A New Leash On Life by ForgettableFox

He's Got It Ruff

Warning: Animal abuse. Sorry – not a great way to start a story but I swear there is a point to it.

Here we go!

ENJOY!

~oOo~

The Kumano Kodo was a network of four, interconnecting trails that stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula of Japan. There was Nakahechi – the path of Imperials, Kohechi – the trail of mountains, Ohechi – the route along the coast, and Iseji – the trail from the East. For over a thousand years, pilgrims would choose a trail and make the trek to worship at the three, main, Kumano Taisha shrines. They journeyed through towering cypress forests, over misty ridges, past pacific shorelines, and even across steep mountain ranges – all so they could pray.

Emperors and peasants alike made the trek. The trails passed through villages who welcomed weary travelers with open arms. They neared dozens of hot springs, that eased the aches of the trekkers and became a place of spiritualism. And showed those who were keen of eye and virtuous of heart – the beauty and wonder of nature.

Over the years festivals were created and held to correlate with the pilgrimage, and the trails became a tourist attraction that brought people from around the world. Shopping centers and hotels sprouted as the villages grew into towns that grew into cities. Hot springs were developed and advertised as a place of healing, a getaway from meetings and emails, an escape from the norm. People spent their time hiking the trails behind their cameras and their blogs and missed the raw magnificence of nature as they traveled.

The paths – that had been slowly eroded away by millions of feet over a millennium – had lost some of its magic.

Lost with it, was the knowledge of a fifth trail called Sutātoreiru – the trail of stars – one that led to a towering temple built to worship the night sky. Yoru Jinja, the Night Shrine, was home to Tsukuyomi, who was the god of the moon, and Amatsumikaboshi, who was the god of the stars. Both gods were venerated within the Yoru Jinja and the temple offered sanctuary to all who visited.

If one were diligent, and knew where to look, one could find the hidden Sutātoreiru off the Kohechi trail. Stone markers, weathered, cracked, and nestled within the gnarled roots of ancient trees, showed the way. Where once pilgrims would come in droves with wishes and prayers and offering...now only the local fauna traveled the path as they went about their business. It was a slow state of decay and the reclamation of nature that hid the path from prying eyes. The overgrown trail snaked through the wild weald that teemed with life. It crossed creeks and meadows, passed waterfalls and caves, and wound its way through the rolling foothills. A wooden arch, with peeling paint and rotten posts, led to archaic steps that were cut directly into the mountain and spiraled towards its peak.

At the very top, perched on a cliffside, surrounded by cherry blossoms and weeping willows, was the Yoru Jinja. It was a three-storied pagoda that mother nature had made her home some time ago. In its glory days, its exterior was lacquered in silver and its roof was hand-crafted ebon tiles that glistened like starlight. Holy men and women took care of the temple, its grounds, and led the worshippers in prayer.

The head monk at the time of this story was a devote man named Hibiki Ito. The Ito family had overseen the shrine and its patrons for nearly five generations. It was Hibiki’s four-time-great grandfather who journeyed to the mountain top and fell to his knees at the awesome sight he beheld.

The Milkyway was an eruption of cosmic dust and stars that burst from the surrounding mountains. It was glimmering orbs, constellations, and distant planets that blazed with holy light. Beauty and grace combined into a fractured sky that spilled its essence of the cosmos for all to see.  It was the nighttime Gods smiling down upon a poor soul, giving him purpose.

And in that moment, Ito received clarity.

And in that moment, Ito became overcome with the intent of the Divine.

And in that moment, Ito deigned that spot sacred.

Using his bare hands, Ito cut the trees from the forest and lugged the massive cypresses up the mountain. It was he who chiseled each individual step to his shrine. And it was he who preached the doctrine of his celestial gods. Word spread of his dedication and pilgrims trekked to view his masterpiece. He was a charismatic man, and the people loved him and his teachings.

His dogma followed three main principles and were thus:

That even in the most uncertain of times, constants remain.

In darkness, there is light.

To embrace humility when presented with one's own insignificance in the world.

By time Monk Hibiki took charge of the Yoru Jinja – during the Japanese Feudal Era – there had been a decline in worshippers, and never were the teachings more important than the present. The decline was due to a conflict that had broken out between two local warlords on the Kii peninsula. Their battles destroyed many villages and parts of the Kumano Kodo trail. Pilgrims were assaulted by both camps of warlords and bandits alike, making the journey to the sacred shrines haphazard at best – and downright deadly at worst.

