I just warn you that my usual little lexicon is at the beginning of the note today for a very simple reason: There are only a few terms and the endnotes are far too long... Just kidding! XD
So:
Nushi-sama [主様]: Master; Head (of smth); Leader - other form for Aruji [主人]: Master (of a servant); Owner; Chief
Totsuka-no-Tsurugi: also known as Sakegari-no-tachi ("Sword of Ten Hand-Breadths"), Ama-no-Habakiri ("Divine cut of the feather"), or Ame-no-ohabari ("Feather of the divine tail"), is a Tsurugi (or Tachi, the versions differ) first possessed by Izanagi, then by Susanō who used it in particular during his fight against the serpent Yamata-no-Orochi.
Wagasa: traditional Japanese oil-paper umbrella.
Taishō Era: intermediate era, between 1912 and 1926, of Japan following the Meiji era.
(*): Cf. Special Investigations on the Wikia.
Sokutai: is for men what the junihitoe is for women (cf. Endnotes Chapter 3).
Morning fire star dazzling with its rays in red and orange shades the azure horizon, harmonising with the blood-painted walls of the Citadel of Time like a macabre irony. In the devastated outer courtyard, hundreds of corpses covered with white sheets were lined up, morbid testimonies letting easily presage of the eve's events.
The night had passed before his tear-drenched pupils, cloistered in his apartments with none other than his guilty conscience and the worry-gnawed minds of his swords for only company. Thus prostrated against the wall below the half-opened window of his bedroom, breathing the stifling air of the last days of summer, he had not uttered a single word.
When, at last, the shimmering dawn was perfectly settled, a strange golden and white glimmer then seized his Tsurugi until the entire room was immersed in its radiance, all of sudden causing him to raise his head as a vague human silhouette was taking shape through the veil. The sparkle of light remained for a moment before finally slowly fading and he frowned in displeasure at the sight of the person now facing him, heaving a heartbreaking sigh.
China doll-like face with ivory lips, his mid-length black hair with burgundy highlights delicately caressing his bare shoulders, the surprise guest was dressed in a complex and long kimono of carmine and purple colours whose the loose, detached sleeves of it were falling heavily on the floor. Stepping closer whilst squinting his plum and gold eyes slightly, he stretched a crimson finger-nailed hand towards the boy before reluctantly retracting it, resting it carelessly against his flower-patterned amber obi.
"Nushi-sama… " he simply murmured plaintively.
"I don't remember summoning you, Kusanagi. " the Sage lectured coldly, closing his eyelids tiredly.
Ame-no-Murakumo smiled with chagrin when seeing him do this, and kneeling beside his master, began to run his fingers gently between his cherry wicks like lulling a child to put him to sleep.
"What state are you in…? Using me has worn you out, not to mention that you still haven't slept… you must rest. " noticed the Toudan, concerned. However, receiving only the dreary silence of stubbornness as an answer, he called out again: "Nushi-sama? "
"I'm fine. "
"Stop being so stubborn. If it was just me, but Kiyomitsu-san is also very anxious. Do you think it's wise to let him worry about that? I think he has had enough of an unhealthy master already, no? "
"You certainly are right. " the Saniwa finally articulated in an almost inaudible whisper, his gaze clouding with sadness as he was biting the inside of his cheek remorsefully.
Huffing, he straightened to his own two feet, only to abruptly feel the objects around him starting to reel as if caught in the waves of a raging sea, forcing him to narrowly grasp the Touken Danshi at his side as he was staggering dangerously forward, the latter clutching him quickly within his firm arms. The Sage grimaced as he held his forehead, waiting for an instant for the dizziness to leave him. He was not unaware of how the invocation of both Kashuu and that of Kusanagi, but also his fight against Asahi, had left him in a state that many could describe as close to agony. The suffering, heavy and oppressive, he was feeling spread differently in each part of his body, preventing him from making the slightest movement as his muscles were making him scream in pain and that his organs seemed each to have caught fire, stoking an unbearable heat within him.
Knowing that he was doomed to see the world spin for a while, he gave up with a sarcastic laugh on his own condition and freed himself from the grip of his blade to grab the Uchigatana before tottering toward its box, placing it within carefully. That simple journey of a few metres, though, seemed to have already drained him completely and, shakily hanging onto the shōji to his right, he collapsed brutally to the floor, the sliding door following him in his fall as he was sinking into deep darkness...
