Two Hundred And Sixty-One

Two Hundred And Sixty-One

Ryōan-ji temple was quite the sight. The zen garden with its moss and artfully placed rocks was rather beautiful, in a desolate sort of way. As was usual, there were plenty of tourists about, a noticeable number of them foreign, but what wasn’t usual was the number of shrine maidens and priests. Shaeula, Hyacinth and I were drawing attention from them, the more perceptive of the faith noticing the large amount of aether, or spiritual power, that we were imbued with.

One of the priests came over, he looked a bit older than me, with a clean-shaven head and his robes being more Buddhist in design, in a burnt orange colour. He greeted me by doing the traditional Buddhist greeting, the Anjali Mudra, his palms pushed together by his chest. “Greetings. What brings you to Ryōan-ji? You are not a normal group of tourists.” He observed politely.

“No, nor-nor are you.” Shaeula observed, eyes blazing amber, though the bright autumn sunlight meant it was hard to see unless one was actually looking for it. “You are a Candidate, are you not-not?”

At hearing such smooth Japanese from such a foreign-looking young girl, he paused momentarily, before shaking off his concerns. “Candidate? Oh, I do believe you mean one chosen by the divine? Yes, that is correct, I am fortunate to have received some brief enlightenment, to serve the Buddha.” He bowed politely. “You as well, I trust? Are you an adherent of this faith?”

“No, not-not me. It is my fiancée here.” She pointed to me. “I am simply here as his escort, Hyacinth too.” At that the maid giggled, nodding.

“But your spiritual presence is quite notable.” He mused. “Are... are you one of the kami, walking the land again at long last?”

“No, though you could say we are quite-quite similar.” She smiled.

“Yes, and they are with me. I’ve been invited by Takakura-san to meet Kudou Yasuhide-san. I don’t suppose you can tell me where they might be, all Takakura-san said was to come to Ryōan-ji, but what with Conclave coming up, everywhere is packed with people from the shrines and temples.” We were speaking quietly, but even so, we were attracting some attention.

“I see. You know of Conclave. That is good, I had worried you were an enemy.” The monk sighed in relief, before looking a little ashamed at his show of weakness. “Kudou-sama is in the tea house. Allow this humble monk to escort you, as befits guests of such power.”

Shaeula was pleased at that, as she loved receiving that sort of noble respect. I agreed, and the monk led us to the ornate tea house at the side of the zen garden. Upon knocking on the door, a voice called out.

“Who is it?”

“Kudou-sama, it is I, Zuiki. I bring guests who say they have been summoned by you and Takakura-sama.”

The door then slid open, and it revealed a girl I had seen before, Kudou Shiori. On seeing me she nodded a greeting, her eyes taking in Hyacinth and Shaeula, surprised. Behind her, I could see the tasteful inside of the room, decorated austerely but with great attention to detail. Takakura-san was seated there in a purplish-red suit paired with a white shirt, while opposite him, a steaming clay bowl of tea in his hand, was an older man with a spectacular long beard, and piercing eyes which held a keen wisdom. And next to him stood... a woman, judging by the body shape... but she was wearing a long white veil that completely covered her features, as well as shrine maiden hakama. A long cascade of black hair trailed her, spilling out over the floor, the longest hair I had ever seen.

“My thanks, Zuiki. I am expecting them.” The bearded man, who must have been Kudou-san, from Chiyo-san’s description, said. “You can go now. I’ll call for you later.”

With that the Buddhist priest bowed, before saying a brief word of farewell and leaving us. Shiori stepped aside, and we swept into the tea house, the door shutting behind us. With that done, Shiori went back to the table, sitting beside her grandfather.

“Three of you, huh?” Kudou-san observed. “I don’t think we have enough seats.” There were only two open spaces, but that was solved instantly.

