Scroll 1 - Byakko no miko - Blood of the innocent

By dawn, the sun had welcomed the new day with its rays and all the birds sang with their hearts to go along with it. The sky was cloudless and the land was bathed in gold from horizon to horizon. Mazes of brown and green seemed so small to Kazuko Somekawa, who was riding on a huge silvery bird, flying across the land of Sairou, approaching a town. One of the Nyan-Nyans sat in front of her, guiding the bird to cross the land without being noticed by the people below. Both of them were strapped tightly so as to prevent the possibility of falling off. Kazuko could see the farmers working very hard on their fields. Their cloths streaked with sweat and dirt under the heat. But here, high above the heat, the wind was cool and was blowing across her face. She smiled and felt that she was soaring through space and time and within her, she felt like she was the only existing.

"Ne, Nyan-Nyan," she bent over to the little pixie girl. "Where are we going?"

"To the town of Ouion," the girl replied, without looking back. "There, you will find some of the 7 stars."

"You meant that you have found them already?"

"No, silly, only a few. You have to find the rest on your own. To ease your burden, we have told them to expect your coming."

"Arigatou (thank you)."

The Nyan-Nyan said nothing and lightly touched the silvery bird. It responded by swinging down to the outer rims of a forest. The bird descended gracefully and landed upon a grassy patch. The Nyan-Nyan helped Kazuko untied the straps. Kazuko jumped off and stretched her cramped legs. Although the flight was exciting, it was extremely uncomfortable. The Nyan-Nyan too jumped down from the silvery bird and whistled a tune. The bird nodded its head, flapped its wings and took off, leaving them both behind. Kazuko put her hands to her mouth and thanked the bird as loudly as she could. Soon, the bird became nothing more than a speck in a vast of white.

"Thank you, Nyan-Nyan for bringing me here."

"It is my duty, Byakko no miko to serve you," the Nyan-Nyan placed a white-coloured scroll in her hands. "This is the Book of the 4 gods. It will help find the rest of the 7 stars. Never lose this book or show this in public. We wouldn't want unnecessary attention now, would we?"

Kazuko nodded her head. "But, who would be looking for me besides the 7 stars?" She bent down as the Nyan-Nyan beckoned her to come closer.

"Listen and be warned. Every since the former maidens have passed away, there have been dark things lurking around the area. Even more now, since you and your friends have arrived into their world. I advised you to keep a low profile and act smart. Not everyone will be willing to help you even though you are the maiden."

"Daijoubu (it's okay), I will be fine and soon, you'll see me with the 7 stars together!" Kazuko rubbed her hands. "Okay, I'll be going off now. Thank you very much for your help."

"Err…Kazuko?"

"Yes."

"It's that way."

"Oh! Okay. Thank you!"

"Matte (wait!) I haven't finished talking yet!" The plaited green hair swings in annoyance as the Nyan-Nyan shook her finger at her. "You were supposed to go to the town of Ouion and find an inn named Rosset and ask for Alyer."

"Rosset? Alyer?.. okay, got that!" Kazuko shook hands with the Nyan-Nyan. "Thanks once again!" She turned and run down the dusty road.

Nyan-Nyan tilted her head and scratched her head. Her lips pouted a little. Then, she relaxed and gave a cheeky smile.

"She is really different from the last Byakko no miko. Oh well, let's see how she would get along with the 7 stars. But then, she really reminds me of someone…"

Kazuko entered the town of Ouiron like any other travelers who came from all parts of the country. Despite the clothing that Yumi and Miwa had carefully chosen for her, her appearance doesn't seem to match with the seasonal figures of the travelers. Fortunately for her, the townspeople are too busy with their problems to be troubled by her. She passed by the shops, smelling the familiar odours of meats and fish from the breaded sellers who only attending to the needs of the housewives. The children were all playing among themselves till they made such a racket that an old man yelled at them to be quiet. Feeling a bit lost and scolding herself for not asking the Nyan-Nyan the directions to the inn, Rosset, she quietly asked the shopkeepers after purchasing some wooden craved earrings. The shopkeeper grunted and pointed his dirty finger towards a darkened area. Kazuko thanked and hurried her way.

