The Healer Series: The Complete Set, Books 1-4

by C. J. Anaya

  Musubi was very disturbed by everything we had shared with him. His concern for The Healer’s situation surprised me. It almost seemed as if he had some personal connection to her...to me, but what?

  “Do you see now why our time would be better spent planning a rescue rather than drawing the emperor out?” Akane asked. “You have suspected for several years that many of your friends and associates have been imprisoned by the emperor. The gods of fortune haven’t made an appearance in a very long time. Here is your proof. If we have any hope of taking back the empire and defeating the demon god’s minions, we are going to need those kami rescued and on our side.”

  Musubi raged a war within himself as if he wished to take one path, but reluctantly saw the need for another. He finally pushed down his anger and resigned himself to his fate, whatever that fate might be. I was wholly confused by his emotional upheaval.

  “Agreed,” Musubi said with reluctance. “We’ve been spending all of this time trying to find ways to draw the emperor out while The Healer’s blood has been used to create a kami army meant to eradicate us. I’ve been such a fool. I should have seen this coming. It’s so like Amatsu to stealthily build a foothold in the world of the living.”

  I raised questioning eyes at Akane, wondering if she understood why Musubi had dubbed himself responsible for missing something that no one could have seen coming.

  She studied Musubi, exhibiting deep concern and confusion. She was just as clueless as I was, apparently.

  “Once we breach the walls and enter the palace the first person we must secure is The Healer. If the demon god gets his hands on her he could feed her blood to every single kami that has ever been turned to the dark side. His armies would be unstoppable. We must ensure he never reaches her, and we haven’t much time to ensure her safety if his minions are already within the palace walls. We must release any of the gods of fortune he has imprisoned so they can help usurp the throne from Fukurokuju.” He rubbed his face in exhaustion. “There’s no telling what Katsu is facing in there, and he most likely has no idea of it himself. He and The Healer are sitting ducks awaiting the next attack.”

  His bitterness at the mention of Katsu was not quite as venomous as it had been the last time. His worry on behalf of the warrior god left me more curious than ever. There was a story there, but it would have to be told at a later date.

  “How much time do you think we have?” I asked.

  “We need to be ready to move upon the palace within the next two days. Even then, I hope we won’t be too late,” he said.

  “I can direct you to the dungeons. Believe it or not, I know the palace better than anyone here in camp.”

  Musubi looked at me in surprise. “What on earth makes you think you’ll be allowed to infiltrate the palace and assist in this rescue?”

  “You’re not seriously considering leaving me behind. I won’t stand for it.” This wasn’t good. The minute Musubi left me behind, Katsu would become aware of my location. I needed Musubi’s cloaking abilities to continue. “My betrothed is probably searching for me. I need you to continue to cloak me.”

  I thought I heard Akane snicker, and Musubi gave her a withering look. He didn’t appear at all pleased at the mention of my betrothed.

  She looked nonplussed. “I told you Mikomi would resent being coddled. Your wife is a tenacious individual. Reminds me of me, really.”

  “Mikomi, I don’t need to be near you in order to cloak your ki,” he reasoned.

  I placed my hands upon my hips, ready to do battle if necessary, and waited for Musubi’s arguments, which were most likely plentiful.

  “It is too dangerous,” he began.

  “And you assume I will be safer here without you? Is there a kami on this Earth better equipped to protect me than you?”

  Akane laughed outright at that. “Oh, she cut to the heart of the matter, didn’t she? By the gods, Mikomi, life will be so much more entertaining with you present.”

  Musubi threw another glare her way and then redirected it toward me. “I am the best kami for that particular assignment, I agree, but that does little to change the logistics of the situation. We will be surrounded by soldiers and kami from the underworld with only a few kami on our side. If we are outnumbered, what then? Here in camp there are a number of soldiers who can and will defend you.”

  “I can fight and defend myself if it comes to that.”

  “We’ve already discussed your level of skill in that department. You are nowhere near ready.”

  “I have improved greatly since last we trained.”

  Musubi let out a disgruntled snort. “You’ve managed to become a battle ready Samurai within a day, have you?”

  “Actually, I believe you will find her prepared to take on a soldier or two if she must. I have also been sparring with her during our brief moments together,” Akane improvised.

  Musubi quirked an imperious brow. “You’ll forgive me if that bit of information fails to infuse me with confidence.”

  “You said it was best for me to be with you in case one of the soldiers in the camp wished to pay court to me.”

  “This is a ridiculous point to make, Mikomi. Every single warrior present is aware of the fact that you are mine. Not one of them would dare touch a hair on your head.”

  The emphatic tone he used upon that one possessive word brought a smile to my lips.

  “What if one of you becomes ill or injured and my services are needed. What then?”

  “That’s absurd. No one is going to become ill.”

  “But injuries are certain, are they not?”

  “According to my score keeping, your wife is pleading a convincing case.” There was a satisfied glint in Akane’s eye.

  “My point is this,” I continued, feeling bolstered by her approval, “I refuse to be left behind. This is my fight just as much as anyone’s, unless there is some other reason you might have for wishing I remain behind?”

