Sealed Love 封印の愛 "Fūin no Ai" ( a chaemura au)

第5章

The horse galloped through the city gates, leaving the chaos behind. As they entered the countryside, the landscape shifted to rolling hills and dense forests.

Riki's grip on Eunchae loosened, his breathing labored.

"Eunchae-sama, we're clear," he whispered.

Eunchae turned, concern etched on her face.

"Riki-dono, your wound!"

Riki's eyes fluttered closed. "Minor
scratch...just need rest."

The horse slowed, sensing its riders' fatigue.

Eunchae guided it toward a nearby clearing,surrounded by tall trees.
As they stopped, Riki slid off, leaning against the horse. Eunchae dismounted, supporting Riki.

"Rest here," she said. "I'Il find shelter."

Riki nodded, eyes closed. Eunchae explored the clearing, finding a
hidden cabin.She returned, helping Riki inside.

As dusk fell, Eunchae led Riki to the cabin's makeshift bed. She examined his wound, her touch gentle.

"We need to clean and dress this," she said.

Riki nodded, his eyes closed.

Eunchae ventured outside, searching for
herbs. The forest yielded making a list in her mind:

1. Yomogi (Japanese mugwort):
antibacterial properties
2. Tsukikusa (moonflower):
anti-inflammatory
3. Kanzo (licorice root): soothing, antiseptic

She gathered the herbs, returning to the cabin. Eunchae scout around the cabin to see a bit of firewood left by the owner. A small pot that she can use to heat water from the stream. Eunchae glanced back to Niki whimpering, if she is not fast enough he could get infected.

Entering the cabin after what she required what she needed, she used the yomogi leaf and boiled it. The tea is then cooled to clean the wound.
She then applied a tsukikusa poultice to reduce swelling. Lastly,Eunchae used the rocks to mashed up the kanzo root into a soothing paste.

Riki's eyes fluttered open as Eunchae gently applied the paste.

"Thank you, Eunchae-sama," he whispered.

Eunchae smiled, securing the bandage made tearing a bit of her kimono.

"Rest now. The herbs will aid your recovery."

Eunchae sat beside him, watching the fire dance.

The sun soon rise awakening Eunchae from her short rest. She looks to her left to see her samurai missing. Alarmed she stood up only to see him already preparing the horse.

" Are you okay?"

"Yes Eunchae -sama, thank you for yesterday. However we have to keep on moving. Enemies are getting closer."

"Where can we go?"

Riki's gaze locked onto hers. "The Shinto
shrine. Priestess Akane awaits."

Eunchae nodded, determination etched on her face. The horse, rested, carried them through the dawn-lit countryside.

As the sun rose, the shrine's majestic torii gates eventually appeared.

The torii gate, a vibrant vermillion, stood sentinel at the shrine's entrance. Its curved beams seemed to embrace the heavens, beckoning visitors to enter.

As Eunchae and Riki approached, the gate's sacred symbols came into view:

The kaname stone, polished by time and devotion.The shimenawa ropes, adorned with sacred paper strips (shide).The sakaki leaves, symbolizing purification
Beyond the tori, a winding path invited
contemplation:Stepping stones, worn smooth by generations.Lanterns, soft glow illuminating the way. Cherry blossom trees, their branches etched
against the sky.

The shrine's main hall (honden) rose before them: cedar beams, weathered to a silvery sheen tile roofs, curved like dragon scales, its golden accents, shining like sunlight.

Priestess Akane awaited them, her white
robes radiant.Eunchae wanted to ask how did she reach before them, when she was behind them holding the enemies off. But she forgot priestess have powers the naked eye won't know.

"Welcome, Eunchae-sama. Leave your worries at the gate. The gods' peace awaits within."

As they stepped through the torii, a subtle energy enveloped them. One of
purification, serenity and protection.

Eunchae's eyes widened in awe.

Priestess Akane smiled. "Take your time,
Eunchae-sama. Reclaim your heritage.

Eunchae approached the honden, her
footsteps echoing off the wooden floors.
She paused before the altar, where sacred objects lay:

A golden mirror (kagami), symbolizing thesoul. A sacred sword (tachi), representing courage A jewel-encrusted box (magatama), holding ancient secrets.

Incense wafted, carrying prayers to the
heavens.Eunchae's fingers traced the intricate carvings:dragons, serpents, and phoenixes danced across the wood. Ancient texts, etched in forgotten languages.

Riki stood guard, his eyes scanning the
surroundings.Priestess Akane guided Eunchae to a tranquil garden.A koi pond, reflecting the sky's hues,
a tsukubai stone basin, for purification
and a beautifully pruned sakaki tree,
symbolizing protection.

"Eunchae-sama, your father often meditated here," Akane said.

Eunchae's gaze softened, memories
flooding back. She could see her younger self running around the tree. Disturbing her father with leaves as he try to meditate.

Suddenly, Eunchae stopped before a hidden door.

"What lies beyond?" she asked.

Priestess Akane's expression turned
enigmatic.

"The path to your destiny, Eunchae-sama.Are you prepared?"

Priestess Akane's eyes locked onto Eunchae's.

"Your father, Shinzen-sama, hid more than the Dragon Scroll'" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

" The dragon scroll..."

Eunchae knows about that scroll. She knows her father is the gaurdian.
Eunchae's curiosity piqued.

"What do you mean?"

Akane's hands clasped together.

"Your mother, Akira-sama, was not who she seemed. Her true identity holds the key to your destiny."

Riki's gaze narrowed.

"What identity?"

Akane's voice dropped lower.

"Akira-sama was the last heir of the ancient Kaito clan, sworn protectors of the Dragon Scroll. Their bloodline holds the power to unlock its secrets."

Eunchae's mind reeled. It was not her father? It was her mother.

"I'm....a Kaito?"

Akane nodded.

"By blood and spirit. Your father hid this truth to protect you. The imperial Army seek to exploit your heritage. The power of the dragon scroll if falls to the wrong hand will be lethal. It is sworn to not be used for one's need. It is used for the protection of the people."

"The current reign of the emporer is trying to shift the shinto religion. From praying to the gods above , to believing that the emperor is the god."

Akane added solemn.

" So thats why they are trying to attain the scroll, to attain significant amount of power. Shift how the people see them. Shamelessly using the power of the Kami(god) ."

"Yes, the dragon god is one of the strongest. We will protect Eunchae-sama here. But you have to start cultivating the power in you. And then destroy the scroll. That is the only way we can protect you and for them to never attain the knowledge of cultivating it."

"Only those born as Kaito's can cultivate the power."

Eunchae pushed the door open.