-Lately everything I do is a kind of hard, like my body started to feel really heavy or something… But don´t worry about it I´m sure it´s nothing…- - I told Yukari as always, with my usual smile and positive attitude.
-Really... - I said looking at me with narrowed eyes and then smiled again. He sat down beside me and looked at both temple gardens. Cherry blossoms gave a beautiful view and butterflies around them did seem almost otherworldly image.
-True… I remember now want you to know her- Yukari told that and then whistled in the direction of the garden, I waited a few seconds and nothing happened.
-¡RAAAAAAAN ! – Cried again hoping for an answer. Soon I heard something and I saw a little fox running down the cobblestone garden path. This curious animal approached quickly and jumped to the stairs and stopped at the side of Yukari.
-I told you already, when I call you should appear at the time… you must learn to be more quickly- She told that and took her umbrella then she bump the fox in the head with it. It only gave a little shriek and ducked it head even more.
-¡NYYAAA ... Nya ... Nyyaa ... - It cried several times.
-You're a not cat, you're a fox. You must learn that if you like cats, you need to respect yourself first… maybe when you have more tails I´ll allow you to have a cat- she replied the cries of the small fox bumping its head once more. Although this time the fox could not resist it and started to growl.
-No, No, bad girl, you should not growl… Yuyu-chan is here be more respectful- she said while keeping the umbrella over the fox head.
-A-Ahhh, n-no problem for me, I think you can stop hitting her Yukari-chan- I told her as she shook her head and smiled. Now that I noticed it was very curious that such an animal had appeared behind her, but perhaps she brought it with her from the beginning.
-Hmmm is this your pet? Why a fox? - I asked quickly trying to change the subject a bit and keep her from abusing this poor animal. Now that looked better was a cute little fox and as she spoke it had to be female.
-Well that's because Ran is not an ordinary fox, plus there are other reasons for which I accepted her as my "pet"…- she said to me very mysteriously, as she tends to talk often like that always having that attitude of a person who knows more than you realize.
-Well she is very cute, I like her fluffy tail. But it´s a bit small, I thought foxes were bigger- replied and noticed that it was really small comparing some drawings and notes on some poems.
-Oh, that's because it is very young, in fact she´s just a little girl, so I have to take care of her and teach her to be obedient from now on- She commented when holding her hand and pat the head of Ran. Yukari might be mean to her but I noticed that she looked at her fondly and I assumed that Yukari had found and adopted her somewhere.
-And did you choose to adopt her? Was it alone or you just liked her? …- I asked as I could not contain my curiosity. But then a bell rang behind the door, meaning that someone asked permission to enter.
My father asked for that bell to be installed before leaving and that allowed me to receive books and outdoor objects without causing major problem.
-The how and why I adopted Ran will be a story for another time ... Now go get that package- she told me cheerful as she take Ran and started caressing her lap.
I got up and walked towards the door. Every time I received a package the guards at the entrance go away so it was safe to open without fear of hurting someone.
I walked with confidence and push the door slightly.
But to my surprise there were no package, but all the guards and monks were kneeling in front of me. At a safe distance of course but only one was closer than the others, this man stood up and came to me with an envelope. He placed at one meter from me and returned to kneel stretching his arm so I took the envelope.
I got a little scared of this situation, I did not know what was happening, let alone wanted to get close, but I had to know the reason why, so I stretch my arm and take the envelope open.
I started reading the content, beautifully written and a road marked with several cherry leaves.
"I hereby leave all my worldly possessions to my daughter, Yuyuko Saigyouji. Now she is now the new head of the clan Saigyouji. Therefore you are free to take control as such ... "
The letter continued with some of the functions of the clan, possessions and lands, as well as all those who served him.
-Yuyuko-sama now we are all available to you and will follow your orders- interrupting my reading told the man who had handed me the letter.
I look and I thought I have seen it before, but did not remember seeing any guards with short white hair.
It was a difficult moment for me because I never thought to become the heir to the clan. I thought my father had remarried, but apparently he remained faithful to my mother.
This situation was complicated now, because I never had anyone as a servant, just because all the guards were acting under the orders of my father and confined me, but now everything could change.
I suddenly remembered that outside the gates of the temple, the whole world was against me. But now that my father died, I regained my freedom.
-I'd like to visit the grave of my father now ... - I said without thinking because that was my desire at the time.
The white-haired man stood up and took a step back and then look at the other guards, when they all rose and formed ranks around, while maintaining a safe distance.
-Very well Yuyuko-sama, we leave now if so desired- he said with a firm voice and a great character. Still, something caused a strange feeling, but maybe it was just my imagination.
-Th-this… n-no rush because it was just an idea, maybe later…- I said, the reaction was instantaneous as did not know anything else to say, because fear overcome me.
-N-not n-need it today, I will return now to temple- I was very distressed and as said that everyone looked at me very attentive, I started to shake and I turned toward the door running.
-So if there is anything you need, feel free to call me Yuyuko-sama, I am here to fulfill your orders…- said the young interrupting my escape. I turned my head a little and look at him, to just blush and run faster, pass the door and closing it behind me.
