To Find a Way

Itsuki prepared a horse for Sachi and Himari.

The creature was much taller than Himari expected. "What is it supposed to be?"

"A horse." Sachi explained.

"But how do we ride it? It doesn't have any wings."

Sachi chuckled. "It doesn't fly. It runs."

Himari was not convinced. "It doesn't look like it would go very fast..."

Itsuki finished readying the horse. "This one is the fastest one we got. Even with an inexperienced rider like Sachi, she'll get you to where you need to go quicker than most... But where will you even look for the Tengu and Tsuchigumo?"

Sachi froze. She hadn't thought that far ahead.

Himari took out Nobu's black feather. "I don't know why, but I feel like I'll be able to find my way. Nobu used to tell me about the mountain - the direction it was, what it looked like, and all kinds of things... I'm sure Nobu will guide me there somehow"

All Sachi knew was that the Tsuchigumo were underground in caves. But how was she supposed to find these caves? It was a little harder than finding a giant mountain. "Did Nobu ever talk about the Tsuchigumo?"

Himari shook her head. "I don't think he knew very much about them either."

"Did you say the Tsuchigumo?" Itsuki's mother had crept up on them without them realizing it.

Itsuki nodded. "Do you know anything about them mom?"

Emi shook her head. "I do not personally, but I would suggest talking to Banri down by the boats."

"Why him?" Itsuki doubted her mother's suggestion.

"Because he is one of the Tsuchigumo." Emi simply said.

"Huh?" Itsuki couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Huh?! You mean to tell me there's been a Yokai living in this village this whole time?"

Emi nodded. "I'm surprised you didn't know. He tells story about his people all the time."

"You know I don't listen to the drunken talk of the guests." Itsuki retorted.

"It's for certain he's a Tsuchigumo though?" Himari questioned.

Emi pulled the material of her clothes. "The very clothes of the people in this village are made from Banri's silk. Same with the fishing nets and some of the buildings are reenforced with his silk too. That's why our village prospers so much, due to the strength of his silk."

Itsuki looked at her clothes. "I had no idea... To think there was a Yokai here this whole time and I never knew."

Emi smiled. "I think that's a good thing dear. You saw him for who he is and not what he is."

"So there's really a Tsuchigumo here?" Sachi asked desperately.

Emi pointed towards the boats. "He should be down there around this time of day."

Sachi, Himari, and Itsuki made their way down to the boats in search of Banri.

Down by the boats there were plenty of fishermen preparing for their day - packing supplies, untangling nets, repairing the boats. At the end of the docks, sat an old man weaving together strings of silk that he produced from his hands.

Itsuki cautiously called out to him. "Banri?"

The old man looked up. If not for his power of producing silk, one would not be able to tell this man was a Yokai. He looked like any regular human from the village. The only difference was that his eyes were a dull clouded grey. Itsuki didn't realize it was because he was a Yokai, she simply thought it was only because he lost his sight.

Banri's old, withered voice spoke. "Is that you Itsuki? I sense there is more than just you present. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"Yes, it's me Itsuki and I'm here with my friends Sachi and Himari. We were wondering if you could tell us a bit about the Tsuchigumo?"

Banri let out a long exhale. "What is it you want to know?"

"Is it true humans forced your people away?" Itsuki asked.

Banri slowly nodded. 

"If that's the case then why do you live in this village?" Itsuki questioned.

"And how come you still look human?" Himari added.

Banri's grew nostalgic. "Even all those years ago, I loved being around humans. When the humans betrayed us, most of my people fled. Some stayed to fight against them but the Tengu and us were outnumbered. Since then, my people have retreated to underground caves, losing sight of who they are. They grew angry and resentful towards the humans that they wanted revenge. They lured and trapped any humans they could. I did not care for that. I still loved the humans and didn't believe they were all bad. I feel no hate in me for them. That's probably why I still retain a human appearance, though I cannot see it anymore... I left the caves and made my way here thinking I could be of use to the humans with my powers. The villagers I came across welcomed me with open arms, even after discovering my identity. So that is why I stay."

Itsuki put her hand on top of Banri's. "Thank you, Banri, for looking out for this village and for staying by its side. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to recognize your efforts."

Banri's old voice chuckled. "No thanks or apologies are necessary young one. I do it because I want to."

"Banri, we're trying to bring the Tengu and Tsuchigumo together with the humans again. Do you think it's possible?" Sachi asked as anxiety formed awaiting the answer.

Banri pulled from his hands a single thread of silk and handed it to Sachi. "Whether or not I think it's possible is irrelevant. The only question is if you think it's possible."

Sachi took the thread in her hands. "What is this?"

Banri sighed deeply. "I am far too old and far too blind now to be able to be of much help to you. That silk should guide you to the forest where the caves of my people are. It is normal of us Tsuchigumo to lose our sight so before I left the forest, I tied this silk to a tree so I could find my way back if I ever needed. It may not look like much but if you go in the right direction, it will feel like it's pulling you towards the other end. Hopefully it can offer you the help you seek."

Sachi tied the shiny thread of silk around her wrist. "Thank you very much Banri. This is more than enough to help."

"I advise you proceed with caution. These days the Tengu are prideful creatures that are quick to anger and the Tsuchigumo are very sneaky and manipulative. Hate has run deep into their hearts." Banri warned.