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Himiko watched as Amaterasu departed, her gaze not once leaving the majestic wolf. She had heard many stories about the goddess, and being able to see her in the flesh was truly a blessing from the heavens. There was no doubt in her mind that this wolf would be up for the challenges and turmoil that lay ahead.
As she mulled over their first meeting, Himiko was reminded of when she first heard about Amaterasu. She had only been small, perhaps no older than the children who spent their days playing in the commoner’s quarters. Himiko had just finished her lessons when a familiar face made himself known, and with a speed that left any and all grace and proper manners behind, the princess made her way to their guest. This had earned a chuckle from the strangely dressed man, and many stares of disapproval from her tutors and others in the royal court.
“Bonjour, ma petite~” he said, speaking in his usual strange manner that left many scratching their heads. In fact, there were many things about this man that were out of place: manner of speech, dress, the flute that was always in hand, and the fact that no one knew where he had come from. All anyone knew was that he had been in the service of the Yamatai Clan for many generations, yet looked as if he never aged a day. This caused many to speculate as to just who, or what this man was. Even Himiko herself had asked, but every time she was given the same response: “That is a secret~” he would say, giving her a wink while pressing a finger to his lips. No matter how many times she brought up the subject, he never gave an answer.
Instead, he would change the subject by telling her about a divine goddess, who saved many while performing feats that one could only describe as miraculous. This tale quickly took hold of the child’s mind, and would end up becoming a series of them whenever the man visited. Some of these tales would be humorous, while others would leave the princess sitting at the edge of her seat, the suspense and terror keeping her attention in a way that ther lessons never could. Others would be accompanied by a pleasant melody, and as she listened Himiko could almost see the wolf clearly in her mind. All of the stories, regardless of tone, ended up with Amaterasu (or, as some called her, Shiranui), as the winner, which left the young princess overjoyed.
“So she really did exist?” she asked, staring up at the man with bright eyes. He was currently in the capitol on some official business but had taken the time to stop by. Like his past visits, he had yet another tale, and had just finished when she brought up the question.
“Oui.”
“Where is she now? Is she still performing miracles? Do you think I will meet her one day?”
The man paused, his expression faltering for a second before he gave the girl his usual smile. “Ma cherie is taking a long, well deserved rest,” he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. This had caught her attention, but before she could point it out, the man continued.
“However, I do believe that you will meet her when the time is right.”
“When will that be?”
“No one knows, but it is said that, when humanity needs her the most, she will wake and walk this earth once again. It is then, and only then, that you will see her.” He looked to the window and noticed that the sun was beginning to set, causing him to rise from his seat.
“It seems that I must depart.”
“So soon?”
“There are many things I need to attend to, but I will be sure to stop by again.” With that the man made his way to the door, making to leave as he always had done. This time, however, he stopped in the doorway and turned toward the princess. His words would be something she always kept in her heart and mind.
“One day you will meet her. Keep believing and put all of your hope and trust in her, for it is one's prayers and belief that keeps the gods alive and gives them their power. Have faith, and never lose sight of it.”
Those words would serve her well as she moved through life, eventually taking the throne at a time where all seemed lost. The emperor had fallen ill; the water dragon had gone out of control; her most trusted advisor seemed to be out of sorts; a mysterious, seemingly poisonous mist enveloped her city and her subjects, causing them to suffer horribly. It was during this time that she had learned of Amaterasu’s revival, and had a vision of the goddess heading towards the city.
It was also during this time that she had another vision, and learned of her fate.
When she communicated this vision to the only one left she could trust, she was reminded of that faltering smile many years ago. A smile that waned when faced with a painful truth, though this time the smile faltered completely.
“I too had a similar vision,” he said quietly, his eyes closed as Himiko looked on.
“Then you know what is to come, and that I must prepare.” Her words were met with a nod, which was a bit unexpected. She had expected him to protest, to insist on another way instead of taking it as it was given. Then again, given what she had learned about the man who served her family for many generations, if not centuries, Himiko should not have been surprised.
Instead of lamenting, Himiko steeled herself before addressing him again. “As you have said many years ago, I have met Amaterasu. She is everything you have said, and more. While her powers may not be where they should, I am confident that she will succeed and come through. She will find the island and defeat the Evil One, and she will bring peace and prosperity to this land once more.” Now it was his turn to be caught by surprise, which brought a small smile to her lips.
“‘Keep believing and put all of your hope and trust in her, for it is one's prayers and belief that keeps the gods alive and gives them their power. Have faith, and never lose sight of it.”’ That is what you told me long ago, and I have not forgotten. I have kept the faith and firmly believe in her, which is why I have no regrets, or fear what is to come. That is my resolve.
Do you not believe the same?”
The question was enough to leave him out of sorts, but he did not show it. Instead he gave another nod of his head before rising to excuse himself from her presence.
As she watched him go, a part of her did have one regret: she never did find out about his origins, or how he came to her family, and she never would. However, it was through him that she had come to know of the goddess who would save their land, and that was enough.