by Dani Hoots
Chapter Ten
October 1578 (Azuchi-Momoyama Period)—Izumo
“I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR you, Ketsue-chan.” Akikumo grinned as he fiddled with his white-and-red sode, grabbing whatever item he had hidden.
I cocked my head to the side, wondering what he wanted to give me. It didn’t smell like food. As he pulled out a small strip of paper, I read the kanji inscribed on it.
This was a ticket to the banquet of the gods in Izumo.
My mouth dropped. There was no way he would take me this year, was there? I only possessed two of my tails—I wasn’t a full-grown kitsune yet.
“I don’t understand. They won’t let someone as young and inexperienced as me in, would they?”
He nodded. “I got permission to bring you this year. If anyone asks, you are my familiar. They consider me a kami since I spread any messages they need to the humans. So I pulled some strings and got you invited.”
I bowed. “Thank you very much! I will not let you down!”
He laughed. “Nothing you do would ever disappoint me, Ketsue-chan. Now, let us get to Izumo so we can find you a new kimono and we can freshen up in the hot spring.”
“Yes! Let’s!”
Izumo was only a few hours from where we were traveling. For the month of October, Akikumo normally left me in the apartment he stayed at and would disappear during the day and get back late at night, if he came back at all. This year I would attend with him and assist with any duties he needed to perform. I would do my hardest to make him proud.
The only problem was that I knew he wanted to go to the human part of the city to pick out a kimono and visit the onsen. Yokai onsens, or bathhouses, were always more enjoyable than human's as then I didn’t need to figure out the new customs humans made. Yokai kept the same customs throughout time.
Also, humans performed lewd acts at many of the mixed bathhouses. Akikumo seemed to know which ones still acted as areas to take baths and which ones acted as brothels. Sometimes though, he was incorrect. In those incidences, he would cover my eyes and lead me away from the area.
This time, however, we found an onsen that wasn’t indecent. I leaned back and enjoyed the warm water on this cool autumn day. The crisp air filled my lungs, sweet and earthy. This bath was outdoors, but we were fortunate that the clouds didn’t pour rain on us. Many people occupied the area, but Akikumo and I were able to find space in a little outlet of the bath.
Akikumo closed his eyes. “A bath after a lengthy journey is one of life’s greatest delights.”
“I agree, although I prefer our kind’s onsens more.”
“Don’t worry, during our time in Izumo, we will attend our kind’s as well. I just wanted to use this one to clean ourselves off after our trip.”
I sighed. I didn’t find human onsens as cleansing as yokai’s, yet Akikumo always insisted on going to a human bath first if possible. I did not enjoy sharing water with humans.
After we soaked for a while, we put on our new, clean kimonos. Mine was a mix of pink and red with white floral designs. Since we were meeting with the kami, I was wearing many layers that would be a struggle to walk up the steps with, but I would not complain as it was an honor. Akikumo’s kimono was plain white with yellow and blue layers underneath. His hakama, however, was designed with blue clouds. The hakama suited him and I was glad we found it.
Once we were ready, we started toward the shrine. Humans crowded the area, as they usually did in Izumo this time of year. People gathered to pray to the gods that now gathered at the shrine. By the looks of it, the faith in the kami was still strong. Akikumo had warned many towns of religions that might affect the faith, but so far everything seemed fine.
Walking through the torii gate, the magical wooden structure transported us yokai into another world. Instead of the human crowd that once stood before us, kami and their familiars now lined up to enter the great shrine of Okuninushi.
The shrine looked similar to the shrine the humans created but was on a much more massive scale. Enormous twisted rope hung above the entrance. Usagi familiars scurried around, dressed in simple kimonos and making sure they attended to each kami. A usagi stepped up to us.
“Would your familiar like us to prepare her for the banquet?”
I frowned. Was my outfit not good enough? This kimono was from one of the most expensive shops that we could find. Even I had worn nothing so expensive.
