The River of Forgotten Paths shimmered behind Yuto as the barge glided back toward the city's heart, its currents far less turbulent than before. Above him, the ever-present twilight of the Hidden City was tinged with gold, as if the very air rejoiced in the river's renewed calm. Koma, comfortably sprawled at the bow, wore a rare look of genuine contentment.
"You did more than most, Mediator," said Koma, breaking the silence as they disembarked near a cluster of willow trees. "A yokai's blessing isn't cheaply bought especially not with memory and forgiveness."
Yuto smiled, cradling the origami crane that now radiated gentle silver light. A new resolve blossomed in his chest. For the first time since entering the spirit world, he felt a stability a sense that he could shape the fate of both worlds through courage, kindness, and the rare currency of remembrance.
They walked through winding alleys toward the upper city, passing colorful banners fluttering between low eaves. Spirit vendors shouted morning wares dream-moon pastries, painted masks, petals floating in lacquered bowls but today, their voices carried a new lilt, a soft refrain of hope. A few spirits inclined their heads as Yuto passed, a wordless acknowledgment of the river's peace.
Suddenly, the path split. A low shrine squatted at the intersection, its entrance framed by a torii gate topped with a cunning fox-face emblem. Wisps of blue fire flickered above the stone steps. Koma froze, fur on end. "Foxfire," he whispered. "Where there's foxfire, there are kitsune and not always the friendly kind."
Yuto's heart thudded. The Assembly's quest was complete, but something about the shrine called to him, a magnetic pull blending curiosity and déjà vu. "Should we avoid it?" he asked, his voice low.
Koma hesitated, then shook his head. "No turning aside, not for a true Mediator." He flashed a crooked grin. "Besides, you're too stubborn for that now."
As they approached, the foxfire flared, dancing atop the weathered lanterns and weaving patterns in the morning mist. At the shrine's base, a stone fox with emerald eyes guarded a weathered offering box, its tail curled as if in invitation.
The shrine's door slid open, and a slender kitsune spirit emerged: she wore layered indigo and white robes, her hair shimmering with moonlight strands, fox ears quivering alertly above a delicate, thoughtful face. Her gaze fell on Yuto, sharp and searching.
"You are the new Mediator," she said, her voice carrying the harmony of mocked laughter and wisdom. "I am Rin, shrinekeeper and guide." She bowed, and blue fire flickered at her heels.
Yuto returned her bow clumsily, his cheeks a faint pink. "I—um—yes. My name is Yuto Arai."
Rin regarded the glowing crane in his palm. "You've already made an impact. The river's tears have dried, and the dreams of children grow gentle again. That is no small feat." She stepped aside, gesturing to the shrine. "Come. There's something you must see."
Koma's nose twitched suspiciously, but he followed as Yuto stepped inside. The shrine's interior was intimate, walls lined with paper charms and aged scrolls. Lantern light spilled over a mural ancient, faded, but unmistakably familiar. It depicted a human standing with two spirit companions at the heart of a crossroads: one a sly tanuki, the other a fox with knowing eyes.
Rin traced the mural's curves with a slender finger. "Long ago, another Mediator forged peace beneath this city. He, too, passed the river's trial, but his journey ended in great sorrow. Many believe you are his echo a chance for what was once broken to be mended."
Yuto stared at the painted human and his two spirit friends, a pang of recognition throbbing deep within. "What happened to him?" he asked, voice soft.
Rin's eyes darkened. "He lost himself in the tides of forgetting. When conflict bloomed between fox and tanuki, the city nearly drowned in regret. Old wounds fester still some spirits trust you now, but others will test your resolve. Especially the Assembly's rivals, and especially those marked by loneliness."
Koma bristled, ears flat. "Some of us have longer memories than we want."
Overhead, a burst of blue foxfire cast flickering shadows across the mural. Rin stepped closer to Yuto, her tone gentle. "You must meet the other shrinekeepers, and learn the eightfold mysteries of this city: its alliances, grudges, and the reasons peace is as delicate as lotus smoke. Not all spirits wish for harmony. Some profit by keeping bridges broken."
Yuto took a deep breath, the crane pulsing warmly in his palm. "I'll do whatever I can. The city deserves more than old wounds and forgotten names."
Rin smiled, her fox tails waving softly. "Very well, Yuto Arai. Your next journey begins at sunset, at the foot of the Sky-Bridge. There, the stories of fox, tanuki, and human past will demand their due and perhaps, in facing them, you will find not only answers but new companions for the path ahead."
Outside, Koma grumbled, but Yuto saw a rare glimmer of relief in his friend's eyes. For the first time, he sensed that together spirit, human, and perhaps even fox they might just uncover the secrets that could heal both city and soul.
As they left the shrine, the city thrummed with possibility. Lanterns shimmered anew, and far off, the silhouette of the Sky-Bridge beckoned against the endless dusk.
Yuto lifted his lantern high, hope freshly kindled as he prepared to walk the paths between worlds bringing memory, mercy, and the bright promise of foxfire wherever his footsteps fell.
End of Chapter 10