INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(606, 1, '2009-06-10 10:44:36', '2009-06-10 01:44:36', '', 'Impossibilities', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '605-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:44:36', '2009-06-10 01:44:36', '', 605, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/605-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(607, 1, '2009-09-01 00:00:51', '2009-08-31 15:00:51', 'The doorbell rang, cutting off any further discussion. Akiko was quite surprised to see Noriko Yamanaka standing there, again dressed in a formal kimono.\r\n\r\n“Good morning. I hoped that I would be able to offer my respects to the kami this morning.â€\r\n\r\n“Ah, of course.â€ Shiraishi also sounded a bit surprised. “If you wish, you may join us for the morning offerings.â€\r\n\r\n“I should be delighted to do so.â€ Ms Yamanaka bowed again, and Akiko bowed back, as did Shiraishi. Ms Yamanaka was certainly very polite, but Akiko wasn’t at all sure of her motives. Mr Fujimura’s statements were still fresh in Akiko’s mind, and made her worry over whether Ms Yamanaka had similar opinions.\r\n\r\nStill, that didn’t make it any harder to carry out the morning ceremonies. As they were gathering the necessary equipment, Shiraishi muttered to Akiko,\r\n\r\n“Just the goshintai and the iwakura.â€ Akiko nodded. Drawing attention to Mr Takenaka’s shrine didn’t seem like a good idea, and the sacred tree was a bit too mysterious to expose to just any visitor.\r\n\r\nMs Yamanaka was a model participant in the rituals, offering her tamagushi, sacred sakaki branch, in the correct way and, Akiko thought, possibly getting the bowing and clapping more right than Akiko herself did. She said nothing during the ceremonies, and afterwards simply thanked them, wished them well, and handed over her offering, in an envelope with very nice calligraphy on the front.\r\n\r\nAkiko and Shiraishi watched her go, but as she started down the steps, someone else bounded into view.\r\n\r\nKazumi. Akiko noticed immediately that, while her skirt was still short, she was wearing tracksuit bottoms underneath it. The girl came running over to them, grinning.\r\n\r\n“Hiya! Hey, Akiko, is this all right?â€ She grabbed the hem of her skirt, lifting it up so that Akiko could see the trousers. Akiko, fighting hard to suppress giggles, nodded, to give herself time to get enough composure to speak.\r\n\r\n“Yes, Ms Miura, that’s fine. Thank you.â€ Kazumi smiled again, dropping her skirt.\r\n\r\n“Great! I didn’t want to get it wrong. Oh! Should I have done the o-mairi first?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, yes, but…â€ Shiraishi began, but she was cut off.\r\n\r\n“Oops! Be right back!â€ Kazumi ran across the shrine grounds to the water basin, purifying herself and then going to the usual spot to bow and clap.\r\n\r\n“It’s a lot better with the trousers,â€ Shiraishi murmured to Akiko. “What is it with that girl?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko nodded in agreement, but she didn’t have an answer to the question. She had even less answer when Kazumi came back to them to hand over another five hundred yen.\r\n\r\n“Ah,â€ Shiraishi said, “far be it from me to discourage you, but five yen is the traditional offering.â€\r\n\r\n“Really? But…â€ Kazumi glanced round the shrine. “That doesn’t seem… right.â€ Akiko was on the verge of asking whether Kazumi could see the kami, when the girl rushed on. “No, I think five hundred is OK. Anyway, gotta go to school.â€ She pulled a face, suggesting that she wasn’t happy at the idea, and waved to them as she ran for the stairs.\r\n\r\n“I don’t understand either of them,â€ Shiraishi remarked as soon as Kazumi had gone.\r\n\r\n“Me neither,â€ Akiko said, “but I understand Kazumi less.â€\r\n\r\n“Mm.â€ Shiraishi looked in the envelope Ms Yamanaka had left, and showed Akiko the ten thousand yen note. “Ms Yamanaka may be better for the shrine, though.â€', 'Morning Visitors', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'morning-visitors', '', '', '2009-09-01 06:35:02', '2009-08-31 21:35:02', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=607', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(608, 1, '2009-06-10 10:45:23', '2009-06-10 01:45:23', '', 'Morning Visitors', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '607-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:45:23', '2009-06-10 01:45:23', '', 607, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/607-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(609, 1, '2009-09-02 00:00:36', '2009-09-01 15:00:36', 'When Shiraishi and Akiko returned to the house after performing the morning ceremonies at the tree, they could hear a commotion from the foot of the steps. More of the protesters seemed to have arrived since Kazumi and Ms Yamanaka had been through, and they were now arguing with someone who wanted to come in.\r\n\r\n“Put everything in the office,â€ Shiraishi said, putting her load down in the entrance hall. “I’ll go to see who it is.â€\r\n\r\nBy the time Akiko reached the top of the steps everything was quiet. Looking down, she could see Shiraishi walking up accompanied by a middle-aged man, and the protesters gathered at the bottom, looking rather sullen.\r\n\r\n“Mr Yamamoto, this is Akiko Tanahata, the shrine’s miko.â€ Shiraishi introduced Akiko to the man as soon as she reached the shrine grounds. “Ms Tanahata, this is Mr Yamamoto, one of the shrine’s ujiko.â€ Akiko bowed to him, and he bowed in return.\r\n\r\n“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms Tanahata.â€\r\n\r\n“The pleasure is mine. I hope that we can be of service.â€\r\n\r\n“Please,â€ Shiraishi said, “this way.â€ She led the way into the house, and had Mr Yamamoto sit in the reception room. When Akiko got back with the tea, they were still talking about the weather. Shiraishi gestured for Akiko to stay, and offered Mr Yamamoto the sweets. He took one, placing it by his tea, and then fell silent.\r\n\r\n“How can we help you, Mr Yamamoto?â€\r\n\r\nHe looked up, glanced at Akiko, and then seemed to make a decision.\r\n\r\n“First, I have to apologise for neglecting the shrine.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi bowed slightly, making non-committal noises.\r\n\r\n“No, really. I… I made a mistake. You have to understand,â€ Mr Yamamoto went on, talking rather quickly, “that things were not easy. There were several people on the residents’ committee speaking out against the shrine, including Mr Akiyama, and he’s my daughter’s headmaster. I really didn’t think I could go against him, which was why I’ve been staying away from the shrine.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko glanced at Shiraishi; the priest looked shocked. It seemed that this was news to her, although Akiko had to admit that it made sense given what had been going on.\r\n\r\n“Anyway,â€ Mr Yamamoto continued, “I’m sure that Mr Akiyama won’t do anything to my daughter just because I’ve come back here, and… and I was hoping that you would be able to do something about the bad luck we’ve been having.â€ He sounded very embarrassed as he finished, and he wasn’t looking at them. Akiko could sympathise. Admitting that you actually believed in the kami wasn’t a terribly easy thing to do, as she could testify from experience.\r\n\r\nShiraishi just nodded, calmly.\r\n\r\n“We can perform a harae,â€ she said, “and that should purify you of anything that is causing bad luck. We could also do a ceremony for the safety of your family.â€\r\n\r\n“Yes!â€ Mr Yamamoto sounded very eager. “And for safe journeys? I’ve really started worrying about Mirai’s journeys to and from school.â€\r\n\r\n“Of course. Would you like to bring your family here for the ceremony?â€\r\n\r\n“Actually,â€ Mr Yamamoto dropped his voice, as if he didn’t want to be overheard, “I’m worried that our house is cursed. Could you come and purify it?â€\r\n\r\n<em>It quite likely is,</em> Akiko thought, remembering the prevalence of kegare across the city, and Shiraishi also quickly agreed.\r\n\r\n“We should do the ceremony while your whole family is there. Would this evening be suitable?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, yes. Thank you. Well, then. I will expect you later. Thank you again.â€\r\n\r\nAfter they had seen Mr Yamamoto off, Shiraishi turned to Akiko, her face dark.\r\n\r\n“Just how long have people been campaigning against the shrine?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko, of course, had no idea.', 'Yamamoto Ujiko', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'yamamoto-ujiko', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:46:05', '2009-06-10 01:46:05', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=609', 0, 'post', '', 6);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(610, 1, '2009-06-10 10:45:59', '2009-06-10 01:45:59', '', 'Yamamoto Ujiko', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '609-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:45:59', '2009-06-10 01:45:59', '', 609, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/609-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(611, 1, '2009-09-03 00:00:11', '2009-09-02 15:00:11', '“There are a lot of them down there today,â€ Akira said as he came into the shrine. “Anything special going on?â€ Akiko looked at him for a moment, and then shook her head.\r\n\r\n“Not really. Mr Yamamoto came this morning, but there’s not been anyone else since.â€\r\n\r\n“Hmm. Maybe a lot of them had free time today. Anyway, they did seem to be just hanging around there, so maybe it’s nothing to worry about. How are you, anyway?â€\r\n\r\n“Me? Oh, I’m fine.â€ She was, as well. Provided she kept busy, so that she didn’t remember the vision, she felt great. All her exhaustion seemed to have vanished, something that she suspected was due to the vision. <em>Not worth it,</em> she thought, and quickly tried to take her mind off it. “How are you?â€\r\n\r\n“Not too bad, thank you for asking. Work is holding up, which is good, and I’m steadily getting a better grip on how everything functions. Give it another six months and I might actually be running the company, rather than just following lots of advice.â€ He grinned, blushing slightly. Akiko smiled, and nodded. It did sound like things were going quite well for him. “Actually,â€ he continued, “I was just wondering…â€\r\n\r\nAt that moment, Shiraishi appeared, with the equipment for the ceremony.\r\n\r\n“Ah, Akira. Thanks for coming again. I’m sorry we have to keep asking you.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, really, it’s a pleasure.â€ Akiko was sure he looked at her as he said that.\r\n\r\n“Well, thank you anyway,â€ the priest replied. “Akiko, could you take this pile down to the car, please? See you later, Akira.â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, take care.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko picked up her pile and, with a quick smile for Akira, headed for the exit, followed by Shiraishi.\r\n\r\nAt the top of the steps, she paused, looking down. There were a lot more protesters than normal and, while they were quiet at the moment, they were lined up along the sides of the steps; there was barely room to walk down the middle. Akiko could see Mrs Watanabe, and some other familiar faces, including Naoyuki, but Mr Akiyama wasn’t there. She started to feel nervous, and glanced at Shiraishi. The priest also didn’t look pleased.\r\n\r\n“Well, I guess we’re going to have to walk down the centre. I’ll go first.â€\r\n\r\nAs soon as she set foot on the steps, the protesters started chanting.\r\n\r\n“Shinto: NO! Fascism: NO!â€\r\n\r\nDoing her best to ignore them, Akiko followed after Shiraishi.\r\n\r\nWhen they reached the highest protesters, Akiko realised that there really was only barely enough room to walk down. She tried to pull herself in, make herself smaller, but she couldn’t help brushing against them.\r\n\r\nThe first push came a couple of steps down. It wasn’t very strong, and Akiko easily kept her balance. She kept her eyes forward, refusing to acknowledge it, but then she was pushed again on the next step. This time she did glance to the side, and the protester there was glaring at her, her face angry. Akiko looked back to the front.\r\n\r\nThe next push was quite strong, knocking her into the protester on the other side, who pushed again. She lost her balance, and dropped her pile as she flung her arms, grabbing onto the protesters, who pushed her off, and finally stumbling against Shiraishi’s back. The priest, fortunately, did not fall.\r\n\r\nGrateful that she hadn’t been carrying anything fragile, Akiko began gathering the scattered objects. The protesters were not helpful, but at least they had stopped pushing.\r\n\r\nAt the bottom of the steps, they passed Ms Yamanaka, still in her kimono, an expression of shock on her face.', 'Verging on Violence', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'verging-on-violence', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:46:51', '2009-06-10 01:46:51', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=611', 0, 'post', '', 6);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(612, 1, '2009-06-10 10:46:39', '2009-06-10 01:46:39', '', 'Verging on Violence', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '611-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:46:39', '2009-06-10 01:46:39', '', 611, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/611-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(613, 1, '2009-09-04 00:00:58', '2009-09-03 15:00:58', '“What do they think they are doing?â€\r\n\r\nOnce they were in the car, Akiko felt safe letting her anger out.\r\n\r\n“Trying to close the shrine down.â€ Shiraishi sounded less angry, more resolved. “I’m not going to let them.â€\r\n\r\n“No, of course not. But we can’t let them block the entrance like that.â€\r\n\r\n“No. And pushing you was assault, surely.â€\r\n\r\n“Do we call the police?â€\r\n\r\n“Can you remember who pushed you?â€ The priest glanced briefly across at her, and Akiko shook her head.\r\n\r\n“I wasn’t paying attention to that.â€\r\n\r\n“I didn’t think so… So we probably can’t go to the police.â€ She paused for a moment. “Maybe I should ask Tamao to curse them.â€ It didn’t entirely sound like a joke, and for a moment Akiko thought it was a good idea. Then she remembered some of the things that had happened when Mr Takenaka was cursing the area.\r\n\r\n“Ah, I don’t think that’s a good idea. We don’t actually want to kill any of them. Right?â€\r\n\r\n“I wasn’t <em>entirely</em> serious, Akiko. Admittedly, largely because I agree with you that Tamao would probably take it too far rather than because I wouldn’t like to do it. No, we’ll have to think of something else. Well, this is the house,â€ Shiraishi said, as she brought the car to a stop. “How does it look?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko looked out of the window, shifting her vision to look at kegare, and shuddered.\r\n\r\n“Bad,â€ she said. There was a worm-thing wrapped around the house, one end splitting into a dozen blind heads, all of which were probing at the windows and doors, trying to get in. It didn’t seem to have noticed them, though. “I think a purification would be a very good idea.â€\r\n\r\nInside the house, Mr Yamamoto introduced his wife and daughter. All of them were heavy with kegare, but the daughter, who looked about ten, was covered with what looked like cockroaches, and she kept flinching as if she could feel it when they bit at her. When she turned to walk into the living room, the spirits surged around and under her feet, biting at her legs and ankles and making her stumble. Akiko tried to keep her face under control, but she looked at Shiraishi, and shook her head slightly. The priest nodded, and led the way into the living room.\r\n\r\nTo Akiko’s eyes, the walls were full of narrow gashes, surrounded by fungi, and from which dozens of cockroaches appeared to scuttle all over the walls, before vanishing into another gap. A thumping sound drew her attention to the window, and she could see the worm thing outside, trying to get in.\r\n\r\nThe roaches scattered as they set up the himorogi, and then rushed for the gaps in the walls as Shiraishi began the norito. The fungi seemed to catch fire in the light that washed from the ohnusa, and Akiko saw the worm thing outside flinch back, its skin smoking. She glanced back at the family, and the roaches were pouring off the daughter, running for cover, even as limbs dropped from them, as their bodies fell apart, becoming dry husks that eroded to dust.\r\n\r\nAs Shiraishi intoned the prayer for safety, Akiko saw auras of light settle around the family, and for a moment she thought she saw a glittering, many-coloured snake within them, but it was gone before she could be sure. The wounds in the walls were healed, and the worm had apparently vanished.\r\n\r\nThe girl looked a lot happier when they had finished, and even asked Akiko what it was like being a miko. Then she blushed, and beckoned her closer.\r\n\r\n“Is it true you don’t wear knickers?â€ she whispered.\r\n\r\n“No,â€ Akiko replied. <em>Oh, for crying out loud! Has everyone heard that story?</em>', 'Purifying the Yamamotos', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'purifying-the-yamamotos', '', '', '2009-09-04 07:30:40', '2009-09-03 22:30:40', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=613', 0, 'post', '', 4);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(614, 1, '2009-06-10 10:47:24', '2009-06-10 01:47:24', '', 'Purifying the Yamamotos', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '613-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:47:24', '2009-06-10 01:47:24', '', 613, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/613-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(615, 1, '2009-09-05 00:00:46', '2009-09-04 15:00:46', 'Akiko checked the house again from the outside, confirming that it looked to be clear of kegare. Shiraishi checked the envelope when they got in the car, and whistled quietly.\r\n\r\n“Fifty thousand,â€ she said. “Mr Yamamoto is obviously serious about making up for neglecting us.â€\r\n\r\n“What do you mean?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, that’s about as much as he would normally have given to the shrine over the last few months, while he has been avoiding us. I wonder whether the ceremony was just an excuse?â€\r\n\r\n“I don’t think so,â€ Akiko said. “The kegare was really bad.â€\r\n\r\n“Hm. Well, in any case, a good thing.â€ Akiko had to agree, but she had another question.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, the girl, Mirai, asked me whether it was true that miko didn’t wear knickers.â€ The priest started laughing as she turned the ignition. “It’s not funny! I don’t want people thinking I’m going commando under here.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, Akiko. It’s a very memorable rumour, that’s all. Although,â€ she suddenly became serious, “I wonder whether someone has been spreading it deliberately? It would put a lot of girls off asking for a job as a miko, which wouldn’t help the shrine.â€\r\n\r\n“It would, yes.â€ Akiko thought for a moment. “Well, possibly not Kazumi.â€ The priest laughed again.\r\n\r\n“No, possibly not her. Oh, no.â€ Akiko looked forward again, at the crowd gathered at the foot of the steps to the shrine. There were a lot of them, and there seemed to be an argument going on. Shiraishi pulled the car over to the side of the road. “We’d better see what’s going on.â€\r\n\r\nThere was an argument going on, but it died down as people noticed Shiraishi and Akiko approaching, and turned to stare at them, the protesters with hostility, but a significant group with what looked like relief. Akiko didn’t think she recognised any of them, but looking up, she saw Akira standing on the steps, above the protesters, and he was looking at her with what was definitely relief. She smiled and nodded her thanks, while Shiraishi greeted the non-protesters by name. <em>Ujiko, perhaps?</em> Akiko wondered.\r\n\r\nShiraishi turned back to the protesters.\r\n\r\n“What is going on here?â€\r\n\r\n“We are just putting forward our point of view.â€ It was one of the men who answered, and, looking around, Akiko realised that Mrs Watanabe wasn’t there.\r\n\r\n“And what would that be?â€\r\n\r\n“That people should not be worshipping at the shrine.â€\r\n\r\n“Fine. You’ve put your point to them. Now get out of their way.â€\r\n\r\n“It’s not that simple. For the sake of the nation, for the sake of the world, we have to fight for our position.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi started laughing, and the man looked rather shocked. It clearly wasn’t the reaction her was expecting.\r\n\r\n“For the sake of… the world?â€ Shiraishi drew a deep breath, and shook her head, still grinning. “Come <em>on</em>. This is a small local shrine in Kawasaki. Nothing that happens here is going to have any influence on the world. Do you really think it’s worth fighting over? Breaking the law over?â€\r\n\r\nThe protesters looked a bit sheepish, as if they had also realised that the claim was ridiculously over-inflated. Shiraishi looked at all of them, and then pressed her point.\r\n\r\n“The steps are shrine property. You’re all trespassing. Are you going to move before I call the police?â€\r\n\r\n“You can’t beat us this easily!â€ the man said, but he was getting off the steps, along with the others, and the ujiko were starting to make their way up. Shiraishi passed the car keys to Akiko.\r\n\r\n“Can you park it and bring the things up while I deal with the ujiko?â€ She didn’t stop for an answer, but fortunately Akira had come down the steps, and took the car keys from her.\r\n\r\n“I remember that you can’t drive.â€\r\n\r\nAs the protesters stared sullenly at them, Akiko was also glad not to have been left alone.', 'Argument at the Shrine', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'argument-at-the-shrine', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:48:14', '2009-06-10 01:48:14', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=615', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(616, 1, '2009-06-10 10:48:09', '2009-06-10 01:48:09', '', 'Argument at the Shrine', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '615-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:48:09', '2009-06-10 01:48:09', '', 615, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/615-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(617, 1, '2009-09-06 00:00:21', '2009-09-05 15:00:21', 'The protesters did nothing but watch Akiko and Akira as they unloaded the car and carried things back to the shrine, for which Akiko was very grateful. Back in the house, Akira put his load down, and then stood, slightly awkwardly.\r\n\r\n“Thanks,â€ Akiko said, but Akira still didn’t say anything, or leave, and he wasn’t looking at her. Akiko realised that he wanted to say something, but she couldn’t think of a good question to ask, so she just waited.\r\n\r\n“Akiko! Could you bring some tea?â€ Shiraishi called to her from inside the house, and, with a smile and bow of apology to Akira, she turned and called back.\r\n\r\n“Of course.â€\r\n\r\n“Well, see you soon,â€ Akira said, as he turned to go.\r\n\r\n“Yes, take care.â€ He just nodded, and Akiko stood for a moment, looking after him, wondering what he had wanted to say. Something about his father? But Shiraishi and the ujiko were waiting, and she had to hurry to the kitchen to make the tea.\r\n\r\nThe ujiko were there to have a ceremony performed, so as soon as they had drunk their tea they were back out in the shrine precincts, setting the himorogi up in the rapidly fading light and performing a harae and prayer for family safety and business success. Akiko saw that the ujiko had a lot of kegare before the purification, but there was nothing remarkable about it, not given how much of it there was around. After the ceremony, Akiko still felt alert, hardly tired at all, even though she wasn’t sure that she had slept at all. She didn’t anticipate any problems with the watch duty in the first part of the night.\r\n\r\nShe wasn’t tired, that was certainly true. But with nothing to demand her attention, her gaze kept drifting back to the iwakura, and her mind back to what had happened the previous night. She forced herself to look away, desperate not to draw the kami’s attention again, but she couldn’t shut the memory out of her mind. She couldn’t sit still in the office, but when she went outside her stomach lurched in fear, and she couldn’t make herself take another step, go any closer to the iwakura.\r\n\r\nIn the end, she found herself making endless cups of green tea, and thus spending an inordinate amount of time in the toilet. Still, it kept her mind off the iwakura, and when Shiraishi came in the early hours to relieve her, she went to bed hoping that she would sleep.\r\n\r\nShe woke with no memory of falling asleep, from a dream in which she had forgotten to put any knickers on under her miko’s vestments.\r\n\r\n<em>Well, at least that one wasn’t a message from the kami,</em> she thought, wryly, as she tried to get comfortable and fall asleep again. She felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to get up, and put on her miko’s vestments. For a while she lay still, fighting it, but it only got stronger, and, with a sigh, she got out of bed. Carefully putting on knickers first, she dressed in the vestments, and picked up the kagurasuzu from the office as she made her way out of the house and into the shrine grounds.\r\n\r\nThe grounds were lit by the pulsing red light coming from the iwakura, and Akiko flinched back as she felt the warmth coming off it. Tamao was also there, coiled around the iwakura, looking at her.\r\n\r\n“Do not fear, Bright Child.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko realised that Tamao was between her and the iwakura, protecting her from it, preventing her from being sucked in. She quickly knelt, bowing, clapping, and bowing.\r\n\r\n“Lord Tamao, what do you want me to do?â€ She hardly dared hope for a straight answer, but she figured that it was worth a try.\r\n\r\n“Watch the gate.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko turned to face the entrance to the shrine. There was no gate, of course, as they still hadn’t been able to replace the torii, but it was clear what Tamao had meant. The red light from behind her got stronger, as did the heat, and Akiko could feel sweat start to run down her back. Her stomach fluttered, but she remembered Tamao, between her and the stones, and forced herself to calm down.\r\n\r\nThen something appeared outside the gate, above the steps, flying, like a bat with tattered wings, a tongue far longer than its body lolling from its mouth. It approached the edge of the precincts, and then shied away, flying back with a piercing screech. Another came up to join it, and another, and still more, along with rat-like creatures scuttling on the ground, probing at the boundaries of the shrine.\r\n\r\nThe red light flared again, very bright now, clearly picking out the creatures’ deformities, the weeping sores, the scars from burns and broken and barely mended limbs. The heat was even more intense, and Akiko could feel the sweat beading on her forehead as a hot wind started to blow from behind her, driving the flying creatures back and catching the ribbons attached to the kagurasuzu, making them dance wildly.\r\n\r\nAnd then one of the rat-things darted across the boundary, in the face of the wind, the grass of the precincts curling and dying under its feet, greasy black smoke rising to be whipped away by a gale which blew even more strongly, but which could not force it back. Akiko was moving on the instant, swinging the kagurasuzu down, the sound of the bells also caught by the wind, sending the rat tumbling backwards with a squeal, out of the precincts and down the steps.\r\n\r\nEven as she drew breath and straightened up, one of the flying creatures swooped in at an angle, coming at the boundary too quickly, wings folded small against the wind. Akiko thrust the bells up, and felt something actually strike them, felt it as a dazzling flash of golden light blinded her for an instant full of ringing bells.\r\n\r\nHer vision cleared almost instantly, and even in the heat she felt energy flowing through her, driving her as she leapt sideways to intercept another rat, then up against a bat, and down again as she landed to block another spirit from scuttling in. There were things like centipedes there now, winding in and out of the feet of the rats, all scared of the kagurasuzu.\r\n\r\nAll scared of her.\r\n\r\nThe sweat was no longer beading on her; instead it was running down her face and body like a hundred tiny rivers, drops of salt water flying from her hair and fingers as she moved, burning the spirits with golden light wherever they touched. Her vestments should have been soaked, but they were not, flying light around her body as she danced.\r\n\r\nAs she blocked three rats, a centipede scuttled across at the other side, the grass dying beneath it as it started trying to burrow into the earth, and Akiko stumbled, before catching herself and launching herself at it. The kagurasuzu came down hard, crushing it in a gout of fire. She stood, sweeping her arms across the entrance, scattering salt water as the bells rang and the spirits shrank back once more.\r\n\r\nShe sprang forward, spinning, water spraying from her hair and hands as the bells rang and a great light burst from the kagurasuzu. She landed at the entrance and brought the bells down in both hands, striking three of the creatures, consuming them in fire.\r\n\r\nThe spirits broke, then, pouring back down the steps, away from the shrine.', 'Dreams of Battle', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'dreams-of-battle', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:48:56', '2009-06-10 01:48:56', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=617', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(618, 1, '2009-06-10 10:48:37', '2009-06-10 01:48:37', '', 'Dreams of Battle', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '617-revision', '', '', '2009-06-10 10:48:37', '2009-06-10 01:48:37', '', 617, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/617-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(619, 1, '2009-06-10 18:53:08', '2009-06-10 09:53:08', 'Akiko was halfway up the steps when she heard a voice call her from behind.\n\n“Akiko!â€ She stopped, and looked down, waiting until Satomi came into sight to reply.\n\n“Satomi! What is it?