Keith stretched as he waited for the shuttle to take him to the rental car lot. Last time he was at Narita airport he was with Aspen and Claire. Now, he was alone. Nobody to talk to or laugh with. To share an adventure. He missed those days. Globetrotting for the sake of exploration. Last time he was here to confirm the existence of koonago. Now he needed their help to fight a war. He wondered if he even had the right to try to drag them into this conflict. "No. This is their world too. They should have the chance to fight for it" he said to himself. As he waited he looked at tv screens broadcasting news. With some stealth, he adjusted the language spell he used to understand and speak Thai for Japanese. "Still can't read the kanji" he said looking. The words stopped catching his eyes when a familiar face popped up on the screen.

"Hikari Miyamoto, acting representative of the koonago had no comment as rumors of a missing school bus arrived at NHK. The koonago, since the government had classified them as national treasures, have begun to integrate themselves with Japanese society but as of yet have not allowed any camera crews into the region in which they live. There is a petition by citizens in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to have koonago be formally registered as Japanese citizens. The national diet has responded that due to their low population, they are confined to their area for their own protection.  Ms. Miyamoto has expressed interest in designating part of the city as a koonago residential district hoping to satisfy both sides. However, the Office of Cultural Preservation, which is handling koonago relations, say this might not be feasible do to the engineering and security costs. And now the weather..." the reporter said.

"Things have changed. Maybe I should go there instead of the village. Hikari did really like me after all and having her on my side would help" he thought. The shuttle arrived and took him to the rental lot. Since he was alone, there was no need of a larger car. Satisfied with a Honda Civic, he goggled the location of the office he heard earlier. Took him a few minutes to type the kanji in but it gave him directions. He put the car in drive and left. As he got close he could tell something was amiss. Throngs of news crews were on the front and covering the exits. He parked nearby and got out. He recognized the reporter from the broadcast and got close to listen. "Hikari Miyamoto has said she will issue a statement regarding the rumor of the missing school bus carrying the members of Chiba High Nature club shortly" she said. Keith used an illusion spell to hide his true face in case those that were his enemy could be watching. He quietly stepped aside and made his way up the steps. A security officer stopped him. "No unauthorized personnel. Reporters may not enter" he said roughly scrutinizing the foreigner before him. " My name is Keith Smith. I'm here to see Hikari Miyamoto. I'm a close friend of hers" he said. "Unlikely" he growled. "Call first before you judge me asshole" Keith barked. "Gaijin...a foreigner by the name of Keith is here to see Miyamoto-sama" he said over his radio.

"I'm busy" Hikari hissed. "I understand. A foreigner by the name of Keith Smith is here to see you. Says he's a close friend" the man told her. She looked shocked. Was he the same one that freed her and bed her? The one she loved? She asked herself this. "Send him up" she said gaining composure. "...I see" the officer below said. He begrudgingly led Keith past the doors. "This...um..." a man stammered. "Japanese is fine sir" Keith said politely. "Good! This way please" he said opening an elevator. It took him to the third floor where everyone looked extremely busy. They paused curious of the man before them. Hikari could hear his footsteps. Her heart pounded as she straightened her hair and uniform. "Here he is" the man said after opening the door. She was crushed. His face was not the one she expected. She had made an error, an embarrassing one and no telling what he was there for. Probably for a scoop. To save face, she dismissed the man who led him up. The man bowed low and left them alone. "We might as well get this over with" she sighed. "Damn that's cold Hikari. You act like that to all your friends?" Keith asked. "I have few human friends. I would remember a foreign one" annoyed at his casual tone. "You tell me you don't...oh" he said seeing his reflection in the table which the tiny woman stood upon. "Oops...a moment" he said as he cancelled the spell. "Now do you recognize me?" he asked. She gasped in utter shock. She motioned for him to bend down close. Poking his cheek over and over she had this odd expression. "Umm...I'm real" he said. "KEITH!" she yelled hugging his cheek hard. Poor girl was crying. "Aww...I missed you too" he said scooping her up.

"Forgot how cute you are. And look at you with that snappy uniform and high heels. Someone got a new job" he chuckled. Hikari blushed at how hard he stared at her. "What's going on? Something about a bus?" he asked. She snapped back to reality. "Yes, and I've been asked to make a statement in 10 minutes. This is not a good time for you to be here...but I'm glad you are here anyway" she replied. "What's the deal?" Keith asked. "Sorry but the last trace came back useless" the man from earlier said after opening the door. "Shit! And what of the search team?" she asked. "Nothing" he replied. "Keith. Help me to the workstations outside" she said climbing up his arm. The officer that led him up was surprised to see that. He hadn't known her for long but Hikari hated to be picked up. "Something is definitely up Hikari" Keith said placing her near a desktop. "Early this morning, a bus full of high school students heading to a nature camp in Adachi left their school. It never arrived. After being overdue by an hour, we got this emailed directly to my account" she said jumping on a right click of a mouse. A video file began playing.

