Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi belongs to Watase.Y & the respective companies.
Scroll 8 - Byakko no miko – Bittersweet Awakening (第八章：苦しくて快い覚醒)
Upon the last remnants of the green plains facing the gray wastelands, Lita stood watching the sun setting in its bronze rays, allowing the darkness to sink into the land, covering with it with its velvet blanket. She continued to stand there, relaxing in the cool air. Lita always found comfort in the darkness, its smooth and undefined borders and the concealment from what or who she truly was. It didn't matter what the others think of her, she could let them imagine for eternality, forever deceived by their own thoughts. They may be right in one common thought. Lita was born to shape and alter the lives of others but never by them. To her, they were weaklings, disgraces that must be wiped out for the promising future ahead. That would be enough to keep her steady as a rock.
Watching the sunset in the town of Ouion was Kokie; he stood, breathing in the night air. Breathing in and out, in and out. Closing his eyes, Kokie knew that he had to keep his head cool and think rationally. He had already heard about the execution of the Maiden that brought out a chain of unexpected events. On the other hand, he and Toroki always knew Tatara wasn't being truthful about himself, much less his mannerism. That wasn't the main problem. Toroki had taken prisoner, Kazuko & Tatara were missing and he was still waiting for Amefuri's arrival. Maybe, there's possibility that he won't be coming. Another possibility. Another problem to the growing list.
Conceivably, Kokie had thought too much for Amefuri was on his way towards the town of Ouion, still enduring his emotional pains. Time and time, he broke down and cried. Between his sobs, he knew his tears would stop flowing one day and when that day comes, it mustn't be tears that would be flowing but blood.
Lita's own blood.
The sunrays were fading into the blue waves of the ocean, glittering the shores with its radiance for the last time. Tokaki and Subaru sat upon the soft sands, watching the sun sinking into the watery darkness. The sun. The bright sun, a literature symbol of life, representing the way humans live, from the early dawn of childhood to the prime noon period to the ending setting of his days. Except for one thing. The lifespan of humans didn't always last as long as the sun. The couple had learnt that very painfully. Tokaki looked down and saw Subaru resting in his arms, her eyes half-closed. Rocking her gently, he hoped to drift her off to sleep. For the past few nights, Subaru had been having nightmares. She would wake up screaming, taunted by visions of her father's death especially the last words spoken to her. The harshness, the bitterness and the pain of them were unbearable. He was right though. Who were they to take the happiness of others based on a legend told hundreds of years ago? What good had the Maiden and seishis done to the people of Sairou? Instead, they brought more salt to the wounds. It was enough and they both desired to get away. Soon, a ship would be arriving and it would take them to a better place.
The still waters gradually rippled and swayed to the blowing wind, like it was telling them to go somewhere. Indeed, it was telling towards the same direction.
To the north, the wind silently said.
To the north, towards where the shrine of Byakko lies.
To the north, where the stars will gather and united as one…
Kazuko stood in awe in the inner room of the Byakko shrine. Though the entire place was covered with cobwebs, dust and looked completely long forgotten, she felt inner peace and security. A feeling she didn't have for a long time. Kazuko speculated at herself back in her own world. Was she too pampered and concerned with only herself? Walking towards a cracked stone figure that vaguely resembled an altar, she touched the cool surface and sink deeper into her own reflection. Only one thing was prodding into her mind, what would happen after all the guardians had been summoned? Nyan-Nyan had told her that she had only 3 wishes for Byakko to grant, 3 vital wishes that she herself had to think carefully. Naturally, the first wish would be for the well being of Sairou and the seishis, the second for the Kage Kemono to be defeated and last… Mixed feelings stirred inside her heart. It panged with hope for the impossible.
The last wish, if Byakko could or would allow, Kazuko wished to be with Tatara. It didn't matter whether in this world and her world, just as long as they could be together. She lightly bit her lower lip with apprehension of the outcome of this last wish. Nevertheless, she would have to talk to Tatara about this. She was very certain of his feelings for her and was very sure that he would agree to it. If the wish could be granted, she would choose to stay here.
Then, what about Yumi, Chiaki and Miwa?
Yes, what about them?
Kazuko could picture their stunned reactions and hear their words. In 3 different voices, they would say the same thing. The cruel fact that she's a real person and Tatara's a fictional character. There's no way they could be together. Like a fish and a bird, where could they build a home together? Her fingers curled tightly, forming deep tiny holes onto the altar. It could be possible in this book of magic. With magic, anything could be possible. With a little luck and belief, they might be able to stay together. Couldn't they?
