“Where am I?” A young woman, twenty years of age, found herself lost in an endless void. Not a breath nor a sound to offer a reprieve in this everlasting darkness. “What happened to the plane…? Oh, maybe I fell asleep.”
Her golden brown eyes then caught the luminous glow of eight elderly men and women. Based on their clothes, they looked to have jumped from the pages of her history books. A touch to their hearts brought a different color glow to each as they pulled the light from their chests.
Their lights forced the young woman to shield her eyes. As the elderly people faded away from existence, their lights transformed into small Charms. Through her fingers, the young woman watched the Charms fuse together.
“Why is this familiar?” she asked, gazing upon the rainbow of colored jewels surrounded by silver metal, and marble white beads. She reached toward the Charm Bracelet, but it fell to her touch.
From the darkness below, a maiden appeared. She peered up high with her gentle, dark eyes. Her fair-skinned hand reached up, allowing the Bracelet to fall around her wrist. Long jet black hair flew up over her red and white robes. A wave of light from the Bracelet banished the darkness, revealing a lush land.
Down a dirt path, painted canvases appeared around the maiden as she moved forward. They flew up to the young woman, showing her the maiden’s past. She healed the sick and injured, and took care of the farmlands. One good deed after another came into view. With each deed done, her black hair gained streaks of purple, a sign of the magic awakened within. Her path ended with grateful people gathered before the temple built in her honor. A single tear of joy rolled down her cheek as she thanked them.
“What is that?” the young woman said looking beyond the temple. An ominous cloud rolled in from afar, a veil of war. An army of samurai trampled across the region, leaving destruction and fire behind their hooves. The temple maiden prepared to stop the hordes, but the people dragged her along as they fled into the nearby mountains, giving her a dreaded view of her home. Watching the land burn made her fall to her knees, hiding her sorrow. After a minute she raised her eyes from her hands, stood tall, and turned to face the mountain. The temple maiden twirled her arms around, touched her heart, and thrust her palms to the mountainside. A blast of silvery beams of magic flashed and her clothes changed to an elegant white outfit. As a hole burst open in the cliff wall, the temple maiden turned.
“Attention passengers. Attention passengers,” the young woman awoke in her seat on a plane to hear the intercom informing the cabin of their landing in Sendai, Japan soon. She rubbed her dry eyes to search for her fallen book and set her seat in an upright position. With her seatbelt clicked, she wet her throat with a sip from her water bottle. The rim sat on her lips as she pondered why her dream was familiar to her.
Screeching tires let her know she was back on solid ground. The passengers tore through the aisles and passed one another to the thundering sound of quick feet. The young woman held tight to her backpack, which she grabbed from between her feet, to settle her nerves as she avoided the larger crowds. Once in customs, the security guard asked her in English to confirm her name and her business in Japan.
She responded in flute Japanese, “Akane Susan Lenora. I’m visiting my grandparents for a week.”
The man gave her passport back and welcomed her to the country in Japanese. Akane passed through the security arch and collected her bags from the luggage carousel. In moments of waiting, she had brief thoughts of her dream, but they disappeared when she found herself at the exit. Akane scanned the crowds of people and soon found her grandparents closer to the doors. In their mid-sixties, her grandfather stood tall and strong, while her grandmother was short and gentle. Both had wrinkles, though only her grandfather sported gray hairs on his head and face.
“It’s good to see you made it safe,” Akane’s grandmother spoke as she embraced her.
“Hi, Grandma Nana, Grandpa Tetsu,” Akane replied as her grandfather joined the hug. Grandmother Nana commented on Akane’s new hair length, pulling at the long, dark brown curls. Grandfather Tetsu questioned her on how her flight was once they entered a taxi.
They passed through traffic in the city, then through the housing districts until they were just beyond the city limits. During the drive, Akane’s grandparents updated her on what she had missed since her last visit. Akane tried to stay focused, but the sights distracted her. The cherry blossom scent filled the car as she rolled the window down. Not much had changed, yet seeing what she considered a second home to her change, even in the slightest, was enough to catch her attention.
Nostalgia settled in Akane’s stomach as the taxi stopped at her grandparents’ estate. A large Japanese-style stone fence drew out from the torii-inspired gate. It showed signs of repair since her last visit. Even with a new color, it was as grand as ever.
Grandfather Tetsu pushed a button to open the doors.
