Hello everyone! Happy Halloween, sorry it took me so long to upload this chapter, I've been doing a lot of stuff lately and it wasn't easy to finish. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy! A lot of things are going to happen and it will be ugly...
Stories are wild animals...
if you let them loose,
who knows what havoc they may wreak.
- A Monster calls by Patrick Ness
Chapter 6: Seeking the answers
~ Goku's P.O.V.~
The turtle clung on my back when we got closer to our destination, it's another beautiful day today though Bulma doesn't look happy at all. A huge stranger earlier greeted us with an unfriendly vibe, he wanted to eat my new friend and in the end, I was able to beat him. I remember what my Grandpa and Mommy would tell me.
" Never leave your friends behind if they're in danger, Goku."
" Always give a helping hand to those in need, sweetheart..."
The clouds look bigger than usual, I smell a familiar refreshing breeze. I inhale deeply, longing to feel some more. There were a lot of coconut trees everywhere, the sight of it makes me hungry, I haven't eaten any breakfast yet.
I licked my lips as I imagined the food I can find later, I still miss Grandpa and Mommy's cooking though but anything will do! I heard a different kind of noise below me, I noticed there was some kind of strange colored dust on my feet, it has a golden color and they tickle my ankles. The feeling made me more excited to see where the sea is.
" There it is Goku! We found it!" Bulma shouted with excitement, my eyes widen in awe to see the most beautiful scenery ever.
" No way..." I whisper under my breath, a scene like this looks impossible as if it's from a dream. Mr. Turtle in excitement, he's almost home now.
Grandpa Gohan always told me stories about the sea, he always mentioned that it's bigger than any lakes or rivers. I never knew that I could see it in person, it's bluer than the sky and the water shines like crystals. My eyes brimmed with excitement knowing that this is another story that I could tell to Mommy when she comes back and someday I might bring her here too.
" Look! Look! We're really here! It's huge! And Blue! And beautiful!" I heard Bulma chuckled behind me after hearing what I just said, I got closer to the water and watched as the waves splashed wildly. The spray of seawater hits my face but I didn't mind feeling it dripping down my chin.
" Isn't it beautiful Goku?" Bulma went off her motorcycle and stood beside me, she stretched her arms in the arm as the ocean breeze hits us. The turtle slowly got off my back then crawled smoothly, he sighed in relief when his body felt the sand.
" Yeah, it's so beautiful...I've never dreamed being in a place like this!" I exclaimed happily, a lot of seagulls flew in the sky, it felt like they're welcoming the three of us. I wonder if my mommy has seen the ocean before, she always talked about me about her adventures when she was young but never mentioned about the sea.
My face frowned a bit, I miss everything about my mommy. I miss looking at her red eyes, combing her long hair, hearing her voice and eating her food. Deep inside I always thought that she would come back tomorrow, Grandpa always promised that she'll come home. I heard Mr. Turtle talking to me but it's all a blur to me at the moment.
I slowly brightened up, she might be home right now, waiting for me. But first I need to help Bulma find the Dragon balls and make her wish! Boy, I'm excited to see what it looks like.
" I never would have made it if it wasn't for you!" Mr. Turtle had tears in his eyes, he has been looking for his home for almost a year. It's no easy task for a turtle like him to travel. At last! He's finally a few steps ahead towards home.
" Anytime!"
" Hey, can you wait there for a minute? There is a gift that I want to give you after what you've done for me!" I suddenly felt excited, the only people who gave me gifts were my family. I wonder what kind of gift he will give to us? Maybe it's a dragon ball or FOOD! My mouth watered at the thought of a hearty breakfast, I'm so hungry!
With that Mr. Turtle swam away, Bulma kept on ranting about a stupid shell. I just enjoyed the view, I rolled my pants up then felt the cold sensation of the water. I sighed happily, there were tiny fishes swimming around in a mere distance and crabs walking on the sand.
I walked even further, my eyes wandered around the whole place. There might be some delicious food around here, my throat was a bit dry. Maybe some ocean water might suffice!
" Hey Kid! What are you- Goku, I wouldn't do that if I were you..." Bulma walked towards me while holding up her skirts. I took a sip of the water; my spine tingled at the taste and spit it out. I coughed violently, it wouldn't leave my tongue.
" EWWW! The water's too salty!" I spat out, Bulma laughed loud behind me. I stared at her in wonder but I kept spitting.
" That's because it's sea water silly! All oceans taste like that!" Bulma continued to laugh, I sadly tried to get rid of the taste but no matter how much I tried it still wouldn't leave.
A few moments later Bulma and I decided to stay in the sand, I was trying to make a castle but we stopped when we saw the turtle heading back with an old back on top of his shell. He was wearing sunglasses, an orange button up shirt and he held some kind of cane.
I wonder who it is?
~ A few days later in Suika's P.O.V.~
It wasn't easy for me for the past few days, my eyes twitched from the lack of sleep and tried to stay focused again. I rubbed my eyes carefully and took notice of my surroundings and groaned in annoyance.
The dream was surreal, I really thought I was back home with my son and father. I shrugged my shoulders sadly then flipped the pages of the useless books. I can't stop looking for the room that Budou was talking about.
I turned this room upside down for a week already, there are no secret diaries around this place or hidden trap rooms. Thankfully the village Elder allowed me to stay here as long as I like, I fooled him about studying the disease even further and finding a cure.
My vision got blurry again, I yawned rather loudly and tried to keep myself awake. My eyes scanned through the words, sentences and dialogues but nothing helped at all. A cold air passed by my nape causing me to jerk away, I stood up carefully and walked over to the balcony.
It's getting really late, the moon in the sky is beautiful as ever. My thoughts swirled about Goku, is he eating right, is he getting enough sleep or has he taken his training seriously? I'm sure he's missing me very much, there is no doubt about it.
" Just give me more time Goku...I'm almost close to the truth..."
As I returned inside I saw a figure standing behind the row of bookshelves. I raise my brows in curiosity, all I know this place is not haunted. Unless it's that wretched woman, Satsuma. I closed the doors behind me and walked closer to the figure, the body is getting visible every step I take. I know too well who it was...
