Note: This chapter has also edited 06.26.09. I changed the chapter number because it was probably confusing, so it's the second chapter and not the first anymore. And by request Sayera is 20 years old. Sorry. Read and enjoy, and then review and message. All while enjoying :D
The Second; The Day of Reckoning: Morning
The Sun was warm, hanging over the village on the noon of Sayera's twentieth year. This day marked her true coming into womanhood, and tradition held that a village-wide banquet be celebrated in her honor. So while the townsfolk busily prepared their contributions, Sayera made her way to the highest point of the town: a grassy hill within her father's plantation land. From this point she was able to look upon the activities of the entire town while the clear air beckoned her to remain.
The day was incomparably pristine, with a cloudless sky and the gentlest of breezes. The fragrance of wildflowers and earth wafted around her. The breath they brought was soothing. She bent to pick a blossom that kissed her toes. How beautiful it was. Sayera could not help but pity those working under Kanosuke, who were too engaged to enjoy the first lovely day of the season. They could not stop for a moment to admire this blossom. She held it to her chest, heaving a long sigh.
In the moonlight of the eve prior she had trained well. It was probably the last private session she would be able to have for a while. With a new age came new responsibility, and with new responsibility came fatigue. Though she undoubtedly needed much more practice, Sayera took pride in the rapid pace with which she was able to learn Hiten Mitsurugi compared to others who tried on their own. Although she began doubting that it was Hiten Mitsurugi she was accomplishing, the awry style she worked her sword with was swift and strong.
A stronger gust of wind knocked Sayera from her thoughts, waving her usual kimono about around her. How she hated that damned rag; heavy and coarse with all the colors of "royalty." She preferred her dark hakama – simple clothing she was denied in public. She was full of sighs this afternoon, only daring to release them in private.
Today is such a beautiful day. She thought, tilting her head to look at the linen sky. Too bad no one else can see it like I do. If only wishing could make something reality.
Being the daughter of a lord – no, a "god" – was a life Sayera was too quick to try and forget. The pedestal she was forced to live on was heavy with dusty illusions and choking lies. She did not like how people prostrated themselves when she passed. What made her better than them? She never did anything to benefit anybody, while they worked long hours through freeze and scorch to build this village. In reality, her head was the one that should be bowed in their presence.
She was neither fond of the eyes of young suitors. When she passed through the town she could not help but notice the yearn with which they gazed at her. Their eyes studied her every move, her every purchase, her every conversation. Privacy was not a very common thing down in the village. Was she really that much of a prize? She found herself disagreeing with that on a more than ordinary basis. But it seemed that in the sunlight of this exceptional day, the small spot on the hill where she stood was the only place in the world where she could evade their prying eyes…
A time had passed in this rambling thought when a clattering symphony was heard making its way up the hill behind her. She turned herself in curiosity, and was quite taken back at the sight of her father's armored servants on bended knee.
Her glowering pupils were hidden by the sunlight tracing her jaw. What was so important to have armored servants interrupt her reflection? She turned to the nearest, politely: "Yes?"
His eyes remained fixed and his reply silent. Then Sayera heard a continuation of noisy armor as a white stallion rode up the hill beyond the bent servants. She immediately recognized the stallion as Tategami1, Kanosuke's beloved horse. Tategami had been part of the family since before Sayera's birth, the colt of Kanosuke's prized horse in the war. Tategami was extremely reliable and intelligent, gentle yet powerful. Through his life he had served the family well. But his muscles had already begun to deteriorate. His health issues piled, but Kanosuke still pushed him to carry heavy loads. Sayera had once considered liberating the horse, but Kanosuke kept a watchful eye on his prize.
On Tategami's back perched Kanosuke himself, as glorified as ever. With a snap of the reins around Tategami's neck, Kanosuke curbed the beast before his daughter. Sayera made eyes with a horse before she glanced up to her father's mischievous smile. He was quite attractive, even as he aged. His hair remained ebony and his eyes sparkled as they probably did when he fought in the war.