"Nushi-sama! "
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Such reckless behaviour! Such an unforgivable sin! How could you!? "
"The Council had the right to know! The Council is the highest authority of this government! "
"Once again, a Saniwa is the problem! The fact that you are indispensable in this war does not give you all the rights! "
"You must report all your actions to the Council! The Council has the force of law! "
"Hiding the discovery of Ame-no-Nuhuko! Turning it into your Touken Danshi! All this behind our back! "
"The harm you could have caused! Are you so unaware of your responsibilities!? "
"Damn Saniwas! Demigods of calamity! "
She twitched, the wrath of indignation slowly seizing her. She, whose daily indifference was so often reproached to her, could no longer remain impassive. It did not matter what accusations she had to face, whether she was truly at fault or not, but she would not stand idly by in front of these pen-pushers with no knowledge or whatsoever of the Saniwas' condition who dared to insult so bluntly her kind.
Little did they know how much of a force they represented in this world constantly in the grip of the corruption of darkness and light. They hardly knew that their role within the Government of Time was nothing compared to their real raison d'être.…
Unfortunately, this raison d'être had been forgotten by all of them many times immemorial... forgotten, lost, abandoned... leaving them standing forlorn among too frightened mortals who rejected them and serving an authority who despised them. And of this painful existence just remained the taciturn skies as their only solace...
What a pity… to have to bow to such ignoramuses when you hold the fate of this realm in your palms.
"Are you even listening to us, Ōhara-dono?! You must answer for your crime! "
"Each of you, that is enough. "
An imperceptible whisper, like a caress barely brushing the skin, the order nonetheless echoed sharply through the room, his cold voice void of any feeling, be it disapproval or compassion. Kagura turned in an abrupt gesture toward the Emperor as he was telling these words, frowning in annoyance. If there was no question for him to take sides, why even want to silence her detractors? She didn't need his help to defend herself.
However, and this observation made her blood boil, the blank gaze he sent back at her did not bode well. Thus straightened on his chair, his hands resting firmly on the armrests and his head erect, he seemed to be casting like a shadow above the members of the council, both dark and terrifying... From the ashes of the battle finally revealed the iron hand in a velvet glove that had forced the abdication of the previous regent and had succeeded him so easily despite his very young age. Yes, at this precise moment, there was no doubt that Chiaki indeed deserved his nickname of King of Demons.
"Now that all or nearly all has been said, I would like to hear the main one concerned. " declared the young king in an imperious but curt tone. "Supposing that she ends up opening her mouth at some point. "
The white-haired girl clenched her teeth when hearing the sovereign call out to her like that, preferring to close her eyes for a second to calm down. Taking a deep breath, she reopened them towards the assembly sitting in front of her and carefully studied each person present before starting to speak at last.
"I could chatter for hours on end about the relationship between tsukumogami and Saniwas, and the inevitable choices that we sometimes have to make since dictated by a destiny to which we are as subject as the rest of mankind. " she explained briefly to then smirk as she continued unabashedly: "But I fear that this is utterly unnecessary for no one here could understand me or understand the reason of my deeds except maybe the veteran-Saniwas. "
"Arrogant little pest! How can you—! "
"No. I don't want to hear anything. "
"Heika, this is an affront! "
"I said, no more! "
Cracking like a whip, the Emperor's voice echoed once again through the hall, freezing the senior administrators and imperial ministers whilst the former Saniwas stayed serene, unmistakable support for the little girl whose smile still had not left her face and who seemed to be greatly amused by the mayhem she had just created.
You wouldn't believe she's such a nasty piece of work at first glance... thought the young king, suppressing a sigh as he glared at the person responsible for this dire situation.
"Let's try to see the bright side of things. " he announced after a moment, putting his elbows on the table and resting his head against his crossed hands. "We now have a powerful weapon in the service of the Government of Time that will be able to crush the History Retrograding Force all the better. "
"Certainly. " the until then silent Sera no Kikuchi expressed, getting up to address everyone at once. "Nevertheless, I do not think that we should refrain from pronouncing a sanction against her. "
"And you wouldn't be more right, Sera-dono! "
The statement surprised them all of sudden and, turning their heads in the same movement towards the great half-open doors, they began to exchange whisperings of astonishment when discovering the person standing in the doorway. Accompanied by two armed guards surrounding him like a prisoner about to be locked up, the man with ginger hair and different-coloured eyes, amber yellow and bug green, seemed to be waiting for indistinct permission to enter, a muted anger twisting his yet fine and delicate features.
