Note for all remaining chapters:
As you may have notice there are quite a few Japanese words used in this story. Since I'm learning the language, and also have the habit of story-writing; I figured it would be a grand idea to practice what I'm learning as a part of my writing. There a many dictionaries out there that translate Japanese to English and vice-versa. The one I use is at: Jeffrey's Japanese/English Online Dictionary. This has helped me out very well in my classes, and I hope it will be of help to you.
Chapter 1 Translations –
Aigo: Protection
Furu: Bathhouse
Mabu Nasu: Fried Eggplant Dish
Misora: Beautiful Sky
Shinkara: Loving Heart By Nature
Taikyo: Universe; Sky
Yaki-zakana: Grilled Fish Dish
Zokuto: Bandit
(…25 Years Ago)
The air smelled faintly of mold and rain. She found herself warm and safe on a makeshift bed of straw, but was a little fearful as to where she was at and how she got there. Voices were in the distance outside, in the rain. They seem to be coming closer…
"I wonder if she's woken up. I question what could have happened to her. A child being of that tender age with a broken arm. Must have been horrid to have gone through whatever it was." – there was the voice of an older woman.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Misora. She didn't seem to be too damaged, beyond the broken arm. However, she is young and that is a concern to me whether or not the child will be ok. Tomorrow, after the rain lets up some, we'll take her into town to see the doctor. But for now, let's hurry up and cook dinner. I'm sure she's…" – he stopped as he opened the door. The little girl was sitting up in bed.
"Well, looks who's up! I can see that you're doing better. Are you alright little one?" – Misora tenderly asked, as she walked upon the child. The little girl didn't try to run, but sat in a way that showed she was scared.
"Don't be afraid. We'll not hurt you, my child. We found you out by the road down the street, last night. You were laying by the big red maple tree, Aigo. We, the older ones of the town, have named that tree. It's been here as a part of our village for the past thousand years. You are safe here with us. My name is Misora. My husband here is Taikyo. And what is your name?" – Misora kindly asked the child as she sat on the bed.
"Shinkara." – the little girl replied in a sullen voice. She stopped looking at the sling that held her arm, and begin looking at her feet.
Misora was about to ask her another question, when Taikyo touched her arm. He gestured that it had been enough. It was good enough for the child to be able to speak.
"Well, how about we get to that dinner. I'm sure you're hungry." – he said, as he made his way over to the cooking pot. He sat down the freshly caught fish, two buckets of rice and a basket of vegetables and fruit.
"We went fishing earlier, while you were sleeping. So how about we have some yaki-zakana, and mabo nasu? I'm sure you'll love it. Misora's cooking is the best!" – he said, reassuringly.
The girl still sat there looking at her feet. Misora gave a concerned look at her husband. He shrugged his shoulders and motioned her toward the girl. Misora once again took a tender seat next to Shinkara.
"Do you want to talk about it, sweetie?" – she asked.
Shinkara looked up at the woman. She was old, and her face seemed nothing but wrinkles. But her smile touched Shinkara's heart. She broke out in tears.
"Oh honey! Whatever happened, it'll be ok. We're here to take care of you. Think of this as your new home and us as your grandparents. This is home for you for as long as you like and need. I'm sure you'll miss your family, but there is nothing that can be done about it now." – Misora put her arm around the child and tried to calmly comfort her.
"The men aren't coming here, are they?" – through breaths and sobs, the question managed to escape Shinkara's lips.
"I wonder of whom she speaks." – exclaimed Taikyo.
"The men with the swords. They killed everybody. My mom, Shinta, and the others." – Shinkara said through tears.
"No. Our little village is protected. There will be peace for you here." – he replied. 'She must be talking about 'zokuto'. Their kinds are always causing heartache. Even much more than the various shogunates. The horror this poor child must have seen.'
"Shinkara. You are not to be afraid any longer. What Taikyo says is true. I am very sorry you've lost your family, but here you have found a home. In the morning, we'll take you to the doctor to tend to your arm, but for now, how about you clean up some and we can prepare for dinner?" – Misora offered, and surprisingly, to them both, she smiled. Shaking her head in approval, Shinkara hopped down off the bed.
A smile came across Misora's face. Taikyo returned the expression and started to head for the fire to prepare dinner. Misora stood up, and noticed that Shinkara had taken a hold of her finger. Exchanging loving glances, they began walking toward the furu.