Index:
First Folklore - The Beliefs of the Caves
Second Folklore - Why Ghosts Exist
Third Folklore - The Two Soul Sisters
Fourth Folklore - Sakura Trees Blessing
Fifth Folklore - Fish Spirits
Sixth Folklore - Shrine leads
The Beliefs Of The Caves
Written by Diving
The Koi clan, the name originating from their living conditions along the rivers alongside the koi, were the original people of Karakura or it was believed. During their travels, they found a cave that sat at the base of the Kokahu mountain range that towered over Karakura. Curious 3 brave men ventured into the cave to meet their end. Only for one man to make it out alive by the name Isamu. He was horrified by what he’d seen of his friends being torn apart by beasts the size of large boulders. He reported back to the clan and informed them of what he’d seen. Intrigued, the leader sent 5 warriors out to inspect the cave yet the same result happened and the men disappeared without any traces.
Months passed and some scouts were sent out to watch the cave. One night, before they fell asleep, one of them spotted the beast arising from the cave. A large bear walked out and inspected the area before running off into the distance. The Scouters came back the next day and told the leader of their findings. Proud of his people, he went to visit the site himself and stood there before the cave, declaring the cave must've been the entrance to the land of the dead. He demanded the people build a stone circle with different carvings and markings of their ancestors who had passed and place them around the outside of the cave. However, during the inspection, the leader faced his worst enemy; a bear came out of the cave, killing him before taking his body to the underworld. Terrified, people fled back to the clan and declared they needed a new ruler. Isamu stepped up as a candidate for the position and the people voted him as the leader for his survival of the underworld. He then declared that the clan must make weekly offerings to the guardians of the underworld to calm the beasts, allowing them to maybe interact with the past souls. The members of the clan worked together and brought over some gems and specially carved stones. Fleeing quickly from the area and returning the next day to find their offerings shattered and scattered across the floor. The guards were not pleased, so a young boy left a piece of fish for the guards hoping maybe they were hungry. And the next day when they returned the fish was taken. Rejoicing, the clan came back each day leaving fish and offerings to the guards.
This continued for years and the Koi Clan followed the same rituals until one brave man chose to run into the cave. Denki wandered its winding arches, uneven walls, and flooring for hours, wandering aimlessly, trying to find something interesting. As the wind echoed through the cave entrance and the cave opened up into a wide room as if the spirits were calling him. There a pool of water sat on the floor and glow worms covered the cave walls and hung down stalactites. Amazed Denki ran out alive telling the people of his news and how the wind had spoken to him and he’d seen the souls in the cave walls. The Koi Clan were shocked he’d passed through the cave and its guards were perfectly fine to meet the souls deep within it and their beliefs grew stronger.
For years the Koi Clan kept doing this until one day an earthquake struck the area during a ceremony for the souls and an alarmingly loud crash came from within the cave with the huge bears running out in fear. The clan stood there in shock and watched as dust billowed out of the cave's entrance and a young female screamed that 'the door to the underworld had closed'. Disappointed the clan left the cave alone after centuries of praising it, it became forgotten in history, the stones standing strong outside the cave entrance and their carvings had faded and nothing of the Koi Clan was left.
Months passed and some scouts were sent out to watch the cave. One night, before they fell asleep, one of them spotted the beast arising from the cave. A large bear walked out and inspected the area before running off into the distance. The Scouters came back the next day and told the leader of their findings. Proud of his people, he went to visit the site himself and stood there before the cave, declaring the cave must've been the entrance to the land of the dead. He demanded the people build a stone circle with different carvings and markings of their ancestors who had passed and place them around the outside of the cave. However, during the inspection, the leader faced his worst enemy; a bear came out of the cave, killing him before taking his body to the underworld. Terrified, people fled back to the clan and declared they needed a new ruler. Isamu stepped up as a candidate for the position and the people voted him as the leader for his survival of the underworld. He then declared that the clan must make weekly offerings to the guardians of the underworld to calm the beasts, allowing them to maybe interact with the past souls. The members of the clan worked together and brought over some gems and specially carved stones. Fleeing quickly from the area and returning the next day to find their offerings shattered and scattered across the floor. The guards were not pleased, so a young boy left a piece of fish for the guards hoping maybe they were hungry. And the next day when they returned the fish was taken. Rejoicing, the clan came back each day leaving fish and offerings to the guards.
This continued for years and the Koi Clan followed the same rituals until one brave man chose to run into the cave. Denki wandered its winding arches, uneven walls, and flooring for hours, wandering aimlessly, trying to find something interesting. As the wind echoed through the cave entrance and the cave opened up into a wide room as if the spirits were calling him. There a pool of water sat on the floor and glow worms covered the cave walls and hung down stalactites. Amazed Denki ran out alive telling the people of his news and how the wind had spoken to him and he’d seen the souls in the cave walls. The Koi Clan were shocked he’d passed through the cave and its guards were perfectly fine to meet the souls deep within it and their beliefs grew stronger.
For years the Koi Clan kept doing this until one day an earthquake struck the area during a ceremony for the souls and an alarmingly loud crash came from within the cave with the huge bears running out in fear. The clan stood there in shock and watched as dust billowed out of the cave's entrance and a young female screamed that 'the door to the underworld had closed'. Disappointed the clan left the cave alone after centuries of praising it, it became forgotten in history, the stones standing strong outside the cave entrance and their carvings had faded and nothing of the Koi Clan was left.
Why Ghosts Exist
Written by Diving
Written by Diving
While lost in parchments and forgotten language, the many stories told to the children of Karakura in ancient times disappeared. However while one story faded another arose, parents would tell their children the stories of great ancestors who travelled great distances to shape and create Karakura and the curses and blessings that lay within the lands. One, in particular, was the story of the goddess who cursed the island of Karakura. This curse was bestowed upon the land after a delinquent individual went against the Kodama Goddess, at a price a curse was bestowed upon the land.
Aoi had always been a bright man, working hard and respecting his people and nature. He worked as a small farmer amongst his people in the first settlements of Karakura. Working hard each day to produce the food needed for his people. Around this time society was starting to develop and the beliefs of the Gods in Japan started to grow stronger while others faded, forgotten in the past. However, Aoi sought to keep this tradition and the old ways of his ancestors, his passion for them still burning strong. Driven by religion and his beliefs he convinced his family to obey the traditional ways of his people and raised his kids to keep what his family believed in. Genji, one of Aoi’s children, didn't like the ways of his father's old family. He wished to stop them, but in his attempts he burnt down his father's paintings and writings of the Gods, demanding that he’d stop his crazy acts and join his people in this new revolution. Furious Aoi banished his son from his farm, he would not be able to return back until he could learn to respect the Gods and their magic. The young boy was left to fend for himself in his life. All this time he’d been shielded by his father and their farm, now living alone in the large forest that covered Karakura, which raged with beasts and Gods.
