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Shinju no Miko - Chapter 2

The journey is long
The greenery such comfort
At least to the eye

Shinju’s stomach growled again, reminding her that she had no food on her. Occasionally she would see mushroom or berries, but they were poisonous.

‘Just my luck.’

The sky ahead was starting to turn to a burnt orange, signaling that sunset was not far away. She still had about another day to make it to Tomiya. The place was a rest stop for travelers as well as a post station. She had been to Tomiya several times in the past, but she had always had an escort. The route she traveled transversed a few main well-worn paths, but she was not lost. Shinju prided herself on her sense of direction.

Just as her stomach protested once more, she stumbled over an exposed tree root and landed with a loud ‘oof.’

The fall had knocked all the air out of her, making her lungs burn. She rarely was clumsy, but she had maintained a pace only a soldier of many years would be accustomed. She pushed herself up slowly, regaining her breath.

‘Perhaps it is time to rest. If I stop now, I can wake up at dawn and resume my journey.’

She had no real blankets, but the night this time of the year was not so cold. Her attire was warm enough. Shinju pulled herself up and stood, while looking for a decent place to camp. The tree that she had tripped over looked decent. It was fairly tall and the tree was missing a bit of the base in one side, looking like a small cove.

She settled herself upright against the tree. She was not fond of having grass in her hair and at this time, until she got to Tomiya, she would not be able to bathe. She grimaced at the thought of festering in her own body sweat for more than a day before closing her eyes.

Since her body was so weary from travel, Shinju had no trouble falling asleep.

A mindless oni stumbled into the hut while she was making misoshiru. The creature was humanoid in form, but had skin like a reptile. Its eyes were large, yellow and bulbous. She could only hear angry growls from it, and hoped if she remained still, it would leave. Most low-level spirits were closer to their animal counterparts, and could not communicate verbally like human or upper class mononoke. The oni before her did not scent the air like a snake with its tongue, and it did not have great eyesight as it had yet to really focus on her.

When she had come too, it was late in the morning. It seemed the only creatures awake were the dogs. She shook her head a few times to clear her mind as it throbbed from the beating. She could feel that her body was no better, but pulled together enough strength to stand and limp away without looking back to the place she use to call home.

Shinju woke, covered in sweat.

‘Why must that incident haunt me? I know it is still fresh in my mind. No matter Taro’s betrothal, I would have thought I would dream of making love to him. Dreams are never predictable,’ she sighed to herself, rubbing her eyes of the dried mucus build up.

She looked at the sky and it was brightening up, the east tinged with oranges and pinks, signaling the approach of dawn.

‘Well, I am still tired, but after that dream, I do not think I could fall asleep until I arrive in Tomiya,’ she grudgingly thought, while pulling herself to standing position.

She stretched briefly before continuing on her journey, the only sound was the gentle breeze and the early birds twittering as if announcing the new day. She never considered herself a morning person, but since she had every intention of making it to Tomiya by nightfall, she put on a determined face. She could not think of any depressing thoughts along the way, as it would only slow her down. Also, she had to ignore the fact that she was hungry by the way her stomach called out.

She did though enjoy the scenery as she trekked onward to her destination. After a while, walking was almost a mindless motion, but she still kept at a vigorous pace. She found herself meditating while walking and found it odd when the next thing she knew, it was night and she could hear people talking ahead.

Not sure if it was the outpost for Tomiya or some strangers in the woods, she snapped out of the meditative haze she had been in for most of the day and cautiously maneuvered around the voices.

As she ventured closer, she saw that it was the outpost of Tomiya according to the banners. She approached the people who were armed and as she entered their sights, they turned to her.

One man asked, “Welcome to Tomiya, traveler. We do require that you present your proof that you may travel into this territory.”

The man was burly, and was of middle age. He tried to duck just to get a good look at her face, but the black hood was dipped down so low that he could only see a mouth. Shinju smirked and silently thanked Taro for the tachi as she withdrew it from her sash.

“This, dear sirs should be proof enough. The tachi of Taro-sama, a demon lord within this land,” she said confidently.

