On the sun-kissed shores of Nishinoshima, multiple Little Egrets graced the coastline, their yellow webbed toes and elegant long legs guiding them on strolls along the sandy stretch. Some graceful birds used the crafted wooden racks to dry seaweed and eat their crab.
The lively coast was hustled and bustled with islanders traversing from one island to another, engaging in trade, and connecting with family. Stepping off a modest boat, a young gentleman sporting a distinctive triangle-shaped hat donned a loose-fitting Kimono as he walked ashore. Beside him was a little girl with long, ebony locks and deep brown eyes. She had worn a dark green Yukata with exquisite native flowers and mountains.
The man noticed a merchant offering an array of horses in the vibrant scenery. Kneeling beside his daughter, considering the possibility, the man asked, "Shall we buy a horse to carry our belongings?"
The little girl's eyes lit up like fireflies in the night sky, and she eagerly exclaimed, "Yes, please!"
Her father affectionately tousled her hair and approached the horse merchant, who tended to his collection of horses.
Spotting the approaching father-daughter duo, the merchant greeted them, inquiring, "How may I assist you today?"
With a nod towards the boat burdened with men in fundoshi cloth unloading their possessions on the sandy shore, the father explained, "My daughter and I are relocating to the island, and we need a horse to transport our belongings. What's the cost for one?"
Wiping away beads of sweat, the merchant welcomed them to the islands and replied, "It depends on the weight you're carrying. These horses can safely bear less than three hundred pounds in these parts. Do the two of you have names?"
The gentleman gracefully bowed and responded, "Yes, my apologies. I am Hiroshiro, and this is my beloved daughter, Hoshiyo."
In return, the merchant bowed and said, "It's a pleasure to meet new faces in these parts."
Hiroshiro contemplated the challenging decision ahead. Glancing at the boat, he observed men hauling their belongings, each wooden crate wrapped in fabric weighing around fifty pounds. With six crates in tow, he realized he would have to carry two, leaving the horse to manage the rest alongside his daughter.
After consideration, Hiroshiro asserted, "We're grateful to be here. I believe we'll need just one horse."
The merchant's face lit up with a warm smile as he revealed the price: "That would be sixteen thousand Ryo."
Hiroshiro's jaw dropped, and his eyes widened in shock. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he fumbled to retrieve the money from his makeshift pockets. He found himself with only five thousand Ryo in hand. Rubbing the back of his head, Hiroshiro admitted, "It seems I don't have that kind of money on me at the moment. I apologize for any inconvenience."
With a polite tip of his hat to the merchant, he gently took his daughter's hand and began strolling back towards the boat. Hoshiyo cast a tear-streaked gaze back at the horses. She pleaded with her father to reconsider, but she was too young to understand.
The little girl warmed the merchant's heart. He curled his brows close together and waved Hiroshiro back. He asked, "Maybe we can make a trade. What do you have of value?"
Hiroshiro's fist clenched, and a furrow of worry etched across his brow as he watched his belongings. Despite his efforts to restrain himself, desperation compelled him to speak. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."
He approached the shoreline, where his crates awaited. He found a purple hand-woven Kimono adorned with golden flowers and koi fish in his possessions. Overcoming his hesitation, he returned to the merchant, extending the exquisite garment.
The merchant's eyes widened as his hands delicately explored the fabric. Retrieving a magnifying glass, he examined the Kimono's authenticity and inquired, "Where did you find such beautiful cotton?"
Hiroshiro sighed, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "The Kimono belonged to my late wife. She purchased it in our hometown, Maniwa, Okayama."
The merchant delicately packed away the Kimono. "You've come a long way," he observed. "With this Kimono, I can provide you with a horse."
In gratitude, Hiroshiro bowed and whispered, "Thank you, sir."
As the merchant bustled about, gathering the horse's equipment, he inquired curiously, "So, what brought you here, of all places in Japan?"
