Michael blinked his eyes open to see mountain forest passing them. He would have thought they were back in Japan, except the trees were different. He looked around the SUV and was quite stunned to see white hair in front of him, driving the vehicle.
Rolling to sit up from where he'd been resting sideways against the back of his seat, he leaned up to look over Purrcy's shoulder. "And ...just where are we going when you don't even have a driver's license?"
Purrcy's ikiryō ear flicked in embarrassment, but her words were calm. "I needed a turn and you all needed sleep. We're in the Roosevelt National Forest, in Colorado."
Michael's eyes were caught by her cell phone, sitting in the cup holder and leaning against the dashboard. It was navigating for her. "Okay. So that's where we are. Where are we going?"
He had the cell phone in hand before she could prevent it. She protested non-verbally, but gave in and didn't fuss. His brow creased. "What's at Red Feather Lakes?" He looked back at Purrcy. "Lake-side cabins?"
Purrcy's lips curled up as she shook her head. "One of only two Shinto shrines in the continental United States."
Michael's eyebrows lept up. "Seriously? We need to?"
Purrcy glanced at him from the corner of her eye and gave a nod. "It shouldn't take too long, although we might not find a nice place to sleep tonight unless they let us stay there without a prior arrangement. We're kind of out in the middle of nowhere."
Michael looked down at the phone in his hand, then sat back in his seat to figure that part out. They were already here and it wasn't like he could say "turn around" and have a nice easy solution - not out in the middle of nowhere.
"Is is a repeat of the forced initiation?" Gareth asked bitterly from the front passenger seat next to Purrcy, having woken up because of the conversation.
Michael hadn't considered that one. He'd just been thinking mildly that she'd finally run away and taken them all with her, which was okay by him. He didn't want her to run away without them and go into hiding.
Purrcy shook her head. "If you want to make the correlation, I suppose you can, but no. We're getting to the end of what I know we're supposed to do. It's time to talk to Earth's Inari again."
She paused and looked out her side window for a bit. "Inari isn't enshrined at the shrine here, but Sarutahiko is. I'm hopeful he'll be willing to allow us to converse with Inari because of the merciful relationship we had with Theldesia's Sarutahiko."
Michael relaxed a bit with a nod. He had to agree that would also be par for the course for repeats, as well, not the least of which was because they'd borrowed Sarutahiko's shrine on Theldesia for Kishi-Mujin and Shiroe's sake. This would be similarly for Shiroe's sake, even if he wasn't present.
Given that Purrcy hadn't known about the ending of the seventh level, he supposed there could be a little bit of a repeat in that much as well. He certainly wasn't interested in making her a goddess of Earth this round. In that he had to agree with Gareth. He wasn't going to be happy if Inari made things more permanent, or more tightly bound everyone.
So far Earth's Inari didn't seem to require such things ...except in his case. He sighed. His own ear and tail wanted to flick in irritation at that thought. He kept it firmly suppressed. He was quite determined to not keep them if at all possible and didn't want to get into the habit of having them. It was a bit difficult given how long he'd been a felinoid in the Gate of Time, even though he hadn't used the illusionary ears and tail much then. He supposed he might have to accept at some level that was also a repeat.
Leaning forward to put the phone (returned to the map routing) back where he'd stolen it from, Michael said, "We'll have to sleep there. That or sleep while driving again. It's going to be a long way to get back out of the park and back to civilization again."
Purrcy nodded. "I am sorry about that ...but I'm quite ready for the vacation part of it."
Michael smiled ruefully. He ran his hand down her arm, wanting to hold her hand. She gave him the opposite hand, resting it on her arm so they could interlace fingers.
Stiletto was sleeping on the back bench behind Michael, having traded with Purrcy. Bowie was still sitting next to Michael, but not really awake either at this point. "How long has it been since you could just run solo and explore the wilds?" Michael asked Purrcy.
Purrcy relaxed back in her chair, properly keeping her hand on the wheel and her eyes on the road. "Rather a long time, actually," she admitted. "The drive this morning has been very relaxing." Michael rubbed her arm with his thumb. She glanced with a mischievous smile at Gareth. "Basket of panther kits."
Gareth rolled his eyes at her and went back to watching the scenery moodily. It wasn't so bad now. The repeats were far enough apart that they weren't so upset by it now. They could tell the whole thing (in reverse) was still on-going. "We'll need a pit stop soon, I would think," Michael said practically.
"I'd like it to be when we get there," Purrcy glanced down at the map program. "Forty minutes?" It was longer than either man wanted, but it wasn't impossible.
