Yamanashi, Hokuto. The land of the Sacred Tree, Yamataka Jindai Zakura. The tree is a tool of worship, whereas the people believe that the spirit inhabiting the tree is the cause of all the bountiful harvests of the land, as well as keeping Hokuto safe from natural disasters.
It is said that the land is capable of getting rid of evil spirits and negative energies as well.
The faith of the people just grew stronger after the Jissoji temple was blessed by none other than the original wielder of the Fox Mask, Head Priestess Miyaki Nagi.
She has the making of a perfect Maiden: a soft gentle voice, wisdom pertaining to Gods, talent for leading rituals, and most of all, kindness that will touch the people's hearts.
Unlike the other Heraldic Masks, the Fox Mask has an inaptitude with regards to combat prowess and capabilities. However, it has a unique ability that made it to the ranks of the Herald. And that is, the concept of Belief and Renewal.
The Fox Mask and the land it flourishes can be seen as the Yin. And as for its contrasting concept, the Yang…it has to be, the Ninth Herald's Mask.
— — —
"Sure lad, feel free to."
Toshihiro says calmly as Kiyoto and Yato were surrounded by unknown men who seem to be working with the bard.
Habiki, the bard, looks at Toshihiro with his purplish eyes. He then speaks in a solemn manner.
"You said you'll bring in some help Toshi. I didn't know you mean those two back then."
"Help? So you're that confident that we'll help you after this?"
Yato asked while he and Kiyoto pressed on each other's backs as they were surrounded.
Toshi gives a signal to stop as he slightly raises his hand and closes his fist. He then narrows his eyes down and speaks as if he means the words that will come out of his mouth.
"I do. From the start, I know that you people from the land of Fervor are a compassionate lot."
Toshi then walks towards the house and signals the two to follow him inside.
"We will talk inside, it's better to discuss things when we're all comfortable, no?"
Having seen no choice anyway, Yato immediately agreed.
"Fine. I get to keep my Mask on for assurance though."
"Well if that's what would make you come inside, then be my guest. I promise that I really don't want to turn this into a fight."
Toshi then heads inside.
Kiyoto and Yato hesitantly followed suit. The wooden gate closes slowly behind them, as the bard also follows them.
Once inside, the two would be led to a room where Toshi and one other member was waiting, sitting on the floor, in front of a low circular table.
"Hope the two of you don't mind such a cramped room. Please, take your seat."
Toshi pointed to the vacant space in front of the table with his hand. Not long after, an attendant poured them some tea.
"Toshi, don't they know basic etiquettes about discussions? Why are these two wearing their masks?"
The man with Toshi commented as soon as he saw the two.
"See Hamatsura, they'll only accept my invitation when I allow them to wear their masks for assurance."
"Hrm."
Hamatsura reacted unfavorably.
"This one has a cracked mask, what are you playing at wearing an obviously fake mask?"
Kiyoto gasped. He then scratches the back of his head without replying.
"Haha. Well everyone has reasons, this one only wears it to feel safe, right?"
Toshi interjected. Kiyoto and Yato was surprised that he still hasn't revealed anything that they talked about back then, including Kiyoto's situation.
'Is he just making his image good to us in order to gain our affirmation?' Yato thought to himself, whereas Kiyoto felt like Toshi still had a hidden agenda he still hadn't opened up to them or anyone else.
The two then sits down as per Toshi's request. Upon closer look, Toshihiro has a striking, or rather, an unobtrusive resemblance of someone.
Yato and Kiyoto were not aware because the person's face in question is not that familiar to them to begin with.
"To start off, let me introduce ourselves first. We are a group of individuals gathered for one purpose that someone might see it as trifling. But for us, it was an honest goal."
"Huh, we'll decide when we hear it."
Yato said as he crossed his arms.
"Haha, I really do like you lad. Well, as for what I said-"
Toshi held a cup of tea and took a sip of it.
"-we would like to help our dearest benefactor that saved all of our lives. But the call for assistance is constantly getting shrugged off by the Priests and the Head Priestess."
Toshi then puts down the cup of tea.
"He is our savior, Kirisame Magnolia."
Meanwhile, Akafuyu and Mylene got a bit bored by just sitting around and went out to do some sightseeing.
"I hope Kiyoto and Yato's business went smoothly. I hardly imagine them failing anyway."
Seems like Akafuyu trusts the two completely without question.
Mylene then sighed.
"Though if I'm being honest, I thought we would just be relaxing around and wait for the viewing festival after arriving here. Not that I'm complaining as long as we get to help someone."
As soon as Mylene said those words, Akafuyu's head began to tremble slightly.
"Hggh.."
Akafuyu would hold her head as she leaned onto something for support.
"E-eh!? Akafuyu!"
Mylene reacted, though quietly as to not disturb the surroundings.
A single Sakura leaf then falls atop of Akafuyu's head, whereas she enters a dream-state, finding herself standing over a pile of Cherry Blossoms.
"What…."
Akafuyu reacted, as she looked around her surroundings. The horizon seems endless in this place as well. Not so long after, a pinkish orb approaches her and speaks.
"Thank goodness it reached you."
"....."
"Oh, that voice!" Akafuyu realized something.
"Indeed, I am Miko. I'm speaking to you through the powers of my Mask…or what's left of it…"
"What do you mean by that Miko-dono?"
"Nevermind what I just said…I have decided to make contact with you because I know that you will be able to help this land."
The voice coming from the orb became weaker.
"Oh no, I need to get to the point already. Miss Akafuyu, I had a certain dream. Please gather your team…and help the person who has a cracked Mask reach the sanctum before Kirisame does."
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