Chapter 36

The plain, unpainted torii gate that served as the entryway for the Shrine of the Banished was decidedly lackluster to Kaede and Yurika after the eventful climb to reach it. The sun overhead was starting its journey towards the horizon, indicating that the two girls had been trapped in the illusive stairs for quite some time.

Both Kaede and Yurika stopped to catch their breath, when they realized they now had a tail, or rather shadow, that ascended the stairs behind them.

The Hound’s eyes, hidden beneath his mask, surveyed the shrine’s grounds wordlessly as the girls stared at him. Both of them appreciated his help but…

“Are you really going to follow us here?” Yurika stated, bluntly, crossing her arms a slight scowl plastered on her face.

“I appreciate your assistance, sir Hound…” Kaede was taking a more polite approach, despite her unease. “...are you sure you should be wasting your time with us?”

The Hound’s unseen gaze turned towards them, almost as if he was questioning why the girls seemed to think he would take their orders before he placed his right palm to his chest and bowed deeply to them both.

“I understand your reservations, young Kaede, young Yurika, but I believe that my presence might make whoever set-up those traps for you more wary.” He stood back to full height. “However, if they choose to come after you again, I believe I could act as a deterrent, or even a shield for you two.”

Yurika seemed skeptical as she sized up the being, while Kaede brought a finger up to her chin, her eyes skyward as if analyzing his statement.

“...traps? As in, more than one?”

The Hound nodded, turning his gaze back to the stairs, but peering further. “I believe that whoever trapped you two in that illusion set-up that rockslide on the mountain. The path was far too damp, relative to the rest of the pass.”

Yurika didn’t seem shocked by that revelation, having already come to the conclusion that The Hound had sabotaged the road. She brought her hand up to her chin, her eyebrows furrowed.

“So that wasn’t your doing?”

“My entire purpose has been to wait and observe. I know that is hard to believe, but I have never intended harm onto the people of Tsuiraku. Those stories about encounters with me over the years have been embellished.”

Kaede nodded slightly as Yurika sighed. “Suspicious local legend complains about how his appearances have been twisted…”

Kaede giggled. “I mean, can you blame anyone? Walking around in a shroud so dark and with a dog mask concealing your face, anyone would think you were some spirit or curse.”

“Actually, yeah, dog-boy! Why don’t you show us your actual face? Then, maybe we can accept your help!”

“Part of the contract with Kagura-sa–”

“Good afternoon, young maidens!” A young woman’s voice, from behind the girls, interrupted The Hound’s explanation, causing them to jump.

The woman, probably only a few years older than either Kaede or Yurika, dressed in the typical red and white hakama of a miko stood before them, a beautiful smile on her face.

“He-hello…”

“Afternoon…”

The two girls' greetings were less energetic.

“I presume you are Lady Kaede and Lady Yurika from Isshin’s missive!” The young miko clapped her hands together, before glancing past the oiran and island girl, her left hand shading her eyes as if she was looking for another person. “Oh, that’s curious. His message seemed to indicate there would be a young man as well, but is it just you two?”
“Two?” Yurika said, confusion plastered on her face as both her and Kaede glanced back to find only the unpainted torii, completely devoid of anyone.

“Oh, you mean Gakkun!” Kaede said, laughing nervously as she turned back to the miko. “He decided to stay behind and practice with his sword, complaining about getting too rusty…”

The miko blinked a couple of times before clapping her hands together again. “Such a diligent young man! Truly respectable!” She brought her hands down, in front of her waist and gave a deep bow to the two girls. “Welcome, fair maidens.I am Saishu Inari, the head of the Shrine of the Banished!” She stood to full height, beaming brightly at the two girls.

“It would be my utmost pleasure to assist you!”

Kaede gave a polite bow in return as Yurika gave a quick, nervous bow, glancing behind them. Inari gestured for the two of them to follow her and the island girl swiftly obliged before Kaede started after her.

“Young Kaede,” The Hound’s voice seemed to whisper directly into Kaede’s ear from nowhere, but she kept her poise. “I apologize for using your shadow to hide without warning, but it would benefit us both, and young Yurika, if no one else knew I was around.”

Kaede glanced forward at the miko, nodding her head slightly in agreement. “I can understand that.” She muttered as Yurika ascended a small set of stairs after Inari, before the oiran did the same. “Especially if someone is trying to hinder us.”

“Exactly. The less people know about my presence around you and Yurika, the safer it will be for all of us.”

Inari had slid open one of the side doors to a foyer where Yurika was undoing her boots. The miko gracefully invited Kaede inside with a simple gesture and Kaede gave her a small polite smile, before stepping inside.

“Sir Hound,” Kaede muttered as she sat down and removed her boots, as Yurika chatted with Inari. “...I’m beginning to think that Kagura-chan gave me a more dangerous task than I was expecting.”

The Hound’s silence seemed to only validate Kaede’s concern.