-:-:-:-:-
Purrcy stopped the SUV in the parking lot and the five got out and stretched, then headed for the visitor's center. Bathroom visits were first on the agenda. On arriving back at the SUV, Purrcy passed around single-serve cereal bowls, having added milk and spoons to them. She'd done this when travelling with her kids, so it was rather second nature to her.
They downed them rather quickly, along with the bananas she handed out. "When did you pick these up?" Gareth asked.
"Stiletto and I traded out at the last gas station before the turn-off for here," she answered mildly.
"She came out with two bags-full of snacks and a half-gallon of milk," Stiletto tattled.
Purrcy shrugged. "I can't drive without snacks, and we're going to be on the road for long enough."
Bowie held an empty grocery bag out for everyone to put their trash into, then dropped it into the trash can. Michael looked at Purrcy soberly. She drew a breath for courage. She'd relaxed enough she'd nearly lost the energy to stay the strong person in charge. She so wanted to sit on her chair on the balcony and not think of anything for a long time.
Purrcy led their group back into the visitor's center and asked politely if they could visit the shrine, saying they'd become worshipers in Japan and had detoured from their path across the country to visit.
They were handed a map of the mountain area, and the pathway to the shrine was pointed out. They would be passing a Tibetan Buddhist worship site on the way, and there were several other esoteric worship places on the site as a whole.
"A nineteen-sixties compound is it?" Michael asked dryly as they left the visitor's center.
"Yes, most likely," Purrcy answered. She was pouring over the detailed description of Red Feather Lakes printed on the opposite side of the map. "It looks like the Shinto shrine was added later, though." He slipped an arm through hers to keep her on the pathway while she read. "Thanks," she muttered. He reached over and patted her on the head.
They bowed to an American wearing the clothing of a Tibetan monk as they passed the Buddhist temple. He bowed back and watched them as they continued their climb up the slope of the mountain on the crushed limestone path. Purrcy finally passed the map back to the guards to review.
The path they were on went under two red torii gates and would pass into the trees, then circle around to the shrine and back out, giving the supplicant time to mediate on what they would be conversing with the kami about.
They reached the first torii gate and bowed before passing under it, each using that moment to begin to set in their minds what they wanted from this visit. When they were ready, they passed under it and surprisingly for once didn't teleport more directly to the shrine. Purrcy was just as glad. She needed time to put her thoughts and intent together anyway.
When they reached the second torii gate just before the pathway split, she paused their group. Turning to Bowie, she asked, "You've already said it, but please confirm for me: you don't want it."
Bowie shook his head. "I'm done Hahaue. I'll keep it as long as you need a guardian and we're doing the repeats, but I want to go back to living a normal Earth life. That's hard enough and what I already know how to do."
Purrcy gave a nod. "Then stay here and guard the path. Don't let anyone come to the shrine until we return. I expect no more than an hour and perhaps less." She looked out over the mountain-top meadow below them that was nearly empty save for a few of the residents. "It looks like it's not likely you'll have anything to do but relax, given it's not dawn or dusk."
Bowie went to slight attention. "Yes, ma'am."
Purrcy paused, then on the spur of the moment, stepped to him and gave him a hug. "Thank you, Bowie.
Bowie had stiffened in surprise, but he sighed and returned the hug. "You're welcome, but don't make me think you're going to disappear."
Purrcy shook her head. "We won't." She smiled ruefully. "Just feeling sentimental." Eyes went to Michael and several of the Eagles sighed.
Bowie patted her on the head and turned her around. "Then get going and get coming back. Let's finish this and get on with real life."
Purrcy looked over her shoulder at Bowie and gave him a smile, bright to hide her tears and to push them back down again. She was glad she had Michael to help her keep walking forward, like he'd helped her so many times, particularly on walks like this one.
At that thought, she supposed Bowie did have cause to be a bit concerned. She went back to formulating what she wanted to ask Earth's Inari. Thinking of that particular moment in the past wasn't pleasant. Michael's hold on her arm had tightened by the time they reached the shrine and she patted his hand to get him to relax just a little. He noticed his tension then and took a breath and let it out, trying to also not be worried by this walk.
The four of them walked first to the fountain where they used the long-handled cup to perform the first purifications. "Are we going to need to do the upper purifications?" Michael asked, looking at her in concern.
Purrcy considered that. "Perhaps we can perform the ritual spells instead of trying to find the spring this comes from."
Everyone preferred that option over repeating the cold-water purifications she'd had to endure her first walk to Shrine Mountain. They'd had to also endure them the time Inari had claimed them. Neither repeat was wanted this time, so if they were fortunate it might also be enough different Inari wouldn't claim her or them this time.
Once they'd cast the purification spells, Purrcy turned to Gareth. "You also don't want it."
