A Selfish God Rules This Shrine

Arc 2

A small child with waist length grey hair, no older than twelve perhaps, in white garb and donning a theatrical fox mask, sat at the corner of a building; outside, perhaps as there was dirt and grass at is feet. A kind hand offered the child food.

"Here… I know it gets hard… It's your favourite: a bamboo rice cake."

The child curled up; knees to their face.

"My dad's gone. Do you think he'll come back?" the child asked.

In the morning, Shun woke lazily. Swathes of dream – images of that grey-haired child – swirled and turned to faint echoes of a memory. Soon, he couldn't remember it at all even though it had taken place seconds ago. The grains of time had truly slipped through his fingertips.

He took a deep breath and steeled his resolve. Today he and Ruri would come to a firm agreement as to what they ought to do from this bizarre situation they had embroiled themselves in.

Shun was quick to get dressed and he soon found Ruri already in the kitchen. She was making food for him; for Rei and Reira also. They didn't seem to mind until Rei sensed that Shun was feeling antsy and that he wanted answers done now.

Over breakfast, the Kurosaki siblings excused themselves and whilst eating, they came to an agreement they could both work through. They soon included Rei and Reira in the discussion.

'Big Brother and I have come to a compromise. I'm not ready to leave yet.'

'But I am.' Shun interjected.

'We would appreciate if I could enjoy a bit more time here whilst Shun goes out and finds a job, talks to the school. That sort of thing. In the meantime, he will not be coming back. He shall be staying with a friend.'

'Yuto.'

'Oh…' Rei mumbled, disappointed.

'Neither… Neither of us are suited to the position of Master of this Shrine, I am afraid.' Ruri explained; a deep ache moulding her face. She truly wished she could help.

'My deepest condolences. We really do understand your desire to have replacement gods but it can't be us.' Shun said.

'Please don't leave.' Reira begged.

'I'm not finished.' Shun said. 'But I will not leave today; unless Reiji returns permanently.' His cheeks reddened. 'I also want the opportunity to apologise to him.'

'Oh.' Rei gasped; eyes widening.

Even Ruri looked surprised that her proud and infallible brother would want to apologise; especially to someone of Reiji's character.

Reira cheered up.

'P-Perhaps we can bring him back. Together. I understand that you would prefer to leave sooner rather than later.' Rei said.

Reira tugged on Rei's sleeve. He stared, petrified, to which Rei returned with much sympathy.

'I know, Reira… I know.'

'What's the matter?' Ruri asked.

'When Reiji gets mad, he tends to disappear into that world. The Spirit World. Reira doesn't have the best memories of that place, that's all. But, if we go as a group, we should be fine. Especially if we stick together.'

'I'll remain behind with Reira-chan then.' Ruri piped up. 'It sounds like it could be dangerous. I think it's better that way.'

'I agree.' Rei said. 'Okay, that settles it. Shun-dono and I shall go into the Spirit World to bring Reiji back. Ruri-dono and Reira can stay here and keep house.'

The entrances into the Spirit World were not concealed nor were they scarce. They were the eerie dark pits of dried-up wells and buildings left abandoned and to rot where they stood. It would be all too easy for those unaware of the secret, monstrous world to become lost and accidentally phase through to the other side; the side of shadows and peculiarities.

Through a shadowy corridor, guided only by the blue-violet flame of a lantern Rei lit, she and Shun walked calmly through the darkness. Shun was unnerved by what he saw and heard within that liminal space to say the least. There was a gnawing coldness despite being wrapped up in his big coat and scarf. His eyes were fooled into seeing ghastly shapes here and there. A careless step forward and there was no way you wouldn't get lost.

There wasn't a light at the end of the shadowy corridor; just a sudden realisation that there was light and no longer behind them was that dark, aether-like world of nothingness and shadow.

At first, Shun didn't realise this was a completely different world. It, in all honesty, felt like he was seeing a painting. There was an inky, art-like quality of the buildings around him. It was like he was seeing scrolls upon scrolls of feudal art brought to life. Everything was antique and wrapped in fog.

