Mission Reunite

Finally, the lake and swamp had been restored to their former glory. A sense of pride filled the air as they stood by the clear, fresh waters, observing the return of ducks and the rebirth of cattails after days of tireless labor.

With a simple farewell, the Yokai bid farewell to Fumi, who clutched her remains in a delicately crafted wooden box. Turning to her husband, he gently asked, "Wouldn't you like to join them?"

Fumi shook her head with a polite smile and said, "No, I prefer to stay with you. Is that alright?"

"I would love nothing more than for you to come home," her husband replied. They embarked on their journey together, crossing the bridge overlooking the lake.

Pausing at the bridge's peak, Fumi turned around to offer a heartfelt smile and wave to the sisters who had tirelessly worked to ensure her happiness.

Witnessing Fumi's radiant smile and the promise of a happy ending nearly brought tears to Hoshiyo's eyes, a moment of gratitude in the darkness.

The villagers, expressing their appreciation, presented small buckets filled with water as tokens of gratitude, bowing to the sisters in acknowledgment of their strength and kindness. With the village ready for renewal, Hoshiyo couldn't help but admire the incredible journey that had led to this triumphant moment—a victory not just for the town but for the bonds of friendship and resilience that had seen them through. It was, without a doubt, her proudest moment.

Hoshiyo wrapped her arm around Takeko, offering a congratulatory squeeze. "Well done, everyone," she commended with pride.

Their triumph was interrupted by the arrival of a troop of horses adorned with wealthy saddles and bridles, accompanied by stern-faced soldiers who encircled the sisters, casting disapproving glances upon them. The commanding Shogunate strode forward, his tone laced with disgust. "Have you completed your futile efforts?" he asked.

Rei's cheeks flushed crimson with anger as she retorted, "Futile? How dare you!"

Confused, Hoshiyo interjected. "What do you mean?" she asked.

With a dismissive motion, the Shogunate gestured toward the lake as he spoke. "The lake will naturally revert to its swamp state. Your efforts are in vain," he asserted with a self-satisfied smile.

Hoshiyo stood her ground, her hand resting gently on her hip. "I believe the lake will remain pristine for years," she countered steadfastly.

The Shogunate clicked his tongue in annoyance before issuing a directive. "Believe what you wish. Lady Gekkoin requests your presence at her estate," he informed them curtly.

"Why? What's the reason?" Hoshiyo questioned with furrowed brows.

Rei's response came as a resigned sigh. "It seems we may have overstayed our welcome," she admitted with a hint of regret.

Without hesitation, the Shogunate issued a command. "Come with us," he instructed.

Concerned for the well-being of her sisters, Hoshiyo cast a worried glance back at them, but they seemed undisturbed by the turn of events. They complied as the Shogunate's forces surrounded them with their horses, bullying them to return to Lady Gekkoin's residence.

Takeko sighed as she remarked, "Looks like our plans for beef are off the table."

"I'm sorry. Maybe we can visit another time," Rei replied.

As they were escorted away, curious onlookers observed from a distance, unaware of the true nature of their destination. Hoshiyo could only hope for a positive outcome, her mind racing with numerous possibilities. Perhaps Lady Gekkoin intended to express gratitude for their efforts in restoring the village's water sources. However, the nagging worry for their safety lingered, fueled by rumors of noble Samurai and Ronin facing grim fates.

Arriving at the gates of Lady Gekkoin's estate, the Shogunate forces dismounted from their horses and respectfully secured them before accompanying the sisters inside.

Lady Gekkoin stood calmly, flanked by her guards at the entry of her residence, her gaze fixed on the sisters with a faint furrow tainting her brow.

Hoshiyo took the lead, bowing respectfully as she addressed the noblewoman. "Lady Gekkoin, it is an honor to see you again," she began courteously.

In response, Lady Gekkoin nodded briefly, her expression sad. "I am here to instruct you to depart immediately," she declared firmly.

Politely, Hoshiyo asked, "May we ask as to the reason?"

"My daughter, who serves as my informant, has contracted smallpox during your stay here. She alleges that none of you are human, but rather humanoid beings created in a laboratory," Lady Gekkoin disclosed.