She arrived at an old building with wooden sigh hanging on an outstretched pole. Seeing the drunken people leaning against the black streaked walls, she quickly pushed opened the door and slipped in. Inside, she found the place spotlessly clean. The tables and chairs were neatly arranged, the floor scrubbed, the mugs and plates stacked up high on the counters and the casks of ale placed at another corner. The fireplace burned a welcoming warm in the place. The doors to the counter swing open and a boy with a broom entered. He was tall and lean and his clothes seemed to be slightly too big for him. A thin belt was tied around his waist and he was wearing boots. He gave a hard stare at her.

"Er… may I know if this is Rosset?" Kazuko asked, thinking that she better made sure that she was at the right place.

The boy nodded but replied, "Come back later."

"But I'm looking for somebody."

"Everybody is looking for somebody."

"But this person is named…" Kazuko felt very uncomfortable under his eyes.

The boy shrugged as if this would end the matter. "Sorry, can't help you. Ask someone else from the other shops."

"Hold on, I'm looking for a person named Alyer. Taiitsukun send me to…"

No sooner when she spoke out the word 'Taiitsukun', the boy instantly grabbed her and pulled her roughly behind the counter. Kazuko struggled but the boy's iron grip overwhelmed her. Shoving her into the kitchen, the boy pressed her to the wall and spoke in an odd tone.

"You sure have a lot of guts to mention that name," His gray eyes pierced deep into Kazuko's. "What do you want with Alyer?"

"That's between Alyer and me!" rebut Kazuko, there was no way but she was going to let him bully her. She pushed him away. "Listen, I don't want to cause trouble. I just want to talk to Alyer. Taiitsukun told me to come here and look for him. Now, do you know him or not?"

The boy remained like stone. "Sure, I do but why does he need to talk to a little girl like you?"

"Because…" Kazuko searched through her bag and pulled out the white scroll. "I am the maiden of Byakko! And I have proof."

The sight of the white scroll made the boy narrowed his eyes. He then studied Kazuko from head to top. She was dressed on grayish white tunic and pants with a leather bag sling across her shoulders. Her purple hair peeped out through the cape of the cloak which colour was in the between and gray and black. The black eyes flashed determination and energy at him against the fair skin and pink lips. He then stepped forward to her and took her hands.

"What are you doing?" she asked, feeling extremely irritated by him. The boy said nothing as the gray eyes examined the palms of her hands.

"Your hands…" he rubbed his fingers over hers. "They are so soft not hard and coarse like the girls I know."

"Excuse me!" Kazuko fling her hands away, folding them into a knuckle ball. "Do you know Alyer or not?"

The boy seemed to be amused by her and calmly said, "I'm Alyer." There was an awkward silence soon followed after that. Kazuko frowned.

"And you expect me to believe that?"

"Yes."

"But you seemed to be young for an owner."

"I don't. I'm the manager here. The one who owned this place went out to the market place to buy some stuff. She won't be back until tonight."

"She?"

"My sister, Hajum. I'm her younger brother."

"Then if you are Alyer," she spoke very slowly, still not believing him. "You should know why…"

'You are here?" Alyer walked over to the stove and scooped something out of a pot with a metal ladle. "Yes, Taiitsukun told me about it." He poured the thick stew into a bowl. "I know that you are Byakko no miko the moment you stepped in." Slicing up a loaf of bread. "How do I know that you are here? I felt your presence as all seishis should."

"Seishi? Then you must be one of the 7 stars of Byakko!" cried out Kazuko, clapping her hands together. "What's your symbol? May I see it?"

Alyer placed the food onto a table as well as some utensils. He then pulled up his shirt and revealed the Byakko symbol on his stomach. Kazuko could it shining white light from it.

"This is my Seishi symbol. My seishi name is Kokie," said Alyer quietly. "Here, you better eat something. Your journey will be a tedious one and you may not have a meal like here for a long time."