“I will stand, as is proooper for a servant.” Hyacinth declared proudly, puffing out her ample chest, as if to match the veiled woman, who also had an impressive body-line, though it was partially obscured by her clothing. Seeing my gaze, Shaeula grinned, and whispered to me to keep my mind on negotiations. Good advice.

I allowed Shaeula to take the first seat, pulling it out for her, while I took the second, only after ascertaining the standing woman was not planning to sit.

“Shiori, dear. Some tea for our guests.” Kudou-san said, as I exchanged greetings with Takakura-san.

“How are those three? No problems after the Chirurgery?”

“No, though they did complain of discomfort as you anticipated.” He answered. “Still, I expect that they can endure it. I am most grateful for your assistance in that matter. The Takakura bloodline, even in its current diluted state in the branch families, is one as old as any of the shrines. Perhaps in time the old gifts will reawaken.”

“Well, isn’t this a fascinating topic?” Kudou-san observed, stroking his beard. “I would like to discuss what you did to Shiori, but before that...” his gaze was probing, seeking information. “Introductions are in order I believe. You, I think I know.” he said to me. “The outsider that Uchida-san got permission to bring to Conclave. Your spiritual presence is quite overwhelming. As for these two...” his gaze sharpened. “I know of the Uchida pup’s golden warriors of Kannon, and supposedly some kami have been able to walk Kyoto once more in Saionji-san’s camp, but... to see it first-hand is quite the shock for this old man. The days of faith are returning. It’s almost enough for me to decide Saionji-san and those from Amaterasu are right. How troubling.”

“Yes, I got permission to attend Conclave through Shirohebizumi shrine and also Hikawa-Kawagoe shrine.” I agreed. “I’m Oshiro Moonstone Akio. Do excuse my middle name, I’m a half, and it was my mother’s idea.” I said, a little embarrassed.

“Moonstone, huh? Auspicious.” He grinned, but the veiled woman twitched, seemingly surprised. Still when I looked at her questioningly, fancying I could perhaps catch a little glimpse of her eyes through her silken veil, she remained mute.

“Yes, and these are my companions. Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, and Hyacinth.” As I introduced then, Shaeula bowed charmingly, and Hyacinth curtsied.

“I see. Not names of kami or gods. But you are certainly not human, are you?” Kudou-san enquired. Shaeula opened her mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a strange voice, ageless yet melodious, soothing but hard to place.

“The Princess of Beasts...”

“Beasts? How rude.” Shaeula sniffed, offended. “I am no beast-beast, but a princess I am.” She declared, crossing her arms in displeasure. “And who are you, to speak to me so rudely?”

“Lady Diviner?” Kudou-san said, a little wary. “... the prophecy? Is she...” he seemed uncertain. Takakura-san and Shiori-san were likewise puzzled.

“I see a great black giant looming over you.” She declared. “One eye blazes red like the sun, and everything it sees turns to molten ash. It opens its mouth, fangs glittering, and...” she paused, taking a deep breath. “... should the flame or fangs touch you, you shall perish, and hope is lost.”

A black giant? Duke Formor? Well, he was grey skinned, but...

Shaeula must have been thinking along similar lines. “Duke Formor? Surely not-not, there is no benefit in him or his attacking me now. A giant... with a red eye... perhaps... one of the fomorians?”

Fomorians? Not Formor? “Who are they?” I asked, and everyone leaned in, interested, except Hyacinth, who shuddered, perhaps remembering something.

“The fomorians are the giants who are the children of Balor, greatest and most-most foul of the giants, who transcended and became divine.” Shaeula sighed. “Many of them, Duke Formor included, who did-did remain loyal when the fomorians joined the Unseelie, manifest eyes of flame that can destroy what they see-see. Duke Formor uses his to defend our borders, but the fomorians...” shaking her head she met my eyes. “Balor is known for having the first-first and greatest evil eye, and nothing, not-not even other gods could stand against it.”

“Just who are you?” Kudou-san asked, somewhat awed. “To speak of a god, even a foreign one, so casually... and your spiritual power is intense. Are you truly the Princess of Beasts?”