Then, she felt part of the stone altar crumbling into soft sand. Startled, she took a step backward. At the small unnoticeable corner, something seemed to be sticking out. With caution, Kazuko gently touched the object that felt like a canvas parchment. Curious, Kazuko dug the parchment out and was marveled at its well-preserved condition. With extra care, she slowly unrolled it and tenderly brushed aside the dust. Upon the surface was a drawing of a girl of around the same age as Kazuko's, long brown plaited hair, apple-shaped eyes sparkling with inner child-likeness and a sweet smile that made the plain girl looked attractive enough. As more of the dust was removed, Kazuko roughly made out that her clothes were blue in colour.
Suddenly, she caught short of her breath.
The girl's clothes were a school uniform, a high school uniform from her own world. With high knee-length socks and black school shoes, there was no mistake.
Kazuko subsequently had a feeling that the girl was the former Maiden of Byakko who came into this world 500 years ago. The same girl that was worshipped by the very people of Sairou 500 years ago and her legend still lived on despite the turmoil and suffering. Kazuko began to feel threatened by her presence. She was probably a lot better than her and could do a lot more than her. Feeling downhearted, Kazuko prayed that the rest was well and safe and yet, she felt angry with herself for being useless.
She hated to be a useless heroine. Heroines were meant to do something extraordinary, not be overshadowed by other characters! A heroine's heart was not enough. She must do something about her capabilities. Gripping her pouch firmly, Kazuko would have to find a way to use the Mirror of Byakko to her own advantage and create a legend of her own.
At another place not far from the shrine, was the campsite of Lita and her troops. In the center of the camp, was a round tent heavily guarded with shadowy figures and talismans. Inside, was Toroki chained to a pole. Since she was captured and separated from Kazuko and Tatara, she was held prisoner for some time. Luckily for her, no harm had come to her. Toroki knew she had to be patient and conserve as much as energy as possible, for it wasn't going to be easy for her to break out. The others might come to rescue her but she wasn't going to let Lita or anyone use her.
Lita…
Toroki sighed as she tried to shift her body to a more comfortable position in her chains. It had been a while she last seen Lita. After the 'execution' incident, the Kage Komono was getting more edgy by the day. Though eavesdropping, she had learnt that Lita was shutting herself up in her tent after her counter with that the guards claimed to be the spirit of Byakko. Lita had failed to kill the Maiden and Emperor and allowed them to escape. As the only survivor from Baykko's attack, there were thousands of gossips about her. Some even believed she was the last seishi of Byakko.
Chuckling quietly, Toroki hoped that Lita would pay her a visit. If she guessed correctly, Lita would have inner conflicts with herself, especially her beliefs. She had first hand counter with Byakko, whom she strongly declared as a myth. What would she do now? At a time like this, Lita would be holding to anything with her dear life, her last foundation of mental strength, no matter how frail it might be. Yet, Lita should know that her life was in jeopardy. The Kage Kemono would waste no time in killing her once her true identity was revealed. Whether she knew it or not, Toroki wished Kazuko would be able to convince her before the Kage Kemono had their hands on her.
The irritating thing was the lack of time. Morning would soon be approaching and the battle between the seishis and Kage Kemono would break out. The most crucial player would be Lita, as she had to choose which side she's on. Either way, both paths were going to be painful but at least one of them won't be her death sentence. Yet, the others were going to feel the same way as her. Who could blame them? Lita had killed so many, including their own loved ones. Tatara would definitely sentence her to death once Byakko had been summoned. Not only him but also the entire population of Sairou!
Then, she heard boots thumping and voices. The tent's entrance was flapped open and a faint beam of moonlight gleamed in. A very similar figure of red hair came in. Toroki recognized her instantly and she felt her prayers were answered.
Lita walked towards her in a deliberately slow fashion. Toroki sensed a disturbing change in her. Lita looked rather haggard, the defiance in the almond eyes toned down to a bleak spark. She no longer smelt of death but weariness. The merciless killer mask was wearing off, exposing a soul at the brink of self-destruction.
In unsteady steps, Lita walked towards Toroki, her head titling eerily before she stood still and stared in the empty darkness. Toroki said nothing but stared back at her. The two said nothing to each other for a while. Then, in low tones, she broke the silence with one word.
