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The Story of Hoichi 2
The Story of Hoichi 2
When they were inside the temple, the old priest said, ''You
are in great danger, Hoichi. You have been possessed by the
spirits of Kiyomizu. They will take you away sooner or later. I
must do something to save you.''
He took his brushes and covered Hoichi's body with sacred
words from the books of their gods. Words were written on
Hoichi's hands, arms, legs, neck, face, head, chest, and back.
''Hoichi,' said the old priest at last, ''tonight the spirits will
come again. Sit still and wait. Do not be afraid. They will call
you as they have done before. Do not answer back. Do not
move. If you keep quiet, the spirits of the dead will leave you
in peace. But if you say something, they will not let you come
back.''
When night fell, Hoichi was waiting for the stranger. He soon
heard the same steps coming towards him.
''Hoichi!''
Hoichi did not move.
''Hoichi! Where are you?''
Hoichi was a still as a stone.
''It is so dark!'' the voice said. ''I cannot see a thing.''
Hoichi was breathless.
''Ah, there you are!'' said the voice. ''All I can see is two ears.
All right, I will take them to my master, if that is all I can
take.''
At that moment, Hoichi felt two hands take hold of his ears.
The pain was most unbearable, but he did not utter a sound.
He heard the steps go away. When everything was silent, he
called out, ''Master, oh master!''
The old priest soon came with a torch. He was horrified when
the light shone on Hoichi's face. Hoichi's ears had been torn
off his head. Blood was dripping on the floor.
The old priest had forgotten to paint the sacred words on the
back of Hoichi's ears.