Gareth hesitated, then shook his head. "No, Hahaue. I'll also stand with you as long as needed to accomplish the repairs." He bit his lip and ran a hand through his brown hair, looking away from her. "I know I'm your only healer, though." His hand and face fell at the same time. "If Inari won't let you go, and knows you'll need the healing, then I won't refuse. But, if at all possible, I'd rather not."
He took a breath, and looked her in the eyes. "I want to follow Tetorō if he'll have me. There's no call to have it for that, since both of us would like to leave all this behind us. I'll leave your side when he goes unless he's refused me."
Purrcy studied him for a long time, then gave a nod. "Blessings upon you, then. I'll help you as long as I can. It will be difficult at the beginning, to unlearn being American."
Gareth shrugged, uncomfortable. "I figure it's not much different than being military, though."
Purrcy's lips turned up. "No, not really, although that's just a base to build on." She took a breath, looking away from him briefly to the woods, then back again. "Then, please stay here outside the shrine while we enter it, to guard it from unwanted spiritual entrances. We'll let you go first to pray."
Gareth bowed slightly and stepped up to the rope. He pulled the bell once, clapped, bowed, and clapped again. He held his hands palms pressed together in front of his chest as he prayed silently for what he wished for into the future. When he was done, he clapped and bowed again, then stepped back and began to cast a spiritual protection spell on the shrine.
Purrcy gave a nod to Stiletto. "I'm assuming you still want it, but we'll hear what Inari has to say." Stiletto had paused and at that gave a nod and stepped up to take his turn to pull the bell rope and pray.
When Stiletto had stepped aside, Purrcy let go of Michael's arm and motioned him to go next. He looked at her soberly, then passed her over to Stiletto. Purrcy smiled at Michael, but let Stiletto tuck her hand in his elbow. She could understand Michael's paranoia where she and shrines were concerned.
She spent her time in quiet meditation, allowing the peace of the mountainside to buoy her up. She could feel herself opening up, too, her mind and senses expanding in a way they hadn't been able to for a long time. It was only natural. She had kami to talk to.
Before her full aspects could manifest, she cast the spell that would keep both Bowie and Gareth from knowing what was happening in the shrine. She wouldn't be able to prevent Michael this time, and Stiletto already knew. By the time Michael turned around, done with his prayer, she was already changed.
She knew she was in her embroidered black kimono with the layers of red and black ones underneath - they were heavy, although the upper mountain air under the trees was cool enough. Her tails were heavy also and she knew all seven showed. It showed on Michael's face as his eyes traced the space around her and counted them.
His face fell a bit, then he was bowing and his clothing changed for his priest's kimonos. Purrcy took her hand back from Stiletto and he bowed to her also, his clothing becoming that of the deacon of Inari.
His foxtail aspect came on him as well, since he would rather have it than not. His two black tails waved, happy to be let free. His coloring went with him - a black fox that sparkled with speckles of grey and white. Wearing the black kimono only made him look that much more good looking.
Purrcy held out a hand for Michael. He looked at her a bit pained. "Come, my husband. You can face Inari like that, but we must face the kami this shrine was dedicated to first. For that you must show who has claimed you." She took his hand and pulled him to her and kissed him, not having the muzzle in the way in this form.
She held the kiss, promising and comforting Michael with it until he relented and let the ears and tails out. She held the kiss and him in her arms until he relented enough to let all five tails out. Then she was content.
When she released him and moved to take her turn standing in front of the shrine, Stiletto accused Michael, "Been holding back, to have three in hiding for so long."
Michael sighed. "I'm sure on Theldesia that's how many I have. Here the two are sufficient - and more than sufficient since I'm sure I don't want any at all," he complained, disgruntled. But that was like him. Purrcy smiled to herself a little as she reached up for the bell rope.
She clapped twice, bowed, and clapped again. "Ōkami Ameaterasu, Toyoke-Omikami, Sarutahiko, and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, please hear my request. We have need to talk to Ōkami Inari. As this is the only shrine we can reach in this part of the world, please allow us a brief moment to visit with Ōkami Inari in this shrine that has been dedicated to you four.
"Ōkami Ameaterasu, please accept the friendships we have built and the bright and brilliant service of Stiletto in our behalf. Ōkami Toyoke-Omikami, please accept our work to prevent the fall of humanity at this time and our efforts to aid the path of Earth.
"Ōkami Sarutahiko who has guided us and been our help on Theldesia, please again be merciful to us here on Earth so that we can perform with strength those tasks set to us by Ōkami Inari to keep the fabric of Earth whole. Ōkami Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, please accept the efforts of Michael who works hard to support me his wife, as you support Ōkami Sarutahiko."