"Why?"
Toroki looked at her, puzzled.
"Why is it that the harder I try to get rid of you insects, the more you multiply?"
"We are tougher than you think," Toroki grinned slightly. "After the execution, the people of Sairou's belief in Kazuko will be stronger and you know what I'm not lying."
"Yes," Lita replied quietly. "I will admit that I saw the legendary Byakko. It was quite," Her face hid into the darkness. "An experience. The way his eyes were. Not like a tiger but the eyes of a human. The way he looked at me. There's neither hatred nor fear but sadness. I heard him calling out to me."
"Lita…"
"When I was very young," Her voice grew heavier. "My hometown villagers tried to kill me because they believed I was a taboo child. At the face of death, Master Kemono came and rescued me. I wasn't why he did but I felt protected, comforted and yet frightened at the same time. That was the only time I felt afraid till the execution except it's more terrifying." Her lips quivered. "Why didn't Byakko kill me when he had the chance? He could end all of it on that day!"
"Yes," Toroki said, "Byakko could do us all a favour by killing you but it would defeat the purpose of Kazuko's destiny as his Maiden and yours as well."
"My destiny is to die by either your hands or Master Kemono."
"No, your destiny is far better than that. You deserve more than death."
"Then, what do I deserve?"
"Life. You just don't know the meaning of it yet."
"What do you know about me or my understanding of my destiny?" She answered with a sting of coldness. "How much do you really know me? Who are you to bother about me or what I understand?"
"I do know what you're fighting with yourself. You believe your destiny is death because you have been too much with Death. You've seen Byakko with your own eyes and you are frightened because he had shown you a different path that you're too afraid to embark on. The path of Life!"
"To live?" Lita mocked. "What does Byakko want from me that he's so willing to spare my life?"
"Join us, Lita," Toroki said calmly, hoping she wasn't too hasty with her words.
"Join you?" Lita laughed bitterly. "Don't flatter yourself. I'll never become one of you and dedicated myself to serve that pathetic girl."
"Nobody said anything about serving her. I'm only asking you to join us because I feel that you're looking for something and maybe, you could find it through us."
"How touching," Lita curtly responded. "Don't think your words is enough to convince me."
Toroki heaved a sigh and said, "The last star the Maiden seeks is brewed by enmity. Animosity blows whatever it goes, calamity is its guide, the tempest of the stars yet a lost wing will guide it to the haven it seeks."
"What was that?"
"The clues for the last Seishi that we need to find."
"Humph! What a load of impractical words, you lack one more seishi and I don't intend to let any of you to find him. My spies have informed me that Kazuko is at the shrine of Byakko, alone and defenseless. None of the seishis are with her, including Tatara. Foolish kid, he must be dead by now. Not only him but the rest of your pitiful group!"
"Lita… please don't do any more harm to yourself."
"At dawn, we'll strike," Lita's voice hardened. "That's what I going to tell you."
"It's not too late to stop."
Lita gave a strained smile, "it's already is."
At the first rays of the glowing fireball, shadowy figures merged out from their hiding places and slid their ways towards the old rundown temple. Lita was mounted upon her horse with Toroki by her side, chained and heavily watched by the guards. From their position, it was clearly seen that there was no natural defense barriers for the temple and no means of escape should the need to be. One by one the shadow creatures took their place on the outer perimeters with every objective to show no mercy for the Maiden. Torkoi's face was grim for she couldn't see their strategy. The shadowy creatures had no physical form but rather like black misty shapeless clouds. There was no telling on what they could or might do beneath the gaseous exterior.
Toroki took a glance at Lita. Her face was like tombstone, her eyes unyielding and her mind focused on one thing - to kill Kazuko. Then, she felt a rough clammy hand pushing her down to the ground. A weighty boot pressed upon her head followed by the sound of sword sliding out from its sheath.
"Wait," commanded Lita, her voice was like steel. "Not yet. I wait you to kill her in front of her brother, Kokie. I want to imprint something permanent in his mind for eternity." Facing the shadowy creatures. "Well, what are you waiting for? Kill the Maiden!"
The shadowy creatures waved slightly to and fro and stood, taking a few steps then slumping into the sand. They repeated this movement a couple of times before remaining completely still. It was like they were fastening their eyes upon something. Like they knew that they were being watched by something. Slowly and cautiously, they began to slide backwards.
