Disclaimer: Nothing in this story belongs to me. I'm merely acting as the translator of a SessKik fanfiction called 莲事 by 绯雪重楼 since I wish to share it with readers who cannot read or understand Chinese. If there are any issues relating to copyright from the author, then I'll remove this story without hassle at once.
Translator's Notes: Despite my best effort, it is still not perfectly translated by any means. There will also be occasional rephrasing for added cohesiveness and merged chapters to reinforce length. However, I will try to keep everything as consistent with the original work as possible.
I honestly didn't plan on doing another translation so soon but I guess boredom has its magic. Anyways, I was just browsing through all the Chinese fanfic I could find when I saw this short story. It's one I read some time ago and I remembered how emotionally impactful it was for me. So upon the decision to reread it, I thought it might be a good idea to translate as I go.
Be warned though, this fanfic is not like the typical SessKik stories. Unlike First Sight, Yet Nostaligic, the first translation I did, this one is set in an alternative universe. It also contains no battle scenes and no antagonists like Naraku. In fact, while the plot revolves around SessKik, we won't get the pair's perspective at all. This fanfic is from a first person POV and delves into the story in the form of a bystander. If I have to describe it, it's kind of like a detective solving a case. We get to see a mystery from an outside standpoint and explore the relationships behind those involved.
Well, I've explained enough for now. Any more and I'm risking spoilers. So let's just get into the story and I'll allow you to see for yourself, of what this tale is all about...
...
...
...
Chapter 1 - Enter Kaede's Village! The Mystery of the Accursed Healer!
"If you intend to stay here for a while, can I impose a favor upon you? Seven days from now, I want you to pick a purple lotus from the pond towards the west of the village. Bring the flower back. You need not nurture it, for there will be someone who will take it," she momentarily paused, utilizing the chance to take a sip of her warm tea. I didn't follow suit since I hadn't accepted the steaming cup of tea that she had offered me.
"If you like this village, then I can give you my humble abode. An obaa-san may visit once in a while. If possible, please tend to her as I have. There is a field at the back of the house. It's been left barren because I couldn't spare the time or effort on it. If you sow some seeds, it should bear results in the near future."
She looked at me expectantly, as if anticipating my response. Since I neither agreed nor declined her offer, she apparently took it as a cue to continue talking.
"The place is rather old. I was worried that you would find it repulsive, though I cannot afford to have it repaired. I have lived in this small and rather dreary village since birth. On the other hand, many others have ventured out in a search for an adventure. Well, I can say that there really is nothing too exciting here apart from the rumors. So if you desire a peaceful and ordinary life, this village may just prove to be ideal. But if my assumption is correct, what you seek is anything but ordinary…"
My traitorous eyebrow raised by a millimeter. There was something that she said amongst all the immaterial matters that had captured my attention.
"Ah! I've rambled on for a while now, yet I still do not know your name. How may I address you?"
Upon arriving in the village, I had chanced upon a woman who I could at best describe as talkative. Her appearance was nothing out of the ordinary, and the only noteworthy aspect was that her features seemed rather different from the women in my hometown. Her cheeks were thin and sagged, highlighting the cheekbones underneath the skin. The rest of her body was in a similar pitiable state, with her stature being far too frail and slim to be considered normal.
Even though I barely knew her, I could fathom that she was one who had lived through some form of hardship. But apart from that observation, there really wasn't anything else that would've captured my interest. Hence, I guess I could say that it was indeed a random coincidence that our eyes met when we crossed paths.
The misery and woefulness that had seeped into me from her gaze forbid a reaction of indifference. So I had relented when she invited me into her house and then proceeded to stand by the door patiently while she babbled on about the trivial matters.
Truly, she gave the impression of someone who would soon depart from this world and was in a dire need for some company before her eventual passing. She must have been very lonely; else surely she wouldn't have picked a stranger like me for a companion.
Perhaps it was because I pitied her predicament, for I decided to indulge her with the answer.
Her response was a chuckle, followed by a comment. "Hehehe, I may not be a scholar but your name certainly has an odd ring to it. What an unusual name for a parent to give to a child."
To be honest, having my name evaluated by a stranger who I just met was not a pleasant sensation. Restraining the urge to make a retort, I overlooked her insensitivity and instead made a dismissive gesture by letting my wrist flop around.
"Why are you giving me your home?" I asked casually, feigning apathy.
The woman grinned and the thin lines on her dried cracked lips became all the more visible. "For several years, this village has been frequented by countless from the Western Regions and from the Eastern Islands. They came with the same objective as you have in mind, and ravaged this village for the mere credibility of an insignificant myth. While this village is rather small, it will require some time before you can dig up any clues. You give the impression of one with a gentle heart, so I thought I could offer you a place to stay for the next several days you will be here."
