The Lovers Sword



In a field in northern Japan, the demoness Sayuri looked out of the entrance to the underworld.  It was night and the moon shined down on the field.  The earth is so beautiful she thought as she gazed out upon the night.  Sayuri turned to see a figure standing twenty paces from her.  He turned toward her and she put her hand to her mouth.  He was a young and handsome samurai dressed in a long black Hitatare. Sayuri could just make out a blossom shaped crest on his arm and the rank upon his lapels. A stern look crossed his face as his dark eyes scanned the area.  The wind blew his long hair off his face as his right hand slowly went for the hilt of his sword. Enchanted by the samurai she climbed up to get a better look but something grabbed her and pulled her back.
“Sayuri, do you not know who that is!” the demon hissed. The girl turned her beautiful eyes to her brother.
“No Hiroki, but he is like me”
“Yes he’s a human like you but he is also Norikazu, the demon hunter.  Sister, Mother would be furious if she knew we were out here”.  Sayuri looked down.
 “She does not care about me”.  Hiroki looked at his sister; it was true Yasha Tai did not care for Sayuri.  The demoness had seduced a human man and gave birth to a half human child.  If it were not for her brother’s pleas Sayuri would have been thrown into the abyss upon her birth.  As Sayuri looked at her brother tears fell from her eyes and turned to jewels. She had an unearthly beauty, with a face as white as snow and eyes that sparkled, her scarlet lips were as soft as flower petals, her long black hair shined and fell to her knees. She looked nothing like her brother who was a dark demon, a foul black creature of the shadows.  Hiroki did not care; he loved his sister very much. Whenever he was in her presents he could feel her powers for she radiated peace and calm to all that were around her.
“Hiroki please, may I look upon him once more?”  The demon sighed.
“Very well, but be careful”
Sayuri turned and went to the exit, she peered out slowly.  There was the warrior standing tall and strong.  As she raised her head he turned and drawing his katana ran straight at her swinging it high, in the brief second before him brought it down there eyes met, peace and calm came over the warriors heart. Mesmerized Sayuri did not move. The samurai stopped just as the blade touched her.  Sayuri looked up at him as the blade rested between her eyes.  A tear of blood ran from the cut down her cheek.  Norikazu’s eyes shot wide: the blood was red! It was not a demon!  Withdrawing the sword he knelt before her.
“Forgive me beautiful one, but what are you doing here?”
Sayuri looked up into his eyes; a blush came to her cheeks as her heart filled with love for the tall stranger.  
“Samurai San” she sighed sweetly.  Norikazu looked upon her, she was dressed in a white and blue robes, her long black hair shined and her face was like a delicate bloom. He had never seen such radiant beauty and was enchanted.  Gently he lifted her out of the ground to her feet.
“Come, I will take you home.”  
Sayuri looked to see the sun rising. Demons as a rule cannot dwell in sunlight.  She turned and stepped down into the earth.
“Wait you cannot go down there!” Norikazu called. She looked back at him.
“I must samurai San”
And turning went down into the underworld.
Noirkazu stood in disbelief, this cannot be, a human cannot dwell in the underworld.

Sayuri walked down the jagged steps, her head in the clouds.  
“Sister what happened? You’re bleeding!” Hiroki’s deep voice growled.
“It is nothing,” she sighed contently and walked off to her chamber.  Hiroki scratched his head thoughtfully.
“I knew this day would come, she would see a human man and become enamored. My poor sister, I pray there is no love between them as it could only end in pain and death.”
Norikazu went to the village and sat down at an inn.  He ordered some tea and porridge, but when it arrived he just stared at his breakfast in dismay.  I cannot believe what I saw he thought, a maiden, a lovely maiden who lives in the underworld.  I thought it was a trick but her blood was red.  A demon can be any form but it cannot change it blood.  She was so beautiful and there was something about her, a feeling that calmed my heart and stayed my sword.

Demon hunting was only part of Norikazu’s life, he was also samurai to Lord Tawaga.  After checking in at the Dojo and getting his orders for the day Norikazu went to the temple to see the priest Moto.  He told him what had transpired that night.
“It is not unusual that a young man might see such an apparition,” Moto said stroking his white beard.
“But it was real Moto San, I touched her she was real”
“Notwithstanding Norikazu San, be on you guard tonight”
“Hie” the samurai bowed.  As Norikazu left the temple to perform his daily duties his heart was heavy. She was not real? No, I cannot accept that. Drawing his sword he looked at the blade.  There was her blood red and dried but there.  
 “It was real,” the samurai knitted his eyebrow together.