“I do not-not like that name!” Shaeula growled again, offended. “I may be a Beastkin, but I am no beast. Princess I am though, true daughter of Shaetanao, of the Seelie Court.” She sniffed, raising her head regally, seeming to glare down on them despite her shorter frame. “As for speaking casually of Balor, do not-not mistake me. He was gone long-long before I was ever born, fifteen hundred years ago. Though his children live on. It was the fomorians who were instrumental in breaking the impenetrable defences of proud-proud Salamandrastrae after all. Perhaps...”

“... perhaps our actions at the Spring have riled the Unseelie up?” I finished, and she nodded.

“If... if they cooome, Hyacinth will not cower, not this time. Giants always hurt me, but I am nooot afraid, so long as we fight together!”

“To think that I would see one from the vision, face to face like this, other than her.” The strange woman marvelled. “Oh, do forgive me, I am seldom so rude.” She paused to introduce herself. “I am the Diviner, chosen of Tsukuyomi, the moon. Moonstone. It is indeed an auspicious name.”

“Yes, it is-is.” Shaeula agreed. “The Seelie love the eternal moon, so I found it quite-quite amusing when I heard it. Though to think I would love he who carries the name-name of the moon too...”

“A trade then. Information for information. You seemed quite-quite noticeably interested when I mentioned the white princess. I am the Princess of Beasts...” she sniffed, annoyed. “... so perhaps there are others? And you suspect that Shiro is one-one of these?”

The Diviner nodded. “I believe so, and... I simply have to know, as her destined path shifted wildly, the Princess of Hungry Ghosts...”

Fuck. It definitely is Shiro then. She used that sort of terminology in bitter jest, and it fits Taṇhā to a tee. “Hang on a minute. Beasts, Hungry Ghosts... I’m no Buddhist, but I’ve seen Naruto, I watched it with my sis back in the day...” smiling slightly at when she had asked me to do eye-transplant surgery, like the anime with all the brightly-coloured ninjas, I posited my idea. “So, are there six of these Princesses?”

“Yes.” The Diviner said at last. “And the Hungry Ghost was supposed to devour all in her path, until she turned on those she loved for her thirst to be sated, even as she wept bitter tears of sorrow, regret and loss. Yet even so, she could not perish, else the world fall to ruin. Six Princesses, six great disasters, one Princess must survive to avert each fate. And only he who caries light, darkness and twilight, blessed by a god not of this land, yet favoured by the kami of Japan, can protect them. I had thought it you, but...”

“... but prophecy, this demon of Laplace is trash.” Shaeula spat. “Do not-not trust in a demon, trust in yourself, Diviner.” She snorted angrily. “We make our own destiny. If the white princess was to devour those she loved, then Akio would surely-surely never stand for it. Such a fate is merely to be shattered, is it not-not?”

I nodded. “I can say what you fear won’t happen. Shiro... I’ll protect her, body and heart.”

“You make your own destiny?” The Diviner asked. “But what of this Tyr?”

“I’m grateful.” I admitted. “But I don’t slave away for Tyr, I work to make the world a better, safer place for those I love. I love Shaeula, and I love Shiro. Whether they are these Princesses you speak of or not, they’ll survive as long as I draw breath. I’ve seen Shaeula and Shiro hurt enough. I fucking hate it.” I swore, getting an indrawn breath of shock from Shiori, as I cursed in front of such important people. “Though I can’t wrap them in cotton wool, keep them trapped. They have their own dreams and goals, and I’ll support them with those. But I’ll do everything I can to shield them from harm, and I’ll never let them die!”

“I see.” The Diviner seemed at a loss before my vehemence, and she remained silent, leaving Kudou-san to pick up the slack in the conversation.

