer then this will be your test." The council started gasping, Mother's face turned into a brightened smile. I look up to the Village elder with a puzzled look filled with curiosity.
Why would he allow me to do this?
" V-Village Elder! Y-You can't be serious! She's just a child without experience! Y-you can't possibly send her out to do the job!" One of them said angrily, I bit my lower lip then mentally prayed to the gods about the problem.
" Please don't judge my daughter my lords, you don't know what she's capable of!" Mother shot them an angry look, they growled angrily at her then some of them started bashing that she's a traitor and a whore.
Ths made me angry, I was about to jump at them when Mother grab my shoulders firmly. She gave me a sharp glare to make me calm down, I tried to struggle under her grasp and peel off her hands.
" S-Suika!" She hissed in my ear in annoyance.
" Don't let that child do it My lord! She might turn the infant into a demon like her!"
" Yes! Let the other Midwives do it!"
" My daughter is no demon, you know better!" Mother shouted angrily at the council, she is starting to shake with anticipation and this is getting worse for her.
" Yes, it's true! You surely can't let a demon-"
" That's enough! Momoko is one of our best healers in this village, this girl is her daughter. There is no doubt that she's a prodigy. This task will be performed by her hand and I will make this clear...Suika, go with him and deliver the baby! I will call one of the healers to watch your performance, Momoko can assist you, this is your test. Don't waste this opportunity."
The Village elder sends one of the healers to observe me, we followed the man to his home and we could hear his wife groaning in pain from outside the house.
I gulped deeply when I was about to enter the house, I felt nervous all of the sudden but casted it aside since I have to perform the task at hand.
" I need your wife to be comfortable and calm, I need you to convince her that everything is going to be okay. You can either massage her shoulders or caress her womb, Got it?" He nodded at my command, the wife is sweating tons and she looks mighty fine.
" Is-Is she...Is she the Red-Eyed-Demon?! Get her out of here! She's going to eat my baby!"
" Ma'am please"
" HELP ME! IT'S THE DEMON!" she wailed at the top of her lungs.
Mother eyes were wide as saucers at what she said, the couple will realize their mistake in pissing me off.
The wife panicked when she saw me, a tick mark appeared on my head. She started wailing in horror when I went close to her, I kept myself from punching her.
" LOOK! I need you to calm down and first thing's first; I'm not a demon! I just have red colored eyes and second; I'm here to help you so shut up and take it! The Village Elder told me to deliver the baby, so you can either give birth on your own or let me help you! If you want to survive this then you have to listen to me, the moment you start pissing me off again I won't give a shit about you or your baby! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Everyone in the room stared at me with their jaw wide as if they're like a Venus fly trap, Mother face palmed after the little commotion.
The woman was starting to tear up to what I said, she simply nodded and followed my instruction.
The contractions were a bit heart breaking since the wife did nothing but groaning in pain, the husband sat beside her and ushered that everything was going to be alright. I kept her hydrated most of the time, then I would urge the husband to massage her back n circular motions to release the tension.
" How long will this take?!" She panicked, I slowly parted her legs then shook my head.
" It's not time to push yet, you're still not even fully dilated yet. Just give more time, don't worry...Everything is going to be fine..." I assured the wife, she watched as I gave her a warm smile. She hesitantly gave me one back then breathed deeply, her back arched in pain and more tears were flowing down her face
" How can you be so sure?! M-My wife is in pain, you're just a 14-year-old girl?!"
The husband said sharply, Mother glanced at my face in a strict tone, she gave me a signal to not bash in front of them again. I simply set aside my anger then gave him a sarcastic smirk instead. This woman is giving birth, it's my job to keep her calm and make sure to she doesn't stress out.
" Please be calm sir, this is normal for women. Your baby will be fine as long as you stop panicking...As far as I am concerned, she's doing pretty well. I understand that you're scared but don't be, your wife is strong...Women are strong." The medic beside me stared at me as if I'm some kind of professional, they agreed to what I just said then calmly gave them more instructions.
The contractions were rather long, Mother would sometimes give me water or wipe my face if I started sweating tons. I noticed some of the neighbors were already at the doorway watching the scene, slowly my patience grew stronger when the wife would stare at me with trust in her eyes.
Things were getting rough in a matter of minutes, the wife would almost lost consciousness because of the pain. I wipe her face with a warm towel then encourage her to fight through this.
