Sparrow by Homestyler
Leaving Home
Chapter 1: Leaving Home
The sun beamed brightly, casting a golden hue on the home before him. His horse whinnied and he pulled the reins toward the doors of the building, his bag thumping softly against his side with his mount's every step. The sounds of the nearby village rang out through the air, children laughing and vendors calling out their goods and wares. Perhaps when he finished delivering his message, he could rest for a day or two in town before returning to his own village. Slowing his mount, he neared the torii arches and swung himself off his horse, falling with a muffled thud to his feet. He stepped forward, one calloused hand leading his horse behind him while the other reached into his bag, producing a scroll tied with the decorated seal of the Emperor's house, a regal dog standing against a stylized flower.
A servant came forward at the sound of his entrance and quickly took in his weathered uniform signifying him as an Imperial messenger. She bowed her dark head before scurrying inside to find her master. The messenger shifted his weight, takin in the small garden around the home as he waited for the man of the house to receive him. A minute later the shoji doors moved once more and a man stepped out, his black hair flecked with steely gray and soft wrinkles ensconcing his hard eyes. His gait was stilted, a slight limp hindering him from walking as powerfully as he appeared when standing still, but his back was straight and his chin up, wordlessly commanding the messenger to speak.
"You are Higurashi-taisho?" The messenger's voice was weary from the long ride and scratchy from the dust of the road, but he stepped forward with practiced composure.
"Hai, I am he," Higurashi answered, his flinty blue eyes licking down to the scroll hanging from the messenger's fingertips.
"A message from the Emperor, Higurashi-taisho," the messenger said, bowing slightly as he extended the scroll to the older general.
"Arigatou," Higurashi intoned, taking the scroll from his hands and slipping the knots out of the ribbon with ease, unravelling it to see the Emperor's commands. He squinted in the sunlight as he read, his eyes widening in shock and confusion at the Emperor's desires. He could not believe this request had come from the Imperial family, even though the bold red seal of the Dog General bored into the paper confirmed its legitimacy.
"Aki, summon my family. There is much to discuss."
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Kagome laughed as she ran through the woods, nimbly evading her pursuers. The happy sound echoed in her wake as her hair danced wildly around her shoulders and she turned, eyes bright with mirth as she paused to catch her breath.
"Do you yield?" A childish voice popped up behind her, her otouto stepping out from behind a bush. A whoop came as another child spotted her bright kimono and bustled through the woods to reach her.
"Never!" Kagome cried as she bolted once more, Souta giving chase once more as more children joined together in chasing Kagome. Their path wound through the woods between their home and their village and Kagome burst through the trees to the road, nearly running into a horse and rider. She looked up, catching his eye before she saw the seal he wore on his uniform and stepped back bowing her head in apology.
"Gomen nasai," she said, her words breathy and rushed. The man only laughed as the children chasing her charged out of the forest, yelling and whooping at finally having caught her. Seeing the rider stopped in the road, the children gathered behind Kagome.
"Come on Kagome, we caught you so now you have to play another game!" one of the children begged, reaching up for her hand. Kagome looked away from the rider and crouched down to meet the girl's eyes. She heard the rider turn his horse and continue along the path to the center of town.
"You're right Jun," she said brightly, grabbing another child's hand as they started walking back to the village. "What do you want to play next?" The onslaught of children yelling their chosen games surrounded her in an instant, swallowing her laughter.
The Higurashi family gathered at the torii arches before their estate, the harsh bright rays of the morning sun holding no warmth. Only days ago, the little family was lively and content with their lot in life. Just days ago, when they had no idea what change was being brought to them in that messenger's bag. Their only daughter, Kagome, had been summoned to present herself before the emperor and represent her family as the two princes of the realm searched for a suitable wife. The Higurashi patriarch had been surprised at the summons given their relatively low standing when compared to the lowest members of the Emperor's court. Higurashi-taisho's service had been recognized by the Emperor when they faced an enemy in the East years ago, but so had many other brave and valiant young men and youkai. With such a large kingdom, it was strange that she had been summoned from so far away to join the multitude of women vying for a prince's heart. Her family was sending her off today with what little they could provide to ensure a respectable impression, one fine kimono and a few combs for her hair. She would be escorted by a contingent that had come from the palace guard; they had arrived only days after the messenger had initially delivered his blow.
