Silver Gale
Index
Silver Gale
Mokou
...
Mokou
...
Mokou
...
Mokou
I'm...
Mokou
I'm such a fool.
Mokou
Why now, of all times? Why am I thinking about what happened back then?
Mokou
Is this that thing where your life passes before your eyes when you die?
Mokou
I didn't think I'd ever experience such a thing after becoming immortal.
Mokou
This is my end.
Mokou
The end of my life.
Mokou
People call it death.
Mokou
So this is what he felt...
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(...?)
Mokou
(Oh, I get it...)
Mokou
(These are my memories.)
Mokou
(I often stood near the entrance of the bamboo forest like this.)
Mokou
(I stood here and sensed the illusions of lost people departing...)
Mokou
(And I watched the smoke that never ceases to rise from the Youkai Mountain...)
Mokou
(Iwanagahime...)
Mokou
(I still haven't...)
Mokou
(...apologized to you, have I?)
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(...)
The Hourai Jar...
The gift from the moon that I tried to steal from him.
Thinking back on it now, did I really go through all that trouble just to get back at Kaguya?
Kaguya left that jar as a gift for the people dear to her, so did I think she would get annoyed if I broke it?
Is that true? Would Kaguya really get angry if she heard that it had been broken?
...
Maybe she would. At the very least, I thought so at the time.
But, yeah...
...I was such an immature kid back then.
Which makes sense.
But...
...is that all?
???
...Mokou?
???
Are you awake, Mokou?
Mokou
Huh?!
Mokou
Wh-Where am I...?
Mokou
...?!
Mokou
Y-You're..!
???
You must have had quite a scary nightmare, no?
Mokou
A... nightmare?
???
Well, I can understand why. We did just see a god with our own eyes.
???
And there's also that jar in the middle of the room...
???
You might've had better dreams if you didn't know what was inside... but you found out along with everyone else.
Mokou
The jar...
Mokou
The Hourai Jar...
It contains the Hourai Elixir.
The miraculous medicine from that moon that bestows true immortality to whoever drinks it.
If that's here, that means...
No way...
My hair is black.
???
Are you OK, Mokou?
Mokou
What? How do you know my name?
???
Hm?
???
It seems you're still half asleep.
???
But you are a child, so it's understandable.
???
You can slowly recover your senses while you listen to what I have to say.
???
If you don't―
???
No, I shouldn't talk about that.
Mokou
...?
???
You seem confused, so I shall start from the beginning.
???
My name is Tsuki no Iwakasa.
Iwakasa
I came to this mountain that harbors an inextinguishable flame under orders from the Emperor to dispose of this jar...
Iwakasa
No, you know what it contains now... I'm here to dispose of the Hourai Elixir.
Iwakasa of the Moon.
Right. He's Iwakasa.
Iwakasa
And you are Fujiwara no Mokou.
Iwakasa
You claimed to be a bandit who wanted to steal this jar, but...
Iwakasa
...you're actually the daughter of Fujiwara, aren't you?
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(What was that?)
Mokou
(A dream...?)
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(No, I don't feel tired or sleepy...)
Mokou
(And even if it was a dream, why would I see it now of all times?)
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(Is this some kind of opportunity?)
Mokou
(I should've been an eternal being, but this distortion has caused me to fade from existence...)
Mokou
(So, is this some kinda miracle?)
Mokou
(A chance... for me to absolve my sins?)
Iwakasa
I know you... Mokou.
Iwakasa
The Tsuki clan manages the Imperial Court's treasures. We are specialists in unusual items like the contents of this jar.
Iwakasa
That is why I received this order from the Emperor.
Iwakasa
I also know what happened to the five suitors from the noble clans, including your own.
Iwakasa
I was the one who provided them with information about the irretrievable treasures when they came to me for advice.
Iwakasa
It is my duty to manage the documents surrounding such items, and the Emperor gave me permission to help them.
Iwakasa
The Emperor was already interested in the princess at this time.
Iwakasa
He was closely observing to see whether the princess's impossible tasks could truly be performed or not.
Iwakasa
Sorry, you probably don't want to hear about that.
Iwakasa
I merely wanted to explain how I knew your name and recognized your face.
My memory is fuzzy because this happened so long ago, but I'm sure I wouldn't have told him my real name.
Iwakasa could've already heard about me from someone else. So what he's saying makes sense.
But that raises a new question... I should try asking him.
Mokou
Why are you telling me all this?
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
Hm...
