She Who Slays The Demons

[Gingerick]

"Ah, so bitter,"

I almost choked on the disgusting taste of the muddy green medicine that I sipped. My throat clenched in reflex, making it difficult to breathe.

"Don't make a fuss and finish the bowl completely. It's very important for us," my mother said with a cold expression. Her slightly wrinkled face twisted in an unreadable expression, one a mother shouldn't wear.

"I k-know," I said meekly, not wanting her to get mad again.

Outside, pink sakura leaves floated in the air, forming a cluster of fragrance and allure. The sun was high in the sky, shining brightly over the green grass of the garden.

The calming sound of shishi odoshi (a garden decoration item) mixed with the chirping of swallows and bees did very little to ease my nausea.
"Don't make a face like that. Accept your duty that has been bestowed upon you. Only you can protect your siblings and the village. You will be seen as their savior," my mother declared.

This woman was my mother, I had to believe she was. But how could she? How could her heart allow it?

The medicine was prepared with fukuto and a bit of sake. It was crafted carefully by my father, an apothecary.
In small quantities, it won't kill you and grant you immunity to the poison. But being forced to drink it three bowls a day for six years, about 6570 bowls, the toxins had polluted my blood and organs, making me poisonous myself.
Why this, you ask? Why was I forced to ruin my own blood and body? By my own parents too?
The reason for this was heartbreaking I was about to be sacrificed. I was to be a demon's feast.
In this cruel world, humans have a natural predator: Demons.

They look like humans, talk like humans, but they eat humans. They can't eat anything else. Only human flesh satisfies their hunger. They kill and eat without hesitation, too evil for our resistance.
"Good, you are doing well... keep going," my mother encouraged.

Today was my 16th birthday. It was almost time.
"N-no mother... I don't... I don't want this..." I shook my head desperately, looking down at my mother's lap. How could I accept such a thing? Why do I have to die so young?

"I am sorry... I know... I am a terrible mother but... what can we do? Please forgive me..." My mother enveloped me, her scent sweet, her embrace warm, yet to me, she was just a selfish and pathetic woman.

As I knelt on the tatami mat, tears streaming down my face, clad in a traditional kimono, my eyes reflected the fear of impending doom.

"I wanted to dance beneath the cherry blossoms, feeling their petals brush against my fingertips," I whispered, voice choked with sorrow. "To taste the sweetness of freshly made mochi in the spring breeze."

The mother seemed to tighten her grip on me as she also joined my cry of desperation.

"I dreamed of learning the art of calligraphy, to capture fleeting emotions with each stroke of the brush," I continued, voice quivering. "To wander through vibrant marketplaces, savoring the aroma of spices and listening to the lively chatter of the vendors."

My toxic tears mirrored the sun tapping gently on the wooden shoji screens.

"I yearned to visit the ocean, to find solace in quiet gardens and play with my little brothers and sisters tirelessly," I confessed. "To hold a delicate paper fan adorned with tales of mythical creatures, and let it flutter in the summer breeze."

My mother's gaze fixated on the intricately woven tatami beneath her.

"I longed to wear a vibrant yukata, adorned with patterns that tell stories of our culture, and join festive celebrations," she spoke softly. "To marvel at autumn leaves ablaze with colors, as they whispered tales of change and renewal."

As the weight of her impending fate pressed down, she shared her final aspirations.

"I wanted to play ancient melodies on a shamisen, letting haunting notes weave tales of love and joy," I confessed, voice now barely a whisper. "To gaze at Fuji-san, standing tall and majestic. I wanted to live a normal life. But what did I get mother? Why was I isolated from everyone? Why was I told I was born to die? Why do I have to be the savior? I don't want this... any of this...."

No other words came out after that. I was being selfish, but it was my life. Can I decide what would happen to it?

"Think about your siblings, the other children in the village. If it's not you, it's them. You are the eldest one here. It's your responsibility. I am ashamed but helpless. What do you want me to do... They killed my brother, they killed my cousins, they killed your uncles, they killed the shogun, they killed everyone mercilessly. We are no different from cattle for them. We have no choice. You have to do this for us... I beg you... please..."

She was still crying. She cried every night; my father cried every night while preparing the medicine. The whole village cried. No one was happy. Peace and calm were long gone. The day that damned demon arrived in our village, it was over for us.

