Disclaimer: I don't own Princess Mononoke, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Chapter 10
Nathan swore quietly and glared at Mercutio, who was sitting atop a small rock across from him. As he held the sumi brush the Oracle had given him weeks ago tightly in his hand, he felt his skin begin to ripple with irritation. Dammit, Mercutio! he said through clenched teeth. How many times am I going to have to tell you STOP MOVING!? He looked back down at the piece of cloth and stared dejectedly at the unsuccessfully progressing painting he had been working on for the past hour.
Though it seemed like a good idea at the time, the youth was now beginning to regret thinking that he could actually get the small fox to pose for him. You're not gonna make this easy for me, are you? as asked.
The fox flopped onto his belly and rested his head on his forepaws. There was a strange grin on his elongated face.
No, I didn't think so, Nathan continued. Do you have any idea how hard this is? You wouldn't believe how crappy this cloth is to work with, and the colors. He glanced at the piece of wood which he had been using as a palate. On it were small globs of brown, red, green and black. I had to make this shit out of forrest junk. And since it'll be at least another seven hundred years before the first art supply store is built, I'm stuck with what I got. He tossed his brush back into the wooden cylinder and leaned against a tree. Why, out of all the centuries I could've been sent to, why did it have to be this one?
Mercutio raised his ears and jerked his head up at that last remark. His grayish eyes looking deep into Nathan's.
Nathan chuckled. That's right, I never told you did I? He got up and moved over to the rock where the fox was sitting and leaned against it. You may not believe, but you're looking at a real, honest-to-God, Californian from the twenty-first century. Mercutio just stared at him. Don't believe me, do you? Oh well, can't say I blame you. If some guy started telling me that he had come from seven hundred years in the future, I'd probably think he was some kinda' wackoid that had smoked just one joint short of a frat party ....... Then again, I'm the guy who's been having hour long conversations with a fox for the past few days.
With a heavy sigh, Nathan began to gather up all his material's into his supply sack. I'll tell you one thing, my fine, furry friend, he said after sealing up the sack. Ever since I got here, I've seen a lot of strange things. And I've seen them on such a regular occurrence I'm beginning to expect something new for each day. Kinda' makes you wonder what'll be the thing to pop up.
Mercutio's nose suddenly twitched and he sniffed at the air. Sensing that something was out of place, the fox jumped to his feet and lowered his ears. The hairs along his back and tail were standing on end.
What's up little bud? You smell somthing you don't like? There was a sudden rustle of leaves that came from behind. Jerking himself around, Nathan stared in the direction from which the sound had originated. His eyebrows lowered into a tight frown. I had to ask, he thought to himself. I've really gotta stop doing that.
The rustling returned, this time it seemed as though the sound had come from more than one place. In fact, it seemed as though it had come from every direction. The rustling became louder.
Aw shit! the youth said to himself as he unsheathed his dagger, Mercutio standing rigidly at his feet. I really don't need this now.
From out of a cluster of bushes, a lanky looking man bounded, landing just a few feet away from Nathan. He was dressed in a yellow colored kimono that was ornamented with red ribbons and bells and wore an ugly looking mask over his face. The mask looked as though it was carved from wood and bore the visage of a laughing man with deep wrinkles and crooked teeth. The thin man wearing the mask leapt around, laughing and dancing in a intoxicated flurry. What is this my eyes see before me? he asked in a sing-song voice.
Another man leapt out into the open. This one, unlike his counterpart was on the plumpish side, and was outfitted in a blue kimono. As he spun his way towards Nathan he twirled a long spear around his body in fast, smooth motions. The mask he wore was shaped into the face of a grinning man with a mustache and a long nose that drooped over the mouth. It appears to be an ugly little outlander pup with a giant rat for a pet, Heisitori, the second man replied.
Before Nathan could respond, one more masked man joined in the group. His clothing was made up a mixture of ceremonial robes and thick layers of straw that acted as some sort of cloak. Out of all three men, this one had the most hideous of masks; a green wrinkled face with bulging eyes that bobbed in all directions and two pairs of vicious looking tusks that jutted out from both the top and bottom of an enormous mouth. The mask's golden hair lashed about as the wearer twirled and spun with fluid motions. When the last spin was made, he stopped and stood between his two comrades. Perhaps he is a traveling nomad like ourselves, he said.
