MIRAGE OF BLAZE, VOLUME ONE, CHAPTER FIVE
Oct. 28th, 2006 11:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tammaiyaLast time I posted a chapter on this was over a year ago. Last time I WORKED on this? Probably also a year ago. Since which time my literacy has greatly improved. Twenty pages in two days. Whoo me!
OKAY SO MAYBE I'M PROCRASTINATING FROM BOTH STUDY AND CHRISTMAS FICS. SHHHH. All made-up words are kept in Japanese with a footnote explaining the kanji, because seriously, you can only write something like "Evil Spirit Barrier Grave" so many times before you feel really stupid.
In which Kousaka is described in loving detail, Takaya is grumpy, Yuzuru thinks Takaya has a crush on Naoe and Naoe is bewildered and unsure! And, uh, obsessive. Good old Naoe POV.
Becoming aware of a knocking sound on the door, the girl on the bed turned her head.
"Yes?"
The door opens, and suddenly the face that had been peeking through is the form of a girl clad in a brown-blazered uniform.
"It's okay if I come in, right?"
"You..."
"Hehe. Hi."
Holding a bouquet in her hands, it's Morino Saori, who has come to see Yuiko.
"When I came yesterday, the inside of the room looked pretty deadly, so I thought-- even flowers, but. Yeah. There's no vase."
"Um..."
"It looks like you're better today. It was dull by yourself, huh?"
Yuiko looks nothing but blank.
"Eh? Oh, yeah. You still hadn't regained your memories. I'm Morino Saori. The guy who came yesterday is called Ougi Takaya, he's a classmate."
"Ougi Takaya?"
"Yeah. He's blunt so he seems scary the first time you see him, but he's not a bad person. His looks aren't so bad either, huh? His personality is aloof, and his height is 178, so I think he's secretly popular behind the scenes, but how about you, Yuiko-san?"
"???"
"Startled-- so I was wrong. More importantly, have you remembered anything? Since then."
Yuiko answers Saori's question dispiritedly.
"No, still, nothing..."
She whispered sadly, and hung her head. Her straight black hair swings forward to hang over her cheeks, and her noble profile is like a Japanese doll... Saori gazed at that for a short while and spoke reassuringly.
"It'll be okay! You'll get well! You'll definitely remember soon. You'll remember, I'm telling you."
"That's right. I'll remember soon."
She knew instantly that the smile hovering on Yuiko's lips is forced, but Saori thinks that the girl who shows her fake smile is brave. In a lovely gesture, Yuiko accepted the bouquet.
"Thank you for going out of your way, Saori-san. For someone like me, who you don't know and haven't seen."
"Oh, no, that's not..."
"You're cute. The truth is, I was a little lonely. I'm so happy you came."
"........."
"It's disheartening. I don't know anyone... I really am glad."
Saori's expression clouded over. Yuiko noticed.
"? What's wrong?"
"Ah... nothing. I just thought, Yuiko-san-- your eyes are so clear..."
"No, really. What's wrong? All of a sudden."
"Mm. I just hate myself, a little."
She says honestly...
Saori's motives in coming to visit her weren't that pure. Her impetus had been Yuzuru's single sentence.
"I want to see that girl from the day before yesterday."
That Saori, beside him, heard the words and was startled goes without saying. It's an alarming situation, Yuzuru saying such things as "I want to see her" about another girl. However, her opponent is the beautiful girl of yesterday who lost her memories! Saori had single-mindedly rushed to the hospital. She had intended to guard against an attack. Which is to say,
(Let's palm Ougi-kun off onto Yuiko-san and conceal Narita-kun!)
-- was her battle plan. Naturally, all Yuzuru had intended was to gain some clues verifying who was possessing him, and she'd misunderstood terribly. While Saori had a smile on her face, that had meant she was set up for war, but....
Before Yuiko's pure smiling face, that had gradually withered away. So, she was completely dejected.
(I'm such a horrible person...)
If she thinks about it, it's not as though Yuiko is in a situation where she's going to be talking about boys. She doesn't even know who she is. She's lonely and sad, and probably uneasy. Because Yuiko is truly lonely, she's probably genuinely happy that someone would come to visit her. And yet, without even thinking about what a serious condition she was in or her feelings...
(What a narrow-minded person. That's what I was.)
She started to condemn herself.
(That really was a case of love is blind, huh.)
... It seems as though something is wrong.
(That's right. Now's not the time to be infatuated with a boy. The one I've got to be strong for now is Yuiko-san. After all, right now female friends are more important than love!)
Oddly, strength flows into Saori's fists.
"Yuiko-san. I'm here, so start getting better. You can't lose!"
"Saori-san is so amusing."
"Eh... Ah, really?"
Yuiko is giggling. Such a pretty way of laughing is something Saori can't imitate either.
"Aah... Then."
Saori looks outside, intending it as a follow-up.
"The weather's nice, huh. It's a waste to be inside a room like this, don't you think."
"?"
"Your physical condition seems fine. So, if the doctor says its okay, you've come all this way. I'll take you sightseeing around Matsumoto."
"Eh, really?"
"Looking at your school uniform, it doesn't look like you're from near Matsumoto. I remembered that's not the reason why you're in hospital, so maybe going outside would be good stimulation?"