  He looked perplexed. “What other reason besides your safety are you alluding to?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps you do not wish to spend more time with me than is absolutely necessary for fear of growing too attached to your fake wife.”

  Akane choked back a chuckle that might have escalated to full blown hilarity if she’d allowed it. Musubi’s face turned a few different shades of red as he spluttered for some rejoinder. I found myself utterly transfixed by his speechless discomfort. After a failed attempt at regaining his composure, he moved in front of me and lifted my chin so his eyes bored directly into mine.

  “The thought of your life in peril during this attack is insufferable. I cannot risk your safety. It will be too distracting.”

  “Can you be certain that once you have left me behind I will be any safer? Not knowing might also be a distraction.”

  He let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re more than a distraction, Mikomi. You’ll be my complete undoing.”

  In a swift movement born of sweet possessive power, he encircled me within his arms and forcefully brought his lips to mine. I didn’t care that he kissed me out of anger, fear or desperation, because I was aware of the tempting desire he held in check just below the surface, an emotion he refused to acknowledge.

  I was determined to change those circumstances.

  His kisses softened, a sweet caress against my lips. He pulled away just enough to look me in the eye, and though confusion reigned supreme, I thought I caught a softening in his look and a wish to simply let go and claim what was his.

  “Does this mean you’ll take me with you?” I said in hushed tones.

  He rested his forehead against mine, and I felt his stubborn will surrendering to me. “I will tell Akane to include you in our planning.”

  “No need for that, considering I’m still here,” Akane happily sang out.

  Musubi startled and then rubbed a hand over his face in embarrassment.

  Akane took on a ponderous look as she tapped a finger to her chin. “I think it’s a
n even better idea to capture a Shinto priest while we’re at it.”

  “For what?” he asked.

  Akane gave him a wide-eyed look. “Your nuptials, of course. After that charmingly heated display, I’m assuming you’ll want to make things official.”

  Musubi shook his head as he stormed out of the tent saying, “Give a woman a sword and soon nothing is beyond the bounds of propriety. The gods save me from the machinations of free thinking women.”

  Akane’s smile spread across her entire face as she turned to me. “Well, that was deliciously promising, I must say.” Then she lazily sauntered after Musubi as if she didn’t have a coup to plan and an empire to overthrow.

  “When are the supplies going to arrive? I’m aching for this new adventure to begin,” Saigo said.

  Saigo and I had spent the last hour sparring with fake swords while Kenji sat under a large banyan tree reading from a tome he had stolen from my father’s library. I thought it a terribly resourceful thing for him to have considered.

  I dropped my sword in exasperation. “Saigo, your attention span is woefully lacking. Do you realize you’ve done more talking than practicing?”

  “What’s the point? You’ve far surpassed me with that disturbing memory transfer you used on Akane. I’m not exactly the right person to be sparring with.”

  “Be that as it may, I still need to commit the knowledge I have here,” I pointed to my temple, “to my physical form. None of this is going to help me if I tire out too easily or haven’t the strength to perform the various techniques. I must gain more muscle memory, and all you can think about is a coup you most definitely will not be joining.”

  “Nothing shall tear me from your side, dear sister.” Saigo moved a hand to his heart in a melodramatic gesture. “I’ll not sit upon my comfy cot, shackled within the most luxurious of tents while you journey into unknown danger with only a blanket to your name.”

  “Young Saigo is suffering from the pains of sheer boredom. I did offer to read to him, Mikomi, but he would have none of it,” Kenji said.

  Saigo snorted and turned to me. “My tutor has made the horrifying suggestion that I continue my studies so as not to fall behind.” He shook his head. “Behind what, I ask you? We shall be knee deep in battle, and Kenji will still find a way to pull me aside and offer a few tips on how I might have been more diplomatic with the last few soldiers I encountered instead of running them through with my sword.”

  “A kind word holds more weight than an angry gesture,” Kenji chided.

  Saigo pulled me to his side and whispered, “Do you see what I’m getting at here?”

  I allowed myself a soft chuckle and decided to give up on my attempts at muscle training. In all honesty, I was just as anxious for the foragers to arrive as Saigo. After winning my argument concerning my involvement with the coup on the palace, I thought it wise to avoid a confrontation involving joining the foraging parties. I decided to stay in the camp with Kenji and Saigo instead.

  Aiko had willingly volunteered to lead a group out since our kami numbers were scarce and she was undoubtedly a better fighter than most, an idea that succeeded in unsettling me. Her role as my maid and surrogate mother was hard for me to relinquish when faced with the idea that Aiko was just as experienced in battle as Musubi. I simply couldn’t picture her wielding a sword when she’d been such a nurturing presence throughout my life.

  The foraging parties had been gone all night and into the early morning. All but one group had returned, and Akane feared the worst.

  “Mikomi, might I have a word with you?”

  I turned in surprise upon hearing Akane’s voice. Her ability to sneak up on one was a skill I planned on learning within the very near future. Worry lines creased the corners of her mouth, which turned down in an unconscious grimace. Her emotions teetered between fear and near panic.

  “Tell me what has happened. Is Musubi hurt?” I knew it was a rather stupid question to ask considering his invincibility as a kami, but my concern for him was primal, instinctive, and completely devoid of logic and reason.

