A small village is being haunted by something which causes anything it touches to wilt away to never return; with half of their crops dying the village chief goes in search of one man who he knows might be able to help them. It takes him and a small party of farmers a week to travel to the next village and he asks for the Samurai known as Tenjoteki na Kizoku. A young woman points her hand to a large single floor house on the hill and informs them that's where they will find him.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtwOb3tzX7 維尼

The chief knocks on the door and waits for someone to reply.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxmp8B5SLO 維尼

A few minutes pass by before the door slides open to revile a young man with pure white skin, hair as black as the night and unusual blue eyes which look at all the men who are standing at his doorstep.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8EGLnLAtF 維尼

They all perform the Kowtow and ask the young man to help them.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9mokTCGLx 維尼

   “Why? What's wrong?” he asks in a soft voice that is starved of any emotion.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAaY1VPaBY 維尼

   “I am the village chief of Hinode-mura, we are being plagued by a dark force we cannot see, but we know it's there...  for it causes things it touches to wilt, die to never return. Already we have lost crops to it... Please help us.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NEmYSdlim 維尼

Hisashi realises all the other men must be famers which makes him ask, “Tell me, what exactly have you all seen?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrumyUu7mV 維尼

Each man takes it in turns to tell the god their encounter with the unknown thing, and each story is nearly the same, they watched it move crops against the wind or it has been a still day, but the plant still move, then a within moments the plant starts to die and they always appear in a straight path.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNInkROWRk 維尼

This makes Hisashi intrigued to find out what is causing their problem and to see if he can stop it. He packs a bag and travels back with them.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hWsuRaQZO 維尼

For a whole day nothing happens, but on the second day he witness a patch of grass die right before his eyes, he looks up to see it is a man, around his age, eighteen in mortal years, dressed in Samurai armour, holding a long sward by his side which seems to be dripping blood.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXaPpJEqxw 維尼

   “Hello,” says Hisashi in a soft voice, watching the ghost take a step back. “Yes, I see you.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDTiCZcyc4 維尼

This seems to bring a smile to the young man's face, he sheaths his sword and disappears.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uIVGUo88j 維尼

The owners at the inn, the god is staying at, notice he is investigating something on the ground that causes a leaf he is holding to die.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BYQEYGGhQ 維尼

Hisashi takes his time to feel the leaf within his hand to see if he can find something to tell him why it is happening, but all he gets is the smell of death; crushing it in his hand as he rises and heads back inside in the hope the ghost will appear again.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0ueSDLoYf 維尼

The following morning Tenjoteki na Kizoku is awakened early by a farmer, informing him the thing is in his field. Dressed only in his night robe Hisashi runs with the man outside to see the ghost is making its way across the field and the moment he sees him he vanishes.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFnOeqDyXP 維尼

   “Why won't you let me help you?” he asks, looking around.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡndj8BYA07o 維尼

Then the Samurai appears in front of him and asks, “How can you help me? When I'm not in your world.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡuATAYQ0tTt 維尼

   “Then allow me to explain, I am what you mortals call a Soul Drinker and one of my gifts is to help people to cross over to the other realm. That's why I am the only one who can see you, oh and touch you,” says Hisashi, placing his hand upon the young man's shoulder.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZjjAO8zgm 維尼

The ghost seems to grow angry he threatens the god with his sword and snaps, “You can't help me!”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIYUarB4w0 維尼

A gust of wind comes from nowhere and the Samurai is gone.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaizdZUYRj 維尼

Tenjoteki na Kizoku emits a soft laugh and asks, “Was that meant to scare me? Ha, I have a few tricks of my own.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwUb5nmsUi 維尼

The farmers watch all of the waist hight crops around the god are suddenly flattened to the ground in a perfect circle, then leaves begin to rise and orbit around him, before they go shooting across the field.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡF48hqzIEhB 維尼

This brings the ghost back and he asks, “How did you do that?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIb5xl7nxp 維尼