"There were others who came before me? Did they come for the Accursed Healer? Did they find anything?" My usually calm voice fluctuated slightly towards the end. It was somewhat challenging to contain my excitement, for I was finally coming into contact with a topic of interest.
"Accursed Healer? Is that the title you have given that person? What a peculiar title."
Once again, the woman was openly sharing her honest opinion on how someone else was addressed. Although this time, I detected a genuine hint of curiosity latched onto her tone. I opened my mouth, opting to tell her what I knew. "I'm only aware that there is a myth surrounding the enigma known as the Accursed Healer. They claim that while under the brilliance of the sun, she takes the appearance of a beautiful woman and treats any sick or injured. But when exposed to the shimmering light of the moon, she transforms into a bloodthirsty youkai who slaughters innocence."
"Oh, oh. So that's what the outsiders believe. The rumors they spread are indeed very interesting. Now I see why there is this appeal in delving into the truth behind this so-called Accursed Healer."
Apparently, she wasn't even bothering to conceal her interest so I too decided to be blunt. "Can you tell me if the rumors true? Have you seen this rumored healer?"
"Hmmm?" The woman coughed with such intensity that I was briefly overtaken by the alarming idea that she would heave out her intestines. Just when I believed it might be necessary to approach her and offer some assistance, she managed to stabilize her condition and continued to speak. "I cannot speak for you. I cannot. If you insist on knowing the truth, then you must discover it for yourself. At most, I am willing to offer you this place. That's all I can do."
"Why are you so persistent with your offer? Where will you go if I occupy your space?" I asked, mildly perplexed.
"Me? Well, you do not have to worry about me." The next words she spoke confirmed my suspicion, as unsettling as it was to hear them coming out so nonchalantly from her. "Even as we speak, I am dying."
It had taken some digging around, though I eventually discovered that the rumors of the Accursed Healer originated from a place called Kaede's Village. It was located in the southwestern parts of the land, quite some distance from my hometown.
Getting to the village had been difficult. A journey on a horse would've lasted a fortnight. While I wasn't as wealthy as the landlord, I had a habit of saving money since my childhood so I could afford a young horse that was suitable for a long journey. And I would've done just that had it not been for my father's disapproval. He had been against the idea of me departing on this quest, believing that I was still too young and inexperienced. With no other alternatives, I snuck out on a fine night carrying nothing more than a small baggage slung across my back and walked the entirety of the journey. The trip was nothing pleasant and I endured a month on foot.
Now that I was residing in the woman's house, I realized how different the environment was compared to my hometown. Initially, there was only discomfort and the damp climate soon became my most spiteful enemy. As the woman said, her house was left battered after being exposed to years of rain and sunshine. The insulation was beyond terrible as the cold slipped passed the walls and traveled deep into my bones. As a result, I was a shivering mess until my body could become accustomed to the temperature levels.
There were a few desperate occasions when I considered finding another place. Yet, oddly enough, I had found no one else who could facilitate my indefinite stay. Eventually giving up, I had to improvise with what I received. After burying the woman's body as a show of appreciation, I gave my new house a thorough cleaning until I was certain that I had chased out all residing bugs and pests.
"I can't believe the number of cockroaches that I found…" With a tired hand placed on my forehead, I muttered to no one in particular. How the woman had managed to live in such appalling condition was beyond my imagination.
Setting aside my recollections, I moved towards my cot and sat cross-legged on it. A small wooden chest rested on the same blanketed surface and was next to me. The lid was opened and the only content inside was a folded slip of paper. Utilizing what little sunlight that had filtered through the beams of the ceiling, I unfolded it, carefully removing any wrinkles on the page, before laying sight on what was inscribed on it.
The note belonged to my father, though just before I had left the house, I managed to pilfer it without his awareness. At first glance, it was nothing worthy to be called a treasure. In fact, many people would've labeled it as a piece of trash. However, it had a sentimental value that was irreplaceable for my family. The note was something that was accidentally left behind by the healer who had once saved my father and brothers.
The characters were refined and each stroke emphasized great care. While I knew close to nothing about my family's savior, I could only assume that she was someone who was thoroughly educated. But even so, her writing was like no other. Her calligraphy gave the impression that it was a piece of art to be marveled at.
As much as I wouldn't mind spending all day staring at the letter, there was still the content to be interpreted. My eyes flickered over to the top of the page and I read each word.