" Ugh! I-I can feel it's head!" She gasped out loudly, I checked her then widened my eyes when she actually reached 10 cm. already.
" Alright, I can see its head now. You can push, but do it carefully! Don't rush yourself!" I instructed her, the husband watched as his wife shouted in pain. Mother went behind the wife and assisted her to push.
The process started to become bloody. As the baby's head slowly got out, the sheets were slowly stained with the red liquid. For a second I wanted to puke all of the food I consumed today but held it since it's not the time to be disgusted.
I still encouraged her to push until the infant's head is finally out, I wanted to cry but held the tears.
The baby's face was scrunch up due to the trauma of birth, the wife gave one last push. I held the baby's head carefully as the body came out slowly. Blood stained my hands but I ignored that.
" It's a girl! Mother, give me a towel!" I said with joy, the color of the skin was slight blue from the lack of air. Mother handed me a warm towel, the wife was crying with joy as I gave the baby to her. They slowly hand that chest to chest moment which almost brought me to tears, Mother embraced me in her arms while watching the most touching scene.
" I-I'm a father now!" He said as he kissed his wife, I took the baby from them for a while then cleaned her carefully. The infant is actually cute, it had rosy cheeks and that cat like eyes.
The Mother and the medic did the rest of the task then congratulated the parents for the successful birth, the neighbors were in awe since it's not that easy to deliver a baby.
I cleaned the area then made sure the wife and baby were warm, I feel a bit happy after everything that happened.
" S-Suika...T-Thank..you...So much..." The wife said with tears in her eyes, my eyes slowly widened then realized that she was the first one to actually thank me. A lot of emotions slowly rushed throuh my head and I wanted to cry suddenly.
I gave her a warm smile then bowed respectfully.
" How can we ever repay you?" The husband asked me with hopeful eyes, I closed my eyes then remembered my mother. She did everything for free because of her charitable heart, this made me want to do the same.
" Just take care of your daughter, that's all that matters." the two of them looked at me as if I'm some kind of saint, they began to protest since they said it's not fair for me.
Helping someone is more important, everything will be paid back to you at the end in a different way. That's what my Mother always used to tell me.
My view of the couple slowly faded and replaced with the villager's faces, I still remembered what they would call me and it echoed in my mind.
' The red-eyed-demon'
' the demon's spawn'
' monster'
' demonic wretch'
They happily watched their child in the wife's arms, it's not fair. How come those villagers tormented Mother and I? Is it because I'm so different from anybody?
Don't they even know that I'm actually a human like them?!
It's not fair...
Am I really that cursed?!
We live in an unfair world...
A cruel world...
" Suika, w-what will the elder say about this? We need to pay you back!" The wife said with a worried look on her face. I shifted my gaze to the medic who watched my performance beside me, she is still looking at me like I'm some kind of hindrance.
" You don't need to pay me, I'll talk to the elder about this..." I said sharply, the medic and I gave our congratulations once more and headed out.
" My daughter is right, I'll talk him out..." They waved goodbye after the hard day's work.
The people gave way to us, I watch as their eyes pierced mine. I hated how they gave me that look as if I'm a demon, there's nothing I could do.
They can either hate or despise me for all I care, but I don't give a shit about them. How immature these villagers can be?
My red eyes gazed at the Elder's eyes, he gave me complements about the successful delivery. The council were still hectic of how I performed, those ungrateful bastards would sneer and gave me a scornful jeer. I'm used to all of these, they don't know about how stone cold I am already. Like I said...
I don't give a shit anymore...
" Your performance was overall good, you delivered the baby like a professional. For that I give you my gratitude, but next time you have to ask for the payment." I smirked cockily at what he said, he tilted his head in curiosity.
" There was no need for them to pay me...It's just a simple work." I said while crossing my arms around my chest.
" I see...You're following your mother's footst-"
" No, I'm merely doing it my own way..." Mother gave a warning of my cockiness, but either way I would enjoy irritating him.
Whispers were heard inside the room, a lot of them were staring at me like a madman. The Village Elder closed his eyes in deep thought, I fiddled my hands playfully while waiting for his response.
All I want to hear is his stupid complaints, to see his angered expression and to bicker with him until he's already stressed out with me.
A corrupted one as well...
" Very well, if that's what you wish..." Mother and I gasped in surprise when he said this, all of the people started rambling in disappointment. My shock face caused the Village Elder to softened his gaze.
