Chapter Text
The sun rose hot and red over Gensokyo. Its warm rays stretched far across the east face of Youkai Mountain, crept across the rice paddies, and crawled through the streets of The Human Village. The morning was sticky and humid. Summer had fully settled into Gensokyo, and July’s heat was suffocating even at sunrise.
Dew clung to the grass and bushes that surrounded the Moriya Shrine. A thin haze hung along the grounds. Early morning crickets who had yet to quiet from their night of chirping, sang one last quiet song.
Kanako woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. It buzzed loudly as her eyes shot open. She rolled over in her futon with a grunt and slapped the button on the infernal thing to silence it. Through her foggy half-awake brain she vaguely processed the numbers on its screen. 7:00.
Kanako let out a sigh as she rolled onto her back. Next to her, Suwako shuffled. The blonde woman turned to face Kanako with sleep still in her golden eyes. She squinted at her wife and yawned, accentuating the thin wrinkles she had around her mouth.
“Morning.” Kanako said, voice a bit husky.
“Good morning.” Suwako said. She sat up in the futon and stretched her arms above her head. “How did you sleep?” Suwako asked.
“Fine.” Kanako said, then she thought back to a dream she’d had. It involved something large and dark buried within the heart of Youkai Mountain. The dream faded quickly as she tried to parse it. It slipped away like fog through fingers. The thought of it was lost as quickly as it came. She disregarded it as it vanished.
Suwako slowly crawled out of their futon and moved towards the floor length mirror in the corner of their room. She collected a hairbrush from a nearby armoire and began to brush her graying hair. She yawned again as she looked at Kanako through the reflection.
“Aren’t you getting up?” Suwako said tiredly.
“Might as well.” Kanako said. She sat up and stretched out her back. A few of her vertebrae cracked into place. She stood up and moved over to where Suwako was standing. She rested her hands on the shorter woman’s shoulders and put her chin on top of Suwako’s head. She looked at her own reflection in the mirror and frowned. Her hair was messy, her own wrinkles looked particularly deep today. She would have to put on some moisturizer after breakfast… speaking of which her stomach grumbled.
Kanako then noticed something very curious. She sniffed the air, and surprisingly she didn’t smell coffee being brewed. Strange, usually Sanae was up before them. She was always the one who started their breakfast and the coffee.
Kanako stood up straight and looked at their shut door. Had Sanae slept in?
“What’s wrong?” Suwako said as she placed the brush back down.
“I don’t think Sanae has started our breakfast.” Kanako said.
“Now that you mention it…” Suwako said thoughtfully. She tilted her chin up to Kanako and frowned. Again, her wrinkles deepened.
“I’m going to check.” Kanako said. She slipped out of the room and hurried down the hall to the kitchen.
The room was dark and silent as was the rest of the shrine. Kanako listened as she heard birdsong carry in from outside. Everything was very still inside. She heard her own breathing fill the quiet room around her.
Footsteps carried in from down the hall she had come from, and Suwako approached her.
“Where’s Sanae?” Suwako asked.
“Well, she’s not here.” Kanako said.
“Obviously.” Suwako rolled her eyes. Kanako grimaced at the woman. Sometimes she could be so literal.
“I’m going to check her room. Put on some eggs.” Suwako suggested.
Kanako turned to the fridge and opened it. Inside, the cool air felt nice against her sticky hot skin. She reached forward and retrieved the carton of eggs. She pulled it out and put it on the counter.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had made breakfast either for herself or her family. Sanae was supposed to be the one in charge of that. In fact, Sanae was supposed to be in charge of most of the household duties. Even though she was their adopted daughter, she was still their shrine maiden as well.
Kanako took out a large frying pan and put it on the stovetop. She then went to work cracking a few eggs into it. A few of the yolks broke and spilled out into the egg whites. Kanako grumbled irritably. Whatever, they were going to have scrambled eggs. Sanae was the one skilled at cooking them sunnyside up after all. It’s not like Kanako had any real talent at it. Again, she thought sourly that this shouldn’t be her job.
“Kanako…” Called Suwako’s voice from down the hall.
“Yeah?” Kanako called back.
“Come in here.” Suwako said.
“Yeah, yeah.” Kanako clicked off the heat and made her way down the hall in the direction of Suwako’s voice.