Hisashi laughs and replies, “I’ve already told you. I am classed as god, because I can do things which they cannot. So please tell me why you are doing this?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRQ1cab8lS 維尼

The Samurai starts to walk around him as he sheaths his sword and replies, “I just do not know how you could help me.. I was betrayed by my own leader, who caused my death... I was thrown into a shallow gave.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD52npfBb1 維尼

   “Show me?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡijAIBVEEHr 維尼

The young man gives him a nod and Hisashi follows him into the nearby forest.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJJc3KQzzj 維尼

When they have walked about half a mile they come to a stop by a small mound which has a small tree growing out of it. Hisashi tells the farmers to carefully dig and it is not long before they come across bones which they allow the god to place each one onto a sheet. As he is placing each side of the sheet over the bones he notices there are no marks on the them to show weather he was stabbed or tortured to death, then that can only mean one thing he might have been poisoned.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx6YSYDIGx 維尼

The farmers carefully carry the wrapped skeleton to a barn before they go and fetch a coffin so they can give the Samurai a proper send off.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡHykL4aQnCG 維尼

However, Hisashi gets a feeling this won’t be enough to send him into the next realm and asks him, “What was your leaders name?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJi9VOTNzg 維尼

   “Fujimoto Eiji.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD3d608Fgx 維尼

Tenjoteki na Kizoku folds his arms, he takes a moment to think and says, “Fujimoto?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx9LrvpiMF 維尼

Both the farmers emit a soft, huh? Hisashi quickly explains and they inform him they too have not heard of anyone by that name.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFEu38ZF6O 維尼

When he goes to ask the young man more questions, he is gone, he looks around the barn to see there is no sign of him anywhere.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl926jlFhj 維尼

   “What’s the matter?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxECrp3YET 維尼

   “Oh nothing. Let's take him to a nice resting place.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwQevmdu8j 維尼

   “Has he told you his name?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ypHn01io6 維尼

Hisashi shakes his head and the two farmers emit a soft, oh?8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR9JqSO0bw 維尼

   “I’m sure he will tell me as he is yet to move on,” he says watching their faces fill with fear, which makes him continue, “Do not worry, I'm not going anywhere until I have done just that.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9uPTzSPyL 維尼

The farmers smile and carefully carry the skeleton to its new resting place.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZzf1NFHpg 維尼

Nearly a week goes by when people who are working in the paddy fields notices the grass around the edge of a pool is starting to die and it runs in a straight line up the hillside.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKAwiZTCWw 維尼

One of women climbs out and runs for help.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OxzTQ4OgY 維尼

Hisashi is just finishing his lunch when the lady comes bursting into his room informing him it is back. The god gives her a reassuring pat on the arm and runs with her back to the fields.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx1nGut8L2 維尼

   “Hello again,” he says, watching the young man make his way over to him.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGXBQm1OSk 維尼

   “It would appear I cannot rest.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFtBJf0gxr 維尼

   “I thought as much. There is more we need to do, isn't there?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84p4gyvHhQ 維尼

The Samurai nods and replies, “I guess I should tell you my story as that might help.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ19ZQBJ6i 維尼

Hisashi nods and replies, “It might. Come, let’s take a walk.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡN84S9cydFi 維尼

The young man gives him a nod and begins to tell the god his tale in which he was placed in charge of a mission that was nothing but a ruse to get him away from the palace.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFTtdpDntn 維尼

   “That’s when my life was over. What I want to know, is why did they felt the need to kill me? As far as I know I had done nothing wrong. Or did nothing which went against my fellow officers. I guess this is why I cannot move on...”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXwo5ByQOk 維尼

Hisashi takes a deep breath and says, “That's why you want to talk to Fujimoto Eiji, to get the answers you seek. I will do all that I can to help you, Mr?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB4wng97SI 維尼

   “Forgive me, it is Hashimoto Daisuke.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYZDRA21xm 維尼

