Paul stared at Inari’s still lifeless body, shrouded in red silk, lying upon her daybed. Nothing had changed. No.. that wasn’t entirely true, he had changed. He’d had hope before. He’d been determined to lead a rescue mission into Yomi, thinking all he had to do was defeat the Goddess of Death herself and bring Inari’s spirit back.
Except, it hadn’t gone to plan. Inari was gone, or at least, departed for realms unknown, and ironically Izanami was alive and mortal…
Paul’s train of thought derailed, and he turned around to stare at Izanami.
“Ok… why isn’t she alive? You said her spirit had left Yomi. Why isn’t she here? If you lied to me...”
Izanami tried, and failed, to repress a shudder at the growl in Paul’s voice.
“No lie! You felt her presence yourself!”
“I felt something. I’ve talked to Kate’s ghost, but that doesn’t mean she’s alive, or even that her shade is her spirit apparently. She’s a Kowareta yūrei, a broken ghost. Her soul has moved on… Maybe what I felt was something like that…”
Izanami shook her head emphatically.
“No, Kami don’t work like that. She’s.. she must be lost between realms.”
Paul heaved a sigh.
“It’s just one damn thing after another… ok. How do we get her back then? Do we need a homing beacon or something like that?”
Izanami nodded, slowly, thoughtfully.
“Yes… maybe… that would help I think. But there needs to be a half way step, somewhere her spirit can get to from the other side, that leads to this side.”
Paul looked around at Inari’s hall.
“I thought that was this place? It’s half way between the real world and the celestial realm, isn’t it?”
Izanami looked around thoughtfully, then held a finger up in the air for all the world as if she was feeling for a breeze, and then shook her head.
“No.. I mean yes, it’s step in the right direction, but it’s not far enough. It’s a piece of the old Kami Realm broken off and joined to the mortal realm. A tiny bit, probably the only bit remaining, of Kami City… but where Inari is now, and the other gods, would be even deeper, the other side of the Realm of the Gods, Heaven as you mortals called it, if that still existed.”
Paul blinked in confusion.
“Ok… that made no sense whatsoever… but I guess you’re trying to describe directions outside of normal space, right?”
“Something like that, yes. The problem is, all that’s left outside the mortal realm is primal chaos. Inari and the others can’t find their way though it, because it has no directions… there’s no up or down, left or right, in or out. There’s... nothing, a featureless void of pure chaos”
Paul pinched the bridge of his nose as the beginnings of headache made itself known.
“Well… bugger. I get it now. I’ve been stranded like that out at sea in the fog once. Pretty hard to work out what way to go, if every direction looks exactly the same.”
“Exactly.”
Paul sighed. He’d been hoping as the Yamato was towed back to harbor that he’d be greeted by Inari at the dockside… then when that didn’t happen, that Izanami would know how to wake her up.
It seemed that it was still up to him, except now he had even less of clue than he did before.
“Alright… you’re a Primal Goddess. You created order out of chaos before if the myths are to be believed. How’d you do it?”
Izanami, didn’t answer. She scuffed at the tatami matting with a toe, looking clearly ill at ease. Paul looked at her, frowning.
“You did create the universe, didn’t you?”
“Not...exactly. No.”
“Well, this is a hell of time to be admitting you lied!”
Izanami shook her head.
“We didn’t lie… Izagmi and I did create the mortal realms...but the universe is a lot bigger than just your realm you know.”
Paul sighed.
“Ok. Metaphysics aside… now what the hell do I do? I can’t just yell into the void ‘let there be light’ and create a half way step for Inari…”
Paul stopped, staring at Izanami whose eyes had gone wide as an idea dawned on her.
“Ok… what is it?”
“Perhaps.. perhaps you could!”
Paul blinked, trying to process the idea, then shook his head.
“No, no way… are you kidding me?! That couldn’t possibly work! I’m just a guy! Not a god. The only world building I do is with words on paper… not literally!”
Izanami nodded.
“But you could! The abyss is pure chaos right now, primed with energy. All you need do is provide a seed and it would form around that, like a crystal growing.”
Paul opened his mouth to object, and then stopped, closing it again as he thought. For a long, long moment he stood, and then slowly turned to stare at the door at the far end of the hall, the one Inari had long ago said led to the City of the Gods.
“Tell me Izanami… have you ever wondered how magic works?”
“What?”
