The Cursed Scholar and Maiden's Unyielding Love
Long, long ago, in the heartland of Japan lay a peaceful little village named Hinomori, surrounded by a thick and mysterious forest. One day, it was visited by an enthralling stranger named Hiroshi who claimed to be a wandering scholar. Hiroshi had a fascinating aura, and soon the villagers became fond of him. Particularly, a young maiden named Aiko developed a profound liking towards him.
Hiroshi and Aiko often explored the forest together during the day; Hiroshi was keen to learn and Aiko thoroughly enjoyed his company. However, at the break of dusk, Hiroshi would always display a worryingly troubled face and return to the village, leaving Aiko behind. His continuous disappearance at sunset piqued Aiko's curiosity.
One evening, unable to withhold her concerns, Aiko summoned her courage and asked Hiroshi about his odd behavior. He hesitated, then, under the weight of her caring gaze, revealed his secret. He was cursed, he said. By dusk, he would turn into a dreadful beast, a Nue, feared by all in the land. Aiko, though blinked in disbelief but her heart accepted his confession.
The next evening, hiding her fear, Aiko insisted on staying with Hiroshi at dusk. As the sun sank down the horizon, she witnessed the transformation. Hiroshi changed into a terrifying creature - part monkey, part tiger, part snake. Aiko gasped silently not in terror, but in empathy. Instead of running, she reached out, touching the coarse fur of the Nue, proving her courage and devotion.
From that day forward, Aiko was not frightened by Hiroshi's monstrous appearance. Their friendship evolved into love. Even though they could not be with each other as ordinary lovers due, their bond was unique and stronger than most.
Word of their affection for each other spread throughout the village. The villagers, once fond of Hiroshi, felt betrayed and frightened. Fearful of the creature living amidst them, they decided to kill Hiroshi. Unaware of the village’s plan, Aiko prayed endlessly for a miracle to free Hiroshi of his curse.
In the following days, Matsuo, a famed priest from a faraway land, heard about the mythical Nue in Hinomori. Intrigued, he traveled to the village. Matsuo believed that Hiroshi’s curse wasn’t a curse at all, but a divine blessing misunderstood due to its dual nature. He predicted that extraordinary courage and unconditional love could break the curse and reveal the blessing.
On a fateful night, as the moon shone in the darkness, an angry mob approached Hiroshi with weapons, intending to end his life. Aiko, hearing the commotion, ran towards the mob. She shielded Hiroshi with her body, declaring her love for him and challenging the villagers’ fear. In that courageous moment, her love flowed towards Hiroshi, radiating a warm, golden light.
As predicted by Matsuo, the light of Aiko’s love and courage broke Hiroshi's curse, revealing the divine blessing–he transformed into a majestic Kirin, a creature symbolizing peace and prosperity. Overwhelmed by the marvel, the villagers fell to their knees, apologizing to Hiroshi and Aiko for their blind actions.
From that day, Aiko and Hiroshi lived peacefully in Hinomori, reminding everyone about love beyond appearances and about courage that has the power to change fears into blessings. As for the village, it thrived under the blessings of the Kirin, narrating the heroic tale of their transformation to every person who set foot in Hinomori.