Two Hundred And Sixty-Seven

Two Hundred And Sixty-Seven

I have to say the Night Parade is certainly impressive. Looking down at the pandemonium below, I considered how I would do it if I was going to attack them. The most obvious way would be to rain down Foehn on them, that would certainly take out some of them, but with the sheer number and strength of the Yokai below, that would only lead to swift retaliation. No, taking them head-on, even from ambush is stupid. Besides...

My eyes scanned the crowd. I could see numerous types of Yokai, such as a massive pair of Oni, horned ogres who towered above the others, one with deep red skin, the other with pale blue. They look like brother and sister... They were wrestling over a barrel of sake, sloshing it everywhere as they fought, trampling and kicking aside other smaller Yokai.

A great flaming wheel, this one with a burning woman trapped inside, was rolling around the edges, her flaming hair setting small iridescent fires along the road the Parade was travelling, dozens of other wheels full of howling heads and similarly tortured women following like an honour guard. Is that the Grand Katasharin? It looks powerful...

“Such a host. To think that they roam Japan at will within the spiritual realm. Any of us caught unawares would surely die.” Engetsu-san observed warily.

“Grul... would like to fight those big ones.” He rumbled quietly, pointing cautiously at the two Oni as they brawled happily. “... but Grul thinks even Duke Formor would not be able to defeat all foes down below.”

Well, hasn’t Grulgor grown up? Since becoming a Chosen Hero he’s definitely been able to reason better. The Grulgor from before would be champing at the bit to rush in and fight, heedless of the odds. It’s almost enough to bring a tear to my eye... Waxing sentimental, I nodded. “Yes, I don’t know how strong the Duke is, but against sheer weight of numbers, including the powerful Hundred Demons...” I could see other Yokai I recognised from story and song, as well as from personal experience. Several cats similar to Ginneka and Kinneka were leaping to and fro, while others were drinking deep from barrels and picking at roasted meat.

Ignoring the stinging pain I felt at that, and a sense of lingering nostalgia, I turned to Haru-san. “It’s all right. We aren’t going to do anything foolish, so relax. Besides, I don’t want to start trouble and end up harming relations with them.” Sure, I killed those Yokai earlier, but they attacked first, weren’t open to negotiations, and were outliers. If I was to rain down Foehn now and harm, or worse kill Shaeula’s mother or some of her Kamaitachi, that would be a disaster I don’t think I could recover from. “No, we’ll take this as a priceless opportunity to observe the Night Parade in their natural state. So keep a close eye and report anything suspicious.”

I trained my own gaze on trying to find anyone who could be Shaeula’s mother. I did manage to spot several Kamaitachi and other Yokai weasels wandering about, black, brown or blonde-furred, yet none seemed to resemble Shaeula, and from what I gathered her mother had the same amber fur as she did. None of them look that impressive, either, although some are clearly more powerful than our own Kamaitachi.

There were other fantastic beings amidst the host, numerous weird Tsukumogami bouncing around, such as pots and barrels, which reminded me unpleasantly of the Kodoku pot from earlier, as well as living weapons and armour, looms, farm equipment and other ancient furnishings. More common myths such as the aquatic Kappa, the long-nosed Tengu and more were all jumbled together, and it really was a sight that could only be seen here in the Boundary. At least for now.

Several more of the birds that had attacked us flew overhead, only for them to suddenly fall out of the sky with pained cries, landing heavily on the ground, only to be swarmed over by the Parade, tied up and dragged into the packed ranks, meeting a grizzly fate. We slowly crept after the Parade, careful to avoid notice as small groups or lone Yokai often split off from the crowd for a little while, before eventually rejoining them.

“Hmm, no sign of Shaeula’s mother.” I whispered to myself, after long observation. “Though...” I did have my suspicions. There were several carriages with blacked-out windows being pulled by fantastical horse-like Yokai, as well as a dozen or so palanquins, being carried on the shoulders of Oni and other powerful beings. Several great snakes were slithering along, each the size of the wyrm that had attacked my Territory so long ago, and great chains were attached to their flesh by long nails driven in-between the scales, weeping inky blood. These chains were looped around a massive, wheeled house, which was at the centre of the host.