Hiroshiro explained, "I'm a scientist studying plants and animals of our country, and I've heard stories of mystical creatures residing on this island."
The merchant chuckled and remarked, "Those weren't magical creatures. Those were Yokai."
Fascinated, Hiroshiro asked, "What are Yokai?"
In securing the horse's bridle, leads, and saddle, the merchant explained, "Honestly, I can't say for sure. I've been told these beings are the gatekeepers between the spirit world and ours. They lack magical powers and often resemble ordinary animals; most of them are gentle."
Curious, Hiroshiro inquired, "If they appear like regular animals, how can you tell the difference?"
"I've never laid eyes on one because I always stick to the pebble paths. I'd advise you to do the same. While these tales may be mere rumors, you never know," the merchant replied, handing the horse over to Hiroshiro, visibly content with the successful sale.
"Thank you, sir," Hiroshiro expressed his gratitude, walking away hand in hand with his daughter.
"Be safe now," the merchant said, waving a farewell.
Hoshiyo observed her father effortlessly stack one crate after another onto the horse's back while the horse bobbed its head with a graceful rhythm. With the crates securely loaded, her father turned his attention to his daughter, lifting her gently onto the horse's back.
Hoshiyo felt a sense of maturity, taking in the expansive view that stretched to the entrance of the mountains.
Hiroshiro chuckled and asked, "How's the view?"
Hoshiyo pointed towards the snow-capped mountain peaks and inquired, "Daddy, why is there snow on the mountain?"
Hiroshiro shaded his eyes with his hand, peering at the distant mountaintops. He explained, "Well, the air gets thinner as you go up the mountain, and the temperatures drop significantly. This leads to lowered evaporation, causing more moisture to collect in the air. And with more moisture comes more precipitation—up there, it means more snow."
Hiyoshi tilted her head and asked, "What's evoraon?"
Hiroshiro chuckled and replied, "You'll understand when you're older. But for now, let's keep moving." He took hold of the horse's reins and led the way along the pebble path.
Confronted by rolling hills that stretched for miles on both sides of the pebbled path, the vastness made it challenging to catch a glimpse of the expanse of the Japan Sea. As they journeyed north, the landscape turned barren, with only occasional signs of life beyond the port.
After covering several miles, their travels led them to a humble farming village south of Fukaura Bay—a community with twenty residents. The father's pace was slow, and the residents, tending to the fields in fundoshi, attentively watched as the family entered the village.
Hiroshiro tied the horse's lead to a spot where they could rest and drink water. He reached over its back to help Hoshiyo on the ground as he said, "We should stop for a quick bite to eat. The house sits at the north of the village."
Hoshiyo rubbed her eyes and whimpered, "Daddy, I'm sleepy."
"Don't worry, we're almost there," Hiroshiro said.
The duo reached a rustic food shed where a male chef labored in the summer heat. A brick stove with three pots capped with a wooden lid is within the compact booth. When he was ready to cook, the chef would open these doorways underneath the pots, feed wood into the fire, and light closing the door to set the closet to boil. Periodically, he'd use a hollow bamboo stick to blow air toward the flames. Despite the confined space—less than five feet on all four sides—the chef navigated the limited room with practiced ease. Outside the booth, patrons found their seating, bringing whatever was necessary for their comfort.
Seated on a well-crafted wooden stool, Hoshiyo rested her head on the handmade table. Hiroshiro placed a few hundred Ryo on the shed's countertop, purchasing two meals for them. The chef snatched the currency, nodding appreciatively, and set to work. He prepared deep-fried fish paste in batter known as Koromo, showcasing his artistry in crafting the perfect Tempura vegetable. Slicing soft white tofu cubes ideal for the summer heat, he layered them with daikon radish pickles on pre-cooked rice. To complete the dish, he poured a rich sauce, simmered to perfection with unique flavors derived from sake and pickled plum.
