The advantage to being one of the few gaijin in town was that everyone knew who he was… the disadvantage was that everyone knew who he was, which meant if someone wanted to talk to him, he couldn’t just blend into a crowd.
Paul was sitting in the coffee shop he’d found earlier on, when a man stopped by his table and paused. He was an older gentlemen, with a rigid and severe bearing, who despite the thin grey hair evidently was in good health. Paul couldn’t help thinking he wore his tailored business suit like a set of samurai robes, and would look better in them than Paul had in his. He was also rather on the tall side for a man of his nationality.
“Ah, Holmes-san? Forgive my intrusion, but we need to speak.”
Paul glanced up, and nodded.
“Yamato-san, I presume?”
The man paused in the act of opening his card holder, and glanced between it and Paul. Paul flashed a slight smile.
“The resemblance between you, and your daughter, is unmistakeable. In height if nothing else.”
“Ah… I see. Your observational skills have not been exaggerated then. Personally, I think Katsu takes after her mother more.”
Paul nodded slowly.
“Yes, I can see that. I met your lady wife when we came by your residence… Oh, sorry, please, sit down. What can I do for you, sir?”
Yamato-san sat down, and sighed, running a hand through his thinning grey hair.
“I am not entirely sure to be honest, Holmes-san. I am a businessman, a man of numbers and hard decisions… I.. I am hoping you can help me make sense of all this...this..”
“Magic, Goddesses and other yokai stuff?”
“Ah, yes. That, Holmes-san.”
Paul nodded slowly.
“I can understand your confusion, and honestly, I’m still trying to get used to it myself. Still, I’ll help if I can. Where would you like me to start?”
Yamato-san shook his head,
“Ahh… I don’t know? Perhaps.. I am told my daughter is a goddess now? How do I… I mean.. what..”
Paul held up a hand, forestalling him.
“Ok.. firstly, yes Katsu is a Goddess now. Goddess of what I’m not sure, but linked in some mystical way with the battleship that’s anchored out in the bay. Please believe me, that was in no way planned or expected. As I said to your lady wife, you have our apologies for having deceived you before, but it was necessary...”
Yamato-san shook his head.
“That part I understand Holmes-san. You and Tatsuo-san felt you had to invent a story to protect lives, my daughter’s included. No, that is not the problem… it’s.. Holmes-san, would it come as a surprise if I said I do not know how to talk to my daughter now?”
“Oh, that. No, no it wouldn’t. Ok, I won’t lie to you Yamato-san, she will have been changed by her experiences, as would be anyone else. But she is still your daughter, sir. In fact, I’d advise treating her no differently than before, as she’ll need the sense of familiarity given everything that’s happened.”
“Ah.. that sounds like good advice. I… am not sure if I can however.”
Paul frowned slightly, tilting his head and regarding Katsu’s father thoughtfully.
“I see. Am I to take it that yours is not a particularly close relationship?”
Yamato-san shook his head, not looking at Paul.
“You would be correct. I have, from time to time, regretted that we do not speak more. That things between us are not as.. open.. as is normal.”
Paul sighed.
“I can honestly say I know that feeling. But, I think perhaps given her character and yours… and may I say, you two are rather alike in that regard, it was perhaps inevitable. Neither of you are emotionally effusive from what I’ve seen. Still, she knows you’re proud of her accomplishments. I think honestly, you have a better relationship than you might think. Just one that’s mostly unspoken.”
“Ah. That is.. good to hear. People speak highly of your understanding Holmes-san. It is reassuring that you think that.”
“I’m not infallible, but in this case, I don’t think I’m wrong. So… trust your instincts sir, as I said, she is still your daughter.”
“Just so… however, this… boy, Tatsuo.”
Paul’s lips twitched slightly, as he suppressed a smile.
“Okayy… and we’re back onto normal ground. You have your concerns the same as any father would.”
Yamato-san smiled fractionally.
“Indeed yes. What can you tell me about him?”
Paul shrugged.
“Well, for a start, despite being an Oni, he’s pretty much the same as most young men his age. A bit of an idiot at times that needs a decent woman to temper him… as I’m sure your lady wife would agree.”
Yamato-san laughed ruefully.
“Ah, I see you truly do understand! Yes, I remember my days of youthful folly… and my dear Yua would agree with you I’m sure.”
Paul grinned.
“Some things are universal Yamato-san, and as I’ve been saying a lot lately, Yokai aren’t as different from humans as it it might appear. He’s had a rough time of it, and had far too much responsibility thrust upon him far too soon.. but he’s managed pretty decently, which speaks highly of his character to my mind. Yes, he’s made a few minor mistakes and some bad choices… but honestly, who hasn’t at his age? He is, as we English say, a decent young chap.”