"Izumi Ren… What an honour you do us to finally glorify ourselves of your presence. " Chiaki exclaimed, acerbic.
"Forgive my lateness, Highness. I— " the councillor humbly apologised, bowing to the young king before being suddenly interrupted by the latter.
"Swallow your apologies, I can imagine what state your Touken Danshi must be in after losing their previous master. "
"Only, there is a time for everything. " commented a Saniwa-veteran in turn. "You and your Toudans will mourn Fujiwara no Mugetsu on another day. "
"Of course, Sensei. "
Settling composedly at his place, the former priest wasted no time and, no longer caring about his fellows, he turned abruptly to Ōhara, softly resuming although his clenched fists and frown indicated a different emotional state altogether.
"Neither you nor I are fooled. Choosing to summon Nuhoko was irresponsible of you. "
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. " simply answered the white-haired girl, imperturbable.
"D-Desperate measures?! His power far exceeds yours! What would have happened to the castle and all those in it if his control had escaped you?! And I don't even count the town's inhabitants! "
"Do not lecture me, Ren. You more than anyone. "
"It is precisely because it's me that I can lecture you! "
"Don't compare yourself to me! I did not flout universal laws out of pure pride! "
"You—! "
Again, silence reigned between the walls of the council chamber, its members, lost, not knowing anymore how to react as Kagura and Izumi were staring stonily at each other, the latter, lips pressed together in rage, caressing with a distracted hand the right side of his chest where, hidden to the view of anyone by his hakama was running a long and misshapen scar, a distressing mark of his past failure.
The Emperor found himself smiling as he watched the scene, like taking part in a play whose actors would have forgotten all about their roles to instead settle old grudges. He couldn't deny that he had always found a certain pleasure in anarchy, and even more so when it didn't concern him at all. But today, the subject had a semblance of deja vu which particularly annoyed him... So, his fingernails sinking into the flesh of his palms until they bleed to prevent himself from touching his leather eye-patch, he got up, and with a quick gesture of the head which left no room for any objection, ordered for the chamber to be emptied so that would only remain himself and the two priests in conflict.
"Totsuka-no-Tsurugi was indeed too powerful a weapon to be mastered by Izumi-dono. And from this disastrous experience emerges a clear truth: The Saniwas can be overconfident in their abilities. " he related, walking slowly towards the window. Outside, the storm had finally erupted, a torrential and sharp rain accompanying successive bolts of lightning and roaring thunder.
"Are you overconfident in your abilities, Kagura? " thus repeated the redhead conspiratorially.
"No. " the little girl asserted confidently, her look stern.
"There is also no question of sending Ame-no-Nuhoko back to the nothingness. It would be a total waste. " the sovereign indicated with authority, turning back to face his interlocutors. "Izumi-dono, let's not make others go through what you, yourself, have been through… after all, the relationship between a Saniwa and his Touken Danshi is sacred, right? "
"In that case, let us at least put a containment seal on it. I don't want to take any risks. " Ren huffed, capitulating.
"Granted. "
"And what about the owner of Ame-no-Murakumo? "
Xxxxxxxxxx
Nebulous skies obscuring the surroundings, changing the day to an all-out night only illuminated by frequent bolts of lightning streaking through an opaque white fog stretching from over the hills to the tops of the mountains. Austere landscape adding to the dismal devastation she was facing, misshapen silhouettes of wood and concrete mingling with human ones monopolising all her attention, cries of protests and indistinct bitter weeping no longer making any sense in her mind.
Katsumi lifted her head wearily towards the downpour, letting the raindrops fall violently against her face as strands of her amethyst hair, pulled up into a loose bun, were coming to unpleasantly stick to it until she brushed them aside from the tips of her frozen fingers, her knees sinking a little deeper on the damp dirt path rendered swampy. Looking back at the town, at last, she observed with a dubious pout the damage surrounding its inhabitants still complaining near her. From the roofs of dilapidated houses to the facades of collapsed shops, to wide trenches crisscrossing the roadway... It was hard to imagine that only one day had been enough to cause all these disasters.
The young woman sighed whilst standing up, calming the annoyed population before begging them to take shelter as she awaited further news from the government. Already, the constant call of her name had tired her quite a bit and as the latter was resonating but once again behind her back, like an echo muffled by the deafening sound of the thundershower crashing to the ground, she was about to turn round to castigate the person when she noticed with surprise that it was two kitsune rejoining her at full speed.