Nathan cocked an eyebrow. Who the hell are you guys?
The third masked man laughed. Aw, so the little, outlandish traveler knows our language does he?
He asked to know who we were, the one wearing in the long nosed mask added.
The man with the ugly, laughing mask retorted, then what says by both you that we introduce ourselves, hmmmm?
The three men nodded in agreement and began to dance around Nathan.
I am the one called Kotokuraku, the second mask wearer with the spear said, The Great Barbarian of the Crook Nose.
I be known as the Jolly Drunk, Heisitori, the first one added.
And I, began the demonic looking man as he spun around the young outlander. am Nasori, the Handsome Warrior. We are three of the eight Bugaku Brother Performers.
Bugaku Performers? Nathan thought. that's who these guys are? He couldn't help but laugh quietly. Well don't that just beat them all. The first human contact I've had in days and it turns out to be a bunch of masked weirdoes doing the cha-cha. he said. So what do you guys want from me?
This forrest be a forrest of beautiful sounds, the one called Heisitori answered as he continued to dance about.
And therefore we will only allow beautiful things to enter it, Kotokuraku added.
Nasori pointed at Nathan. If behind your teeth is the poet's tongue you possess, then speak now, and we shall determine how beautiful you truly are.
Alright..... either these guys want me to recite a poem, or they want to see how pretty my tongue is. Nathan looked at Nasori with a confused expression. You want a poem, right?
That is correct my pale little friend, the demon-masked performer answered with his arms crossed.
Alrighty then. Just give me a second to think of one.
Very well, but just be quick about it! Kotokuraku barked.
Nathan rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he paced back and fourth. Come on, man you can do this. You studied this kinda' crap back in high school. But what was it that we were studying last.
We've waited long enough, outlander. said Nasori curtly.
The drunken Heisitori twisted and gyrated around the open space as though he were swimming in thick oil. Fill our ears with beautiful words of poem, he said in his sing-song voice. but be warned outlander of afar, should your words not be beautiful and pleasing to us, your tongue shall we use to line the bottoms of our sandals.
Nathan looked down at his fox companion and frowned. I'll bet you're just getting a kick out of this, aren't you, Mer...cu..tio? His mouth stretched into a wide grin. Wait a minute..... Mercutio...... Shakespeare! that's what we were studying! Okay guys, he said quickly. I'm a little rusty at this, so just cut me a little slack here.
The three bugaku brothers nodded and sat cross-legged on the ground. Proceed then, Kotokuraku said.
Taking a deep breath, the young outlander stepped onto the rock Mercutio had been lying on just moments before. He looked down at all three of the mask wearing men across from him and released the breath. God I hope this works. He then cleared his throat and began.
To be or not to be—that is the question:
Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And, by opposing, end them, To die, to sleep—
No more— and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks
the flesh is heir to— 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep.
Nathan could feel the could sweat running down the skin of his face as the last line was spoken. He felt somewhat relieved that he was able to remember enough of the monologue to make it sound good. But the relief was swept away when he looked back at the three bugaku brothers who remained completely silent. Were they impressed, or even the slightest bit satisfied? Or were they completely the opposite. He felt his heart skip a beat when the one called Nasori rose and began to make his way towards him.
Nasori raised his hands from his sides and began to clap. Fantastic, Outlander! he exclaimed. You speak as fluidly a koi passes through a crystal clear stream. He reached up to his mask and pushed it over his head. His face was almost androgynous. A thin lipped smile stretched across the smooth skin between his angular cheeks and bemeith his tiny nose while his dark eyes looked on with a cheerful shine. Simply fantastic!
Uhhh, thanks, Nathan replied stepping down from the rock nervously. For a brief moment he was sure that he was looking into the face of the Japanese version of Michael Jackson. So you guy's aren't going to cut out my tongue, then?
Nasori gave him a confused looked then laughed. Oh, that was just Heisitori's last jug of saké bellowing, he said
Kotokuraku added, standing. That's the only thing he knows how to talk with these days. He moved towards Nathan and removed his long-nosed mask as well.
Nathan's eyes tripled in size Holy crap! he yelled when his eyes came to rest on Kotokuraku's face. Where a nose should have been, there was only a large misshapen lump of flesh and skin.