Yamato-san nodded slowly.
“So, you think he can be trusted then?”
“To look after your daughter? Yes, I think so. He genuinely loves her; I really don’t think he’s the heart-breaker type. Actually, given how much he identifies with the samurai of old, I’m pretty sure the only way Katsu could’ve gotten a confession of love out of him was to beat it out of him. Like I said, a bit of an idiot at times.”
Yamato-san laughed slightly.
“That I am sure of. Did I mention my wife, Yua, is quite practised at Akido?”
“No, but I am not surprised. She has that air of being calmly centred and rock solid, like she’s a fixed point in the universe, about which life’s troubles flow around.”
“Hm, that’s a good way of describing it. I must remember that, thank you.”
“All part of my job sir, finding the right words to describe what everyone knows.”
Yamato-san nodded slowly, then sighed.
“There is another matter Paul-san… one I am told you you may be able to help with?”
“Oh?”
“About this… battleship… is it real?”
Paul shrugged.
“I honestly don’t have an answer to that. I mean, yes it’s real in a physical sense. I think. If you’re asking me if it’s really the same ship that was launched all those years ago… I can’t say. That would take a team of divers or something to go and see if the wreck is still there. Although, I seem to recall reading the bow crest was removed from the wreck and placed in the museum, so perhaps check if this ship has hers… But anyway, it’s a manifestation of the spirit that was born out of that ship, so it’s probably ‘realer’ than any simple assemblage of steel could be. I think it’s probably safe to proceed on the assumption that it’s the actual Battleship Yamato, and that she’s alive in every meaningful sense of the word, and somehow linked to Katsu. Which I suppose would make her the owner, or Captain maybe...”
“Ah. Yes. Questions of ownership are likely to become very complicated.”
“Hm, yes. I can see that. I think getting someone out to the wreck site to check if that is still there might be urgent. After all, if the wreck is still present, then it at least eliminates the claim from the Navy I suppose. Although come to think of it… I think questions of ownership are a moot point anyway. That ship is, after all, a Yokai of some sort. Technically, she’s a person according to the new laws being drafted.”
Yamato-san blinked, then nodded slowly.
“Ah, yes… I can see that. In fact, one could argue if that is the case, then she is, in fact, a member of the Yamato family.”
Paul’s lips quirked upwards…
“A good point. In fact, I think one could say Katsu has a new ‘little’ sister…. or daughter perhaps. Either way congratulations, Yamato-san, on your new family member.”
Paul was hard pressed not to laugh at the look of dismayed surprise on Yamato-san’s face.
---------
Still, Paul reflected, sitting on the veranda of his residence later, the past week had been utter chaos, the business with the Yamato, or Yamatos perhaps, being just one example… and damn all but a lot of talking had gotten done really. Paul sighed, and with a rueful twist smiled, admitting to himself that it wasn’t quite true. A great deal had been done, just not by him. Which was what irked.
Everyone else was having fun, doing stuff, and he felt like he was stuck in detention doing homework.
He looked up as he heard Inari’s voice singing, as she walked up the path towards him. It took him a moment however to process what she was singing.
“Hey, Inari.. why are you singing ‘The Holly and the Ivy’?”
“I heard it in town today, Paul. Is it not a seasonal song?”
“Well yeah. I guess. Just, the idea of you singing it makes my sense of reality go tilt slightly.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, depending on who you ask, it’s either a celtic pagan song, or a traditional Christian hymn. Either way being sung, albeit beautifully, by a Japanese Goddess, seems just a touch weird. Like having chips... ah, fries that is, with sushi.”
Inari giggled.
“That tasted very nice, and your expression was comical. Besides, you should be flattered that people are interested in English foods suddenly and the local restaurants are catering to that.”
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“I know, I know… but it’s hard to explain. Ah, never mind. Where’s Kiko? I thought you two would be spending the evening together as usual.”
“Ah, she got caught up in something. What is an LBGT Quiltbag anyway?”
Paul blinked at Inari, and then shook his head.
“I should’ve known gender politics would show up at some point.”
Inari sat down next to Paul on the steps, and lifted the bottle of beer out of his hand, taking a drink from it, before handing it back.
“I have another one of those, if you want?”
“No thank you, that’s one of your English beers isn’t it?!”
“It is… don’t like it?”
Inari shook her head.
“Hm. I don’t dislike it, but it’s very rich. I feel like it should be a soup it has such a strong flavour.”