"Sayera, my dear," His deep voice silenced the clattering. He could be quite startling, even though he never raised a word above his naturally soothing tone. "Do ye wish to spend the lot of your birthday upon this hill? Come down to the house and prepare for the celebration!" His exclamation appeared genuine, but it was obvious to anyone that didn't worship the man that his intentions were faulty. "Every man in the village shall be there! I have cordially invited Yukashii2-san in person. He said he wouldn't miss it for the world!" He complimented his smile with a hearty laugh.
Sayera averted her eyes from her father to the panting stallion he sat on. "Yes, father." She mumbled mechanically. She locked eyes with Tategami, and the two species spent a moment exchanging burdens. Men were definitely not Sayera's idea of a celebration. When he sensed her distance, Kanosuke narrowed his eyes at his offspring.
"Come now, Sayera. Ye shall have a wonderful time!" He spoke enough to convince himself rather than Sayera. With a quick snap of the reins, Tategami's eyes followed Kanosuke's direction. Sayera watched them recede back down the mound with Kanosuke's posse of servants at his side. "Come down to the house quickly," he urged from over his shoulder. "Your mother has prepared a lovely gown that is just begging to be worn!"
The servants who knelt before their lady stood in unison and retreated backward behind the others. They sometimes scared Sayera. How did they manage to do everything at the exact same time? They reminded her more of machines than of men. Machine's of Kanosuke's making.
Soon enough, the group was out of sight and earshot. Sayera dropped the flower that she held so tightly to her chest. "Yeah. A wonderful time," she repeated with a yoked sigh. The last thing she wanted to do was celebrate her life thus far. Not to mention all the suitors of all different ages and sizes who would were to be courting her, staring at her, touching her. She shivered at the thought. What a mask she was to mold that night; especially for that damned Yukashii. Yes, that man brought quite a voice to her ears…
"Mind if I join you?"
Startled, Sayera turned to find the speaker of that disembodied query. Poised opposite her stood the man Kanosuke praised so lovingly. Of course, that calm, playful voice belonged to none other than Yukashii. What a damned odd coincidence that he decided to present himself just when she thought of him.
Well Yukashii was a fine suitor whose intelligence and charm immensely impressed Sayera. Without even mentioning his blazing spirit and imposing physique, his sound personality made him quite the catch. His honesty and trustworthiness brought him honor, as did the compassion he held for humankind. He was charismatic and although flirtatious by nature, his morals were solid and unbreakable. His wit and cunning left simple minds baffled, and his shining courage earned him the unofficial title of village hero. He was one of the few mortals who could brave the depths of the youkai woodlands and return unscathed. Kanosuke admired him for the warrior he was.
As Sayera was the fairest of the women in the village, Yukashii was considered the ideal bachelor. Along with his personality was a superbly well-toned figure and striking facial features. If eyes truly were the window to the soul, Yukashii's soul sparkled. His family too, was prosperous. His late ancestor was a very well-known and cunning merchant who left all his riches to Yukashii and his parents. When his parents died, he settled in with his grandmother in one of the largest houses in the village. Although Yukashii was not a lord, Kanosuke often babbled about how one day soon he would be.
Gaining her composure, Sayera offered him a quasi-genuine smile. "Oh, Yukashii-san! You startled me." He paced over to where she stood, although she would have rather he respected her solidarity.
He bothered not to absorb the preciousness of the moment. "I apologize, Sayera-dono. I was just walking by and thought you may want some company on this fine day." The grin he flashed was flawless, and would normally bring any woman to swoon. But Sayera could not find herself to desire Yukashii. She would have admitted to flirting with him, as taught to her by Tsuyaka, but that was primarily for her father's sake.
With a small sigh, the man beside her brought his attention to somewhere beyond the village. His eyes grazed the forest treetops of the southwest, gazing in the direction of the Goat Monkey. Beyond the woodland came the white sands and the blue-greenish ocean waters that lapped repetitively and swept the sand away. Sayera followed his gaze. The man was not her desire, rather, that stretch of endless world he sought. How wonderful it would be to someday conquer the youkai woodlands and free herself in the ocean tides.
