Chapter Four
The Prophecy Of The Child Born Of Sacred Sight
The spirits have fallen in love with a child, who is the purest of heart. They seek a great future from this being, and with this hope they bless this child with the gift of Sacred Sight.
When the being has come to fully accept their fate, they will be joined by three spirit guides. These spirits will not only guide this blessed being into the world of spirits, but will aid in the purification of whatever evil faces both worlds.
It is the duty of this being to protect both the human and spirit worlds, so that continuous harmony my shine through….
The following day seemed to pass in a blur. Chiyaka had made her way around the village, receiving many blessings on her upcoming travels. The village had always treated her as a prophet figure, rather than 16 year old girl. She could hear the skepticism of some, and the hopefulness of others as they wished her farewell.
When she made her way to the village healer, she found Yumi to be in a better condition. It wasn't until they sat her up in bed, that Chiyaka learned Yumi would never be able to use her legs again. An unfamiliar feeling washed over Chiyaka, a combination guilt and dread. She knew that she could have protected her.
"Yumi, you're looking...better." Chiyaka managed to say with a small smile.
"Chi, please wipe that expression off your face. I do not blame you for anything." Yumi could see through her friend's sheepish expression. "When we went out that day, I was the one who dragged you into the forest. Even after you warned me several times…"
Chiyaka allowed her face to show the deep regret that she had pent up.
"I just feel lucky to be alive." Yumi grinned up at her still very worried-looking friend.
Chiyaka had left, still feeling ocean size waves of guilt come over her. This mission had become more serious than ever; even people she loved were being affected by the evil that was plaguing the spirit world.
Mina was still not fully prepared to say goodbye to her only daughter, but knew she had to be just as strong.
"I want you to remember that you're still a 16 year old girl. You have your whole life ahead of you." Mina brushed her daughter's hair behind her ear.
"Mom, you know that even before the prophecy was revealed, that I was never truly a normal kid."
Mina did know this, she knew that her daughter was taking on this responsibility because it was what the spirits had intended. No one had a say in this. "I am so proud of you Chi."
The farewell with her mother was the hardest of them all. She could feel the love and support that radiated from her.
Elder Yama would be last to see her off, and planned to meet Chiyaka at the end of the valley. He stood at the entrance of the Sacred Forest. His figure had become so familiar to her over the past ten years.
"My child, your expression shows the weight of the world on your shoulders." Elder Yama commented on the feeling that was written all over her face.
"Try two…" Chiyaka laughed inwardly.
"You are the blessed being that will serve as a protector…" He began his normal monologue of the prophecy text.
"Please, Elder Yama…" She pleaded for him not to go on.
He let out a huge guttural laugh, "I guess you have come to hear that speech a little too often." Elder Yama smiled at her. "I know that you are capable of greatness, young one."
She wanted to tell him that deep down she was worried, worried that she was not good enough. Chiyaka feared that since her training was cut short, maybe she was not the most qualified for such a great responsibility.
"Did you read the scroll that was given to you yesterday?" He asked.
She had only read and skimmed through portions of the ancient document. Without wanting to offend or let down Elder Yama, she replied with a slight nod.
"That scroll will be your reference and keep you grounded during your mission." He advised. Elder Yama had always made it clear that Chiyaka's predecessors had all strayed away from their spiritual duties. "Everytime you feel your heart sway, read the text of the scroll. It will serve as a reminder."
Elder Yama had given her a satchel full of preserves, as she made her way through the woods. He told her to head towards a small temple that was located in the center of the woods. The monks of this temple were expecting her arrival.
The sun was still relatively high in the sky, giving her enough time to be able to find the temple before nightfall.
The path through the forest wasn't new to Chiyaka, as she would sneak away from home and wander woods with the small spirits that danced in different colors. As she got closer to the lake that sat in crevice of the forest. Memories from the accident flooded her mind and Chiyaka wanted nothing to do with that place. But she couldn't help remembering the male figure from the tree. His had been the last voice she heard before blacking out. Was he the one who had pulled Yumi and her from the forest? His green eyes flashed in her mind, sending shivers up her spine.
Rustling from a nearby bush pulled her from deep thought. As Chiyaka got closer, she could hear a low growl coming from the same direction. She paused, unsure if she should follow her curiosity. Chiyaka crouched low, and crawled towards the bush. Peering through a small opening, she made eye contact with two amber irises. She fell backwards into a sitting position. The growling had intensified. Was this part of the evil energy?
Remembering everyone from the village and the position that Yumi had been put in, Chiyaka knew that she would need to be strong and needed to purify this evil. With a deep breath, she stood and pushed her way to the clearing of where the creature lay.
The amber eyes were now filled with fear and hostility. The creature was in the shape of a full grown white tiger, whose tail whipped in warning motion.
"What e-evil are you creature?" Chiyaka could hear her voice crack.
The tiger creature snarled and bared its teeth.
Her hands wavered, but she revealed her palm towards the beast. There was symbol that had been carved into it. Under her breath, she spoke something that caused the symbol to glow.
"If you plan to kill me, then do it quickly." The tiger-like creature spoke in a feminine tone, and placed her head on her folded paws, as if she were about to take a nap.
"I don't want to kill you…" Chiyaka lowered her hand.
"Then go away... and let me die in peace." She snapped and shifted her massive body to face away from Chiyaka. When the tiger-like creature showed her back, an arrow that had pierced her was now visible.
"You're hurt." Chiyaka took a step forward. "I can help you…"
"Stay away from me, human…" The tiger growled.
Chiyaka could hear the fear in the tiger's voice. It was in that instance that she knew she needed to help this creature. So she would stay here until the opportunity would arise.
As night fell, Chiyaka could feel herself dozing off against the tree she had stationed at. The tiger-like creature was only several feet away, its back still turned.
The temple was still a little ways off, but something in Chiyaka's gut told her that she needed to stay here. The wind was beginning to pick up and the cool air was pricking her skin.
"Why are you still here…" The tiger finally spoke, her voice now sounded full of pain and exhaustion.
"You're in pain, let me help you." She pleaded again.
No response came from the creature. Chiyaka inched forward and the tiger's tail whipped slightly.
The arrow was embedded deeply into the creature's back. Chiyaka was able to place her hand on the end of the arrow and pull in a quick motion, causing the tiger to let out a huge roar.
After several moments had passed, Chiyaka placed a medicinal herb spread on the tiger's wound. The medicine had been given to her from the village healer, before she left.
The tiger creature didn't look in Chiyaka's direction, but spoke anyway. "Who are you?"
"My name is Chiyaka…"
"How can you see me?" The creature asked, revealing her spirit identity.
"I was blessed with...the sacred sight." Chiyaka spoke softly, not sure if this unveiling would go in her favor.
The tiger's ears perked, and she turned her head towards Chiyaka. "So you are the human that everyone has been talking about…"
"Everyone?" Chiyaka asked.
"The spirits. They know about you now. The human child who dances with the spirits."
Chiyaka blushed and continued to care for the creature's wound. "Can I ask your name?"
The creature's tail flicked once more.
"Lin."
Author's Note: Just in case there is an confusion as to why Lin is portrayed as a white tiger. I looked into some of the background of her character. In Miyazaki's original sketches of her, Lin was described as a "byakko," which in some Asian mythology is described as a white tiger. So I decided to put a bit of a creative spin. Hope some of you will like this small aspect to my story. Thank's again for all the reads. I would love to hear some feedback in the comments, always looking for some constructive criticism.