Four Hundred And Five

Four Hundred And Five

Stepping foot on the base of mount Atago, I immediately felt the pressure of a Territory barrier. It pushed back for a moment, holding me in place, but as the masked Tengu inclined its head the force vanished, and I stepped onto the land within. Hmm... feels a bit stronger than mine, roughly on a par with Haru-san’s, so Rank 3 in a high ether density area?

That concerned me. Fighting in a hostile Rank 3 Territory would put an additional burden on me, but I believed I could manage. As for some of the others, though... my gaze lingered on Motoko, Natsumi, Kana and Yasaka-san. On seeing my troubled look, the masked Tengu turned to me, wings drooping in what I could only describe as an affronted manner.

“There is no need to feel threatened. The Great Tarōbō is a being of honour. Since you have caused no harm and I have invited you in, your safe passage is guaranteed, unless you commit a grave affront.”

“That’s the worrying bit.” I said mildly. “An affront? That’s awfully loose.”

The Tengu shook its head, gesturing in annoyance. “I have said, do no harm. Were you to be rude guests, then you would simply be ejected. I find your distrust upsetting and insulting.” The muffled voice did sound upset.

“If it was just me, I wouldn’t mind. But I’ve already had a bad experience with someone I care about in Kyoto nearly dying due to me being persuaded to take them into danger they weren’t ready for. I’m not the sort of fool who makes the same mistake repeatedly.” I’d like to say twice, but I have made some mistakes a few times. I’m definitely learning though... “While we have no intention of causing harm, and are here to discuss cooperation, I know beings of great power are often temperamental. Nurarihyon certainly was...”

“You have met the First of the Hundred Demons?” the Tengu seemed interested, tilting its broken-nosed head questioningly. “I expect you must be a powerful being indeed to have escaped such unscathed.”

“There was no getting out of that unless he let me.” I shook my head. “But my point is, being inside a hostile Territory is dangerous.” I do have a trump card that can ensure their safety, but I still don’t like taking risks...

“I believe all will be well.” Prince Shōtoku spoke up, thumping the butt of his gem-topped staff on the dark rock of the mountain, the sound echoing. “We must accord respect to those who protect these lands, even if we do not see eye to eye.”

“Shōtoku...” the Tengu said, surprised. “You kami, Great Tarōbō has little love for you, especially after the events that may well have...” it trailed off. “Enough of this. It will be fine I am certain. Come, come.” Most of the other Tengu had flown up the mountain, but we were faced with a set of dark, winding steps, carved out of the mountain itself, black rock flickering with light as shards of mica and other reflective minerals were flecked within the stone. Great weathered torii were every few dozen paces, and Kana looked up at the distant summit with envy.

“This is way more impressive than Shirohebizumi. I’m losing confidence, it seems every shrine and temple we visit is better.”

“Don’t be so downcast. The shrine on mount Atago is no longer considered a true one.” Yasaka-san said. The Tengu looked at him sharply, eyes hard behind the mask, but said nothing. “During the Meiji Restoration, when many shrines and temples were lost, the shrine was deconstructed and moved. Considering that Tarōbō was said to have a... difficult... relationship to the kami of Kyoto, and the family that had managed the shrine for fifteen hundred years was down to just a single, sickly daughter, it was abandoned. Your shrine, which has remained an unbroken link of faith, is worthy of praise.”

“You won’t get anything for flattering me.” Kana said, smiling. “Thanks for the kind words though. I’ll tell Akio you were nice to me!”

“Again, he’s right there!” the older man rolled his eyes. “Enough talk.” He looked up at the seemingly endless steps, grimacing. “These old bones aren’t going to enjoy the climb, even now...”

“You’re not that old.” I grinned. “All right. I trust you, Tengu. But if you prove false...”

“There is no need for threats.” The Tengu gave a muffled sigh, shaking its moulted and mud-stained wings angrily. “And this waiting is disrespectful. Others have gone to inform Great Tarōbō of your arrival. If you back out now it would be seen as insult. The sake of welcome will already be poured. We follow the sacred rules of hospitality, just as any others do.” It then whispered words I barely heard. “... and tell him of my failure too.”

