Saturday, November 26, 2005

Inumittsu
*episode 4*

Inuyasha wakes up in the morning and runs his hand over his head. Not to his surprise, he finds his puppy-dog ears have returned. At breakfast he asks, “What will we do today Konpon?” She says, “Little one, today is different from all the days before. Today, you must stay inside and remain quite. A man will come, and it will be best if he does not know that you are here.” Sometime later, Inuyasha informs Konpon that there is a new scent in the forest. She smirks and says, “My gentleman, caller. You must stay here little one; you must be quite.” Inuyasha makes a genuine effort to sit and wait patiently. When that fails, he creeps to the door and strains to hear. He recognizes the sound and scent of a horse, and he hears a man, “Greetings lady Konpon. You are well?” The old woman responds, “I’m still alive; I’m afraid you will have to make the journey here at least once more to collect my remains.” He says, “Lady Konpon, it is an honor to bring you these supplies each month…” Cutting him off, she says, “It is a burden: you were chosen for it because you are least senior among the priests of your temple. Now let me relive you of your parcel so you may be about your business.” Inuyasha hears the man dismount and say, “I shall carry it to your home lady Konpon; one such as you should not strain yourself so.” “No.” she says forcefully. “You shall not set foot in that hut until you come to carry my bones away.” The priest says, “As you wish, but at least allow me to carry it to your door.” Konpon sighs, but must have signaled her consent because the man approaches the hut. Not wanting to be seen, Inuyasha holds very still beside the door. Suddenly the man stops. He says in a hushed voice, “A demonic aura; here?” Then louder, “Stand back lady Konpon. Show yourself beast!” Inuyasha, still unbroken of the habits of obedience instilled in him as a child, shyly pulls back the curtain and steps out into the light. The priest says, “A half-breed; you no doubt intended to wait till I departed to ambush lady Konpon. This shall not come to pass.” He pulls a sutra out of his robe and holds it up toward Inuyasha. He says, “I will exorcise you; and rid the world of your abomination!” As he prepares to cast his spell, Konpon grabs his wrist with strength he did believe her to posses. She says, “Put that away or I’ll break your arm.” Shocked, the priest says, “But lady Konpon; surely you must see what this is.” She snaps, “I know what he is, and I know who he is; which is more than you can say. He is in my care and under my protection.” The priest stares from the woman to the child and back. He then says, “Lady Konpon, age has clearly deprived you of your senses. I must act now to insure your safety.” He tries to pull his arm free; but Konpon twists it around behind him and forces him to his knees. After he has spent a good 10 seconds struggling, she releases his arm and pushes him flat on his face. Walking around so that she is between him and the boy; she says, “You will go now; you are no longer welcome here. If you resist, I shall make good on my threat to break that arm.” The young priest struggles to his feet and races to his horse. As he rides away, it is obvious that his right arm is limp and useless.
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