Engulfed by rage and his own selfish feelings Genji ran to one of the shrines after weeks of being in the forests alone and yelled for the gods to show themselves if they were real. Yet the gods stayed quiet and watched in their spiritual forms as the young boy yelled at each statue. Displeased by his actions they pushed him out ignoring what he had to say and Genji realised that those who’d respected him no longer would be seen as a member of their culture. Ashamed of what he’d done and their actions of not listening to him he walked away from the shrines and back into the forests of Karakura. There, he sat under a tree alone and talked to himself quietly. Kodama felt the young boy's whispers and came to him in her spiritual form. She was the only hope he believed in. Sitting confidently against the tree and blinded by his emotions his anger rose and he yelled the same words he had to the other gods and startled her. Kodama curiously inspected the young boy before politely asking that the young boy leave her tree alone. Refusing, Genji stood up and held his ground and kept talking, yelling hurtful words at her and continuing to fight back. Yet the price he was about to pay for his selfish actions couldn't be fixed. Kodama displeased by his actions, cursed Genji saying that “He’d no longer take a human form and instead would be locked as a ghost, a spirit whose soul was unable to rest. He would be cursed until a human could learn to befriend a dead spirit” and he watched in horror as his body slowly became transparent and his skin pale. In fear he stormed off, ignoring what Kodama said and what had just happened. Kodama watched him leave knowing that his spirit would go on to haunt Karakura for millennia and those who’d disrespected nature or caused a sin that died in Karakura would be locked under the same fate as him.
Genji learned the limitations of his new form. Unable to go out in pure daylight he wasn't able to see the people he once loved. He was still shocked that the people he once knew would never be able to recognise him. Annoyed, he spent years trying to find ways of communicating with individuals. Found that humans couldn’t see him unless a ritual or special game was played, and he could only haunt and scare them. Astonished by the selfish choices that got him here, his anger slowly took him over, his humanity lost to his locked form. He wanted revenge and swore on this day that he’d never be nice to any human again, forgetting the words Kodama had spoken of to break his curse. And little did he know his actions followed him everywhere and people were cursed with the same fate as him, becoming ghosts who haunt people. And some like Genji lost their emotional control and murdered those they took their anger out on. These actions and deaths of humans caused the many missing cases that people know of today. The people of Karakura know they can interact and talk with the ghosts but have to be careful or they may meet the same fate as the many others who went missing.
Aoi had always been a bright man, working hard and respecting his people and nature. He worked as a small farmer amongst his people in the first settlements of Karakura. Working hard each day to produce the food needed for his people. Around this time society was starting to develop and the beliefs of the Gods in Japan started to grow stronger while others faded, forgotten in the past. However, Aoi sought to keep this tradition and the old ways of his ancestors, his passion for them still burning strong. Driven by religion and his beliefs he convinced his family to obey the traditional ways of his people and raised his kids to keep what his family believed in. Genji, one of Aoi’s children, didn't like the ways of his father's old family. He wished to stop them, but in his attempts he burnt down his father's paintings and writings of the Gods, demanding that he’d stop his crazy acts and join his people in this new revolution. Furious Aoi banished his son from his farm, he would not be able to return back until he could learn to respect the Gods and their magic. The young boy was left to fend for himself in his life. All this time he’d been shielded by his father and their farm, now living alone in the large forest that covered Karakura, which raged with beasts and Gods.
Engulfed by rage and his own selfish feelings Genji ran to one of the shrines after weeks of being in the forests alone and yelled for the gods to show themselves if they were real. Yet the gods stayed quiet and watched in their spiritual forms as the young boy yelled at each statue. Displeased by his actions they pushed him out ignoring what he had to say and Genji realised that those who’d respected him no longer would be seen as a member of their culture. Ashamed of what he’d done and their actions of not listening to him he walked away from the shrines and back into the forests of Karakura. There, he sat under a tree alone and talked to himself quietly. Kodama felt the young boy's whispers and came to him in her spiritual form. She was the only hope he believed in. Sitting confidently against the tree and blinded by his emotions his anger rose and he yelled the same words he had to the other gods and startled her. Kodama curiously inspected the young boy before politely asking that the young boy leave her tree alone. Refusing, Genji stood up and held his ground and kept talking, yelling hurtful words at her and continuing to fight back. Yet the price he was about to pay for his selfish actions couldn't be fixed. Kodama displeased by his actions, cursed Genji saying that “He’d no longer take a human form and instead would be locked as a ghost, a spirit whose soul was unable to rest. He would be cursed until a human could learn to befriend a dead spirit” and he watched in horror as his body slowly became transparent and his skin pale. In fear he stormed off, ignoring what Kodama said and what had just happened. Kodama watched him leave knowing that his spirit would go on to haunt Karakura for millennia and those who’d disrespected nature or caused a sin that died in Karakura would be locked under the same fate as him.
Genji learned the limitations of his new form. Unable to go out in pure daylight he wasn't able to see the people he once loved. He was still shocked that the people he once knew would never be able to recognise him. Annoyed, he spent years trying to find ways of communicating with individuals. Found that humans couldn’t see him unless a ritual or special game was played, and he could only haunt and scare them. Astonished by the selfish choices that got him here, his anger slowly took him over, his humanity lost to his locked form. He wanted revenge and swore on this day that he’d never be nice to any human again, forgetting the words Kodama had spoken of to break his curse. And little did he know his actions followed him everywhere and people were cursed with the same fate as him, becoming ghosts who haunt people. And some like Genji lost their emotional control and murdered those they took their anger out on. These actions and deaths of humans caused the many missing cases that people know of today. The people of Karakura know they can interact and talk with the ghosts but have to be careful or they may meet the same fate as the many others who went missing.
The Two Soul Sisters
Written by Diving
Written by Diving
Many stories were told about the different Gods and Goddesses that ruled over Karakura. Stories had been a part of the Koi Clans' beliefs and the way they participated in groups as a community. Stories told were to the young kids and were a tradition each year. One, in particular, was of a young girl who aspired to be like Kodama and a warrior who ended it all, or at least what the stories had said.