It was after a group of brave travelers were slaughtered right on the Sutātoreiru that Monk Hibiki came to a decision...

...the shrine needed a guardian.

A guardian who would protect the Night Shrine, the trail of stars, and all the people who lived and traveled therein. The monk went to the third story of the shrine, gazed upon the sky, and prayed for enlightenment. He fasted and implored his gods for seven nights. The answer came to him on the final evening – the night of the full moon.

Monk Hibiki had a vision of a great dog who protected the shrine and its sacred lands. A beast whose fur resembled starlight and whose eyes were ruptured galaxies. A creature who bore the blue crescent moon of Tsukuyomi, and magenta stripes of Amatsumikaboshi. The dog would grant wishes and bring luck to those who were deemed worthy – and destroy those who were not. 

And while no such creature of that description could be found on the Kii peninsula – it could certainly be made. But to do such a thing, Hibiki would need time and a sacrifice. A life lost then transformed. He would need magic. He prayed for the strength to commit such an atrocity to an innocent being. 

To create – an Inugami.

The next morning, the monk went to the closest village and found a stray dog with a litter of puppies. He selected the largest male with the kindest disposition then brought it back to the temple with him. The pup was a blonde-colored mutt with coarse fur. He had large triangular ears, hazel eyes, and a long, curling tail tipped in black. Monk Hibiki named him Efude – paintbrush – because it looked as if his tail was dipped in ink. For the next year, while the battles continued to wage along the Kumano Kodo, and more pilgrims were murdered on their pilgrimage, the monks and mikos raised that puppy with all the love and tenderness they had.

And in return, the pup grew into a loyal and happy dog. Efude was often seen shadowing Hibiki or the shrine’s visitors, black-tipped tail wagging cheerfully as he joined them in prayer. He was diligent in keeping the birds away from the gardens and, when things were quiet, he would doze beneath the cherry blossom trees. He was a jovial presence among the Night Shrine and he was adored by all.

A year passed with a blink of an eye and the fateful day arrived all too soon.

The time had come to perform the ritual.

Tears leaked from the shrine keepers in endless rivers as they said goodbye to their four-legged friend. That morning, Efude was bathed in milk and dabbed in oils. He was prayed over and given the finest meal they could offer. He was primped and scritched and loved upon – much to his confused delight.

That evening, as the full moon rose high into the heavens and bathed the earth in its spectral luminescence – Monk Hibiki clenched his fists, called to his furry friend, and did the unthinkable.

He led the happy Efude to the secluded cliffside and dug a hole.

Bound his loyal companion in silver chains and placed him therein.

And buried him up to his neck.

Then, the monk placed dozens of bowls of food right out of the dog’s reach and made himself comfortable.

The ritual would be a test of wills, both his and Efude’s – a trial from the gods to test their convictions and determination to bring about a tremendous change to their reality.

Over the next several days, Efude whined and barked, howled and cried, snarled and fought for his release; and all the while, Hibiki watched with a heavy heart. During the dog’s imprisonment, the monk spoke of his endless anguish. How the temple and its devotees suffered. How no amount of pain and torture the dog went through could possibly match the death and torment of those who made the pilgrimage of the Kumano Kodo during these trying times.

Day after day, night after night, the monk spoke of the terrors of the world and how the dog’s troubles were pitiable, at most, in comparison. And every day the monks and mikos from the temple would replenish the bowls right out of reach of Efude, with eyes cast aside in shame.

After ten days of this – of Efude whining and gradually growing weaker, of Hibiki chanting his mantra of suffering – the dog finally starved to death and lay still; sightless eyes stared at the starry heavens above.

The waning crescent moon hung like a lopsided grin as it witnessed the ritual taking place. It accepted the offering of the Efude’s soul with reverent grace, before molding it with the monk’s divine intent. A powerful aura pulsed from the canine’s corpse and a supernatural wind blew across the mountaintop. The monk held his prayer beads close and watched with wide-eyed curiosity as his friend dissolved into a whirlwind of stardust. He shielded his eyes at the potent brightness, but not before catching a glimpse of a ginormous dog silhouetted within the chaos. As the light died down, a figure was left in its wake, hungrily consuming the portions surrounding him where he sat.