â€\n\n“I was just going to ask you. Why were you running?â€\n\n“I, er…â€ <em>I was scared of the spirits of decay.</em> “I needed to get back to get on with the cleaning.â€ <em>Also true.</em> “What about you?â€\n\n“Oh, I heard about the fire on the news, and the company sent me over this way, so I thought I’d drop by and see how you were.â€ Satomi had come up the steps, and had reached Akiko. Together, they continued to the top.\n\n“Well, as you can see I’m fine. The fire was quite destructive, though.â€ Akiko heard Satomi gasp as they reached the top.\n\n“It’s completely gone.â€ Akiko nodded.\n\n“Utterly destroyed.â€\n\n“That’s dreadful. What are you going to do?â€\n\n“Rebuild it. Well, Revd Shiraishi is going to hire people to rebuild it. I’m just going to help keep the shrine running, I think.â€\n\n“Good luck!â€ That reminded Akiko of what Satomi had said the last time she was here.\n\n“Do you still think I’m lucky?â€ She smiled wryly.\n\n“Oh, yes. You don’t? You weren’t injured in the fire, were you? Think about how much worse it could have been!â€\n\n“Well, yes. I suppose there is that.â€\n\n“Although the fire was bad luck over all, obviously. The shrine wasn’t lucky, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be.â€\n\n“Hmm.â€ Akiko had to admit that Satomi had a point. She wasn’t at all sure that the shrine fire would have any direct bad effects on her.\n\n“Anyway, I’d better get back to work. They’ll notice if I stand around here chatting. See you soon!â€\n\n“See you.â€ Akiko waved Satomi off, thinking about luck, and something moved at the edge of her vision. She spun round, but there was nothing to see. Her mood turning grim, she hurried into the house.\n\n“Welcome back. I started eating without you; sorry.â€ Shiraishi was seated at the kitchen table, and already eating lunch. Akiko’s was set out, ready.\n\n“That’s fine. Thanks for preparing it.â€\n\n“No problem.â€ She paused for a moment. “So, what did you see?â€ Akiko grimaced, and toyed with her food for a moment, not hungry.\n\n“Kegare. Everywhere the flood touched, kegare, with spirits of kegare crawling over the walls and buildings. And it was a big flood, even up near the top of the hill.â€\n\n“Well, I suppose kegare goes with damage, so that makes sense.â€\n\n“Does it cause damage? Or does damage cause kegare?â€\n\n“Both, I think. Certainly, damage is a form of impurity.â€ Akiko frowned.\n\n“But I thought the kami didn’t like impurity? That you had to purify the kegare before any ceremony?â€\n\n“Yes, of course. Why?â€\n\n“Ah.â€ For a moment, Akiko didn’t want to say, but she berated herself silently for being an idiot. Shiraishi wasn’t going to accuse her of anything now.\n\n“I… I think the kami caused the flood.â€\n\n“What? Why?â€\n\n“I think he’s angry about something. But why would he cause a flood that just created more kegare?â€', 'Satomi', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '387-autosave', '', '', '2009-06-10 18:53:08', '2009-06-10 09:53:08', '', 387, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/10/387-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(620, 1, '2009-04-01 11:37:36', '2009-04-01 02:37:36', 'Akiko was halfway up the steps when she heard a voice call her from behind.\r\n\r\n“Akiko!â€ She stopped, and looked down, waiting until Satomi came into sight to reply.\r\n\r\n“Satomi! What is it?â€\r\n\r\n“I was just going to ask you. Why were you running?â€\r\n\r\n“I, er…â€ <em>I was scared of the spirits of decay.</em> “I needed to get back to get on with the cleaning.â€ <em>Also true.</em> “What about you?â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, I heard about the fire on the news, and the company sent me over this way, so I thought I’d drop by and see how you were.â€ Satomi had come up the steps, and had reached Akiko. Together, the continued to the top.\r\n\r\n“Well, as you can I’m fine. The fire was quite destructive, though.â€ Akiko heard Satomi gasp as they reached the top.\r\n\r\n“It’s completely gone.â€ Akiko nodded.\r\n\r\n“Utterly destroyed.â€\r\n\r\n“That’s dreadful. What are you going to do?â€\r\n\r\n“Rebuild it. Well, Revd Shiraishi is going to hire people to rebuild it. I’m just going to help keep the shrine running, I think.â€\r\n\r\n“Good luck!â€ That reminded Akiko of what Satomi had said the last time she was here.\r\n\r\n“Do you still think I’m lucky?â€ She smiled wryly.\r\n\r\n“Oh, yes. You don’t? You weren’t injured in the fire, were you? Think about how much worse it could have been!â€\r\n\r\n“Well, yes. I suppose there is that.â€\r\n\r\n“Although the fire was bad luck over all, obviously. The shrine wasn’t lucky, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be.â€\r\n\r\n“Hmm.â€ Akiko had to admit that Satomi had a point. She wasn’t at all sure that the shrine fire would have any direct bad effects on her.\r\n\r\n“Anyway, I’d better get back to work. They’ll notice if I stand around here chatting. See you soon!â€\r\n\r\n“See you.â€ Akiko waved Satomi off, thinking about luck, and something moved at the edge of her vision. She spun round, but there was nothing to see. Her mood turning grim, she hurried into the house.\r\n\r\n“Welcome back. I started eating without you; sorry.â€ Shiraishi was seated at the kitchen table, and already eating lunch. Akiko’s was set out, ready.\r\n\r\n“That’s fine. Thanks for preparing it.â€\r\n\r\n“No problem.â€ She paused for a moment. “So, what did you see?â€ Akiko grimaced, and toyed with her food for a moment, not hungry.\r\n\r\n“Kegare. Everywhere the flood touched, kegare, with spirits of kegare crawling over the walls and buildings. And it was a big flood, even up near the top of the hill.â€\r\n\r\n“Well, I suppose kegare goes with damage, so that makes sense.â€\r\n\r\n“Does it cause damage? Or does damage cause kegare?â€\r\n\r\n“Both, I think. Certainly, damage is a form of impurity.â€ Akiko frowned.\r\n\r\n“But I thought the kami didn’t like impurity? That you had to purify the kegare before any ceremony?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, of course. Why?â€\r\n\r\n“Ah.â€ For a moment, Akiko didn’t want to say, but she berated herself silently for being an idiot. Shiraishi wasn’t going to accuse her of anything now.\r\n\r\n“I… I think the kami caused the flood.â€\r\n\r\n“What? Why?â€\r\n\r\n“I think he’s angry about something. But why would he cause a flood that just created more kegare?â€', 'Satomi', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '387-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-01 11:37:36', '2009-04-01 02:37:36', '', 387, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/01/387-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(621, 1, '2009-09-07 00:00:06', '2009-09-06 15:00:06', 'When Akiko woke up in the morning, light streaming through the window, she wasn’t sure whether it was a dream. She sat up in the futon and looked around the room. Her vestments were hanging in front of the closet, but that was where they had been the previous day, and where she remembered hanging them up after coming back to bed. What had she done with her underwear? Stuffed it in with the other washing, she remembered. That was no help; she couldn’t recall how many pairs of knickers had been in there the previous night. Getting up, she pulled on a yukata and went to inspect the vestments. There were no obvious signs of the battle, but there were a few marks that could have been due to it.\r\n\r\nShe went to the office, where Shiraishi was sitting, and picked up the kagurasuzu, inspecting it carefully. Again, she couldn’t see anything, but then she didn’t remember it being damaged last night.\r\n\r\n“Akiko?â€ Shiraishi sounded puzzled.\r\n\r\n“Oh, sorry. Good morning. Er, were you here all of last night?â€ If it hadn’t been a dream, Shiraishi should have seen her.\r\n\r\n“Ah. Actually, I went and had a bath. The protesters had all gone home. I think I may have fallen asleep there, for a little while. Why?â€\r\n\r\n“I…â€ What? “I want to know whether something actually happened last night. I thought I was fighting kegare spirits at the entrance to the precincts, but now I think it might have been a dream.â€\r\n\r\n“We could look outside,â€ Shiraishi suggested, and Akiko nodded. That was a good idea.\r\n\r\nThe ground near the entrance did look like people had been walking there, but then it always did. It was still wet, but it looked like it had rained in the latter part of the night, so that needn’t have been due to her. Akiko frowned, and switched her vision to look for kegare.\r\n\r\nThere were two patches, fungal tendrils reaching up, swaying in a breeze that Akiko could not feel, reaching out for the ground around them, trying to spread. Two patches, roughly where she remembered the rat and centipede getting past her.\r\n\r\n“Well?â€ Shiraishi asked.\r\n\r\n“We need to purify the shrine grounds; there’s kegare here.â€\r\n\r\n“And the battle?â€\r\n\r\n“Real in some sense, I think.â€ Akiko looked round at the priest. “To be honest, I’m not sure what difference it makes any more. The spirits I fight in my dreams can have a real effect, and the other shrine, and…â€ She stopped, drew breath, and forced herself to continue. “And the vision of the aramitama, they all have real consequences. I suppose knowing it wasn’t just a dream dream is enough.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi was nodding.\r\n\r\n“It sounds like you’re right. So, there’s pollution around here, yes?â€ Akiko nodded, pointing to the patches. “Well then,â€ Shiraishi continued, “we’d better get on with purifying it. This bit is definitely real, and we can’t let pollution build up within the shrine.â€\r\n\r\n“No. But it worries me, Revd Shiraishi.â€\r\n\r\n“What worries you?â€\r\n\r\n“Kegare getting into the shrine. It means that Tamao isn’t strong enough to keep it out any more.â€', 'Purifying the Shrine', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'purifying-the-shrine', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:15:48', '2009-06-12 09:15:48', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=621', 0, 'post', '', 4);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(622, 1, '2009-06-12 18:15:40', '2009-06-12 09:15:40', '', 'Purifying the Shrine', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '621-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:15:40', '2009-06-12 09:15:40', '', 621, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/621-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(623, 1, '2009-09-08 00:00:55', '2009-09-07 15:00:55', 'Akiko could hear the protesters gathering at the foot of the stairs as they began the harae, but they stayed at the bottom, not interfering with the ceremony. As they continued, however, things got louder, and Akiko could hear someone, a woman, protesting at not being allowed past. She forced herself to concentrate on the ceremony until Shiraishi had finished, the kegare swept away from the grounds once more.\r\n\r\nThe priest lowered the ohnusa and looked at Akiko.\r\n\r\n“Well?â€\r\n\r\n“All clear now,â€ Akiko confirmed.\r\n\r\n“Good.â€ Shiraishi turned to look at the steps, and sighed. “I suppose we’d better go and see what’s going on down there this time.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko followed her down the steps, and they could soon see the problem. The protesters were standing in a wall across the bottom, totally blocking the path. They were quiet, but they weren’t moving. Beyond them stood Ms Yamanaka, in a different kimono today, her expression one of frustration. She looked up as Akiko and Shiraishi came into view.\r\n\r\n“Good morning. I’m afraid that these people will not let me pass.â€\r\n\r\n“You’ve made your point,â€ Shiraishi said, her voice weary. “Now get out of the way and let her into the shrine.â€\r\n\r\nThe protesters made no move, continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder. Mrs Watanabe wasn’t there, but neither was Mr Akiyama. In fact, it seemed to have been a long time since he had come, and Akiko suddenly wondered whether he was deliberately staying out of it, while the protesters pushed the boundaries further and harder.\r\n\r\n“Come on,â€ Shiraishi tried again. “You are preventing her from going about her legitimate business. You know that’s illegal.â€\r\n\r\nStill no response, although Akiko saw that some of the protesters did shuffle a bit, apparently nervous at the mention of the law. Shiraishi folded her arms and waited, but the protesters didn’t even look round at her, didn’t acknowledge her presence.\r\n\r\n“You can’t stand there all day!â€ Shiraishi sounded quite frustrated, now, but the protesters were still immovable, as if to say that they thought they certainly could stand there all day.\r\n\r\n“They wouldn’t respond when I challenged them, either,â€ Ms Yamanaka offered, looking up at them, her expression almost as frustrated. “Is there another way into the shrine?â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi shook her head.\r\n\r\n“Not a practical one; you couldn’t climb the slopes in a kimono.â€\r\n\r\nMs Yamanaka looked around, clearly annoyed, but there was still no move from the protesters. Akiko heard a car pull up, and Ms Yamanaka looked in that direction. A few moments later Mr Tanaka came into view at the bottom of the steps.\r\n\r\n“Is there a problem?â€ Mr Tanaka asked.\r\n\r\n“These people won’t let me through,â€ Ms Yamanaka explained, and Mr Tanaka looked a bit surprised.\r\n\r\n“Really? Why won’t you let her enter the shrine?â€\r\n\r\nAs before, the protesters said nothing, just standing there. Mr Tanaka’s face darkened rapidly.\r\n\r\n“At least do me the courtesy of answering!â€ There was still no response. “Right. I’m entering the shrine. This woman will be entering with me. You can either get out of the way, or I’ll push you out of the way.â€\r\n\r\nThe protesters did shift a little at that, but they still didn’t move far. Mr Tanaka set his face, and then turned to glance at Ms Yamanaka.\r\n\r\n“Follow me.â€\r\n\r\nHe walked straight up to the steps, aiming between two of the protesters, and when they didn’t move he pushed against them, trying to force his way through. For a moment, it looked like they would block him, but then he twisted sideways, they both stumbled, and he walked through the gap that appeared, followed by Ms Yamanaka.\r\n\r\nHe said nothing until they were all within the shrine precincts, out of earshot of the protesters.\r\n\r\n“Idiots! What do they think they’re doing?â€\r\n\r\n“You got through them very easily,â€ Shiraishi commented.\r\n\r\n“Years of experience on rush hour trains,â€ Mr Tanaka shrugged, and then turned serious again.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, we would like you to purify our house again. As soon as possible.â€', 'Access Denied', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'access-denied', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:16:30', '2009-06-12 09:16:30', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=623', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(624, 1, '2009-06-12 18:16:19', '2009-06-12 09:16:19', '', 'Access Denied', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '623-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:16:19', '2009-06-12 09:16:19', '', 623, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/623-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(625, 1, '2009-09-09 00:00:36', '2009-09-08 15:00:36', 'Akiko was almost afraid to breathe. She knew that the air wasn’t really that thick with midges, that it was just a way of seeing the kegare, but still it was like a grey cloud filling the room. The walls were covered in a forest of fungal growths, reaching out into the room, flexing and twisting as if searching for something and exhaling clouds of spores. Between them long, sinuous, glistening things moved, occasionally glancing out at Akiko with glittering, faceted eyes.\r\n\r\nShe did breathe, and the stench hit her. Sewage, rotting flesh, rotten eggs… She could not check the reflex, and she gagged, stumbling at the entrance. Quickly, almost desperately, she forced her vision back to normal, and all the kegare vanished at once, leaving a family home, maybe in need of a clean, but not a breeding ground for fungus. Shiraishi and the Tanakas looked at her, concerned.\r\n\r\n“I’m sorry,â€ Akiko said. “I’m all right now. We should get on with the purification.â€\r\n\r\nShe helped Shiraishi set up the himorogi in the living room, trying not to think about what the kegare must look like, and then took up her place, holding the kagurasuzu. <em>I don’t need to look at the kegare,</em> she told herself. <em>It will all be fine once the harae starts.</em>\r\n\r\nAt first, it looked like she was right. Shiraishi began to intone the norito, kneeling in front of the ohnusa.\r\n\r\nThen the priest coughed, briefly interrupting the flow. Akiko looked at her, as she coughed again, harder this time, and drew breath with a tortured sound, before doubling over coughing again.\r\n\r\nGritting her teeth, Akiko switched her vision to see the kegare. One of the worm things from the wall was coiled around Shiraishi’s neck, its jaws snapping at her face as it tightened its grip, and the priest struggled to breathe. Akiko swung the kagurasuzu towards it, the sound of the bells clearing a path through the cloud of midges, and the things lost its grip, falling to the floor with a high-pitched whine.\r\n\r\nThe smell was still almost overpowering, but Akiko didn’t dare take her eyes off the spirits. Another worm sprang from the wall, aiming for the priest, but Akiko blocked it, as Shiraishi continued to recite the norito and the light built up within the ohnusa. As Akiko stepped back again, she suddenly realised that the ohnusa was rocking, and glanced at the table on which it stood, seeing the worm creatures attacking its legs with their jaws, winding round them and pulling, shaking, trying to topple it.\r\n\r\nThe bells swung down again, driving them away before they could finish the job, leaving the ohnusa safe, and now glowing too brightly for them to approach again. Akiko stepped back, and worms dropped on her from the ceiling, their touch stinging her skin, their jaws plunging into her like hot needles.\r\n\r\nShe cried out, swinging the bells around herself, worms dropping from her, screeching on the floor, as Shiraishi finished the norito and picked up the ohnusa.\r\n\r\nThe light flowed through the house like a river, washing the walls clean, drowning the midges and sweeping them away, cleansing the air of the smell and soothing Akiko’s injuries. As Shiraishi looked at her for confirmation, Akiko went to the door and looked out at the other rooms of the house. They also seemed to be clear, and she nodded.\r\n\r\nThe Tanakas were looking from Akiko to Shiraishi and back again, confusion and fear on their faces.\r\n\r\n“What happened?â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi looked over at Akiko, who just shook her head.\r\n\r\n“The kegare,â€ the priest said. “You should be careful about purity for a while, and do you have a kamidana?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, not a formal one…â€ Mr Tanaka replied, sounding a little embarrassed. While he discussed the details with Shiraishi, Akiko realised that she was shaking, and sank down on a chair.\r\n\r\nSo much pollution…', 'Polluted Home', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'polluted-home', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:17:14', '2009-06-12 09:17:14', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=625', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(626, 1, '2009-06-12 18:17:05', '2009-06-12 09:17:05', '', 'Polluted Home', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '625-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:17:05', '2009-06-12 09:17:05', '', 625, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/625-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(627, 1, '2009-09-10 00:00:20', '2009-09-09 15:00:20', 'Akiko and Shiraishi were both quiet on the way home, and Akiko assumed that Shiraishi had been as unnerved by the assault as she herself had.\r\n\r\n“What on…â€ Shiraishi’s voice was disbelieving, fed up, and Akiko looked up to see what was happening.\r\n\r\nThere was a large crowd gathered at the foot of the steps to the shrine. Some were the protesters, but there were other people as well, people wearing clothes that were almost, but not quite, military uniforms. Then she spotted a couple of people in kimono. Mr Fujimura and Ms Yamanaka.\r\n\r\n“Why can’t they just leave us alone?â€ the priest asked, of no-one in particular, as she parked the car in the shrine’s parking spot. Akiko didn’t bother to answer, and wasn’t even sure which group were “theyâ€, or whether the priest meant both.\r\n\r\nThe atmosphere at the foot of the steps was tense, but didn’t seem to have gone beyond the two groups staring at each other. Looking around, Akiko saw Akira standing on the steps, and she smiled her thanks to him. He nodded back, looking slightly embarrassed; it was true that there was basically nothing he could do if trouble did start.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, Ms Yamanaka told me about the trouble you were having.â€ Mr Fujimura broke the silence, bowing to the priest. “I see that she was not exaggerating.â€ The protesters still said nothing, but they were not disguising their hostility as they watched Mr Fujimura and his followers.\r\n\r\n“We are having some trouble with these people, that is true.â€ Shiraishi’s tone was cautious, non-commital.\r\n\r\n“I hate to see a shrine under this sort of pressure. It is not respectful to the kami. I would be honoured if you would allow me to have some of my associates help to watch the shrine, to ensure that there is no trouble.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko looked at the people with him, and forced herself not to frown. They were clearly right-wingers, which wouldn’t help to convince people that the shrine wasn’t connected with fascism. On the other hand, they did need more people to help watch the shrine, especially if they were going to go out and purify more homes. The image of the Tanakas’ home was suddenly vividly before her mind, and she couldn’t suppress a shudder. She turned back to look at Shiraishi, who was also thinking.\r\n\r\nThen she bowed.\r\n\r\n“Thank you, Mr Fujimura. This shrine is deeply in your debt.â€\r\n\r\n“Fascists!â€ came a cry from the protesters, and Mr Fujimura whipped round, searching their faces for all the world as if he were a teacher looking for a misbehaving pupil.\r\n\r\n“You are the ones dishonouring your race!â€ he replied, his voice calm and cold. Akiko looked away, and met Akira’s eyes. He didn’t look any happier than she felt.\r\n\r\nThe protesters, outnumbered and clearly a little intimidated, did move aside as soon as they moved to enter the shrine, and while Ms Yamanaka came with them, Mr Fujimura excused himself, pleading an appointment. After Ms Yamanaka had paid her respects, Akiko found herself with Akira in the shrine office.\r\n\r\n“Do you really want those people here?â€ he asked, suddenly. Akiko looked up at him, and then shook her head.\r\n\r\n“No, but the protesters worry me more.â€\r\n\r\nAkira sighed.\r\n\r\n“I wish I had more time to spend here.â€\r\n\r\n“Mm, so do I.â€\r\n\r\n“Really?â€ Akira sounded very pleased. “Well then, er, would you like to have dinner with me? On Friday?â€ For a moment Akiko wanted to turn him down, but then she realised that the guards meant she could go out.\r\n\r\n“Yes, thank you. That would be nice.â€', 'Protection', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'protection', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:17:55', '2009-06-12 09:17:55', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=627', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(628, 1, '2009-06-12 18:17:44', '2009-06-12 09:17:44', '', 'Protection', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '627-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:17:44', '2009-06-12 09:17:44', '', 627, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/627-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(629, 1, '2009-09-11 00:00:00', '2009-09-10 15:00:00', 'Yoshiko was perfectly happy for Akiko to get a couple of full nights’ sleep once she explained the situation, and by Thursday morning Akiko felt a lot better. She’d slept well, with no disturbing dreams, as if Tamao realised that she needed the rest.\r\n\r\n<em>Maybe he does,</em> she thought, remembering the way he had encircled the iwakura in her last vision, dream, whatever. <em>Maybe he is finally getting some idea of what it’s like to be human.</em>\r\n\r\nShe went into the kitchen after showering and dressing, and found Shiraishi eating quickly. The priest glanced up.\r\n\r\n“Mr Fujimura called. He wants us to do an Ise Yohai for him and the guards. Could you do the morning ceremonies by yourself while I sort out the norito?â€\r\n\r\n“A what?â€\r\n\r\n“A norito… Oh. Ise Yohai. Paying reverence to the Grand Shrines of Ise from a long way off.â€ Her face twisted for a moment as she frowned. “It was very common in State Shinto. I don’t suppose that’s entirely unconnected with why Mr Fujimura wants one.â€ She shook her head then, as if to clear it. “Anyway, it’s a fairly simple ceremony, and always done with a himorogi, so the lack of the shrine buildings is no problem. I just need to put the norito together; I’ve not actually done one before.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, certainly. No problem.â€ Akiko got her breakfast. “What time are they coming?â€\r\n\r\n“Ten. So we have time.â€\r\n\r\nThey were exactly on time, Mr Fujimura, Ms Yamanaka, and about two dozen young men in uniform. Akiko switched to check them for kegare as they approached the shrine, but they were all virtually clean, unlike the protesters, and guided them to the seats they had set out, facing west and a little south, towards Ise, and then went to join Shiraishi and put her over-mantle on; Shiraishi had decided that she would dance one of the simple dances as part of the ceremony.\r\n\r\nKneeling to one side as Shiraishi performed the first part of the ceremony, Akiko felt remarkably calm, despite the fact that this would be the first time she danced in front of a significant audience. <em>It’s not for them, it’s for the kami,</em> she thought.<em> I hope the kami doesn’t possess me…</em> But even that thought did not worry her. <em>If it happens, it happens.</em>\r\n\r\nShe rose to dance, as Shiraishi started beating the small drum, setting the rhythm. The moves were slow and stately, and Akiko found that she still had to pay attention, still had to think about them. <em>This is good,</em> she told herself. <em>I’m still in control.</em>\r\n\r\nShe turned towards the himorogi, and felt a sudden wave of warmth, a sense of being watched, assessed. The feeling was so strong that she almost lost the rhythm, almost stopped turning, but practice kept her going. The sense weakened, but did not vanish entirely, strengthening every time she turned back to the himorogi, until she sank to the ground to conclude the dance, and the awareness vanished, with a vague sense of what could have been approval.\r\n\r\nShe stood naturally, and returned to her place, the ceremony proceeding to its conclusion without incident. In the office, later, when she mentioned it to Shiraishi the priest just shrugged.\r\n\r\n“Could have been anything or nothing. If we worried about every detail of something that seemed supernatural, we’d get nowhere. So don’t bother about it until it actually seems to want something, or need something.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko had to admit that that sounded like very good advice.', 'Yohai', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'yohai', '', '', '2009-09-11 09:34:27', '2009-09-11 00:34:27', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=629', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(630, 1, '2009-06-12 18:18:28', '2009-06-12 09:18:28', '', 'Yohai', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '629-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:18:28', '2009-06-12 09:18:28', '', 629, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/629-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(631, 1, '2009-09-12 00:00:43', '2009-09-11 15:00:43', 'The guards Fujimura had sent, and Akiko couldn’t help thinking of them in those terms, were certainly very polite. They stayed out of the shrine grounds for the most part, except for paying their respects to the kami when the arrived and just before they left. Indeed, Akiko could almost have forgotten that they were there, most of the time, if she hadn’t constantly felt the need to check on them. The people who had come to the shrine had commented, but Shiraishi had just said that they were making sure that the protesters didn’t cause trouble, and since the protesters were clearly there, that seemed to work.\r\n\r\nLate in the afternoon, after the yohai, however, they did draw attention to themselves. Akiko was in the office, but could hear the shouting from there, and she hurried out to see what was going on.\r\n\r\nThe protesters had, once again, formed a barrier in front of the shrine, to keep someone out. The guards had lined up at the foot of the stairs, inside the barrier, and had started arguing. Standing beyond the protesters was Kazumi, looking slightly baffled, although she smiled and waved when she saw Akiko.\r\n\r\n“You must not stop people who want to worship,â€ one of the guards said.\r\n\r\n“She’s only a child. She needs to be protected from your propaganda!â€ one of the protesters shot back. Akiko could see Kazumi roll her eyes at this, and briefly smiled. No-one that age thought of themselves as a child.\r\n\r\n“You are <em>not</em> going to stop her.â€ Suddenly, the guards moved forward, not attacking, exactly, but definitely pushing the protesters out of the way. The guards were quiet, but the protesters were very loud in the their objections, trying to push back, again without actually fighting. The guards were in better shape, however, and as a gap opened up, Kazumi darted through and up the steps. As she did, one of the protesters slipped and fell with a cry. Akiko saw a guard offer a hand, but the protester refused it, pushing himself to his feet, and then looking up to glare at Akiko. For a moment, she was afraid that the situation would deteriorate, but the protesters stepped back, and the guards returned to their place.\r\n\r\n“Welcome back,â€ Akiko said, noting that Kazumi was wearing tracksuit bottoms again.