The rain kept falling still, and two friends had every second
precious. The howling of the wild wolves didn't even bother them that
stormy night. However, in parting, Soujiro felt a cold winter's eve turn
warm. It was the night that he hoped to get by without the traumas from the
road...
THE WANDERER'S EYES
(Chapter 3: Within A Nightmare's Grasp)
Soujiro and Sai jumped on every single puddle on the street inside the gated dojo. They caught a few of the raindrops that seemed to take shape under the long and worn weather. The laughter and smiles brightened their faces as the loneliness and weariness washed away. Then, Sai, walked to the porch and sat down. Soujiro ran her.
Out of breath and joyful, Soujiro asked her, "Are- Are you tired? I'm- I'm- I'm tired too."
She smiled at him, "You look like it. It is best you get back inside. It is late."
"Are you? By the way, there's something I need to tell you..."
"What is it, friend?" she inquired.
"Thank you. Thank you very much, Sai-chan."
"You too, my friend. Thank you too..." She stood up, soaked, and walked inside. Soujiro waited for a few seconds, but when he came jogging in, she was already gone.
He walked to the room where Dr.Kirashime directed him to stay in. It was a lovely place. The lamp was rather bigger than most of the others, so he wanted to shut it off before he goes to sleep. He changed from his wet clothes so he doesn't end up ill like the children there. On a small table by a futon, there was a little chess set made out of glass. He was careful not touching it, for it was fragile enough to break if a loud creak was made in the room. He knew little of the game, as Kamogata Yumi, Shishio's beau, played only a few games with him. It must've been only a couple of times as he remembered. A note was on top of it where he assumes must've been from the room's former border. He curiously opened it and it reads in Japanese characters, but translated by him:
"October 6. I am 14 years old still.
We had the funeral held today. It was sad. My friend died of her tuberculosis but I think it was that witch's fault. I couldn't tell Taro because I know he loved her so, but then, he admires and respects my friend. That witch killed my friend with that poison she put on her soup. She knew that when my friend's dead, the master would lose his happiness and turn to her, the next in line. It is sad my friend bears no mind to have a grudge against that horrible girl. She was the kindest and wisest of those I knew and I know she'll be at peace. My brother is to be with her too. I hope I will too..."
He stared closely at the signature at the bottom of the torn piece of paper. The journal it had belonged to was missing and its owner was, was unknown. He squinted his eyes and placed the note closer. It scribbled a Sai and what seemed to be a Re. He said with a relaxed tone, "It's Sai. I'd say it's definitely Sai. She has a brother, and she is famous among the halls of this place. I feel very sorry for her trauma. I never knew her closest friend died..."
He shed bitter tears, for he knew the pains of bearing the memory of dead people. The similarity between them is that they met a lot of people who died. The hospital where Sai is had surely many deaths there and Soujiro had killed many and knew many that were killed. It is a traumatizing thing. He lied down to sleep and blew out the candle within the lamp. He lay tired but happy, having enjoyed a moment. It wasn't the type that of those he had before, the joy of battles and victory. The fun he had was that of a child's taste, but that was the first for a long time that he smiled without the thought of blood or death within the path. It was so good having friends.
He closed his eyes to sleep, but he couldn't. He couldn't sleep. Then, he heard voices coming from the halls. It was singing. Someone was singing in the middle of a quiet night. The noise from the storm had died down until for another day. He heard it loud and clear. He sat upright on his bed and heard the words:
"Cum resurget creatura... Judicanti resonsurra... Judex ergo cum sedebit.... Nil inultum remanebit... Quem patronum rogaturus... Cum vix justus sit securus?... Juste Judex ultionis... Ante diem rationis... Kyrie Eleison...(A/N: I can't tell you what this means yet. It's part of the story, but I will tell you later in this chapter.)"
Soujiro didn't know what those words meant, but he was sure Sai can tell him. She speaks Latin, he's sure of it. He peeked out from his door. Nothing. The hall was too dark. Suddenly, he saw something move upon the cold floor. He rubbed his arms for warmth and sent himself out to know who it was. It might've been Kitsune. He wanted to meet her to ask about the note, whether she knew anything about it. He followed the figure until it stopped and he confronted her. She repeated, with her back turned from him, "Libera me Domine de morte aeterna... Libera me Domine!" She then turned to him and he saw a gory bloodied face. She, or rather, it dazed at him as if it didn't know if he was there. All it kept doing was chanting, chanting over and over the words, "Libera me Domine de morte aeterna... Libera me Domine!"
