Sleep came quickly and deeply for Niamh. A night without a rocking ship, and the gentle breeze, the smell of flowers, and the chirping of night-time birds lend for a more relaxing night than she has had for three months. But, all things must come to an end, and the stillness of night is broken by the rays of sunshine coming through the window.
As Niamh slowly blinks awake on her tatami mat, she has the sudden feeling of being watched. The reason becomes clear enough as her eyes focus on a misshapen cloth-looking creature looking over her, arms raised as if about to pounce. Yet, it never does. It's completely still. Also ... it seems to be composed entirely of Niamh's extra bloomers.
"That's what you do to frighten away guests?" Niamh has to ask. "You'd probably get actual offerings if you just folded them instead." The girl reaches for the not quite pouncing laundry.
The 'creature' comes to life and wraps around Niamh's hand! IT's waistband mouth opens wide revealing darkness within! It looks like it's about to eat her ... or, it might just be claiming Niamh has a big butt.
Frowning, Niamh tries to send a burst of her own spirit energy into her captured hand to see if it dislodges or at least surprises the kami. "We're here to help you.. help you and the hotel. You're not going to scare us off. We're used to this sort of thing. Although the animated clothing is new. However, I don't like strangers having their way with my underwear."
Nomph! Niamh's bloomers devour her head! She's suddenly glad the spirits used her clean laundry. It is stuffy in here, but at least powder fresh! So, while she may have managed to get her hand free, she now has a pair of her own underthings 'chewing' on her head and neck ... and creeping downward like some sort of demented 'snake'.
"Ack!" the teenager barks. "This is.. stop it!" she snaps. "I'm a medium (in training) so if you want you can talk to me. So, do you want to keep annoying me, or do you want to talk? I can make it easier to talk."
The bloomers don't seem to be in a mind to talk ... and it's getting really stuffy in there. Also harder to move; the bloomers wrap about her, trying to pin her arms down.
Niamh tries to raise her arms up over her head, and pry open one of the leg holes. Otherwise she'll have to try and evict the spirit from the pants! Why are Japanese spirits so weird!
It's like wrestling a monster of a million arms! Just as she's about to get a leg open, they go suddenly limp. There's the sound of her door sliding open, then the voice of her mother say, "Dear, quit playing with your unmentionables and come down for breakfast. Everyone else is already up.. Really, you said you would behave," The siding sound returns, and the footsteps of her mother trail off.
"Ooooo.. now you're in for it, kami," Niamh grumbles as she tugs the underwear off before it can animate again. She then changes into a fresh dress and heads down to the dining room.
Nimah is able to dress without being further accosted. Though, it does strike her that, well, she's wearing a pair of bloomers that might spring to life later. That might be a bit awkward. But, for now, food! Her parents are sitting in the spartan dining room and eating what looks like bowls of rice topped with a fried egg, and small cups of tea. "Morning, lass! Well, almost noon now," her father notes when he looks up, "But you always were a bit of a night owl, and the ship did you no favors."
"Ugh," Niamh replies with a grunt as she kneels down. "Do I still have bags under my eyes?" she asks.
"Better than bloomers on your head," Comyna says cheerfully. This ears a rather quizzical look from her father. "Eh?" he asks.
"One of the kami possessed my underwear and tried to smother me," Niamh explains as she raises her bowl of rice. It's much easier to use the chopsticks to shovel food into her mouth if the bowl is right next to it.
"Nonsense, it was probably just a bad dream. There are no such things as bloomer fairies," Niamh's father claims.
"I know some fairies that might argue otherwise," Niamh mutters. "It was just like Mr. Tanaka described," she says more clearly to her father.
"Mr. Tanaka described people being attacked by ladies undergarments?" Flynn inquires. "I missed that. Now, onto more appropriate matters, what are your plans for the day? Your mother and I will be visiting the mayor .... I think they're called mayors here, and asking about the ownership history of this parcel of land."
"Well, I could go to the Midori shrine and ask about why the old shrine here was abandoned," Niamh volunteers. "The spirits could be upset about being abandoned as much as having the hotel here."
"I don't know," Comyna begins. "That shrine is sacred land. I am not sure we would be welcome upon it; much less a young foreign woman. We do not wish to offend anyone while we are here, or get into any trouble with authorities," Flynn adds.