"What are you doing?" Lita screamed impatiently. "What are you waiting for?" She dismounted and walked briskly towards the temple, brushing past the shadowy creatures. Her red hair was flaring; she held out her left arm and released her powers upon the temple. Brimstone uncontrollably hailed upon the temple, the ground trembled and the skies darkened at the vile presence of evil. Toroki was feeling nauseous at the smell of the foul air. However, the shadowy creatures continued to move backwards, their gaseous forms were becoming more transparent and transparent. Soon, Toroki began to feel the guards' hold on her growing weaker and weaker. Wasting no time, she tossed herself away and rolled across the sands. Seeing her escape, the guards chased after her.
Toroki struggled to break free of her chains as she kept on kicking up tons of sand at the guards' faces. One of them threw himself upon her, nailed his hands onto her neck and squeezed while the rest pinned her limbs to the ground. Toroki gasped for breath and fought to remain conscious. Suddenly, the guards were shot down dead by an unknown chi energy. Toroki, coughing, felt herself being lifted up, her chains removed and cold water on her face. Her vision was cleared and she saw a young man with greenish blue eyes and gray eyes accompanied by an elfish-looking boy with eyes that reflected his lost innocence.
"Kokie… Amefuri…" Toroki weakly smiled. "You came back." She held Kokie tightly. "Yokatta (What a relief). I thought you two were never coming back."
"Silly girl," Kokie softly replied. "A brother never leaves his sister alone."
"Sou da yo (that's right)," Amefuri agreed. "We are a family now, aren't we?"
"Of course," Toroki smiled and patted his head. "We are."
"Where's Kazuko?" Amefuri looked around. "I don't see her anywhere except for… Lita!" He pointed towards the temple. "She's destroying the temple."
"No, I don't think so," Toroki disagreed. "Look at the Kage Kemono creatures. They are backing away. I never see them doing this before. It's like they are…"
"Afraid," ended Kokie. "Look closely."
Lita grunted at the irritable sight of the temple not showing a slight bit of succumbing to her powers, even more at the sight of her soliders retreating. What had they seen that she had not? Why hadn't the temple fallen? Panting, she withheld her powers, allowing the whirlpool of fire and brimstone to clear away. At that moment, Lita stood in shocking horror at her wasted effects. There, right in front of her, was a crystal clear barrier of wind flowing around the entire temple, discharging the brimstone away like useless dust. The wind spins around a few times before changing directions. It barely blew past Lita and towards the shadowy creatures, disintegrating them one by one. Kokie, Toroki and Amefuri stood still, amazed by the tremendous powers displayed. The wind swirled around upwards to the darken skies, restored them to their original colours of fair blue and blew back into the temple.
The temple's doors creaked opened and out stepped out Kazuko in her 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 Lita against the fair skin and pink lips. In her hands, was a round white-jaded framed mirror with a silver hem.
"The Mirror of Byakko!" Amefuri shouted.
"Way a go, Kazuko!" Toroki cheered. "I knew she could do it."
"Kazuko…" murmured speechless Kokie. "She has improved so much."
"So, you've obtained the Mirror of Byakko," said Lita, gaining composure. "And you've learnt how to use. No doubt with the help of Nyan-Nyan."
"Yes," Kazuko firmly replied. "Listen, Lita. I stand here not to fight with you but asking you to join us. The Kage Kemono have no hold over you any more."
Lita threw back her head and flung her red hair over her shoulder in a long bitter laugh. How stupid of the Miko (Maiden) to actually suggest something ever so bold! How dare she even try to ask her to join them, the bunch of fools who believed in illusory Byakko!
"Oh how touching," Lita curtly said. "Did you foresee that you couldn't fight me and trying your best to convert me, like some high priest?"
Kazuko remained motionless. Lita fumed inwardly at the calmness that Kazuko possessed and her inability to anticipate the girl's thoughts. The annoying sight of Kazuko's peaceful face infuriated her even more.
"Talk, you stupid bitch! Admit it! You are pretending! You are scared of me!" Lita hissed edgily, drawing out her sword.
"You're the one who is frightened, not me."
"I am not frightened of you!" Lita screamed, raising her sword and launched forward.
Kazuko could hear Amefuri, Toroki & Kokie screaming their warnings at her. With undesirable serenity in her, she closed her eyes and quoted. White light emitted from the mirror.
