Kuzunoha led the way, cutting through the swamp's green silt, and clung to their legs as the murky water lapped at their knees. Hoshiyo and Rei followed close behind, medical bags held in their mouths, their eyes scanning the unfamiliar landscape. The swamp was eerie yet strangely enchanting, with its thick air and slow-moving waters, but soon, the mood shifted as the moonlight broke through the dense mist.
When the first sliver of moonlight touched the swamp's surface, it came alive. The water glowed with a bright green and blue hue, shimmering as if the swamp was breathing. Creatures hidden beneath the surface lit up with bioluminescence, their forms darting and flickering like stars under the water. Even the leaves on the towering trees grew more prominent, their veins glowing with a rainbow of colors, casting a magical light that reflected off the swamp. It was a scene of otherworldly beauty, almost too surreal to believe.
Hoshiyo glanced at Rei, whose moon-phase markings glowed faintly in the moonlight, but Rei's mood was still stormy. Her frustration with the ruined wooden cart hung heavily, and Hoshiyo knew better than to speak. She had never seen Rei this angry before and wasn't sure how to approach her now.
After what felt like hours of walking through the mesmerizing swamp, Kuzunoha finally found a suitable shelter: a cavern nestled within the roots of an ancient tree. Inside, they released the medical bags from their mouths, letting them fall onto the excellent, damp ground with a soft thud. Kuzunoha shifted back into her human form and began tending to Rei's wounds from the battle with the Baku, wrapping bandages and applying ointments, "Today we experienced a rough encounter with the Baku, but do not allow it to haunt you emotionally. We will persevere tomorrow as we always do."
"I need time to accept the challenges we faced until now, Sensei. Please, forgive me," Rei whispered.
"I understand," Kuzunoha replied. "In the meantime, I must use this opportunity to teach our new students our ways of Kampo medicine."
"Kampo?" Hoshiyo asked, her curiosity piqued.
Kuzunoha nodded. "It's Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back to the Shang Dynasty, around 3,000 years ago. Some of the earliest hieroglyphs found on bones and shells from that time reference illnesses and diseases. The knowledge passed down through centuries has been invaluable in understanding how to treat the human body."
As she continued to heal their injuries with ointment and bandages, Kuzunoha shared more about the intricacies of Kampo, explaining the balance of elements and how herbs were chosen based on the body's needs. She spoke of ginseng, ginger, and licorice root—ingredients that could strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and soothe pain. Hoshiyo listened intently, absorbing every detail.
Kuzunoha added, "Kampo is more than just treating symptoms. It's about understanding the whole person—their body, spirit, and connection to the world around them."
Hoshiyo nodded, though her mind was focused elsewhere. "What about healing the wounds of the Yokai and Kami who live on the island?" she asked.
Kuzunoha, intrigued by the shift in focus, raised an eyebrow. "Are you more interested in spiritual medicine than human medicine?"
"I am," Hoshiyo replied, her gaze thoughtful. "Many injured spirits need our help, especially now."
Kuzunoha smiled warmly, understanding her pupil's intent. "Very well," she said softly. "Come with me."
Leaving the cavern behind, Hoshiyo followed Kuzunoha into the moonlit swamp. The air was alive with fireflies, their soft glow flickering like stars. Spiders glided across the water's surface, their webs catching the light. As the swamp water rose to their knees, Kuzunoha shifted back into her fox form, her luminous fur guiding them through the misty night.
Hoshiyo, in awe of the beautiful surroundings, whispered, "I have never seen such incredible beauty before in my life. I wonder what else this forest is hiding…"
Kuzunoha glanced over her fluffy white shoulder. "This forest holds many secrets, Hoshiyo," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "It is alive in more ways than one. The plants here have powers beyond what you can find in any other land. They were placed here by the Kami themselves to aid those who walk the line between this world and the next."
They reached a secluded clearing, where the air felt thicker with spiritual energy. In the center stood a peculiar plant—its leaves shimmering like silver and its flowers glowing in soft violet hues. Beneath it, patches of bright blue moss seemed to shine more colorfully as they approached.