  Her faint smile lifted my worry, but it never reached her eyes.

  “I’m afraid a different kind of calamity has befallen us. Our last group of warriors has finally returned, but their unusual delay is due to an illness they acquired along the way. Aiko just arrived with most of them, supporting two of our women soldiers on either of her arms. The other soldiers much more affected by the illness fell behind, and Aiko went back with Musubi to fetch them.”

  I heaved a sigh of relief at Aiko’s return. “Thank heavens she was there to help them.”

  “Indeed. I need you to come with me.”

  I nodded and fell in step with Akane. Her dual personalities, that of commander and also my friend were separate and distinctive. At the moment she carried the weight of the rebellion on her shoulders and looked every inch the rebel commander with her fiery hair plaited in a tight braid at her back. Her sword sheathed at her side and her tight fitting breeches and loose shirt gave her more mobility of movement than a kimono would. I admired her tremendously and desired nothing more than to lighten a few of her ever multiplying burdens.

  “Tell me what the problem is.” I nodded toward the company of warriors as we approached them near the end of the compound.

  “They’ve all come down with the same kind of symptoms—nausea, vomiting, and fever—but no other soldiers are ill. This group, and this group alone, are the sole contractors of this illness. The source of their symptoms could not have started here.”

  “How long?”

  “Twelve hours. I thought it was a simple disruption of the bowels, but they don’t seem to be recovering. I am afraid it might be something much more serious in nature.”

  “I will check them, but I don’t have any herbs with me to mask the healings I perform.”

  “I have brought a few supplies to help you with that. No need to worry, Mikomi.”

  I took the small satchel she handed me and then walked over to the group of soldiers who were sitting down and leaning their backs against the bark of various trees.

  I knelt down next to the first soldier and realized it was a woman. She gave me a brave smile, but in the growing dusk her skin took on a sickly pale hue. I was grateful the sun had almost set. I hoped the descending darkness might cover my methods to any questioning or curious glances.

  “May I touch your head to check your temperature?”

  She nodded in agreement. I placed one hand on her forehead and did my best to connect with her while keeping my eyes open and focused on the tree bark behind her.

  Images came to my mind and the nausea I felt was acute. If all of them were as sick as this woman I was surprised that they were able to make it back to camp.

  That wasn’t the alarming part, however. Her kidneys were failing and her liver appeared damaged, almost as if her organs were beginning to disintegrate. The cells within her heart were undergoing the same kind of damage. The source of this malady was a toxin I was familiar with. I instructed her body to reverse the process, expel the toxins and heal the damage to her heart, liver, and kidneys, all the while continuing to keep contact with her by touching her forehead and hands. Her body would recover within a day and hopefully she would assume her illness had not been so serious.

  Once I broke my connection with her I withdrew and found Akane by my side.

  “Well?” she breathed.

  “Come with me,” I said, pulling her away from the soldiers.

  “Akane, what have your soldiers consumed within the last few days? They know better than to eat those white mushrooms that grow within the forest, am I correct?”

  Akane’s face grew serious.

  “Everyone knows better than to eat those mushrooms. The death cap is poisonous.”

  “Well, I’m afraid that’s exactly what must have happened, whether they ingested it or the spores made contact with their skin in some way. If your soldiers know better than to willingly ingest
it, then someone either put it in their food or exposed them to it in another way.”

  “Which means someone in our camp had to have introduced the poison to their systems.”

  “Are all of the soldiers you sent accounted for? Did all of them get sick?”

  “All but one. Aiko and several of the soldiers mentioned that this particular individual who hadn’t yet contracted the illness went missing last night.”

  “He probably left fearing discovery. It would have looked suspicious for him to be the only one unaffected,” I reasoned.

  Akane let out a frustrated growl. “We cannot stage an attack against the emperor if we have dissenters amongst us.”

  “I am glad you called me when you did. The poison has not damaged their organs to the point that I cannot fix it, but by the next day I am not so certain there would have been any hope for them.”

  “Thank you, Mikomi. You will never know how your efforts have helped.”

  I nodded. “I had better finish helping the rest of your warriors. I hope Aiko and Musubi quickly return with the more serious cases. The sooner they arrive, the better.”

  I went back to work and healed several more soldiers. They would all recover within the next day. I was relieved no one had been too far gone, and that I hadn’t run into the veil. I wouldn’t have been able to breach it again even if I had wanted to. I finished my ministrations just as I heard the loud thunder of galloping hooves draw near.

  Musubi and Aiko rapidly approached, fairly leaping off their horses before the winded animals came to a stop. My whole body warmed at the sight of my soul mate, but the urgency with which Aiko and Musubi moved left me feeling uneasy.

  “What is it?” Akane asked.

  “Nekomata.” Musubi’s voice dripped with fury and disgust.

  I panicked at the revelation. “We need to evacuate immediately.”

  He held his hands up to quell my panic.

  “We were able to dispatch with all five of them by disarming them and using their weapons to finish the deed.”

  “That easy, was it?” Akane asked dryly. “How did they know where to find us?”