On the screen was the bus but as it panned out, Keith could see why Hikari was hesitant in releasing a statement. The bus was sitting on a table. Someone had shrunk it. The camera moved and zoomed in tight revealing a teenage girl. "This is to the koonago Hikari Miyamoto. My name is Aika Yamanaka my...my age is 16 and...I have a statement. For our safe return you are to hand over Tamakushige within 48 hrs. at this location. If not...we will be executed...no...PLEASE! I DID WHAT YOU ASKED!" she shrieked just before a huge finger crushed her like an ant. The finger lifted up and her flattened body stuck to the finger for an instant before falling off. "Jesus..." Keith muttered. "I can't tell the people about this. The widespread knowledge of magic by humans would be a disaster. Every human around would seek it out knowing it could be done by someone not yokai. But...I don't know what to say to the parents...especially that girl's" Hikari said looking at the clock. "You tell the truth. Well a truth. Say the bus wasn't found and you're still looking" he replied. "People will look for themselves" she said. "Let them. They won't find anything. That gives you some breathing room to work with. Hopefully we can find them and sort out the details later" he said. "You make it sound easy" she said to him. Keith shook his head.

"What is this Tamakushige?" he asked. Hikari quickly explained the old fairy tale of Urashima Taro. "Huh. Sounds like the fairy tale of Rip Van Winkle" Keith said. * "And The box the fisherman opened that aged him was Tamakushige" she said. "Why does whoever think you got it?" Keith asked. "Because it's considered a national treasure. Since we are of folklore, someone assumed we would know where it was" she replied. "Do you?" Keith asked. "No. Mother did tell me stories of it. Originally it was a koonago creation. A weapon that could keep us safe from humans. We could open it and age a human into dust within a minute. When relations improved we sealed it away. Stories were told about it until it became a fairy tale. Over time it was forgotten as myth to even us. Last any of us heard of it it was taken from its original hiding place as a human named Oda Nobunaga sought its power to unify Japan. Nobody knows where it is now. For all we know it's been destroyed" she replied.

"Would your mother know? She is the oldest koonago alive" Keith asked. "Possibly. After the statement we can go see her. Excuse me" she said hopping into the hand of the man from earlier. Keith and everyone else watched the tv as Hikari was placed on a podium. The camera zoomed in as a mike was moved lower. "May I have quiet please? As most of you have heard, a rumor about a school bus from Chiba Academy heading to Adachi has gone missing. The rumor is true. Due to the strange nature of its disappearance, Tokyo Metropolitan Police has turned jurisdiction over to the Office of Cultural Preservation.  With The joint efforts of koonago and human resources, we seek to solve this mystery and bring these kids home safely" she said. She waited for questions as cameras clicked furiously. "When did you get notification?" someone asked. "1312 hrs. today" she replied. "Does this relate to other rumors of people going missing linked to the revealing of the existence of koonago? Is this why this case was transferred to you?" someone asked. "It does not. Next question" Hikari answered roughly. "What efforts are being made to look for them?" someone asked.

"Right now, we have the roadway blocked off for investigators and the JSDF is to turn over all sat info for the time they left till the time they were reported missing. Now if you will excuse me" she said hopping off the podium back into the man's hand. "I thought that went extremely well" Keith said as she returned. Hikari sighed. "Tell Kasumi to get the car ready. We're heading to Mt. Fuji" she ordered. She crawled onto Keith's shoulder. "Take the elevator down and head to the back" she said softly. Keith did noting her to be withdrawn somewhat. Something else was on her mind. "Hikari-hime.  The car is ready per your instruction" an older girl said with the door open. "Kasumi, I asked you not to call me that" Hikari said as Keith sat down. "But you are a princess. May I ask you this gentleman is?" she said. "His name is Keith. He is to be shown the upmost respect and you may talk freely before him" Hikari replied hopping into his lap. "As you command" she said closing the door. The girl got into the driver seat, started the car, and pulled off. Soon they were cruising down the road.

"Umm...Hikari?" he asked looking at the girl. "Oh. This is Kasumi Nishimori. My attaché. She oversees my human world needs. Food, apartment, transportation, and such" Hikari said. "Please to meet you Keith-san" she said. "Likewise. Forgive me but you seem young for this" he said. "My family is renowned for its knowledge in folklore and yokai. Just after I finished my first year in college was around the time the existence of koonago was revealed. Naturally I applied for the job. Luckily my college professor vouched for me and here I am" she replied. "So you're 19?" he asked. "20 this October. Forgive me but you seem young yourself" she said. "Touché" he replied. "How much do you know about koonago?" he asked. "An exceptional amount. As Hikari said to speak freely around you, I am aware of their magical ability" she said.

"I thought everyone knew that" Keith said looking down at Hikari. "Yes and no. They know the stories, but it had not been seen on camera or anything. Like nine tailed foxes controlling magic flames, until it is seen it’s just a story" she replied. "And you know Hikari can use magic?" he asked. "After I signed a non-disclosure agreement I was shown it" she giggled. "I shrank her, and she acted like it was a party trick" Hikari huffed. "I was being modest. It wouldn't not look well to as Americans say "lose my shit" on my first day" she replied. Hikari was twitching on his lap. She let out a tiny groan like whisper. "Hikari?" Kasumi asked. "I didn't have time today. I'll take care of it later" she replied. "Take care of what?" Keith asked. The tiny woman blushed. "Nothing of concern" she replied. "If you need to pee we can stop" he said. "That is not it" she said coldly. Keith left well enough alone. He would check on her later when she wasn't so stressed. She ended up falling asleep in his lap.

