Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

0.

“Chiyo, are you really bringing a kid home?” The woman whose hair is as white as snow shook her head, unimpressed.

“Why do you ask? Are you going to object?” The Oni huffed, still trying to calm the crying child.

“Do you understand how much responsibility come with a child?”

“Saiguu, I am a mother of a 3-year-old child. Three. Years. Old. I think I know about the responsibility of a mother.”

“Still, could you handle another one?” Saiguu still express her disapproval. “Both you and Doukei have Oni blood running in your veins, but this one is a human child. You could just send him to Narukami Shrine. I'll take care of him.”

“No, I don't think so. Also, I have already named this one. He is now Mikoshi Nagamasa.”

Another figure emerged itself into the scene.

“Chiyo, Saiguu, what are you two arguing about?”

“Ah, o mighty Narukami Ogosho, who do you think is better suited to raise this mortal child?” Saiguu smiled mischievously as she teased her life-long friend.

“Ei, you do think that I am a good mother, right? Right?” Chiyo's puppy eyes stares at the Archon's Kagemusha.

“Well, I... yes, I supposed?”

“That settled it then. I'll bring this child home.”

*

Doukei marvelled before the being his mother call “your brother”. It is very tiny, it cries a lot, which then makes his mother spent more time with it than with him. It makes him feel a bit... jealous. And although mother tell Doukei that “your brother” looks exactly like him when he was a baby, Doukei noticed that this child does not have horns.

When he asked his mother about it, his mother merely answered: “So what? Both you and your brother are children, and both deserved to be treated with love, care and kindness.”

Doukei saw his mother silently wiped her tear away, she just gotten home from the trip to the nearby village. She was trying to ask for another mother's breast milk to feed her adoptive child, but she returned with no milk, just a swollen arm from beans allergies.

And the little Nagamasa cried again.

*

Chiyo thought of giving this child to Saiguu, let him be under Narukami Shrine care.

She called Saiguu over one day, and although they were cheerfully discussed about the old times, weather, and such, Chiyo suddenly turn the topic to Nagamasa.

“Hey Saiguu, about the baby...”

“Ah, little Nagamasa? How is the little buddy doing?”

“Pretty alright, I guess. I barely get sleep though...”

“Children can be annoying sometimes, don't worry, you have gone through this once. I'll be visiting you more regularly so that you wouldn't get lonely, okay?”

“Hey Saiguu, Nagamasa would be living more comfortably at Grand Narukami Shrine, right?” The Oni hands started shaking.

“Chiyo what are you saying?” Saiguu’s confused “Wait. Do you really give the child to me after all that?”

“Well I... I don't think I can provide him with enough nutrition. Nagamasa is just a new-born baby, he needs breast milk.”

“I see. But I thought you were asking the villagers for that?”

“There is a really kind woman just outside of Konda village that would help me, but her child needs milk too, so I dare not ask too much.”

“You can just ask more people.” Saiguu stopped mid-sentence. She noticed her friend was hiding her arm behind her back.

“Chiyo, give me your arm.”

“Huh?” The Oni Maiden startled.

“Your arm!” Saiguu grabbed her friend's swollen arm and inspected it carefully. It is undoubtedly beans allergies.

“Those foolish humans.” The Kitsune looks enraged. “Chiyo, go with me.”

“Saiguu, calm down. I'm not badly hurt.”

“Chiyo, you are an Archon's trusted friend and servant. I can't allow this to happen to you.”

“Trust me, I don't intent to tolerate this. But right now, Nagamasa is way more important. What would they think if we blow this situation out of proportion?”

Kitsune Saiguu sit down, she still seems to be irritated. “So, the only reason why you wanted to give Nagamasa to me is you don't have enough milk right?”

“Pretty much...”

“Very well then, I, the Head Priestess of Grand Narukami Shrine will do the work of asking for it for you, daily. There is no way they would refuse now.”

“Is that really alright?”

“Yes. Chiyo, I hate seeing you giving up. So please, raise this child to the best of your ability.”

3.

When Doukei turned 6 years old his mother started to teach him the art of the sword.

“Now, mother is a Lieutenant, I served Her Excellency by commanding her soldiers and protect the Eternity of this country.”

Chiyo glanced at her son.

“However, you don't have to follow my footsteps. I will just teach you the basics, enough for you to protect yourself and people around you.”

Doukei, nervously carried the bamboo sword his mother gave him, nodded his head.

The three years old Nagamasa's eyes filled with curiosity when he looks at the sword on his brother's hand. He made several illustrations for it. All of which was strangely detailed for the drawings of a 3-years-old.

“You draw this?” The Kitsune pet human child's head. She was amazed.

Nagamasa shyly nodded his head.

“You know, your mother and myself fought to raise you. Had I known that you would turn out to be this adorable and smart, I would have fought harder.”

“Please, Lady Saiguu, Nagamasa is my son now, and he will forever be.” Chiyo shoved a mochi to her friend's mouth.

5.

When Nagamasa turned 5, he often sneaked out to play with the kids in the city.

He just showed up at the playground and everyone was cool with it.

He made friend with another boy, Nozomu, they appear to have the same hobby, interest, and talent. That made them the best of friends.

But then one day, Nozomu and the kids made a mistake.

It was another ordinary afternoon. Chiyo went to work, Doukei was reading a book that his mother just bought him, and Nagamasa was drawing something in his sketch book.

After a while, the sound of the pencil running across the page stopped. Nagamasa turned to his brother, asked “Doukei, why do mother have horns and we don’t”

Doukei lifted his hair aside, revealed his tiny pair of horns “I have horns too.”

This left Nagamasa even more confused “Then why don’t I have horns?”

“How would I know?” Doukei answered without a second thought.

“We’re a family, so we must look like each other, right?” Nagamasa closed his sketch book, he was not going to let Doukei off. “Nozomu, my friend, said he has exactly the same eyes and nose like his mother.”

At the time, Doukei already felt like there is something off with his family. Other families have a father, a mother, and the children. But he has never seen his father, and although he looks like his mother enough, his younger brother looks nothing like them. He dares not ask his mother though, the gut feeling is that it is the line he should not tread.

Doukei just lead his little brother to the backyard. Using a knife, he craved for his brother a pair of bamboo horns. Stabilized them with a headband, Nagamasa gleefully run to town to play with his friends.

Everything fell into silent when Nagamasa came. The kids suddenly weren’t playing and laughing anymore.

And then they start throwing stuffs at the boy.

It’s small. It’s round. It’s a bit hard.

It’s beans.

Of course, Nagamasa, not being an Oni, would not have an allergic reaction to beans. He just genuinely scared and confused. He panickily looked for his best friend, only to find the little Nozomu picking up beans on the ground to throw at him again.

Some high-ranking government officials unexpectedly passed by. High-ranking here means The Electro Archon’s Kagemusha, her trusted Lieutenant and the Divine Priestess of Grand Narukami Shrine.

The Priestess told Nagamasa to go home first.

Nagamasa didn’t really know what happened after that, he just knows when he came back a day after, everyone seems to fear him, which makes things really awkward.

He stopped showing up at the playground after a while.

8.

Although Nagamasa grew up to be a trusted Inspector of the Shogunate, he had never seen the Shogun in person during the time he served her, instead, he got to see her regularly throughout his childhood.

“…Futsu, Hyakume, Senju, Isshin, and Amenoma are the five schools of weapon smithing, or as we call them, the Raiden Gokaden. The secret of Amenoma Art is patient and willpower of oneself…”

Sipping the tea, the Almighty Shogun calmly explained to the 8 years old boy the intricacy of the art of weapon forging.

“Ei, do you really think Nagamasa would understand all that?” Bringing her friend, the freshy made cakes, Saiguu expressed her disapproval.

“This child has potential; he will grow up to be an exceptional craftsman.” Raiden Ei rubbed the child’s hair. “I merely explain the concept of Raiden Gokaden, I’m sure that he would understand.”

Saiguu glanced over to the child “Did you understand anything at all?”

The child nervously nodded “Yes, a little bit.”

“Chiyo, I think it’d be wise to give this child further education.” Ei turned to her Lieutenant “Let’s not waste his talent.”

Chiyo seemed irritated “10 years. Wait 10 more years and I’d let him go.”

