A Selfish God Rules This Shrine

Arc 1

Fortune always round itself out when most needed; even after the longest of times – including after centuries.

So, Kurosaki Shun believes he must have had outrageously good luck in a past life and squandered for now, he was undoubtedly being punished for such waste. If he knew his sin, he would atone. It was just tragic that he had to take his sister down with him.

But together, they were coping in this bare house. Once more, their father had gone and taken grocery money to put towards his gambling habit; once more saying this horse race would be the one which would catapult them to the top of their debts once more. It was fine. He could stop at any time. For now, it just meant even smaller meals; for Shun anyway – he always rationed it so that Ruri would get the larger portion, she needed it more. She was still growing; in her last year of middle school. He was basically done since he was in his senior year of high school. It would be fine.

Still, Shun lamented over his lunch: a pitiful mass of white rice with a single pickled plum. His gloom shrouded his face like a permanent scowl. In his classroom, he was avoided by all but one: Yuto.

Yuto came over and pulled up a chair. He had half a smile.

'That bad, huh?'

'I gave Ruri the vegetables.' Shun explained.

Yuto felt bad. His bento wasn't exactly flashy but compared to Shun's it was a feast. His half-smile twisted into a frown.

'Want some?' he offered.

'I couldn't.' Shun refused.

Yuto kept quiet unlike the remainder of the class who whispered. It was just ugly to them. Kurosaki Shun stank of poverty to them; stuck their noses up at him but he shrugged it off. This was his life; not theirs. It was his problem and he didn't need help.

At least that's what he thought until he returned with Ruri in tow to their shabby home with broken windows and threats in the mail. The one that smelt of mould and was strung up with laundry they cleaned in the economically efficient manner they could produce. As they approached their door, marked with a broken Kurosaki plaque, they realised something was disastrously wrong.

Ruri clutched onto Shun. She grimaced. Occasionally they could expect a debt collector or their landlord; both for rigid, cruel inspections of some sort. Was rent due today? Had they paid utilities?

They entered their cold home together.

'Dad?' Ruri called out quietly.

'Dad?' Shun yelled; his hands balled into fists.

There was no reply: only silence. Dread filled their guts; as did anger and anguish. All of it was confirmed when they entered the kitchen. Ruri rifled through the drawers and cabinets. Their food was completely gone; as was their crockery and cutlery. She shook as she searched for the slightest crumb but it was Shun who made the most telling discovery.

He picked up a note from the bench. He hadn't noticed it as it was hidden beneath discarded newspaper. He shot Ruri a look and she knew now that her efforts were futile. She drew closer. Together, they read the note:

"I'm going on a journey. Do not look for me. Dad."

No address. No explanation. No sentiments. Just… nothing. It was horrible. Ruri broke into tears at the finish. Shun internalised his anger but his eyes flared and that was enough to know that he was sick of it.

Knock, knock.

They twisted around and without greetings, their home was stormed and stolen. Faceless repo men in green-blue coveralls came in and began to box their belongings. Shun tried to get them to stop but their boss, their landlord, came in and he was a decisive man. He spoke to the Kurosaki siblings succinctly.

He had a stern face with indiscernible eyes. 'We have an order of eviction. You are required to vacant this building immediately.'

He glanced around.

'Where is your father?'

Neither could reply. Neither could stop him. All they could do was watch in futility as what remained of their life was taken away from them. It felt like they had been stripped of every memory they had ever possessed. They were left the bare minimum. It was pathetic. What remained, the sum of their lives – seventeen and fourteen – was worth three bags between them. It felt like little more than the school clothes on their back.

Just what was the meaning of this?

They were just teenagers: a high schooler and a middle schooler. They were still minors. Shun was barely an adult and yet he was being treated as ruthlessly as one. Now, it was just them. Alone in the world. The cold, cold world – colder than their home, their four walls and a roof in all honesty – could ever be. It was horrendous.

They had watched their eviction without struggle. There was nothing they could do. What they said – what they pleaded – fell on uncaring, unkind ears so now, they waited. It was almost midnight. The worst of the night had yet to come so they sat on a park bench a block and a half away from their apartment and strategized beneath the fluorescent lights of streetlamps.

Shun held his sister tight. She was holding back sobs but he let her know it was okay. His eyes were wet too.

'We're homeless, Shun. No money, no family. What are we going to do?' Ruri cried between wordless bouts of weeping.