\r\n\r\n“Thanks,â€ Kazumi replied as they climbed the steps. “What’s with the Imperial Guard?â€\r\n\r\n“I don’t think the emperor has anything to do with it,â€ Akiko replied, a bit puzzled.\r\n\r\n“I meant like Star Wars. Dum-dum-dum dum-de-dum dum-de-dum.â€ Kazumi was grinning, and Akiko laughed as well.\r\n\r\n“Better not let them hear you make that comparison. Anyway, they aren’t like that. They’re just…â€ <em>Just what?</em> Akiko thought. “Just friends of the shrine who don’t want the protesters to cause any damage.â€\r\n\r\n“Hmm.â€ Kazumi didn’t sound completely convinced, which was hardly surprising. “Anyway, I just came to do the bowing thing before I went home. I can’t afford another harae at the moment, so…â€ Akiko quickly switched her vision. Kazumi was heavy with kegare, like a strangling vine growing over her whole body. It was wilting a bit at the edges in the environment of the shrine, but it clearly wasn’t going to be removed.\r\n\r\n“Hang on. Don’t tell anyone, but we’ll do you a free one.â€\r\n\r\n<em>At least help the people we can,</em> Akiko thought, as she hurried off to find the priest.', 'Scuffle at the Entrance', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'scuffle-at-the-entrance', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:19:08', '2009-06-12 09:19:08', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=631', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(632, 1, '2009-06-12 18:18:57', '2009-06-12 09:18:57', '', 'Scuffle at the Entrance', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '631-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:18:57', '2009-06-12 09:18:57', '', 631, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/631-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(633, 1, '2009-09-13 00:00:15', '2009-09-12 15:00:15', 'The shrine precincts were lit by several braziers, the illumination reaching the iwakura but not dispelling the shadows within it. Akiko didn’t remember coming out, but Shiraishi was there, in her vestments, waiting in front of the iwakura, between two of the braziers. The scene reminded Akiko of something… the vision she had had of the wild festival. That was it. So, this was probably a dream.\r\n\r\nAt that point, Akiko realised that she was looking at the precincts from maybe three or four metres above the ground, and didn’t appear to have a body.\r\n\r\n<em>Probably a dream, then,</em> she thought.\r\n\r\nThere was a noise from the steps, people shouting and running, and Akiko went over to see. Looking down the steps, she could see the mikoshi, its gold sparkling in the light from the torches carried by the men running ahead of and behind it. They, like the men carrying the palanquin, were wearing nothing but loincloths, and were covered in a thin film of sweat. They all started up the steps, just as the women’s mikoshi came into sight behind them. With a shout, the women found a burst of speed, catching up with the men before they could all start climbing.\r\n\r\nThe steps really weren’t wide enough for both mikoshi to climb at once, but the women weren’t about to let the men go first, forcing their way up. The men and women carrying torches in front of the mikoshi were now standing together on the steps, looking down and laughing and shouting encouragement, and rather more personal comments.\r\n\r\nThe men managed another step, then a third, and the women realised that they weren’t going to push their way in front here, dropping back slightly. Akiko was watching from above the steps now, and could see the women charge up directly behind the men, just to one side, as close as they could get. As soon as the men reached the top, the women put on another surge of speed, breaking out to one side. Shiraishi stood between the braziers, a sakaki branch in each hand, one adorned with red shide, the other with white. As mikoshi appeared, she raised them, waiting.\r\n\r\nThe men couldn’t help noticing what the women were doing, and, with a great shout, they also pushed harder, keeping barely ahead as they raced across the precincts, putting the mikoshi down on its stand and kneeling just as the women reached the finishing point.\r\n\r\nShiraishi dropped her right arm, and the white sakaki, and the men erupted in a great cheer. The people gathered to watch the festival, people Akiko had not seen before, also cheered, and the women were laughing, as well, as Tamao slid out from behind the braziers, weaving in and out of the crowd.\r\n\r\nWithin the iwakura burned a light, white and steady, casting sharp shadows across all the participants.\r\n\r\nThen something wrenched inside Akiko, as if she were suddenly falling. There was a screaming in the sky, a piercing sound that filled her awareness, making her long to stop her ears, grab her head, bury her head in her knees. But she had no body, no way to block the clamour, no way to even muffle it.\r\n\r\nThe people vanished, the braziers vanished, leaving the precincts dark, lit only by the light that still poured from the iwakura. Dark shapes flowed out of the sky, ragged slashes of utter blackness against the air, trailing death and decay behind them as they fell. The light in the iwakura was so bright that not even the stones cast shadows now, but still the black forms came.\r\n\r\nTamao leapt at one, tearing it apart with his jaws, and it vanished into nothingness. He twisted to attack another one, but as he did so a third plunged into the ground of the shrine, and black vines erupted from the spot, spreading quickly, burrowing in and out of the ground.\r\n\r\nThe things were falling <em>through</em> Akiko now, and every one of them carried a deathly chill, a sense of loss, of failure, of defeat. Weakness, despair, depression.\r\n\r\nAkiko couldn’t even shake herself out of it.\r\n\r\nThere were many patches of vines now, their black tendrils finding each other, weaving together, breaking open into obscene dark flowers, from which more black shapes rose, languidly at first, then seeming to catch a wind that Akiko couldn’t see or feel, a wind that blew differently for each of them.\r\n\r\nOne of the things struck Tamao, half way down his body. The kami twisted at once, lunging at it, but the thing had already vanished inside his skin, and the kami screamed as a red scale turned black, cracked, disintegrated in a shower of powder. Red and white fluid leaked from behind it.\r\n\r\nThe kami’s scream snapped Akiko out of her lassitude, and she rushed to Tamao’s side. What could she do? How could she…\r\n\r\nShe raised the kagurasuzu in her hands, sweeping it through one of the things, which split apart into hundreds of tiny fragments, fragments that were devoured by the bells as she swept them back through it. She ran to catch another one, but even as it vanished Tamao screamed again, and Akiko looked around just in time to see another scale disintegrate.\r\n\r\nThere was no time to think; another of the things was just above Tamao’s back. Akiko swung the kagurasuzu…\r\n\r\nAnd missed, as something grabbed her ankle and pulled, tumbling her to the ground. The kagurasuzu fell from her grasp, bouncing away, and before she could grab it the tendrils of the vines had wrapped around her wrists, another one crossing her back, probing at her, a gentle pressure that, even through her clothes, made her shudder.\r\n\r\nShe tried to push herself from the ground, looking up at the iwakura. The black shapes were diving into the light, which flickered as it consumed them. Flickered, and grew dimmer.\r\n\r\nMore tendrils pressed across her back, forcing her down, and now she could feel them probing across her face, at her neck, the cuffs, pushing up inside her clothes, coiling round her skin so that she could not draw back from their slimy touch. A scream welled up inside her, but she could not, dared not, open her mouth, because a vine was wrapped around her neck, its tip probing at her lips.\r\n\r\nTamao screamed instead, but Akiko could not even look at the kami.\r\n\r\nAkiko sprang out of bed with a scream, grabbing the wall and holding on, tight, breathing heavily, shaking, covered in sweat.\r\n\r\n<em>A dream, a dream, a dream…</em> She repeated it to herself, even as she checked her skin for marks.\r\n\r\n“Akiko! Akiko! Are you all right?â€ She heard Shiraishi calling from the corridor, but couldn’t muster the will to say anything, to do anything other than breathe and try to recover her composure.\r\n\r\n<em>Just a dream.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Just a dream.</em>', 'Festival', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'festival', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:19:49', '2009-06-12 09:19:49', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=633', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(634, 1, '2009-06-12 18:19:42', '2009-06-12 09:19:42', '', 'Festival', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '633-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:19:42', '2009-06-12 09:19:42', '', 633, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/633-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(635, 1, '2009-06-12 18:21:53', '2009-06-12 09:21:53', 'The buffer is back over three months, after it got a bit short while I was replotting the final section of the story. The new plot seems to be working out well so far, as well. So, as long as my web host doesn''t have problems, you''re guaranteed daily updates until September, at least.', '3 Months'' Buffer', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', '3-months-buffer', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:21:53', '2009-06-12 09:21:53', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=635', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(636, 1, '2009-06-12 18:21:14', '2009-06-12 09:21:14', 'The buffer is back over three months, after it got a bit short while I was replotting the final section of the story. The new plot seems to be working out well so far, as well.', '3 Months'' Buffer', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '635-revision', '', '', '2009-06-12 18:21:14', '2009-06-12 09:21:14', '', 635, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/12/635-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(637, 1, '2009-04-01 11:39:37', '2009-04-01 02:39:37', 'Akiko stood beside the exit from the area being cleared, watching the rubbish pile up. Around her she knew that the protesters were milling around the shrine grounds, making sure that they were spread out so that it would take time for them all to get down the steps. Today they’d managed to bring along someone’s grandmother; it took her a very long time to get up and down the steps, but they could hardly hurry her along. The new pattern had sped things up, but the work was still going slowly.\r\n\r\nAkiko had to admit to a sneaking admiration for the protesters. They were making a complete nuisance of themselves without doing anything that Shiraishi could easily complain to the police about. Akiko suspected that there probably were laws against this sort of activity, but when she suggested it, Shiraishi had expressed scepticism over the prospect of getting anything done in a reasonable length of time, and Akiko had to agree.\r\n\r\nSighing, she risked a quick glance around. Naoyuki didn’t seem to be around at the moment, but Mr Akiyama had just arrived. The rubbish was building up, and it was almost time to clear them all again.\r\n\r\nSuddenly, Akiko felt a surge of rage. For a moment, it shocked her by its intensity, but then she realised that it wasn’t <em>her</em> anger. Tamao. She could see the kami coiled in the earth, his head resting under the site of the shrine building, weighed down by the rubble, his body twisting out and around, lying within the ground of shrine precincts, under the lawn. His eyes burned with golden light, while lightning danced around his mouth.\r\n\r\nTamao moved, flexing his whole body, swinging his head around to face Akiko as the rest of him surged through the earth, rippling. His head broke the surface.\r\n\r\nThe tremor scattered the rubble, and Akiko fell to her knees. Around her, she could hear the concerned shouts of the protesters, and the workmen.\r\n\r\nTamao shook his head and tail, and the earth shook again, more strongly. There was a crash from somewhere inside the house, and then a louder clatter, stone on stone.\r\n\r\nAkiko swung her head to look behind her, where the torii had fallen outwards, shattering on the steps and scattering rubble down them. She looked back, but Tamao had already vanished.\r\n\r\n<em>That didn’t help!</em> she thought, the anger she felt this time definitely her own, and directed at Tamao. She got to her feet, and saw that a few other people had also lost their balance and fallen. Looking around, however, she couldn’t see anyone trapped, or seriously injured. She hurried over to the entrance, and looked at the shattered stone on the steps. It was still just about possible to get up and down, but not while carrying a load of rubbish from the burned shrine. The only good thing, however, was that there was no-one lying on the steps; no-one was injured.\r\n\r\nShiraishi came out of the house, and Akiko hurried over to her.\r\n\r\n“Is everything all right inside?â€\r\n\r\n“A plate fell off a shelf; that seems to be all.â€\r\n\r\n“It was…â€ Akiko cut herself off as she noticed someone approaching. She turned to face Mr Akiyama, who was followed by a number of the protesters.', 'Earthquake', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '393-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-01 11:39:37', '2009-04-01 02:39:37', '', 393, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/01/393-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(638, 1, '2009-06-16 09:41:49', '2009-06-16 00:41:49', 'Akiko stood beside the exit from the area being cleared, watching the rubbish pile up. Around her she knew that the protesters were milling around the shrine grounds, making sure that they were spread out so that it would take time for them all to get down the steps. Today they’d managed to bring along someone’s grandmother; it took her a very long time to get up and down the steps, but they could hardly hurry her along. The new pattern had sped things up, but the work was still going slowly.\n\nAkiko had to admit to a sneaking admiration for the protesters. They were making a complete nuisance of themselves without doing anything that Shiraishi could easily complain to the police about. Akiko suspected that there probably were laws against this sort of activity, but when she suggested it, Shiraishi had expressed scepticism over the prospect of getting anything done in a reasonable length of time, and Akiko had to agree.\n\nSighing, she risked a quick glance around. Naoyuki didn’t seem to be around at the moment, but Mr Akiyama had just arrived. The rubbish was building up, and it was almost time to clear them all again.\n\nSuddenly, Akiko felt a surge of rage. For a moment, it shocked her by its intensity, but then she realised that it wasn’t <em>her</em> anger. Tamao. She could see the kami coiled in the earth, his head resting under the site of the shrine building, weighed down by the rubble, his body twisting out and around, lying within the ground of the shrine precincts, under the lawn. His eyes burned with golden light, while lightning danced around his mouth.\n\nTamao moved, flexing his whole body, swinging his head around to face Akiko as the rest of him surged through the earth, rippling. His head broke the surface.\n\nThe tremor scattered the rubble, and Akiko fell to her knees. Around her, she could hear the concerned shouts of the protesters, and the workmen.\n\nTamao shook his head and tail, and the earth shook again, more strongly. There was a crash from somewhere inside the house, and then a louder clatter, stone on stone.\n\nAkiko swung her head to look behind her, where the torii had fallen outwards, shattering on the steps and scattering rubble down them. She looked back, but Tamao had already vanished.\n\n<em>That didn’t help!</em> she thought, the anger she felt this time definitely her own, and directed at Tamao. She got to her feet, and saw that a few other people had also lost their balance and fallen. Looking around, however, she couldn’t see anyone trapped, or seriously injured. She hurried over to the entrance, and looked at the shattered stone on the steps. It was still just about possible to get up and down, but not while carrying a load of rubbish from the burned shrine. The only good thing, however, was that there was no-one lying on the steps; no-one was injured.\n\nShiraishi came out of the house, and Akiko hurried over to her.\n\n“Is everything all right inside?â€\n\n“A plate fell off a shelf; that seems to be all.â€\n\n“It was…â€ Akiko cut herself off as she noticed someone approaching. She turned to face Mr Akiyama, who was followed by a number of the protesters.', 'Earthquake', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '393-autosave', '', '', '2009-06-16 09:41:49', '2009-06-16 00:41:49', '', 393, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/16/393-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(639, 1, '2009-04-02 13:20:43', '2009-04-02 04:20:43', '“Of course, normally we’d do the ceremony in the shrine.â€ Shiraishi pulled a face as she said it.\r\n\r\n“We could do it in front of the kamidana,â€ Akiko suggested. “That’s where the go-shintai is at the moment.â€ Shiraishi shook her head.\r\n\r\n“It’s reasonable temporary location, but we can’t do this ceremony inside the house. We need to be careful about purity, and about inviting angry kami into the place where we live.â€\r\n\r\n“But there’s nowhere else.â€\r\n\r\n“We can do it on the shrine grounds, I think. Maybe on the location of the shrine. Let’s go and look.â€ Shiraishi sprang to her feet, and Akiko stood up to follow her, thinking that the priest seemed much more positive than she had even a few minutes ago. Mind you, she had to admit that she felt a lot better now that they had something to try, something that might make a difference.\r\n\r\nThe shrine grounds were quiet. The ruins of the old shrine building had been cleared away, leaving a bare path of disturbed earth. The roofing copper had, in the end, been sold for scrap; none of it was reusable as it was, to the shrine carpenter’s surprise. Shiraishi had ordered the first materials for the new building, as the designs got close to being finalised, but nothing had been delivered yet. As a result, there was nothing going on in the shrine precincts, and so the protesters were spending their time at the bottom of the steps, trying to discourage people from coming in.\r\n\r\nSuccessfully, Akiko had to admit.\r\n\r\nShiraishi walked over to the bare earth, and nodded, looking around. She gestured at the iwakura and turned to Akiko.\r\n\r\n“We can do the ceremony here, with the iwakura beyond the himorogi.â€\r\n\r\n“Himorogi?â€ Akiko asked, as she walked over.\r\n\r\n“Um, temporary shrine, I guess. It’s a sakaki branch with shide on, on a platform, surrounded by shimenawa.â€ Those were words Akiko knew now. Sakaki was the broad-leaf evergreen used a lot in Shinto ceremonies, shide were the pieces of white paper folded into lightning-shaped strips, like on the ohnusa, and the shimenawa were the rice-straw ropes with shide on, marking the edge of sacred areas.\r\n\r\n“Oh, right. Yes, that was in one of the books.â€ Akiko remembered the picture.\r\n\r\n“Yes, they’re normally used for jichinsai, so I have all the necessary bits. We can put the go-shintai on the platform with the sakaki branch. I think about here would be good; what do you think?â€ The priest was indicating a spot that would have been near the centre of the shrine building.\r\n\r\n“Maybe a bit closer to the iwakura? Where the inner shrine used to be?â€ Shiraishi thought for a moment, and then nodded.\r\n\r\n“Himorogi here, and ceremony in this area, then?â€ Before she could reply, Akiko heard arguing voices coming up the stairs and turned to look. She quickly recognised one of the voices as Akira Takenaka.\r\n\r\n“Look, I just want to ay my respects. Please leave me alone.â€\r\n\r\n“There isn’t even a shrine building.â€\r\n\r\n“I know.â€\r\n\r\nAkira came into view, pursued by a middle-aged woman who looked vaguely familiar. She spotted Akiko and Shiraishi, and glared at them, but she fell silent. As soon as Akira had entered the precincts, she stepped round him, ostentatiously wandering around.\r\n\r\nAkira looked at them both, and bowed.\r\n\r\n“I’m here to help.â€', 'Preparation', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '401-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-02 13:20:43', '2009-04-02 04:20:43', '', 401, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/02/401-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(640, 1, '2009-04-02 13:22:04', '2009-04-02 04:22:04', 'Akiko knelt on the floor of her room in her underwear, looking at the miko’s vestments laid out before her. She had practised, of course, but she had borrowed Shiraishi’s priest’s vestments for that, because the types of clothing were the same, even if the colours, and size, were a little different.\r\n\r\nNow, looking at the white kimono and red hakama, she found herself intensely nervous. Shiraishi had bought them for her use, and produced them a few hours ago, telling her to have a proper bath and then get changed for the ceremony. She had laid them out then, but had avoided thinking about what they meant until she had finished her bath. But there was no running away from it now.\r\n\r\nShe didn’t even dare to touch them. That would be to acknowledge the decision. Naoyuki and Akiyama’s criticisms came back to her. What would people think of her? True, she knew that it wasn’t just superstition, and she’d been living at the shrine, but publicly declaring herself a miko; that was different. That was rather final. Did she really want to make such a statement?\r\n\r\n<em>If you don’t, why have you been at the shrine all this time, taking all the training?</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Because I couldn’t do anything else,</em> she admitted to herself. She had let Tamao drive her to this situation. <em>Well,</em> she corrected herself, <em>not exactly “letâ€.</em> But still, it really hadn’t been her decision. Oh, granted she had chosen to live in the shrine house, but it was that or the street. And she’d taken the training, but, again, the choice was being thrown out onto the street without a job. Tamao had seen to it that she couldn’t get any other work. She’d run into a burning shrine to get a mask out, but even that had been driven by Tamao and the moment.\r\n\r\nAnd then there was what Akiyama and Shiraishi had both said about the kami. They were violent, petty, and, it seemed, capable of doing stupid things in a fit of rage that only made their situation worse. Maybe it was OK to do things stopped them from hurting you, but to serve them…\r\n\r\nAkiko shivered slightly, the air chill on her skin, but she still couldn’t make herself pick up the clothes. That would be a decision, she realised. She couldn’t put the vestments on and attend at the ceremony without deciding to serve at the shrine. No more excuses, after that.\r\n\r\nShe looked at her ordinary clothes, hanging in the closet. She could put them on, tell Shiraishi she couldn’t serve the kami, and find some other way to deal with the problems Tamao was causing. She could go back to a normal life. It was very tempting, and Akiko found that she couldn’t look away.\r\n\r\n<em>But if I don’t become a miko, how can we stop Tamao causing that earthquake? Or stop him pursuing me? Will he let me get a job?</em>\r\n\r\nShe looked back at the vestments, but she couldn’t make herself pick them up just to dodge Tamao’s harassment. That was what she had been doing ever since this started.\r\n\r\n<em>Someone has to do it. Someone has to deal with the problem.</em>\r\n\r\nSuddenly, Akiko felt calm. That was true. Someone had to deal with it, someone had to mediate between Tamao and the people of Kawasaki, someone had to deal with the kegare. And, for whatever reason, she seemed to be in the ideal position to do it.\r\n\r\nShe reached for the vestments.', 'Vestments', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '405-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-02 13:22:04', '2009-04-02 04:22:04', '', 405, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/02/405-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(641, 1, '2009-04-02 13:23:15', '2009-04-02 04:23:15', 'Akiko turned the tamagushi so that the stem was towards the himorogi, and placed it carefully on the table, before taking one step back, bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing again. She felt surprisingly calm again, and glanced at Shiraishi, who nodded.\r\n\r\nAkiko walked over to the table at the side, bowing her head as she crossed in  front of the himorogi, and picked up the first offering tray, the one with rice on. She handed it to Shiraishi, who took it and placed it on the table in front of the himorogi. Between them, they put the rest of the offerings there, and then Akiko knelt again, on a mat off to one side, while Shiraishi started reading another norito, this one calling on Tamao to be calm and at peace.\r\n\r\nAs the words continued, Akiko found herself acutely aware of her surroundings. She could feel the uneven ground even through the tatami mat she was kneeling on, pressing into her knees. The heat from the fires fell on the skin of her face, making her cheeks flush red, and her vestments gradually became warmer against her skin. The wind in her hair seemed playful, scattering strands around so that they tickled her forehead, her cheeks, her nose.\r\n\r\nThe crackling of the fires seemed to fall into time with the cadences of the norito, and the scent of pine sap became stronger, combining with the smell of smoke. The sounds and smells of the city faded away entirely. Akiko glanced up, and the clear sky was studded with thousands of stars, the milky way stretched across it like a belt. She looked down again, at the dancing shadows within the rocks of the iwakura, and then at the shadows of the sakaki on the iwakura, playing across the go-shintai in its bag, making it look as if it was moving.\r\n\r\nThe mouth of the bag widened, and Tamao’s head, tiny, emerged, swaying in time to a rhythm that Akiko could not hear, but that the flames seemed to take up. He emerged entirely, coiling on the platform and raising his head, still swaying. Akiko could feel the rhythm now, beating gently in her blood, in her bones, making her spine tingle. Tamao looked at her.\r\n\r\nAnd leapt.\r\n\r\nThe snake came straight towards her face, and then vanished. Akiko could feel something warm and heavy around her neck, though, and the rhythm was stronger now, throbbing in her guts. She suddenly realised that she had begun swaying in time to it, and she tried to stop.\r\n\r\nShe couldn’t.\r\n\r\n“…kashikomikashikomimomosu.â€ As Shiraishi finished the norito Akiko’s arms reached down, pressing against the floor as she bent down. There was a surge of panic as Akiko realised that she was not moving her own body.\r\n\r\nThen the rhythm washed through her, sweeping away all other thought, all other feelings, sweeping her up on to her feet, and then up further into the air, springing and spinning, dancing as the rhythm dictated. She could hear it now, the throb of great drums, the whisper of thousands of small bells, and then, over it all, the thin, pure note of a flute.\r\n\r\nShe was vaguely aware of leaping in front of Shiraishi and dancing before the himorogi, moving in ways that seemed natural, new, and long-practised, all at once. She spun to take the tamagushi back from the table, holding it up in one hand as she danced.\r\n\r\nHer feet pounded the ground, weaving their own rhythm in with that of the drums, and light flashed from her footsteps, brighter and brighter, competing with the firelight, the stars shining ever brighter overhead as she spun round the himorogi, touching the poles holding the shimenawa, shocks coursing up her arms as she did so, the tamagushi now trailing light behind it as she swept it around her, light that hung in the air, shifting, in ribbons, ribbons that became curtains, curtains that surrounded the himorogi, Akiko, and Shiraishi, marking the edge of the sacred space.\r\n\r\nAkiko moved even faster, her breathing still calm and unhurried as she swept the tamagushi through the air around the sakaki branch on the platform. It began to tremble and pulse, as if there was something within it, something trying to get out.\r\n\r\nA shout burst from her lips as she leapt into the air, spinning, her fingers scattering light as the flute swept ever higher. She landed on the other side of the himorogi and leapt again, spinning through the air to land behind Shiraishi, and then spring up again, to land on the other side, thrusting the tamagushi towards the iwakura. A flare of light from within the rocks answered, visible even through the curtains of light that still flickered around them.\r\n\r\nShe was singing, she realised. Singing words she did not know, to a tune she had never heard before that was somehow utterly familiar. The tempo of the song got faster and faster, its melody soaring and plunging, but Akiko’s voice never faltered. This was her role.\r\n\r\nShe stopped, abruptly, sinking to her knees between the himorogi and the iwakura, looking at the table. The exhilaration still coursed through her, but she was entirely still, even her breath bated has she waited. The sakaki branch was pulsing more strongly now, light burning within it as the ripples of the bright curtains fell into step.\r\n\r\nAn arrow of light swept up through the branch, shattering it  and the platform with a crack. In its place was Tamao, coiled within the shimenawa, his scales shining red, green, purple, gold and silver in the light from the curtains, his eyes shining still more brightly than the stars.\r\n\r\nAkiko fell forward, bowing her face to the ground once, twice. Sitting straight, she clapped. The first was a roll of thunder, the second the roar of an earthquake. She bowed once more, and straightened up to look Tamao straight in the eyes.\r\n\r\n<em>I am not afraid any more.</em>\r\n\r\n“Bright Child, hear and speak!â€\r\n\r\nTamao.', 'Tamashi Shizume', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '409-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-02 13:23:15', '2009-04-02 04:23:15', '', 409, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/02/409-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(642, 1, '2009-04-11 18:32:53', '2009-04-11 09:32:53', '“I am Tamao, kami of this place. I protect you and ensure your prosperity.