To be continued....

part 2

That night Norikazu went to the entrance to the underworld.  As he approached he heard the most beautiful voice singing in the night.  It was the girl he had seen the night before.  She was sitting on a rock and playing a Syamisen she sang a song about her beloved samurai.  Norikazu was enchanted he knelt before he and listened.  Her words spoke of a brave samurai who fought in may wars and who would come home to his beloved riding upon his magnificent horse and looking so proud in his armor, his war banner waving in the wind. When she finished the song Sayuri looked down at Norikazu.
“I sing this song for you samurai San”
“Arigoto my lady. The words you sing have touched my heart deeply” Norikazu bowed.  Rising they looked at each other.
“Are you real beautiful one?”  The samurai asked
“Yes, but I sometime ponder if you are samurai San, for I never seen such a thing as you.”
“I am real beautiful one, pray tell me you name”
“I am Sayuri” she blushed and she hid her face behind her sleeve. “They say you are Norikazu, the demon hunter.  But fear does not come to my heart upon hearing your name”.
“I am he, you have nothing to fear from me, I promise”
“You will not kill me, this I know as you stayed your sword and did not strike me down even thought I am part demon.  My mother is Yasha Tai, she never wanted me and barely tolerates me”.  Two tears fell as diamonds from her eyes as she spoke. Norikazu reached out and took her hand.  
 “Sayuri do not cry” he cooed softy.  Norikazu looked up, out of the underworld came a hoard of black demons, there evil cries tore through the air. Standing in front of Sayuri he drew his sword and engaged them.  As he cut them down Sayuri hid behind a rock and watched in wonder as her samurai fought.  He is very brave she thought as he took on three at once.  As the last of the demons retreated, Sayuri went up to Norikazu.  He turned to her.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes but you are hurt”. ” She reached up and touched his face. Gently she placed her hand on the wound and it healed. Norikazu looked at her.
“How?”
“I could always heal wounds”. Sayuri smiled.
Hiroki watched them from the entrance.
 “My poor sister is in love with him”, sighing the demon turned away.
“You are no regular demon, you are beauty and serenity itself.” Norikazu said and Sayuri blushed.
“And you samurai are not the evil monster they say your are, you are brave and honorable.” Gently Norikazu embraced her; she smiled up at him as he held her.
“ A man has never held me before” her eyes sparkled in the moonlight.
“And I have never held such a beautiful girl nor have I done this.” Norikazu leaned down and kissed her cherry red lips.  Sayuri trembled in his embrace. As their lips parted tears came to Sayuri’s eyes.
“I…I…never dreamed this could happen, to be kissed by such a handsome samurai”.  Tenderly Norikazu held her velvet smooth face in his large hands; her tears turned to jewels as they fell into his palms.
 “I do not care that you are a demon Sayuri, I have lost my heart to you.  I have tried to deny it, but now I know it is something I must face.  Sayuri put her hand over his heart
“You do love me Norikazu, but it’s hurting you”
“Yes as I know we cannot be together”
“Perhaps there is a way” tenderly she embraced him and reached out her soul to his.  The samurai sighed deeply as she caressed his soul.
“What is happening?” he breathed.
“I am touching your soul,
“It…it feels incredible”
 “Yes I can feel your honor and your bravery. Sayuri looked into his eyes and trembled.
“To feel your compassion and sincerity, and your loyalty. Oh what a wonderful heart you have my samurai.” Swallowing hard Noirkazu struggled with his resolve. “Now she said, “you try to touch mine”
“How I…?”
“Just relax and feel your own soul then reach out to mine.”  Norikazu slowly reached out to her, their soul met like to hands gently embracing.  Sayuri sighed in ecstasy, Norikazu trembled her sweet soul was full of love, hope, and deep desire.
“Sayuri” he sighed deeply. Thunder rumbled in the distance as holding each other tight their souls bonded. Passionately they kissed, their souls called to each other to complete there union. Gathering Sayuri up in his arms Norikazu scanned the field and finding a quite area set her down.
“I will not hurt you, I swear on my honor.”
“I know your honor and it is true, you long for me Norikazu, your soul is calling to me” she sighed as she slid her kimono off her shoulders.  Norikazu dropped his swords and untied his Hitatare and belts.  Her soul was calling to him and wanted to answer her.  She sat and turning her head pulled her long black hair away exposed her smooth neck and shoulders.  Norikazu sat next to her and ran his hand down the back of her neck.  He trembled with desire and fear for he never been with a young lady and at the age of twenty-four he felt ashamed. She felt his fear and soothed it telling him that she too had never had a love, but together they could find the love there souls desired and all the pleasure and happiness there hearts craved. In her gaze all Noirkazu’s fear’s and doubts disappeared and he took her in her arms and loved her with all the passion in is soul.

