Monday, July 4, 2005

No Surrender: Tragic swordsman, Yuukanmaru
*episode 3*

Miroku walks along a path through a thick woods. All around him are the sounds of nature, but something is missing. Anywhere, in this age, where humans do not reside, there will be some demons. Their aura will form a background noise for those able to sense it. Even though they may be harmless, they are always there; somewhere. But in this place, another kind of aura has replaced the demonic. Ahead, he sees a small mesa, forming a cliff in the center of the forest. As he draws closer, the holy power increases. Truly, this must be Yume Uta; the sanctuary of the holy ones. Even the strongest demon would hesitate to venture here with malice in its heart. Miroku knows what he will find; a simple shack, a great waterfall feeding a sacred pool, maybe another who has come to seek guidance, maybe two. There is no shrine keeper, it is forbidden to stay here for more than one week, or to return once you have left. While here, a monk or priestess is expected to make any repairs to the shrine, to respect the privacy of the others who have journeyed here, and to feed themselves from the plentiful forest which surrounds them. He left Haji at the edge of the woods several hours ago. Really, non-clergy should not enter this place; although there are exceptions. It is said, that this place is under the protection of a gentle goddess who ministers to the souls of those who have given their lives to the service of the divine. It is also said that, at times, she walks among the pilgrims as a beautiful shrine maiden, carrying a heavy burden. For centuries the noble Todo lords, in whose domain the shrine is found, have sworn to die defending the sacred place; even though they themselves cannot go there. Miroku arrives at the shelter and finds it empty. He leaves his staff and his belongings and fallows the sound of running water. The woods open, revealing a great flume feeding a pond which is surprisingly peaceful. By the water’s edge, he sees a priestess; sitting on a rock, looking away from him. Surprised, but not displeased, he walks toward her. His footsteps are masked by the falling water, and both of their sprits are overpowered by the holy aura; so she does not notice him until he sits beside her. She is first uninterested, then she looks in shock. “You?!?” she says. “Yes me,” he says, “and you as well, so it would seem.” She looks away, “What do you want with me? Did he send you?” “No,” Miroku says, “I am here to pray for guidance, as I suppose you must be.” She tells him, “One is supposed to respect the privacy of the other pilgrims.” Miroku rises, he says, “If that is your wish; but first I wish to ask you a question. Would you bear my child…lady Kikyo?”
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