Confusion thundered in my mind since the elder itself is the epitome of corruption, he stood up from his seat, he slid the garden door open then gave a signal for me to follow him.
" Suika, walk with me...Momoko please stay here." Mother slowly encourage me to stand, I slowly stood up then followed behind him, I closed the door behind me carefully.
My eyes stared at the beauty of nature, there were a lot of spider lily plants around the garden as if it's a field. He smiled at my expression and motioned for me to follow him.
We walked up to the huge Mulberry tree that had a sacred rope tied in its body, this made me curious why we're here.
" You may wonder why we're here Suika..." He said with such a soft gaze.
" Yes, My Lord..." I said softly, he turned his back against me to stare at the sacred rope.
" I used to come here whenever I feel distressed...Your Mother also used to walk in this garden and talk about things with me..." I nodded at what he said but still doesn't fill my curiosity just yet.
" Your grandfather told me about your training..." My eyes widened like saucers, my stomach clenched in nervousness.
" M-My Lord?"
" He told me how strong you were...You're so much like him...You really like to fight don't you, little Suika?" The Village elder said with care, he slowly turned to me with a smile.
" Yeah...I love to fight..."
The moment is slowly becoming awkward for me, but somehow something peaked my interest. Why would grandfather tell him my training? Is he somehow spying on me?
" I'm not saying that I disapprove of your training, child. I'm rather amused with your fighting spirit." he chuckled at the end of his sentence, he grasped my shoulder firmly and leaned down on my level.
" Man or Woman, it's essential to fight."
He gave me one of his warmest smiles, I blushed at what he said. He did it in a fatherly way then petted my head.
This made me question myself, why on earth is he not disgusted at me?
Did I do something to eat his bubble?
" I also love to fight to, when I was your age...But...My father forbids me since our forefathers told us fighting is an evil act...I don't believe that..." He walks closer to the peach tree and pluck a fruit and handed it to me.
The peach was well rounded, my mouth watered at the sight of it and imagined the sweetness once I take a bite. he encouraged me to take it and I took the fruit from his hand.
" Eat it child..." He said in amusement, I saw my reflection from the fruit. I didn't take any second thoughts, I bit carefully and felt the juices rolling down the corners of my mouth.
He chuckled at me, I closed my eyes from the delicious taste and took another bite on the fruit until there is nothing left but a seed.
" My Lord, that was delicious!" I said happily, I said with my mouth full. He petted my jet-black hair then eyed my peach seed.
" You should keep that with you Suika, they say if you plant that seed, good things will happen to you in the future." My eyes twinkled in mischief, I put it inside my pocket. But why would he let me eat the fruit?
" Sir? Why did you let me eat from that tree? It has a sacred rope tied around it. Do you think what I did was forbidden?" I asked curiously, the Village Elder closed his eyes and smiled at my simple question.
From what my Mother told me years ago, there was a sacred tree in this village created by the gods. If anyone eats a fruit from it will be granted with power.
The story goes way back in the Heian period, there was famine in this village. Everybody is slowly dying from hunger, things got worse when a strange plague infected a lot of children. Parents throughout the place grieved for their children's death.
No one can cure it, until one day a girl prayed to the gods. She had a pure heart, she did nothing but help a lot of people.
A godlike figure went down the heavens and listened to her pleas, he made a deal with him that she promises to give her life in exchange for her healing her people. And granted he did...
Everyone was healed from the nasty plague, the young girl died peacefully, at the foot of her grave a peach tree grew from it.
There were delicious peaches on the tree and whoever eats from it, will be granted power. But only if you have a pure heart and soul.
Some others were able to get the power, the ability to age slowly and heal others.
Reiki healing
The people who were able to have this ability were able to educate women to become medics, they pass down knowledge of healing and medicine to us. It is important keep the secret inside the village. The outsiders hunger for the power from our elders.
We can be hired by the people outside, only a few people know of our abilities..
This village is well respected for our great medics, only the medics are the ones to be able to travel outside this place. People must preserve the secret of the sacred peach tree...
But years later, corrupted people wanted to get hold of this power until now. They Lots of our medics disappeared from out of nowhere or murdered... That's why it's dangerous to leave this place...
My eyes bore on the Village Elder's they seemed quite soft and it felt like a sympathetic one. He took my hand carefully then embraced me, it was kind of awkward but I closed my eyes and wrap my arms around his waist.