For curious children, like Nagamasa, adults’ conversations are chances to learn ground-breaking secrets. For example, he learnt that the Electro Archon that often visits his house is not actually the Electro Archon, and is just a shadow warrior, another time, he learnt about how the Divine Priestess tricked both the Almighty Shogun and a bake-danuki. But there is one time, he learnt a secret scarier than any other.

“Nagamasa is actually an adorable child, and he is such a fast-learner too. It’d be a shame if…”

“Saiguu, I appreciate you caring so much for my son, but he will stay under my roof until he 18 at least.” Chiyo shook her head. She is not swayed. “Nagamasa is a frail child, I wouldn’t even let him hold a blade yet.”

“How long has it been? I really can’t believe the child that was abandoned in Chinju Forest…” Before Ei could have finished her sentence, Saiguu shoved a cake to her mouth.

She sensed the child could still be around…

Meanwhile Nagamasa is having the biggest revelation of his life.

8 years old Nagamasa is not unfamiliar with the concept of adoption. He realized that he was adopted some time ago. It’s obvious. Both his mother and his brother have eyes which are as red as blood, while his looks like a dull shade of gold. Both his mother and his brother have super strength. His mother being the Electro Archon trusted Lieutenant, while Doukei could have bested a grown adult in combat at the age of 10, and then there is Nagamasa who is a weak and sickly child.

And the most obvious differences between Nagamasa and his family is their race. Mikoshi Chiyo’s horns represent her never-wavering commitment to make an eternal name for the ever-thinning blood of the Oni. And as for Mikoshi Doukei, his horns represent his strength, as well as the hardship that he will or have already overcome. And there is Mikoshi Nagamasa. Save for the bamboo horns his brother made him, he does not have any horn. In the end, he is just another outsider who cannot understand his family’s struggle.

He already knew that. But actually making a conscious effort feels so different.

He realized another thing too. He was abandoned. At Chinju Forest.

The humid, cold forest that was filled with monsters and bandits.

Whoever was his birth parents didn’t want him to live.

14.

“Mother, please understand.” It is almost like Nagamasa is begging. “I can’t rely on you and brother forever.”

“I already told you.” Chiyo shook her head. “I said I would let you go when you finally 18.”

“But that is like, 4 more years.” The boy whimpered.

Chiyo hissed. “Saiguu, it is all your fault.”

“Now now, I think it’s reasonable to finally let him be.” Saiguu tried to calm her friend down. “Reizenbou is a master of Tengu magic and a skilled warrior.”

“Skilled? More like ruthless. I respect Reizenbou as a warrior and I acknowledged that her strength is unrivalled. But do you really think that she could teach this child?”

“It has been a long while since you last met Reizenbou. Give her a chance.”

“Mother, please…”

“Saiguu, Nagamasa is a frail child. I wouldn’t even let him go to Mt. Yougou alone.”

“Then you should, tomorrow’s morning. We will be waiting for him at Grand Narukami Shrine until noon. If he hasn’t arrived at that point, we shall be looking for him. If he arrived then that counted as passing the test, and you should let he do whatever he pleased.”

Kitsune Saiguu left immediately after that, not giving her friend a chance to refuse.

*

Nagamasa knew that his mother was just exaggerating. Apart from some common monsters that he could make short work off, the path from Inazuma City to Grand Narukami Shrine is fairly safe.

But he was still anxious.

He holds his blade tightly as he traversed through the secluded part of the small village. The bandits wouldn’t attack when the sun is still shinning, surely. The boy naively thought to himself. He clearly underestimated people’s desperation though.

Chill went down his spine as he saw a tall man sharpening his weapon by the river. The man seems to be very shady, and although that man was alone, Nagamasa was sure that he could not have defeat this guy in battle.

So, he avoided eyes contact and just go straight ahead.

The bandit caught up to him in no time though.

“Kid, where are you going?” The bandit blocked his way.

Nagamasa paralyzed, thought to himself. If only mother was here…

“Your mom didn’t teach you not to be disrespectful to adults? Answer me!”

“Na…Narukami Shrine…” Nagamasa holds his blade even tighter. If I give up some of the Mora, this guy will leave me alone…but what would mother think?

“Paying respect to the Almighty Shogun am I right?” The guy laughed “But how about paying respect to me?”

Nagamasa knows full well what the implication of that was. But he can’t yield now. He took his sword out of its sheath and…the bandit sprung it out of his hand.

“Brat, did you think I’m blind or something?” The bandit spit on the ground “I’d spare you if you just give me that big, fat bag of Mora. It is that easy.”

“Ah! There is a big guy bullying a small child over there!” Someone yelled before either the bandit or the young child could react. It was a feminine voice with a thick accent.

Standing there was another girl about Nagamasa’s age, she was wearing a typical Shrine Maiden uniform, her hand held a small, wooden bow. Standing next to her was another boy, who also seemed to be around their age.

While the bandit was distracted, Nagamasa picked up his blade, ready to fight.

At a distant, the girl already fully charged her bow while the other boy ran to Nagamasa side to support him.

The three children got the bandit cornered.

Desperate, the bandit fled from the scene, almost knocking Nagamasa over in the process.

The three children were stunned.

After a while, the other boy began to flick off dust on his clothes. He introduced himself “I’m Harunosuke, Kamuna Harunosuke. Pleasant to meet you.”

“Right…my name is Nagamasa, from Mikoshi family. Thank you both for helping me.” Nagamasa awkwardly nodded.

“You don’t say.” The other girl patted him on the back. “I am Asase Hibiki of the Asase Shrine.”

“You are from Seirai Island?” Nagamasa blurted out a question.

Asase glared at him “And what makes you say that?”

“Because Asase Shrine is in Seirai Island?” Nagamasa changed his answer last second. He felt like it would be rude to point out Hibiki’s accent.

Asase let him off, she then, changed the subject “So where are you heading?”

“Narukami Shrine.”

Harunosuke is rather surprised, he asked another question “What is the purpose of your trip?”

“I have to finish a trial to be eligible to study under the Yougou Tengu.”

Asase and Kamuna stared at each other upon hearing the frail boy’s answer.

“What a coincidence!” Kamuna exclaimed.

Asase seemed to be rather excited. “This must be fate.”

“Uh…what?” Nagamasa confused.

“Asase and myself only met this earlier morning. After knowing that she is also heading to Grand Narukami Shrine, I have decided to accompany her. Then, we learn that both of us are seeking the guidance of The Great Tengu Reizenbou.”

Silence.

“This coincidence is kind of freaky.” Nagamasa shook his head in disbelief.

“I know right?” Kamuna laughed.

Asase got over it quick though. She changed the subject, again. “Hey, I think the greedy robber run that way.” She pointed toward a dark cavern hidden deep inside the mountain.

“So?” Nagamasa asked.

“So, like, we should do something about it?” Asase said like it is the most natural thing ever. Of course, a bunch of kids would stop the outlaws from harming innocent people, it’s common sense.

“Hey, Asase, I think there is more of them.” Kamuna pointed toward the footprints lead to the carven. There were footprints of various sizes and shapes.

“It looks new.” Asase carefully inspected the ground. “They haven’t been here for long.”

“How curious, so the thieves only resided here for a while. What are they planning?” Kamuna seemed to be lost in thought. “Say, Asase, Mikoshi, would you think that their camp is pretty close to Konda village?”

“What are you implying?” Nagamasa confused.

“I think that these outlaws have themselves a whole operation to rob from that village.” Kamuna calmly explained his theory “That would explain why they suddenly moved here. And it is not like one or two petty thieves changed their locations, based on the footprints, there are at least 5 of them.”

“So, what is the plan?” Asase holds her weapon tighter, she seemed nervous.

“They outnumbered and overpowered us, but if…”

Nagamasa cut the other boy off “Wait wait wait wait, I haven’t agreed to this.”

The two other kids were confused “What do you mean?”

“Shouldn’t we let the adults deal with this? If we fail and somehow get captured, then… Anyways, I have like 3 hours to get to Grand Narukami Shrine, or else I would fail the test.”

“Nagamasa, are you scare?” Asase slap her hand on his shoulder. Even in her thick accent, Nagamasa could hear her condescending tone.

