Crane Wings on Windows
Chapter Ten — An Oni in Training
NEW as of February 2015
I thought about fusing this chapter with chapter eleven but chapter eleven is extremely long and will take me awhile just to read through well enough to edit things. (Which is assuming most of my edits are not lengthy ones, which they usually are.) Thus, to ensure everyone gets a new edited chapter before a few days lapse in new edited chapters—here is chapter ten.
"We've heard a kind of paradise beyond the desert's dunes.
We've walked the earth in solitude, so cold we need the warmth of sun.
We've lived the life that we could live, we see the truth magic that begins...
Searching for something new.
Isle of Gold in flowers bloom."
"Strangers (feat. Raj Ramayya)" by Yoko Kanno
Hozin got up before most of the other servants as he usually did. He tied his long, auburn hair back and pushed some of his bangs back that sometimes sprung from their prison. Glancing in his mirror he ensured his outfit and he was in perfect order. His hazel eyes seemed to catch the sunlight just peeking out his window. Hozin had a larger room than some and though he was a servant he did not live directly with the servants but it was still in the servant's quarter. He had a normal room and the view outside was refreshing.
Hozin looked back in the mirror at the man staring back and him and sighed a little. There was no need to be so through of his appearance when there was no one to truly see it that noticed. But Hozin desired everything to be in its place and as he calculated certain things in his head of what needed to be stocked, he made his way to his master's room to wake him, dress him, and see him off on his journey well.
When he arrived at Lord Kazama's room he knocked politely before entering. He bowed low towards his lord who was sitting in his bed, his back supported with pillows, and a book in his hands. Hozin knew his lord had slept but clearly he had woken early to continue reading. The book he was reading must be a new one.
Hozin greeted his lord in his often quiet voice, "Milord, was your sleep restful?"
"Most sleep is restful, Hozin. The next pointless drabble from your mouth will be properly ignored."
"Of course milord, I will begin my duties." Hozin was waved away as Kazama continued reading the book in his hands, never letting his eyes leave their place on the page, "I will not be disturbed for the moment. I will dress myself, go fetch Chizuru and ask if she is making this journey."
"Yes, milord."
Rousing slightly, Chizuru cracked open an eye when the door was opened after a knock had resounded. Opening both eyes, she spotted Hozin and smiled, sitting up in the process. "Good morning Hozin, is there something you needed?"
Bowing, Hozin greeted Chizuru with a smile, "Usually I would let you sleep to your heart's content, but I come with purpose, as you have surmised. Milord Kazama asks if you would like to journey with him to his market run that he conducts every few months. It is secretive and no servant before has gone, let alone a guest. He returns with many treasures that mainly consist of books, however. It is also a glorious day for the servants as they are permitted the day off to enjoy themselves, courtesy of the Lord. Of course, his hand hits harder the days that follow due to lack of work that was done, but it is worth it each few months."
Chizuru stretched and began to shift slightly in the large bed so Hozin might break from his rambling. He smiled politely, recognizing that Chizuru was trying to gain his attention.
"Ah, yes, I am rambling, I acknowledge. My main point I should have gotten too was to ask what your reply shall be to the Lord in joining him in this journey."
Chizuru smiled at Hozin to let him know all was well. She appreciated Hozin very much and knew by now that he was prone to long speeches and monologues if given the chance to be heard. It was actually a very funny, but endearing quality.
Chizuru was curious though about the books Kazama brought back with him. This must be part of what he had chided her about yesterday.
"You said he comes back with many books usually?"
Hozin chuckled to himself, "Yes, one of many treasures, but books are a common treasure Lord Kazama buys often. His ultimate love and passion are books. His nose is usually in a book if it is not on his duties and papers. Of course, most books he reads are rather dull and drab in my opinion: histories, journals, diagrams, medicinal journals, etc. He likes to keep up-to-date with new theories and enjoys spending his time re-learning old histories and cultures. Sometimes I will see him reading mythologies and romances from different cultures but he usually sticks to informative works. Or poetry. You should test my lord sometime—he can quote most of The Man'yōshū and The Kaifūsō by heart. I see," Hozin gestured to the small bookcase with books in it, "he gave you many boring books as well. He likes to assume his interests are shared by everyone. Unless, of course, your interests do in fact align with his in this particular instance."
Chizuru laughed quietly but was amazed to hear Kazama could quote such large collections of poetry by heart. She had heard of those collections and had read a bit of The Man'yōshū but she could not read Chinese well so she could not read The Kaifūsō. Her father had read her some of it but he had not lived long enough for her to learn enough Chinese to read it by herself. Women were not truly allowed to read Chinese but her father had allowed her to do many things women were not allowed to.
She chose, however, to not mention any of her thoughts to Hozin since she assumed Kazama would want a reply shortly.
"If Kazama has asked me to join him then I will not deny the request. Please tell Kazama that I accept his request and will be ready shortly."