Akako was a young female who was raised in the early times of Karakura. She’d heard of the beautiful stories her parents told her of Kodama, and she aspired to be like her. Growing a love for all living creatures Akako and her sister Himari was very close. Yet as time passed by, Himari and Akako grew distant, Akako trying her dearest to follow in Kodama’s steps, to be like the Goddess she aspired to look up to. The people of her town admired the young girl for her kind acts towards nature. Akako didn’t carry the beauty told in the stories but she was believed to have the purest of heart leading with her actions, not her words. Himari however took the opposite approach and she worked towards being in the elite fighting ranges hunting monsters who threatened her home. The village people praised both Himari and Akako but soon after as more monsters rose the people turned to Himari as the leader.
Akako never experienced envy and did not let negative emotions take her over. Instead, she’d run to the tree in the forest and sit at its base talking to Kodama about the good deeds she had achieved in her day no matter how small they were. Sometimes Akako believed she’d seen Kodama through animals or the wind, listening closely to the young female as she told her stories of her achievements each day. Himari continued to protect the village people and the monsters that threatened their existence. Not caring about her actions and the violence and destruction she caused against some things. As they aged and grew older they slowly began to separate and become more distant. Both girls started to change and Akako’s knowledge and connection to Kodama grew while Himari’s hatred towards beasts and Akako grew stronger. One night while Akako was praying to Kodama, Himari stormed in after losing a fight with a dead spirit and she yelled at Akako to grow up. Shocked by her sister, she stood before her and tried to convince her that she was doing good, yet her sister gave her a disapproving look and ignored her petty attempts to try and convince her and chose to curse that one day she’d leave her to die, before rushing out.
Their parents saw the distance gained between the two. Akako is, a gentle, calm figure to the people of the village and animals alike following in Kodama’s steps and Himari’s dark, fearless warrior passion who fought off beasts across Karakura. They heard the people across the village commonly talking good about Akako saying that she must've been the reincarnation of Kodama without carrying her magic she once possessed. And Himari, a female of greed and anger, the years of fighting against the beasts that must’ve eventually got to her and been consumed by their emotions. The parents worried for Himari and asked for her to come with them to the shrines yet Himari refused, saying the shrines were for the weak like her sister and demanded that she would go forth and keep slaying the monsters.
One night, while Akako was asleep Himari, snuck out of the house and ran down to Kodama's tree, the tree her sister so dearly loved. She stood there before the tree, and yelled at it, drawing her sword and cursing that the tree had taken over her sister possessing her. Yet the tree stayed quiet and Kodama watched the young female as she screamed and yelled at its base, her language corrupted and aggressive, one that wasn't a language she was meant to speak. Kodama decided that Himari had spoken enough and appeared for the young female looking at her, she knew the language and that the poor girl had been possessed by the past souls locked under the curse she’d bestowed upon them. Himari raised her sword and slashed it through Kodama’s spirit and yet she wavered and flashed but the glowing figure of Kodama stood there before the girl. She raised her hand and Himari’s sword dropped from her hand, the young girl cried out and screamed begging the goddess to help her. Only Kodama’s suspicions were correct, the beasts she’d slayed over the years had slowly come into her soul and corrupted the young warrior. She felt empathy for the young girl but was unable to do anything.
Akako had heard the cries of her sister and raced through the forest to the noises, there she found Kodama and Himari, and she stared in horror as her sister attempted to kill Kodama with her sword. She watched as the spirit raised her hand to her sister, watching her drop her sword and saw her begging to be freed from the monsters. Terrified, Akako saw her sister pick her sword up again, Akako ran forwards, shielding Kodama’s spirit from the next blow with the sword. However, carrying no immortality the girl fell to her sister's blade and she died before her. Kodama watched as the young girl, who’d spent her time talking and chatting with her fell, and in pain, she turned the young Akako’s spirit into a red-crowned crane and watched the young bird fly free away from the chaos. Sorrow-filling Kodama, she looked to Himari and chose to curse the female to become a ghost. Those who’d done bad had always become a ghost and Himari was unable to be freed from the grasp of the dead souls, Kodama knew this, but she could be stopped by turning Himari into a ghost. She then disappeared leaving the two girls to become lost souls, Akako a young crane flying freely and guiding her sister to the other gods in the hope to fix her sister's possessed soul. And Himari, a ghost locked under fate and chasing her sister trying to be free once again. The people said to see these two around Karakura, a bright beautiful bird, and a young ghost who’s desperately chasing it.
Akako was a young female who was raised in the early times of Karakura. She’d heard of the beautiful stories her parents told her of Kodama, and she aspired to be like her. Growing a love for all living creatures Akako and her sister Himari was very close. Yet as time passed by, Himari and Akako grew distant, Akako trying her dearest to follow in Kodama’s steps, to be like the Goddess she aspired to look up to. The people of her town admired the young girl for her kind acts towards nature. Akako didn’t carry the beauty told in the stories but she was believed to have the purest of heart leading with her actions, not her words. Himari however took the opposite approach and she worked towards being in the elite fighting ranges hunting monsters who threatened her home. The village people praised both Himari and Akako but soon after as more monsters rose the people turned to Himari as the leader.
Akako never experienced envy and did not let negative emotions take her over. Instead, she’d run to the tree in the forest and sit at its base talking to Kodama about the good deeds she had achieved in her day no matter how small they were. Sometimes Akako believed she’d seen Kodama through animals or the wind, listening closely to the young female as she told her stories of her achievements each day. Himari continued to protect the village people and the monsters that threatened their existence. Not caring about her actions and the violence and destruction she caused against some things. As they aged and grew older they slowly began to separate and become more distant. Both girls started to change and Akako’s knowledge and connection to Kodama grew while Himari’s hatred towards beasts and Akako grew stronger. One night while Akako was praying to Kodama, Himari stormed in after losing a fight with a dead spirit and she yelled at Akako to grow up. Shocked by her sister, she stood before her and tried to convince her that she was doing good, yet her sister gave her a disapproving look and ignored her petty attempts to try and convince her and chose to curse that one day she’d leave her to die, before rushing out.
Their parents saw the distance gained between the two. Akako is, a gentle, calm figure to the people of the village and animals alike following in Kodama’s steps and Himari’s dark, fearless warrior passion who fought off beasts across Karakura. They heard the people across the village commonly talking good about Akako saying that she must've been the reincarnation of Kodama without carrying her magic she once possessed. And Himari, a female of greed and anger, the years of fighting against the beasts that must’ve eventually got to her and been consumed by their emotions. The parents worried for Himari and asked for her to come with them to the shrines yet Himari refused, saying the shrines were for the weak like her sister and demanded that she would go forth and keep slaying the monsters.
