【Good Leaf】Eclipse of the Crimson Moon

【Moon Prince】

In October of Showa 58 (Note), Tsukimi once again ushered in the day of selecting the officiant priest for the main festival of the Tsukiyue Festival.

The radiant candlelight illuminates the well-versed forest road.The priests who participated in the ceremony gathered inside and outside the Tsukiyomi Shrine, and the candidates waited in the hall of worship.Today's ceremony time has exceeded a little, but still no great priests showed up with the results.

I knelt and sat in a corner of the hall, although my heart was full of anxiety, I tried my best to put on a calm appearance.Ye is not far from me.Looking past several dark gray figures, he glanced secretly, but saw his eyes slightly closed, with a peaceful expression.I don't know if he is really calm or just like me, hiding his inner anxiety.

This phantom shrine in the mezzanine world is called "Tsukuyomi", as its name suggests, it is the existence that has witnessed the changes of the crimson moon in eternal time.

Although Tsukimi has revered Tsukiyomi God (Note) since ancient times, it is actually a general term referring to many gods who are in charge of the dark world.For unknown reasons, Tsukimi failed to leave documents and stories related to the origin of her own destiny, so it is an unanswered question which god should be sacrificed to protect the safety of this land during the festival.So he simply inherited the rules left by his ancestors to sacrifice to all the residents of darkness, and offered sacrifices regularly to appease the seal.

Judging by the luster of Feiyue, the main festival will be held in about a year.So at this moment, the great priests including our grandfather Asakura Yeming and several other Patriarchs are holding the "Moon Meeting Ceremony" in the imperial garden.

The specific method of the ceremony will not be made public, but its content can be roughly estimated.The so-called "seeing" refers to "divination".The great priests will ask the will of God there to determine the candidate for the Son of God.

More than a dozen people in this hall are all candidates for the Son of God this time, but while speculating about the results of the selection, everyone was surprised that Ye and I appeared among the candidates. An adult priest is chosen as the officiant.

Although I have already agreed to "be together forever" with Ye, I can't erase my uneasiness about this upcoming future.Even if I am called a "genius", I also know that my practice and quality are not up to the requirements of the chief priest, and I know that the chance of being selected is very low... But the throbbing echoing in my heart that cannot be calmed down for a long time is like a countdown clock Audible reminder of what's coming...

Who will it be?

A low noise spread through the crowd.I raised my head and saw that the former priest and patriarch was coming in from the main entrance of the worship hall, followed by the rest of the priests.The people who had been waiting in the hall for a long time looked back and forth, as if they wanted to see the result of divination from their expressions.And at that moment, my eyes met with the stern-looking grandpa who was more than ten meters away.

When he saw me, his eyes sank slightly.Although the range of motion is subtle, it has a clear meaning.

Is it the Asakura family?

will it be me?or leaf?

Which one would be easier for me to accept?

It would be better if it was me, right?

I am not afraid of death, but I do not want to be separated from him.The "forever" that Ye said, in my opinion, always carries a little bit of self-consolation.The communication between yin and yang is not an easy daily routine that can be carried out at any time.

I want to always look at his breezy smile, always listen to his soft and leisurely voice, and always feel the warm breath when holding him in my arms... Am I being too greedy?

Just when his thoughts were in chaos, the former chief priest had already started announcing the results of the selection.At that time, I was in a semi-trance state, I didn't even look at Ye's expression, and I couldn't even react as I should immediately when I heard my name, but the crowd immediately burst into surprise.

The three words "Ma Cang Hao" read from the mouth of Zhu Bu Patriarch's mouth sounded very strange.I'm not surprised or nervous, it's just that my mind has jumped to a few seconds before at that moment——

...I don't want to leave Ye!

How can I become a Son of God who abandons everything I own and sacrifices my body and mind to God?How can I be qualified to bear the fate of Yuejian?

Zhubu Patriarch raised his right hand to signal everyone to keep quiet, and the noisy voices finally calmed down a little.The old man looked around at the people with different expressions in the hall, and finally continued to announce:

"...and, Ma Cangye. The above two are the newly elected chief priests."

"what!"

Exclamation blurted out before consciousness, but my voice was quickly drowned out by everyone's voices.Many people around stood up and questioned loudly. I saw that Ye seemed to move too, but finally he knelt and sat on the spot without getting up.He looked at me with puzzlement and surprise on his face.

Even if you don't want to believe it, the result of the selection is an indisputable fact.

