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Shinju no Miko - Chapter 5

Through the harsh weather
A flower bud bides its time
Until the sun arrives

It had taken eight days until Shinju was fully healed. The bear had poison in his claws, which she had not originally anticipated during battle. She had slept most of the time, only waking briefly in fits of delirium. The times she stayed awake, she shared stories with her new companion. It made the loneliness since her banishment far less painful emotionally. Sometimes Daichi would sense her sadness and cheer her up. In fact, Daichi had used his dog traits to lick out and clean her side and back during her unconscious spells. When he had told her this, she had blushed and he actually laughed at her reaction.

Shinju did not bother veiling herself again as Daichi had already seen her face. She did though plan to pull her hood back on when they would reach civilization once again. It was better than way too as male demons and humans often underestimated her abilities.

Her recovery still left her a bit weak, but Daichi handed her the pearl that he had retrieved from the bear and the power from it helped her to push back the pain from her back injury. She did not bother blushing when Daichi insisted that she uncover her top so he could see the progress of her healing. She as a miko had seen male genitalia on patients that she had to tend to who were so sick that they needed to be bathed. She knew she was not repulsive, but she also knew that the demon before her was merely tending to her.

She did find him quite attractive. Of course, she had initially had compared his looks to Taro, but Daichi was clearly superior. He was much taller, and well defined. He was not gargantuan, but in a way his structure was lithe, which showed in the way he walked. Every step spoke of power and Shinju swore she could feel it tingle over her skin. A few times Daichi had found her shivering and then felt his aura retract from her. She had experienced the feeling before from several demon and even a few humans. Most did not bother to accommodate to her sensitivity toward their powers, but it did warm her heart to know that her new companion could be considerate. It also clued her in that her companion was quite powerful.

“Why is your hair short?” Shinju asked Daichi as he sat nearby.

Daichi looked at her and she swore if he had showed more emotion, he would have been looking at her owlishly.

“Why do you ask, Shinju?” he answered with a question of his own.

Though it was not what she wanted to hear, she replied, “Well, I learned long ago that the longer the hair in a demon that can resume a humanoid form, the more the power. I have known many youkai of various power levels, and yours is quite powerful.”

“I cut my hair on a daily basis and burn it. The symbol of that power is important to youkai of royal clans. I could let my hair grow to its full length and gain much attention, but I do not have ambitions to do such a thing. I allowed it to be long when I was younger, but the past few centuries I have preferred it short,” he explained.

“Oh, well that is understandable. I wonder how you would look if you had long hair. I bet it would make you gorgeous,” she said out loud and then blushed, realizing that she was suppose to think that to herself.

Daichi chuckled and then teased, “Ah, so you find me quite attractive, little priestess?”
Shinju blushed even darker and looked away. Her silent response only made Daichi guffaw.

She still felt the pull of another pearl to the north and said, “We are not too far from another pearl. We must venture farther north.”

“How is it that you can sense the power of the Shinju?” Daichi asked.

He had never heard of a way to sense the power of the bauble over the distance. Even he could not do it. He could only feel the pulse up close, like when Shinju had defeated the bear demon.

Daichi followed Shinju, watching her in case she showed any signs of weakness due to her recent injuries. For a while Shinju did not answer his question, but he could tell that she was mulling it over her head. He knew that every piece of information she shared with him was another stepping-stone of trust. He would not do anything to harm his companion, but she did not know that and had to go with her gut instinct.

“The pearl has been with my family for some time. I have been particularly sensitive to anything that gives off some kind of energy. I know the pearl’s pulse as when I came upon my first blood signifying my entrance to womanhood, my mother made me cover the pearl with the blood. My mother bound me to the pearl, opening the way for me tap into the pearl in order to guard it,” she replied, breaking the silence of their journey.

“Would that not mean you could use the pearl’s power?” he wondered.

Shinju smiled, “That is a very good question. I could if I wanted, but binding myself to the pearl was a mere spell. I have sworn to guard it, not to use it for my own gain. Every so often, I will utilize the pearl to heal myself. I have done that in the past. I have even used it on those in dire need of being healed. Now, I am gathering it in order to return it to its creator. Of course, my ability to sense it has limitations. I can sense it from a half day walking distance.”