" If you're here to make fun of me then go ahead, do your worst. I'm not going to leave this village no matter what you say...Satsu-baka" I growled at her, she slowly emerged from her hiding place. her eyes glowed red in the darkness and her hallow look gave me the chills. This woman really intimidates me a lot, she approached me slowly with tears slipping down her face.
" Just leave...Now...This is a prison... Please..." She urged me once again, I crossed my arms around my chest and just stood there with a mocking grin.
" You can't make me..." I said to the desperate wretch, she glided towards me within a second. Her hair long raven hair swept behind her as if she's wearing a heavy veil, this made me start having goosebumps. Satsuma looks more like a Harionago, a stunning woman with long hair. She kills anyone with morphing her hair into weapons.
" Leave...I'm asking nicely now...Please...It's for your own good! Your life will be in danger here!" The woman landed her hand on my shoulder, her red eyes were filled with so much concern. What did she mean by that? I wanted to slap it away but I just stood there with a frown. My head started to run thoughts about her, she kept telling me to leave, for what?
What grudge does she have for this village anyway? I thought she's supposed to be the living saint for Kami knows how many years. Her red eyes hold so much darkness, my heart quenched when pity is started to rise in my chest.
" Why? What's the deal? Why do you want me to leave so bad? Why don't you tell me then?!" I asked the distressed woman, her eyes pierced mine. Tears of blood slip down her cheeks in such a grotesque manner, I wanted to flinch away yet somehow it would be rude.
Satsuma started sobbing badly, it feels like I've insulted her. Hers tears won't stop dripping down the floor, to my amazement it didn't leave any stain instead it faded as if it's nothing. The woman touched my cheek softly like my mother would do and leaned closer to my ear.
" Please...You'll be in danger! I'm sorry just leave...Leave. This is a prison...Don't you want to see your son again? You've been gone from Mt. Paozu for too long, I'm sure he longs to see his mommy...Don't you agree, Suika?" A tear escape from my right eye, everything she said is all true. I couldn't handle the pain I've been hiding for so long, it has been gnawing my heart for a while. I long to see my family again, even if it's just for a while.
She caressed my cheek as if she cares of me, I stopped thinking about the village and imagine the smiling face of Goku, this made my lips tug upwards. Just picturing him in my mind gives me so much strength, all I care about is him, my little boy.
" Goku...My son..." I whispered under my breath, I noticed that Satsuma's eyes turned black. Her tears were still slipping her pale cheeks, I feel like she's pities me.
" You miss Goku like how I miss my brother and sister...We are the same Suika...The two of us are the same, they treat us like dirt...we do everything and in return they just bring us down like we're monsters... Give up...And go home..." Satsuma grabbed my hand, she pulled my hand and slowly guided me through the doors. Why do I feel so sorry for this woman? My arms wanted to wrap around to comfort that woman but I realized what she was trying to do.
"Suika, don't forget about the village..." I gasped at the familiar voice, I sounded like Gohan's, it's been too long and I almost forgot how it sounds like. No, I can't forget him, he played a big role in my life! This loneliness is too much, if I stay here I might also forget what Goku looks like!
I might forget what he looks like!
It rang into my ears like I'm inside a long cavern, I stopped walking and yanked my hand away from the wretched Satsuma.I pushed her away with all might, the woman stumbled across the room with my behemoth like strength. I clenched my fist as I walk towards her, I stood tall and watch as she cried in desperation.
" Stay away from me you witch..." I growled angrily, her eyes widen in surprise. Those red orbs started to glow like crazy, she gave me a death glare then slowly stood from the wooden floor. I took a step back when the room started to become colder and the Ki she's emitting made me paralyzed in fear.
Maybe calling her a witch is such a bad idea, the lights flickered, dark shadows were devouring the whole place and her eyes just stared at mine the whole time.
" Is that what you people see me? A witch?! How...DARE...You...Ungrateful whore...Ingrate...You're all ungrateful...I did everything and in return you throw curses at me...It's not my fault...It's not my fault that they're like this...I'm not a witch! I've never been one! They wanted this and in return they're going to pay!" She scoffed at me angrily, the floor started to shake violently.
I hold on to one of the pillars like my life depended on it, making her angry is such a bad idea. She started wailing, I covered both of my ears and hunched over on the floor. It feels like my brain is starting to explode. All of the bookshelves fall over like a domino, the scrolls and books were scattered on the floor and to my fear the ceiling looks like it's going to collapse.
" I did everything! Especially for you ,Suika! You know nothing! You will soon feel my pain!" What was she talking about? She didn't do anything for me!
( Author: Soon my sweet...Soon...Sorry guys, can't help it!)
I gritted my teeth in pain, her wailing just got louder. My shoulders shook in annoyance when it turned into a screech like a banshee, instead of feeling any pity she's starting to get on my nerves again, well, like always.
I feel my Ki starting to rise as my blood is boiled in anger, I can't really handle hearing annoying screeches like hers. I slowly stood up with my arms supporting on the wooden pillar, if I let her go on with her tantrum, this place is going to tear apart, I can't let that happen.
" SHUT THE FUCK UP SATSUMA AND BURN IN HELL!" I shouted at the angry woman, I watch in curiosity when smoke slowly appeared on her kimono. Suddenly Satsuma stopped and started backing away from me with fear in her eyes, she shook her head as she whimpered in pain. A fire emerged from the ground, to my amazement it didn't even burn anything but her.
Satsuma started screaming in pain, the whole place stop shaking to my relief. Fire appeared around her and ate her clothing, the poor woman struggled. The scene itself was morbid, it caught her hair and flesh. It melted all the layers of her skin, the muscles are visible now. Her blood shot eyes were boring into mine and slowly the fire took all over her body until there's nothing left but her bones.
" Help me..." The woman whispered as her bones started to become ash, I closed my eyes not wanting to watch her agony. It's too much, even though I'm pissed at her I kind of feel bad for Satsuma. What caused this? That's so strange.
Everything has gone quiet, feeling that it's finally over I opened my eyes slowly, I gasped in confusion to see that nothing is there. The furniture is arranged as they were before and nothing seems to be broken. It's if I'm just imagination it all. I panted violently knowing what I saw not normal anymore, a tear slid down my cheek. What the fuck did I just saw?! What's happening to me?
her screams were still fresh in my mind, I noticed that the sun is already up. How is this possible? it was just night time a second ago? Dreaming again?