But how is this possible?

A large number of people made loud noises in the hall of worship of Tsukiyomi Shrine, ignoring the due etiquette, and several high priests seemed to have expected this situation and did not get angry. They just kept telling everyone to be quiet, but the current situation is not immediate. Can be controlled.

It's never happened...at least in the hundreds of years of records that the Yuwu family can find, there has never been a situation where there are two priests.Is it because of this... The great priests who saw the results of this divination couldn't believe it themselves, so they delayed returning to the worship hall?

"Master Zhubu! Is there really no mistake? Two people can't hold the ceremony!" Someone shouted.All the people present here are above the level of the priest, and the basic requirements for the ceremony have long been clear.There can only be one Miko chosen by the gods. If she is a woman, she is called the "Miko of the Moon", and if she is a man, she is called the "Miko of the Moon". This is a truth and rule recognized by the five schools of thought.But what kind of situation is this now?

"There is no mistake, the result of divination is very clear." Asakura Yeming replied coldly, "No one can interfere with this result, and it cannot be overturned, because Yuejian has always followed the revelation of the moon. of."

"Yes. Our five patriarchs were all present to witness that the result of this divination is valid. It must be carried out no matter what, for the future of Yuejian." The former priest continued with a dignified expression, and the other three patriarchs nodded slightly in agreement , The noise between the banquet finally gradually dissipated.

No one asked again "how to perform the ceremony", since the great priests have all agreed, this will become an established fact.

It is impossible to re-select (note), whether it is good or bad, you can only follow its instructions.Belief and reverence make divination meaningful, and rituals can be recognized by the gods.As for why such a result occurs, everyone has their own speculations in their hearts.From their expressions, I realized very clearly: the worry about whether Ye and I are qualified to be priests is far less than the fear of this sudden change in the future:

Why did you choose those twins?

Could this ominous beginning be a harbinger of disaster?

The next main festival...can it be successfully completed?

★★★

I don't have much memory of how I returned to Asakura's house after that, the selection results occupied all my consciousness, and I couldn't calm down.

The mother who had been waiting at home was also stunned after hearing what grandpa said.Her question is probably the same as what everyone asked before.The never-before-seen divination results caught everyone off guard, not only Grandpa, but other great priests also couldn't explain the reason.

"Anyway, the gods have recognized you as sons of gods. This is the supreme honor of being a priest. I have been practicing all the time to protect Antai in this world with my own hands one day."

Grandpa said so, but his expression was always dignified.He didn't say anything more about the ceremony, he just told us about the arrangements afterwards, and then told us to go to rest.

At that time, Ye seemed to be quieter than usual. He did not participate in our conversation, and his slightly blank eyes looked over the people in front of him to an unknown place.At times like this, however, I was able to see his thoughts more clearly.

Ye has made up his mind to accept his fate, but there is also a look of sadness in the corner of his eyes that cannot be hidden.

The news that the young head priest who was not yet 14 years old was going to serve as the officiant priest quickly spread among the priests of the five families. For a while, various speculations, confusion and even panic grew, and suspicious eyes came from all directions. projected over.Among the elders of the other four families there were voices of opposition, but apart from being dissatisfied, no one could think of a way to counter the results of the divination, so they had to keep silent.

Even so, the first ceremony was held as scheduled.

When the snow fell heavily at the beginning of that year, Yeh and I stepped out of the main house of Asakura, dressed in priestly attire, and walked along the decorated mountain path to the entrance of the Forbidden Forest. The great priests were waiting in the Tsukiyomi Shrine.Along the way, in addition to the escorting priest team, there were also many ordinary townspeople and believers.They didn't understand the meaning of this ceremony, they only thought it was an ordinary ceremony.

Dafeng Mountain has always set up a barrier to prevent outsiders from entering and leaving, so in fact, there is no need for priests to guard it, and ordinary people will not see the moment we step into another world.

Before crossing the shimenawa rope (note) surrounding the towering giant tree at the entrance, Ye stopped and looked up at the gray sky, and I couldn't help but follow his gaze.

Through the cover of the layers of branches and leaves, the sky above the open space that can only accommodate a dozen people is so narrow and low, as if it will fall at any time.The cold snowflakes fell powerlessly between the raindrops, and the gloomy sky made them even more dim, without the light and flawless feeling of Feixue.The snow hadn't piled up yet, and the winter forest looked extremely bleak. In this weather, not only were there no birds, but even the chirping of insects and the sound of the wind were swallowed up by the dead silence.