“All right. In that case...” I took a few more steps, and the others followed me, grimacing a bit at the weight of the Territory that was not our own. The remaining Tengu were soaring ahead of us, hot updrafts carrying them to the skies above, where they vanished from sight. Only the white-winged one remained with us. Seeing my look, it bobbed its head.

“It has been long since I have been forced to walk these thousands of steps to the sacred summit, where the flame burns.”

“Thousands... just great.” Yasaka-san groaned.

“You know, this is the perfect time for some training.” Bell said cheerfully. “Us elves are light-footed, so... try and catch me. It will build your speed and stamina.” With that the blue-haired elf darted up the stairs, proving her words were no lie. Motoko and Natsumi exchanged glances, before darting after her, in an impromptu game of tag. Daiyu considered it for a moment, before going back to her contemplation of the flame high above us.

“I’ll sit that one out thanks.” Kana said, and Haru-san and Chen Na nodded. I then realised Haru-san was floating a little off the ground, her legs looking vague and misty. Seeing my look, she laughed.

“I might as well take advantage of my ghostly nature. I think I’ll float up!”

“You’ll give me a piggyback if I get tired, right?” Kana winked at me, and I had to laugh at that.

“Sure. But everyone here is a Chosen or has had Chirurgery... or is a kami, I guess.” I looked at Prince Shōtoku, who was ascending, his staff tapping the ground regularly. “So nobody should struggle. We might as well enjoy the scenery. It’s a sight few humans have ever seen.”

“That is true. I am still unsure as to your relationship with these humans...” the Tengu addressed me. “... are you one who serves them? But you seem to be the leader. Even Shōtoku defers to you.”

“Relationship? You make it sound like I’m not human. Oh, I guess I’m not, not anymore. But I certainly was, and still see myself that way. I’m one of those the gods chose.” As we ascended, we talked, as well as looked around at the sights of mount Atago. Waves of heat radiated from cracks in the rocks, and pools of gloopy mud and venting fumaroles filled the air with shining yellow and green energies, dancing prettily on the breeze. Oh, there’s wind here. That’s unusual for the Boundary...

“One of the troubles that plague us. I see.” The Tengu sighed, resigned. “But there is only so long we can stand aside, separate from all others. Great Tarōbō should hear your tidings of what truly happened at Kyoto, and this otherworldly fiend you speak of.” Seeing me notice the wind, the Tengu barked a muffled laugh. “The hot flames of Atago create many wonderful updrafts. Nothing is more pleasurable than riding the thermals, spiralling high into the skies, seeing for many, many miles. At least... that was the case.”

I waited for the Tengu to say more, but it remained silent. As we continued to ascend, the view was starting to become spectacular, I admitted, the panorama of Kyoto, the many wonderous shrines and fountains of elemental energies a sight that I could never have dreamed of, a few scant months ago...

********

“Looks like we are nearly there.” I said to Kana over my shoulder, who gave me a bright smile in return.

“It seems so. This was quite the climb. Not that I’d know.” She stuck out her tongue at me playfully and shifted her weight on my back. I had ended up piggybacking her after all, and it was quite the challenge, as not only was her chest pressing against my back, (though I couldn’t feel much through my Brigandine), but my hands were on her thighs and buttocks. Think clean thoughts. Now is not the time for this, and we’re still at the dating stage...

“That looks a great deal of fun.” Natsumi grinned, fanning herself, her face slicked with sweat. “We should do that sometime.”

“Is that so?” the lord of the Tengu of mount Atago said, illuminated by the blazing glow of the yellow flame in the temple behind him. “Fascinating.” He reined in his magnificent presence, and Kana, Motoko and Natsumi gave out sighs of relief, while several others in the party also looked less strained. “So, speak. What brings you here?”

“We came to seek an alliance, and access to the flame of mount Atago.” I said, not hiding our intent. “We have those who seek to understand the flame, and we believe studying it would bring them great dividends.”