The man’s eyes widened and he slapped his companion’s shoulder, bringing them bow down to bow.

“Forgive me, my lady. I did not recognize you in such inconspicuous attire,” he managed to stammer out.

“No need to bow. I am but a simple miko on a mission. Taro-sama is but a good friend of mine,” she replied. “I need food, a place to rest, and then tomorrow I need to be directed to a sword smith and where the market is. I do not plan to stay long as I intend to stock up and be on my way as soon as possible.”
“Very well, miko-sama. Follow me and I will lead you while my companion remains at the post,” the man beckoned.

The soldier led her to a quaint inn. Shinju was not picky, but she knew if she wanted a bath, it would be in a small heated tub.

An elderly woman greeted her and the soldier immediately left since his duty to escort Shinju to the inn was finished. Shinju did not say much; only that she was hungry and tired, which the elderly woman smiled with understanding.

“I see a lot of travelers come here, hungry and weary, but you are different, miko-sama,” she commented, pushing a grey hair behind her ear.

“I am different? How am I different from the other travelers?” she asked, thoroughly interested in hearing what the woman would say.

“They come with little ambition. You, my dear, though I cannot see your entire face, you are in pain down to the very soul, but you seem to be on a journey,” she replied softly.

Shinju was shocked. She had barely said but a few words to the innkeeper and the woman had nailed her predicament successfully in one sentence.

“Ah, with being that I can only see your mouth and it is slightly agape, I was correct,” she laughed lightly; her wrinkles making her warm laugh even more merrier. “Do not be frightened. I have a slight affinity towards a second sight. I imagine if I would have been trained a priestess such as yourself, I would have been able to see everything in full clarity. Come now dear lady and I will prepare a bath. When you have bathed, I will set a meal in your room so you may eat in peace and immediately go to sleep.”

“Arigatou,” Shinju thanked and followed the elderly woman.

As the woman had promised, Shinju enjoyed the heated bath and her meal. The woman’s intuition impressed her, most of all, it impressed her stomach as the quantity she received of the rabbit meat and some miso were large.

She relaxed in her small futon and pulled her haori over her body, falling asleep with a lazy satiated smile.

Shinju wandered into a clearing that had a single pagoda standing in the middle. She thought it odd for a place to be in the middle of nowhere. She walked closer and the doors swung open. She paused in mid step, not sure if approaching the place was a good idea anymore.

She floated through an abyss before she heard someone calling to her.
“Miss, it is mid morning. Miss?” Shinju opened her eyes and saw that it was the hostess.

“Gomen. It has been a tiresome beginning for my journey. I will require another night if that is possible,” Shinju replied, rubbing the salt from her eyes and followed up with stretching.

“Of course, miko-sama. You may have this room tonight as well,” she replied. “I have brought you something to break your fast.

Shinju took note that the woman had given her some natta and oshi-zushi. Her eyes widened and she bowed her head slightly in thanks for such a wonderful meal. The elderly woman smiled and quietly left the young priestess to her food.

No sooner than when she finished her meal, she had heard noise outside her door. It was between two people.

“I am sorry sir, but you must not disturb my guest. She has traveled far,” the elderly woman said.

“But I must see her now. I was given a vision by Bishamon to seek her out now. I beg you to allow me passage,” a man pleaded.

‘It must be one of the people that the kami told me about in my dream,’ Shinju surmised.

Shinju threw on her clothes once again, and noted that the elderly woman had cleaned them already, as they were still slightly damp. Shinju did not mind the dampness, as it was not much. She threw the hood of her cape over her head before exiting the room.

“You must be one of the people that the kami has told me about in my dream. You will help forge my swords?” Shinju asked that man.

‘It is the monk,’ she realized and looked the holy man over.

He was taller than her by a head and instead of the usual baldhead she had been accustomed to seeing on professed monks, he had a full head of hair. He did look friendly, and he wore black robes and a yellow sash. His sash was tied like a warrior, around his waste, rather than lax around his upper body and tugged into the nape of his dark blue kimono that shown from underneath the robe.