It was some more time before Kasumi spoke again. "She likes you. She doesn't do that" she said. "She was happy to see me. Has she been doing well?" he asked. "Her job does have her busy. Truthfully, I think the stress of being away from those she loves is harder, but she won't say it" Kasumi replied. "After what happened, I'm surprised Himeko let her leave. She was held captive by humans" he said. "It was Hikari's idea. She said the future cannot be bought with distrust and hate" the girl said smiling as she pulled off the highway. Keith recognized it from earlier and the mountain came into view. "You been there before?" he asked. "Once when she went to check on her family" she replied. "Me too. Their society is fascinating. Like a tiny snapshot of ancient Japan" he chuckled. "That it is" she said. He gently stroked Hikari's hair as they made their way to the entrance to the forest.

There was a checkpoint by the military as they got close. "Security measures" Kasumi said as the lowered the window. She flashed her badge and was let in. "Now and then we have people trying to get in. Some for curiosity and others...not" she said as they got closer. She parked the car and turned it off. "Hikari. Time to wake up sweetie" Keith said poking her. The girl yawned and hugged his finger. "Hikari...I'll eat you" he whispered. She shot right up. "That woke ya!" he laughed. "Not funny at all!" she yelled kicking his palm with her heeled shoes. She did chuckle at his smile. All three got out and walked into the forest. As Kasumi pulled ahead, Hikari tugged on his collar. "Keith...there is something you should know before we get there" she said seriously. Keith paused and held her in his palms. She looked scared. She wouldn't even look him in the eyes. "You can tell me anything cutie" he said. "You have a son" she said.

She swore she could hear the sweat coming out the pores in his palms. His pulse quickened. "The night we made love I conceived a child" she said looking up at the giant. She was terrified he would dismiss her. He had not asked for a child and they were not joined. Truthfully, she wished he would accept him as a father would accept his child. "Healthy?" he asked. She nodded. "His name?" he asked. "Yuusha"* she replied.

(Authors note: a gold star to whomever find out what that name means)

Keith was quiet as he started walking again. "You're scared I won’t accept him. That I'll be angry for some reason" he said. Hikari started crying. He brought her to his face a kissed her lovingly. "I'd never be so cold hearted" he said softly to her. "I love you and I'm sure I'll love him. Besides, he's got a brother and sister" he smiled. Hikari was shocked. "You never said that last time. Is it with the companions from earlier?" she asked. "A brother by the borrower but his sister is by another you haven't met. My wife" he replied. Hearing he was married stung. "So, you married..." she said. Keith sensed her disappointment. "Yeah, I found that special someone" he replied putting her back on his shoulder. "I never had you to begin with. I should not be disappointed" she said. "Hikari...I know how it feels to be...left. Make no mistake when I say I love you. It's just...what I have with her transcends the physical" he said. She was silent. He broke her heart and knew it.

They got to the edge of the village and Keith placed her on the ground. Waving her hands, she shrank them down to her size. She stared at him for a moment and then turned away. Villagers rushed to greet her. She laughed and smiled patting kids on the head. Bowing to others. They seemed so out of place with their clothes as they walked through the small village. "Still amazing. Doesn't feel like I'm three inches tall" Kasumi said. "You get used to it" Keith said watching Hikari. "She's amazing. Such a burden and still walks with head up high" she said. "Yeah she is. Makes me think of what could've been" he said. They took their shoes off at the entrance as they stepped in. "Make yourselves comfortable while I get mother" Hikari said leaving them. They sat quietly waiting. Minutes later, Himeko appeared. "Keith. It's good to see you well" she said sitting down. "As is you queen" he replied. Both bowed. They all sat down before one another.

"I see your people are more involved with the humans now" Keith said. "As it once was. The humans though see us more as fascination than respect" she said. "Give them time. Humans are anything they are creatures of change" Keith said. She cocked an eyebrow at his manner of speech. "While I'm here, does the name Yasho mean anything?" he asked. "Now that is a name I haven't heard in 2,000 years. You are full of surprises today. How do you know of it?" she asked. "It's recently come up in my life. So, you have heard of it" he said. "Yasho was said to be the very first koonago. A deity of lower rank that mated with humans. His offspring was our race" she replied. "Interesting. I heard a similar story. My theory as the world's tiny people being related is getting traction" he said. "Oh. I would love to hear this theory and those you've met. You did say you were seeking more out" she said. "I did. It's a crazy story..."

"That will have to wait. Mother I need to know everything about the Tamakushige" Hikari said returning with her son in her arms. She sat down and unbuttoned her top. Pulling out her left breast, she guided her son to her nipple. "Why ask that? What has occurred child?" Himeko asked. Hikari quickly explained the situation. "Absolutely not. That box is too powerful to hand over" she said. "We don't intend to, but we do need it as proof of having it to trade" Keith said. She mulled it over as Keith scooted over to see his son. He caressed his sparse hair. "He's got my eyes" he whispered. "Yes, he does" she replied. "It would go a long way between human koonago relations your highness" Kasumi said. Himeko tapped her toes on the tatami mat. "Very well. As you know, that box can age a person or an army. A weapon crafted very long ago to protect us but it was not solely crafted by us. We had help from the onmyoji of that time" Himeko said. "Onmyoji?" Keith asked. "Court magicians of the period" Kasumi whispered. "Indeed human. It was by combining out magics with theirs that we were able to construct it. 200 years after its making, Abe no Seimei himself took it upon himself to safeguard it in a protected shrine accessible by only his bloodline and koonago. Last I heard only an onmyoji would know where it could be*" Himeko explained. "Then we need an onmyoji" Hikari said. "Good luck with that. There isn’t any left. They were considered illegal during the Meiji period and died out" Kasumi said. "Not quite. Some can still be found in their old seat of power in Heinan-Kyo or what humans call today Kyoto. Start your search there. I have an old talisman that can lead you to one" Himeko said to them.