"Itadakimasu (let's eat!)," said Kazuko, putting in very big mouthful of the stew. "Oishii (delicious)! Ne, kokie… I mean Alyer. Did you cook this?"

"Of course, I'm the chef of this establishment." He poured some juice into a mug and placed it onto the table. "Isn't what this symbol stands for? It means stomach if you don't know. I was born with this talent to cook."

"And a very good cook indeed," agreed Kazuko, biting onto a slice of rye bread. "Ne, what is the seishi name of your sister?"

"Toroki. We have to wait for her return before we can set out. Rosset won't open until tonight. Then it will go on till some hours after midnight. Ne-san (older sister) will return by then. After that, we have to leave as quickly as possible. We can't afford to be seen by anyone."

"Why? Who will suspect us?"

"Didn't Taiitsukun tell you?" Kokie turned back and looked in surprise. "Guess not, from that face of yours. Aright, this is what happening for the past few years. In the past, the people of Sairou used to pray at the temple of Byakko. However, recently, the Emperor has banned people from doing so. He decreed that whosoever worshipped the maiden of Byakko will be sentenced to death. There was no explanation for this and many people have been killed because of this. So, you see, Byakko no miko, we have to take extra precaution."

"Sou ka (I see). But what have made the Emperor decreed such a law that people have to die for it?"

"Who knows but," his eyes grew serious. "Many innocent blood have been shed because they believe that the Byakko no miko will come and rescue them in this troubled times. Many have died, Byakko no miko. You just remember that."

"Please stop calling me Byakko no miko. Call me Kazuko instead. Kazuno Somekawa is my full name."

Kokie said nothing and opened a door that revealed spiral staircase leading to the second level. Gesturing his hand to the staircase, he said, "I'm taking to your room, now. You better go and take a long rest because we won't sleep at the whole of tonight."

"But I'm too excited to sleep," Kazuko skipped towards him. "I would like to explore the town if it's alright with you."

"You will get to see Sairou when we look for the other seishis. Right now, get some rest," giving her a light push on the back. "And one more advice, Byakko no miko."

"What?"

"Just because you are the Byakko no miko, it doesn't mean that that seishis will be willing to serve you as my sister and I. Remember what I said just now about the banning of worshipping Byakko and countless of lives who had died in your name."

In the palace of Sairou, at the western courts where the shrine of Byakko was once a place of reverence, a figure stood in front of a white jade statue. The statue was craved into a shape of a tiger in a couching manner. Dark black stripes were carefully painted upon the white to give the muscular effect of the tiger. The long tail slashed across the ground. Its eyes commanded respect for all those who looked upon it. The figure glanced at it and smirked.

"Byakko the western guardian of this land. Only fools will put their faith in things that they created," she said, placing her hand onto the smooth surface, rub her fingers and examined the dust gathered around the skin. "And there are still so many for them."

The bronzed doors creaked opened and a group of soldiers entered in, automatically forming into two straight rows. High ranked ministers walked next and positioned themselves in a dignified pose. Walking in was the Emperor of Sairou, Shiro Shimo. A matured man in his early-twenties, dressed in loose flowing garments, whose silver colour was like the midnight moon. He had a high forehead, a long pointed nose and thin lips that were pressing heavily against each other. The long years of hardly being in the sunlight that made his skin as fair as any noble women in the palace and the grayish hair like the dust found on the Byakko statue have made an impression to the figure that if the Emperor could stand right next to the statue, completely still. He could be a statue, which nobody could differentiae from. The figure placed her hand on her left shoulder and bowed. The Emperor brushed aside the formality and proceeded to the heart of the matter.

"Why is it that the streets of Sairou are becoming redder everyday?" The slender eyebrows knitted together. "How long does this senseless slaughter have to continue?"

"As long as there are worshippers of Byakko, we will continue to seek them out," she replied emotionlessly.