Yuiko's expression lit up suddenly.
"I want to, I want to go. Take me out."
"Then, straight away, how about tomorrow?"
"Yes, yes. Tomorrow, tomorrow."
"If you don't get permission, I'm breaking it off!"
"That's fine!"
"It's a deal!"
"Kyaaa, this is great!"
The two of them are getting along well.
Clapping their hands in high spirits, Yuiko and Saori had hit it off completely.
Swelling with chatter of this and that, Saori stayed until near six.
"Well, I'll see you again tomorrow!"
"Mm. Thanks for today."
"Even if you're lonely, don't cry. Seeya!"
So saying, Saori left the room.
The door closes slowly.
Watching after that... Yuiko unexpectedly murmured.
"Kousaka..."
Behind her, the curtain is stirred by the breeze. Outside the window.
At the foot of a gingko tree, who knew how long he'd been there, stands a young man wearing a trenchcoat. He isn't very tall, and his skin tone is so pale as to be almost transparent. The man quietly removed his sunglasses, and eyes like black crystals were turned in her direction. What was exposed was a near chilling beauty.
Kousaka Danjyou Nosuke Masanobu called out to Yuiko like so.
"... My Lady."
Yuiko looks out the window with sharp eyes. Her expression was already so cold as to be near reminiscent of a Noh mask, and Yuiko responded in a low voice that was like another person's.
"How was his Lordship's condition?"
"His Lordship... it seems as though he is currently sealed within the host."
"What...!"
Yuiko faced him steadily with an expression like the Prajnaparamita. 1
"How did that occur!"
"It appears that somehow, there is someone who gained the knowledge that something had entered the host and took action."
"How..."
Yuiko became momentarily stunned.
"Whose doing was that?"
"I do not know. However, it is clearly a person who fears his Lordship's revival and attaining the rule over the whole of the << Yamisengoku >>. 2 Whoever's doing this is, that much is no mystery."
"Hmm..."
Eventually, Kousaka had become aware of the << Amulet Bracelet >>, but it appeared he had not been able to reach out more than that to an alert Yuzuru.
"Was the seal strong?"
"No. From what I saw, other than its << Protective Strength >>, that bracelet seems to have very little << Sealing Power >>. Perhaps it uses the strength of the host himself, and is a suggestion given to him to << Bind >> his Lordship. Even saying it is due to the suggestion, that is a << Power >> enough to bind his Lordship within. Underestimating the host would lead to very great problems."
"Is that so."
Yuiko smiled thinly.
"That person, from what I've seen, possesses the disposition of one with rare spiritual power. You may have been unaware of it when choosing him as the host, but I had to borrow his << Power >>. That is why he is the host. If he did not have enough power to reach his Lordship, there would be no meaning in choosing him as the host."
"........."
"The seal on that Maenzuka 3 was also finally dispelled by the combination of us and Yuiko's << Power >>. Yuiko is my descendent. It is natural that she should assist. However, so far as Narita Yuzuru is concerned, that was your judgement. Anyhow, the fact is that you have found me a good host. I send you praise. Kousaka Danjyou."
"Hah..."
"This time has finally come. No matter what, his Lordship shall take control at his leisure, and this mistaken world must be reformed."
"As you wish."
Kousaka spoke in a clear tenor voice.
"We shall ensure that none other than his Lordship will attain control. With this, let us greatly change the appearance of the << Yamisengoku >>."
"I will kick the shrewd Onshou 4 about. So that they do not know who is truly aiming to rule."
"Haa."
Watching Kousaka as he answers,
Yuiko speaks quietly.
"The one who woke and guided me from my temporary sleep is you, Kousaka. I am grateful."
"Without you, Lord Shingen's lawful wife, there could be no resurrection."
Then, he addressed her like so.
"Lady Sanjyou."
"........."
Yuiko's expression is filled with dignity.
"Is that so."
An eerily cold smile hovers on the lips of Yuiko, or rather the person of Sanjyou.
The shadow of the window sash falls on the floor.
"My lady. There is one thing which I would wish to inform you of."
"... What is it?"
"It appears as though the Uesugi have begun moving."
"What, the Uesugi?"
Sanjyou takes this onboard, and
"Uesugi Kenshin's hunters of vengeful spirits? Called the Meikai 5 Uesugi Army. However, as it was annihilated not so long ago--"
"I have heard comment that the survivors have rallied themselves. They intend to take and destroy the approaching << Yamisengoku >>. I suspect they will cause more trouble than the less skilful Onshou."
"........."
"Assuming that Shingen's Kanshousha have moved, it will certainly involve placing an << Exorcism >> on his Lordship. If he were to undergo << Exorcism >>, we would lose everything."
Kousaka's eyes glitter suspiciously.
"What would you have me do?"
"Find out what has become known."
"However, our opponents are the Kanshousha."
Sanjyou frowns unpleasantly.
"They should not be able to perform << Exorcism >> on his Lordship. There is no need to worry. If it comes to that point, you will prevent it. You are employed as our vassal."
"........."
"His Lordship's release has been previously decided. If we do not dispel the host's << Naibaku >>, 6 we will be unable to proceed. You will begin immediately."
"Haa."
Although Kousaka grinned quickly as he answered, Sanjyou does not notice. Sanjyou continued speaking.
