Visage of Compassion

[Akura]

I missed the deadline though, so here it is... Not a complete waste.


The streets of Kusatsu were ravaged with the bitter hand of the winter chill, reaching its fingers through the arid Cherry Blossom trees. The grasp of darkness made a good partner for the bleak frozen winds.
A young but twisted stranger stumbled into the small town, her body stooped, her flesh touched by a ghastly affliction. Her steps were uneven and slow as her figure approached the town'€™s tavern.
The tavern'€™s Barkeep poised in her passage, blocking her track.

'€œSire, I ask food, medicine and bed, I can labour the fee in time'€ the young lady spoke, her voice quivering from the piercing cold,
'€œYe exhibit the mark of the affliction, leave before you sicken my family and patrons'€ He spoke, abhorrence in his tone,
'€œI'€™ve lost my family, my home and my health, please sire, I beg of you'€
The Barkeep stood firm, a look loathing growing ever stronger on his aspect.

The young lady turned from the warm comfort of the tavern, tears rolling from her frown. She approached a company of women as they passed, their appearance of the cloth.

'€œPlease, I beg of you to aid me, I seek shelter and board'€ the young lady pleaded, her body stooped doubly low,
'€œYou will receive no charity from us, Witch, go back whence you came'€ the tallest women of the cloth spoke,
'€œHave you no heart? I have lost all that is close to me!'€ the young lady begged once more, dropping her figure lower, appearing to be in discomfort.

Of the crowds that lay eyes on her, none offered a hand to the twisted young lady. From beneath the icy cedar came a beautiful young girl, Maiko, her years no longer than a couple of dozen.

'€œIf you need help, food, shelter and medicine'€ said Maiko '€œI will give it.'€ And Maiko did approach the gnarled woman, offering her a helping hand.

The sickened woman pulled her plagued robes from her back, straightening up to reveal herself as the Goddess Amaterasu. The townspeople fell to their knees, begging mercy and forgiveness from the Sun Goddess, but upon Maiko said she,
'€œTrue beauty is not measured by appearance, but by the compassion and kindness. Of all those with the potential to give, only you displayed the virtue of empathy, and for that, you will be rewarded with whatever you desire'€
'€œYou have already given me reward enough, your grace; you have displayed to my people, the importance of Compassion, this is enough of a gift for me'€ Maiko spoke humbly.
'€œVery well'€ the Sun Goddess spoke, and with that, her powerful visage faded before the eyes of Maiko and her townspeople.