“You see.. mana is just energy, raw, untamed energy. Magic is what happens when you give mana structure and purpose. It’s taking a little bit of chaos, and making it into order…”
“Oh! I knew that… and you can do that.”
Paul nodded, even though Izanami hadn’t really asked a question.
“I can, sort of. I use talisman’s. They’re like circuits really, or blueprints if you like. The power flows though the ink, and the talisman gives the mana a shape, imbued with purpose by my will. Manifested by my handiwork in effect.”
“But… no talisman could do what you intend this time, surely?”
Paul slowly shook his head.
“No, there’s limits to what any physical object can survive, and the amount of raw power that’s currently floating around ‘out’ there would far exceed the tolerances of anything I could make. However… I wasn’t thinking of using a physical object, not directly.”
Izanami frowned.
“I… don’t understand…”
She paused, Paul was staring at her, a contemplative look on his face. For some unknown reason, she suddenly felt nervous.
“W..why are you looking at me like that?”
Paul smiled crookedly.
“Izanami… you agree that this ungodly mess is all your doing, even if you don’t remember doing it, right?”
“Yesss….”
“So, making amends would be the right thing to do, don’t you agree?”
“In principle, yes… what are you contemplating Holmes-san?”
Paul sighed.
“Nothing good… I think… Ok, you are involuntarily linked to every single deity that you gutted, because you used their spiritual power core as part of your mad scheme, linking them to yours. Which makes you ideally suited to serve as a beacon, or at least, your ‘pearl’ does.”
Izanami cautiously nodded.
“Agreed… but I don’t have any power. I’m not even sure if I even have a pearl any more.. it may have splinted and gone with each of the others.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“Nonetheless, you and they are linked. Yank on one end of that, and it should pull them in.”
“Yes, but again I say, you need a half way step.”
Paul nodded.
“I’m getting to that. Neither of us can do this alone, but together, perhaps we can pull it off. Thing is… as I said, I can’t use a normal talisman, but what if I encoded the spell to construct.. or rather reconstruct, the Celestial realm into a spirit?”
Izanami stared at Paul, blinking owlishly in bewilderment as she processed the idea.
“You are saying you want to carve a spell into my soul?!”
“Something like that… I think I know how. I’m fairly sure it’s at least survivable. I hope so since I’ll be part of it too… but all things considered, it’s risk I’m willing to take.”
“You want me to risk my life as well?!”
“Yes. Are you willing? To make amends.”
Izanami shook her head.
“No! No.. I.. I’m not going to risking dying again! Not even for that. I don’t remember doing the things you say I did! That was another me, one who was dead.. and mad. I’m not her now! So, no! You can risk your own life… I’ve seen the colour of your soul, you seek death. You can go and find it by yourself! Without me!”
Paul stared at Izanami, and then sighed.
“Ok… so much for doing it the easy way….”
“You’d force me?! Where is your honour now Herald!”
Paul levelled a flat, expressionless stare at Izanami.
“I could point out that I would do anything to save Inari… but if I did what you evidently think I was about to say, Inari would kill me afterwards and I’d deserve it. But no, that wasn’t what I was thinking of. What I was about to suggest as a possible alternative, was transferring your linkage to me, and I would do it instead.”
Izanami opened and closed her mouth, trying to find the right words. In end all that came out was a very small and contrite;
“Oh. I see.”
“However, I’m not sure if transferring the link is possible. I have an idea. Something like creating a new God by dividing your Pearl... but... do you know if it’s possible?”
Izanami slowly nodded.
“Yes… and no. If I had enough power I could indeed divide my Pearl, gifting you a small portion of it along with the links as you suggest. That would grant you the ability to do what needs to be done… and you might even survive it. Although you would no longer be mortal. But, it’s impossible. I don’t have the power in me to divide in the first place.”
“That I can fix… although it isn’t going to be pleasant for you, it will be survivable.”
Izanami sighed.
“I still need to make amends. I’ll do whatever it takes. Short of death that is.”
“Ok, good. One last roll of the dice then.. but.. Um… Inari and the others aren’t going to come to harm any time soon, are they?”
“No. There’s no time in the void at present. Why?”
“Oh good… because I am half dead on my feet with exhaustion, and it’ll take some time to power you back up to Goddess levels. So it’ll be ok if we do this thing tomorrow, after I’ve rested and you’ve had time to soak up some mana, right?”
Izanami nodded, frowning in puzzlement.
“Yes, resting first should be ok… but you said.. soak up power?”
“Yeah… let me show you to our onsen, while I set up something to supercharge it.”