“Mikoshi, I understand the sentiment, but if we don’t take action then the entire village could be at risk.” Kamuna sounded a bit disappointed. “These thieves could kidnap children or burn the village down when they are desperate enough. You wouldn’t stand on the side-line if your home were at risk, right?”

If my home were at risk, mother will surely beat all of them up before they could do anything. Nagamasa thought, he dared not say this out loud though.

“Also, if the Great Tengu of Mt. Yougou knows that we wipe out the bandits in the area, she would agree to teach us, surely.” Asase clapped her hands, she looked a bit too excited.

“Mikoshi, you said you have 3 hours to reach the Shrine, I think we can still make it if we rush.” Kamuna spoke firmly. “I have a plan.”

*

Nagamasa didn’t know why he went through with this plan. Maybe it is because of Asase’s tone, or maybe it has to do with Kamuna’s words, or maybe he just thought it was too dangerous for these two idiots to charge to the thieves’ lair.

Asase blew up the barrel next to the camp. It is their sign.

The two figures charged into the carven, and while the thieves were startled, they knocked the weapons out of their hands. The barrels that Asase blew up also injured two of the outlaws inside.

The thieves were defeated by the two boys, and quicky restrained right after that.

But there is something wrong.

“Kamuna, didn’t you say there is at least 5 of them? There are only 3 here!” Nagamasa panicky scanned the whole carven.

“You are right…” A chilling cold aura, cut Kamuna off.

Behind the two boy was 2 women, one of them was holding their precious friend by her neck. They are both armed to teeth. Each of them has at least 3 blades hanging from their waists and a pair of Oni horns.

The three children weren’t a match for the Twin Oni. They captured the kids and took all of their valuable items.

*

“I thought the Tenryou Commission came. It turns out to be just a bunch of brats.” The Oni sighed in relief.

The other one scolded her lackeys “Bested by a bunch of children? Embarrassing, should I even share the booty with the likes of you?”

In a corner, the children are still arguing under their whisper.

“Harunosuke, why didn’t you check the thieves’ camp more careful?” Asase pouted.

“Asase, why did you get capture that easily?” Kamuna responded.

Nagamasa shut them both up “Please, if we just head to Grand Narukami Shrine then this would not happen.”

Silence.

“Hey, I think I can get us out of this.” Kamuna tried to communicate with his friends as quiet as he could. Kamuna gestured with his shoulder “Asase, get my bag.”

Asase quickly rolled toward their belongings. The thieves immediately noticed her.

“What do you think you’re doing you stupid brat?” The Oni kick the little girl in her stomach.

Hidden inside the carven, Kamuna suddenly shouted “Mikoshi, dodge!”

Follow by a loud sound of explosion.

For one moment Nagamasa thought his heart stopped beating.

The bandits panicky turned to their direction. When they do so, two other silhouettes snuck up to them from behind and knocked all of them out.

The explosion sound rendered both Nagamasa and Kamuna temporary deaf, so the conversation with the two people that saved them went a bit like this.

“Why are you here?” The woman who was as big as a bear asked.

“What?” Kamuna shouted.

“Why. Are. You. Here?” The big woman shouted back.

“Who are we? We are just innocent people who got captured here.” Kamuna answered the made-up question.

“Itaru, I think it would be more efficient to ask the adults here.” The slenderer figure tapped on her companion back.

“Right.” The big figure nodded, her ears twitched, it was fox ears. This one is a Kitsune. “So just what are the likes of you doing here?”

Colour disappeared from the Oni Twin’s faces. “We are Twin Oni of Tokaku. We promise that we are just petty thieves and didn’t harm anyone, so please could you forgive us this one time, please?”

“Like hell I believe you.” Itaru yelled. “Bullying children? How low can you stoop?”

“Itaru, bring those thieves back to the city.” The other woman helped Nagamasa stand up. “I will take care of those children.”

“Aye aye, boss.” Itaru teased, but the other woman didn’t care.

*

“So, names?” The woman asked while leading them to Grand Narukami Shrine.”

“Kamuna Harunosuke.”

“Asase Hibiki.”

“Mikoshi Nagamasa.”

“Mikoshi…Nagamasa.” The corner of the woman’s lip forms a smile. “Interesting.”

“Say, why were you going to Narukami Shrine anyway?” The mysterious woman turns to the children.

“Well, we are seeking teaching from a prominent figure of Mt. Yougou…” Kamuna answered.

“By any chance, is that figure a female Tengu, who resided at, well, Mt. Yougou, so people call her the Yougou Tengu?”

“Yes, we are indeed seeking guidance from The Great Tengu of Mt. Yougou.” Asase nodded.

What happened next was hard to forget. The woman suddenly grew wings of black crow, her eyes flashed. She then spoke thus “Children. If you wish to seek the divine guidance, then I shall wait for you at the top of Grand Narukami Shrine.” Her voice echoed through the forest.

Then, she disappeared, leaving only a single black feather behind.

*

“This is bad.” Asase sighed.

Not only losing to a bunch of petty thieves but letting their “future teacher” seen them in such a pathetic state, the Great Tengu surely won’t accept them as her students now.

What would mother think of this? Nagamasa anxiously thought.

Kamuna clapped his hands, he tried to sound excited. “So, we finally arrived.”

“So, we finally arrived.” Nagamasa mumbled.

Nagamsa suddenly felt someone rushed to him from behind, giving him a warm embrace.

“An Oni!” Asase shouted, she readied her weapon.

Nagamasa turned back to the person that hugged him. Expectedly, it was his mother.

He gently pats her back, saying sorry over and over again.

Chiyo’s sob became louder and louder. When Lady Saiguu arrived at the scene, Nagamasa’s clothes were soaked with her tears.

*

“Lady Saiguu, it was our fault that he was late.” Kamuna profusely apologized. “So please, at least give him a chance to re do the trial.”

“Boy, now, I don’t ask for your opinion.” Lady Saiguu shook her head. “Plus, the trial was contrived by myself to persuade that stubborn mother of his. So, it is all up to her decision.”

“Do you know where his mother is? I would like to apologize to her.” Asase quietly put down her drink.

Lady Saiguu pointed outside “The mother and her child are having a moment under the Scared Sakura Tree. I would advise waiting before talking to either of them.”

“Right…” Asase sighed.

“Man…Who would have thought he was “that” Mikoshi.” Kamuna laughed. “Lady Saiguu, why would he seek guidance from The Great Tengu anyway? Isn’t his mother also a re-known warrior?”

“Boy, don’t try to deceive me. You know what both he and you here for.” The Divine Priestess rubbed the boy’s hair, still mischievously smiling.

*

“Mother, I’m sorry.” Nagamasa was still patting his mother back.

Chiyo wiped the tears from her eyes “Do you know how much you scare me? Don’t ever do that again.”

“I won’t charge into danger again, I swear. But mother, now that I know of my helplessness, I should train more and…”

“Stop.” Chiyo cut her son off. “You are going home with me.”

“But mother…”

Chiyo hugged her son even tighter “Nagamasa, your live is more fragile than that of myself and your brother. You are precious to me, so…”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Chiyo.” The woman with fox-like eyes came up to them from behind. “Even the mighty Oni warrior can’t protect her precious son forever, so why don’t just let him find his way to protect himself?”

Chiyo responded with silent.

“Wouldn’t you agree, Reizenbou?” Saiguu suddenly stared at the main hall’s shrine roof top.

As fast as lighting, the slender figure appeared beside the Kitsune’s side. “You found me.”

“Oh please, I know this shrine like I know the back of my hand.” Saiguu scoffed. “Now help me persuade this stubborn mother.”

“Mikoshi Chiyo, you and I are both warriors. There will be one day that Her Excellency call our names, and we shall serve her with all of our strength.” Reizenbou looked away. “And there will be one day, that you can’t come home to protect your children anymore.”

“But I…”

“Chiyo, Nagamasa is but a mortal child. His live is fleeting. If you keep him in the cage solely for the preservation of his existence, then, when will he find the chance to experience life for himself?” Saiguu sat down next to her friend and quietly wipe her tears away.

*

“I will bring your clothes here tomorrow.” Chiyo said as she hugged her son.

Both Saiguu and Nagamasa sighed in relief.

