Kuno, however, was quite royally entertained. He sat with Kitsune Kikyo on the porch and smiled as Sura raced through the garden with children hot upon her tail.

  “I had never conceived of Sura san as having an ordinary family, Kikyo san.” He watched as his friend was buried beneath the onslaught of her little furry cousins. “It is a strange pleasure to witness.”

  Kitsune Kikyo set a small iron kettle on a tripod to make tea, and sat back to enjoy the scene.

  “Sura chan is one of the mountain orphans, Kuno san. Aunt Kagone is in charge of the young temple children.” She watched Sura at play. “The war of wills was… interesting. A war that was never fought to any real conclusion – although a certain incident in which Kagone san’s bath was sewn with blue dye crystals remains quite memorable…”

  Reiju sat nearby, watching the foxes in playing the garden. The priestess looked to Kuno and gave a smile.

  “I remember that Sura chan’s alibi was elaborate, impeccable, and as reliable as a horse with three legs.”

  Reiju looked at Sura with eyes full of love.

  “But how I have missed her…”

  Reiju and Tonbo gathered up the empty dishes and walked off together into the building while Kuno remained on the porch with Kitsune Kikyo, enjoying her company. She was an educated woman – forward, and confident, as all foxes seemed to be, and yet with a core of cultured goodwill that Kuno found quite wonderful. He sat with her watching Sura and the children, delighting in the sounds of laughter.

  Kuno tilted his head, observing Sura with quiet interest.

  “So Sura san had no close family of her own?”

  “In a sense.” Kikyo san’s voice was quiet and gentle. “Sura san loved our aged high priestess very much. It was she who gave Sura san the old books that spoke of the demon wars. It was she who taught Sura san the skills of spirit hunting.”

  Kitsune Kikyo’s voice fell. Her words were filled with sadness.

  “When the priestess died, Sura san sat in the old lady’s room for days, then decided to leave us.”

  The fox woman quietly poured tea.

  “Sura made her plans well. She swiped the spear ‘leaf-cutter’ from the main shrine, and stole a pack of rations. As she slipped over the wall at night, she found the high priestess had set Tonbo waiting for her with a pack of all the things Sura had forgotten. Spare sandals, money, a map…” Kitsune Kikyo looked fondly back towards the house – towards Tonbo.

  “No exorcist should be without her yojimbo.”

  Kuno gave a nod of understanding.

  “Ah. The Tsunetomo family serve the Kitsune clan?”

  “No no, they are merely old, old friends.” The beautiful fox topped up Kuno’s tea. “The Tsunetomo clan came to us as refugees many, many years ago. We gave them land. We like them. They are quite wonderfully tolerant.”

  Tonbo and Reiju emerged from the guest house and sat together at the far end of the porch, happily folding origami together.

  Out in the garden, Sura had been cornered. She was serving as a springboard for the four wild young foxes, who leapt up and down upon her stomach, giggling with glee. Sura finally gave up and called for a truce.

  “Okay, okay! Time out!” Utterly exhausted, Sura struggled up onto all four feet, still with baby foxes clinging all over her. “Next monster we meet, we should just unleash you little buggers.” She looked over to Chiri. “How are you holding out?”

  The little white rat popped happily up from the grass with Bifuuko at her side.

  “I had seven siblings, Sura san. These little ones are not a problem.”

  By way of response, the fox children immediately piled into Chiri and rolled around with her in the dirt. However Aunt Kagone appeared on the grass nearby, clapped her hands and immediately brought the children to order.

  “Children! Bath time!”

  Her voice carolled out in a tone that could shear through solid rock. The children all gave little “awws” of disappointment then tried to turn big wide eyes upon their mother.

  “Mama – do we have to?”

  Kitsune Kikyo motioned towards the guest house.

  “Time for a bath, darlings.”

  Aunt Kagone shooed the children away from their guests, and chivvied them into line.

  “Come, children. Bow to the honoured samurai.”

  One little kit turned to Aunt Kagone with a frown.

  “But Kitsune are an older family! He has to bow to us!”

  “We do not parade it, my dear.” Aunt Kagone nodded with great cordiality. “Now tip your tails up and bow. And I want you all in human form for bed!”