"Even so, since the other day there has been one being whom I have been concerned about."
Kousaka asks in return,
"What is that?"
"Having possessed Yuiko and come to this land, when I first encounter with his Lordship's host, Narita Yuzuru, there was someone with him. Yesterday, too, he came to see Yuiko. He appeared to be Yuzuru's friend, and the girl from before called him ‘Ougi Takaya'."
"Ougi Takaya?"
"I cannot understand. He did not appear to have that much spiritual power, but it seems he could see the flames at that time."
"The flames? Did something happen?"
"Negligence. Yuiko took advantage of a gap in my defences, and rebelled with tremendous force. It was due to the inadvisably emotional state I was in having been reunited with his Lordship after being parted four hundred years. I suppressed it immediately, but truthfully, it was negligent. That Yuiko possessed such << Power >>... is something I underestimated."
"However, it is for that that she is my lady's host."
"This is so, but. No, the problem is that Ougi child. Something is strange. I do not think he is the same kind, but. I do not know his nature. I cannot lay my hands upon his true character. He does not seem to be an ordinary human..."
Kousaka stays as calm as possible.
(---- Ougi Takaya...)
That name murmurs within his heart.
Kousaka does not appear to know anything about him. However, it also appears that there is something more he is not telling Sanjyou. On the contrary, having confirmed that Sanjyou is unaware of Takaya's true nature, he even seems to be relieved. When he had first heard the name, Kousaka had assumed a blank expression.
"If you say so, my Lady, I understand. Let us take care."
"How will his Lordship act."
"As far as that goes, I will consider the matter. There is something I would like you to assist me with."
"And do what?"
"The young lady who was here before, Saori."
Kousaka's eyes glitter slightly.
"She's the one who was with Yuzuru yesterday morning. It seems they are acquaintances. Beyond the host being cautious of people he does not know well, we cannot easily approach, but if it were an acquaintance, his heart would undoubtedly allow them near."
Sanjyou became aware of what Kousaka was intending.
"You're saying we use that girl."
"At your will. If we remove the bracelet, the suggestion will be shaken off, and his Lordship's strength should overpower him. He should be freed from the host's << Reibaku >> 7.... My Lady."
"... I see."
Sanjyou picked a red carnation from the vase by the pillow.
"Leave it to me. You be cautious of the other Onshou. If you were to chase after someone attempting to get their hands on Yuzuru, or otherwise interfere with us... I would not mind."
Kousaka lifts his eyes. Sanjyou crushed the flower she held flat.
"Deal with it."
"... Haa!"
The wind blows.
In the garden, the sinking sun is red like blood.
*
In the west side of the town of Matsumoto, there flows a river called the Narai River. At around the same time, there were two shadows shoulder-to-shoulder going for a sunset walk along the path edging the riverbank.
"I'm sorry. For making you go out of your way to come shopping with me."
The shadow saying that in an apologetic fashion was Narita Yuzuru. He's a figure in plain clothes. In a dungaree shirt and jeans and white pro-ked sneakers, an ordinary high school student however you looked at him, Yuzuru apologised meekly with those words.
"I don't mind."
The one answering in a mild tone is Naoe Nobutsuna, the person who put the << Amulet Bracelet >> on him.
"Because there may be people aiming to remove the bracelet, I'm a bodyguard. Well, you'll probably worry even if I tell you not to, though."
With a short laugh, Yuzuru spoke.
"Yeah, true."
It was about two o'clock that day. Takaya had taken yesterday's "enigmatic black-suited man", Naoe, to visit Yuzuru's house. Facing an astonished Yuzuru at the entrance, Takaya spoke reluctantly with a sulky expression.
"This guy, he's actually my cousin, a guy called Naoe Nobutsuna..."
" No way. Your cousin?"
Naoe revised his greeting to the surprised Yuzuru.
"I apologise for having taken you by surprise yesterday. It was a matter of urgency, so it seems there was no time for Takaya to explain."
Yuzuru glanced between the two of them.
"Takaya called you...?"
At that point, Naoe seemed to surreptitiously elbow Takaya. After hissing, "Ow! Hey," at Naoe, Takaya answers, grudgingly from the look of it.
"It looked like you'd been possessed by a spirit, so I was worried, and my cousin from Tochigi... uh, what came next, again?"
Naoe pressed a hand to his forehead. Apparently, for some reason they had worked this out beforehand. Naoe jumps in to follow up without delay.
"Actually, my family maintains a Shingon sect temple at Tochigi. In any case, I also have a license as a Buddhist priest, so I think I can be of assistance."
The one who was startled was Takaya.
"What, you're a monk?"
"I told you that! Were you listening to anything?"
"No! Anyway, your head isn't completely shaved!"
"I'm not concerned with appearances."
"If you're a priest, you make your head round!"
"Presumably such people choose to do so."
Yuzuru, listening to them, was completely taken aback. This was certainly the first time he'd heard anything about Takaya having a monk for a relative, but...
After that, Takaya had gone home, and Yuzuru, having gone out, is reliant upon Naoe, who purports to be his guard.
Walking along the path by the riverbank, Yuzuru laughed cheerfully.
"? ... What is it? What happened?"
"Eh? Oh, nothing..."
