Chapter Four
The sounds of rain pattering on wooden planks woke him up. It was cold, dark, and damp. He recognized the type of closed up cart he was lying inside – it was a merchant's wagon, designed to be waterproof and locked tight to protect precious cargo such as silks or spices. Except in this case, it was empty.
I guess I am the cargo.
His ears brushed against something, and he yelped in surprise. There was an excited squeak followed by small scaly feet clambering over his body as Spot nuzzled up to his face.
"Spot!" the rabbit cried, smiling as Spot's cold tongue licked his face joyously. "What are you doing here, little fella?"
He knew the little creature could mostly understand what he was saying. Spot whimpered in response to his question, and bumped his nose with his own.
"I know, Spot, I'd love to get out of here, but I can't." He flexed his wrists against the chains binding his hands behind his back. His ankles were chained together as well.
"Wow. They really don't want me escaping."
Spot curled up close to him, his reptilian body cool to the touch. On rainy days like these, the cold-blooded creature usually snuggled up to Yuichi for warmth, but this time Yuichi knew it was for a different reason.
"How did you get in here with me?" he whispered. He remembered bits and pieces of them dragging him through the forest, leaving Spot and Chizu lying in the meadow. "You must've slipped after me. At least Miyako promised not to hurt you."
Of course, the fox could break her promise, but making an oath was taken very seriously by most animals, and it was considered highly dishonorable to break one. He hoped she was too prideful to do such a thing.
He wished he could wrap his arms around Spot and hold him tight, but he contented himself by leaning closer to his tokage companion and kissing him lightly on his speckled nose. "Thanks, Spot. I'm glad you're here."
Spot licked his nose lightly and sighed a sad sigh as he nuzzled closer to his companion. The cart jostled over a rocky stretch, making Yuichi wince. They had hit him pretty hard in the back of his head and shoulders, and he was sure he'd be feeling it for the next few days. At least Spot seemed unharmed.
I hope Chizu's okay.
Her scream still echoed in his ears. "Don't hurt him!"
He remembered the wild-eyed fury and desperation in her eyes as she clawed at the air and crawled towards him. It never ceased to surprise him at how quickly she could change. Most of the time she was cynical, reserved, and acted as if she barely cared about him and his friends. But other times, emotion would spill out of her like a boiling kettle about to overflow.
She really cares about me, even if she'll never admit it. He smiled weakly and closed his eyes, leaning closer to Spot. Thunder rumbled softly in the distance and the pattering of the rain grew louder. As the cart carried him closer to whatever unpleasant fate awaited him, Yuichi prayed to the Maker that whatever happened, He would be glorified.
"Please, let Chizu, and my auntie, and my friends be okay. Please help me find a way to escape, and get Spot to safety. And please…help me to trust You no matter what happens. I love you."
Spot chirred softly and curled into a tighter ball, his tail draped over Yuichi's side.
"Amen."
XXX
Chizu breathed deeply as she entered the Neo Edo garden. The air smelled fresh and clear and lifted her mood. Cherry blossom trees bloomed everywhere she walked, stretching their flowery branches of pink and white towards the deep blue sky. The grass here was a bright green, and bird song chattered through the garden. The rock gardens had clearly been meticulously maintained by one of Neo Edo's residents, and she wished she could spend more time admiring them.
"Karasu-Tengu!" she called loudly. "If you can hear me, please come here! I need to speak with you."
"What do you want?" a voice demanded behind her. She whirled, and saw the four-winged crow Yokai standing imposingly on a large decorative rock. She reminded Chizu of a crane with her long legs, and her naturally armored body was adorned with silver, black, and gold designs that glittered in the sun. "Did Yuichi send you to collect what he forgot?"
She tossed a small object at Chizu, who swiftly caught and studied it. It was Yuichi's intricately decorated kaichi weapon, a humble yoyo.
"He didn't bother to come fetch it himself? I've never seen him turn down an opportunity to beg for more training."
Chizu attached the yoyo to one of the metallic buttons on her belt. It was a nice little reminder of her friend.
"Answer me, cat!"
Chizu forced herself to be polite. "Actually, I didn't come here for his weapon. I came because Yuichi's in trouble and needs your help."
The crow Yokai put her hands on her hips and frowned. "Ghenzi, what did my pupil do this time? I've told him a hundred times to stop being so impulsive, but does he listen? One of these days, he'll-"
"No, please, you don't understand," Chizu said, tail lashing impatiently. "It's not his fault. He was kidnapped by the Ninetail ninja clan. They want to kill him to get revenge for Miyamoto Usagi taking the life of their old leader Lady Kitsune-Mari."
"What?"
She lifted with one mighty flap of her wings and landed in front of Chizu with a thump. "I remember that clan from my years before I was imprisoned in the crystal. They used to kill any peasants that were unlucky enough to wander into the Lady's sacred garden. I was pleased when Shogun Tetsuzan drove them away to their mountain caves. They're heartless."