Akikumo chuckled. “She means your hair and makeup. If you are offering, we shall accept.”
“Thank you. Follow me this way.” The usagi turned and started hopping toward one of the other buildings. I turned to Akikumo, who motioned me to go.
“I will find you after you finish. You want to appear your best, don’t you?”
I nodded. “Yes, Aki-chan.”
I hurried off toward the usagi, hoping this wouldn’t end disastrously.
AFTER what seemed to be forever, I was ready for the banquet. They allowed me to stay in my kitsune form and I could show off my two silky tails. I took great pride in my fur as it took a lot of effort to keep the red and black hairs clean and beautiful. They did my makeup and hair in a human fashion, as the usagi explained that the Okuninushi likes to keep up to date with human culture. I found this to be strange but didn’t argue. He was the leader of all kami, so who was I to question?
The usagi showed me my face in a mirror, and I didn’t even recognize myself. I often would look at myself in a mirror since Akikumo carried a mirror, as the object was sacred and showed everything's true nature without distortion. So I made sure I always looked somewhat decent most of the time.
Leading me back to Akikumo, the usagi took me to the enormous banquet hall. Dozens upon dozens of kami sat at what was the largest wooden table I ever thought imaginable. Akikumo sat near the middle with his katana to his side, and I sat down next to him, careful not to wrinkle my kimono. I could smell the jasmine and sandalwood he used as a perfume.
Akikumo looked at my face and hair and held back a laugh.
“What? You are the one who said to go with the usagi.”
“I know, but it is strange seeing you with such heavy makeup. It looks good.”
I turned to stare at the empty table before me. “I want to wash it off right now.”
“Not yet. Besides, look around. All the goddesses and familiars are dressed up in the same fashion. You don’t stand out, so don’t worry about it. Besides, we have another couple of weeks of festivities, so you will dress up often.”
“Ugh. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”
“Nonsense. This will be a lot of fun. Besides, you will be a lot happier once this table is full of food and drink.”
My ears perked up. “Food?”
“Yes. All your favorite foods will be here.”
My tails wagged back and forth. “Even aburaage?”
“Of course. Inari-sama is here as well. They are down near the end of the table. I can introduce you if you want.”
I shook my head. “No, I’m too shy. They use kitsune as their familiars, correct?”
“Yes. I would think you would want to meet more of your kind. There should be a few who are helping them this month.”
“But those are adult kitsune. I stand out being so young. Perhaps another time.”
“Perhaps. But you need to meet more people. I fear I have made you into someone who doesn’t understand how to socialize, even though that is all I do.”
“What I do isn’t a reflection on you, Aki-chan. It is all me.”
“That is where you are wrong, Ketsue-chan. I gave you the name Tsuki, did I not? You are an extension of me in that way and represent me no matter where you are. Just as I represent you. There will be a time when you understand, but for now we shall enjoy our time in Izumo.”
I nodded and resented not being able to trust others. Of course, I was always with Akikumo—he was the only one who showed me compassion. Anytime I revealed myself to others, they didn’t want me near them. As for other yo
kai, well, they were always using Akikumo. He always did what they asked, leaving more work for him. I didn’t enjoy that part of our journeys.
A kami sat down next to me and I bowed. Her kimono was a mix of deep maroon and light turquoise with the outer layer having a print of mountains.
“Hello. I am Konohanasakuya-hime. I am the kami of Mount Fuji. Who are you?” she asked, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze.
Akikumo bowed. “Hello Konohanasakuya-hime. I am Akikumo and this here is Tsuki Ketsueki. She is my familiar.”
Konohanasakuya-hime nodded a bow. “It is nice to meet you. You have such beautiful tails. I bet it is hard to keep them so beautiful while working for a kami. I commend you.”
My cheeks turned red. “Thank you very much.”
“She works hard in cleaning them. Sometimes we are even late to appointments because she is still brushing them.” Akikumo chuckled.