The Soul Drinker smiles and they carry on walking across the field to the graveyard where the young Samurai returns to his grave.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLJmgQIJSX 維尼

The next morning Hisashi rides to the palace to ask the emperor if he may speak with Fujimoto Eiji, the poor emperor is an old man and his earring is not what it used to be, he cups his right hand around his ear and says, “I'm sorry my lord, what did you say?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoJRJwGSl8 維尼

One of the palace officials repeats the god’s question and the emperor replies, “Yes, he’s my general. Why do you need to speak to him?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZbDX0gRm1 維尼

The Soul Drinker shakes his head and replies to the palace official, “Tell him I cannot tell him why, I just wish to speak to him.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ3XNwUrwu 維尼

The man nods and goes on to inform the emperor who replies, “All right, summon Eiji.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvMYMvsyIl 維尼

A few minutes later a middle aged man, with a long beard dressed in a fine kimono, all of his long hair in a bun on top of his enters the room, he performs a deep bow and says in a bold voice, “You summoned me my lord.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXcWgKA9C0 維尼

   “This god would like to speak to you,” replies the emperor, pointing his hand out in front of him.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡvitRFGmlrP 維尼

The general quickly turns to his right, to see a handsome young man, he performs a deep bow and asks, “How may I help you?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCyW1YEZZf 維尼

Hisashi starts to walk around him and asks, “Do you know a man by the name of Hashimoto Daisuke?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJpqNpqN7v 維尼

There is a sudden look of fear in Eiji’s eyes, he seems to swallow hard and replies with hesitation, “Yes... Yes, I knew him, he was my commander. Why do you ask?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NTnnT65V8 維尼

The god comes to a stop directly in front of him and asks, “Why? Well let’s see now, did you send him on a mission from which he never returned?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lv5Hfr3HN 維尼

The general’s eyes open wide and replies, “Yes, he vanished in the middle of the night... Wait, you’ve found him?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXdfXZGm9b 維尼

   “Kind of,” replies Hisashi, tilting his head slightly to the left.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpxXtMkz3I 維尼

Eiji frowns and asks in a slightly firm voice, “I don’t understand. Have you found him or not?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn5jzdcHTR 維尼

The god places his hands behind his back and replies, “What I mean is, he has been hurting a small village, for over a month now. I found his remains in a nearby forest. He has been murdered... most likely poisoned.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIeVh6Bq3l 維尼

   “I cannot believe it,” says the general. “The poor lad.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf2LJrKmy3 維尼

Hisashi may not have any emotions, but he can tell when someone is lying, his eyes narrow and says, “You take me as a fool? You knew what had happened to him. You had him killed, didn't you?"8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KmGIyhVXk 維尼

Eiji’s eyes start to look around the room as he searches for an answer and replies, “No, I never ordered that. Nonetheless, I had a feeling something must have happened to him... But murdered, is just terrible.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3S0b9inRn 維尼

   “You do realise I can tell when someone is lying to me. Also I can scan your mind with just a single glance,” says the god, pointing his hand towards the man’s forehead.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡddC7Kv22Zg 維尼

This makes the general fall to the floor, he starts to perform the kowtow and says over and over again, “Please forgive me.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6x8YYjsyX 維尼

Hisashi crouches down and asks, “What did you do? Why did you have him killed?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMtuFk0FKT 維尼

Eiji starts to weep, he looks up at the god and replies, “He was getting too close to the princess, I was afraid they were becoming lovers.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJLCmAnXJS 維尼

   “What made you think that? Did you see them together, holding hands or kissing?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTyPFWNybv 維尼

The general shakes his head and replies, “No, no nothing like that. It was just the way they were looking at each other... the way lovers do.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW8FuMNVRW 維尼

   “Wait, you had him killed, over a bit of harmless flirting?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXv87CVvMn 維尼

   “You do not understand, there was more behind it than that... It was clear the princess was falling for him.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUnzQ2FnOw 維尼