Purrcy paused and then bowed towards the seats of the shrine. Michael and Stiletto both bowed and said in unison, "Please hear our prayer."
There was a change in the atmosphere as the general peace of the area around the shrine seemed to withdraw just a little. As gradually there was an increase in pressure. The three spacial stepped past the fence around the shrine and directly into the shrine, Purrcy in the front. Michael returned to his human form behind her on her left and Stiletto arrived a little farther back on her right. They bowed again before the seats.
When they rose they were more in the near-pico space realm than in the physical base realm, but that wasn't a surprise to them. What was a little surprising was that they were facing a white ten-tail foxtail in a white and gold many-layer kimono. It wasn't the kami itself, but one aspect it used to face the people of Earth.
[For what purpose have you come?] Inari asked.
"We are nearing the west coast and then our return to Japan. From this point neither Shiroe nor I can see what must yet be done. Will your tasks for us be completed when we return, or is there more you would have us do to help repair the fabric of Earth?" Purrcy asked.
[Has not your path opened up to you even until now?] Inari asked.
Purrcy bowed slightly. "Of course, Inari-Ōkami. However, we would know if it is still necessary to continue on as we are today. The far future is not open to us."
[...Make your requests.]
"Please, when the final repair is completed, allow all tools that you have used in the repairs to no longer be required to hold to the magic, but be returned instead to the way of life they knew before. Bowie specifically, and Gareth as well, although both have sufficient humility to understand that if I am still needed, they may be as well."
Purrcy bowed humbly, keeping her hands clasped together under her sleeves. "You have heard the request of Stiletto's heart. I would keep him with me as an adopted son for as long as you have need of me as anything other than a simple human woman, and would happily have him stay even longer if he wishes it. But if even he cannot continue to have his gifts of magic, please allow him the gift of peace. I will watch over him and comfort him also, then."
Staying bowed, she continued, "Michael wishes for he and I both to be released so that we may enjoy the end of our time on Earth without worry. It would help him, I think, and perhaps myself as well, worry less if we understood how much role you wish for me to continue to have upon Earth until it is my time to leave it as all humans do. It will ease Shiroe's mind as well if he can know that I will be allowed to rest for a time." She held the bow, her request finished for the most part.
There was a longer pause, then Inari responded. [I will answer the prayers in behalf of the loyal guards. But you must also make your choice.]
Purrcy shook her head. "I know that I have no choice in this, Inari. I am created to serve." Michael shifted, unhappy, but Purrcy refused to relent.
[If you will continue to maintain the magic, you must understand,] Inari went into instruction mode, which surprised her a little. [For the purpose of repairing the fabric of the Earth, those who are Adventurers have been allowed to access their physical representations of Theldesia. You will lose access to them upon completion of the repairs.]
Purrcy rose to standing, blinking in surprise. "We won't be able to access our lists, is what you mean?"
[Correct.]
"Okay," Purrcy could live with that, although perhaps there were things that ought to be brought back here, maybe. "If we bring things here to keep with us, will they return to Theldesia with us?"
[It is sufficiently accounted for.] Purrcy sighed in relief. She'd had no idea Crusty had gotten his chain of office originally here on Earth, plus she wanted the rings to go back with those who had received them - Nyanta in particular. [What would you do if you were to continue as you are?]
Purrcy was surprised by the question. Slowly she smiled. "Not much. Keep track of how the people I love are doing, keep an eye on the magic world to make sure things stayed calm," she looked over to Michael, "and make Michael take me on flights, since if I have to stay magical I'd want him to as well, at a minimum."
Michael put his head in his hand and sighed. "And that's the only good thing about that. That and being able to find you anywhere. And most of the time they are only 'nice to haves' not 'essentials'. We can live without them," he argued with her.
There was a pause, then Inari declared, [It is sufficient. When the repair is completed, you will see the change and understand.]
The pressure was lessening. The three bowed and expressed their gratitude to Inari. It was still a bit more open ended than perhaps they liked at this point in time, but they'd received what they were going to get. Purrcy left a food and salt offering with words of gratitude to the other four kami and they were done.
"Was it really worth it to drag us all the way out here just for that?" Michael complained to Purrcy as they stepped back out of the shrine to stand outside the fencing, changing back to human form and dressed in their "day clothes".
"Yes," Purrcy answered calmly, noting Gareth's relieved look to see them all appear again. She led them in a slow walk along the return path so they had some time to come back down from being up that high.
Bowie was just as relieved to see them again as Gareth had been. Purrcy paused there above the mountain meadow to look out over the mountain range. "This would be a good day to fly," she said softly.
The four men looked at her like she was crazy, but they didn't disagree. Finally Michael put his hand on top of her head. "Let's go see about renting a cabin or tent first, shall we? If we can't do that we should get on the road again."