He hugged her tighter; making sure she was warm and comforted. They had on their most covering winter jackets over their uniforms but everything was thinning and become wasted; useless. It was hopeless. They had no prospects and only despair.

Shun cursed his father's name. No sane man would leave his two children on the street like this and yet he had. He had to keep his fury inwards because he wanted Ruri to know what he could be her rock: her safety in this time of insecurity. That was his duty as the eldest brother; he was already thinking of worst case scenario ideas. He was basically an adult – why else treat them like this – so he could drop out and get some menial work somewhere. Anything to keep a roof over their head somewhere; maybe they could couch surf with friends in the meantime…

'It'll be okay…' Shun said and he hugged his sister.

She wept some more. They both knew it was a lie. A pretty, little lie without substance.

The park was quiet except for the whistle of frigid wind which was why it was odd when they picked up on the sound of high heels tapping on the uneven cement tiles laid underfoot. They looked up and they don't know what they expected but not a nicely done up businesswoman. She wore a velour, magenta coat and a scarf with thick pantyhose. Her heels were very high.

And judging by the surprise on her face, she had not been expecting visitors in this park at this either hour; and if she were, not to two adolescents.

'My, my, my… what have we here?' she asked in alarm.

'We're experiencing a family tragedy, lady.' Shun replied; his voice pricked with poisonous hostility. He glared.

'Our – Our father abandoned us.' Ruri sobbed. 'And our flat got repossessed.'

She breathed heavily. Her eyes were a blurry red and she had swollen cheeks. The woman melted instantly. She put her hand over her heart and drew nearer; knowing well that she was not entirely welcome upon their space.

'How awful. You must hate your father.' she said.

'A little bit, yeah.' Shun replied.

Ruri did not reply; she bit her lip. Shun could believe it. Ruri didn't have within herself to lash out and strike. She wasn't that sort of hateful person like he was; amazingly, despite everything.

'My husband… he abandoned our family too.' the woman confessed.

Shun's glare eased up and his stomach wretched. If this woman could understand their pain than there was no need to be hostile but he still had his suspicions as she was a stranger.

'I tried my hardest to find him and keep my family in one piece but now… we've all grown apart. I no longer feel welcome with my children because in an effort to keep us together, I may have pushed them away… Well, they're all grown up now. I feel like if my husband – Reo – were to return, he would be attacked by our eldest boy.'

'B-But it must be nice.' Ruri lamented. 'To have a home to return to even if it is cold and unwelcoming.'

The woman sighed and twisted her head backwards; towards the mountains – was that where her home was?

'Still, it would be painful.' There were the faintest traces of tears in her crystalline blue eyes. 'If you tell my daughter that I sent you, she may welcome you. I think if you two were to enter their lives, I would feel a little release of burden. I haven't done my duties for quite some time… Yes, if you children are need of a home, you can have mine.'

'…What?' Shun asked. His eyes widened like he saw a trove of gold before him; a trove he knew to be trapped. Nothing that good could come without a price.

'Well, I feel like you two would be more suited to it; perhaps becoming the new Masters of that old home… What are another two orphans in a house of three already…?'

The woman drew closer and Ruri straightened up. The woman kissed Shun and Ruri's forehead. They could smell her pearly pink lipstick and it felt like some was left behind on their foreheads from her kiss. Both were too surprised by her sudden affection to bat her away. Moreover, she seemed very genuine in her melancholy over her crumbling family.

She drew back and smiled. There was a slight smile upon her lips which quickly twisted into a frown. She took pen and paper from her pockets.

'Here, go to this location and pass on the following message: Himika told you to come here. I'm sure they shall welcome you.'

'Th-Thank you, Himika-san!' Ruri cried excitedly. Her tears dried up and her smile came through like sunshine on a rainy day.

Himika was very pleased by such an earnest and joyful expression; no doubt feeling some sort of emotional reward for her good deed.

'Yes, thank you for your hospitality.' Shun said out of social expectation rather than gratitude. He was beyond certain that there was some sort of string attached.

Himika nodded. 'I hope your circumstances improve. There is only family for certain in this world. It is a precious thing; cherish it if you have the chance. Yes, I think they will embrace you warmly as the new Masters.' She handed the memo to Shun and he studied the crudely drawn map of the location. 'And before I leave, what are your names…?'

'Kurosaki Shun; Kurosaki Ruri.'

'What lovely names.'