She did not want to go. The village held many happy memories for the young woman, and she could not bear the thought of leaving her friends behind. She just hoped that she would not be gone too long, that they would not forget her. She hoped the children would keep playing the games she taught them, that the miko in her village would find a new helper, that so many things would still be there when she returned. She loved her friends, her family, her life here, and her heart broke a little bit more at the thought of her imminent departure. Souta scampered out of the house towards them, stopping just shy of her side, his sad eyes looking at her newest kimono. His hand reached out, a single finger trailing along the golden threads that formed tiny birds flying across the fabric. The threads glinted in the light as she moved. Twisting her own hand around, Kagome grabbed Souta's and squeezed twice, her otouto's watery eyes meeting her own.
"Be good," Kagome said, voice rising in a strangle warble as she pulled him in to a tight hug, his arms pinned under her own. Souta's hands wrapped around her and his head moved against her shoulder, the only sign he acknowledged her request. Leaning back, she took one more look at her little brother before dropping her arms. The little birds shimmered and glinted, and she looked to the sky to distract her mind from the impending sorrow.
I wish I too could take flight… Kagome thought wistfully. Her melancholic gaze caught sight of a pair of sparrows flitting by a copse of trees on the road to village. Her destiny lay in the opposite direction, where the road widened and her knowledge ended. She had never been that far west. In all her life, she had never left the shadows of her mountains, and her stomach flipped at the thought.
Kagome sighed as her mother pulled her in for yet another long embrace. Her soft blue eyes shifted and closed, willing her tears not to come until at least the carriage had left. It would not do to have her father think her ungrateful for the opportunity and honor presented to their family. She would bring her family honor and pride, regardless of whether she captured the affections of a prince or not. She would miss them, yet she would return when the princes chose and wed another.
"Kagome…" her mother pulled back, grasping her daughters' shoulders gently. "You will make us proud. You are so lovely, so kind, and they will see and know your value. You will be missed, musume."
"Thank you, Mama," Kagome said, voice catching as she struggled to keep her words even, "My heart will long to be here more and more each day I am away from you, but I will make you proud. I will not dishonor my family," she promised, pride cutting her soft heart like a knife. "I will carry your words with me, mama, and I will come home. I promise."
Her mother smiled sadly, her eyes lowering to the ground as she nodded, a tear escaping from the corner of one eye. Her father stepped in, closer to her and her mother, his leathery, scarred hands reaching for hers. Enfolding her fingers between his palms, his smile echoing her mother's. His eyes, a light blue equal to hers and her otouto's, wrinkled as his grasp tightened.
"You are a gift to our lives and to our family, daughter. Now you must go and serve our family," he said softly, only for her as he gave her hands a soft squeeze, "Represent us well." Her father's words filled her with hope and strength, and she set her shoulders and straightened, the folds of her kimono falling gracefully as she stepped away from him and then into a low bow. Her hair fell over the sides of her face, sheltering her briefly from the piercing blaze of the sun. Righting herself, she looked once more at her family, committing their faces to her memory. Souta's splitting smile, her mother's soft eyes, and her father's proud figure burned into her mind, she tried desperately not to let them see her distress.
Her father stepped forward and offered his hand to help her into the carriage. As she stepped up and into the small carriage, she could not help but feel like she was drowning in the fears and expectations set forth by herself and her family and the only thing tethering her to the earth was the carriage she now found herself trapped in. The door to her new cage shut gently, her father stepping back to signal Yuuto, the convoy leader, to begin the slow and treacherous journey towards the capitol. As the carriage jolted forward, Kagome's mind whirled around the possibilities of her new adventure. Uncertainty and doubt plagued her mind as she started down the road that led to her closest friends, her happiest memories, her home, the same road that currently was putting all these things behind her.