“Supercharge… an onsen?”
“You’ll see.”
------
Having left Izanami soaking in the hot springs, Paul went and found Yuko and Yuri standing guard over Inari’s sanctum, and ordered them to help him move the Mana convertor and some other equipment to the onsen. His plan was simple, add a lot of dust-like fillings created from the unique iron of Inari’s mine to the waters of onsen, then pump that water up, though a hose and around the mana convertor exposing it to the energy field, thus creating a mana rich mineral bath.
Converting the mana to prana was something he hoped Izanami’s body could do by itself now she was alive. Otherwise he’d have to work out how to recreate the prana convertor using some of the unique crystal the special ops soldiers had looted from Izanami’s ‘castle’ in Yomi.
At least, he thought they had, although now that he stopped to think about it he wasn’t sure. Which was a problem given that Yomi was flooded now, not to mention they’d sealed the gates to it behind them.
Paul shook his head. That was a problem for later… much later. He turned his attention back to setting up the mana convertor under an awning outside of the onsen, a necessity since high voltage and water wasn’t a good mix. Yuri stood guard nearby, evidently curious about what he was doing but so far silent. Briefly he considered what, if anything, he should tell her by way of explanation… and came up blank. Deciding to shelve that problem as well, he focused on double checking the seals for leaks before starting the pump.
Satisfied that the iron rich water was circulating without leaks, he connected the long extension cable running from the workshop to the mana converter and powered that up. For a moment he held his breath, but nothing exploded or shorted out as the crystal and copper contraption hummed to glowing life.
Paul breathed a sign of relief, for once something actually worked as planned.
With a nod to Yuri, he ducked into the onsen and called out, careful not to look in the direction of the steaming pool.
“How are you?”
“Well… is the water supposed to tingle?”
“Yes? I think so… I’m charging it with raw mana, if everything’s working as expected your body will absorb that and convert it to divine energy… prana to coin a name for it. That should recharge you back up to Goddess levels.”
“I see. There were naturally occurring hot springs that used to feel like this, for the same reason I seem to recall.”
Paul nodded.
“That figures. They don’t exist any more, now that naturally occurring mana is a rarity, but I can see how they’d be possible. Anyway, anything you need to get comfortable? I don’t know how long this will take, but more than a few hours I’d imagine.”
Izanami sighed.
“I am going to be a shriveled prune by the time I’m done I think. Something to eat perhaps? I haven’t had a meal in… well I don’t remember how long it is and this body is still mortal.”
Paul nodded.
“Now that you mention it, I shouldn’t fall asleep on an empty stomach either… ok I’ll arrange for a tray to brought to you while I get something. Ah… best not volunteer your name if anyone asks.”
“I know… people will want to kill me if they knew. Who should I say I am?”
Paul shrugged.
“Just don’t. Modern Yokai have had to hide who and what they are for so long, they’ve developed the custom of not exchanging names. It’s doubtful anyone would ask who you are, and anyone who saw you before is unlikely to recognise you now.”
Izanami nodded, and sighed.
“It’s strange, having a vast hole in my memory… but I don’t wish to recall what I became.”
Paul smiled tiredly.
“Yeah, I get that. There’s a few bits of my life I wish I could erase as well. I am not the man I once was and frankly, that version of me is better off forgotten too. But the best I can do is just try not to recall it too much.”
“You are a strange man Holmes-san.”
“People keep saying that, but really I’m not though. I just do what’s needed. Now try to get comfortable and I’ll send some food in for you in a minute or so.”
–
Paul stared, blinking owlishly, as he stood on threshold of the kitchen. There was an albino Oni … no, an ogre, making platefuls of dainty looking cakes and sandwiches.
“Ah….”
The ogre looked over her shoulder at him, and dusted her hands off on the starched white linen apron before bowing to him.
“I’m Kokoro, owner and manager of the Yokai Cafe. I heard what was happening and I’m here to help as best I can… mostly by making sure everyone is fed.”
“Oh. Right. Oh yes, Shoko-chan’s mentioned you. Thank you.”
“It was the least I could do. Now, what can I get you?”
Paul hesitated, he had just been going to scrounge whatever he could find in the fridge and hadn’t thought about what he wanted, but now he was asked…
“Um… it’s probably terribly plebeian of me to ask, but could you could you come up with a bacon and fried egg sandwich? It’s been an age and..”
Kokoro smiled.