Part 3

When Norikazu awoke it was day and Sayuri was gone.  
“Sayuri?” he called aloud, then he remembered the sun was up and she was now in the underworld.  As he dressed himself and found his swords his mind went back to last night.  He had found such love in her arms, it was beyond anything her had ever felt, and it was a union that ran though his soul and every fiber of his being.  As he walked down the road toward the Dojo a dog ran up to him and began to growl viscously.  He had seen the little black and white dog before and it never reacted to him like this.  It followed him and nipped at his heels.  He turned and yelled at it to go away and it shrank back and ran whining down the road.  At the Dojo the general looked at him.
“You do not look well Norikazu, I relive you of your duties today.  I suggest you go to a doctor.”
“Hie” he bowed.  Norikazu did not feel sick; however, he went to see Moto at the temple. The priest was an expert herbalist and doctor, perhaps he could tell him what was wrong.  Upon entering the temple Norikazu grabbed his chest, the pain almost brought him to his knees.  Staggering he made his way to Moto’s chamber.  As the priest slid back the door, his eyes went wide at the sight of the samurai.  
“Moto San what is wrong with me?”  The samurai muttered as he crawled into the room. Noirkazu trembled, sweat ran down his brow, he face ghostly pale, and his deep brown eyes were black.  Moto knelt before for him.
“Noirkazu tell me what happened last night,” the priest said calmly as he reached behind himself and slowly pulled out a scroll.
“What is that!” Norikazu growled as he saw the paper.
“ A demon charm, my friend you have been possessed”
“No!” Norikazu grabbed the hilt of his sword.  The closer Moto brought the scroll to him the weaker the samurai became. “Please, you will hurt her as well.” Moto raised his eyebrows and shot the samurai a look. “I…I saw her…we were together” he gasped for breath.
“You lied with her?” Moto said quietly as he withdrew the scroll.
“Yes it was so beautiful…we touched each other souls.”  Moto eyebrows went together.
“That is impossible my friend, the binding of souls is an ancient myth...”
“But I know it’s not impossible!” Norikazu growled and slammed his fist into the floor.  Suddenly he held his chest and a peaceful calm came over him.  “Sayuri” he sighed. The demon, Moto thought, she is soothing him, but how and why? As Moto looked a Norikazu he knew what had transpired was real. The samurai’s aura was black; he has merged his soul with hers. The part of his soul that is possessed by her is reacting to this holy place. Norikazu looked up at Moto. “I…I am sorry my friend.” The priest put his hand on the samurai shoulder.
“Do not worry there is a way to break this bond, however it is dangerous”
“What do you mean Moto?” Norikazu eyes narrowed sharply. “I do not want to break this bond, it would be like cutting off my hand or foot.  The priest sighed.
“She has bewitched you, she cannot love you”
“She can and she does!” Norikazu growled. The samurai put his hand to his head and tried to compose himself, he could feel her soul and she was comforting him.  Norikazu sighed as exhaustion came over him.  He tried to stand.
“I must rest” he muttered.
“Easy now, I’ll have Kenji take you to a place off the temple grounds. I will visit you there later”.  As the young priest took the samurai away, Moto sat and pondered the situation.  He had to help Norikazu for he was in love with a demon.  His denial for any emotional attachments has forced him to love the creatures he hated the most, the monsters that attacked his family and killed his aunt and uncle many years ago.


to be continued....

Part 4

In the underworld Sayuri felt what had transpired.  She had soothed her love the best she could even thought he had gone into a temple.  Yasha Tai came into her chamber.
“I see you have been seducing the demon hunter,” she smiled. “Lead him down here and we shall destroy him!” Sayuri stood.
“No mother I will not”
“What! The demoness’s voice thundered.
“I love him I cannot let him die.”  Yasha Tai strode up to her and grabbing her by her kimono held her up.  Her red eyes leered at her as slime ran from her fangs”
“You little bitch, how dare you!” She spat.  Yasha Tai sniffed at her thoughtfully. You have lain with him recently as you reek of his scent… “No!” She dropped Sayuri to the ground.  “You have bonded with him!”
“Yes I have,” Sayuri snapped.  Yasha Tai began to laugh. I will destroy them both she thought.
“There is no such thing as love Sayuri, do not be fooled by stupid human longings”. With that Yasha Tai left Sayuri alone. The girl put her hands to her heart as her tears fell.
 “Samurai Chan,” she called to Norikazu’s soul.

“Sayuri!” Norikazu sat up from his cot in the small hut he had been brought to. She is in pain he thought I must tried to help her as she has helped me.  Concentrating his will he reached out to her and expressed all his love to her, he felt her being to calm.  Kenji looked at him in fear.
“Is everything alright Samurai San?”
“Yes,” Norikazu gasped as he reached for some water.  Norikazu slept on and off that afternoon. He dreamt of Sayuri and of the dark underworld. Noirkazu knew Sayuri was not evil for she had truly bared her soul to him.  She was forced to live in darkness due to her parentage.  He felt something in her soul that was different, a bright light that could not be evil and at the same time not human.