(Authors note:  Onmyoji really existed. Calling them court magicians really doesn't do them justice though. They were astrologers, astronomers, chemists, city planners, crop rotation experts, and practitioners of geomancy or Feng Shui. In fact, the entire city of Kyoto was built with this in mind. Also, Abe no Seimei was a real person. Said to be the greatest onmyoji that ever lived and called the eastern version of Merlin)

Himeko left the room for a moment. Keith motioned to hold the infant. He breathed his scent in. "Smells like both of us" he chuckled. He rocked him back and forth. "I do love him Hikari" Keith whispered to her. Hikari put her head on his shoulder. "He is a cutie" Kasumi chuckled looking at him. "It's hard to leave him here when I got out into the world" Hikari said. "I know the feeling all too well. I tell myself I do it for them. To give them a peaceful life" Keith said. She could see a sadness in his eyes. "You never said why you returned" she said. "Later. When this works out I'll tell you everything" he said. "Some optimism" Kasumi said. "It's hope. All that I've learned. All that I've seen taught me that dwelling on failure gets you nothing" he said. Hikari was very surprised by his words. He seemed more mature than last time, but it was clear a burden was on his shoulders. However, that silly grin and spark in his eyes was still there as he cuddled his son. Blowing raspberries in his tummy. Looking at his son clutching his finger. Himeko returned.  "The talisman waits for you at the entrance of the city. I wish you all the luck I can" she said. Keith handed his son to her. Himeko could see he didn't wish to. "For good or ill, come back and you shall see him" she said patting his cheek. "...thank you" he said softly.

They made their way back to the front of the village to find a huge dog. "Holy shit. How'd that get here!" Keith yelled standing in front of the girls. Hidden in his pocket, Keith pulled out Rune Breaker and grew it. Hikari and Kasumi was shocked to see him hiding such a weapon. "Stay back buddy. No girl treats for you!" Keith yelled pointing it at him. The dog whined. "Keith. It's alright" Hikari said stepping forward. The dog bent down and licked her nearly off her feet. His heart stopped seeing that. He was sure the canine was going to eat her. Hikari giggled and petted its nose. "It won't hurt us. He is the talisman" she said. "A dog is a talisman?!" Keith said. "This is no ordinary dog. I can sense magic from him" she said. Keith calmed down slightly and when he did he noticed something weird. The dog had no scent. Hikari cancelled the shrinking spell growing Keith and Kasumi back. They walked back to the car and drove off. "Kasumi. Call the office and have them ready the personal jet. As for you Keith, care to explain?" Hikari said.

"My travels have not been peaceful. A good friend was able to lead me to this blade" he said. Kasumi cocked an eyebrow. "A blade that can change size?" she asked. "That and more" Keith replied. Keith silenced Hikari. As much as she vouched for Kasumi, he found it better not to fully explain how he got Rune Breaker.  "I still don't get hoe a dog has no scent" he said changing the subject. "A shikigami no doubt" Hikari said. "A paper golem is the easiest way to explain it. Mostly servants but also can be protectors. Write a spell on a folded piece of paper and put a drop of blood or hair on it and you can control it" Kasumi said. "I see why you got this job" Keith said, Kasumi chuckled as she made the car move faster.

They made their way back to Tokyo and to the airport. The jet took to the air heading for Kyoto. Kasumi took a nap leaving Hikari and Keith alone to eat dinner. "You are hesitant to answer questions" she said munching on a grain of cooked rice. "I've met some very bad people. People that have infiltrated human society" he replied. "You don't trust her" she said looking at Kasumi. "Don't know her and even if she's innocent, I'd rather not involve her" he replied. "But you would involve me. That's why you returned" she said tossing the rice grain aside. Hikari was angry with him as she left him. She changed clothes into western ones. A shirt, jeans, and sneakers to be more comfortable. Keith finished his bento box. "Have you told the children in your village what happened to your kind at that inn I found you in?" he asked. She glanced at him and shook her head. "Why not?" he asked. "It would only scare them" she replied. "But knowing might give them a healthy fear of humans. So many would do your kind harm" he said. She glanced at him again and gave no word.

"And that is what I'm faced with. Tell you everything and terrify you till you can't sleep again or say nothing and let you live in ignorant bliss" he said. She turned facing him. "Tell me something. I am the mother of your child. Can I least get something for his sake?" she asked. Keith picked her up and brought her close to his lips. "The fate of the world will be decided in two weeks" he said softly. She was astonished. "And we can help can't we?" she whispered. He nodded. "I see. We will talk again alone" she said. "Thank you for understanding" he said.  As soon as the plane touched down, Keith asked for a paper map of the city. "What are you doing?" Kasumi asked. "Narrowing our search. Time isn't on our side" Keith replied. He held his finger over the map and pricked it. A drop of blood fell on it and began to move. "Is that magic?" she asked. "A form of it. Very basic that anyone can do. Scrying doesn't require much. Just a reference and an idea" he replied. The blood moved to the west of the city and oddly began to circle around. "Magic blocks anything more concrete" he said as Oberon explained what they saw. A car waited for them on the Tarmac and They headed west.