"At the rate you are going, half of this land will be filled with corpses!" He moved forward to her, anger was steaming inside him. 3 years ago, this woman had appeared out of nowhere and demanded that he decreed a law to ban all worshippers of Byakko. He objected and refused initially and was challenged to a dual by her. She, whose hair was red like a flame from hell, and body that moved with the cunningness of a cat beneath the dark peacock blue cape. The pansy lips pursed defiantly combined with the rebellious almond-shaped eyes. And, he, the 17th Emperor of Sairou, had failed the people by being under her control and this hurt his pride to the core.

She smirked again and said, "If this is what it takes to get rid of these simpletons, so be it. Men with useless dreams won't be able to help this country become strong. They must understand that they cannot always relied on the guardians for help every time they are in trouble. They must understand that they believe in myths told by dying old folks."

"These myths are the life and the culture of the people of Sairou. It helps them to lift up their spirits against these times. The Byakko no miko is no ordinary legend. She came into this world 600years ago and summon Byakko."

"So, where is your miko now, Emperor Shimo?" the red haired woman mocked at him. "Where is she now? Was she there when this land had suffered a severe drought 7 years ago? Was she there to answer the prayers of your people who prayed and beg for rain till their last breath? Was she these to save them? NO!" she pointed her finger at the Emperor. "She wasn't! The miko never came! She was never there! That is why, we, the Kage Kemono, must show you and your people and the entire world that the mikos that you so dearly trust with your hearts and souls are nothing more like that statue covered in dust." She breathed in deeply passionately. "That is what I set to do. Soon, you will see the light of all this."

"I see the light alright, just like the name of your underworld fiends – the Kage Kemono. You are the beasts of the dark that feed upon the weak to nourish yourselves, strengthening your beliefs that you can break the people's thinking about Byakko no miko. The people of Sairou will not stand for this sort of treatment. They will soon fight you and I too, will join them."

The red haired woman smiled with amusement, then out came a sudden force shoot out from her that came so swift and violent that all the ministers and soldiers were thrown out of the shrine. Emperor Shimo was forced to close his eyes as he shielded himself. He could hear the doors of the shrine slamming from him, a heavy thud from the wooden block signal the barrier between him and his men, who too wished to fight against her but were too afraid to do so. That was why he must show no fear and give his men the courage to hang on till the time is ripe enough to strike back. The flaming hair brushed across his face, he could smell the bloodthirstiness in them. He darted away and rolled over to other side of the shrine. Her lips formed into a curve and shot out crystal energy globe at him. Emperor Shimo whirled around and brought up a force field against her attack, sending them back into tiny sparks. He moved but not fast enough, as the feline cat pounced on him, knocking him flat onto the marble floor. Her sharp fingernails dug into the soft folds of his neck, causing him grasping for air. The lean legs folding together, squeezing his rib cages so hard that he could feel the bones in them.

"Very good defense you did back there but not quick enough to counter react the second blow," she stabbed one of her nails into his right shoulder. Emperor Shimo cringed in pain. "You played an important role to the people, Emperor Shimo. If I could break you and change your mindset about the Byakko no miko, then your people will be most willing to follow you since they love you."

"That you will never accomplished," he replied fiercely. "The Byakko no miko does exist and she will come." The red-haired woman laughed as she stood up, her nail dripped with blood. Emperor Shimo placed his hand over the wounded area. She stretched out her hand and aimed at that statue of Byakko.

"I'm sure that she will," summoning the power within her, cracks erupted from the surface and deepened with lightening speed that is faster than seconds. Before Emperor Shimo could stop her, the statue of Byakko shattered into clouds of dust. The red-haired woman laughed even louder at the sight of his dismayed face. Lifting his chin with her finger, she bent down and said.

"Whether the Byakko no miko exists or not, I'll find her and tear out her heart right in front of you." Kicking him away, she turned and disappeared into the darkness.

The shrine doors gave a huge bang onto the floor finally after the soldiers gave all their strength in breaking down them down. The ministers rushed in, all concerned about the Emperor's safety. They found him kneeling at the altar at the statue of Byakko once stood, his hands holding the white jade dust, crushing them. All were too alarmed by the great loss.