   “But having him killed was a bit extreme, don’t you think?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHLkOEyb6q 維尼

Eiji starts to cry and he babbles, “It was meant to put him to sleep, and we were going to place him on ship bound for the princes’ palace... but...but...”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi5nXC7lTF 維尼

   “He never woke up?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡXamHPQAx0y 維尼

The general nods and replies, “I conformed he was dead... We waited to be sure, and when he started to smell that conformed it... I swear I never meant to kill him.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmqtyVt7Ib 維尼

   “This is the problem with plants that can render a person to sleep, given them too much and the person never awakes. What you need to do is explain and above all apologise to Daisuke, only then, hopefully he will find peace.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcKc8O1Kb8 維尼

The General nods in agreement and travels with the god back to the village where he goes on to pay the Samurai a vist.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLyVSEHMIi 維尼

Eiji drops to his knees and tells the commander everything.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKee8d3uFS 維尼

This only makes Daisuke angry, Hisashi watches him walk around the headstone muttering, “Why did he think that?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiQzNHb0bR 維尼

   “I’ll ask him for you,” says the god, going on to repeat the young man’s question.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8f3na7g5J 維尼

The General rises and replies, “Because of the way you were interacting with the Princess and for that matter how she reacted to you.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSf8q5KPoJ 維尼

   “He says, boy did you misread his body language, for he saw the Princess a sister and she saw as a brother. I could never lover another woman, for I am married, I have a son and possibly another child now.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGIwBYcb0N 維尼

Eiji's open wide with shock, he takes a step back and mutters, “Wife?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeeCoidAUd 維尼

“Yes, her name is Tuski, full name Yūyake Tuski and my son's name is Kazue.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmO8oK4fxR 維尼

The General drops to his knees and mutters, “If only I had known.... Oh what have I done?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4bvdkjWXu 維尼

   “You have killed an innocent man. Daisuke, it is up to you.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw3k0f4SCA 維尼

The Samurai takes another turn around his grave, he looks to the god and replies, “What can I do? It was all a miss understanding. But he must explain to my dear wife what he has done.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpSA7L77FO 維尼

Hisashi nods and says, “I agree. However, where is she?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4tv2pDo93 維尼

   “She lives in the next village, just beyond the forest where you found my remains.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC9ZDNyYFk 維尼

   “I know the one. It is getting late we will go tomorrow.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfUvkd5ACf 維尼

Eiji rises and says, “Yes, I must tell her how sorry I am, because I am truly sorry.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjqSzTCNta 維尼

   “He says apology accepted. However, he cannot rest util he knows his dear wife and son are well taken care of.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiVh1hnz4m 維尼

   “Do not worry as I will personally see to that.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7L0hkIe5T 維尼

The god shakes his head and says, “You do not take into account, Tuski may not want your help, for you are responsible for her husbands death.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyMBMTEOuw 維尼

   “You’re right.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9yMCLLb2Y 維尼

Hisashi gives the Samurai a smile and says, “I will watch over them.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpka0OUxQCU 維尼

   “Thank you, my lord,” replies Daisuke, performing a deep bow, then disappears.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRNo3tW1sa 維尼

The god leads Eiji over to the inn, they leave their horses with the stable boy, before heading inside where they are treated to a nice meal before they settle down for the night.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡMywaBGFIiO 維尼

However the General has a restless night, he regrets his hasty actions, if only he had listened to his Second-in-command as he was right it was nothing to worry about and all he was doing was jumping to conclusions, then none of this would have happened.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1V2eMDNyX 維尼

   “How could I have been so stupid?” he mutters, shaking his head. 8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxBiKy7Z9d 維尼

Eiji takes a seat under a large tree and slowly drifts off to sleep.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw8kRtxb5V 維尼

When one of the grounds keepers finds him there the following morning he quickly goes and informs the god.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLYE2sFmX8 維尼

Hisashi puts on his half coat and follows the young man into the gardens to discover the General is still alive.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyDwlafxT3 維尼

