by Amy Sumida
“He?” I lifted a brow. “You mean Fenrir?”
“Yes, Fenrir,” she whispered. “Tell the Great Wolf who you met in the forests of Latvia today, if you please.” “Great” was said with a fair measure of scorn.
“Sure,” I smiled, “since you said please.”
“My anger is not for you,” Vejasmate's jaw clenched. “I do not hurt innocents. It's a waste of strength, magic, and emotion. I save all for him. So take your men and go. Tell Fenrir that his wolves are not the only ones hunting.”
Then they pulled back, and the pale goddess disappeared into the Latvian forest with her children.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“What the hell happened?!” Trevor roared when he saw the state of Kirill.
“It's not zat bad,” Kirill waved him off. “Zey didn't break skin, just tore clothes.”
“And I'm fine too,” Torrent huffed.
“Who didn't break the skin?” Hachiman asked. “Who was it?”
“The Vilkacis,” I said to Hachiman. “It's handled. They won't be attacking your people again.”
Hachiman considered me for a moment, then nodded, “I'll relay the information to Amaterasu.”
“Thank you,” I held my hand out to him. “Sorry about the mess.”
“And I am sorry for the violence we ordered upon the Froekn,” Hachiman shook my hand. “It was an honor, Godhunter.”
“For me as well,” I said.
“I'll give you a call sometime,” Torrent patted his pocket.
“I look forward to it,” Hachiman nodded. “Safe travels,” he held his hand up in goodbye to the rest of us.
“Ah-ah-ah,” a chiding female voice stopped us.
Amaterasu shimmered into view within a golden light. The light faded as she stepped forward. Hachiman looked shocked, but he recovered quickly, and bowed his head reverently.
“Were you there this entire time?” I asked her.
“Yes, of course,” Amy smiled. “I had to see if the rumors were true.”
“Rumors?” Trevor narrowed his eyes on her.
“Of the far-seeing lenses,” Amy cocked her head at me. “You can track anyone with those, correct?”
“I haven't used them enough to say that for certain,” I frowned at her, “but possibly. Why are you here? We did as you asked, and found the culprits. It's handled. You said that would make us even.”
“Did you really think it would be so easy?” Amy tsked me.
“Uh, yeah, kind of,” I grimaced. “Are you going back on your word?”
“Not at all,” she gave Hachiman a pat when he glowered at me. “It was a fair question, Hachi.”
“So we're good then?” I was baffled.
“We are good. I shall not escalate things with the Froekn,” she chuckled. “But if the Wolf God wants to work with us again, I have one more task for him. Well, for you.”
“You need me to track someone?” I guessed.
“It's a little more than that,” she shrugged. “But now that I've seen what you're capable of, I'm certain it will be nothing for you.”
“Vhat do you vant?” Kirill hissed.
“Does he know he sounds like Dracula?” Amy asked me.
“What he sounds like is a Russian Tzar,” I corrected her. “But I can get Dracula for you, if you want to meet him. Or his god, rather.”
Amy laughed, “Yes, I've heard that you have some interesting allies. It's wise of you to remind me of them. But I offer you no harm, Godhunter, merely a bargain. I've lost something. Find it, bring it back to me, and I will be open to future business with the Froekn. Do not, and we will bother the wolves no further, but we will not deal with them either. You must understand, the Froekn brought insult to our people. We cannot continue to work with them without some form of recompense.”
“What do you want me to find?” I grumbled.
“A sword,” she smiled brightly.
“Not Kusanagi?” Hachiman looked horrified.
Amaterasu nodded. Hachiman muttered what I assumed was a foul curse in Japanese.
“The sword has a name?” Trevor asked.
“As if your people don't name their weapons,” Amy scoffed.
“My people don't need weapons,” Trevor growled.
“Fair enough,” Amy heaved a sigh. “Will you find the sword or not?”
I looked to Trevor. He scowled.
“Well?” I prompted him.
“Well what?”
“This is your call, Honey-Eyes,” I was a little surprised that he thought I was going to make the decision for him.
“They're your goggles,” he argued.