Sesshomaru, my intended schedule was delayed by the rain. Now that the sun has finally blessed us with its presence, I shall be continuing with my usual work. There were more injured to tend than expected and many more grievous souls that need emotional support. Once these people do not require my service any longer, I shall return to Kaede's Village. The journey should take me a fortnight on horseback. Combined with the anticipated time of my stay, I assume I shall be back a day or two after the night of the full moon.
Since my father had never allowed me to take a look at what was on the letter, there were moments of doubt when I speculated that he had mistaken who the owner was but was too proud to admit his blunder. However, I could now see that wasn't the case. The small passage cleared away any lingering suspicion. All the proof I needed was imprinted on the letter, manifested as the timing needed to travel back to Kaede's Village. Fourteen days—that was exactly how long it would've taken a person to travel from my hometown to this village on horseback.
A possible timeframe constructed itself within my brain. If my deduction proved accurate, then the healer must have visited my hometown not long after the incursion, around the time when my mother was killed.
It had already been three years since that tragic night.
A pang of melancholy found its way into my heart. Averse to spend the remainder of the day loitering around in reminiscence, I decided to pay my neighbor a visit. It was a gesture of civility that I should've done from the moment I moved in, though I had never been one for socializing.
After avoiding the necessary encounter for quite a few days, I arrived at my neighbor's house, the 'obaa-san' who the woman mentioned. From the outside, the status of her abode was rather poor, comparable to the one I currently own. Perhaps it was because of the local climate but the roof appeared moldy and reeked of a stench that I couldn't quite describe.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
I knocked. Three swift beats on the wooden door. A few seconds passed before there was a sound of shuffling feet. The door then creaked opened, revealing an old lady nearing the limit of a human's lifespan. Time was relentless as it left its marks on her features, imprinting wrinkling lines that blemished what perhaps would've been a countenance revered for its beauty and elegance. She looked weary and her bones groaned loudly when she made an agonizingly slow movement to keep the door in position.
Feeling a little awkward, I rubbed the back of my head and said, "Obaa-san, sorry if I'm disturbing you but I'm here to introduce myself. I've temporarily moved into the adjacent house. You can call me—"
I was left with an unfinished introduction when the old lady coughed. As her appearance suggested, her condition was very poor. Her upper body hurled itself towards the ground as she went into a coughing fit that made me think she was choking on her saliva. The sight was so pitiful that I instinctively opened the door wider to allow room for me to apply gentle pats on her back.
Fortunately, she stopped after a short while. The coughs ceased to bother her and she released a tired sigh. "Temporarily moved in… you say? So, has that woman passed away?"
"Y-yes," I replied in a tongue-tied fashion, not expecting the direction that the conversation just took.
The old lady straightened her back with some strenuous effort before she leaned her face towards me, assessing me with her turbid eyes. "What's your name? And why are you living in her house?"
I granted her the answers and only after I told her the reason for my journey and the encounter I had with the deceased woman did she speak. "Ah, I see. Oh… yes, that's right. She's wasted away. It's about time."
There really wasn't anything I could say in response to her words so I kept my mouth shut.
"And you… you came here for Kikyo, right?"
Puzzled, I blinked away my stupor and forced an awkward smile. "I think you're mistaken. I don't know who this Kikyo you speak of is. I'm here to search for the one who saved my family. I have no idea what name she goes by. I'm only aware that she may share some kind of connection to the Accursed Healer from Kaede's Village."
"Accursed Healer? You too came for the Accursed Healer?" The motion was subtle, though I managed to perceive the crease of her eyebrows. Her response was similar to the woman's and I couldn't help but wonder what secrets about the Accursed Healer were known to them but not to any outsiders who spread rumors.
"Yes," I answered with a nod.
"Heh, you outsiders amuse me. You believe that the Accursed Healer is your savior? A malicious youkai who slaughters indiscriminately… How can he be the one who saved your family?"
"He? No, that can't be it," I paused and emphasized my words with a shake of my head. "My savior is clearly a woman."
"A woman? A woman healer…? Oh, then you are looking for Kikyo." The old lady squinted, her brows drawing together in a display of repulsion. Then with a click of the tongue, she shook her head twice. "You should go back. Go home. This debt of yours can never be repaid... because that woman, Kikyo, is dead."
Translator's Notes (part 2): Based on the reason why I've started this translation, I'm guessing that many of you would've guessed that this fanfic isn't very high on my priority list. But that doesn't imply that I will leave it unconcluded. All it means is that there is no definite update schedule so if you're interested in this story, you may have to occasionally visit my profile page to see its future progress (You can also check on my other stories' progress there too as I do update the page frequently).
Until next time!