She studied Chizu's head bandage. "Did they do that to you?" She towered over Chizu, her eyes darkening. "What did they do to him?"
Chizu shrank back from the powerful Yokai blocking out the sun, though she tried not to look afraid. She hadn't expected Karasu-Tengu to be so upset.
"They ambushed us while we were training. He surrendered to save my life, and the last I saw of him they were dragging him away. I think they took Spot as well." She knew how fond Karasu-Tengu was of the little tokage.
Karasu-Tengu's claws clenched and her wings rattled with rage. "They'll regret laying a finger on my pupil. Do you know where they took him and Spot?"
"I don't know. But their leader said something about bringing peace to Lady Hikaru, so maybe they're trying to bring him to her. Do you think their clan still resides in the mountain caves you mentioned?"
Karasu-Tengu straightened, eyeing Chizu up and down. "There's only one way to find out. I will fly there straightaway. Are you or any of Yuichi's friends planning on coming along?"
"Kitsune and Gen are guarding the farmhouse to make sure Hana and Mrs. Usagi stay safe. I promised them I would bring Yuichi back safe or die trying."
A faint smile crossed Karasu-Tengu's beak. "You have determination, cat. You are a worthy friend of my pupil. Come, let us not waste any more time."
In moments, Chizu found herself being carried aloft by her waist and lifted high into the air. Instinctively she kicked her legs and yelped as the ground fled away from her vision. The dizziness she felt last night returned to her head and she gulped in air.
"Don't drop me. Please, please don't drop me."
"Be calm," Karasu-Tengu said behind her ear in her commanding, no-nonsense voice. "I do not plan on doing any such thing. We have a long way to go, so I suggest you enjoy the scenery."
Below them, the land reminded her of a patchwork quilt made up of forests, farmland, and cities. It looked beautiful and mysterious, and for a moment her heart felt lighter. She forced herself to relax and focus on the beautiful view of her homeland to distract from intrusive thoughts of Yuichi being harmed or killed.
She held great power as a warrior, and it was so satisfying being able to use her skills to help those she cared about. She hoped that what she possessed, along with the help of her ally, would be enough.
But so much was out of her control. So much had to be left to "fate", as many of her brethren would say.
I know better.
Her future was not held by fate, but rather Someone who loved her and knew all things. She would do her best and let Him take care of the rest.
The wind whistled in her ears and blew cold against her skin. The wingbeats of Karasu-Tengu were rhythmic and steady.
She drank in one more view of the misty mountains below and then closed her eyes. She would need her rest for the fight to come.
XXX
Yuichi wasn't sure how long they traveled. But he knew one thing for sure – he was sick and tired of being in that cart. His body ached all over from being bumped and jostled around, and his wrists and ankles were chaffed from the metal cuffs.
Spot was unhappy too. He kept whimpering and brushing his companion's face, which was his way of asking for food. The little tokage ate a diet of mostly bugs and field mice, and he'd had nothing to eat all day except whatever treats Yuichi had kept stored in his pocket. Spot nuzzled his face through the pocket, licking up whatever crumbs remained.
"You really shouldn't have come," Yuichi said with a sigh. "I don't want anything to happen to you, and who will take care of you when I'm gone?"
He surprised himself at his own words. Did he really think he was going to die?
Miyamoto Usagi always found a way to victory, even when things got dark. But he did lose friends along the way. Sometimes, the wicked were allowed to win.
The cart finally slowed to a stop, and the clopping of horses' hooves ceased. There was a click of a key turning in a lock and the lid opened, revealing unfriendly faces and the dying light of the sun.
Spot growled. "Shhh, be calm," Yuichi commanded nervously, sitting up. The tokage slipped onto his familiar perch on the rabbit's shoulders, body and tail curling tightly around his neck.
Rough paws dragged him out of the cart and onto his feet. He found himself standing before a giant mountain, mostly bare of trees due to the steep incline of limestone at its base. There was a giant wooden door in the center.
"Ooh, is this like a secret fortress?" Yuichi asked, his ears perking up slightly. He couldn't help feeling curious about what was inside.
The foxes ignored him. They were awaiting orders from Miyako, who was arguing with another fox about where to take the horses.
"They don't need to be taken to pasture, we keep them inside after dusk. Just take them back to the stables. Leftside stables, ok? I don't want any mishaps like last time."
"You were the one who told me rightside last time!"
"That's where our Lady's personal horses are kept, nitwit! If she sees her purebreds in with these carthorses, she will have your head."
Spot was fixed on a bug flying lazily past him. He launched himself off Yuichi's shoulders and snapped it up. The foxes around him startled and pointed their array of axes and yari spears at the tokage as he munched on his prize. Though limited in movement by his chains, Yuichi moved to stand over the small creature protectively. "He's not a threat," he said, watching them warily. "He's just hungry."
"I'm hungry too," one of the foxes said. "And your little pet is looking tasty."