Trying to discern their shapes through the curtain of water and mist, she ended up crouching again when they made it to her and welcomed them with a worried frown.
"Shinnosuke? Keisuke? " she called in a concerned voice.
"You have to... to come back to the citadel... immediately! " Keisuke gasped as he shook himself unnecessarily, his orange fur and white tail streaming again a second later.
"Why? What's going on? "
"Your medical skills are urgently needed! " Shinnosuke exclaimed sadly, his tufted ears drooping flatly. "The master... the master is... "
The rest did not matter anymore, rising abruptly, Igarashi dashed off in haste through the town's ruined alleys, heading straight for the Citadel of Time, the little foxes on her heels. Standing in front of the East Gate in a taupe and brown kariginu fitting wonderfully to his amaranthine pupils, Seimei was waiting patiently motionless under a purple wagasa protecting him and Kohaku from the storm.
"We were expecting you, Katsumi-sama. " the shikigami said as a way of greeting.
"It's him, isn't it? " questioned the hawthorn-eyed woman, covering herself under the umbrella that the saturnine was holding out to her.
"Indeed. What else could have happened to him after summoning such regalia? " the latter replied with a shrug, his gaze watching suspiciously the sky.
"And how is he? "
"For now, he's stable. But if his fever does not break quickly... "
"Wait… this is the direction of the private quarters of the Saniwas…" Katsumi wondered aloud, stopping in front of the engawa as they had started to move forward whilst discussing. "Shouldn't he have been sent to the infirmary? "
"Someone refused to have him carried there. " Seimei revealed with an annoyed pout.
"Who's that?! "
Squinting whilst remaining strangely silent, as if seeming to reflect on whether or not to divulge what he knew, Shiraishi ended up shaking his head, and resolute, grabbed the young woman's wrist to forcefully drag her through the corridors until finally arriving in the apartments of the patient, pushing her to enter with an abrupt gesture before pointing at the person already occupying the premises and sitting cross-legged against the shōji leading to the second room like a guardian protecting a sacred treasure.
"He. "
Leaning casually against a wall, the dark-haired man crossed his arms over his chest and simply watched as Igarashi was studying the individual more closely, her brows furrowed. Then, the realisation suddenly striking her, she staggered back and turned feverishly towards the saturnine in an attempt to receive some sort of confirmation on his part that he did not even bother to provide; resting as well against the wall beside him was a large sword whose the hilt and scabbard were of colour even blacker than soot.
"Murakumo…" she finally whispered, stunned.
The aforesaid Murakumo opened his eyelids at the call of his name, greeting the two newcomers with a quick nod of his head whilst moving slightly to let out a hairball wearing glasses as the two kitsune who had warned the hawthorn-eyed woman were joining the bedroom in their turn.
"I never heard anything about a Touken Danshi! " the latter exclaimed all of sudden once the surprise passed.
"Will you be quiet! " Seimei grumbled, hurrying up to go and close the sliding door. "Nobody knows about it except us! And it's certainly not in his state that he could have invoked him in this form! "
"I-In that case, h-how? "
"I am a celestial blade. It is not very difficult for us to use our own spiritual power to give ourselves human form. That said, without my master previously breaking the containment seal to summon me as a sword, it would have been impossible for me. " Kusanagi explained calmly after implicitly asking for permission to speak.
"I had no idea... "
"This is the case for everyone. It's a secret known only to Saniwas possessing a weapon such as mine. "
"Anyway..." Shiraishi stated as he returned to his place to sit on the floor, Kohaku following to lay between his legs silently. "You have to hold your tongue, if the Council finds out... "
"I'm not stupid! Of course, I will shut up! " bristled the young woman, glaring at the saturnine who closed his eyes knowingly at her answer. "Anyhow, I'm here for treatment, I don't care about visitors! Eisuke?! "
"He's sleeping at the moment. " the creature clarified, pulling the pair of glasses up to its muzzle. "But his sleep is restless and his fever only increases… The other kitsune are also watching over him very carefully. "
"I see. " Katsumi acquiesced, heading towards the room with the little fox only to be stopped at the last second by the Tsurugi's outstretched arm preventing her from passing. "Huh? "
"You're... muddy... " simply indicated then the dark-haired man as he was raising an eyebrow, causing the irritation of his interlocutor.