"I thought only onmyoji could use magic if they weren't koonago" Kasumi said as Keith sucked the tiny wound on his fingertip. "No, there are other forms out there. Dangerous forms humans aren't ready to know" he replied. "He is correct. Humans have been very reckless with magic in the past" Hikari said looking at the dog sitting on the seat looking out the window. "Humans are changing though. Just look at me" Kasumi said. "Humans still hold onto weapons that could raze the world. They have changed but not that much" Keith said softly. "Is that why you won't say anything about that sword or how a westerner knows magic? You don't trust me?" she asked. "People I know have died just knowing me. I don't want to get attached to anyone and neither do I wish you get attached to me" he said. Kasumi wished to press further but seeing his anger in his eyes left it at that. As they got to the west of the city, the dog began barking and clawing at the door. "Driver stop here" Kasumi said to him. The car stopped, and they got out. The dog sniffed the air and began walking east down the street.

Keith and Kasumi followed it. Each home seemed normal as they passed. Parks where children would play. They began to wonder if a magician really did live in the area. 15 minutes had passed as the dog took them around corners and it finally stopped before a house. It barked towards the front door. "Guess this is it" Keith said walking past the threshold followed by Kasumi. As soon as they did, his sword trembled, and Kasumi nearly fainted off his shoulder. He caught just in time. "Kekkai...barrier surrounding the house" she muttered.

They were wary now. The dog tried to follow, and it turned into a folded paper dog as soon as it touched the barrier. Kasumi picked it up. "Good boy" she said sadly. Keith looked at Hikari and she nodded she was ready. He knocked. "I've been expecting you. Please come in. Fresh tea is ready and cookies" a woman said after answering. They stepped in. The house was perfectly normal. Pictures, furniture, a tv, everything you'd expect from a normal Japanese house. They took off their shoes, even Hikari took of her tiny sneakers and left them at the doorway. Kasumi jumped as she saw a very small 16-year-old boy walk across the floor. He looked at the giantess and politely bowed. They wondered what kind of woman shrinks her son. "Please sit. Husband? Can you serve the cookies while I pour the tea?" she said. A middle-aged man came from behind a teapot and hoisted up a giant cookie placing it before each of them. "She shrank her husband too" Keith muttered. "You said you were expecting us?" Hikari asked. "Very much so my princess. This morning's tea leaves gave me a divination telling me of your coming" the woman replied.

Her smile matched her looks. Early 40's and dressed simply like any housewife and mother. "And you're an onmyoji?" Kasumi asked. "I don't meet your expectations?" the woman giggled. Kasumi felt embarrassed. "I'm one of the last. A direct descendant of Abe no Seimei himself. My name is Yoko Kannagi" she said with a slight bow. The woman sighed. "It has been some time since I had real flesh and blood people in this house" she said. "But your husband and that boy" Keith said. "Shikigami. My husband and son died in a car accident 6 years ago. I created them shortly afterwards as grief had consumed me. I couldn't bear to cancel the spell and I've kept them since. A foolish and dishonorable thing to use my powers so" she said softly. "I don't blame you. I lost my family too. I know how the pain eats away at you and wishing for anything to heal" Keith said. She looked at him. "Kind words. Thank you for them" she said smiling at him.

They sipped tea and ate a cookie before discussing business. Hikari sat the cookie down. "Do you know why we came?" she asked. "No but I'm betting it has to do with the missing school bus" Yoko replied. "It was shrunk. Whoever did it demands the Tamakushige as ransom" Hikari said. The woman sat her teacup down. "Knowing that it's missing you came to me for information" she said. They all nodded. "I don't where it is but from what I was told as a child, the last place it was holds the key to finding it. When it was moved, the onmyoji decided to have it possible that future koonago could find it. After all it was their property.  Honnoji temple is where you should look. Find a rock with a star carved in it. The symbol of our kind. It will lead you to the chamber it once was held. But I warn you. The guardians are still there who would prevent those unworthy to find the key to its final resting place" she said. "Thank you for your generosity" Hikari said. The woman picked her up. "I thank you for the company you brought today hime-sama" she replied bowing to the girl in her palms. Just before they left she stopped them. "One last thing. I should note it's very possible that a very skilled onmyoji is behind this. For them to ask for the box in its original uncommon name speaks to their knowledge and the use of shrinking their skill. Take care" she said. "I'll protect them" Keith said. "I'm sure you will chosen guardian" she said cryptically.