  The kitsune children bowed to Kuno and Tonbo, then all trotted off in a line toward the bath house, shepherded along by Aunt Kagone. Kitsune Kikyo nodded gratefully to her.

  “Thank you, aunt. I will put them to bed when they are done.”

  Exhausted but laughing, Chiri crawled up onto the porch. She burrowed into her own clothes, turned to half human form, and lay flat on her back upon the floorboards. Sura did the same beside her, blowing fragments of grass out of her mouth.

  “Gods – they’re like little fur-storms! How the hell do you do it?” Tired and dazed, Sura rolled her head over to find Kikyo. “I presume you are still happily married to Daisuke?”

  Kitsune Kikyo gave a smile. “Very happily.”

  “Tell him ‘hi’ from me.” Sura scratched at her furry chin. “Ah – and tell him ‘sorry’ about the whole leaf cutter thing. You know – the accidental misplacement…”

  Kikyo managed to look both innocent and amused at the same time. “I believe the term you used in your note was extended loan.”

  Sura made a blithe twirl of her hand. “That spear was given to the first ancestor by the great Fox Kami! It’s sacred! I merely took it into protective priestess custody!”

  Sura sat up and groped about for a drink, finding cold peach tea close at hand. She sat and drank, listening to the sounds of children laughing in their bath. The fox set aside her cup, and gave a weary sigh.

  “Kids! I don’t know how you manage to do it.”

  Kitsune Kikyo gave a smile. “Are you fond of children, Sura chan?”

  “That would depend on how they’re cooked!”

  Kikyo looked fondly over at Sura, and plucked grass from her snout.

  “They have missed you.”

  “Yeah – and I’ve missed them, the little bug-sacks.” Sura felt into her sleeves, and then felt again in shock. “Hey! Those little flea bags! I had loaded dice in here!”

  Kikyo helped smooth down Sura’s robes. “They’ll give them back tomorrow.” She dusted off her friend and smiled. “You’ve never thought of aiming for kids yourself?”

  Sura arched one brow. “Huh? Naah! I don’t even have a husband!” She sat back and hoisted up her cup. “I could go it alone. Ha! I can see it now! ‘Lone Fox and Kit!”

  Sura passed a drink to Chiri, then filled Kikyo’s cup. They lolled back, looking out over the gardens as the deep gold sun touched against the horizon. They watched Tonbo and Reiju sitting on the end of the porch still happily folding paper into animal shapes together. Kitsune Kikyo gave a lazy, knowing smile.

  “So, Sura san. Tonbo is still with you – inseparable as always!” Kikyo gave a sly flick of her tail. “No wedding on the horizon?”

  Behind Sura, Chiri shook her head, trying to warn Kikyo away from the subject, but it was too late. Sura looked to where Tonbo sat talking with Reiju. She watched for a moment, then quietly looked away.

  “No.”

  Sura rose up to her feet and dusted off her hands, not looking at Kikyo. She gave a short little sigh.

  “If you will please excuse us, Kikyo san, we must speak with Priestess Reiju. We have serious business to attend to.”

  Vaguely aware that something was wrong, Kikyo rose to her feet. She bowed to Kuno, Sura and Chiri with quiet grace.

  “I will put the children to bed.” Kitsune Kikyo quietly withdrew. “Goodnight, Sura chan. Goodnight Kuno san. Chiri san. Rest well.”

  Chapter 3

  The sun sank below the horizon, spreading long shadows across the shrine. Lanterns sparkled into life in guest houses and homes. All through the shrine’s environs, priests and shrine maidens, servants, guests and guards sat eating or talking quietly in the evening warmth.

  A set of benches beside the garden’s spring proved to be well away from casual ears. The Spirit Hunters gathered there with Reiju, drawing quietly in beside the shining water.

  Kuno quietly brought Reiju up to speed, telling her about the terrible old wasp-man in the nearby valley. She listened, frowning in concentration as he described the gateway to the Realm of Dreams.

  Speaking firmly and quietly, Kuno kept one hand resting on his sword.

