by C. J. Anaya
“The emperor has been such an easy fool to manipulate. He’ll never see the dagger coming until it hits him square in the chest, but for now we use him to perpetuate the demon god’s plan.”
“Why continue with this farce, then? Why force me to marry Katsu when you, yourself could kidnap me and take me to your master?”
“Opportunity is a fickle mistress, my dear. Our window of opportunity shrank when you and the emperor thwarted our initial plan of capture. Amatsu held the veil open at one strategic location, but for only a very short period of time. There is no way to travel to the underworld now unless another rift in the veil occurs. Your union with the wrong kami will cause such a rift.””
“And then I’m spirited away to some unpleasant fate. Is that it?”
“I doubt it will be unpleasant. My master has every intention of marrying you himself once Katsu and Musubi have been disposed of. If you behave, he will treat you with the same love and affection due an obedient wife.”
I stared at the Aiko imposter, feeling completely undone at this point. Love and affection? This was madness. Utter madness.
“I’m not going to fall in line so easily.”
“Then perhaps he will keep Musubi alive in order to see that you do.”
I did my best to tamp down my alarm as the nekomata’s hands brushed the side of my wrap where I’d managed to hide a dagger I retrieved from underneath my bed. I had no idea when an opportune moment to use it might present itself, but I intended to be prepared.
It sickened me at how much this nekomata sounded like Aiko—capable of behaving just like her. This abomination imitated every nuance and gesture with perfect precision. I despised it nearly as much as I despised my father.
The nekomata reverted back to Aiko’s form, turned me around to face it, and then pulled a small, black dagger from within its clothing. The nekomata held it up in front of my face, then let it rest against my cheek. My breath hitched, but I refused to cower in fear. My defiant glare was the only form of rebellion I could muster as it slicked back my unadorned hair with its free hand.
“Now, please remember, mistress, if you should attempt to make a run for it or warn Musubi of the ambush we have planned for his army, I will take out this lovely little weapon and stab him in the back. You understand fully what is at stake here?”
I nodded, not bothering to mask the hatred I felt. I distantly wondered if Saigo and Kenji had succeeded in finding a way to leave Kagami. I hoped they were far away from here.
“Wonderful. Allow me to escort you to this marriage ceremony.”
The impostor grabbed the draping folds of my kimono at my back and lifted them. “Let us proceed, mistress.”
The soft hissing as it said that last word sent a shiver down my spine.
I honestly felt as if I walked to my death as our tiny procession took us through the many twists and turns of the palace.
“How much longer do you intend to masquerade as my father’s spy? When does the demon god intend to take hold of Kagami and this army he has masterminded?”
“All you need to concern yourself with is this ceremony. You’ll see the demon god soon enough after that.”
My thoughts turned to the real Aiko at that particular moment. I hadn’t the foggiest notion as to how she met her end or where her body might be found. She deserved a proper burial and recognition for all the love and service she had rendered during my early years. She deserved so much more than what had befallen her.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I took a moment to mourn the loss of a woman who had sacrificed so much for me.
As the guards opened the doors to the ceremony room and Aiko prodded me forward, my heart nearly caved in on itself. What could I possibly do to warn Musubi once I saw him? What could I possibly say when he recognized me?
As I stepped into the room I heard a sharp intake of breath a few yards ahead of me. I looked up into the startled eyes of Musubi and watched as he came to terms with what he beheld. There was a sharp smell of fear and panic, then protectiveness. He looked as if he was readying himself to spring forward, but I locked eyes with him and indiscreetly shook my head, imploring him with one look to remain silent.
On either side of Musubi stood my parents. My mother to the left and my father to the right. I already felt the emperor’s nauseating confidence and smug satisfaction, deftly playing his hand by forcing mine.
My mother’s emotions were unattainable. No surprise in that quarter. She remained cool and aloof though she’d spent most of her life anticipating this one particular moment.