“Hmm, yeah. I noticed the local stuff is closer to what I’d call a pale ale.”
Silence stretched out for a moment, then Inari nudged Paul with her elbow.
“So…?”
Paul sighed.
“Ok. So. If I recall correctly, for most of Japan’s history being attracted to the same sex wasn’t exactly illegal. But it could get you into trouble socially. Yes?”
“That’s simplifying it, but yes.”
“Right. So, nowadays, people are more, well I’d like to say open, but that varies. There is more awareness that gender isn’t binary. Ah, isn’t one thing or the other. Problem is, there are people who feel threatened by that, for various reasons, mostly because they belong to a prior generation when it was illegal, but also because they honestly can’t handle the idea that reality doesn’t meet their expectations. These people try to make society say that people are either male, or female, and that you can only have sex with those of the opposite gender to yours. In other words, force reality to conform to their narrow views. Of course this is worse in Japan, due to the local culture of conforming to society's expectations ”
“But that’s silly!”
“Says the Goddess and kitsune, who is able to to change gender at will.”
“I don’t get it? Why would that matter though?”
“Ok. So, there are people who feel they are forced to be something they are not. A gender, or sexual orientation. For reasons I don’t think I’m going to be able to explain, they see you and Kiko as iconic. You’re a couple of goddesses in a homosexual relationship. Like it or not, they’re using you as a rallying point I guess.”
“Again, I say that’s silly. I feel the way I do for Kiko because she’s Kiko. If she’d been a man, I would feel the same. It’s not what shape she is, but who she is.”
Paul shrugged.
“What can I say.. mortals are sometimes shallow and more interested in surface appearance. Although, out of curiosity, have you tried appearing as a man to Kiko?”
“MmHm. She was appreciative. But like me, she thought it didn’t matter in the end. And I’m more comfortable like this. She told me to be myself, so, here I am.”
“Ah. I see. I suppose that’s probably a better attitude anyway. Not everyone is as enlightened though, and those that get hung up on insisting people have to conform to a very narrow definition of what’s ‘acceptable’, can be beastly towards those who don’t conform. That, and as I said, modern Japan is very big on conforming. But then, with so many people in such a small area, I suppose that’s inevitable.”
“Oh, so. We are inspiration for those that are different, yes?
“You give them hope that things may change now. Yes.”
“Ah. Then that is good.”
“I suppose yes. It’ll cause conflict, but some battles are worth fighting, and anything that promotes tolerance and love is worth fighting for in my book.”
Inari smiled, and leaned against Paul, resting her head on his shoulder.
“You are such a romantic Paul-chan.”
“Nah, just selfish. I see people being happy, it makes me happy. Why would I not try and increase that then?”
Inari punched his ribs lightly.
“You know no-one believes you when you say things like that, right?”
“I know, I know.. but I have to keep up the facade of being a hard-bitten, cynical and world-weary author. My fans expect it. Although at this rate I shan’t have many of those left. I’ve already left my deadline behind me in the dust and I haven’t got half-way though the first draft. I’m slightly surprised I haven’t heard from my editor yet.”
“Maybe they know you’re doing other more important things?”
“Hush, don’t let my editor hear you speak such blasphemy.. as if anything is more important!”
Inari giggled, then stretched… before resting her head on Paul’s lap.
“And what do you think My Herald?”
“That I know better than to answer when a woman asks that sort of question.”
“You are wise indeed Paul-chan.”
They were silent for while, watching the sun sink slowly, enjoying the peace. Inari spoke after a bit.
“Paul..?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think you could explain this new holiday of Kurisumasu to me? You’re English after all...”
Paul sighed.
“Yeah…. But I’m not sure I can do a good job of it. It’s not something that was ever designed or organised, it just grew as a conglomeration of bits and pieces that were stolen from other traditions. Bit like the English language really.”
“Your people do that a lot.”
“I know. I guess if we like something we copy it. Ok, I’ll give explaining it a shot. Let me think...”
Paul paused for minute or two, then sighed.
“Alright, to understand Christmas, you have to understand the context it comes from. Put simply, it gets as cold as Hokkaido in the places the tradition stems from. Midwinter used to be grim, dark and scary, back a few thousand years ago. There was a pretty good chance you wouldn’t make it though to spring if you were a farmer or woodsman back then. So, the Winter solstice was celebrated as the half-way point, when you could reasonably expect to know if you were going to make it out alive or not. And humans are weird. So partying in the face of death, is not unknown.”
“So.. it’s a ‘Yay! we’re alive!’ Celebration?”