There was a long moment of silence, before Tarōbō rumbled his answer. “And do you think that such a proposal is likely to please me?” He turned his head towards the Prince behind me, and I could see the jewel in his staff glowing, almost seeming to draw something out of the great Tengu. I resisted the urge to unleash my Eye and take a look, as the negotiations had only just begun and I was unwilling to provoke him. No committing grave affronts this time. I cut it close enough with Nurarihyon.

“So, Shōtoku, what drags you out of your little shrine? And with this one, a once-mortal, no less, and a vengeful ghost... no, two of the dead.” He looked around further. “An odd spiritual being not of this land, some unusually talented mortals, those who still hold true to faith perhaps, and... some of these fools who took the power of the kami. You think I cannot see Kyoto from here, Shōtoku? I have little liking for what I have seen.”

“There has been little good, I admit. But these tidings concern you too.” The Prince inclined his head, acknowledging his criticism. “As for why I leave my shrine, I am following the one who keeps safe the spirit of the blessed Tsukiko-sama, and has given us hope, no matter how faint, of defeating the foul invader from far beyond the shores of the Boundary that surrounds us.”

“Invader? I must know more of this.” He said, and the jewel glowed brighter as he peered at me. “Two souls. One... I see. Her. An unusual gift indeed, to trap a spirit before it can depart for shores unknown...” I could sense his scowl under the mask. “I have still heard little of why we should listen to your greedy demand.”

“It wasn’t a demand.” I assured him. “An alliance could bring you many benefits. We are stronger together, and with our Territory around Kyoto now bordering mount Atago, a mutual defensive pact is profitable for us both. You could have access to the light element of Kyoto, or even others in my distant Territory. A fair trade for all.”

“And why should we need such? Mount Atago is guarded by the Tengu and always will be. No army can break our defences, and the Four Directions stand strong and proud...” he paused as Fungbō whispered into his ears, and it was so soft that even my hearing couldn’t catch most of it.

“... only brought them.... Lost miserably, trampled... sunk in the mud, a shame of the...”

The jewel intensified in brightness as the angry set of Tarōbō’s wings and shoulders indicated his fury. Moments later, he beckoned the white-winged Tengu, who gingerly stepped forwards, dragging its feet, until it was in front of the throne, looking up. “Great Tarōbō, I must apologise. I was shamefully defeated after initiating the battle myself. Despite holding the skies, I was not able to defeat them, and was cast down to the ground...”

“.. and trampled, no less.” He rumbled, aggrieved. “You are North, of Winter, and yet... disappointing.”

“They were stronger than I, I have no excuses. I have failed you. As North, one of your great Onmyōji, and also as your...”

Her words were cut off as the jewel in his staff flared brilliantly, and Tarōbō reached down, seizing her bent-nosed crimson mask, wrenching it free. “Filthy.” He intoned, as the Tengu let out a surprisingly girlish scream, violet hair tumbling free as it covered its face with both hands, shielding it from view. “For one of my... no, we have no time to lament your failures. Cover your shameful face, and you will have to attend the festival and subsequent purge maskless. Now go, clean the filth from your flesh and feathers... and do not show me your face again until you have claimed a victory.”

“Yes...” the Tengu whispered, before rushing off past us. That was hard to watch. I feel sorry for it. All it did was lose a battle, nobody died or was seriously injured, just a few Tengu got muddy...

Kana thought the same, as she whispered to me that Tarōbō was a bit of an ass. Holding in my smile, I nodded, before deciding to press my one advantage. “It is not merely mutual defence, though as one who bested the Tengu you just sent scurrying away...” I couldn’t help but let out a little disappointment in my tone. “...I am quite the capable man. And I have many talents. For example...” I gestured to the golden-yellow flame behind me, able to see threads of black and red and other colours that did not belong there. “I know of the troubles your flame is having. It’s a flame of Naraka, corrupting it, right?”

Gasps went up from the Tengu around us, and Tarōbō leaned forwards, golden eyes starting into mine, the glow of the gem on his staff fading. “Who told you this? Was it the shameful mouth in the pathetic face of Haanōbō, who you defeated?”