He called himself Ryoichi, arrived suddenly without warning. He killed my uncle, my mother's brother, the samurai tasked with guarding the village. He tried to resist but stood no chance. Ryoichi gave him a brutal death, hoisting his body on a pole in the middle of the village. He wanted to make am example out of him.

Hell had broken over my mother. She loved her brother dearly, and to see such a sight, she could have died of trauma if her motherly instincts to protect her own children hadn't kicked in.
Ryoichi took over the village, demanding everyone to follow him or he would kill them.

"I don't want to kill, I just want to eat," the demon said, laughing maniacally, making the blood of even me, a little girl at that time, boil with anger.
Since then, he would pick someone to eat from the village every month, mostly children with an occasional young woman or two. Whoever refused or tried to leave the village was killed by him.

"The only reason you are alive is so that your meat remains fresh and you can produce more food by copulation. If you can't do that, just die."
Unacceptable! Who the hell was he to say that? We are not food. We have lives, emotions, dreams. No one would accept this inhumane treatment, would they?

Well, they did. The mothers cried rivers, embracing their children at first; a mother would rather die than let her precious children become food for a monster. But Ryoichi was clever. He knew if he killed everyone that resisted, the village would perish, and all the food would rot. There is only so much he can eat at once. He needed a way to keep them obedient, if not the stick then the carrot.

"I will take one child under 16 years from a family only. If they accept this, I will leave them alone for 10 years before demanding more food from them. Oh, my, aren't I generous..."

This was twisted too but slightly less cruel. Most households had more than three children. Sacrificing one of them gave the others a chance to live. It was all for the children, thought the mother's and hardened their hearts.

That's what was about to happen to me as well. It was our house's turn to sacrifice. Exactly 10 years after the demon arrived.

"It will be fine. Just believe in your father. I swear we will meet again in heaven. Us all..."

She left the embrace and faced me. She wiped my tears off my face and kissed my forehead.

"I am proud of you. You are a strong young woman," she said, her eyes still moist. Her long hair rippled with the cool breeze.

"Today is your birthday. You can have anything that you desire to eat. I will prepare it for you. Say, what do you want?..."

She smiled in an effort to comfort me. Perhaps she wanted me to enjoy myself to the fullest in my last hours. She was asking for my last meal request.

"Raw Fugu (Puffer Fish). I will prepare them myself," I said briefly.

"You sure love that, don't you? As you wish. I will have it procured."

She stood up, carefully handling her yukata, and bowed to me as if I was someone important, then slowly stepped backward toward the sliding door.

"Wash off my tears from your hands," I said, knowing that she might poison some food by accidentally touching it with the hands she wiped my tears with.
She nodded and left, sliding the door shut after her. Now that she was gone, it was time to prepare my heart for what was about to come.

"Tonight, I might die," I looked at my pure white face in the dressing mirror. "But that demon would definitely die." I said, slapping my cheeks to draw the determination I needed. I wasn't the type to accept fate as it was.

My skin was paled by the poision and expression hardened by despair. The poison had made my skin smoother and moist, leaving me no need to wear makeup. I had inherited my mother's stunning beauty. My eyes pure black with a faint tint of green, lips bluish from the toxins. My hair was long and shiny, reaching to my waist. If I had long to live and was allowed to leave my room, I was sure people would praise me. I wanted to be praised, but not by my family. Even the ugly daughters are praised by their families.

"It's all because of him," I grunted, gritting my teeth. I wasn't allowed to even play with my beloved siblings for fear they would get poisoned if I wasn't careful. Day and night, inside this luxurious empty room, all I had were some novels to quench my boredom. But they were a curse in disguise. Whenever I read them, I was forced to realize the amazing things that I could have enjoyed and experienced if I wasn't just food. The things they wrote about in the novels, so beautiful and very far out of my reach.
"I will never forgive him, EVER. I will kill him. I will definitely save my village."

Once the demon eats me, the poison in my body will affect him, and he will die. That was my father's plan. He was skilled with poisons and was sure it would work. This herb was one of the three poisons believed to work on demons. But what if it did? I would have died to even know. My life would have ended. The self-sacrifice was never a perfect plan. What about my life? No, I refuse!
"I WILL KILL THAT BASTARD MYSELF..."

With all due respect to my father, I can only ever see him as a coward. Even when his brother-in-law was killed and hanged in the streets, he didn't do anything. He never even left the house. He never even talks to me anymore with the excuse of not wanting to be too attached to me. I can't trust a man like that and his plan.

"I have a plan of my own..."