   “He’s all right,” he says. “Please bring us some tea.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmJ7DuBYwk 維尼

The grounds keeper gives him a quick nod and heads over to the kitchens.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhbgAz6yAd 維尼

Eiji opens his eyes to see the stunning god is crouched by his side who asks, “Trouble sleeping?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhxy1mB52t 維尼

The General nods his head and replies, “I am a murderer. I killed a man for no reason... Now I have got to face his wife.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX5oqqPoie 維尼

   “All you can do is tell her the truth.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡatNSPY08bZ 維尼

Eiji nods and replies, “I will.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRmVptpQpX 維尼

The god helps him to rise, just as a maid comes trotting over carrying a tray of drinks, they both take a cup and head back inside where they go on to get dressed.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hYQyoGN9Q 維尼

The General is unable to eat any breakfast, he just heads back out into the garden where he waits until Hisashi is ready to leave; then they ride to the next village.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyBUt0YOGS 維尼

The people are shocked to see the famous Tenjoteki na Kizoku who starts to ask for a lady by the name of Hashimoto Yūyake Tuski.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbBH9E0ker 維尼

A man approaches the stunning god, he performs a deep bow and replies, “My lord, I will take you to her.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡlulvMjKVap 維尼

   “Thank you, my son.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrfiwtsZ0q 維尼

Hisashi and Eiji follow him up a small hill to a house, where the man knocks on the door and few minutes later it opened by a beautiful young lady who is holding a young child.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwFZ6OBbuB 維尼

The god steps forward and says, “My dear are you married to Hashimoto Daisuke?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hl9BY2adR 維尼

   “Yes my lord. Have you found him?” she asks with hope, which soon fades when she sees the General. “What's happened to him?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68AnOWxnEC 維尼

Eiji goes on to tell her everything, which makes Tuski slap him across the face and shout, “Murderer!”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBccIeLYUa 維尼

Hisashi quickly takes the child from her and says, “Calm yourself my dear. Think of your child.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sFCW4sbEA 維尼

But the lady is too engaged with anger she repeatedly hits Eiji’s chest and sobs, “Why? Why?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iST2hM8N5 維尼

The General takes hold her wrists and replies, “I was wrong and for that I am so sorry. I should not have jumped to consultations.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLxi3rCrkS 維尼

Tuski is lost for words, she pulls her hands free, takes her baby from the god and storms into her home sliding the door closed behind her.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡArhEdULdo8 維尼

Eiji is about to enter the house when the god stops him, by pointing his left hand to the ground and says in a firm voice, “Stay here.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPYRbPd5X3 維尼

   “But my lord-”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡVswdujKag6 維尼

   “No buts. Do ad you are told,” says Hisashi in a father like voice.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡsowDptJhao 維尼

The General performs a deep bow and replies, “Yes, my lord.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M0V2jJ71Z 維尼

The Soul Drinker even moves him to one side before he slides open the door to find the lady is on the floor of the hallway sobbing with her child wondering what was the matter.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4kJx77jUX 維尼

Hisashi gently sits Tuski up, he removes a cloth from the left pocket of his half coat which he uses it to gently dry her eyes as he says, “Calm yourself my dear.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGk2NZkYR7 維尼

The lady takes a moment to compose herself, she looks into the god’s sunning blue eyes and asks, “Wait, what’s your involvement in my husband’s death?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡUotXUvUCyb 維尼

Hisashi helps her to rise, he then picks up the child and leads her down the corridor to a sitting room, then he goes on to tell her everything from the moment the villagers came to his home, to finding out it was indeed a man haunting the village and not people mistaking it for something perfectly natural.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBYyi2Skuz 維尼

Tuski laughs and says, “Us mortals tend to do that, think something is haunted when it’s not.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3mr2GkJsN 維尼

   “I put it down to allowing your imagination to get carried away.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSftA7bMI63 維尼