“Look, Oshiro-san. Let me be frank.” He said. “Takakura-san speaks highly of you, and you have the support of the nobility. And that old bag Chiyo has mentioned you. It seems that you have some support with Susanoo faction too. Though to be frank... their position is weak.” He sighed. “Amaterasu is clearly ascendant, and why wouldn’t they be? Their whole ethos is to regain what faith lost, for the shrines and temples to be a true power again. And look around.” He gestured to Shaeula and Hyacinth. “The world is changing so rapidly. It only makes sense for the faith to regain the ground we lost fifteen hundred years ago.”

I listened patiently, waiting for him to get to the point. He did not disappoint. “So, just what are you seeking, what do you believe? How should the faith face this new world?”

A good question. “What do I believe and want? That’s easy. I want the world to remain safe and happy, while taking advantage of new opportunities and welcoming those who are worthy to it.” I smiled at Shaeula and Hyacinth. “As for right now... it’s a little too soon. We are trying to get ahead of the game, working with the nobility and government to try and get laws, police and more in place to adapt to the new world. We should keep these matters secret as long as possible, though it’s been three months or so already, I don’t know how much longer we can keep a lid on things.”

Takakura-san agreed. “The government and the nobility is in agreement, but it is only a matter of time. Internationally, most governments have made the same decision, but even so, it will take a single event that cannot be covered up to bring this into the public eye. Already the internet is rife with rumours, and journalists are sniffing around. We and other governments have taken measures, but the cracks are spreading...”

“I see. And when this is revealed to the world, what then?” Kudou-san pressed.

“Simple. I’ll fight to protect the world, be it from disasters, invaders, or Candidates who will use their powers for evil... as for the shrines and temples, yes, they should have influence, after all, I’ve met multiple kami and other beings similar to them. And I’ve been blessed by a god. They’ll be important for protecting Japan and the greater world. But dominance? That’s a bad plan, I don’t want the faith to dominate, any more than I want the nobility to.” I fixed Takakura-san with a stern gaze. “Nobility has a lot worth saving, and a lot that needs changing. The shrines too, no doubt. And the government. Now is the time to make sure the good is kept protected, and the bad ejected.”

“I see.” Kudou-san said, turning back to the Diviner. “Well, he says that, what do you think, Lady Diviner?”

“I think... if one does not exist, one must create it.” She muttered. “Your words, they are true. I too wish to make my own path, sever the strangling strings of destiny.” I could feel her gaze on me, even if I could not see it. “I do not know if you are the one. You are strong, but not strong enough to turn aside the calamities to come. But the Princess of Beasts yet lives, and if you truly broke the fate of the Hungry Ghost and steered her to another path, then... you will suffice, until another comes, perhaps the true one I foresaw.”

“Well, I don’t care whether I’m your guy or not, but Shaeula and Shiro, I’ll protect them, not some other person.” I declared, and Shaeula blushed at that, looking at me with melting eyes. On seeing that, Shiori smiled, enjoying the atmosphere.

“Indeed, I shall not-not leave you, Akio, even should this one with darkness, light and twilight appear. For I have pledged to you, and none-none other!”

“I see. I admire your resolve. I should be resolved as well. I know the identity of one of the Princesses. The Princess of Heaven. She is the Imperial Princess Mikasa, my dear friend Yukiko. And soon... soon...” her voice became unsteady. “... the destiny heading her way is the Great Red Dragon of the Numberless East, and the falling scales, as plentiful as rain, becoming great ants that will devour her and much of Japan. Her fate is to die, and I would turn it aside, prevent it becoming definite. Yet to do that, Tsukuyomi tells me I need this man. And if he is not you...”

“...if he’s not me, I’ll just do it in his damn place.” I snapped. “Don’t wait around for someone to bail you out, else you’ll wait forever. So, I remember seeing her picture in the paper and on TV. Princess Mikasa, huh?”

“She is also chosen as we are. Amaterasu.” The Diviner said. “So now I have shared, please tell me. Is this Shiro, white princess, truly the Hungry Ghost?”

