Utsushiyo Monogatari: Crimson Shadow

Chapter Seventeen: Past

Shining ancient scripts of arcane spells rotated around vast nothingness from the portal. Recognising their potency, Gu-in had little choice but follow the mildly glowing hooded Kami  through the path. There was no way of breaking through - especially for those of her origin. His aramitama, the malevolent spiritual powers, sliced through the spells to create a pathway. He stood near the boundary of the moving inscriptions and waved them away. Like a fog dissipating, she covered her eyes as the first light of the sun broke through. Not a word was exchanged between them when she first entered. 

As the sunlight shone on him, his shroud seemingly melted away revealing his ancient Yamato combat clothing. His thick belt was made out of brown fur held with two weaved black leather cords and a white strap with golden chain inlays to hold his two swords. His clothing was noticeably leather dyed purple while the ends of his black pants were tucked into his leather boots. Without looking at her, he took a few steps out of the enchanted dark path on to a garden path. He turned around - the one in her visions - the one who edged nearer and nearer. A roar of thunder overhead. She hesitated slightly but followed followed begrudgingly towards her captor who did not even look at her.  The priests and shrine maidens who walked past them, did not seem to notice their presence. No peep. Nothing. As though they were invisible. Unlike in Isonokami shrine. Except for the deers which he ignored flagrantly. The bold creatures trotted to him casually and bowed before going their way.

As they passed a small hall before an imposing structure, he uttered, "Futsu."

Looking up, she saw the name of Futsunushi engraved on the painted wooden plaque. Immediately appearing next to him, was the Kami himself. More solemn than his usual self at Isonokami.

"Brother," he greeted while ignoring Gu-in. Her captor muttered something into Futsunushi who merely acknowledged with a bow. Brother, her spirit sank. Recalling the stories, Futsunushi is usually paired with another Kami - Takemikazuchi. Her instincts were correct. His reputation was not to be tested. Onigami's human counterparts, the Nakatomi, have to serve him which may explain the connection with Makoto. 

"Welcome to Kashima Shrine in Hitachi province - Ō Takemikazuchi is the chief here ", Futsunushi spoke frostily, confirming her fears. She could only hang her head meekly to avoid his piercing glare. After all, he did shelter her and was left with damages to his inner hall in Isonokami shrine. Hitachi, she was far from Nara where they were. The furthest she had ever ventured since her arrival in the lands of the Yamato. Much to her relief, Futsunushi vanished in the thin air soon after.

Above them, the clouds were starting to gather around with the familiar rumbling of thunder. Two shimmering dragons were approaching swiftly towards them from the clouds. Gu-in immediately froze and instinctively felt for her weapon, only to realise - her sword was not with her. Seiryu? Ryujin? Neither were allies and worse, they were Katori's allies.

"Takemikaaaaa," the dragon twins roared in unison as snow started falling from  with their breath. The markings were different. Both were more leaner, more snake-like and darker. Landing softly on the ground in synchrony, both transformed into men with the same tied back hair style. Unlike Futsunushi's silvery white hair or Takemikazuchi's jet black hair, both had a darkish grey with a bluish tint unlike Futsunushi's silvery grey. The only difference were their serpentine eyes examined Gu-in with a great interest like a predator. One had green eyes and the other, yellow. 

"Kura ...Taka," Takemikazuchi greeted the yellow eyed one with a playful grapple  as the other continued staring at her . "Business first...from Ame."

"Ame had sent word  that a new ara-mitama has been released, you are to support that new kami in doing whatever he wants until further notice," he continued impassively.