Purrcy's eyes went to Bowie. He blinked, focused inward for a bit, then tipped his head. "There's places available and they'll allow it."
"Then we'll fly first," Purrcy decided. "We still aren't low enough to be around more than Bowie right now, although he'll help us drop." She turned and led their feet into the meadow, putting her shoes and socks away to feel the grass on her bare feet. "Of course, the whole place is up in the levels anyway, by virtue of what it is. We don't have to come down very far.
"Invisibility illusions, excepting ourselves, please," she instructed. Before Michael could grab her, she was running and casting her own spell, then was launching herself into the air.
After the cries at her being unfair because she'd been hiding her wings from them, they were laughing at her. Half taunted her and half coached her until she was finally passable at true flight. It didn't hurt that most of flying in the mountains was soaring once they got to the proper height. That she already knew how to do.
-:-:-:-:-
"Why do we have a rental car, again?" Gareth asked. "We could just realm step and fly."
Purrcy got that glint in her eyes that made Michael immediately put his hand on her head to hold her down. "Whoa back, there." His scowl scolded Gareth. "Because we're trying to make this part of the honeymoon, and because Purrcy shouldn't be using up quite that much energy.
Purrcy playfully batted at Michael. "It wouldn't take that much, and could still be all that." She frowned at the SUV. "However getting that where it needs to be would be hard, true."
Her eyes went back to the northwest. "I'd love to go under the radar for a bit, though." Her eyes glared sideways at the military men with her. "At least one of you knows the itinerary and when we have to arrive in San Diego." A few eyes roamed and wouldn't look into hers, Michael's included.
"Bowie -"
Bowie stepped back and raised a hand, shaking his head. "I'm going to stick with you until it's over. You know I have to report it all." The others scowled at him for just saying it outright, but he stuck firmly to it.
Purrcy pouted, then turned to Stiletto and put both of her hands on his shoulders. "Fine. You call the rental agency and ask them to have someone come fetch the SUV. You all can make it look like it won't start for a reason, but tell them we decided to stay here to meditate on the mountain and will call them again when we're ready for civilization again.
"Michael and I will go rent us a place to stay. Having the vehicle not start will be another excuse for why we needed a place to sleep last minute." The three guards slumped at that. It was a plan with only one hole, and that was the one Michael was still scowling about. They all looked at him, making Purrcy face him.
She took a breath and turned to him. "Please, Michael," she begged softly. "I need to be wild for just a short amount of time. The U.S. is large enough for that. Japan is too small unless I pretend that the dude ranch cabin is the same as roughing it under the stars."
Michael's mouth had opened to speak but now he slumped. "But Purrcy," he almost-whined at her, "you need the dude ranch. Sleeping under the stars is hard on the body."
Purrcy reached out her hand and gently took two of Michael's fingers in hers. "Please?" she asked softly, letting her expression beg. "We can walk to a place to sleep that's better than the hard ground if that's what you'd prefer. A night's sleep here will recover us enough for that."
Michael waffled. "And the stuff?" They all stared at him and he slumped. They still had the lists. It wasn't like that was hard, although perhaps uncomfortable on the placement and retrieval.
Bowie was rather reminded of the manipulation Michael had pulled frequently on Theldesia, and again for his own bachelor party. Purrcy had done it too, just not so obviously. Bowie shifted to fold his arms. "It's not like it's unexpected," he admitted, "and if you've just been told you're going to lose magic in the end, I'd think we'd all like to play with it while we can." That got him surprised looks, but he was just saying what everyone was feeling.
Purrcy gave Bowie a grateful look. He was glad that he was the one that could read minds. He didn't need them knowing that the military wanted to know how Inari was going to repeat the inter-mountain sequence. They were all hoping the west coast repeat wasn't going to happen at all.
Michael looked at the other two and they gave reluctant nods, agreeing with at least that spoken sentiment. He had to give in, Purrcy's pleading look doing most of the work. With a sigh he took her in his arms. "Alright, but it has to be short enough, get us to my appointments on time, and not wear you out dramatically." He paused and the scowl was back. "And not include all that crazy time-walking we had to do before."
Everyone shook heads at that. "No. We'll not repeat that," Purrcy promised, "unless we get behind a little again - like what happened the day we went to sign the marriage papers. Inari's only willing to go that far in time movements."
Michael sighed, "Fine. Let's go get sleeping quarters, then, shall we? And I hope you brought enough food?" Purrcy was nodding as they turned and walked away from the SUV.
Bowie opened the door to the SUV and popped the hood. Stiletto opened it and looked in, trying to come up with the most believable possibility. "We're in the mountains. Drain a break line," Gareth said. His eyes were on Bowie, though. Bowie raised an eyebrow at him. "Why?"
