Hoshiyo stormed through the forest like lightning with the wind on her side. The animals evaded her to avoid getting hurt. For the first time, Hoshiyo felt free. She could feel the fresh breeze on her skin under her fur. Running beside her, Tanuki felt her joy and was happy for her.
Together, they ran to the eastern village mountain where the grand council of elders unfolded within a massive open temple adorned with vines and plants intertwined with the sacred structure. The space was empty, so she centered herself in the temple, looking around for anyone to arrive.
"I guess we're the first ones here," The Tanuki said.
"No, we're not. I can feel them," Hoshiyo replied.
A gorgeous white wolf appeared with mythical silk red robes encircling her like a scarf on a human's neck. The silk sash hovered over her head, expressing she was a Goddess with red markings.
Hoshiyo bowed her head, feeling powerless compared to her, and said, "You're Amaterasu…"
With a mighty angelic voice, both masculine and a touch of femininity, Amaterasu said, "Yes, it must have been about fifty-three years since I last saw you."
"I'm sorry I had my anger get the better of me that day, but I've learned from it, and I helped heal the forest. We planted acorns and found many seeds to spread across the land, and it grew back on its own."
"Yes, we're proud of you, Hoshiyo. I appreciate your commitment," Amaterasu said.
Tsukuyomi stood beside them in his mighty blue fur. He wore gold jewelry shaped like the moon on his body and a large light blue sash. Hoshiyo bowed to Tsukuyomi, grateful to see him again after so long.
"Tsukuyomi, how's my fox friend doing?" Hoshiyo cheerfully asked.
Tsukuyomi released a bellowing chuckle and replied, "She's well and taking care of the village in my place."
"I'm so glad," Hoshiyo said.
Amaterasu intervened, saying, "Now, I don't want you to be afraid. You haven't met all of the council members. Some Kami will be quite intimidating."
Hoshiyo lowered her ears toward the earth, keeping her head bowed as she inquired, "Who?"
"The brothers Raijin and Fuijin," Tsukuyomi responded.
Amaterasu added, "My younger brother Susano and Hachiman can be quite overwhelming too."
The Tanuki grinned, remarking, "Let us not overlook the Kami siblings of creation, Izanagi and Izanami. The mighty duo were among the first to walk upon this soil beneath our feet."
"Oh, wow," Hoshiyo exclaimed, rendered momentarily speechless. The temple housed an impressive gathering of powerful Kami, the magnitude of which she found almost overwhelming.
Dark clouds loomed overhead, accompanied by the rhythmic pounding of drums resembling rolling thunder. Before long, a robust red wolf descended from the clouds, adorned in green robes and a beaded necklace. A golden circle, surrounded by drums, encircled him. Emitting a fierce snarl and a resounding howl, the wolf's powerful presence caused the winds to whip through the grass and plants.
A resounding gust swept the land like a tornado cutting through a rainy day. Without hesitation, the verdant wolf harnessed the clouds as his means of descent, maneuvering down them with fluid grace, resembling a descent down a celestial staircase. A forceful gust trailed in his wake as his paws made contact with the earth.
Hoshiyo keenly observed the distinctive traits of the wolf, wrapped in blue robes, a bag of winds playfully dancing across his neck and back.
Overwhelmed by their imposing presence, she cautiously retreated, tail tucked between her legs. The Tanuki, gripping her front right leg, said, "Hold your fear in check; they can use it against you."
"I can't easily conceal my true emotions. I wasn't born a Kami like the others," she confessed.
"Allow yourself time to adapt and stand firm," the Tanuki advised.
As they spoke, Raijin and Fuijin fixed their gaze on Hoshiyo with a subtle smirk. Amaterasu, growing impatient, rolled her eyes and commanded, "Enough, both of you. She is now one of us, and you must treat her with respect."
Raijin playfully circled Hoshiyo, chuckling, and remarked, "We were merely joking, Amaterasu."
Fuijin joined his brother, playfully snapping at Hoshiyo's tail with a hearty laugh. As she withdrew her tail, whimpering, Raijin lunged from the front, pinning her down. He dripped saliva on her soft black fur with a gaze fixed on her fearful red eyes. Fuijin purposefully stomped on her ear, holding her head down to relish the spectacle.
Amaterasu snapped at the brothers and bellowed, "Cease this immediately!" From the temple's outskirts, a tough red and black wolf materialized from the shadows with the force of a thousand soldiers. He unsheathed a sword from his back, sweeping it towards the brothers who narrowly escaped, their fur and skin intact. Silently, the brothers retreated.
The black and red wolf sheathed his sword in a resounding voice and said, "Only cowards prey on the weak. We are the Kami of Japan—do you hold no respect for the living?"