"Kuso…" Emperor Shimo cursed. "I am so useless…"


While that was happening, Kazuko had awoken from her nap and started to write onto a freshly made parchment that Taiitsukun had kindly provided her.

Upon a silver bird

The Byakko no miko arrived in Sairou

In a town named Ouiren

To find a man named Alyer

In an inn named Rosset.

A seishi of Byakko

Kokie…

A youth with culinary skills

Together with his sister

Another seishi of Byakko

Toroki…

Together

They owned the finest inn in the land

Where men meet up

And talked about the old days of blessings

They feast until their bellies

Couldn't hold another mouthful more

Till dawn approach

Till dawn approach,

The Byakko no miko has to travel on

To find the other 5 seishi

What thrilling adventures will she get?

What hidden dangers does she face?

Be warned, Byakko no miko

Once know of your existence

Woe to those who feed or clothe you

Woe to those who took you under their wings

Their blood pays another day's life for you

Kazuko's eyes twinkled at another accomplishment that she has achieved since her arrival in Sairou. She reread her poem, observing every curve of her quail. At the last sentence, she pondered if she knew the meaning of it. Kokie was awfully grave when he told her about the ban of worshipping Byakko. The part of people being killed in her name disturbed her greatly. She wouldn't want people to die for her. After all, Kazuko is simply an ordinary high school girl. She doesn't possess any magical power to do miraculous wonders for the people of Sairou. She lowered her quail and scroll onto the swept floor, curled herself up and rested her chin on her knees. Taiitsukun had already ease her burden by finding two seishis for her. It's up to her to find the rest. At first, it seemed to be easy but now, with this new law, things were going to be difficult. Miwa would surely reprimand her for being so naïve. This was not like reading a book. Kazuko was going to be that character. She would have to go through joy and pain that her character was going to face. Then, would Yumi, Miwa and Chiaki have to go through much more toils than her? She wondered how they might be doing now? Would they be fortunate to find kind-hearted people like Kokie? Are they sleeping with a roof over their heads and eating well? Kazuko looked out of the window and saw the sky dark but lighted with the stars, shining like lanterns for the weary travelers. She then dressed and walked down to the kitchen.

Rosset became alive by its rowdy customers both men and women. Lanky boys prepared the foods and drinks while the girls served huge trays of foaming liquor. Kazuko stood behind the serving counter and was absorbed by the quickness of them. Though young as her, the way they did their work was like they had been doing all their lives. Alyer / Kokie was occupied as well, never staying at one place for long. He was moving up and down at the kitchen, adding handfuls of herbs into the pots, stirring them with a ladle. Once a while, he would taste it before ordering the helpers serve it. Then, he would mingle with the consumers, attending to their needs particularly those who could afford the price. Nobody seemed to be bothered to know whether he runs this place.

Kokie walked back to the counter with a tray of empty beer mugs. Taking a rag, he said, "People are going to notice you if you are going to continue to stay there. Go back to your room. My sister will be coming soon." Kazuko opened her mouth to protest but Kokie held up his hand. She bit her lip and did as she was told. Some of the serving girls saw it and giggled among themselves. One of them went to him and asked in a saucy tone.

"Ne, Alyer-san. Ano jou-chan wa dare ka? (Who's that girl?)"

"Shinrui desu (a relative)." Kokie walked away.

"Huh?' The serving girl watched him entering the kitchen. "I didn't know that he has relatives besides his sister…"

Kazuko idled around in her room, pacing up and down and around the mat while she heard then noisy sounds of the customer slowly died down in the wee hours of the night and the last few goodnights by Kokie towards his staff. She then heard him locking the door and talking to woman. Could she be his sister, Toroki? Kazuko, impatient, walked down to the kitchen and sat at the table. The door opened and Kokie came in, with the woman by his side.