“And this is about Fenrir and the Froekn,” I said. “I'll do anything for Fenrir, but you need to decide whether we should. You know this situation better than I. So what's it going to be, Wolf Prince? Do we find a sword or go home and tell Fenrir that he's lost a business ally? How important are these gods to your father?”
Trevor's brow furrowed as he considered. He looked to Kirill, but my black lion just shrugged. We would follow Trevor's lead. I suppose it had been awhile since he'd made any alpha decisions all by his lonesome.
“Where was this sword last seen?” Trevor finally asked.
“In Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni,” Amy said.
“The Land of the Reed Plains,” Hachiman interpreted.
“You mean Earth?” I asked with a smirk.
They looked surprised. And by “they” I meant everyone.
“What?” I looked from my people to the Yakuza Gods. “I know stuff. I'm part Japanese, you know?”
“Yes, you've said,” Amaterasu laughed. “Well done, Godhunter. The Land of the Reed Plains is another term for Earth. But it's actually a specific location on Earth.”
“Japan?” I guessed.
“Yes, of course,” Hachiman huffed. “More specific though. Izumo, Shimane Prefecture.”
“Whatever,” I rolled my eyes. “Just lead the way.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Izumo was one of those historic cities in which the modern world had clearly made its mark, but with a bit of reluctance. There were soaring buildings set among more traditional homes; cement and steel set beside stone and wood, with the plastic sheen of greenhouses laid out before them. A bustling canal wound its way through, drawing the eye towards rolling hills. I can't tell you anymore about it, because Amaterasu didn't take us into the city. We traced into a sprawling complex in the mountains overlooking Izumo. The entire place was sealed with a ward, and had the tingly feel of most territories in the God Realm. There was so much magic used there, it had permeated the land.
We stepped out of a small tracing building into a barren courtyard, just an expanse of crushed stones with a well in the center of it. There were pointed trees edging the area, but not a single flower to be seen. I suppose that was intended to draw the eye towards the grand structure before us. A classical Japanese design, with roofs swaying up to sharp points, staggered one in front of the other. The architectural decorations were detailed and gilded, standing out starkly against the pure white walls. Mist hung low around the roofs, swirling in lazy patterns. The scent of tea and smoke drifted with it.
“Grandmother,” a slim man came out to meet us, bowing first to Amy, then Hachiman. “You have brought guests?”
“I've brought the Godhunter,” Amy corrected, shooting me a sly grin. “She is here to recover what you lost.”
The man's jaw clenched as he slid angry eyes in my direction, “I need no help in recovering Kusanagi.”
“I did not say help,” Amaterasu snapped. “I said she would recover it. You have failed. Now step aside.”
“Grandmother,” the man growled.
“Do not take a disrespectful tone with me, Ninigi,” Amaterasu's eyes flared like gasoline flung over fire.
Her grandson flinched back, “I meant no disrespect.”
“This way, Godhunter,” Amy brushed past Ninigi, Hachiman following close behind.
“Family
,” I shrugged.
We were led deep into the main building, through several hallways. Our footsteps echoed hollowly on the wood floors. We encountered no people, gods or otherwise. Just empty rooms with various types of furniture. Stuff from all over the globe, which mostly looked out of place in the rigidly Japanese palace. At the back of the building, we stepped into a spacious room. This one was steadfast in its heritage. There wasn't a single Western piece in the whole place.
There was, however, a very empty sword stand sitting on top of a black enameled chest. Below the stand was a crystal ball, full of swirling fog, and a mirror in an octagonal silver frame.
“You have a crystal ball?” I looked to Amy with raised brows.
“It's not a crystal ball,” she chuckled. “This is Yasakani. It's the source of the animosity between my brother, Susanoo, and I.”
“That thing started a fight?” Torrent asked as he stared speculatively at it.
“A story for another time,” Amy waved away his interest. “This is Yata,” she pointed to the mirror. “It also shares a past with me. I bestowed these gifts, along with Kusanagi, upon my grandson, Ninigi, when he took dominion of Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni from Okuninushi, its previous overlord. The gifts were to secure his bond to me, since he rules in my name.”
“Uh- huh,” I scowled at the black arms of the sword stand. “What was the sword to you?”