Before Keith could ask what she meant by that the door closed. "Honnoji temple it is. Fortunately, it’s here in the city" Kasumi said as they hurried to the car. "She seemed so lonely" Kasumi said as they traveled. "Magic isn't a cure all Kasumi. Sometimes it just makes things worse" Hikari said. "Still though. To learn magic. Healing spells to cure people of illness. Water magic to give people clean water. Shrinking spells to see what the world is like for you" Kasumi said. "You already seen that" Hikari said. "Yeah but to shrink down whenever I want. Would cut down on food bills" Kasumi chuckled. Hikari chucked at her childlike thinking. "But there's a dark side to every spell. Water magic to drown people. Shrinking spells to do away with anyone you wanted" Keith muttered. "But there no downside to healing someone" Kasumi said. "Depends on who's being healed" Keith said looking out the window. They arrived at the temple and tourists and schoolchildren on a field trip were present.

"Well this rock has to be on the ground near the temple itself" Hikari said. They began scouring the grounds for it. The sound of a crying child caught Keith’s attention. She was crying for her mother. "Lost young one?" Hikari asked. The girl immediately stopped seeing the tiny girl. Keith had her cup her hands and Hikari jumped into her hands. She danced around getting the 6-year-old girl to giggle. Keith began writing an arcane spell as she was distracted. "Sympathetic magic. Find her mother" Keith said whispering. The wind blew away from them towards a crowd. "Nana-chan!" a woman yelled as she came running over. Hikari hopped back onto his shoulder. The woman paused seeing a foreigner and was shocked to see a koonago. "Mama...big brother and sister was very nice to me" the girl innocently said. "Thank you!" the woman bowed. "It's okay. Bye Nana-chan!" Hikari said waving as they walked away. "If only our other problem was so easily fixed. I heard you muttering something" she said.

"An arcane spell. Sympathetic magic to find her mother based on her blood" Keith replied. "How much stronger have you truly gotten?" she asked bewildered. "Not strong enough. Kasumi found something it seems" he said pointing to the girl running to them. "A rock with a star!" she yelled dragging Keith to it. There it was. About the size of a baseball oddly in a Zen garden. Fortunately, nobody was looking their way as they stepped in. Keith placed Hikari on the ground. Her little feet making tiny footprints in the sand as she stepped forward. "Open sesame?" Keith asked. She placed her hand on the star and it glowed yellow. It began to sink into the ground leaving a tiny staircase underground. "Only a koonago could enter...or someone with shrinking magics" Hikari said. "Well we're not letting you go in alone" Keith said preparing a shrinking spell. Shrinking himself and Kasumi down. He led the way down the narrow staircase. Torches the size of matchsticks lit up as they went down and down and down.

"How deep are we?" Kasumi asked. "Not deep at our size" Keith replied. Eventually the staircase ended. "Shit!" Kasumi screeched seeing mummified bodies their size sprawled on the floor. "Easy" Keith said patting her head. "Amazing this was under that garden. Undisturbed for centuries" Hikari said. "No. Not centuries. Look at their clothing" Keith said. "Japanese imperial army. Judging by the buttons I'd say late 1944 to mid-45" Kasumi said looking. "Tracks with these machine guns lying near them. Hmm..." Keith said picking something off the floor. "What is that?" Hikari asked. "Bullet casings. A lot of them on the floor. That body is different" he said pointing to one. "This is the traditional garb of an onmyoji. He must've led them here. Shrunk them down and opened the way inside" Kasumi said. "To get the box" Keith nodded. "By the end of the war, the imperial army was desperate for anything that could slow or stop the American advances. Maybe they though the box would do that" Kasumi said. "Well for all their hopes, it landed them a lonely death down here where the air turned them into mummies" Hikari said. Keith heard something...

"What are those basins for?" Kasumi asked. "Shhh! I hear something" Keith said. It was a very faint sound of chittering. Scuffling on the floor not far away. He had trouble pinning it down even though the room itself was only 6 ft. long and a foot wide and three feet high. His blood ran cold as his borrower instinct told him what it was. There were three sounds a borrower knows instinctively to fear. The hiss of a snake. The call of a hawk, and the skittering and chittering of a spider. "It wasn't the air that turned them into mummies!" Keith yelled producing his blade. Kasumi looked around until something snagged her by the back of her shirt and yanked her up. She screamed out. They turned to look up to see her ensnared in a giant spier web. Her wrists and ankles stuck fast and a spider that seemed to come out of Keith’s nightmares dangling over her head. "That which gives life...that which gives life" the horrible thing hissed. Keith nearly pissed himself seeing the wretched creature speak.

"TSUCHIGUMO!" Hikari shrieked. Keith went to slash the web but was yanked upside down as his ankle touched a thread connecting it to the ground. The spider crawled down to him. "That which gives life. That which gives life" he muttered. Keith had dropped his sword but reached for his notes to cast a spell. He already had a fire spell ready just in case and he slapped it on the head of the creature. It burst into flames. "Suck on it you...oh fuck..." Keith muttered seeing it was unharmed. It roared with fury at him. "Wrong...answer..." it hissed. Suddenly a shoe fell and hit it in one of its eyes. It looked up to see Kasumi. Struggling, her flat had slipped off hitting the spider. It crawled up to her pausing at her bare foot. It studied her toes as if trying to determine if her foot was still a threat. Oddly, it was slightly wary of her sole. "Please...please don't eat me" Kasumi begged the thing. Her tears fell on it and it cringed hissing. "WATER! Hikari-sama it hates water!" she screamed. "That's which gives life! Of course!" Hikari yelled. She focused her powers reaching out for a source of water. A long shot being underground but shockingly there was water right close by. The basins.