‘Definitely secular,’ she almost laughed to herself.

“My name is Hotaka and I too had a dream last night. I will help forge the sword,” the monk said, and then turned to the hostees. “By chance can you direct us to where the local sword smith may be?”

“That is not necessary. I have already sent word to the guard that escorted miko-sama here last night and he promised to help her find a sword smith,” she replied.

“So you had the dream more than once, my lady?” Hotaka asked.

“No. I originally came here to stock up and one of my goals was to obtain a sword. Fortunately, Bishamon no kami had decided to bless me with not one holy blade, but two,” Shinju answered, and saw the guard making his way toward the inn. “Our escort has arrived on scene. Let us go greet him and be on our way. I want to begin my journey as soon as possible and the sooner the swords are ordered and finished, the better.”

“I agree. I am needed in the zen temple for a simple ceremony in a few days. The kami did not tell me why you need the swords, so if I may ask, what is your journey?” Hotaka replied, running his hand through his hair.

“I was a guardian of one of the legendary pearls of Rinjin. A demon stole it from my home and because of the incident, I was beaten and banished from my village. I have made a vow to find all and return them to the dragon kami. I do not want other women to have such a burden and I know of the power within each pearl,” Shinju divulged.

“That is very wise. I did introduce myself, but I am afraid, I missed your name, my lady,” the monk said, embarrassed.

“It is Shinju,” she replied monotone and then turned to the guard that had recently arrived. “We are ready to see the swordsmith.”

“Then follow me, miko-sama,” the guard grinned.

The outpost soldier took them through the open marketplace and it was there that they saw the smith’s workshop. Armor, leather, and swords hung around the ceiling and were strategically placed to entice the eye of any passing warrior.

“The sword smith in Tomiya is fairly famous. A lot of the samurai cannot find a good smith to forge or even re-forge their swords,” the guard commented. “My duty is once again done. I must return to my post.”

“Arigatou,” Hotaka thanked and then turned to Shinju. “Well, shall we enter?”

Shinju nodded and stepped into the workshop. She saw a man hunched over the fire with a sword. Hotaka cleared his throat a bit to get the man’s attention.

“Ah, I’ve been expecting you. My name is Takumi and I will be honored to provide the swords you need for your journey, Shinju-sama,” the man said, his back still facing the two visitors. “You two must sit over there and find your center. Once you have done so, I will instruct you to pull forth your ki and deposit it into the metal I will use to forge your swords. When I have done that, you may go and do what you will. I should have them ready in two days from now.”

Both Hotaka and Shinju nodded and walked over to the cushions that Takumi had mentioned and settled into their meditative positions. Hotaka sat on bent knees and positioned his hands with his pointers and thumbs touching. Shinju sat cross- legged with her palms face up and relaxed over her knees. It was not hard for Shinju to find her center and immediately glowed violet. It was a little while more until she could see through her own center, that Hotaka’s glowed indigo. Shinju felt another aura appear and it was also violet. Once that happened, Takumi said, “Now, I want you to bring your hands in front of you, facing each other. Once you do that, push some of your energy to form a ball in suspension between your hands.”

Shinju and Hotaka pushed their energies together and successfully created a ball of ki between them.

“Good. Now, I will take it. You may keep meditating here for relaxation or venture off. As I said, I will finish in two days from now,” Takumi explained and touched the ball, adding his own to it before taking it.

He would meld it into the hot metal so the swords would be filled throughout with the power from all of them.

Bishamon appeared in front of him. Both Shinju and Hotaka were oblivious to his presence.

“Here are my seals with the pagoda on it. Place them on the hilts of the swords. I want you to build her a bow and arrows. I have left extra seals as I want the quiver to have one sewn inside the bottom. It will ensure that her quiver never be empty,” he explained, and then plucked several hairs from his head. “Take these hairs to string her bow. Make it taught, but not too tight. My hairs are unbreakable to the mortal and demon realm.”

“I will do your command, master,” Takumi accepted the seals and bowed.