Daichi sniffed the air and replied, changing the topic, “If we need to go north, then we need to get a boat, we are less than a day from the sea separating Honshu from Hokkaido.”

“Then I guess we will find a boat and re-stock,” Shinju smiled.

“I will warn you. When we arrive in the village, I must conceal myself. Ningen are not use to demons. Some are brash and only listen to the bad stories by corrupted lowly and mindless oni. It is the few like you that help ease the tension, but it is not always enough. This is to protect you more than it is for myself,” Daichi explained and looked over to his right.

Shinju noticed and became worried.

“What is it, Daichi?” she asked.

Daichi looked at her and smiled, “I believe this is a good place to camp. If you walk to the right, you will find a stream in the case that you need water. A little further is an onsen. The stream is one that originates from the mountains and should be cold and much more pure to drink. As for the onsen, you can take a bath. I know I do not relish cold baths in streams, so the onsen will be a welcomed luxury. I do not follow much on human hygiene, but I hope you wash often. As a dog demon, my nose is very sensitive.”

Shinju’s eyebrow twitched with annoyance.

‘So, he is trying to be subtle at telling me that I stink.’

“Well, I am sorry, oh great dog demon, but this ningen cannot sniff out a water hole. If you want to say I stink, just say it. I know I stink and I hate it. I like to have a bath at least once in a day,” Shinju scowled.

Daichi smirked as she huffed and turned to go in the direction of the stream. It was then that he felt a rock hit his head. His eyes bulged in shock.

‘She assaulted this Daichi!’

“That’s for insulting me,” she huffed.

The dark haired demon smirked in return, knowing he deserved it. The rock did not hurt much, only just a mere annoyance.

After a few moments, Shinju called out from a distance, “And you better not come and peek!”

Daichi almost burst out laughing. Although the temptation of peeking seemed alluring, he was no hentai.

‘What an amusing woman.’

He did sneak peaks at her recently. Each time he wanted to slap himself. He was mooning over her like a pup. He wondered if he had staved off rutting too long as he found the prospect of Shinju’s companionship a bit appealing to his fond pastime, the worship of beautiful things. He was no lecher, but he did appreciate the beauty of a woman and Shinju was nothing shy of it. He imagined if Ameratsu no kami were mortal, she would have Shinju’s body. While dressing her wounds, he did note how her skin was soft and her breasts were probably the best he had seen in a long time.

He forced his dangerous thoughts away as he had to be alert while his companion washed up. They had only met recently and despite how pleasant her company was to him; he refused to destroy what camaraderie that had formed.

Shinju walked for a bit in the direction that Daichi had pointed out. The onsen itself was a little out of her range from sensing the inu youkai. After scanning the area, she undressed. As she unhooked and let her armor plop on the ground, she sighed. She rolled her shoulders and then stretched her sore muscles. She was not use to the armor, but it was for her safety. Her cape, haori, juban, and hakama followed.

Lucky, since Tomiya she had stocked up with an extra set of clothes. It gave her time to wash one set and wear something clean, which soothed her irritation to being clean all the time. The last article she took off was a breast binding. It was no more than a cloth wrapped tightly around her breasts. The only thing it really helped was for support while running. It did not diminish the fact that she was female. It was the chest plate of her armor that did the job of hiding her bountiful bosom.

With one delicate foot, she tested the water. Finding it warm, she slipped in, letting the warmth of the water take away the tension from her journey. Despite knowing Daichi was not far away, she extended her ki out like a web. As it reached Daichi, she felt his youki rise, and then when it recognized her, it withdrew immediately and let her pass over.

When she was satisfied, she relaxed in the warm water. No sooner than she found herself drifting off, something on her web of ki was tugged and she was unsure of what the creature entering her area was at all. It was not holy, human, or even mononoke. She could not put her finger on the exact word to describe the creature’s aura, but it seemed to be powerful in its own right, but had no signature. She scrunched her face, concentrating on trying to discern who entered the area and if they were a threat to her.

