With Kutou's strategic invasions, it wasn't surprising they covered so much distance. From his understanding, it was impossible for an entire army to sneak into the borders without garnering immediate suspicion. Between both countries, which would fare in the outcome?

"You there," A quiet and feminine said.

"This way."

Pulled from his reverie, he acknowledged the two older women dressed in flowing, veiled attire. Bewildered by their calling, they beckoned him closer, and he climbed the rest of the stairs. Was it possible they were aware of his arrival?

"We've been waiting for you."

"Yes. The Great Priestess is inside."

Led through armored heavy gates, the women guided him through various passages and narrow corridors. Spared from complete darkness, burning torches rested against the crevices of the walls, and a stilled quietness enveloped him. While he sifted through the halls, admiring the architecture and high ceilings, they paused at the end of the hall.

A canopy of black and white curtains surrounded a small alter, one which presented a young girl. With eyes closed in deep concentration, she sat on a plush throne. As the priestesses signaled him forward, closing the exit, he followed a matching carpet trail to her. As he approached, his crimson gaze noticed a golden emblem of a tortoise and snake hanging from an enormous banner over the canopy. There were various scriptures sewn into the material.

Four other veiled ladies kneeled at each side of the alter, their heads bent low, while observing him. This was a sacred temple, and understanding the caution in their stares, he noted his sheathed sword.

"I've been expecting you, Rasensei. Please do not stand on my account."

He smirked, and abiding by her command, he kneeled before her. He glimpsed a small table littered with rounded stones separating him from her, but when he caught her stare, he found it difficult to hide his curiosity. "So, the rumors were true. You foretold my arrival. Not just anyone knows that name."

"Then, would it bring you comfort to call you by your alias, Nirusha?"

He chuckled and nodded.

Like the other women in the room, she wore a shroud, though it differed in design. Different from the rounded caps, hers pointed at the crown flowing down the sides and back of her linen gown. And at the collar of her midnight-black cloak, a white gem sparkled with woven leather attached to her attire.

Where he kneeled, he realized she was young, likely in her early twenties, and she maintained a neutral countenance. A symmetrical and oval-shaped face drew his gaze, a high bridge nose and large almond dark eyes all-knowing. Sincerity and wisdom stared back, and a sense of contentment washed over him.

"You are curious about the character which has appeared on your body, are you not?"

"Tell me. What does it mean?"

A soft smile graced her countenance. "I believe you are knowledgeable of the celestial warriors and their respective priestesses. Am I correct?"

"So, it's just as I thought," He said. Which priestess did he belong?

"The power emitted from the symbol on your forehead comes from Seiryuu. His priestess will soon arrive in this world."

It was as if she read his mind, though he said nothing in response. The azure serpent of the Eastern lands; it was the god of his people. Out of all in this universe, he possessed the divine mark. "I see."

"Your expression leaves me baffled," She said. "You are neither bothered, nor are you interested in this change of events. I'm sorry I cannot fathom your intentions, Nirusha."

"Oh? Well, I've spent most of my life mastering the art of maintaining a passive countenance. Better to leave my enemies guessing. Wouldn't you agree?" He said, joking. There was no reaction.

"Tell me then, what will you decide?"

"Aren't you gifted with infinite knowledge from the great divinity?" He asked, chuckling. "I'm sure you've already seen my future."

"I have. What troubles you?"

"I heard a rumor that a mysterious light illuminated the skies of Hokkan."

"The Genbu Priestess," She said, clarifying. "She is here and is searching for her celestial warriors as we speak."

Now it came together. The mark, mysterious light and the war. Not only was this country on the brink of disaster, but it seemed he played an important role. What an interesting turn. Then, he supposed, they were enemies.

"I admit, this vision surprised me. The Priestess of Seiryuu…" She paused, and he arched a curious brow. "should not appear for another hundred years. I'm afraid I cannot give insight concerning her future."

That long? "How can I find her?"

"She'll appear North of Mount Cotareishin. I'm certain you'll get there the day after her arrival."

"When?"

"In seven days," She said and signaled one of her ladies closer, a parchment in hand. "I've circled the exact location of where you'll find her on this map."

He accepted it, and his eyes lingered on the black circle surrounding a particular mountain. Dozens of treacherous mountains stood in-between him and his future position. A long journey awaited him, but he would manage with his magic. "Thank you, Great Priestess."

"It's no trouble. While it's impossible to reveal any more information, perhaps upon your next visit, I'll have the answers you seek. Until then, may your travels be safe, Nirusha."

(Day Seven) Following Book One