" What the fuck is going on with me?!"
I punched the wall angrily, my sanity is truly slipping away. I destroyed half of the wall and this might cause me a lot of trouble if the Village elder finds out, I glanced at the door when someone knocked. I sigh in relief and walk over, I opened it to reveal Strawberrie with a distressed look.
" S-Suika are you alright?! I-I thought I heard you screaming and I heard something crash...Just...now..." My dear assistant stuttered nervously but that expression changed when she saw the terrible mess I made. Carefully I retract my wrist from the large hole and smiled nervously, she eyed it carefully then shook her head with a small smile on her lips, knowing that there's nothing to worry about.
" Y-You know that the village elder will not be pleased if he learns you punched a huge hole in his new library...Your in big trouble..." I slowly back away with guilt gnawing in my stomach, Strawberrie entered the room inspecting the mess, I smiled to her innocently but she gave me a scolding look.
I actually feel like a little girl, but that doesn't matter, breaking something is actually fun especially when you're upset. He can have that fixed, after all he's filthy rich!
I am fucking upset right now, this is going to be a major problem, If I don't find the diaries...I'm screwed!
I walk pass by her, the long quiet hallway made me a bit paranoid. Every day and night I would check if she would bother me, even if she was burned I will still won't let my guard down. Satsuma might be lurking in the darkness, waiting to strike me with nightmares again.
My mind imagined about that wretched Satsuma popping out from the ceiling or even emerge from the walls. I shook my head slowly; the sleepiness is getting through me again. I kept glancing at every corner, slowly I felt a wave of pain hit my temples, I'm really tired.
A little morning sleep won't hurt a bit, the moment I was outside my room I remembered what my assistant said and this made me stop my tracks.
The new library, Strawberrie mentioned it a while ago. There must be another one around this huge manor!
" Shit..." I have been searching the wrong room, I couldn't believe I didn't know about that. I went inside my room and slump down my futon, I let out a very loud yawn then made a series of comfortable positions before accepting sleep in my mind.
After long hours of sleep, I had the best sleep in my entire life, there were no nightmares or other shit plaguing my head. I'm completely at peace, a perfect opport-
" Suika? Are you awake? Suika!"
Sadly someone knocked on my door and calling my name, my body jolted in surprise, I sat up then shouted that person to enter. The door slid open to reveal the village elder with a tray of medicine in his hands, he approached me with a grim expression. He knelt down and passed me the bitter tasting herbs before drinking the Gooey liquid.
I made a face after gulping everything in one swift motion, the taste never left my tongue. I drank a glass of water but it didn't do any good.
" How are you feeling Suika?" The village elder asked while touching my forehead, I lay down on my bed and gave him a weak smile.
" I'm feeling better, thanks to you and strawberrie..." I assured the middle-aged man, he gave me a warm smile but that slowly disappeared, I know too well what we were going to talk about. He doesn't seem pleased with my violent actions.
" Look, I'm sorry if I tore down a hole in your library...I just got out of control...It won't happen again, I promise." He only stared at me for a long time, after a matter of seconds he sighed deeply, releasing all the stress building inside of him.
We talked about how my research was going, mentally I've been trying to figure where the old library is located. I watch as he babbled about the condition of the people in the village with a proud smile, I kept on nodding my head and giving a firm smile to pretend that I'm listening to him.
Something tells me that he doesn't know anything about the diaries, he's such a goody two shoes unlike the council. Still, I have to be careful around anyone here, even the walls have ears. I can't have anyone think of me as a threat, it's best if I don't trust anyone around this place. Too risky, Budou said himself not to speak to anyone about the diary.
My mind kept screaming for sleep yet I tried to keep myself awake, I fake a laugh when he cracks the lamest joke and I would pop my eyes wide if he tells me about facts about life that I already know. There is one thing in my mind, Budou...What happened to him I wonder? Was he able to leave the village? Maybe asking won't hurt a little...
" Village Elder, I was meaning to ask...Um...Do you know a man named...Budou?" His eyes widened when I mentioned his name, I stare at him as sweat slowly appeared on his head and he tried to keep his composure. I pierce my red eyes through his, he seems nervous but I need to know a fact about that familiar man.
" B-Budou? Why do you ask?" The village elder laughed nervously, I just shrugged my shoulders and gave him a blank smile.
" Well...My mother kept on mentioning his name in my youth... She told me...He once worked here...Is it true?"
I lied to him, he scratched his beard and closed his eyes. I sunk my head on my pillow even further, knowing that he doesn't want to talk about him. Pushing him a little further might just do the trick.
" She even once told me that...He's supposed to be my godfather...But he disappeared from our lives before I was born..."
He closes his eyes and sigh deeply, he nodded his head, a solemn expression appeared on his face. When he looks at me again I saw a tear slowly forming in his eyes yet he held it back. He must have been close to him or something, Budou might be an important person in this village.
" Well...You're right...Budou once worked here as my advisor...And yes, Budou and Momoko were very close as if they're siblings, inseparable if you ask me. People think of them as a couple but the humble Budou kept on telling that they're only friends..." A small smile form in his lips, reminiscing every detail. Sleep slowly left my head, I'm too interested to know what happens next.
" When Budou found out that Momoko was pregnant with you, he was rather ecstatic and couldn't wait to see what you'd look like...The village people weren't pleased about your mother having an affair with an outsider, Budou didn't care though. He was very happy for her, Budou is really a true friend...He volunteered to become your godfather, he didn't care that your mother fell in love with an outsider." He said to me while playing the tiny cup in his hands, my lips tug up into a small smile as he explained Budou even further.
The village elder smiled at me when my eyes were filled with joy and warmth, talking about my mother makes me comfortable. All of the stress flushing out of my heart and mind, it's been awhile since we've been having a conversation such as this.
I felt touched with his kind words, I can see and feel all the emotion in his eyes. This Budou-man truly cared for my mother, every description made me want to meet him in person. Too bad, I bet he'd enjoy my little escapades in my youth. He would make a good godfather for me or even a father figure! But Gohan will always be my father no matter what.