"The Miko said it was okay to visit," Niamh claims. "It's open to the public. And if she refuses I can just come back here and wait. And I can bring my parasol for protection." The parasol in question has a circle of protection woven into the outer edge that she can 'charge up'.. plus the tip is pretty sharp too.
"She also didn't seem too pleased that we were here and interfering," Flynn points out. "Do you even have anything to offer to their Gods? I believe offerings are expected."
"Well.. I thought I'd offer listening to them," Niamh says, a bit timidly. "The Miko says people go there and pray for things they want. So.. I wasn't going to ask anything of them, just offer to listen. And some of my spirit too, as a sign of trust.."
"You are going to open yourself to unknown spirits?" Comyna says with a gasp! "Absolutely not!"
"But how else will they trust us?" Niamh retorts. "We can't just bribe them. And they're guardians. It would be.. impolite and dishonorable to take advantage of me, I imagine."
"Says the lass whom claimed to have bloomers trying to suffocate her," Flynn points out and waves a chopstick at her.
"Who would lie about something like that?" Niamh counters. "The spirits here possess people's.. possessions."
"Are you sure you're ready to walk into a sacred place, alone, and deal with powerful beings?" Flynn asks.
"I don't plan on dealing with them," Niamh admits. "Just.. saying hello, and letting them know we aren't enemies. They could just ignore me, too - but I can still find out about the old shrine from the Miko."
"And you promise to behave? No funny business or offending people?" Comyna asks now.
"I won't yell at the Miko, or.. be impolite," Niamh promises. "I want to be useful."
"Even if she is rude to you? Or cold?" Flynn inquires.
"Especially if she's rude or cold," Niamh insists. "I'm not a barbarian, so if that's what she wants from me I won't give it to her."
Neither parent looks entirely convinced. "I don't know. Maybe you should have a chaperone," her mother muses.
"I shouldn't bring a foreign spirit with.. oh, you mean a human chaperone?" Niamh asks. "Who would it be?"
"Mr. Tanaka, possibly," Comyna suggests. Flynn is calling out for him not a moment later.
"I guess if he has someone to watch over the hotel.." Niamh concedes.
"Yes, honored guests?" Mr. Tanaka says as he enters the room and then bows. "Could you take our daughter to the Midori shrine, or recommend someone who could?" Flynn asks. "We would be very grateful for any assistance."
"Oh, of course! I could escort her after breakfast if you wish. My wife can take care of the Inn for a couple hours," Mr. Tanaka says and bows again. "The spirits here do not often cause too much trouble during daylight."
"One was active just before I came down," Niamh notes. "Is that rare then?"
"Oh yes, very. Are you sure you did not have a bad dream?" Mr. Tanaka asks.
"My underpants attacked me when I woke up," Niamh explains, unable to hide a blush. "I do not have dreams like that."
"Manners, Niamh!" Comyna chides. "One does not go telling that to men."
"I.. well, I want to know if that's happened before," Niamh claims.
"I would not claim to know the dreams of women, honored guest," Mr. Tanaka says and remains bowed.
"Against my better judgment, I will allow you to go. But if you get into any trouble at all ... " Flynn warns, "You will be locked in your room for the remainder of the trip." Comyna points out, "But the rooms do not have locks, dear."
"Thank you for taking me to the shrine, Mr. Tanaka," Niamh says, and sets down her empty bowl. She then looks to her father in horror at the threat of such cruel punishment.
"I will meet you outside in half an hour, de Sidhe-san," Mr. Tanaka says to Niamh as he collects up the remains of breakfast. As he leaves the room, Niamh notices she never got an answer on if underpants attacks were normal or not.
"So, anything I should look into specifically?" Niamh asks her parents.
"Not yet. We need to build relationships first, before we start asking delicate questions," Flynn notes.
"Alright, may I be excused?" Niamh says. "I want to put up my hair and get my parasol."
"Rememeber. Behave. Be polite. No trouble," Flynn notes. "And you may go."
"Thank you, father," Niamh says and stands. "I won't let you down."
One hat, one fancy bumbershoot, and one old man later, and Niamh finds herself walking to the shrine. As they go, Mr. Tanaka points out a few places of interest; namely shops that will actually sell to Gaijin; which is still rather rare even in a port city. The walk takes about an hour, then they stand before the winding pathway leading up to the shrine. It's flanked by large square archways, all about two feet apart, going up the length of the path.
"Those are called torii gates, they mark the entrace to sacred places," Mr. Tanaka explains. "And onr thing to know, never walk in the center of the path."
