Son of the Shadows RK Style

“Soujiro, do you think what I did was wrong?” I mentally ask nervously. “Do you think I should have done more to help her?”

Looking at me sympathetically Soujiro inquires mentally, “What is it that you think you could have done?”

“It’s my fault that the entire household found out about Aoshi and Misao and now I can’t do anything to stop the wedding. I’ve tried to help her escape on several occasions but I still feel like I could have done more; that somehow my best wasn’t truly my all.”

Lifting my chin Soujiro calmly states, “You have done more for your sister than anyone I know. Misao does not blame you for what has happened and you should not either.”

“I can’t help it,” I reply sadly. “If only I had been stronger. If only I knew how to guard my thoughts as I do now maybe this all could have been avoided.”

“You can’t keep living in the past Megumi. Horrible things happen and you must learn to deal with them. The gift we possess will always bring about such circumstances. We must learn what to keep hidden and what to announce. Sometimes in the case of Misao the choice is beyond our control. Sometimes we must learn to give up control and let the Tuatha De Danann use us as they will.”

Shaking my head I comment, “You might be able to leave things to fate but I cannot. How can I allow myself to blindly follow a path that I cannot see? I just wish Misao and I knew what was so horrible about Aoshi. It might make it easier to let go.”

“As much as I trust you, your father and my siblings promised years prior to your birth that word would not be spoken about the evil that transpired. All I can tell you is that your sister and Aoshi cannot be together. Such a union would be condemned no matter how much they love one another.”

Giving the distraught man beside me a half smile I remark, “I do not blame you, I just don’t understand. Why did Uncle Shougo make all of you promise something like that? It’s not like him to be so secretive.”

With a sorrowful look Soujiro replies, “I agree. Kaoru and I didn’t like the idea of holding such a thing hidden in the first place but our brothers would hear nothing of our protest. Instead they forced us into secrecy and now we have an even bigger issue on our hands. I just wish I had never agreed in the first place.”

“You can’t change what has happened,” I state with a sigh. “After all a wise man mentioned once that some things are beyond our control.”

“I wouldn’t call him a wise man,” Soujiro remarks with a genuine smile. “Sometimes wisdom just falls upon the man.”

Laughing aloud I retort, “You denounce your wisdom with the use of wisdom. Only you would contradict your claim in such a manner.”

“I’m just being realistic. No one who calls themselves wise ever is,” Soujiro states calmly. “No one in this world knows all and if they did I’m sure they would soon go crazy. What good would wisdom be if no one would take your word seriously?”

“You must have had some wild debates with Uncle Shougo in your youth. You’re words are uncanny,” I comment playfully.

With a wicked gleam Soujiro remarks, “I should have known better than to pull one on you. You’ve found me out. I’m Shougo’s evil twin.”
Gasping I retort, “You have a sense of humor after all!”

“Funny. I’ll have you know that your mother and I used to be quite the troublemakers in our youth. Don’t get used to my humor though. It’s seldom and far in-between, especially these days.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” I state nervously. “I’ve noticed these past few months working with you that you are far more open with mother and me yet you’re so reserved in front of Uncle Shougo. Did something happen between you two?”

“You have a very keen eye. No doubt your father passed down that trait,” Soujiro states proudly. “Shougo and I are not on bad terms; it more or less is how things have always been. We understand and respect one another however Shougo does not have the bond that your mother and you share with me. Your mother and you do not only understand what it’s like to have the gift, you can feel it. Your mother and I are much like Kenji and you. He understands the burden you hold through the emotions you share through your bond. Such mutual understanding does not come often or easily.”

Nodding my head in understanding I remark, “Sometimes I feel like Kenji doesn’t truly understand the entirety of my gift. Just the other day he said that I should have been able to predict what was going on between Aoshi and Misao as if I was some Gypsy woman who reads the future through the use of a crystal or palms.”

With a sympathetic sigh Soujiro replies, “Kenji is still young and has not had much experience. My brothers at one time felt the same but they have come to learn that the gift is not something you can control or is it always accurate. Kenji will soon understand; you just have to be patient.”

“I hope you’re right. It has been getting on my last nerve.”

Resting his hand on my shoulder he comments calmly, “Be patient with him. This is a lot for him to absorb just as it has been for you. It’s best to worry about what you can control rather than what you can’t. Kenji’s attitude will not change overnight or by your doing.”

“I worry too much don’t I?” I inquire with a sigh.

“At times yes,” Soujiro states with a distant look. “But sometimes it’s that concern that keeps us alive.”