Haanōbō huh? “I merely heard from her words about such worries as she was attacking the damned, blazing spirits that flocked to the base of the mountain in their hundreds.” I assured him. “No, I have a good Eye.” I tapped it meaningfully. “I saw some Lost Flame of Naraka seeping out of a warded fissure in the mountainside. And I wager, if you would let me look closely at your flame...”

“Then what?” he said, and I held in my smile.

“Then I could discern just what the dark, writhing flames within it are. I’d wager a cask of the Fae wine you just drank that it’s more of the same though.” And to prove a point I let my Eye blaze amber, not forgetting to grab a cheeky look at his staff, which was making me curious.

Staff Of Muted Desires [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Artifice]

This staff is an ancient one and uses a mixture of Flame and Light Element to draw out and supress the negative desires and emotions of the bearer or those it targets. Such energy can then be converted into Darkness Element and used to fuel powerful attacks that affect the mind and spirit, though those who lack negative desires and evil Karma will be unharmed by such.

Wow. So if he was calm when he ripped the mask from Haanōbō, I’d hate to see what he is like when he’s angry...reflexively mimicking my sister In my thoughts, I made sure to turn my gaze quickly to the flame, the brilliant light hurting my eyes.

Sacred Flame Of Mount Atago

This flame burns brilliantly, freeing ghosts and other tormented spirits of their impurities, negative Karma and griefs. Ghosts, wraiths and other spiritual beings who are not warped and twisted by evil will be strengthened and purified, their natures enhanced. Unfortunately, though mischance, ill-fortune or ??????, the flame has become unstable, and accumulated debris from purification has attracted ???????, a cursed, dark fire of Naraka, and is gradually being encroached, drawing in and corrupting the fragments of spirit in an ever-increasing area, and ???????????? ???????????.

More question marks, but I was right, as expected. It wasn’t hard to put together. “Yeah, I’m afraid your ghost purifying flame here has begun to be encroached by Naraka’s dark fires. It’s drawing in bad things. Those fiery, damned spirits are the work of your fire now, I’d wager.” As I said that, the Tengu around us began talking all at once, raising quite a fuss.

“Ghost purifying flame?” Haru-san said softly behind me, and I shook my head.

“You’re going nowhere near that right now. In fact, I’m worried. You and Chen Na, maybe you shouldn’t stay here, in case...”

Haru-san shook her head. “No, I can feel something from the fire, two somethings in fact. One is warm and comforting, the other... no. You need me here, I’m sure of it.”

“All right, but don’t put yourself at risk. The first sign of a problem, and you’re heading back to Kyoto.” I told her, and she smiled at me.

“I’ll be careful. I’ve already died once, I don’t want to make it a habit.”

“I see.” Tarōbō spoke then. “Maybe Haanōbō is not such a foolish disappointment after all. Though punishment, once given for good reason, shall not be rescinded.” He declared. “Perhaps this arrival is the sort of fate your God speaks of, Shōtoku.”

As the Prince inclined his head in acknowledgement of that, the great Tengu continued. “The festival is coming, where we will feast, make merry and pray. Then... the challenges. I am in little mood to talk of alliances... but we have shared sake and pork, and some of this... Fae wine you speak of. You have defeated the North of Winter, so if you have the courage... then face the challenges, and should you win renown, we will speak again. But first...” Tarōbō gestured, and suddenly the great booming of drums could be heard, and I turned to see a number of Tengu starting to parade, beating huge Taiko drums, and bonfires burst into life all across the square, and the skies were suddenly filled with exploding fireworks, in brilliant red, gold, blue, green, purple and shades that fireworks on Earth couldn’t have. As everyone looked up in wonder, I met Tarōbō’s eyes, and nodded.

There’s more to this than I know. Is this my Fortune at work, or do I just love to stumble into trouble? It doesn’t look like something I have to deal with, but... I glanced at Haru-san, who was staring up, the fireworks reflected in her dark eyes. I don’t like it when it says ever-increasing area... even if the encroachment is slow, judging by the size of the golden flame to the dark parts, one day... No, Haru-san’s suffered enough. And besides... it seems to me there’s a chance to win that alliance we wanted. A win-win situation for sure...