*Knock, knock.*

My mother knocked the door before sliding it open and coming inside. She was carrying a tray in her hands, and under that tray was a paper bag.

"Here. There is your meal. After eating, please get changed in this kimono..." She said, her eyes soft with grief and helplessness. It was evident it was hard for her. It was best that I don't say anything.
"I will leave you alone now. Please enjoy your meal." She left the kimono and the tray in front of me and exited the room.

"Yeah, leave me alone for now. I will definitely see you soon again..."

I picked up the cover over the tray to reveal the fugu. With that, a handful of white rice and salad was also inside the plate. But the most important thing I needed from there was a sashimi knife. I purposely asked for raw fish so that she would give me the knife as well.

The puffer fish is a delicious fish with lethal poison in its ovaries and liver. To eat this without dying, one needs an experienced chef. But I was basically immune to its Poison so I could enjoy its delish without any worries.

"Itadakimasu."

I picked up the knife and carefully sliced the fish vertically to remove the bones and began eating. I didn't even need to cook it. My body could dissolve the toxins carried by raw fish easily. I slowly cut small parts of the meat with the knife and brought them to my mouth with the chopsticks.

The firm and slightly chewy texture enhanced the slightly sweet taste of the pink meat, washing off the disgusting taste of the medicine completely.
"Umai!"

There was a reason for the high cost of this fish; despite being poisonous and lethal, people can't help but give in to the amazing taste, even if it meant risking their lives.

I also took bites of rice and salad occasionally to fill my stomach completely. I was in dire need of energy today. I was going in for a struggle for my life. A do or die situation.

"Gochisoisama."

I said putting down my chopsticks. My small stomach was already full with the medicine I just chugged and could barely eat much. But that sure was refreshing.

"Now then, let's start..."

I untied the black kimono belt and let the great kimono fall down off the tatami from my shoulders, exposing my slender body to the sun. I picked up the paper bag and pulled out a beautiful violet kimono from within it. It was slightly bigger than the former one with green flowers engraved beautifully. It smelled fresh from the seamstress'.

I was pretty skilled at wearing the kimono and yukatas, as I always tried them on and off to pass the time. It was a fun thing to do, and now I don't need any help in wearing one. I can do it all by myself.

After the beautiful piece of fabric was covering my body, I looked in the mirror to analyze. Something was off.

I was just about to die, but my face was already that of a corpse. So pale, so cold. Expressionless. I quickly rummaged the drawers of the dressing table to look for something. I found a red lipstick.

"This will do. My lips should look nice. I should smile. There is no way I will die. No way..."

I kept telling myself as I applied the lipstick. Its oily texture made my lips a bit sticky and uncomfortable. I smacked my lips together and smiled.

"Good. I am so beautiful!"

I said to myself admiring my image in the mirror. I needed this. I was strong. I was beautiful. I was not food. I was a human.

I spend the rest of the time hardening my resolve & going over the plan I had made again and again in my brain.

"Tonight I will take revenge on you. I swear I will make you suffer. You damned demon!"

I kept repeating that in my head.


To be continued.

 

[Gingerick]

Demons were way stronger than us; an average demon possesses strength equal to 50 adult humans combined. On top of that, they excel in spiritual arts and martial arts naturally, skills that take us humans decades to master.

Even if you manage to injure them, their wounds heal in an instant, and severed parts can be easily regenerated. They are immune to most diseases and live for thousands of years. We humans can't hold a dying candle against them.

"Keep your head still. Don't move it too much..."

My mother returned to my room, wanting to braid my hair into a bun. She carefully straightened the slabs of my bangs covering my forehead and tied them at the back into a fluffy sphere. Then, she proceeded to pierce it with a brilliant silver hairpin, a decorative piece that looked quite expensive.

"What's with this hairpin? It isn't mine..."

I asked my mother, her careful handling of my hair giving me a sensation of a headpat, soothing my heart.

"It's your birthday gift from me. Isn't it beautiful?"

I saw her face in the mirror; she was smiling slightly. She loved doing my hair for me, and I think all mothers do. I had no doubt that I indeed was loved by her, but yet she won't hesitate to send me in harm's way. How does that work? If I ever become a mother, then perhaps I would understand.

"You are looking like a doll. Just like the day you were born. We were so happy... that... I am so... so sorry..."

She was quick at crying. I turned towards her and rubbed her back. Her tears would only make my resolve stronger, but that doesn't mean her crying didn't hurt me.

"Shut up already. When you cry, I also feel like crying. I don't want to cry anymore..."