“Say no more. Comfort food it is… I think I saw a bottle of the brown sauce you English like to drench your food in…”
“HP sauce? Where on earth did you find that?! I’ve been looking for it ever since I arrived in Japan!”
“It was in amongst the donations… I suppose someone thought since you are English.”
Kokoro grinned as Paul sat down bonelessly, the last dregs of his strength leaving him.
“Never mind… just sit there and I’ll come up with the best, greasiest, bacon and fried egg sandwich I can manage.”
“Thank you.. I… I know it’s stupid. But I’m really, really grateful for that. Oh! If it’s not too much to ask, can you do a tray of something traditional and filling, and find someone to take it up to a guest in the onsen please?”
Kokoro nodded,
“Of course, Shoko-chan, would you?”
Paul blinked, and looked in the direction Kokoro had addressed. Ruefully he smiled.
“Sorry Shoko-chan, didn’t see you there.”
“It’s alright, I don’t mind. I could’ve been dancing on table and you wouldn’t have seen me you’re that tired Paul-san. Who’s in the onsen, is it that woman you found?”
“Yeah… it is. And before you ask, because I know you want to, she’s another victim of Izanami’s madness, but don’t press her, her memory is shot full of holes.”
Shoko nodded.
“Ok, I understand…”
For a moment there was an awkward silence, then Paul heaved a sigh.
“Ok… addressing the elephant in the room… Yes, I think I know what went wrong and how to fix it.”
Shoko shrugged.
“I wasn’t going to ask. I trust you.”
“Thanks, I know… but it’s unfair to leave you in suspense. Inari and the other kami disappeared because they weren’t dead. Yomi is, or was, a trap for the spirits of the dead, so when they revived it couldn’t hold them any more. But, thanks to Izanami, there was nowhere else for them to go. So now they are lost in void, trapped in limbo for lack of directions. I have half an idea on how to fix that by creating a direction for them and planting a beacon. That’s where the only mortal survivor of Yomi comes in… she has a link to the others, and can serve as that beacon.”
“Ohhhh… so that’s what’s going on!”
Paul nodded… hating himself for half-lying to Shoko, but given the appalling odds of his survival, he wasn’t about to tell her that part.
“Yeah. Luckily for us, limbo is also timeless as well as directionless. So we have the luxury of being able to rest and recuperate before acting. Which is why Izan..ah… drat! Didn’t mean to say that! Oh well, it’s unfortunate, but she shares a name with a certain late unlamented goddess, although they’re nothing alike. Anyway, she needs to recharge overnight so she’s soaking in a mana bath in onsen.”
Shoko frowned.
“Are you sure…?”
Paul shook his head.
“Don’t worry… she’s not the Goddess of Death if that’s what you’re thinking. Related but… well one can’t help one’s family after all.”
Shoko nodded slowly.
“I...see… well. I’ll attend her, if as you say she’s helping bring Inami back, it’s least I can do for her.”
“Thank you, and yeah, just be your helpful little fox-spirit self Shoko-chan. Sorry to impose, but if you could let everyone know what’s what… I’m dead on my feet and after I eat I’m going to go fall over for a few hours, you should rest too as well actually. We’ve one more hand of cards to play, and it’s better to do that with a clear head tomorrow.”
Shoko nodded.
“Understood. I’ll tell Kiko first, she can tell everyone else. After I take a tray of food up to the onsen. I want to see this person myself… not that I don’t trust you Paul-san! Just… you’re very tired.”
Paul smiled a small crooked smile.
“Yeah, I know. No offense taken, I understand. She’s harmless I think, but I’d feel better if you double checked as well. My brain is like cold porridge at the moment.”
Paul stopped as Kokoro placed a plate containing a doorstopper sandwich oozing bacon fat and yellow egg yoke in front of him. Tiredly he smiled up at her.
“You know… this is perfect! There used to be this little greasy spoon of a hole-in-wall cafe I would stop at first thing whenever I got back home from some adventure off god-knows-where, and I’d always get a bacon and fried egg sandwich, just like this...it’s..it’s…”
Paul stopped, unable to speak around the lump in his throat. He slumped to the table, shoulders shaking as finally all the pent-up and denied grief and misery came rushing back, along with the relief and exhaustion.
Dimly he was aware of small arm going around his shoulders, and a soft soothing voice telling him it would be alright, as Shoko comforted him.
And from far way… he felt a warmth as if of a soft fluffy tail being wrapped around him, as the scent of jasmine and fox fur filled his nose.