Niamh has to blink at that advice. "Why not? And.. do you walk on a certain side depending on if you are arriving or leaving?" She thinks of carriage roads for some reason.
"The center of the path to a shrine is for the Gods only, de Sidhe-san. Visitors should always walk on the left, or right. The side does not matter; only that it is not the center," Mr. Tanaka explains. "I will wait down here for you to return."
"Thank you, Mr. Tanaka," Niamh says. "Hopefully I won't run into any delays." With that she bows, and chooses the right side of the path. But she also wonders if Noboru uses the center when he comes and goes.
The path is cobblestone, so she can't really tell who walks where. The first dozen or so feet feel normal as she heads up the path. Past that, though, she feels the hair prickle on the back of her neck. The air feels electric, and it seems to become more intense with each step. The archways also loom over her, great red posts becoming the way. Is it a way of blessing or of curse ... who knows for a foreigner? About half way she starts to feel like she is being watched.
Niamh tries to pick up her pace a bit. Part of the reason she's gone into 'the family business' from a relatively young age is that she does tend to attract spirits. So this sense of scrutiny may or may not be personal - or it could be just to see if she notices it, she thinks. The latter makes her slow down, and move at a calmer pace. Yes, I noticed, she thinks. But I'm not going to let it spook me.
Now there's rustling in the brush on either side of the path. This continues, as does the feeling of being watched by the time she's two-thirds of the way to the shrine. By this point things feel so static-y she manages to shock herself a few times when she brushes against a leaf or twig.
"You don't have to stalk me," she finally says, as calmly as she can. "I'm not here to cause trouble, I'm here to learn." She wonders if it's Noboru. A spirit wouldn't be rustling the bushes on accident, so she thinks he's doing it deliberately. Assuming it's the fox-spirit and not something else. Hopefully not something that eats red hair!
There's still no answer, just periodic noises from the brush and that ever-uneasy feeling. Now, as for Noburo, it's hard to say it's him when Niamh spots a rather large white creature sprawled out over the top of the last Torii gate, with its numerous tails hanging down like some overly fluffy vines. At least, she thinks it's the same creature; it has those odd glowing markings still. One of its eyes opens and watches Niamh lazily.
The girls has to pause under the kitsune's gate. Finally she asks, "Can you understand my language?" She'd also like to know if normal people can see the spirit, but figures it doesn't really matter.
The answer is very toothy yawn, then a slow lick over its lips. Somehow it actually manages to roll over onto its back and remain on the gate. "No," comes its answer; a oddly hollow sort of voice. Wait, is it messing with her and really does know it since it used the English word, or is it the only English word it knows?
"You seem far more feline than fox," Niamh notes. "Is the Miko available?" she asks.
"Do you know many foxes?" it asks; answering that yes, it was messing with her.
"A few, back home," Niamh says. "And a fox-headed spirit, but he's actually a dryad that likes foxes. They don't look like you though. You're more wolf-sized after all."
"Size is a fluid thing. I am large when there may be nosy maidens in needing of being devoured about," the creature replies and now looks at Niamh with both eyes (which are, incidentally, blue-ish and both the same color). "Or Yokai pretending to be a maiden. You smell like Yokai," he comments.
"That.. might be my underwear," Niamh admits. "But I'm not a monster or evil spirit," she claims. "There must be some way to prove it to you that doesn't involve dying or bleeding out or other clearly mortal things."
"If you were obviously evil, you would not have made it up the path," it notes and yawns again in what seems like little concern for any threat she may pose. "And just being Yokai doesn't mean you are evil. I am Yokai," it points out, "And the gate-keeper."
"Why do you choose to serve the shrine?" Niamh asks with genuine curiosity. If she's ever going to tame or contract with spirits, she needs to know what they look for in terms of service.
"Because my family has for ten generations. That is a silly question," it remarks rather lazily, and then rolls over again and dangles its paws around the upper beam.
Niamh really can't comment on that answer. Instead she asks, "My I enter the shrine?"
"Why do you want to?" the creature asks.
"I want to learn about the abandoned shrine," Niamh claims. "And about the kami here."
"What are your intentions towards us? To enslave us, like your kind does to others?" it inquires next. "I was there when the Commodore came. I remember the black ships, the evil smell, and the thunder of guns. Friends do not come armed."
