Chapter 98


Despite the injuries and averted tragedy, the Emishi decided to hold a celebration until dawn. The good news uplifted the spirits of the people, and they couldn't help themselves. Harvestings of crops and meat were brought before the village square, and a ceremonial bonfire was set in the center of the village. Flutes were tweeting and drums were beating to make merry music. Some of the less injured were even dancing. It was a happy and pleasant atmosphere never practiced in Japan through its many ancient years. The active and carefree celebrations of the Emishi were hardly seen in the proper and quiet Muramachi age.

Genji was ushered out of the hut on the shoulders of two Emishi men and taken to the village square. He looked around nervously.

**This is kinda scary......What's going on? Am I being sacrificed to a life god? I can't defend myself if I am. I can barely manage to sit up straight.....**

He was taken to Murasaki, who was seated atop Hasanko. She was dressed as a casual Emishi girl, with a dark blue kimono shirt with pink trimming, black pants, and sandals. However, her hair was fixed up just like a wise woman. An indifferent look was upon her face.

"Genji Masamune DragonLore......"

**Uh oh, my full name. I'm in really big trouble.**

"Six thousand years ago, a god-turned-demon was slain close to this village. It vowed revenge, and its grave became a plot of land for a demon tree to grow. Every spring, its blossoms spread poisonous pollen that killed our crops and made our people sick."

**Um.....Saki-chan.....**

"We have endured six thousand years of torment. We have worked hard to stay alive on what he had. Even the Chinese Empire, who had been gracious enough to give us food and resources, didn't have the power to remove the tree. We were forced to live in complete poverty of the forest."

By the time she finished that paragraph, everyone was silent and had crowded around the two. Murasaki had Hasanko trot closer to Genji and turn to the side so that she was facing him.

**But......Saki-chan, I.....**

"Genji.......it may have been a tree of death, but the fight against it brought us all together as true tribesmen. In a way, the tree was a God send. The blood of our people that once ran thin and weak is now thick and strong. Our bond with the gods and our forest has never been greater. We've accomplished so much because of that tree!"

**Gulp!**

Murasaki grabbed the collar of Genji's shirt, pulling his face toward hers.

"You destroyed our symbol of perseverance and tribesmanship, Genji DragonLore!"

**Meep!**

Suddenly, Murasaki smiled and kissed Genji on the nose.

"Thank you. It served its purpose, and you freed us from further torment."

**What the....???** Genji blinked.

Murasaki giggled and let Genji go before raising her hands in the air.

"Minna-san! (Translation: "Everyone!") We feast in Genji DragonLore's honor until sunrise!"

A cheer rose from the villagers and the merriment went into full swing. Genji blinked a few times before smiling.

**Saki-chan, you can be very scary when you want to be....I didn't realize that until now.** She laughed.

"Take it easy for a while, Genji. This is your night now. Have something to eat, we made yakatori for the occasion."

**Actually, I'm very sore and tired. I just want to go back to bed.** He tapped the shoulders of the men who held him up. **Hey guys, can you take me back to my hut, please?**

"But, Genji-chan, this is all in your honor. You should at least eat something."

Genji's shoulders hung limp.

**Saki-chan......I have an inner demon trying to kill me and sometimes possesses my body. I've summoned demon kodamas, almost killed my friends, pushed down a tree with my bare hands, got burned from head to toe, drained every ounce of my ki, bandaged up like "King Tut's Revenge", and then you scare me half to death by making me think I'm in trouble. Saki-chan, do I deserve any sleep after that?**

Murasaki sighed helplessly.

"Gentlemen, please take Genji back to his hut so that he can sleep."

"Eh?" the men blinked. The one to his left looked up at Genji. "You're not coming to your own feast, lad?"

"Let him be." Murasaki ordered. "He's been through a lot today. A lot more than any of us. He deserves a break."

"Right." the man to Genji's left nodded. "Let's go then." Genji was carried back to the hut, waving goodbye to Murasaki. She smiled and waved back until Genji was back in his hut. Then, she turned Hasanko to the direction of the bonfire.

"Well, let's go join everyone, Hasanko-chan. At least we should join the festivities. I can't resist yakatori."


/|\


Genji was lain back down in his bed in the hut. Arangami was still in the hut, but had fallen asleep. Genji sighed and pulled the blanket up tightly around him.

I hope Piccolo-san comes back soon. I don't care if I get cured or not anymore, I just want to go home.

A tear started to drip from his eye.

Miaka......Aoi.......Satoshi........Moro-sama........

Everyone......I miss you all so much......

More tears followed, and Genji once again cried himself to sleep.