The monk was confused by what he had witnessed and what his eyes were currently showing him.

Hibiki stood and tentatively neared the figure. The man, for his physique depicted him as such, was extraordinarily handsome and muscular. A plush, white boa was wrapped around his right shoulder and trailed behind him. Silver hair cascaded down his back and across his bare skin like a shining curtain. His angular face boasted dual magenta stripes on each cheek, while his forehead was anointed with a blue crescent moon. Hibiki gasped when citrine eyes bore into his own and when he saw the tell-tale pointed ears and claws, he knew this was no man – but a demon.

The monk kept his distance and searched the area while the demon continued to eat from the bowls, certain he would find a magical dog nearby. However, the vision of the Inugami he had prophesized a year ago, and witnessed within the stardust, was nowhere to be seen.

Which left two questions – who was this demon?

And could he be the Inugami?

The monk crept up to the figure. “Efude, is that you? The gods showed me a huge white dog and yet, I am certain a demon sits before me,” said the monk, disappointment showing clearly on his face. 

The demon frowned. “I am not exactly a demon, and I am no longer Efude. My name is – Sesshomaru, and you are my creator.”

“Sesshomaru? I – I see.” The monk moved closer still. “And the dog I witnessed?”

“I have two forms, humanoid and bestial. My current form makes it easier to communicate with humans.” Sesshomaru licked the bowl he was eating from and set it aside before picking up another.

“Then you are an Inugami!” Hibiki clapped his hands. “The new protector of the Sutātoreiru and the Yoru Jinja. Guardian of this sacred mountain and of those who reside and travel within its confines!”

“If that is the task you will have me do, master – then your will be done.”

“It is.” Hibiki twisted the beads in his hands. “There have been bandits and skirmishes along the Kumano Kodo for over a year now, and I would have you protect all that wish to worship here. You say that you can change into a bestial form – I would like to see it.”

The Inugami nodded. “As you wish.”

There was a flash of blinding starlight and a massive, powerful dog stood where the Inugami had sat only moments before. He was nearly as tall as the three-storied shrine with shaggy white fur that ruffled across his shoulders, down his chest, and around all four paws. His ears flopped on either side of his head, and his tail was long and silky. Much to the monk’s delight, even after his transformation, Sesshomaru’s celestial markings remained prominently displayed.

However, it was his intelligent, vermillion eyes that caused Hibiki to take a step back. The dog watched him with a penetrating gaze that relayed a sense of foreboding. Hibiki knew that creating an Inugami posed a high risk for those involved; for the likelihood of the demon turning on its master was just as plausible as it following its orders. There was a balance that needed to be struck between them – an understanding of master and servant that needed to be spelled out right then and now.

Steeling himself, the monk called, “Sesshomaru, I have a proposition for you.”

The dog cocked its head and waited.

Taking it as a sign that he was listening, Hibiki said, “I would like for this to be a beneficial relationship for the both of us, as I had nothing but love for Efude who’s soul was used to create you. Here is what I propose – for as long as my descendants are alive, you will protect this place and its occupants. And in return, you will be given a loose leash when times are peaceful. In other words, as long as your services are not immediately required, you may do as you wish while upon these lands.”

Sesshomaru considered the words carefully, weighed each syllable as if they were a precious commodity. His eyes narrowed as he took a step forward, then another, until he was standing above the terrified monk. Hibiki squeezed his eyes shut and prayed to his cosmic gods that his death would be a quick one.

After a moment’s pause, he opened his eyes and peered up and up and up to the mountainous dog. The creature seemed to be grinning, tail wagged slowly behind him. He chuffed a quiet sound of approval and carefully nosed his master’s outstretched hand. Taking it as permission, the monk ran his fingers over the soft fur around the Inugami’s muzzle and let out a harried exhale.

“Let this be the beginning of a beautiful partnership, my furry friend,” said the monk with a smile. “Come, let us introduce you to the rest of the Yoru Jinja.”

To Hibiki’s surprise, the Inugami shrunk down until he was the size of a large pony and padded beside the monk towards the temple. He was happy to note that his eyes shifted back to warm citrine. 

The initial introduction of the Inugami to the patrons and holy people of the Night Shrine was rocky to say the least. They watched him distrustfully, aware of the stigma and dangers of having such a creature in close proximity. But, over time, Sesshomaru became a staple of the temple and the people grew to love him.