"I'm not from that country," Niamh points out. "I'm not a soldier. I just work with spirits. It isn't good for spirits to be angry for a long time. It twists them. And it makes them accost young women with clothing too, apparently."
"Did you enjoy it?" it asks next.
"What? No, it was trying to smother me," Niamh replies, a bit indignantly. "Why did you come for the Miko last night?" she then asks.
"I protect the shrine and its servants. She was gone for a long time, which is unusual. I came looking," it, know confirmed to be Noburo, answers. "She is young and foolish. Not unlike you ... walking into the den of a potential enemy."
"A potential enemy is just as potentially an ally," Niamh says.. even though it sounds illogical once she says it. "I'm here hoping for allies."
Noburo rolls off the peak and lands on the ground on all fours with a soft thump. It slinks up to Nimah and wow, does he look large up close. "If you harm her," he says softly, "The wrath of the temple and all those within it would descend on your and your family for generations to come. There, now that all the proper warnings have been said, welcome to the shrine." The creature then promptly licks her face, then rubs up against her. Egad, fox musk, and now she smells of it!
"I wouldn't hurt her," Niamh claims, and has to put her hand to her nose to pinch the nostrils closed. She's been licked by odd creatures before.. at least it wasn't too slobbery.
The creature circles around Niamh and then noses her right on the tush. "The Miko called Miyuki is ahead, she is tending to chores," it says. Then it rubs on her again for good measure. She's rather fragrant once it saunters off down the path.
Well, I definitely smell like a Yokai now! Niamh continues up the right side of the path to the shrine, keeping watch for Miyuki.
Another minute or so of walking before she hears someone humming softly to themselves, then the sound of a broom or something like it being used to sweep across smooth stones. The humming pauses, then she hears a familiar, and annoyed-sounding, voice say, "Watashi wa anata no nioi o suru koto ga dekimasu, watashi o minakereba narimasen ka?"
While not having any idea of exactly what the Miko said, Niamh still assumes it's about her smell. "Miko-san?" she replies, so that Miyuki will know it's her at least.
"Oh, it's the invader, not the overly protective guardian," comes the reply, this time in English. From around one of the pillars upon this section the Miko known as Miyuki comes into view. She's carrying a broom in both hands. Her head tilts and she sniffs the air. "Ah, I see Noburo has introduced himself, and marked you. He does that so you cannot sneak up on anyone ... or, he wishes to marry you."
"He did claim I smelled like a Yokai to him," Niamh replies. "And I am not an invader, only a guest," she points out. "I was hoping your shrine had records on the desecrated one. Especially which deity it was consecrated to and why it was abandoned."
Miyuki walks over and leans in and sniffs at Niamh's cheek, but doesn't touch. "You do," she confirms and eases back. "It permeates your skin, and even your breath. Which ... mmm, I should introduce you to mint. Your breath might curl hair."
"I had a run in with a kami this morning that.." Niamh starts to say, then waves it off. "It probably doesn't matter. My odor aside, would you have such records here?"
"It has nothing to do with any run-ins. You smell like Yokai. Your parents do too. Foreign devils, indeed," Miyuki claims. "As for what records we have ... yes, we do. But we do not show them to just anyone."
"Well, showing them to me wouldn't be practical anyway, since I wouldn't understand them," Niamh admits. "But you are the Miko, so.. surely you could look at them?"
"Of course, I have read all the records here several times," Miyuki says. "It is one of my duties to know them."
Niamh perks up at this news. "Would you tell me about the abandoned shrine, please?" she asks.
Miyuki rubs her chin slowly. "I don't know," she murmurs, considering. "Why should I share such information with an outsider?"
"Because how else do you hope to civilize me, if not by teaching me of your culture and history?" Niamh replies with a mostly straight face. "But mainly because I want to help the kami as much as the humans. As things are, nobody is happy."
"Why?" Miyuki asks, sounding honestly curious. "No human ever wants to help kami or yokai, unless they want something from them. No one except priests and those like me, I suppose."
"Well, perhaps you've answered yourself there," Niamh says. "From my perspective, I would be curious as to why anyone would not want to help. I've endured over a hundred days of misery to get here. My family isn't receiving a reward or anything for coming. This is just.. what we do."
"Prove it," Miyuki says and folds her arms. Or tries to as it seems she forgot she was holding a broom ... which causes a moment of awkward broom-flailing.
Niamh asks, "How would you like me to?"