" I'm sorry for what the villagers treat you, I'm sorry your mother had to suffer such heart piercing words day by day...You suffered greatly, they treated you like a monster, have they?" I frowned at what he said, they were all true. No one treated us fairly because of how I born to be.
" You're no monster...I tried to help your mother but the villagers wouldn't listen to me...You're a kind girl Suika...That's why I gave you the peach..." I look up to him in curiosity, he smiled fatherly then caressed my face with his hand.
" As long as you have a kind heart, people will see what you truly are...Never forget that child...You're a strong girl, I encourage you to train more." My face grew into a smile, he's actually telling me it's alright to train and fight.
Over all, he is a nice man. I thought he was a bad corrupted one. That's what I thought all this time, but he isn't.
" The peach will give you your destiny Suika..." I was about to leave but his words made me stop, I gave him an adoring smile and headed off home with my mother.
Weeks later, I joined in medical training with other women. they were rather surprised to see a young girl like me with them. It was kind of hard since you need a better stomach for this.
Tending the sick, dressing sever wounds, more midwifery training, studying the human anatomy in a real person's body and tending broken bones.
Some of the villagers still see me as a demon, the children would bully or annoy me. Yet as time gone by 12% of the people started respecting me for my deeds.
Mother wanted me to learn as much as I can before I can join the others in traveling, I'm excited to see what the outside world looks like.
Whenever I have breaks, Grandfather would teach me Karate most of the time or I would increase my stamina by exercising some more. Normally I would run around for 3-4 Kilometers with a sack of rocks on my back to pass the time.
Later on, Grandfather ordered me to punch huge trees or rocks with weights on my arms.
Sometimes the Elder would invite me in his home to study about the vital points of our body, I can combine this with karate. He taught me some of painful techniques too or would teach me about this so-called reiki healing...
But no matter how much I try, the reiki healing wouldn't appear. He felt a bit disappointed, he told me tales about our ancestors using that technique but it died out a few decades ago.
" I still believe that anyone can use it Suika, it only appears whenever it feels like it. " He always would tell me that with so much hope in his voice.
Mother ushered me to join etiquette classes which were too boring for me, more sewing, picking herbs, literature, writing calligraphy, how to act like a lady ( eat, drink, dress ugh!) and more tea ceremonies.
The cycle of my life went over and over, slowly the days bore me. Until that one faithful day...
After the etiquette classes, the Village Elder immediately took me to his home for some special lessons.
He taught me more about our history and kept on teaching me how to properly use Jin Shin Jyutsu.
My mother and her friend interrupted our class, my ears heard every detail of what they're discussing and I feel like leaping out in joy.
" I think she's ready Momoko." The Village elder said proudly, Mother stared at me skeptically. I wondered what she's thinking but set that aside.
Excitement rushed through my mind, I'll be able to explore outside this village like grandfather did!
She doesn't have to be worried about me, I can handle myself so far. With all that training, I would be able to beat all of my enemies without a sweat and head on without any scratches.
" I second that my Lord, Suika is not half bad for her age. Besides, one of the eastern Lords sent a letter. They wanted us to treat their son Sencha, I heard that he got beat up pretty badly. They need us terribly since he's planning on joining the Tenkaichi Budokai next year, he needs to be back in shape before the event starts" Nina said handing a parchment to the Village Elder, he read the whole thing and sets it down the table.
" A-Again? But that's the 4th time this year! That boy won't stop causing himself injury..." Mother complained, my thoughts swirled about the mission.
The Tenkaichi Budokai is held every 5 years, I really want to enter the Tournament really bad. The strongest people all over the world are there to compete, I think that the prize is money.
" They promise to give us loads of money for this, imagine the wealth we're going to have Momoko! Winter is coming, we need money to feed our people." I wanted to facepalm at what Nina said, she's just as bad as the corrupted councilors.
Can anyone in this village stop thinking about money even just for a month?!
The Village elder ushered me to make some more Chamomile tea while having the conversation, I went to the other room and gathered some of the herbs. I still listened to their little talk even if I'm preparing the hot drink.
I wonder what will the cars, the buildings or the technology looks like.
The village doesn't depend on any technology given to us, think of us as the only village that is stuck living in the Kamakura period. Our ancestors are rather strict when it comes to preserving our old lifestyle.
Somehow, I think were some kind of a weird occult...
" Even so, why don't they just take him to the hospital? His father is actually a very rich war hero..."
" They refused to let him in. The boy caused too much trouble in a hospital one time, he pulled a very bad prank. They banned him for that."
