Mika could barely keep her eyes open as her hands mechanically continued straightening the strands from the pool in a basket on her side. She fought not to yawn as she tried to keep her kneeling stance, feeling her legs protest from not moving.

She was only a novice but was determined to work hard and become just as proficient as her master. She glanced over to see the familiar tapestry on the wall. One among many in the endless rooms in the castle. She knew this tapestry by heart, having chosen this room this past few months to practice her weaving in her spare time.

She could stare at it for days on end, following the lines of each strand, watching the stories bloom and intersect with other paths in every which way. When she first came to the castle as an adopted acolyte, she had always wondered how such intricate tapestries could be made.

Her mind started to drift off again as the lull of the trees softly waving in the wind and the sun starting to descend into the evening.

Defeat him!

He must not get away from the sun's rays!

Her eyelids fluttered but she continued to lightly sleep, slipping into the strange dream.

I'll be your eyes, your arms, anything you need. Just let me stay by your side…

Her eyes flew open at the same time the double doors to the room slammed open. Her eyes widened, the work in her hands frozen, as she realized it was one of the fellow acolytes who had stumbled in, the right side of her face dripping with blood.

"Run!" She cried out, trying to close the doors behind her.

Mika could see shadow and fire behind her, chasing all of the other acolytes who screamed in terror.

"What's happening?" She managed to ask, helping her close the door behind her.

They both screamed when a hand shot through the doorway and they were pushed back from the force.

"Are you two okay?"

Mika glanced up in relief to find her master who easily closed and bolted the door behind him. He helped them both back up and immediately took a torch from the wall and strode towards the tapestry.

"We don't have much time. I want you both to stand here." He indicated before the tapestry.

She looked up at him in confusion but obeyed. "Master, what is happening? What do we do?"

He was leaning towards the tapestry, tracing a certain area with his hands before he located what he seemed to be looking for. Without hesitation, he lit the corner of the tapestry on fire before discarding the torch. The bright strands beginning to curl, as if the stories it held were unravelling.

Her eyes widened at the unexpected actions. She ran to the edge, intent on putting out the fire but her Master gripped her hand.

"I'm sorry I can't explain. They must not enter. I will hold them off here."

To Mika's surprise, he withdrew a small pouch and pressed it into her hands. "You will enter the tapestry. This will help you where you go. There is an object in here that you must bring to a group in the north known as Hashiras with a message. Tell them the demons must be summoned to fight the Gods." He gripped her hands, his eyes bright from the glare of the fire. "Mika, do you understand me? You must deliver this message."

Mika mutely nodded, still not understanding. Her master nodded and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"May you be protected."

The doors were blast open a few moments later and Mika froze at the sight of the shadows that finally took form. They were not grotesque or evil as she had assumed. The shadows withdrew as suddenly as they appeared, revealing several regal figures towering higher than the doorway they destroyed behind them. They were clothed in different styles of gowns and armor, each more radiant than the last.

Mika froze, realizing they looked familiar. She glanced at the tapestry beside her, at the top left corner where there were similar figures surrounded by various creatures bowing in respect. Her master once told her a story about the Gods and the games they played with mortals for their own amusement. Before she could give voice to her thoughts, she heard one of them speak.

You insignificant mortals dare defy the will of the Gods?

Mika held her hands over her eyes, grimacing at the booming sound of their voice rippled throughout her head. She turned to find the other acolyte already passed out beside her. Their aura made it difficult to look at them and Mika looked towards her master instead, who had materialized his staff.

"I will hold them back. Jump when I give you the signal." He instructed under his breath, already raising his staff, the bright gem lodged at the top glowing brightly.

Mika shouldered the unconscious girl and held out a hand to the tapestry. "Master, I will await you on the other side." She managed, praying with everything that she had that he would survive.

"Go!"

She closed her eyes and muttered arcane words before heading straight into the tapestry. Mika gasped from the pull of the force that pushed them deeper into the tapestry. She could feel her mind unravel but she grit her teeth and continued to picture the northern part of the tapestry, repeating the message her master entrusted her with.

She cried out soundlessly when the other acolyte was ripped from her arms. She tried to reach out but found herself pushed into the opposite direction.

With the last of her strength, Mika pushed her arm out to grip the sleeve of the other acolyte and successfully held on before darkness overtook her and her last thought was of her master.