As they swung, Akane’s brain tickled with memories. Akane’s mother, Yoko, would always bring Akane and her twin brother to Japan once a year to visit. Her father, Will, would stay home sometimes to tend to the farm. They would always visit during Golden Week because it was a week of different celebrations and she would learn more about her mother’s culture.
Hydrangeas of purple and blue rested in stone flower beds around Grandmother Nana’s yoga area. Their perfume filled the spring air of the large estate as Akane walked along the stone path. Grandfather Tetsu’s martial arts dojo hid under blooming vines that climbed over the curved roof.
Beyond the path was their home: a two-story building with a traditional first level and modern Japanese designs for the second level. Fusuma sliding doors and a Rõka-style porch surrounded the first floor. A new coat of stain brightened the wood walls against the sun’s light. Akane ran her fingers along the inside walls of the hall.
“You remember where the spare room is?” Grandfather Tetsu asked.
Akane reassured him she did and proceeded up the stairs to drop off her luggage. Upon arrival, she opened the window for fresh air. From her window she viewed her grandparents’ vegetable garden and the small shrine with a pristine, curved roof, fusuma doors, and hanging Charms from the roof’s edge. Akane took her time admiring the scenery, while enjoying her memories of helping her grandfather in the garden, playing and training with her brother in martial arts.
When she gazed upon the shrine, she remembered how she couldn’t go in it until she was older. At least that was the excuse her grandparents gave her and James. Curiosity tingled her skin.
Upon passing the living room and hearing Grandfather Tetsu call her from the small sofa, Akane backtracked. He questioned her pursuit, and she explained her interest in the shrine. He set his book aside and exclaimed, “That’s right. You haven’t been inside, have you?”
“No. The last time I came you said I was too young. Since I’m older now, I thought I could go look inside, if that’s okay.”
Grandfather Tetsu patted the soft light cream cushion, gesturing for her to sit. “You are old enough, but you don’t recall what I mentioned was inside do you?” Akane said no, and he continued. “Your ancestors’ portraits hang on the walls, surrounding the statue of your greatest ancestor, Kaya Futenma.”
Akane’s memories rushed through her at the mention of a name she hadn’t heard in years. During any visit he’d tell tales of Kaya, to which Grandfather Tetsu inquired if she recalled.
“Sort of; it’s been a while. I think I remember the one about her Bracelet.”
Grandfather Tetsu told the story of Kaya once again to remind her. “Kaya was a compassionate temple maiden who lived long ago. Limited in her work, Kaya asked dying sorcerers and sorceresses for their magic. They accepted her wish by producing a Charm Bracelet that gave her magical abilities. Because she used her magic to serve others, the people built a temple in her honor. Later on, a war broke out and destroyed everything. When she attempted to help, the people forced her to the mountains. In her sorrow, she created a new world where her people could live in peace. She traveled to other countries, bringing more people to what she later called Terruha.” Grandfather Tetsu speculated the magical creatures of our world left for hers, that’s why they’re never seen.
With a sarcastic eye roll, Akane agreed with him.
Maybe Kaya was the maiden from my dream, Akane pondered. She always thought his tales were just make believe, but her dream made her feel something. As if it could be true. A yawn broke the thought, and Grandfather Tetsu recommended she’d wait until tomorrow to visit the shrine. Akane agreed to stay in and catch up with her grandparents.
Later that night, as Akane tossed and turned under the sheets, she felt someone calling to her. She at first thought it was her grandparents, but this voice was different. A chill raced up her spine when a voice shouted her name. Akane flung herself up from her futon. Her skin crawled as the echo faded into the corners of the room with the shadows of the moonlight. She curled up under the covers, telling herself it was jet-lag. A few deep breaths calmed her tense heart, however, until she fell asleep.
***
The next day after breakfast, Akane joined Grandmother Nana’s early morning yoga class. Some students her age discovered she was Nana’s granddaughter and asked what brought her to Japan. Akane received her associate’s degree in applied science from college, and her grandparents couldn’t attend the graduation. Because they couldn’t come, she came to visit for a week.
Akane already had this conversation with her grandparents during breakfast. She explained how her classes were along with keeping up with her part-time job as a waitress. When they asked what she planned to do next, she dodged the question like she did when her parents had asked. Akane worked for her general education degree because her parents wanted her to attend college. Her brother James worked for the same degree, but he planned to go for an agriculture degree of some kind. In truth, Akane didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. If she was honest with her parents and grandparents, she knew they would give her options that would just stress her out. They wanted what was best for her, but this was something she had to figure out for herself.