“It was a gift from Susanoo,” she grimaced.
“The one you're fighting with over the crystal ball?” I asked.
“It's not a-” Amy started angrily, but then cut herself off, and took a deep breath. “Yes, that brother. He gave me the sword in an effort to heal the rift. He wanted back into Takamahara, you see.”
“Heaven,” Hachiman translated for her again.
“You kicked him out of Heaven?” Trevor asked. “Your own brother?”
“That little prick trashed my rice fields, threw a flayed horse at my favorite loom, and killed one of my attendants,” Amaterasu raged.
We all stared.
“I had reason for kicking him out,” she calmed.
“And now the sword is missing,” I mused.
“Yes, I've concluded the same thing,” she grimaced. “It must be Susanoo. But I have no proof, no trail I can follow to lead me to him. If you prove able to track the thief, I want you to take Hachiman with you. If it is Susanoo, Hachiman will deal with him. All I require from you is the sword. Simply bring it back to me.”
“I don't have to fight anyone?” I blinked. “Sweet.”
“The sword was taken out of this room?” Torrent looked around. “Isn't this place warded?”
“Susanoo's daughter is married to the last ruler, Okuninushi,” Hachiman explained. “There are ways around wards, and if anyone knows them, it would be Okuninushi.”
“Alright,” I fished out the goggles, “let get this dog and pony show started.”
Trevor gave me an annoyed look.
“Sorry, babe, you know what I meant,” I chuckled as I slipped the goggles on.
The room instantly brightened. I mean super bright. As if a sun stood in the room with us. Because one kinda did. Amaterasu was glowing gold, illuminating everything around her to a nearly blinding degree. I had to shield my eyes and look away.
That's when I spotted the strange spiral of clouds. Miniature gray puffs floated away from the empty sword stand. Lightning sparked among the clouds, preceded by the low mutter of thunder.
“What sort of god is Susanoo?” I asked casually.
“A storm god,” Amy answered and sidled closer.
“No, no,” I turned my face away from her. “Stand back, Little Miss Sunshine. I can't deal with your radiance.”
Amy laughed, but backed away, “Do you see a trace?”
“Yeah, and it's stormy, definitely stormy,” I nodded. “Torrent, I need you,” I held one hand out to him, and the other to Hachiman.
“Right,” Torrent took my hand, then reached for Kirill.
“Your men stay with me,” Amy declared.
“I'm not letting my pregnant vife leave vithout me,” Kirill snarled.
“Fine,” Amy sighed. “You can go, but the wolf stays.”
“Again?” Trevor huffed.
“This shouldn't take long,” I gave him an apologetic smile.
“Fine,” Trevor looked to Hachiman. “You had better keep Vervain out of any physical altercations, War God. I will hold you accountable for any harm that befalls her.”
“I understand,” Hachiman nodded regally. “I will make sure your wife stays out of the battle.”
“And I vill vatch him,” Kirill took Hachiman's hand instead of Torrent's.
“Torrent,” I nodded to the spot where the storm trail ended. “Right there.”
“Got it, V,” Torrent opened the Inter Realm, and we all stepped in.
From the Inter Realm we went into the Aether. Another mentally taxing journey through the mystic realms. This time it was Hachiman's hand clenching on mine, but I didn't have time to comfort him. I was too busy following the nebulous trace of the Storm God. I kept nodding in the direction we needed, and Torrent kept moving us forward. Finally, we came to a warded wall of energy. The trail led into a god territory.
“Shit,” I growled, realizing that Torrent would have to reveal his secret talent to Hachiman. “Hachiman, close your eyes.”
“What?” Hachiman scowled, his gaze twitching around the Aether.
“Close your eyes, it's about to get worse,” I said. “I can't have you freaking out on me. Now do it!”
Hachiman must have been accustomed to taking orders from a woman, because my tone had him instantly shutting his lids. I smiled in relief and nodded to Torrent. Torrent was already grinning at my subterfuge, and he continued to do so as he used his magic to unmake the ward. It took a few minutes, during which Hachiman began to sweat, but then we were tumbling out onto hard-packed soil.