Mokou
...?
Iwakasa
Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse you.
Iwakasa
Your question made me realize that I didn't have to tell you so much.
Iwakasa
I was just trying to wake you up, but I should have talked about something else.
Iwakasa
No, maybe I had to tell you what I did due to my nature as one who bears the surname "Tsuki."
Mokou
Your... nature?
Iwakasa
Yes.
Iwakasa
"Tsuki" means to investigate and put in order. We are a clan that gathers, studies, and manages tools.
Iwakasa
"Tsuki" also means to tune in a musical sense. Thus, instruments are included in the tools we deal with.
Iwakasa
"Possession" is a homophone of "tsuki," which leads to tsukumogami.
Iwakasa
Instruments and other tools act as vessels for the spiritual energy that flows all over this world.
Iwakasa
And we entreat the moon, another "tsuki," for the source of this energy. That's why I'm perfect for this mission.
Mokou
I don't understand.
Iwakasa
Right... I suppose that's to be expected.
Iwakasa
Most of the tools my clan deals with are magical because any layman could handle normal tools.
Iwakasa
Consequently, we grew accustomed to these kinds of tools. Both in terms of knowledge and constitution.
Iwakasa
We've also had many strange experiences... like what's happening right now...
Iwakasa
I can't be entirely certain, but I'm fairly sure that...
Iwakasa
...we weren't able to speak like this last time.
Last time...? Did he really just say that?
Is Iwakasa also watching this dream or vision thing from somewhere else...?
Iwakasa
So... Have you remembered yet?
Iwakasa
Have you remembered the volatile situation we're in?
...No, I must have been overthinking it. Iwakasa is acting just like a person living in the moment would act.
One... two... three... Several soldiers are sleeping in the darkness.
Right. Now I remember. These people gave me food and water.
They spoke of their families to distract me from the grueling climb and carried me when I couldn't walk any further.
They are kind, normal people.
Iwakasa
They are my subordinates, lent to me by the Imperial Court. I have a duty to return them home safely.
Iwakasa
However...
Iwakasa
They could try and steal the elixir at any moment, and they might even try to kill you or me in the attempt...
Iwakasa
They are our enemies.
Yes.
That's why we're staying the night in this tiny abandoned shack previously used by aesthetic monks.
We're taking shifts to keep watch on the jar and each other in groups of two or more while the others get some sleep.
Iwakasa was ordered to climb to the summit of the mountain closest to the moon and throw this jar into its eternal fire.
I gave up trying to steal the jar after he told me that.
'Cause I'd be satisfied as long as I got to see it burn.
But the look in the soldiers' eyes changed when it was revealed that the jar contained an elixir of immortality.
It could be worth a fortune.
Lots of people have sought immortality in the past, including an emperor.
Though, as far as I know, none of them ever became a celestial. That path is too difficult. It's practically impossible.
On the other hand, this elixir that Kaguya left behind completely changes the rules.
The Emperor and the old couple probably considered the elixir to be worthless because of the grief they felt in losing Kaguya.
That's noble of them. They must've been good people.
I heard that the Emperor was obsessed with getting Kaguya to marry him, so I guess he must have matured as a person.
Was my father the same...? No, that's irrelevant.
All that matters is that this is the only sure way to attain immortality.
If you sold it, you could get enough money to live in comfort and luxury till the end of your days.
I'm sure a common soldier's pay is barely enough to support them, so why wouldn't their greed get the better of them?
Iwakasa
As a person of higher rank, I should have taught them better.
Iwakasa
But it seems I was too late. I let them and myself down.
...
Rank, huh?
Iwakasa
We cannot afford to sleep, but I'm sure you've come to your senses by now...
Iwakasa
Join me in conversation―
Iwakasa
―daughter of Fujiwara.
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(Rank...)
Mokou
(Family...)
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(I no longer have any opinion on such things.)
Mokou
(My father... brothers... and sisters... left this world long ago.)
Mokou
(Disregarding the controversy with Kaguya, I'm sure they led a happier life than most.)
Mokou
(I'm more concerned about what happened then.)
Mokou
(It started with the event that caused the soldiers to change.)
Mokou
(Iwakasa didn't tell anyone what was in the jar because he knew that knowledge would make the soldiers go mad.)
Mokou
(That god was the one who revealed the secret. And she's also the one who...!)
Mokou
(It's her fault!)
Mokou
(If only she hadn't been there!)
Iwakasa
What did you think of her, Mokou?