One night, while Akako was asleep Himari, snuck out of the house and ran down to Kodama's tree, the tree her sister so dearly loved. She stood there before the tree, and yelled at it, drawing her sword and cursing that the tree had taken over her sister possessing her. Yet the tree stayed quiet and Kodama watched the young female as she screamed and yelled at its base, her language corrupted and aggressive, one that wasn't a language she was meant to speak. Kodama decided that Himari had spoken enough and appeared for the young female looking at her, she knew the language and that the poor girl had been possessed by the past souls locked under the curse she’d bestowed upon them. Himari raised her sword and slashed it through Kodama’s spirit and yet she wavered and flashed but the glowing figure of Kodama stood there before the girl. She raised her hand and Himari’s sword dropped from her hand, the young girl cried out and screamed begging the goddess to help her. Only Kodama’s suspicions were correct, the beasts she’d slayed over the years had slowly come into her soul and corrupted the young warrior. She felt empathy for the young girl but was unable to do anything.
Akako had heard the cries of her sister and raced through the forest to the noises, there she found Kodama and Himari, and she stared in horror as her sister attempted to kill Kodama with her sword. She watched as the spirit raised her hand to her sister, watching her drop her sword and saw her begging to be freed from the monsters. Terrified, Akako saw her sister pick her sword up again, Akako ran forwards, shielding Kodama’s spirit from the next blow with the sword. However, carrying no immortality the girl fell to her sister's blade and she died before her. Kodama watched as the young girl, who’d spent her time talking and chatting with her fell, and in pain, she turned the young Akako’s spirit into a red-crowned crane and watched the young bird fly free away from the chaos. Sorrow-filling Kodama, she looked to Himari and chose to curse the female to become a ghost. Those who’d done bad had always become a ghost and Himari was unable to be freed from the grasp of the dead souls, Kodama knew this, but she could be stopped by turning Himari into a ghost. She then disappeared leaving the two girls to become lost souls, Akako a young crane flying freely and guiding her sister to the other gods in the hope to fix her sister's possessed soul. And Himari, a ghost locked under fate and chasing her sister trying to be free once again. The people said to see these two around Karakura, a bright beautiful bird, and a young ghost who’s desperately chasing it.
Sakura Trees Blessing
Written by Diving
Written by Diving
The Shinsei Seinaru Monastery had sat atop the mountains for years. It lived and breathed with the kami that resided amongst the shrines' maidens and priests who each cared for and looked after these sacred grounds. But millenia ago the kami were humans and took magical forms creating Karakura after a war broke out among them. Each kami played a vital part to the creation of the island off the coast of Japan, but where there is good was also evil. Yokai were sent by the corrupt kami to reside in Karakura alongside the others that lived there. Each of the Karakura kami swore to protect the island and for years they battled the yokai to keep their lands safe. But over years these kami slowly faded and some died in the battles that raged on.
A group of monks had settled in at the time and had to fight against the yokai that threatened their camp. They’d come over the seas that separated Karakura from the mainland of Japan. Little did the monks know they were helping the kami a great deal with distracting the yokai. The yokai took more interest in the monks that lived in the forest floor, seeing them as easy targets they slowly stopped taking interest in the kami that resided in the lands and turned to the small group of monks. Sometimes the group struggled to keep the yokai down in numbers, constantly there would become too many and overwhelm the group leaving the lead to fret. He then demanded his friends grab their stuff and flee to the mountains where hopefully they could find some peace up on the cliffs away from the yokai. Because of the small nimble bodies of the monks compared to the sheer, heavy size of the yokai the monks were able to escape the dreaded grasp of the monsters who’s weight and body size was too much for the cliff face to hold. They then settled in a small clearing on the side of the mountain's face, then a small settlement was formed where the now standing monastery sat. The monks praised the kami they knew of existing in their religions. They hoped in time that one day they’d be safe from the evil that lurked on the floors of the forests, roaming freely waiting for targets to appear.
These huge cliff faces that towered above the small valley of Karakura blocked the yokai from reaching the monks, while unable to be touched by the monsters they felt unsafe, leading to some choosing to try and fight back, these acts were of throwing small pebbles and stones down at the gaping mouths of the yokai. These choices infuriated the yokai and they became more persistent on scaling the cliff faces to try to reach their chosen prize only to meet their end after the cliff face crumbled under their heavy bodies and they fell to their deaths. Their persistence and distraction to the monks gave the kami across Karakura enough time to rest while some others fought back against the yokai while the ones rested regaining their magic and with the help of the monks and their religious prayers the kami grew stronger. Eventually the kami came back to fight against the yokai and these wars raged on for years, Karihuema one of the many kami of Karakura became drained of her power and she looked to the small village of monks and chose to reside alongside them up on the mountains to rest peacefully. There Karihuema stayed, regaining her powers slowly so that one day she could go back to assist her powerful friends and family that fought against the yokai who invaded Karakura’s forests. However, while she rested atop the mountain slowly healing and helping the local monks in their day to day activities the yokai had chiselled away at the weaker rocks and edges across the mountain and managed to start to make progress up the mountain slowly. They’d learned from their mistakes quite quickly about the dangers they faced climbing and their heavy bodies were not as light as a humans making it harder to scale and having to step carefully around.
While Karihuema rested upon the mountain's face having no real disruptions and the monks darted around doing their daily activities and tasks, the yokai had come in great numbers, teaming up to focus on the large cliff face in hopes to finally reach their prize. The sheer number of yokai crowded in one area overwhelmed the kami and they slowly began to fall away, becoming weak, drained of magic or had lost hope. Hoping that the monks could fend for themselves against the ever raging army of gaping jaws and monstrous faces. Yokai pursued up the mountain like dead, soulless bodies, their minds only in power, teaming up jumping the mountains faces to reach the monks, nothing stopped them, the blood lust for humans and excitement overwhelmed their emotions and they pushed onwards. Karihuema who rested upon the mountain slowly felt the ground shake beneath her and the horrific screams of her human friends crying out broke her from her thoughts of peace. They yelled, yelling the yokai’s names. The snarls and deep yelps of excitement escaped the monsters as they reached the cliff's edge and they scrambled over desperately the smell of blood stronger than ever.