"Marry Noburo," Miyuki declares.
This request causes one eyebrow to rise up on Niamh's face. "So he is your betrothed, isn't he?" she asks. "I knew it had to be something like that the way you were fighting."
That comment makes Miyuki look horrified! "Oh Gods, no, nothing like that. I grew up with him always around, he treats me like his sister and is over protective. I cannot go anywhere without him worrying I might get hurt. If he was married, he couldn't follow me around so much."
"So you are not thinking of his happiness so much as your own?" Niamh tsks.
"Do you have any siblings?" Miyuki asks, looking agitated and shifting all about. She even has to let go of her broom at one point to tug at her hakama.
"I have cousins, and forest friends that I have grown up with," Niamh says. "But not a brother or sister. And I do not think you want to be rid of him, only to be shown more respect and have your abilities acknowledged. That I understand. He called you foolish for dining with us. And.. called me foolish for coming here."
"And are you alright?" Niamh asks as she watches Miyuki fidget.
"Ever since he got that fourth tail he has been insufferable," Miyuki remarks rather dryly as she tries to compose herself and fiddles with her outfit again, "He's worse than my father in being over protective." Then she pauses at that question. "I'm ... fine. A bug flew up the hakama, it ... tickles," she claims.
Looking down at the skirts of her own dress, which is far more open underneath than Miyuki's hakama, Niamh asks, "Is that common? I.. have never had that happen that I can remember."
"No, it isn't that common," Miyuki says and seems to settle down. She takes a deep breath, holds it for a bit, then lets it slowly out. "Rirakkusu," she says to herself. "What is it you wished, again?"
Niamh becomes a bit more alert when Miyuki seems to be addressing someone. She tries to sense out any other nearby presence.
All Niamh senses is, well, Miyuki, and she's agitated. It's oddly distinct really.
A Miko is a medium, Niamh thinks. So she focuses on Miyuki as best she can, trying to sense if there's another spirit mixed in with her. Although she's never had a chance to try anything like this before, there's always a first time.
Whatever Niamh was feeling a moment ago seems to abruptly vanish, as if a door slammed closed. Miyuki shakes her head oddly, then kicks at her right leg ... and a dragonfly exits from under her skirt. "Go bother someone else," she complains at the creature and even tries to swat it with her broom.
"Who is Rirakkusu?" Niamh asks, now that whatever it was seems to have ended.
"Mmm? No one. That just means relax. I was telling myself to relax," Miyuki explains and bursts out laughing.
The foreign girl's cheeks turn crimson.. but she could have sworn there was something else there for a moment. "If you don't relax, do you become a dragon?" she asks.
"And I wanted to learn about the abandoned shrine," she follows with, not that she knows Miyuki was asking her what she wished.
That just causes more laughing. "Where in the world did you get that idea?" she has to ask. "A dragon, indeed. If I were a dragon, why would I put up with Noburo?"
"Well.. because you're only a little dragon?" Niamh suggests. "I assumed you had some sort of supernatural ancestry because of your eyes."
Miyuki stiffens again. "Oh, I see. You were making fun of my eyes," she says through gritted teeth.
"No, they're pretty," Niamh says. "But I haven't seen anyone else here who doesn't have brown eyes. And you're a medium - practically a priestess. My own abilities come down through the bloodline from ancient not entirely human ancestry."
Miyuki points. "So you are yokai!," she declares.
"N-no, just.. it was a hundred generations ago, before the Romans and Saxons and.. it was a long time ago, when my land belonged to a very different people."
"Before all the invaders came," she adds.
"So, now you are a yokai invader?" Miyuki inquires again and leans in to sniff a few more times. "Forest yokai," she concludes.
"I am not an invader," Niamh insists. "Please stop calling me that. I'm not that different than you." At the mentions of being a 'forest yokai' the girl remembers how Miyuki smelled the other night. "Is there a forest near here? You smelled of the forest too."
"Behind the Shrine, outside of the town, of course," Miyuki says, then adds randomly, "Fujin."
"That's the name of the forest?" Niamh asks.
More laughter! "Western yokai ..." Miyuki remarks as she collects herself. "No, no, the answer to your question earlier. The abandoned shrine was to Fujin, the God of Wind."
"Oh!" Niamh says, having been distracted by the thought of a local forest. "Why was the shrine abandoned? Did Fujin remove his presence from it?"