Iwakasa
What did you think of the god who manifested at the mountain's summit... Sakuyahime?
Her...
If she hadn't been there, the elixir would've been burned, and that would've been the end of it.
It all went to hell because she revealed what was in the jar and prevented Iwakasa from burning it.
If only she... if only Sakuyahime hadn't been there!
Mokou
...
Iwakasa
You're thinking, "If only she didn't interfere," aren't you?
Mokou
...! W-Was it that obvious?
Iwakasa
You look like a vengeful oni. But considering what you've gone through, I can't really blame you.
Mokou
Wait... do you also know why I'm here?
Iwakasa
The daughter of Fujiwara appeared before me while I was on my way to burn the Hourai Elixir.
Iwakasa
Your reason for being here must have something to do with Princess Kaguya. That's the only explanation.
Iwakasa
You probably aim to satiate your vengeance by messing with anything and everything connected to her.
He's right.
But even though he correctly guessed my secret, he doesn't seem to be mad at me or happy with himself.
Yeah, now that I think about it... he's been like that since the beginning.
When I collapsed from exhaustion while following him up the mountain, he found me and gave me water...
He looked at me with the same smile he has now... like he feels sorry for me.
Iwakasa
...But then again, kids your age don't usually care so much for their families. They live more for themselves.
Iwakasa
What happened to you? No, you don't need to tell me.
Iwakasa
Let's get back on topic and talk about Sakuyahime.
Iwakasa
From your perspective, she's probably a nuisance, but Sakuyahime is a god.
Iwakasa
The words of a god bear as much weight as the Emperor's, so I have no choice but to dispose of this elixir some other way.
Iwakasa
I have no doubts about that. I just need to find that other way...
Iwakasa
Also, I'm sure she spoke the truth when she said that a disaster would occur if the elixir was burned on this mountain.
Iwakasa
Gods preside over the laws of the universe. Sakuyahime is a god who seals fire with water, but...
Iwakasa
...she is also a god who uses water to grow trees.
Konohana-Sakuyahime... Cherry blossom trees are sacred, and she is the god who makes them bloom.
Iwakasa
That's why she's so wary of fire.
Iwakasa
She wouldn't have gone out of her way to reveal herself before humans if that wasn't the case.
Iwakasa
...
Right. Gods don't reveal themselves before humans without very good reason.
That's how it usually is, anyway.
Mokou
But that goddess... she was so human-like in the way she looked and spoke...
Mokou
Are all gods like that?
Iwakasa
...Hm.
Mokou
Or was that just the form she took to speak with humans?
Iwakasa
...
Mokou
Hmm...
This is getting even more confusing. And I'm not talking about Sakuyahime.
I can no longer differentiate between the me within the dream and the me watching the dream.
We merged together somewhere along the line. I can't tell which of us knows what or feels what...
Oh, it's like being half asleep.
Iwakasa also looks like he's reached his limit.
...What's going on?
We can't sleep here.
Don't we...
...have to...
...stay awake...?
Mokou
(...)
Mokou
(...Huh?)
Mokou
(...Whoops. I completely fell asleep.)
Mokou
(I have to open my eyes and watch over the elixir...)
???
...up.
Mokou
(Hm?)
Mokou
(Who's voice is that...?)
???
Wake up, Fujiwara no Mokou.
Mokou
...?!
Mokou
U-Urgh...!
Red.
There's red everywhere. No matter where I look, everything is coated in red.
I'm surrounded by a metallic smell, and a taste that can only be described as "pain" won't leave my mouth. I can't breathe.
They are no more...
The soldiers who climbed up this mountain with me...
...have been reduced to forms that are no longer recognizable.
What? What is this?
What happened?
No, who did this?
Red! Red! RED!
RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED
...How much time has passed? I can't tell if it's been eons or just a moment since I woke up.
The color and smell are the only things clear to me. They keep infecting my eyes and nose. I can't get them out of my head.
Wait...!
...where's Iwakasa?!
Mokou
Iwakasa!
???
Don't worry. I woke up Iwakasa too.
???
The jar is also safe.
A calm voice worked its way into my ears.
It was a cold and dispassionate voice.
Like a bucket of freezing cold water, it splashed onto my heart, violently forcing me to calm down.
And it seems Iwakasa experienced much the same sensation.
Iwakasa
Mokou...
Iwakasa
I'm glad you're OK.
Iwakasa... You're always worrying about me, even at a time like this.