She found Sanae’s door open, and entered just inside. She stood at the threshold of the door looking in.
Suwako was knelt beside Sanae’s futon. Her hand was resting upon Sanae’s forehead. Sanae lay inside it, eyes squeezed closed, face red.
“She has a fever.” Suwako said. “She says she can’t get up.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.” Sanae said, looking up at Kanako. “I don’t feel very well…”
Kanako folded her arms. She felt pity course through her heart as she eyed Sanae.
Sanae’s face was flushed a deep red. Beads of sweat had accumulated on her forehead. Her eyes were glossy and unfocused as she looked at Kanako.
Poor girl. She really looked a wreck. Kanako sighed. She hated doing chores, but it seemed she had no choice in the matter.
“Don’t apologize, Sanae. Get some rest.” Kanako said.
“Are you sure?” Sanae asked weakly.
“Of course we are.” Suwako said. “Your health is important. Go back to sleep. Rest now.”
“Thanks…” Sanae said. Then she broke into a coughing fit. She covered her mouth with her fist as she hacked and hacked. Her eyes were watering by the end of it. She relaxed back down into her futon and let out a ragged sigh.
Suwako stood from Sanae’s bedside and moved over to where Kanako was standing by the door.
“Let’s let her sleep.” She said.
“Mhm.” Kanako agreed. She allowed Suwako out of the room, then exited herself. She took one last peek at Sanae lying sick in her futon, before she slid closed the door behind her.
Suwako and Kanako made their way out into the kitchen once again, and Kanako clicked the heat of the stove back on. She stirred the eggs, scrambling them, as she looked to Suwako.
“Can you start the coffee, love?” Kanako asked.
“Yep.” Suwako said. She did just that, scooping a heavy helping of ground coffee beans into their coffee maker. She filled it with water, and turned it on. The coffee maker grumbled and hissed as it warmed itself up.
“Are you making any toast?” Suwako asked.
“Um…” Kanako looked over at their toaster. It was brand new and from the outside world. It had a digital touch screen face that currently had an analogue clock portrayed on it. It had a million different settings, and Kanako had yet to use it once. She had always relied on Sanae to do it for her.
“Let’s just keep it simple today.” Kanako said.
“If you say so.” Suwako shrugged. She moved behind Kanako and wrapped one arm around her waist. “Scrambled?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kanako sighed, Suwako was always so particular about her eggs.
“I decided it would be quicker.” Kanako said.
“Just remember to salt them.” Suwako said. She placed a kiss against Kanako’s arm, then released her. She moved over toward a cabinet and opened it. She pulled out two mismatched mugs. One was sculpted in the shape of a frog, its bulging eyes poked out of the top of the rim. The other was a white mug with the words World’s #1 Dad on it. She placed them next to the coffee maker and leaned against the counter.
“Should we send for Yagokoro?” Suwako asked.
“For Sanae?” Kanako asked as she stirred the eggs some more. She retrieved the salt and pepper shakers from nearby and seasoned the eggs.
“No, for me.” Suwako said sarcastically. She rolled her eyes. “Yes for Sanae.”
“I don’t think she’s that sick.” Kanako said. Her refusal to get Eientei involved definitely had something to do with her pride. She didn’t want to ask that sleazy doctor for help.
“She looked pretty bad.” Suwako said.
“She’s not dying. She’s part divine. It’s just a fever.” Kanako said without looking up from her work.
“It’s all because she was caught in that rainstorm yesterday.” Suwako sighed. “I told you we shouldn’t have sent her shopping.”
“How was I supposed to know the rain would start that early? Plus, we needed radishes.” Kanako said.
“Oh, yes, radishes. At the expense of poor Sanae’s health. What a good compromise.” Suwako said bitterly.
Kanako simply grumbled and rolled her eyes. She was in no mood for an early morning argument with her wife.
“She at least needs something warm and easy on the stomach. Do we still have any garlic?” Suwako asked.
“I think we used it all last Tuesday when we made the stew.” Kanako said.
“Then I want you to go into town to get ingredients for some hearty soup.” Suwako said.
Kanako sighed, but relented. She did feel a little guilty for having suggested Sanae go out yesterday.
