Earlier, Kitsune told me the story of the world's creation. As far as I could tell, it matched my memories perfectly. But after that, she claimed things would be different from what I remembered.
She folded the scroll and made it disappear before saying, "Misaki, the story I'm about to tell isn't written in the scroll by our Queen. This is something she told me directly."
She began to speak, "After the creation, Amaterasu and Gaia—"
Suddenly, a sharp pain erupted in my head. My vision blurred, and an overwhelming sensation took over. It wasn't a memory... it was something else.
A premonition.
In that vision, Kitsune said a few words about my past and then collapsed, lifeless.
The shock brought me back to reality. I instinctively moved, covering Kitsune's mouth.
"KITSUNE! Don't say anything else! The moment you tell me about my past... you'll die."
Her eyes widened in confusion and fear as she asked, "What... what are you saying?"
"I saw it, Kitsune. I saw the future. If you tell me, you'll really die. Please, believe me."
She exhaled deeply, her serious expression returning. "Sigh... If what you say is true, then there's no doubt now. Someone tampered with your memory."
"But who could do that, and why?" I asked,
She paused before responding. "The demons, Misaki. Specifically, the six retainers of hell. Among them, there's one who can always know your whereabouts if she chooses."
"You mean... the all-seeing demon?"
"Yes, Laplace, and her spirit—no, her demon art—Eyes of Nous."
"But Laplace doesn't have the ability to cast curses."
"That's true," Kitsune admitted. "Which means another entity may have cast the curse. But Laplace could easily have been the one who targeted you in the first place, using her power to find you."
"Why me?"
"Because of your ability, Misaki. You're the only spirit alive who can see the future. Without you, the ancient spirits wouldn't know the exact time of our Queen's reincarnation. Your foresight is essential."
"Kitsune, do you think they're trying to stop me from participating in the war by erasing my memories?"
"That's one possibility," she agreed. "But, Misaki, for now, don't act alone. Without your past memories, you're vulnerable."
She hesitated for a moment before adding, "As for retrieving your memories, I know someone who might be able to help."
"Who?" I asked.
"The ancient spirit of wisdom—Vesta Anubis."
"To think he's still alive without consuming life force…" I said with a jealous tone in my voice.
To think that even that man can survive even without the need to absorb other's life force.
Kitsune smirked. "Well, Misaki, among the five ancient spirits, you're the—" She abruptly stopped herself.
I narrowed my eyes. "Hey, why did you stop? What were you about to say?"
She avoided looking into me and said. "It's also related to your past. You said I'll die if I reveal it, right?"
I let it go, though curiosity still remains at me.
"But retrieving your memories can wait. For now, let's focus on the situation with Mount Fuji."
"Still going along with the club idea, even now?"
"This isn't about the club anymore, Misaki," she said, her voice low and firm. "I feel like many truths will come to light at Mount Fuji... especially about Himeko."
....
Days passed, and the day before our trip to Shizuoka finally arrived. Kitsune and I went to school, while her daughters stayed at my apartment.
At school, I approached Himeko during a break. "Have you finished your shopping for the trip?" I asked.
"No, not yet…"
"Then I'll ask Ms. Ishi to accompany you after school. She also needs to shop for some things."
Of course, I had another motive. I wanted to confirm Kitsune's suspicion that Himeko wasn't human. I planned to follow them and observe Himeko. If necessary, I would even tail her after the shopping trip. Well, I knew that I would look a stalker... but I need to do this.
At lunch, I went to Kitsune's office to discuss my plan. "Kitsune, I want you to go shopping with Himeko after school."
She sighed. "Misaki, do I really have to? I'm still not used to human places. Himeko might suspect I'm not human."
"Don't worry. I'll follow you two."
She raised an eyebrow. "Follow us?"
I explained my plan, and after some grumbling, she agreed.
After school, Kitsune left early, claiming she had urgent matters to attend to. She and Himeko met outside the school gates, and I began tailing them.
The two headed to the mall, visiting clothing stores, a camping gear shop, and even a lingerie store—though I refused to follow them inside there. I thought that would've been crossing a line.
Throughout their trip, Himeko seemed perfectly ordinary. She chatted casually with Kitsune, acting like a typical teenager. I saw no signs to suggest she was anything other than human.
Once their shopping was done, I followed Himeko alone, all the way to her apartment. To my surprise, she lived alone, just like me. Even under the full moon—a time when our Queen's essence is at its strongest—there was no reaction from her.
I think I already did my best so I returned to Kitsune and reported my findings.
"Did you notice anything unusual about Himeko?" she asked, her voice sounded that she has a high hopes that I would find something.
"No, nothing at all. Just as I thought."
Her expression darkened with disappointment. "Even so, we're still going to Mount Fuji. There are other things we need to confirm."
At this point, I was starting to suspect that Kitsune's theory about Himeko was just an excuse to hunt the local deity at Mount Fuji. But I let it slide. I knew how much she wanted to establish this club, even if her methods were questionable.
"Kitsune," I said, "let's rest tonight. We won't open the shop."
"Tomorrow, we would face a local deity. The time that we would help each other to face a strong opponent will happen tomorrow...."