She arose quickly and raced down to the cliff's edge to see the monks fleeing some brave souls staying back to hold the huge beats off. Yokai flooded over the edge like a huge wave rolling over the edge, each of the yokai’s faces determined to wipe out every single monk who resided there on the mountain's face. Karihuema stood watching the chaos unfolding before her, she knew all too well there were too many yokai for her to handle alone and even if she tried would end up with the same result anyway. She stood there, drained of magic and fear slowly setting into her mind and body, her mind racing, thinking of options but knowing that all would lead to the end of her story and the end of her fate. She’d be forgotten in the history of Karakura, the stories and beliefs are the only hope she’d have to keep her spirit alive. But behind the chaos and her racing mind a young sapling caught her eye. The young tree was trying to grow in the clearing so perfectly, tended to by the monks who now were no longer aware it was growing well. The huge feet of the yokai threatened its existence and wouldn't bat an eye to the young soul. But its quaint little size and perfect placing, sat in the middle of the clearing overlooking the cliffs edge and to the forest alone. But also overlooked by the prying eyes of the yokai whose minds were determined to reach something else, then an idea struck Karihuema and she desperately rushed over to the young tree. She knew that with the little magic she had left in her system after fighting the Yokai so many weeks ago she wouldn't be able to live on to protect the monks in a form of freedom. She’d be locked in one place and watch the world develop from where she would forever stay. But knowing that once she’d finished with the tree it would go on to protect the people of Karakura for centuries. She then touched the young tree and dug into the depths of her reserved magic, where she focused it into the tree and smiled, her story had ended. The final of her time as a free kami was ending, she could feel her magic drain and she looked down at the young tree watching it light up. With the last of her magic she infused herself with the young sapling and slowly Karihuema turned transparent and lit up.
A strong burst of light broke the mountain's clearing and the yokai desperately retreated back over the cliff's edge to avoid the magical light that came from the tree. Then when the light had cleared the only thing remaining of Karihuema was the young tree. It stood there alone in the opening perfectly placed and each of its leaves had transformed into buds of a cherry blossom tree. Karihuema had sacrificed her soul and infused it to the young tree so that the monks of the village could live on in peace and free from the yokai’s grasp. When she’d infused herself she’d thrown a magical barrier over the settling. They had helped her and as her repayment to them she’d chosen to give her soul to a tree so the mountain's grounds could be safe again and the kami who came to rest where she did could be free.
As centuries passed the tree grew like every other but it adapted weird curved, elegant shapes. The monks changed to maidens and priests and they continued to take care of the tree and look after it. Its unique placement drew eyes from all across Karakura and people admired its beauty. The spirits and yokai avoided the area being magically blocked by her magic and she’d encased the area with a safe place for both humans and kami alike. Residents all across Karakura to this day admire the trees uniqueness and elegant colours, some still believing that Karihuema protects these mountains with her magic and the kami alongside it so that they can live on and their magic can help Karakura survive. While after centuries people started to see spirits again the locked souls do not hurt anyone within the trees vicinity.
A group of monks had settled in at the time and had to fight against the yokai that threatened their camp. They’d come over the seas that separated Karakura from the mainland of Japan. Little did the monks know they were helping the kami a great deal with distracting the yokai. The yokai took more interest in the monks that lived in the forest floor, seeing them as easy targets they slowly stopped taking interest in the kami that resided in the lands and turned to the small group of monks. Sometimes the group struggled to keep the yokai down in numbers, constantly there would become too many and overwhelm the group leaving the lead to fret. He then demanded his friends grab their stuff and flee to the mountains where hopefully they could find some peace up on the cliffs away from the yokai. Because of the small nimble bodies of the monks compared to the sheer, heavy size of the yokai the monks were able to escape the dreaded grasp of the monsters who’s weight and body size was too much for the cliff face to hold. They then settled in a small clearing on the side of the mountain's face, then a small settlement was formed where the now standing monastery sat. The monks praised the kami they knew of existing in their religions. They hoped in time that one day they’d be safe from the evil that lurked on the floors of the forests, roaming freely waiting for targets to appear.
These huge cliff faces that towered above the small valley of Karakura blocked the yokai from reaching the monks, while unable to be touched by the monsters they felt unsafe, leading to some choosing to try and fight back, these acts were of throwing small pebbles and stones down at the gaping mouths of the yokai. These choices infuriated the yokai and they became more persistent on scaling the cliff faces to try to reach their chosen prize only to meet their end after the cliff face crumbled under their heavy bodies and they fell to their deaths. Their persistence and distraction to the monks gave the kami across Karakura enough time to rest while some others fought back against the yokai while the ones rested regaining their magic and with the help of the monks and their religious prayers the kami grew stronger. Eventually the kami came back to fight against the yokai and these wars raged on for years, Karihuema one of the many kami of Karakura became drained of her power and she looked to the small village of monks and chose to reside alongside them up on the mountains to rest peacefully. There Karihuema stayed, regaining her powers slowly so that one day she could go back to assist her powerful friends and family that fought against the yokai who invaded Karakura’s forests. However, while she rested atop the mountain slowly healing and helping the local monks in their day to day activities the yokai had chiselled away at the weaker rocks and edges across the mountain and managed to start to make progress up the mountain slowly. They’d learned from their mistakes quite quickly about the dangers they faced climbing and their heavy bodies were not as light as a humans making it harder to scale and having to step carefully around.
While Karihuema rested upon the mountain's face having no real disruptions and the monks darted around doing their daily activities and tasks, the yokai had come in great numbers, teaming up to focus on the large cliff face in hopes to finally reach their prize. The sheer number of yokai crowded in one area overwhelmed the kami and they slowly began to fall away, becoming weak, drained of magic or had lost hope. Hoping that the monks could fend for themselves against the ever raging army of gaping jaws and monstrous faces. Yokai pursued up the mountain like dead, soulless bodies, their minds only in power, teaming up jumping the mountains faces to reach the monks, nothing stopped them, the blood lust for humans and excitement overwhelmed their emotions and they pushed onwards. Karihuema who rested upon the mountain slowly felt the ground shake beneath her and the horrific screams of her human friends crying out broke her from her thoughts of peace. They yelled, yelling the yokai’s names. The snarls and deep yelps of excitement escaped the monsters as they reached the cliff's edge and they scrambled over desperately the smell of blood stronger than ever.
She arose quickly and raced down to the cliff's edge to see the monks fleeing some brave souls staying back to hold the huge beats off. Yokai flooded over the edge like a huge wave rolling over the edge, each of the yokai’s faces determined to wipe out every single monk who resided there on the mountain's face. Karihuema stood watching the chaos unfolding before her, she knew all too well there were too many yokai for her to handle alone and even if she tried would end up with the same result anyway. She stood there, drained of magic and fear slowly setting into her mind and body, her mind racing, thinking of options but knowing that all would lead to the end of her story and the end of her fate. She’d be forgotten in the history of Karakura, the stories and beliefs are the only hope she’d have to keep her spirit alive. But behind the chaos and her racing mind a young sapling caught her eye. The young tree was trying to grow in the clearing so perfectly, tended to by the monks who now were no longer aware it was growing well. The huge feet of the yokai threatened its existence and wouldn't bat an eye to the young soul. But its quaint little size and perfect placing, sat in the middle of the clearing overlooking the cliffs edge and to the forest alone. But also overlooked by the prying eyes of the yokai whose minds were determined to reach something else, then an idea struck Karihuema and she desperately rushed over to the young tree. She knew that with the little magic she had left in her system after fighting the Yokai so many weeks ago she wouldn't be able to live on to protect the monks in a form of freedom. She’d be locked in one place and watch the world develop from where she would forever stay. But knowing that once she’d finished with the tree it would go on to protect the people of Karakura for centuries. She then touched the young tree and dug into the depths of her reserved magic, where she focused it into the tree and smiled, her story had ended. The final of her time as a free kami was ending, she could feel her magic drain and she looked down at the young tree watching it light up. With the last of her magic she infused herself with the young sapling and slowly Karihuema turned transparent and lit up.