“Now that is done, I think we should move to the next problem.” Saiguu rubbed the two other children hair. “Reizenbou, what do you think?”

“They were chivalric, but incredibly foolish.”

“No, I mean, would you agree to teach them?” Saiguu let out a small laugh.

“It is all up to you, Lady Saiguu.” Reizenbou adverted her gaze.

Asase quickly opened her bag and handed the Divine Priestess a sealed envelope. “Lady Saiguu, this is my letter of recommendation.”

Scanned through the letter, Kitsune Saiguu replied happily “Yes, this will do.”

“And then there is this boy.” The Kitsune looked at the boy who was nervously playing with his hands. “Harunosuke isn’t it?”

“Ah, Lady Saiguu, wait.” The Yougou Tengu seemed to remember something. “I have something to ask of them.”

“Who was the one who created that loud sound of explosion?” She asked calmly.

Three seconds passed then Kamuna nervously raised his hand.

“You mean the one that made you and Ms. Itaru rescued us?”

Reizenbou nodded.

“Oh…uh…It was me.” Kamuna answered softly, as if his face didn’t say it all.

“Right, and how did you make it?”

“I…uh…follow the instruction of a book to make paper seals. In order to make that loud sound I have to make an Electro seal and a Pyro seal. When I activate them at the same time, the Overload reaction would be triggered, making a loud sound. Normally, the Overload reaction would create an explosion, but my paper seals are just imitations of…”

The Tengu cut the boy off. “Okay, that is enough. I will take you as my student.”

“Reizenbou, what is the sudden change in attitude?” Saiguu smirked, she already knows full well the answer.

“I can’t believe this babyface already learning Tengu magic, albeit the basic form.” The Tengu turned to her superior “When did mortals become so reckless?”

“Ever since the beginning of the world, I afraid.” The fox-eyes lady smiled.

And that was how The Yougou Three formed.

“Psttt…Nagamasa, do you think that Master might be pregnant?” Hibiki whispered.

Nagamasa does not enjoy gossip, nor does he enjoy banter, but he wished not to upset Hibiki. “You speak of Master Reizenbou?”

“Hibiki might be right. I saw Master threw up yesterday.” Harunosuke chimed in.

“You sure it is not because of the onigiri you made yesterday?” Nagamasa responded, he sounded annoyed.

A loud cough paralyzed three of them.

“The Yougou Tengu didn’t accept you three as students to gossip about her.” Kitsune Saiguu pinched Hibiki’s cheek. “Continue to do your works, or else I will kick you out of the shrine.”

“Lady Saiguu, why are you here?” Hibiki rub her cheek.

“Why am I here, specifically? To tell you all that today is your day off and to announce your teacher’s 4 months pregnancy.”

Lady Saiguu left as suddenly as she arrived, leaving The Yougou Three speechless.

*

A day off, huh. Nagamsa still trying to process the news. 4 months, so Master was pregnant after taking us in… To think that the mighty Tengu of Mt. Yougou…

“Nagamasa, hey, where are you?” It is that annoying voice of Hibiki again. Her accent is still as thick as the first time they met.

“Let’s go to town, we have stuck here for long enough.”

Nagamasa didn’t want to spend this precious day-off with anyone else. Of course, being sheltered throughout his childhood did not do him any good with his social skill. So, instead of outright refuse Hibiki’s invitation, he hid in his secret hide-out until Hibiki gave up and leave him alone.

He did not regret that decision, as that day-off turn out to be crazy, and it was best that he stayed out of all of that.

*

“So, when Hibiki and I went to Konda village for sight-seeing, we met another guy. He claimed to be Master’s servant and student. Hibiki was skeptical, so she challenged him to an archery contest. The other guy eventually won and Hibiki stormed off. I guess he is really Master’s student.” Harunosuke told Nagamasa with a cheerful voice.

Nagamasa nonchalantly replied “I don’t think it is that difficult to win against Hibiki though. That guy might still be a fraud.”

Harunosuke stared at Nagamasa for about 5 seconds before speaking, it’s almost like he is trying not to offend the other boy.

“Forgive me, but have you ever noticed how much Hibiki had tried and how hard had she studied? I would think she had grown considerably this past year. I don’t expect you to understand how she felt because your mother is still visiting regularly, but don’t you think leaving home has been emotionally taxing for her? And maybe that have to do with her temperament.”

Silence.

Harunosuke changed the subject.

“On another note, Lady Saiguu just banished Ms. Itaru from the mountain.”

“What did she do again?”

“She got drunk and destroyed a shintai represents the Shogun in the main hall.”

“That is…not surprising at all.”

“I know we owed her, but I don’t think we can do anything in this situation.” Harunosuke sighed. “But it seemed like she is more than happy to leave the shrine.”

“Right, maybe leaving the shrine would be better for her.”

23.

I wish to treasure this for eternity…

But every moment of happiness is just like the flickering colors of fireworks in the summer night.

And the darkness that follow will spread forever.

After banishing Yuurakusai, Lady Saiguu left Grand Narukami Shrine to stay at Her Excellency side, leaving the young Kitsune who has just arrived.

Chiyo haven’t been visiting her son as often, and she too, spend most of her time in Tenshukaku.

Even the Great Tengu Reizenbou seemed to be so detached.

“Master? Master?” Nagamasa trying to get his teacher’s attention.

“Oh, yes?” Reizenbou startled.

Nagamasa stared the wrinkle on his master’s face, she seemed to be ever so exhausted.

“Teruyo has gone to sleep. It is really late already; I think you should rest too.”

“Thank you, Mikoshi.” Reizenbou nodded with a wry smile.

Both stared below.

The land of the eternity is at risk of being engulfed in darkness.

“Hey, Nagamasa, if one day, all of us gone, would you three be able to make it?” The Tengu blurted out, her expression is unreadable.

“What do you mean, Master?”

“If one day, both myself and your mother gone, would you three … never mind.”

The Great Tengu didn’t finish her sentence, she just silently went inside.

*

“I think Hibiki is having a crush on someone.” Even the hovering danger in the horizon can’t stop the gossips of the great Onmyouji Kamuna Harunosuke. It is almost like even if the Island in the sky fall to this shrine right this moment, the man who was standing beside Nagamasa would still continue to act like nothing has happened.

“You think so?”

“Did you know that when Hibiki lied, her nose got redder?”

“Is that so?” Nagamasa disinterestedly responded.

“Hey, Hibiki!” Harunosuke called out to the Shrine maiden.

Hibiki was understandably annoyed. “What?”

“So, like, who are you having a crush on?”

“No one.” Hibiki’s nose got faintly redder. “We aren’t teenager anymore, you know.”

“See, see?” Harunosuke hit his friend back.

“Is it Nagamasa?”

“No.”

“Is it me?”

“Get a load of yourself.”

“Is it Lady Saiguu or Master Reizenbou?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

At this point, Hibiki is ready to hit Harunosuke in the head with the broom she was holding.

“Could this perhaps, be Mr. Takamine?” Nagamasa blurted out.

This time, it was not just Hibiki’s nose that got redder, but it was her whole face.

“No, of… of course not, why would I like that idiot Konbumaru?”

Silence.

“If memory serves me right, didn’t Mr. Takamine got married last summer?”

And that was Kamuna Harunosuke’s feeble attempt to improve the gloomy atmosphere of the shrine.

25.

“Hibiki, help me!” Harunosuke shouted.

“Idiot.” Hibiki shouted in response as she undid the seal that was gnawing Harunosuke’s energy.

Hibiki sighed of relief. “And you call yourself a student of the Great Yougou Tengu.”

Harunosuke laughed “Right, right, I promise not to be so reckless anymore.”

“Still, to think a place like this exists under the ground of Araumi…”

The Yougou Three still can’t believe the army against the agents of the Abyss had left without them. It took them a while before they figure where the army could have gone, all the traces lead to Araumi, or the underground of Araumi.

Three of them split up to make their progress of investigating quicker. To no avail though, because all the roads lead to the same direction.

“Have you seen Master Tengu, Harunosuke?”

“No, I haven’t. Must be out fighting…” Harunosuke noticed Hibiki’s expression, he then faked a smile to ease her worry “But don’t worry! This is the chieftain of the Yougou Tengu we’re talking about here!”