I gave him a look. “That’s not true!”
Konohanasakuya-hime laughed at our bickering. “You two are exceptional friends. Your relationship will last forever. Now, excuse me as I discuss something with my husband. Thank you for making me feel welcome.”
I nodded. “You are most welcome.”
The kami turned to her husband and started discussing something in private. As I was about to turn to Akikumo, I found him talking to the kami on his left. I had met this kami before—his name was Ryūjin, the kami of the ocean. I decided not to butt in and examined the room we were in some more. The shoji was simple and let in the outside light. As for the fusuma, a painting that seemed to depict the Kuniumi covered one side. The image was spectacular as Izanagi and Izanami reached down from the heavens and used the spear ame-no-nuboko to stir the oceans and create the first island, Onogoroshima. Rumors said that Akikumo was born when the first of Japan was created. Was this it? And if so, did that make him older than many of these gods?
As I pondered this, the shoji slid open and a tall man with braided black hair that had been woven into an intricate design stepped in. His long kimono wrapped to the floor, shining gold. Two of the usagi entered with him and bowed. All the kami around bowed, and I followed suit.
“Welcome, everyone! I thank you for traveling all the way here every year. The feast shall begin shortly. If you have any questions, please ask one of my familiars. Now. Let us enjoy this time of year once more!”
Everyone clapped in rhythm and I tried to follow along, but I didn’t quite get the rhythm before the sound stopped. Akikumo held back a laugh.
Suddenly a flood of usagi came into the room and brought in plates upon plates of food. I drooled as they set some aburaage in front of me.
Maybe wearing all this makeup was worth it.
Chapter Eleven
Present day—Hida Mountains
I STRETCHED AND TOOK in the fresh air. It smelled sweet and grassy. We had gotten away from all the miasma and human filth and were back in nature.
Two hours had passed since we started up into the forest from the last train station. From here on out, I didn’t need to worry about the miasma or humans finding out what I was or messing something up. We finally found ourselves in the Hida Mountains.
Now I needed to figure out where Akikumo’s home was.
He owned so many homes that I couldn’t quite remember where each one was. I also had a problem of paying attention to my surroundings, or at least that’s what Akikumo used to say. There was also the fact that Japan had changed immensely since the last time I was here. The country even changed since Akikumo dropped me off in Kyoto.
Glancing back at Yamato, it surprised me he could keep up with me, especially with that large backpack. I had seen many of his type not being able to climb up to the top of the Inari shrine, let alone go on this backpacking journey in search for something that could be anywhere on this mountain. We told his parents we were on a pilgrimage through these mountains, and they didn’t even question such a trip. Would he really do such a thing? I supposed if he could keep up with me this far; I had underestimated him.
Taking in another deep breath, I smelled the fresh leaves of the beech and oak. On the lower levels of the mountain, I felt immersed in the thick foliage, but the higher we got, the more dispersed everything became. I preferred the thick forest compared to the mountaintop as the air felt much warmer, but Akikumo always insisted on having his home near the top of the mountain. He said the view of Japan was most beautiful, not to mention that way he was closer to the stars and our ancestors.
Luckily we were traveling during the summer so we didn’t have to worry about snow where we needed to go, although some places in this area possessed snow all year around. Akikumo used to love the snow. I didn’t care for the stuff, but in my fox form I wasn’t too miserable. I preferred summer beaches for sure.
“Do you have any idea where his home is?” Yamato asked as we ascended farther up the mountain.
I shook my head. “I just remember it was on this side of Mount Ikenodaira. There will be yokai we can ask and get an idea where to start.”
“And where are these yokai?”
“At a hot spring at the edge of the forest... somewhere.”
He stopped and stared at me. “You don’t know, do you?”
“I know the general area. Cut me some slack—it has been a while. Inari gave us a map, correct?”
Yamato nodded as he pulled out the paper. “Yeah, I have it right here.”
“Can you read it?”