She excused herself. She kept on walking and somehow melded into the night despite the vibrancy of her blazer and pencil skirt look. With another blow of the wintry wind, she seemed to completely disappear as though she had never been.

'Do – Do you think it is for real?' Ruri asked and she grasped pleadingly onto Shun's arm. 'I want it to be real so badly.'

'It's a fair distance from here…' Shun said.

'I think it is worth the risk. Just until we get back onto our feet. She seemed nice, rich. I think she's trustworthy.' Ruri reasoned.

'Until we get back on our feet.' Shun said.

The siblings gathered up their few things and began an intense journey to the outside of town. Her house was among the base of the mountains but in turn with this map and others they passed along the train tracks, it was a simple route: one road. The road led past fields filled with trees and rice paddies. Tiny houses could be seen in the distance. It had been a three hour walk but soon, the siblings were exhausted and not met with the extravagant mansion they had been expecting. Not even a country house or cottage.

They passed over cracks in the cement and looked up at a scarlet torii that was luminous against the moonlight but ominous with the dark and shadowy mountains as a backdrop. The building that met them was a gloomy Shrine. It was big enough to be a house but it didn't seem to be liveable. It appeared to be in a state of disrepair; its roof was missing tiles and there was damage to the wood it was built with.

Ruri clutched onto Shun. 'We – We didn't take a wrong turn, did we?' She peered at the paper and confirmed the street numbers. They matched up perfectly.

Shun's hand balled up into a fist once more. 'What a cruel woman! We were clearly deceived, Ruri.' He was furious but not as furious as the voice that soon rung out from the doors that flailed open like something deep and evil had been released.

'Welcome back, Himika.'

The two siblings clung together terrified as the night was lit up by a ring of blue-violet fire that erupted from mid-air and did not touch the night. Ruri screamed and buried her head in her hair and Shun's jacket. All Shun could do was stare in disbelief and terror: wide eyes and twitching arms.

Without thinking any further, driven only by the desire to protect his sister, Shun grabbed his sister and bolted forward. He held onto her and dropped their things. Ruri did so too. In a messy clatter of terrified footsteps, they managed to break free from the fire without issue. They burst into the Shrine and clambered across the floor; appealing desperately to the local god who lived here; to any divinity they knew for that matter.

'Himika-sama! Wait!'

'Big Brother; Big Sister!'

Two other voices joined the foray; very distinct from each other in age and tone. Confusion thickened amongst everyone.

'Is that you, Himika?'

The siblings turned their heads and the darkness around the evaporated. Bluish-violet light floated throughout and illuminated an androgynous figure robed in navy blue and white with a pale red scarf that stuck outwards oddly stiff, in almost a zigzag. That person turned their head and their grey hair set in distinctive waves as a fringe however it was not his hair that stuck upwards but rather fox-like ears.

'Long time… No see.'

The person turned around to reveal their front. That person's eyes were filled with rage. Their mouth opened and teeth – fangs – bared.

'How dare you leave us to take care of our home… for twenty years!'

A demon.

This person was a demon: the Kurosaki siblings could not call upon any other conclusion other than somehow meeting a demon in this gloomy, hallowed place.

It surged forth with fury: 'How dare you abandon us like that good-for-nothing bastard husband of yours! Give me one good reason to even hear out your reasoning; give me one good reason to not attack you!' the demon howled.

'We – We're not Himika!' Ruri screamed.

The demon lunged; its claws millimetres away from grabbing Shun's neck. Their breaths messily spread across each other's faces. The demon blinked; squinted.

'I – I don't have my glasses.' It admitted. Its eyebrows furrowed with a twitch along his right eyelid. 'But I realise now… there are two of you.'

The demon drew back. More fire – fox fire specifically – appeared around them.

'Reira, Elder Sister…' the demon said.

From the fire, came forth two figures; both shorter than this demon but both drastically different. One was a grown woman and the other was a child of indeterminate gender; much like the demon who had confronted them. Neither bore fox ears but they both wore exquisite kimonos. They all did.

The child panted. 'I tried to tell you, Big Brother but I didn't get the chance.'

'Yes, I can see that now.' the fox-eared demon admitted. 'Sister, riddle me this: why do they bare the Symbol of the Land God?'

The woman, shapely and ethereal but faceless, came over to Ruri and examined her. Ruri was unsettled by the woman to say the least but she was gentle.

'I can sense it, upon these children's forehead is the Symbol of our Shrine.'