Hozin bowed and a large smile that was imbalanced on his face began to form, Chizuru had a feeling he was about to inform her of something she wouldn't particularly find enjoyable, "But of course. Although, you should be aware that you are not allowed to dress yourself in this instance. Often we have let you dress yourself and decide to wear as you see fit but because the Lord is involved we must ask that you be dressed today for such an outing. Our last job for the day is to see that the soon to be Lady is ready for the journey. If you will allow, I shall go fetch the servants."
Chizuru sighed, not wishing to be bothered but to get dressed in solitude, but knew she would hear of it from Kazama who found out many things she never told anyone. She did not know that Kazama himself often denied being dressed by servants as well and hardly would have taken the time to talk to her over something as trivial as dressing. If she was dressed properly, Kazama did not care so much whether she did it herself or others did it for her. Smiling politely to Hozin and his unusually chipper mood, she stretched again, barely paying attention to him leaving the room to fetch the servants.
Chizuru honestly felt he was doing this as a joke because he had never had her be dressed by servants before in that last few months. She shook her head, smiling wide at Hozin's playful mood today; she was glad he was happy and if that meant being a bit uncomfortable then so be it. She was just glad to see Hozin not so fidgety and fretting today. Hozin seemed at peace and much calmer than on normal days. When he wasn't worrying so much Chizuru noticed he actually had a pleasant, modest beauty to his face.
"Her reply?" Kazama slid his sword in place as Hozin walked in, not even looking his way. He was too busy adjusting his outfit and ensuring all was in its proper place. He wore his usual colors of red, gold, and white but sported a black haori. He also wore his favorite chocker that he rarely wore while he was around his keep but often put on when he ventured out on such occasions.
"Her reply was 'yes.' She is being dressed as we speak and the horses are ready if you are willing to take them."
Hozin hoped his Lord would take them as Chizuru was going to be present. Usually Kazama ventured by himself, without a ride, and returned with a new horse and a small cart full of his purchases. However, with a woman present, he hoped his Lord had some etiquette. Or at least was willing to not make Chizuru walk the entire way.
"Despite how highly you think of me" Hozin fretted when Kazama sent him a look, "I know the useless ways of women enough to know they are apt to request a formal ride."
Hozin bowed low, unable to let such a thing slip by without comment if he could help it.
"If I may speak plainly, milord?"
Kazama looked at Hozin and his posture before looking back out his window.
"Speak then."
"Most women are not as useless as you think, and I am sure that the only reason they request a formal way of transportation is so that their dresses do not dirty. Unlike us, their kimonos often reach the floor and become hard to make such journeys unless provided with more modest wear. Yet, if you want her to dress to match the stature you desire she will not have many kimonos with such lengths. Besides, many dignitaries and lords still do request formal transport to match their status just as much as women. My lord is the exception. Also, Chizuru did not ask for a horse but simply that I send her reply to you at once."
"Hozin," Hozin looked up worriedly at Kazama, afraid he had gone too far, "leave me."
Anxious, Hozin bowed and left, not being able to tell what his Lord thought of his words due to his usual blank demeanor. As Hozin left, Kazama placed his pipe in his mouth and let it sooth him. Releasing the smoke building, he observed the birds dancing outside his window before turning to leave. Before he did so he cleaned out his pipe and set it on his dresser. The crane dancing on the outside of his pipe seemed in tune to the mood and beauty of the birds flying outside his window. It was a peaceful morning and by the looks of it there would be no clouds in the sky to dampen the sun shining.
Breaking out her now common polite smile, Chizuru thanked the servants for their work, earning quiet looks from the servants to be passed back and forth between them. Chizuru supposed they were not use to being thanked for their service and smiled with a brighter, more natural smile, as they walked out.
After they had left Chizuru suddenly felt the weight of the night prior and it burdened her that she had been so foolish an oni. She sighed to herself and sat in one of her chairs on the other end of her room and looked out her window on the opposite side. She loved that her window framed her bed but in some ways she wished she had a window similar to Kazama's that allowed her an unobstructed view of the world outside. Her view was less spectacular compared to Kazama's. Kazama had a beautiful view of the mountains and the dense forest that stretched for many miles. Chizuru had only the sight of trees and while it was a breath-taking view all its own Chizuru felt she was trapped rather than free. Looking up and seeing the mountains in the distance from Kazama's side were like seeing the heights of freedom. There was something to be found in those rocky heights that made Chizuru feel she could aspire to a great many things. The mountains had given her courage to face the world for if the mountains could climb higher then she could make it through her day. She wanted to be like the mountains that seemed to stretch out and support the sky: she desired to be that pillar that sought to be the place where all came to rest. Though the mountains were hostile and dreaded by those who neared them Chizuru looked out at the mountains and saw the anchor that gave support to the rest of the earth and the sky.
But all she saw from her side were trees. Great, beautiful trees, but trees that seemed to speak of sameness and a feeling of never escaping. She felt she would never leave and forever be stuck to pursue only existing. She would never move up only forward. Chizuru did not just want to move forward she wanted to become better, to be a better oni, and a better woman. If Kazama had showed her anything yesterday it was that she had a long way to go before she would be what she desired to be when she finally reached those mountains.