â€\r\n\r\nTamao’s eyes were enthralling, lightning dancing across his lips as he spoke. There seemed to a lights within the jewels of his skin, flickering as he moved, reflecting from the gold and silver running between. His gaze never left Akiko’s face, but his body shifted constantly.\r\n\r\n“There is great pollution within my domain. It must be purified.â€\r\n\r\nThe movements of Tamao’s body answered to a rhythm that Akiko could still feel pulsing in her veins and resonating in her bones. She was still, now, but even the ground under her was responding to it, the earth shifting, the grains sliding over each other beneath her in a dance she could feel even through her vestments.\r\n\r\n“People have chosen to oppose me. They hate me and seek to drive me out.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko could see Shiraishi beyond Tamao. The priest was kneeling, her eyes fixed on Akiko, her body still. Heightened colour and the fluttering of her throat as she breathed rapidly gave her tension away, however.\r\n\r\n“They will use whatever tools they have to drive you from the shrine, and then me from my domain.â€\r\n\r\nTamao’s words were inside Akiko’s mind, the meaning perfectly clear, but the sound that she could hear speaking them was her own voice. Dizziness swept over her as she recognised the sound, and then, as she concentrated, the feeling of her mouth moving, air vibrating in her throat, her tongue and lips shaping words. All without her intervention. All beyond her control.\r\n\r\n“If I am driven away, there will be nothing and no-one to fight the corruption. The spirits of kegare will have free rein.â€\r\n\r\nFor a moment, Akiko felt trapped in her body, panic welling up within her as she tried to move her fingers, even the slightest amount, and found that she couldn’t, even as her voice continued to calmly relate Tamao’s words. And then her attention was caught by Tamao’s eyes again, as the kami leaned in close.\r\n\r\n“Pollution will overwhelm the area, and people will fight one another over the ruins.â€\r\n\r\nTamao’s eyes glowed golden, the light like the flame of a lamp, its gentle motion soothing Akiko’s fear. She could smell pine trees, and the wet earth after rain, and in the still air she yet felt a gentle breeze playing with her hair. The panic passed, and Akiko let her awareness float on the river of Tamao’s control, going where he led without resistance.\r\n\r\n“You must purify my land. You must preserve the shrine.â€\r\n\r\nThere was a deep throbbing from behind Akiko, a pulsing heat, from the direction of the iwakura. For a moment, she smelled sulphur and the brittle edge of burning rocks, but then the breeze blew it away, replacing it once more with the scent of trees.\r\n\r\n“This is your duty. Spirit Child, Bright Child, serve your kami.â€\r\n\r\nAnd Tamao was gone. Across the shattered remains of the table, Akiko could see Shiraishi, trembling slightly as she watched Akiko. There was a weight still around Akiko’s neck, and she reached up, her fingers brushing a necklace.', 'Possession', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '417-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-11 18:32:53', '2009-04-11 09:32:53', '', 417, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/11/417-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(643, 1, '2009-09-14 00:00:12', '2009-09-13 15:00:12', 'Akiko''s breathing steadily returned to normal, and her blood stopped pounding in her ears. There was still a dull roar in the background, and Akiko realised that it was the sound of falling rain. She picked up her yukata and pulled it on, belting it shut as she went over to the door.\r\n\r\n“I’m sorry,â€ she said as she pulled the door open. “Nightmare.â€ Shiraishi was also wearing a yukata, and looking rather dishevelled.\r\n\r\n“Just a nightmare?â€ the priest asked, and Akiko shook her head.\r\n\r\n“I think it was a message from Tamao. We should check the shrine grounds.â€ As she left her bedroom, Akiko realised that she could still smell the stench that had come with the creatures in the dream, and she shuddered. The smell got stronger as they approached the front door, and Akiko found herself hanging back. Shiraishi reached for the door, and Akiko couldn’t contain it any longer.\r\n\r\n“Be careful!â€ she yelped. Shiraishi looked back, her face quizzical, and let her hand drop.\r\n\r\n“Do you think it might be dangerous?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko took a deep breath, coughing slightly on the stench.\r\n\r\n“Do you smell that?â€\r\n\r\nThe priest nodded.\r\n\r\n“I’m not sure I want to find out what it is, but it doesn’t smell <em>dangerous.</em>â€\r\n\r\n“In the dream…â€ Akiko didn’t want to go into details. “Just a moment.â€ She ducked into the office, where the rain was pounding on the windows, largely obscuring the shrine beyond, and picked up the kagurasuzu. Holding it up, she went back to join Shiraishi. “OK. Open the door.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko braced herself as the priest slid the door open, but nothing attacked.\r\n\r\n“Oh, <em>shit,</em>â€ Shiraishi said, with feeling. It took another couple of moments for Akiko to focus on the mundane features of the scene, and understand the reason for the smell.\r\n\r\nIt <em>was</em> shit, quite literally, along with rotten food and other kitchen waste, and even, she saw, a few corpses of dead rats and birds. The rubbish was scattered across the precincts, even on the iwakura itself, but not right up to the house. There was a low rumble of thunder, and Akiko had no doubt that the rain was the result of the kami’s anger.\r\n\r\nThe priest turned to look at Akiko.\r\n\r\n“How bad is the kegare?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko didn’t want to look, but she knew the priest was right; they needed to know. Steeling herself, she switched her vision.\r\n\r\nThe black vines from the dream were spreading across the precincts, their tendrils reaching out, probing, falling back. They were wrapped around the stones of the iwakura, reaching into the sky as if there was something just out of their reach. Akiko involuntarily took a step backwards, and, as she noticed some things moving in between the vines, let her vision switch back to normal.\r\n\r\n“It’s bad. Really bad. Like in the nightmare.â€ She felt herself shudder again, and tried to get a grip on herself. The vines weren’t physically real; they couldn’t actually grab her.\r\n\r\n“No surprise, really.â€ Shiraishi turned back to look at the mess. “We have to clean this up. No point trying to perform a harae with that much obvious pollution. No point doing any other ceremonies until we have.â€ She paused to look at the scale of the task, and Akiko also forced herself to look.\r\n\r\nThere was a lot of rubbish.\r\n\r\n“It’s going to take all day,â€ Akiko said, with resignation. Shiraishi nodded.\r\n\r\n“I don’t suppose you could convince Tamao to stop raining while we do it?â€ she asked. Akiko shook her head.\r\n\r\n“He’ll probably stop once the shrine is clean again.â€\r\n\r\n“Of course. Just as we finish.â€ The priest sighed. “Oh well, we’d best get changed and get started. The shrine won’t clean itself.â€', 'Polluting Vandalism', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'polluting-vandalism', '', '', '2009-09-14 06:45:49', '2009-09-13 21:45:49', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=643', 0, 'post', '', 8);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(644, 1, '2009-06-25 10:49:18', '2009-06-25 01:49:18', 'Akiko breathing steadily returned to normal, and her blood stopped pounding in her ears. There was still a dull roar in the background, and Akiko realised that it was the sound of falling rain. She picked up her yukata and pulled it on, belting it shut as she went over to the door.\n\n“I’m sorry,â€ she said as she pulled the door open. “Nightmare.â€ Shiraishi was also wearing a yukata, and looking rather dishevelled.\n\n“Just a nightmare?â€ the priest asked, and Akiko shook her head.\n\n“I think it was a message from Tamao. We should check the shrine grounds.â€ As she left her bedroom, Akiko realised that she could still smell the stench that had come with the creatures in the dream, and she shuddered. The smell got stronger as they approached the front door, and Akiko found herself hanging back. Shiraishi reached for the door, and Akiko couldn’t contain it any longer.\n\n“Be careful!â€ she yelped. Shiraishi looked back, her face quizzical, and let her hand drop.\n\n“Do you think it might be dangerous?â€\n\nAkiko took a deep breath, coughing slightly on the stench.\n\n“Do you smell that?â€\n\nThe priest nodded.\n\n“I’m not sure I want to find out what it is, but it doesn’t smell <em>dangerous.</em>â€\n\n“In the dream…â€ Akiko didn’t want to go into details. “Just a moment.â€ She ducked into the office, where the rain was pounding on the windows, largely obscuring the shrine beyond, and picked up the kagurasuzu. Holding it up, she went back to join Shiraishi. “OK. Open the door.â€\n\nAkiko braced herself as the priest slid the door open, but nothing attacked.\n\n“Oh, <em>shit,</em>â€ Shiraishi said, with feeling. It took another couple of moments for Akiko to focus on the mundane features of the scene, and understand the reason for the smell.\n\nIt <em>was</em> shit, quite literally, along with rotten food and other kitchen waste, and even, she saw, a few corpses of dead rats and birds. The rubbish was scattered across the precincts, even on the iwakura itself, but not right up to the house. There was a low rumble of thunder, and Akiko had no doubt that the rain was the result of the kami’s anger.\n\nThe priest turned to look at Akiko.\n\n“How bad is the kegare?â€\n\nAkiko didn’t want to look, but she knew the priest was right; they needed to know. Steeling herself, she switched her vision.\n\nThe black vines from the dream were spreading across the precincts, their tendrils reaching out, probing, falling back. They were wrapped around the stones of the iwakura, reaching into the sky as if there was something just out of their reach. Akiko involuntarily took a step backwards, and, as she noticed some things moving in between the vines, let her vision switch back to normal.\n\n“It’s bad. Really bad. Like in the nightmare.â€ She felt herself shudder again, and tried to get a grip on herself. The vines weren’t physically real; they couldn’t actually grab her.\n\n“No surprise, really.â€ Shiraishi turned back to look at the mess. “We have to clean this up. No point trying to perform a harae with that much obvious pollution. No point doing any other ceremonies until we have.â€ She paused to look at the scale of the task, and Akiko also forced herself to look.\n\nThere was a lot of rubbish.\n\n“It’s going to take all day,â€ Akiko said, with resignation. Shiraishi nodded.\n\n“I don’t suppose you could convince Tamao to stop raining while we do it?â€ she asked. Akiko shook her head.\n\n“He’ll probably stop once the shrine is clean again.â€\n\n“Of course. Just as we finish.â€ The priest sighed. “Oh well, we’d best get changed and get started. The shrine won’t clean itself.â€', 'Polluting Vandalism', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '643-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:49:18', '2009-06-25 01:49:18', '', 643, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/643-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(645, 1, '2009-09-15 00:00:41', '2009-09-14 15:00:41', 'Despite her raincoat, Akiko could feel the rain water seeping into her clothes almost as soon as they stepped outside. It was warm, as well, and very humid, so she soon started to sweat. When she went to the entrance, however, she noticed the first benefit of the rain. There were no protesters. No guards, either.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, there’s no-one here,â€ she called. The priest came over to look.\r\n\r\n“Well, I’m not surprised that the protesters went home. I mean, who would come to the shrine in <em>this</em>…â€ Shiraishi fell silent as a figure appeared at the bottom of the steps, hidden below a Japanese-style umbrella, and carefully began climbing, wary of the rain-slick stone. Akiko caught a glimpse of kimono, but it really couldn’t be anyone other than Ms Yamanaka.\r\n\r\nShe stopped at the top of the steps, shock on her face as she looked at the mess in the precincts, for a moment even forgetting to greet Shiraishi.\r\n\r\n“Good morning,â€ she said, when she pulled herself together. “What happened?â€\r\n\r\n“What does it look like? Someone decided to pollute our shrine, in quite a concrete way.â€ Shiraishi sounded very annoyed.\r\n\r\n“But what about the guards?â€ Ms Yamanaka sounded genuinely puzzled.\r\n\r\n“Good question. I thought you might know.â€\r\n\r\nMs Yamanaka shook her head.\r\n\r\n“Could I stand under the porch while I make some calls?â€\r\n\r\n“Go ahead.â€\r\n\r\nMs Yamanaka got her cell phone out of her bag, and as she began making phone calls, Akiko and Shiraishi started clearing up.\r\n\r\nThe rain was turning the ground to mud, making it harder to pick the rubbish up, but, on the bright side, it was washing the shit away, so they didn’t have to deal with that directly. For a moment, Akiko wondered whether Tamao knew what he was doing, but she quickly dismissed the thought. He was just being petulant and moody, as usual.\r\n\r\nA few moments later, Ms Yamanaka came over, her expression concerned and apologetic.\r\n\r\n“I can’t get through to anyone, so I’ve got no idea where they are. But… Can I help you clean up?â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi straightened up and looked at her, obviously considering the offer. Akiko was willing her to say “yesâ€; any help to get this finished faster would be good.\r\n\r\n“Yes, please. There is a lot to clear up.â€\r\n\r\nMs Yamanaka smiled, and then suddenly blushed, embarrassed about something.\r\n\r\n“Ah… Could I borrow some clothes? This kimono isn’t really appropriate.â€ Looking at her, Akiko had to agree. She didn’t know much about kimonos, but the one that Ms Yamanaka was wearing looked really nice, as always. Briefly, Akiko wondered just how rich the other woman was. Shiraishi looked at her, and then at Akiko.\r\n\r\n“She’s nearer your size. Have you got anything?â€\r\n\r\n“Oh,â€ Akiko was briefly surprised, “yes, yes, no problem. Just jeans and a top, though.â€\r\n\r\n“That’s fine.â€\r\n\r\n“Well, come with me.â€\r\n\r\nAs they entered the shrine house, shaking off as much water as possible, Akiko realised that Ms Yamanaka still looked rather embarrassed.\r\n\r\n“Ah…â€ she began. “Could I, this is going to sound strange, could I borrow some underwear as well? Japanese style underwear won’t really work with jeans.â€\r\n\r\n“Underwear?â€ Akiko thought about it for a moment; it <em>was</em> odd, but they’d wash it afterwards, and they could really do with the help. “I suppose so. This way, Ms Yamanaka.â€\r\n\r\n“Thank you. I’m really sorry to cause this trouble.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko led the way back into the house, while the rain continued to hammer on the roof and windows.', 'Assistance', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'assistance', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:50:15', '2009-06-25 01:50:15', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=645', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(646, 1, '2009-06-25 10:50:03', '2009-06-25 01:50:03', '', 'Assistance', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '645-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:50:03', '2009-06-25 01:50:03', '', 645, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/645-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(647, 1, '2009-09-16 00:00:28', '2009-09-15 15:00:28', 'The rain never quite stopped, although it did get lighter at times. Despite the waterproofs, Akiko was soaked to the skin before mid-morning, and by lunchtime she was really looking forward to getting out of the sodden clothes, taking a bath, and changing into a nice, dry yukata. When she caught herself constructing an elaborate fantasy around it, she decided it was time to eat, and suggested it to the other two.\r\n\r\nShiraishi ordered in packed lunches for everyone, and they sat on the step of the shrine house, under the porch roof, to eat them. The rain got heavier while they ate, Tamao doubtless complaining about them slacking off. It was true that, at first glance, they didn’t seem to have made much progress, but when Akiko looked carefully around the grounds, she could see the areas they had cleared, and it was clear that they would finish.\r\n\r\nThe presence of Ms Yamanaka stopped Shiraishi and Akiko talking much about what the kami might do in response to this, but she had kept trying to make conversation through the morning, and over lunch it finally started to flow easily.\r\n\r\n“I only moved here a few months ago,â€ Ms Yamanaka said, in answer to Shiraishi’s question about her links to the shrine. “My family is from Kyoto. We’ve known the Fujimuras for, er, centuries,â€ she paused and smiled, a little embarrassed, “and Mr Fujimura was good enough to introduce me to some places round here, like your shrine.â€\r\n\r\nIt turned out that Ms Yamanaka, Noriko, taught kimono, calligraphy, flower arranging, and tea ceremony, and she’d moved to the Tokyo area because there was more demand for teachers there.\r\n\r\n“Everyone in Kyoto can already do them,â€ she said, laughing.\r\n\r\nThe rain eased off a bit as they started work again — Tamao pleased to see them back at it, presumably — and Akiko found herself daydreaming about the bath and the yukata again, when she wasn’t chatting with Noriko or Shiraishi.\r\n\r\nHer reveries were interrupted by the splashing sounds of someone running up the steps in the rain.\r\n\r\n“Oooh, whiffy!â€ Akiko didn’t even need to look round.\r\n\r\n“Good afternoon, Ms Miura,â€ she said, as she turned to face her. Kazumi wasn’t even wearing a raincoat, and water was dripping from her school uniform, her skirt plastered to the trousers, which in turn hung close to her legs. “Shouldn’t you have a coat on?â€ Kazumi shrugged.\r\n\r\n“Doesn’t make much difference in this weather. And it’s not like it’s cold. Anyway, what happened?â€\r\n\r\n“Someone threw rubbish into the shrine. We’re trying to clean up.â€\r\n\r\n“Yuck! Can I help?â€\r\n\r\n“Er…â€ For a moment, Akiko was caught by surprise, but it was still true that they wanted as much help as possible. “Yes, certainly. Thank you.â€\r\n\r\nKazumi was enthusiastic, and the extra pair of hands made the last bit of the cleaning seem to go very quickly. Once the physical contamination was cleared, and the bags taken outside the shrine grounds, Shiraishi started preparing for the harae.\r\n\r\n“We aren’t finished?â€ Kazumi asked, and Akiko shook her head.\r\n\r\n“We have to cleanse the spiritual impurities as well,â€ she explained, and was a bit surprised when Kazumi nodded again.\r\n\r\n“Oh, like you did in… for me, before. Right. Won’t the paper shaker thing get all wet?â€\r\n\r\n“The ohnusa? Yes, but it’s easy to make another one.â€ As Akiko said that, Shiraishi came out, still in her working clothes but carrying the ohnusa. Akiko’s surprise must have shown on her face, because Shiraishi smiled wryly at her.\r\n\r\n“If Tamao wants a harae in full vestments, he can wait until after I have a bath.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko smiled back. She obviously wasn’t the only one who had been thinking along those lines.', 'Cleaned', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'cleaned', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:50:56', '2009-06-25 01:50:56', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=647', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(648, 1, '2009-06-25 10:50:48', '2009-06-25 01:50:48', '', 'Cleaned', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '647-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:50:48', '2009-06-25 01:50:48', '', 647, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/647-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(649, 1, '2009-09-17 00:00:08', '2009-09-16 15:00:08', 'The harae finished, Akiko risked looking at the kegare. For a moment, she wondered if she had actually managed to shift, because everything looked clean, but then she walked over to the entrance to look outside, and saw the pollution hanging heavy over the street. She looked back at Shiraishi, and smiled, nodding.\r\n\r\n“Did someone say something about a bath?â€ It was Kazumi, and Akiko only barely suppressed a laugh.\r\n\r\n“Yes, I did,â€ Shiraishi said. “You’re very welcome to borrow the bath here if you want to, before you go. Thank you for all your help.â€\r\n\r\n“Great!â€ Then Kazumi looked around, and her face fell. “I bet I get to go last, right? Youngest and all that.â€\r\n\r\n“The bath’s huge,â€ Akiko said. “We can all go in together.â€\r\n\r\n“Really?â€ Noriko looked a bit surprised. Shiraishi also looked rather surprised, and was blushing, maybe because she hadn’t thought of it.\r\n\r\n“Oh yes,â€ Akiko said. “Bigger than some onsens I’ve been to.â€\r\n\r\n“Yay! Bath!â€ Kazumi was already making her way to the entrance hall, where she was standing dripping on the floor when the others joined her, looking at the tatami corridor leading inside.\r\n\r\n“The bathroom is down there,â€ Akiko said, pointing. Kazumi nodded, and started pulling her clothes off. Akiko heard Shiraishi’s sharp intake of breath, followed by the crash of the door being slammed shut behind them. “Ms Miura, <em>what…</em>â€ Akiko began.\r\n\r\n“Don’t want to drip on the tatami,â€ she said, pausing, water running from the blouse she was holding in one hand.\r\n\r\n“That’s… actually a good point,â€ Noriko said. “It’s better if it doesn’t get too wet. And actually,â€ she giggled a little, slightly awkwardly, “I suppose it doesn’t really make any difference where we get undressed if we’re going in together.â€\r\n\r\n“Right!â€ Kazumi continued stripping, and was standing naked in the hallway before Akiko had fully processed the idea. It did actually make sense, she had to admit, but still…\r\n\r\n“The bath is ready, isn’t it?â€ Kazumi asked, sounding slightly worried.\r\n\r\nAkiko laughed, and that broke her tension, so she started peeling her clothes off, feeling better as each bit of sodden cloth came off.\r\n\r\n“You should have asked that a bit earlier! But yes, it is. Far too expensive to empty it.â€ Noriko had also started undressing, but Shiraishi was still fiddling with her top. “Fourth door on the left; the one that’s a door, not a sliding panel.â€\r\n\r\n“Ha! I get to go first!â€ Kazumi scampered off down the corridor, disappearing into the bathroom.\r\n\r\n“Girls today!â€ Noriko said, her voice amused. Akiko grinned at her, and shook her head.\r\n\r\n“I think it’s just her.â€ She dropped the last of her clothes on the pile, and headed into the house, quickly followed by Noriko. As they entered the bathroom, the older woman drew a sudden breath.\r\n\r\n“Wow.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko nodded, remembering her initial reaction.\r\n\r\n“Shiraishi says that there used to actually be a hot spring here, which is why the house has such a large bath.â€\r\n\r\n“Not now, though?â€\r\n\r\n“No, unfortunately.â€\r\n\r\n“Still feels great!â€ Kazumi was submerged in the bath up to her neck, her hands occasionally breaking the surface as she relaxed. Akiko fought down an urge to ask her whether she had washed properly. <em>You are not her mother,</em> she told herself sternly, as she went to shower.\r\n\r\nShe had almost finished showering before Shiraishi came in, and the priest didn’t join in the conversation in the bath, much of which revolved around Kazumi’s complete ignorance of the subjects Noriko taught. Akiko tried not to reveal that her ignorance was almost as extensive.\r\n\r\nOutside, the rain stopped and the sun broke through the clouds.', 'Fan Service', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'fan-service', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:51:37', '2009-06-25 01:51:37', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=649', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(650, 1, '2009-06-25 10:51:32', '2009-06-25 01:51:32', '', 'Fan Service', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '649-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:51:32', '2009-06-25 01:51:32', '', 649, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/649-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(651, 1, '2009-09-18 00:00:50', '2009-09-17 15:00:50', 'Akiko sat in her room, enjoying being warm and dry. She heard the doorbell ring, but ignored it; Shiraishi was dealing with visitors at the moment.\r\n\r\n“Akiko? It’s Akira Takenaka. He said you have a date…â€\r\n\r\nAkiko sprang to her feet.\r\n\r\n“Oh, no. I mean yes. I forgot! Er, tell him to wait a few minutes… Wait, a date? No, never mind…â€ She was already looking through her clothes, and when she looked up she realised that Shiraishi had already gone.\r\n\r\nOne advantage of being just out of the bath was that it only took her a few minutes to get ready to leave.\r\n\r\n<em>Date?</em> she thought, as she checked her hair in the mirror. <em>Well, I suppose it’s something like that.</em>\r\n\r\nAkira had, it was clear, taken some trouble over his clothes, and he cut Akiko off when she started to apologise, smiling.\r\n\r\n“That’s OK. Women are allowed to be late. And Revd Shiraishi told me about what happened; you should have called me.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh… yes. Actually, you’re right, we should.â€\r\n\r\n“What happened to the guards?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko shrugged, as she put her shoes on.\r\n\r\n“We don’t know. Even Ms Yamanaka didn’t know, although she stayed to help us clean up.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh.â€ Akira paused for a moment, and his voice was much brighter when he continued. “Well, shall we go?â€\r\n\r\nThe restaurant was, Akiko had to admit, very nice. Akira insisted he was paying, and, looking at the prices, Akiko was glad he had said that, and willing to let him do so.\r\n\r\nBy unspoken agreement, they avoided the topic of the strange events at the shrine, instead talking about current events, television, and Akira’s company. Business was going well, he said, with more work coming in as jobs finished. They were, it seemed, basically back to where they had been before Wakabayashi started putting pressure on them.\r\n\r\n“What happened to him?â€ Akiko asked.\r\n\r\n“Nothing, I think,â€ Akira didn’t sound happy about that, and Akiko, realising that they had drifted on to unpleasant topics, was about to change the subject when he continued. “He’s keeping a much lower profile than before though; his company has stopped throwing its weight around. They’ve not approached us, though. And, of course, we wouldn’t work for them if they did.â€ Akira was very serious, his face dark, and as he finished he took a deep breath, and then a mouthful of wine, before continuing in a lighter tone. “How’s your food?â€\r\n\r\n“It’s very good…â€ Akiko started, as she glanced down at her plate.\r\n\r\nWorms writhed in among the strands of pasta, and there were toadstools growing up from the plate, around which smaller creatures were crawling. The smell of rot hit her suddenly, and she looked up to see large cockroaches crawling over the walls and ceiling of the restaurant, dropping off onto the diners, scurrying over Akira, down inside his clothes.\r\n\r\n“Akiko, are you all…â€ Akira sounded concerned, but he didn’t seem to have noticed anything.\r\n\r\n<em>It’s just the kegare,</em> Akiko told herself. <em>There aren’t really any worms.</em> She looked down again, but the plate still looked the same, and she could feel her gorge rising as her stomach started to heave. Shaking her head, she bolted for the toilets.', 'Date with Akira', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'date-with-akira', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:52:18', '2009-06-25 01:52:18', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=651', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(652, 1, '2009-06-25 10:52:11', '2009-06-25 01:52:11', '', 'Date with Akira', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '651-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:52:11', '2009-06-25 01:52:11', '', 651, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/651-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(653, 1, '2009-09-19 00:00:37', '2009-09-18 15:00:37', '“I’m really sorry,â€ Akiko said, for the hundredth time, as the car got near to the shrine.\r\n\r\n“No, really, it’s OK,â€ Akira assured her, and he certainly sounded genuine. “I wouldn’t have been able to stay if I’d seen that, either.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko nodded, looking out of the window, avoiding eye contact. Would he just think it was an excuse? <em>Don’t be silly,</em> she told herself. <em>Akira knows enough about what’s going on now.</em>\r\n\r\n“Maybe next time we should purify the restaurant before we eat,â€ he suggested, his tone suggesting that he was trying to make a joke, so Akiko turned back to him and smiled, but her heart wasn’t in it. Maybe he was right. Maybe they really needed to purify anywhere they went to eat.\r\n\r\nAs the shrine entrance came into view, Akiko could see that the protesters, and the guards, were back.\r\n\r\n“Are you sure you’re OK?â€ Akira asked, and Akiko knew that he wasn’t asking about the restaurant anymore.\r\n\r\n“Yes, I’ll be fine.â€\r\n\r\n“OK. Well, I really enjoyed most of the evening. We should do it again some time.â€\r\n\r\n“Yes…â€ Akiko realised that she wasn’t paying attention to Akira, and that she was being rude, so she turned back and smiled. “I enjoyed the bits you were responsible for, and the bad bits weren’t your fault.â€ Akira suddenly laughed.\r\n\r\n“Very precise, Ms Tanahata.â€\r\n\r\n“Ms Tanahata?â€ Akiko was smiling genuinely now.\r\n\r\n“OK. Akiko. Very precise. Anyway, see you soon.â€\r\n\r\n“See you.â€ Akiko stood at the base of the steps and waved to Akira as the car turned the corner, then sighed and turned to the entrance.