"Obviously I am! Who do you think has been entrusted again with a nasty job?! Record the town's damage! In the middle of a thunderstorm no less! " Igarashi claimed in annoyance before stomping towards the exit to change in her own apartments. "Rhaaa, why does it always fall on me… ?! "
"So noisy... "
An amused chuckle escaped from his ivory lips without him being able to restrain it and, swearing inwardly, the Toudan hastened to press the sleeve of his kimono against his mouth, apologising with an embarrassed smile to Seimei who waved aside his reaction.
"I didn't have time to ask you, considering the situation, but why did you intervene? Why did you materialise by yourself? "
"Others than me would have done it on a whim, but I'm nothing like them. " Murakumo began to tell in a mirthless voice, his fists clenched. "I may be of uncertain origin, but the greatest Gods have wielded my blade. As a result, I could never act without my master's consent… Yet, today, the one who wields me is a Saniwa making a point of honour to put the well-being of others before his own… "
"You worried about him? "
"And quite rightly. If I hadn't been here, who knows what might have happened to him? Days could have passed before he was discovered… if I hadn't been here, who could have informed you of his condition? "
"It's not like Seimei-san isn't paying attention to him either… " the shikigami suddenly retorted with displeasure between his master's legs.
"My apologies, I misspoke... "
"No. " the saturnine interjected, shaking his head whilst running a comforting hand against his pet's fur. "I understand. You show tremendous devotion to him, I respect that. "
"Nevertheless… " Kusanagi declared after a short silence, hesitant.
"I'm listening. "
"I cannot stay on my own indefinitely, even a celestial blade like me has its limits. It is yet again my master who summoned me as a sword and it is on his strength that my own powers are based. I'm concerned he won't be able to make a full recovery if I don't return to my containment. "
"Hmm… if it's just a matter of applying a sealing jufu, I can do it on my own. "
"What a relief. "
"When Katsumi returns, I'll take care of you. "
Xxxxxxxxxx
Tenji. A small fishing town surrounded by mountains and hills covered with dense vegetation mingled with thousands of cherry trees... Within this futuristic era where everything seemed to be regressing towards the past, houses and buildings in traditional style bordered the turquoise waters of a lake crossed by several bridges and landscaped paths as, on the raised reliefs facing the market town, were standing the united Citadel of Time and Imperial Palace. Impregnable fortress never having been successfully assaulted, the imposing shadow it cast guarded the now dilapidated sanctuary dominating the plains and resting near an internal pond where two winding streams met, only possible passage allowing boats to join the remote bigger and greater city of Umeōto.
A future making its way to the past, like an infinite time loop in which Western culture was interconnecting with that of the East, modern technology against the old, between holographic computer screens and 1920s streetcars...
Ren got rid of his wagasa as he crouched down on the wet pontoon. The storm still hadn't stopped, the raindrops crashing violently against the surface of the water before sinking into the depths, leaving behind only the declining echo of their ripples. Despite the piercing sound of the downpour, the abyss remained strangely calm, koi carps and other fish having been taken refuge between the crevasses of the reefs.
"Do not complain to me if you get sick. "
"You will be the only one responsible. " he heard himself answer automatically, straightening up and turning to his guest with a mocking smile.
The cherry-haired boy smiled knowingly at these words, his fragile silhouette stubbornly confining itself under the weak protection that the torii offered to him, his fingers clasping firmly the handle of his own umbrella.
"Are you feeling better? You shouldn't have asked to meet outside. "
"I'm alright now. " declared the latter, casting a glance at the facades of the castle warily. "Besides, I'm trying not to get too noticed by the Council at the moment. "
"All this while chatting with one of its members. " the councillor retorted with a chuckle, moving closer to his interlocutor until only a few inches separated them.
"But above all a Saniwa. "
The gust of a wind that had nevertheless stopped hours ago suddenly surged in their direction, freezing them as it passed through them, and sweeping the poor forsaken wagasa away as it came to rest awkwardly at their feet without them actually reacting. Their eyes piercing the ash grey horizon, neither of them seemed to want to speak first, knowing full well that this meeting could only mean one thing. But despite the heartbreak that this news would be for both, they also knew that the obvious had to be said if only to sort out the final details...
"You're leaving already, aren't you? " Izumi announced, at last, suppressing a sigh.