“Fine.” Kanako said. “If you watch over her while I’m gone.” She moved over and collected a pair of plates. She took the eggs off the heat and began plating them.
“Of course.” Suwako said. She let out a yawn and her eyes watered. “Maybe get some extra milk while you’re out too. We’re running low.”
“Yes, dear.” Kanako said with some bitterness on her tongue. She thought about how she had intended to spend the day reading her new book. Now she would have to go shopping? It was so annoying.
Kanako brought the plates of eggs over towards their kotatsu and set them down before she took a seat.
Suwako poured them each a mug of coffee. She added sugar to her own, while she added cream to Kanako’s. They knew exactly how the other liked theirs prepared after being married for so very many years. She brought the mugs over towards the kotatsu and placed one down in front of Kanako. Suwako took a seat next to Kanako.
Kanako took it and began to blow across the top of it to cool it down as Suwako went to work eating her eggs.
They had breakfast in a relative silence. Suwako broke the quiet only twice, first suggesting that Kanako go to the market early to get fresh fish, then suggesting that Kanako hurry back because she needed to start the soup’s broth as soon as possible.
Both suggestions made Kanako’s skin crawl with irritation. She was a god for fucks sake. She shouldn’t be running errands like buying vegetables and fish. She should be busy looking good in front of her followers.
Still, there was little to be done about the situation, and she would rather be running errands than nursing Sanae. It’s not that she didn’t care about the girl, she just knew she had no bedside demeanor.
They finished their breakfasts and put their dishes in the sink to be cleaned later, as neither particularly wanted to do it themselves.
Both gods dressed. Suwako in a long purple sundress with her signature eyeballed hat atop her graying hair, and Kanako in a red top with blue hakama pants. Kanako pulled her short hair back in a half bun, and collected a set of beige tote bags that she would use to carry the food back up the mountain.
Suwako told Kanako that she wanted to check on Sanae again, and wished her a safe trip. They exchanged a quick kiss before Kanako was out the door, heading down to the tengu village.
Outside the sun beat down on her dark hair heavily. She groaned and cursed the heat as she walked down their front steps to their courtyard. Shrine guests were already beginning to climb their way up to worship. They saw Kanako and immediately met her with low reverenced bows. She greeted them quickly and informed them that Sanae wouldn’t be taking care of guests that morning.
She was met with mixed reactions, but no one seemed particularly ready to complain about this, especially to a goddess. Instead they resigned to worship on their own without the aid or accompaniment of Moriya’s Shrine maiden.
Kanako felt little pity for them. Instead, she was too busy pitying herself. She crossed through the courtyard and jumped into the air. She took to the sky as she zoomed down the mountain to the tengu village. She manipulated a gust of wind against her back to quicken her pace as she went.
The air was cooler up in the sky as the wind rushed past her. She sighed happily, a bit relieved to be rid of the sweltering heat, if even just for a few minutes. She soared over the long stairway that led up to Moriya Shrine, and down above the forest that separated the tengu village from her home.
As she flew, something bright, silver, and metallic caught her eye through the trees. She glanced at these oddities as she passed over them. She could barely make out their shapes through the heavy summer leaves, but from what she saw, they looked to be some type of machines. Probably kappa work, she thought to herself. She made a note to discuss these machines with them at a later time. After all, the kappas and her had made an agreement to keep their experimenting lower on the mountain by the Genbu Ravine.
Before long, she found she was at the edge of the tengu village. She begrudgingly lowered herself down from the sky and touched down just next to the watchtowers that surrounded the village.
A few white wolf guards eyed her as she stepped through the entrance, but they didn’t say anything. They knew better than to question the goddess.
Kanako stuck her nose high in the air as she strutted past them without even casting them a passing glance.
Inside, the village was crowded. The streets were filled to the brim with people as they made their morning commute to work. Crows and white wolves alike hurried along through the half paved roads as they went about their mornings.
Kanako made a beeline towards the market in the center of town. She had to push past a few people, but most parted and moved out of her path when they saw her coming. Damn, it was good to be recognized.
As she entered the square where the market was, she was met with the unmistakable smell of fresh fish. It was strong and potent, and she resisted the urge to cover her nose as she was assaulted by it. She could never stand the scent of it.
She crossed over to one vendor and was greeted by a balding white wolf tengu man with a pair of deep set eyes.