Miyuki taps on her chin, thinking. "No, it was due to some squabble amongst the priests. Some felt Rajin should also be worshipped there as that is tradition, others did not. Over time some priests left, the ones that remained didn't want to take over the shrine ... not uncommon for children as running a shrine is difficult, and it fell into disrepair. Midori Shrine tried to take care of it as best we could, but there is much to manage here."
"How did the kami feel about it going to ruin?" Niamh asks, expecting there'd have been some resentment towards the priests and the Midori shrine.
"Most left," Miyuki says after some more thought on it. "The only ones that remain there are those that were bound there for causing too much trouble. Prisoners, you might say. One of the many reasons it is best to not convert a shrine into anything else."
"You.. imprison spirits at the shrines?" Niamh asks in disbelief.
"Evil ones, yes," Miyuki notes. "Why? It is kinder than destroying them."
"Doesn't it just make them angrier over time though?" Niamh asks. "We bind ours to objects, usually. Never to a place. Who bound them there, the gods or the priests?"
"The priests; the ones that specialized in yokai hunting," Miyuki notes. "And they are bound to objects, just very large ones."
"Like statues?" Niamh asks. "Do you have bound spirits here?"
"We have many spirits here," Miyuki answers vaguely.
"Your records wouldn't happen to have the names of the Fujin Shrine prisoners, would they?" the taller girl asks.
"They do," Miyuki concedes, "But such information is for shrine servants only."
"But your shrine stopped managing the other one," Niamh points out. "What is the point of keeping such things a secret?"
"For a yokai, you're awfully ignorant about yokai," Miyuki comments and rubs her forehead. "Knowing the name of a yokai can give you power over it, if you are stronger than it is. If you are weaker, then it gives it power over you."
"I'm not.." Niamh starts to say, the gives up on the yokai argument for now. "What other ways do yokai interact? Do they dance?" she asks.
Miyuki peers at Niamh. "How can you not ... " she says, then sighs and shakes her head. "Dance, sing, romance, make love, have children. They do all the thinks people do, and more. Yokai are wild and free. They are life itself. Well, except the Death Yokai, I suppose."
"Are there Death Yokai held at the old shrine?" Niamh asks. "Surely you can tell me that much?"
"Not to my recollection," Miyuki answers.
"Just.. lesser evil ones then," Niamh says, and rubs her forehead with a gloved hand. "What makes them evil, do you know?"
"Mmm, many things. Often it is as simple as some grow tired of the way people treat and hunt them, and start hunting people," Miyuki explains. "For example, there are evil creatures much like Noburo, often called nogitsune."
"Is this.. baby-eating evil or just maliciousness?" Niamh asks. She doesn't want to be strangled by any of her other clothes, so better learn just how far these kami will go.
"Baby eaters are another class of yokai," Miyuki notes and raises a finger for emphasis. "I do not recall reading anything life-threatening bound there, but after a few centuries of being angry ... who knows."
Niamh sighs. She got the information she wanted, it just isn't very heartening. "What sort of god is Midori?" she asks instead, hoping to find more cheerful conversation.
"That's just the name of the Shrine, not the primary kami worshipped here," Miyuki notes. "This shrine is primarily dedicated to Amaratsu, with sub-shrines to others such as Uke-Mochi, and Inari."
"What do those gods represent?" Niamh asks. She didn't think there'd be three different semi-deities at one shrine.
"Amaratsu represents the sun and the giver of life," Miyuki explains, "And is often representing by a white wolf. Uke Mochi is the Goddess of food, sometimes represented by a rabbit. Inari is the goddess of rice and sake, and is represented by a fox. Noburo is one of her servants and descendants."
"Should I give my offering to Amaratsu first then?" Niamh asks, wondering if there's a specific order or hierarchy.
Miyuki looks Niamh up and down. "Are you planning to dedicate yourself to one of them as yokai?" she asks.
"No, I just want to show that I'm not a threat," Niamh says. "And I'm a human, not a yokai. I don't have any tails or.." she almost says 'glowing bits' but that really just depends on how dark it is. "Or other things that aren't human," she concludes.
"But you had ancestors that were not human?" Miyuki inquires and leans in.
"There were clearly human enough or they wouldn't be ancestors," Niamh points out. "They were.. sorcerers? It's complicated."
"If they were not human, then it does not matter how far back they were. You are, and always will be, yokai, no matter how much you pretend to be human. Do you see being yokai as bad? Something to be ashamed of?" the Miko asks.