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Kagome dozed lightly, leaning against the side of the carriage. Her eyes grew weary after the first few hours of travel, and the longing for familiar sights even as they faded out the window of the carriage could not keep her heavy eyelids open. When her eyes open once more, the mountains lay far behind her. Clouds rolled in across the valley, a thick heavy covering crossing the sky at a slow march. The carriage was quickly becoming constrained and uncomfortable.
How many days will pass like this? I don't know how I'll stay sane, Kagome thought. How far away can the capital be? Surely no more than a few weeks? Already the landscape had changed so much. The carriage slowed, and Kagome's attention was pulled to Yuuto as he steered his horse around to her window. Pushing aside her thoughts, Kagome straightened in her seat, folding her hands neatly in her lap. Yuuto's steed stomped impatiently as she nodded for the captain to speak.
"Higurashi-sama, we're settin' to prepare camp for the night. There're strong winds from aur backs pushin' that there storm in aur direction. Scout's found a grove a ways off the road, so ya needn't worry about it troublin' yer sleep." His brusque manner brought a small smile to her face, one which did not pass unnoticed by the leader of their small group. His horse pranced around but Yuuto's strong hands kept the animal from stepping out of Kagome's vision.
"Arigatou, Yuuto-kun, for letting me know. I am most anxious to not be sitting," came Kagome's soft response. She settled back into the seat of the small carriage, wishing once more she was headed in the opposite direction, or at least that she had not packed her scrolls deep with her other belongings.
Though, I have heard that the library at the palace is quite extensive, she thought as a small grin capturing her lips. They continued down the winding road further until they slowed and left the road. Their scout, Touma, had stopped and was already preparing their campsite. As they approached, Kagome could hear Yuuto's bellowed commands to find water and begin meal preparations. Horses whinnied, hooves striking the ground. Once the carriage halted for good, Yuuto dismounted and opened the door for his lady, offering a hand to aid her descent. Her eyes looked around, admiring the landscape of their campsite. Her jinmaku sat in the most guarded corner of their campsite, dark fabric walls swaying in and out, in and out with the soft breeze. Crossing the campsite quickly became a challenge as each guardsman acknowledged their lady with a deep bow. Her graceful nods sent them on their way, and she gratefully collapsed in the confines of her temporary shelter. The muffled noises of life permeated the area, and Kagome looked up at the darkening sky.
These are the same stars that I watched at home. I wonder if Souta-chan is watching the stars right now, like we used to together. Kagome's face perked up as she pictured her otouto sitting under the torii arch of the nearby shrine, watching the stars with Buyo sprawled across his feet. Warmth and joy spread through her. Perhaps, even though we are far apart, we are still tied together, she thought.
"Higurashi-san, your dinner," came Touma's soft voice from outside her jinmaku. He parted the fabric, a bowl of sticky rice and rabbit in one hand. Kagome swiftly stood and stepped forward to grab the dish only to stumble over the hem of her kimono. Touma surged forward and grasped her arm, stabilizing the young woman. A pretty blush colored her cheeks as she gazed up at the young soldier before her.
"Arigatou, Touma-kun. I seem to have misplaced my legs after the day's journey," Kagome said while regaining her balance. She shuffled back and gave a small bow of her head, hiding her flushed cheeks. "Thank you for bringing me dinner."
Touma again offered the steaming dish of food. With a small smile, Kagome accepted the bowl and moved to sit on a tatami mat. His task complete, Touma moved to leave. Pausing at the fabric doorway, he turned once more and bowed slightly.
"If you should need anything, Higurashi-sama, you need only ask," said Touma. He exited her jinmaku to rejoin the group. The darkness grew, and Kagome quickly traded her elegant kimono with its brilliant golden thread for her simple yukata. Warm and comfortable, she settled down, praying to the kami that the rest of her journey would not pass as slowly as the first day had.
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The small company continued for many days in the same pattern. Yuuto's strict commands kept them moving quickly across the countryside. Kagome had quickly stopped wearing her elegant kimono with its shining golden birds, wary of damaging the delicate silk. Instead, she donned a simple green yukata that did not show the wear of constant travel like silk. Her attention shifted between the ever-changing landscape and some books she found packed among her things. Her father had tucked them in among her yukatas, kimono, and other sparse belongings. The sight of the books brought tears to her eyes. She gently ran her fingers along the pages, wondering what treasures lay within. When she returned home, she would thank her father for his incredible thoughtfulness in recognizing her love of books. They kept her from counting the days in agony, instead immersing her in thoughts and words and worlds far from reach.
