Kumiko

Chapter 1

By deadkitty1

Chapter: 1

                In a far away land, there lived a king and a queen with two glorious sons. The king went out on an expedition to explore his land and meet his people. His curiosity took him to the cursed forest, where creatures live unseen by the light of day. Eyes seem to follow his every movement. Then, an opening appeared where a lake lay sparkling beneath the moon.

                A maiden floating on the water was glittering red with blood. A sharp blade stuck out by her stomach. Her eyes blinked away the pain of her tears. The king and his horsemen quickly rescued the injured damsel but it was to no avail. The maiden’s last words were,” You’re wife… will bear you a girl… a girl that will rule your kingdom or… or will destroy,” And her lips stopped.

                The king wanted to know how this young lady had the knowledge of his wife’s pregnancy. He ignored her words, though it lingered in the back of his mind. The knights searched for anyone around the forest who could have killed the girl but found nothing except a belt that had the words in scripted “Kumiko” which he figured probably belonged to the girl.

                Meanwhile, the queen was screeching in pain. She felt as thought a sharp blade has punctured her stomach. The midwives quickly rushed to help her in the situation. The king returned not only to his lovely wife and two sons but one shining girl. The king was happy to be blessed with a baby. He thought back to the warning and gave heed to it.

                Sixteen years passed through the ancient land like the quick gust of the wind. The kingdom grew along with its riches. The earth plummeted the realm with a supply of fruits, vegetables, and wondrous flowers. The people lived off the land peacefully and blessed it every day.

                Soft ebony hair flowed passed the air. A mysterious rider with a gray horse rode swiftly across the fields. It passed a pair of princes who was bewildered by her speed.

                “Catch me if you can!” laughter spread through the voice of the girl. Her eyes gleamed with a spark that of a cat’s. Her clothes were rugged as though were worn by a boy. Though her face made you want to smile.

                It was the princess’s birthday. She was honored with the name of the maiden who died long ago. Kumiko was the name, which means eternal beautiful child. She wandered through the trees and came to a halt when she saw her father ahead. She commanded the horse to stop and fell backwards in the mud while doing so. The two older boys howled with laughter. The queen and king were trying their best to hold back their amusment. Kumiko frowned smiled at her family.

                “Father, thank you for the wonderful gift. He rides like the waves of the rushing rivers but can be tamed to the calmest of winds!” Kumiko said brushing mud off herself.

                “What are you going to name it, daughter?” asked the king.

                “How about Sakura? It’s simple and nice,” she said staring in the horse’s eyes.

                “Bet your horse couldn’t beat ours,” replied her two brothers.

                Off the three siblings went and raced away from the kingdom and pass villages. They soon came upon the ever-familiar forest of doom.

                “How about a deal, sis?” said one of her brothers, “When you beat us through the forest, we’ll give you our presents. How’s that?”

                “You got yourself a bet and if I happen to lose, you may ride Sakura,” smiled Kumiko.

                They went towards the forest. They passed the animals, which were staring and the trees that were whistling. The princess started to get a bad feeling. She felt as thought eyes were watching them. She grabbed the reins and pulled to a stop though her brothers just kept on going.

                “Wait! Yuki! Keeichi!” cried Kumiko.

                “No way! We’re not falling for your tricks again!” shouted Yuki.

                “Yeah!” agreed Keeichi.

                “Stop! No!” cried the sister but it was too late.

                Kumiko was going to catch up when suddenly a hand shot out of nowhere. It grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in the forest. Another hand covered her mouth with a handkerchief. A horrible smell filled her nostrils. The smell made her weaker. Her eyes closed shut and she fell deep into sleep.