The last star the Maiden seek
Is brewed by enmity
Animosity blows whatever it goes
Calamity is its guide
The tempest of the stars
Yet a lost wing will guide it
To the haven it seek
"Words won't do you any good!" screamed Lita. "DIE!
A strong wind blew from the ground beneath her and encircled wider, trapping her into the sea of ivory white light. Lita's red hair was whipping about her face as she shielded herself against the light. The light terrified her; the howling of the wind was tormenting her ears.
Then, Lita opened her eyes and found herself in a vast space of gray and white lines intertwining with each other. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a majestic white tiger appeared right in front of him, no more than a few metres away from her. Corded muscles rippled beneath the sleek black striped white fur as it shook itself lazily. Paw by paw, the tiger studied Lita for a moment, then its jaws parted into a soundless roar, revealing a flash of its razor-sharp teeth.
"Byakko," whispered Lita hoarsely, staying perfectly still.
"Lita…" echoed a voice, smoothing and gentle.
"What do you want from me?" Gripping her sword. "My death?"
"No, my dear lost child," Byakko looked her sadly, "Death will not be done by me for your life has just began. A destiny stolen from you by those who wish to destroy me. Today, you'll be set free."
"Quit talking senseless things! Your hypocrites tried to kill me because of the dog's blood that flows in me. They condemn my parents' love and my birth," Lita screamed, fighting with the past memories clotting up in her mind. A girl, starved for days, dragged onto the cross and pinned onto it. On the cross, the villagers prepared rotten eggs and whatever stones they could find and flung it across the little girl. The girl, too weak to retaliate, mumbled on feebly as the villagers continued their ranting, throwing their stones onto the girl. Some of the stones had sharp edges and cut mercilessly onto the girl's skin, spilling blood from her thin body.
"I'll not deny the wrongs done to you but know this, your birth was never meant to be condemned nor were your parents' love for each other and yet, you were destined to undergo this. However, the Kage Kemono had changed the course of your destiny and diverted you into meaningless sufferings."
"Lair!"
"Deny yourself is to deny the truth. At execution ground, the first time we met. What were your thoughts back then?"
"I felt that I had felt your presence before…" Lita muttered, dropping her sword, its clattering echoed throughout the vast space and Byakko began to break up into white mists.
"And what else do you remember?"
"It came," Looking at her left palm; she felt an abrupt surge of chi. "from here…"
"About time you remember," said someone else appearing, stepping lightly into the clearing. Lita stared at intense shock. It was a woman, barely the same height as herself, her supple form clothed in tunic and pants, with a forest cloak wrapped around her shoulders. Long thick ringlets of raven hair hung down upon her black, softly shadowing her soft delicates of her elfish face. Emerald eyes mirrored frankness and intelligence. Moving closer, she touched Lita's face. It was warm and comforting.
"So, this is my reincarnation."
"Who are you?"
"I'm you and you are me. We are the same in different forms. I'm the one that lies sleeping within you, waiting for you to unlock me." Holding Lita's left hand in her grasp. "Release yourself, unleashed the Byakko seishi in you. It's time to leave Master Kemono and his minions."
"I can't," Lita croakily stammered. "Not on my own."
"Who says you are alone," said the woman as a symbol began to glow on Lita's hand, "You are never alone." Drawing nearer. "For your name and mine is…"
参
"Look!" Amefuri pointed. "I see the Byakko symbol!"
"Stand behind us, Kazuko," instructed Kokie as he and Toroki stood in front of her, having unpleasant feelings about the bright light that was fading away rapidly.
The light broke off in dimming sparks and the wind died into thin breaths. Lita knelt, stumped, staring sightlessly at the surroundings. Her face was paler than before and wet with endless tears flowing down her cheeks. No longer was the stench of Death was encircling her, the insane fiery in her green eyes disintegrated in emptiness. Kazuko broke away from her seishis' protectiveness and ran towards her. They ran after her.
"Lita…" she called out, gasping at gruesome sight of black ooze evaporating from Lita's palm. Yet, the Byakko symbol still glowed strongly. "Lita…"
Lita looked blankly and mumbled something. Dazed, she stood, trembling like a flower in a stormy wind and walked aimlessly into the direction of bronze sands measurelessly stretching to far horizons of nowhere. Kazuko did not follow her and remained still as the others caught up with her.
"Kazuko," Toroki panted. "What did she say to you?"
"She said," Kazuko, smiling, with tears of joy moistening her face. "Her name is Karasuki."