Looking out the carriage window once more, she caught sight of another village far in the distance. Perhaps they would make it there to dine with the headman of the village and could stay in real walls that night. Travel wore her down, a usually sweet disposition soured by the time spent confined to the carriage and watching the world pass her by. Her mind took to the sky, dreaming of a life among the clouds.
I should have been born a bird for all the time I spend wishing to have their freedom, Kagome thought with a small snort, or maybe just born with a pair of wings. Imagination filled her as she envisions her mundane world from the perspective of the sparrows. She slipped into dream state, cerulean eyes shutting out the blue sky she longed to call home.
A sharp crack rang out and Kagome went flying into the side of the carriage. Around her she heard the men shout and the horses whinny sharply as they scattered. Pushing herself up from her fallen position, Kagome saw Touma's strong arm reaching down to pull her from the wreckage of the carriage. Clutching his hand with both of hers, she marveled at the differences between his strength and her… lack thereof.
"Higurashi-san are you alright?" Touma's soft brown eyes met hers and she nodded once. Gently he lifted her out of the carriage. When her feet were settled firmly on the ground again, she whirled around, trying to comprehend what had happened. Underneath the carriage a wheel had collapsed, leaving her and her company stranded.
"Higurashi-san, Aah sent a rider for that village we saw a ways back. Aah expect he'll return before nightfall. Aah'll have the men prepare camp. Come, sit here an rest a bit. We'll take care of everythin'," Yuuto said as he led the young girl to the edge of the road. They were in the middle of a light forest, sunlight breaking through the thick foliage. The dappled light created an air of intrigue and Kagome sat on a nearby boulder, clinging to her book. Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders, hiding her from the world. Opening her book, she settled in to devour the poetry held within.
Hours passed in similar fashion. Kagome felt like she had left the world behind her. The words of Bashō comforted her heart and excited her. I am having an adventure unparalleled by any other member of my family. I may not be wandering far from the road to the Emperor's road, but I have not yet found my purpose. I feel… like freedom is not far away for once. The thought made her smile, though she could not think of why it had come to her at all. Her life had not been one of repression, but for the longest time she could not name the feelings within her. It felt like something was trying to get out.
A leaf fell on her head, and Kagome smiled. Looking up, she saw more leaves falling- an odd sight for the middle of summer. High above the small company, the branches creaked and groaned under a strong wind. A beast grunted, but it didn't sound like a horse or a dog or any other animal Kagome recognized. It was louder, guttural, and came from above them. Her guards stood, looking for the unseen threat. Touma came to her side silently, one strong hand grasping the hilt of his katana, the other already holding his tanto. Yuuto moved to the front of the group, squinting at the sky for any sign of attack.
Kagome gasped as she caught sight of what had made the noise. A great dragon was descending before them, the trees catching his silvery limbs. Branches and twigs cracked and creaked and gave way under the massive girth of the beast. The dragon's fierce blue mane whipped in the wind and bright cobalt eyes searched wildly until they rested on her. Kagome moved behind Touma and sent a prayer to the kami that this dragon would not kill her and her faithful guards. She swallowed, acutely aware of how quiet and still the world had become. Glancing up at Touma, she was confused by the lack of terror on his face. Her eyes sought Yuuto and found him sheathing his katana as well. Confused, she looked at the dragon once more and caught sight of– was that someone riding the dragon? Her heart beat faster and she barely noticed her feet taking her closer to the great creature, trying to catch sight of the being atop the mystical mount. The silver beast settled on the ground, great claws digging into the compacted dirt, and from the saddle a young man numbly jumped from the dragon's back. Turning to Kagome, he bowed then stood, flashing a bright smirk to all assembled before him and his dragon. Thick fur covered his shoulders, his chest encased by black armor. Another fur hung from his waist, like a tail. His thick black hair was tied high on his head, a simple katana hung from his side. The most shocking realization came upon seeing his bare feet and pointed ears.