Realising that what he was doing, Yuzuru kicked a pebble by one of his feet to hide his embarrassment. It's because he'd been reminded of how those two had acted earlier.
"Takaya, he really is blunt, and he's rude and impertinent, and he's short-tempered and foul-mouthed, and he talks back even to teachers and adults, you know."
"?"
"He always snarls, and doesn't really make a pretence at joking around with his elders. And yet, earlier, it seemed like he was joking around 8 with you, Naoe-san."
"Joking around?"
"Yeah. His way of charging like that, that's playing. It's the same as with a dog. You know they're playing when they don't bare their teeth."
Yuzuru's eyes rested on the flow of the river, glittering with fragments of the setting sun.
"Even I'm scared of Takaya when he bares his teeth. Because if he's not joking, his eyes become like a hunting dog. But the Takaya before was happy, almost like he was fawning."
"Fawning?"
Naoe looked at Yuzuru like he was honestly surprised.
"That person... over me?"
"That's right."
Yuzuru widens his eyes.
"Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but probably having a cousin feels like having an older brother who's far away?"
"........."
Yuzuru dropped his gaze to his feet, laughing.
"Naoe-san, you're a lot like Takaya."
"... Eh..."
Again, he is taken by surprise.
"Is that so?"
"Mm. Yesterday, after you left, when Takaya came to see me, I didn't know you were cousins but I thought something like, 'Huh? They're really similar', and that kind of thing."
"Why did you think that?"
"Well, your appearance and personalities are completely different, but there's something like an aura you both have, you know?"
"........."
"Huh? Maybe that's strange. Saying something like that even though you don't look at all like Takaya physically."
Yuzuru tilts his head, and even so, he laughs.
"But you're alike. Even now when I've seen you together I think that. Somehow, it's like I'm walking with Takaya... or something."
Looking at the innocently laughing Yuzuru, Naoe was deeply bewildered.
To go so far as say they are cousins is an enormous lie. But having been told that, Yuzuru entertains no awkward doubts in relation to Naoe. Yuzuru says the two of them are alike.
Alike. Within that word, what kind of meaning had Yuzuru included, with his sharp intuition?
(... This person...)
Had Yuzuru caught the scent of one the same as himself, as a Kanshousha? Certainly, he should have been unaware of such things as the existence of people like that. However, he could feel it without recognising it.
Assuming that was the meaning in 'alike', perhaps Yuzuru's spiritual ability is genuine.
In that case, if it can be reversed, Yuzuru's identification is simultaneously indisputable evidence towards Takaya and Naoe himself being of the same kind.
(I wonder if I should believe it?)
This is the sensation he has.
Takaya's voice revived in his ear.
"What kind of proof is that! If you're going to say something like that, where's your proof that I'm Kagetora!"
Naoe surreptitiously lowers his eyebrows.
(Perhaps I too am uneasy---)
Naoe had thought that there should be no way he could mistake Kagetora, and that that much was natural. No matter what Kagetora looked like, there was no need for Naoe to doubt that the sensation of distinguishing Kagetora from others.
There was also the uneasiness of being unable to find any news, but that was something that should soon disappear if he could see Kagetora once more. And yet, even now, it cannot be wiped clean. On the contrary, it grows much stronger.
Is Takaya really Kagetora?
Is he just waiting to "awaken"?
Naoe smiled in self-derision.
(---- Being myself, my spirit is weakening.)
Maybe that is his strongest enemy this time.
However...
"Naoe-san?"
Naoe was jerked out of contemplation when his name was called. Yuzuru is looking up at him.
"Yes?"
"Naoe-san, maybe you know?"
"Know what?"
"About the spirit possessing me right now. The 'him' inside me, that's--"
Faced by that straightforward gaze, Naoe's feet stopped.
From the eyes of Naoe, looking back at him, Yuzuru apparently happened to read something.
"I see..."
"........."
"Maybe."
So saying, Yuzuru laughed.
"Naoe-san is here, so it'll be okay."
"Yuzuru-san."
"You're here, so it's fine. I believe that."
(What a mysterious young man...)
Yuzuru's natural behaviour and natural speech calm a person's heart. Just by being near, Naoe feels at ease.
Maybe he really is an endearing young man.
Then, if he's not mistaking Takaya for Kagetora.
Maybe the person that worn out soul has to be near is this young man.
Not himself...
".........."
Naoe addressed Yuzuru gently.
"Please stay by his side."
"?"
"I will be by your side. Therefore, if you could please... stay by his side."
Yuzuru seemed mystified, staring up at Naoe, but before long he nodded with a smile like the blurry sunset.
"... Okay."
The sunset sky was painted nostalgic with Kagetora's vestige. However, before he could draw the outline, it was erased by the sound of a passing car in the background. Returning once again to reality, Naoe felt suddenly doubtful.
He wondered when the Kagetora whose vestige he'd drawn just now was from.
----- He'd had such wounded eyes.
1 Buddhist term meaning "the perfection of wisdom", i.e. the wisdom of all Buddhas personified in the enlightened form of a female deity.
2 Dark + Civil war
3 Evil spirit + barrier + grave
4 Grudge + general. Contraction of malicious spirit + general.
5 Realm of the Underworld. A bit unwieldly as part of a title in English.
6 Inner bind
7 Spirit bind
8 I'm pretty sure this is not the meaning intended from context, but I thought it was interesting that it also translates as "to flirt with".