Rei led him through the town. There was no gravel or brick underfoot; just beaten dirt as their road. Shun had quick glances through open doors and saw bizarre things: furred, cat-like women, shapeless and ethereal forms, and men in masks and theatrical clothing but undoubtedly real horns and tails.

'Reiji… are you here? Reiji!' Rei softly called into a building. She protectively put herself between the doorframe and Shun. He still managed to peer inside.

Shun recoiled back in disbelief. Two women, cat eared with wet noses and twitchy, long whiskers dressed in elegant kimonos, were pouring Reiji tea and fawning over him. Their hands wound possessively around his arms and he tried to go about his patronage. Shun couldn't tell if this was a normal teahouse or the Red-Light District; and the blush across Rei's face was not helping Shun in making a distinction he preferred.

'Yes, Sister… what do you want from me?' Reiji asked.

Rei awkwardly came forth. 'This is not becoming of you, dearest younger brother. You are a demi-god; and a Familiar at that. What would our parents think?'

'Fortunately, they are not around – and perhaps, they are glad their frigid son has done something daring for once in his life.'

Reiji picked up a dish of sake and put it to his lips. He swivelled away from Rei and took a long sip.

'Whether I get drunk in daylight or go out and pick fights is totally my decision.'

Rei turned to the youkai attendants. 'Could you fine ladies excuse us? This is a private conversation.'

They turned their noses up at Rei. They left in a hurry; ignoring Shun but their noses did twitch as passed the doorway when they left for the corridor this room was connected to. Shun chose to hide as they passed, only coming indoors where he realised he could conceal himself behind a heavily decorated screen.

'Please return to the Shrine. Reira is becoming anxious without you around; as am I, Reiji. And become Ruri-dono's Familiar; at the very least. Shun-dono has made the decision that he doesn't want to be Master but perhaps you could convince him otherwise. Don't you care if the Shrine breaks down?' Rei asked tearfully; her voice wavered.

Reiji poured himself another drink as he considered what Rei had said.

'I believe Kurosaki Shun has made the right decision. And his sister should follow in his footsteps. Only when our home is rid of human pests shall I return.' he decided. 'It ought to be my choice to have a say in who becomes the next pair to be Land God. Our absentee mother should have had less of a vote, to be honest. So, for now, I shall indulge. I don't believe I recall the last time I have lived in such bliss; always so overwhelmed by work and stress. I enjoy how loose it is. I feel quite relieved I am no longer a Familiar to anyone. Subservient to only myself.'

Rei hiccupped; her chest rising and falling dismayed and angered. Her hands tightened by her side.

'Shun-dono wishes to see you before you leave. He was under the impression that if only he left then you would return. At least honour him that.' Rei paused and heard Shun's footsteps as he came from out of hiding. 'Moreover, he is right here, right now.'

Shun appeared behind Rei; he was a good foot taller than her even thought she was, essentially, a grown woman. Shun bore his darkest and most foul scowl. His eyes were enraged.

Reiji put down his cup and his stomach knotted. His eyes widened. He was struck by regret.

'Please, say what you wanted, Shun-dono.' Rei begged; oblivious to the fury building behind her.

'I have nothing to say to this bastard.' Shun snarled. He tugged on his scarf and returned from whence he came.

A row broke out between the two siblings.

'Why did you bring him here?' roared Reiji.

'I thought it would be a quick trip and that he wouldn't leave my side. I can protect him, Reiji.' Rei argued back. 'He's not an ordinary human; he has some divinity thanks to his latent Land God powers our mother bestowed on him.'

'That makes him an even bigger target. Why would anyone in their right mind bring a human here?! Take him back to his world, Sister!' Reiji tried to contain his voice so he wasn't yelling but his fury was peaking inside of his voice.

'Goodbye. I hope we never meet again.' Shun announced on the top of his lungs and he made a grand exit. The walls shivered as he slammed the door closed behind him. Shun thought nothing but cursing that fox as he left.

