Title: A Benevolent Spirit
Note: Chiyo is one of the two primary children we see often with Suikotsu. She's the little girl who carries the baby on her back.
The melodic chanting of children's folks songs carried by the echoes of evening resonated across the tiny village that lay at the foot of Hakurei-san.
One particular young girl hummed the tune to herself as she walked the path leading back to the village. Her yukata was stained with the residue of moist grass, and she clutched a bouquet of spring flowers.
It had been last autumn when he came…
Appearing from nowhere, almost like a benevolent spirit arriving when she was in need.
Chiyo, along with the other orphan children of the village found comfort in life again.
When the fall flowers began to bloom, she'd ventured out and gathered them up.
Returning to the hut their doctor resided in, she approached him.
"Suikotsu-sama, I brought these for you," Chiyo offered, thrusting the bouquet forward.
Smiling tenderly, he took the flowers. "Thank you Chiyo, they're beautiful."
Tentatively, she whispered. "Suikotsu-sama, do you promise to stay here always?"
He paused, innocent eyes pensive.
Taking the young girl in his lap after a few moments, he replied. "Of course I do. There is nowhere else I'd rather be."
He'd hold them in his arms and share his warm heart. In the children, Suikotsu found a home and a purpose. In him, they'd found hope.
His hut of residence was deserted. Those who had witnessed his other side's attack on the children feared its very presence.
Chiyo wasn't afraid.
Suikotsu couldn't keep his promise to her, but it was enough to know that the part of him that she loved had wished to.
She pushed open the flap door and entered the dusty abandoned hut.
In the corner lay a blanket and a sleeping mat.
It had been his.
The fragrant blooms reminded her of her purpose, and she walked forward, placing them upon the worn mat.
Closing her eyes, she began to sing the folk song that he'd heard often during his time with them.
Suikotsu-sama, I brought these for you…