Do not always expect to have chapters so soon. Afterall I still haven't finished the story, but hopefully I will sooner than later.
Disclaimer: You know the drill =]
Chapter 2
"Premonition"
1862
Kaoru has barely nine months - not even a year - living at the shrine when she learns of the loss of more believers.
It was to be expected, considering the great rise of Buddhism in recent years. The temples and shrines seem to be in some kind of religious war. It is not that she's upset – although she is concerned – it is rather the irony of seeing that groups that should promote peace are engaging in violent acts. Although they are not exactly the clergy themselves, some believers are.
There have been attacks between certain groups, although she knows that everything is due more to the so-called patriots. The formation of the groups has been somewhat silent, but everyone knows, it's an open secret. Discontent with the Tokugawa government has become increasingly apparent, and the formation of the Shinsengumi only reaffirms that the shogun's government is aware of the risk they are running.
"Kaoru dono, you are trembling."
The girl blinks, interrupting her train of thought. Beside her, Yumi continues to prepare for the ceremony. It's a sunny day after a week of heavy rain, and the sanctuary has received requests from several families to bring their blessings.
"I'm sorry, Miko-sama."
The aforementioned sighs.
"I've told you several times; you can call me Yumi" The young woman assured her.
The black haired looked at her then, Yumi was beautiful. She had waist-length hair, a shade of brown that looked golden under the intense rays of the sun. Her face was fine-featured, her lips were full, and her brown eyes had a gleam of mystery in them. She was nineteen years old, and had been the main Miko for the last three years; after all, she came from an honorable family of priests, the Komagata. Kaoru sometimes thought that Yumi's beauty would have been better used as a Geisha than as a Miko.
"Yumi sama" replied the girl.
The brunette shooks her head in amusement.
"What is it that has you so dismayed Kaoru dono?"
"Is it not obvious? -she asks biting her lower lip- there have been more silent attacks; we've lost the support of one of the honorable families that provided the sanctuary, not to mention the list of refugees from the other sanctuaries."
Yumi looked at her in surprise. Even if the information wasn't exactly something that was being hidden, understanding the seriousness of what was going on was no easy task.
"How old are you Kaoru dono?"
"I'm nine," she replies, determination shining in her eyes.
The eldest was suddenly caught by fire in those sapphires. Sometimes it was easy to forget the age difference between all of them; she supposed that was to be expected when living together. But Kaoru was different from the others, not only because of her seer gift, but because of the innocence she possessed without being naive. Or rather, she wasn't stupid; she was too smart for her age, even under the young life that her pupils dominated; very contrary to their own.
Sometimes, when the weight of everything she had experienced was reflected in her brown orbs, Yumi envied her. She envied the girl's resilience and motivation to live, that positivism in the face of any tragedy.
"Sometimes you worry me, Kaoru dono" -she was the only one called "dono" in the sanctuary since she became a miko's apprentice, all because of her potential as a future medium- "Many of us were born in this world. Others knew it but lived it fully thanks to their families. And we all train between four and seven years to become a Miko."
"Yumi-sama...?"
The girl looked at her with some confusion. The older one seemed lost in her memories instead of looking at her.
"And sometimes irregularities appear like you. Girls who have been blessed with a gift, although it is rare that they come from a daimyo. Being princesses, possible bridges of political union, not everyone is free. Especially when Shinto lost its political force."
The girl lowered her face, suddenly feeling a little offended and hurt, all at the same time.
"Is my origin shameful?"
"No -Yumi stated forcefully- What I'm trying to say is that you're very young, and they've taken you from your home, a place where you were practically a princess just to serve others. I fear Kaoru dono, you will end up with many regrets."
The girl's hands balled into fists in her lap, jaw clenched and anger rising in her chest. Kaoru made an effort to let go of her temper. She understood her superior's reasons even if she didn't share them.
"I will have no regrets." She declares strongly.
Yumi looked at her sadly.
"Kaoru dono-"
"I will have no regrets," she interrupted, her gaze steady on her partner's.