The two men laughed at the youth's shock. Did you see him, Nasori? Kotokuraku bellowed, slapping his bulging stomach. The boy must've jumped three steps back!
Nathan scratched the back of his head and frowned. I'm sorry, he said. That was a real shitty thing for me to do.
But the man simply shook his head and patted Nathan's Shoulder. Think nothing of it my young friend. I always enjoy watching the looks of total disgust on people's faces when I let them see my true face. Gives me a sense of power.
I see your point, Nathan said trying his best to keep his composer. Man, these guys are completely nuts!
Now then, the drunken Heisitori sputtered as he tumbled his way towards his two companions. When he stopped just a step away from Nathan he sprung to his feet and tore his ugly mask away, revealing his equally ugly face. Would the little Outlander be so kind to tell us his name, hmmmm?
It's Nathan, Nathan said taking a step back. His nose wrinkled the first moment he caught a whiff of the man's saké permeated breath.
Heisitori echoed tilting his scraggily head from side to side. Such an ugly name, but a name no less deserving of the face it matches, hmmmm? He then squatted on the ground and stared at Mercutio. And what of this foul smelling animal you travel with? Is it a pet or perhaps your afternoon meal, hmmm?
The Fox, not taking kindly to the bugaku performer's comments, lowered his ears and started to growl.
Nasori shouted pulling the drunk man back by his sloppily tide queue. You have the manners of a wild bore in heat! I think this lad deserves more respect than that! With that he tossed his companion to the side and bowed apologetically to Nathan. Forgive our dear brother's rudeness, my friend. I'm afraid he had a little too much to drink today.
Don't worry about it, Nathan replied.
You speak very good Japanese for an outlander, Kotokuraku said. That poem was practically flawless.
Yes, flawless. Nasori agreed. Were is it that you come from?
Nathan answered with a half grin. It's a far away place, so don't ask how to get there.
And your name is.....Nathan?
You got it.
The two men shared a quick glance. Kotokuraku then asked, What mask do you wear?
The young outlander raised an eyebrow. Why the heck would I need to wear a mask?
Well, Nasori replied. You are a wandering performer, are you not?
The youth shrugged. Wandering, yes. A performer...... well.... sort of. I'd actually be considered more of a visual artist by most people.
Kotokuraku crossed his arms You have no mask then? Nathan shook his head. Well that just won't do.
Nasori nodded I agree, Kotokuraku. He placed a hand on Nathan s shoulder and smiled again. Would you care to join us for the evening, Nathan? We have a wood carver back at our camp who can make the finest masks in a matter of hours.
Uhhh, Thanks but I—
Think nothing of it my young friend, Kotokuraku said once again. I'm sure the others would feel just the same way. Come now, join us for fine dining and drinking!
Yes yes, drink, drink! Heisitori chattered, clapping his hands and dancing around like a child on Christmas morning. Let us drink till our noses bleed with joy, till our heads swim in the lovely colors of heaven. Let us drink till we feel as though the hands of a thousand of the most beautiful brothel girls were soothing our every muscle!
Look that sounds great and all, Nathan protested. but I'm not a performer like you guys.
You said you are an artist of the visual techniques, Nasori replied. Performing the Bugaku plays is an art of the visual techniques as well. So in a sense we all are brothers of the visual arts. He then slung Nathan's supply sac over his shoulder and pointed towards a dark path between the trees. Now, let us end this mindless babble and rejoin our brothers back at the camp.
Nathan was about to make another protest when a cajoling look from the noiseless Kotokuraku rendered him silent. Instead he buried his hands in his pockets and quietly nodded, accepting the bugaku performer's invitation. As the three men began to lead him and Mercutio through the hidden forrest path, he frowned and made a small grumbling sound. Note to self: the next time a group of bugaku performers ask you to recite a poem, just tell them a dirty limerick.
The Bugaku Brother's camp was little more than a ring of shabby tents and a single ox-pulled cart that was used to carry the numerous costumes and props that were used in their performances. In the center of the ring a large fire burned, warming the laughing people sitting around it.
When Nathan finally reached the camp, he was immediately introduced to the five other members of the Bugaku Brother's caravan. The first he became aquatinted with was the barrel chested Onintei who's hulking features and sharply chiseled expression would have sent Nathan running in fear had it not been for the fact that he had a very becalming demeanor about him. When the large man laid eyes on the outlandish youth he greeted him with a pleasant grin and a bow.