Kuzunoha stopped, gesturing to the plant with her paw. "This," she said, "is one of the rarest plants on the island. It's called Shizukusa, the Dew of the Spirits. Its leaves have the ability to heal even the most grievous wounds of Yokai and Kami. When applied to their injuries, it promotes rapid regeneration of their ethereal bodies."
Hoshiyo stepped closer, eyes wide as she examined the plant. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "How do we use it?"
Kuzunoha gently plucked a few leaves from the plant, careful not to damage its roots. "The key is in the preparation," she explained. "You must crush the leaves into a fine paste and mix them with the blue moss that grows around its base. The moss amplifies the healing properties of the leaves, making them powerful enough to mend wounds on beings not bound to human flesh."
Hoshiyo watched closely as Kuzunoha demonstrated, using her paws to grind the leaves into a thick paste and then combining it with the glowing blue moss. The mixture shimmered in her hand like stardust.
Kuzunoha handed Hoshiyo the mixture. "When you apply this to a wounded Yokai or Kami, it will draw out the negative energy causing their pain and bind their essence back together. But be cautious—these plants are rare, and not all wounds can be healed. You must use them wisely."
Hoshiyo took the mixture, feeling its energy pulse in her hands. "Is there anything else I should know?"
Kuzunoha nodded. "Yes. Many of the Yokai and Kami are proud beings. They may not ask for help, even if they are near death. You must earn their trust before they will allow you to tend to them. In battle, they are often gravely wounded but refuse human assistance out of pride or fear. Your role as a caregiver to them goes beyond healing—it's about understanding their nature, their pain, and their desires. Only then will they accept you."
They continued walking through the glowing forest, Kuzunoha pointing out other medicinal plants along the way—plants that could calm a Yokai's rage, herbs that could restore a spirit's energy, and flowers that could neutralize poisons. Hoshiyo listened intently, absorbing everything Kuzunoha said.
Finally, they reached a towering tree with dark, glossy leaves that shimmered like black pearls. "This is the Tsuyuyomi Tree," Kuzunoha said, gazing up at it. "Its sap is a powerful elixir that can heal even spiritual wounds that have festered for centuries. But harvesting it is dangerous. The tree only allows those it deems worthy to take its sap. If you try without its blessing, it will defend itself."
Hoshiyo glanced at the tree, reverent for its ancient power. "How will I know if I'm worthy?"
Kuzunoha smiled. "You'll feel it. The tree will speak to your spirit. But until then, focus on what I've taught you. There is much to learn, and in time, you will be ready to care for the Yokai and Kami as I have."
They stood in the forest, the moonlight illuminating the sacred plants around them. Hoshiyo realized that healing the Yokai and Kami was more than just a physical act—it was about understanding their essence, connection to the island, and place in the spiritual world. She was ready to embrace this role.
"For now, we must return to the cavern beneath the murky trees," Kuzunoha said, her voice soft yet commanding. "Rei is waiting for us."
Hoshiyo nodded, falling in step behind her mentor. They moved through the thick fog, their paws sinking into the oozing ground as they navigated the swamp. When they reached the cavern, they found Rei lying motionless where they had left her. Her sorrowful expression remained unchanged, as though the weight of the night still clung to her.
Hoshiyo's heart ached at the sight of her so angered by Baku's actions. The thought of leaving Rei to face her sadness alone troubled her deeply. Without hesitation, she sat beside her sister and whispered, "I see why Tsukuyomi chose you as his successor. To heal, you must be strong and gentle—like an axe that cuts through the hardest wood but is soft as a feather when the moment calls for it. That balance isn't easy to master, and I admire you for it. I'm eager to learn from you and Kuzunoha."
Rei lifted her head slightly, a small, fragile smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Hoshiyo. Your words mean more to me than you know. I'd be honored to help you learn our ways. But remember, you're the leader of this pack. It won't be easy, learning more than one path."
Hoshiyo whispered, "I'm ready for the challenge. And we'll face it together."