A strong burst of light broke the mountain's clearing and the yokai desperately retreated back over the cliff's edge to avoid the magical light that came from the tree. Then when the light had cleared the only thing remaining of Karihuema was the young tree. It stood there alone in the opening perfectly placed and each of its leaves had transformed into buds of a cherry blossom tree. Karihuema had sacrificed her soul and infused it to the young tree so that the monks of the village could live on in peace and free from the yokai’s grasp. When she’d infused herself she’d thrown a magical barrier over the settling. They had helped her and as her repayment to them she’d chosen to give her soul to a tree so the mountain's grounds could be safe again and the kami who came to rest where she did could be free.
As centuries passed the tree grew like every other but it adapted weird curved, elegant shapes. The monks changed to maidens and priests and they continued to take care of the tree and look after it. Its unique placement drew eyes from all across Karakura and people admired its beauty. The spirits and yokai avoided the area being magically blocked by her magic and she’d encased the area with a safe place for both humans and kami alike. Residents all across Karakura to this day admire the trees uniqueness and elegant colours, some still believing that Karihuema protects these mountains with her magic and the kami alongside it so that they can live on and their magic can help Karakura survive. While after centuries people started to see spirits again the locked souls do not hurt anyone within the trees vicinity.
Fish Spirits
Written by Diving
Written by Diving
Kami was a main part of Karakura. They became the living souls that kept the people and their beliefs alive, however, they couldn’t always watch everyone around Karakura, and some sought help from the locals in the areas. These may have been animals or even humans gifted with abilities. These kami would go to these chosen souls and offer them the role, of being able to speak to all living things; the kami each had no issues talking with them. But each had a different story and had a choice to the question. Some agreed while others wished to live normal lives. Those who accepted were granted abilities, this was a tradition amongst the kami.
Kodama had been cursing and blessing those forever by herself. However, it tired her and her magic slowly began to dwell as each curse and blessing bestowed upon the person drained her. One night she wandered down to her tree stump and sat along the bank of the river, her memories of this place hung heavy in the air and Kodama was at peace. The local Koi splashed and swam around the river bank eager to greet a familiar face. Kodama at first didn’t mind the fish however her thoughts clouded her and she looked at the Koi. They sprung happily into the water, and swam freely however were locked under the pond, Kodama then thought about the other kami she shared Karakura with and their animal friends. Ideas sparkled in her mind, and Kodama offered the fish a chance to work with her; they needed to bless and curse people. While some fish rejected the request and wished to just see Kodama, others agreed to help her by cursing and blessing the people of Karakura.
She gave the chosen fish their gifts explaining how they worked. Each fish would find a way to curse people and bless people as a group. They could only choose one's fate when they were in a translucent, spiritual form which was shown to humans as these glowing fish made up of stars. They could choose to go spiritual or stay in a normal form whenever they wished. The fish circled each other and swam happily in the air excited to help her. She then asked how they were to go about cursing people, however, the fish were unsure, talking amongst each other to choose and in the end, they circled Kodama signifying their way of a blessing to someone. Kodama was joyful to see the fish working together and then she asked them about cursing. The Koi again chose to stay focused on each, talking and suggesting ideas with one another before one swam up to Kodama and with a swift movement slapped her across the face with its tail. Taking a moment to register what happened the fish became anxious that maybe they’d overdone it before she laughed. She congratulated them and finalised their plan and told the Koi they may now swim free and help her. The fish bowed to Kodama before taking spiritual form and swimming off into the air to find people to select their fate. Kodama watched peacefully as they swam away and chose to rest after using her magic to give the fish their forms. She sat down by the stump of the old tree and rested hoping to her fish friends they’d help in her aid and make Karakura a safer place.
The fish swam in a school like before, majestically and in big groups. They watched the people of the forests closely looking for their first mission to start and then decided to present themselves to a young group of kids. They sat there quietly in a group speaking the ancient languages of Karakura. Each child was intrigued by what one another had to say and a teacher sat amongst them telling them stories of the kami and yokai that roamed these forests. But those words the teacher spoke were wrong, he spoke lies and untold stories. Blaming Kodama for her actions in making evil souls, and ghosts. The Koi eagerly swam down to them and circled the young group of kids, magic revealed, that those kids were pure of bad and would be blessed for their kind actions. The teacher watched in surprise as the fish circled them and blessed the young children. Then, they watched the teacher closely. He shifted uncomfortably watching the fish as they circled him curiously, looking into his soul, inspecting him. And then a koi swam to his face and slapped him like done with Kodama. The kids laughed hysterically at their teacher who a fish had slapped, he, however, didn't like it and sat there quietly wondering in his thoughts. He called for the students to go back to the village as class was over and got up to follow them knowing that these fish would have a reason to slap him.
After hours of worry and fear the teacher's worries slowly faded. That night when he sat alone that night and stared off at the ceiling before looking down at his hands, they’d caught his attention as they felt weird, lighter than before. And when he looked at them they started to shift and glow becoming translucent, in horror he got up and ran to the village priest. The teacher stumbled and tripped over the small dirt roads and stones, crying out to the priest and waking people in their homes. Hearing his cries for assistance the priest ran out but too slowly. He found nobody there, the air was still and the panicked words of the man who needed help so desperately had stopped. Later on, the villagers found that the man was nowhere to be found and after months the teacher was then deemed missing after desperate searching. The teacher had been cursed to take the restless soul of a ghost, speaking badly of kami was a price to be paid. The people of the village learned about the Koi and spoke of the Koi in a good manner deeming them the little helpers of Kodama and assisting her in her actions and duties as a kami.