From what I've heard, this Sencha boy sounds kind of stupid. Nothing but a trouble maker, he also loves to fight in illegal underground tournaments. He probably joins the Tenkaichi Budokai.
" Come on, let Suika go this time Momoko...Who knows? She has a pretty face. I bet you want your daughter to get married to that boy eh?!" A tick mark appeared on my forehead, they're not going to sell my future away! The thought of it makes me want to vomit.
" I'm not sure about that Nina, She's just a child. And it's against our code to marry any outsiders." Mother felt hurt at what the Village elder said, he immediately gives her an apology which causes me to become more curious.
" The Outside world is too dangerous place, especially for us...I heard that there's an army who kidnaps healers who can possess the Reiki healing, that's not a good sign" Mother said to Nina who crossed her arms around her chest in annoyance.
" The Reiki healing is long gone, No one in this village has it anymore Momoko. Right elder?'
" Still, it's dangerous for Suika. She's just a girl..." I returned to them carrying a pot of hot tea, I poured some in their cups. I eyed the Elder who was stared at my mother with sympathy on his eyes.
" Suika can handle herself, I've seen her train! Your father is raising a behemoth Momoko! Can you see how strong she is?! She throws heavy sacks of cement over her head!" Nina started becoming more frantic and told stories of my training, Mother sweat drop at the scene she is making.
" I bet she can take down a group of bandits single handedly Momoko! That means she can protect us!" She cheered happily, The Village elder was amused of the situation. I tried hiding my proud smile in front of my mother.
" My daughter is not some kind of war freak Nina, she's going to become a respectable young healer. The reason I'm allowing her to train because Father always won an argument against me! She's a lady! Why can't he understand that I'm raising a little girl?! " Tears puffed out her eyes dramatically, all of us sweat dropped at her moment.
There are times I don't like how my Mother treated me, she takes care of me as if I'm some kind of delicate porcelain doll. She forces me to become more ladylike and loves to nag how martial arts is bad for someone like me.
I think she's going too over board...
" Village Elder, I think I can do this..." I said loud and clear, Mother looks like she's about to protest, but Nina took my hands on hers.
" I'm glad you'd agree with me Suika." Hearts bubbled out of eyes, I nervously laugh at this. The Village elder seems to be in deep thought.
" You can't seriou-"
" I agree with Suika, she needs to learn more about the outside world. This will be another lesson for you. After all you're almost 15 years old. You're almost an adult, my girl" The Elder gave me a warm smile which I returned gratefully.
A smile grew on my face, Mother shook her head multiple times and reasoned with the Village elder. My body shook in trepidation, a slight blush appeared in my cheeks and my eyes gleam happily.
Mother is already tearing up already, the tension in the room raised when the reasoning became an argument.
" Momoko, you have to learn that Suika is no longer a child. Someday she'll be doing this on her own. You have to understand the situation, she's too close to become the youngest healer in the village. Besides, Suika is a strong girl. You don't have to worry..." The Village elder made my mother stutter, to my dismay she runs out of the manor to kami knows where.
Selfishly I went home and gathered the things I need for tomorrow's tasks...
The Night is dark, the full moon is above the sky shining like a gem. I folded my things carefully in my satchel and I kept grinning like a maniac. I told my grandfather about the story and he was pleased to hear that I'll have to chance to leave the place and explore the wilderness.
I glanced at teh door, Mother stood there with so much disappointment. She held something on her hands and walked near me.
"Suika...I'm sorry for my outbursts...It's just that I-"
" You don't have to say anything Mother, I completely understand." I said while packing my essentials, she placed something on my lap. I unfolded the fabric then feasted my eyes on the beautiful patterned kimono.
The color of the fabric is peach pink, this look like a ceremonial Kimono. My mother smiled at my reaction then asked me to wear it. I undressed my current clothes then changed into them.
It's a traveling Junihitoe, the 12-layer kimono. As I look at the mirror I thought I looked like a princess, Mother placed a traveling hat on top of my head.
" M-Mother why do we wear things like these? Should we wear the summer Yukata's instead?" I said awkwardly while flapping the kimono like a bird.
" It's important that we wear these, in this village women like us are highly respected for our knowledge and abilities. We dress to show our status Suika, don't forget that. People will recognize us as Satsuma's descendants." She said while combing my shoulder length hair.
" Satsuma's descendants? S-She's the one who sacrificed herself and turned to a peach tree, right Mother?" I asked curiously.