The being approached fast and before her eyes appeared briefly an apparition of a blue dragon, and then it faded. From the shadows of the trees stepped a male with long teal hair and blue eyes. His face was marked with one black strip on each side of his face that curled under his eyes and almost extended over to his nose. He wore flowing robes like he was an emperor, in the colors that matched his hair. All were embroidered with silver and gold stitching. He wore no armor, which was really strange as it was not safe in the wilderness. He did though have arm guards that looked like dragon scales as well as shin guards of the same material. He was quite tall and Shinju imagined that he was a bit taller than both Taro and Daichi.

“You are the Shinju no Miko?” the male asked, his voice very rich and mellifluous.

“Hai, and what are you doing her while I am bathing?” Shinju hissed, covering herself quickly, before lowering just enough of her body until her face was the only thing above the surface.

The male chuckled and said, “Ah, human modesty, how quaint! You should be apprehensive of me, my dear, for I am sure that Bishamon had warned you about my affinity towards beautiful women. However, do not fret. I am not here to see nor partake of the pleasures of your flesh. I merely have come on word that a priestess has taken up the duty to find the pearls and assemble the bracelet. I cannot let it fall into the wrong hands, and so I must issue a test. You will come with me,” the man commanded.

When Shinju had heard the man mention that Bishamon had warned her about the man before her, she then remembered.

‘Rinjin.’

“I have a companion with me that has vowed to accompany on my journey. He had also promised to train me. I do not want to leave him for long,” she said. “And I am not getting out unless you turn around.”

Rinjin let his cerulean eyes drift downward, eliciting a growl from Shinju before he smirked and then turned around. Shinju rushed out of the onsen and threw on her clothes. She had only half bathed and she was not happy to be interrupted, even if it was by a kami.

When she had thrown her quiver over her shoulder and had tucked her swords in her sash, she said, “Okay, I am finished. Let us get this test started so I can continue on my journey.”

“Very well, my fiery little miko,” Rinjin smiled and motioned for her to follow him.

Shinju complied and found after he had passed the first trees that a heavy fog encompassed her. It was extremely thick with humidity. Rinjin’s figure ventured futher from her until she could no longer see. Her visibility was next to nil and by that time she stumbled into something that she could have sworn was a wall. Shinju was knocked off balance and before she toppled over, arms caught her.

“I found you, Akemi,” the male voice said, and Shinju found the sound very familiar.

She turned around and the fog disappeared, revealing Taro.

“Taro- sama, what are you doing so far from your territory?” she asked. “And where did Rinjin go?”

“The kami left so we could talk,” Taro said, pushing back Shinju’s hood.

“You know, you forgot that my name is now Shinju, Taro- sama,” she corrected the dog demon.

“Hai, but it is so much easier to talk to you by the name I have always known you. I still have deep feelings for you. No demoness, even my betrothed, has obtained my love as you have. I have missed you these past months and have only wished to see you again,” Taro said softly, his sapphire eyes filled with something Shinju could only see as his love for her.

She admitted that being in his arms made her feel good. She had missed him as well and sometimes dreamt about him, but after recently meeting Daichi, she had not thought of the silver- haired youkai lord. It was hard to think of Taro when her dark haired companion was so charming, and physically attractive. But Taro was the first to have her and he was special to her. She would never forget him and how she made him feel. She did have some residual feelings toward the taiyoukai as they had parted on pleasant terms.

“I missed you too, Taro- sama,” Shinju admitted and hugged him.

Taro bent down to her ear and whispered, “Then be with me. It does not matter if you are not my mate. I am only required to bed that demoness once and give her my mark. But with you, I can be with you forever. Please Akemi, give up this journey. Come with me. We can have children together and they will not be bastards. I will claim them as my offspring with pride as they come from the woman I love.”

Shinju’s heart beat fast as Taro proceeded to nibble her ear and downward along her neck. He had always had this affect on her, and her knees slowly gave way. Taro of course kept her against him, preventing from letting her sink to the forest floor. To Shinju, it was odd, but a much welcome visit. His words more than persuaded her to go. She winced as she felt her heart clench in emotional pain.

‘But this has happened before. It was not as intense, but I made my decision then and I shall not rescind from it.’

Shinju gathered her courage and pushed Taro from her, the tears welling and then after a moment, sadly spilling from her eyes. She looked down, took a breath, and then looked back up to meet his eyes again.