\r\n\r\nThe protesters and guards were just watching her, saying nothing, so she decided to ignore them. As she approached, her vision suddenly slipped again, just like in the restaurant, and she could see that the protesters were heavy with kegare, in many different forms, while the guards were largely clean, just a few bits clinging on to them. She forced herself to look away from the protesters as she felt nausea rise again, and nodded curtly to the guards as she went past, up the steps.\r\n\r\nAt the top of the steps, she glanced around, and gasped. There were small patches of kegare around the edge of the shrine grounds, one of them, near the entrance, like a ball of centipedes crawling in, out, and over, one occasionally making a foray towards the iwakura, before turning back as if something was unpleasant.\r\n\r\n<em>Inside the shrine,</em> Akiko thought, and hurried to the office.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, we… Oh.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi wasn’t in the office. Instead, Kazumi was sitting there, still in one of their yukata, reading the leaflet about the history of the shrine.\r\n\r\n“Oh, welcome back. Revd Shiraishi had to go to do someone’s house.â€\r\n\r\n“Do? Oh, a harae. But…â€\r\n\r\n“My clothes were still wet.â€ Kazumi gestured vaguely back towards the shrine house. “Revd Shiraishi said I could wait here until they dried out.â€ She smiled, in a way that Akiko could only describe as naughty, and said “I feel quite like a miko.â€\r\n\r\n“Hmm. Well, thank you for keeping an eye on things.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, no trouble. Actually I like it here; I feel much better in the shrine than I do anywhere else. Don’t you?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, that’s true. Anyway, I’ll go and get changed and take over. You should be getting home.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, it’s OK. I called. I wonder whether my clothes are dry.â€\r\n\r\n“I’ll check.â€\r\n\r\nKazumi’s clothes were hanging on the veranda, and had largely dried out. It was only then, seeing the girl’s underwear hanging with the rest, that Akiko understood the smile.\r\n\r\nRolling her eyes, she went to get changed.', 'Polluted Shrine', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'polluted-shrine', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:53:12', '2009-06-25 01:53:12', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=653', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(654, 1, '2009-06-25 10:53:06', '2009-06-25 01:53:06', '', 'Polluted Shrine', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '653-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:53:06', '2009-06-25 01:53:06', '', 653, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/653-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(655, 1, '2009-09-20 00:00:24', '2009-09-19 15:00:24', 'Shiraishi performed a harae for the shrine grounds as soon as she got back, and Akiko confirmed that it had cleared the kegare. Kazumi, claiming that her clothes were not quite dry, had insisted on waiting, and attended the harae in her yukata. Akiko noticed that the girl was watching her, and trying to copy her actions. Once the ceremony was over, Kazumi ran back inside to get changed, before setting off, in the dark, to go home.\r\n\r\n“The Itos wanted another purification,â€ Shiraishi explained. “They said that they felt better afterwards, but…â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, I’m sure it was fine,â€ Akiko assured the priest. “The harae always seems to work.â€\r\n\r\n“Did Kazumi cause any problems?â€\r\n\r\n“Not so far as I could see.â€\r\n\r\nThe relief was clear on Shiraishi’s face.\r\n\r\n“Thank goodness. I really wasn’t sure that I’d made the right decision. But her clothes really were still wet, so…â€\r\n\r\n“No, I think it was safe. I’m not sure I’d trust her with anything that had to be done, but she really seems to like the shrine. I don’t think she’d do anything to harm it.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi smiled and nodded.\r\n\r\n“That was my impression, as well. Oh, how was your date?â€\r\n\r\n“Until the kegare appeared, it was fine. Talking of kegare, do you have any idea why it was getting back into the shrine grounds?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, maybe because the protesters came back?â€\r\n\r\n“Could be.â€ Akiko wasn’t entirely convinced. “They do have a lot of pollution, but the guards keep them out.â€\r\n\r\n“The guards, then? They wouldn’t say where they were last night.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko shook her head.\r\n\r\n“No. They have almost no kegare.â€\r\n\r\n“Really?â€ Shiraishi sounded a little surprised.\r\n\r\n“Really. Whatever the problems with them, they aren’t due to kegare.â€\r\n\r\n“Oh.â€ Shiraishi fell silent, as did Akiko. She suspected that the priest was thinking along the same lines as she was: Tamao was just not strong enough to keep the kegare out completely. Whether he had got weaker, or the kegare had got stronger, the balance was shifting.\r\n\r\n“I think I need to talk to the other miko,â€ Akiko said, at last.\r\n\r\n“The other…? Oh, yes. Yes, she might know something.â€\r\n\r\nIt was only when she left the house, late at night, that Akiko became aware of the problem posed by the guards. They were keeping an eye on the shrine grounds, as well as the entrance, which meant that they would see her going to the tree. For any number of reasons, Akiko didn’t want them to follow her, so she pretended to simply be checking the grounds herself until the guard, nodding to her, went back down the steps. Seizing her chance, she hurried into the woods.\r\n\r\nYoshiko was already waiting at the tree.\r\n\r\n“Sorry I’m late,â€ Akiko apologised as she arrived. “I had to…â€ She cut herself off. “Sorry. No explanations.â€ Yoshiko smiled and nodded.\r\n\r\n“Well,â€ she said, “we’d better get straight on with the practice.â€\r\n\r\n“Ah, actually, can I ask you something first?â€\r\n\r\n“Certainly.â€\r\n\r\n“It’s about kegare and Tamao.â€ Yoshiko nodded for her to continue. “Someone deliberately polluted the shrine last night, and so we had to clean and purify it yesterday. But a few hours after we purified it, there was already kegare within the shrine precincts. Is that normal?â€\r\n\r\nYoshiko shook her head, her expression worried.\r\n\r\n“The shrine grounds shouldn’t be polluted at all, at least not unless someone does something. The normal ceremonies and the power of the kami should be enough to keep pollution out.â€\r\n\r\n“That’s what I thought,â€ Akiko said, frowning. “So, what does it mean?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, either the kegare outside is very strong, or Tamao is very weak, I suppose. Or both.â€\r\n\r\n“The kegare outside is definitely very strong. I don’t think Tamao is that weak, but maybe he isn’t strong enough.â€\r\n\r\n“What does Tamao say?â€\r\n\r\nAkiko pulled a face, and then quickly forced herself to look neutral. It was too late, though. Yoshiko was already shaking her head, her expression half stern, half amused.\r\n\r\n“You need to show more respect for your kami, Akiko. And listen to him if he chooses to speak to you.â€\r\n\r\n“I know, I know.â€ Akiko paused, searching for the right words. “It’s just… He doesn’t tell us enough. Or anything specific. Or anything <em>useful.</em>â€ She sighed, and shook her head in frustration. “I thought that things would be much easier if I could talk to him, but it’s not really worked out that way.â€\r\n\r\n“How much do you try to talk to him?â€\r\n\r\n“Well…â€ Akiko came to a stop. <em>Not very much,</em> she had to admit.\r\n\r\n“Frightened?â€\r\n\r\n“No!â€ Akiko responded immediately, but Yoshiko didn’t take her eyes off Akiko’s face, and there was something eerie about her look. Akiko blamed it on the eyebrows, but also remembered that Yoshiko saw Tamao as well. “OK, yes. I’m frightened of what might happen if I talk to Tamao. I talked to the Aramitama, and…â€ She shuddered at the memories, and couldn’t go on.\r\n\r\n“The Aramitama? Directly?â€ Yoshiko sounded surprised. “I’m not surprised you’re scared.â€\r\n\r\n“Have you…?â€ Akiko suddenly realised that Yoshiko might not want to remember either, but she really wanted to know.\r\n\r\nThe other miko nodded, her face set.\r\n\r\n“It’s dangerous, outside the Aramatsuri. The Aramitama is not as controlled or as considerate as the Nigimitama. But then, you know that.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko nodded.\r\n\r\n“Try to talk to the Nigimitama. Even the Aramitama almost never actually injures the miko.â€\r\n\r\n“<em>Almost</em> never?â€\r\n\r\n“Maybe never. There are stories, but the miko could have just slipped while dancing.â€\r\n\r\n“Not serious injuries, then.â€\r\n\r\n“Not really. But you are avoiding the main issue.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko blushed as she realised that Yoshiko was quite right.\r\n\r\n“So, how should I talk to him?â€\r\n\r\n“Perform a ceremony to call him. If he wants to talk, he will, and if kegare is getting into the shrine precincts, I’m sure he will want to.â€\r\n\r\n“A ceremony…â€\r\n\r\n“It’s quite a standard one. Just like calling him into a himorogi at any other time.â€\r\n\r\n“But calling him into me?â€\r\n\r\n“Well…â€ Yoshiko looked down briefly, as if slightly embarrassed, but then looked Akiko back in the eyes.\r\n\r\n“That is part of a miko’s job, after all.â€', 'Consultation', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'consultation', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:53:56', '2009-06-25 01:53:56', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=655', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(656, 1, '2009-06-25 10:53:49', '2009-06-25 01:53:49', '', 'Consultation', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '655-revision', '', '', '2009-06-25 10:53:49', '2009-06-25 01:53:49', '', 655, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/25/655-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(657, 1, '2009-09-21 00:00:46', '2009-09-20 15:00:46', 'The blackened patches looked like chemical burns, the grass scoured away and even the earth below discoloured and malformed, glittering in the morning sunlight as it shifted. The grass at the edge was turning brown, curling in on itself, crumbling into dust and an acrid smell on the breeze.\r\n\r\nAkiko switched her vision back to normal as she hurried inside to find Shiraishi.\r\n\r\nShe didn’t have far to look, as the priest was waiting in the entrance hall.\r\n\r\n“Well?â€\r\n\r\n“There are some patches of pollution at the edge of the precincts, again.â€ Shiraishi frowned, even as she nodded.\r\n\r\n“We’ll do the purification first, then the morning offerings.â€\r\n\r\nThe harae swept the kegare away, as always, and left the precincts feeling fresh, even as the heat and humidity intensified. They performed the morning offerings as normal, and a couple of the guards joined them for the ceremony at the iwakura. Akiko felt a little uncomfortable, but the two young men were very polite, and didn’t try to make small talk afterwards, just returning to their positions. Akiko had the strong sense that she wasn’t being fair to them; they were volunteering to guard the shrine, and the protesters did cause trouble when they weren’t there. She remembered Kazumi’s joke about the Imperial Guard, and shook her head. There was definitely <em>something</em> about them.\r\n\r\n“What’s the problem?â€ Shiraishi seemed to have noticed Akiko’s gesture.\r\n\r\n“Oh, I was just thinking about the guards.â€\r\n\r\n“Mm.â€ Shiraishi also glanced towards the entrance, her expression hard for Akiko to read. “Well, they help.â€ The priest’s words were curt, flat, as if she didn’t have her heart in what she was saying.\r\n\r\n“What about the kegare, though?â€ she continued, turning back to Akiko. “I don’t think it used to enter this quickly.â€\r\n\r\n“It didn’t used to enter at all,â€ Akiko replied, “at least not unless something major happened to bring it. But today… Maybe it’s just a side effect of all the rubbish that was thrown in yesterday.â€\r\n\r\n“Maybe. If so, the problem should get better in the next few days, right?â€\r\n\r\n“Well, if it’s just a side effect.â€\r\n\r\n“So we’ll give it a few days, and if it doesn’t get better, we’ll have to think of something else to do.â€\r\n\r\nThe conversation was interrupted as Kazumi bounced into the precincts, literally jumping up the last few steps, and nodding to Akiko and Shiraishi as she ran over to the water tank to purify herself. Akiko switched her vision over to check for kegare, and sucked her breath in. The girl’s uniform seemed to be covered with a fine fuzz of mould, grey and white and green, like a fruit left too long in the bowl. It even seemed to be spreading into her hair. <em>How did she pick up so much kegare so quickly?</em> she wondered.\r\n\r\nAnd then Noriko came up the steps, much more sedate, and Akiko saw her covered in tiny beetles, gnawing at the fabric of her kimono and scratching at her skin.\r\n\r\nPulling her vision back to normal, Akiko turned to murmur quietly in Shiraishi’s ear.\r\n\r\n“I think we need to do a harae for those two.â€', 'Morning Purification', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'morning-purification', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:07:22', '2009-06-26 13:07:22', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=657', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(658, 1, '2009-06-26 22:07:13', '2009-06-26 13:07:13', '', 'Morning Purification', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '657-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:07:13', '2009-06-26 13:07:13', '', 657, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/657-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(659, 1, '2009-09-22 00:00:35', '2009-09-21 15:00:35', 'By evening there were small patches of kegare within the shrine, and they were back again by the morning, despite the harae. Kazumi came very early, wearing shorts and a tee-shirt, meaning that they could include her in the morning harae, which swept away the cobwebs Akiko had seen around her.\r\n\r\nAround mid-morning, Akiko realised that Kazumi was still there.\r\n\r\n“Still here?â€\r\n\r\n“Is that OK?â€ Kazumi sounded nervous, as if she thought she was about to be sent away.\r\n\r\n“Well, yes, but it can’t be very interesting, just hanging around the shrine.â€\r\n\r\n“Yeah, well, OK, it’s not the thrill capital of Japan, but…â€ She paused, looking around. “I feel better here, you know? Not so tired. More alive.â€ Her face broke out in a grin. “Happier.â€ Remembering the kegare, Akiko nodded.\r\n\r\n“That’s good, then. Yes, of course you can stay if you want.â€\r\n\r\nKazumi didn’t leave until it was dark, apart from popping out of the shrine to buy a packed lunch, which she ate in the grounds, careful, Akiko noted, not to drop any rubbish at all. She was back very early the following morning, arriving just as Akiko found the kegare pushing into the precincts again. This time her uniform looked mildewed and torn, while there were sores on her skin, all of which vanished at the purification.\r\n\r\nWhen she came back in the afternoon, presumably straight from school, she had a large worm wrapped around her neck, and over, under and through her uniform, at least until she washed her hands and rinsed her mouth, when a pulse of light from the iwakura burned it away. She stayed until dark again, attending the evening purification, which was necessary, again.\r\n\r\nThe following day was the same, and Shiraishi went to talk to the girl, a conversation that went on for some time. The priest was smiling when she came back, but she refused to tell Akiko why. Akiko was more worried about the kegare, though, a worry that Shiraishi shared. They had started talking about what they could do, going over possible festivals, the practicalities of summoning Tamao, and even the possible uses of the goshintai and the mask. So far, however, they had not reached any conclusions.\r\n\r\nKazumi and Noriko arrived together the following day, very early again, and Shiraishi was called out to purify some homes. When Kazumi arrived in the afternoon, she came over to the house after performing her o-mairi, and Shiraishi met her, smiling at the door, leading her inside, without saying anything. Akiko, sitting in the office, watched them go, puzzled. What was going on?\r\n\r\nThe mystery was solved a few minutes later, when Kazumi appeared in miko’s vestments.\r\n\r\n“…let your hair grow a bit,â€ the priest was saying, “and don’t paint your fingernails.â€ Kazumi was grinning broadly, and Akiko looked from her to the priest and back again, not at all sure what to say. A miko?\r\n\r\n“She’s here all the time anyway,â€ Shiraishi said, sounding a little apologetic, “and she said she really wanted to be a miko.â€\r\n\r\n“It’s so <em>traditional,â€</em> Kazumi added, still smiling. Shiraishi stifled a giggle, and Akiko had a terrible thought, which she promptly ignored.\r\n\r\n“Anyway, she’s willing to help out with the simpler chores to start with, so could you show her the ropes?â€\r\n\r\n“Er, yes. Of course.â€\r\n\r\nIt didn’t take Kazumi long to pick up the basics, but then she had been hanging around the shrine a lot, so she knew most of it already. As they practised the basic sitting and walking techniques, Akiko noticed that Kazumi seemed to be much more enthusiastic about the studies than she had been.\r\n\r\n“Why do you want to be a miko, Kazumi?â€ she asked, suddenly.\r\n\r\n“Why?â€ Kazumi looked nonplussed for a moment, and then she smiled. “Oh, I really like wearing the <em>traditional</em> clothes. Just the traditional ones, you know.â€\r\n\r\n“Kazumi Miura, you are wearing underwear, right?â€\r\n\r\n“What a question!â€ The girl laughed it off, but Akiko noticed that she didn’t answer. Akiko seized a chance while she was sweeping the path that used to lead to the shrine buildings, and went to look at the room where she had changed. Her uniform was hanging up neatly, but there was no sign of underwear. She sighed in relief. Just teasing then.\r\n\r\n“Checking she’s properly dressed?â€ Akiko jumped as Shiraishi came up beside her, grinning.\r\n\r\n“I… Well, yes.â€\r\n\r\n“No underwear here, so you don’t need to worry.â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, yes. I was being silly, but, you know…â€\r\n\r\n“Well,â€ the priest suddenly sounded thoughtful, “unless she wasn’t wearing any underwear under her school uniform…â€\r\n\r\nAkiko stared at her, and then saw Shiraishi’s mouth twitching as she tried to suppress a smile.\r\n\r\n“Oh, don’t <em>you</em> start!â€', 'Kazumi', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'kazumi', '', '', '2009-09-22 07:20:11', '2009-09-21 22:20:11', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=659', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(660, 1, '2009-06-26 22:08:07', '2009-06-26 13:08:07', '', 'Kazumi', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '659-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:08:07', '2009-06-26 13:08:07', '', 659, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/659-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(661, 1, '2009-09-23 00:00:38', '2009-09-22 15:00:38', 'Akiko was staring at Kazumi as the girl tidied the grounds, and suddenly realised that she was still worrying about whether she was wearing underwear.\r\n\r\n<em>Of course she is, you silly woman,</em> she chided herself. <em>And even if she isn’t, it’s not as if anyone could tell. Even if she fell over…</em>\r\n\r\nShaking her head, Akiko put the question out of her mind, and decided to go and check on the sacred tree, while there didn’t seem to be any guards around. As soon as she left the office, however, she realised why there were no guards in the precincts. The argument from the foot of the stairs wasn’t loud, but it sounded quite intense. After warning Kazumi to stay at the top of the stairs, Akiko hurried down, hoping that it was nothing serious.\r\n\r\nThere were more protesters than normal; Akiko could see Naoyuki, and Mrs Watanabe, and even Mr Akiyama, unusually. They had formed a solid mass, separating the guards from a small group of people, dressed formally, who looked rather like a family. They looked relieved as they saw Akiko coming down, and she guessed that they were here for a ceremony.\r\n\r\nThe rest was all too easy to understand.\r\n\r\nAkiko stopped a few steps above the guards, so that she had the advantage of height, and spoke directly to the family.\r\n\r\n“Welcome to Tamao Shrine. I do apologise for this inconvenience; what can we do for you?â€\r\n\r\n“Stop deceiving them with your lies and propaganda! Look at the fascist footsoldiers you have guarding the shrine now! How can you still claim not to be imperialists?â€\r\n\r\nIt was Mrs Watanabe, of course, and Akiko just let her finish, noting that several of the other protesters, including Mr Akiyama and, surprisingly, Naoyuki, looked slightly embarrassed. When she fell silent, Akiko just looked back at the family.\r\n\r\n“We, er…â€ The man Akiko guessed was the father started speaking, but he was clearly flustered by the presence of the protesters.\r\n\r\n“We want a purification. It worked for the Tanakas.â€ A woman, and Akiko suddenly realised that her exasperated expression almost certainly made her the man’s wife, made her request clearly.\r\n\r\n“It’s just superstition, I’m afraid.â€ Mr Akiyama really did sound apologetic, but the woman shook her head stubbornly.\r\n\r\n“It worked for them, and it might help get Akito into Tokyo University.â€ The teenage boy with them looked very awkward at that, and Akiko had to suppress a smile as the father rolled his eyes and quickly, behind his wife’s back, patted his son’s shoulder.\r\n\r\n“I’m afraid that the priest is not here right now, but please come into the shrine. You can wait for her here, and she will be happy to perform the purification when she returns.â€\r\n\r\n“We won’t let them pass!â€ Mrs Watanabe sounded very certain, and a number of the other protesters nodded in agreement, although Mr Akiyama looked rather worried.\r\n\r\n“I really think,â€ he began, but Mrs Watanabe cut him off.\r\n\r\n“We have been too tolerant for too long! They are dangerous fascists.â€\r\n\r\nOne of the guards suddenly pushed forward, quickly followed by the others, and Akiko realised that she hadn’t been paying enough attention to them. They pushed their way into the protesters, trying to shove them out of the way. One of the protesters stumbled, then fell.\r\n\r\n“Stop!â€', 'Gatekeepers', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'gatekeepers', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:09:13', '2009-06-26 13:09:13', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=661', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(662, 1, '2009-06-26 22:09:03', '2009-06-26 13:09:03', '', 'Gatekeepers', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '661-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:09:03', '2009-06-26 13:09:03', '', 661, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/661-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(663, 1, '2009-09-24 00:00:14', '2009-09-23 15:00:14', 'Akiko’s shout brought everyone to a stop, and she ran down the last few steps.\r\n\r\n“What are you doing?â€ she demanded of the guards, who did look a bit sheepish. She was suddenly struck by how young they were. Not even Akira’s age. Some looked no older than Kazumi.\r\n\r\nThe fallen protester got to his feet, a bit shaken but not actually injured, and Mrs Watanabe surged to the front, her finger stabbing at Akiko as she blazed with anger.\r\n\r\n“I <em>knew</em> this would happen. You pretend to be nice, but all the time you’re preparing violence. It always ends with death.â€\r\n\r\n“Mrs Watanabe, no-one is dead.â€ <em>Except Hideo Takenaka,</em> she suddenly remembered, surprised by the strength of the sudden urge to cry.\r\n\r\n“Maybe not yet, but if your thugs don’t kill someone, the kami will. The priest said she’d have the kami curse us!â€\r\n\r\n“Mother, please…â€ Naoyuki said.\r\n\r\n<em>Mother?</em> For a moment, Akiko was too shocked to think. <em>That </em>was why she had looked familiar. It was obvious now.\r\n\r\n“You were too young to remember it Naoyuki, but I know what happened. I know the kami killed your sister.â€\r\n\r\n“Mrs Watanabe…â€ Mr Akiyama had worked his way to the woman’s side, while Naoyuki, profound embarrassment on his face, was trying to shrink back. Akiko had no idea what to say, or do, as Mrs Watanabe brushed the headmaster off and continued to shout at her.\r\n\r\n“They don’t care about right or wrong. They just care about their pride, their rules. She was only a child. She needed the toilet.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko felt as though she had been kicked in the stomach, literally having to gasp for breath. Suddenly, she knew where this story was going. Not the details, but the important points. And she really didn’t want to hear.\r\n\r\n“So she went behind the bushes. What did she know about shrines? About kami?â€ There were tears running down Mrs Watanabe’s face now, and most of the protesters had drawn back from her. Only her son still stood by her side, but he was looking down, trying to make himself inconspicuous. Akiko wanted to run away, but she couldn’t, couldn’t make herself move.\r\n\r\n“They said…â€ Mrs Watanabe paused, gulped air, and then looked back at Akiko. “They said it was a dog, but we didn’t see or hear anything. We just… we just…â€ Naoyuki put his arm round his mother’s shoulder now.\r\n\r\n“We just found her body, in the ditch round the shrine.â€ She was sobbing uncontrollably now.\r\n\r\n“She was only four!â€ It was a scream, and Akiko could feel the tears stinging at her own eyes as Naoyuki pulled his mother into a hug, glancing resentfully at Akiko, as if it were her fault.\r\n\r\nAkiko stood there, not knowing what to say. She was vaguely aware of the family coming past the protesters, through the gaps left when they had pulled away from the grieving woman, and saw them go up the steps. She heard Kazumi greet them at the top, and lead them to the house, but she still couldn’t move.\r\n\r\nAkiko searched for something to say, but she couldn’t think of anything that didn’t sound trite, or condescending, or insulting. Blinking away the tears, she managed to look away from Mrs Watanabe, at the protesters who were edging away as if not wanting to admit that they were involved, at Mr Akiyama, looking at her apologetically, at Naoyuki, holding his mother but saying nothing.\r\n\r\nThis realisation was almost as painful as the last one.\r\n\r\n<em>I’m the only one who believes her.</em>', 'Revelation', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'revelation', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:10:43', '2009-06-26 13:10:43', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=663', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(664, 1, '2009-06-26 22:10:37', '2009-06-26 13:10:37', '', 'Revelation', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '663-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:10:37', '2009-06-26 13:10:37', '', 663, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/663-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(665, 1, '2009-09-25 00:00:15', '2009-09-24 15:00:15', 'Akiko suddenly realised that she was staring at Mrs Watanabe, and turned and ran up the steps. At the top, she could see the stones of the iwakura, looming dark against the green background of the trees, and the memory of fire came back to her. Stifling a sob, she ran into the house, ignoring Kazumi and running straight to her room, sliding the door shut behind her, sinking to her knees on the tatami, crying.\r\n\r\nShe couldn’t get the image of the little girl out of her mind, her blood vivid on her dress. The tiny voice protesting that she hadn’t really seen it, that it might not even be true, was quickly drowned out. It was all too plausible. The kami could do that. Would do that.\r\n\r\n“Akiko?â€\r\n\r\nWith a shock, Akiko realised that it was already getting dark. How long had she been here?\r\n\r\n“Yes?â€\r\n\r\n“Are you all right?â€\r\n\r\n“No!â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi came in at that point, and knelt beside her.\r\n\r\n“Kazumi told me you ran in here. What’s the problem?â€\r\n\r\nAs accurately as she could, Akiko told Shiraishi what Mrs Watanabe had said. The priest winced, but waited until Akiko had finished to comment.\r\n\r\n“It might not have happened like that, you know. It might have been a dog.â€\r\n\r\n“Do you really believe that?â€ Akiko looked Shiraishi straight in the eye as she asked that, challenging the priest. The priest held her gaze for several moments.\r\n\r\n“It might have been a dog,â€ she repeated, her voice gentle.\r\n\r\n“The kami we serve kill children!â€\r\n\r\n“It wasn’t Tamao you know. It didn’t happen here.â€ Shiraishi sounded defensive.\r\n\r\n“That’s not the point!â€ Akiko was angry now, pushing herself to her feet. “She’s right! The kami are dangerous, psychotic. The war criminals are the ones who should be enshrined at Yasukuni; they fit right in!â€ She paused, trying to calm herself down, catch her breath, and looked down at the priest, who was still kneeling on the floor.\r\n\r\n“What are we <em>doing?â€</em>\r\n\r\n“Trying to protect Kawasaki.â€\r\n\r\nThe anger went out of Akiko in a moment, and she collapsed onto the floor, feeling as though someone had let the air out of her.\r\n\r\nThe priest was right, she realised. That was what they were doing, or trying to do. It was what she had sworn when she became a miko; protect the city from Tamao, as well as from the kegare.\r\n\r\n“You’re right. We’re the ones in the middle.â€ She looked up again at the priest, and for the first time noticed the tension in the other woman’s face. “Do you think the world would be better if there were no kami?â€\r\n\r\n“No kami, and no kegare?â€ Shiraishi paused, as if she didn’t want to verbalise her answer. “Yes,â€ she said, finally. “I think it was better when it was just traditional rituals.â€\r\n\r\n“But that isn’t the way things are,â€ Akiko said, “right?â€ Shiraishi nodded.\r\n\r\n“When I see Tamao,â€ Akiko said, “he’s so… glorious. I want to bow down before him. I <em>do</em> bow down before him. Why do we honour them?â€\r\n\r\n“For their power,â€ Shiraishi replied, simply. Then she shook her head. “No, it isn’t that simple. They <em>are</em> glorious, Akiko. I don’t see what you see, and I know that. But they are glorious like a volcano, or a storm.\r\n\r\n“They are not <em>safe.