His face lit up when he saw her approach his stall.
“G’morning, Lady Yasaka.” He said brightly. “It’s an honor to have you.”
“Good morning, sir.” Kanako said politely enough. She eyed the boxes of vegetables he had stored behind the counter. “Can I please have a half pound of tomatoes, some parsley leaves, and three cloves of garlic.” She asked.
“Coming right up.” He said, turning his back to her to prepare her order.
Kanako looked around as she waited for the man. She caught a pair of pretty white wolf girls whispering with one another and staring at her. When their eyes met, the girls quickly looked away, giggling and blushing. Kanako smirked to herself. She felt a bubble of pride in her stomach. Regardless of her wrinkles and graying hair, she still had all of her charms.
The man behind the counter approached Kanako again and held out her vegetables. She collected them and tucked them in one of her totes before she paid him for them.
“Thank you, sir.” Kanako said, casting him a smile.
“No, thank you, Lady Yasaka.” He said with a low bow.
Kanako waved him off and crossed the square to the fish market portion. She approached a vendor there. The crow woman sat next to box after box of fish on ice. She looked up at Kanako as she approached, but didn’t stand.
“‘Lo.” She said a bit gruffly. She itched her chin as she examined Kanako.
Kanako bristled as she felt the woman’s disapproving eyes on her. Well, she couldn’t charm everyone she supposed.
Just then, a terrible rumbling shook the ground beneath her feet. She wobbled in place as an earthquake trembled through the tengu village. Everyone around struggled to keep their footing. A few white wolves nearby toppled clean over. The boxes of fish before Kanako quaked violently, ice splattered everywhere. The woman vendor sitting in front of her let out a gasp and her eyes went wide. Kanako extended her hands to either side of her as she attempted to balance herself.
After just a few moments though, the earthquake stopped. Everyone looked around at one another in shock. Just what had that been? Kanako briefly wondered if another incident with the celestials was starting.
“Um…” The woman sitting before her said, “Did you do that?” She asked, looking terrified up at Kanako.
“No, I’m a wind goddess not an earth goddess. That’s my wi- companion.” Kanako said, correcting herself. These tengu had no business knowing about her personal life.
“Ah…” The woman looked frazzled. She cleared her throat as she adjusted her collar. “You had me worried there for a second.”
“No, it wasn’t me.” Kanako said again. “Ah… I’m just here to buy some white fish filets.”
“Course, course.” The woman nodded. She unsteadily got up from the box she had been sitting on and moved to wrap up a few filets for Kanako.
Kanako watched her, brow furrowed. She was still perturbed about the earthquake. She wondered if it had traveled all the way up to Moriya Shrine. Were Suwako and Sanae okay?
“Have a few crawfish on the house, Lady Kanako.” The woman said as she came back over to Kanako. Kanako collected the bundles of fish and crawdads and thanked the woman.
“Come back anytime.” The woman said, yet she still looked at Kanako with scared eyes.
“Yeah…” Kanako said. She left and moved away toward the center of the square. She needed to sit down. Her legs still felt very wobbly.
In the very center of the market was a fountain depicting the tengus' leader, Tenma. The carved man stood tall, wings extended wide, looking out onto the greater tengu village. Water was supposed to be spouting all around him, but it seemed the fountain was out of commission.
Kanako took a seat on the edge of the fountain and put her hands in her lap. She looked down at her feet and tried to collect herself. She wondered about the earthquake, replaying the scene in her head again and again. She was suddenly very eager to get back home to check on her wife and Sanae.
“...Another one…” Came a voice from nearby. “This is the Fourth earthquake this week!”
“Fifth.” Corrected another voice. “Don’t you remember the one on Monday?”
Kanako looked up, intrigued.
Standing by the side of the fountain, tool belts heavy and wrenches in hand, were a pair of kappas. They seemed to be working to repair the fountain. One wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, and a line of black grease was spread across her brow.
“What did you say?” Kanako asked using her best commanding God Voice.
“Huh? Oh!” The kappa who had spread grease across her forehead looked over at Kanako and her eyes went wide. “Lady Yasaka?” She asked.
“The very same.” Kanako said. “What were you talking about? Earthquakes? There’ve been more than just this one?”