I said rudely. What was her problem? So loving yet pathetically weak at heart. Shouldn't she try to appear more reliable in front of her children?

"I am s-sorry."

It was almost time. I stood up and helped her stand up too. The sun had already disappeared on the horizon, and darkness loomed in the atmosphere. Sound of crows & wind chimes hung in the room. It had gotten windy outside.

"Where are the little ones?"

I asked her as we made our way to the front gate of the estate. Our house wasn't too big, but not small either. That damned demon wasn't too interested in lands or riches, so he didn't steal our assets.

"I already lulled them to sleep. Do you want to see them?"

My mother's eyes were still moist. Her wrinkles were more visible in the orange glow of oil lamps in the corridor.

"No, I am fine. I don't want to give them any horrible memories."

I said, slowly walking on the wooden floor, barefoot, my feet making a faint thudding sound. The surroundings were just too silent, I couldn't be helped.

I had two little brothers and one cute little sister, ages 5, 8, 11. I loved them so much. And they loved their big sister too, or so I'd like to believe. Even though I haven't spent a lot of time with them, I had read them bedtime stories a few times. I have seen them play in the garden, from afar. In the end, it's all for them. Whatever I am about to do. I plan on being a reliable onee-san.

"What about him...?"

I asked, not wanting to say the word for some reason. I do care about him too, but I just can't...

"He is in his room. He asked me to bid you farewell on his behalf."

"Farewell? What does that even mean? He won't even come see me, while I go become a demon's meat? Her own daughter? How cruel is that? Has he no heart...?"

My voice was cracking. When I was younger, I had a brilliant relationship with him. He would always treat me like a princess and often stroll around the village with me on his shoulders. He would buy me sweets and toys and tell me fabulous stories about his own childhood. It must be how all fathers work, but to me, he was special. How did he change so much? Where did his love, his self-respect go.

"Don't insult his feelings like that. You don't know what he is going through. I haven't seen light in his eyes since that day. He barely eats or goes outside. His face is already of an aged man. He knows that if he sees you, his angel, he would end up doing something reckless and put all of us in danger."

He was her husband. Of course, she would defend him. Either way, it wasn't like this was my last chance to see him, was it?

"I am sorry..."

I said softly without looking at her, as I picked up my newly cleaned sandal from the rack and stuffed my cold feet in it. Maybe she didn't like me badmouthing her devastated husband. I didn't like that myself, so to speak. But what else can I think about him?

She nodded her head, and we kept walking. We were already at the gate by then. After removing the wooden plank off the gates, I pushed it open. I wonder how long it had been since I've seen at the entrance of my own house. Years perhaps.

"Oh, my beloved mother. Thank you so much for bringing me to this world, for carrying me in your womb. For raising me into the person I am. I give you my genuine regards and gratitude..."

I bowed my head deeply at my mother. Even if I pretend this wasn't the last time I was seeing her, it may indeed be the case. This could be my only chance to show her my gratitude.

"What are you..."

My mother's voice cracked as she hurriedly tried to raise my head.

"Please give my love to my siblings from my behalf and tell my father that I forgive him..."

She was silent. Maybe holding back her tears. I don't have anything else to say either. I got quiet and embraced her one last time. Her motherly comfort making my heart waver. Not good.

"I am sorry..."

"Stop it..."

"...Okay."

After leaving her embrace, I made my way outside to the village. Everything was engulfed in darkness.

Amidst the stone walls adorned with paper lanterns, I stepped out from the warmth of my home into the cool embrace of the spring night. The moon, a shy crescent, barely illuminated the narrow cobblestone streets that wound through the village. Shadows played on wooden facades, telling tales of bygone days. Everything used to be vibrant; every day was like a festival. If only those days would have lasted longer.

As I meandered slowly, the silence enveloped me like my silk kimono. The absence of laughter and the usual hum of activity heightened the misery of the deserted village. A gentle breeze carried the subtle fragrance of cherry blossoms, a scent that mingled with the anticipation in the air.

The lanterns cast a soft, golden glow, revealing the intricate details of the architecture that whispered stories of a generous past. My footsteps, though hesitant, echoed through the empty spaces, a solitary melody in the night. Each step unveiled the emptiness of the village, and the silence became a canvas for my thoughts.

Will I survive today? Is today my last day? Something like that can only be decided by fate. I will do my best. Because that's all I can do.