???
What's there to be glad about? You've made such a mess.
???
How many times has this happened now? *sigh*
Mokou
Wh-Who's there?! I can hear you but I can't see you...!
???
...Huh? Can't you tell by my voice?
???
It's me, Sakuyahime.
Mokou
What?!
She's right. I do recognize her voice. It sounds exactly like the Sakuyahime who spoke to us at the top of the mountain.
But how can I be sure? Can I trust my memories...?
I have to see her with my own eyes.
Mokou
P-Please show yourself!
Sakuyahime
What? That's such a hassle...
Mokou
A hassle?!
Sakuyahime
Yes, it's a pain. Don't you know that gods don't usually have a tangible form?
Sakuyahime
We have to go out of our way to manifest an image of ourselves for humans.
Sakuyahime
It's like having to choose an outfit when you're suddenly called to go outside. Isn't that a hassle?
Mokou
B-But think about the situation we're in!
Mokou
You have to show yourself!
I don't get it. There's something off about all this...
But I can't put my finger on it...
Sakuyahime
...Yes, I suppose you do have a point.
Sakuyahime
From my perspective, it was you humans who caused this to happen. You should've descended the mountain faster.
Sakuyahime
But I'm sure you suspect that the blame lies with me.
Sakuyahime
And there's also Iwakasa's current state to consider.
Iwakasa
My... mission...
Iwakasa
What am I... going to do now...?
Sakuyahime
I would very much like for Iwakasa to dispose of the elixir.
Sakuyahime
You're too small for the task.
Sakuyahime
There's no way you could carry that jar all the way to Yatsugatake, where Iwanagahime resides.
Sakuyahime
I'll need you to inform Iwakasa of his duty.
Mokou
What...? What are you trying to say?!
Sakuyahime
I shall reveal myself.
Mokou
...?!
Sakuyahime
That should make convincing you easier. You could call it a divine blessing.
Sakuyahime
Besides, I don't have much time.
Sakuyahime
I can only be the god of this mountain―I will only have to be the god of this mountain―for a little while longer.
Sakuyahime
I merely stayed here because this is the second closest place to the moon. There's somewhere else I have to be.
Mokou
No way... Can gods really change their locations so easily?! I've never heard of such a thing...!
Sakuyahime
You may find it strange, but it isn't all that unusual.
Sakuyahime
This mountain will soon become a place that people regularly visit. Climbing to the summit will no longer be special.
Sakuyahime
The mountain will lose its divine mystique, like how its smoke is now explained away as a natural phenomenon of volcanoes.
Sakuyahime
But enough about that.
This isn't right.
It's so strange!
I don't understand! This isn't how it's meant to go!
Sakuyahime
All right then.
Sakuyahime
Here I am.
Sakuyahime
You don't mind this form, do you? It'd be a pain to pick something else.
...!
This is absurd!
Sakuyahime couldn't possibly look like that!
Sakuyahime
It's not absurd at all. It doesn't matter what a god looks like. It never has.
Sakuyahime
Whether it's possible or not is irrelevant.
Sakuyahime
Now, let's get back on topic.
Sakuyahime
The sorry state of this room was caused by those humans whose pitiful remains are strewn about you.
Sakuyahime
They argued, fought, and drew weapons... And this is the result.
Sakuyahime
They fought and died while you slept. That's all there is to it.
Sakuyahime
Unlike you two, who were busy sleeping, I saw everything from beginning till end.
Mokou
I can't... accept that explanation.
Yeah.
I can't accept the words that come out of this god's mouth.
This nagging suspicion has always bothered me.
It's never left.
This is finally my chance to be rid of it.
Sakuyahime
Oh, really? You can't accept it, can you?
Sakuyahime
What part of my explanation can't you accept?
Sakuyahime
And remember, you're in the presence of a god.
Sakuyahime
Kneel.
Argh...! Right, this is what this god excels at.
But I can't back down...!
Mokou
No! It doesn't matter if you're a god or a human!
Mokou
I know you could have also caused this to happen! And if you can't deny it...
Mokou
...you should bear the same burden of guilt as me!
Sakuyahime
Oh, so you would force blame onto a god.
Sakuyahime
Is that what you want, is it? I see.
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
You will regret this, you know?
Sakuyahime
Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?
Hmph. As if I could have any more regrets.
Mokou
...Of course not.
Sakuyahime
Very well. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Sakuyahime
Go on, try and prove my guilt.