There are other strange conveyances, too... a flock of birds was carrying an ornate cage, while a giant snail the size of a bus had windows and openings carved into its shell. If I had to guess, Shaeula’s mother is in one of those... not the snail though, I’d wager...

As I observed, unwilling to use my Eye to probe too deeply in case the mystical power drew notice we couldn’t handle, Haru-san clutched at my sleeve. When I turned to see what she wanted, she whispered an observation to me. “Look, Akio-san. Do you see how they avoid all the shrines and temples? Everything else is fair game, but... not those.”

“Now that she mentions it, I’ve wondered that.” Kinkawa-san said, scratching idly at one pierced ear. “There’s a little shrine just there, right? But the Parade went right past it, even though I can see it has inhabitants.”

More nods from the others agreed with this. “I see. So, I know there have been casualties and a shrine was destroyed, right. But... was that the Night Parade?” I asked.

“It is hard to say. The Parade has definitely attacked those caught out and about at night who chanced upon them.” Taishakama-san said, thinking. “But I have not heard of any of our shrines being directly attacked.” The others agreed with him.

“I see. Good job, Haru-san. This could be important information. Let’s watch a bit longer to confirm that.” As she nodded, happy at my praise, we continued to shadow the Night Parade at a safe distance, me continuing to deploy a little wind element to create dead spots in the air to mask our sounds, marvelling at the chaos which somehow also contained order. It was definitely as if the horde had some direction, probably from a leader. Nurarihyon, if one believes the myths, right? And with all I’ve seen over these last three months I’ve no reason not to.

Kitsune, ghostly men and women, hundreds of glowing fiery balls of light like miniature stars, creatures that shapeshifted endlessly between numerous forms both possible and impossible, creatures that were simply shadows, voids cut into reality, and many more, all were enjoying the revelry, and as they approached a more major shrine which was directly in their path, we all held our breath, only for them to turn, avoiding the divine grounds. To the side the crowd flowed there was a small Buddhist temple, and they avoided that too, streaming through the middle, flutes, horns and drums blaring, chaotic songs filling the still, Boundary night.

“I see. It looks like you were right, Haru-san. Their route takes them away from the temples and shrines. Now if only we knew why.” I let out a long sigh. “Well, I guess there’s no point risking it following them further, and while I saw several ghastly carts that could have been your oboroguruma, we might as well do what we came for. If it’s out there we’ll defeat it, right Grulgor?”

He nodded happily, again smashing a heavy fist into his chest. “Yes, Grul is angry he could not fight those strong foes. Grul needs to crush and break an enemy to make him feel better!”

“You heard him.” I grinned. “And even if it’s not there, you should be able to claim the area for your Territory, Taishakama-san. I’d feel better knowing the Diviner’s Territory was protected.”

“Oho, interested in the Lady Diviner, huh?” Kinkawa-san laughed a touch crudely. “Well, you and everyone else. Rumour has it she’s as beautiful as a goddess, not that anyone has ever seem her face in years. But somehow I doubt you’ll be the first to peek under that veil.”

“Show some respect.” Engetsu-san warned. “Our noble Lady Diviner is not to be thought of in carnal ways, she is a spiritual light we must all follow in these troubling times.”

Even Haru-san was glaring at me, which I thought unfair, as it was Kinkawa-san who was being disgusting, not me. Still, now that I was spending more time with women, I understood that apologising was often the best move. “Sorry. I definitely didn’t mean it like that. I get that she’s important, therefore making sure her Territory is defended is a top priority for me.”

“I see.” Haru-san said flatly. “I thought you were interested in another woman, Akio-san.”

“I have quite enough.” I promised. “So, shall we go?” I changed the subject desperately, and with that we headed away from the Night Parade, towards the small and mysterious Tsukuyomi-jinja, the shrine that apparently the Diviner dwelt at. As we traversed the streets of Boundary Kyoto, the rippling aurorae of the Boundary overhead fading into silver as time passed, crackles of lightning streaking through the heavens, soundless without thunder, we noticed that they were largely deserted.