Seiko clenched her fists, whispering, "That information was meant to be privileged."

Observing the nine sisters, Lady Gekkoin's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Given your number, it seems the legends hold truth," she remarked cryptically.

Perplexed, Hoshiyo squinted. "A friend mentioned such legends. What does that mean?" she asked.

Lady Gekkoin's smile widened as she said, "Legend speaks of nine warriors born of the Kami of the Stars, destined to bring peace and harmony to the world. Is your mother a Kami?" Even if she were, why would we disclose such information to you?" she countered.

Amused, Lady Gekkoin stifled a giggle behind her kimono sleeve. "A fair point," she conceded before changing tack. "Regardless, I no longer wish for your presence here. You likely carry diseases," she asserted bluntly.

In a calm tone, Takeko whispered, "What are we going to do? She's such a bitch," she murmured.

Hoshiyo tenderly touched Takeko's cheek and whispered, "Please, remember she is the Shogun's wife. We must show her respect."

"I am not the Shogun's wife but his successor's mistress. Despite this, I hold no less power than he does. Leave now, or face the consequences," Lady Gekkoin warned.

Hoshiyo bit back her tongue, her teeth clenched. She turned away, her voice hushed as she addressed her sisters. "Let's go. Our mission isn't done yet," she urged quietly.

The sisters trailed behind her, their steps measured as they passed the towering gates. The Shogunate lingered behind, ensuring their departure was peaceful.

Hoshiyo forged ahead without glancing back, her cheeks flushed. She muttered, "I can't believe she dared to say that."

Rei hastened to catch up, offering words of reassurance. "Maybe it's for the best that we left early. Dwelling on it would only distract us from our purpose," she reasoned calmly.

"You're right. I shouldn't let such minor setbacks get to me," Hoshiyo admitted with a sigh.

Rei's smile was warm and understanding. "Yet, you still walk ahead of us," she commented.

Hoshiyo's tense posture relaxed slightly as she returned the smile. "Sorry about that. Lady Gekkoin just got under my skin," she admitted.

Rei offered a comforting gesture, rubbing her sister's back reassuringly. "Don't let her words affect you. We know the truth," she reminded her.

Taking a deep breath, Hoshiyo nodded, finding comfort in Rei's words. As the rest of their sisters caught up with them, they continued their journey eastward, united in their purpose and undeterred by the obstacles in their path.

The expansive sand and rich earth trail guided them toward a breathtaking expanse of golden wheat fields, evoking a sense of celestial serenity. Takeko's radiant blonde locks and eyes mirrored the hues of her surroundings, infusing her with a newfound vitality as she reveled in the beauty around her. She twirled in circles with joyful energy, her voice ringing joyfully. "I feel like I'm already home. This place is simply perfect," she exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Hoshiyo retrieved her journal, flipped through its pages, and recited aloud, "The Land of the Sun is governed by no other than Kami Amaterasu."

Rei's smile widened with realization. "No wonder Takeko feels so at home here. The sun is her symbol, and Amaterasu is the Kami associated with it," she mused.

With arms outstretched, Takeko basked in the warmth of the sun-drenched landscape, her heart overflowing with a sense of belonging. "I'm home, Amaterasu," she declared, respectfully acknowledging the deity's presence.

The wheat fields teemed with an assortment of small Kitsune Yokai, each adorned in vibrant Yukata and carrying various items in their mouths. Among them, one stood out—a celestial fox spirit with pristine white fur and many fluffy tails, cautiously approaching the sisters with a talisman clutched delicately in its mouth.

Hoshiyo knelt, her voice a gentle whisper as she addressed the mystical creature. "Hey there, little one. What's your name? Foxes of your size are rare, so you must be a Yokai," she observed with curiosity.

Takeko consulted her notebook, providing insight into the creature's identity. "Myōbu is a type of Kitsune. He serves as Amaterasu's companion and aide," she explained.

Hoshiyo's smile widened as she turned her attention back to Myōbu. "Are you here to lead us to Amaterasu? Does she know our mother's whereabouts?" she asked eagerly.