Looking down at her garments she noticed the servants had given her a kimono the lighter-weight cotton that she expected in summer kimonos even if autumn would soon bring a transitional heaviness to the world. This kimono felt more like what she often wore at home. It was something of simple make, but good quality. The color of the kimono was also wispy, reminding her of spring winds on a clear day—it was such a blue. Her obi was of a darker grey-blue that seemed to tone down the vibrancy of her kimono. The servants had asked her which comb or pins she desired and Chizuru pointed to the ebony pin she had seen earlier. They smiled at her and kept her hair of a simple design to match her outfit.
While Chizuru was playing with her sleeves she sniffed the air without thinking about it. As she did so, Hozin walked in without making a sound. Glancing at Chizuru's appearance he smiled though he dropped it when he saw her unsure expression.
"Does something trouble you Chizuru?"
"No, I just did something peculiar is all."
"Are you willing to share this peculiarity with me?" Hozin busied himself around the room for a few minutes, allowing Chizuru to decide.
"Yes well, I just sniffed the air, picking up your sent. Although, it was rather late as you walked in a moment later."
"You mean you have never done such a thing?"
Chizuru shook her head, "I have been randomly sensing Kazama's aura but overall I do not do it often. It was peculiar because I do not normally pick up anyone else's scent by Kazama's."
Hozin continued to make Chizuru's bed while he talked to her, feeling he should say something.
"Chizuru, I might as well be frank, considering you are the first to let me do so: it is actually very unnatural that an oni does not use the gifts provided to them. You act particularly human, which is why you can pass as one so easily. Everything comes as a shock to you, and by that I mean that others can easily come up behind you and frighten you, a very human trait. Perhaps the reason it seems peculiar to you may be how you were raised, but like our Lord, I was raised to use my senses despite my position. It is the one thing every oni shares equally. No oni smells or sees better than another, although many beg to differ. The difference is the way it is used. Our Lord Kazama, for example, uses it well in battle, allowing the air to be his ally, and his eyes to capture every movement. However, some oni use their skills more for defense rather than offense, as I do. Knowing who is where is a very good defense against attacks and sudden changes. It also helps me reach my Lord faster as I can, generally, track his movements. Of course, age plays a factor in most cases, and the younger the oni the more likely they will misjudge their own senses, leading them astray for they imagine what something should smell like, rather than smell it for what it is. It is very much like making art and the ability to see an object for what it is rather than for what you think it is."
He paused to make sure Chizuru was listening, happy to note she was listening intently. "I feel one reason Lord Kazama looks down on you so much is that you do not use your senses, and rely much on others to find these things out for you. The reason you may suddenly be using your enhanced senses is simply that you are not relying on others to do things for you. You are, in a sense, alone and in being alone, you are doing yourself a favor by starting to depend on yourself and your own instincts. As for being able to sense only Kazama's aura and not my own may because your oni nature is making sure you realize that a very strong presence is near you. Lord Kazama is one of the last royal households to exist in Japan—his blood is pure and strong. His oni spirit is dedicated and resolute. He has honed his skills and his mind to be as imposing as his bloodline. Therefore, it is natural that Lord Kazama's scent and aura will dominate and be the first aura you can truly sense. My aura is much less extraordinary, I assure you, and as such it may actually be harder for me to be detected than milord mainly because of your experience and clear insecurity in using your powers. Often times I think milord's senses are keener than any others due to how well he enforces them."
Chizuru smiled shyly at the pointed look given her by Hozin. "Do not think it peculiar that you are starting to use what was born to you but rejoice you are not too late to discover them. Some oni never find their acute senses and wander around Japan with naught but the human interpretation of sight, smell, and hearing. Be thankful indeed."
Standing up straight, Hozin smiled at Chizuru in a friendly manner, "I hope Chizuru is not mad at this servant for speaking for such a long time. I feel Kazama might be agitated for waiting so long, so we might want to start heading to the front gates."
Chizuru smiled wide, letting Hozin catch her warmth and thanks. He looked at her and smiled lightly, returning the warmth. As they walked out Chizuru was glad he had explained a bit of it to her. She had already been picking up Kazama's aura but had yet to truly pick up Hozin's. Maybe she was developing her powers without even realizing it. She may have to become more deliberate in doing so to help keep her safe should the need arise. Besides, if she wanted to be a better oni she needed to learn how best to understand her own nature.
The Man'yōshū and The Kaifūsō are real collections of poetry featuring some of the works I have quoted in the beginning of my chapters. The Kaifūsō is a collection of poetry that was written in the Chinese language by Japanese poets and The Man'yōshū was a large anthology of poetry from various styles during that time period and before (it was compiled in the eight century).
I thought I'd let everyone know since I didn't make those up. They both have beautiful poems in them—I suggest you all take a gander at them when you have time.