"Very well," the woman agreed after taking a moment to analyse her. "In that case, you must accompany me in all my affairs today."
The girl was shocked.
"I only have authorization for the baptism!" she stressed, feeling between excited and embarrassed. That order undoubtedly concealed a reprimand, of that the girl was sure.
"You've say it yourself," said the older one, standing up to adjust her hakama, and Kaoru knew that what she said was true. "If you're ready for this life, then you'd better start as soon as possible. After all, the main thing is that you realize what it really means to devote your life to the clergy."
The black-haired girl was sure then that she had spoken too soon, but she was not discouraged. She bowed as respect dictated and accepted the challenge.
"Hai(yes), Yumi-sama."
…
They left the sanctuary heading to the village on the outskirts of Kioto. Their first meeting was in one of the most wealthy houses in the region, it was the house of the representative of the daimyo of the region. From there, they would take a car to the heart of Kioto, less than an hour away.
In recent days the shrine had been receiving many aruki mikos (wandering priestesses) most of whom - sadly - had fallen into prostitution. The ritual of ecstasy was originally not allowed outside the shrine, but since the Kamakura period - when the aruki mikos were born - there had been a degradation in the office of priestesses. Although they had also been receiving political refugees.
That did not fit with Kaoru's ideals.
Yumi waited until she was past the Tori to point out the girl's concerns.
"I know what you're thinking." She told her, the girl only cringed even more. "The sanctuary looks more like a refuge now than a temple of prayer. But think about it, Kaoru dono, isn't that the cleric's mission?"
"Even those girls."
"Including them mainly." She reaffirmed the chestnut.
"Will they really be used like that?"
Ah, so that was what was really worrying her, Yumi told herself. She must have known that someone with the heart of a rabbit like Kaoru couldn't be making judgments about people's history, but rather, cared about finding a way to help them.
"We live to serve, Kaoru dono, our lives do not belong to us," she reminded her. "Although you should not fear for them; the sanctuary for them is an opportunity for redemption. They won't be Mikos, not entirely, but they will be able to aim for Chokkai (entry level range), which is more than they will be able to aim for anywhere."
Kaoru understood. The current caste system wasn't exactly fair even within its own ranks. Not to mention that the nature of men - even those who lived to serve the gods - was inclined to perversion. On the other hand, the ritual of ecstasy was also considered a service of the miko to the god who selected her, but sometimes it could occur under other circumstances.
"You don't have to worry, that won't be your future." -Her partner woke her up from her musings; evidently she had realized what was really bothering her. She knew that Yumi was right. Being a seer, her body had to remain chaste forever. "That's why I'm just afraid for you" Yumi murmured at the end.
"Eh?"
The girl had barely heard her. She was going to question her when the older one forced her to stop with her.
"We have arrived."
A small entourage was waiting for them at the entrance to the mansion. Both young women were led to the main compound, where they were received by Kanagawa, who was the head of the region, a man in his forties, kind face, and who at that moment, looked pale and anxious.
"Yumi Miko sama, Kaoru dono, welcome. He greeted them with a bow that his guests imitated. "If you are so kind as to follow me, the doctor is still in the room with my wife, but everything is ready in the room in front of the dry garden."
Despite the situation, they did not have to wait long. When everything was ready, Kaoru busied herself with assisting Yumi for the blessing dance that she would perform in honor of the newborn. The oldest required the traditional rattle made of bells, while Kaoru played the drum. When she had finished, she turned to her partner.
"Kaoru dono, your turn."
"Hai, Yumi-sama."
During the time she has been in the sanctuary - and given the potential of her gift - Kaoru has been receiving special training in the language of the kamis and in the control of her gift. While she can't compel a vision, she can reach it with her fingertips through somewhat fuller divination.
She needed only to make direct contact with the person in question. Her heart overflows at the contact that has been made, with the heart of the little one through the union of their hands.
"Everything well?" asks the mother, a little nervous.
The miko apprentice lets go of the baby's small hand and straightens up looking at the new parents with a wide smile.
"A life of prosperity awaits you ahead." She declares, and relief is evident throughout the room.
