Four Hundred And Eight

Four Hundred And Eight

The Tengu were gathering lumber from the forests on the northern slopes of the mountain, piling them into firepits dug into the stone. There was no shortage of fallen trees wrecked in the battles the Tengu had trying to hunt boars, but the forest was already regrowing slowly but visibly. The Boundary sure is a strange place, especially in areas of higher ether density like Kyoto... my Eye could pick up some of the ether being absorbed into the land, helping the trees regrow and the scars on the mountain gradually heal.

“I’m afraid I can’t take part in this one either.” Natsumi said. “We learned wind, didn’t we Motoko?”

Motoko nodded. As the girls talked, Bell ruled herself out as well. Daiyu was also lacking in fire element. Soon it was just Haru-san remaining, and she looked at the piles of lumber, pensive. After a while she turned to me. “Akio-san... do you want me to win one of these challenges? Will it help you?”

“Win?” I raised an eyebrow. “You think you can beat me?” I joked.

Haru-san pouted, brown eyes wry. “I’d say you won’t be popular if you tease women like that, Akio-san, but I’d be a liar, it seems. You know what I mean, just as you and Haanōbō both won the first challenge, I believe that I can reach whatever level Tarōbō declares as a pass. Likely him too...” she nodded at Summer, whose body language was eager, wings flapping, we didn’t even need to see his face to know.

“Really?” I asked, running through my head the ways that Haru-san might be able to summon fire. Is that it? She’s a smart woman, she’s probably figured it out... “If you can make a good showing, I think it would be quite the helpful move. Besides...” I frowned. “...it seems that you need to impress Tarōbō enough to be eligible to take part in cleansing the corrupted flame, and I want you for that more than anyone.”

“That’s rather bold of you.” Kana smirked. “You have four girlfriends here, and yet you’re clearly flirting with Haru-chan!”

“No I’m not.” I protested. “I’m just... oh, you’re teasing me, right?”

“I suppose a man with so many girlfriends had to get it eventually.” Kana smiled triumphantly. “So, why Haru-chan? Not that I mind, but...”

I briefly explained about the ability of the flame in more detail, and Haru-san frowned. “But the corruption worries you, right? That’s why you wanted Na-san and me to leave. But...”

“Yeah.” I picked up on her point. “Just leaving it so near Kyoto isn’t an option. It’s about more than just securing flame element now. Though I really want it, it would increase our options. So... you’re confident?”

“Quietly so. I do practise now and again. It’s not like I need to sleep. Which is strange, as they say death is the longest sleep, don’t they?” her lips quirked into a smile. “Besides, there seemed to be no criticism of the losers of the boar hunt. It’s a no-lose situation, and you like those, right Akio-san?”

“I do. Oh well... guess it’s up to us two this time.”

As we were debating, so too were the Four Directions. Arangbō shrugged his massive shoulders, wings flapping, as he bowed out. “I can use the Southern Formation as well as any, but I’ll not show myself up against you, Shungbō.” He addressed the red-robed Tengu, who nodded, long-nosed mask bobbing.

“This is why I am the favoured of the Four Directions.” Shungbō, which must have been Summer’s actual name, said softly. That comment made Haanōbō look away, and Fungbō snorted loudly.

“Keep telling yourself that, brother. We may worship the flames, but no direction is more sacred than any other. Great Tarōbō is the Centre, above all. You almost make me want to test your mettle, but...” he too paused. “... this is your chance to shine as brightly as our sacred flame. However...” the red-masked Tengu turned towards us, and I could feel their eyes on me. “... don’t underestimate him like North did.”

I see. I’m getting regarded as a rival, am I? Considering how they insulted Haanōbō for its defeat, it would look bad if they lost to me as well. Stepping forwards, Haru-san following, we approached the small group taking part in this trial, a few Tengu proficient with flame element waiting, and Shungbō of the South joined us.

“You as well?” he said, looking at Haru-san. “I sense no flame from you. Perhaps you enjoy humiliation, or are simply bored?”

“She’ll make you eat those words.” I promised, as the words of support from our companions echoed in our ears. “But we are all working towards the same goals, right? Cleansing the flame?”