"Why what?" Bowie asked innocently.
"Why did you step in?" Bowie could feel Gareth's ire rising as he tried to decide what to say. It was enough to make Stiletto pause and look at them in concern.
"You didn't want to play one last time?" Bowie finally asked. "And, why shouldn't he say yes when it's something Hahaue wants to do? He's got to get over the over-protectiveness somehow. This is at least a peaceful time to do it and see she's not going to get hurt."
Gareth's eyes narrowed. "If it stays that way."
Bowie raised a hand. "No interference. I'm just along for the ride as an observer, remember?" He took his turn to scowl, still not happy about being dragged along everywhere, particularly now that Stiletto didn't need him. "I'd like a turn at getting a vacation, too. The inter-mountain zone was the only time any of us got alone time to rest, if you'll remember - even if it was short. I'd like to recreate that, too. I'm getting a bit sick of seeing your faces twenty-four seven."
Gareth went to surprised and backed off. He looked away. "Yeah," he agreed quietly. "Not like we'll actually get that, though."
Bowie shrugged. Stiletto put his head back under the hood. "We could fly at line of sight." He glanced back out with an impish look on his face, "I thought he was going to jump her right there in the middle of airspace. I wonder how that would've worked?"
That made them all laugh. "Straight to the ground like rocks," Gareth chortled.
"Hope he's planning on getting a separate place tonight," Bowie rolled his eyes. He shook his head as his "gift" told him that of course they were. He looked at Gareth. "You've got a tag on Mrs. Purrcy, right? If she runs and he follows her we can too, right?"
Gareth nodded, crouching down to prepare to slip under the SUV. "Yeah. You'll wake up knowing it, get me up, and I'll follow them. Stiletto will make sure we step where she can't kill us, and somehow we'll all end up the game of chase and hide-and-seek ready for whatever comes next." He slipped under the car to create the car troubles that needed to happen.
Bowie leaned on the car and sighed. "Or we can just say that was enough and not really do it, right?" That made both of the other two laugh dry chuckles. If only. Not that she'd try to really escape. She never did. She just made life difficult for them.
"Oh, hey, Stil," Gareth said, followed by a grunt as he worked to open the brake line, "there's a lot of yokai up here. How are you holding out?" Spirits tended to congregate in places of worship, since often the worshipers had some level of faith that they existed to begin with.
Stiletto came out from under the hood and crouched down to talk to Gareth, who wouldn't hear so well under the car as he was. "Fine. Hahaue taught them all to me properly while I was under lessons. I'm not fond of them still, but it helps to know what they really are.
"The ones here aren't as bad as the ones in Japan. They've got more wild imaginations there. Europe was almost a piece of cake being so well known in the fairy tales, although they're older there by feel. At least here it's mostly natural animal forms save for the few our more modern minds have made up and brought into creation."
He still shuddered. "Of course it's nice that the movies don't get recreated and zombies aren't spirits."
Bowie had to agree with that much, as a shiver ran down his spine as well. "Yeah, zombies would be right out, I think. Though...," he mused on that a bit. "I would think our purification experience would help with that a lot." The other two gave that some thought, then had to agree.
-:-:-:-:-
Michael spent the money for one of the small cabins for himself and Purrcy, but saved by getting the guards one of the more plentiful tents and use of the bath-house. He made sure they were close by each other beside the lake, though. He didn't want the guards too far away.
Once the vehicle was dealt with, and the baggage, he sent the boys off for rest and relaxation and took Purrcy to the cabin. He was conflicted, and restless because of it.
He sat her down on the edge of the bed where she watched him pace the small room. He waved a hand, but didn't have words yet, so kept pacing until he could formulate words. He came to a stop in front of her, his hands clasped behind his back. "It doesn't help me to feel like we might have different goals here."
Purrcy thought about that, then asked, "Specifically for the next day or two, or for the long term?"
"The long term," he clarified.
Purrcy sighed and closed her eyes, dropping her head for a bit. "Have I got it right that you want to enjoy just having me to yourself and not being used by the world or the magic, even if I am working for Log Horizon Systems?"
"Yes," Michael pursed his lips together.
Purrcy gave a nod and looked back up at him. "I'm not opposed to that." Michael needed to hear that, but he knew there was more.
"You know what I am and was, Michael. If Earth's Inari wants to use me the same way Theldesia's did, and give us the repeat of the Gate of Time, who are we to tell it no? Nyanta had to share me with the whole of Theldesia. I gave him the parts of me that I could whenever I could, but I wasn't mine, and still am not."