Soujiro leapt back and he found himself lying on his back, on the comfort of his bed. It was a short yet scary nightmare. He caught his breath and wiped his face full of sweat from where he knows not a reason why he was. It was a damp night. The rain caused the whole environment to be cold. He rubbed his shoulders again, once if you believe he did dream of all that had happened, and he stood up. He lit his candlelamp and walked in the halls to find out if he didn't dream of what he saw. He reached the area of where he saw the ghastly figure and no, there was no ghost there. He sighed of relief, that all that he thought had happened didn't happen at all. He turned back to depart for his room when his candle blew out. He whispered to himself, "That is it! I am asking him for a gas lamp!" He took one step when he heard another chant, "Kyrie Eleison... Kyrie Eleison!!" He leapt again and he fell on his back when he heard it. He saw a grim face. The same grim face he had seem with blood all over its visage was there again. This time, it was no dream. He didn't wake up and he felt the pain of falling down. The ghost was much more in detail now. It was a girl in a bridesmaid's gown holding a flower with both hands. Her mutilated face was so horrid, Soujiro immediately vomited at the sight of it. She held out her hand to him, but it wasn't that of offering help. She cried out to him, "Kyrie Eleison! Libera me Domine!"
Soujiro crawled on his back to the floor to escape her evil clutch. He was terrified of her. He crawled fast, as if he was sliding down the hall with the ghost upon his trail. It kept crying out the same Latin words. He imagined Sai telling him what they meant, but for now he desperately needed help. He gained a big lead over the monster and he knocked on the doctor's door. He beated it with much strength. He must wake up. He must!
Upon his last knock, the monster neared him and at the same time, the door opened. Dr.Kirashime rubbed his eyes and yawned, "What is it, Sou-kun? What's the matter?"
"I-I-I WAS BEING CHASED," Soujiro panted "BY A MONSTER! IT-"
"Woah. Slow down. What?"
Soujiro repeated, "I was, I was being chased by this creature. It must've been a ghost or-"
"Soujiro, please, have a seat." he said. He let him in his room. The chair was immediately brought to him as if he was about to faint. "Okay, did you say ghost?"
Soujiro panicked, "YES! For crying out loud, did you miss anything else I said?! Was that all gibberish to you?!"
"Calm down. I didn't mean it like that. Yes, this place was rumored to be infested with ghosts. Day and night, whatever the season, they're there. A few see them. Some who do see them, see only one or two of the whole. I never believed it because I never saw any, but I believe they're here for a reason. If you saw one, I'll give you a benefit of the doubt because you look so white you must've seen something horrifying. Now, off to bed with you. You don't look well to me. I'll be glad to take you back to your room."
Soujiro quickly huddled near him. His skepticism of ghosts seems to be what gives him his courage and warmth from the cold, scary night. He was back in his room where Dr.Kirashime said, "Tomorrow, I shall be giving you an oil lamp. Oh, and don't worry about the beautiful chess set. You may play with it if you want. It's been so long since anyone has touched it. This room had been forgotten for so long too. I guess you are first to board it since four years ago..." With that said, he left Soujiro alone to slumber. However, slumber was not an option for Soujiro. He wasn't too tired to fall asleep and he wasn't too awake to do anything. He just sat down with his back to the wall and a pillow on his lap. It has been too weird.
A new day had arrived and Soujiro found himself sleeping with his back to the wall but with a pillow behind his head. It was another day and the rain from the night made the weather cool and comforting. There was a rainbow in the sky due to the rain and the air was filled with nature's music. He was glad of hearing them after the dreadful night. He was glad too because he will have a chance to see Sai and ask her about the words the ghost kept chanting. He remembered them well. Every syllable and every intonation was glued to his head. He can finally get rid of the nightmare. He hoped only to be able to ask her about the note and solace her at the same time, in case she remembered her friend who is at peace.