â€</em>\r\n\r\nAkiko suddenly realised that Shiraishi was trembling.', 'The Will of the Kami', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'the-will-of-the-kami', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:11:56', '2009-06-26 13:11:56', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=665', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(666, 1, '2009-06-26 22:11:48', '2009-06-26 13:11:48', '', 'The Will of the Kami', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '665-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:11:48', '2009-06-26 13:11:48', '', 665, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/665-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(667, 1, '2009-09-26 00:00:25', '2009-09-25 15:00:25', '“I have to try to talk to Tamao.â€\r\n\r\n“What?â€ Shiraishi had clearly not been expecting that.\r\n\r\n“You’re right. The kami are not safe. If we don’t deal with the kegare, Tamao will lash out and kill someone. I can’t have that on my conscience.â€\r\n\r\nThe priest nodded.\r\n\r\n“I think you’re right. When should we do it?â€\r\n\r\n“Now. Tonight. Is Kazumi still here?â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi nodded again.\r\n\r\n“Good,â€ Akiko continued. “She can help at the ceremony. Yoshiko said that you should try to summon Tamao into me.â€\r\n\r\n“Yoshiko? Who’s Yoshiko?â€\r\n\r\n“The miko I meet at the sacred tree.â€ Akiko quickly pressed on, not wanting to give herself time to worry about what she was doing. “I’ll wear the mask from the fire during the ceremony; I think it’s connected to Tamao. We should all have baths to purify ourselves first, though. We have to be careful.â€ She pushed herself to her feet. “I’ll go and tell Kazumi.â€\r\n\r\nThey were ready within half an hour, Akiko kneeling on a tatami mat in front of the iwakura. There was no himorogi; that was for summoning the kami into, and this time Akiko would play that role. She held the mask in her hands, facing the stones, the kagurasuzu lying on the tatami in front of her. Her heart was pounding, but she kept her breathing as steady as she could. Would this work?\r\n\r\nBehind her, she heard Shiraishi begin the purification norito. She finished, and Akiko heard the ohnusa swing through the air. It was as if cool water had flowed through her body, and suddenly, although the precincts remained dark, she could see everything clearly. Every bump, every hollow, every ridge on the stones of the iwakura stood out, seizing her attention.\r\n\r\nIt was pulled back as Shiraishi began the norito to call down the kami. Although her stomach was churning with nerves, Akiko’s hands were steady as she raised the mask to her face, pressing it to her skin. The wood was cool and smooth, and she felt Kazumi tie the strings at the back of her head, then the miko stepped back, knelt, and bowed as the priest bowed too, Akiko’s face hidden behind the mask as she also bowed.\r\n\r\nShe saw herself reach for the kagurasuzu, felt it in her hands as she stood, began to move, her legs following a rhythm that she could feel in her blood, as she saw herself raise the kagurasuzu as, behind her, Shiraishi and Kazumi watched.\r\n\r\nShe began to dance to the music of her blood, spinning around the stones, turning to watch her own dance, watch herself leap, her legs carrying her higher than she thought possible. As she danced behind the stones, she turned to follow her dance, and could no longer see Shiraishi or Kazumi. She could see Mr Takenaka, though, clearly visible in front of his shrine, his expression concerned, paternal. She danced on, though, round to the back, and Akiko could see the sacred tree looming behind her, twice the height of the other trees, its leaves quivering. She ran on, the ribbons on the kagurasuzu flickering behind her, trailing sparks, then flames, then becoming ribbons of fire.\r\n\r\nThe rhythm drove her, and she followed it, dancing behind Shiraishi and Kazumi, the fire reflecting off their faces, faces graven with shock. With awe. They weren’t looking at Akiko; they were looking at the fire.\r\n\r\n<em>They can see the fire.</em>\r\n\r\nAkiko swept on, back round the stones, the fire still hanging in the air, a ring around them as the dance brought her back to the mat, sinking to her knees again facing the stones as Kazumi, looking dazed, got to her feet and stepped over to release the mask.\r\n\r\nThe stones were silhouetted against the wall of fire. It burned brighter, dazzling but cold, and even the stones disappeared.', 'Trying the Mask', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'trying-the-mask', '', '', '2009-09-26 06:19:18', '2009-09-25 21:19:18', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=667', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(668, 1, '2009-06-26 22:12:55', '2009-06-26 13:12:55', '', 'Trying the Mask', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '667-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:12:55', '2009-06-26 13:12:55', '', 667, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/667-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(669, 1, '2009-09-27 00:00:24', '2009-09-26 15:00:24', 'When her vision cleared, there was a shrine building in front of her, its pale wood warm in the sunlight, the copper roof shining. She heard someone gasp behind her, and realised that Shiraishi and Kazumi, or at least one of them, was there with her, but she did not look down. Taking a deep breath, smelling the sun-warmed grass, she composed herself to wait, watching the doors of the shrine.\r\n\r\nThe sun was warm, and the breeze playing through the trees was pleasantly cooling as it toyed with her hair. But there was no motion from the shrine, and no sense of motion. Keeping her face neutral, Akiko tried to shift her vision to see kegare, but nothing appeared to change. <em>Makes sense, I suppose,</em> she thought, and then, quite deliberately, stood up, turning her back on the shrine.\r\n\r\nShiraishi and Kazumi were both there, still kneeling on their mats, and the stands with the ritual equipment were also there. Then Akiko looked again, and corrected herself. There were stands with ritual equipment, but not the same ones as they had been using.\r\n\r\n“What… Where?â€ Kazumi finally found her voice, and it was shaking. Akiko wasn’t surprised; she remembered how she had reacted the first time she had found herself here. Shiraishi, of course, had heard about it from Akiko, and she was looking around, an expression of wonder on her face.\r\n\r\n“It’s another version of the shrine,â€ Akiko explained quickly. “Tamao’s nigimitama lives here, in the shrine building.â€ She gestured back over her shoulder.\r\n\r\n“Why are we here? Where is here?â€ Kazumi sounded a little calmer now, but still rather bewildered.\r\n\r\n“Where? Ah… At the shrine, sort of, I think. I’ve always come out of here at the shrine. As for why, I presume that Tamao wants to talk to us.â€\r\n\r\n“Tamao?â€ Kazumi sounded surprised. “The kami?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes,â€ Shiraishi replied. “The kami. I was planning to tell you these things a bit more slowly, but Tamao doesn’t seem to be into giving his miko much time to adapt at the moment.â€\r\n\r\n“You’ve been here before too?â€ Kazumi asked. Shiraishi shook her head as she stood up and walked over to the stands, inspecting the ritual equipment, picking up a folded piece of paper.\r\n\r\n“No, but Akiko has told me about it. She came here before she came to the normal shrine.â€ Shiraishi looked over at Akiko for confirmation, and Akiko nodded her head.\r\n\r\n“That’s right. Normally, Tamao appears quite quickly, though.â€\r\n\r\n“Is he… What does he look like?â€ Kazumi was standing up as well, now, and looking around.\r\n\r\n“A giant snake with scales of gems and precious metal,â€ Akiko said, glancing back at the shrine. “He is… quite impressive. But apparently shy.â€\r\n\r\n“He wants us to summon him,â€ Shiraishi said, the piece of paper open in her hands. “This,â€ she continued, holding it up, “is a norito for summoning Tamao.â€ She suddenly grinned, and then, quite clearly, forced herself to be serious. “I’m sorry, I just suddenly had a mental image of a snake writing with his mouth. Anyway, I think we have to perform the ceremony to call him down. We have all the necessary materials,â€ she said, gesturing at the stands, “and enough people to do it.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi quickly explained the procedure. It was fairly simple; many elements that Akiko had performed several times fitted together to make a longer ritual. Kazumi looked a bit baffled, but fortunately her part could consist of just copying Akiko.\r\n\r\nAs ever, the ritual started with purification. As Shiraishi swung the ohnusa, Akiko felt as though sparks of electricity were running all over her body, then inside and through her; beside her Kazumi gasped, and Shiraishi faltered slightly, as if she had also felt it.\r\n\r\nThey took their places in front of the shrine, and Shiraishi bowed, Akiko and Kazumi following suit. Then Shiraishi stood, and as the notes of a flute drifted through the air, Akiko and Kazumi bowed again, faces close to the ground. Other instruments joined the flute, and Akiko could hear Shiraishi climbing the stairs. Even over the music, she could hear the whisper of wood as the priest opened the doors to the shrine.\r\n\r\nA drum beat three times, and Akiko somehow knew that it was time to look up. Beside her, Kazumi also rose to a kneeling position. The doors were open, but it was still dark inside the shrine, behind the hanging blind. Shiraishi was kneeling to one side, at the very edge of the veranda. Akiko stood, Kazumi following her, and between them they set the offerings in front of the shrine, at the foot of the steps, and then returned to their places.\r\n\r\nShiraishi took the paper with the norito out of the folds of her kimono and carefully unfolded it. The music fell silent.\r\n\r\n“<em>Kakemakumokashikomi…â€</em> she began, and Akiko and Kazumi bowed once more.\r\n\r\n“<em>…kashikomikashikomimomosu.â€</em>\r\n\r\n“Rise.â€\r\n\r\nThere was no mistaking that voice, and Akiko sat up to look at Tamao. He was brighter than before, and larger, his scales almost dazzling with the brilliance of the light within them, his eyes so bright it hurt to look directly at him. Akiko glanced to one side, and saw that the kami’s tail was wrapped around Shiraishi, who looked frozen in place, one hand trembling as if she wanted to reach forward, but dared not. Akiko risked another sideways glance, at Kazumi, whose mouth was hanging open in shock.\r\n\r\n“Spirit Child, you have served me well for many years. I am pleased with you; be calm. Reach out.â€ Shiraishi did reach out then, laying her hand on the kami’s scales. The light seemed to flow up through her, enveloping her in a polychrome aura that shifted and sparkled.\r\n\r\n“Spirit Child, if I could have, I would have spoken to you first.â€ Shiraishi started at that comment, and Tamao continued. “There are some who can hear easily, and some who cannot. It is no judgement.â€\r\n\r\n“Bright Child.â€ Akiko felt the kami’s eyes on her, as hot as direct sunlight, and bowed, hiding her eyes from the light.\r\n\r\n“You listened. You have more courage than you realise, and more wisdom than you imagine. But you still have much to learn.â€\r\n\r\n<em>What does that mean? Dance moves? It could be, at that…</em>\r\n\r\n“Beautiful Harmony. Come here.â€ Akiko glanced sideways again, as Kazumi stood and, shaking slightly, slowly climbed the steps to stand before the kami. Tamao dipped his head, lightning flickering from his mouth to touch the girl’s head.\r\n\r\nAnd she was consumed in light, light so bright and pure it should have hurt to look at it, but it did not, and Akiko could see Kazumi within the light, see her in her vestments, and naked within them, and then, even more naked, she could see into Kazumi’s soul, and for an instant she understood the girl completely.\r\n\r\nAnd then the moment had passed, and Kazumi, still fully clothed, dropped to her knees in front of Tamao, panting.\r\n\r\n“Beautiful Harmony, all has now been purified. Serve without fear.â€\r\n\r\nBowing, still unsteady on her feet, Kazumi walked backwards down the steps, holding tightly onto the railing, and returned to her seat.\r\n\r\n“Spirit Child, Bright Child, Beautiful Harmony. Remember! I am not as you. I do not see as you, or think as you, or feel as you. We shall ever be mysteries.â€\r\n\r\n<em>Was that an apology?</em> Akiko couldn’t quite believe it, but why else would Tamao say that?\r\n\r\n“You must hold the shrine’s aramatsuri. It has been neglected for too many years, and my aramitama is too weak to turn back the pollution. Hold the festival, and restore its strength.\r\n\r\n“And now, Bright Child, dance!â€\r\n\r\nAkiko rose from her place to continue the ritual, performing the sacred moves of her own volition in the presence of the kami.', 'Divine Command', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'divine-command', '', '', '2009-09-27 07:12:53', '2009-09-26 22:12:53', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=669', 0, 'post', '', 6);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(670, 1, '2009-06-26 22:13:35', '2009-06-26 13:13:35', '', 'Divine Command', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '669-revision', '', '', '2009-06-26 22:13:35', '2009-06-26 13:13:35', '', 669, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/26/669-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(671, 1, '2009-04-11 18:37:10', '2009-04-11 09:37:10', '“Revd Shiraishi, could I ask a favour?â€\r\n\r\n“What? Yes, of course.â€ Shiraishi sounded wary.\r\n\r\n“Er, I just wanted to ask you to watch the protesters for a while. Is that OK?â€\r\n\r\n“Oh, I see.â€ The priest seemed quite relieved. “Yes, that’s fine. What do you want to do?â€\r\n\r\n“Talk to Tamao again.â€\r\n\r\n“Can you?â€\r\n\r\n“I don’t know. But I think I have to try.â€\r\n\r\nThe priest nodded slowly.\r\n\r\n“It would certainly be very useful to know what he wants, and be able to talk to him more reliably. What will you do?â€\r\n\r\n“I was thinking of going into the shrine woodland, and seeing whether I could contact him there. I should be out of sight of the protesters.â€\r\n\r\n“Fine. I’ll make sure none of them go back there.â€\r\n\r\n“Thank you. I’d better go and get ready.â€\r\n\r\nThe pounding of Akiko’s heart was already starting to fill her ears, and her mouth was dry as she walked to the bathroom. <em>I have to talk to him,</em> she told herself, <em>I have to try.</em> But things seemed much more difficult now. Nothing had happened since the Tamashi Shizume, but Akiko had been thinking about it. She had completely lost control of her body, words and actions. Tamao could have done anything with her. And Tamao did not exactly have a track record of being considerate of her feelings and goals.\r\n\r\nShe didn’t want to do it again, didn’t want to give him another chance. If he forced his way in, well, there was nothing she could do about it, but inviting him… No. And yet, she did need to talk to him. Whether she was protecting people from him, or working with him to protect the people from something else, or even just trying to guide him, like a strong flow of water being used to power a mill, she needed to know more about what he wanted. Visions of litter in the shrine weren’t enough any more.\r\n\r\nShe washed herself carefully, three times, soaking in the bath between each shower. When she got dressed, her underwear was new, laundered but unworn, and she had thoroughly cleaned her miko’s vestments earlier in the day. <em>Purity,</em> she thought. <em>I mustn’t offend him.</em>\r\n\r\nThe sky was heavy with clouds, the air dense with the promise of rain, and for a moment Akiko was ready to use that as an excuse to put off the experiment. Chiding herself for cowardice, she stepped into the sandals in the garden, and crossed the bridge to the exit to the shrine precincts.\r\n\r\nCarefully rinsing her hands and mouth, she looked around. The wood for the new shrine was piled to one side, the site still a scar of bare earth. The stones of the iwakura were dark under the dark sky, and Akiko felt as though they were watching her. With a shiver, she looked away, to see Shiraishi shooing a protester out of the shrine grounds. She heard a protest, something about fascism that she couldn’t entirely catch, and then the precincts were quiet. Even the sound of cars was muffled, as if someone had wrapped a blanket around the shrine.\r\n\r\nAkiko hurried into the woods, the crunch of earth under her sandals the loudest noise, the trees eerily still, as if they were waiting for something. Or as if the sky were holding its breath for an underwater dive. As she threaded her way between the trunks of the trees, stepping over undergrowth and ducking under branches, that image took hold in her mind. The air tasted damp, and her movements even seemed a little more difficult, as if the air were thicker than normal. Sounds were muffled, but she could feel vibrations in her gut. Making her way deeper into the woods, the smell of damp earth, damp wood became ever stronger, and she thought that the trees wavered as she glimpsed them from the corner of her eyes, as if she were seeing them through water.\r\n\r\nShe knew roughly where she was going, but the tree with the shimenawa seemed to be further into the woods than she remembered. When she came out into the clearing around it, the space was gloomy, the shards of sky she could see over her head black with cloud, the air as still and oppressive as it had been before. Slowly, she approached the tree, reaching out for its twisted bark.\r\n\r\nThe contact was the opposite of electric, as all tension drained from her, and the leaves of the tree rustled once, although she felt no breeze. Stepping forward, Akiko had embraced the tree before she realised what she was doing. Pressing her cheek against the rough surface, she breathed in its scent, wood and water, age and life, the bark warm against her skin, her vestments cutting her off from the wood, from the calm that it offered.\r\n\r\nAkiko took a step back, and brushed at her vestments with her hands. They were still remarkably clean. She drew herself up straight, looking at the tree, and bowed. Something shifted as she came up, and for a moment she thought she could see other things out of the corner of her eye. She bowed again, her attention focused inwards, and had the same sense again. This time, though, she also caught the changes within her.\r\n\r\nShe clapped, and it was as if pieces of a jigsaw in her head were jolted a little more into place. She could almost see it.\r\n\r\nOne more clap, and the key was almost there, she was sure of it.\r\n\r\nShe bowed, looking at the ground, and finally she knew what she needed to do. It wasn’t that difficult, just a different way of seeing, of thinking. Of sensing.\r\n\r\nShe looked up at a world alive with spirits.\r\n\r\nFigures like tiny dolls gathered on the branches of the trees around her, watching her without hostility. A pair of birds flew down, followed moments later by the spirit bird watching over them. She heard the rush of its wings, a clear, sharp sound in the air, and then she heard a grumble from overhead, tasted electricity, and looked up at the spirits writing within the clouds, still asleep but only barely so.\r\n\r\nAhead of her, the tree was still a tree, but it seemed older now, and she sensed roots stretching down to the bottom of the earth, and branches that brushed the sky. It was larger, so large that the whorls in its bark were larger than her, and she had a vision of crawling into one, taking refuge within the tree, hiding from the threats.\r\n\r\nTaking a deep breath, she shook her head. She couldn’t run away. Carefully, watching for spirits, she walked to the far edge of the woodland, to the edge of a ridge overlooking the city.\r\n\r\nNausea overpowered her, driving her to her knees. The stench was unbearable, the tendrils of decay woven tightly between the houses, coiled along power lines, while twisted forms clambered and slithered among them. She saw one reach down and catch a child’s foot, sending her tumbling to the road. The girl’s cries pierced the air as she sat up, too far away for Akiko to see any details.\r\n\r\nTearing her gaze away, Akiko pushed herself to her feet and staggered back into the woods.\r\n\r\nWhat could they do?', 'Space to See', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '429-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-11 18:37:10', '2009-04-11 09:37:10', '', 429, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/11/429-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(672, 1, '2009-06-28 06:51:50', '2009-06-27 21:51:50', '“Revd Shiraishi, could I ask a favour?â€\n\n“What? Yes, of course.â€ Shiraishi sounded wary.\n\n“Er, I just wanted to ask you to watch the protesters for a while. Is that OK?â€\n\n“Oh, I see.â€ The priest seemed quite relieved. “Yes, that’s fine. What do you want to do?â€\n\n“Talk to Tamao again.â€\n\n“Can you?â€\n\n“I don’t know. But I think I have to try.â€\n\nThe priest nodded slowly.\n\n“It would certainly be very useful to know what he wants, and be able to talk to him more reliably. What will you do?â€\n\n“I was thinking of going into the shrine woodland, and seeing whether I could contact him there. I should be out of sight of the protesters.â€\n\n“Fine. I’ll make sure none of them go back there.â€\n\n“Thank you. I’d better go and get ready.â€\n\nThe pounding of Akiko’s heart was already starting to fill her ears, and her mouth was dry as she walked to the bathroom. <em>I have to talk to him,</em> she told herself, <em>I have to try.</em> But things seemed much more difficult now. Nothing had happened since the Tamashi Shizume, but Akiko had been thinking about it. She had completely lost control of her body, words and actions. Tamao could have done anything with her. And Tamao did not exactly have a track record of being considerate of her feelings and goals.\n\nShe didn’t want to do it again, didn’t want to give him another chance. If he forced his way in, well, there was nothing she could do about it, but inviting him… No. And yet, she did need to talk to him. Whether she was protecting people from him, or working with him to protect the people from something else, or even just trying to guide him, like a strong flow of water being used to power a mill, she needed to know more about what he wanted. Visions of litter in the shrine weren’t enough any more.\n\nShe washed herself carefully, three times, soaking in the bath between each shower. When she got dressed, her underwear was new, laundered but unworn, and she had thoroughly cleaned her miko’s vestments earlier in the day. <em>Purity,</em> she thought. <em>I mustn’t offend him.</em>\n\nThe sky was heavy with clouds, the air dense with the promise of rain, and for a moment Akiko was ready to use that as an excuse to put off the experiment. Chiding herself for cowardice, she stepped into the sandals in the garden, and crossed the bridge to the exit to the shrine precincts.\n\nCarefully rinsing her hands and mouth, she looked around. The wood for the new shrine was piled to one side, the site still a scar of bare earth. The stones of the iwakura were dark under the dark sky, and Akiko felt as though they were watching her. With a shiver, she looked away, to see Shiraishi shooing a protester out of the shrine grounds. She heard a protest, something about fascism that she couldn’t entirely catch, and then the precincts were quiet. Even the sound of cars was muffled, as if someone had wrapped a blanket around the shrine.\n\nAkiko hurried into the woods, the crunch of earth under her sandals the loudest noise, the trees eerily still, as if they were waiting for something. Or as if the sky were holding its breath for an underwater dive. As she threaded her way between the trunks of the trees, stepping over undergrowth and ducking under branches, that image took hold in her mind. The air tasted damp, and her movements even seemed a little more difficult, as if the air were thicker than normal. Sounds were muffled, but she could feel vibrations in her gut. Making her way deeper into the woods, the smell of damp earth, damp wood became ever stronger, and she thought that the trees wavered as she glimpsed them from the corner of her eyes, as if she were seeing them through water.\n\nShe knew roughly where she was going, but the tree with the shimenawa seemed to be further into the woods than she remembered. When she came out into the clearing around it, the space was gloomy, the shards of sky she could see over her head black with cloud, the air as still and oppressive as it had been before. Slowly, she approached the tree, reaching out for its twisted bark.\n\nThe contact was the opposite of electric, as all tension drained from her, and the leaves of the tree rustled once, although she felt no breeze. Stepping forward, Akiko had embraced the tree before she realised what she was doing. Pressing her cheek against the rough surface, she breathed in its scent, wood and water, age and life, the bark warm against her skin, her vestments cutting her off from the wood, from the calm that it offered.\n\nAkiko took a step back, and brushed at her vestments with her hands. They were still remarkably clean. She drew herself up straight, looking at the tree, and bowed. Something shifted as she came up, and for a moment she thought she could see other things out of the corner of her eye. She bowed again, her attention focused inwards, and had the same sense again. This time, though, she also caught the changes within her.\n\nShe clapped, and it was as if pieces of a jigsaw in her head were jolted a little more into place. She could almost see it.\n\nOne more clap, and the key was almost there, she was sure of it.\n\nShe bowed, looking at the ground, and finally she knew what she needed to do. It wasn’t that difficult, just a different way of seeing, of thinking. Of sensing.\n\nShe looked up at a world alive with spirits.\n\nFigures like tiny dolls gathered on the branches of the trees around her, watching her without hostility. A pair of birds flew down, followed moments later by the spirit bird watching over them. She heard the rush of its wings, a clear, sharp sound in the air, and then she heard a grumble from overhead, tasted electricity, and looked up at the spirits writhing within the clouds, still asleep but only barely so.\n\nAhead of her, the tree was still a tree, but it seemed older now, and she sensed roots stretching down to the bottom of the earth, and branches that brushed the sky. It was larger, so large that the whorls in its bark were larger than her, and she had a vision of crawling into one, taking refuge within the tree, hiding from the threats.\n\nTaking a deep breath, she shook her head. She couldn’t run away. Carefully, watching for spirits, she walked to the far edge of the woodland, to the edge of a ridge overlooking the city.\n\nNausea overpowered her, driving her to her knees. The stench was unbearable, the tendrils of decay woven tightly between the houses, coiled along power lines, while twisted forms clambered and slithered among them. She saw one reach down and catch a child’s foot, sending her tumbling to the road. The girl’s cries pierced the air as she sat up, too far away for Akiko to see any details.\n\nTearing her gaze away, Akiko pushed herself to her feet and staggered back into the woods.\n\nWhat could they do?', 'Space to See', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '429-autosave', '', '', '2009-06-28 06:51:50', '2009-06-27 21:51:50', '', 429, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/06/28/429-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(673, 1, '2009-09-28 00:00:28', '2009-09-27 15:00:28', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They bowed to conclude the ritual, and as they did the light faded around them, so that they straightened up back in the normal shrine precincts, the stones of the iwakura dimly illuminated against a backdrop of dark trees.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko drew a deep, shuddering breath, and carefully got to her feet, cradling the mask in her hands. She turned to look at the others; there were tears on Shiraishi’s face, and Kazumi was looking between them, still bewildered. For a long moment, none of them said anything.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We’ll talk inside.â€ Shiraishi was, in the end, the first to speak, and Akiko just nodded, following the priest into the house. They said nothing while they prepared tea, and the silence continued for some minutes as they sat around the table.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I found myself in a different shrine precinct, in daylight, with a shrine building,â€ Akiko began, finally breaking the silence, “and then we performed a ritual and Tamao appeared in the form of a giant snake.â€ She could see the relief on Kazumi’s face, and Shiraishi was nodding in agreement. “It really happened. What do we do now?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Hold the aramatsuri,â€ Shiraishi said. “I don’t think we can really disregard such a clear instruction.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko nodded her head, and glanced to Kazumi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er… yes.â€ The girl was obviously still rather distracted. “Er… That was Tamao? The kami?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes.â€ Akiko tried to keep her voice gentle. She could remember how much of a shock it was; at least Kazumi had some people to believe her.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“He’s beautiful.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko nodded, and noticed Shiraishi doing the same.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Don’t forget that he’s still dangerous, though,â€ Akiko warned.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What do you mean?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi took over the task of explaining things, which reminded Akiko that the kami had told her she still had a lot to learn. Thinking about it now, she was fairly sure that he didn’t just mean the sacred dances and the various details of Shinto, but that didn’t help with the positive question. When Shiraishi finished her explanation, she decided to ask the question.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Sorry to change the subject, but what do you think Tamao meant when he said I still had a lot to learn?