  “Someone opened that gate for a very specific purpose. We cannot yet tell why. But it had been left open for weeks. Other entities may have crossed into our world. Your temple is the closest to the site, and is the logical place for us to begin our inquiries.” Asodo Kuno gave a stern, formal bow. “Priestess Reiju san – has any word of monsters, hauntings or attacks come to your temple?”

  Reiju frowned, sunk deeply in thought. She tightened her hands about her folded fan.

  “You were all wise to come here, Kuno san. We have heard nothing as yet – but this information is vital to our security.”

  Tonbo immediately leaned forward.

  “You think the temple might be facing an attack?”

  “Perhaps not directly – but indirectly, we may be effected.” Reiju squared her shoulders. “There is a thing here that… can attract the attention of monsters. Wandering entities may be drawn here, much to our detriment. It is fortuitous that you have come.”

  Sura was in her human-like form once more. She leaned forward, all ears – professional interest instantly alight.

  “What is it that lures monsters here?”

  Reiju drew in a firm breath. She stood and bowed towards her friends.

  “Come.”

  Reiju put on her formal eboshi cap, and drew on a priestly robe. She took a lantern and led the others forward, out of the gardens and towards the rocky outcrop that soared above.

  A narrow bridge ran from the highest point of the lower shrine, arcing across a deep, jagged gorge. The bridge led to the sheer face of the outcrop beyond. The cliff face had been fitted with a switchback stair that climbed through three long levels, to the ancient shrine buildings high above.

  Shrine guardsmen in armour bearing long spears stood guard at the bridge. The guards bowed to Reiju as she approached, letting her take her guests up the brink of the gorge.

  With Bifuuko and Daitanishi floating owlishly above them, the group crossed carefully up and over the arched wooden bridge. With the last light of sunset glowing pink against the rocks, they climbed the carved stone stairs in the cliff face, wending back and forth towards the shrine buildings. Reiju finally ushered the Spirit Hunters onto the high crest of the island, to a place swept by cool river winds.

  The rocky crest was topped by a beautiful wooden shrine built in the ancient style. It was backed against a higher ridge of rock. Reiju paused beside a little cistern. The Spirit Hunters and Reiju ladled water, ritually purifying their hands and mouths. Daitanishi and Bifuuko followed suit, splashing like birds in a bird bath and shaking themselves dry.

  Reiju and the Spirit Hunters then moved quietly up into the building, past yet another pair of guards. They passed into a great, cool hall that smelled of rich old wood.

  The hall contained swords that had been dedicated to the shrine – offerings of gratitude from generals victorious in defence of the empire. Reiju passed them by, moving through the lamp-lit gloom.

  The rear of the building protected a sacred cave. At the cave’s entrance, there were guardian statues, prayer papers and ropes all of them vibrant with unseen power.

  More guards were here – seated and serene. Beside them were two other figures: a Buddhist gakusho sorcerer-priest festooned with scrolls and sacred charms, and a stiff-faced shugenja. A fire elemental sat in a small brazier of coals at the shugenja’s side.

  The sorcerer-guardians all bowed reverently to Reiju. She returned the bow, and the Spirit Hunters bowed with her – although the fire elemental sat bolt upright in its bed of coals, hoping for fun.

  The cave ran back perhaps a dozen paces deep into the rock, opening out into a wide chamber. Reiju held aloft her lantern and quietly ushered her friends inside.

  The place was chill with magic – a power that seemed to quiver just beyond the mind. Lanterns glimmered, and the place smelled fresh with sacred herbs.

  Prayer ropes had been bound about a wooden altar. A priestess sat to one side, praying quietly. On the altar was a sword – one that completely riveted every eye.

  It was a weapon made in an ancient style – straight and double edged, with fittings of bronze and gold. The silvery blade itself was immaculately pure – blemishless steel with edges that glittered razor sharp. The sword seethed and glowed with power.

  Reiju bowed reverently to the sword. She turned and quietly invited her friends to approach.

  “This is the Sword of Blood. Gift of the Sun Goddess Atamerasu Omi Kami.”

  Reiju moved carefully around the altar table. She beckoned Sura to come closer.