Akane, Yao, and Chan stood with a group of guards to the right along the wall. I entertained no delusions as to their situation. They were prisoners at this assembly, not guests.
Katsu stood in his traditional attire, appearing nervous and handsome, but exuding an air of anxiety and an underlying tension. Taking my place at Katsu’s side didn’t last longer than a few seconds, but the moments in between each second passed at an excruciating crawl.
Musubi’s eyes never left mine. His bewilderment and confusion coupled with the nervous energy and growing desire to protect me soon began to morph into abject horror and then the most profound agony as Katsu said these next words.
“Musubi…dear…friend…” Katsu’’s stilted words made his nervous tension more apparent.
How much time had elapsed since they had spoken with one another? Had Musubi eschewed Katsu’s presence since Edana’s death?
He continued on, “I present to you the princess of Kagami, savior of our world, The Healer. Mikomi, this is the god of love and marriage. He will officiate by binding our union.”
I bowed from the hips as was expected of me, but when I returned to an upright position I implored him with my eyes to comprehend the situation for what it truly was and to sense the danger surrounding us.
His hardened jaw and the awful visage of smoldering anger momentarily passed his face. Then it was gone, smoothly replaced with a mask of indifference. Aiko moved to take a position directly behind him, and as the nekomata turned its back I flicked my eyes from Musubi to Aiko and jutted my chin ever so slightly in its direction. Every particle of my being screamed for him to understand our desperate situation.
If he did understand my subtle gesture and pleading look he didn’t acknowledge it. I felt my hope wither and die as his anger continued to grow in strength until all of the love and trust he held for me melted away with the smoldering rage consuming the whole of him.
A noise from the back of the room distracted me, and I watched as Kenji was brought into the room by one of the guards. Kenji’s strained mouth and slight limp hinted at a recent beating. My heart was in my throat at this new development. One more person I loved was now present in this room where nekomata and their poisonous weapons abounded.
Where was Saigo?
Musubi glanced backward and noted Kenji’s presence. I hoped he also noticed the weapon the guard concealed at Kenji’s back. I saw Katsu shift his feet, his confusion unmistakable. He had no idea that my father used Kenji as leverage against me, but there was no denying the charged emotions permeating the atmosphere.
Musubi’s calculating assessment indicated a readiness to fight if necessary. He moved forward and cleared his throat.
“Well, it is an honor to participate in this most anticipated of events. The prophecy long ago foretold of a union between a savior of this world and the guardian of the veil.” He paused, swallowing down a ball of emotion as his angry eyes met mine. Aiko’’s vigilant attentions assessed my every move and facial expression, making it impossible to give any warnings. My eyes remained my only mode of communication, but how to divulge my growing desperation?
Musubi scrutinized me for a few moments and then held his right hand out, palm down. I lifted my left palm up to his and we clasped hands as he began the traditional Japanese blessing of health, longevity, and prosperity. As my palm rested under his I dared to use my pointer finger to tap against his skin usi
ng the code Akane taught me. I spelled out the word nekomata and then Aiko, grateful for the first time in my life that these traditional prayers were so elaborate. I pulled my hand away as Musubi did. He then extended his hand to Katsu, offering the same blessings he had offered me. The look he gave Katsu appeared almost murderous. His outrage for offenses I failed to fathom ate at him with each passing moment he spent in the warrior god’s presence.
They released hands and Musubi stepped back.
“As it has been prophesied so shall it come to pass: the princess will soon take her place alongside the honorable Masaru Katsu, god of warriors and keeper of The Grass Cutter Sword.”
The sarcastic emphasis he placed upon the word honorable did not go unnoticed as Katsu stiffened at my side.
“As a god ordained by our First Parents to give approval and blessings for unions such as these, I bestow upon this particular union a blessing of the highest order and seal it with this cherry blossom.”