“I believe the passing of the Night Parade has scared the natives off.” Engetsu-san observed. “After the fate of those black birds, I cannot say I blame them.”

“Yeah, it makes our lives easier.” I agreed, as several areas had been joined to Taishakama-san’s Territory without incident. “But I was hoping for a bit of combat. You too, right Grulgor?” At his bitter laugh, I continued. “Oh well, I suppose we can’t... wait, what’s that?” My ears picked up the sound of wood and metal striking stone, and a sibilant, unpleasant muttering, as if several beings were having a hushed conversation.

We all stopped to listen, and after a few moments the others could hear it too, as it was closing in. “I think it is our target.” Taishakama-san said, wary. “I would recognise those noises anywhere.”

“Great. I guess this won’t be a bust after all.” I was actually starting to get a bit excited. It wasn’t as if I was a battle junkie, though I had certainly fought enough battles recently. But I did enjoy the rewards, and not just my own. Seeing my sis, Eri, Shaeula, even people like Haru-san, grow stronger, well, it was addictive. “Haru-san, you’ll back me up. Hopefully you might be able to scrape up another level or two. Grulgor, you’re with me. It might be a tough fight.” Although probably not... I’ve definitely grown stronger. Though I am handicapped by being rather low on a few of my elements...

“Do you not wish to see what we can do?” Engetsu-san asked, and I shrugged.

“Yes, well, I am quite convinced of your talents. Suzuki-san and this... Grulgor... too.” Taishakama-san mused, and his two companions agreed. “I believe we can safely tell Kudou-san you are someone we can work with.”

Great. That’s the other mission accomplished then. It didn’t take us long to reach the shrine, which was small, set into the foot of a mountain, bubbling hot-springs all around it. Yet the power here was unreal. “This Territory is only Rank 2, but it feels... noticeably stronger than that. It’s like the Spring of Clear Reflections.” I looked around, fascinated. It feels a little familiar, but I’m sure I’ve never felt it before.

As we looked around the magnificent shrine, the buildings modestly-sized yet made from beautiful white and blue marble, with silver inlay studded with diamonds, moonstones and other clear gems, numerous cypress trees growing everywhere, trailing vines full of pure white flowers cascading down like veils, a figure started coming towards us, exiting the main shrine. On seeing us, the man bowed low.

Who is that? He looks old-fashioned, wearing regal silk garments and his face is made-up, with bone white powder and deep violet lipstick. He’s also carrying a golden staff, topped with a huge diamond...

“Welcome, noble travellers.” The man spoke, his accent strange, and the Japanese archaic, yet somehow we had no trouble understanding it. “This shrine is dedicated to my divine Lord Tsukuyomi, the moon that guides us. I am Prince Shōtoku, after my death I found myself here, enshrined. It is not a bad existence, being able to serve my God in death, seeing the priestesses come and go. Though the noble Matsumuro Tsukiko is perhaps the greatest of them all. It was a blessing to finally meet her.”

Who? My puzzlement must have shown, as Taishakama-san answered, his tone tinged with wonder. “I knew the noble and sacred Lady Diviner was from Matsumuro heritage, but none even speak of her name anymore. To think we would hear it here. Tsukiko. Daughter of the moon. How fitting.” He seemed awed by the meeting, and the Prince chuckled.

“Yes, she has a blessing from Tsukuyomi that few can boast.” I felt his gaze linger on me just a fraction. “Though as the moon waxes, it too must wane.” His powdered face fell, pondering. “Though Tsukiko-sama would not hesitate to choose the correct path. But it seems a lonely one. If you should see the opportunity, please extend a kind hand to her. Those who serve the Gods have the hardest path of all, as you will no doubt find.”

“Well, she’s certainly got a lot on her mind.” I agreed. “But at least now Taishakama-san can protect this Territory. That’ll be a weight off her mind. As for the other matters... I’ll do what I can, Prince Shōtoku. Though I can’t say I really believe in prophecy and destiny.” Although my Foresight seems real, though with it only triggering a couple of times it could still be coincidence. And if it is a Laplace’s Demon type scenario... well... “But if misfortune is heading our way, I’ll just crush it.”