Rei attempted to stop him but her outreached hand was almost caught in the vicious slap of the door against its frame. She whimpered. Reiji sighed. They exchanged looks that only pained siblings could give each other; a shift of blame, the acceptance that it's both their fault, and plenty of other looks.

Shun charged through the street. His boots left puffs of dirt behind him as he trudged so heavily. His mind raced with insults directed at Reiji – and his own stupidity. He should have known coming here would only lead to conflict. He should have just gone straight to Yuto's rather than making this bizarre detour. But something left him wondering and his hot anger trailed in pools of uncertainty.

Why did Reiji treat him so poorly?

He acted so high and mighty around him; admonishing Shun every opportunity he got. It had to be something more than the fact that Shun – of all people – had been chosen to become one half of his Land God. Why else trade verbal blows like that?

All in all, Shun was revolted by Reiji's behaviour.

"I believe Kurosaki Shun has made the right decision. And his sister should follow in his footsteps. Only when our home is rid of human pests shall I return…"

Reiji's cold and haughty voice haunted Shun's ears. He could let anyone talk about him like that. He knew himself well and he knew he was horrible person but it still hurt. It stung. Tiny and simple. It got him where his insecurities swirled: he was directionless… and useless. But ringing his sister into it. Shun found that detestable. Unforgiveable even.

Hands – tiny, chubby – reached out for Shun and caught on his coat. Shivers went down his spine as he jumped to the worst conclusion. He pulled back at his coat and met the ravenous eyes of small, feral children.

'Hey, hey…' they chorused: two boys and a girl it would appear. 'Come join us for dinner, Big Brother!'

Their eyes glowed in the dark as they half concealed themselves in a grubby, disused alleyway. Shun attempted to distance himself from them. He swung his arms out protectively and walked backwards; into the light, where he could be seen. He tripped on a rock and tumbled backwards. The children creeped towards him.

'Hm… you three again.' a cold, cutting voice spoke from behind him.

The children stiffened and their companion, an adolescent-looking and human-like creature with wings and crazy ginger hair, appeared behind him. All looked just as scared of each other. Shun glanced over his shoulder and had his suspicions confirmed.

'Ha… ha… ha… Reiji…sama. Good to see you again.'

The children's companion spoke awkwardly; terrified out of his mind with the way his eyes were jumping about and searching for an escape. The children clung to his waist and legs. They were soon swift to flee once more. Reiji sighed pityingly.

'Someone like you is a free feast to scoundrels like them.' Reiji tutted. He emanated intense disappointment as he wielded his paper fan accusingly. 'Return to the Human World at once.'

Shun started to get up and Reiji offered his hand. 'Here,' he sighed once more, 'I'll lead you back.'

Shun got to his feet and did not hesitate to slap Reiji across his precious, sharp face with high cheekbones. Reiji held his reddened cheek and glared daggers at Shun: proud and boastful; his chest sticking out and his lungs filling up with air.

'You are the one who should go home!' he yelled.

Reiji was stunned. His heart murmured.

'Your brother is lost without you and Rei is trying her hardest! Your family is all you've got in this world so make it count; cherish it. Isn't that Shrine you're precious home? Protect it and your siblings or else you are a failure of a man.'

'Wh-?' Reiji stammered. He coughed into his hand and restarted his sentence: 'What did you say?' He erupted into rage. 'Someone like you who can't protect anyone – not even himself! – dares to act so full of cheek?'

'Me? Full of cheek? You're the cheeky one!' Shun yelled back; his eyebrow raised and his fists balling up.

Rei turned the corner and hid herself; too frightened to intervene between them even though they were causing an abhorrent scene. But she reasoned, it would be better if they absolved their anger through their own methods for they had no want for a mediator.

'If I left you alone, you would be eaten by monsters in no time! And yet you speak with such vile attitude!'

'Why would I get eaten!?'