Next, were the twin brother's Konju and Shinno. Both were smallish in size and were completely identical in every visible way. The only thing that could define one from the other was the eye shaped tattoo on Shinno's forehead. They both bowed and bid Nathan welcome in perfect unison.
The last two of the Bugaku Brothers were Bato, the blind wood carver who's skilled hands could carve the finest masks from the toughest of woods and Kitoku the leader of the small group.
Kitoku was a well aged man dressed in a simple brown kimono. His face was round with a sharply pointed gray beard a two stony black eyes that sunk behind his wrinkled cheeks. Though he was short and almost frail looking at first glance, his fellow brothers knew very well that he had the stealth and strength of a wild tiger. The only other people who knew this secret were the ones who had foolishly tried to kill him in battle or in cold blood. Those same people were dead now.
When Nathan had been brought before Kitoku, the quiet old man looked him over silently. His eyes, though not as sharp as they had been during his earlier years took in every detail of the young outlander, from the strange designs on his shoes, to the metal zippers on his leather Jacket. Had it not been for the comforting feeling of Mercutio at his side, Nathan would have felt somewhat intimidated by the old man's penetrating gaze.
After a long moment of soundlessness, Kitoku rose and bowed. As Master of the Bugaku Brother Performers, I welcome you, Stranger, he had said with a friendly grin, which brought a great deal of relief to Nathan.
The rest of the evening was spent in a very mirthful atmosphere. There was rice, fish, and vegetables of all sorts to eat and plenty of saké which was mostly consumed by Heisitori. The eight bugaku brothers all sat around the blazing fire, exchanging various jokes and stories with Nathan who in return, told them the stories of his travels.
It seemed all very strange, when Nathan thought about it. He had always considered himself a person whom had never really fit in with any particular social group. Now he was practically the life of this small caravan of performer's evening. They even gave him the nickname Ginjuraku, which meant barbarian from the western lands'. Despite the fact that the name essentially meant barbarian,' it was perhaps the first time in his life that Nathan felt.....accepted.
We too have done our share of traveling, Kitoku said after swallowing a mouthful of rice. From the south side of Japan to the north side, we've seen it all.
And we've the scars to prove it! Kotokuraku said, obviously a little drunk from the saké, and leapt to his feet. He then opened his tunic revealing the scar that ran across his chest. I got this scar fighting off a samurai in Gioushi two years ago! slashed me a good one he did, but I knocked the bastard on his face like a—
You got that scar when you got drunk and tried grab that prostitute, you fish kissing pig! Konju shouted, cutting the man off in mid sentence. This earned the laughs of the others. He then looked at Nathan and grinned. The young woman was armed with a dagger she had hidden in her kimono.
I have something that'll top your samurai' scar, Kotokuraku! In a half drunken state, Nasori stood and lifted his left sleeve, revealing a large patch of scarred skin. I got this burn when I pulled a child from a burning house. I had to literally push my way through the flames!
You're lies stink more that than my loin cloth, Nasori! Onintei chimed in. He shoveled a large chunk of fish into his mouth and swallowed hard. You got those burns when Heisitori spilt that bowl of hot gruel on you! The hulking man then ran a thick finger along a jagged scar on his neck. Now this my friend, is a real man's scar!
I have something that'll beat all three of your scars.
All eyes turned to Nathan who had been watching the heated exchange.
Oh really? Onintei asked with a wide grin. What could a young pup like you have that could top the scars we've gained throughout our entire lives?
With a calm expression, Nathan unraveled the bandages from his head and let them fall to his shoulders. When the Bugaku Brothers, save for blind Bato, looked upon the ugly brown blotch of the demon mark that scarred his forehead, their eyes widened in shear horror.
Is this.......What kind of evil did this to you, friend? Nasori asked grimacing at the sight of the horrible blemish.
Would you believe me if I told you that I got this while fighting off a raging Demon God? Nathan asked. When he felt Mercutio nuzzle against his leg, he let his hand rest on the fox's back and gently scratched the soft fur. There're two more on my arms, and they've all been slowly spreading through my body ever since. A pained expression crossed his face. And it'll only be a matter of time before they eventually kill me.
There was an unsettling silence. The only thing that could be heard was the crackle of the fire and the faint snoring of Heisitori who had just passed out in a drunken stupor.
