Chapter 2: Huranaishi Otsutsuki, the first Great Moth
Midori knelt down reverently making a blood sacrifice and homage to the Moth on Nanusake's altar. From the goat's throat, dying in convulsions, fresh thick blood flowed, rapidly filling the stone bowl under the statue of the goddess. She stood with an empty gaze for a moment. Many days have passed since that night, but the longing for the mysterious stranger deepened in her heart, making a bigger and bigger hole. She smiled suddenly, feeling a growing love for the new life that was sprouting inside her. She stroked her belly and kissed the red ribbon wrapped around her wrist, the only remnants of her beloved.
Bloody gifts would be the norm in a tightly closed clan that has prospered for years thanks to outstanding female warriors who, for generations, have been carrying a special visual prowess - Shinengan - with high genjutsu abilities. Women of Nanusake did not need men, rejecting their company and reliance on male energy in favour of the independence of a Wild Woman each of them would carry in their heart.
The original records of Nanusake's dogma claim that men caused Moth's fall and her demise. Their waywardness, stubborn inhibitions, fear of a strong woman and obsession with control. The stories of the powerful Otsutsuki Seer, sister of Indra and Ashura, who was executed by mortals were well known by every clan member from their early youth.
Huranaishi (the seer, also known as the Moth, like the Rabbit princess), had the ability to change people's hearts by taking them on a difficult journey to get to know themselves, look inside themselves, and into the darkest corners of their souls. To get familiar with their darkness, bond with their subconsciousness. Only through embracing one's darkness, one could tread the powerful path of the Light. This, however, was associated with very unpleasant experiences for many, something not everyone was ready for, a journey from which not everyone returned unscathed. Moth took people on a journey through the Abyss, like Virgil showing Dante around the nine circles of Hell. Only a few have been able to extract the incredible treasures and abilities from the Moth experience. Many people, especially men, became hostile towards Moth because of the fear of losing control, losing themselves. Whatever identities they desperately clung to.
The prophetess lived on a lonely mountain, on which, years later, Takigakure was built. She parted ways with her brothers when each went their separate ways to discover and change the world, choosing a solitary path. People would come to her for advice and therapeutic experiences. However, as things began to happen years later, Huranaishi, once respected, began to be ostracised by people in nearby villages. The same people she tried to show their light to.
The flames… lick at my feet.
Their hearts, full of hate. What they don't understand, they condemn,
What they can't comprehend, must meet its ends…
Huranaishi, having the ability to see the future, knew what fate awaited her soon. However, she wanted to help as many people as possible during her lifetime, to change as many hearts as she could, and perhaps to help humanity live in harmony and prevent wars and hatred, just as her mother, Kaguya, had wanted.
But I won't scream, won't give them that satisfaction, no I won't confess my thoughts into actions…
Yes, I breathe deep and prepare for my passage…
She knew they would come for her soon. With torches, clenched fists, chains and hearts filled with hate and fear, pitch black like the Abyss.
I hear them chant… burn the witch.*
Author's Notes:
*Shawn James - Burn the Witch
Text in italics is lyrics from songs that will be referenced at the end of each chapter.