Michael slumped and looked away from her. Purrcy continued, "We've asked. We'll learn it eventually - what Earth's Inari will make us do into the future. I'm sure it will be less than this. Life was actually rather calm, even if busy, in the Gate of Time. We were able to be family, and I expect we'll be able to be family here as well.
"You heard what I would do if the magic stays - which is very little, actually, in comparison to Theldesia and more like what I was doing when I was sent and would expect to do in the future there."
Michael sighed and sat next to her on the bed. He ran his fingers into her hair to turn her face to look at him. "We wanted you free, Purrcy. Not the maintenance Summon for the planet."
Purrcy could only blink since he wouldn't let her look away. "I know, Michael. But it's not what they allowed. Adventurers are required for the planet's continued existence, as is something to make sure things are put into place to prevent full destruction in the future, the same as Inari used us here. Earth seems to be a little more self-sufficient, but Theldesia was programmed to need a GM. It's not been built the same."
Michael let his hand drop as she turned her head away. "It's perhaps disconcerting that it's me that got picked, and maybe I'll come to wish it hadn't ever happened that way, although I think being able to sleep as a Summon may take care of some of that, but it is what it is, Michael."
She looked back at him again. "It happened that way and I can't change it. I have as much freedom there now as I'll ever have. I'm grateful the worst of the repairs are over, and hope that I can escape the worst of the ones in the future, although others may have to pay that price."
Purrcy sighed at his unhappy look and took his hands. "I'm glad to be able to have you at my side here, to strengthen me and support me, even if it's the role you've already played this whole time, willing or not. And, if it was willing, please understand that my own role was also played willingly." Her eyes looked into his earnestly.
Michael closed his eyes, then sighed and pulled her over to hold her in his arms. "All right, I can't fight that argument, and I can't make Theldesia's Inari change what they've already decided. I will hope that Earth's Inari will seriously consider our requests."
"I believe it will, Michael," Purrcy patted him on the chest.
He held her there until he settled enough to say, "So...seven, really?"
He could feel her smile. "Yes, it's seven, and only seven." An impish look was raised to him. "And I'm very pleased to see you're not very far behind me."
Michael rolled his eyes. "Like I wanted to know about them. Not." He leaned down and kissed her grinning face. "Although I suppose if it means I'm high enough rank then I guess that's good."
"It does." She was too happy, but then her sense of nobility play was like that.
Then, because he'd already been resisting since their flight, and she was happy Purrcy, he moved on to teasing her softly until his need to love his wife and be loved by her was met.
He studiously ignored the spoken references to family life in the Gate of Time. That had been properly Nyanta's time and this was properly his - and he wanted to enjoy every moment of it he could.
-:-:-:-:-
When Purrcy was properly sleeping that night, Michael slipped out of the cabin, closing the door quietly behind him. He also needed some alone time.
The cool mountain night breeze helped to clear his mind a bit as he walked slowly towards the lake shore, his hands in his pockets. A few glowing lights skimmed over the surface of the lake and he watched them until his feet found an overturned canoe to rest on. He sat and thought of not much on the surface. Underneath, the deeper thoughts were meandering over where they'd come from and where they were headed.
A bear that made no sounds as it walked shuffled up and sat next to him. A little while later a she-wolf soundlessly came up and joined them on his other side, eventually lying down on her side to watch the lights over the lake as well. He wasn't sure what their significance was in Indian lore, but they kept him kind company and offered what comfort they could.
The cabin had been surrounded by spirits of American lore when he'd walked out of it. Again, like in Japan early on, it was as if the more gentle spirits of Earth gathered around Purrcy, recognizing her as a Caretaker. They would warn him if anything happened.
Actual footsteps sounded in his ear and he turned to see a sparkling Stiletto approaching, a spiritual dear walking with him and a smaller animal trotting near his heels. It seemed rather otter-ish, but Michael wasn't sure.
There was a small whirl of wind that got the attention of the two spiritual animals with Michael. Gareth appeared between Michael and the lake. He looked solemnly at Michael, glanced at Stiletto, then sat in the grass near enough for a quiet conversation. Like Gareth, Stiletto stopped within that range, his hands in his pockets, relaxed, but he stayed standing.
Michael shifted to look over his shoulder. Bowie was making his way down the little incline, a hound trotting next to him and a hawk on his shoulder. As they got closer, Michael changed his first impression. It was a coyote, not a hound. That made more sense. Stiletto's smaller creature scuttled up him to sit on his shoulders, likely to be out of reach of the predators that were present.
