The queen sat back against her headboard with a tired sigh. Youko often had flashbacks to the events leading up to her official coronation. All those battles, the humans and youma she killed, even the taunts of Aozaru; they sometimes overwhelmed her in her dreams. Keiki was not aware of this, although he had commented on the bags under her eyes in private.
Youko looked over at the small writing desk set aside for her own use and spotted the recent collection of letters from Rakushun. She had asked her good friend for more information on the history of Kei as well as the 12 kingdoms as a whole. His last letter mentioned a hisen who often visited Kei during the last setsuzan. "While Keiki was searching for the next ruler." She muttered.
Youko stood up from her bed and went over to the desk. She picked up the letter, noting the official writing style her friend was using. He's done so well for himself in En, but I will be glad to have him join Shoukei, Suzu, and myself in Kei.
-As recorded by Rakushun for Sekishi, also called Kei-Ou, Youko Nakajima of Hourai, and Seki-Raku:
Yuiitsu-shin is known as the lone god of the mountains. He is described as a young man dressed in the garb of the Shusei and exiles. That is to say, his garments are an eclectic mixture from the 12 kingdoms. He has also been seen wearing clothing fashioned out of youma skin. Those who see him in such fashion say he is not a sennin or a god, but rather a type of youma that consumes other youma.
This is incorrect. Yuiitsu-shin is noted as a hisen, specifically granted immortality by Tentei in the time when the 12 kingdoms enjoyed peace. He is called the lone god of the mountains due to his mysterious wanderings between the kingdoms. Yuiitsu-shin is often seen offering his service as a guard and guide for those traveling the kingdoms through the dangerous mountain passes that act as borders for each kingdom. Many people are unaware that the young man they travel with is Yuiitsu-shin. It is only when youma appear that he reveals himself. He will defend travelers against roaming youma with a silver chain and an odd sword that some say is from Kunlun or Hourai. Such is his prowess that some have come to call him the Sword Sage.
Although few records exist for the Sword Sage, I have collected and ordered the materials so as to present a better understanding of Yuiitsu-shin.
A small notation was written beneath these last words:
Youko, this hisen also appears during shoku and setsuzan. He slays roaming packs of youma and aids in construction projects in the wake of shoku damage. Many kings and queens have sought him out in the hopes that he will serve them as a retainer or trainer for their armies. However, he never accepts and is somehow able to disappear on a whim, only to reappear in another kingdom.
I actually heard rumors of Yuiitsu-shin showing himself in Kou. This was shortly before I met you. I suspect Yuiitsu-shin came to help with the increase in youma in Kou, as well as the damage caused by the recent shoku which brought you here.
I digress, the reason I write about Yuiitsu-shin is because he has been seen in Kei recently. During the recent difficulties with the rebels, I heard a rumor that Yuiitsu-shin had been seen taking merchant caravans from Kou into Kei. Although he has never served a ruler, he will agree to meet with the ruler of a kingdom upon request. I think it would be a good idea to meet this hisen, Youko. He met with both your predecessors during the early years of their rule and it is said he gave them wise advice.
Youko looked up at the intricately carved ceiling. Wise advice? Even with the assistance from Shoukei, Suzu, Enho, and Keiki, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by all this. If this Yuiitsu-shin had met with both the previous rulers of Kei, then perhaps he will agree to meet with me.
Youko put down the letter and went back to bed, making a mental note to speak with Keiki in the morning about sending a meeting request to Yuiitsu-shin.