" The people loved him Suika, he did a lot of good things for this village...He's like a living saint, a true descendant like Satsuma...This influenced Momoko to become a healer like you are now, I even wanted to make him my successor but he refused the responsibility." He said with a chuckle, I tilted my head to the side with curiosity. A wonderful man like him is worthy to become a leader, why didn't he accept the position?
" Why did he refuse? He seems fit for the job..." He ran his hand through his ivory hair then sighed deeply, he doesn't seem pleased all of the sudden. The village elder eyed me solemnly, I'm afraid this is the part bad things comes in.
" When I made him eat the fruit of Satsuma's peach tree, he started to become... Paranoid...he wasn't himself, kept refusing the offer and duties. Budou became weary, unusual for an enthusiastic person such as him...One day, he told me stories about his visions...He's afraid...I can see the fear in his eyes, he even cried about being an unworthy human. The council even thought of him as ill-minded..." He said to me with wide eyes, I can imagine all the struggles he felt.
The village elder trailed off some unexplainable experiences, the same thing that has been happening to me yet the things he saw was more violent. Budou have been suffering a lot, hasn't he? I felt really bad for him, especially for Momoko, my mother.
" W-What visions...What did he see?" I asked him with a low voice, the village elder closed his eyes. He shook his head, it must have been hard for the village elder to see his advisor acting that way.
" It was terrible, he said he kept seeing a woman...She always appeared to him every night...She appeared to be a young woman and later on he appeared distressed...He said she showed him horrifying scenes that no one else could imagine...Our Poor Budou, he couldn't take the mental torture anymore...A month after that...It drove him into insanity, Budou was found at the village gates...Dead." My eyes widen in horror after knowing the poor man's fate, that wretched woman had to drive him to insanity. The village elder's eyes swell with tears, he wiped them away, I felt sorry for him.
There was complete utter silence, the village elder started crying. Just looking at him makes me want to cry as well, a single tear slipped down my cheek. I know how painful it is to live through nightmares every day. A kind person like Budou doesn't deserve to go through that.
It's unfair of her, why did Satsuma have to go that far? What is the woman's problem? She's hurting innocent people!
They're not innocent...Every last one of them are sinners...
I suddenly froze in horror, her voice echoed in my head. My fingers were shaking in fear knowing that she's still lurking around this place, how is that even possible? I just saw her spirit burn, she survived all of that? I shuddered knowing that she's not very happy to what I did...
" Budou killed himself...The council thought that the visions were too much for him, it drove him to commit suicide, but Momoko...She didn't believe what they said, the poor woman had such a heavy heart...She told them ' He didn't do it, someone murdered him...Budou won't do that to himself. He knows better than to kill himself!' The council didn't listen to her...I tried to help her calm down, she's pregnant with you. The stress would harm her if she kept on stressing herself after Budou's death." I returned my attention to the village elder, he wiped all of the tears from his cheeks. I look away from him, after knowing what happened, the pressure got to my head and it gave me another bad head ache.
" From that moment on, the people started treating Momoko badly...Kept on shouting curses at her...My poor girl, I'm sorry...I always supported your family, haven't I? I cared for your family...You were kind like your Mother and Budou...Now they're both gone...I'm sorry Suika, I truly am.." The village elder held my hand softly.
My poor mother had to live through such a heavy burden, tears slowly poured down my pale cheeks. Who is she to deserve such an unfair treatment? She lived as a righteous woman yet village people had to torment her with vulgar words, she lost her best friend, they call her bad names and had to die because of me...
I'm not...I should never be born...
I felt the Village's elders hand on top of mine, it's too much for me. He wiped all of the tears way with his handkerchief, I slowly turn on my side and felt a wave of sleep overwhelming me again.
" You should get some rest... I-I'll be in the healing house..." After I heard the door close, tears stream down my face like a waterfall. It stained my pillow and sheets, remembering it all makes me want to disappear to a dark hole and never again return.
" Mother...I miss you... I-I'm sorry..." I sobbed, my eyes dropped like a shut door. I wanted to rest, my exhaustion is getting a hold of me again. Hopefully I will sleep peacefully, now that Satsuma's gone. But is she really gone for good?
Suika...Oh Suika...So this is how you want to play? If you don't leave this place, I'll drive you out myself... Until you break...
That was the last thing I heard before I fell asleep, it gave me goosebumps knowing that Satsuma's spirit is very much alive. I thought about the usual happy memories to make me calm down, but nothing could help me after all. There is only one thing that I could do...
Fight back...
" Break me if you want Satsuma...But that doesn't mean I'll stop helping these people...Do your worst..." I whispered one last time and fell asleep, I yawned loudly and curl my body with my fingers gripping the sheets like a baby. I gave a mocking smirk to piss her off, no one can break the Red-eyed Demon...
Someone kept on bouncing on my bed, I shifted to my side and tried to be comfortable again. This time tiny hands were grabbing my hair, I slowly push the person who's been doing the commotion. I heard a very loud ' thud' and felt satisfied.
" Mommy! Wake up! Wake up Mommy!" I smiled at the familiar voice, I slowly opened my eyes to see a pair huge coal-black eyes piercing mine. I giggled loudly as I wrapped both of my arms around my son. His head rested on my chest, he listened to my fast heartbeat.
A warm light fills my body, I felt the sure of happiness slowly course to my stomach, heart and towards my head.
" What took you so long Mommy? We're supposed to be training! You promised that you'd teach me Lion's strike!" He pouted sadly, I ran my fingers through his spiky hair and poking his tiny little nose then making booping noises. Goku stands up from the bed and pulled my arm, once I was on my feet my son and I went to the greeted to be greeted by Father.
" Ah! Suika you're awake! I was about to wake you but Goku insisted that he'll do it!" Gohan had a warm smile on his face, it always gives me a calm feeling. The three of us ate breakfast with smiling faces, something felt missing though.
My smiling face turned into a frown, all I know that I had a mission to finish and somehow, I felt contented to be with them. It all feels wrong, Goku kept eating his food while Gohan was talking to me but there were no sounds coming out from his mouth.