He escorted pilgrims from the moment they set foot on the Sutātoreiru all the way to the temple and back again. He fought off bandits and warriors, carried the sick and injured to Hibiki for healing, and even allowed the children who visited to climb his huge body like a fluffy playset. Word spread like wildfire of the Yoru Jinja’s new guardian and worshippers flocked to the shrine in droves. In part to see the demon protector and in part of having a safe place to pray.

It brought Monk Hibiki nothing but joy to see his shrine and its people flourish. He thanked the stars above for the blessing.

In the quiet evenings, when prayer had been finished and Monk Hibiki sat staring at the cosmos, he would often be joined by his companion, and they would chat about this or that – comfortable in the relationship they had built. The monk always treated Sesshomaru with respect and understanding, as one would treat an equal, a friend. And the Inugami was appreciative of the gesture and brought good luck to the temple.

The Sengoku Period had always been a bloody and violent timeframe. Warlords ruled the land with an iron fist and marauders were merciless in their greed. The Yoru Jinja was 150 years old and Sesshomaru had protected the shrine for 55 of those years. He was a diligent protector and no innocent life had been lost since he began his duties.

Eventually, the warlords and bandits knew to stay away from trail of stars and the sacred mountain, so Sesshomaru found himself with an abundance of free time. He could often be seen wandering the perimeter of his territory; an ethereal ghost within the forest. Sometimes he was massive dog who lazed in the lake beside the waterfall, other times he was humanoid and could be found reading within the second-floor library. On nights of the full moon, his haunting howl would echo down the mountain and those you heard it felt safe and thanked their Gods anew for his protection.

But...that was then.

Eventually, Monk Hibiki grew old and passed away. Then the responsibility of the temple and the leash of the Inugami was passed to his son, Akito, who also eventually grew old and died – and so on and so on and so on. The Ito family endured and continued to carry the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors into the future – but it was a tumultuous way forward. Sesshomaru, everlasting, was a constant throughout and guided the Ito family from one family head to the next. He was a watchful guardian who oversaw the lands with a stoic and unchanging façade. Time did not touch him the same way it did for the humans or even the surrounding terrain.

While some things do remain constant – like stars, or sunsets, or seasons – time has an addiction to change. It’s an obsession that can’t be stopped, only braced for, and no one is immune to its side effects – not even an immortal Inugami. Change dug its claws into the earth and all that resided there, and bent it to its will. Molded reality with expert hands and waited to see the reactions of those involved.

One such change would become both a constant and a catalyst.

It was the beginning of the end.

War.

It started with the Japanese Revolution in 1868, between the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to return political power to the Imperial Court. Sesshomaru was 347 and the steady decline of worshippers had been apparent for over a century now. The Boshin War drafted sixty-two-thousand men and lasted a little over a year. The battles spanned the entirety of Japan. The Inugami protected his territory fiercely against all invaders and the Night Shrine acted as a sanctuary to those who sought it. In the end, the Imperials won and it posed the end of the Feudal Era and the modernization of Japan.

The next 75 years would be Japan including itself in endless battles across the Asian Pacific and, eventually, the world. Drafting many of its young men to fight for Japanese ideals. World War II in particular was a brutal time for the Yoru Jinja as air raids bombed Osaka. It was at that time that Sesshomaru discovered how to make barriers. His power stretched across his domain, shielding the land from discovery of enemy aircraft that flew overhead.

Over ten-thousand civilians died in those bombings – but no bombs fell on the sacred mountain. Monk Touya Ito decided it was too dangerous to continue to allow worshippers to travel the trail of stars to the Night Shrine. He bid Sesshomaru to close off the pass and protect the temple, then took the few remaining holy people away to do what they could for their communities.

That was the last time Sesshomaru saw another human at the Yoru Jinja.

Two-hundred miles away, a nuclear bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and the effects of the blast were felt across the country. The thought of completing a pilgrimage when the land was ripped asunder was an absurd one – and almost all worship stopped while Japan went through a major shift.

After the war, the government began to rebuild and the economic demand for timber became insatiable. Much of the Kumano Kodo fell prey to development and it vastly altered the trails of pilgrimage. Large sections of the mountain route became overgrown from disuse and Sesshomaru’s trail of stars was no exception. It would take another 50 years for there to be an increase in travelers looking to get back to their spiritual roots. Despite the increase, the Inugami did as he was bid by his last master, and the memory of the fifth trail disappeared from modern memory.