“You’re full of wisdom today,” I reply in awe. “Have you seen something of importance recently?”

“It’s not a matter of seeing something as feeling it,” Soujiro remarks in concern. “I feel a change occurring and it’s unsettling. Something is about to happen and all we can do is hold on and pray that we make our way out of this safely.”

Shivering I confess, “I’ve been feeling something similar ever since I found Misao. It’s almost as if the world is moving too fast and I can’t quite keep up.”

“I will do what I can to help but this journey is your own. There is only so much that I can do to prepare you. Whatever happens remember that everything happens for a reason. Not everything is as accidental as it might appear.”

Looking up at Soujiro in concern I notice his eyes seem to be glazed over as if he’s in a trance. If I hadn’t experienced such a thing before I would be running in fear by now.

Snapping out of his little trance Soujiro adds, “Visit me sometime after the wedding. We still have much training left.”

“I promise. I told Misao that I would accompany her after the wedding as far as the border so I might not come to visit for a while.”

Nodding his head Soujiro states calmly, “I hope you and your sister have a pleasant trip. I won’t expect another visit from you for another couple of months.”

In shock I reply, “I’m only going to the border. That won’t take me more than a day or two.”

“It’s best not to rush trips of that sort. Besides, you might need the vacation before starting up your lessons.”

Feeling that it would be best to keep quiet I nod my head and make my way towards the mouth of the cave. As I’m about to leave I state sadly, “Thank you for the advice. I’ll do my best to remain strong.”

“You are strong Megumi; you just need to believe it. Take care.”

Not another word is shared between the two of us as I slowly make my way towards my sister’s wedding. As much as I wish to flee from what I’m about to witness I have a duty to my family to attend. Taking Soujiro’s advice I conceal my pain and confidently make my way back home. I will remain strong for Misao.

*******

The wedding was beautiful but that didn’t change the feelings of anger and regret that were boiling inside me. Had it not been for the massive amounts of bodies and guards stationed around the parameter I would have fought Chou off of her and helped her run away.

I will never forget the look of pain on Misao’s face as she realized that Aoshi would not come for her and that she would soon become Chou’s wife. I had to painfully pry her off of me as we met up with Chou’s men at the border. Even though Soujiro told me that it wasn’t my fault I can’t help but feel guilt. Because of me Misao not only lost the love of her life but now she’s wed to a horrible man. I can’t look at the man without feeling weary.

Why did such a horrible thing have to happen to my sister? At times she can really annoy me, but I still love her. She shouldn’t have to be forced into a marriage none the less so suddenly. It’s almost as if father and the others couldn’t wait to get her out of the house. I know that holding such thoughts are unfair, but after everything I’ve seen I can’t shut the thoughts out.

Maybe Uncle Shougo is right. Maybe she’ll be happier with Chou, but somehow I doubt that. Misao isn’t one to fall easily in love. She is deeply in love with Aoshi and no amount of distraction will change the fact.

It’s only been a few short hours since I parted ways with Misao but it already feels like a lifetime. Things are changing much too fast and I don’t like it. Everything is wrong. Family shouldn’t be treating each other the way our family has treated Misao! Misao did nothing wrong and even if she had she was not aware of it. Can you fault a blind man for tripping over a vase if you never alerted him of its presence?

“Please,” a middle aged woman pleads to one of the guards ahead of me. “I heard that Lady Megumi was traveling with you. My child is terribly sick and we have no healer in residence. He might die if somebody does not look at him soon.”

“Lady Megumi is on her way home and cannot be delayed…”

Riding beside the soldier I firmly assert, “It’s alright Shinichi. It’s my duty to help those in need. I’m sure father would understand.”

“But Lady Megumi, I don’t think it wise…”

“I have little choice,” I state calmly. “A healer must be made available at all times. I cannot allow an innocent child to die just because I wish to make a deadline.”

“Thank you Lady Megumi,” the lady utters in relief. “I was frightened that my child was going to die.”

Giving the woman the most confident smile I can muster I reply, “I’ll do what I can to make sure that doesn’t happen. The quicker you take me to him the quicker he’ll recover.”

Frantically the woman leads us to her house on the outskirts of the village. The house is modest in size but is well tended to.

Quickly dismounting from my horse I run into the house and kneel beside the child’s bed. Taking his temperature I inquire, “What’s the child’s name?”

Still dazed the woman replies, “He’s name is Yoshi.”