He rolled his eyes. “Are you telling me you don’t know how to read a map?”
“Maps are a human invention. I always wandered around.”
“No, you followed Akikumo-sama wherever you went and didn’t pay attention, didn’t you?”
I frowned. “That’s none of your business. Can you tell us where we are?”
“Yes. For your information, I learned how to read a map when I was very young.”
“And here I assumed you were just a delinquent.”
“By looks only. I am actually in the top of my class.”
That information surprised me. According to some of the other kitsune and what I overheard the kids I had scared talk about, they all stayed in a building all day to learn about the world and how to speak. This somehow was a competition, and the top of the class meant you were the smartest and the winner.
“What? Are you surprised?” Yamato asked as he unfolded the map.
“I never expected someone like you, winning at school.”
“Win at school? Never mind. It says here we need to keep heading west and then north a bit and we will find it.”
I stepped next to him and looked down at the paper he held. “How can you tell?”
“Because I’ve been keeping track on where we have been going with my phone. Not only that, but I also have a compass and an excellent sense of direction, unlike someone.”
I turned and found that I was standing centimeters from him. We both looked at each other for a minute, and then I frowned.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugged. “Nothing. It just seems like you are constantly lost.”
My cheeks turned red. “I will have you know I am a marvelous tracker and hunter! Akikumo taught me all I needed to survive!”
“Well, the world has changed since then. You are trapped in the old ways and need a 101 class on the present.”
“A one-oh-one?”
“Forget it.”
I put my hands on my hips and glared at him. “You humans assume you are so smart. You do not understand all the stuff I have seen. I have been alive for hundreds of years and I—”
Something dripped onto the top of my head. From what I remembered, I hadn’t noticed clouds above us. I watched Yamato flinch as if something fell on him as well. Both of us looked up and saw a giant grotesque head. His eyes bulged out of his skull and looked down at both Yamato and me. Drool dripped down from its mouth as he kept his mouth open, ready to feast on his prey.
“Tsurub
e-otoshi! Run!”
I shoved Yamato forward to get him to start running as he was flabbergasted by the monster. The moment we moved, the creature pounced down on the ground, hopping after us. I shuddered at the sight of him. Akikumo and I ran into them twice before while traveling. While they were pretty weak for a yokai, I still wanted to make sure Yamato ran far enough away before I tried attacking him. Just in case.
Because the last time, Akikumo had saved me.
Branches of the beech and oak snagged at my yukata, which frustrated me as this was one of my favorite yukata that I wanted to show off to Akikumo. It was all this tsurube-otoshi’s fault.
When Akikumo and I traveled, most beasts stayed away and never bothered us due to Akikumo’s power radiating off him. I figured I possessed enough power to scare these beasts away, but apparently I was wrong. Which meant we would face a lot of creatures in these mountains. I was not looking forward to that.
Yamato still ran ahead of me, and I didn’t suspect we would gain any more distance from the tsurube-otoshi. Transforming into my kitsune form, I relished in having my ears and tails back. But more importantly, now I could use my kitsunebi power and fight with my claws if need be.
Spinning around on my heels, I faced the creature. He still bobbed up and down after us as if all he cared about was eating some human flesh. He must not have realized I was a yokai. His hair flopped back and forth, and I could tell a while had passed since he had bathed as he reeked of sweat and rotting flesh.
I created a large flame in my hand. “Eat this, you worthless yokai!”
I threw the flame straight as his face. The creature screamed but kept charging forward. I did not want to use too much power on him in case bigger creatures were waiting in the dense forest. There were. I could sense them.
But I had no choice. The tsurube-otoshi still wanted to taste Yamato’s flesh. I created another blue flame, focusing on my ki to make it exactly how I wanted it, and hurled the kitsunebi straight into the creature’s eyes. He let out an ear-piercing scream and stopped coming toward us. He shook his head, but the flames would not go out. Jumping away, he hurried off back into the forest, the opposite direction from where we ran.