“You can open your eyes now,” I said to Hachiman.
“Ano yarou!” Hachiman swore. “It is Susanoo. He will pay for this insult.”
Hachiman began to stalk off through the raw earth tunnel, batting roots aside as he went.
“What the hell?” I chased after him, pulling off the goggles to tuck away safely. “Hachiman?”
He kept doing his angry walk.
“Hachiman!”
“What?” Hachiman turned to growl.
“Where are we?”
“Nenokuni,” Hachiman's eyes were darkening. “The Root World.”
He turned down a side corridor, and we all chased after him.
“The Root World?” Kirill asked.
“Hell,” I supplied.
“Not exactly,” Torrent corrected. “It's a netherworld, but not a place for souls,” his eyes moved, as if he were reading. “This is Susanoo's domain, where he went after being banished from Heaven. Oh!” Torrent exclaimed. “It's very like the Norse World Tree. There is Heaven above, the Reed Plains in the middle, then off to the sides there are Mountain and Ocean territories for the kami, the gods. Then below, there is the Root World, and somewhere nearby, there is the Land of the Dead, Yominokuni.”
“Zanks for lesson,” Kirill rolled his eyes, and I smacked him. “Vhat?”
“He's trying to be helpful,” I chided.
“Zen he should find sword,” Kirill grimaced.
“I'm pretty sure he'll find the sword for us,” Torrent pointed to Hachiman's back.
“How so?” I asked.
“He obviously knows his way around,” Torrent shrugged. “And he's obviously searching for this Susanoo fella.”
“Obviously,” I huffed.
“So you can tease Internet Boy, but I can't?” Kirill smirked.
“Shut up, Kirill,” I rolled my eyes.
“Susanoo will most likely have the sword with him,” Torrent concluded.
“He will definitely have the sword with him,” Hachiman muttered.
“So, Root World,” I slapped so
me especially adamant roots out of my way. They were trying to pull a Dumbledore, and keep me from passing. “That's original. Is it all like this? One big wormhole?”
“No,” Hachiman stepped out into a vast cavern.
“Whoa,” I followed more slowly, staring up and around me. “I was not expecting this.”
“Not Hell,” Kirill nodded to Torrent.
Nope, not Hell. The place was closer to paradise. Above us, clouds covered the ceiling, though a few enterprising roots still managed to peek through. The misty mask was lit by god magic, making the cavern seem like an enclosed garden. A gigantic garden. I guess “underground city” would be a more appropriate term.
I've seen versions of this before. Gods liked their subterranean territories to have an above ground feel. Demeter had done it. I'd also seen it with the Nagas, and once on a smaller scale with Toby. A flicker of emotion trailed through my chest, startling me. Tobadzistsini, Navajo God of Water and Darkness. I'd loved him once. But our love had been taken from us. I shouldn't be feeling anything for him.
“Vervain?” Kirill's hand on my shoulder brought me back.
“I'm fine,” I assured him as I went back to staring.
None of those other territories were quite like this one. It was an open landscape, spotted with lush foliage and massive trees. Lakes shimmered beneath the false light and animals roamed freely. Multicolored birds flew above it all, their cries mingling with the roar of waterfalls. A circling breeze carried green scents with it, but beneath all that life was the fecund odor of death. Not the rotting scent of corpses or anything so horrid. Just the natural aroma of decay, and the rich soil which was its product.
“I will distract him,” Hachiman started up a hill overlooking the wondrous valley. “You snatch the sword, and trace back to Amaterasu.”
“You sure you want us to leave you?” I asked as I huffed after him. “What if things go bad?”
“Then I will trace too,” Hachiman kept climbing. “But the sword must be our priority. Once it's gone, Susanoo will most likely give up the fight.”
“Fair enough,” Kirill agreed.
As we crested the hill, a strange palace came into view. It surged from the earth around it; above, below, and behind. An Asian edifice built completely of roots. Deep umber, cinnabar, pale bone, all sorts of roots combined to form pillars, verandas, and perfectly round windows. Every detail was shaped from roots. Paler colors stood out against the darker, weaving into dizzying patterns, and outlining features like stairs, balconies, and balustrades.