OKAY SO MAYBE I'M PROCRASTINATING FROM BOTH STUDY AND CHRISTMAS FICS. SHHHH. All made-up words are kept in Japanese with a footnote explaining the kanji, because seriously, you can only write something like "Evil Spirit Barrier Grave" so many times before you feel really stupid.
In which Kousaka is described in loving detail, Takaya is grumpy, Yuzuru thinks Takaya has a crush on Naoe and Naoe is bewildered and unsure! And, uh, obsessive. Good old Naoe POV.
Chapter 5: Vestige
Becoming aware of a knocking sound on the door, the girl on the bed turned her head.
"Yes?"
The door opens, and suddenly the face that had been peeking through is the form of a girl clad in a brown-blazered uniform.
"It's okay if I come in, right?"
"You..."
"Hehe. Hi."
Holding a bouquet in her hands, it's Morino Saori, who has come to see Yuiko.
"When I came yesterday, the inside of the room looked pretty deadly, so I thought-- even flowers, but. Yeah. There's no vase."
"Um..."
"It looks like you're better today. It was dull by yourself, huh?"
Yuiko looks nothing but blank.
"Eh? Oh, yeah. You still hadn't regained your memories. I'm Morino Saori. The guy who came yesterday is called Ougi Takaya, he's a classmate."
"Ougi Takaya?"
"Yeah. He's blunt so he seems scary the first time you see him, but he's not a bad person. His looks aren't so bad either, huh? His personality is aloof, and his height is 178, so I think he's secretly popular behind the scenes, but how about you, Yuiko-san?"
"???"
"Startled-- so I was wrong. More importantly, have you remembered anything? Since then."
Yuiko answers Saori's question dispiritedly.
"No, still, nothing..."
She whispered sadly, and hung her head. Her straight black hair swings forward to hang over her cheeks, and her noble profile is like a Japanese doll... Saori gazed at that for a short while and spoke reassuringly.
"It'll be okay! You'll get well! You'll definitely remember soon. You'll remember, I'm telling you."
"That's right. I'll remember soon."
She knew instantly that the smile hovering on Yuiko's lips is forced, but Saori thinks that the girl who shows her fake smile is brave. In a lovely gesture, Yuiko accepted the bouquet.
"Thank you for going out of your way, Saori-san. For someone like me, who you don't know and haven't seen."
"Oh, no, that's not..."
"You're cute. The truth is, I was a little lonely. I'm so happy you came."
"........."
"It's disheartening. I don't know anyone... I really am glad."
Saori's expression clouded over. Yuiko noticed.
"? What's wrong?"
"Ah... nothing. I just thought, Yuiko-san-- your eyes are so clear..."
"No, really. What's wrong? All of a sudden."
"Mm. I just hate myself, a little."
She says honestly...
Saori's motives in coming to visit her weren't that pure. Her impetus had been Yuzuru's single sentence.
"I want to see that girl from the day before yesterday."
That Saori, beside him, heard the words and was startled goes without saying. It's an alarming situation, Yuzuru saying such things as "I want to see her" about another girl. However, her opponent is the beautiful girl of yesterday who lost her memories! Saori had single-mindedly rushed to the hospital. She had intended to guard against an attack. Which is to say,
(Let's palm Ougi-kun off onto Yuiko-san and conceal Narita-kun!)
-- was her battle plan. Naturally, all Yuzuru had intended was to gain some clues verifying who was possessing him, and she'd misunderstood terribly. While Saori had a smile on her face, that had meant she was set up for war, but....
Before Yuiko's pure smiling face, that had gradually withered away. So, she was completely dejected.
(I'm such a horrible person...)
If she thinks about it, it's not as though Yuiko is in a situation where she's going to be talking about boys. She doesn't even know who she is. She's lonely and sad, and probably uneasy. Because Yuiko is truly lonely, she's probably genuinely happy that someone would come to visit her. And yet, without even thinking about what a serious condition she was in or her feelings...
(What a narrow-minded person. That's what I was.)
She started to condemn herself.
(That really was a case of love is blind, huh.)
... It seems as though something is wrong.
(That's right. Now's not the time to be infatuated with a boy. The one I've got to be strong for now is Yuiko-san. After all, right now female friends are more important than love!)
Oddly, strength flows into Saori's fists.
"Yuiko-san. I'm here, so start getting better. You can't lose!"
"Saori-san is so amusing."
"Eh... Ah, really?"
Yuiko is giggling. Such a pretty way of laughing is something Saori can't imitate either.
"Aah... Then."
Saori looks outside, intending it as a follow-up.
"The weather's nice, huh. It's a waste to be inside a room like this, don't you think."
"?"
"Your physical condition seems fine. So, if the doctor says its okay, you've come all this way. I'll take you sightseeing around Matsumoto."
"Eh, really?"
"Looking at your school uniform, it doesn't look like you're from near Matsumoto. I remembered that's not the reason why you're in hospital, so maybe going outside would be good stimulation?"
Yuiko's expression lit up suddenly.
"I want to, I want to go. Take me out."
"Then, straight away, how about tomorrow?"
"Yes, yes. Tomorrow, tomorrow."
"If you don't get permission, I'm breaking it off!"