The Onmyouji paused. “I’m more worried about Mr. Takamine. Is he going to be alright?”

All colors disappeared from Hibiki’s face “…Hey, he’ll be alright. He made a bet with me, after all…”

“Shh… Someone’s coming.” Nagamasa shut both of his companions up.

The light from Hibiki’s candle reveal a hefty figure with two Oni horns hiding between his hair.

“Doukei?”

“Nagamasa?”

Words can’t describe how surprise the two brothers must have been when they see each other at this place. But now it was not the time for mushy reunion.

After the initial shock, Mikoshi Doukei followed the Yougou Three deeper to the old ruin of Araumi.

And greeting them, at the bottom, was a palatial mansion.

“To think that Master had a mansion here. I suppose we should have expected nothing less of the Yougou Tengu.” Harunosuke grinned.

“Hmph, of course.” Hibiki coughed. “Blergh! This place reeks of fox! Bleh!”

Harunosuke laughed “It seems that Lady Saiguu passed this way as well.”

“Nagamasa, are you alright?” Doukei helped his brother stand up.

Nagamasa forced a smile. “I am quite alright, please don’t worry.”

Although he has been training under the Yougou Tengu for years, Nagamasa is still physically weaker than his companions. He could have not withstood physically taxing journey and the anxiety weighing under his shoulder.

“It is getting late; I think we should rest here for now. Everyone takes their turn to guard.” Harunosuke started setting up the camp. “Hibiki go first, then me, then Doukei, and we leave Nagamasa for last.”

Nagamasa was fast to sleep, he didn’t even finish his meal.

And he woke up to the sound of his brother sharpening his blade.

“It is way past my post, why didn’t you wake me up?”

Doukei startled “Did I wake you up? I’m sorry.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” Nagamasa repeated his question.

Silence.

“You were sleeping so peacefully; it was almost like you was a child again.” Doukei let out a small laughed. “Nagamasa, you know, even if you are not connected by blood, and you look nothing like her, but you remind me so much of Mother. “

“I was thinking, what would happen if mother…”

Nagamasa hugged his brother to stop him from finishing that sentence. “Big brother Doukei, don’t worry. Mother will return to us.”

The hot tears rolled down his cheek, Doukei forced a laugh “I know. She will be back. After all, she…”

The rest were darkness, betrayal, and agony.

28.

The day when mother bared her fangs against the Shogun.

The day when Lady Saiguu’s remains turned all into dust.

The day when the Eternal might of The Electro Archon perished.

The day when Master disappeared from the world’s sight.

Mikoshi Nagamasa took a deep breath.

The day when the whole nation turned their back on the Mikoshi’s name.

The day when my friends left me.

The day when the dearest brother abandoned me…

Mikoshi Nagamasa failed to hold back his tears.

He hugged the tsuba of that blade which his mother loved so dearly.

Mother, please, where are you?

*

It is hard to imagine the upright Mikoshi Nagamasa shedding tears.

It has been three years after Mikoshi Chiyo, his mother, betrayed the Electro Mitsudomoe’s banner, no, betrayed to the Shogun herself, and Mikoshi Nagamasa is clearly struggling.

But he is rising through the ranks of the Shogunate Army.

Mikoshi Nagamasa was trained by the Yougou Tengu herself, is a diligent worker and was a natural-born genius, if one ignores his family’s background, he would be an excellent helper.

And then sooner or later, with his effort, the Mikoshi name would be cleansed.

But even then, mortals’ contributions would not amount much comparing to the deeds of Mikoshi Chiyo.

48.

“Say, Sir Mikoshi, what do you think about forging?”

“As in forging weapon?”

Seeing the clueless expression on his superior’s face, Katsuragi cannot help but let out a laugh.

“There is an open position at Tatarasuna, I think you might like to apply…”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Mikoshi shut the whole conversation down.

But later that week, he would finish all the procedures to move to Tatarasuna.

So, after everything, I’ll have to build it back from scratch again. Mikoshi thought back to that day.

Although the crisis has adverted, the rain is still pouring, the thunder is still raging. The whole nation was mourning.

Except for one family.

After all, everyone saw what happened.

Mikoshi Chiyo turned her blade against the Raiden Shogun, who have only been nothing but kind to her.

It only took a day for people to start vandalising his family’s property and it only took a week for Doukei to run away.

Establishing connections at Narukami has not been easy, but if I were to make something so significant, the name Mikoshi would be that of purity again.

Or so he thought.

*

“No need for salute.” The Inspector gave the ashigaru nothing but a single glance.

“Now that Lord Hiiragi Hiroshi have moved to Ritou, I, Mikoshi Nagamasa will oversee everything at Tatarasuna.”

The whispering of the low-rank soldiers is becoming too much for him.

“Yes, I am that Mikoshi. Is there anyone here who have a question?”

Silence.

“No? Dismiss.”

And even after the dismissal, there was an ashigaru with the name of Kinjiro who wanted to seek an audience with the new Inspector.

“And when I asked if any of you who have questions, you didn’t answer.” Nagamasa disdainfully scoffed.

“Apologies, sir. But I afraid that this matter should be discussed in private.”

“You have 1 minute.”

“I have heard that you are interested in weapon forging. If it is so, I have personal connection with the Armory Officer…”

“From whom do you hear that I have an interest in weapon forging?”

“I…”

“Never mind. When is the soonest I can meet Sir Armory Officer?”

*

Despite the careful preparations and the barely hid excitement, Inspector Mikoshi had fallen ill right before the day of the meeting with the Armory Officer, leaving his yokiri do the talking. But maybe that is for the better. While Nagamasa was rude and ruthless, Katsuragi was kind-hearted and had a way with people.

Indeed, their discussion went so well that it only ended when it was so late in the night.

The Jade Steel Ingots that Inspector Mikoshi bought wouldn’t be a waste after all.

*

At about that time, Inspector Mikoshi had a reunion with an old friend.

“Reports for today, sir.”

“Thank you, dismiss.”

Mikoshi looked more closely at the ashigaru, for some reasons, his eyes seemed so familiar.

“Wait, may I know your name?”

The ashigaru gulped. “Nozomu, sir.”

Something finally clicked, Nagamasa grasped. “Could you be…”

“Yes, sir.”

Silence.

“I hope that you don’t hold a grudge.” Nozomu held his breath.

“Hold a grudge?” Mikoshi laughed hysterically. “If I were to hold a grudge for everything like that, I would have died of heart attacks long ago.”

The room echoed the Inspector’s laughter, the ashigaru stood at his door dare not breath.

“Say, Nozomu, are you still interested in weapons?” The Inspector smiled, this one seemed more genuine. “If so, meet me at the Mikage Furnace after your post.”

Inspector Mikoshi was in a good mood that day.

*

Although sceptical and a bit terrified, Nozomu still met up with the group. It was a strange group, consisted of the Inspector and his yoriki, an Armory Officer and two ashigaru.

“So, the first step is to smelt the Jade Steel. I can do that, but perhaps Sir Mikoshi would like to do it?” The Armory Officer looked at Mikoshi like how a father would look at his son.

Mikoshi didn’t mind, as the only thing he had at mind was the grim loveliness of steel.

The group’s agreement that they would let the Inspector forge his dream blade by himself, while they observe and instruct him. Because of his inexperience in weapon forging, Nagamasa first three attempts failed.

“Are you alright, sir Mikoshi?” Kinjiro asked as he saw the Inspector drenched in sweat.

Nagamasa did not heard or pretend to not have heard that.

“Sir Mikoshi,” Katsuragi gently tap his superior back. “Staying up this late could be detrimental on your health. I think that you should get some rest for now.”

The Inspector kneeled over and heavily sighed.

His yoriki had to help to bring him back to his place. But even when the Inspector can barely open his eyes, his yoriki could have sworn that he saw a grin on the superior’s face.

*

A week after that fail attempt, Inspector Mikoshi consulted Armory Officer Miyazaki again.

“Sir Miyazaki, I have a proper blueprint now, maybe that will be of help?”

The old Armory Officer carefully read the blueprint while sipping his tea. “Hmm, you really wanted it to be this simple?”