Words of congratulations and support dance in the air; contrasting the sorrowful expression that has suddenly invaded the girl's face when the Kanagawa daimyo took her hands, in an act of gratitude, and with a bow that almost touched the ground. Kaoru shifts uncomfortably, the vision is very clear, and she ends up speaking before even making out the words in her mind. "Demo (but)… that path will lead them out of Kyoto for years to come."
Silence.
Kaoru feels the scolding through her partner's gaze, the rest of those present seem to be holding their breath. Yumi steps forward by bowing and forcing her apprentice to bow with her.
"I apologize for my partner. She is still young and still a trainee."
The couple look at each other before smiling back at the girl, only then does the tension melt away.
"No. Don't worry -exclaims Kanagawa-, the truth took me by surprise since we just received an opportunity to move to Otsu." He explains, making the surprise of those present even greater, who now look at the blue-eyed girl with something similar to adoration. "Without a doubt, Kaoru dono has been very blessed."
"This unworthy being appreciates your words." She answers, still bent over the ground.
…
The slap arrives accurate and strong on her left cheek. Kaoru staggers and manages to stay on her feet despite being jolted hard by the blow. Her gaze remains on the ground and she forces herself not to touch her pulsing cheek.
In front of her, Yumi glares at her.
"I trust you understand what you did wrong and rectify it."
The girl shrinks at the words of the eldest because she understands that she spoke out of place and that she could well have gotten involved in a political problem. No one had asked for that oracle.
Kaoru bows in reverence, hands clasped at her sides.
"Hai, Yumi-sama. It will not happen again." She promises.
"I hope not." The brunette looks at her, and it seems that there is a battle in her eyes, one that in the end she seems to have lost. "Where we're going now though, you'll have to make greater use of that power."
"Eh?" Kaoru looks at her in surprise.
They return to the path to the sanctuary and pass it. They get a carriage and head to the city center, very close to Edo Castle, but still outside the shogun's prefecture. The mansion they arrive at is far above what Kaoru had known until then. Even his house in Izumo isn't that big.
"I was worried that you wouldn't come," says the man who receives them in the visiting room, a retired general with the last name Kiyosato.
"We had a little inconvenience on the way," justifies Yumi with a smile.
"I see." The man concludes, and Kaoru can't help but feel attracted to the man's gaze.
Kind but cruel at the same time.
"This is Kaoru dono" She presents when she notices the man's interest in the girl when he interrupts her.
"The famous seer of the temple, daughter of the honorable Kamiya family. I know your father, an honorable man." And this time, the smile is honest.
"Kaoru dono is here to assist me in divination," Yumi explains, and Kiyosato looks pleasantly surprised.
"Is it possible to deserve a vision?"
"If Heaven allows it." Yumi smiles. "However, Kaoru dono's gift does not depend on cards. You will need to have a contact; at least with some of those involved."
"I see…" The man seems somewhat dismayed, as if that debate were a life or death decision, which leaves the girl perplexed.
What Kaoru doesn't know is that this is indeed the case for him, Yumi understands: Kaoru doesn't look as old as she is taller than girls her age, but she knows that that's not all her host is worried about.
In the general's mind, the meeting between an apprentice priestess and an apprentice samurai can easily become a complication, one that he cannot afford to occur when he is trying to make a political union that will ensure the prosperity of his clan... That even if he knows the unbelievability of the affair, he is not ignorant of the young woman's connections and the ease and immense power of a man's first romance. But, in the end, curiosity wins.
The man bows to the girl, his forehead resting on the tips of his fingers. -"Kaoru dono, I put myself in your hands."
Now the girl is intrigued.
…
Yumi stays in the previous room, in the company of her divination tables, advancing in it while the general guides the priestess apprentice in the direction of the backyard of the house, where the gardens extend.
A young man is sitting on the railing enjoying a cup of tea.
"He is my son, Akira," Kiyosato informs him.
"Honorable Father." The young man upon hearing him gets up almost instantly and approaches the newcomers.
"Akira, this is Kaoru dono, apprentice miko from Fushimi Inari Shrine."