Rei's spirits lifted as she nodded, feeling the warmth of her sister's support wash over her. Her heart, heavy just moments ago, lightened with renewed strength. They lay down together, finding comfort in each other's presence. They embraced the quiet night, letting the day's weight fade as they drifted into a deep, much-needed rest, ready to face whatever awaited them at dawn.
Hoshiyo lay curled beside Kuzunoha and Rei, their steady breathing a comforting rhythm in the stillness of the cavern. The night had grown quiet, save for the occasional croak of frogs and the distant hum of the swamp's creatures. Exhausted from their journey, Hoshiyo drifted into a deep, restless sleep.
Hoshiyo found herself standing in the middle of a dark, twisted forest, the hidden village looming ahead through the thick fog. Rei and Kuzunoha stood beside her, but something felt deeply wrong. Their faces were shrouded in shadows, obscured as if they weren't truly there.
She whispered, "Wait, how did we get here so quickly? Something's not right."
Neither Rei nor Kuzunoha responded. Without a word, they began to walk toward the village, now eerily silent and empty, swallowed by the surrounding mist. A chill of panic gripped Hoshiyo's heart as she watched them drift farther away.
"Stop! Don't enter the village!" Hoshiyo shouted, her voice trembling. "There's danger here—I can feel it!"
But her cries fell on deaf ears. Rei and Kuzunoha moved forward, oblivious, their steps slow and deliberate as if in a trance. Hoshiyo's heart raced, pounding in her chest as her fear intensified. She felt powerless, her words and warnings swallowed by the fog around them.
Suddenly, the skies above darkened, and a roar echoed through the forest. It was as if the earth itself had cried out in fury. Hoshiyo watched in horror as a massive flood surged toward them, its violent waters tearing through the trees with unstoppable force.
Her ears flattened against her head, her tail tucked tightly between her legs as she backed away from the approaching catastrophe. She saw Rei and Kuzunoha in the distance, still standing firm, bracing themselves, their paws digging into the mud as the flood advanced. They were resolute as if preparing to battle the very storm itself.
"Get out of there!" Hoshiyo screamed, desperation thick in her voice. "No beast or spirit can defy water and wind. It will pulverize you!"
But her companions remained motionless, their eyes fixed on the flood, showing no fear, no hesitation. It was as if they had accepted their fate.
She turned to flee, but her paws sank deep in the mud, holding her fast. The water was rising too quickly. It hit her with brutal, icy, relentless force, dragging her under its dark surface. She gasped for breath but only swallowed water, the world spinning into a murky, suffocating abyss. She was drowning.
With a jolt, Hoshiyo awoke, her heart racing and breath shallow. She blinked rapidly, disoriented, and looked around, half-expecting to find herself submerged in water. But the cavern was dry, and the cool, damp air of the swamp surrounded her, familiar and safe. Beside her, Rei and Kuzunoha lay undisturbed, sleeping peacefully. Rei's blue tail twitched slightly, and Kuzunoha's soft white fur gleamed faintly in the dim light of the cavern.
Hoshiyo exhaled slowly, endeavoring to shake off the lingering grip of the nightmare. The flood had felt so real, so suffocating, but now, in the stillness of the cavern, she was safe. The terror began to dissolve, replaced by a comforting warmth that settled over her like a gentle blanket of a light purple mist. Sparkling specks of light drifted through the air, soothing her frayed nerves.
Turning her head toward the entrance, she spotted the soft glow of Baku, standing silently at the threshold of the cave. His form shimmered faintly, still hesitant in the presence of the wolves and the fox. Despite their earlier battle, Hoshiyo could sense that his heart wasn't hostile—he had only fought out of fear, not malice.
A faint smile touched her lips as she rested her head back down, the magical glow and soft mist lulling her back into calmness. The fear and weight of the nightmare slowly ebbed away, replaced by peace.
"Thank you, Baku," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She watched as the holy beast quietly backed away from the cavern, his glowing form retreating into the night. And with that, she drifted off to sleep, the mist's tender embrace guarding her dreams from darkness.
It wasn't long before the first rays of dawn crept into the cavern, casting a soft glow over the mossy walls. The sun was rising, signaling the beginning of another day.