There's clearly something off about this god. She's hiding something.
I wasn't able to ask her anything back then. So I will question her now!
Mokou
For starters, there shouldn't have been any opportunity for someone to start a fight.
Mokou
We were taking shifts to keep watch on the jar in groups of two or more while the others slept.
Mokou
We did that so we could also keep an eye on each other. A fight couldn't have broken out.
Sakuyahime
Hehe, what a silly statement. You were the one who fell asleep when it was your turn to keep watch.
Mokou
Urk.
Sakuyahime
You and Iwakasa were sound asleep. So couldn't the person who was supposed to keep watch next try and steal the jar?
Sakuyahime
Someone else probably noticed them and started a fight. Then the others woke up, and things escalated.
Sakuyahime
Doesn't that sound like a reasonable explanation?
Mokou
Then why are Iwakasa and I still alive?
Mokou
It'd make sense if this was your doing. 'Cause you need to keep us alive to carry the jar.
Sakuyahime
What are you talking about? I would only need to spare Iwakasa, not you as well.
Sakuyahime
It was merely a coincidence that you both survived. I arrived too late to help any of the others.
Sakuyahime
It just turned out that way. There's no deeper meaning behind it.
A coincidence? Now that, I cannot believe.
It sounds like an excuse.
Mokou
Then why did you come here in the first place? You've got to have had some reason.
Mokou
Didn't you come here to get rid of us so we wouldn't dump the elixir on your mountain somewhere without you knowing?
Sakuyahime
No, you've got it all wrong. I followed you here because I wanted to tell you something.
Sakuyahime
I suddenly remembered that Yatsugatake would be the perfect place to dispose of the elixir.
Sakuyahime
Besides, I'm the one who told the soldiers about the elixir. Why would I take their lives after doing that?
Sakuyahime
I wouldn't do something so unnecessary.
Sakuyahime
I told them that the jar contained an elixir of immortality to quell any ideas they may have of burning it on this mountain.
Sakuyahime
You at least understand that much, don't you?
She stoked their ambitions to create discord and prevent cooperation. Gods must enjoy using such underhanded tactics.
And I can't refute her logic.
Is there anything else I can question her on...?
I still have doubts about the finer details of her story, but there's nothing that gives me conclusive evidence against her.
...No, there is one thing. There's one act that must've been committed by Sakuyahime!
Mokou
...
Sakuyahime
Have you asked all your questions? I thought there'd be more.
Sakuyahime
But now you understand, don't you? What happened here was caused by humans...
Mokou
I've got one last question.
Sakuyahime
Hm?
Mokou
Answer this, and we're done.
Mokou
It's the one thing that's always bothered me.
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
I see.
Sakuyahime
So this is your grudge that you've kept for over 1,300 years.
I knew it... She knows something I don't!
But this is my chance! I can uncover the truth that only she knows...!
Sakuyahime
Go on then. Ask...
Sakuyahime
...if you're prepared to face the consequences.
Mokou
A non-human hand played a part in this travesty.
Mokou
Open your eyes and look. Look at these burned remains.
Mokou
The fire from a hearth or a torch couldn't reduce a body to ash like that. Humans couldn't possibly have done this.
Mokou
...But it is possible for a god like you, isn't it?
Mokou
You're the only one who could've done this.
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
So that's your question, is it?
Mokou
What's wrong?
Mokou
Can't you answer?
Mokou
Then you really did do this...!
Sakuyahime
I couldn't have.
Mokou
Don't try to deny it. You're a god...
Sakuyahime
I am the god of this volcano, Konohana-Sakuyahime. I am also called Asama.
Sakuyahime
...Asama is another word for "volcano," therefore I am a god of volcanoes.
Sakuyahime
However, I am a god who keeps volcanoes from erupting.
Sakuyahime
This is evidenced by how this mountain's volcanic activity increased when I left...
Sakuyahime
...until the next me, a different me, came here.
Sakuyahime
I am forbidden from starting any fire on this mountain for as long as I reside here.
Sakuyahime
Or rather, it is not in my power to do so.
Sakuyahime
It's absolutely ridiculous to think that I directly set fire to this mountain.
Mokou
No way...! But then...
Mokou
W-Who did it...?
Sakuyahime
I cannot speak for the other worlds, but in the original world, there was no way of knowing.
Sakuyahime
However, in this world, that may not be the case.
Mokou
...?
Sakuyahime
Fuji.
Sakuyahime
That is the name that will be given to this mountain.