"Higurashi-sama? Are you the daughter of Higurashi-taisho?" the man asked loudly. His voice seemed like thunder in the silence left by his landing. Kagome's eyes shot to his, and his ears twitched slightly.
"Hai, I am Higurashi Kagome," she said with a bow. The words felt garbled in her mouth and her hands subconsciously flattened her yukata. Her wrinkled, travel worn yukata with hints of dirt towards the hem, nothing like the gold-embroidered masterpiece she had left home in. Well, now that I've lost my chance at a good first impression, she thought glumly.
"I have been sent by the Emperor Inu no Taisho to ensure your safe arrival at the capitol. Your delayed arrival has been a cause for concern to Tenno Heika. You will continue your journey with me. Haruto-san and I will have you before the Emperor before the sun sets tomorrow." He gave a pat to the immense shoulder of the silver dragon, who promptly snorted. Smoke curled out of his nostrils as he set his sights once more to the small human girl. She shifted ever so slightly closer to Touma, as if proximity to him brought her more security under the dragon's scrutinizing gaze.
"Arigatou, ano… who are you to ensure my safe delivery to the Emperor?" Kagome asked uncertainly. Her eyes shifted from his to the ground, color flushing her cheeks.
"The name's Kitayama Koga," his eyes wrinkled, eyebrows twitching upwards as he flashed her a grin. Yuuto stepped forward between Kagome and Koga, bent at the waist and straightened before offering his own brusque smile.
"Higurashi-sama," Yuuto began, turning to face her again, "Koga-senpai here is the capt'n of the palace guard. He'll take care of ya while we wait fer aur man to return before we head on to the palace. Aah can vouch that the capt'n's an honrable man and will asure yer safe arrival.
Yuuto's words did little to calm Kagome's heart. Looking around, the guards had begun sitting and resumed their activities before the great dragon and his rider had landed. Her throat closed, and her thoughts spun wildly in her head, full of fear and apprehension and doubt. The shock of a royal guard coming to collect her on a dragon shook her, and she could not keep her flailing composure from everyone present.
"Higurashi-sama, you look unwell. Sit, I am sure the journey can wait if you are ailing," Touma's attentive words pulled her back to reality. Nodding, she took Touma's proffered arm and moved to sit once more. Koga huffed and slapped the dragon's shoulder twice, whispering unheard instructions to the great beast. The dragon nodded with obvious intelligence, gazed at Kagome once more, and leapt to the sky, claws grasping at the air and wings beating with exertion. Kagome marveled at the strength and grace with which the dragon took to the sky.
"Arigatou, Touma-kun. I will be fine, I just need, um, some water," Kagome's absent words were received by the scout and he quickly stood to bring the young woman a cup. At his absence, Kagome glanced over to the captain squatting on the other side of the campsite, speaking animatedly with Yuuto, the convoy leader's gruff laughter lost among the sounds of men preparing the evening meal and the mounts tied to nearby trees. Koga turned, catching her pale blue eyes with his own more vibrant ones and winked at her. Her cheeks flushed once more as she quickly looked away, but not before she saw the man's grin grow a little wider.
How did I get myself into this?
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Kagome retired to her jinmaku early that evening. Her hair, distressed after the weeks of living on the road, had suffered. She ran her hand through the wavy strands, wishing they were more like the thick straight locks of the other girls in her village. She also wished for a bath. It had been many days since they had passed a hot spring, and it had taken all her conniving influence to convince Yuuto to stop and make camp early in the day. Since then she had settled for a bowl of warm water and a soft cloth to wipe away the daily grime. Nothing could help her now as their early departure the next day would leave no time for her to bathe properly and return to the palace with Kitayama-san.
Kagome stretched out on the tatami mats and planned to wake early enough to don a proper kimono. Her imagination caught her as she pictured herself climbing up the side of the great silver dragon. The scales would be cool, hard beneath her hands. Kitayama-san would offer his arm in her ascent, then steady her as the she took her seat on the immense mount. Pushing off from the ground would take her breath away, and then she would fly. She could envision the strong beats of the dragon's wings, how the sun glinted off and how the clouds looked from above. They would envelope her hands in their soft caress, and she giggled at the turn her thoughts had taken. She followed the flow of her dream, sleep slowly overcoming her.
