As he returned to Mt. Inari, a thick fog blanketed the mountain. Red maple leaves vied for the same attention as the vibrantly painted torii gates. Sengo's throat constricted. Would Inari-sama let him return to his own time after he had brought shame to himself and his family because had not used the teaching opportunity well? If he could not return...
He shook his head. It can't be helped. But I must ask. The adrenaline from his anger faded. His trembling legs plodded slowly up the stairs. The sun was settling for a rest behind the mountains on the west side of Kyoto. He had no lamp. No food. No money. No water. The only thing he could do was climb and hope Inari would have mercy.
His sandals caught on the stone steps more than once, sending him face-first into the path and the unforgiving stone. With bloodied hands, a parched throat, a growling stomach, trembling legs, and a bruised ego, Sengo reached the top several hours after dark. He bowed before walking under the final torii gate and placed his sword in front of him. Then he knelt at the top step of the highest shrine, spent. Do not let yourself fall over!
"Inari O-kami, I have failed. I am terribly sorry. Please let me return home." Goosebumps formed on his skin as he knelt. He moved to the side, out of the way in case other visitors wished to pray, and waited.
The moon rose and set in the sky. Stars swirled overhead. His stomach tried to gnaw its way out so it could find food. The frigid autumn night made him shiver until he ached so badly he thought he might never be able to move again. Inari-sama must be leaving me to freeze. I was that much of a failure. He scrunched his eyes closed.
An eerie translucent flame shimmered into existence and hovered near him. A hollow voice spoke into the darkness. "Muramasa Sengo." Finally, the barest glow outlined the form of a fox.
The former apprentice's shaking increased, but not from the cold. My judgment.
"Your legacy and all your bladesmithing from now on will be tainted by this bloodthirsty sword you so arrogantly created and intended to shame your master with."
Sengo strained to move. His muscles protested as he rolled to a crouch with his head to the stone slab. "Please. Is there any way I can remove this curse? When I left my master's house, I vowed to apply his quiet way and only focus on my work, not that of others."
"No."
The former apprentice's eyes stung, and a wail escaped his mouth.
"But your grandson will give a sword to the Shogun that completes the unification of Japan. Centuries later your swords and those of your family will be sought after in a war that will result in the rapid modernization that will save this nation." Then the messenger fox's light winked out.
His smithing still had a future? Sengo toppled over as sobs of relief wracked his body. He laid there for how long he knew not.
Finally, a warm light appeared. But it was from the wrong direction to be the rising sun. It grew too quickly, and it bobbed. Sengo looked up as a grey-haired priest in white and purple robes approached carrying a lantern.
The old priest's brows furrowed. "Young man, tell me you did not stay out in this cold overnight? It's almost dawn. Let us get you inside and put some warm food in you."
After Sengo was wrapped in a blanket and his stomach was full, the priest poured him a cup of green tea. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
The former smith apprentice nodded, looking down at the table. "Yes. Though it was months ago."
Recognition lit in the priest's eyes. "You! You were the one I had to shoo from this shrine."
Sengo's shoulders slumped. "Yes. And I am back because I failed. Inari Okami was gracious and granted the answer to my prayer. But I failed, and I need to find my way home again to the right era. If I were the gods, I would leave me lost in the wrong time period."
The priest's eyebrows shot up. "You are in the wrong era? I have heard of Inari Okami granting help to smiths before. But not like this. How can you be sure this happened?"
"I came from the Entoku Era. Masamune lived centuries before me. Yet I had the chance to study under him." Sengo lifted his tea to avoid the priest's gaze.
"Are you sure you didn't dream this, young man? Because we are in the time you say you came from."
Mid-sip, Sengo sputtered. Then his face cracked the widest grin he'd ever had. "You mean I'm home?" He downed the tea and placed the cup back on the table with trembling hands. "Thank you for the meal and tea. And for letting me know Inari-sama answered my prayer, again. Though, I did not deserve a second miracle." It took all his willpower to not just run down the hill. "Let me wash these dishes for you, for it is all I can do to show my thanks."
The old priest shook his head. "You lit up like the rising sun just a moment ago. I suspect you should return home. Your family will be eager to see you."
Sengo bowed his gratitude so many times that the priest said as he returned one final bow, "Go home already young man, my old back can't take more!"