Kodama had been cursing and blessing those forever by herself. However, it tired her and her magic slowly began to dwell as each curse and blessing bestowed upon the person drained her. One night she wandered down to her tree stump and sat along the bank of the river, her memories of this place hung heavy in the air and Kodama was at peace. The local Koi splashed and swam around the river bank eager to greet a familiar face. Kodama at first didn’t mind the fish however her thoughts clouded her and she looked at the Koi. They sprung happily into the water, and swam freely however were locked under the pond, Kodama then thought about the other kami she shared Karakura with and their animal friends. Ideas sparkled in her mind, and Kodama offered the fish a chance to work with her; they needed to bless and curse people. While some fish rejected the request and wished to just see Kodama, others agreed to help her by cursing and blessing the people of Karakura.
She gave the chosen fish their gifts explaining how they worked. Each fish would find a way to curse people and bless people as a group. They could only choose one's fate when they were in a translucent, spiritual form which was shown to humans as these glowing fish made up of stars. They could choose to go spiritual or stay in a normal form whenever they wished. The fish circled each other and swam happily in the air excited to help her. She then asked how they were to go about cursing people, however, the fish were unsure, talking amongst each other to choose and in the end, they circled Kodama signifying their way of a blessing to someone. Kodama was joyful to see the fish working together and then she asked them about cursing. The Koi again chose to stay focused on each, talking and suggesting ideas with one another before one swam up to Kodama and with a swift movement slapped her across the face with its tail. Taking a moment to register what happened the fish became anxious that maybe they’d overdone it before she laughed. She congratulated them and finalised their plan and told the Koi they may now swim free and help her. The fish bowed to Kodama before taking spiritual form and swimming off into the air to find people to select their fate. Kodama watched peacefully as they swam away and chose to rest after using her magic to give the fish their forms. She sat down by the stump of the old tree and rested hoping to her fish friends they’d help in her aid and make Karakura a safer place.
The fish swam in a school like before, majestically and in big groups. They watched the people of the forests closely looking for their first mission to start and then decided to present themselves to a young group of kids. They sat there quietly in a group speaking the ancient languages of Karakura. Each child was intrigued by what one another had to say and a teacher sat amongst them telling them stories of the kami and yokai that roamed these forests. But those words the teacher spoke were wrong, he spoke lies and untold stories. Blaming Kodama for her actions in making evil souls, and ghosts. The Koi eagerly swam down to them and circled the young group of kids, magic revealed, that those kids were pure of bad and would be blessed for their kind actions. The teacher watched in surprise as the fish circled them and blessed the young children. Then, they watched the teacher closely. He shifted uncomfortably watching the fish as they circled him curiously, looking into his soul, inspecting him. And then a koi swam to his face and slapped him like done with Kodama. The kids laughed hysterically at their teacher who a fish had slapped, he, however, didn't like it and sat there quietly wondering in his thoughts. He called for the students to go back to the village as class was over and got up to follow them knowing that these fish would have a reason to slap him.
After hours of worry and fear the teacher's worries slowly faded. That night when he sat alone that night and stared off at the ceiling before looking down at his hands, they’d caught his attention as they felt weird, lighter than before. And when he looked at them they started to shift and glow becoming translucent, in horror he got up and ran to the village priest. The teacher stumbled and tripped over the small dirt roads and stones, crying out to the priest and waking people in their homes. Hearing his cries for assistance the priest ran out but too slowly. He found nobody there, the air was still and the panicked words of the man who needed help so desperately had stopped. Later on, the villagers found that the man was nowhere to be found and after months the teacher was then deemed missing after desperate searching. The teacher had been cursed to take the restless soul of a ghost, speaking badly of kami was a price to be paid. The people of the village learned about the Koi and spoke of the Koi in a good manner deeming them the little helpers of Kodama and assisting her in her actions and duties as a kami.
The First Shrine Leads
Written by Diving
Written by Diving
The legends and the kami were the basis of the first clans and peoples of Karakura. Many stories were told about them and they each were unique. However, most of the folklore discovered was linked to one person… one kami by the name of Kodama. Kodama however, while highly praised, wasn't the only kami in Karakura. She, when in human form, worked as a maiden at the monastery and had a close connection to Chiharu-Yamatsumi the kami who protected those mountains. Kodama then when passed took to a goddess form, however who was to take her place as a shrine maiden and share the friendship of the kami if she was no longer around in human form to do so?
Millenia ago the shrine maidens and priests would vote to pick a lead for them. Each lead arose with a great offering and was loyal to the shrines, they each dedicated their lives to the monastery and those who lived around them and highly supported Chiharu. Kodama was believed to be the first sign of a god's creation. The stories told about her beauty and ability to possess miracles was unrivalled. People had sought her help for years before her death. No one understood what had happened to Kodama or where she lay now but the rumours of unnatural beings, ghosts, wandered the earth. A crane with beauty like no other possessing long curved edges with its markings soars the air. And the mystery of the missing sisters hangs over the town.
People of the village believed it was the signs of the kami, their magical presence stronger than ever and testing their abilities. Yet the people who belonged to the shrines believed stronger than ever that the kami were in and around them. Glowing balls of embers in their hearts and dancing in the air they breathed. Chiharu, they believed, having the strongest presence to them like no other. One night Aikawa Akane, a maiden at the shrine, wandered down from the monastery to visit the local river. She sat alongside the rivers bank and listened quietly to nature that surrounded her. Not fair down the bank was the stump at which was where Kodama once lay. Kodama felt the presence of the young maiden and chose to show herself to the young girl. She greeted Aikawa and sat beside her asking questions and talking about her life. While Aikawa answered honestly and talked about how she’d been told the stories about the ghosts and the crane, about Kodama herself and her connection to the land and area around her. Kodama told Aikawa about her past life, and the tales she faced how she now protected the woods and its creatures and her dear friend Chiharu protected the mountains and the shrines that rested upon them. Within the wind the kami speak and in the rivers currents and streams of water they listen. Aikawa agreed with what Kodama said and eagerly told her about her commitment to the shrines. Kodama listened attentively to the young maiden, reminding Kodama of herself when she was human. The commitment, loyalty and friendship she shared with the kami, priests and maidens alike. But the shrines had changed and those who had power didn’t use them correctly, so she told her that they needed to get Chiharu to pick the next lead for the shrines, one who’ll make a better change for the monastery.