Sleep did not keep its hold on her for long however, as the same dragon she dreamed of came crashing back through the foliage over the road once more. Wood exploded and rained downward over them, and Kagome sat up, scrambling for the entrance of the jinmaku. Her guards also stirred but resettled themselves upon recognizing the dragon. What had Kitayama-san called him, Haru? Hiroko?
"Ah, Higurashi-sama, did Haruto-san frighten you?" Kitayama-san's buoyant voice broke through the night as he rounded the silver dragon's flank. "I just sent him to do some hunting. The trip tomorrow will be long and bearing two passengers will take its toll on him. Would you like to meet him, officially?"
"Hai, Kitayama-san, I… I think I would," Kagome breathed. Her dream sat in front of her, drawing in great breaths and exhaling curling tendrils of smoke. The dragon's intelligent eyes caught hers once more, and she moved forward in a trance. Unbidden her hand reached out, fingers tentatively stretching towards the dragon's hide.
"May I touch him?"
"Of course! Haruto-san won't bite, Higurashi-sama. He is one of the Emperor's best-behaved pets," Kitayama said proudly. The dragon however, let a cloud of smoke loose in Kitayama's face, leaving the man hacking and coughing. "Maybe pet is the wrong word to describe Haruto-san's position, hehe. He's more of an advisor, you could say, to the Imperial family," Kitayama added after the last vestiges of smoke cleared his lungs. A strange rumbling noise came from the dragon as he nodded his agreement to Kitayama's statement. It seemed the dragon was laughing.
Haruto moved toward Kagome. Seeing her hand still outstretched, he gently maneuvered his neck to position his snout just below her palm. Moving slowly so as not to frighten the girl, Haruto raised his scaly nose to her, pressing gently against her soft skin.
"His scales, they're warm!" Kagome exclaimed. Kitayama chuckled at her amazement and came to her side.
"He's a dragon, what did you expect?" Kitayama said cheekily. His grin was infectious, Kagome's mouth mirroring his in her excitement.
"Kitayama-san, this is incredible! I never dreamed I could see a dragon and yet here one sits before me. Thank you," Kagome's eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude.
"Hey there, no need to cry. Haruto-can is one of many you'll see at the palace. The Emperor enjoys the company of dragons, so you can see as many as you like! And call me Koga," Kitayama- no, Koga- declared boldly.
"Arigatou-gozaimas, Koga-san. I have entered a world of wonder and awe thanks to you. I fear that when I return home my family will not believe the marvels I have seen when I tell them of this adventure," Kagome's smile split her face once more. Haruto shifted under her hands, and the maiden withdrew her hand. "Arigatou, Haruto-san, for allowing me to make your acquaintance. I look forward to traveling with you tomorrow," she said, bowing towards the great dragon.
"Higurashi-sama, go and rest. I'll collect you in the morning, and the men will bring with your belongings. You should sleep so that you do not slip from his back tomorrow," Koga nodded to Haruto with a smile.
Kagome giggled, making her way to the entrance of her jinmaku. The fabric flapped gently against the poles. Kagome glanced back at the strange man who had come on the magical steed to steal her away to the Emperor's palace for the chance to wed one of his sons. Never in my life could I ever have imagined my current situation. Her heart tumbled in her chest. For the first time since she had left her home and her family, she felt her jubilant spirits return, thanking the kami that they had selected her to have an experience few others could ever hope to imagine.
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I was inspired by a story I read a few years ago that has been abandoned for a long time. This story is a reinvention of that story with influences of a Japanese folk tale called "Shita-kiri Suzume" ("The Tounge-cut Sparrow"). I reached out to the original author(EternalLove, FFN) for permission to use some elements from the story in writing my first fic, Sparrow.
All reviews, constructive critiques, comments, ideas, or questions are gladly accepted!
This chapter was originally published in summer 2019 on FFN, and was updated and posted on Dokuga on 5/5/2020.