Sesshomaru became a being of solitude – a creature that time forgot – as he guarded his shrine that began to crumple from neglect. No one from the Ito family would return to their sacred temple and the Yoru Jinja and Sutātoreiru became a thing of the past. Citrine eyes watched it all as he sat, motionless, on the cliffside of his creation – loyal till the end. His world was sunrises and sunsets, fields of stars and moon phases, and the voracious reclamation of wildlife.

It was a lonely existence and on more than one occasion Sesshomaru wished to be free of this place. Decades prior he had tried to leave, only to find himself unable to move past the perimeter of his territory. His agreement to be guardian while the Ito family still had descendants was a heavy chain affixed to his throat. He was caged in a bond of his own making. The isolation began to wear on him and he prayed for death – if only to end his wasted existence.

Then, one day…

~oOo~

Sesshomaru opened his eyes to find himself floating within an abyss. He was a pinprick of light in a vast emptiness that seemed to go on for eternity.

Have I finally died and traveled to the afterlife?

The thought was oddly comforting. After 500 years of protecting the shrine, he was exhausted by the monotony. He had become cold and withdrawn from the world at large and reveled in this new feeling of nothingness.  

It didn’t last long.

An explosion of stars burst into existence followed by a rising full moon. It was as if he had been plucked from the darkness and tossed into a sea of stellar light. Comets shot in all directions with glimmering tails on proud display. Cosmic clouds rolled in shades of lavender, crimson, and turquoise – a maelstrom of stardust that collided to create a temple of the Gods.

The Yoru Jinja appeared before Sesshomaru as it looked in its prime – beautiful and pristine.  

The double doors opened of their own accord and two beings stepped out with arms flung wide and compassionate smiles on their face.

Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon, and Amatsumikaboshi, the god of stars.

Both wore celestial robes and shone with heavenly light.

Tsukuyomi was squat and portly. He had white hair the hung loosely around his shoulders and grey eyes that resembled the moon of his divinity. The blue crescent moon stamped upon his forehead shone eerily. Amatsumikaboshi was nearly the opposite of his companion. Excessively tall and slender, he had silver hair swept into a top knot and eyes as black as space. Magenta stripes slashed across his cheeks.   

Sesshomaru watched passively as the two gods made their way toward him and noted how he bore the matching marks of both on his own face.

“Amatsu, I love what you did with the exploding stars. It was masterfully done.”

“Oh stop it Yomi, you know how your compliments always make me blush. I loved your moon entrance. You really went all out with the detail this go around.”

“You know how I have a flair for the dramatic!”

The two chuckled as they took in their handywork with hands on hips.

The Inugami sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

So much for death and peace in the afterlife, he thought with chagrin.

The two gods turned as if they heard his very thoughts and Amatsu said “You’re very much alive, no need to worry about that!”

“And today seems to be your lucky day,” said Yomi cheerfully. “The last descendant of the Ito clan has perished leaving behind no successors, meaning your contract with the shrine is now over. For faithfully defending our patrons after all these years, we grant you…your freedom!”

“Yay! Freedom!” clapped Amatsu.

Sesshomaru frowned. “Freedom?”

The star god nodded. “Indeed! You’ve earned it! A lot has changed since you came into this plane of existence. Now’s the perfect opportunity to go out and do all the things you’ve always wanted to do!”

The Inugami’s frown deepened further. “But what am I to do? What is my new purpose?”

“Whatever you want! This really is a wonderful opportunity to stretch those wings and find your own meaning in life.” The star god wiped a stray tear from his eye. “Gosh, we really are the most benevolent of gods. You are so blessed to be in our presence.” Yomi patted him on the shoulder and wiped his own tears away.

Sesshomaru stared blankly at the two celestial beings.

Tsukuyomi nudged his companion and whispered. “What’s with this guy – you’d think he’d be overjoyed to finally get to leave the sacred mountain.”

“No clue, maybe he just needs a nudge in the right direction.”

“Good idea!” The moon god cleared his throat and the orb behind him shone brightly in the night sky. His voice dropped an octave as he swirled his hands magically before him. An unnatural wind picked up and blew their hair and silks ominously.  “Sesshomaru! As your gods, we order you to go find your own happiness annnndddd –” he looked desperately to Amatsu.