Hiroshiro observed as the chef poured Miso soup into two separate bowls, clinging to the dietary restrictions enforced since 752 AD, where proteins like fish and meat were banned. The Empress, recognizing the hardships faced by fishermen, had vowed to provide ample rice in exchange for their abandoned trade. Instead, they became sailors, ferrying people across the Japanese ocean.
With precision, the chef artfully presented one portion to Hiroshiro, who gratefully accepted it to share with his lovely daughter, Hoshiyo. The second portion was carefully carried over to where Hiroshiro would be seated. The chef bowed graciously to his kind customer before resuming his duties.
While father and daughter savored their meal peacefully, a tall Samurai with flowing black hair and a dark beard entered the seating area. His gaze fixated on a peasant, quietly eating insufficient scraps at a table. The Samurai lifted his foot, forcefully knocked the man off the chair, and coldly remarked, "Get on the ground where you belong."
Shivering, Hoshiyo inquired, "Daddy, what's going on?"
"Quiet," Hiroshiro urged, focusing on his tofu. "Don't draw attention to yourself. Don't look at him, and don't say a word."
Following her father's advice, little Hoshiyo kept her head down and obediently consumed her vegetables. However, she couldn't help but listen as the Samurai's metal resonated. He sat himself with a heavy clank, slamming his fists on the table with enough force to crack the wood. Booming, he demanded, "Hey, give me something to eat already."
Without hesitation, the chef promptly brought a substantial portion to the Samurai and positioned it before him. The Samurai laughed, tossing a handful of Ryo onto the floor. Silently, the chef dropped to his knees, collecting the coins individually and expressing gratitude for the man's contribution.
Hoshiyo dropped her chopsticks and rushed to assist the man, swiftly picking up the scattered coins. With concern, she asked, "Are you okay?"
The chef whispered, "It's okay, go back to your father."
Interrupting the scene, the Samurai bellowed, "Who the hell are you?"
Hiroshiro, flustered, accidentally dropped his miso bowl as he hurried to rescue his daughter. Grasping Hoshiyo's shoulders, he apologized, "My apologies, sir. My daughter is only ten years old; she doesn't know any better."
The Samurai, mouth full, waved his arm dismissively. "Teach that damn rat to mind her own business. Get out of my sight."
Hiroshiro bowed and replied, "Yes, sir."
"Why did you do that?" Hoshiyo asked the Samurai.
"Hush," Hiroshiro urged.
The Samurai, enraged, yelled, "What did you just say, rat?"
Hiroshiro bowed again and explained, "She meant no disrespect, sir."
"I meant what I said," Hoshiyo added.
"You've got some nerve, little girl," the Samurai laughed. "Leave before I change my mind."
"Thank you," Hiroshiro replied, carrying his daughter like a dog. Hiyoshi kicked and screamed as they left, urging her father to return. However, her tantrum couldn't sway his decision.
Placing Hiyoshi on the horse, Hiroshiro took the reins and swiftly left for their new home. Hiyoshi continued venting her frustration, swinging her feet and screaming all the way home, convinced her father wasn't listening. As she reluctantly opened her eyes, she faced their new home fashioned in paper walls and wooden framework.
At that moment, all of Hoshiyo's worries seemed to fade. She lifted her leg over the horse. However, she fell on her side with a yelp in her attempt.
"What's going on with you today?" Hiroshiro inquired, noticing his daughter's unexpected tumble.
Hiyoshi winced, exclaiming, "That hurt."
Hiroshiro sighed heavily and retorted, "Not feeling so tough now, are you? You'll be alright."
Hoshiyo shot her father a defiant glare as he unpacked the horse. Jumping back, she swiftly patted the dirt off her Yukata and defiantly declared, "I am too tough!"
Amused, Hiroshiro chuckled, handing her bags of groceries, and remarked, "Alright, tough girl. Take these to the kitchen."