That night Aikawa wandered back to the monastery. Her talk with Kodama had opened her eyes to a new vision of the world. She believed that what Kodama had said was truthful and followed with what she could. Falling to sleep she dreamed, and dreamed of Chiharu and Kodama. Their thoughts and feelings, ideas and suggestions for those they believed would be worthy of the new title as shrine lead and plans for the future. Aikawa awoke the next morning to go to meet the rest of the maidens and priests for breakfast. There they settled down and shared tea, and a strong gust of wind ripped through the room and startled the shrine's residents. Chiharu stood there before them and announced her presence. The shrine members were shocked and bowed to Chiharu, they never believed she was real as she never took human form, instead, lay dormant under the shield of the shrines. She announced why she was here and the message from Kodama about the monastery and how it was handled. Then she said she’d be the one to pick the next shrine leads to ensure the safety of the shrines. Scared to argue against Chiharu, the current lead in power agreed to allow Chiharu to pick and they listened to her. Chiharu spoke from heart and spoke about the different tasks and prayers that were important in those times about each kami that resided alongside them. The monastery members agreed to follow in Chiharus rituals and choices to pick the next shrine leader in current time and also the future and generations to come.
Then Chiharu chose to ask Kodama to come and stay in the shrines with her that day and help watch each member and their tasks they did throughout the day. She had high hopes for those who protected the sacred space she’d created and split with Kodama. Chiharu taking over in the morning to midday and Kodama taking the evening to night, then they’d announce who they wished to take the role. Working hard each monastery member tried to show the kami they were a good candidate and Chiharu watched closely at each one. When it was Kodamas turn, Aikawa caught Kodamas eye as a candidate to be the shrine lead. She reminded Kodama of herself so much, her kindness to the people who visited the shrines and her other workers inspired Kodama and she watched closely at the rest of them to see if they’d be other choices too. However at the end of the day Kodama met with Chiharu and they talked for a bit before calling the shrine's members back in to decide. They both earlier had settled to pick Aikawa as the first Shrine lead under Chiharus' watch.
People believed the Mitsune and Kannushi were closer connected to Chiharu and Kodama than the rest. Having that same friendship and support Kodama was once believed to have when she was a maiden. With Chiharu’s presence being stronger than ever resting amongst the shrines and watching over her guardians of these sacred grounds. It's said they’re able to interact and talk with Chiharu when needed. This tradition continued on for years, each time a shrine lead resigned or passed Chiharu would come in and pick a new one to take their place, and to this day it is believed amongst the shrine maidens and priests to still be picked by Chiharu herself but the people outside had forgotten maybe these stories will be unfolded again.
Millenia ago the shrine maidens and priests would vote to pick a lead for them. Each lead arose with a great offering and was loyal to the shrines, they each dedicated their lives to the monastery and those who lived around them and highly supported Chiharu. Kodama was believed to be the first sign of a god's creation. The stories told about her beauty and ability to possess miracles was unrivalled. People had sought her help for years before her death. No one understood what had happened to Kodama or where she lay now but the rumours of unnatural beings, ghosts, wandered the earth. A crane with beauty like no other possessing long curved edges with its markings soars the air. And the mystery of the missing sisters hangs over the town.
People of the village believed it was the signs of the kami, their magical presence stronger than ever and testing their abilities. Yet the people who belonged to the shrines believed stronger than ever that the kami were in and around them. Glowing balls of embers in their hearts and dancing in the air they breathed. Chiharu, they believed, having the strongest presence to them like no other. One night Aikawa Akane, a maiden at the shrine, wandered down from the monastery to visit the local river. She sat alongside the rivers bank and listened quietly to nature that surrounded her. Not fair down the bank was the stump at which was where Kodama once lay. Kodama felt the presence of the young maiden and chose to show herself to the young girl. She greeted Aikawa and sat beside her asking questions and talking about her life. While Aikawa answered honestly and talked about how she’d been told the stories about the ghosts and the crane, about Kodama herself and her connection to the land and area around her. Kodama told Aikawa about her past life, and the tales she faced how she now protected the woods and its creatures and her dear friend Chiharu protected the mountains and the shrines that rested upon them. Within the wind the kami speak and in the rivers currents and streams of water they listen. Aikawa agreed with what Kodama said and eagerly told her about her commitment to the shrines. Kodama listened attentively to the young maiden, reminding Kodama of herself when she was human. The commitment, loyalty and friendship she shared with the kami, priests and maidens alike. But the shrines had changed and those who had power didn’t use them correctly, so she told her that they needed to get Chiharu to pick the next lead for the shrines, one who’ll make a better change for the monastery.
That night Aikawa wandered back to the monastery. Her talk with Kodama had opened her eyes to a new vision of the world. She believed that what Kodama had said was truthful and followed with what she could. Falling to sleep she dreamed, and dreamed of Chiharu and Kodama. Their thoughts and feelings, ideas and suggestions for those they believed would be worthy of the new title as shrine lead and plans for the future. Aikawa awoke the next morning to go to meet the rest of the maidens and priests for breakfast. There they settled down and shared tea, and a strong gust of wind ripped through the room and startled the shrine's residents. Chiharu stood there before them and announced her presence. The shrine members were shocked and bowed to Chiharu, they never believed she was real as she never took human form, instead, lay dormant under the shield of the shrines. She announced why she was here and the message from Kodama about the monastery and how it was handled. Then she said she’d be the one to pick the next shrine leads to ensure the safety of the shrines. Scared to argue against Chiharu, the current lead in power agreed to allow Chiharu to pick and they listened to her. Chiharu spoke from heart and spoke about the different tasks and prayers that were important in those times about each kami that resided alongside them. The monastery members agreed to follow in Chiharus rituals and choices to pick the next shrine leader in current time and also the future and generations to come.
Then Chiharu chose to ask Kodama to come and stay in the shrines with her that day and help watch each member and their tasks they did throughout the day. She had high hopes for those who protected the sacred space she’d created and split with Kodama. Chiharu taking over in the morning to midday and Kodama taking the evening to night, then they’d announce who they wished to take the role. Working hard each monastery member tried to show the kami they were a good candidate and Chiharu watched closely at each one. When it was Kodamas turn, Aikawa caught Kodamas eye as a candidate to be the shrine lead. She reminded Kodama of herself so much, her kindness to the people who visited the shrines and her other workers inspired Kodama and she watched closely at the rest of them to see if they’d be other choices too. However at the end of the day Kodama met with Chiharu and they talked for a bit before calling the shrine's members back in to decide. They both earlier had settled to pick Aikawa as the first Shrine lead under Chiharus' watch.
People believed the Mitsune and Kannushi were closer connected to Chiharu and Kodama than the rest. Having that same friendship and support Kodama was once believed to have when she was a maiden. With Chiharu’s presence being stronger than ever resting amongst the shrines and watching over her guardians of these sacred grounds. It's said they’re able to interact and talk with Chiharu when needed. This tradition continued on for years, each time a shrine lead resigned or passed Chiharu would come in and pick a new one to take their place, and to this day it is believed amongst the shrine maidens and priests to still be picked by Chiharu herself but the people outside had forgotten maybe these stories will be unfolded again.
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