Reiji took a breath and hid himself behind his paper fan. 'You are one half of the Akaba Shrine's Land God. If you were to walk around with protection, you would be like a duck holding onions.' Reiji's facial expression changed; darkened. 'Not that that has anything to do with me since you are so mighty you don't need anyone's help!'

Reiji and Shun turned on each other; thinking they couldn't be at one another if they couldn't see each other. The brief reprieve of verbal violence coaxed Rei out of hiding and she approached them calmly and gently.

'We – We should leave.' Rei suggested.

'I agree. I need to leave for my bus anyway.' Shun spat.

'Hurry and take him back then. I shall return on my own in due time.' Reiji snarled back as he fanned himself.

Rei made inaudible, formless words. At least they weren't yelling-yelling.

Shun followed Rei and once more, she lit her paper lantern and guided them back through that odd realm of flying colours and shadows. Leaving was a far shorter journey than making it into the Spirit World.

Rei also joined Shun at the base of the mountains where the town met the road. Where it was fresh and grassy; where the tarred road turned to rocky drivel. Shun glared at the timetable.

'I'm late.' he announced bluntly after much deliberation.

'Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?' Rei asked. 'I think you could make a fantastic Master of the Shrine; and with Ruri-dono by your side, I think it would be perfect.'

'I'm certain. I don't want to be involved a second longer with this bizarre phenomenon. When I can get proper lodging for Ruri, I will come back for her. Until then, keep her safe. Don't take her to that Spirit World place, make sure she's good for school.' Shun said.

He continued to mull over the bus sign before dropping to the ground. He sat on his luggage and frowned.

'The next bus isn't for another three hours, damn.' he growled. 'This is the worst.'

Rei cleared her throat and then spoke bravely; 'I – I can be Ruri-dono's Familiar. If you bind Reiji to a Familiar's Contract, he will obey you absolutely.'

Shun's ears pricked up. He lifted his head; strands of his hair shifted loose and revealed his face which was bright with revelation.

'Obey me? Absolutely?' he echoed. 'Really?'

'That is one of the powers of a Land God.' Rei explained.

'Hm… and how does one make a Familiar's Contract?' Shun asked; visibly enticed by the idea of perfect domination over Reiji.

Rei licked her lips. 'It's very simple. All you have to do is kiss him. And with that, the contract would be sealed and there is nothing you cannot make him do.'

Rei blinked. Shun disappeared.

'Huh? Where did Shun-dono go?' she worried; panic spiked in her sweet voice.

Shun hid behind a nearby tree. His hand over his chest. It thumped madly. He was out of breath and terrified. Rei called out to him but he ignored her. She was insane. There was no way Shun would do such a thing. It was too dangerous and to humiliating.

Shun stepped away from the tree; his mind moving onto more practical and less scary things. He decided that he couldn't wait for the bus. But he didn't want to walk either. For now, he would return to the Shrine and give Ruri a proper farewell – but it wouldn't be their last, of course.

That was, until, something caught Shun's ears.

'Hey… young man over there… excuse me but…'

He turned his head and his gaze was met with an old woman's. She was not the lady from yesterday but someone else and it would appear she was seriously injured. She coaxed him closer with one, withered hand; her other held onto her huge load. She was wearing traditional work clothes and was stranded; lying on her side. Shun's heart skipped a beat and his sense of justice and want to help inflated.

'Can you lend me a hand for a bit?' Her voice was drained and weary. 'I sprained my legs… because of the bumps.'

Meanwhile, Rei raced back to the Spirit World when she realised Shun had not returned to the Shrine without her; why else would he leave his things behind? Rei came to the only reasonable conclusion which was something dire had happened in her moment of absence.

When she returned to the Spirit World, she screamed for Reiji. She soon found him where she had left him; in that teahouse, he preferred in the Red-Light District. She burst into his tea room and startled his companions once more. Her cheeks were red and her brows upturned.

'Reiji! Reiji! We have a big problem!' she squealed and banged on walls.

Reiji grumpily lifted his head and his attendants, who had been massaging his back, scattered. Rei came in and panted. Reiji turned out his fan and fluttered in front of his neck.