He stepped out his room and came across Dr.Kirashime, who willingly gave him an oil lamp and gas to avoid the hassles of the huge candle lamp. He didn't stop to have a chat. He was too busy admitting in a few more additions to his jolly family. He caught a glimpse of a few of the sick children and their familiar visitors in some rooms that were wide open. He also heard various voices, sad or enthusiastic:
"Am I going to be alright, mom?"
"I'm so happy I can leave today!"
"I'm going to be dead, isn't it?"
"Why are you crying, koishii?"(darling)
He searched for Sai in one of the rooms. She could be outside of course, he thought. It was a lovely day and the free-spirited young lady was sure to be out. He was a year older than her, but his instincts were as sharp as an 18 year old's. He looked for her outside, but she wasn't as predictable as he thought. She was inside, only he hadn't a clue where. Suddenly, a flash came to him and he knew instantly where she is. Like most protective sisters, she would be beside her brother. If he were sick, she'd be with him, telling him a story about how the day was nice and that if he were to get better, she would take him outside. He imagined correctly. She was with Soushi and she was telling him the same exact story, only vivid and very funny. She changed her tone and used many characters. Soushi, though he can't see her, was laughing.
"Then the lion be- Oh. Hi, Sou-kun. You seem to be troubled."
Soujiro sat beside her, "I am. You see, last night, I had a terrible nightmare and I need your help to decipher it."
"Sure, I'd be glad to but, how can I help you?"
"Well, this nightmare was that of a ghost. She was chanting something like 'Koom resuirget kreahtowra, joodikahntee resonsuera, joodeks ergo koom sedebit, neel eenultum remanebit, kwuem patronoom rogatoros, koom viks justus seet sekurus, juste judeks ooltinunis, ahntey deem rationees, keeree eleyson'."
Sai replied, "It is amazing that you have remembered all that. I know I can't do the same. Well, I believe it is: When creation shall rise again to answer for the judgement, therefore, when the judge will take his seat, nothing shall remain unpunished to what protector shall I appeal.
When scarcely the just man shall be secure? Righteous Judge of vengeance, before the day of reckoning. Lord have mercy."
"Incredible," Soujiro complimented "Then, Sai-chan, do you think it may be possible that the ghost wanted to be saved?" She didn't answer him. She stared into space, as if he remembered something dear to her...
THE WANDERER'S EYES
(Chapter 3: Within A Nightmare's Grasp)
Soujiro and Sai jumped on every single puddle on the street inside the gated dojo. They caught a few of the raindrops that seemed to take shape under the long and worn weather. The laughter and smiles brightened their faces as the loneliness and weariness washed away. Then, Sai, walked to the porch and sat down. Soujiro ran her.
Out of breath and joyful, Soujiro asked her, "Are- Are you tired? I'm- I'm- I'm tired too."
She smiled at him, "You look like it. It is best you get back inside. It is late."
"Are you? By the way, there's something I need to tell you..."
"What is it, friend?" she inquired.
"Thank you. Thank you very much, Sai-chan."
"You too, my friend. Thank you too..." She stood up, soaked, and walked inside. Soujiro waited for a few seconds, but when he came jogging in, she was already gone.
He walked to the room where Dr.Kirashime directed him to stay in. It was a lovely place. The lamp was rather bigger than most of the others, so he wanted to shut it off before he goes to sleep. He changed from his wet clothes so he doesn't end up ill like the children there. On a small table by a futon, there was a little chess set made out of glass. He was careful not touching it, for it was fragile enough to break if a loud creak was made in the room. He knew little of the game, as Kamogata Yumi, Shishio's beau, played only a few games with him. It must've been only a couple of times as he remembered. A note was on top of it where he assumes must've been from the room's former border. He curiously opened it and it reads in Japanese characters, but translated by him:
"October 6. I am 14 years old still.
We had the funeral held today. It was sad. My friend died of her tuberculosis but I think it was that witch's fault. I couldn't tell Taro because I know he loved her so, but then, he admires and respects my friend. That witch killed my friend with that poison she put on her soup. She knew that when my friend's dead, the master would lose his happiness and turn to her, the next in line. It is sad my friend bears no mind to have a grudge against that horrible girl. She was the kindest and wisest of those I knew and I know she'll be at peace. My brother is to be with her too. I hope I will too..."