****


As darkness fell Yasha Tai sent Sayuri to the entrance of the underworld.
 “He will come to you, lead him to me”
 “He is a mighty warrior he will destroy you!” Sayuri snapped.
 “Insolent child,” Yasha Tai growled and slapped the girl across the face.
  “Now go!” she yelled and shoved the girl toward the stars.  Sayuri stumbled up to the surface; the pain on her face was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.  They were using her as bait to kill her beloved samurai.  
 “I will warn him” she sighed and reached out to his soul.  Norikazu knelt in payer in his hut.  Moto had visited Norikazu but the samurai refused an exorcism. There was nothing else Moto could do for him but pray for his mortal soul. He had his brought his armor to him, he also was given a message for Lord Tawaga with the instructions not to deliver it till sunrise. Norikazu knew that a battle was eminent and he could feel Sayuri’s warning in his soul.  Norikazu conveyed to her his love and that he was strong in the Bushido and would fight every last demon for her.  Rising, Kenji adjusted the straps on his Kota’s.  Norikazu looked at his black and gold breastplate and then at the crests on his Hitatare.  He thought of his family, the aunt and uncle who has raised him only to be murdered by demons.  He had wanted to become a priest, but he knew that as a samurai he could fight these monsters with steel and seek his revenge.  He thought of Sayuri, her beautiful face floated thought his mind, the thought of being with her drove him to distraction and he gripped the hilt of his sword. Standing tall he looked toward the door.
 “Tonight I shall go to my death, for I fight a battle I cannot win, but I go with honor and love for my Sayuri.” Kenji handed him a cup of sake; the samurai took it and drank it down. Kenji took the cup and bowed.  Norikazu bowed back and turning on his heal left the hut. Kenji watched him go into the night, the young priest put his hands together and sent out a prayer for the ill fated samurai.  

to be continued....

Part 5

Striding across the field Norikazu parted the tall grass and peered at the entrance of the underworld.  There was Sayuri as beautiful as ever.  He could feel her fear and it sent rage though his heart. Sayuri looked up to see Norikazu walking up to her.  He is so brave and honorable; he wears his armor proudly.  Norikazu drew his sword, his eye fixed upward.  Sayuri turned to see Yasha Tai rise from the pit.  As she rose the black demon spread her long wings.  She turned her long pointed snout toward the samurai and roared.  Norikazu charge at her with all his might and slashed her deeply across her side. He turned to Sayuri.
“Run!”
“Norikazu!” she screamed as Yasha Tai growled and grabbing the girl by the neck and flung her to the ground.  Pain raced through Norikazu soul, Sayuri had been hurt badly.  He turned his eyes to Yasha Tai and they began to glow red, he could feel the darkside of Sayuri’s soul and added his strength to it.  Charging at Yasha Tai with all his might, he stabbed her deep in the heart.  The demon screamed and grabbing the samurai crushed him in her hand.  Norikazu fell to the ground as Yasha Tai dissipated into the air.
Rising to his knees the samurai looked to Sayuri and planted the blade of his sword hard into the ground.
“Sayuri” he gasped as he reached for her. His breath was short and blood ran from his mouth.  Yasha Tai had crushed him fatally, his breastplate was cracked and pieces of it stuck deep into his chest.  Sayuri try to lift her head.
“Norikazu” she called weakly.  Slowly the samurai crawled to her, fighting back the pain he put his arms around her.  Hiroki watched from the entrance, his demon army was awaiting orders to attack and destroy them as per Yasha Tai.
“I am commander now, you are dismissed!” Hiroki snapped. Turning back to the field the demon watched his sister and a tear came to his eye.
 “Go with him my sister and be with him forever.” The demon whispered and turning stepped down into the underworld.
 “Sayuri I have failed you” Noirkazu said as he held her to his chest.
“Norikazu you could never fail me, you have freed me of Yasha Tai.” The samurai felt tears come to his eyes as she spoke for he could feel her life slipping away.  Sayuri looked up at him; tears ran down her face.
“I can hear your brave heart and it slows.”
“I am dying my love.” Norikazu voice faltered, he could feel her life slipping away rapidly.
“You will always be my hero Norikazu and you shall die honorably”
“To die with honor is the way of the samurai,” he drew her closer, but I would rather die as I do now with you in arms.” Tender he kissed her lips for the last time.  As life left there bodies their souls rose up above them.  The bright and dark orbs joined together to be one, gently they settled on Norikazu’s sword and merged with it.

Legend says the sword of the lovers still stands by the entrance of the underworld.  No mortal or god can pull this Katana from it place as Norikazu and Sayuri souls dwell in the sword and it is the strength of there love with keeps it in the ground for there souls are forever bound together in the noble blade.


THE END