A/n: Ah I know, there is a Much better version of this fic out there, But I am focusing solely on our dear folklorist. This is a bad attempt at first person, but I thought it would be fun. So please bear with me… I need to learn to write like this anyway… haha


Warning: This fic will become violent.. I will hold nothing back… I did my research on everything, and I am well attuned to facts. Though I know cant spell, and my grammar sucks.

Disclaimer: I do not own Re Beni Chou. Shibata does, sorry.

Kusabi no Tsukuru.

Chapter 1: Arrival

The journey had been hard, and albeit we had come such a short distance on foot and left our horses behind. My dear student was starting to show the faint signs of fatigue and even hunger. I my self am fairly fortunate that I was to have such a good connection, join my self as my apprentice. I couldn't ask for more.

It wasn't until my teachings with him was near completion, and I had researched many a good spots to bring him on his first study, that he suggested so happily our travels to a small village called: All god's village. Normally I would have asked for ritual practiced but his words of "complete secret as far as I know." Further intrigued me.

And I certainly wasn't one to turn down any town with secret rituals.

3 Nights early

I let my eyes, through my typical morning bangs, fall upon a small camera left by my dear friend Kunihiko Asou. He was such a noble man, a Occultist and a folklorist much like me. His invention intrigued me and left me full of wonders. I have only used it once, and doing so it proved to be quite the little picture taker. If he ever returns… I will have to thank him. But I am also so very proud, I am able to carter a few of his projectors. I sincerely doubt these villagers even know what a camera is, I cannot wait to bribe them with info in exchange for such awesome treasure. Once again, thank you Dr. Asou.

I dressed swiftly in my favorite white Haori and Hakama, and set off to find my dear student to make sure he is ready for our long journey… To tell the truth.. I can hardly wait… Yet an odd feeling strikes me… Will I become like my old friend Dr. Asou? To get involved in something and never return?

Present

The village is far striking than I had imagined. Farmers foraged on small plots of lands, not far from the prominent border. As we pass, they lift their heads and smile. Ryozo seems nervous at their glances, and I myself cannot shake the dread feeling rising in my stomach. As we stop I look towards a tall women, elegant in every manner. She seems heavy in childbirth, and looks pained. I am not one to allow such a women to ever do anything in conditions such as her.

As I help the mother to be, I kindly sneak a few questions. Albeit she knows she shouldn't and a odd tinge of acting throws me off as she speaks. Her words are forced, but true in their intent. Do they not usually speak so clearly of their folklore, or is it they usually don't speak to outsiders?

"The place here… I cannot say what we do. But we have rules, for one… We have to appease the gods… For if we don't the Gate of hell shall swallow us all." With that she shut the door. I could tell plainly it was not for a rude doing, but instead it was more in fear of my person. I stepped back feeling another over flow of dread, but turn to spot my dear student bowing low in respect.

My eyes dart to a man, not much older than myself. He is dressed in a bit of a more respectful Oobi, and is smiling with such intention I cannot say I saw it there at first.

"Welcome, I hear so well that you are interested in our customs. Judging by how you greeted Osaka-chan… I am the 'Ceremony Master' I over see the town… I can allow you total access to any house… for all of your gathering needs." I must have died and gone to nirvana. Was I hearing this clearly? I felt my chest hurt in anticipation, ignoring Ryozo's silent protests, I allow myself to follow the taller man. He lead us past several well built manors, upon the bridge I could see a very pretty woman, she too was as curious as those at ground level, but leaned over so carelessly, I sure hope she doesn't fall…

The trip to his manor is a bit unsettling, to pass their we must step over a seemingly weakly built bridge over a river. The wind passing through the Matsu and willows makes a soft whispering sound. I scarcely hear him over it, as he gently coaxed the name of it is "Whisper Bridge".

When he stops, I notice two very beautiful young females, both adorned in matching Yukata, and both rather identical. Though one is shy, her nervous glance to her sister tell me immediately who was the dominant child. Ryokan turns to us, his bow in respect, and his daughters follow after.

"Welcome to All god's, these our my daughters Yae and Sae" His hands motion gently to each as he spoke their name. "I am Ryokan Kurasawa, and I can allow you to learn more. However, you have full permission to enter any house… The Tachibana, Tsuchihara, Kiryu, Osaka, and even my own."

"Thank you, Kurasawa-dono. May we use a room as a place to stay, at least for tonight until we are well settled?" He laughs and hands me a key, I note the carving states bodly Kiryu, and feel a bit confused about being given such a key to anothers house. He must of noticed this, because he laughed again and motioned across the bridge.

"The Man who once lived their, is sadly passed on. The wife still lingers, but in her age she will do not much to bother you. Stay anywhere in there, and be my guest to look through any books, Yoshitatsu may have kept." With that he bowed and backed up. Escorting his daughters after him.

I turn to Ryozo, only to see the feeling of fear cross his eyes. I give him a pitiful look. But lead the way none-the-less, back towards the massive structures. It takes a good 10 minutes, but finding the right house was easy. The lady was nice, although her eyes shown with such malice. I bowed to be respectful, but found myself sitting at a old desk, watching my student close his eyes for rest. I myself, find it hard to sleep. I gaze upon the books, but first is first. I must write my first chapter for my studies.

"The Ceremony Master, Mr. Kurosawa, gave me a very warm welcome.

The village has no "chief". The Ceremony Master presides over the

village. I wonder if this village was founded by people who wanted

to preserve their sacred rituals and festivals?

Most notable among All God's folklore is the "gate to hell" legend

that has been passed down for years. It is an archetypal tale of a

gate or hole that marks the border to the world of the dead, also

called Hades, the underworld, or the netherworld.

It is a forbidden place that is feared and hated, but it is also

worshipped as well. The idea of hell has been a core belief of

humans since ancient times. This village supports the theory

that the belief is universal.

The Forbidden Ritual regarding this "gate to hell" that takes

place here is something no one is allowed to see or speak of.

This strict taboo is probably the result of a ceremony concerning

the border with hell coming closer to the living world.

Villagers lead a simple life. Deep in the mountains, they struggle to

forage food for their daily meals. The village has little contact

with the outside world. They continue to practice the ways of old,

frozen in time."