Kaeruko the Priestess

Kaeruko's hair was braided beautifully and pinned upwards. Her lips were made red with berry juice, and her eyes painted with a purple powder. Her cheeks were made rosy, and her eyelashes made darker. Her fingernails had been cut and cleaned, shaped to perfection. She looked like a princess. The silken and highly decorative robes felt smooth against her skin, and warm. Butterflies floated down the kimono, surrounded by gold. Her obi was ornate with symbols of the goddess, stars and the sun surrounded by red and lavender. 

"There you are. All done." Kaminoko beamed at her work, raising the hand mirror up to her face. "You look like a proper priestess, now. How do you feel?" Kaeruko brought her manicured fingers to her face, touching it tenderly as if she was afraid of ruining the hard work that had been put in. Her grey eyes seemed so much bigger and brighter.. She felt beautiful and wrong. This face and these clothes were not hers. 

"I… don't feel like myself. This isn't me." She muttered, even her voice sounding as if it belonged to another. "I look beautiful. I don't want to sound ungrateful but--" she stopped herself from speaking further, noting the flutter of a butterfly on her neck. That was not hers either. None of this was. 

"It is hard to get used to. This kimono however was made for you. This is your new role, and you will take it with grace and strength." She slightly adjusted Kaeruko's obi so that it sat just right on her waist. "You are a leader now, and you have to present like one. Everyone is waiting for you. Would you like me to introduce you, or would you like to introduce yourself?" 

"Please go out first. I don't think my heart can handle just waltzing out there."

Kaminoko smiled and bowed her head before she walked outside, towards the gathering of their tribe. Kaeruko's heart was beating far too fast. She felt sick. 

"Woah, you look great." A boyish voice appeared behind Kaeruko's head. She didn't look back. 

"I don't feel great. This feels so wrong. I wish I did not have to address everyone." She admitted, taking a shaky breath. Arm reached out and hugged her from behind. She gently placed her hands against them. 

"Oh my sweet Kaeru. You will be great. Besides, you have me with you now. Nothing can stop us~" Inga giggled, showing his face to her and smiling cutely. He was dressed differently than before, now wearing a large furry coat and hat. Apparently he did not love the cold. "Plus that chaos is coming fast. If we don't make a move, everyone will die." 

"I know. I just… I miss Kumako." Her voice quivered. "I am worried… I know you said that they will come back but.. When?" 

"Focus on protecting those around you for now. Come on, it sounds like Kamino is almost done with her little introduction. Come come!" Inga began to gently lead her outside. 

The light was blinding and cold. The wind blew in her face, making the makeup seem dry and uncomfortable. Inga no longer was there visually, but Kaeruko could feel his hand still holding hers. Only the wind and trees dared make any noise as she walked forward. The tribe stared at her, blank faces and wide eyes at the sight of their former equal. She was different now, more so than just her fancy clothes and hair. She remembered being one of them, standing in awe at the priestess and her grace. Now she was the one who was the embodiment of grace and light. 

"Hourounobuzoku. Our tribe has traveled the world in search of freedom from the chaos that chases relentlessly. We escaped from the dangers of the world, running and running until we have become worn down and broken. Our people are weary, and we have lost far too much in our attempts to run." Her voice sounded strong and clear, and the fear that had gripped her previously seemed to dissipate from her mind. "To what end are we going to continue running? Will we continue to run until none of us are left? It is time to face reality. We are a dying people. The chaos is not going to stop, and it will take us all. I am tired of it. We are tired of it. It is time that we take up our arms, that we stop running and begin to fight for our peace. Chaos won't take us. We all must take up arms and begin fighting for once. We won't sit around any more and let things happen around us. This will be our base, and we will begin to gather forces. There are many out there like us, who are running and afraid. Injustice is king in this world, and yet we have the power to stop that." Suddenly a burst of butterflies formed behind her, flying up in a swirling storm. People in the crowd stepped back, shocks threading itself through the people. The butterflies began to spill from the top of the storm, falling onto the tribe. They fell, landing on their shoulders, heads, and hands. "These butterflies represent our will to live, to fight. Please allow me to lead us forward as we begin our fight to survive." She bowed her head deeply and waited. Kaminoko bowed next to her. The two stood in front of the entire tribe in silence, the wind blowing gently. 

Minamori walked forward. The elderly woman's hands shook as she reached forward and took Kaeru's face into her hands. She lifted her head, and smiled warmly. Her face was wrinkled and aged, sun spots and deep set scars from years of hard work peppering her face. Yet her smile seemed to be the most beautiful thing Kaeruo had seen in a long time. 

"We have all been waiting a long time to hear those words. We will fight." She smiled and turned towards the others. A cheer arose. It wasn't enthusiastic, but it was genuine. A cry for the future of them all. Renatsu moved forward then and gently put a hand on Kaeruko's shoulder. He seemed to be rather proud, although sad as well. Kaeru felt that she understood why he chose to take on the role as leader. She understood why her father had made that same choice. Now she was in a similar position, it seemed far more clear to her why they did what they did. Their people needed them.