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" can mean "never-ending," "happiness," "abundant soldiers," "undying," and "wisteria."
Sakuyahime
Glistening white and purple flowers hang down from the branches of wisteria trees.
Sakuyahime
I'm sure the land your grandfather was named after is a beautiful place.
Sakuyahime
Don't you agree?
Sakuyahime
Daughter of Fujiwara. Daughter of wisteria fields.
Sakuyahime
This mountain will also bear the same name... in the future.
Mokou
In the future? Then that's got nothing to do with this mountain now...
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" also means "nonsequential." It ignores the sequential flow of time.
Mokou
Our names may be pronounced the same way, but that doesn't mean I have any connection with this volcano...
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" also means "to be the same." Names bind existence and determine fate. A matching name bears a matching curse.
Mokou
B-But why now?!
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" also means "unexpected." There is no logic as to why any particular time is chosen.
Mokou
Urk...
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" means "undying." The elixir of immortality was destined to be brought to this mountain.
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" means "abundant soldiers." The envoy was destined to bring many soldiers with him here.
Sakuyahime
"Fuji" also means "incurable." The curse placed upon you can never be broken.
Sakuyahime
Fuji. Never-ending. Incurable. Nonsequential. To be the same. Unexpected. Abundant soldiers. Wisteria. Undying. FUJI.
Mokou
UUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
Why am I just realizing this now?
How could I not see it earlier?
My hair should be black...
But now... it's white... like ash.
Sakuyahime
Bear witness.
Sakuyahime
This is your truth.
Sakuyahime
Even if no one drinks the Hourai Elixir, it still exudes an aura of madness around it.
Sakuyahime
It goes without saying that the creations of the moon are not suitable for humans on Earth.
Sakuyahime
It made the soldiers aggressive and paranoid...
Sakuyahime
...but that's not all.
Mokou
...Oh, no! I fell asleep!
Mokou
Iwakasa...? Is Iwakasa OK?!
Iwakasa is sleeping soundly in the same spot as before. It doesn't look like he's been injured or anything.
The others... the sleeping soldiers, seem to be fine too.
But that just makes me worried about something else.
There was a time when everyone was asleep...
...so someone may have woken up and stolen the elixir.
Mokou
The jar...! Where's the jar?!
The jar was right where we left it. And it doesn't look like it's been moved.
Mokou
What about the elixir?! I have to check that it's still there...!
Mokou
...
Mokou
...
Mokou
This weight... There's something inside.
Mokou
But even if I lifted the lid and looked, I wouldn't be able to tell if it's been replaced with a fake or not...
Mokou
...I know.
I went to wake Iwakasa up. But before I could...
A sudden realization hit me.
I'm pretty sure Iwakasa is the only other person who has ever gotten this close to the elixir.
The jar was carried on a kind of portable shrine, and the soldiers kept their distance from it.
I assumed they went through all that trouble because it belonged to the Emperor, and they had to treat it with respect.
But no, Iwakasa probably instructed them to carry it that way as a precaution.
Iwakasa is accustomed to handling these kinds of strange tools and items. He has the knowledge and the constitution.
Now I know what he meant by "constitution."
Mokou
...?
Mokou
Huh...?
Mokou
I feel so... hot...
Sakuyahime
Tsuki no Iwakasa came to this spiritual mountain, later known as Mount Fuji, to dispose of the Hourai Elixir.
Sakuyahime
There was a disturbance on the night they arrived. The only survivors were Tsuki no Iwakasa and Fujiwara no Mokou.
Sakuyahime
The soldiers lent to Iwakasa for his mission were found in an unrecognizable state caused by an unnaturally hot fire.
Sakuyahime
The culprit was revealed to be Fujiwara no Mokou.
Sakuyahime
She was severely poisoned after being exposed to a high dose of madness given off by the Hourai Elixir.
Sakuyahime
In accordance with the fate prescribed to her name, she manifested the temperament of a volcano.
Sakuyahime
Witnesses say that she transformed...
Sakuyahime
They say she had an aura of scarlet light and that flames enveloped her body.
Sakuyahime
One said she expelled flames from her entire form and that she looked like a bird stretching its wings.
Sakuyahime
Some say she looked terrifying and sinister. And others that her eyes were bright red.
Sakuyahime
Some even say she was not human.
Sakuyahime
There were many similar reports besides...
Sakuyahime
Also, it is claimed that Fujiwara no Mokou's ability to manipulate fire derives from youjutsu, which she learned later.