“I want it to be as simple and upright as the Mikoshi name is.” Inspector Mikoshi nodded.

Miyazaki almost spit on his drink, but he held it back. Later, he would feel bad for this, because as cheesy as it sounded, it is one of those rare occasion that Inspector Mikoshi actually opened up to someone else.

“I see, that sounds like you. And I will need you to name the nagamaki also.”

“…How about Daitatara Mikoshi?”

*

“You really don’t need accompany, sir?” Katsuragi asked his superior.

Mikoshi shook his head, irritated “Katsuragi, I said it is my and your day off. You are allowed to do whatever you please.”

“What if I want to go with you, sir?”

Mikoshi was stunned for at least 5 seconds.

“I…I’m sorry for the poor taste joke…” The yokiri profusely apologized.

Mikoshi sighed. So, he was only joking. He was a bit hurt, but Mikoshi Nagamasa knows full well that he is not a likeable person and the free-spirit Katsuragi hated to be his yokiri. But it is what it is. Mikoshi thought.

“Fine, I will allow you to go with me.”

This is your punishment for that joke. Inspector Mikoshi mischievously thought to himself.

Although Mikoshi asked for a day off, he hadn’t decided where to go yet.

He could go to Grand Narukami Shrine, he wanted to see how Master’s daughter doing, if she is still there at all. Even if she wasn’t there, he could see how much that young Kitsune grown. But the thought of returning to that Shrine feared him so much.

He feared that he would see Hibiki annoyed expression.

He feared that he would hear the angry scolding of Master.

He feared that he would smell the chocking scent of Harunosuke’s terrible cooking.

He feared that he would taste the sweetness of Lady Saiguu’s freshy baked cakes.

He feared that he would feel his mother and brother’s warm embrace.

And most of all, he feared that he wouldn’t see, hear, smell, taste or feel anything at all.

So, he led his yokiri elsewhere.

*

Yashiori Island. Serpent’s Head.

Mikoshi had heard of the mechanical doll near the remains of a bygone god, maybe it will give him some sort of inspiration?

“Sir Mikoshi, did you hear the story of the mechanical puppet Maguu Kenki?”

Katsuragi’s voice felt like whistling winds from afar.

“It is said that this puppet is modelled after a sword master. Words on the street that he stroked a Tengu mid-air. I had the honour of meeting him once, he seemed to be an honest and kind person. Surprisingly, I think he is even on the soft and sensitive side.”

“Interesting.” Mikoshi mumbled. “What is this sword master’s name?”

“If I recall correctly…” Katsuragi paused. “His name is Iwakura Doukei.”

It is almost as if everything stopped that moment. The winds suddenly stopped blowing, the waves suddenly stopped crashing against the shore, and Mikoshi Nagamasa feel like his heart suddenly stopped beating. And emerging to the scene, was a giant mechanical puppet and, and right next to it, a bloodied mess of bones, organs, flesh, an old blade and a bloodied juunihitoe.

Mikoshi Nagamasa feel like the ground was shaking. His legs moved itself before he could think, and tears was falling endlessly from his eyes. He didn’t sure how many times did he fall over, stand up, only to fall again.

He salvaged anything he could have and tried to hold that bloodied mess with his life.

Mikoshi accidentally activated the puppet in the process, and the frail body of his is now vulnerable to any of its attacks.

“Sir Mikoshi!”

Katsuragi shouted as he blocked an attack for his superior. Although he didn’t expect this to happen, he is a trained swordman and is very competent at his combat skill.

It took the yokiri at least 15 minutes to deactivate the puppet.

And for that 15 minutes, Maguu Kenki couldn’t even touched Mikoshi Nagamasa, as for Mikoshi Nagamasa himself, he didn’t move an inch.

“Sir Mikoshi!” Katsuragi yelled out, he sounded irritated. “Please do be careful in this area…”

He stopped mid-sentence as he saw the Inspector shambling in the bloodied mess. Katsuragi’s tone changed from annoyance to worry.

“Sir Mikoshi, are you hurt?”

Mikoshi Nagamasa shook his head.

Katsuragi closely examined the bloodied mess, it consists of bones, organs, flesh, an old blade and a bloodied junnihitoe.

The structure of the skull was particularly odd, it almost looked like whoever the bloodied mess was, they must have horns.

The blade seemed old and rusty, but it looked nothing like a commoner’s blade. In fact, it looked like a blade worthy of exceptional warriors.

Junnihitoe are typically reserved for noble women, so there aren’t many women who could wear this. And even if this just another noble woman, why is she in the middle of the forest with no guards?

Everything finally clicked. Katsuragi stood there, dumbfounded.

The only thing that he could have done was giving his beloved Inspector his coat, so he wouldn’t catch a cold the next day.

How ironic. Mikoshi Nagamasa thought to himself. So, it was the puppet of the child that killed the mother.

If only I didn’t bring Katsuragi along, I could have died beside mother. And if brother hear about this, he will finally come back, and he would finally be tormented with the same pain as mine.

Mikoshi Nagamasa thought as he laughed hysterically amid his tears.

*

“…Nagamasa, did you get your clothes dirty again?” The familiar voice rang inside his head.

“Really now, you are all grown up, I don’t want to take care of everything for you.”

Mikoshi Nagamasa blinked twice. How long have it been since I last saw her? He asked himself.

Her eyes still expressed the same kindness. Her rough hand still so softy rubbing his hair the same.

Mikoshi Nagamasa suddenly felt like a child again.

He wanted to fall into his mother’s arms and break to tears.

“It’s alright, Nagamasa, mother is here.”

*

“So how have life been treating you?” Chiyo gently asked her son.

“It is…not so bad.”

Chiyo pinched his cheek “Don’t lie to me. It has been hard, hasn’t it?”

Mikoshi Nagamasa nodded.

“It is because of me, isn’t it?”

“No, it isn’t.” Mikoshi Nagamasa shook his head.

Chiyo sighed as she wipe’s her son tears. “No, I know. Mother wants to say sorry to the both of you.”

“Doukei is a coward. He ran away.”

“Ah, ah, don’t say that about your brother.” Chiyo sounded disappointed. “He has his own matters to take care off. And he has his own way to deal with his troubles.”

Mikoshi Nagamasa pouted like a little child, he is clearly not having all that.

“Although you have grown, you are still so stubborn. No, perhaps you have become even more stubborn.” Chiyo exhaustedly shook her head. “I can’t believe my own child has become a rigid old man.”

“I…”

“It is fine though. As long as you believe in the goodness of other people. And as long as you think of yourself more often. Apart from Mikoshi, I also gave you the name of Nagamasa, you know.”

Chiyo silently teared up.

“And…one more thing, before I finally gone. Walk the path of justice and righteousness, in my stead, please, my child?”

Nagamasa panicked, as the warmth from the mother slowly disappeared.

“Mother, I…I love you.”

“I know, I love you too.”

Chiyo laughed. “Hah, how I want to apologize to Ei in person.”

And she dissipated.

*

Mikoshi woke up in his bed. For the first time in more than two decades, his mind is clear.

The first thing he did was to find his mother’s tsuba.

“Sir Mikoshi, you are awake.”

Katsuragi let himself in the room, he seemed relief.

“Katsuragi, how long have I slept?”

“About 2 days, sir.”

Mikoshi get out of his bed. “How is everything at Tatarasuna?”

“Forgive me, sir, but I already called today off for you. And everything at Tatarasuna still goes smoothy as ever.”

“And who gave you the permission to do that?” Mikoshi scorned.

“Sir, with all due respect, I don’t think you are mentally and physically able to make it today.”

Believe in the goodness of other people.

“Never mind. I will rest for today.” Mikoshi fell back to his bed. “And Katsuragi?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Thank you, and I apologize, for everything.”

*

“Are you alright now, sir Mikoshi?” The Armory Officer stared at the Inspector. “I heard that you were out cold for 2 days.”

“I’m fine.” Mikoshi smiled. “I wanted to continue our discussion about the nagamaki.”

“Yes, it is really an ingenious design. It is rather simple, but lethal.” Miyazaki nodded.

“Thank you.” Mikoshi smirked. “So, think I would ask for your help again with forging the nagamaki.”

“There are still plenty Jade Steel left over, right?”