" Mommy? You promised that you'd teach me! Come one! Let's go!" Goku pulled me off my seat, the two of us were about to leave the house but I stopped him from doing so. I turned to me and gave me an innocent curious look that only a mother could love.
" Mommy! Let's go!" He urged me, I slowly backed away from her. From what I know I'm supposed to be at Furutsusarada helping the children to get better, I know how much I want to go home but it isn't right!
I closed my eyes and thought about being awake, I clenched both of my fists and started biting my lower lip. This was only a dream, a trap, an illusion that I should be avoiding. Satsuma is luring me into my desires, I need to perform my task at hand!
Slowly I thought about waking up, I felt a hand touching my face. I slowly opened my eyes and the wretched woman, yet she looked different this time. She looks much younger and pretty, the young lady wore a peach colored kimono and was holding an orange fruit in her small hands.
I push myself away from her, this might be another trap. I need to get away from her as much as possible, I scrambled away from her only to be yanked forward. She looks troubled than usual, some how it feels like she's trying to be gentle with me.
" Get out of my head!" I can't trust her, this might be another form of her torturous nightmares. It will do no good if I stay here any longer.
" Wait please! You don't understand! I don't have much time, I need to tell you something before she takes over again!" She grabs my hands tightly, assuring that everything will be alright. My body got tensed when she placed a hand on my cheek once more.
" W-What? What's going on?" I asked the young lady, she gulped deeply with so much concern in her innocent eyes.
" You must not leave the village! Whatever the other me shows you please ignore her! Everyone needs your help! Find the Library, from there you will find the answers that you seek! I can show you the answers but I don't have much time left..."
"No matter what happens, don't give up! It was my fault...I'm sorry! I didn't mean to end it like this...Please wake up! You need to hurry! She's going to kill the chi-" Satsuma yelped in pain, I was about to help her but she pushed me away.
Her shoulders shook violently, tears were swelling in her eyes. I noticed that the raven colored was being replaced with red eyes, I back away slowly then watch as she screamed painfully.
" Leave me! S-She's back! Please...STAY AWAY!" Satsuma panted in pain, I slowly back away and made a fighting stance.
The poor girl knelt down on the ground with her back hunched over, she was thrashing violently and to my surprise her skin was peeling off. Blood slowly slipped out of her eyes and I watched in horror as Satsuma's eyes turned red.
I wanted to help the girl but she kept on telling me to stay away, my eyes widened when she transformed into the other Satsuma that I knew. Bloody tears were dripping down her chin, I'm already fucked!
She's finally back! I thought that she's gone!
" You thought that you can get rid of me? You're wrong! You're terribly wrong...I will always be alive... If you don't leave...I'll just have to kill you myself!" Satsuma said with her voice dripping with hate, I gave a fighting stance then let my Ki flow throughout my body.
" CRESCENT STRI-" I was about to kick her with my attack but her hand swiftly took my ankle, she gripped it tightly and I struggled to get away from her.
" You will never touch me... Feel my wrath!" She grinned maniacally, I heard a sickening crack that made me scream in pain. She was able to snap my ankle in half, blood was sprayed all over the place.
" Fuck off Satsuma!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, I went to the opposite direction but sadly it was block off by some of the evil tendrils. There is only one thing to do!
I slowly step back; my blood is boiling like crazy. I let all of my rage wrap around my mind, my Ki slowly building around me. My long hair dancing wildly when wind appeared out of nowhere, I lifted my fists and grinned ear to ear even with the pain.
" Lion's Strike!" I punched the swarming tendrils out of the way, all of them were scattered all over like bunch of snakes. I limp my way over to the light, I look behind me and saw dark tendrils gathering again and started gaining at me, I bit my lower lip then shook my head.
Thanks to Father's training I was fast enough to outrun the creature even if it's only one leg, I chuckled in amusement, I feel like a crazy woman. It seems that this dream is not much of a challenge after all, when I glance back to my direction I gasped in horror to see a whole bunch of them crawling all over the place. I wanted to gross out but it's not the time to vomit around even if I'm scared of creepy crawlies.
I reached for the warm light, everything turned bright. I close my eyes and let the calming feeling surround my whole body, all I know is that I'm safe...For now...
I panted heavily, sweat dripped my head as I sat up from my bed. I immediately checked my ankle and it turns out to be alright, there was no blood or any broken bones, I sighed in relief. A lot of things ran through my head, that other Satsuma was desperate about helping the people, she transformed into a malicious wretched Satsu-baka too. Could it be...
" She told me to help them...No matter what happens...I should hurry!" I whispered quietly, I stood up carefully then headed towards the window. It's already mid-afternoon, I must have slept too long. I ran my head through my face, it was another nightmare that will haunt me. The pain felt real as if I wasn't dreaming, Satsuma is capable of hurting me...
I went out of my room, there was no one around the hallway. The feeling made me a bit cautious, she might be here and spring out to attack me. My feet made soft padding sounds, it echoed through the air giving me goosebumps.
I reached the Pantry room, there was one handmaiden occupying the place. I smiled at her when she bowed respectfully.
" Is there anything I can do for you?" The young woman asked politely, the two of us gasp when my stomach grumbled loudly like an angry animal. She giggled at my flustered expression, the handmaiden guided me to one of the seats.
" I'll prepare some snacks...Is there anything you want in particular?"
" Well...Can you give me lots and lots of Food? I'm so hungry and I haven't eaten anything since breakfast! Will that be alright with you?" I asked the young woman, she nodded happily and went over to the counter to prepare something for me. After that She immediately prepared some tea, the aroma of the Matcha made my head clear off my nightmares.
She placed a plate filled with Onigiri Sandwiches, Rice cakes and Potato salad. After a few minutes I gobbled all of the food down my throat and slurped the tea. I wiped my mouth with my sleeve, happy thoughts running on my head.
" Sorry about that...I gobble up everything when I'm hungry! I hope you weren't disgusted with my unladylike behavior..." I look away from her, she only giggled causing me to smile at her.
" It's alright! There's no harm done, I know how hungry you are Lady Suika!" She wasn't like the others, they always shudder whenever they gaze at my red eyes and they would stay away from me. She poured more tea on my cup, I gladly finished every last drop and burped.