Her fingers, soft and tender, ghosted over Ruri's forehead.

'And I can feel Himika's presence on them.'

The demon child – Reira – came towards Shun and without any grace, thrust their hand upon Shun's forehead. Shun chose not to lash out.

'Yeah, I can feel it too.' Reira confirmed.

'But they're obviously not Himika – our mother.'

The fox demon crouched down before Shun and bore as fierce a grin as he could with unfocused eyes. It was here Shun realised that physically, this fox demon mimicked a young man of his own age; of seventeen.

'Hey, you.'

Shun's heart throbbed and his mind pulsed with a single, ever pervading question: Just what the hell was going on…?

The other two demons adjoined the fox demon. They all stared at Shun and Ruri: becoming increasingly uncomfortable and terrified with the turn of events.

'Just who the hell are you? Both of you?'

Ruri was too petrified to speak. She stared with all the intensity of a cornered animal and her lips quivered. Shun didn't even know what to say. How was it their fault they had happened upon a demon Shrine through deception of some description?

But he prevailed:

'Himika said we could stay here. She said we'd be suitable Masters of this place.'

With Shun's speaking, Ruri gained some confidence: 'We have nowhere to go. That lady, Himika-san took pity on us.'

With a satisfactory reply at long last, the fox demon manifested a paper fan into the palm of its hands. It hid its face with it; to further disguise whatever it was thinking. The fan was covered in birds and flowers with colours hued by a moonlit palate.

'That's definitely Mother's hand writing.' Reira said upon finding the memo on the ground. 'I remember it.'

'That woman – Himika – is our mother and she was the Land God here.' he explained. 'We are her children: my elder sister, Rei, and my younger brother Reira. I am Reiji: the middle child.'

Ruri screamed, horrified. 'That woman? She was a demon too?'

'No; a goddess.'

The fox demon – Reiji – snapped shut his paper fan furiously. 'And she said you two shall be this place's new Masters?'

'Yes.' Shun confirmed. 'She said we'd be suitable.'

'Yes, this Shrine is supposed to be governed by two gods; not one. Two who shall act as one as bonded by love.' Rei explained. 'Mother must have been impressed by your love.'

'I am very protective of my younger sister.' Shun added and he stuck his arm out so that Ruri could have some further distance between them and the three demons.

'So that means, if you two are the new Masters of this place… that would make you the new Land God.' Reiji concluded bitterly; disgustedly.

His siblings, however, had a completely different perspective. Reira's face lit up with a grin and Rei clasped her hands together.

'Oh, what joyous day!' she exclaimed. 'We must have a banquet at once!'

From thin air, came a tray of fish and vegetables that were freshly cooked and heavily seasoned. Their smell filled the Shrine and took over the mustiness. Ruri and Shun licked their lips enticed by the gathering and Rei, who held the tray, bounced.

'Please, enjoy yourselves. We must get to know each other at once! What are your names?'

'Kurosaki Ruri and Shun.' Ruri replied and she went to accept the food but Shun stopped her.

'Hold on… we can't.' Shun cut in. 'We don't know if we can trust them.'

'Damn right you are.' Reiji said.

'Big Brother!' Reira exclaimed.

Reiji stormed forward and he grabbed Shun's neck. His claws left little marks on Shun's neck and the way they caged his throat, he could just tell that Reiji was dying to strangle him.

'They're just dirty little humans. The best they could do for us is count offerings; pluck the grass. That. Is. It. We don't need them.'

Rei intervened. She pushed Reiji's shoulder and let Shun go. He half-heartedly stepped away from the Kurosaki siblings. He shrugged; sighed. He pulled out his paper fan once more.

'How dare you be so needlessly cruel to these children? They are obviously in need. Moreover, Mother has chosen them. We should respect her wishes; it is the least we can do. J-Just because you've given up doesn't mean we all have.'

'I should be the one saying we shouldn't be here!' barked Shun; he mustered up all his courage.

Ruri cowered beside him; begging him not to aggravate the demons: wielders of unknown powers. Powers that could easily kill them both if they tried; even a little.

'Who would want to be god of this rundown, moneyless Shrine anyway?' Shun yelled.

Reiji's ears perked upwards and he met Shun's aggressive glare. Both were taken aback by what he had been yelled.

Rei and Reira however, leaped on Ruri: 'Please stay here, Ruri-san!'

'Yes, we're very happy you two are here.'