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, you do,â€ Shiraishi said, quickly. “Rituals, myths, dances; all that sort of thing.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do you really think he meant that?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I think that’s part of what he meant.â€ The priest paused. “You probably still have to learn more about your ability to see the kami and kegare, as well. And possibly about your ability to fight it. Talking of that, though, Kazumi, why did Tamao purify you like that?â€ Shiraishi blushed slightly as she asked it, but that was nothing compared to the dark colour that filled Kazumi’s face.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I… I don’t… I have no idea…â€ she stammered, before trailing off.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, I see. Hmm, well, we should talk about what we’re going to do to hold the aramatsuri, then.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko looked at her, a bit surprised, and Shiraishi shook her head slightly. Suddenly, Akiko understood. Kazumi didn’t want to talk about it, and Shiraishi wasn’t going to press her yet.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do you think that’s the one I saw in my visions?â€ she asked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Visions?â€ Kazumi asked. Akiko nodded, and quickly explained what she had seen.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That sounds fun!â€ Kazumi said, brightening up considerably. “We should definitely do that!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm.â€ Shiraishi didn’t sound quite so enthusiastic. “I’m not sure that it needs to be done exactly as Akiko saw it in her visions.â€ Kazumi’s face fell, and Akiko rolled her eyes. “We’ll have to look in the shrine records, but you need to go home, young lady.â€ Kazumi glanced up at the clock, and then sprang to her feet in a panic, pulling at the tie on her hakama.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Shall I bring your clothes in here, then?â€ Shiraishi asked, her voice slightly weary.</p>', 'Reflection', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'reflection-2', '', '', '2009-09-28 06:36:50', '2009-09-27 21:36:50', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=673', 0, 'post', '', 6);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(674, 1, '2009-07-04 15:29:53', '2009-07-04 06:29:53', '', 'Reflection', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '673-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:29:53', '2009-07-04 06:29:53', '', 673, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/673-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(675, 1, '2009-09-29 00:00:33', '2009-09-28 15:00:33', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Even after Kazumi had left, babbling apologies down the phone to her mother, Akiko was far too keyed-up to sleep, and Shiraishi looked the same. She turned to Akiko, her eyes shining.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I saw him!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko couldn’t help smiling at the enthusiasm on the priest’s face, and then she had to pause to consider her own, much more muted, reaction. Had she really got used to seeing a giant talking snake?</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>Yes, apparently you have,</em> she told herself.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“He looked… even greater than you described.â€ Shiraishi was almost breathless.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“He is overwhelming,â€ Akiko agreed. “So we mustn’t forget that he is also dangerous.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The priest’s face suddenly became more serious as she nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You’re right, of course. But…â€ The smile broke out again. “I <em>saw</em> him!â€ It was almost a whisper. She was silent for several moments, smiling at whatever she was imagining, then she shook her head. “Anyway, we should try to find out what the aramatsuri really involved.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do we have records?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Of course!â€ Shiraishi sounded shocked. “We had enough sense to move them somewhere safe while Tokyo was being bombed. Well, that and relatives in Nagano with a spare room. We’ve got nearly everything.â€ Her face fell. “Which is why I’ve not looked at most of it. “Everythingâ€ is quite a lot.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She led Akiko back into the house, to an upstairs room she’d never been to before. It was full of books and documents, piled on shelves without any apparent order. Akiko stared around.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Just like this?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm.â€ The priest sounded a bit embarrassed. “I’ve kept meaning to catalogue and organise it, but…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We do need to hold the festival this year!â€ Akiko said, and then realised how harsh that sounded. “I’m sorry. It just looks… overwhelming.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm.â€ Suddenly, Shiraishi’s expression brightened. “It’s not so bad. We do know that the aramatsuri hasn’t been held for a long time; I’m pretty sure it hasn’t happened since the Meiji Restoration. So we only need to look at the oldest records.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And probably not account books and the like,â€ Akiko added. “Just things that might tell us what actually went on in the festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Right. So… this shelf is all too recent.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They started going through the piles of papers, narrowing the search down quite quickly at first, but then uncovering another problem. Akiko could barely read the writing on the older documents, and Shiraishi didn’t find it much easier. Once they had excluded material that was too recent, things started to go much more slowly. They had to open the books, look to see what it was.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er. I think I’ve found it,â€ Akiko said. Shiraishi came to look, and was quiet for a moment, trying to puzzle out the writing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“This is the middle,â€ she said, after a moment. “Turn back a few pages.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, but…â€ Akiko started to protest.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I see them. We still can’t hold a festival involving topless women in loincloths.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But this is the aramatsuri!â€ Akiko protested. “Look! Even I can read this bit.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are you volunteering to help carry the mikoshi?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah.â€ Akiko paused to think. “Maybe Tamao will allow <em>some</em> modifications.â€</p>', 'Research', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'research', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:31:17', '2009-07-04 06:31:17', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=675', 0, 'post', '', 2);
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INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(677, 1, '2009-09-30 00:00:25', '2009-09-29 15:00:25', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well what?â€ Akiko was starting to feel her lack of sleep, and wasn’t quite up to handling Kazumi’s enthusiasm.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, did Tamao appear again? What are you going to do about the festival? Are we going to summon him and have him eat all the losers at the entrance to the shrine?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">In spite of herself, Akiko smiled.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“No, he didn’t appear again. No, we aren’t going to have him eat the protesters.â€ Akiko had to pause as she suddenly remembered Mrs Watanabe’s story. “And as for the festival,â€ she continued, “we found some old records last night, and we’re working on it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Great! Can I help?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“After school.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Kazumi pouted, and, noticing that Shiraishi had come out of the house, turned to her for support.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You have to go to school, Kazumi. But…â€ She looked at her watch. “OK. Get changed <em>quickly.</em> You can help with the morning ceremonies, and then we’ll tell you about the festival. But then you have to go to school.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Right away!â€ Kazumi ran indoors, leaving her shoes lying in the entrance hall. Sighing, Shiraishi tidied them up.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“She’s a bit tiring at times, isn’t she?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm,â€ Akiko agreed. “But why tell her now?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi looked surprised.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“She has seen Tamao as well. He’s included her; I’m not going to exclude her.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh.â€ Akiko hadn’t quite thought of it like that. “But she doesn’t know anything…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, Akiko, neither did you. She is starting from the same place you did.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko could feel herself blushing; the priest was absolutely right. Akiko suddenly realised that she wasn’t entirely happy that the others had seen the kami; it made her less special. <em>Stupid,</em> she scolded herself. <em>Would you rather no-one believed you?</em></p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Noriko arrived just before Kazumi came out in her vestments, and joined them for the morning purifications as usual. Akiko quickly checked for kegare before they started, and winced at the stench of decay coming from half a dozen patches near the edge. She looked closely; was it worse than the previous day? No better, certainly. In any case, the harae cleansed it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Now tell me about the festival!â€ Kazumi said, as soon as they had finished.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Festival?â€ Noriko asked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, yes,â€ Shiraishi said. “An old festival, one the shrine hasn’t held for over a century. We’re… thinking of reviving it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Really? That sounds very interesting.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, come and look at the records.â€ Shiraishi didn’t sound fully enthusiastic to Akiko’s ears, but Noriko’s desire to be told was quite clear.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">In the office, Shiraishi carefully opened the book.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Wow!â€ Kazumi was grinning all over her face as she looked at the picture of the procession.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh!â€ Noriko was blushing very strongly.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I want to be in this festival!â€ Kazumi said, prompting Akiko to look at Shiraishi and roll her eyes.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er… Are you really sure that this is appropriate?â€ Noriko asked. “Some festivals were discontinued for good reasons, you know.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, we think we would have to modify it a bit…â€ the priest said, but Noriko shook her head.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s not just the nudity. Look. This is a wild festival, racing the mikoshi.â€ She gestured at the text, and, with a shock, Akiko realised that she could read it easily. “People get injured in those festivals, even killed. And, of course,â€ she blushed again, “there is the nudity. That’s hardly appropriate.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s a traditional festival of the shrine,â€ Shiraishi protested. “How can it be inappropriate?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Half-naked men and women racing with mikoshi? Come on, do you really think that’s appropriate activities for a shrine?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi didn’t answer, but Kazumi looked distinctly disappointed.</p>', 'Doubts', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'doubts', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:32:13', '2009-07-04 06:32:13', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=677', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(678, 1, '2009-07-04 15:32:06', '2009-07-04 06:32:06', '', 'Doubts', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '677-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:32:06', '2009-07-04 06:32:06', '', 677, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/677-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(679, 1, '2009-10-01 00:00:21', '2009-09-30 15:00:21', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I thought you wanted to change the festival?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That was before someone said my shrine’s festival was inappropriate!â€ Shiraishi sounded rather annoyed, but Akiko was struggling not to laugh.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, Kazumi seems enthusiastic about it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And why not?â€ Shiraishi suddenly stopped, and then sighed. “Noriko is at least partly right. We still can’t have topless women running around; that’s against the law. But we’re going to have the mikoshi race.â€ Akiko nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I think we need to stay as close as possible to the original form of the festival. Otherwise the Aramitama might not be satisfied.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Did you see those mikoshi? We can’t afford anything like that. They’ll have to be…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Suddenly, they heard shouting from the entrance to the shrine, and it sounded like an argument.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, not <em>again</em>…â€ Shiraishi’s expression was weary as she stood up, and Akiko followed her down the steps.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The scene was all too familiar; a bloc of protesters separating the guards from a group of people who wanted to enter the shrine. There seemed to be at least half a dozen different arguments going on at once, and a few people were going quite red in the face. Akiko paused half way down the steps and switched her vision over, looking at the pollution. As usual, the guards had very little kegare, while the protesters were heavy with it, creatures that looked like roaches with dozens of legs leaping from one protester to the next, leaving sticky threads linking them. Beyond, the visitors, some of whom Akiko recognised, also had heavy kegare, kegare that smelled of burning plastic and clung to them like smoke and oil. She hoped that they had come for a harae, because they clearly needed it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Look, please let them through!â€ Shiraishi was shouting as loudly as she could, but Akiko could barely hear her over the noise, and the protesters paid no attention at all. The guards had heard, though, and, glancing up, one started pushing forward, the others following.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The protesters pushed back, still shouting their protests. The guards pushed harder, and one of the protesters stumbled, grabbing the guard in front of him to avoid falling.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And then the guard stumbled, swearing, and Akiko realised that he’d been kicked in the shins. He struck back before Akiko could say anything, and this time the other protesters saw it as well, one of them swinging a fist at the guard, who dodged easily and returned it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!â€ Akiko yelled, as she ran down the steps and into the melee, trying to push people apart. “Stop it this instant! I’ll call the police!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She staggered as a solid blow landed on her back, and then slipped as another one caught her face.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She cried out, and as she fell to her knees realised that the fighters had pulled back, stopping as, she thought, they realised what they were doing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What on earth do you think you are doing?â€ Shiraishi sounded really angry now, and Akiko could see her rage was directed equally at the protesters and the guards. “Get out of the way now! Go on! Move!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The protesters scattered, apparently somewhat shocked at what they had done, and the guards sheepishly retreated up the steps. Shiraishi came to the bottom to help Akiko to her feet.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are you all right?â€</p>', 'Violence', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'violence', '', '', '2009-10-02 06:45:18', '2009-10-01 21:45:18', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=679', 0, 'post', '', 5);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(680, 1, '2009-07-04 15:32:45', '2009-07-04 06:32:45', '', 'Violence', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '679-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:32:45', '2009-07-04 06:32:45', '', 679, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/679-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(681, 1, '2009-10-02 00:00:57', '2009-10-01 15:00:57', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko sat in the kitchen, holding an ice pack to her cheek, watching Shiraishi pace back and forth, her anger still visible.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What do they think they are doing?â€, “I should call the police.â€, “Really, we can’t put up with this!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Every so often she would turn to Akiko and put her annoyance into words, but then turn away again without waiting for an answer.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Why don’t you call the police?â€ Akiko asked, at last. “They actually started a fight this time.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, but who started it? And who would testify?â€ The priest stopped pacing, and turned to look at Akiko. “And anyway, everyone’s…â€ She was interrupted by the doorbell. Taking a deep breath, and another, she smoothed down her vestments. “You wait here.â€ The priest left, to answer the door.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Revd Shiraishi, I hope that this is not a bad time.â€ Akiko recognised Mr Fujimura’s voice, and immediately dropped the ice, jumping to her feet and hurrying out into the corridor.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Not at all. Won’t you come in?â€ Shiraishi turned as Mr Fujimura stepped up into the house, and spotted Akiko. “Ah, Ms Tanahata. Would you make us some tea?â€ Akiko could still hear the anger, but Shiraishi was clearly trying to keep it under control.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“…entirely appropriate?â€ Akiko only caught the end of Mr Fujimura’s sentence as she entered the room, but it was easy enough to guess what he was asking; Noriko must have contacted him.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It is an old tradition of our shrine.â€ Akiko could tell that Shiraishi had deliberately kept the answer brief.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Not all of the old traditions were good ones. There was too much corruption from Buddhism in the old days. Now,â€ Mr Fujimura had clearly spotted that Shiraishi was about to interrupt, “I know that it doesn’t sound like there is much Buddhist about this festival, but equally just because it is old does not mean that it is good. Ms Yamanaka mentioned races with the mikoshi; such things are surely below the dignity of a kami, of a shrine.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The kami have many aspects, Mr Fujimura. We must not neglect any of them.â€ Shiraishi’s reply was very stiff.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Could there not be more respectful ways to honour them?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“A wild festival is appropriate to the wild aspect of a kami.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The Aramitama? But surely that is a very primitive concept, one that Shinto has largely left behind as it has developed.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Violence and passion are still with us. As we are all too aware. Mr Fujimura, are you aware of what the th… people you have sent to this shrine have done?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I’m sorry?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi quickly outlined what had happened.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“<em>That</em> sort of violence is clearly inappropriate at a shrine, and disrespectful to the kami. If you can’t keep your people under control, you shouldn’t be lecturing us about out festivals,â€ she concluded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Mr Fujimura’s face had darkened during the account, and as the priest finished speaking he bowed deeply.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I am most truly sorry for their excesses. If you will excuse me, I will go to talk to them immediately, and ensure that such a thing does not happen again.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Very well,â€ Shiraishi said, and then, after a pause, “Thank you.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Mr Fujimura got up, and, bowing again, left.</p>', 'Differences of Opinion', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'differences-of-opinion', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:33:42', '2009-07-04 06:33:42', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=681', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(682, 1, '2009-07-04 15:33:31', '2009-07-04 06:33:31', '', 'Differences of Opinion', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '681-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:33:31', '2009-07-04 06:33:31', '', 681, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/681-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(683, 1, '2009-10-03 00:00:49', '2009-10-02 15:00:49', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Akiko, tell me honestly. What do you think about the wild festival?â€ Shiraishi was pacing again, but not from anger this time.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er…â€ Akiko wasn’t sure how to answer. “Well, we have to hold it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But is it appropriate?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s very appropriate to Tamao’s Aramitama. Carrying the kami around in a mad race? Yes, that seems to fit perfectly.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And the nudity?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah.â€ Akiko could feel herself blushing. “I’m sure we could do something about that. I don’t know. Have everyone wear coats or something.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Happi coats?â€ Shiraishi asked. Akiko pictured the short coats that people often wore at festivals.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, we’d have to tie them closed, at least for the women.â€ She paused, looking at the priest and thinking about her reactions. “Revd Shiraishi, weren’t you more dubious about the festival?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That was before people started criticising the tradition of my shrine! Inappropriate, indeed.â€ She sighed. “Even if the happi coats would work, we can’t afford the mikoshi. And I really don’t think we can do the festival without them.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Remembering the visions, and the images in the record book, Akiko had to agree. The mikoshi had looked spectacular, and very, very expensive. Before she could make any suggestions, however, the doorbell rang again.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Who is it this time?â€ Shiraishi sounded exasperated, but went to the door anyway, Akiko tagging along in case it was important.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, Akira. Nice to see you.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Nice to see you, too.â€ He paused for a moment, looking at them. “Is everything all right? There were no protesters, but you don’t look happy.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Quickly, they filled him in on the problems, first the fight, and then the problems with the wild festival.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You are sure you have to hold this festival?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes,â€ Akiko said, quickly, and Shiraishi was also nodding. “The kami told us to.â€ Akira looked surprised, and a bit sceptical, looking between them as if waiting to be let in on the joke. Slowly, his expression changed, becoming more fearful.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The kami…â€ he began, and then shook his head. “In that case, you really do have to hold it. Let me know if I can help.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Have you got a spare twenty million yen or so for the mikoshi?â€ Shiraishi asked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, sorry…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I was teasing, Akira. Thank you for the offer, we will need all the help we can get. Anyway, what can we do for you?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah. Yes. Er… I came to talk to Akiko, actually.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh.â€ The priest seemed nonplussed for a moment, but then she got to her feet, nodding. “Well, then, I’ll just, er, go and, mm, check on the shrine grounds.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko looked up, a bit puzzled, but Shiraishi had already hurried out of the room.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er, Akiko,â€ Akira began, and Akiko looked back at him. “I was wondering whether you’d like to have dinner again this week.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s very kind, but I don’t think I can. There’s too much going on at the shrine. And probably outside…â€ Akiko fell silent as she realised just how stricken Akira looked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>I’m an idiot,</em> she thought. <em>How could I not have noticed until now? And what do I do?</em></p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Maybe when things have settled down a bit?â€ she ventured. Akira still didn’t look happy, but he nodded, and, after a few stilted pleasantries, excused himself.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>Well, that’s an additional complication I didn’t need,</em> Akiko thought, as she cleared the table.</p>', 'Invitation', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'invitation', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:34:25', '2009-07-04 06:34:25', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=683', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(684, 1, '2009-07-04 15:34:11', '2009-07-04 06:34:11', '', 'Invitation', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '683-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:34:11', '2009-07-04 06:34:11', '', 683, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/683-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(685, 1, '2009-10-04 00:00:36', '2009-10-03 15:00:36', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko was exhausted, and slumped down in the car seat as soon as she had fastened her belt. Shiraishi glanced over.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That was the last one for today.â€ Akiko nodded, glancing out of the window. The house they’d just purified was clear, but she could still see the kegare hanging over the buildings around it, like a clinging mist, coiling around windows and doors. She tried to shift her vision back, but couldn’t quite get it to shift. Instead, she closed her eyes, leaning back in the chair.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We should get back to the shrine,â€ she said. “Make sure Kazumi’s OK.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I’m sure she’s fine,â€ Shiraishi said, as she started the car. “She’s a lot more responsible than she seems.â€ Akiko had to admit that that was true. Kazumi always did the things she said she would do, and she really seemed to like being at the shrine. Akiko thought she understood part of the reason; every time she went out into the city, the kegare seemed to suck her energy away. “Still,â€ the priest continued, “I do want to check on the festival preparations. Make sure she hasn’t cancelled the order for happi coats.â€ Akiko smiled, and opened her eyes to look at the priest.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Or loincloths.â€ Shiraishi chuckled, and then shook her head.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We’re not being fair to her. Apart from after the cleaningâ€ — Akiko was sure Shiraishi was blushing — “it’s mostly just been teasing you. A lot of girls wear those short skirts, and Kazumi puts trousers on underneath now.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, but she’s <em>very</em> enthusiastic about helping to carry the mikoshi.â€ Akiko was grinning, and Shiraishi risked flashing a quick grin back, before looking back at the road, her face turning sober.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Seriously. We should stop making fun of her behind her back. She’s a great help.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“She is.â€ Akiko had to agree. Kazumi seemed to be spending all her free time at the shrine, and even though it was taking her a while to get the ceremonial movements right she was surprisingly good at cleaning and basic office work. And she’d thrown herself into the festival preparations with great enthusiasm; with the surge in the number of requests for purification, she’d ended up doing most of the organising, and it seemed to be going well. “Weren’t the posters being delivered to…â€ Akiko looked idly out of the window as she asked, and cut herself off with a gasp.