The demon's house wasn't too far from my own. Since it used to be my uncle's, the samurai, before he stole it. If I had to guess, I would say about 100 meters in distance.

Because of his fear, the villagers only came out of the house when it was unavoidable. Meaning, night or day, the streets were always empty.

"So, this is it..."

I stopped in my tracks upon seeing the barely familiar estate. A lush bamboo grove surrounded the property, concealing it from curious eyes. The entrance gate, adorned with intricate carvings, creaked open, revealing a pebble pathway leading to the main dwelling. Cherry blossom trees lined the edges, their delicate petals whispering secrets in the breeze.
Stone lanterns meant to illuminate the pathway were unlit as darkness fell, casting a cold sensation on the meticulously manicured landscape. The distant echoes of a Koto (Japanese stringed instrument) could be heard faintly.

The gates were open, maybe since I was being expected, or there was s simply no need to lock it. Who would dare to break into a demon's house?

I moved inside the house, my sandals making an uncomfortable noise against the cornerstones paved in the entryway. When I reached the door, I gave it a slight knock and waited.

After a while, the sliding door was opened with the soft sounds of footsteps behind it. A beautiful lady dressed in a cherry-red yukata had opened the door.

She was my aunt.

"Oh my dear Akira, you are so... so big now..."

She touched my face with her both hands, her eyes not unlike my own mother, sad and helpless. Her hair was also twisted in a similar way but adorned with numerous pins.

She was that demon's hostage. After killing her husband, he thought of the wife as his war trophy. What a terrible thing to do. If it wasn't for the fear of seeing her whole family in her hometown butchered, she would have given up her life before even thinking about serving her husband's killer.

"How have you been?"

I asked gently, looking at her moist pearl eyes. I had a lot of pleasant memories of her as well. I would often go to her house to play with the instrument collection she had gathered. She was a brilliant artist and singer as well.

She couldn't say anything. Why did I even ask that? Of course, she isn't fine. Who would be fine in her shoes?

"I am glad to see you again..." I hugged her without another word. I should have done that from the start.

"..Me too. I-I am sorry I can't help you. I am sorry I couldn't help anyone. Every month, an innocent life is taken mercilessly in front of my eyes, and yet I keep living on like it isn't my problem. Today it's my own niece, today as well I am pathetically useless..."

"No, don't worry, today is different..."

I whispered quietly in her ear before breaking the embrace.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, please show me the way..." I said, trying to smile. Maybe I could ease her heart a bit if I go in smiling. Just maybe.

"You understand what is about to happen to you, right? Did your mother tell you everything...?" She asked worriedly; she didn't expect me to smile.

"She did." I answered kicking off my sandals.

She indeed had. It wasn't for no reason that I was forced to dress up in this brilliant kimono and neat hair. The demon had commanded every prey to do this, irrespective of gender. That demon was beyond evil. If his food was in any way desirable to his twisted conscience, he would have his way with them before eating.

Even the thought is nauseating. He was lower than scum. Absolutely disgusting.

My aunt still looked confused, but I didn't think we should talk any longer. Demons possess highly sensitive senses, so perhaps he already knows I was there.

"Please show me the way..."

I said, stepping forward and bowing my head to her. She had no more words and just nodded.

We started walking, me following her as she took me through the corridor lined up with wallpapers and sliding doors on both sides of the wall. The floor was made of polished oak and made a creaking sound upon pressure of my feet. Only a few lamps were lit inside as well, making the journey creepy and chilling to my spine.

"This is the room..."

She said, stopping suddenly. The room we had reached was no different from others; the only thing noticeable was that the sound of Koto was the loudest heard from her. That damn demon was playing it after all, and he was inside.

"Will you be fine..?"

She grabbed my both palms in hers and looked me in the eyes. Not even worried, just devastated. I just hoped my nails don't scratch her hands. She was already so troubled.

"I will be..."

"I have to leave now. I wish you peace. May your soul find salvation."

She said before leaving hurriedly. Maybe she was ordered by the demon not to disturb his mealtimes. She looked scared.

"Now then... It's about to begin..." I murmured in my head as I gently knocked on the door, sitting down on the floor. My kimono brushing against the wooden planks. My back was chilled by the cold breeze coming from who knows where.

"Step inside..."

After a while, I heard his disgusting voice after so many years. No different than the last time. The voice of a demon, hoarse and barely comprehensible. It boiled my toxic blood, making my hatred rise to the surface.

I WILL DEFINITELY KILL YOU.