“That’s where it started. But civilisation advanced, and it became less about ‘yay we lived’ and more about gathering with friends and family and celebrating those ties. Showing appreciation by exchanging gifts, and never mind the religious trappings. At least, that’s my take on it. Although, honestly, I think if you were to ask ten people what it’s all about, you’d probably get twelve different answers.”
Inari nodded, then looked up at Paul from where she lay.
“Hey Paul… are you going to be ok? I mean, your family are back in..”
Paul interrupted.
“My family are right here. The family I chose that is. Rather than the one I just happened to be born into and apart from that, had damn all else in common with.”
“Oh.”
Inari was silent for minute or two...then sighed.
“You know…. The other Kami were all descended from Izanagi-no-Ōkami and his wife Izanami no mikoto, who were created by the first gods, Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi. They are mostly all one family, at least, all the first rank Kami.”
“Hmm, so?”
“So, I wasn’t. I… don’t know who my parents are, or when I was born. I’ve never had a brother or sister.”
“Oh. And Shoko and Rin are your only children remaining that we know of so far. “
“Hmm. So, I think I like the idea of choosing your family.”
“Yeah. I can see that. You know, there’s a tradition I know of, I think it started in America, called the Orphans feast. Basically, you throw a huge feast for everyone who doesn’t have some place else to go, or family to be with. Now I count myself damn lucky to have found you and everyone here. So that now I think about it, maybe we could do something like that? Invite all the yokai and humans alike, who are stuck here, or have no-one else to be with. Maybe do some sort of gift exchange, somehow?”
“You could be Santa-san!”
“Oh hell no! I am so not the type.”
“Please Paul-chan….”
Paul peered down into Inari’s pleading face.
“You really want me to do that?”
“MmHm! It’d be fun!”
“Alright then, on one condition. You be Mrs Claus.”
“Santa-san has a wife?”
“Sure, who do you think organises it all?”
“Oh… but, how can we include Kiko into our story?”
Paul shrugged.
“Uh… I don’t think Santa has a concubine or second wife. Oh! I know, instead of you being Mrs Claus, you two are just helping Santa-san out, right? After all, you used to have messenger foxes; it’s not a stretch of the imagination to think they made deliveries too, and I could see Kiko as assistant to you, the celestial records keeper. So she’s Keeper of the Scrolls, the naughty and nice list in other words.”
Inari giggled.
“You do have a wonderful imagination Paul. Is that what were are going to be telling the children then?”
“Sure, why not. Hey... come to think of it. We could actually do this! I mean, we could ask for donations to the temple, not money but a thing, a toy or a book, something like that. We could use that trick with the paper foxes and use them to deliver gifts to some children… although we’d need a way to determine which children.”
“Why? Why not all of them?”
“Numbers. There’s probably a few hundred in Kami alone. I don’t know if we could organise something on that scale so quickly. We should restrict it to those that don’t have anyone else, at least at first. So they know that someone at least is thinking of them this year. Ah… Inari? Is there any kind of magic that could ensure that the kids get gifts that they’d at least like? A way to match what’s donated, to the recipient? I mean, it’d be a bit awkward if a naga ended up with a pair of socks for example.”
Inari giggled at the mental image, then looked thoughtful.
“Yes, I think so. There’s a spell to ensure a gift will go to someone who’d appreciate it. It’s not a powerful spell, so it doesn’t require much mana. It should be possible to make a lot of them. I could weave it into the messenger fox, so they’d take the gift where it was wanted.”
Paul nodded.
“Ok, so, I’ll mention this idea at the town meeting tomorrow, maybe get the JSDF involved since they know how to handle logistics; they can handle organising the donations. If we get the kids to write to Kiko, as Keeper of the Scrolls, she can compile a list. You handle distribution and magic. How’s that sound?”
Inari studied him, and slowly nodded.
“I can do this if you want...”
“Yeah, I do. If I’m going to play Santa-san, let’s do it properly. If you don’t mind lending your name to this?”
Inari shook her head.
“No, it’s a good thing. It’s not a tradition we have, but neither is Kurisumasu.”
“True, and hey, all traditions have to start somewhere. So, let’s start a new one. Right?”
Inari beamed up at Paul.
“Yes! Let’s do this!”
Paul grinned.
“Ok then. New tradition; Inari helps out Santa-san by ensuring every young Yokai who doesn’t have anyone else to give them a special gift, gets one from him. How’s that sound?”
Inari giggled.
“I like it! I will ask Ms Mitashi to tell the children to write letters for Santa-san, and send them to Kiko.”