“Now, now, Takumi, we have been friends for far too long. Your honorable ways have made me fond of you,” Bishamon smiled.

“Hai. It has been many years,” Takumi smiled as Bishamon faded from his workshop.

Two days later, Shinju appeared alongside Hotaka to collect her weapons. Hotaka, though it was not necessary to accompany Shinju, was merely curious to see the swords. He had never done anything on command by a kami and felt pride in contributing to something that would be used for good.

Shinju was rested and held a small pack of supplies to help her on her journey. She had also acquired a metal armor with shoulder plates. The chest plate was colored black and she had it tied with a black sash. Of course, the armor was a bit heavy, but she thought it would be good for her strength and help a little in protecting her in battle. If she would have taken her hood down, she would have been the talk amongst the travelers and villagers. Women did not wear any armor, even priestesses. But as she had vowed, she would hide her countenance from all until her journey was complete.

“You look like a warrior, Shinju- sama. Bishamon is probably proud. Your swords are ready. I have also been instructed to give you a bow, and quiver. I hope you are able to do archery,” Takumi said, coming out of his workshop to greet the monk and priestess.

“I hope you rested some during the fashioning of the weapons. I would feel guilty if you have not slept at all,” Shinju said, noting that Takumi looked a bit worn around the eyes.

“I did sleep, but my eagerness to complete such masterpieces made me quite energetic. You will be pleased, miko- sama,” the man said, swiping a hand through his dark brown hair before beckoning them to follow him inside.

On a fur laid her swords. Both were beautifully crafted and identical. The hilt had the seal of Bishamon and the handgrip was weaved with dyed black leather. Though to some they would seem plain, they shimmered with power to Shinju. She could see the violet and indigo within the swords, ready for use as well as a golden shine that she could only assume was the power Bishamon blessed them.

“The swords are named Ken no Kyuuten and Ken no Unmei. They are connected with the heavens and will help you onward towards your destiny,” Takumi explained, clearly proud of himself.

Takumi then turned to a table to his left and grabbed a few items. When she focused on them, she saw that they were the bow and quiver that the metal crafter had mentioned. The bow was a long bow; black lacquer and the hair shimmered gold like the swords.

‘Bishamon’s hair, I assume,’ she realized.

The quiver was also black and shimmered on the bottom.

“Ah, by the curious look on your face, you can see that each of your weapons have a similar glow about them. The glow is of Bishamon’s power. The only item I need to explain is the quiver. As you see, it is empty. This is because your arrows will only appear when you truly need them. All you have to do is focus and they will appear. You will never have to make any nor have to worry about running about of arrows. The great Bishamon no kami had given this type of gift to one other, a warrior with the divine talent of archery. He had used his talent to save many in what would have been a massacre by bandits. Bishamon merely touched the man’s quiver and he was never without a supply of arrow. Shinju- sama, these weapons are a divine gift. Take them and use them for your mission. I know you seek for the pearls, but I too know Ryuujin’s ways. He has lived in his palace of Ryuugu-jo and has done things. He is very much as violent as the most horrendous typhoon when angered. Be careful, my lady priestess. I am aware that Bishamon has warned you of him, but I too must reiterate his warning. A dragon, even one that is a god, can be tricky,” the sword smith said, and then handed Shinju her weapons one by one.

Each weapon, as they touched her flesh, filled her with pleasant warmth. She tucked each sword in her sash and pulled the quiver diagonally to the right.

“A warrior priestess, indeed,” Hotaka smiled, then looked to the door. “I must take my leave now. I wish you a fortuitous journey. May Kami always smile upon you.”

“Hai, I too must leave. Arigatou. These weapons will be used and I, in the short time we have known each other, I will always remember you,” Shinju said with a bow.

Takumi showed Hotaka and Shinju out of his workshop.

Shinju continued on out of Tomiya, and back into the countryside with the newly acquired weapons as well as her supplies. The weapons still flooded her body with warmth that comforted her as she journeyed north to the first and nearest pearl she sensed.

To Chapter 3 | Story Main