"By tomorrow at best. " indicated the Sage whose eyelids dropped guiltily. "I don't want to risk them seizing Kusanagi. "
"Even if some of your Touken Danshi will, sooner or later, being sent to work directly for the Government anyway? " (*)
"I never said I liked the idea, but what other choice do I have…? "
"It's a simple matter of logistics, they'll eventually return to you one day, probably during joint operations. "
"Of course… " the Saniwa said in a whisper, a short silence settling comfortably between him and the former priest before he ended up asking. "How are Okadagiri and the others doing? "
"Let me think... the master who gave them life and who wielded them for decades, this same master whom they betrayed and abandoned before joining me, was recently murdered because of a traitor from our own ranks. " the redhead relayed sarcastically, crossing his arms. "There is nothing I can say, nothing that I'm allowed to say. It's that simple. "
"Time— "
"Heals all wounds, I know. "
Nodding his head softly, the cherry-haired boy couldn't help but let another amused smile bloomed on his thin lips, his gaze catching Ren's to never let it go as a light breeze was starting to blow.
"It's surprisingly similar to the last time... "
"The last time? Oh, you mean when the talented, but pretentious arrogant that I was tried to master a sword far too powerful for him, and as a result failed miserably? "
"I never called you a pretentious arrogant! "
"Yes, you did. But that was years ago, and you were absolutely right. I really don't blame you. "
The evocation of his past made him abruptly nervous, shame overwhelming him like an uncontrollable wave as he was running a trembling hand across his chest where, beneath the thick layer of clothing, his scar was burning him so intensely.
"You probably don't realise how grateful I am to you… " he stated in a broken voice contrasting with the tender smile adorning his mouth. "After losing Totsuka, I was… desperate. There was no strength left in me to do anything. And you supported me so much… you stayed by my side in my darkest times and you were there to get me back on my feet every time. "
"I only did what I felt was right. " the Sage merely asserted whilst waving aside the councillor's speech nonchalantly.
"And you were indeed the only one to do so!" he interjected vehemently, clutching at the shoulders of the boy who widened his eyes in surprise. "I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. Whatever you say, your infinite wisdom has saved me. I owe you so much. "
"Only a fool would tell such rubbish! " the latter exclaimed, freeing himself from the grip of the former priest.
Bursting in laughter, Izumi shook his head and passed a hand between the Saniwa's wicks to gently tousle them before crouching to pick up the wagasa still at their feet, closing it quickly without, however, returning to cover himself under the torii, the rain having already well soaked him anyway.
"This is exactly why I've been so hard on Kagura earlier. I do not wish to see her go through the same ordeals as me. May she not end up blinded by misplaced pride like I was. "
"Katsumi-san told me. So you aren't afraid that the same thing happens to me? "
"Your past defines you. I am not stupid, I can see that you do not take any pride in your powers. For some reason that I don't know yet, you even fear their extent… I do not doubt that you won't ever be tempted like I had been, as Kagura might be. "
"We'll see that... "
A fleeting moment filled with doubt and introspection suddenly dispersed by the storm finally subsiding, they once again raised their heads towards the horizon in amazement. Up there among the clouds slowly whitening, the sky was returning to a comforting azure blue colour, the blinding sun shining its fiery rays through a shimmering rainbow.
Sharing a warm smile at this sight, the two friends retraced their steps unhurriedly, walking side by side whilst leaving behind the reappearance of fine weather acclaimed more and more loudly from the town market.
"I'll help you to get ready for your departure. "
Xxxxxxxxxx
The setting sun was lazily overlooking the hills bathing beneath the twinkling Milky Way, its topaz and crimson hues intertwining delicately with the sapphire blue sky to repaint the town in a pale indigo colour as the day was bidding farewell to the night.
A fine warm breeze was blowing through the wood that extended beyond the West Gate, making gracefully dance the purple magnolias and magenta maples along the long dirt road running through it. Leaned casually against the railing of a bridge separating the path and the scarlet torii delimiting the great shrine's rear entrance, he was watching the coral and vermilion fish leap out of the basin to wriggle elegantly against the surface of the water before diving back into it soundlessly.
A few metres away, his faithful companion was quietly waiting for him sitting on his four legs, his red and black-tinted tail swinging impatiently to the right and left from time to time. Rolling his eyes with a sigh at this, he finally caught a glimpse at the Sage's silhouette walking slowly towards him as he straightened up. Dressed in an icy-blue and cyan hakama hugged by a golden obijime and clad in a haori with a turquoise gradation on which silver water lilies' leaves were showing through, he was loaded with several travel bags hanging over each shoulder, as well as a carmine katana resting at his waist.
