Raiju only wanted to rule over both the dimensions whereas Shiroi's reason was rather personal. The white snake was the son of an immortal father and mortal mother. He was born out of love. His mother was born in a simple household. Both her parents were mere farmers of the Megijima. Though they were poor they were a happy family, yet a famine was all it took to snatch away her parents along with her happiness. Sakura grew pretty day by day and her charm captured the heart of many passers-by. Her eyes were so bright and clear, one glance was enough for the other person to surrender. Her lips were pink as a peach which always wore an innocent smile enough to capture any heart. Her nose seemed like perfectly carved by God. She was the ultimate definition of beauty. By the time she reached sixteen words of her beauty had spread far and wide. Although she received many appreciations from people, she was always humble and down to earth. There was not a single trace of vanity in her. Her beauty not only captured the eyes of the mortals, but it seemed to have managed to capture the interest of a particular immortal.
Hiroto was the son of the emperor of the heavenly realm. He had two sisters but was greatly favored by his father and as a result he was the next successor to the throne. He was not so good looking as compared to his siblings, yet he possessed the power of his ancestors. He was predicted to be the greatest ruler but as he grew, he turned into a cold and ruthless one. Although his father failed to see the kind he was turning into, his mother saw right through him. A mother can read her children as clear as a mirror because she not only gives birth to a generation, but she gives a life to a creation. His mother could see that he was turning into a kind who could either bring fame and glory or could bring disaster to whoever comes across him. In order to avoid the latter from happening she suggested the emperor to send him to the mountain of Yakushima to learn from his master. It was the tradition to send their heir to the mountain of Yakushima to learn the great art of self-control on one's powers. "My Empress, what you suggested is right, but he still has two more years to reach the correct age to learn from master", said The Heavenly Emperor. Upon hearing his words, she said, "My Emperor, there is no age for learning and with his capabilities it would be a waste to keep him home". "Let me consult with the grand advisor and set the right date for his departure", said The Heavenly Emperor. She knew that her husband always listened to her except for the matters concerning the governing the ayakashis, so she was skeptical.
To her surprise the King seemed to have agreed with her and he asked her to prepare things for the prince as she was set to depart in a week. After hearing the order from the king, she felt relieved as she felt that she could save her son from bringing disaster upon himself.
The following week the prince set his journey to the mountain of Yakushima. He seemed calm from the outside, but he was full of doubts inside. To learn from the grand master had always been his dreams but he was aware that the training was a really tough one. He also could not understand why his mother wanted him to learn from the grand master at this age. As his thoughts was dwelling upon various things, he noticed that the carriage had halted at a stop. "What is wrong? Have we reached?", he questioned to one of his servants. "Why our Highness, the journey is really long, and everyone is tired, so we all are taking a break", replied Mohiko. He then quickly added, "Your Highness must be tired as well so allow me to prepare some refreshments for you". Hiroto might have changed but he never treated Mohiko wrongly. It was because to him, he was like a brother as both of them grew together. "Alright", he said.
As was his nature it was not possible for him to sit inside the carriage and wait for Mohiko to bring him his snacks. He stepped out of his carriage and stretched himself. They had been travelling for two days straight without resting. Humans are not the only creatures prone to exhaustion. The ayakashis also have to replenish their strength.
The place where the carriage had stopped was on a high place just above the market. Mt. Yakushima was located in the human realm. The market was bustling with people all over. Some were trying to sell while the others were hyped up to bargain with the sellers. Some of them were screaming their lungs out just to captivate the travelers while some of them were fighting to decide on what to buy. Some of them were just watching things but not buying while some of them were busy stuffing their mouth with delicious food. On seeing such a spectacle view Hiroto asked, "what is this place?". Mohiko who had a tray of fresh fruit in his hands replied, "Your Highness, this place is known as Megijima and we have entered the human realm". "This place is so beautiful. Shall we go and have a look", said Hiroto with eyes full of excitement. Mohiko had seen this look on his master's face after a long time, but he was order by the King to not allow him to mingle with human beings. He thought for a while and said, "Your Highness, things that are seen beautiful in the human world might only be an illusion. So, it is best that we remain away from them". When Hiroto heard his servant's words he said, "I am the prince of The Heavenly realm an immortal and the son of the Emperor of. Why should I be wary of these lowly creatures? If you want to come then you are most welcome or else you can stay here. I do not wish to ruin my mood". Mohiko knew his master too well so he did not say anything and tagged along with him.