Shungbō snorted. “We need no help from outsiders. If I had been the one to come upon you intruding on the shores of our mountain, by the Vermillion Bird, Suzaku, naught would be left of you but ashes. I shall never taste the dirt, I shall soar on high forever more.” With that he turned away.

“Oh really...” I muttered. “Is that so?” These Tengu certainly are belligerent, but... I looked over to Tarōbō, who was holding his staff, the jewel within emitting an intensifying glow. He seems a little more reasonable...

“Those who can kindle flame, I pray you can rekindle the purity of our sacred charge.” Tarōbō declared, now that the firepits were done. “Step forward, the first of those who claims to know the secrets of the flames.”

One Tengu swaggered over proudly, and raising a hand a surge of yellow elemental energies scattered. Flame kindled, and with a roar it hurled the flames into one of the pits, wood catching, and soon a great bonfire was burning.

“Not bad.” another Tengu muttered, and the scenario was repeated a half-dozen times by other Tengu, with one being clearly superior, his flames hotter and brighter, the wood being consumed in moments, the flames dimming and then fading away. Then it was the turn of Shungbō, and he strode forwards to cheers and even a few stray fireworks exploded overhead, as though he was a wrestler entering the ring. There was none of that for Haanōbō. I feel guilty again, though I really shouldn’t...

“Shungbō, of the Summer South...” Tarōbō looked down, his ornate mask hiding his expression, but his words were approving. “I have no doubts you are worthy to undertake the trial, but prove it here and now, show our superiority, those of us who have laboured at our task for millennia. Show these outsiders the might of the Tengu of mount Atago!”

“An expected answer.” She laughed a little. “So...” she addressed Tarōbō. “... let me show you a little human wisdom. I’m sure a human ghost still counts as human.” With that she raised her hand, and a brilliant aura of indigo streaked with gold radiated around it. Looking at the most distant pits at the edge of the arena that had escaped the destruction of Foehn and Hi-matsuri, she pointed, and fine, focused beams of light sprang out, striking the pits one by one. The intense heat of the narrow rays of light ignited wood, and soon the remaining pits were blazing away, sparks and smoke filling the air, drifting on the unusual breeze. The wood was consumed slowly as the fire spread, but Haru-san nodded, well-satisfied. “I thank you for your patience.” She said, like the professional bureaucrat she was.

As the surrounding Tengu burst into a buzz of conversation over her feats, Shungbō snorted. “Weak. My flames would devour that feeble light in an instant.”

“I see. In that case, how would yours fare against that?” Haru-san smiled as she pointed to the Foehn, which was still burning away nearly unchanged. “If it’s all about might, Akio-san has you beat, I’d say.”

Shungbō paused, unable to come up with a counter, before Tarōbō’s staff once more slammed the ground. “An impressive feat, your name was Haru, no?”

“Yes, I’m Suzuki Haru. I’m afraid I don’t have any business cards to hand out.” she said. “I’m a Vassal of Akio-san here.”

“I see. Your demonstration was interesting.” He looked at his Tengu, especially Shungbō. “Her flame was weak, non-existent even, yet it kindled a number of blazes. Yes, I cannot declare it the winner, I fear that honour...” Shungbō tensed, as Tarōbō swung to me. “... goes to these great destructive flames which burn unquenched even now.”

Shungbō seemed to collapse in on himself, wings and posture drooping, head bowed, but his eyes were still hot and angry. Arangbō and Fungbō were torn between outrage at his defeat and amusement that he too had lost to me, while our party rushed up to congratulate us.

“I knew you could do it.” Motoko declared proudly, before turning to Haru-san. “You were most admirable as well. Our control of wind is nowhere near as precise as your light.”

“It’ll come in time.” she promised, before Tarōbō’s staff thumped down again.

“Akio, you have already earned your place against the threat to the flame. Now none can gainsay you. Shungbō of the Summer South, Haru. You shall join him and Haanōbō of the Winter North.”

He’s giving Haanōbō a title again. I suppose this proves I’m no pushover, so its defeat isn’t entirely on it. The watching Tengu, face still hidden by hands and hair did seem to be standing up straighter. As the Tengu around us celebrated, I noticed that the boar I had killed, as well as a number of others, had been cooked and were now being brought back, carried by many Tengu, some pierced by spits, but the largest, those killed by me and Haanōbō, were butchered expertly and the meat laid on platters, the great heads centrepieces to the display.