Using her magic, she pulled the water into the air until it formed a snake. "Orochi mizu. STRIKE!  she yelled forcing the construct to attack the spider. The spider screeched as it was hit and fell to the floor. The water also dissolved the webbing. Keith fell to the floor and caught Kasumi just in time. The spider writhed on the floor until Keith stabbed it in the head. A puff of smoke and all that was left was a scrap of paper. "Shikigami" Keith said. "No. That was a summon. I thought those yokai to be extinct" Hikari said. Kasumi didn't want to let go of him. That thing was real?!" Keith asked. "The tsuchigumo were...all real yes" she replied. "Well that answers what happened to these poor fucks. That goddamn spider sucked them dry like common houseflies" Keith said. "She spoke of a guardian. This was a test. A test geared towards a koonago" Kasumi muttered letting go of him. "One that koonago magic could solve" Hikari said walking forward. Slowly she made her way to an altar which sat a mummy dressed in an aged kimono. In her shriveled hands was an object. "Careful" Keith said behind her. Hikari took the object in her hands and a beam of light shot from it. On the wall lit up a map with kanji inscribed on it. "For the worthy that passed this trial. The second fragment shall be found here. The test of knowledge shall be upon you" Kasumi said reading it. "Then this is just one of three fragments needed to find the box" Keith said. "So it would seem" Hikari said holding the star fragment. They looked at the map once more.

"Where is it?" Keith asked. "Nara. That's the Kasuga shrine" Kasumi replied. "Then we go" Hikari said flatly turning towards the staircase. An hour later they were back in the air. "She fell asleep instantly" Keith said looking at Kasumi. "That she did. she did good today" Hikari said looking at her. "You give her a hard time" Keith said. "I shouldn't. She's my babysitter but she tries her hardest in everything. I shouldn't resent her for her role" Hikari replied. "She admires you. I dare say loves you" Keith said. "To hear her beg not to be eaten...that hurt me. She's too young to be involved in all this!" Hikari yelled. "She made her choice. Respect that" Keith said. The girl looked at the giant staring out the window. "How did you cast flames?" she asked. "That's just one of many arcane spells I learned. The sword I wield can cancel out magic. Still not enough" he muttered. By the time they landed in Nara it was nighttime.  "We should check into a hotel. Rest up for whatever might happen tomorrow" Kasumi said. Hikari looked at her. "You're absolutely...right. Good idea" Hikari said. Kasumi smiled being praised.

The three checked into a hotel. One room. Kasumi insisted as she was her bodyguard somewhat. After dinner, Keith excused himself to the bar leaving Hikari and Kasumi alone. Hikari wasn't too happy about that knowing his intentions. "I drew a bath for you" Kasumi said bowing. "Appreciated" Hikari said softly being carried to the bathroom. They were both naked as Kasumi sat quietly watching the tiny girl lather her body and rinse. "Allow me" Kasumi said using her fingertip to wash her little back. Gently she cleaned her long black hair, and pooled water in her hand to rinse her. "Don't dote on me. I'm not a pet" Hikari snapped. She glanced to see Kasumi looking down sadly. Hikari felt guilty. She was only trying to help her. "Forgive me. It's been a long day" Hikari said. Kasumi bathed herself while Hikari waited. She could see bruises around the ankles and wrists of her giantess bodyguard. "Do they hurt?" Hikari asked pointing to them.

"Not really" Kasumi replied. "If I had known I'd would’ve made you stay. You're too young to be involved in such danger" Hikari told her. "It's an adventure. Learning about history and about your people. No risk no gain" Kasumi chuckled. Hikari tapped her giant big toe. "If I order you to run away. You will do so" she said. "I can't just abandon you!" Kasumi yelled. "Yes you will! You're young. A bright future awaits you. Carry that spirt and inspire others. Dying in my service...won't bring me happiness. Just another friend to cry over" Hikari muttered. "I'm your friend?" Kasumi asked. "...yes" Hikari replied. Kasumi smiled warmly. She placed a soap dish in the tub. "Then as a friend I won't let you drown" she said placing the little girl in the dish. Partially filled with water, Hikari let the warm bath ease her muscles. Drying off, Kasumi carried her to the bed.  

"Can you get me a bottle cap or something?" Hikari groaned. "I don't have anything like that" Kasumi said after looking around. Hikari sighed. "It hurts that bad?" she asked. Hikari nodded. "I can help...of you let me" Kasumi said blushing. Hikari had an idea what she had in mind. She was loathe to let her but her breasts hurt too much. "Very well" Hikari hugged. "I'll be gentle I swear" Kasumi said picking her up. Kasumi slipped the bath robe off her little shoulders letting it fall to her waist. Her fingers trembled. "Just do it" Hikari groaned. Kasumi nodded and took her two breasts between her massive lips. Gently she dukes on them milking the tiny woman. Hikari moaned clutching her nose. Kasumi steadied her as she twitched. Hikari had to admit, she was very gentle. Her finger petted her back as she sucked. Her warm moth felt so good and her tongue slick with saliva felt exquisite on her tender nipples. All too soon her breasts were spent and Kasumi let her go. The sweet taste of her milk still clinging to her tongue. Their eyes met and Kasumi looked away blushing.