Both young people make the proper references.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine."
For an instant, the man again fears the formation of a bond. Even if he can easily force her son to do his bidding, he holds him in too high esteem to go against his son's happiness. He hopes he wasn't wrong in assuming that his son had a fixation on who he had chosen as his top prospective fiancée.
But only the gods know the result of the said bet, and it is for this reason, he reminds himself, that he has agreed to that meeting.
"Akira, Kaoru dono is here to make a divination through her gift. You must assist her as she needs it."
"Understood, honorable father."
Father and son turn to see the girl, who is startled somewhat embarrassed by the inquisitive gaze of both.
"A walk in the garden will be enough," she blurts out hastily.
Beside him Akira smiles. And it's the kindest smile Kaoru has ever seen, inwardly she wonders if she'll ever know a better one.
"It will be an honor." He answers.
Much to the girl's relief, the father explains what Priestess Yumi has explained to him about how Kaoru's gift works. The son nods and offers his hand -palm up- to his guest. The black-haired girl accepts the gesture and places her hand on his.
They walk through the garden in relative calm. Akira leads most of the conversation, Kaoru nodding only when required. There is some anxiety that does not allow her to fully concentrate, but she can not identify the reason. She feels that she must recognize it, that this meeting, this person, will be important in her life.
"I hope I'm not boring you," he suddenly comments upon noticing the silence into which his partner has fallen.
The girl jumps instantly.
"Not at all, I appreciate the ride. The garden is beautiful." She says awkwardly.
"Glad to hear it."
And there's that smile again. To her own annoyance, Kaoru blushes.
"I think this meeting will be enough," she declares, more because she can't stand her own embarrassment than because she's had enough for a divination.
"I suppose it will be a long night of prayers" He laughs, and seeing the perplexity on her face, it's his turn to blush; a hand goes directly behind his neck "I'm sorry, I'm quite shy you see, I tend to joke even when it's not funny."
Kaoru finally relaxes.
"It's okay."
A moment was about to unfold, when Akira noticed the danger on the periphery.
"Careful!" He shouts.
Kaoru is only able to register the strength of Akira's arms as they wrap around her, and spin her away from the object that threatens to hit them. They stumble and fall to the ground. Her partner makes sure to help her up before turning on the culprit.
"Shinji!" He scolds.
Kaoru looks up in time to see the young man running to meet them, a smaller version of the companion to her right, but with a different glint in his gaze.
"I'm sorry!" he excuses himself when he reaches them, an excuse because there isn't a hint of regret in his voice and because he passes by to pick up the ball.
"I'm so sorry" Akira apologizes again.
"I'm fine," Kaoru replies, slightly intrigued by the newcomer.
"He's my little brother, who still doesn't know how to behave."
"It wasn't my fault," the younger growled.
Akira rolls his eyes.
"It never is."
Kaoru intervenes.
"It's okay, he's just a little boy after all."
The reaction is immediate.
"What did you say?!" Shinji growls.
"Shinji, no." The older growls.
But it's too late.
…
"Honestly Kaoru dono, what were you thinking?" Recriminates Yumi.
She wasn't thinking, that had been the problem. And as a consequence, her temper had gotten the better of her. She tells herself as she endures the scolding on the way back to the sanctuary.
The boy in question -Shinji- had turned out to be even more immature than her despite being three years older. Finding out their ages had been another somewhat awkward surprise. Akira was fourteen, Shinji twelve, and she nine. The older one had been surprised to discover how much of a child she was. Not young, but immature. And that somehow had bothered her in a way.
The conflict had only escalated after the first apparent insult. And ended when Kaoru's fist had landed on Shinji's head. The commotion had attracted the attention of the general and Yumi herself, who didn't know how to apologize at the scene. It was the older one who had come to his rescue.
"You are lucky that Akira san spoke in your favor, and that he himself is the heir of the family; if the places had been reversed – and seeing how Shinji kun complained about you vehemently – you wouldn't have gotten off so well."
"I'm sorry," she murmured contritely. Because yes, she was ashamed of such a display of charisma, a miko should be more focused; she reminded herself.