The lady nods and asks, “Did you speak to my husband?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2otWvVBJbR 維尼

   “I did, and he showed me where he had been buried in a shallow grave. I have since had his remains moved to the cemetery in the village and once he told me his name I had a headstone made.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLGPbbIDUb 維尼

Tuski places a hand to her chest and says, “Thank you so much.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡamsK3MgAVw 維尼

“No problem. The reason I came with the General is because he was worried how you and his children were coping without him. I can see from this little one, you’re coping fine,” says Hisashi, gently bouncing the baby on his knee.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7nq3nq087 維尼

   “Yes, I’m doing all right. Everyone in this village look out for one another. I knew something had happened to my dear husband, when within a year he had not returned home... But murdered never crossed my mind.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzuv2SWiha 維尼

   “Same here. I just thought he had been killed in battle and left behind. You see sometimes they cannot remember how they died and it is my job to put them to rest.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl3MS17muA 維尼

   “Will you be able to help my husband to do just that?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTs5JcKSHE 維尼

   “I think so, when I tell him-no that might not be enough. Come back with me. Tell him yourself, you and the children are all right.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq34WbiI1h 維尼

Tuski nods and asks, “Is it a long journey?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ReuKPczlb 維尼

Hisashi shakes his head and replies, “Not long, around three hours. Then again we were riding fast through the forest. Yes we did.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2oFnzsmXj 維尼

The child is not able to speak properly yet, it just does a series of noises and giggles when the god pulls a face which the mother finds interesting as she did not know he was capable of such things.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyLQrLiH6m 維尼

   “Yes, you’re right, I should come and see him. To allow him to see he has a daughter and his son is also doing well. He is playing with his friends.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIml2FRMZm 維尼

   “Yes, he will be so happy to see this little one as I take it you were carrying this one when he left?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI0cReKOlV 維尼

  “Yes, I had broken the news to him we were going to be blessed with another baby... Oh my dear Daisuke,” replies Tuski and starts to cry.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡC84TDPgM9u 維尼

Hisashi gives her a hug and says, “Just think he is going to be overjoyed to see he has a daughter, a very sweet one too.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKUVqiNyYn 維尼

The lady dries her eyes and replies, “You’re right, he is going over the moon as it is what he wanted. Do not get me wrong, he was happy to have son, but he hoped to have a little girl as he did not want just boys as he came from an all boy family.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U1JpSla1h 維尼

   “I see, how many brother’s did he have?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlshvn0bNs 維尼

   “Four, he was the third child of five. He had two older brothers and younger. He often said, I was piggy in the middle,” replies Tuski with a laugh.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfrCnrKJon 維尼

   “Bless him. I myself have never known what it is like to have a brother or sister.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeGQQLIiwF 維尼

   “Oh I am sorry.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSixbE5lb0a 維尼

   “No, it’s all right. My parents were the best and I had lots of friends. If I had emotions, I would say I had a very happy childhood.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU6MFazzY9 維尼

   “Well that is good to hear. My son does not understand yet why his little sister cannot play with him. I keep saying to him one day she will.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwJQp0YL19 維尼

   “Yes, he’s just got to allow her to grow and it will not be long before they are running together across the fields,” says Hisashi as he again gently bounces the child upon his knee.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VQr4vNFGp 維尼

The mother watches him play with her daughter and asks, “You’ve got children?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIzLXY4u85 維尼

The god nods and replies, “I have a son, he is visiting family in Greece.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHC7Iu8FKt 維尼

   “My goodness that is so far away. His mother was from there?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgaQAhfKEa 維尼

   “Yes, my wonderful husband Alric, is Greek. The look upon your face, tells me I should say a bit more, he is an Annihilation Deity.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP5OQAbCRk 維尼

   “Oh that explains it,” replies Tuski as he starts to wave.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FsoLoUfke 維尼

Hisashi looks over his shoulder to a young boy is now on the covered walkway, he kicks off his sandals before he comes running over saying, “Mummy, I’m hungry.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kpht8DTOw 維尼