Reiji turned to leave. 'If you two want to serve those dirty humans, go ahead but I refuse. I have a right to decide whom I swear allegiance too and I refuse to swear it to those two.'

Rei stood up. Her whole body tensed. 'Reira is too young to be anyone's Familiar! A-And I'm not powerful enough these days to serve two gods. You were Mother's Familiar for you were her first born; I was Father's for I was his first born. Please, Reiji: be reasonable.'

Reira swallowed. His little fists shook and he was on the verge of tears.

'We need to stop fighting if we want to be a family or else we shall fall upon ruin. I – I don't want anyone to cry or suffer anymore.'

Rei turned her back on Reiji and focused her attention on Reira. She wiped his tears and though she had no lips, it was apparent she was smiling for she radiated warmth and kindness. Reira hugged her and she rubbed his back; whispered comforting nothings into his ear.

Reiji disappeared into weak fire. Shun and Ruri did not stop him; nor did his exhausted siblings.

'He'll come back, I'm sure. He hates leaving Reira alone.' Rei said. 'Please, enjoy our hospitality. We are thrilled to have guests. It has been so very long since we have last had company outside ourselves. Reira and I are over the moon. Come, it is getting late. I can arrange some futons in the back room, if you like. We can feast and talk in the morning; I am sure your journey here has been hard. It's so much to take on at once, I realise.'

'Th-That would be nice thank you.' Ruri replied.

She and Shun got up. Rei led them to the back room and Reira trailed after; obviously excited to meet them but too stunned to say anything to them.

It had to be a dream. It was the only logical conclusion as to why they would be swept up in a such a thing: becoming the Masters of a Shrine, upsetting demons… It just had to be a dream.

And, well in the morning, both siblings awoke to gentle sunshine and the smell of great food with the lofty feeling they had dreamed many dreams that night. They had shared a room but split it between themselves.

'Good morning, Shun.' Ruri offered; contented for the first time in a long time.

'Yeah, morning Ruri.' Shun replied, feeling a little dozy himself.

Unfortunately, given their surroundings, it was clear that whilst many surreal on-goings had happened, they were real. Neither had woken up the day before their lives had collapsed. They had woken up with an altar behind them and soon, a small demon tumbled into the room with an enthusiastic smile and huge, glistening eyes.

'Let's eat!'

Reiji had not yet returned but in his place, Rei and Reira were very welcoming and offered the best food they could provide. It was delicious and fulfilling. Breakfast had been wondrous and filled with much chitchat. Rei wanted to get to know everything about the Kurosaki siblings; she seemed serious in her want to serve… one of them.

But, she was also very serious in her desire to have her new Masters fulfil their share of the work.

'Now, today shall be fieldwork: it is important to purify the grounds lest we attract the attention of evil spirits.'

'We never agreed to being your gods or whatever!' Shun argued upon having gardening shears thrust into his hands.

'It is customary to return good deeds with your own: regardless of species.' Rei replied, sinister.

Reira clung to her side. 'I'm scared. Big Brother is the best at defending the Shrine. Without him…' Reira hiccupped and soon his voice turned to muffled crying.

'Yes… We are severely weak without Reiji but I'm sure he'll be back. It's only been a few hours after all.' Rei then gave Ruri an apron to keep herself clean. 'I'm sure with three of us, it shall be light work. I never said I would leave you on your own.' She had a mischievous giggle.

Shun and Ruri gave in after that. After all, the work gave them time to ask a few questions and between the two of them, they had plenty. Reira watched from the deck. He could sit eerily still and long whilst the others raked and clipped the garden.

'Rei, was it?' Ruri asked.

'Yes.' Rei piped up.

'If you don't mind me asking… what are you?' Ruri asked.

'I am the eldest child. I am Reo's daughter and his Familiar but not Himika's daughter nor am I her Familiar either. I came from a previous relationship, if you will. Reiji is Reo and Himika's son. Reira is a child we adopted.'

'Oh, I'm sorry… I didn't realise it was so complicated.' Ruri apologised.

'It's fine. We're a family nonetheless… On a good day that is. What about you and Shun? I don't sense much resemblance between you two.' Rei replied.

'Hahaha, yes, Shun and I are half siblings. Different mothers also.' Ruri replied.

'Ruri.' Shun warned.

Ruri winked at Rei. 'He doesn't like to talk about it. He's very protective of me; worried people will talk if they find out. Might say we're not a real family otherwise.'