Soon after yoga class, Akane assisted Grandfather Tetsu in the vegetable garden. Once they finished pulling weeds, he asked Akane to retrieve the hose from the front yard. She passed the shrine with the hose in hand when a powerful sensation came over her, like a pulse spreading through her whole body. The sight of the shrine sent a tingling curiosity through her once again.
Akane approached the doors after dropping the hose and removing her shoes. She slid one door open to a semi-dark room, the old scent of incense permeating everything. Picture frames hung on every pale wall, displaying simple portraits of people. Finding no light switches, she opened the doors wider to let in the light. The light exposed a statue with crossed legs and hands extended closer to the farthest wall.
“So you’re Kaya,” Akane said aloud. As she drew closer, the statue’s bronze face became clear. Akane then realized it was the maiden from her dream, her chest tight to her amazement. When she glanced down, she found a plaque on the statue’s base.
“In the hands of Kaya, the Bracelet will guide you?”
“She’s beautiful isn’t she?” Akane’s heart jumped out of her chest at Grandfather Tetsu‘s voice.
When she gained her composure, she asked about the writing.
Grandfather Tetsu took his shoes off and stood beside her. “Kaya’s descendant is predicted to find the Bracelet and go to Terruha. It was said the entrance is in the mountains outside the city close to our estate. That’s why our home has been in the family for generations.” Grandfather Tetsu motioned to the pictures. Then he gave Akane’s shoulder a pat, telling her to come back when she was ready. Akane agreed, and her grandfather bowed to the statue before leaving.
Akane read the writing again, ‘In the hands of Kaya.’ She wondered if it referred to the statue’s hands. She approached the statue, considering what she was doing ridiculous. A chill tickled her spine as she aligned her palms with the Kaya’s. The statue suddenly moved with the sound of cracking stone echoing through the room. Akane jumped back, worried she might have broken it. Clicking sounds of old gears came, and then a door under the statue fell open.
Akane peered inside to find a Bracelet sitting on a pillow. A layer of dust covered the silver metal and white marble beads, similar to what she remembered from her dream. All her nerves stood on end as she took hold of the Bracelet. A blast of energy pulsed through her body as though lightning had struck her. The force pushed Akane back into the wall, making her drop the Bracelet to protect herself from falling picture frames. Her hair came undone and draped over her throbbing heart and shaking body.
When she searched for the Bracelet after the chaos subsided, she found it floating in midair. Her body pulsed with shivers, but on impulse she touched the Bracelet. To her touch it flew to the ceiling, then fell above her. Instead of moving away, Akane unconsciously stuck her arm up, allowing it to fall on her left wrist. It tightened, and an intense power rushed through her. She lost her breath to the powerful pulsing energy as her body glowed and lifted into the air. The glow dimmed, and Akane attempted to catch her breath.
The Bracelet radiated again, jerking her toward the door. Akane caught the door frame before it dragged outside while the Bracelet pointed her arm to the mountains. In a panic, Akane tried to pull it off, yelling, “GET OFF,” but the Bracelet kept tugging back.
Her grandparents ran around the corner, asking what was wrong. Before she could explain, the Bracelet jerked out once again, knocking Akane to her knees. As her grandparents helped her, their eyes widened at the sight of the Bracelet. Grandmother Nana ran inside the shrine to confirm its authenticity. When she cried out it was so, they questioned how she found the Bracelet. After explaining, Grandfather Tetsu exclaimed, “This is amazing.”
“I never thought I’d see this in person.” Grandmother Nana’s eyes glistened with joy. Once again Akane was jerked and Grandmother Nana exclaimed, “It’s pointing to the mountains; the story is true.”
“Akane don’t fight it,” Grandfather Tetsu said as he watched Akane pull her arm back and tug at the Bracelet.
Akane flicked her hair away, showing her displeasure. “What do you mean, don’t fight it?! I want nothing to do with this. I can’t handle this. Please help me get it off.” Akane’s racing heart caused rapid short breaths.
Grandfather Tetsu pulled Akane into a strong hug. Grandmother Nana joined them, and Akane couldn’t help but cry aloud in their embrace. They both could feel her fear and understood it.
Grandfather Tetsu looked at Akane and asked, “Akane, when a mountain blocks your path what do you do?” This was what he would always ask her when she showed fear or doubted herself. He developed it for her when he trained her in martial arts, and now he used it for his other students.