“Yet do not fret, those who have not yet offered their prayers of challenge!” Tarōbō boomed. “Food is the fuel of the body. Eat and eat until your flames can burn no more. Those whose prayers are the greatest will have the right to join the victors!”

Haru-san and I exchanged puzzled glances. An eating contest? Really?

*********

“It is hardly the press of battle, or a challenge of skill, but I shall take part.” Motoko said. “I have always had a healthy appetite compared to other daughters of nobility who seldom move their bodies. You are the same, are you not, Natsumi?”

“I certainly do enjoy food. But I’m careful not to put on weight that might hamper my training.”

“That’s right.” Kana said mournfully. “I don’t want to get fat. Besides, we’ve already eaten a ton at the festival. It’s not stopping the Tengu though...” Nearly every Tengu present was partaking in this challenge, an atmosphere of festivity and joy spreading. As it did so the jewel on Tarōbō’s staff was growing ever more brilliant, and I was beginning to have my suspicions that was the point.

“Can you even get fat, eating food when you are in a spiritual body? Besides, men like women with a bit of meat on their bones.” Yasaka-san said, sighing.

“Oh really.” Kana said dangerously. “Maybe you ought to consult that book of yours about how to talk to girls. Nobody likes to take chances with their weight. Especially considering...” she shot me a sideways glance.

“You know you’re perfect just the way you are.” I grinned. “But... he has a point. It seems a shame not to give it a try. Worst case is we can do some exercise back in the Material. Working up a sweat together sounds nice, no?”

“Not until we’ve had a few more dates!” Kana insisted, but her temper improved. “I know what kind of sweating you mean, you can’t trick me!” We all took places around the colossal boar I had hunted. All around us the atmosphere was festive once more, and several Tengu were talking to Prince Shōtoku, more friendly than previously. At that moment, Tarōbō gave another speech.

“These boars were hunted by those brave enough to step forward and try to defend our flame, our way of life!” he shouted. “Would that I could send you all into the deepening rifts, for you are warriors all! But battle there is not like battle in the skies and on the mountaintop. We Tengu are not creatures of earth and stone...” Haanōbō flinched at those words, and it was seated not too far from us, at its own butchered boar, plate loaded with meat. I was handed a heaped plate by Motoko, who was humming to herself, happy to be serving me in the way a wife of nobility would, and the fragrance was intoxicating. I looked around for a drink, and pitchers were set up. I poured myself a wooden mug, only to find the contents were water. Interesting. Is it because alcohol would interfere with the eating, or... no, I know how this goes. So that’s next, huh? I’ve a good feeling about that one then, this... not so much.

“No, down there in the darkness, where only flame can light the way, only the bravest, the greatest of us, those with their prayers heard by the sacred flame...” he gestured to it, and my Eye shone once more, picking out the dark flickers of the flame that was said to be from Naraka worming their way within. “... will be able to exert their will. No, I cannot send you all to your deaths, lest you return as the damned and cursed, to take lives you once protected. But I hear your wills, and am proud!” he shouted, his staff shining, and as the crowd cheered anew he absorbed more power. “So, eat and eat, take into yourself the life taken so that champions may be chosen, let that life fuel your own flames. Those who burn brightest will have the chance to set foot in the abyss beneath us, along with the champions whose prayers our flame has already heard!” Eyes were on us, and I smiled regally.

“This is not my challenge.” Arangbō boomed, laughing. “But none shall defeat me.” He glared at me then. “Least of all you. You are small and look as if you could barely eat a mouthful.”

Really? This is what he wants to beat me on? I doubted it had much chance, but since I had won two challenges, I could afford to be magnanimous, yet the big Tengu aggravated me. “Fine. You’re right, I’ve never been a big eater, but I’ve found my appetite is way up nowadays. So...” as Tarōbō declared the battle of eating open, I reached for my plate, but was surprised to see that Motoko was already ferrying food to her mouth with both dainty grace and speed, chewing steadily. Well there’s something you don’t see every day...