"No, it's just.. that isn't the word I use for it," Niamh says. "That's your word, for your world. It isn't appropriate to use with me, because my land is very different when it comes to supernatural beings."
"Then you cannot approach any of the kami here," Miyuki says and steps back. "Those that cannot, or will not, open their hearts and minds to see how connected everything is, cannot approach the divine. I am sorry."
"It's just semantics," Niamh claims, frowning. "I can be open, that is the offering I was going to make. But if you must refer to my heritage, please call me fey if anything. It is a minor thing, but it's important to me."
"I will consider it. But you seemed ashamed of the very idea you may not be human, and that concerns me," Miyuki notes and actually does sound apologetic. "Because it means you see a distinct difference. When you deal with kami, you should treat them as you would wish to be treated, which means seeing them with respect and understanding too. If the idea of being ... fey bothers you, then you are not ready to deal with kami."
"It's just the word that makes me uncomfortable, because I do not know the full history of it," Niamh says. "You would not want foreigners describing your heritage with an unfamiliar term, would you?"
"I'm human," Miyuki claims. "And you foreigners already have. Noburo told me much about the commodore, and the way the gaijin treated us, as if w were subhuman, or a curiosity to marvel at and exploit. So many have come to see and marvel at the Gods, like it was some sort of show for amusement."
"I'm not one of them, just because I come from a foreign land," Niamh says. "The world is very large, and I've been to places where you'd probably think the people are savages, but the only way to overcome things like that is by getting to know the people. Are you willing to get to know me, before judging me?"
"That depends," Miyuki answers, "Are you willing to not judge yourself?"
"I'm a young woman, so it's hard not to constantly judge myself," Niamh admits.
"Then if you cannot stop from judging yourself, how can you expect others not to judge you?" Miyuki points out.
"I don't expect them to not judge me, I just hope they'd get to know me first so they can judge me on my actual merits and deficiencies, instead of just applying those they want onto me to justify their prejudice," Niamh says.
"Right now I judge you to smell like a fox," Miyuki remarks, "That scent is hard to get off, and Noburo marked you well."
"You must have something that can wash it away," Niamh says. "Surely you've dealt with this before, I mean. And.. is Noboru allowed to use the center of the path, and can regular humans see him?"
"Is there something wrong with his scent?" Miyuki asks, "I am used to it, I grew up with him. Consider it an honor. As for the center path ... yes and no. He is not a God, but as a direct servant he has some leeway. And those that see him are those that he allows to see him."
"It is difficult to smell anything else," Niamh notes. "And I still haven't had a chance to bathe. But if this odor is not offensive to the local kami then I suppose I can tolerate it."
"It may make those that wish ill upon you to think twice about it," Miyuki claims. "Now, if that is all, I should return to my duties."
"I suppose I can come back to say hello to the gods," Niamh says. "Thank you for the information, Miko-san," the girl says while bowing. "I suppose I shouldn't keep Mr. Tanaka waiting. Is there anything you want from me in return for the information?"
"Yes, I have a request but I doubt you can fulfill it," Miyuki notes in a tone that implies certain doom.
"It isn't marrying Noboru is it?" Niamh asks.
"That was my second request. He needs a wife," Miyuki remarks. "But no, I was hoping you would come back some time without wanting something from me to just ... visit. Family and Noburo all the time can be ... overbearing."
Smiling, Niamh says, "I could do that, if you'd like to show me the forest. Or.. I'm sure there are things we could do."
"The forest can be quite dangerous. I am not sure you are ready for that," Miyuki apologizes.
"Well, then you'll just have to test me for readiness," Niamh claims. "The city is interesting, but it would be nice to be somewhere I wasn't afraid to touch anything."
"Oh, then the forest is not for you. Touching things there is dangerous too," Miyuki notes. "But I could ask Noburo to stay with you all the time."
"He would sleep on the bed all the time, and eat my food," Niamh jokes. "And lick me. No, I think it is best he remain in your care. Sisters must keep their brothers out of trouble, after all."
"Well, not-brother, but sort of," Miyuki points out, then bows. "Another day. Do be careful."
"I will try to be, now that I know more about the situation," niamh says, returning the bow. She then heads towards the gate, wondering if she can get the musk smell out of her dress. At least it's an excuse to use the bathhouse. Maybe the smell will keep away the licking ghost.