“I cannot, Taro- sama. I made my decision before this journey. I cannot accept being second nor do I expect your mate to feel the same. I want you for myself and if I cannot, then it is my destiny to find another. Gomen, but I cannot come with you. As much as my heart yearns to do so, I have made a vow. Please call Rinjin back and know that this is good-bye as lovers. We can be friends, but never again lovers. Go and try to love that demoness, as she will be mother to your children. Your future heir deserves all the love possible and to see that his father loves his mother,” Shinju replied, and smiled sadly at him.

When she was done, the image of Taro’s regally adorned body and his lovely silver locks faded as Rinjin stepped forth.

“I admit that my test was not to be difficult, but I wanted to know if you were truly over that demon. I believe any woman in your predicament would have gladly joined his side and left a tedious journey like finding the pearls. I find you worthy,” the teal haired god revealed.

Shinju grew angry.

‘He meant to play with my heart!’

“You dare play with me, kisama,” Shinju growled, her tears flowing angrily down her face. “I loved him and you threw him in my face as some test! I made my decision long ago and I will be damned that you think I would be shallow enough to abandon what I have vowed to finish. I may be a mere mortal, but I am no one’s fool.”

Rinjin frowned at Shinju’s outburst. He had never had a mortal yell at him, and here was a human woman yelling at him.

‘She yells without regard to her own life. I could smite her from where she stands and she would not care.’

“Onna, you will not regard me in that tone. If you had not vowed to find the pearls and re-assemble the bracelet, I would have killed you. Instead, I will curse you. You will walk the life of immortality, and you will never bear a child to any man you encounter. Be grateful this is not as fitting a punishment for the insolence you have shown this Rinjin,” Rinjin snarled, and grabbed Shinju by her upper arm.

The dragon god pressed his middle and pointer finger to her head. The fingers glowed red and Shinju screamed. The place where he touched suddenly felt like she was burning and it soon spread like wildfire over her face and down toward the rest of her body. The pain was so intense that she could not find control over her own body as it convulsed. She could hear her heart sounding like thunder in her ears and it was maddening. The burning soon left and with it, Shinju felt exhausted. It was then that Rinjin removed his fingers and let her drop with a thud to the ground.

Shinju was covered in sweat and her eyelids heavy, but out of instinct, she kept a weary eye on Rinjin who leered at her maliciously.

“The symbol on your forehead will be a reminder of the curse I have placed on you. Immortality is not as grand a life as some mortals think. Ask your companion. He will tell you as he has lived for several centuries. Goodbye for now, Shinju no Miko,” Rinjin bid coldly and disappeared from her sight.

Shinju could not move her body and gathered whatever she could of her ki to throw in Daichi’s direction. As soon as she threw it out, she could sense Daichi’s swift approach, and then allowed herself to drift into a deep sleep.

Daichi had felt Shinju call him with her aura and quickly sped to her side. He found her sweating and lying on the ground unconscious. On her forehead was the kanji for immortality, fushifumetsu. Daichi was more than familiar with such symbols.

‘It is a mark from a kami. She has been cursed.’

The dark haired youkai frowned, his gut was getting a sinking feeling that immortality was not the only thing Shinju was cursed to bear. The sign would set her apart from other humans, as they would think she was youkai. Only youkai wore marks on their face, and most were acquired naturally at birth or in coming of age ceremonies.

Human would not know that she was cursed, but youkai would and might taunt her for it.

‘But if she keeps wearing her hood, she should be fine.’

He caressed her cheek before sliding his arms under her body. As he carried her back to their camp, he heard her mumble fearfully, “No, Rinjin!”

‘So it is Rinjin who cursed her. I thought that kami was more apt to seduce beautiful women. Alas, in all my years I am again set wrong. But now, I will have to help Shinju on her way. Being immortal is not exactly what I like and it will be hard for her. She was bound by mortal rules, accepting the cycle of life. Now she is outside that very cycle and must watch all that she knows constantly change.’

Daichi set her down and gathered the blankets from her satchel. If she did not wake at dawn, then he would carry her. It was not good to stay for long in the area and it was important that they make it to the sea before nightfall tomorrow.

To Chapter 6 | Story Main