'I can relate but it is fortunate that you have each other.' Rei replied.

'So, um… if you don't mind me asking, again, but… uh… what are you? What about Reira? And Reiji, I suppose but I've gathered from the fox ears that he must be a fox spirit.' Ruri continued.

'Oh! Yes! I sometimes forget to put my face on. That must be odd. Humans – and most spirits for that matter – don't usually forget something as important as their face.' Rei said and mischief filled her voice once more. 'I like how you seem so I think I'll borrow yours. If you don't mind.'

'N-No…? Not at… all?' Ruri supposed, confused as anything.

Rei stood up straight for a second and channelled her energy. Her long hair split into two pony tails wavered as an aura manifested from her skin. Upon her face, she sculpted her own: a nose, lips, cheeks, and eyes. The finished masterpiece was just like a reflection for Ruri. The only difference between their faces was the colour of their eyes; dark pink for Ruri and

'How do I look?' Rei asked.

Shun turned around and suddenly, it was like he had two sisters. 'What the…?'

'I think you look lovely, Rei-chan… Do you mind me calling you that?' Ruri asked.

Rei excitedly grasped Ruri's hands. 'Not at all!'

'So, I am a demi-goddess with the ability to change my appearance at will but I have to work at it some days; hence why I forget my face most days.'

'O-Oh, that makes sense.' Ruri lied. 'But, if you are a demi-goddess, and the eldest… why can't you ascend and become Master of the Shrine?'

'Because the Land Gods must come from the land. Mother and Father were once human folk and human folk know each other best so human folk much ascend and become Master. Reiji and I cannot for we were not born of the land; we were born of more supernatural circumstances.'

'I see… but continue, I hate that I interrupted.'

'I hope our family tree doesn't need a visual representation, I understand it can be odd. Anyways, Reira is a doll who came to life… And you were right on the money when you presumed that Reiji is a fox spirit but through our parents' ascended lineage, must like myself, he is also a demi-god.'

'Good to know.' Ruri replied.

Somehow, hearing all this did not make it seem real. If anything, it worsened the unreality of the situation. In a dream, there could be countless unreal things and yet it came presented like reality and was oddly accepted. In the real world – in this place – the strange things could be counted on one hand and yet it was impossible to face as the truth.

'Stop yapping you two.' Shun admonished. 'Or else we will never finish.'

'Hm… that is true. Especially since we still need to clean up inside as well.'

'What? Really?' Ruri replied; a tad exasperated.

'If you don't work, you can't eat.' reasoned Shun.

'I know.' Ruri replied.

Shun moved onto continuing work. To sound like a hypocrite, he had stopped to listen to the girls talk. He was interested in how the Shrine's family structure worked. He wondered why such a strangely put together family would adopt Reira; who was still doing fine and had moved on from watching to polishing the theatre mask that adorned the side of his head and obscured most his face. Shun wondered if he didn't want to hear it. He wouldn't either given how precariously strained and estranged the relationships in between the inhuman members of the Shrine were.

Shun took the clippers and attempted to start plucking the grass. He wished he had a mower or something. Using gardening shears was basically barbaric from his, human perspective. Especially since he had to go around on his knees and hands. Before he knew it, he found himself with a small, thin cut on his hand from the grass. It was deep enough to bleed, apparently, and he found himself sucking at it just to seal it.

'Ha, what a worthless human.' A cruel, cold voice descended upon him. 'Unable to perform the easiest of tasks.'

Shun turned around and glared: Reiji had intended indeed. His robes fluttered as he appeared from nothingness. He posed himself with his paper fan at his chin so his face was tilted upwards; no doubt to further mock Shun.

'How useless.' Reiji scorned.

'I'm busy.'

Shun shrugged him off and tried to continue on with the yard work but Reiji demanded his attention regardless. He did not take well to being downplayed. Frustration twinged in his emotionless face and his ears flicked irritably.

'You wouldn't be a good fit for the role of Master; you seem like a brat. Did you and your sister run away? Why don't the two of you go home – tail between your legs – and admit defeat.'

A dark expression came over Shun. He did not care that Reiji was a demon – a demi-god even – for no one would talk of him or his sister like that.

'It wasn't us that ran away from home.' Shun growled. 'It was our father. As for our home? Our belongings? Our money? All confiscated; taken away from us by greedy bastards who couldn't care less that they were making two teenagers homeless. We don't have anywhere to return, asshole.'