Amaterasu interjected, "Hachiman, you're late. Where is my brother?"
"He's running behind, unfortunately. Some humans wreaked havoc on his shrine, causing delays. Izanagi and Izanami send their regards, but they're facing troubles on their island too."
"I see," Amaterasu sighed heavily. "Allow me to introduce Hoshiyo, the Goddess of the Stars. She's not quite prepared to adopt her predecessor's name."
Hachiman glanced down at Hoshiyo, whose eyes sparkled like the night sky. She stood in awe, unable to express her gratitude. Unlike the other male Kami present, Hachiman lacked an intimidating air despite his sheer muscles and strength.
"Are you alright?" Hachiman inquired. "Can you stand?"
"Yes," Hoshiyo replied.
The Tanuki approached her. Facing her, he gently slapped her cheeks, urging, "Hey, snap out of it. We need to share the plan we've improvised."
Hoshiyo shook off her romantic trance, leaping to her feet. She blushed, moving away from Hachiman to stand beside Amaterasu, who did not comment on her reaction to Hachiman.
"What have you discovered?" Amaterasu queried.
"I know how to save the world," Hoshiyo whispered. Her words gripped the attention of everyone in the temple as if the topic had lingered in their minds since the dawn of time. Raijin shattered the silence with his robust laughter, bellowing, "You can't stroll in here claiming you can save the world. We've lived far longer than you, little pup. Not even the Kami of creation could fathom how to rescue both worlds."
Hoshiyo retorted, "You could accumulate all the wealth and resources in the world, and still, you wouldn't be able to help them. Respectfully, you may have more years, but have you truly lived? Have you witnessed the world beyond these oceans?"
Fuijin grumbled, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Hachiman inquired, "Are you implying there's a much grander picture we've yet to uncover and comprehend?"
"The world is far more complex than black and white. There isn't a single answer to the question you've all been pondering for hundreds and thousands of years," Hoshiyo said.
Amaterasu smiled, gracefully approaching her. "Enlighten us."
"According to my father's research, it's true that humans bear responsibility for their self-destruction. They've cut too many trees and unleashed copious amounts of fossil fuels, methane, and more that I'm still unraveling. You can't simply tell a human to stop and expect compliance. Consumption is imprinted in their nature. Hence, we must combat it both psychologically and physically."
Raijin glared, questioning, "What are you talking about? What does that mean?"
Hoshiyo met his gaze firmly, replying, "Your reaction only reinforces my earlier point."
Tsukuyomi asked, "What are fossil fuels?"
Hoshiyo sighed; she had to communicate the resolution to these Kami, akin to instructing a child. They were unaware of the world they had shaped; somehow, she needed to make them see.
"I won't mislead you; I barely grasp it myself. If I could secure your blessing to deploy nine warriors worldwide, it would help maintain balance," she proposed.
"And where would you find these nine warriors?" Amaterasu inquired.
"My father cloned me nine times, and each girl possesses unique traits we can train effectively. Once we send them out, they can assist everyone during disasters and aid in proper rebuilding. We could heal the world one step at a time," Hoshiyo explained.
Tsukuyomi took a deep breath and replied, "I have no issue with this. Do you, Amaterasu?"
"No, but let me be clear – I will be the one to decide if they are ready to leave. Right now, our major concern is the humans seeking refuge on our island after Mount Fuji erupted," Amaterasu asserted.
"I won't disappoint you, I promise," Hoshiyo assured.
Hachiman questioned, "Where are these supposed clones?"
"My father established a bunker before his passing, and inside are nine glass tanks containing fetuses that will fully mature before the new decade begins."
"I sense this might pose a significant challenge for us in the future," Fuijin commented.
Hoshiyo proudly set her future in motion, envisioning more work for the entire island and peace for the incoming surge of humans seeking asylum. As the meeting concluded, she pranced around with excitement. Tsukuyomi, Raijin, and Fuijin were the first to vacate the temple, leaving Amaterasu and Hachiman behind, engaged in quiet conversation.
Amaterasu graciously approached Hoshiyo and requested, "Before you embark on your journey, I have a favor."
"Okay," Hoshiyo responded, wagging her tail.
"You are no longer confined to the forest of your rebirth. I have also raised the curse discouraging humans from seeing you. Please find my little brother and assist him. Hachiman will navigate you there," Amaterasu conveyed.
Hoshiyo nodded, fortifying herself to leave the island for the first time as a Kami, once a human. She glanced at Hachiman, who gave her an acknowledging nod. Her only choice was to follow him to the next island, where her journey was beginning.