Both of them had similar figures, greenish blue hair, gray eyes, round faces. They almost looked like each other if it wasn't for the woman's shapely curves and the strange copper engraved metal thing on her right ear lobe. The woman flipped her hair with her right hand and placed it on her hips. Kazuko stood up and looked at her and asked politely.

"Are you Toroki?"

"Yes and you must be Byakko no miko."

"Hai (yes)," bowing her head. "Hajimemashita. Dozo yoroshiku (pleased to meet you)"

Toroki grinned at her brother, came over and sat across her. Kokie followed suit.

"You are different from what I have expected," Toroki studied her for a moment. "You seem too young to be a miko. How are you?"

"16 years old."

Toroki slapped her hand on Kokie's shoulder, "3 years behind you, little brother. I'm older than him by a year. Anyway, age doesn't matter. The former Byakko no miko should be around your a ge when she first came into this world

"The former Byakko no miko? I have heard about it from Taiitsukun but I don't know much of the details."

"What? You don't know about it. Didn't Taiitsukun tell you?"

"She doesn't know much, nesan (older sister). So, you'll have to tell her." He stood up. "I'll pack our things while you talk to her."

"Me? Why didn't you say when I was not around?"

"I would have if you have been around." Leaving the 2 girls by themselves.

"Ano baka (that idiot)!" Toroki placed her chin onto her palm. "Always behaving like that whenever there is a girl. Please ignore him, Byakko no miko."

"Please call me, Kazuko, Toroki-san. I still not used being addressed Byakko no miko."

"You have to be modest. After all you are the miko who will save us from these troubled times." She patted her on the shoulder. "Now, don't you worry. My brother and I will protect you at all times. Now was it you want to know? Oh yes, the former Byakko no miko. According to the legend, the Byakko no miko came into our world 600 years ago. It was rumored that she had come from another world. Oosugi Suzuno was her name. Legends have that she successfully gathered all the 7 seishis (star warrior) and summoned the almighty Byakko."

"Oosugi Suzuno…" Kazuko repeated her name. "Then what happened after that, did she manage to return to her world?"

"Supposing yes. There were a lot of stories about her adventures. However…" Sadness clouded her eyes. "They were been all destroyed. All thanks to that ridiculous law that the Emperor has decreed. He has ordered the soldiers to burn any scrolls concerning about the Byakko. I can never forget that day. They prepared a huge bonfire and there, they burned everything to ashes. He even decreed the death of all Byakko worshippers. My parents were among these sentenced to death. To protect ourselves, we changed our names and came here. Fortunately, Kokie has the gift to cook. So, we were able to set up this inn with some financial help from Taiitsukun."

"You met Taiitsukun?"

"That old woman. Of course, she was the one who saved us in the first place. One of her Nyan-Nyans rescued us from the slaughter…" Taking off her metal thing from her ear lobe, she revealed her symbol to Kazuko. Like Kokie's, it shined white light.

"As you can see, the symbol response only when the miko is present. Taiitsukun has specially used her power to do this so that we won't be discovered. The rest of the seishis may or may not know about this."

"Does it mean that they don't know that they are the seishis?"

"Probably or probably not. The Nyan-Nyans are searching for them as we speak. Like you, they want to find all the seishis as soon as possible. This land used to fill with life, now it has become a place of death. The air you breathe smells of death. Come now, Kazuko. We better leave now."

"Then, what about this place? Who will look after it when you are gone?"

"The Nyan-Nyans of course. Taiitsukun owns this place."

After packing up their supplies and other necessary equipments, they strapped everything onto their backs and left through the back door. Walking briskly among the shadows of the street, they bypass the town guards and onto the highway. At the forest where the Kazuko was brought to, Toroki whistled a low tune. She was answered by the same tune. Out from the bushes, a Nyan-Nyan popped out, holding a leaf in her hand.

"Nyan-Nyan!" exclaimed Kazuko.

"SHH!!!" The Nyan-Nyan placed her finger onto her lips. "You are loud enough to wake up the whole town."

"Gomen (sorry). I didn't mean to."