   “I’ll do you both some lunch, then we are going to see daddy.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwal5vAnwr 維尼

The boy looks to the god and asks, “You've found?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nTiKpS94t 維尼

Hisashi nods and replies, “I have.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3x7dlU6tp 維尼

  “Is he here?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVeh3aXK2K 維尼

This makes Tuski stroke her son’s head and goes on to tell him what has happened. Kazue starts to cry, his mother holds him close and whispers, “Come let’s get something to eat, then we will go and see him.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCaaufCbv1 維尼

The child nods and together they all walk out of the room down the corridor to the kitchen, where Hisashi goes on to help the mother to prepare a nice meal, of rice, fish and vegetables.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94TU0NfyT5 維尼

Tuski even invites the General inside for something to eat, he helps himself to some rice and vegetables.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkNiC2y079 維尼

Once they have all had enough to eat and drink, Tuski gets her carriage and horse from the stable and the god offers to take them.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡSusg8Os24S 維尼

   “Thank you,” she replies and climbs in to the back with her children.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAxtTudpeI 維尼

Eiji takes hold of the god’s black stallions reins to lead him back to the village, where they go on to stop at the inn and walk over to the cemetery.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J8O9HLIiz 維尼

The Samurai is happy to see his dear wife and children.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM3ah2G5WS 維尼

Hisashi goes on to inform Tuski where he is standing and she tells him, “This is your daughter, Yuri.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS37aX3ykF 維尼

   “He says, she is lovely and he hopes she grows to be as beautiful as her mother.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDv3FjqMfa 維尼

   “I hope so too. See your son is growing to be a fine boy.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyNIyRrZrz 維尼

   “He says he cannot believe how much he has grown, he is looking very well.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvpWf5bliP 維尼

The mother nods and replies, “Yes, he is very well, strong boy. My love I miss you. But be rest assured I am also doing fine, the people in our village have been looking after all of us.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9RPF6Bg4C 維尼

Hisashi smiles and says, “He said he can clearly see that and he misses you, all of you. Huh? I do not see why not?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lr9IaAXTa 維尼

   “What is it? What’s he saying to you?” Tuski asks, growing concerned.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrBkgmRNyl 維尼

   “Sorry, he was asking for his remains to be moved home. I can arranged that,” replies the god with a smile spreading across his face.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0beYvhwrcP 維尼

   “Thank you,” says the young lady.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFru75UVnP 維尼

   “No problem at all. You’re more than welcome to rest at the inn whilst I sort it all out.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNUpQoiZpL 維尼

Tuski nods and she blows her husband a kiss before she walks away back down the hill.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1qTLfbiJ3 維尼

Hisashi goes and talks to the same men you laid the Samurai’s remains to rest. They are shocked that he is wanting to have the coffin brought up and taken to Daisuke’s village.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDOjEasTd3 維尼

   “But why?” asks one of them men, looking at him all confused.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxFp1R5FX1 維尼

   “Because this is what Daisuke wishes, he wants to go home. He misses his wife and family.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqanYU7qyg 維尼

All the men start to feel for the Samurai and they all agree to carry out his wishes.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMvs9PqrDV 維尼

The god thanks them, then heads over to the inn to join the family.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡD65bjwDu7g 維尼

It is late afternoon by the time the coffin has been loaded on to a cart, Hisashi helps Tuski to board her carriage along with the children and they all head to Daisuke’s village where his wife goes on to pick a nice spot in the cemetery. She chooses a place where her husband has a good view of their home and the men get to work.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXfIId6wmD 維尼

Kazue notices Hisashi seems to be staring at the carriage, he walks over to him and asks, “Is there something wrong?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDLSyQKgff 維尼

The god crouches down and replies, “No, dear boy. I was just listening to your father, he was telling me the village has changed since he was last here.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXcTQCFJ6p 維尼