  “This sword was given to Kikai, the brother of our first emperor. With it, Kikai sama fought the Oni legion that invaded our world. In the final battle, Kikai held this sword as he battled the great Oni Emperor – the Lord of Blood. He slew the Oni lord, running him through with this blade.”

  Reiju looked at the sword in quiet reverence.

  “The fight cost Kikai his own life. His younger brother sealed the gateway to the Oni realm, and became our first emperor. The sword was brought here, to the first temple of the new empire. Here it rests in honour.”

  Reiju looked reverently at the ancient weapon.

  “It rests here to remind us of what we have paid for our freedom – and to remind us that mortal courage can triumph in the face of any adversary if our hearts are only pure…”

  Sura scratched her nose. She hunkered down and inspected the blade from a distance, her tail switching softly from side to side.

  “So this is a demon slayer?” Thoroughly in awe, Sura’s skin tingled. “I can feel the power in the blade.”

  The sword radiated immense power. But there was also an odd feeling in the room – almost as if something was watching. Sura leaned forward in dawning concern, looking closer and closer at the blade.

  For one brief instant, an image flashed into her mind.

  Golden, very female eyes.

  Sura blinked and the moment was lost. She looked about, vaguely hearing Reiju as the priestess spoke.

  “The Oni Lord of Blood’s soul may have tainted the blade. I believe that monsters sense his essence, and are drawn into the vicinity. It has happened from time to time in our past.”

  Reiju approached the blade and reverently gazed upon it.

  “The blade is well protected. As a gift from the Great Sun goddess, it can only be approached by an innocent. One pure of body and soul. The priestesses of the sword are virgins of the highest honour and dedication. It is our sacred duty to protect and honour the sword.”

  Sura arose. She moved about the altar, thinking quietly.

  “Perhaps someone wishes to gain power by stealing the sword?”

  Reiju made an elegant motion of her hand.

  “There, the enemy is presented with a conundrum. A thief could never be an innocent, and only an innocent may touch the sword.”

  Kuno stroked thoughtfully at his chin.

  “We can test to see if the power is still working. Perhaps Sura san should try to touch it?”

  Sura shot the man a look of extreme annoyance, but Reiju looked over at her with great respect and fondness.

  “You might be surprised, Kuno san. The sword sees to the heart.”

  It was time to withdraw. Reiju bowed to the priestess on duty. She led the Spirit hunters softly away – out of the cave, past the guardian sorcerers, back out beneath the evening sky.

  The sun had set but the moon had yet to rise above the mountains to the east. The river shone like dark grey silk, while the banks were black with shadows. Tiny points of lamp light glimmered in the town nearby, spread along the nearby river bank.

  Chiri stood and stroked at Bifuuko’s glittering back as she looked off along the river and pondered.

  “The dream gate was not opened casually or idly. Please forgive my impertinence, Reiju san, but it would be prudent to see to your defences.”

  “I shall have our guards redoubled, and there is always a priestess on prayer vigil at the cave.” Reiju turned to look over the high roof behind her. “Air elementals will alert us if any flying creature attempts to approach, and the prayer barriers are strong. Guards and shugenja stand by. Our prayers have kept the protective spells in place about this island for nine hundred years.”

  Kuno turned to look back towards the cave.

  “Could it be the Oni at work? Perhaps trying to ensure the destruction of the sword?”

  “We are safe there, at least.” Reiju spoke with conviction. “Nothing can escape the bars placed across the Oni realm: not thought, not dream nor demon.” She looked out over her little island.

  “We will gird ourselves for trouble, but our defences are good.”

  Kuno joined her in looking out across the island, and gave a nod.

  “Even so, with your permission, we will remain here for a few days.”

  “You are all extremely skilled in your calling, Kuno san. It would be a great comfort to us to know that you are at work in our defence.” Reiju flicked a shy glance towards Tonbo. Her eyes were filled with yearning.

  “Yes, it will be a great comfort, to have you near to us…”

  Reiju turned away from Tonbo. She bowed to her guests.

  “I shall alert the commander of the guards. Please make yourselves at home in our guest quarters. I shall see you in the morning.”

 

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