“Right, so I want it to be done today, is that okay?”

*

“Do you want to eat anything?” The tall, young man asked.

The shorter person beside him shook his head.

“Katsuragi, who is this?” The Inspector glared at the smaller person.

“I found this person wandering while patrolling at Nazuchi Beach. He seemed to be amnesiac, so I take him back here.” Katsuragi explained as he shared his onigiri to the person beside him, despite his refusal.

Is this how to treat an amnesiac person? Mikoshi thought to himself. “You know full well that normal civilians are not allowed here. Also, shouldn’t you take him back to Narukami Island? Maybe people there would know him.”

Katsuragi startled, he seemed to be hiding something. “I…will do that. May I keep him here, for now?”

“Whatever. Just don’t let him disrupt other people.” Mikoshi shook his head. “Also, meet me at Mikage Furnace tonight, we will finish the Daitatara Mikoshi today. You may bring your little friend a long.”

There is something about that wanderer, something that Mikoshi can’t quite put his finger on. That face, that hair, those eyes, they all seemed so familiar, have he seen this person before?

*

Everyone gathered around Mikage Furnace once again, this time with a new face among them.

“You really don’t have any memories?” Nozomu curiously asked the wanderer, to which he nodded his head.

“Do you at least know how old you are? So that I could address you properly.” Kinjiro asked innocently.

“Please stop, you are making him uncomfortable.” Katsuragi dragged the wanderer further from the crowd.

A cough from Inspector Mikoshi stopped the conversation there.

“So, if we are done with banter, may I use the furnace now?”

*

“…And done.” Mikoshi laughed. He was satisfied. He finally did it. It took 4 hours. But he did it.

Everyone was overjoyed. They laughed as they celebrate this success with a small late-night meal.

Nozomu offered to draw the blade. His illustration was extremely detailed and meticulous.

“Now we need a name for the blade, sir Mikoshi?” Armory Officer Miyazaki vaguely gesture to the Inspector.

Think of myself more often. Apart from Mikoshi , mother also gave me the name of Nagamasa.

“Daitatara Nagamasa would be a nice name.” Nagamasa smiled.

“It indeed would be.” Miyazaki also smiled proudly.

“Wanderer, can you to sword dance?” Katsuragi asked the man beside him.

“I don’t know.”

“Do you wanted to try?”

Under the moonlight, the two men danced their heart out. Although this was spontaneous, and although neither man was professionally trained, it made the evening more than perfect.

Nagamasa thought of Lady Saiguu’s words.

“Your mother face is as lovely as the moon itself. I once performed with her before Her Excellency, and I can’t help but noticed how magnificent she is…I truly hope that she would be admire for generation to come.”

Mother, if you truly are the moon itself, then I hope you can look down here and smile at me.

*

After that day, the wandering eccentric followed Katsuragi everywhere. Although Nagamasa thought it was odd, he didn’t intervene. After all, he had other business to attend to.

Katsuragi had carefully stored Chiyo’s remains in an urn. And Nagamasa has cremated it. now the only thing Nagamasa had to do is scatter it into the sea.

When Katsuragi saw his superior taking a day off, he wanted to tag along too. But when he saw the familiar urn, he decided to leave Nagamasa alone. After meeting his mother and forging the Daitatara Nagmasa, the Inspector seemed to be less ruthless and unrelenting. And although he is still harsh, he spoke in a calmer manner. Mikoshi Nagamasa was no longer a balloon of anger waiting to be exploded. So, Katsuragi did felt safe letting Nagamasa venture on his own.

Scatter mother’s remains … but where to, though? Nagamasa asked himself.

When Mother was alive, she devotedly served the Electro Archon. So maybe the water near Tenshukaku would be fitting.

But there are a lot of people there, and I really don’t want to be seen.

How about the sea of Yashiori? There aren’t a lot of people there. Nagamasa disgusted at himself at the thought. The puppet of Doukei is on that island. It was the thing that killed mother. And Doukei betrayed both of us.

So…where to?

And then Nagamasa thought of that place.

*

“Ah. It’s you.” The Shrine Maiden gasped.

The craftsman looked into her eyes. “It’s you.” He tried to say this as disinterested as he could be.

“It has been a long time.”

“It has.”

Silence.

“I…really don’t expect to see you here.”

“I didn’t really want to see you either, Hibi…Asase,” Nagamasa lied. He chose Seirai Island specifically to see Hibiki again.

Hibiki laughed. “Either way, now that you are here, I suppose a bit of chatters with your old friend wouldn’t hurt, right?”

“Are we still friends?” Nagamasa blurted out.

“I don’t know anymore.” Hibiki awkwardly laughed.

*

“I have to do something.” Nagamasa heavily sighed as he picked up the urn.

Hibiki intuitively knew what that was. “May I stay?”

“Yes, you may.” Nagamasa spoke monotonically, but deep down, he is relief that Hibiki hasn’t left him yet.

The Shrine Maiden closely examined the urn. “Who is, or was it?”

“My mother.” Nagamasa started scattering the dust.

“Oh.” Hibiki spoke nonchalantly. “So, you found her.”

“Yes, at Yashiori. She was killed by a giant puppet.”

It only took Hibiki a few seconds to realize.

“Ah, right, that is Maguu Kenki, the puppet which was based on Iwakura Doukei.”

“Yes.”

“How tragic.”

The beach of Seirai Island is so peaceful, mother will surely be able to rest easy now. Nagamasa thought as winds played with his hair and the waves slowly drift the dust of the mother away.

“You know, I recently found that Konbunmaru too, in Chinju.” Hibiki slowly pat her friend’s shoulder. “He is still such an idiot, even when I took out my weapon and aimed at his head, he was still babbling Asase, Asase…he didn’t even resist.”

“You did what with Mr. Takamine?” Nagamasa was in shock.

“Even when his blood was replaced with the contamination from the realm of darkness. Even when his heart was spoiled with filth. Even when his mind had gone deranged with the defilements of the Abyss. He still remembered my name. He still remembered the bet.” Hibiki broke into tears. “In the end, he is still an old idiotic gambler. He is still Konbumaru.”

*

“How has life been for you?” Hibiki forced a smile as she wiped her tears.

“Alright, I guess.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that. Give me the details.” Hibiki shook her friend’s shoulder.

“Well…I’ve moved to Tatarasuna and is working as an Inspector.”

“So, even you left Narukami.” Hibiki shook her head.

“Even me?”

“Kamuna went to Liyue, he wanted to learn adepti art. I can only hope that his attitude and personality didn’t offend the adepti somehow.” Hibiki said as she played with her pipe.

“Right, I hope so…” Nagamasa sighed. “So, have you heard anything about master?”

“Master Reizenbou? Haven’t heard of her ever since then.” Hibiki adverted her eyes. “Don’t worry, I think she is still alive and well, physically anyways. It would be pretty difficult to best her in combat. Poor Teruyo though.”

“You have news about her?”

“She mostly dwells in the mountains these days, but still way more active than her mother.”

“So, only the two of us stayed huh?”

“We hardly stayed though.”

“Right.”

“That is time for you.”

*

“Are you seeing anyone right now, romantically, I mean.” Hibiki tried to drive the subject to a more light-hearted topic.

Nagamasa laughed. “I’m already married and had two children.”

“Already?” Hibiki teased. “And you didn’t invite me to your wedding.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I was just joking. It is actually better that you didn’t invite me.” Hibiki rubbed her friend’s hair.

“Is that so…”

“You mentioned moving to Tatarasuna, you brought your family along, right?”

“No, I let them stay at Narukami. It would be too much of a hassle to bring them with me.”

“I see. But you visit your wife and kids regularly, right?”

Nagamasa answered with his silence.

“So that is a no.”

Hibiki sounded disappointed. “You are a really bad husband and father, Mikoshi.”

“That, I am.” Nagamasa shamefully looked away.

Nagamasa married a rich family’s daughter when he was 30. This has significantly helped him rising through the ranks of the Shogunate. That woman also helped him further Mikoshi bloodline by giving birth to his children. But as guilty as he felt, he just couldn’t bear any feelings toward her. Nagamasa knew he was not ready for a relationship, but he must be seen as competent somehow.