"Your sword. " he said, handing the black Tsurugi to the boy when he had joined him.
The latter simply nodded with a smile by way of acknowledgement, retrieving the weapon whose soot-coloured scabbard was covered of several jufu with archaic and spiritual handwritings, and slid it alongside the first. For a second only, his gaze got covered by a veil of sadness as his fingers were gently brushing the hilt and he pronounced in a relieved voice:
"If you hadn't been here, I don't know if it would still be in my hands today. "
"Don't mention it. " Seimei replied, waving aside the remark. "Do you know where to go? "
"Yes, Ren took care of everything for me already. "
"Good. "
The sound of the wind all of sudden reverberated near them, the branches rustling in an almost imperceptible movement. It seemed that the time had come for the Saniwa to set off, but the saturnine continued to stand stubbornly in front of him, holding him back without, yet, uttering a single word... One of his hands abruptly pressed against his mouth when the dark-haired man started to chew the inside of his cheek nervously, a vain attempt to hide his mocking chuckles that hardly went unnoticed.
"What you're laughing at, you dolt?! " a then exasperated Shiraishi bellowed when understanding that his interlocutor had noted his uncertainty.
"I've always known you so straightforward, what are you so hesitant about? " he asked with a contrite smile, his head tilted to the side with curiosity.
He took a few seconds to think, preferring to choose his words carefully. Saniwas were mystical beings, priests and priestesses appointed by the gods to carry out their orders and protect humanity; And in a rather roundabout way, their involvement within this war against the Historical Revisionists was a fair continuation of their original tasks… However, it also required them to obey rules that were sometimes contrary to their very nature. Rules that some of them had a hard time adapting to, especially the one standing in front of him right now.
"Power corrupts. You've witnessed it firsthand. But I should perhaps remind you that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness corrupts the many. " the saturnine finally declared in a whisper. "Do not let your own weaknesses corrupt you. Let bygones be bygones. "
"Bygones, huh? " the Sage murmured, biting his lip forcefully before huffing half-heartedly. "You're right. I'm aware of that, of course, but— "
"I know. But how do you expect your Touken Danshi to see beyond their own pasts if you are unable to do the same with yours? You are a Saniwa, wisdom is your path of life. "
"Right. I'll make sure to remember it. "
"Aruji-sama! "
The call from that so recognisable voice made them turn around sharply as a kitsune was rushing towards them, the green bundle hanging from its neck hopping in a regular rhythm against his silky fur. Behind him on the path, the Emperor was standing still under the last rays of the evening sun, his beige and amber sokutai shimmering like powdery snow in the dead of winter. Realising that he had been recognised, he discreetly waved as he stretched his golden lips in a sweet, joyless smile and finally bowed his head respectfully before departing, returning to the castle at a listless pace.
"What was that? " Shiraishi gasped, taken aback.
"The sign that nothing will ever be the same again. " the cherry-haired boy indicated, impassive.
"What kind of mean character are you?! " exclaimed the little fox once arrived, raising his muzzle vexedly. "And to think that I pettifogged with the others to be the one who would accompany you! "
"Pettifogged…? "
"Forgive me, Konnosuke. I really didn't think you could join me so quickly. "
"Nonsense! You just forgot about me! "
"Alright, alright. Let me make amends, would you? " the Saniwa announced, bending down to run a hand through the animal's fur. "What about stopping by the city first to get some inarizushi before hitting the road? "
"For real?! " the creature questioned excitedly as he was facing back his master, starry-eyed.
"Hmm-hmm. "
"What are we waiting for then?! Let's go already! "
"No wonder they all tried to come with you. " the dark-haired man hissed disapprovingly. "You're gonna turn him into another Daisuke. "
"I'm not responsible for Daisuke's overweight. " the Sage stated with a shrug, the situation clearly amusing him.
Once again, an eerie moment of wavering passed, leaving them alone to their reflections as night was finally falling and that only remained the soothing moonlight to light up the bridge they were on. On the now invisible water of the basin, the round shape of the nocturnal star was reflected in a languid ripple, hypnotising the gaze and the mind of anyone who dared to expose themselves to its vision.
Turning away so as not to be trapped, Seimei nonchalantly let his right arm hang through his open haori, his empty sleeve fluttering freely in the suddenly cooler breeze, and walked a few steps away toward Kohaku. Then, stopping immediately, he opened his mouth one last time before leaving for good, a genuine and serene smile blossoming on his closed face.