'Shun-dono has gone missing.' she declared.

'Hell, if I care.' Reiji replied dismissively, closing his eyes and fanning himself; trying to squeeze a bit more serenity into his day which had been disrupted twice today by the affairs of his family and his Shrine that he had no wish to entangle himself in. 'Ruri-dono and Reira are searching around the Shrine but I can't leave them unattended like that for much longer…'

'It serves Kurosaki Shun right, in my opinion.' Reiji's voice drifted. 'He can get eaten by a monster or whatever…'

He pondered over what Shun had done earlier and what he said earlier.

'Reiji… you don't mean that…?' Rei murmured.

'Come on, Reiji-samaaaa.' The waitress purred as she brought back a fresh pot of green tea and a tray of sweets. 'I've brought your favourite: bamboo rice cakes.'

Reiji smiled curtly as he selected a rice cake from the tray. He bit into it and it stretched out. A dark expression crossed his face; no doubt a heinous idea had formed behind his face which was still devoid of glasses for some reason unknown to Rei.

'Actually,' he began, 'if that vile youth says, "Reiji-sama, forgive me for being stupid" then I shall go save him.'

Rei bit her lip. She could not recall the last time that Reiji had been fond for a human; or even their Master.

Fortunately for Rei, Shun was safe for now.

He had brought that old lady back to her home amid the forest. Her house was humble and wrecked. It was slowly becoming one with nature once more; thick vines and moss patterns its edges. It was a square little thing.

The woman was fully recovered from her injury now; she didn't even limp. She was flitting about her kitchen happily making tea for Shun who sat awkwardly at her dining room table. She had a smile across her face but it didn't put Shun at ease. If anything, it made him all the more aware of his intrusion on her house.

'You really helped me, young man.' she tittered. 'Sorry to have you take me all the way back out here.'

'It was nothing. Really.' mumbled Shun.

'It must have been hard to carry both me and my luggage.'

Shun agreed but didn't voice it; 'It's fine. Good training.'

The woman cast her eyes outside as she set down a steaming cup of tea for both herself and Shun. She sighed and put her wrinkled hands to her face. She stared in abject horror.

'Dearie, dearie, me…' she muttered. 'It's dark already. I can't let a child back onto that country road at this hour.'

'I-I'm not a child.' Shun replied.

'If you do not mind, you are welcome to stay the night here in reward for helping me, young man.' The woman lowered her head sincerely. 'Do stay here, young man.'

Shun knew better than to cross an old lady so he reluctantly accepted. He was grateful as he did not have anywhere else but the fact he couldn't telephone Ruri made him nervous. Still, the old lady gave him much hospitality; giving him a bed and even a shower and some spare clothes; no doubt belonging to the husband she once had or children she once reared. He wondered why such an old woman who choose to stay by herself in the middle of nowhere. It was odd.

'Thank you. For everything.' Shun said to the woman before wishing her good night and retreating into her spare room.

The woman smiled kindly and came forward. She caressed the side of Shun's hair.

'This is so beautiful…' she murmured.

Shun's eyes widened. He felt her long nails ghost over his forehead.

'Wherever did you get that mark on your forehead?'

'Huh?' Shun murmured as a shiver went down his spine and his skin crawled and grew hot.

The woman turned her back on him. 'I apologise, you must be tried… Go ahead and sleep.'

She wandered into the rest of her house and Shun backed away from the door. He was unsettled to say the least. He decided against getting changed into the clothes the woman provided so grabbed his coat and scarf. He felt safer if he had his familiarities. It was incredibly suspicious that she had pointed out a non-existent mark on his forehead; the same place he knew the Symbol of the Land God was supposed to be.

Shun got under the sheet and hoped that the door locked. He didn't turn away from it once. He closed his eyes and remembered how long the woman's nails were. He tried to go to sleep. Lights flickered outside the door and there was the clack of shoes. He closed his eyes; feigned sleep but was acutely aware of the creak his door made as someone carefully opened it.

And came into the room.