Yukari looked odd and I get to see my reaction, but then seemed to understand a little.
-I noticed you very agitated ¿were they perhaps good news?- I asked with a smile. She took Ran and put it aside to rise up.
-My father named me heir of the family ... now I'm free ... - I said as I realize my words, now the whole temple was mine.
But then again, a feeling of sadness came over me as I remembered that my father was dead and that I had not yet visited his grave, this made me sick.
-If you are free then you can do whatever you want… want to visit your father resting place?- Yukari said with joy, I knew now that I was free and that I would not need to hold into my pain .
I nodded as she approached to hug me.
-If you want to see him, please close your eyes for a moment- she gently whisper in my ear. I did not doubt it and so I did that, I closed my eyes and imagine how my father was with me the last year, his talks about the world and the changes in society, I recited some of his poems or just talking on any subject. This last year was the only one I had a father.
I opened my eyes and felt tears flowed from them, but then I noticed the change and I was surprised. We were no longer in the temple, but in the midst of a bush.
-This Is Mount Yoshino and here your father Saigyo Hoshi died under this big tree-Yukari told me as I admired the place. I want to know how it happened. How did we get here? But I just stand in silence as she me gently puts a finger on my lips. Then I realized that this was not the time for questions.
Looking at that big cherry tree I noticed something strange in a sense I can't explain but I held strong and I approach it. I touched the tree and knelt down, I start to cry again, at that moment I forgave my father then and started praying for him.
I give my goodbye to him, hoping he will find peace in the other world. I send a mortuary talisman to serve as a reminder that the tree served as a tomb.
That day sealed my fate.
Two years passed since that day and my life had become something far more serious. I'm twenty years old now and I have responsibilities for my clan, so now I order them from the temple.
-Youken, I charge you that provisions are sent today- I suddenly told the white-haired man who was kneeling in front of me, he was captain of the guards and responsible for many of the things I can't do myself.
- I will make sure now they will be sent immediately Yuyuko-sama...- he said and stood up.
-Don't overdo it; remember to also think about your wife- I give him encouragement cheerfully.
-Thank you for concern Yuyuko-sama, I will visit my newborn son and my wife as soon as I get back- he said politely then gets up and leaves the site.
-You're who should not try so hard… being a princess is not simple- I listened to Yukari's voice speaking into the hallway after Youken had gone.
-I wish I could take care of simple things like that... - I sighed and then felt this usual fatigue and a small pain in my chest, that lately been a lot heavier.
-Things have not improved… people are still dying at the tree- Yukari suddenly turn serious, reminding me the Mount Yoshino was now the resting place for hundreds of people who died under the cherry trees. People feared and avoided the place, but the death rate keeps increasing for some reason.
-The tree continues to attract people ... Is really no way to stop it without damaging it?- I asked Yukari, but she just looked at me a bit angry.
-I can't stop it now, at least not alone. Its power increases with every soul that absorbs and is far more dangerous now, even for youkai so…- she said trying to avoid my eyes feeling guilty. I knew there was no choice, I had to imagine what she would say, but no words come out of her mouth.
Yukari warned me after my father died, something happened to the tree where he had ended his life. She told me that more people had been killed below the leaves suddenly growing abnormally turning a whole lot more beautiful than others. She warned me about what could turn and asked permission to cut and burn it, but I refused, just because I did not want to lose that last memory of my father.
-I fear… to use my power to kill that tree named Saigyou Ayakashi…- I told her my trying to be brave. I know the tree had obtained a similar power to mine and only I could stop it, Yukari also knew this, but she keep trying to stall it.
-Yukarin… don't worry about me. I will not live too long anyway. At least let me do the right thing as I let this happen in the first place- I said a little wistfully, she bit her lip and turned away from my sight.
I know she felt guilty too. The day we first met I sealed my power inside of me, but because of it, I was slowly dying. To keep my power sealed required more strength that my body could have and before I knew it my life was absorbed slowly.
The color change in my eyes and hair was caused by this, she always knew it, but she tried to keep up a false hope that someday my health suddenly improves.
-There must be some other way to stop it, give me more time… I know I can save you- she said trying to keep calm.
-There is no more time, you know it... - I said as I was invaded with sadness
-You know you can't stop my death, so ... now ... - I approached Yukari, hug her and rested my head on her shoulder.
-I ... I'm asking you ... to let... let me die…- I told with my sad and painfully broken voice as my eyes drop out so many tears that showed my fear… fear of losing this little happiness.
Yukari turned and hugged me in response, this time with greater force. She was my first and only best friend. She who made the most beautiful and happiest of days, who turned a cloudy and dreary day into a sunny and cheerful one.
I dont want to lose her, it's the last thing I want to lose in this world, but it seemed the gods that grants great happiness, one day decide to end it with a great misfortune.
-What was the chance that we ever met? - I asked looking into her eyes filled with sorrow.