"That's fine!"
"It's a deal!"
"Kyaaa, this is great!"
The two of them are getting along well.
Clapping their hands in high spirits, Yuiko and Saori had hit it off completely.
Swelling with chatter of this and that, Saori stayed until near six.
"Well, I'll see you again tomorrow!"
"Mm. Thanks for today."
"Even if you're lonely, don't cry. Seeya!"
So saying, Saori left the room.
The door closes slowly.
Watching after that... Yuiko unexpectedly murmured.
"Kousaka..."
Behind her, the curtain is stirred by the breeze. Outside the window.
At the foot of a gingko tree, who knew how long he'd been there, stands a young man wearing a trenchcoat. He isn't very tall, and his skin tone is so pale as to be almost transparent. The man quietly removed his sunglasses, and eyes like black crystals were turned in her direction. What was exposed was a near chilling beauty.
Kousaka Danjyou Nosuke Masanobu called out to Yuiko like so.
"... My Lady."
Yuiko looks out the window with sharp eyes. Her expression was already so cold as to be near reminiscent of a Noh mask, and Yuiko responded in a low voice that was like another person's.
"How was his Lordship's condition?"
"His Lordship... it seems as though he is currently sealed within the host."
"What...!"
Yuiko faced him steadily with an expression like the Prajnaparamita. 1
"How did that occur!"
"It appears that somehow, there is someone who gained the knowledge that something had entered the host and took action."
"How..."
Yuiko became momentarily stunned.
"Whose doing was that?"
"I do not know. However, it is clearly a person who fears his Lordship's revival and attaining the rule over the whole of the << Yamisengoku >>. 2 Whoever's doing this is, that much is no mystery."
"Hmm..."
Eventually, Kousaka had become aware of the << Amulet Bracelet >>, but it appeared he had not been able to reach out more than that to an alert Yuzuru.
"Was the seal strong?"
"No. From what I saw, other than its << Protective Strength >>, that bracelet seems to have very little << Sealing Power >>. Perhaps it uses the strength of the host himself, and is a suggestion given to him to << Bind >> his Lordship. Even saying it is due to the suggestion, that is a << Power >> enough to bind his Lordship within. Underestimating the host would lead to very great problems."
"Is that so."
Yuiko smiled thinly.
"That person, from what I've seen, possesses the disposition of one with rare spiritual power. You may have been unaware of it when choosing him as the host, but I had to borrow his << Power >>. That is why he is the host. If he did not have enough power to reach his Lordship, there would be no meaning in choosing him as the host."
"........."
"The seal on that Maenzuka 3 was also finally dispelled by the combination of us and Yuiko's << Power >>. Yuiko is my descendent. It is natural that she should assist. However, so far as Narita Yuzuru is concerned, that was your judgement. Anyhow, the fact is that you have found me a good host. I send you praise. Kousaka Danjyou."
"Hah..."
"This time has finally come. No matter what, his Lordship shall take control at his leisure, and this mistaken world must be reformed."
"As you wish."
Kousaka spoke in a clear tenor voice.
"We shall ensure that none other than his Lordship will attain control. With this, let us greatly change the appearance of the << Yamisengoku >>."
"I will kick the shrewd Onshou 4 about. So that they do not know who is truly aiming to rule."
"Haa."
Watching Kousaka as he answers,
Yuiko speaks quietly.
"The one who woke and guided me from my temporary sleep is you, Kousaka. I am grateful."
"Without you, Lord Shingen's lawful wife, there could be no resurrection."
Then, he addressed her like so.
"Lady Sanjyou."
"........."
Yuiko's expression is filled with dignity.
"Is that so."
An eerily cold smile hovers on the lips of Yuiko, or rather the person of Sanjyou.
The shadow of the window sash falls on the floor.
"My lady. There is one thing which I would wish to inform you of."
"... What is it?"
"It appears as though the Uesugi have begun moving."
"What, the Uesugi?"
Sanjyou takes this onboard, and
"Uesugi Kenshin's hunters of vengeful spirits? Called the Meikai 5 Uesugi Army. However, as it was annihilated not so long ago--"
"I have heard comment that the survivors have rallied themselves. They intend to take and destroy the approaching << Yamisengoku >>. I suspect they will cause more trouble than the less skilful Onshou."
"........."
"Assuming that Shingen's Kanshousha have moved, it will certainly involve placing an << Exorcism >> on his Lordship. If he were to undergo << Exorcism >>, we would lose everything."
Kousaka's eyes glitter suspiciously.
"What would you have me do?"
"Find out what has become known."
"However, our opponents are the Kanshousha."
Sanjyou frowns unpleasantly.
"They should not be able to perform << Exorcism >> on his Lordship. There is no need to worry. If it comes to that point, you will prevent it. You are employed as our vassal."
"........."
"His Lordship's release has been previously decided. If we do not dispel the host's << Naibaku >>, 6 we will be unable to proceed. You will begin immediately."
"Haa."
Although Kousaka grinned quickly as he answered, Sanjyou does not notice. Sanjyou continued speaking.
"Even so, since the other day there has been one being whom I have been concerned about."
Kousaka asks in return,
"What is that?"