“A bit arrogant, saying you’ll help out the Diviner, but... I guess you’ve got some skills to back that up.” Kinkawa-san muttered.

“I am relieved to know that Tsukiko-sama and my lord Tsukuyomi are held in such high regard.” The Prince declared, pleased. “In that case, go with my blessing, children of this land, and you, wanderer who is like us yet not.” He addressed Grulgor, who surprisingly enough merely nodded.

Your Class, Kami-Blessed, has increased from level 9 to level 10.

Your Fortune, Majesty, Charm and League has increased by one

Your Aether has increased by thirty-three.

Your ability to gather and utilise Adherence has slightly increased. Your maximum capacity for Adherence has increased.

I felt his blessing settle on me, and his favour, and though it was not the strongest I had received, it was one that seemed to fit me the best. As my League increased, I could feel my ability to handle adherence further improve, and my body was brimming with strength. A bonus I didn’t expect. The Conclave has been very profitable, power-wise, and we haven’t even really started yet...

“I thank you for your kind blessing. I’ll strive to be worthy of it.” I bowed again, even more deeply.

“I trust that you will. Now, I get so few visitors here. Would you care to stay for some tea?” the Prince asked.

“I’m sorry.” I declined for us all. “Though perhaps we can visit again before I leave. Time is passing, and Conclave is tomorrow.” I turned to the priests from Tsukuyomi faction. “Besides, didn’t you want to try and link up to Tenryu-ji? If we hurry we might make it now the Night Parade has passed us by.”

“Yes. That’s true.” Taishakama-san agreed. “My apologies, noble Prince Shōtoku. In these troubled times, the faithful who still believe in and serve the kami and greater Gods most come together. So we must demur for now.”

The others echoed him, and the Prince sighed, a trace of melancholy in his voice as he bade us farewell. “So be it. I have waited long here at this shrine for company. I can bide my time a while longer.”

As we left the shrine, I glanced back, to see the prince looking at us, his dark brown eyes immeasurably sad. Damn, it must be hard, becoming a kami after death, spending all this time alone... oh well, maybe the Diviner... no, Tsukiko-san, can get him some company, with a few Buildings...

********

I opened my eyes to the rays of the sun streaming in through a window. Blinking, I looked at my watch, to see it was nearly five am. That’s later than it should be by a few hours. Either we were in the Boundary longer than I thought, or... perhaps the etheric tide is kicking in? Looks like a slowing...

“Finally up then?” Aliyah said from where she was lying against one wall, looking bleary-eyed and dishevelled, a pistol on her lap. “Damn, watching you guys sleep was a fucking hassle.”

“Mind your language, sis.” Her brother warned her, as Grulgor and Haru-san stirred.

“Fuck it, the kids ain’t here Trey, and it makes you want to curse, doesn’t it?” Her gaze strayed to Hyacinth, who was preparing some tea, looking very happy. “Having to watch that...”

“Watch what?” I asked, and Hyacinth flinched, though her hands were still working smoothly.

“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.” Aliyah grated. “Your maid really does love you, it seems. It’s sickening.” She yawned hugely, stretching, and I couldn’t help but watch her. When she saw where my own eyes were looking, she returned a flat glare.

“Eyes over there, boss.” She said sarcastically. “If you want to ogle someone, your handsy maid will be more than happy, I’m sure.”

Okay, just what was she doing? As Hyacinth passed me a cup of tea, I downed it quickly, feeling the warmth spread through me. I guess it doesn’t matter. We are behind schedule, and today is Conclave, so it’s going to be ludicrously busy.

“That was good. Thanks Hyacinth.” As she giggled and blushed, I helped Haru-san to her feet. “Right, back to the ryokan, we have to get changed for a long day of politics. We did all we could here, now it’s time to plunder Kiyomizu-dera for all it’s worth.” My grin was vicious. Light element. I’m not sure which of us will manage to master it, but I’ll be damned if we don’t have our mirror brimming with it by the end of the morning...