Tell me, Nathan, Kitoku said calmly. Is this the reason you've been traveling across Japan for all these days?
It is, Sir, Nathan answered.
But why travel so far to the west?
Nathan replied feeling a small twinge of anger rise within him. from what I've heard, the one thing that might be able to lift this curse I've been screwed with lives in the western part of this country.
And that one thing is?
The youth frowned, and gripped his arm which was now starting to feel a bit sore. They said that the only one who could cure me is the forest spirit, Shisha-Gami.
Kitoku, along with the remaining coherent' members of the group gasped at the sound of that name. So now you're seeking out Shisha-Gami in hopes of lifting your curse? the old man asked.
That's right.
You would be better off just letting the curse consume you,
Now it was Nathan's turn to be shocked. What?... Why?
Don't you know? Shinno asked nudging him on the shoulder. To enter the forest of Shisha-Gami is certain death to all humans!
The young outlander frowned. So I've heard. he looked at the Bugaku performer who had a very worried expression on his face. Just what the hell is everyone so scared shitless about? Why is entering that forrest so dangerous for humans?
the blind Bato said at last. He had been silent for most of the evening for he had been so engrossed in the new mask he had been making. The forrest is said to be guarded by the most vicious God in all of Japan. The Wolf God, Moro.
Nathan asked.
Nasori added. She and her entire clan rule over the forests that surround the dwelling of Shisha-Gami. They'll kill you the moment you set your first toe in that forest.
What about her daughter? Konju added while gulping down his bowl of hot soup67.
Oh yes, Kotokuraku nodded. The forest witch. The princess of beasts and demons.
Nathan cocked an eyebrow. For one reason or another this conversation had a chillingly familier atmosphere to it. Just who exactly is this... forest witch?
Who is she? Konju asked with a wide expression. You've never heard of Princess Mononoke? The adopted daughter of Moro?
All Nathan could do was stare. Not once did he ever expect to here that name again. First it was Shisha-Gami..... Now this. His face pinched into a tight frown. Everything Ryo said was true. The Gods, the forest spirit called Shisha-Gami....... Now even this Princess Mononoke turns out to be real.
I've heard that she steals infants from their cribs at night and feeds them to her wolf brothers, Kotokuraku said gulping down a cup of saké.
I heard that she cuts her victim's hearts out and eats them raw, Shinno added. And then she spreads their blood all over her body and dances in rings of fire to pay homage to the Forrest Demons.
As the rumors became more and more bizarre and obscene in nature, Kitoku noticed the troubled look on Nathan's face. He then stood up and shouted, His once elderly voice was now as powerful as wave a crashing against the rocks. If our young guest wishes to know the story of Princess Mononoke, we should tell him through the way of Bugaku! His eyes glared at the others. Not through the mindless and discusting rumors we may have heard during our travels.
Master Kitoku is right, Nasori said. Are we not performers of Bugaku?
Onintei said standing up. Let's show him the way it should be shown. The others nodded agreeably and murmured amongst themselves.
What do you say, my friend? Kitoku asked Nathan. Do you wish to hear the story of Princess Mononoke?
Nathan remained silent for a short moment before nodding. I would be honored.
When the words were said the eight men disappeared behind the cart to prepare themselves for their performance.
After nearly a quarter of an hour of waiting patiently, Nathan watched as Heisitori, Onintei and Bato emerged in beautifully colored costumes. In the three men's possesion there was an instrument of some sort. The blind Bato carried a long bamboo flute, while Heisitori stumbled around with a small pair of drums. Onintei, being the monsterous fellow that he was, carried a set of large gongs.
The three men quietly seated themselves at the far end of the clearing which was going to be used as the stage' and began to play the aproaching performance's dramatic music. It was like nothing Nathan had ever heard before, like music from another world. But despite the strangeness in the music's exotic notes, the youth found it surprisingly.....pleasant.
It was then that Kitoku stepped into the center of the clearing. He too was dressed in costume. He bowed deeply and cleared his throat.
In the forests of the western lands
Hidden amongst the ancient trees
The daughter of the Gods resides.
They say she was born a human
But she was raised by the wolves
In the clan of Moro
A mighty God from times of long long ago.'
