My Leaving | A Farewell from Nezukai Yano

[FadedMoonlight 450]

私の出発

ホワイトメイデン矢野

 

I will state what few know first and foremost; when I first came to the village of Sakuragakure, I had no intention of becoming a shrine maiden. I wished to become a warrior, inspired to live by the Black Samurai, Kato Oijin-sama. 

 

Yet, I was given the opportunity, and a white robe was pushed into my chest. I took on the mantle of Miko, and soon after, the first Naishoten. And after a generation, I became the second Mitsue-Shiro, the White Maiden, supposedly purity incarnate.

 

But I was not pure, my heart was filled with rage from the moment I was told that Kato Oijin breathed no more. I sought to kill a man for speaking ill of his honor, and I became frustrated with the concept of holding a Kami’s spirit within me. I had to find peace with a pact that I sought not for worship, but for the ability to heal those I cared for; and live with the fact that I could not heal the one that I had learned it for.

 

Then, what became of me? I met a man who led me on the path of mastering Alchemy. I built large dorms for my Miko and Kannushi, and I opened a soup kitchen for the poor and hungry. Yet this did not quell my bleeding heart. I adopted a daughter, and watched over her, wishing for her to take my place as the Naishoten when I ascended. But she made mistakes, and that only angered me further. As the sins became more innocent, the punishments grew more harsh. Her sorrow was great, climaxing to the point where she held a tanto to her own throat, asking me if she would be forgiven if she died. I weep when I think of her too often.

 

I am not pure. Never once have I felt love, the Kami’s greatest gift. I am broken in a way that only the yokai of this world and beyond may understand. I am still angry, and I never am able to show it. It simmers inside of me, and I can only hide myself from the world while I weep in my bed. I weep for what has become of my people, and what has become of the faith I was destined to lead. I was told to be a great leader by the Ronin Danzen-sam, but leadership means nothing when there is nothing to be done, nothing to uphold, nothing to hold onto. 

 

And thus, I will no longer walk the scorched paths of the monastery, and I will not call myself the White Maiden. I am resigning.

But, before I do, I decree the following:

I name Ugokoyama Ahng the Guuji of the Shidai, the leader of males. As written in Shidai Law, he may select the next Mitsue Shiro. And he will pick someone who is worthy of that title. Not any. 

 

In death or life, Nezukai Nozomi is granted amnesty from her dishonor, and is forgiven by the Kami. If alive, she may return to the Monastery if she so wishes to. 

I name the Gaijin Shaman Hera as the Rei no Dōshi, the mentor of the soul. While she has no responsibility in the shrine, she is one I trust greatly, and I extend her the offer to guide those to come.

 

Goodbyes have been easy for me, and this is no different. There was but one time I had felt sorrow for saying farewell, and that was for Kato Oijin. I am sorry that I could not have done more for the people of Kami faith. My soul has become too clogged with dread and fatigue. I will be glad to rest. 
 

Sayonara,

-矢野

Spoiler

OOC Portion: Thank you so much for all the fun I've had, and the friends I made. Especially in the early days. This community is one of the best parts of this server, and I encourage as many people as possible to MAKE AN OYASHI TODAY! Seriously! Do it! Anyways, as I was saying, you all meant a lot to me, and I hope you guys have fun with what you plan on doing next. 
Sayonara, Kurai-Kuni. 
-FM

[Turbo_Dog 3566]

A kappa read the news over. It was something it ponder may happen but never knew when. And certainly it caught the abomination off guard after such an interesting day. Though it no longer was a miko either or fit into the traditional roles of the temple the yokai did enjoy Yano’s presence and would probably never find him again now. Another name to have in mind but never to see the owner of

[ArcaneChicken 121]

"Laoshi..." 

[Islamadon 9158]

A Rōnin offered a subtle, content grin as he read over Yano's message. "Hō ni shitagainasai - may you find new purpose, and peace, Yano." he uttered, commending the former shrine maiden on her courage to step away from a monk's life, and to pursue new endeavors. Indeed, such was a difficult thing, and the Rōnin knew of such struggles on a personal level.

In the back of his mind, he could not help compare her departure to that of a pinkish wretch. Yet, no malice, no shame, nor disappointment betrayed Danzen's greatest of hopes and wishes for the Miko. For in the end, he knew that Yano was a kind soul at heart, and one of true nobility. No mask of feigned friendship was worn by Yano, nor did any scheme underlie her words. Were Yano to ever seek employment, or a new clan to call home, Danzen knew surely he would welcome Yano into Ugokoyama.

[Mallow 243]

Mikaze couldn't bring himself to feel upset over Yano's leaving when she had left with a confession only he heard. . No one would believe him!

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

“Goodbye my friend…” Now an old man, Ena had become a man under the guidance of many adults in the village. Veterans of a war he had only heard retold to him and from these oral retellings it was through the help of technology the blind youth was able to chronicle the past efforts of his countrymen.

 

”I hope one day you will read it, buddy.”

[BUNNAYA 55]

***

Through breeze and the thunderous rain of the oyashi lands, an old figure lurked around. Each step sounding like a puddle splash it was clear that they we're headed towards the Monastery.

Standing below a Torii gate was none other than Nezukai Nozomi.

Beginning her ascent, her getas clanked against the stairs which lead to the Pagoda, eventually reaching the Shrine where she placed her footwear aside and dove within.

 

Leaving a light chuckle. A lone tear ran down her eye. "Ha.. So this is how it ends?" A smile followed in her visage as she kneeled to the ground infront of one of the shrines. "Bakaasan..." A moment of silence followed as the old lady pondered. "You are and always will be my okaasan. Wherever you're headed I wish you the best. Deep in my heart, I know you meant no harm and only good." Succeeded by these words, Nozomi stood back up, bowing twice then clapping twice.

 

Going through the exit, her sandals returned to her feets. She walked out but paused glancing up to the moon as tears bursted down her cold cheeks.

 

"Saraba, Yano-sama."

***

 

Spoiler

OOC: Thank you for all the time we spent together, every moments have been a blast. Take care of yourself! WE LOVE YOU !! ❤️

 

 

 

[Apotolofo 2204]

Hera reads the letter with a soft, sad smile. She knew the path of the farseer was difficult. The life of a healer was draining- A journey that beat down upon the heart, over and over again. She herself had recently retired. 

 

A letter was soon penned, and sent via a very, very large bird. 

 

"My dearest student, 

 

You did wonderfully in your time as the White Maiden.

Come visit me in Angrenost one day soon - we can chat over tea, or hot cocoa. 

Congratulations on your retirement! I know I've been enjoying mine. 

 

Your teacher, but more importantly friend,

Hera" 

[Mayios 542]

". . ." 

Kiyoko stood in front of the shrine she had created with the now Guiji, Ahng. She stared at it, really stared. She had heard of the news, and the crack that was imbedded deep in her opened just a bit more. Another Miko gone, another possessor of the 'Kami magic' now leaving the group. She hated it. She hated every Farseer in Kuraikuni who didn't know the magic to the full potential, and everyone who learns it then inevitably leaves. Her feelings were nothing personally connected to Yano, but the news only fueled her mind, her spite. Seeing someone who is meant to lead, teach and pass on the knowledge .. leave. 

She hardly knew Yano, met only once. Yet she still felt something. Something dark.