So, when he left Narukami island, he gave his family a house, some guards, and a few servants. She must be living comfortable now, right? Nagamasa asked himself, knowing full-well the answer.

“…So, um…enough about me, what’s about you?” Nagamasa awkwardly asked

“Me? No, I am not seeing anyone right now. Because really, who want to see a 50 years old grandma?”

“No, I mean, how are you doing these days?”

“Well, I came back to Asase Shrine…so, life is just shrine duties, I guess?” Hibiki played with her hair. “But recently, I found a new purpose.”

“New purpose, as in?”

“Mikoshi, no, Nagamasa, maybe you can find someone to protect too.” Hibiki rubbed her friend’s hair. “Maybe you will want to protect their future and create a brighter future for yourself too.”

*

Nagamasa was greet with the scenery of the wandering eccentric playing with a sword upon his return to Mikage Furnace.

“That is not yours to take.” Nagamasa coughed.

“This is from Katsuragi, and he already let me take it. Therefore, it is mine to take.” The eccentric spoke, still playing with the sword.

“You two seems to be very close.” Nagamasa was still skeptical. “Either way, have you remembered anything?”

“Well, I seem to be skilled with a sword, that must be kinetic memories. But I didn’t remember them per se.” The wanderer monotonously spoke, still haven’t turn to the man who was speaking to him.

“You know, you really remind me of someone.” Nagamasa stared at the small figure. “I just can’t figure out who though.”

“Tough luck for me then. If you figured it out, I might have been reunited with my family long ago.”

Silence.

“You…don’t really want to leave this place, do you?”

“Wanderer!” A voice broke the tension. “Ah, sir Mikoshi, you are here too.”

The two men turn to the figure who just emerged in the scene.

“Katsuragi, when will you take him away?” Nagamasa asked bluntly.

“Sir Mikoshi, where to, though? He still hasn’t recovered his memory.”

“I don’t care, take him to the Tenryou Commission or something.”

“But sir…”

“You two are excused.”

When Katsuragi pull the wanderer away, Nagamasa can not help but noticed a golden ornament beside his hip, flashing so extravagantly.

Nagamasa has improved emotionally, he rarely lashed out in anger anymore. But somehow, that eccentric makes him feel so uneasy. He didn’t know why, but ever since the first time Nagamasa saw him, he just knew this guy is bad news, that feeling just only grow stronger and stronger days by days.

That ornament, could it be?

*

“So, you finally learn to leave your past behind.” The Armory Officer smiled softy.

Nagamasa grinned. “Sir Miyazaki, please don’t be presumptuous, one’s past is a part of oneself. How can I simply abandon it? I merely let my mother’s soul rest.”

“Well, that is one step.” Miyazaki seemed pleased enough. “I think your mother would be happy if you can just live as yourself.”

Nagamasa thought back to what his mother told him. “Yes, I guess she would.”

“So, why don’t just let that obsession go? Don’t be so harsh yourself and other people.”

“I don’t think I am being harsh; I’m just doing what should be done.” Nagamasa is more or less hurt by this comment.

Miyazaki laughed. “See, that is exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Well, my mother did have at least one last wish for me.” Nagamasa sighed heavily.

“What it is then?”

Nagamasa didn’t answer out loud, the words are still ringing in his head.

Walk the path of justice and righteousness, in her stead.

and

Apologize to Ei.

This is almost impossible, how can a lowly child of a traitor meet the Almighty Shogun again, let alone atone for his mother’s sins.

But almost impossible is not impossible.

*

Nagamasa didn’t have anything to do at Mikage Furnace, but he came there anyway, for reminiscing sake. Although he can’t stand that wandering eccentric, the memories of his colleagues congratulate his success, and the ethereal scene of the sword dancing would be one that he would hold dear in his heart.

Then, he stumbled on something.

A golden ornament that shaped like a feather.

Nagamasa paused. “Could this be?”

Suddenly, everything makes sense. That is why that wanderer has no memories of his own. That is why that wanderer is so skilled at the sword. That is why he was so disturbed of the wanderer’s presence.

But if that is true. Nagamasa grinned. Isn’t this the golden chance? If I return, he to the Almighty Shogun, then I could atone for mother’s sin.

*

He immediately called the group.

“Katsuragi, where is that wanderer?”

The yoriki gulped. “I don’t know sir; I haven’t seen him this morning.”

Nagamasa growled. “He is a creation of the Her Excellency. We must return him to her immediately.”

“Creation of…Her Excellency?” Miyazaki was confused. “Pray tell, sir Mikoshi, what are you referring to?”

“That eccentric is neither man nor mechanisms. This ornament is the proof.” Nagamasa spoke firmly as he showed the group the golden feather.

“I’m sorry, sir, but what if that is not from the wanderer?” Kinjiro blurted out.

“Don’t be an idiot!” Nagamasa shouted. “Who else could this be then?”

The group was stunned. And just like that, Mikoshi Nagamasa reverted to the person he was back then.

“Are you deaf? Or just stupid? Get going!”

*

It has been at least 6 hours, and no one could find the trace of the wandering eccentric.

Everyone, save for Nagamasa, was exhausted, including the mighty Katsuragi. It is almost like he is getting paler every second.

“Sir Mikoshi, please.” The yoriki begged. “Please reconsider this. Maybe it is not worth it after all.”

“Shut up, Katsuragi. Do you know how important this is?” Nagamasa glanced at his yoriki with fire in his eyes. “This is my only chance to atone.”

“If I may, sir. If it was his wish to be free from Her Excellency’s control, then I see no harm in letting him go.”

Nagamasa’s eyes were wide open. “You wish to betray me and the Shogun herself?”

“I have no intention of… Sir, I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to continue with this…obsession.” Katsuragi cried out. “Sir Mikoshi, I have been observing you for so long. You were working so hard, you were trying so hard, and you are finally made it. You are here, as an Inspector, you won hearts of people, you aren’t just a child of a traitor.

So please, could you just leave the past behind? The blade that bears your name has drawn yourself a future. You were experience true joy while creating it haven’t you? You can still experience the pure happiness in the future, I promise. So please, let us forget about this and live untroubledly from today forward.”

Nagamasa simply spoke monotonously. “Katsuragi, how much do you know about the wandering eccentric’s disappearance?”

“…I confess. I knew from the start that he was a creation of the Almighty Narukami Ogosho. I hid him away and told him to escape to Ritou. But we can leave all this behind and…”

“So, you actually betrayed me.”

Blood splashed on Nagamasa’s face and hands.

The young deputy didn’t even have the chance to finish his sentence as his neck was split in half.

The scenery rendered everyone immobile in shock.

Nagamasa’s mind was blank. He threw the Daitatara Nagmasa in the infernal flame of the Furnace and ran away. He didn’t even see the pure fright in his companions’ eyes. He didn’t see Nozomu desperately trying to salvage the blade, to the point of burning his own face. He didn’t see his trusted yoriki’s eyes stared deep inside him, even after death.

His heart feels like a balloon filled with anger and hatred. It is going to burst.

Nagamasa ran out of Tatarasuna. His mind was so blank, but so full of thoughts at the same time.

Katsuragi dared betray me. Even him betrayed me, then who else in this world I could trust?

I killed Katsuragi. How dared I killed the person that I owe my life to? After all that, is this how I repay him?

His heart feels like a balloon filled with anger and hatred. It is going to burst.

Nagamasa ran straight to Kujou Encampment. His mind was so blank, but so full of thoughts at the same time.

Why did Katsuragi betrayed me? What did I do wrong? Where did I go wrong?

Mother, if only you could see me right now, if only you could shield me from the wrongs of the world, if only I could hide in your arms again.

His heart feels like a balloon filled with anger and hatred. It is going to burst.

Nagamasa ran straight to a boat parking at the beach near Kujou Encampment. His mind was so blank, but so full of thoughts at the same time.

Goodness of other. My name. Apologize. Goodness of other. My name. Apologize.

Goodness of other. My name. Apologize.

Goodness of other. My name. Apologize.

Katsuragi. Wandering eccentric. Raiden Ei. Mother. Doukei. Mikoshi Nagamasa.

His heart feels like a balloon filled with anger and hatred. It burst.

The magnificent tsuba which was tied to his hip will never feel so heavy anymore.