From what seemed like out of nowhere, a figure bounded from the darkness. The figure wore the mask of a young woman and was dressed in what looked like the furs of animals. This made it impossible to tell who it was that was portraying her. In each hand she carried a paper fan with strange patterns painted on them. As she moved about the circle her ornamental furs and brightly colored kimono swished through the air and the bells dangling from her feet and hands gave of sharp jingles. Her every movment was perfectly synchronized to the flowing music.
To some she is known as the forrest witch
To others she is known as the daughter of Moro.
But to all she is known as the princess of beasts and demons
Who lives only to loath the humans that invade her land,
To rule the beasts and animals of the forest,
And guardian the sacred grove of her lord and master Shisha-Gami.
She is the Princess Mononoke.'
The strangely clothed woman twirled about the stage slashing her fans left and right, and making the most elegant of movements. Then from the other side of the stage, a man dressed like a samurai stepped forward. Though the mask and kimono were different, it was easy to tell that performer underneath the costume was Kotokuraku from the look of his round belly. He carried a long wooden katana and moved in such a way that it showed just how arrogant the samurai truly was.
It is said that the Princess Mononoke's beauty,
Lovelier than the loveliest cherry blossom,
Brighter than the brightest of the sun's rays,
Sharper than the sharpest of blades,
Could place the strongest warrior under her power.'
The woman began to dance around the samurai, making alluring gestures and hypnotic motions with her arms. It seemed as through the samurai was being put in some sort of trance. The woman then began to beckon the powerless man to her.
Those who gaze upon her
No matter how thick their armor may be,
Nor how strong their will may seem,
Those who gaze upon the Princess Mononoke
Become powerless and intoxicated by her presence.'
As the samurai moved closer to the woman, she stepped further back into the shadows. In a matter of steps, the samurai was alone on the stage, confused as to where the young woman had disappeared to.
Those who gaze upon the Princess Mononoke,'
She suddenly returned to the stage, her back to the samurai. When the samurai reached out to touch her shoulder she twisted around in a single, violent motion.
Die,'
Where the mask of the young woman had once been there was now the horrific face of a wolf. It's glaring eyes and fang-filled mouth bobbed erotically with the wolf-woman's sharp movements. The samurai backed away in terror but was too slow to escape his gruesome fate. Without warning, two more men dressed as wolves leapt onto the stage and began to envelope the samurai, smothering him under their lashing arms and swishing furs.
Nathan watched the performance with gawking eyes. He could feel his heart pounding in sync with the music that Heisitori and Bato were playing. But his full attention was drawn to the wolf-woman. The Princess Mononoke. I wonder how much of this is true? he asked himself with a slight smile. Can she really be that beautiful?.....Beautiful enough to seduce even a samurai? He looked down at Mercutio who had been watching the performance unfold as well. What do you think? Think they're telling the truth? He reached over to a flask of Saké, which he had mistaken for water, and brought it to his lips. If she really is that beautiful.... I'll really be screwed if I run into her. He took a giant gulp of the saké, emptying out the flask. Before he could realize what he was actually drinking, the youth swallowed.
There was a sudden burning sensation that rushed through his throat and up into his nose. He began to feel lightheaded and eventually became sick to his stomach. Through his blurry vision he looked at the flask and instantly recognized it. Ohhhh hick' crap... he murmured as he felt himself fall backwards onto the ground.
The Bugaku Brothers however, were far too engrossed in their sudden outburst of excited festivity to take notice of the young outlander's current condition. For when the performance had finally ended, the entire group jumped into the clearing and began to dance and sing in a wild frenzy.
The only one who did notice, however, was the elderly Kitoku. With a faint smile on his bearded face, the old man crouched next to the intoxicated youth and lightly patted his cheeks. The only response he got was a slurred sentence in an unfamiliar language. He then looked at the now empty flask of saké and shook his head. The youth of today, he said to himself as he threw a tattered blanket over Nathan. Absolutely no control.
Extra notes:
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term Bugaku' I shall give a brief summery. Bugaku is a form of Japanese theater. It's very much like Kabuki, only instead of having the actors where make up, they where masks. As a little inside reference to this form of theater, all the Bugaku Brother's names were taken form the names of various masks worn in the performances.
I would end this little tidbit of historical info by saying: if you would like to learn more about this fascinating subject, you can visit your local library, but I won't. That would make me a geek...... wait a minute..... I just did say it.......Aw crap!