The Tiny Emperor's Great Wall (Revised)

Chapter Thirteen

The hordes of divinities coming to watch the war had increased nearly ten times. Inari spotted at least twelve different pantheons cramped on the benches. One giant demon patiently listened to his angel companion. Cold-blooded naga and humanoid reptiles gathered around the mirror for its warmth.

Sprinting through the crowd, Inari picked through the clamorous chatter with her sharp ears. Boredom prompted many to come. Life in the spiritual, compared to the material, realm was more stable. No great war or disaster had rocked these planes for millennia. Many divinities used their mortal children as a source of entertainment. Watching a real-life drama unfold proved more interesting than controlling the weather or dealing with diplomacy.

Inari said a quick hello to many of her friends in the other pantheon. Sorte, an angel from a group called the Patrons, probed her while offering a wide grin.

"So I heard that fright has driven you mad," declared Sorte. Her black wings flared out to her sides. "I think the audience enjoys your distress."

"I'm not distressed," said Inari. Pushing her friend off, she rolled her eyes. "Cautious is the better word. The Han forces are being a pain in the ass." She brought her tail around and patted Sorte's head. "Care to do me a favor? I found somebody that might know something about General Fenghua."

Humming, the Patron teleported them to the rafters over the pool. Startled birds fluttered away. Inari marched over to the railing to peer into the pool. A bright smile crossed her face upon seeing the castle.

Shinko, her devoted follower, had built a stone castle in about three days. Twenty-foot-high walls with towers stared down the Great Wall. They surrounded a large, central building stacked like a cake. They had even somehow added in a curved stone roof.

Muttered disbelief came from many of the Han divinities.

"Such craftsmanship," breathed one of the gods. "And in such a short time period." A wolf spirit beside the god gave a nod. "That is the oddest thing about mortals," he said. "Given no direction, a mob is little more than a tiny stream. Yet give even a small group a passionate goal, and their abilities rival the divine."

Chuckles of agreement came from Inari. She wondered if they would need divinities if mortals ever learned the truth of their skill.

To the Patron, Inari asked, "Got the free time to help?"

Sorte summoned a cigar and chomped on its end. "Sure," she said. "Just point me in the right direction."

"Don't know his name, but he's known to walk around n-naked," stuttered Inari. She blushed a little as she bowed her head. "Old man with a moon scar beside one eye."

"Hegna!" exclaimed Sorte. "Yeah, he's a fun guy." Hopping to her feet, she saluted her friend. "Can I—"

Waving a dismissing tail, Inari rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes. You can take my male foxes out for 'fun.'"

"Your wish is my command!" declared the Patron. Her laughter accompanied her dissolving body. Lingering mirth stayed a good few seconds longer after the body had merged with the air.

"Inari!" called Amaterasu. Standing at attention, Inari whirled around and gave a deep bow. Excited giggles slipped from her. "Please come over here. I want you at my side as we watch."

"Of course, my lady!" Morphing into a hawk, Inari flew down. She morphed back into humanoid form next to her lady. "I'm sorry for my long absence, but I had things to attend to." As Inari turned around, she heard a chuckle from her lady. "Is something funny?"

A hand covering Amaterasu's mouth did little to muffle the laughter. "Um, my dear, you should look at your back."

That earned a hum from Inari as she touched her back. Paper crinkled under her grip. She peeled it off and brought it around to look at it. Her face burned upon seeing a picture of herself and her lady kissing. Worse still, the moving picture made a smooching noise.