Sakuyahime
But there isn't really any evidence to back this up. Certainly, nothing definitive.
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
But even if I were to judge you to be guilty, there's nothing in it for me.
Sakuyahime
I merely responded to your curiosity and revealed what I could.
Sakuyahime
I did warn you, didn't I?
Sakuyahime
Your true purpose here...
Sakuyahime
...was to reaffirm the end result where you kicked Iwakasa down a steep decline and ran off with the jar he was carrying.
Sakuyahime
You may have hoped for some kind of miracle where you could save him, but that was never an option.
Sakuyahime
I have also begun to understand what's going on as I wander about these Ruins of Memory.
Sakuyahime
It was merely a coincidence that I stopped by here. Or rather, this "me," is just a remnant of the me that's wandering about.
Sakuyahime
Farewell, Fujiwara no Mokou.
Sakuyahime
I'm sure you won't mind spending your last moments all alone before you disappear.
Sakuyahime
This is truly the end.
Sakuyahime
...Do you not even have enough energy left to respond?
Sakuyahime
I would've liked for you to at least say goodbye.
Sakuyahime
Oh well. I'll be going now, so―
Mokou
I believe.
Sakuyahime
...Huh?
Mokou
I believe...
Mokou
Memories fade over time. And records erode.
Mokou
Nothing can escape that fate. History is constantly being lost as it is handed down from one generation to the next.
Mokou
Eternity and permanence are a fantasy. That's why I...
Mokou
...why we fight and struggle to leave history behind for those who follow us.
Sakuyahime
Then why don't you admit it?
Sakuyahime
This crime was committed in a closed chamber sealed by history. You're the only possible culprit.
Sakuyahime
Shouldn't you admit your guilt?
Mokou
That guilt is what I believe in.
Sakuyahime
What?
Mokou
The guilt I felt and the horrors I saw faded over time and became more and more distorted each time I recalled them.
Mokou
Just like history.
Sakuyahime
Aren't you just averting your eyes from reality? I accurately recounted the events I witnessed as a god...
???
Gods are no different, Lady Konohana-Sakuyahime.
Keine
In fact, gods are like incarnations of accumulated history. Particularly gods of mountains. You know that, don't you?
Kaguya
Besides, what are you even doing here? You were lying when you said you came here to explore the ruins, weren't you?
Sakuyahime
Urk!
Sakuyahime
...No, you are Mokou. You are both images conjured by the remnants of Mokou's memories.
Sakuyahime
I'm sure of it.
Sakuyahime
But this makes no sense. Mokou is in no state to conjure them on her own. Is there a reserve of information somewhere...?
Kaguya
Why of course. There's obviously outside interference.
Keine
You're right that we're projections of Mokou's memories, but she isn't the one who controls us...
Sakuyahime
Fine, whatever! I get it!
Sakuyahime
I said this earlier, but I'm not here to judge you.
Sakuyahime
You picked a fight, and I accepted. That's all. And I seem to have lost by a hair.
Sakuyahime
Even I...
Sakuyahime
...can't safely best the four of you together.
Sakuyahime
All right, I'm going now. I sincerely hope...
Sakuyahime
...that we never meet again.
Kaguya
We can't see her, so it's kind of hard to tell, but I think she's gone.
Kaguya
It's such a shame. I wanted to chat with her some more.
Keine
Well, the very fact that our projections were able to appear here gave her a significant clue.
Keine
Sakuyahime must've understood what it meant pretty quickly.
Mokou
...
Kaguya
Mokou. I'm sure it will be a long time before we ever meet again...
Kaguya
...But let's both do our best and keep on living until then, OK?
Keine
Mokou. There is a path you should follow prescribed in history.
Keine
Come and get me if you reach the end first, OK?
Kaguya
All right, we'll leave you to it. We don't have any time left.
Keine
Yes, we should make way for the one who wanted to contact you first.
Kaguya & Keine
See you.
???
A crime in a closed chamber sealed by history.
???
Even a god cannot know what happened inside.
???
What truly happened is a mystery. That, in itself, is the truth of the past.
???
What one must fear...
???
...is selfishly bearing the blame and indulging in the sweet feelings of guilt.
???
Isn't that right...
???
...daughter of Fujiwara?
Mokou
Iwakasa...
Iwakasa
I will not condemn your sins. I didn't then, and I won't now, 1,300 years later.