“And! Annnndddd toooooo…bring happiness to others!” finished the star god with a collision of stars.

“Oh! That’s a good one! Nice work!”

“Thank you, thank you – I try.”

“Idiots.”

The two gods stopped grinning at one another to look upon the Inugami.

“What did you just say? I think we misheard you,” said the moon god, growing still.

Sesshomaru growled. “I called you both idiots. Five-hundred years of service and it had been in the name of fools.”

The star god pouted. “Ouch, that wasn’t very nice to say. Words can be hurtful too, ya know.”

The moon god pulled him into a hug. “Don’t take the grumpy dog’s words to heart, friend. He’s just jealous because we have each other and he has no one. Do you want me to curse him? Maybe unleash a bit of divine wrath? A good smiting might fix his attitude.” He glared at the offending dog.

Amatsu pulled away and shook his head. “No, I have a better idea.”

The star god moved closer to the Inugami and took up his hands. Sesshomaru tried to pull away but the slender god was deceptively strong. Ebon eyes stared into citrine, searching for something. When he found it, he nodded with a sigh and said, “Your new purpose is to find your own purpose. And maybe, if you’re very very lucky and very very patient, you’ll find someone to help you with the task.” He pulled the Inugami into a tight embrace and felt him stiffen. “It’s going to be hard, but just follow the teachings and they will guide you. Do you remember them?”

Sesshomaru scoffed, offended. “Of course I do.”

“Then recite them for me.”

“Even in the most uncertain of times, constants remain. In darkness, there is light. To embrace humility when presented with one's own insignificance in the world.”

The star god grinned approvingly. “That’s right. And know, we’ll be here, looking out for you. Sooooo good luck!”

He gave Sesshomaru a forceful shove and the Inugami tumbled into space, then disappeared.  

Yomi came up beside his friend and sighed. “You think he’s going to be ok? His thoughts are pretty…dark. He’s been alone for a long time.”

Amatsu palmed the back of his neck. “I think he’ll be fine. Especially with the two of us watching over him.”

“I think you’re probably right.”

The star god laughed. “Usually am.”

“You know what – we need a team name. Something we can go by that’s really catchy.” The moon god punched his fist in the air. “Go Team Space Force!”

“Ooooh, I like that! Or maybe we could be Team Rocket!”

“I like that one too! Let’s go with that!”

“Go! Team Rocket!” they yelled in unison and galaxies exploded like fireworks into existence.

“Gosh, I’m glad that you’re so much fun and don’t take yourself too – siriously,” said Amatsu.

“Did you just make a star joke?”

“That, I did.”

With a laugh and a high five, the two gods focused their gaze on the mortal realm.

~oOo~

Sesshomaru awoke with a groan to find himself laying beneath a willow tree. The sun peeked over the horizon, bathing the sacred mountain in a warm glow. He sat up and wiped a clawed hand down his face.

Was I dreaming? Am I truly…free?

Wasting no time, he blurred across his territory to the familiar edge of his lands. He stood there, merely gazing at the line between what he knew and the uncharted wilderness before him. The sun made its way to its precipice. Mustering his courage was a new feat for Sesshomaru, for he had never feared anything up until now. But the idea of it being all a dream was almost too much to bear – but then again, so was the idea of having to venture forth into the unknown to create his own purpose.

With a snarl he took a step forward, then another, then another – until the Yoru Jinja and Sutātoreiru were nothing but a thought in the back of his mind.   

~oOo~

A/N: First chapter is done! What do you think? I know for a fact that no one likes that poor Efude had to die – but that is how Inugami are created...per the folklore. I’m so sorry. He was a good boy who will get the best – I promise. THIS IS A FLUFFY STORY I SWEAR!!!!

In case you’re wondering about the separation of fact versus fiction here – everything is historically accurate except for the Sutātoreiru and the Yoru Jinja – I made both of those up, including the names. I took inspiration from the Nachisan temple which is on the Kumano Kodo trail and added my own lore revolving the real Japanese moon/star gods. Overall, this was a real research heavy chapter, but I had a lot of fun.

Not sure if anyone other than me cares that they’re historically accurate or not – but I just don’t like getting facts wrong. Gotta give me credit for trying! LOL!

If you’re interested in the next chapter, be sure to subscribe so you can get those updates!

Thanks for reading!

<3FF