The two of us made a conversation, turns out she applied last week. Being away from her family was kind of hard for her yet they're proud at her accomplishment. Working as a handmaiden for the Village elder is no easy task, you need to go through extensive training.
" By the way...Do you know where the old Library is located?" I asked her, she closed her eyes and tried to guess where it was located. The girl shook her head and sadly slump her shoulders.
" I don't know Lady Suika...I still don't memorize the Manor, it's too big. I hope you forgive me." Instead of ranting I just silently thanked the girl, it will be no good if I start arguing to a kind person such as her.
After requesting another wave of food, I went straight to the main hall with an angry vein on my right temple. This place is huge, it has more than 300 rooms! Looking for the old library will take forever, who knows where it's located.
Strawberrie and the village elder are too busy tending the children at the Healing house, I can't trust some of the staff or council men here. After all they're too afraid to talk or even make eye contact with me, it's not a great idea to ask them...
I wrap my arms around my chest, there is no other choice but to examine the rooms, one by one. If there was a map I would gladly take a good look at it! But Nooooo, it's going to make me awhile to get to the Old Library...
" If there really is Kami in this earth, I wish he would at least help me get through this and give me divine guidance..." I muttered under my breath, I walked at the east side of the manor. Too bad this will take long, I'm not really a patient person...
I was about to check out this room but something startled me, the area became colder than usual. I slowly turned to see the snow falling gracefully from the sky through a glass window, they were all closed. I clutched my Kimono jacket tighter around my body.
I slowly shake my head with a light chuckle, it must be one of my imaginations again. There is no way it's HER, being too paranoid is going to ruin my mentality. I tried to slide the door open but it was locked.
Suika...Over here... Over here...
A deep unfamiliar voice echoed in the hallway, I glanced to my left and right to see if there was anyone around messing with me. I shook it off, not wanting to pursue it but it echoed again. It was louder this time. The candle lights were blown off by the cold wind, making the whole place dimmer. My skin produced sweat when it started calling out to me again, I decided to go follow it anyways.
The moment I went further towards the hallway everything was becoming colder, the voice got louder and it went dark.
I ended up in front of a large brown door, I carefully tried to push it open yet it was jarred close. I applied more forced until I able to create huge crack on the door.
" Oops... don't know my own strength...The village Elder is definitely going to kill me this time..."
This place needs cleaning, there was dust and cobwebs everywhere. The bookshelves were nothing but empty and something doesn't smell right, I didn't want to imagine what it was and walked at the center of the room.
I sneezed when a speck of dust entered my nose, this place looks eerily quiet except the loud creaking sounds of the floor. This place is dangerous, I bet it's going to collapse anytime soon, no wonder why the Village elder had to make a new library.
" Hmmm...I wonder where the secret room is located...Budou said in the letter it's under here..." I eyed the tatami mat which gave me an idea. I lifted the dirty mat and threw it at the side without any care, a large cloud of dust puffed out after it lands on the floor. I covered my whole face to avoid it.
Once it was all over I slowly set my arms at each side of my waist with a smirk on my lips, there was a cellar door hidden in this room.
" See Satsuma? You're going down..." I said to myself with a maniacal grin, I wonder what kind of expression she's having right now. I bet she's probably pissed at me, she better pulls out some popcorn because things are getting better!
The answers are here, and when I crack the code I'll be able to save the children! But that's not the best part, I'll be able to go home and see my Goku!
I lifted the door carefully, to my surprise it wasn't that dirty. Maybe someone has been going in and out of here, I glanced to every direction to see if there were any person watching me. I descended down the stairs with a grin on my face.
" HOLY MOTHERFUCKER!" I almost jumped when candles were lit by themselves, the cellar door behind me was closed tightly. I tried to push it open but it was like someone locked it from the other side, I groaned angrily and started banging with my fist loudly.
" Ah great, someone locked it! Just my luck..." I slowly continued to go down the stairs to find a spacious room. My mouth was agape with awe to see how clean it was, no speck of dust at all! There was samurai armor lined up against the wall and old scrolls displayed on a class case.
This must be an old museum, old daggers and katanas were laid on top of the counters, eye catching paintings were hung on the wall and beautiful multi colored kimonos lay on a huge table. What surprised me was the peach colored Kimono, like the one that the younger Satsuma wore in my vision.
Something caught my eye, there was a huge Wicker basket beside the Kimono. I push off the Lid, my eyes widened when I saw worn out notebooks inside. I took one of them with care, there was no label on the covers.
" This is it... It's similar to the other diary..." I flip the notebook open, there were a lot of faded letters yet they were all readable. I trace my fingers and tried to spell out the words. It said:
Dear Diary,
Day 18 of my training
It was a miracle, day by day I would go to the meeting place to train with him. I never knew that it would be possible! He told me if I practice meditating I will be able to perfectly control my Ki, that way I might be able to help Momo!
But he kept on telling me that I'm doing it wrong, my mind should be empty, thinking about nothing in order to be able to channel my Ki throughout my body properly.
This might be a dream but it isn't, I need to concentrate some more. I don't have any more time; my sister's health is at stake and I need to do it fast!
Oh Diary,I know I always telling you this, I wonder what this power holds. But it doesn't matter, once this is all over I won't use it for good. This is only a one-time thing, no more-
The rest of the pages were completely faded to my dismay, I set this notebook aside to get another one. It was no use; these papers are way older than me. Satsuma really had a rough time with training yet I want to know who was that creature she kept on mentioning?
He might be a mythological creature that roams around the earth, maybe a yokai or a deity. Who knows? I need to learn about the right answers and why the legend seems to be inaccurate, there were a lot of versions about Satsuma...
I flipped the notebook open, there were doodles everywhere. One was a peach tree, next was a weird looking fruit and the last was a weird looking creature with two antennas on his head. My eyes didn't leave that drawing until I heard footsteps right above me, this made me nervous.
" Someone's here..." I whispered to myself, I examined the chest to see that there were 10 more notebooks. I really need to get out of this place, I took off my kimono jacket then turned it into a makeshift bag and stuffed all of the notebooks there.