But even this bleak scene reminds us of the bright sunshine behind the thick clouds, and the birds soaring freely in the warm wind.

I am about to bid farewell to this world and the land where I was raised, and enter the world under the crimson moon. I don't know if I will have a chance to come back after this trip.Even if he could come back, there would probably be only one person.

According to the great priests, they will try divination again when the officiant priest's practice is halfway through, hoping to get more revelations about the details of the ceremony by then.At that time, it should be clear which of us the Tsuki no Miko is, and then the ceremony will be held as usual.

At least, in this last time, Ye and I can be together.What more could one wish for?Is this considered the greatest blessing that the gods have bestowed on us?

Can I use this year to let myself accept the separation from him?

Feeling the silent sigh that I uttered, I couldn't help but feel a deep sadness in my heart.At this time, I still have such selfish thoughts that I am really not qualified to take on the role of the Son of God, but even if I realize this, I still can't stop thinking about it.

"Brother?" Ye whispered in his ear, "Why...?"

Immediately, I looked away and turned to him, and found that Ye and the accompanying priests were all looking at me.

"It's okay. Let's go." I smiled at him lightly, and then stepped into the world opposite Shimenawa.

Ye can hide his emotions at any time, and only show his leisurely side to others. As his brother, I naturally have no reason to fall behind him.

The current me is "Hiroshi Asakura", the heir of the Asakura family, the chief priest, and the son of the moon.My duty is to guard the seal of the gate of the underworld, to protect Yuejian and even the wider world.Any thought that would interfere with this priesthood is an obstacle that must be removed, because one of us must dedicate everything to the "God" who does not know where and what to do, in order to protect children I do not understand. people and this cursed land.

Yes, I have always been indifferent to the present world I live in. The things that make me feel endless anxiety and turn into the source of power are just the illusions I saw when I was born. This is the biggest difference between me and Ye. different.If Tsukimi is an alien being isolated from the whole world, then I am an alien among the many priests of the Yuwu Family.He couldn't face his priesthood as simply and frankly as Ye, and couldn't take protecting the seal as his goal.

When Ye was growing up steadily, my sight deviated from the direction indicated by the road sign.I have been chasing an untouchable phantom with an unknown body, trapped and confused by it.That invisible existence has been trying to tell me something since a long time ago. Although I still don't know what it is, there is a strong ominous premonition entrenched in the depths of my consciousness, urging the agitation of the deep understanding, It makes me feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff, blown tottering by the wind from the abyss.

I stared into the darkness, and the darkness stared back at me.

At that time, I strongly felt that this is my destiny.

★★★

Tsukiyomi Shrine, which I only visited a few times for important ceremonies, is now a place where Ye and I will temporarily live for a year.

This is the kingdom of eternal night, where the breathtakingly magnificent crimson moon hangs in the dark sky, and everything is shrouded in a warm crimson luster.At first glance, you may be amazed by this superb view, but facing it day and night, you will only feel restless.

Red, like fire, like blood.However, this crimson against the background of the real night will never make people feel the enthusiasm of life, but only reminds people of the loneliness of death.

During this year, we will complete the practice related to the main sacrifice.The representatives of the priests of the five families will guide us from the sidelines, but we are already the chief priests at this moment. In terms of rank, we are the highest priests higher than the grand priests. Things that are contrary to the purpose are basically unrestricted in action.

The outskirts of the shrine, including the torii, are slightly dilapidated, because the flow of spiritual power that makes up the mezzanine world is slowly changing.The main building in the middle part is still intact, revealing a sense of endless vicissitudes but majesty under the shadow of the moonlight.The place of practice depends on the content of the practice. Meditation is often in the hall of worship, most of the practice of spells is in the forbidden forest or imperial garden, and rest is in the sleeping hall on the right side of the hall of worship.

Except for the practice and teaching period, in addition to the priest on duty in the shrine, there are only a few servants who take care of our daily life. Most of the time, it is so quiet that even the sound of breathing can be clearly heard.When the real night (note) comes, and the servants finish their service and salute and retire, only the two of us brothers are left in the huge sleeping hall.

This short and unrestricted happy time will never be forgotten by Ye and I.Finally, without carefully avoiding other people's eyes and guesses, they hugged each other and fell asleep until morning.