" Yes, the people loved her for her kindness. Because of Satsuma, we have the knowledge of healing...Unfortunately the Reiki healing has disappeared...But her legacy will live on through us, Suika. behave for tomorrow alright? We'll be leaving at dawn." She said while sliding my door off.
I took off the Kimono and traveling hat, I'm simply excited for tomorrow. I smiled at the thoughts then prepared my futon. I blew off the fire on my lantern then sleep through the beautiful night.
~~~
We bid our goodbyes to Grandfather in the early morning, we are gathered to the Village entrance. Some of the people were generous enough to wake up early to give us some luck, the Village elder smiled at all of us.
There were 4 of us will be heading to the Yunomi Manor, we were all dressed up in a Junihitoe. We have Hiking sticks if ever we'll walk through deep ravines or rocking roads, the shoes were rather uncomfortable.
" We wish you luck ladies, may the gods look down upon your journey!" The Village elder said as we exited the village.
~ Three days later~
The Furutsusarada surprised me, when you say it's the place is secret I didn't mean it to go over board. You have to cross a very stiff mountain path and several caves in order to reach our home, people might have gone lost to find the village.
What astonished me is the Sakura and Ume trees, I've never seen anything beautiful in my life. It may me want to cry but shook that away.
This is the journey that I've been waiting for a long time, I smile all the way in our walk. The different environment made me smile, Mother chuckled in amusement whenever we get to see beautiful fields or plains.
The blue sky made me more energetic as ever, Mother scolded me for going too far from the group. Miss Yuzu and Nina were highly entertaining when it comes to music.
For days we traveled far and wide, the world is really a big place.
We took a rest by the waterfall then took a bath, we made sure there were no peeps around here. The water feels warm, the hard part here is catching some fish.
" Suika! Stop catching fish like that! You're not a bear for Kami's sake! Get the fishing net!"
" But Mother! I need to practice my speed!" I groaned loudly, this caused my Mother to lose her bubble. I swam away before she started screaming in my ear about being a lady.
" Come back here! Dob't you dare ignore your mother young lady!" Her voice muffled as I swam deeper in the water, my eyes were wide to the beautiful school of fishes. They all swam around me like sakura petals, I swam with them for three minutes.
As I emerged from the water, I took off my Naga junba to dry it off and wore my bath robe while we ate a snack.
~ One week Later~
It's obvious that we're already far away from our home, we crossed fields, stiff hills and Mountains.
" Ugh! These shoes are killing me Mother!" I complained to her, an angry tick mark appeared on her head as she chewed on her onigiri.
" We're ladies Suika, it's now you wear those shoes. You sometimes walk on bare feet back home, you have to act more feminine from on since you're now a healer." She glared at me with every word, Nina and our other companions laughed at me.
I blushed deeply then decided to eat my Onigiri in embarrassment, a beautiful tune appeared. Nina played on her Shamisen, the lunch break became relaxing due to her beautiful instrument.
" I brought this with me, what's traveling without a little music?" she said winking at me, I laughed at her playfulness. The hummed through the familiar tune, I felt myself at ease with the beauty of nature and music. This place feels like heaven itself.
Nina stopped playing when a group of men walked by, all of us put on our hats to avoid eye contact from the strangers.
There is something not right about them, I felt a rush of negative energy. One of them stopped walking and caught me glaring at them, I looked away then kept my head low. We hurried away from that place and decided to speed up to our destination.
It's already the late afternoon, we were walking through a steep forest. The pine trees gave me an eerie feeling as if we're being followed. Everything turned into a blur when I tripped on something.
" Suika!" Mother rushed through my side, I cringed at the pain when she lifted my ankle. It's a swelling already, my fall was a bit bad.
" Let's rest over here for a while until you can walk Suika." One of the healers said in worry, Nina walked over and inspected my ankle.
" It's going to be okay, just take your time." I shook my head then eyed them one by one.
" No, we need to go now. Please?" I whispered at them, they stared at me as if I'm paranoid. I glanced side to side to see if anyone's there. I seriously feel someone has been keeping a watchful eye on us.
All of us gasped when something rustled in the bushes, it revealed the men who passed us by hours ago. They had cocky grins on their faces, Mother pushed me behind her. I carefully stood up then gritted my teeth angrily at them.
" Who are you? You've been following us for awhile haven't you?!" I spat at them, Mother hushed me in with fear in her eyes. Nina shivered in fear when they walk slowly towards us.