Looking at the woman I state while dragging my hand towards his pulse, “He doesn’t have a fever and his breathing is easy enough. It looks like he has nothing more than a cold.”

Hearing a loud thud outside the house I look around the house in fear before exclaiming, “Why did you bring me here? What’s going on?”
The lady looks at me regretfully as a man in the other room attacks me. The man is quick and before I can defend myself the man has my arms behind my back with one arm while the other is covering my mouth. I can feel the man’s breath on my neck as he says coldly, “If you know what’s best for you you’ll come with us without a fight.”

Before the man can say another word I bite the man’s arm drawing blood. The taste is fowl but at the moment all I can think about is escaping. The man does not budge so in desperation I stomp on the man’s foot as hard as I possibly can. He muffles a scream while remaining unmoved. I’ve never seen someone so controlled!

A man baring the markings of a snake suddenly makes his appearance and announces, “Hurry up Dog. People are going to get suspicious if we stay here any longer.”

Before I can so much as scream the man holding me knocks me behind the head. My world suddenly turns dark as I collapse in the man’s arms.

*******

“Hope the girl’s alright. That was a mighty blow you gave her Dog,” a voice suddenly wakes me from my slumber.

“I’m not used to dealing with frail girls. I didn’t mean to jar her so hard,” another voice replies regretfully.

“It’s alright Dog,” the first voice states quietly. “I just hope the girl wakes before the Chief comes back. He’s not going to be pleased that we brought her into our camp.”

What else could we do,” a third voice exclaims. “We can’t just let Jin die. He’s not like us. He’s got a family to go back home to.”

In an attempt to sit up I suddenly fall back in pain. I’ve been hit more than once on the head but never have I been in so much pain. That Dog fellow is definitely a skilled soldier.

The man with the snake markings runs towards me while the man with Dog marking I can only assume to be Dog brings a pall full of water and clean cloth. Another man with markings of a wolf remains rooted to his spot by the entrance. This man must be the look out.

What did they say earlier? Something about the Chief not being happy about being brought into the camp? Where am I and what do these men want from me? Do I even want to know?

The man with the Snake markings states apologetically, “I’m sorry that we had to be so forceful but we were kind of in a hurry. Hope you’ll forgive us.”

Shaking my head in an attempt to clear my head I reply, “That depends on your reasons for bringing me here.”

“I like the girl already,” The man with the wolf markings smirks in amusement. Turning back towards his post he adds, “Has a tongue on her. She’ll need that if she wishes to face the Chief.”

Glaring at the man marked as a wolf, Dog replies,” Hopefully that won’t be necessary.”

“Hope and reality are two entirely different concepts. While we hope it will be dealt with soon the fact of the matter is that Chief is expected back any moment now,” the man marked as a wolf retorts.

Unable to withstand this feeling of being left out of the conversation I state in exasperation, “If I am to be of any service to you I need to know what it is I’ve been brought here for. I assume that you need my services for healing so where is the patient?”

The man marked as a snake remarks in awe, “Usually the first thing somebody in your situation asks is who we are and when are we going to kill them.”
“Are you going to kill me?” I inquire calmly.

Looking at his companions Dog answers, “No.”

“Then it really doesn’t matter who or what you are. I’ll tend to this patient and then be on my way. The less I know about you the better.”

“If I didn’t know better I’d think you were used to strange men stealing you in broad daylight and taking you to their camp,” the man with Wolf markings states in amusement.

“On the contrary,” I reply bluntly. “That’s probably why I’m taking this as well as I am.”

“She’s got a point,” The one named Dog comments obviously impressed.

“Foolish is more like it,” a new voice states mockingly.

Standing up Snake comments, “It’s not what it looks like…”

Cutting the man off the man walks states calmly, “It looks like you brought a girl into my camp. Don’t tell me she’s really a man.”
“Ok, it’s what it looks like,” Snake replies nervously. “But I assure you it’s for a good reason.”

“Let me guess,” the man says while walking into the tent. “You decided to go against my orders and seek help for your friend Jin.”

“He’s not like us Chief,” Dog remarks wearily. “He’s not a part of our troupe and has family back home that will miss him. We had to at least attempt to help him.”

Finally getting a good look at the man I can’t help but stare. I’ve never seen anybody like him before. Besides the fact that he’s tall and unusually skinny the man seems to emit a lazy sort of power. I’m sure the man is a formidable opponent in the battlefield though he might not look it. I also take in the markings of a bird on his body. The black feathers etched on his arms are exactly as Enishi described. This must be the Painted man he’s after.