“Y-you climb over it, but how can I…?”
“Akane, you climb that mountain no matter the fear or difficulty, because if you don’t you never get anywhere. You can’t let fear or hardship stop you from doing the things you want or need to do.”
“I know, but why must I do this? Why didn’t it choose someone else?”
“Maybe because it wanted you.” Grandmother Nana said. “Or, maybe it’s giving you another path to try.”
Akane felt a pulse in herself. It was as if her grandmother knew she was unsure of her future plans. It’s another path for me but will it be too hard for me, Akane thought as she fiddled with the Bracelet. There was only one way to find out, so she stuttered the words, “I-I’ll climb.”
Akane had doubts. Was she strong enough for an adventure like this? Would she be able to return home when she wanted? Her grandparents believed she could do it, and so did the Bracelet. Akane assumed the Bracelet would only choose the one worthy enough for this adventure. She didn’t have any plans for her future, this could show her a life she could live. As her grandparents said farewell and placed her shoes back on her feet, she allowed the Bracelet to lead the way.
“We’ll be here when you return.” With a broken breath, Akane stepped forward.
“I hope she continues to believe in herself,” Grandmother Nana whispered.
“If she doesn’t, she still has our faith in her to rely on,” Grandfather Tetsu said with a lump in his throat. He trusted her to return, but it wouldn’t stop him from worrying about her.
***
Akane thought herself insane. Here she was, walking a path she knew nothing of - with a Bracelet leading her. How would she explain this to her family back home, her christian family? She believed in the practices of the bible, but not as much as her father would like. He would be furious with me doing something like this, she thought. Her mind raced with different scenarios of future events that could happen. She had to calm herself, so she focused on the hike ahead.
The winding path through back streets and roads was long. Few cars drove past her, people walked past with a simple hello. With each, Akane hid the Bracelet, masking her embarrassment with a smile. The hike up the mountain roads turned from paved asphalt to dirt tracks. The mountain breeze mixed with the city air but soon dominated as she passed blooming trees. Later on, she reached halfway up the mountain peak when she looked to the large city. Once she found her grandparents’ home, her heart sank a little. Would she ever come back?
The Bracelet then stopped abruptly and pointed her to an enormous boulder along the mountainside. Akane attempted to walk on, but the Bracelet continued to point to the mountainside.
“What is your problem? I can’t go any far…” Akane stopped when a memory from her dream came to mind: the image of Kaya atop the mountain, motioning with her arms.
Akane grumbled as she made a circle with her arms, touched her heart, and then pointed at the boulder. Nothing happened. She touched the boulder, asking, what am I supposed to do now. The Bracelet reacted to the boulder, and she fell forward. She looked at the boulder, ripples flowed in the illusion as it solidified. Akane panicked for a moment until the Bracelet lit up the dark cave she fell into. Shadows from the rocks showed a tunnel hidden in this darkness. The deep tunnel gave Akane a shudder, but after taking a minute she followed the Bracelet’s lead.
Water droplets echoed as she took caution with each step. The further in she stepped, the more she could sense a breeze pulling her in. Relief came as a light shone ahead. Once her eyes adjusted, they widened with wonderment.
Inside the gigantic dome cave, the air was pure with the scents of colored blossoms. Flowers and trees mixed in the lush foliage of the mountain’s secret jungle. Ceiling vines hung down, though they still allowed light through into the moist atmosphere. The Bracelet pointed to a waterfall hidden to the side. Akane had no fear as the gentle scents of the warm breeze brushed her skin.
The crystal waterfall mist grew thicker the closer she came to the clear pool. The water ripples beckoned her to disturb the tranquility. Then, the pool shone a brilliant light at her touch. Akane pulled away when a splash flicked water into her face. When she glanced back in, she saw a piece of green clothing floating in the water. Interest compelled her to reach out for it. When her reach was short, she tried harder and her hand slipped.
Sinking into the chilly water, she frantically swam to the surface, but a strong current dragged her under. She gasped for air, thinking it was her last until she found it easier to breathe again. Akane was fearful as she rode the current to a light.
/*******************************************************
* Copyright (C) 2020 {Sarah E Sewell} <{email}>
*
* This file is part of {Tales of Terruha: Charms}.
*
* {Tales of Terruha: Charms} can not be copied and/or distributed without the express
* permission of {Sarah E Sewell}
*******************************************************/