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“This is a shrine of Amaterasu, one of the four Amatsukami—the great heavenly kami. She is one of the gentlest and most caring kami. If your wish comes from a pure heart, I am sure she will consider it.”
“Kimura Emi,” Rina interrupted in grand tones. “The kamigakari of Amaterasu, Amatsukami of the Wind, bringer of joy and spring, wielder of cyclones and storms.
“There are two kinds of spiritual entities: the kami and the yokai. The kami reside in the heavenly realm, separate from our own. The most powerful of the kami are called the Amatsukami. The four of them rule the heavens and the other kami. “This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the Amatsukami of the Wind. The others are Izanagi of the Sky, the ultimate ruler of the kami; his sister Izanami of the Earth; and Tsukiyomi of the Water, brother to Amaterasu.”
Like the kami, they were ruled by their four most powerful individuals, the Kunitsukami. Sarutahiko of the Mountain was their leader, and Uzume of the Wood was his wife. Susano of the Storm and Inari of the Fire completed the four.
“Ah, little miko, didn’t anyone ever tell you not to run from yokai?” His deep, purring voice sent a shiver across her skin. He leaned down as his hand on her throat forced her head back. He brushed his nose along her jaw, from her chin up to her ear. “It’s the surest way to make us pounce,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
“You have the manners of a dog.” “Well … same family, you know. Foxes, dogs.”
We yokai are a casual bunch. We rarely stand on ceremony.”
He’s crankier than a hag with a hangover but he’s not entirely unbearable.”
“Actions change our course, influence our futures, but intentions define us, empower us. Without intent, we are nothing.”
“Because you are more to me now. Because you keep secrets like a kami and I’m curious what you hide. Because you are lonely and scared and I don’t understand why. Because you trust me when you know you shouldn’t. Because I believe you when you say you will keep your word.”
“Don’t forget me, Shiro,” she said hoarsely. “You’re not allowed to forget me.” He blinked slowly
“I’ll never forget you,” she told him. “I’ll remember you to my last day.” “Do you promise?” Her heart gave an odd little flutter. “Yes, I promise.”
“You will be both bridge and shield.”
“It’s just a cup. You have too much junk. Are you a raven or a magpie?”