The Nyan-Nyan went back to the bushes and brought out 2 horses. She passed the reins to Toroki and said, "It's up to you two now. Head to the next village, Shinkou, the next seishi should be there."

"Arigatou (thank you) and please take care of the place for us."

"Ah…" Kazuko lifted up her finger. "Can you ask you one thing?"

"What?" said the Nyan-Nyan. "We don't have time for a question and answer session."

"Why can't we use the bird that we took earlier this morning?"

"An animal of the day can't possibly be active in the night," sighed the little pixie-faced girl. "Use your head a little. Now, getting going!"

The trio rode north on the highway route. Kazuko was advised by Toroki to hide her face when daylight approached. The sight of her purple hair was enough to catch attention by the passer-bys. Kokie didn't say a single word. He was too concentrated in his own thoughts. They continued onwards, stopping at midday for a meal and rested under the shades of the trees while waiting the worst hours of the heat to pass by. The remaining journey was uneventful and the roads were empty of life. The air was hot and had an eerie atmosphere. Kazuko could feel voice calling out her name, she held on tighter to Toroki.

"Relax, Kazuko. There is no one here."

"I know, but I feel something."

"Then, I'll go scout around," spoke Kokie for the first time in hours.

"Be careful," warned Toroki. Kokie nodded his head and rode away.

Toroki help Kazuko get off from the horse and took out her leather bag. She handed it over to Kazuko.

"Meanwhile, you look into the Book of the 4 gods and read for clues in finding the next seishis. The sooner, we find that person the better."

"Toroki-san?"

"Who were the people who are coming after us?"

"Don't tell me that you didn't ask Taiitsukun?" Toroki gave a disapproving look. "You better wise up a little, Byakko no miko. A lot of people are counting on you, including me."

"Gomen, I was too excited being in this world that I have forgotten to ask."

"These murderers, I don't know much about them except that they have gain control of the palace, including the Emperor. What I have heard is that the Emperor is not giving up without a fight. They intend to break his spirit but they haven't so far. Because of him, the people have not lost hope in Byakko."

Kazuko untied the scroll. "Then we have to hurry before they succeed."

"Finally, you are getting the picture…" Toroki agreed. "What you said is true, the Emperor's faith in you will affect the people ultimately. So, what does the scroll say?"

"Err… that's another problem?" Kazuko feeling embarrassed. "It's in ancient Chinese and I'm not able to read it."

"What?" Toroki sighed and pulled Kazuko's ears. "What kind of a maiden are you?" Taking the scroll from her." I'll read it for you then… mmmm…"

"So, what does it say?"

"It's like written like a poem or a riddle…mite (look)," she pointed her finger at the black inked words.

Something that one can't see

Something that one can't hear

Something that one can't touch

Something that one has

"Is that all the clues left to find the next seishi?" Kazuko swallowed. "That doesn't sound helpful?"

"Thus, it's the duty of Byakko no miko to find out!" Toroki knocked her head. "That is what you are here for!"

"Gomenasai (The full form of 'sorry' in Japanese)."

At that time, Kokie returned. He got off the horse. His face was twisted with inner rage, not looking at Kazuko he spoke to his sister. "The roads are safe but…"

"But what? Why are you looking so angry? What did you see?"

Kokie turned away. "The Byakko no miko may not like what she would see but it is good so that she will understand what I meant the other day."

Not knowing what he meant, the two girls looked at each other. Kokie got onto his horse off. Toroki grunted with annoyance of her little brother and lifted Kazuko onto the horse and rode in pursuit. The road was dusty and awfully quiet. In the sky above, Kazuko could see vultures circling around the area. Her skin turned cold and wailing voices floated beside her.

Byakko no miko… Byakko no miko… Byakko no miko…

Help us…save us…

Standing before her, was an extremely long wooden pole that stretches from one end of the field to the other. Hanging from the pole were people, their necks tied with a thick rope, eyes bulging out from their sockets. Some had their tongues sticking out. Others with faces distorted from the trauma of being chocked to death. A few were fortunate enough to have their necks broken from the fall, having a quick death. All of their bodies were hanging limp like broken puppets. The smell of decaying flesh appealed to the vultures very much. But it was neither the sight nor smell that horrified Kazuko Somekawa.

