Without Seimei's existence, the palace was colder. Fuji was in her Onmyoji robe, and its size was not suitable for a child like her. People in the palace started gossiping about her. They call her “Seimei’s Ghost” and “Seimei’s Shadow” or anything they think of to mock the child before them.
However, to their surprise, Fuji, still raising her head high, walked in the palace with confidence, like her great-grandpa taught her.
From his vantage point, the king observed Fuji's unwavering stride. He had heard much from Seimei about this promising young heir, and her current composure confirmed those tales. A rare smile touched his lips. “Another legend in the Abe no Family. Seimei must be very proud of this girl.”
She attended the court along with scholars and nobles. Many were skeptical at first, but Fuji’s insight and wisdom, unusual for one so young, quickly earned their respect. On that day, Lord Minamoto and other onmyoji at the court met Fuji for the first time.
“Is this a jest?” Lord Minamoto scoffed, his ornate fan snapping shut with a flick of his wrist. “Seimei’s heir, you say? I see only a child.”
Fuji’s eyes did not flinch. Her answers to a lord were still calm and composed. “In front of you, I might be a child, but I am the great-granddaughter of Seimei.”
Lord Minamoto smirked at the young girl’s attitude. “Interesting girl. But let’s see if you truly can stand in the court.” He looked at his attendant, who approached with an old wooden box, placed gently in front of Fuji. “This box contains an ancient scroll inside. This scroll was found in the northern shrine during the early time of Heian. Many onmyoji were summoned to analyze this scroll, but they failed. If you’re Seimei’s heir, this scroll would be very easy for you.”
Fuji carefully opened the box. There was a scroll inside, a bit dusty because of time. She opened the string slowly when she held the scroll in her hand and put it on her mat. Just a quick glance at the scrolls, she placed her hand on them and mumbled ancient languages that Seimei taught her. The writing shone and danced in the air, forming words in an easier way to understand.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“The ink used on this scroll was a mix of powdered cinnabar and moonstone dust.” Fuji began her explanation. “This scroll’s about the protective spell during Emperor Saga’s reign. The spell will seal small yokai or weak ones into it without any noise. If they placed these scrolls at the palace gate, we will have fewer problems with small yokais.”
Hearing her explanation, most of the people exchanged their surprise faces. Lord Minamoto’s smirk faltered, his fan still in his hands.
Fuji continued, her fingers gliding over the scroll. “This particular sutra is a variant of the Kujiki, but it’s been modified. Seimei’s personal seal is here.” She pointed to the lower corner, where faint traces of ink marked a signature that only a trained eye could recognize.
An old onmyoji came forward and looked at the seal. He confirmed. “Yes, you’re right. This seal was from Master Seimei.”
Fuji smiled politely, her hands coming together in a respectful bow. “Would you like me to activate the binding ritual? I assure you, it is still intact.”
Minamoto stiffened, his eyes narrowing. But he said nothing. Fuji’s gaze remained serene, unyielding, as if daring him to speak.
After a long silence, Minamoto finally spoke. “You’ve proved yourself, little girl. I mean, onmyoji Fuji, Semei’s heir.”
However, she did not attend the court alone. There were four guardian spirits that always followed Fuji's footsteps:
- Sakura (first guardian): A healing spirit. She appeared in Seimei Garden as his cherry blossom tree. When Fuji was born, Sakura’s spirit awakened and chose to stay by the girl’s side. She became Fuji’s main healer and soothed the young girl’s heart every time Fuji was sad, not just physically but also mentally.
- Yukina (Yuki Onna): An ice spirit. She was once captured by Seimei due to her icy power that injured many people on the mountain. She accepted Fuji's warmth because Fuji often talked with her and comforted Yukina by her presence. The child visited her often, not with fear but with kindness. The spirit’s heart, long buried in snow, slowly thawed. Yukina became the second guardian.
- Ootengu (the third guardian): A fierce flying warrior in the sky. He used to serve under Seimei and watch Fuji grow up. He also taught Fuji her fighting skills and became her protector after Semei passed away.
- Youko (the fox spirit): Youko was a divine gift from the god Inari himself. With nine flowing tails and golden eyes that could see the truth in men’s hearts, Youko aided Fuji not only in spiritual matters but also in court politics. Cunning and loyal, he guided her like a hidden blade wrapped in silk.
Some could see her 4 spirits; some couldn’t. For some scholars who could see her guardian spirits, most of them were surprised to see her talents. From that day on, the whispers faded. They still called her Seimei’s heir—but now, they said it with caution. With awe.
Once the court was over, Fuji went to the royal garden to relax and read the scroll she found in the library. It’s written about Seimei. That was when she met her prince, Takumi.