Hikari chuckled at her shy innocence. "There is something else you can do" she said. "Okay" Kasumi whispered. Hikari pulled out a very small bag. She placed some things on the bed. Things too small for Kasumi to see. "Paint my toes for me" she said. Kasumi nodded and with that shrank her down for the task. Now her size, she could see the bottle of polish and brush. Kasumi held her dainty foot by the heel and dipped the brush in the paint. Starting with her big toe, she painted the nail a deep shade of blue. "I'm critical of you and you don't deserve it" Hikari said. "You had a very bad experience with humans. I get it" Kasumi said moving to the next toe. "That's not it. Not for you. Do you know how old I am?" Hikari asked. "20...25?" Kasumi replied. Hikari shook her head. "I'll be 165 years old this fall" she replied. Kasumi stopped painting and looked at her. "You look good for your age" Kasumi chuckled.

Hikari touched her hair and looked at her. "Humans don't live as long as we. You won't. I don't form relationships with your kind because of that. In the past I did and all it brought was heartbreak when it came time to say goodbye" Hikari said. Kasumi finished that foot and went to the other. "So, you push me away because you know you'll outlive me" Kasumi said. Hikari didn't answer but her tears said enough. "If I may be so bold. I thought that way too once. I had this dog when I was little. When I was 13 it died of old age. It hurt so much I never wanted a pet again. My grandfather, the one who told me stories of folklore, told me that to close your heart for fear of loss, you'll never experience love again. Would you have preferred never to have had your dog in your life he asked me. That simple question showed me the error of my thinking."

"Yes, it hurts to say goodbye but the memories he left behind are something I'll always have with me long after he's gone. That's the greatest gift" Kasumi told her. Hikari felt humbled. This young human had taught her a life lesson someone as old as she should've learned long ago. Kasumi had finished painting her toes and blew on them. "All done" she said smiling. Hikari pulled her close and hugged her. "You're good to me Kasumi. A friend I desperately needed" Hikari said sniffling. "I'm here for you not because I'm told to. I'm here because I admire...and love you" Kasumi said blushing. Hikari turned her around and held her foot. Kasumi was surprised to find her painting her toes. "It's like we're sisters" Kasumi said. Hikari looked at her. "Sorry. That was very forward" she said. "No, it was appropriate" Hikari said using wind magic to dry her nails. Kasumi could smell the sweet scent of her friend.

Hikari kissed the arch of her foot making the shrunken girl jerk. Moving to her other foot she playfully bit her toes making the girl make a funny squeak. Her hand roamed her thigh and stopped. Kasumi opened her legs exposing her pussy to her. She had not put panties back on. "I want you to" Kasumi said blushing even harder.

Truth was, Hikari was very lonely at that time. Keith had wiped out any chance of a relationship with her speaking of his marriage and even after giving off signs that she just wanted to fuck him again, he had not shown interest. She wanted to be held passionately, worshipped, doted on, loved. Kasumi...well she fit the bill for that and Hikari felt being drawn to her. She buried her face in her crotch and pushed her tongue deep into her cunt. "Princess...oh god princess" Kasumi groaned as she was eaten out. Hikari could tell she was young and ripe for sex. Her juices flowing freely. Sweet as nectar. She even shaved down there. Kasumi held her head as she ground her crotch into her face. She yelped as she came and Hikari consumed every bit of her cum. Hikari watched the girl fall asleep soon after and took upon herself to finish painting her toes. She was on her last toe, the pinky, when Keith came back.

"Finished drinking?" Hikari asked. "Finished with sex?" Keith replied sniffing the room. "Don't judge me. You spurned me, and she was there to catch me" Hikari said roughly. "Not judging. I knew this could happen. I just gave you privacy is all" he said. "All I wanted was your touch. Like last time no strings attached" she said. "But there is a string attached now isn't it?" he asked rudely. "You do resent me bearing your child" the small woman hissed. "I love him. I didn't lie when I said that. I love you but not as much as you wish. Don't put words in my mouth" the giant said narrowing his eyes. "How am I supposed to know your intentions if you refuse to even say why you returned? Am I to take you at your word of your feelings?" she asked with a mocking tone. The insult combined with a shitload of premium sake didn't sit well with him at all. Keith snatched her right from Kasumi's foot.

He plopped down on his bad with her in his grip. Roughly, he tore her bathrobe right off. "Stick out your foot. I said STICK OUT YOUR FOOT!" he yelled. She did hesitantly. Keith sucked her tiny foot. She was too frightened to giggle as his tastebuds tickled her bare sole. He sucked her foot right up to her thigh before releasing it. Keith as panting as he played with her tits. A trickle of milk came from her nipples and he licked her bare chest. He spread her legs revealing her tiny slit. "This what you..." he said stopping seeing her in tears. He gently placed her on the bed. Keith broke down crying. "You don't understand. Everyone has these expectations of me. I just want to be myself. A quiet life with nobody expecting anything from me" he sobbed. She touched his leg. "I'm sorry Hikari! I didn't mean to do that!" he said. "Tell me. It's time to tell me" she said softly. Keith reached for a post it note and scribbled down a spell. "It's not enough to tell you. You need to see for yourself before I ask anything else of you" he said quietly. Hikari touched the paper as he held it out to her. The magic activated and she saw everything in his memories of the last two months.