“Oh, there’ve been plenty. Most of them were further down the mountain, though.” The other kappa, a navy-headed girl said. “They’ve been happening all over for the past two weeks.”
“Two weeks, hmm?” Kanako said, resting her index finger across her chin. “Curious. Can you tell me more? Where have they been occurring?”
“Well two hit our Genbu Ravine. Before that, one hit The Forest of Magic. Then, after they hit us, there was one a bit higher up in the Yamawaro village. Now, there’s been this one in the tengu village.
“So they’re moving up the mountain? Not down? Can’t be the celestials then…” Kanako said, eyes turning thoughtful.
“We don’t know what’s causing them.” The grease-browed girl said. “Kawashiro’s been trying to figure it out since they started.”
“Kawashiro? As in Nitori Kawashiro?” Kanako asked.
“Yeah.” They said in unison.
“She has her own task force set up and everything.” The navy-headed girl said.
Kanako considered this for a long moment. She wanted to check on her family, but she wanted to solve this mystery more. The earthquakes seemed to be localized, meaning this past one must have not reached their shrine. So, they should be fine for now. She should have some time to investigate. After all, Sanae was in no condition to do it.
“Can you take me to Kawashiro?” Kanako asked.
“Um…” The kappas looked at one another.
“I guess I can.” Said the navy headed one.
“What’s your name?” Kanako asked.
“Touma.” She said. “This is Yuri.” She said motioning to the greasy one.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Yasaka.” Yuri said with a deep bow.
“Same.” Kanako said with a simple nod.
“I’ll leave the repair up to you then.” Touma said. “I’ll escort the goddess down to the ravine.”
“You owe me lunch.” Yuri said to the other kappa, a bit annoyed to have drawn the short end of the stick. “And, I’m holding you to it.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Touma said. She beckoned for Kanako to follow, and Kanako stood up.
They cut through the tengu village, crossing through alleys and unnamed streets as they went. After a short trek, they came to the edge of the tengu village. They both took to the air, and headed down the mountain.
Again, Kanako found herself flying over the forest that blanketed Youkai Mountain. The canopy of leaves was thick with summer foliage. Birds startled by their approach flew and scattered away as they skimmed over the trees.
And again, Kanako caught sight of more of the silver machines peeking out through the trees. She found herself growing more and more curious. They must belong to the kappas, either the river folk or forest folk. She would have to get answers out of both of them and demand they stop experimenting so high up the mountain.
The sun was higher now; it must have been about noon. The afternoon sky was mostly clear with only a few unthreatening wispy clouds stretching across the horizon. Nowhere in sight was the storm that had blanketed the mountain just yesterday.
The haze that had taken hold of the mountain earlier that day had completely dissipated. The dew had long since evaporated, and the crickets had quieted. Now, instead cicadas began their daily cry. They shrieked below in the forest as Kanako and Touma zipped above them.
Before long, they found themselves nearing the kappa village. Metallic houses and warehouses surrounded the Genbu Ravine, pipes sprouted from every angle, entangling the village like a giant metal spider’s web. Kanako was quite curious as to what the method to their madness was with regards to their plumbing systems. Still, that wasn’t why she was here. She was here to get some answers.
They touched down near the front gate of the kappa village, and were met by a set of guards. Both were short and blue haired as kappas tended to be. They looked up at Kanako with wide-eyed reverence as she approached them. Kanako couldn’t help smiling. She towered over them at a staggering 6’2. In comparison, they came up to her navel. They gaped up at her, unable to speak.
Touma motioned to Kanako and said, “The goddess of the mountain would like to speak to Kawashiro.”
“O-of course.” One guard choked out. “Go right in, Lady Yasaka.”
Kanako gave them a grateful nod as she stepped through the gate.
Touma beckoned Kanako to follow, and follow she did.
They made their way down the damp dirt streets. All around, kappas stopped to gawk at Kanako as she passed them by. She passed by one kappa who let out a squeak of surprise.
“That’s the goddess!” She said to her friend who stood beside her.
Kanako smirked. Ah, sweet recognition. She felt herself grow stronger with their faith.
They continued along. The thick scent of mud and river water filled the air. It was refreshing after being in the fish scented market.