“Yes.” I sighed. “She’s a chosen of Taṇhā, and was... very hungry for hope. But instead of succumbing to what Taṇhā wanted, she chose to sacrifice herself for me. And it was just after she agreed to marry me. I’m still pissed off it ended that way. Fucking Raven Knight...” I cursed again, and Shaeula grabbed my hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Congratulations, I guess?” Kudou-san said. “Anyway, Lady Diviner, about the ants and the dragon, shouldn’t you...”

“No.” she cut him off. “I need to think. I am still not sure, though I agree to not act is foolish. The other three Princesses... Human, surrounded by false friends and poisonous allies wearing masks, daggers dripping venom. I fear she shall be betrayed and perish, allowing a creature from the deepest depths of the dark seas to rise and cover the land in destruction. Hell, a creature not human, who has slumbered long in her tomb, only to be woken by the sprinkling feathers of white and gold. Now she runs, growing angrier and more furious, and in her rage blood will spill. Yet if she should fall... only ruin awaits us. Lastly, Asura, caged bird from a land of endless war. Her coming will bring a doom down upon us, yet if she does not survive, the doom will consume us all, and should she not be found, pillars of gold, iron, stone, fog, flame, ice, steel, lead and more will shatter the skies, and all is lost.” She finished her speech, breathing heavily, chest heaving.

“That’s a lot to take in.” I said, running through the information. “So, I take it you don’t know who or where these three are?”

She shook her head, long hair cascading, veil blowing. “No. I did not know the Hungry Ghost or the Beast either, only my good friend Yukiko. I ask that you meet with her at the least.”

“Sure. I can do that.” I promised, curious despite myself. Well she’s a celebrity, I guess, even if she’s kept to herself, mostly.

“Forget your demon, Akio will most-most definitely ensure her protection.” Shaeula boasted about me. “And as for this Red Dragon, it is merely an oversized Wyrm, we shall fell-fell it, and ants... what can bugs do against us-us? They will simply be experience points.” She licked her lips.

“I like your confidence.” Kudou-san laughed. “Though confidence and arrogance are two sides of a coin. Don’t get cocky. I have seen many a young fool fall on their faces.”

“Yeah, I’ve learned that already. Even so, I’ve worked hard to get here, and I can work harder. Especially to save people in need.”

“It helps that she is a woooman, right master?” Hyacinth giggled, and I rapped her head gently with my knuckles, causing her to laugh harder.

“Well, this has been a more profitable a meeting than I expected.” Kudou-san said. “And to think, we haven’t even touched on my Shiori, or the benefits you can bring. Sadly, I have many demands on my time, and you will no doubt need to meet Bankei and the neutral shrines, if that old bag has her way, and you did get an invite from Uchida-san so...” he paused, frowning. “Tonight, are you free?”

“I think so, I was just going to do some sightseeing.” And map out some Territories.

“In that case... I may lead Tsukuyomi faction, but I am not a dictator. I will meet those chosen by the Gods, and those that have no objections... I would like you to evaluate them tonight, and they you. In the Spiritual Realm of Kyoto.”

I see. That could be useful. “That sounds fine. I’ll let Takakura-san know if there are any problems.”

As we said our goodbyes and left, the door to the teahouse shutting behind us, my hearing picked up a few words.

“... sure you shouldn’t tell him it is not just the Princess who is in danger from the Red Dragon?”

“No. It is not the time. I have only just met him. He might well not be the one, and even if he is, to save me is far more difficult than deflecting the fate from Yukiko. Although...”

I see. Well, when one relies on prophecy it’s inevitable to second-guess everything. Even so, at least she seems willing to entertain the idea that waiting for a saviour is less wise than becoming a saviour yourself... So, turning aside her fate, huh? I don’t know if I can, I doubt very much I’m some prophesised hero, but Shaeula is right about one thing. This Red Dragon... it sounds bad news, and also a ready source of XP...