" Oh, we mean no harm princess. We just caught our eyes onto something interesting, that's all." One of them said, they snickered at us when I growled in annoyance.
" Just leave us alone! We don't have anything here, we're just simple tourists on their way to the city!" Miss Yuzu said bravely, as they got closer Mother took out a Tanto from her Obi then threatened them.
" I swear I'll cut any of you! Take another step then this will cut you open!" Mother roared in anger, I took out a fighting stance. I cringe at the pain on my ankle then tried to ignore it, one of the men lunged at us.
Nina grabbed her Shamisen then bashed it on his skull, Mother urged all of us to run. We ran away from them in both fear and desperation, she heard a sharp cry of pain behind us. Miss Yuzu was tackled by one of them.
she struggled under his grasps, the man laughed when she thrashed under him until she slapped him across the face. This pissed him off, my eyes widened in horror when he shot her head with a gun.
Nina screamed in fear as her friend died in front of us, we ran as fast as we can until we reached a cliff. Below us was a wild river, Mother started tearing up in fear. I gathered all of my courage then went in front of her.
" WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" I yelled at them, they grinned from ear to ear, their eyes were like predators which cause me to shudder in fear.
" Oh, we know that you came from the Furutsusarada village. We know of the little girl from Satsuma's legend...You see our boss is interested in achieving power and immortality...We know some of you carry it." The man with the samurai sword said while winking at me, I shuddered in disgust.
" In your dreams man! Fuckoff you sons of bitches!" I screamed at them, the laughed at my foul language.
" Hey, that's no way for a little lady like you should talk. I thought that Satsuma's descendants are supposed to be prim and proper?" he asked with sarcasm, Mother gripped my shoulder to keep me from attacking them.
" Please! Just leave! We don't have the Reiki Healing, it's not true! Please!" Nina said with tears running down her face.
" Well...If you say so...Just hand us the Red eyed girl...She looks interesting to me. Might have some fun with her." Mother pushed me behind her, she growled at them and held her Tanto with anger in her eyes.
" I'd rather die before I hand her to you! Suika, you must leave!" Mother gave a fighting stance, my eyes beholds me when she disappears all of the sudden and appeared behind one of the bad men.
" M-Mother?" I asked in awe and disbelief, how was she able to do that?! Mother karate chop him him on the vital points and swept a kick gracefully. The other bad guy roars angrily for his fallen comrade, he tried to hit Mother with his baton but she block it without any pain in her eyes and kick him on the gut.
She pierced her tanto in his nape then threw him aside, did Mother hide anything from me? She's so strong like grandfather. This might just be a dream then! Mother hated Martial arts, she doesn't want me to fight either!
In a flash the one in the samurai sword caught my mother off guard. Blood splattered in the hair and I felt the world crumble before me.
My mother fell on the ground dead with her eyes wide open in horror, tears fell down her face. Nina cried in fear, anger surged through my body and screamed at them.
" YOU BASTARD!" I roared in anger, I held out my fist and managed to punch the samurai man on the face. He was thrown off with my strength, the fallen men eyed me in both surprise and interest.
" There's no doubt she has it, get her boys!" I felt Nina pull the back of my Kimono, she had tears in her face and she whispered something on my ear.
" I'm sorry...Goodbye...You need to escape!" I was about to ask her why but she pushed me off the cliff, I screamed at the top of my lungs and fell down on the water.
I gasped for air when I emerged from the water, the river was wild and it moved fast. I tried to swim but I couldn't move properly, tears fell down my face when I heard Nina cry out in pain.
I struggled in the current, I can't swim properly with the heavy clothes. I took off all of my kimonos except for my naga juban, with no avail I tried to move.
The river pulled me somewhere until I was able to grab on a huge tree branch, the men watched as I was carried by the river.
Tears fell from my eyes when I remembered my Mother cut open in front of me, her blood is tainted in my mind and I felt the hate burning inside of me.
" They will pay...They will pay..." I growled under my breath, I shivered at the cold water. I noticed that the river became wilder, I started to panic this time and tried to swim to faster.
I hit my back on a rock, I stiffened and tried to clung to it but with no avail the river carried me again. My body formed bruises, I felt like a ragdoll and my vision started to blur.
" H-help me!" The river is certainly stronger than me, my eyes were like saucers when I saw a waterfall ahead. I wildly swam laps towards the land but I failed.