   “Has it really?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd49oEcYIK 維尼

   “He says, it has, for those houses where not there,” replies Hisashi, pointing his hand over to a group of homes on the left side of the village.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡAalwvPLA9D 維尼

   “Yes, they went up last year. Mum said our village was growing.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡagK64tFJzz 維尼

   “It sure is, which is nice to see, and I hope it continues this way.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4WNKnRLp7 維尼

   “So do I father. Are you going to be all right up here?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JGXtrOGY0 維尼

The god nods and replies, “He says, do not worry about me, my dear son. I will be fine watching over you, your mother and sister.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEOwPfqKds 維尼

Kazue smiles and says, “I'm pleased to hear that father.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPpl60kgNQ 維尼

People from the village start to enter the cemetery carrying lit lamps and flowers. Once Daisuke coffin has been lied to rest and the hole filled in they all take it in turns to place their bouquet on the grave and give Tuski a hug.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHtr7KV2AU 維尼

The young lady thanks them all and hopes her dear husband will now find peace.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLSlsXPb68 維尼

Hisashi watches the Samurai walk over to his family he strokes his wife's back and tells her, they will see each other again.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiN0gOibxQ 維尼

   “You will in the next realm,” says the god, watching all the mortals look to him.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡapaSaIlE4e 維尼

   “Is he leaving?” Tuski asks.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡefD04Uu8M9 維尼

Hisashi watches a portal open and out of it comes an ancient guardian which could be mistaken for a grim reaper, he places his skeleton like hand upon the man's shoulder and starts to lead him away, when the Samurai asks if he could stay to watch over his family?8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx42H9h0N8 維尼

The ancient guardian nods and allows him to stay for one night to say his goodbyes to his family.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LVogqe10p 維尼

Daisuke is thankful, he performs a deep bow and looks to Hisashi who goes on to inform his wife.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7knueTNaWg 維尼

Tuski also performs a deep bow and says, “Thank you so much.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwkpVAlk1Y 維尼

The god watches the guardian give the Samurai on the shoulder a pat before he heads back into the other realm.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡD71yVQu057 維尼

   “Hisashi.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm7QJq14hv 維尼

   “Yes, my dear?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3E3HZTVa3 維尼

   “Please stay the night.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZb8OGEYQd 維尼

   “That is a kind offer, my dear. But surly you would want some time alone?”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aNQMY3GsP 維尼

  “But I won’t know where or what my husband wants.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jMnzC2Fxp 維尼

   “Ah I understand. All right I’ll stay.”8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsloZ7S9M8 維尼

The young lady performs a deep bow, then shows the god to hear home where she goes on to make a late evening meal of rice, mushrooms and carrots.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGbTCECaSz 維尼

Hisashi even helps her to put the children to bed and offers to read Kazue a story. But the child does not want his usual one, he would like the god to tell him one of far away lands and heroic men. The god tells him a tale of his lover when he helped the people of a village as they had hit with a terrible snow storm. The child enjoys every moment of it and goes to sleep thinking of snow.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBk903PQuX 維尼

Even Daisuke and his wife enjoyed the story. They all take a seat in the sitting room where they all continue to talk long into the night as they know come the following the guardian will return to collect the Samurai.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyn2jdPhd7 維尼

Just as the sun appears above the hills the ancient guardian arrives to take Daisuke into the other realm, with god's help he tells his wife how much he lovers her and his children.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1MxpCm5r5 維尼

Tuski tries to hold back her tears as she tells him, she will never forget him and she will always and forever love him.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7yb3HoI1Q 維尼

The guardian, places his hand upon the Samurai's shoulder and leads him into the other realm.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡEekF1s9Pg9 維尼

Hisashi remains with the family for the day before returning home, but he carried on visiting the family once a month until the day his Dark Gifts consumed him rendering him unable to travel from his temple on Nushima Island.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNxfAibC5W 維尼

The end.8964 copyright protection715ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9NL9d8yxo 維尼

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