-The same probability of seeing a star in the middle of a hurricane- she replied not letting me go. I could not hold back any longer and burst into tears again, sobbing into her chest.
My life will end soon…
That same day I wrote my will and commands that should continue after my death. The occasion and the weather were clear to finish that tree once and for all.
Yukari refused at first… but she knew that there would be more choice, even If both do nothing, the influence of the Saigyou Ayakashi would reach me soon.
That day I also picked up that small thing that gave me life once. I picked up form my room before leaving on my final journey.
I asked Yukari to take me to the place where the cherry tree was… She stood still for a few seconds looking at me, seemed silently lost in thought, so I approached her and take her shoulder.
-Yukarin… come on, this is the right thing to do. Please don't be sad- I said trying to sound as relaxed as I could. My eyes hurt and feel nausea, but I still tried to be as cheerful as I could.
Yukari was silent but I just hug her. I closed my eyes and waited. Those seconds were the most difficult of all my life because it was the last time I could turn back. Although my survival instinct was screaming that I should live, I silently reminded myself why I went through all those years of happiness.
Now there was no turning back.
I felt the smell of the cherry trees upon the wind, so I knew we were now where so many people died before.
I opened my eyes and realized that now the mountain kept an eternal spring with eternal blossomed trees, but at the distance one was bigger and majestic. Looking at it, so beautiful and magnificent was perhaps one of the biggest impressions I had.
-We'll have to walk from here… I am not able to get close without risk- Yukari said sorry, then looked to the side of the road.
-Don't worry I'll be careful, I can walk this much by myself- I replied trying to be happy, but I think anyone would be happy to walk to her own gallows.
I take the hand of Yukari and I cling to it as never before, I was nervous of facing the Saigyou Ayakashi. I felt that she stopped me, turned my head and smiled to my best friend.
-Don't worry… everything will be fine…- I said as she relaxed a bit, then both started to walk together.
The road was covered of petals and leaves, showing the most beautiful cherry tree at the end. One look at it so closely started to give me a strange sense of drowsiness, but I knew I can't relax now.
I kept walking and the shorter the distance between the Saigyou Ayakashi and me, the harder Yukari clung into me.
Soon the tree was in front of me.
-It's time… please take care of the rest Yukari... - I told her who tried to say something but her words disappeared. She stand a few meters away but still looked at me with pain.
-Thank you for being my best friend Yukari… Thanks for being the happiness in my life… I hope we meet again in the other world... - I said being as true as I could, my eyes began to mourn, so I face the Saigyou Ayakashi.
I removed the short sword from my clothes that look at it with some joy, because she this gave me a new life. This sword had released my doubts and confusions that night.
I grasp and lift the blade against my face again read kanji inscribed on it and I felt that my thoughts became clear again.
I approached it to my chest and place its tip at the same spot I did once. In my mind there was only one picture and that was to seal the Saigyou Ayakashi, only in the verge of death my power will return and I'll be able to stop the tree and its own life force.
I pushed the sword into me with all my might and effort, and then I took it out fast letting my life flow into the ground.
I felt a chill and pain inside, my legs began to feel weak and I felt dizzy. I don't know when I fell but the ground was now covered in my blood. I lowered my eyes and noticed that there was a large red stain on my kimono.
I see the tree from the bottom up…
When did I fell to the floor?
When did my body felt so light?
I looked to my left and saw Yukari running to me… The flowers and the color of Saigyou Ayakashi were very beautiful, I never felt so relaxed before.
-Y-Yu ... k ... ooo ... – I hear my friend's voice so close but could not quite understand her. I try to focus on it, but it's still hard to do so.
-The tree...- I tried to talk but it was painful. Yukari was crying a lot, maybe more than I ever did. She nodded as the petals start to fall, hundreds of them at the same time.
It seemed that the Ayakashi Saigyou is dying.
I was relieved and smiled the best I can, even if I taste blood and I cant feel my legs anymore.
-Y-Yu ... Yukarin… please… don't be sad. I want you live on and find happiness…- I wished her with all my strength.
-¡You are my happiness! I will cry for you, I will laugh for you and I will live for you to the fullest…- she told me shouting and crying, as she can't do anything to save me. She embraces me no matter if I stained her with my blood. It was a nice feeling… to feel her warmth around me. My body was cold but because she was here I could still feel something…
-... I want you to remember me ... please ... - I said sadly, she was the only one now that would know my story.
-¡I will remember for all eternity!…- I heard a little distant, wind mingled with his voice. His face showed pain and sadness, so he could only smile.
-If I could... be… be born again... I hope you can be my friend again... - I told her with my last breath. I smiled and felt my eyelids really heavy, my body went colder and I lost sight of her.
The light from the sky suddenly turn into darkness, then I stopped breathing...
-It's true what they say... That a few seconds when you are about to die, you can see your whole life before your eyes in an instant...-
- I guess that just shows that life and death are separated by a thin line... And that line is the small border of life that disappears when the person dies...-
"You are sleeping through the long summer days and long winter nights.
In a hundred years I will lie down beside you, please wait in peace until that day"