"Having possessed Yuiko and come to this land, when I first encounter with his Lordship's host, Narita Yuzuru, there was someone with him. Yesterday, too, he came to see Yuiko. He appeared to be Yuzuru's friend, and the girl from before called him ‘Ougi Takaya'."
"Ougi Takaya?"
"I cannot understand. He did not appear to have that much spiritual power, but it seems he could see the flames at that time."
"The flames? Did something happen?"
"Negligence. Yuiko took advantage of a gap in my defences, and rebelled with tremendous force. It was due to the inadvisably emotional state I was in having been reunited with his Lordship after being parted four hundred years. I suppressed it immediately, but truthfully, it was negligent. That Yuiko possessed such << Power >>... is something I underestimated."
"However, it is for that that she is my lady's host."
"This is so, but. No, the problem is that Ougi child. Something is strange. I do not think he is the same kind, but. I do not know his nature. I cannot lay my hands upon his true character. He does not seem to be an ordinary human..."
Kousaka stays as calm as possible.
(---- Ougi Takaya...)
That name murmurs within his heart.
Kousaka does not appear to know anything about him. However, it also appears that there is something more he is not telling Sanjyou. On the contrary, having confirmed that Sanjyou is unaware of Takaya's true nature, he even seems to be relieved. When he had first heard the name, Kousaka had assumed a blank expression.
"If you say so, my Lady, I understand. Let us take care."
"How will his Lordship act."
"As far as that goes, I will consider the matter. There is something I would like you to assist me with."
"And do what?"
"The young lady who was here before, Saori."
Kousaka's eyes glitter slightly.
"She's the one who was with Yuzuru yesterday morning. It seems they are acquaintances. Beyond the host being cautious of people he does not know well, we cannot easily approach, but if it were an acquaintance, his heart would undoubtedly allow them near."
Sanjyou became aware of what Kousaka was intending.
"You're saying we use that girl."
"At your will. If we remove the bracelet, the suggestion will be shaken off, and his Lordship's strength should overpower him. He should be freed from the host's << Reibaku >> 7.... My Lady."
"... I see."
Sanjyou picked a red carnation from the vase by the pillow.
"Leave it to me. You be cautious of the other Onshou. If you were to chase after someone attempting to get their hands on Yuzuru, or otherwise interfere with us... I would not mind."
Kousaka lifts his eyes. Sanjyou crushed the flower she held flat.
"Deal with it."
"... Haa!"
The wind blows.
In the garden, the sinking sun is red like blood.
*
In the west side of the town of Matsumoto, there flows a river called the Narai River. At around the same time, there were two shadows shoulder-to-shoulder going for a sunset walk along the path edging the riverbank.
"I'm sorry. For making you go out of your way to come shopping with me."
The shadow saying that in an apologetic fashion was Narita Yuzuru. He's a figure in plain clothes. In a dungaree shirt and jeans and white pro-ked sneakers, an ordinary high school student however you looked at him, Yuzuru apologised meekly with those words.
"I don't mind."
The one answering in a mild tone is Naoe Nobutsuna, the person who put the << Amulet Bracelet >> on him.
"Because there may be people aiming to remove the bracelet, I'm a bodyguard. Well, you'll probably worry even if I tell you not to, though."
With a short laugh, Yuzuru spoke.
"Yeah, true."
It was about two o'clock that day. Takaya had taken yesterday's "enigmatic black-suited man", Naoe, to visit Yuzuru's house. Facing an astonished Yuzuru at the entrance, Takaya spoke reluctantly with a sulky expression.
"This guy, he's actually my cousin, a guy called Naoe Nobutsuna..."
" No way. Your cousin?"
Naoe revised his greeting to the surprised Yuzuru.
"I apologise for having taken you by surprise yesterday. It was a matter of urgency, so it seems there was no time for Takaya to explain."
Yuzuru glanced between the two of them.
"Takaya called you...?"
At that point, Naoe seemed to surreptitiously elbow Takaya. After hissing, "Ow! Hey," at Naoe, Takaya answers, grudgingly from the look of it.
"It looked like you'd been possessed by a spirit, so I was worried, and my cousin from Tochigi... uh, what came next, again?"
Naoe pressed a hand to his forehead. Apparently, for some reason they had worked this out beforehand. Naoe jumps in to follow up without delay.
"Actually, my family maintains a Shingon sect temple at Tochigi. In any case, I also have a license as a Buddhist priest, so I think I can be of assistance."
The one who was startled was Takaya.
"What, you're a monk?"
"I told you that! Were you listening to anything?"
"No! Anyway, your head isn't completely shaved!"
"I'm not concerned with appearances."
"If you're a priest, you make your head round!"
"Presumably such people choose to do so."
Yuzuru, listening to them, was completely taken aback. This was certainly the first time he'd heard anything about Takaya having a monk for a relative, but...
After that, Takaya had gone home, and Yuzuru, having gone out, is reliant upon Naoe, who purports to be his guard.
Walking along the path by the riverbank, Yuzuru laughed cheerfully.
"? ... What is it? What happened?"
"Eh? Oh, nothing..."
Realising that what he was doing, Yuzuru kicked a pebble by one of his feet to hide his embarrassment. It's because he'd been reminded of how those two had acted earlier.
"Takaya, he really is blunt, and he's rude and impertinent, and he's short-tempered and foul-mouthed, and he talks back even to teachers and adults, you know."