The market which seemed chaotic from above was livelier and was bustling with people tending to their chores. Hiroto and Mohiko felt a bit out of place as this was their first time visiting the human realm. Nonetheless, after a while they became one with the crowd.
They were forced to stop in front of a small stall that was selling green tea mochi. "Aren't these the dessert that the Imperial father brings whenever he visits the human world", inquired Hiroto. Mohiko turned around to see what looked like a small oval shaped white coloured glistening ball. At the sight of the delicacy, remembering the taste he replied, "You are right, Your Highness". "Would like to buy some", said Mohiko noticing his master's cheerful gaze. It had been long since he last saw his master happy so without any delay he went straight to the store.
"How much is for one piece?", a melodious voice questioned. Hiroto looked around only to rest his eyes upon an extremely beautiful figure. Her delicate and exquisite features made her look no less than a fairy. Hiroto couldn't keep his eyes away. The more he looked the more beautiful she seemed.
His gaze made her feel a bit uncomfortable. She smiled and bowed in courtesy. Her smile thawed his frozen heart. Suddenly, the world looked like a paradise where nothing could be wrong. He captured all her contours in his mind. She left immediately after buying the sweets. His gaze was fixed on her until she disappeared in the crowd. Mohiko read his master's mind and smiled and said, "Your Highness, beauty in the human world is nothing more than an illusion". His words brought him back to his senses. Hiding his embarrassment he said, "I'm aware of that".
On his way back his mind would not allow him to relax. His thoughts would wander off forcing him to feel anxious. "Who was that fairy? What is her name? will I see her again?", were the thoughts that occupied him. When he closed his eyes all he could see was a face that appealed to him like no other accompanied with a bewitching smile. This was the first time that something like this had happened to him but what amazed him was the fact that a human girl had enchanted his heart. Hiroto didn't even know that he had reached the abode of his master. The gate and the surroundings looked very normal. The gate had a dragon painted and was carved out of white marble. There was nothing suspicious but on a closer look one could notice that the eyes of the dragon had yellow sapphire carved into it. As soon as he put his foot forward the ground started shaking and cracks had developed. "Nobody moves from their place", echoed a voice. They looked around but except for the cool breeze they couldn't feel the presence of anybody. Ignoring the voice, Hiroto took a step forward but this time; however; his feet felt heavy and numb. Much to their surprise the entry was sealed by the master. The magic that was used was much powerful in order to prevent any trespassers. "Your highness, I think we should wait for the master's instruction", said Mohiko. "I am the next ruler of the Heavenly realm, why should I wait?", declared Hiroto marching his right leg forward. As soon as he crossed the line, thunder struck him and threw him a few meters away. "Your Highness", exclaimed the servant. "Naughty kids should be taught a lesson, don't you agree", said a shadow that came out from a statue of kitsune. "Master", exclaimed Mohiko in bewilderment. Realising his mistake Hiroto who was lying on the floor stood at ones and went on his knees and said, "I bow to the master in respect". "What punishment should be fitting for the ignorant fools?", asked the master gazing straight towards him. "Master this servant of yours knows his mistake and is ready to repent", he said while humbly prostrating himself. "I may have the right to punish my student but do I have the right to punish a ruler?", chuckled the master in sarcasm. Hiroto understood what his master was trying to point at and he felt very embarrassed for his remarks. He wasted no time and bowed his head and begged for his forgiveness.
The following day his training started but before that his powers were taken away from him and he had no other choice but to accept what his master suggested. After he lost his divine powers his thoughts, actions and his physical abilities turned into a normal human being. The training following that was very difficult for him but he endured it. The Heavenly Empress on the other hand worried gravely about her child. "Don't worry my Empress, our son is going through purging which all the Emperors have to go through. He will overcome all the obstacles and will be triumphant", said the Emperor. The Empress thought for a while and said, "the heart of a father and a mother is indeed different, even after hearing all the reasoning I cannot bring myself to be satisfied when my son is suffering." Hiroto on the other hand started loving his new life. His hand-man also gave up his powers as an act of loyalty. Their daily schedule started by waking up at dawn and meditating. Then they were sent to the forest to get fire wood, mushrooms, wild berries etc. Hiroto and Mohiko would most of the times complaint but would soon be running and laughing wildly along with the animals. Whenever they were asked to cook for all they would think about the heaven but would soon be enjoying their task at hand. The days seemed to be filled with fun but only if they knew how short lived it was do you think they would have cherished it?