The Myōbu regarded the sisters with a mysterious gaze before silently turning away, prompting them to follow as they ventured down the expansive path. They trailed behind the mystical creature until they reached the rice fields, where the landscape appeared desolate under the chill of the approaching winter.

Takeko surveyed their surroundings, pondering aloud, "I wonder why we haven't seen any snow yet. It's winter, after all."

Curious, Motoko asked, "What month are we in?"

Rei consulted her notebook. "Based on the calendars I found, it's been about a week and a half since she stopped marking off the days. That would place us in January," she revealed.

Hoshiyo voiced her agreement, noting the anomaly. "It is odd. By this time, there should have been snowfall," she remarked.

"I believe it's the handiwork of a Yokai. We'll need to investigate further on our journey back," she suggested.

In the distance, a mighty roar echoed across the land, its thunderous resonance sending tremors through the earth beneath their feet, causing the girls to stumble in alarm. Takeko's voice pierced through the chaos, her tone laced with concern. "What's happening?" she cried out.

Yoko, gripped by fear, tumbled to the ground, her voice quivering with terror. "It sounded like a monster. We should turn back," she suggested, her words tinged with apprehension.

Refusing to yield to fear, Hoshiyo yelled, "No one is turning back. Once we speak with Amaterasu, she may provide answers.

Ever calm and composed, Rei walked alongside Hoshiyo; she asked, "Do you think we may have to face a beast?"

Hoshiyo shook her head and replied, "Not here, not now."

Despite the ominous roar, the girls pressed onward. However, Ceres and Makoto sensed an impending darkness creeping closer, though they chose to keep their suspicions to themselves, driven by a curiosity to uncover the source of the unsettling noise.

A somber silence fell over the group as they traversed the rice fields, their attention drawn to the towering peak ahead. Beyond lay a landscape dotted with stumps where once stood lush green trees, now sacrificed to build homes. Confusion reigned among the locals, many of whom gazed skyward in perplexity.

Ceres crossed her arms and commented, "Seems like the mystery of the weather is more baffling than the arrival of nine strangers in their village."

Rei offered a reassuring smile. "I'm sure travelers pass through here frequently," she reassured, seeking to alleviate any lingering unease among her sisters.

Under the Myōbu's guidance, they journeyed for hours along the winding path, their surroundings gradually transitioning from bustling fields to a more serene landscape dotted with fewer human inhabitants. Ahead, a vivid red Torii gate perched on the cliff's edge, marking the threshold where the sun rose.

As they approached the gate, the fox spirit led them onward before darting behind the shrine upon their arrival. With all eyes fixed on her, Hoshiyo stepped forward and entered the shrine, her sisters following closely behind. Inside, they waited in anticipation of the arrival of the goddess herself.

The sun has set over the horizon, and another thunderous roar reverberated through the air, its ominous sound seemingly drawing closer yet remaining distant. Hoshiyo's gaze swept beyond the shrine, her eyes narrowing as she spotted thick plumes of smoke billowing from the smaller islands. Despite the looming threat, Hoshiyo resolved to press on, her quest for answers driving her forward despite the mounting concerns.

Hoshiyo raised her voice within the sacred space. "Amaterasu, we are the nine daughters of Hoshiyo from the Land of Stars. We have come in search of her," she declared boldly.

Amaterasu emerged from the shrine, draped in glorious white fur and flowing red robes, her royal presence commanding attention. With her head held high, she addressed the sisters with a hint of amusement. "So, you have finally graced us with your presence, young warriors. What kept you?" she asked.

Hoshiyo offered a respectful bow. "We have been on a mission to locate the Kami summit meeting," she explained earnestly.

Amaterasu nodded understandingly, her voice gentle as she responded, "I see. The meeting you seek concluded many moons ago. If you remain in the village, the Kami of Stars will return shortly. As for myself, I must depart to aid in repelling an island assault."

Hoshiyo gestured emphatically. "Wait, can we be of help?" she insisted.

"No, you should remain here for your safety. Orochi, one of the most problematic beasts to roam these islands, poses a grave threat now," Amaterash replied. With that, she gracefully descended from the shrine and strode away down the rocky cliffs, leaving the sisters pondering the difficult task ahead.