Michael looked back at Gareth, curious as to why he'd not had spirit animals with him since he was the Spiritualist. A small head with long nose and whiskers, and small round ears on the top of its head poked out of Gareth's front breast pocket, answering that question. The spider that moved from the top of Gareth's head to his shoulder made the rest of them shudder, but Michael knew that one. The spider was wisdom in Native American lore.
"Will she stay put or run us ragged tonight or tomorrow?" Gareth asked first.
Michael shook his head. "She's slowed down since we knew her in Akiba. She'll drag us around, but she won't play games. The physical form affects her how you would expect it to."
He looked over the lake. "She's still depressed enough from all this, too. She'd rather have the basket of kittens than run and taunt. It will be a quiet trip." The other three relaxed. He was sure they were rather glad to hear it.
"She worked rather hard with her children," Bowie commented quietly.
Michael nodded. "It's hard to have already lived a life without them, but then to see them again at still a nearly unchanged age. It brings up the past rather forcefully. She didn't want to lose them the first time, and didn't want them to feel abandoned a second time. To have to legally give them up's really hard on her.
"I would have waited longer to have that meeting, too, but like this whole time everything's on fast forward." He grimaced and looked down at his feet. "She'll get over it, but we'll see that be part of her quiet on this trip, too. Be her sons and it will help her recover better, I suspect."
"Are you going to let her other sons know we're on the way?" Stiletto asked quietly.
Michael looked at him silently for a bit. "You want to go give them that warning? I haven't got anyone's phone number from that part and don't want to be gone walking that far away."
"Well, of course not," Bowie muttered under his breath. He gave a louder sigh. "It would still be better to contact them ahead of time, though. So they can have everyone prepared who can make it."
Michael nodded. "I think it would help her get over this slump, and be an appropriate repeat - just that much anyway." Michael leaned back on his hands to look up at the stars.
There were a lot here in the mountains. Almost as many or more than on the ocean since there was less atmospheric interference at this altitude. They glittered and glistened. He wanted to reach his hand up and swirl them together into the swirls he knew from her felinoid patterning.
She'd made him let her stay up long enough to sit and look at them. He'd made her go to bed before she wanted to, knowing she wouldn't ever go to sleep. The stars at this level were very hard to look away from. Hours could be eaten up without even knowing it.
"And how are you doing?" Gareth asked him.
Michael sighed through his nose. "Trying to get used to the fact we'll never see the jig."
That made Stiletto and Gareth go a bit depressed, but Bowie asked, a bit confused, "Inari's going to keep her?"
Michael glanced at him. "Theldesia's, yes. Earth's hasn't decided yet, or at least wants us to let it play out before we get to know." Michael looked back up at the stars again. "I've asked for the reprieve and pray every moment to God for it." He sat back up, then leaned forward. "I'd like my retirement from guard duty on the High Priestess and just get to be the husband to Hahaue."
His eyes flicked to the bear next to him. "Although she's reminded me today that even the last one had to keep an eye on her the same. I just got sent as the legs so he didn't have to do the walking, or get the backlash for a public embarrassing moment." His lips twisted in dry humor.
It went to a little more of a real smile as he thought a bit more of that time. "She made sure to be on committees with Nyanta-san's favorite goddess, keeping her rivals closer than her friends, although she didn't really have many of those as is normal for her."
The guards were looking a bit confused. "Purrcy was more jealous than Nyanta-san ever was," he declared to help enlighten them. They stared at him, then snorted in laughter. He nodded sagely, fully in agreement. "Heaven help me if I ever look at another woman wrong and she catch me at it."
He paused, then smiled. "I'm going to have to remember that, if I ever get to wondering if she's decided life's too dull." They attacked him briefly to pre-punish him for her, as they should as her sons. He laughed lightly at them and shooed them off.
They sat and stood together companionably until the three young men wandered off again one by one, their spirit companions going with them. Gareth went last, after making sure Michael let the rest of his thoughts off his chest. The place and timing for the confession was rather appropriate, particularly for resolving the guilt at bringing Purrcy back to a place she couldn't return from.
That was going to be Michael's heartache for a while - for at least as long as he feared he wasn't going to get his own wish. He wanted to be done with Theldesia. It scared him, that whisper in the back of his soul that warned he would be dragged back there. To not have this Purrcy with him to help him walk that path would be very difficult.
His own freedom was one of the items on his constant prayer list, but protecting her trumped it, even so. ...Even if he had to keep re-living the Gate of Time over and over again. Izanami and Purrcy both had claimed him and neither of them let go once that happened, and he couldn't say no.
The she-wolf rose to her feet and rested her chin on Michael's knee, giving him closer support. Michael pet her a bit in thanks. When he felt ready, he rose to his feet with one more sigh, jamming his hands into his pockets again. It wasn't all that different from being career military, or at least he was going to keep telling himself that.