" Where should I go? The cellar door is jammed shut..." I whispered to myself, I searched the room to see if there was another way out of this place. My heart started jumping when I heard more footsteps, a group of people are here. Shit.
I walked at the end of the room, there are no exits around here? I stuck myself close to the wall like a ninja, something caught my eye. There was a small door near the glass case filled with Knives and katanas, maybe this is just a store room. Who cares?!
" I need to fucking hide..." The footsteps stopped, I heard a click on the cellar door. I mentally cursed myself for being an unlucky woman, I yanked the small door open and this caused me to fall on my butt.
Once it was open wide I started crawling inside, I closed the door behind me and sighed in relief. To my surprise the room was not small, it was actually a long hallway. This is some kind of exit? Maybe this is not so bad! I followed the long hallway, it was getting darker and colder like there was windows surrounding this place.
Follow the hallway...Go straight...You'll see a ladder...
There was that voice again! Guiding me once more, I wanted to thanked him but somehow, I might think myself as a lunatic. I took the voice's advice and went straight until I saw an actual metal ladder, I gasped and got shock how cold it was when I touched it.
I brace myself for the piercing cold, I closed my eyes when my skin went in contact with the metal ladder. I carefully got up until I pushed the wooden door open, this caused me gasp out in happiness knowing that I'm out of that place.
" Holy shit! C-Cold! W-Where the- No way...T-This is the garden shed!" I sat down on the wooden floor pushing the door closed, I might go down there ever again. The gardening tools were arranged neatly in the shelves, there was nothing new about it.
For a second I thought I'm a complete goner, why were there people there anyways? Who were they and what were they doing in the old library?
I should get back in my room first, I stood up carefully and went out of the garden shed. The first thing I saw was the peach tree, I glared at it with hate and immediately ran over inside the manor. It's chilly out there, Winter may be beautiful but it's going to kill you if you don't dress properly!
I snuck inside my room, I was glad that no one even saw me. I threw the pile of note books in my bed and sat down with a happy smile on my face. I'm almost close to the truth, here I go everyone!
I took the previous notebook and read the faded writings with my pointer grazed carefully, it said here:
Dear Diary,
Day 27 of my training,
I'm doing the best I can, the man said that I'm starting to get a hang of it! I'm so glad! Today I healed a wounded bird, it was a gruesome sight. Not for the faint of heart, the bird had two punctures on it's chest and lower body. He told me that a wild animal almost ate him and now he's forcing me to channel my Ki to keep the bird from dying.
I thought that it was going to die, he kept on encouraging me to save it. Tears were streaming down my face when it struggled breathing, this reminded me of my little sister. If I don't something quick it will die, like she will. This motivation made me to heal it!
I'm too drained, dear Diary. He kept on insisting that I meditate to boost out my Ki, but I think that a good night's-
Again, the rest of the writings were faded. I scratched my head in annoyance, this was the only part that was still readable among the other pages. I threw it over my head without any care and took another notebook.
Dear diary,
My brother died today, there wasn't anything that I could do. I did everything I could to keep him from dying but he gave in, it hurts so much yet he had a peaceful smile on his face. The worse part here is that my little sister had to witness it all I such a young age.
She sat there staring at nothing, like a doll. She refused to talk or even eat anything. I don't know what to do, this was far more worse when our Mother left us. Why do we have to deserve this? We've been doing good!
If there was a K-mi he would n-v-r -et us f-el this-
Damn it, I flipped the other page to see another diary entry. This made my heart quench when I read the first line, It said:
D-ear d-iar-,
There wasn't much that I could do to stop the pain, I already wanted to die. Last night I dreamt about jumping off a cliff, without a second I was already dead. But what I can think of right now is my younger sister's future.
She'll die without me, it will break my heart if anything happens to my little sister. Momo means the world to me, I can't let anything happen to her, she's all that I have left!
Tomorrow will be my brother's burial, the village elder's son was kind enough to help us. A normal burial cost a fortune, we weren't rich and we just try to survive everyday with what we have. He will forever be in our debt...
That will be all for now, I guess it's time to pray for my brother's soul for his safe travels to the underworld...
I felt bad for calling Satsuma a wretched-woman, losing her brother and saving her sick sister must have caused her a lot of pain. A tear escapes my eye as I imagined the first dream that I had about her, the way she asks for help from their Village elder and how she humiliated herself in front of him.
I would have done the same for Goku, my son and father are the sons that I have. I've lost everything the moment I left the village only to gain a new one, the scars and wounds are healing whenever I look upon my baby boy's face. He is my light...
I will do everything to see my son again, that's why I need to find the answers.
I skip some of the pages to find anything new, Momo got sick after a few weeks and this caused Satsuma to lose her mind. She didn't know what to do, she worked as a handmaiden to pay her debts to the Village elder and would go to the shrine every day and night.
After reading this notebook, I took another one. The first page was blank, the others were a complete wreck. At last I saw a page decent enough to read, and it said:
Dear Diary,
Momo and I had to move in with the Village elder tomorrow, after the witnessing the miracle I made he gave me a deal. Somehow, I have a gut feeling that this will not turn out well, y younger sister encouraged me to help the other children like how I saved her.
Oh Dear diary, What should I do? I know that helping people is the right thing to do but I promised to myself that I will pursue my power even further.
There are a lot of children that I need to heal by tomorrow, with that I will be able to pay my debts to him. The only thing that matters now is my younger sister's future, nothing else matters...
~ Next page ~
Dear diary,
I was a tiring day, I only healed 8 children and I'm totally drained. Like what he told me, I just need to meditate and rest to regain my strength.
People also watched me today, all of them were in awe as a rush of power flowed through me. They kept on calling me a 'goddess', ' deity' and a ' savior'. I don't deserve such praises, I was just merely doing what I need to do, that's all.
I can't hide this power forever, in time Momo has to know how I got it and for sure everything will go back to normal. We receive special treatment during our stay here, my little sister enjoyed all of the attention. Too much was handed to us, I don't know what will happen next...
I need rest, I'll write to you tomorrow Diary. Good night...
I skipped the pages to see if there are anything interesting, too bad I didn't get to know much about her training. The other logs were pretty much the same though Satsuma was rather uncomfortable living inside the manor, this made me wonder why she was acting like this.