"Fine," Hoshiyo whined, grumbling as she rushed into the kitchen. Determinedly, she pushed the heavy bag of vegetables onto the wooden counter. However, her curiosity soon improved, leading her to explore the house full of sliding doors. The soft, natural light filtering through caused her to yawn delicately. Seated on the floor, she reveled in the warmth caressing her pale skin. As her eyes gradually closed, she succumbed to drowsiness, and the next moment, she found herself unaware that she had drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Hoshiyo awoke in a dream, wearing a white Yukata that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light like the radiant moon above her. The forest air felt enchanted, and the scent of pine and moss filled her lungs.
"Where am I?" Hoshiyo questioned. "Daddy, where are you?"
The intimidating forest, filled with colossal redwood trees, brought tears to her eyes as she wailed out, desperately pleading for her father to come to her aid. Hoshiyo felt the world was punishing her for daring to challenge the Samurai.
A haunting melody suddenly reached her ears in the daunting rustling forest. The ethereal sound seemed to emanate from the distant mountaintop. Despite the fear that gripped her, Hoshiyo courageously decided not to succumb to it. The only way home was forward.
Hoshiyo ascended the mountain, and the melody intensified as she neared the mountaintop, drawing her closer to a clearing that faced the ocean, where a majestic black Dire wolf stood, its red eyes gleaming with intelligence.
Hoshiyo felt a connection, a bond that transcended the dream. She felt the Dire wolf's gaze as it beckoned her closer. Her immediate reaction was to shake her head.
The Dire wolf, its expression calm, whispered to Hoshiyo through a telepathic connection, "Come, child. I won't hurt you."
Demonstrating its innocence, the Dire wolf gently touched a bed of resting morning glories. The flowers responded, sparkling as they awakened to the moon's radiant light. A white aura shrouded the majestic beast as it gazed toward the sky, releasing a haunting howl. An aurora of cold colors danced across the heavens; its gentle opacity allowed the bright stars to shimmer through.
Hoshiyo darted into the clearing, her mouth wide open in awe as she watched the celestial display. The enchanting light painted hues in her eyes, and the starlight reflected off her pupils. She extended her hand toward the stars and said, "The stars are so pretty. I wish I could watch them forever."
Lying beside her, the Dire wolf calmly replied, "You can stay as long as you like, child."
Turning her gaze to the wolf, Hoshiyo asked, "Why do you have red eyes?"
"It helps me see what humans cannot," the Dire wolf responded.
Hoshiyo dramatically surveyed her surroundings and inquired, "See what?"
"Would you like to see?" the Dire wolf proposed.
Eagerly nodding, Hoshiyo replied, "Yeah!"
Once again, the Dire wolf began to emanate a soft glow. Tapping its nose on Hoshiyo's chest, her eyes slowly shifted from dark to bright red. Her vision blurred momentarily until a new world came into view.
Suddenly, she saw hundreds of colorful creatures, each varying in shape and size. Some resembled deer wandering through the forest, while others twinkled like miniature fireflies. Overwhelmed with amazement, Hoshiyo was at a loss for words to express the extraordinary sight before her. She asked, "What are they?"
"These creatures are Kami and Yokai alike, living in harmony," the Dire wolf said.
Hoshiyo trailed a calico cat with two tails to the cliff's edge, where a mythical staircase led toward the sky. Swiftly, the Dire wolf rushed to her side, positioning itself to block her path. "No, child. Beyond these stairs is the floating world, a place you are not yet ready for."
"What's up there?"
"Fields of golden wheat and pools of crystal-clear water. It's a world you can't put into words," explained the Dire wolf.
"Can you go up there?"
As the sun rose, casting a gentle glow across the sky, the Dire wolf, eyes fixed on the horizon, responded, "Of course, I am a Kami. Someday, you will learn to understand that nobody was wrong about the world after life."
"What's your name?" Hoshiyo asked.
"It's almost daylight. It would be best if you departed before you become one of the Yokai. Go, child." With a tender gesture, the beast lifted her from her Yukata and gently propelled her back into the forest, guiding her to return to the human world from whence she came.