He stared closely at the signature at the bottom of the torn piece of paper. The journal it had belonged to was missing and its owner was, was unknown. He squinted his eyes and placed the note closer. It scribbled a Sai and what seemed to be a Re. He said with a relaxed tone, "It's Sai. I'd say it's definitely Sai. She has a brother, and she is famous among the halls of this place. I feel very sorry for her trauma. I never knew her closest friend died..."
He shed bitter tears, for he knew the pains of bearing the memory of dead people. The similarity between them is that they met a lot of people who died. The hospital where Sai is had surely many deaths there and Soujiro had killed many and knew many that were killed. It is a traumatizing thing. He lied down to sleep and blew out the candle within the lamp. He lay tired but happy, having enjoyed a moment. It wasn't the type that of those he had before, the joy of battles and victory. The fun he had was that of a child's taste, but that was the first for a long time that he smiled without the thought of blood or death within the path. It was so good having friends.
He closed his eyes to sleep, but he couldn't. He couldn't sleep. Then, he heard voices coming from the halls. It was singing. Someone was singing in the middle of a quiet night. The noise from the storm had died down until for another day. He heard it loud and clear. He sat upright on his bed and heard the words:
"Cum resurget creatura... Judicanti resonsurra... Judex ergo cum sedebit.... Nil inultum remanebit... Quem patronum rogaturus... Cum vix justus sit securus?... Juste Judex ultionis... Ante diem rationis... Kyrie Eleison...(A/N: I can't tell you what this means yet. It's part of the story, but I will tell you later in this chapter.)"
Soujiro didn't know what those words meant, but he was sure Sai can tell him. She speaks Latin, he's sure of it. He peeked out from his door. Nothing. The hall was too dark. Suddenly, he saw something move upon the cold floor. He rubbed his arms for warmth and sent himself out to know who it was. It might've been Kitsune. He wanted to meet her to ask about the note, whether she knew anything about it. He followed the figure until it stopped and he confronted her. She repeated, with her back turned from him, "Libera me Domine de morte aeterna... Libera me Domine!" She then turned to him and he saw a gory bloodied face. She, or rather, it dazed at him as if it didn't know if he was there. All it kept doing was chanting, chanting over and over the words, "Libera me Domine de morte aeterna... Libera me Domine!"
Soujiro leapt back and he found himself lying on his back, on the comfort of his bed. It was a short yet scary nightmare. He caught his breath and wiped his face full of sweat from where he knows not a reason why he was. It was a damp night. The rain caused the whole environment to be cold. He rubbed his shoulders again, once if you believe he did dream of all that had happened, and he stood up. He lit his candlelamp and walked in the halls to find out if he didn't dream of what he saw. He reached the area of where he saw the ghastly figure and no, there was no ghost there. He sighed of relief, that all that he thought had happened didn't happen at all. He turned back to depart for his room when his candle blew out. He whispered to himself, "That is it! I am asking him for a gas lamp!" He took one step when he heard another chant, "Kyrie Eleison... Kyrie Eleison!!" He leapt again and he fell on his back when he heard it. He saw a grim face. The same grim face he had seem with blood all over its visage was there again. This time, it was no dream. He didn't wake up and he felt the pain of falling down. The ghost was much more in detail now. It was a girl in a bridesmaid's gown holding a flower with both hands. Her mutilated face was so horrid, Soujiro immediately vomited at the sight of it. She held out her hand to him, but it wasn't that of offering help. She cried out to him, "Kyrie Eleison! Libera me Domine!"
Soujiro crawled on his back to the floor to escape her evil clutch. He was terrified of her. He crawled fast, as if he was sliding down the hall with the ghost upon his trail. It kept crying out the same Latin words. He imagined Sai telling him what they meant, but for now he desperately needed help. He gained a big lead over the monster and he knocked on the doctor's door. He beated it with much strength. He must wake up. He must!
Upon his last knock, the monster neared him and at the same time, the door opened. Dr.Kirashime rubbed his eyes and yawned, "What is it, Sou-kun? What's the matter?"
"I-I-I WAS BEING CHASED," Soujiro panted "BY A MONSTER! IT-"
"Woah. Slow down. What?"