" That's weird...Shouldn't she be grateful? Momo has a good life from then on and she can have what she wants with every beck and call." I said to myself as I stare at nothing, further read about the other logs until I took another notebook.
This made me more interested since it doesn't look old, the color of the cover was peach pink, it had sakura patterns embedded on the edges, it was beautiful unlike the others. I flip it open to see a name written on the first page.
This notebook belongs to Budou...
The letters were sloppily written as if he's either afraid or in a hurry, there were splatters of ink all over it and it was also crumpled. It said:
I finally found the answers why this is all happening to me, everything we know about the peach tree was a lie, it will not give you power but it will show you a warning and the truth. A young woman appeared to me last night, she claimed that her name is Satsuma. I was afraid of her but calm me down, the young girl didn't torment me unlike the other one. She even told me she'll show me what happened in her past. She was screaming for my help...
The villagers were small minded about our history, it was all made up and deceived us. I saw her in my dream...
The first thing that I saw was Momo was ill with the disease, Satsuma was begging their village elder to help her but there was nothing that he could do.
The second one was her training with a strange looking creature, he told her his name but offered to help her by using Ki. She trained under him for weeks, this caused Satsuma to have her power, just like in the legends.
The third part is where she helped the children recover, the village elder invited outsiders to be healed by Satsuma. It was horrifying, he forced her to work in order to gain money. He was blinded by power, Momo couldn't do anything but watch her older sister tire herself out. The village people worshipped her as if she's some kind of goddess, she masks herself with a smile but deep down she was screaming for help.
The fourth was rather saddening, Satsuma couldn't take it anymore. She prayed to the gods to help her overcome this, nothing helped her. One particular person was willing to help her, the elder's son wanted to save Satsuma from his corrupted power. The three of them were making a plan to escape...
The fifth one made my heart clench, the three of them were almost free, they were already far away from the village but the guards were able to outrun them with their horses. The three of them struggled, Satsuma suddenly had a burst of power inside her, causing one of the guard to become ill. Blood came out of his eyes, nose and mouth.
The guards suspected that it was her doing, they were able to capture them and deliver the three back inside Furutsusarada.
The sixth scene, they had Suika locked up in a cell. The Village elder packed a deal with the young woman, he was forcing her to carry out the duty but Satsuma refused to do it. They neglected her for days, starving her. She didn't know what to do...
A week later her younger sister was able to break inside the cell, the two of them were about to escape but one of the handmaidens caught them. The two sisters were surrounded by guards, the village elder was also there.
I witnessed something horrifying at that moment. They tied them with ropes, Momo was struggling violently to escape but one of the guards backhanded her. Satsuma's blood boiled with anger, her sister is far more precious to her.
The guards were frightened at the sight of Satsuma, her eyes turned red and her hair flowed through the wind. She didn't know the extent of her power, blood gushed out guards' eyes, they screamed in horror as one of their colleague's head exploded. A fountain of blood staining her dress, her hair and face.
" Monster! Witch! Demon!" They shouted at Satsuma, she was startled at the scene before her.
" I n-never knew t-that I was c-capable of doing this! Pl-please, I'm not a-a witch! H-have mercy please!" The Village elder pulled her violently, Momo watched as she was taken away somewhere.
Meanwhile the guards dug a hole in the garden, they threw her down. Satsuma cried, all of them gaze at the woman with so much hate in their eyes.
They buried her alive...
Holy Shit...
I covered my mouth with my palm, I didn't know that I was already crying. It stained the papers and smudge the ink, this was too much for me to handle. My heart was stung with so much agony, they killed her. Her little sister had to watch it all, a sickening scene for a young girl to witness.
I wiped all of my tears with my sleeve then flipped the notebook to another page.
A days later, a huge peach tree grew from her grave, everyone was at awe to see such a beautiful tree. The village elder came out with an idea, knowing that satsuma was gone he created lies about her death, the village people believed him and they worship the young woman like a god.
There was a reason why there was a tree on her grave, when they buried her half way, the young woman remembered that she had a peach seed on her pocket. During her time in the cell the handmaidens would give her food, there was a peach on her last meal.
Knowing that she was going to die she drew her last bit of strength and channeled her Ki to the peach seed, this was her thoughts:
' Someday they will see my pain, all of them will witness the cruelty of the village elder and I will all show them the truth...Once they know it...I will make them leave the village, this village is a prison...' She closed her eyes one last time, the dirt suffocating her. I never knew what happened to Momo, she was either taken away somewhere outside the village and she was never seen again...
Satsuma was indeed a kind girl, she wanted to warn the village people, she hated the Village elder...She was torn apart with the two feelings, causing her turn into a vengeful spirit who will haunt anyone who eats her fruits. Other Satsuma is pleading for help, she wants to be free from this hell hole.
I want to help her, I tried to persuade her to leave everyone alone and move on. Something is still bounding her in this place, I want to free her but I don't have much time...I already know what I'm knowing...
I'm doomed, they know that I read her diaries. All of it, they're afraid that I will spread the truth to the village people. They will kill me for sure, I need leave this place. This prison...
That was all there is, I closed the notebook carefully and lay it down with the others. My eyes gazed upon the falling snow outside, my eyes stung with pain after shedding a few tears. Slowly I stood up from my bed and went out of my room.
A familiar presence was behind me, I knew that it was her. The empty hallways didn't make me paranoid anymore, instead a felt guilty for being such an asshole. Once I was at the garden, I mademy way towards the huge peach tree.
My hand caressed the wood, the texture made me calm my nerves. I sat on the roots then leaned my head back on the stump. For years we've been worshipping Sastuma as a goddess, the story was told to the children as legends.
Turns out, we've been living in a lie. They used her name, her power and dignity to make a profit out of the poor young woman. People respected her for what she was yet deep down she despised herself for doing it.
" I'm sorry...I never knew... The answers...That I have been chasing was the truth...And I don't know what to believe in anymore..." I said to the tree, I felt a warm wind blew right pass me and there was an invisible hand touching my pale cheek.
I clung to her touch and closed my eyes...
I want to be with my Goku...
Please...You need to help the child...Suika, save them all! Please!