It was the brutal reality that those hanged were only children.

The Imperial physician wrapped around a clean white cloth around Emperor Shimo's injured shoulder. The old man observed his patient with keen concern. He had seen him growing up from a boy to a man, enduring the constant load of kingship persistently alone. Sometimes, he could see loneliness at the outer rims of the Emperor's eyes though he put on a stern look. Nowadays, the loneliness was been returning to the young man. That Kage Kemono whore had not broken his spirit but every man had a limit. Though the ministers had given their support, they were all too afraid to join forces and stand up for themselves. For what had happened in the Emperor's chamber, they did not know except for one thing – Emperor Shimo had lost to that wretch and was forced to let her take control of the entire kingdom. This Kage Kemono organization had been spreading their territory throughout the land of Sairou, including the neighbouring countries. What greatly perplexed the physician was how the Emperor could have lost. His majesty never spoke about it. Perhaps it was Guilt that prevented him from doing so.

"It is done, Your Majesty," the physician pulled up the sleeve carefully. "Right now, please rest."

Emperor Shimo shook his head, "How can I rest knowing that my people are suffering? There is no time for rest. I must continue my work and show our people that their Emperor has not given up hope for the coming of the Byakko no miko. That I must!"

"Still, your health plays a part to your goal, your majesty."

"This is a minor injury but the my ministers' spirit have been affected by the loss of the Byakko statue."

"The statue can be rebuilt but not the maiden. You are being blessed by Byakko that woman has not killed you yet."

"That is because of my status that she was unable to do so. My existence proved that Byakko no miko is not a myth."

"They are just children," whispered Kazuko hoarsely; tears flowed uncontrollably. " Who could have done this?" She jumped down from the horse and walked forward to the death field, shaking all over. "Why?"

Like the field answering her, the grass rustled at a plain wooden sign. Toroki walked up to it and read.

"Let this be a warning to those worship Byakko."

Kazuko's eyes never left from the hanging bodies. Her legs moved like it had been possessed, walking down the trail. She could hear their voices, felt their last moments of pain and almost see what they been going through. At the last end, she saw a child, not more than 8 years old. She was among those whose neck was instantly broken by the fall. Kazuko, like a zombie, touched her skin. It was stiff and cold. But the way the child looked even after all she had went gone through. He looked very peaceful like in a deep sleep, dreaming of a better place. A place where pain never existed.

Kazuko hugged the corpse; tears fell upon the dead child's feet. Half mumbling half whispering, she cried, "Forgive me… forgive me …"

Toroki looked at the Byakko no miko hugging the dead corpse, her eyes softened at the scene. She turned at Kokie. His reactions were something stranger than she expected. He was staring at her, as if he was shocked by her actions. What did he assume that the Byakko no miko would do? Deciding to leave him to his thoughts, she gently placed her hand on Kazuko's shoulder.

"We have to go now."

"Do you have a knife or something sharp?" Kazuko asked in a mixed tone.

"Yeah, why?"

"Give me to it." Kazuko held out her hand. Toroki passed it to her without questioning. Kazuko took it and held it up high and strikes it against the wooden pole.

Toroki gave an alarming cry. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Kazuko, said between her tears. "I'm not leaving until I have buried their bodies."

"What? Kazuko, I know how upset you are but we don't have time for this. We have to go to Shinkou village as soon as possible."

"NO!"

"Kazuko!" Toroki protested. She sees Kokie taking out a small axe and standing next to Kazuko. He silently cut the pole with it.

"Kokie!"

"Like the Byakko no miko said, we are not leaving until we bury these children. It's the least that we can do as Byakko no seishis.

Toroki intended to argue but declined. He was right. It was the least that they could do.

These children had died for them…

These children had died for the remaining seishis that they have to find…

These children had died for the maiden…

And above all,

They had died for Byakko…