“It’s right down this street.” Touma said, leading her along. Their shoes dug into the wet earth, splattering it up as they walked on. Kanako had luckily enough decided to wear boots despite the heat; she would have very much regretted wearing a pair of geta here.
They crossed the road and came face to face with the largest warehouse in the village. It was tall and looming with an enormous folding door on the front. It was painted a pale blue, and some of the color had begun to chip off. Its metallic roof glinted in the sunshine.
“Here we are.” Touma said. She motioned towards a door Kanako had missed on the side of the building warehouse. A small room jutted out from the side of the enormous structure, and upon it stood a single closed door. “You can knock there. I hope she’s home.” Tomua continued.
Kanako made her way up to the door and knocked three times. “Hello? Kawashiro?” Kanako called, once again using her God Voice.
There was shuffling from behind the door. It sounded like someone had moved. Then, footsteps began approaching.
Kanako stood up straight and looked at the door as it creaked open.
Peeking out of the crack of the door was a single blue eye. It looked Kanako up and down, then went wide. The door swung open fully, and in the threshold stood Nitori Kawashiro. She was short and petite. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She was wearing a blue grease stained jumpsuit.
“Lady Yasaka?” Nitori asked, confusion in her voice.
“Yes.” Kanako said, “I’ve come to ask you a few questions.”
“About what?” Nitori asked, leaning on the doorframe.
“The earthquakes that have been plaguing Youkai Mountain.” Kanako said.
Nitori looked behind Kanako and saw Touma standing awkwardly in her shadow.
“Shoulda known.” Nitori said. She brought her eyes back to Kanako. “I guess it involves you too, Lady Yasaka.”
“It does.” Kanako said. “Can I come in?”
“Sure. Hey, Touma you coming too?” Nitori asked.
“N-no.” She said. Touma seemed to be a little nervous in Nitori’s presence, “I have to get back to work.”
“Take care then.” Nitori said.
“Thanks!” Touma peeped. She was blushing. She turned stiffly on her heels and hurried off down the street, her boots splashed as she all but ran through the mud.
Nitori stepped aside to let Kanako in. Kanako moved inside as Nitori closed the door behind her.
Inside was a small office. The walls were painted the same blue as the outside had been, and there was a wheeled blue chair that matched. The chair sat at an incredibly messy desk with stacks upon stacks of paper sprawled across it. There were several dark coffee rings on the pale wood, and an empty burger wrapper sat near the edge. Sitting across from the desk was a single black folding chair that looked extremely uncomfortable.
One wall of the room was completely made out of glass and had a glass door upon it. The glass looked out upon the main area of the warehouse. Inside the massive thing were half-built vehicles and devices that Kanako couldn’t make heads or tails of. She was absolutely intrigued by them, but this wasn’t the time for such things. She had to know about the earthquakes.
Nitori moved and sat down at the desk on the wheeled chair. She gestured for Kanako to take a seat across from her.
Kanako made a face at the stiff chair, but sat down nonetheless. She looked up at Nitori, eyes thoughtful.
“I’ve heard you’ve been looking into the earthquakes.” Kanako said.
“Yes, I have. I have a task force out taking readings now.” Nitori confirmed.
“Have you heard that there was another quake in the tengu village twenty minutes ago?” Kanako asked.
“Really?” Nitori leaned forward in her chair, eyes wide. “How do you know?”
“I was there.” Kanako motioned down to her two tote bags filled with food. She hadn’t gotten the chance to finish her shopping. Suwako would be mad at her for not getting milk.
“You were? Was anybody hurt?” Nitori asked.
“I don’t think so.” Kanako said. She placed an index finger on her chin as she thought. “And there was little to no property damage that I could see.”
“That’s good at least.” Nitori said. “They weren’t too bad when they were down here either. Still, it’s troubling.”
“What could be causing them?” Kanako asked. She frowned and her forehead wrinkles deepened.
“We don’t know yet.” Nitori said. “But whatever it is, it can’t be good. We need to figure this out before the whole damn mountain comes crumbling down.”
“You’re right.” Kanako agreed. “Has your research on them pulled up anything substantial?”
“Unfortunately not.” Nitori made a face. “By the time my men get out there, the earthquakes have passed, and there’s nothing much they can find.” Nitori said. “All we know is that they’re slowly heading up the mountain.”
“Yes…” Kanako thought. “Tell me, do you have a map of the quake locations?”