My right palm lifted to meet that of Katsu’s. As our skin made contact I felt a warm tingle of something otherworldly spread through my palm. A bright white cherry blossom grew from the tips of our fingers. My heart fractured at this pronouncement. With the white cherry blossom binding us, Katsu and I were as good as married, whether we truly belonged together or not. I could feel the bonding slowly strengthen, as if an invisible cord tethered my body to Katsu’s and an acute awareness of his emotional state increased in a way that I felt as if I were the one experiencing it. I was slowly becoming one with him while the powerful pull of Musubi’s ki became a dull ache in the background. It felt so wrong, I nearly vomited on the spot.
Musubi’s next words were laced with frustration and barely suppressed anger.
“The engagement is official, and your union secure. Soon Princess Mikomi will forever belong to you, Masaru.” He glared at Katsu with unconcealed rage. “Protect what is rightfully yours, old friend, or someone else will.”
My father clapped his hands together in delight.
“Marvelous. I must thank you, Musubi, for your attendance here tonight and would ask that you might remain for a time as we celebrate the happy couple’s union—”
A small commotion and then panicked shouting could be heard from without the room. I swiveled around just in time to see a familiar face.
“Father, stop,” Saigo yelled as the door to the room burst open. Behind him were the wounded bodies of three guards. Saigo’s blade dripped with a shiny, red substance, and my need to vomit increased tenfold.
The unexpected and disturbing sight of my younger brother surrounded by dying guards froze my reaction time. It was fortunate that Musubi suffered no such hesitation. Strong arms grabbed me from behind, and I recognized his touch immediately. He dashed forward with me in his arms and deposited me next to Saigo. I saw movement from the corner of my eye and turned to observe Aiko stepping forward and throwing something made of shiny steel toward the man I loved.
“Musubi, look out,” I screamed as I dove for him, sending us both sprawling to the floor. The sharp thunk of a weapon embedding itself into the wall behind us reverberated throughout the room.
Akane, Yao, and Chan were already in motion, cutting down human soldiers while my father shouted orders to his kami followers. Mass chaos ensued. Musubi sprang up and pulled me to my feet. Katsu was engaged with Aiko, no doubt taking issue with the weapon she’d launched in our direction. My stomach knotted with every swipe of the nekomata’’s sword. A single scratch would seal Katsu’s fate.
“Musubi, get Mikomi out of here now!” Akane yelled. She cut down another soldier crowding in from a side entrance and then somersaulted over some downed men. She moved like lightening, and her intent wasn’t clear until she grasped the back of Katsu’s clothing and wrenched him backward as two kami from either side tried boxing him in. They thrust their swords toward his unprotected sides, but Akane’s interference on his behalf removed him in time as the two kami impaled one another instead.
“Katsu,” Akane shouted, “I need your help getting Hachiman out of here.”
He shot to his feet and moved to her side.
I stepped forward to assist in whatever capacity I could manage, but Musubi grabbed my shoulder.
He turned to my brother as he spoke. “Grab Kenji and meet us at the Shinto temple as quickly as you can. You three may find refuge within its sacred walls.”
“No, we can’t leave them here. What about Akane?” I protested.
“You are the only person in this room that anyone is interested in. If I’m going to protect you with so many kami against us, you need to be in a location the nekomata don’t have access to.” He scooped me up and soon we were streaking through the palace walls, through the garden, and toward the ruins.
A loud commotion rose from the surrounding area. The rebels had joined the fight.
Our motion abruptly stopped, making my head feel as if it were still several hundred yards behind me, fighting desperately to catch up. Musubi lowered me to the ground and gently pushed my head between my knees.
“Take deep breaths, Mikomi. I rushed us out of there much faster than your body is capable of handling.” Though his instructions were kind enough there was a dark tenor to his words. His anger at my deceit ate at him. There was much to account for, and very little time afforded us.
“I know how this looks,” I began.