"?"
"He always snarls, and doesn't really make a pretence at joking around with his elders. And yet, earlier, it seemed like he was joking around 8 with you, Naoe-san."
"Joking around?"
"Yeah. His way of charging like that, that's playing. It's the same as with a dog. You know they're playing when they don't bare their teeth."
Yuzuru's eyes rested on the flow of the river, glittering with fragments of the setting sun.
"Even I'm scared of Takaya when he bares his teeth. Because if he's not joking, his eyes become like a hunting dog. But the Takaya before was happy, almost like he was fawning."
"Fawning?"
Naoe looked at Yuzuru like he was honestly surprised.
"That person... over me?"
"That's right."
Yuzuru widens his eyes.
"Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but probably having a cousin feels like having an older brother who's far away?"
"........."
Yuzuru dropped his gaze to his feet, laughing.
"Naoe-san, you're a lot like Takaya."
"... Eh..."
Again, he is taken by surprise.
"Is that so?"
"Mm. Yesterday, after you left, when Takaya came to see me, I didn't know you were cousins but I thought something like, 'Huh? They're really similar', and that kind of thing."
"Why did you think that?"
"Well, your appearance and personalities are completely different, but there's something like an aura you both have, you know?"
"........."
"Huh? Maybe that's strange. Saying something like that even though you don't look at all like Takaya physically."
Yuzuru tilts his head, and even so, he laughs.
"But you're alike. Even now when I've seen you together I think that. Somehow, it's like I'm walking with Takaya... or something."
Looking at the innocently laughing Yuzuru, Naoe was deeply bewildered.
To go so far as say they are cousins is an enormous lie. But having been told that, Yuzuru entertains no awkward doubts in relation to Naoe. Yuzuru says the two of them are alike.
Alike. Within that word, what kind of meaning had Yuzuru included, with his sharp intuition?
(... This person...)
Had Yuzuru caught the scent of one the same as himself, as a Kanshousha? Certainly, he should have been unaware of such things as the existence of people like that. However, he could feel it without recognising it.
Assuming that was the meaning in 'alike', perhaps Yuzuru's spiritual ability is genuine.
In that case, if it can be reversed, Yuzuru's identification is simultaneously indisputable evidence towards Takaya and Naoe himself being of the same kind.
(I wonder if I should believe it?)
This is the sensation he has.
Takaya's voice revived in his ear.
"What kind of proof is that! If you're going to say something like that, where's your proof that I'm Kagetora!"
Naoe surreptitiously lowers his eyebrows.
(Perhaps I too am uneasy---)
Naoe had thought that there should be no way he could mistake Kagetora, and that that much was natural. No matter what Kagetora looked like, there was no need for Naoe to doubt that the sensation of distinguishing Kagetora from others.
There was also the uneasiness of being unable to find any news, but that was something that should soon disappear if he could see Kagetora once more. And yet, even now, it cannot be wiped clean. On the contrary, it grows much stronger.
Is Takaya really Kagetora?
Is he just waiting to "awaken"?
Naoe smiled in self-derision.
(---- Being myself, my spirit is weakening.)
Maybe that is his strongest enemy this time.
However...
"Naoe-san?"
Naoe was jerked out of contemplation when his name was called. Yuzuru is looking up at him.
"Yes?"
"Naoe-san, maybe you know?"
"Know what?"
"About the spirit possessing me right now. The 'him' inside me, that's--"
Faced by that straightforward gaze, Naoe's feet stopped.
From the eyes of Naoe, looking back at him, Yuzuru apparently happened to read something.
"I see..."
"........."
"Maybe."
So saying, Yuzuru laughed.
"Naoe-san is here, so it'll be okay."
"Yuzuru-san."
"You're here, so it's fine. I believe that."
(What a mysterious young man...)
Yuzuru's natural behaviour and natural speech calm a person's heart. Just by being near, Naoe feels at ease.
Maybe he really is an endearing young man.
Then, if he's not mistaking Takaya for Kagetora.
Maybe the person that worn out soul has to be near is this young man.
Not himself...
".........."
Naoe addressed Yuzuru gently.
"Please stay by his side."
"?"
"I will be by your side. Therefore, if you could please... stay by his side."
Yuzuru seemed mystified, staring up at Naoe, but before long he nodded with a smile like the blurry sunset.
"... Okay."
The sunset sky was painted nostalgic with Kagetora's vestige. However, before he could draw the outline, it was erased by the sound of a passing car in the background. Returning once again to reality, Naoe felt suddenly doubtful.
He wondered when the Kagetora whose vestige he'd drawn just now was from.
----- He'd had such wounded eyes.
1 Buddhist term meaning "the perfection of wisdom", i.e. the wisdom of all Buddhas personified in the enlightened form of a female deity.
2 Dark + Civil war
3 Evil spirit + barrier + grave
4 Grudge + general. Contraction of malicious spirit + general.
5 Realm of the Underworld. A bit unwieldly as part of a title in English.
6 Inner bind
7 Spirit bind
8 I'm pretty sure this is not the meaning intended from context, but I thought it was interesting that it also translates as "to flirt with".
love it
Date: 2007-08-23 04:17 am (UTC)vivi
Re: love it
Date: 2007-11-02 02:14 am (UTC)