The Land of Evernight has always maintained a temperature that is not too high, cooler than late autumn and slightly warmer than cold winter.Once a person falls asleep, he will be gradually eroded by the cold dew that seeps into the room, and the leaves will gradually shrink into a warm ball, clinging to me.

When the servants outside knock on the paper door to wake us up, I can always see him slowly opening his amber eyes, blinking lazily and smiling at me.It was a light that was brighter than the morning light at dawn, piercing through the endless night, and enveloping me incomparably softly.

The more addicted, the more disturbed.

For the irresistible torrent of fate, he and I both chose to deal with it with an indifferent attitude.Even if he once disapproved of Ye's "forever", now he has to try to believe that such "forever" really exists.

Overcoming the barriers of this world and the eternal world, even the underworld, "forever" that cannot be terminated even by death.

Ye and I have already agreed that even if one of us becomes the Son of God, we will always guard the place closest to the "gate".As long as the soul exists, it will never be separated.

★★★

Half a year passed in a blink of an eye.

Perhaps, "flying away" is not enough to describe my feelings.Since I was born, the most restless days, but at the same time enjoying another kind of peace of mind, are fleeting.

The great priests held the moon meeting ceremony again, hoping to get a clearer candidate for the officiant.

Ye has never stopped practicing selflessly since he first participated in the Dark Sacrifice. He became a puppeteer and studied puppetry in order to protect more innocents.In fact, he has indeed become an excellent priest, whether it is spells or spirit removal, he is among the best among priests, but I have gone further than him.

Today, I am one of the most powerful conjurers recognized by the Imperial Five Schools. No one around Yuejian can cast advanced spells faster than me. I have almost all the forbidden spells in Super. master.To put it bluntly, even if it ranks among all Japanese magicians, it is still considered to be at the forefront.I don't like melee combat, but that doesn't mean I haven't practiced martial arts.However, usually the results can be seen without me moving my body. The only person who has seen me use physical skills is probably Ye, who often practices with me besides my mentor.

Only by constantly becoming stronger can he fulfill his mission as a priest.Ye is the most important half of my body along the way, but it is also my biggest opponent.I have to be stronger than him, not only because of the shadows that keep me in trouble, but because I am his older brother.In fact, among the five who had no choice but to accept the results of the divination, the voice that I was more qualified to be the chief priest did prevail.

The gods will definitely select the best suitable person as the son of God, so I must be stronger than anyone else, so I will definitely be selected as the chief priest.

In order to achieve this goal, almost all the practice I have done in the past six months has nothing to do with mantras, but to practice faith and purify the body and mind.I believe that as long as I can get rid of distracting thoughts, I am fully qualified to be the officiant.

While I was confidently waiting for the result, the grandfather and several other family heads who returned from the ceremony returned to the worship hall where we were waiting with solemn expressions.

Ye Xiang and I looked at each other full of doubts, and the result would only be a choice between the two of us. For half a year, not only us, but everyone in the Ma Cang family should have calmed down and made preparations for the main festival, grandpa He shouldn't show this expression again at this moment.

Waiting for him to tell the result of the divination, unexpectedly, he sighed and asked slowly:

"Okay... and Ye, do you guys... know about 'Zhi Sacrifice'?" (Note)

The white light that flashed in my mind for a moment made my thinking stagnate.The bone-chilling chill that surged from the soles of the feet hurt the nerve endings, and in a daze, he clearly felt that the blood in his whole body seemed to be flowing backwards, but his heartbeat became more and more violent.

The moment grandpa said that taboo word, I suddenly understood.

This is not fate, nor is it an oracle...

This is just the prelude to the end—

A sad story that has lasted for hundreds or even thousands of years is finally coming to an end.

Note: Showa 58 is 1983 AD.

Note: Tsukiyomi, the child of Izanaki, the main god of Japanese mythology, was appointed as the moon god, in charge of the dark world.

Note: Students who are interested in this point can refer to divination information.What is more interesting is that no matter in the East or the West, fortunetellers are not allowed to perform divination on a certain matter more than once, otherwise the divination will be invalid. This should be regarded as a respect for divination and gods.

Note: In Shinto thought, crossing the shimenawa rope or Jizo means crossing the boundary delineated by the enchantment.The boundary between the permanent world and the secular world here is the boundary delineated by Shimenawawa.

Note: The real night corresponds to the night period of the present world, because the mezzanine world is always in the dark night.

Note: Zhiji, this setting refers to Zero-Red Butterfly, which is a ceremony completed by Gemini Miko/Oiko.