“Oh, yeah.” Nitori said. She yanked open one cluttered drawer and dug around in it. A few moments passed as she searched for something, swearing all the while. “Where the hell is it?” She asked. Then she said, “Aha!” And pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. She smoothed it out on her desk and handed it to Kanako.
Kanako looked down at the wrinkled thing and frowned. It was a map of Youkai Mountain with four red circles dotting it. On each of the circles, a date was written. Indeed, they were happening more frequently. Worse than that, they were heading up toward Moriya Shrine.
“It looks like your home is next.” Nitori said regretfully.
“I can see that.” Kanako said. She sighed. “Can I keep this?”
“Sure.” Nitori shrugged. “I have a few copies.”
“Thank you.” Kanako said. She squinted down at the map in her hands. Just what did this all mean?
“We’ll keep you updated if we find anything more.” Nitori said, “But, we really don’t have a lot to go on right now.”
“This is turning into quite the predicament.” Kanako said. She folded the paper up neatly and put it in her pocket. “Do you think Hakurei and the magician might get involved?”
“Eh…” Nitori frowned. “Not likely. It doesn’t really involve her does it?” Nitori said.
Kanako sighed. She wanted more than anything to have someone else deal with this mess. But, for the time being at least, that didn’t seem very likely. Again, she cursed her luck. She would so much rather be at home lazing about and being worshiped by the masses. But, no, she had to deal with this.
“I suppose… I’ll have to look into this.” Kanako said after a beat.
“Why doesn’t your shrine maiden do it? Isn’t that her job?” Nitori asked.
“She’s sick today.” Kanako said. She frowned again. “Otherwise, yes, she would be dealing with this.”
“Tough luck. A goddess doing the dirty work, I mean.” Nitori said.
“You’re right there.” Kanako said. She cast her gaze away, and her eyes landed on the machines in Nitori’s warehouse. She straightened up.
“Kawashiro,” Kanako began, “Are your people the ones scattering all those machines over Youkai Mountain? We had an agreement that you would keep your experimenting near the ravine.”
“Machines?” Nitori frowned. “We haven’t left any machines on Youkai Mountain recently.”
“Are you sure?” Kanako asked her. “They looked sophisticated. I assumed they were kappa tech.”
Nitori shook her head and her ponytail swung from side to side. “No, Ma’am. We’ve been keeping to ourselves. It’s probably those dirty Yamawaro…” Nitori said bitterly.
“Hmm… maybe.” Kanako said. She eyed Nitori up and down, and decided that she was being genuine. She must be telling the truth.
“I mean, who else could it be?” Nitori asked.
“I suppose you’re right. I’ll have to have a talk with them.” Kanako said. “I don’t like them littering my mountain with their business.”
“Understandable, we can’t stand them either.” Nitori said. “Honestly, where do they get off?”
Kanako chuckled, “You’re still sore from the break?”
“Yeah, and they hate us just as much.” Nitori said, “And their leader… have you heard the trouble she’s been getting up to?”
Kanako, who had secretly profited quite a bit on the trouble Takane Yamashiro had caused a few months ago, held her tongue. Nobody needed to know about her dealings with the black market. That was her business.
“Listen, I hate to cut this short, but I’ve really got to get back to work.” Nitori said, a bit apologetically.
“I understand. I’ve got to be heading out as well.” Kanako said. She stood from the hard black chair and straightened herself up. “I’ll be looking into this. I’ll inform you if I come up with anything.”
“Thanks, Lady Yasaka.” Nitori said with a grateful smile. “Don’t be a stranger.”
Kanako simply gave her a nod and headed over towards the door. She paused with her hand on the handle. “You wouldn’t happen to have a market in town would you?” She asked, remembering the milk she was supposed to pick up.
“Sure we do. I hope you like cucumbers.” Nitori said with a wide toothy grin.
“Do they carry milk?” Kanako asked, knowing the answer.
“Cucumber milk!” Nitori said.
“Great…” Kanako grumbled. She would have to backtrack to the tengu village to pick up a gallon. “Thanks again, Kawashiro.”
“See ya.” Nitori waved.
Kanako stepped out of her office and back out onto the street. Her boots sunk into the mud. She sighed and began her way back up the mountain.