I fell down the water fall, it was too high and I felt like flying. When my body crashed on the water my arms tried to struggle again, the force of the waterfall kept me under. My breath is slowly running low, my determination to survive surged in my mind and body.
I screamed as bubbles came out of my mouth, I swam away from the currents and felt my eyes dropping in exhaustion.
" L-land..." My eyes saw land, I swam slowly then started walking when I felt rocks hit my feet below.
My body slumped down the soft ground, it felt very cold out here and the sky is getting dark. My eyes dropped letting the darkness take me.
The moment I opened my eyes I noticed my location; A bamboo forest. It's very dark already, my mind started to imagine the creatures that lurk in the dark forest, slowly my eyes adjusted and the cold pierced my skin. I don't know how long I was there on that river but I know that I'm already far away from those evil men.
I fell on my knees then sobbed violently in sadness, fresh tears dripped from my chin and it's been forever since I cried like this.
" M-Mommy..." I sobbed her name, I wanted nothing but her. But now she is already gone...
All gone...
Because of me...
It's my fault...
I should've surrendered myself to those men...
I heard footsteps, I suddenly became frantic then kept my guard up. There were two men looking like bandits, they smirked to see me...
" Well well well, what do we have here? It seems we're lucky to see such a pretty face like yours..." they sneered at me, I felt their eyes scanning through my body as if I'm naked in their eyes.
I covered my chest in both humiliation and embarrassment, they smirked when they walked closer.
" We heard you crying, we thought we can help you princess." I growled when I heard them call me that.
" D-Don't call me pr-prin-cess..." I stuttered when I felt the cold slowly weakening my body, I kept my head straight since now is not the time to get weak.
The two men wants to take advantage of me, they really have no respect for women. I furrowed my brows in annoyance, they think that they can just ogle their eyes on me huh?
I'll show them what I'm made of...
" There's no need to be afraid sweetheart...We're going to take good care of you..." They moved closer to me, I took a fighting stance to threaten them.
" Who say's that I'm afraid? You two should leave, you probably don't want to become a complete wreck. I bet you guys can't get laid, no lady wants to set their eyes on your fugly faces." I crack my knuckles loudly, they suddenly felt annoyed with the words that I just said.
Just being frank.
The other guy tried to grab my hair, I grabbed his wrist then twisted it. He screamed in pain when I applied too much force. I brought my knee to his stomach causing him to cough out saliva, he fell on his stomach in pain.
" Disgusting..."
I wiped the saliva that he spat on my cheek then taunted the other one to come over here.
" Wanna play bitch?! Let's play!"
He lunged at me with hatred in his eyes, I blocked his punch then kicked his gut and threw a punch at his face. I was sent flying through the bamboo tree, he stood up in horror when I went closer to his friend who is still on his stomach.
" I-I'm sorry..." I smirked at him, my red eyes gleamed in the darkness causing him to shiver in fear.
I stomped my feet in front of his face, he looks up to my face with so much fear in his eyes then started crawling away. The two idiots started embracing in each other's arms, I grinned with every step like a madman.
The cool wind passed through me as my hair flow in the air, their orbs widened up like they're seeing a real monster.
" You tried to touch me...I gave you what you deserve... Now get out of my sight! Morons!" I growled with so much venom on my voice.
" AGHHH! Monster! Monster!"
" It's a demon! She's a demon! It's the Red-eyed Demon!" they both ran away from me, my eyes stared where they huddled just earlier. I closed my eyes then remembered what the bullies used to call me...
Tears ran down my cheeks again when I remembered my home and my now deceased mother, I started sobbing again.
I don't know what to do anymore...
What should I do?
" I want my mommy..." My teeth chattered in the cold breeze, my feet started walking again. My body felt very sore and my stomach grumbled in hunger.
I'm hungry and so tired...
I foot hurts so much...
I ripped off my left Kimono sleeve, I tied it on my right ankle to ease the pain. I couldn't imagine my situation like this.
I rested my back against a bamboo tree then closed my eyes from a while to regain my strength, I slowly wrap my arms around my body to try and take away the cold goosebumps.
I want to go home...
" I-It was a bad idea to leave..."
I guess this is where my story begins...
Suika- Watermelon
Momoko- Peach Child
Satsuma-Tangerine
Furutsusarada- Fruit Salad
Tadaima- I'm Home
Sencha- green tea
Yuzu- Kiwi
Yunomi- Tea cup