"Apologize when you really mean it." Yumi mocked, in the direction of the carriage that was waiting for them. "Come on. We still have a couple of talismans to hang."
...
General Kiyosato was sitting on the veranda overlooking the garden, enjoying a glass of sake, with his heir for company.
"What did you think of the apprentice?" the general questioned.
"She's a sweet girl," Akira smiled.
"Oh?" The man arched an interested eyebrow.
"But she's just a child," his son remarked, still smiling.
"You didn't think her to be just a child."
"I must admit that she doesn't look like one, not at first glance" he says, then he remembered her confrontation with his brother and his chest warms. "Shinji would be a better companion."
The general considered it.
Even if Kaoru had a gift, she was still a member of the Kamiya family, one of the main daimyos of the Izumo region. If he got an Omiai (arranged marriage) he could marry her to his son before she took her vows.
"I'll consider it," he replied.
…
On the outskirts of Kyoto, and near the village next to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kenshin faces a group of renegades alongside his teacher.
"This is the forth," the redhead declares.
During the last week more and more renegades have been surrounding the city of Kyoto, it is the prelude to a battle that has been heating up since the American invasion years ago.
"So now you keep score?" Next to him his teacher mocks.
They clean the weapons, and Hiko turns in the direction of the mountain, where the hut they live in rests. Kenshin takes more time.
"Idiot, it's not your fight," he reminds him, noticing the doubt in the minor.
The young man clenches his hands and jaw.
"I know. We don't belong" his apprentice grunts.
"Careful Kenshin." Hiko warns him, and the aforementioned knows that the man continues to measure his value as apprentice. "Your mind will explode if you do not manage to dominate yourself. Now hold that sword tight."
There is a feeling that has started to burn the boy's chest.
Rage.
He has begun to question what is the point of acquiring strength if you do not use it. If you stand for nothing, then why fight?
In the latest riots, more and more people are suffering in front of their eyes. And Kenshin doesn't know how much longer he can remain ignorant.
But it's still early, he still doesn't have enough confidence to move on his own.
...
It is late when Kaoru is consumed by sleep, but before she can even start her prayers. She had hardly done the purification ritual -cold water on her clean body- when the caw of a crow had transported her to a world of ice.
There is a young woman in the center. She is writing in a book, probably a diary. It is a white canvas where the black ink falls to turn red, the snow is stained with blood.
And suddenly the young woman is standing in front of her, her brown eyes, dark, almost black, seem to pierce her, see deep inside her. Her lips part and utter a name.
"Oh!"
Kaoru opens her eyes with a start, breathing air through her mouth in a gasp; she's still in the garden with her wet yukata and wet hair. She stays in a trance. She stands up and walks back to the building.
She enters her room, guided by the same black spirit that had dominated her. She takes the wood tablet but there is no black ink, only red and gold tints.
The black-haired takes the brush and dips it.
She writes a name.
The name that the young woman's lips had pronounced.
She traces the lines of the kanji with expert mastery, painting a white landscape tinged with red. She finishes the name and looks at it. The red lines stand out on the wood.
This one seems to be painted in blood.
Red.
Red like Shinta, she remembers.
Who was Shinta?
"You're wrong. That's not my name."
The crow caws again, and the girl falls unconscious for a second time. The wood tablet still in her hand, where Yumi finds it the next morning.
Kaoru doesn't have time to explain anything to her, not even to stop her. Trying to avoid a tragedy that without knowing why, hurts her as if it were her own story.
But by the time Yumi has sent the message to the Kiyosato household, Kaoru has forgotten the dream. And she prefers not to say anything.
While in the mansion, the general looks with pleasure at the name on the wood tablet, the name that he himself had previously chosen, now with the blessing of the gods, and smiles with satisfaction.
He walks towards his son, knowing that the name -once he reads it- will be the flame that opens the door to his happiness.
Under the sunlight, the kanjis glow revealing the name of the bride-to-be.
…
Yukishiro Tomoe.
A/N: Please, be kind with my grammar xD