"Hold on to your convictions, never give up hope. And do your best. "
"Count on me! " the cherry-haired boy acquiesced determinedly whilst also turning round, heading back on the road with Konnosuke and his swords, drawing a line under the Citadel of Time and his past.
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Two weeks later...
Mesmerising ochre glow, its flames licking the stone walls of the oven in a seductive ballet, always seeking to increase the heat in the place already impregnated with asphyxiating vapour. One by one, the charcoals were burning, colouring everything they touched in a dark black, staining his fingers and clothes as he brushed the sweat off his forehead with a flick of his wrist.
Sighing tiredly, he took a step back and admired with a delighted smile his work at last finished. After considerable time spent on it, special attention, and intense efforts, its original beauty was shining again, a masterpiece whose name had been forgotten for far too long...
"Aruji-sama, is everything ready? " Konnosuke asked in a serious voice that hardly suited him, popping just a head through the forge's door.
"Yes. " the Sage simply replied, cleaning himself up quickly with a towel. "Let's go. "
Carelessly dropping off the cloth on the workbench in front of him, the master and his kitsune quit the premises, leaving behind three very different swords remaining quietly on the worktable. A dark Tantou bordered with copper, or an anthracite with whitish and bright red lines, and a gold Uchigatana encircled with vermilion ropes, their names engraved on their very blades, Maeda Toushirou, Imanotsurugi, and Heshikiri Hasebe, were shining under the soft light of the day as if seeking to be recognised.
The walk through the citadel was done with more haste as his numb, trembling fingers were firmly holding the weapon with a flowery hilt lest it would slip out of his hands and shatter on the cold hard ground for the second time. His destination finally reached, he snapped open the shōji and entered a room filled with obscurity. In front of him was lying a sabre shelf covered with a large and immaculate white sheet, and kneeling calmly on the floor, he put the katana relieved of its scabbard on it.
Placing his palms flat against the object, he took a deep breath and concentrated, letting a pale celestial blue light diffuse itself. Cold, the halo suddenly began to grow, becoming more and more powerful whilst seizing the blade to become one with it, dazzling all around it. Slowly, an indistinct figure took shape through the luminescent veil and the cherry-haired boy stood up, the gleam softly starting to fade to reveal the person now standing next to the little fox, the carmine Uchigatana resting in his left hand with ease.
He was wearing Western-style clothing consisting of a white shirt, a small waistcoat, and a long black and crimson coat adorned with glittering gold buttons. His face, with deep garnet eyes and a slender mouth graced on the corner by an elegant mole, was gracefully surrounded by dark brown hair cut short in the front and held back in a ponytail at the back, the few locks falling attractively over his shoulder. To finish, concealing a faint scar running from the base of his neck to the hollow of his throat, was judiciously tied a plain scarlet scarf.
"Welcome back, Kiyomitsu! " the Saniwa exclaimed excitedly, a fulfilled smile on his lips.
"I am Kashuu Kiyomitsu. The child beneath the river, the child of the river banks, I suppose. I may be hard to handle but my ability is top-notch. I am always looking for people who can use me well, shower me with affection, and dress me beautifully. " the Toudan introduced himself with his eyes closed, his head tilted to the side whilst his right hand was brushing the air away as if it were a trifle.
Then, straightening up, he smiled with excitement and added:
"Say, Aruji, let's go shopping! "
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This tale was about the story of the bloody days of a certain Saniwa in a certain Citadel...
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To be continued…
Part Two: Touken-Ranbu-The-Hanamaru-Days-of-the-Saniwa
Since some people asked for it, I'll give you the translation of the names of my characters and places:
Tsuji Asahi (辻 朝日): Crossroad - Rising Sun
Izumi Ren (泉 蓮華): Spring of Water - Lotus Petals
Ōhara Kagura (大原 神楽): Large Plain - Shinto Dance
Chiaki ( 千秋) - Thousand Autumns
Igarashi Katsumi (五十嵐 克己): Fifty Tempests - Victorious Beauty
Shiraishi Seimei (白石 清明): White Rock - Pure
Fujiwara no Mugetsu (藤原 の 無月): Wisteria Field - Moonless Sky
Kikuchi no Sera (菊池 の セラ): Chrysanthemum Pond - Foreign Name from "Sarah"
Seiren (清廉) - Honesty
Tenji (天時) - Heavens of Time
Umeōto (梅王都) - Imperial Capital of the Apricot Blossom
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