“He should be given a warriors death,” the man states firmly. “There’s no sense prolonging the inevitable.”

“How can you be so cruel,” I exclaim in anger. “No man deserves to die without even being given a chance to live. You treat your men as if they were livestock.”

In irritation the Chief remarks, “And what would you know about the world? What you learn from tales and your comfortable little life in your village? Life isn’t nice little girl and you’d best learn how things work in the real world.”

“I don’t care how things work in your world but in mine you at least try to help those in need. How can you be so uncompassionate?’ I utter in contempt.

Laughing at my display Chief retorts, “You’re a passionate one. Not too bad for a woman, however I cannot allow you to stay. We are fugitives on your land; we cannot remain here for much longer. Besides you have seen far too much as it is.”

“I have seen nothing of your camp,” I reply in anger.

With a smirk the man states, “You may have not seen the camp but you’ve met my men. No one ever lives to see our faces unless it bids our purpose. Even then it’s not as clear a view as you have been given.

I stare at the man in shock. Is he threatening me? The man is as callous and sinister as his reputation claims.

“Don’t look at me like that. You must be truly naive if you thought I would welcome you among my men. Your presence endangers my men and I will not stand for that.”

“If I’m going to be kidnapped for my services I’m going to make sure that my time was spent well. I don’t need…”

In anger Chief exclaims, “She was kidnapped! Of all the stupid things you could have done you kidnapped some little girl? Now we’re going to have a search party after us!”

“She’s just some local girl the villagers praise in these parts. They say she’s the best healer in all of Erin,” Dog states with his head down low in shame.

“This is just great,” Chief replies with a sigh. “I don’t need any of this. We have a new commission in a week’s time and you decide to bring a young healer with a reputation. I thought you were smarter than that.”

“Don’t talk to them like that,” I yell in annoyance.

Giving me an amused smirk Chief retorts, “You feel that it’s your place to order me in front of my men! I don’t care if you have problem with my treatment towards my men but you have no place among us. You may be a woman but I will not hesitate to be rid of you if you remain to wag that tongue of yours.”

“Is that a threat?” I inquire with my head held high.

“Not a threat, a promise,” Chief states cockily. “First thing in the morning you will be gone.”

“Wait,” I yell in desperation. “At least allow me a couple of days to tend the patient.”

“Why should I?” the Chief replies in annoyance. “You have insulted me in front of my men, and then you dared to raise your voice to me. Why should I allow you to remain? Do you think I’m a glutton for punishment?”

“I don’t know you well enough to answer that,” I state in amusement.

“And it will remain that way,” Chief sharply retorts.

“Please allow me to at least prove myself. If the patient I have doesn’t improve in a week’s time I will leave without a fight.”

“You would leave with little fight either way,” the Chief states looming over me.

Gathering all the courage I can I firmly assert, “At least honor your men’s wish to save their companion. A week is not much to ask.”

“In our line of work it is,” Chief states with a scowl. “I’m in a generous mood at the moment so I’ll give you three days.”

“Three day!” I exclaim in horror. “Nothing could be settled in such a short time! At least give me five days.”

Sizing up my expression Chief finally replies, “Five days starting tomorrow but not a moment more. If you fail you remember his life is on your hands. If you wish to prolong his suffering it was not my idea.”

“He will survive,” I state in annoyance.

“You haven’t even seen the patient yet,” Chief states in amusement. “Dog, Snake, you’ll come with me. Wolf stay at your post and for heaven’s sake keep you mind on your task. It was far too easy to get passed you earlier.”

“Yes Chief,” all three men reply unanimously.

Snake, Dog and the Chief make their way slowly out of the tent leaving Wolf and I alone in silence. The night is far too still for my liking. I would try to speak with Wolf but I don’t want to get the man in any further trouble.

Within a couple of minutes the three men come back with a patient with a bloody right arm. From far away I can tell that the wound is menacing. This will not be a simple patient.

As they lower the man onto the table I closely examine the arm. It’s worse than I originally assumed. The arm is infected despite the expert mending given. I have no choice in the matter I will have to amputate the arm.

Pulling my hair back with my shawl I firmly assert in my professional voice, “The man’s wound is severe I’ll have to amputate it. I need my tools, a pot of boiling water, two sharp knives that can cute throw bone and a volunteer to assist in cutting the arm.”

Dog runs for my box of medicinal tools while Snake begins to prepare a fire. Looking up at Chief I inquire, “Do you think you can put away our petty differences and assist me with the arm?”

