Kiku Yume

Prologue

“The spirits are growing restless,Yamada-san, I should return to the palace.” The women's voice was like a spring wind grazing across frail and fragrant petals of sakura.

“Do stay a little longer Kana-Hime, it would be a shame to not enjoy such a lovely night as this... Have you ever seen the moon so bright?” The man replied while marveling at the ethereal light.

Both the man and the women looked like heavenly descendants merely pausing to catch a quick glimpse of the mortal sands. The women's flowing ebony hair contrasted drastically against the whiteness of her silk kimono. Standing next to her, the man's dark blue robe swayed gently against the evening breeze while his wispy silvery locks seemed to glow under the refection of the moonlight.

“The light of the moon may be beautiful but it merely softens the ugly scars of this world made of mud and stone. Thus, I am not as enchanted by it as you; I see the world for what it is...” The Hime replied, shards of invisible glass were carefully embedded within her soft voice.

“However, Kana-hime... It is not a crime to simply forget, briefly, the unsightly scars and admire what little beauty that does exist around us.” His brilliant hazel eyes looked into her soft brown ones as a warm smile formed across his alabaster face.

For a moment there was only the gentle rustling of the freshly budding leaves and the soft chirping of crickets as they happily nestled themselves within the chrysanthemum garden.

“But you are right... I suppose it is about time that you return to the palace... Kanki-ouji would be rather upset if he found you missing.” His velvety voice broke through the silence; there was a slight hint of sorrow buried within.

“Hai... Yamada-san...” Kana-hime replied softly. She paused for a moment and then continued: “Your full name is Yamada, Suzuri right? I hope to be able to someday visit with you again. It was lovely meeting you here in the chrysanthemum garden.” She gave him a polite bow and gracefully glided way, beyond the fragrant garden, back within the palace walls.

Yamada, Suzuri let out a heavy sigh. She had left him once again; and again, he must face the bleakness of cursed solitude. How many years had it been? Suzuri lost count many centuries ago. His immortal life was more like a circular road. No matter which direction he ventured he would always end up at the same place: the chrysanthemum garden just beyond the palace walls... This was where they had first meet hundreds of years ago...

With the flowing sands of time, she gracefully passed through countless circles of the mortal life... However, she would always remain the same... she would always reincarnate as the Hime of the great Kougyoku palace. And for one night, within each of her countless lives, she would walk out of the palace walls and be guided into the chrysanthemum garden by the flowers intoxicating scent. There, Suzuri waited for her... under the moonlight... Every time they met, he would tell her his name and every time she would forget as soon as she stepped out of the enchanted garden...

Even though the endless cycle continued, Suzuri waited, patiently. For he continued to hope that the day would come when Kana would finally break free from the mononoke Aiseki's spell and finally remember him... her immortal love...