Once again, her silence was broken by Yukashii. "Today is a very special day, is it not, Sayera-dono?" Sayera giggled at the formality with which he spoke to her. She questioned why she was required to be addressed royally. Of course he was just being courteous. If only he were to know her true aspirations. Maybe then he would not jump to be so chivalrous.
But Sayera could tell him nothing, nevermind her mysteries. All she could do was pretend to be casual. "Oh please, just call me Sayera. Do not embarrass me by being silly about it." For such situations Sayera thanked Tsuyaka for her past lessons on men.
Yukashii flaunted yet another smile and adjusted himself to face her. "But, if I were to call you simply Sayera, it would put people, including myself, under the impression that you and I are just friends." He explained, in a slightly playful tone. "Besides, would that not intrude on your throne? A woman as beautiful as you should be honored a respected always." Had he just scolded her? He teasingly cocked an eyebrow.
The laugh that fell from Sayera's lips could not be helped. "You, sir, are poking fun at me!" Her cheeks began to redden. "Look now! You're making me blush." With that exclamation, she turned away to hide her face as it brightened. Though she didn't really care for Yukashii, she was flattered by the way he spoke to her.
In a swift movement, Yukashii reached out and lightly cupped his fingertips beneath her chin. He slowly tugged her face back so she could not help but lock eyes with him. The redness in her cheeks was thankfully fading away, but a wave of uneasiness came over her from the manner in which he gazed at her.
"Now, now, your face is as beautiful as ever when it is red." He released his grip, but Sayera remained looking up at him. Her smile had long-faded, into a look of pure wonder – wonder at how she could have avoided falling in love with such a charming man. His eyes burned into hers, as if scavenging for the lost pupils that pierced his heart. As his eyes wandered closer, his body slowly followed suit.
Moments later, Yukashii's face was but only a small space from Sayera's. His fingertips lightly stroked her hand as if he was preparing to grasp it and his stare became passionate. He seemed to move almost unconsciously, under the impression that Sayera followed him. But Sayera was very much aware of what was going on. She was almost frightened about what he was doing, like he was trying to claim her. Is he going to kiss me? Her mind swam while her heart beat rapidly in her heaving chest.
His mouth was so close to hers that Sayera could feel the warmth of his breath grace her lip. As Yukaishii eyes grew shut, he prepared to plant his mark. Unfortunately Sayera refused to take part in this, and in a single motion she jerked backward in an attempt to get away. Yukashii came stumbling back to his senses and his face became a deep red. The pair avoided eyes for several moments. I can't believe it. He tried to kiss me. Should I have turned away like that?
When the awkward moment had passed Sayera regained control of her swimming mind. Yes, I should have. I do not love Yukashii. I can't let him think that I do. With that she began making her way down the hill, evading most of the more unpleasant things that occupied her thoughts. She stopped for a brief moment without turning. "I apologize, but I have to go. My mother is expecting me."
Yukashii was smart enough to take the hint. He looked at her silhouette and spoke before she began walking again. "Yes, um…will I see you at the festival?" It was impressive to see him rebound from such a situation so affluently.
With a genuine smile this time, Sayera tilted her head to gaze upon him with sparkling eyes. "Of course." She realized how foolish Yukashii must have felt, so she figured one more assuring grin would calm his nerves. She returned to her stride without looking back again.
Once Sayera was a safe distance away, Yukashii could not contain his dissatisfied sigh. "Oh," he moaned. "That was awful," he whispered while rolling his eyes at his own stupidity. He shut them and inhaled deep in an attempt to relax his pounding heart. After a moment of reflection his lips curled into a smirk. But tonight, I will prove myself to her. Of this I am certain.
Opening his eyes, he tilted his head upward, towards the afternoon sky. The sun was beginning its dip towards the horizon. In a few hours, the lavender evening would initiate the commencement of the village festivities. The start of the festivities would hopefully bring about the start of something new for Yukashii. His spirit could not rest. He had to perfect his plan.
Tategami1: literally "mane" (of a horse)
Yukashii2: "admirable" or "charming"