With a scowl on his face he replies, “Just don’t expect this to be common practice. After tonight you’ll be on your own.”

I nod my head in understanding as Dog comes back with my tools. Taking out my herbs I quickly begin to prepare them for the tea I’ll somehow need to force down his throat. Hopefully one of the men will be able to assist me on that as well.

A couple of minutes later Snake approaches me with the hot water in hand. Looking towards him I command, “In a couple of minutes I’ll need you to take the knives and a heat them in the fire.” Handing him the knives I add, “Make sure that one of them has time to cool while the other one remains in the fire.

In understanding Snake takes the knives while watching me attentively. Blending the herbs with relative ease despite the audience I mix it into the pot of water. Hopefully this pot will last me for the night. He’ll need all of it after the surgery he’s about to undergo.

After letting the mixtures settle for a couple of minutes Snake runs off to prepare the blades while I force the tea down my patient’s throat. Because the mixture is so strong it should only take a couple of minutes for it to take effect. Despite the fact that it’s one of my strongest drafts the pain will still be intense.

“What’s the patient’s name?” I ask bluntly.

“Jin,” Dog replies with his eyes firmly planted on the man.

“Jin, if you can hear me we are going to amputate your arm. I will not lie, this will be painful but we will do the best we can to minimize your pain,” I softly state in an attempt to comfort the unconscious man.

Looking at me strangely Chief inquires, “Why do you talk to him like that? It’s not like he can respond.”

“He may be unconscious but I’ve found that surgeries are more successful if you tell them what is going on before hand. I think that at an unconscious level it helps prepare the body for what’s to come.”

“You’re a strange girl,” Chief remarks with a sigh.

I just ignore the comment and focus on the man on the table before me. The last thing I need is for the ruffian leader to get the best out of me.

“Snake give Chief the cooled blade and have the scorching blade ready to hand to me,” I command firmly. “This will need to be done quickly so listen to me carefully. Dog will need to hold Jin down. Chief you need to cut off his arm just a little below the socket quickly and efficiently. I’m sure you are knowledgeable on how to do so.”

The chief silently nods his head in understanding. I sigh in relief knowing that I won’t have to give him step by step instructions. This will make the procedure go by more efficiently.

“Good. Dog are you ready?” I inquire hurriedly.

‘Yes ma’am.”

“Is the knife at ready Snake?”

“Ready.”

“Good. Whenever you’re ready Chief.”

With a serious look on his face Chief immediately begins to cut off the arm. As expected Jin begins to scream though not as loudly as I would have expected from one of the villagers. The Chief’s men are very strong both mentally and physically.

Within little time Jin’s arm falls onto the ground with a soft thud. Taking no time to absorb the scene in front of me I immediately take hold of the blade in Snake’s possession and press the side of the blade flat against the wound. Jin begins to scream slightly louder though still highly restrained.

Turning the blade around I continue to seal the wound careful to press the blade with just the right amount of pressure against the skin. The last thing I want to do is hurt the man more than needed.

As soon as the wound is sealed up properly I immediately begin to tend the man’s fever. Wiping his brow with one hand I begin searching for the proper herbs for my draft with the other.

Suddenly the cloth is taken out of my hand and Chief exclaims, “Focus on the draft. I can handle watching him.”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t help me any further?” I inquire in disbelief.

Turning his head towards Jin Chief replies calmly, “I said that you were on your own after tonight. However if you don’t want my help…”

“Thank you,” I state in relief.

“Don’t mention it,” Chief states with a cocky grin.

Both of us quickly turn away from one another as we begin to focus on our own separate tasks. Is it just me or did we just have a civil conversation? Could it be that his cold demeanor is just a façade?

Pushing the thoughts aside I begin to dip my spare cloth in the herb water and press it across Jin’s brow. Hopefully the herbs will bring down his fever enough for him to properly rest.

“Seeing as the night is over we’ll leave you alone with the task,” Chief remarks arrogantly. “I wouldn’t want to break our agreement now.”

Staring at the man in anger I immediately regret letting down my guard. The man has not changed. He is and always will be a shallow minded ruffian!

“Pleasant dreams little healer girl.”

With that the Chief and his men depart the tent. Almost too quietly Wolf whispers at the door, “Good job. I think the Chief’s taken by you.”

I stare at the man in shock as he swiftly makes his way outside the tent. I look at my patient fitfully asleep and pray that my time here will end quickly and without incident. I don’t think I’ll be able to withstand the Chief for much longer. With a sigh I lie down and enjoy the little rest I’ll surely be given tonight.