Reiji's expression thinned but hid it behind his paper fan. He disliked it very much that they did have one thing in common. He knew how horrid it was to be left behind; to be abandoned.

'Don't touch the mirror in the worship hall.' Reiji decided and he flitted off elsewhere. As he left, Reira came running after him: hands outstretching and grabby.

'Sorry…' Shun mumbled.

Rei soon took Reira inside; comforting him. Reiji would return once more soon. She knew it. He couldn't bear to leave either behind. He would get used to the Kurosaki siblings soon, surely. Rei also invited the Kurosaki siblings inside once more; they had spent some time outside. Perhaps now would be a good time to rest; adjust.

The two collapsed lazily behind the main, outdoor altar. They were somewhat hidden there because of the sliding door. It was in very good condition, all things considered. However, it was very creaky. The building moaned with them.

Or maybe, it was something else…

God

An elderly woman's voice caught their attention. They looked at each other it was like they were linked psychically but it only went one way; and not even between them.

Please bless my daughter's child so that it will be safe and sound.

The siblings scrambled to the door and saw a woman leave the altar. She was old with withered, grey hair and frumpy clothes. Already, she was crossing beneath the altar.

'What was that? Was that… that woman's prayers…?' Ruri asked; desperate eyes.

Shun had no reply.

Rei, with Reira sitting on her hip, came into the hall. She smiled.

'That was the voice from someone who had left a money as an offering.' Rei explained. 'As this Shrine's gods, you will be able to hear their prayers. Listening to their wishes is another one of your roles as Master.'

Shun felt horrible. People did leave offerings here. He shouldn't have called it moneyless to Reiji's face; that was unkind to say the least but Reiji deserved. He was horrible to begin with but such an excuse did not cover Rei and Reira. They deserved respect and offering too.

'Alright, Ruri-dono, Shun-dono, I have your next job prepared.' Rei continued. 'Ruri-dono, I would like you to help Reira and I organise the crockery. Shun-dono, I have some records I would like you to look over… I'm assuming you're older, this is a job which might be outside Ruri-dono's schooling.'

'I understand.' Ruri replied and got up.

Rei put Reira down; with some struggle. 'Reira,' she said sweetly, 'take Ruri-dono to the kitchens. I'll show Shun-dono to the records.'

Rei led Shun to the room where they kept the records. Everything was neatly shelved and often used. There wasn't even a speck of dust in the sunbeams that streamed through the windows. Reira pointed out a certain array of shelves on the wall. Shun was suddenly feeling very blessed that mathematics was his academic forte.

'Here are the last twenty years' worth of donations, meticulously recorded by Reiji.' Rei lamented solemnly. 'Due to the disappearance of Mother and Father, belief in the Shrine shifted. Declined. However, thanks to Reiji's management, we have been able to maintain the Shrine regardless and keep some participation in our affairs.'

Rei got to her knees slowly and bowed to Shun. 'We have waited very patiently for the return of our Masters. Whilst you and Ruri-dono are not who expected, we are thrilled to have you. Please! Consider becoming one of the Masters here.'

'Please,' Shun begged shyly, 'don't grovel.'

He hovered towards the bookshelf and pulled out the latest edition. It was in better condition than the others and he flicked through it. From a light skim alone, he got the impression that someone very thorough and passionate had kept these records. Soon, his skimming became slower before it became proper reading. He became entranced by the beautiful handwriting. The ink work was delicate and smooth. The characters were fully formed with care; like computer print but the font was no much more natural. Shun was nothing short of enchanted by it.

'I understand the Shrine is a little rundown but please…' Rei said as she got up.

'Please don't wear my sister's face if you are going to look so sad. I hate her tears more than anything else; don't make me hate yours as well.' Shun said. He did not have to look up to know that Rei's eyes were dim and watery.

He continued to stare at the pages. He could imagine it easily; Reiji sitting up at a desk with ink and page, listening to the prayers, writing them down, and taking genuine pride in his work. That itself was also a beautiful image.

Every word Shun read, every word he came to regret that he said to Reiji. He felt like a callous person. His own anger at the world shouldn't have been directed at Reiji; especially now that he knew that Reiji had his own struggles and pride. It may be a rundown, moneyless Shrine but at least he has managed to keep it in working order for so long: twenty years to be exact…

'So, do you understand Shun-dono? We need Reiji… please don't antagonise him any longer… but what do you say? Do you think you and Ruri-dono will be able to take up the mantle?' Rei asked.