Iwakasa
But I won't forgive your sins either. I didn't then, and I won't now.
Iwakasa
I'm sure you found guilt where there wasn't any and suffered because of it.
Iwakasa
And I'm sure you realized over and over again that this was a self-inflicted punishment that provided a sense of redemption.
Iwakasa
You found redemption in guilt. And sometimes, when you experienced redemption, it felt like punishment.
Iwakasa
That's OK.
Iwakasa
That's all I wanted to tell you.
Mokou
Iwakasa, I...
Iwakasa
No, don't speak.
Iwakasa
The burden you bear tells me everything I need to know.
Iwakasa
Now, go on.
Iwakasa
Go and finish this.
Mokou
...
Mokou
...OK, I will.
Iwakasa
...
I don't think I've ever struggled so hard to find the right words before.
I still haven't spoken to Mokou since we left that shack and started to descend the mountain.
How should I tell her?
Iwakasa
...
No, I shouldn't say anything.
No matter what I say, my words will stick in her mind like a curse.
If we keep descending the mountain in silence like this...
Mokou will surely steal the jar from me even if she has to take my life to do it.
The Emperor gave me this mission, so I cannot directly hand the elixir to her.
But Mokou must receive it, no matter what.
So she must steal it.
This path won't be easy for you... but I'm sure it's better than letting your spark of life go out.
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
...Argh.
Iwakasa
...I couldn't protect them.
Iwakasa
No. I suppose I should look on the bright side... I at least managed to keep that girl alive.
Sakuyahime
Hello. I saw everything.
Iwakasa
That voice... you're... the god of this mountain?!
Sakuyahime
There was a fire, so I came to extinguish it, but this wasn't what I expected to find.
Sakuyahime
What was that orb thing just now? That fire monster immediately reverted back to a little girl.
Iwakasa
I don't really know, either. I heard it was a charm that wards against youkai, but that was the first time I ever used it.
Iwakasa
It seems I wasn't powerful enough, or maybe the charm just wasn't that strong because it broke after a single use.
Sakuyahime
Oh, really? Still, it saved your life, so I'd say you're quite lucky that you had something like that on hand.
Iwakasa
No, forget about me. What about the daughter of Fujiwara?
Iwakasa
That girl became a monster of fire... and I quenched her flames.
Iwakasa
Please tell me, god of volcanoes. Will she be OK? Or...
Sakuyahime
...
Sakuyahime
No, she will most likely perish.
Iwakasa
...
Sakuyahime
If she was a big volcano, things might've been different. But she was just a tiny one, and her flames were extinguished.
Sakuyahime
You can't even call her an extinct volcano now. Her spark of life will fade before the day is out.
Sakuyahime
If only there was a way to strengthen her flames...
Sakuyahime
Unfortunately, I am a god who quells fires. All I can do is give her a peaceful end...
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
...No, there is one way.
Iwakasa
The Hourai Elixir.
Sakuyahime
Huh?!
Iwakasa
Is there some kind of problem?
Sakuyahime
Urgh... No.
Sakuyahime
I don't mind as long as you can assure me that elixir will not be thrown into the mouth of my volcano.
Sakuyahime
You can throw it into her mouth instead, for all I care.
Sakuyahime
But, Iwakasa, won't you be disobeying the Emperor's orders if you let someone take the Hourai Elixir?
Sakuyahime
Well, I suppose you could just lie and keep the truth to yourself...
Iwakasa
I won't lie. That would be disloyal to the Emperor.
Sakuyahime
Then what will you do?
Iwakasa
I've got a plan. Would you be willing to put on a little show with me?
Iwakasa
I don't want the daughter of Fujiwara to bear any more guilt.
Iwakasa
She will receive more than enough punishment as it is in the years to come.
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
Good, this is how it should be.
Iwakasa
Kick me in the back and soar...
Iwakasa
...like the phoenix you are.
Mokou
There we go. You should be able to find your way from here. Just follow this path, and you'll reach the village.
You
Thanks, Mokou.
Mokou
That story was pretty interesting.
Mokou
You've gotta tell me the rest the next time we meet.
You
...Yeah. Bye, Mokou.
Mokou
See ya.
Mokou
...
Mokou
...
Mokou
Phew.
Mokou
...Let's go, Legendary Mantle.
Mokou
Our history has only just begun.
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
...
Iwakasa
This is how it should be.
Iwakasa
Stoke the flame inside you.
Iwakasa
Live on, Fujiwara no Mokou.
