At this point, Takeuchi was worn out and embarrassed at his shortcomings. How could he lose the Jewel? It was the only thing he was supposed to take care of, and he had failed. He could never show his face in the capital again. Unless he could somehow get it back, perhaps? No, that is hopeless, he thought to himself.
So there was only one logical course of action -- suicide. In Japan, one's honor is the most valuable possession he or she can have. Lose it, and it doesn't matter how many worldly possessions you have, none of them matter. Without honor, you are lost.
Takeuchi, being a high minister in the courts, knew the customs of his land very well. His heart was dead-set on ending his life on this night. But he was not aware he was being followed by a young fisherwoman, Tamatori. She had always been quite fond of Takeuchi, but never acted upon it for fear of banishment from the realm.
"We can get the Jewel together!" Tamatori exclaimed just as Takeuchi had drawn his sword. "Just don't give up yet, there's still a chance to find it."
"I suppose you're right," Takeuchi agreed. "Where do you think it is?"
"I see a light shining through the waters not far from here," Tamatori explained. "We should head there as quickly as we can to ensure no one gets there before us!"
So the two made haste towards a small island not far off the shore. Just on the other side of it, they could clearly see the Jewel of Fate broadcasting its glorious light through the shimmering waters towards the heavens.
"We must figure a way to swim down there without alerting the beast that guards it," Takeuchi stated calmly, "or surely we shall both perish on this night."
Thus the two devised a plan. Tamatori would swim down to grab it, then bring it back halfway to the surface where Takeuchi would protect them both with his blade and successfully restore his honor. Once it was agreed upon, the pair dove into the depths, using the light from the Jewel as a beacon.
When she got close enough to grab the Jewel, the vicious sea-dragon Mizuchi brought all manner of grotesque creatures towards Tamatori to hinder her from bringing the Jewel to Takeuchi. She struggled to maintain her hold on the Jewel as the monsters of the deep attacked her in unison.
But at that exact moment, Susanowo had been watching these events unfold. He had always had a particular hatred for Mizuchi, so he found this the perfect opportunity to anger the dragon. As Tamatori swam up, he summoned a powerful whirlpool which surrounded Tamatori and Takeuchi, ensuring their safe return to shore.
The two then headed back to return the Jewel to its rightful place. Along the way, Tamatori made her love for Takeuchi known, and he deemed her a Princess he would be honored to call his wife. And the two lived on a great many years together, she a Princess, and he a man with his honor intact.
Author's Note: I used The Quest of the Jewel as the basis for my story. In the original, Tamatori goes to get the jewel by herself, and ends up killing herself to protect it because dragons can't interact with anything dead. This seemed a bit cruel to me, as she sacrificed her life for a man who may not have necessarily deserved it (he did lose the jewel after all). Also, I added in the presence of Susanowo; he wasn't involved in the original story at all, but I thought it'd be an interesting twist to include another famous Japanese god.
Bibliography:
Romance of Old Japan
E.W. Champney and F. Champney
1917
So there was only one logical course of action -- suicide. In Japan, one's honor is the most valuable possession he or she can have. Lose it, and it doesn't matter how many worldly possessions you have, none of them matter. Without honor, you are lost.
Takeuchi, being a high minister in the courts, knew the customs of his land very well. His heart was dead-set on ending his life on this night. But he was not aware he was being followed by a young fisherwoman, Tamatori. She had always been quite fond of Takeuchi, but never acted upon it for fear of banishment from the realm.
"We can get the Jewel together!" Tamatori exclaimed just as Takeuchi had drawn his sword. "Just don't give up yet, there's still a chance to find it."
"I suppose you're right," Takeuchi agreed. "Where do you think it is?"
"I see a light shining through the waters not far from here," Tamatori explained. "We should head there as quickly as we can to ensure no one gets there before us!"
So the two made haste towards a small island not far off the shore. Just on the other side of it, they could clearly see the Jewel of Fate broadcasting its glorious light through the shimmering waters towards the heavens.
"We must figure a way to swim down there without alerting the beast that guards it," Takeuchi stated calmly, "or surely we shall both perish on this night."
Thus the two devised a plan. Tamatori would swim down to grab it, then bring it back halfway to the surface where Takeuchi would protect them both with his blade and successfully restore his honor. Once it was agreed upon, the pair dove into the depths, using the light from the Jewel as a beacon.
When she got close enough to grab the Jewel, the vicious sea-dragon Mizuchi brought all manner of grotesque creatures towards Tamatori to hinder her from bringing the Jewel to Takeuchi. She struggled to maintain her hold on the Jewel as the monsters of the deep attacked her in unison.
Mizuchi, the sea-dragon.
(As depicted in Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers)
The two then headed back to return the Jewel to its rightful place. Along the way, Tamatori made her love for Takeuchi known, and he deemed her a Princess he would be honored to call his wife. And the two lived on a great many years together, she a Princess, and he a man with his honor intact.
Author's Note: I used The Quest of the Jewel as the basis for my story. In the original, Tamatori goes to get the jewel by herself, and ends up killing herself to protect it because dragons can't interact with anything dead. This seemed a bit cruel to me, as she sacrificed her life for a man who may not have necessarily deserved it (he did lose the jewel after all). Also, I added in the presence of Susanowo; he wasn't involved in the original story at all, but I thought it'd be an interesting twist to include another famous Japanese god.
Bibliography:
Romance of Old Japan
E.W. Champney and F. Champney
1917
Your story was very interesting! I haven't read this story, so it would have been nice if you would have said how Takeuchi lost the jewel and why it was such a big deal that he did. Your story was very well written. There are a few grammar mistakes but other than that good job!
ReplyDeleteHi Patrick! I thought this was a really good read and it kept me interested thought out the entire story. I agree with Heather's comment on showing how Takeuchi lost the jewel, but other than that it was a great story! Your picture goes well with with the style of your story and really visualizes the story for the reader. Again, great job! I'm looking forward to reading more of your stories in the future!
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