“How this looks?” His eyes held a stormy rage thinly restrained by his need to understand the extent of my subterfuge. “You’’re The Healer, Mikomi. The Healer! It would appear as if you’ve been lying to me from day one. Using Akane and myself as a source to scout out the rebels and foil any and all plans we made to gain ground against your father.”
“No.” I shook my head in earnest. “I was never a spy. Akane recruited me because she knew I was sympathetic to the cause. I could work to heal your men, prevent my father from thinning out your ranks.”
The disbelief and disdain painted across his face stung more than any words he might have uttered. I deserved his distrust and censure. I knew I did, but I couldn’t lose the ground we had gained. Our relationship couldn’t disintegrate due to my lies.
“I don’t believe a word of this,” he spat out.
I tried to gather my thoughts and summon the words that could clear up this tangled mess, when figures burst from the shadows and suddenly Akane was by my side. She knelt before me with worry and concern etched upon her face.
“What the hell happened to you?” She looked up at Musubi. “Was she injured? Why are you not within the walls of the temple? The battle is almost here.””
“How did you get here so quickly?” I asked.
“The same as you. We have kami fighting on our side, remember?”
Saigo and Kenji arrived with Yao and Chan, all of them bearing various injuries of one form or another.
“I need to heal them,” I croaked. I moved to stand, but Akane was already helping me to my feet.
“Their wounds are superficial, Mikomi. You can heal them as soon as we are safely inside. It is imperative that we keep the nekomata and your father from reaching you.”
“You knew she was The Healer, Akane?” Musubi asked, though his question resembled more of an accusation.
Akane rolled her eyes in impatience. “Of course I knew, you idiot! We don’t have time for confessions or explanations. I’ll apologize for misleading you later. We need to move, people.”
Two figures sped from the shadow of the ruins, planting themselves directly before our group. Yao and Chan moved to my side with Saigo and Kenji following.
“Get her inside, Musubi,” Akane growled as she pushed me back and into his arms. I could still sense his reeling emotions. It was going to take quite a bit of time to regain his trust.
The two kami before us looked formidable. As if reading my thoughts, their forms blurred like rippling waves caused by the undulating movement of a sea serpent and soon they were all black hair and fangs, nekomata in the fle
sh.
“You’re not taking the princess anywhere,” the taller one on the left said. He appeared more muscular in stature, though comparing one to the other was like trying to distinguish between a deadly threat and the awful certainty your life would end in seconds.
Akane bent low to the ground with her sword drawn, hovering before me in a defensive gesture. I ached to draw a sword myself, but had only a small dagger at my hip.
“I’m afraid Amatsu’s desire to reform his minions will have to be postponed. You won’t be using her blood anytime soon,” Akane said in an impressively casual tone.
“If we cannot force her ascension with Katsu, then we will take The Healer now.”
“Why on earth would you want The Healer to join with her soul mate? It goes against everything the demon god stands for,” Musubi said.
The nekomata shared a wicked look and let out maniacally evil laughs.
“Can it be that the god of love and marriage remains ignorant on this score?” The one on the right addressed his next comment to me. “It is surprising you did not tell him of Katsu’s incompatibility, Healer.”
“Tell me what?” Musubi shouted.
My response was lost when six more kami approached, two on either side of us and then two behind. We were completely boxed in.
By the gods, the odds had become even worse.
“Where is Katsu?” I whispered to the back of Akane’s head. Musubi stiffened, but said nothing.
“He and Hachiman, along with two other gods of fortune, have stayed behind to try and hold off as many nekomata as possible and lead the rebels to our location.”
“Well, they let six get past them. Not doing a very good job, are they?” Musubi spit out.
I motioned for Saigo to move toward the temple, but he shifted his eyes from me and stubbornly refused to acknowledge my gesture. My blasted brother was going to get himself killed if he stayed here. A sickening panic engulfed me when I thought of the many people who might not survive the outcome of this battle. I decided to take matters into my own hands and put our enemies on the defensive.