Soujiro repeated, "I was, I was being chased by this creature. It must've been a ghost or-"
"Soujiro, please, have a seat." he said. He let him in his room. The chair was immediately brought to him as if he was about to faint. "Okay, did you say ghost?"
Soujiro panicked, "YES! For crying out loud, did you miss anything else I said?! Was that all gibberish to you?!"
"Calm down. I didn't mean it like that. Yes, this place was rumored to be infested with ghosts. Day and night, whatever the season, they're there. A few see them. Some who do see them, see only one or two of the whole. I never believed it because I never saw any, but I believe they're here for a reason. If you saw one, I'll give you a benefit of the doubt because you look so white you must've seen something horrifying. Now, off to bed with you. You don't look well to me. I'll be glad to take you back to your room."
Soujiro quickly huddled near him. His skepticism of ghosts seems to be what gives him his courage and warmth from the cold, scary night. He was back in his room where Dr.Kirashime said, "Tomorrow, I shall be giving you an oil lamp. Oh, and don't worry about the beautiful chess set. You may play with it if you want. It's been so long since anyone has touched it. This room had been forgotten for so long too. I guess you are first to board it since four years ago..." With that said, he left Soujiro alone to slumber. However, slumber was not an option for Soujiro. He wasn't too tired to fall asleep and he wasn't too awake to do anything. He just sat down with his back to the wall and a pillow on his lap. It has been too weird.
A new day had arrived and Soujiro found himself sleeping with his back to the wall but with a pillow behind his head. It was another day and the rain from the night made the weather cool and comforting. There was a rainbow in the sky due to the rain and the air was filled with nature's music. He was glad of hearing them after the dreadful night. He was glad too because he will have a chance to see Sai and ask her about the words the ghost kept chanting. He remembered them well. Every syllable and every intonation was glued to his head. He can finally get rid of the nightmare. He hoped only to be able to ask her about the note and solace her at the same time, in case she remembered her friend who is at peace.
He stepped out his room and came across Dr.Kirashime, who willingly gave him an oil lamp and gas to avoid the hassles of the huge candle lamp. He didn't stop to have a chat. He was too busy admitting in a few more additions to his jolly family. He caught a glimpse of a few of the sick children and their familiar visitors in some rooms that were wide open. He also heard various voices, sad or enthusiastic:
"Am I going to be alright, mom?"
"I'm so happy I can leave today!"
"I'm going to be dead, isn't it?"
"Why are you crying, koishii?"(darling)
He searched for Sai in one of the rooms. She could be outside of course, he thought. It was a lovely day and the free-spirited young lady was sure to be out. He was a year older than her, but his instincts were as sharp as an 18 year old's. He looked for her outside, but she wasn't as predictable as he thought. She was inside, only he hadn't a clue where. Suddenly, a flash came to him and he knew instantly where she is. Like most protective sisters, she would be beside her brother. If he were sick, she'd be with him, telling him a story about how the day was nice and that if he were to get better, she would take him outside. He imagined correctly. She was with Soushi and she was telling him the same exact story, only vivid and very funny. She changed her tone and used many characters. Soushi, though he can't see her, was laughing.
"Then the lion be- Oh. Hi, Sou-kun. You seem to be troubled."
Soujiro sat beside her, "I am. You see, last night, I had a terrible nightmare and I need your help to decipher it."
"Sure, I'd be glad to but, how can I help you?"
"Well, this nightmare was that of a ghost. She was chanting something like 'Koom resuirget kreahtowra, joodikahntee resonsuera, joodeks ergo koom sedebit, neel eenultum remanebit, kwuem patronoom rogatoros, koom viks justus seet sekurus, juste judeks ooltinunis, ahntey deem rationees, keeree eleyson'."
Sai replied, "It is amazing that you have remembered all that. I know I can't do the same. Well, I believe it is: When creation shall rise again to answer for the judgement, therefore, when the judge will take his seat, nothing shall remain unpunished to what protector shall I appeal.
When scarcely the just man shall be secure? Righteous Judge of vengeance, before the day of reckoning. Lord have mercy."
"Incredible," Soujiro complimented "Then, Sai-chan, do you think it may be possible that the ghost wanted to be saved?" She didn't answer him. She stared into space, as if he remembered something dear to her...