Shun returned the book and exhaustion drained him terribly. He didn't hide his face with a smile or a scowl but a sigh. He returned to Rei who was looking at him ever so hopefully but he couldn't return it. Not with the slightest expression.

'Rei, thank you for your hospitality. I can't speak for Ruri.' His fists tightened by his side. 'I only need to stay here for one night. If Ruri wishes to remain, I will not stop her – hell, I beg you. Please keep her safe should she elect to stay. I'd prefer it if she did…

'But, it's impossible for me to be a god. I'm… useless. I'm a no good high school delinquent. I – I don't have any power.'

Shun fell to his knees. He lowered his head limply; feeling numbed.

'I'm very sorry.'

He should have said it from the start. Shun wanted a home that he could share with Ruri. He did not want to destroy else's home to achieve that goal for he was not that cruel or callous.

Rei warmly extended the welcome for as long as both siblings needed. Ruri and Shun talked it over and both were at a standstill. If doing a little bit of chore here and there gave them bed and board, it was acceptable but neither were exactly leaping at the chance to become the Masters of the Shrine.

Tonight, they had been given separate lodgings.

As Shun tried to sleep, he couldn't help but go over his interactions with Reiji. It was ridiculous but he did feel bad. He did feel hurt by his actions and by Reiji's. Reiji was a nasty person who had much dignity but Shun was still undecided as to if he ought to apologise should they meet tomorrow.

For Reira's sake, if anything, as he was becoming increasingly anxious without both his elder sisters by his side. Shun hoped that Reiji would return once more. And for good.

In another realm, Reiji was having tea by himself. The waitress knew better to bother him; especially now that he could calmly sip his share behind the privacy of a scarlet curtain. Unfortunately, the other guests did not care for Reiji's privacy. Instead, they bustled on in and irked him. He tried not to show it for it would be polite; but he still shot them a nasty glare.

'Crow.' he addressed the shabbily dressed, exiled Tengu.

'Yo.'

Crow had a greedy smile across his face and he had his posse in tow. Together, they all sat at the booth and made themselves comfortable.

'Is it true?' the children he carted around chorused.

'Is what true?'

'Himika finally gave up the ghost. Quit bein' a goddess.'

Reiji elected not to speak.

'It's not safe for you – a demi-god, a Familiar – to be hangin' out in places like this if it ain't.' Crow's companion, a wasp youkai, spoke. His name is Shinji.

'Can we have it then? You upper-crust fellas don't need it no more.' the children chorused.

'C'mon, Reiji, let us have at it. We'll take great care of it.' Crow begged.

'And ever since yesterday, it has been giving off a delicious smell.' Shinji added.

'Yeah! Yeah! The smell of humans!' the children chorused. 'Two of 'em!'

Reiji set down his clay cup; drained of green tea. He politely wiped his face and leaned over the table. He pondered the proposition.

'And one is a girl human at that.' Crow added.

'You could want for nothin' unlike us dredges of society. C'mon, let us eat 'em.' Shinji asked.

'Fine.' Reiji said decisively. 'I'll let you eat them both.' Bloodlust flashed in his ominous, violet eyes.

The children squealed excitedly among themselves. For the less than fortunate, two whole humans could last a year as a feast.

'And here we thought we'd get in your way.' Crow said delightedly.

'Is that so? Well it is up to you whether you eat the two humans or not. You don't need my permission.'

The band of exiled youkai became riled up and giddy. They cheered among themselves as they drummed up their deepest hunger from the empty pits they called their stomachs.

'However.' Reiji interjected pointedly like a blade. His voice became a roar soon after: 'My siblings still live there and if you think I am going to let you come anywhere within our territory, you have enough thing coming. Scram! Before I decide to punish you for your insolence!'

Crow and his posse escaped without hesitation. Nuisances, the lot of them. How dare they even have the gall to address him so casually. It was beyond insulting. Reiji then gave the exiled youkai a ten-minute head start before leaving his booth lest they encounter each other once more; and Reiji knew that he would not hesitate to violently punish them for their presumptuous hunger should they cross paths once more today.

And now it was spreading: the information that the Akaba Shrine had gods once more.

Godliness was a sacred and spiritual realm. There was much duty to be taken upon by it. With unwilling Masters, surely their Shrine will come to calamity.

And the Kurosaki siblings' suffering was sure to continue.