"Ew, Kagami, you eat those lizards?" another said scornfully. "You have the worst taste in food."
Kagami twirled a small dagger in her paw. "When I'm traveling, it's nice to have quick food around."
Spot climbed back onto Yuichi and huddled against him. The tokage had a limited understanding of speech, but Yuichi could tell his critter had definitely gotten the message.
The rabbit stood firm, staring them down, ready to fight if any of them tried to take Spot. "Your leader Miyako promised he wouldn't be hurt."
"She never promised I wouldn't hurt him," the first fox responded slyly.
"Enough, we're moving," Miyako said, interrupting the tense atmosphere. "We don't want to keep Lady Hikaru waiting. And Usagi is correct, we will not harm the tokage. Our Lady would not be pleased. You know how she feels about the sacredness of wildlife."
So, their leader cares about animals, that's good at least, Yuichi thought as he walked with the unfriendly procession towards the towering doors. But…she lives in a cave. That's pretty shady.
He kept studying the foxes through furtive glances, because he didn't want to stare and be rude. They all appeared to be female, and he guessed that, like Chizu's old ninja clan, this entire clan was as well. This was not uncommon, or so he had been told by Chizu, to prevent romantic relationships happening between clan members that could result in divided loyalties. Their fur ranged from red, to brown, to black.
The doors made a loud creaking noise as they opened. They were very thick, and while they looked plain on the outside, on the inside they were ornately decorated. In fact, the entire cavern was beautifully decorated. Everywhere Yuichi looked, he could see silk paintings, vases, and golden statues. Many entryways that led away from the main hall, and there were large beams in the upper ceiling to keep the rocks secure. Golden electric lanterns illuminated everything.
"Whoa," Yuichi said as he drank in the view. "You guys really like to decorate. Also, it's way bigger in here than I thought."
"Impressive, isn't it?" Miyako said, her tail plump with pride. "Our clan has lived here for generations, and each Lady has improved upon its beauty. Divine Lady Kitsune-Mari was the one who found this place for us after were driven from the Sacred Gardens. Unfortunately, that was one of the last things she did for us, before she was slain by Miyamoto Usagi." She looked at him sideways, yellow eyes glowing disdainfully.
"She was trying to kill the shogun, and Miyamoto was defending his life, and the lives of many others! Plus, it was two hundred years ago! You guys really like to hold grudges, don't you?"
"Silence! Our Lady is coming," Miyako hissed, standing rigidly at attention. The other foxes immediately joined her.
Yuichi heard her before he saw her. There was a swishing noise, like something soft being dragged along the floor. Then, emerging from one of the many passageways, came a nine-tailed fox. It was a kitsune, one of the descendants of beings that were half-Yokai, half person. Yuichi had heard of them, but never seen one with his own eyes.
Her snow-white fur was immaculately brushed, and her tails were tipped in crimson red that faded to a soft pink and then white. She was wearing a fancy silver kimono with embroidered designs that glimmered in the light of the cavern's electric-powered torches. Instead of the natural black or silver eyelines that the other foxes had, her eyes were lined with red fur. Her pupils were a piercing blue.
Yuichi's fear quickly gave way to awe as he stared up at her. She was many heads taller than him, almost as tall as his sensei Karasu-Tengu. Framed by her nine voluminous tails, she was an imposing and strikingly beautiful sight.
Unsure of what to do or say, Yuichi dipped a polite bow. "Uh, hi, my name is Yuichi Usagi. I…like your tails." He bit his lip. Was that rude? That sounded rude. His ears wilted as he endured her cold gaze.
"I know who you are, rabbit. You are the sacrifice that will bring peace and honor to my ancestors."
He took a deep breath as he tried to remember the lines he'd rehearsed.
"Madam Hikaru, I am sorry for the pain that the slaying of your Lady brought upon this clan. While I stand behind the noble actions of my ancestor, I understand the pain that comes from loss. I lost both of my parents when I was young. I ask now that you accept my apology and let us leave in peace."
Her face was as soft as stone. "Our Lady was divine and blessed by the gods, and her life was taken far too soon. The only way justice can be done is for you to pay with your life." She leaned closer, face contorting into a snarl. "I have waited for this moment long enough."
He shuddered as he saw a flash of insanity in the kitsune's eyes. A cold feeling of dread settled upon his shoulders, and he felt Spot tremble.
Then the dreadful moment passed and the kitsune straightened, looking dignified and calm. "I am returning to my quarters. You can secure him in our prison quarters until the ceremony."
"Yes, Lady Hikaru." Miyako barked, taking Yuichi's arm and leading him towards a side corridor. The normally chatty rabbit was silent as he struggled to keep up with his captor's brisk pace.
Beneath the beauty and glamor, he'd seen a darkness that chilled him to the bone. He knew exactly what this place was so dearly lacking, and it saddened him to the point that he felt pity for Miyako as she took him deeper and deeper through winding tunnels.
Maker, they really need the Light.