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Stop the car.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi quickly pulled over. Akiko got out, and walked back to the junction.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">It was still there. One of the side streets seemed to vanish into a solid bank of black cloud, its surface whipping and churning silently, while the smell of ash stung at Akiko’s nostrils. Even at this distance, Akiko started to feel grit on her skin, as if tiny particles of smoke were lodging inside her clothes.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Kegare?â€ the priest asked, coming up beside her. Akiko nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Really dense. I can’t see down this street at all. How does it look to you?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well… A bit dirty; there’s a fair bit of litter about, and some graffiti. The houses could do with some paint, and there are a couple of small blocks of flats that look older than I am. But… Nothing really remarkable.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Is that a park?â€ Akiko pointed at a patch of land right on the edge of the cloud.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes. Nothing but a broken set of swings in it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“OK. We can do the harae there.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi looked at her, concern on her face.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are you sure? We can come back.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We should do it now,â€ Akiko replied. “I don’t want to leave that.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They collected the equipment from the back of the car and went over to the park, the ash now a taste in Akiko’s mouth. She resisted the urge to spit, but all her clothes felt gritty, and every step was uncomfortable. She had Shiraishi stand just outside the cloud, and readied the kagurasuzu as the priest began the norito.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">There was no reaction from the cloud. Akiko couldn’t see any change in the boiling patterns, and no spirits emerged to confront the priest. The light began to build up in the ohnusa, and the taste of ashes faded from Akiko’s mouth. She looked around, but while there were a handful of kegare spirits on the houses behind them, they were keeping their distance, slinking behind the roof line as Akiko glanced in their direction.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi picked up the ohnusa and swung it, light flooding off it and washing over Akiko, briefly lifting her exhaustion. The smoke dissolved in the light, swept back, and Akiko caught a glimpse of something more solid retreating, withdrawing from the brilliance.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The priest swung the ohnusa again, and again the light dissolved the smoke. But, Akiko suddenly realised, only the same smoke. It had come pouring back as the first wave of light had faded. Shiraishi swung the ohnusa for the third and last time, and as she stopped the smoke flowed back to its original position, a boiling wall in front of her.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The priest turned to look at Akiko, and Akiko shook her head.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It made no difference. Do it again.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi looked shocked, but she turned back to the smoke and began reciting the norito once more. There was still no response from the smoke, although the buildings outside it had been somewhat purified, so that there were now no spirits at all watching them.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Again, the light pouring from the ohnusa drove the smoke back, but, again, the smoke just flowed back to its original position. Shiraishi looked at Akiko again, and she shook her head once more.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s not properly cleansing it. Hold on…â€ Raising the kagurasuzu before her, Akiko walked slowly towards the smoke. It showed no reaction, even when she was standing right up against it. Taking a deep breath, which smelled of dead ashes, Akiko stepped into it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She felt ashes on her skin, on her tongue, heavy in her hair. She could see nothing, but ash got into her eyes, leaving them streaming with tears, and there was nothing but ash on the air, ash that filled her lungs, starting her coughing, and she couldn’t stop, falling to her knees, her hand sinking into a deep layer of ash as she tried to steady herself.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Pushing off the ground, she flung herself backwards, into the light, kneeling on the ground in the park and coughing up black phlegm.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">As her eyes cleared, the wall of smoke still rose into the sky before her, completely unmoved.</p>', 'Smoke on the Air', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'smoke-on-the-air', '', '', '2009-10-06 09:42:17', '2009-10-06 00:42:17', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=685', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(686, 1, '2009-07-04 15:35:29', '2009-07-04 06:35:29', '', 'Smoke on the Air', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '685-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:35:29', '2009-07-04 06:35:29', '', 685, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/685-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(687, 1, '2009-07-04 15:37:10', '2009-07-04 06:37:10', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Akiko, tell me honestly. What do you think about the wild festival?â€ Shiraishi was pacing again, but not from anger this time.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er…â€ Akiko wasn’t sure how to answer. “Well, we have to hold it.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But is it appropriate?â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s very appropriate to Tamao’s Aramitama. Carrying the kami around in a mad race? Yes, that seems to fit perfectly.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And the nudity?â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah.â€ Akiko could feel herself blushing. “I’m sure we could do something about that. I don’t know. Have everyone wear coats or something.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Happi coats?â€ Shiraishi asked. Akiko pictured the short coats that people often wore at festivals.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, we’d have to tie them closed, at least for the women.â€ She paused, looking at the priest and thinking about her reactions. “Revd Shiraishi, weren’t you more dubious about the festival?â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That was before people started criticising the tradition of my shrine! Inappropriate, indeed.â€ She sighed. “Even if the happi coats would work, we can’t afford the mikoshi. And I really don’t think we can do the festival without them.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Remembering the visions, and the images in the record book, Akiko had to agree. The mikoshi had looked spectacular, and very, very expensive. Before she could make any suggestions, however, the doorbell rang again.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Who is it this time?â€ Shiraishi sounded exasperated, but went to the door anyway, Akiko tagging along in case it was important.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, Akira. Nice to see you.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Nice to see you, too.â€ He paused for a moment, looking at them. “Is everything all right? There were no protesters, but you don’t look happy.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Quickly, they filled him in on the problems, first the fight, and then the problems with the wild festival.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You are sure you have to hold this festival?â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes,â€ Akiko said, quickly, and Shiraishi was also nodding. “The kami told us to.â€ Akira looked surprised, and a bit sceptical, looking between them as if waiting to be let in on the joke. Slowly, his expression changed, becoming more fearful.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The kami…â€ he began, and then shook his head. “In that case, you really do have to hold it. Let me know if I can help.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Have you got a spare twenty million yen or so for the mikoshi?â€ Shiraishi asked.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, sorry…â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I was teasing, Akira. Thank you for the offer, we will need all the help we can get. Anyway, what can we do for you?â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah. Yes. Er… I came to talk to Akiko, actually.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh.â€ The priest seemed nonplussed for a moment, but then she got to her feet, nodding. “Well, then, I’ll just, er, go and, mm, check on the shrine grounds.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko looked up, a bit puzzled, but Shiraishi had already hurried out of the room.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er, Akiko,â€ Akira began, and Akiko looked back at him. “I was wondering whether you’d like to have dinner again this week.â€</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s very kind, but I don’t think I can. There’s too much going on at the shrine. And probably outside…â€ Akiko fell silent as she realised just how stricken Akira looked.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>I’m an idiot,</em> she thought. <em>How could I not have noticed until now? And what do I do?</em></p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Maybe when things have settled down a bit?â€ she ventured. Akira still didn’t look happy, but he nodded, and, after a few stilted pleasantries, excused himself.</p>\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>Well, that’s an additional complication I didn’t need,</em> Akiko thought, as she cleared the table.</p>', 'Invitation', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '683-autosave', '', '', '2009-07-04 15:37:10', '2009-07-04 06:37:10', '', 683, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/683-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(688, 1, '2009-07-04 20:33:19', '2009-07-04 11:33:19', 'If you''re enjoying <em>Tamao</em>, you might also want to look at my other novel, <em><a href="http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/IceYearning/">Ice Yearning</a>.</em> It has a completely different setting, characters, and publication model, but no doubt certain aspects of my style carry over. You can read the first two chapters online. The rest will be released when I get more money for it; that''s the different publication model part.', 'Ice Yearning', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'ice-yearning', '', '', '2009-07-04 20:33:19', '2009-07-04 11:33:19', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=688', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(689, 1, '2009-07-04 20:32:38', '2009-07-04 11:32:38', 'If you''re enjoying <em>Tamao</em>, you might also want to look at my other novel, <em>Ice Yearning.</em> It has a completely different setting, characters, and publication model, but no doubt certain aspects of my style carry over. You can read the first two chapters online. The rest will be released when I get more money for it; that''s the different business model part.', 'Ice Yearning', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '688-revision', '', '', '2009-07-04 20:32:38', '2009-07-04 11:32:38', '', 688, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/04/688-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(690, 1, '2009-04-23 11:10:20', '2009-04-23 02:10:20', 'In moments Akiko was high above the shrine, the green of its mountain standing out against the sea of clouds, the roof of the shrine shining like a beacon. Then the wind dropped her, and she screamed.\r\n\r\nIt caught her again while she was still far above the mountain peak, tossing her up again, and then flinging her sideways. She tumbled upside-down, and the wind blew from above, tangling her vestments around her head, leaving her blind as her stomach lurched at the sickening downwards plunge.\r\n\r\n“Tamao!â€ she screamed, grabbing at the heavy material and trying to get it out of her face. She tumbled again, and now the wind was lifting her once more, while pressing her vestments closer around her upper body, twisting her around so that they gradually became more tangled around her, while the cold air bit into her exposed legs. Desperately, she grabbed at the cloth, trying to pull it away from her face at least, but now the wind was rolling her through the air, and she was getting dizzy, nausea rising in her stomach. The thought of actually vomiting while her face was covered in cloth made her panic even more, and she pushed harder at the fabric. It was no good; the cloth was too heavy, the wind too strong. She continued to lurch through the air, the motion getting ever more violent.\r\n\r\nPushing her hands down, she found the knot holding her hakama on, and worked it undone. In a moment, the wind had caught them and dragged them off her. The white garment underneath was much lighter, and for a moment Akiko was able to push it down from her face.\r\n\r\nShe was still suspended in whiteness, with nothing visible in any direction. As she fell once more, her stomach rising into her throat, she realised that she felt wet, that she must be inside a cloud. Then the wind spun her round, whipping her skirts back up around her face and twisting.\r\n\r\nSomehow, the cloth was around her neck, twisting, tightening, and she couldn’t breathe. Desperately, she reached for the belt holding it on, pulling it open as she began to choke.\r\n\r\nThe wind caught it, wrenching her arms back as it pulled it off, and Akiko cried out in pain. The garment vanished into the clouds, and now she was tumbling almost naked, gasping for breath as her stomach heaved.\r\n\r\n<em>I’d rather be hugging the tree,</em> she thought, incongruously, and then felt something whip against her foot as she spun round once more. Something like a twig. Blindly, she reached out, feeling bark, and closed her hands, grabbing and holding on.\r\n\r\nThe bark was rough, its texture calming her as it pressed against her skin, soothing her, settling her stomach. She could feel the tree accepting her panicked breathing, her racing heartbeat, and drawing the fear from her as she pressed herself closer to it.\r\n\r\nThe fabric of her underwear was still between her and the tree, cutting her off. She started to reach behind her back, but then swayed, and gripped the tree again, suddenly realising that she was sitting in the branches of the tree, in her underwear, quite some way above the ground. She could see her vestments hanging from the branches below her, her sandals on the ground at the base. As she took stock of where she was, she became uncomfortably aware of the fabric between her and the tree again.\r\n\r\n“No, I think this is enough for today,â€ she said.\r\n\r\nInstantly, the feeling vanished, and she could see an easy way to climb down from the tree, conveniently passing her clothes. <em>Was that an answer?</em> she wondered, as she started to descend.\r\n\r\nAs she got dressed again at the foot of the tree, she marvelled at how clean the vestments were. Even cleaner than the had been when she put them on, if anything. And she was clean, too, she noticed; no sign that she’d been climbing a tree virtually naked. Dressed again, she looked up at the tree, and knelt, performing the obeisance while kneeling.\r\n\r\n“Thank you,â€ she said, with as much feeling, and respect, as she could manage.\r\n\r\nShe hurried back to the shrine house, bowing quickly to the iwakura as she passed, thinking about what had happened. It seemed likely that the aramitama had seized her when she mentioned it, and then the tree had rescued her. From somewhere. Although you could argue that she had never left the tree. Shaking her head, she decided to talk to Shiraishi.\r\n\r\nThe priest was in the office, just finishing a phone call, and she looked round as Akiko came in. She didn’t look very happy, but Akiko had to tell her what had happened.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, I just saw Tamao again. He told me that we had to purify the area.â€ Something struck her. “He called you Spirit Child; is your given name Tamako?â€\r\n\r\n“No, Reiko. Look, could you start from the beginning? I can’t follow what you’re saying.â€ Akiko took a deep breath, and nodded. A bit more context would make it easier to understand.\r\n\r\n“I decided to check the shrine grounds, to make sure there were no protesters around, and I walked as far as the sacred tree.â€\r\n\r\n“Sacred tree?â€ Shiraishi looked puzzled.\r\n\r\n“Well, I don’t know what it’s called. The big one with the shimenawa and shide around it, towards the back of the shrine.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi still looked puzzled.\r\n\r\n“I don’t think we have a god tree at this shrine. Just the iwakura, and, normally, the honden.â€\r\n\r\nNow Akiko was puzzled.\r\n\r\n“But the shimenawa has fresh shide on it all the time. You must be changing them at least once a week.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi shook her head.\r\n\r\n“It’s not me. I think you’d better show me this tree.â€\r\n\r\n“Er, yes.â€ Akiko led the way out of the house and back to the woods.\r\n\r\n“It’s somewhere around here, just a moment,â€ she said, as she tried to get her bearings. She realised that, although she knew where the tree was, she didn’t know a particular way to get there. “Ah, through here, I think.â€\r\n\r\nShe led the priest through the trunks, and out into the space around the trunk. The tree soared above them, its leaves whispering in the breeze, patches of sunlight catching the white of the shimenawa. Akiko looked at the priest.\r\n\r\nShiraishi had stopped at the edge of the space, and was staring at the tree, awe on her face. She took a tentative step forward, then another, then another, until she was standing next to the tree. She started to raise her hands, then dropped them.\r\n\r\n“It’s OK. You can touch it.â€ Akiko couldn’t understand Shiraishi’s reaction, but she understood what the priest was feeling when she touched the tree, then embraced it. And, when she blushed and quickly stepped back, Akiko thought she understood that, as well.\r\n\r\nThe priest looked up at the tree, then performed the standard obeisance before turning back to Akiko.\r\n\r\n“Akiko, this tree.â€ She stopped, and a look of wondering incomprehension passed over her face. “This tree wasn’t here before.â€', 'Wind in the Tree', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '481-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-23 11:10:20', '2009-04-23 02:10:20', '', 481, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/23/481-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(691, 1, '2009-04-29 11:35:16', '2009-04-29 02:35:16', '“What do you mean, wasn’t here?â€ The question sounded stupid to Akiko even as she said it; it wasn’t exactly an unclear statement.\r\n\r\n“I grew up here. I played in the woods. I worked in them when I was older. This tree,â€ she turned to look at the tree again, almost as if she wasn’t sure that it would still be there, “wasn’t here.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko looked at the tree. It was huge, hundreds of years old. Well, far older than Shiraishi, anyway. She didn’t understand, but this time she kept her mouth shut, rather than say something fatuous. The priest turned back to her.\r\n\r\n“So, you started here.â€\r\n\r\n“Yes.â€ The rest of what had happened was also important. “And when I went back to the main precincts, I was, I don’t know, in a different version of the shrine. It still had a honden, a simple shinmeizukuri building.â€\r\n\r\n“Let’s go and see.â€ The tension was obvious in Shiraishi’s voice, but Akiko couldn’t tell whether it was excitement or worry. They walked through the wood, the priest glancing back until the tree was out of sight, and then out into the clearing.\r\n\r\nThere was no honden; just the iwakura, the empty space, and, beyond that, the shrine house. Shiraishi sighed.\r\n\r\n“Oh well. So, what happened then?â€\r\n\r\n“I saw Tamao and Hideo Takenaka. They led me to the entrance, which was on a mountain high over the city, and had me look down. I could see the kegare all across the city, like a net, with some places swarming with corrupt spirits. And then Tamao told me to that we had to cleanse it. He called you Spirit Child. He said that he wasn’t strong enough to cleanse it himself at the moment. Then a strong wind picked me up, and dropped me back in tree.â€\r\n\r\n“Tamao said that he wasn’t strong enough?â€\r\n\r\n“He said that the kami draw strength from people’s respect.â€\r\n\r\nShiraishi nodded.\r\n\r\n“That’s a phrase from the opening of a famous Kamakura period law. It’s true, then.â€ The priest’s voice was strained again.\r\n\r\n“Do you think that the lack of worshippers has weakened Tamao?â€ This time, Shiraishi just nodded, her hands clenched by her side. Akiko looked at her more closely; she seemed to be swallowing and blinking a lot.\r\n\r\n“Revd Shiraishi, are you all right?â€\r\n\r\n“I didn’t know!â€ It was a wail. “I thought they were just traditional ceremonies! I didn’t know it was all real!â€\r\n\r\n“Isn’t it good that they’re real?â€\r\n\r\nThe priest rounded on her.\r\n\r\n“Good? I don’t understand what’s going on, or what to do. My training covered where to kneel while doing the Great Festival, not how to deal with spirits of corruption trying to destroy the city. I could just about cope with developers trying to get their hands on the shrine land; with this as well…â€ She came to a stop, drawing a deep breath. “No, I don’t think it’s good.â€ She paused.\r\n\r\n“But we have to deal with it.â€\r\n\r\n“So, what do we do?â€ Akiko asked.\r\n\r\nShiraishi turned to look out towards the city.\r\n\r\n“You said that the harae ceremony removed the kegare, right?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes.â€\r\n\r\n“Then that’s something we know how to do. We should find the concentrations of pollution you saw, and purify them. Hunt down these corrupt spirits and drive them out.â€\r\n\r\nRelief swept through Akiko’s body; finally someone was helping her to deal with the problems. She looked out of the shrine as well. They would cleanse the pollution together.', 'Strategic Discussion', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '489-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-29 11:35:16', '2009-04-29 02:35:16', '', 489, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/29/489-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(692, 1, '2009-07-21 10:18:31', '2009-07-21 01:18:31', '“What do you mean, wasn’t here?â€ The question sounded stupid to Akiko even as she said it; it wasn’t exactly an unclear statement.\n\n“I grew up here. I played in the woods. I worked in them when I was older. This tree,â€ she turned to look at the tree again, almost as if she wasn’t sure that it would still be there, “wasn’t here.â€\n\nAkiko looked at the tree. It was huge, hundreds of years old. Well, far older than Shiraishi, anyway. She didn’t understand, but this time she kept her mouth shut, rather than say something fatuous. The priest turned back to her.\n\n“So, you started here.â€\n\n“Yes.â€ The rest of what had happened was also important. “And when I went back to the main precincts, I was, I don’t know, in a different version of the shrine. It still had a honden, a simple shinmeizukuri building.â€\n\n“Let’s go and see.â€ The tension was obvious in Shiraishi’s voice, but Akiko couldn’t tell whether it was excitement or worry. They walked through the wood, the priest glancing back until the tree was out of sight, and then out into the clearing.\n\nThere was no honden; just the iwakura, the empty space, and, beyond that, the shrine house. Shiraishi sighed.\n\n“Oh well. So, what happened then?â€\n\n“I saw Tamao and Hideo Takenaka. They led me to the entrance, which was on a mountain high over the city, and had me look down. I could see the kegare all across the city, like a net, with some places swarming with corrupt spirits. And then Tamao told me that we had to cleanse it. He called you Spirit Child. He said that he wasn’t strong enough to cleanse it himself at the moment. Then a strong wind picked me up, and dropped me back in the tree.â€\n\n“Tamao said that he wasn’t strong enough?â€\n\n“He said that the kami draw strength from people’s respect.â€\n\nShiraishi nodded.\n\n“That’s a phrase from the opening of a famous Kamakura period law. It’s true, then.â€ The priest’s voice was strained again.\n\n“Do you think that the lack of worshippers has weakened Tamao?â€ This time, Shiraishi just nodded, her hands clenched by her side. Akiko looked at her more closely; she seemed to be swallowing and blinking a lot.\n\n“Revd Shiraishi, are you all right?â€\n\n“I didn’t know!â€ It was a wail. “I thought they were just traditional ceremonies! I didn’t know it was all real!â€\n\n“Isn’t it good that they’re real?â€\n\nThe priest rounded on her.\n\n“Good? I don’t understand what’s going on, or what to do. My training covered where to kneel while doing the Great Festival, not how to deal with spirits of corruption trying to destroy the city. I could just about cope with developers trying to get their hands on the shrine land; with this as well…â€ She came to a stop, drawing a deep breath. “No, I don’t think it’s good.â€ She paused.\n\n“But we have to deal with it.â€\n\n“So, what do we do?â€ Akiko asked.\n\nShiraishi turned to look out towards the city.\n\n“You said that the harae ceremony removed the kegare, right?â€\n\n“Yes.â€\n\n“Then that’s something we know how to do. We should find the concentrations of pollution you saw, and purify them. Hunt down these corrupt spirits and drive them out.â€\n\nRelief swept through Akiko’s body; finally someone was helping her to deal with the problems. She looked out of the shrine as well. They would cleanse the pollution together.', 'Strategic Discussion', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '489-autosave', '', '', '2009-07-21 10:18:31', '2009-07-21 01:18:31', '', 489, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/07/489-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(693, 1, '2009-04-18 12:45:06', '2009-04-18 03:45:06', 'The wind was stronger when Akiko stepped out of the front door, whipping her hair around her face and blowing dust up and into her eyes. The branches of the trees were swinging back and forth, and even the trunks were swaying.  Akiko walked to the top of the steps, looking down. There was no-one there, and as the wind flung a twig against her face, she realised why.\r\n\r\nWincing, and rubbing at the sore spot, she turned back into the precincts, staggering a little as an even stronger gust caught her. There was a snapping sound as a branch came off a tree, flung to the ground in front of her. The wind swept round, changing direction, pushing Akiko back towards the steps, then, as she tried to brace against it, changing direction abruptly, blowing from behind her so that she fell forward, catching herself with her hands. The soil pressed into her palms, and her knees stung where she had banged them. Her hair was still blowing into her eyes, and two small twigs bounced off her back before she had properly regained her balance. She had to go back into the house.\r\n\r\nAkiko pushed herself back up, struggling to her feet.\r\n\r\nAnd froze.\r\n\r\nThe wind was no longer just wind. Tamao flew through the air, riding the currents, his jaws agape as he belched out the windstorm. Lightning danced around his open mouth, and Akiko could feel the anger coming off him.\r\n\r\nThe kami swept down, across the open are of the precincts, through the space that had once been occupied by his shrine building, and then climbed into the sky, twisting in the air. The wind twisted with him, and Akiko lost her footing again, falling to one knee, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the kami. Even angry, he was beautiful, gems shining against the dark sky.\r\n\r\nTamao dived again, into the woodland, wrapping his body around one of the trees and shaking back and forth. The roar of the wind filled Akiko’s ears, filled her mind, as Tamao’s body shone from within the woodland. Leaves filled the air, ripped from the trees by the fury of the storm, plastered against Akiko’s body by the wind, driven into her mouth. She raised a hand to ward the twigs off from her face, and then started across the precincts as she realised what Tamao was doing.\r\n\r\n“No! Tamao! Leave the tree!â€ she shouted, but the wind whipped the words away. The kami seemed to hear, nevertheless, because he fixed his eyes on her, opening his mouth to roar and shaking his head, as the tree, with a terrible groaning sound, tipped sideways, and then fell with a great crash, shaking the ground as it glanced off the trunks of the other trees around it, settling to the ground in a great cloud of dust and leaves.\r\n\r\nTamao sprang up into the air again, hovering over the shrine precincts as clouds gathered around him, thickening, becoming ever blacker. Lightning leapt from his mouth to the clouds, and Akiko heard the first rumble of thunder. The wind was as strong as ever, and a clattering sound suddenly drew her attention.\r\n\r\nHideo Takenaka’s shrine. She could just see it, still in place, but straining against the cords they had used to tie it down. One of them snapped.\r\n\r\nAkiko ran over to it, the wind blowing from behind her, helping her on her way. She reached it before the second cord gave way, wrapping her arms around it and holding it down.\r\n\r\n“Thank you.â€', 'Wind Storm', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '460-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-18 12:45:06', '2009-04-18 03:45:06', '', 460, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/18/460-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(694, 1, '2009-07-09 08:47:54', '2009-07-08 23:47:54', 'The wind was stronger when Akiko stepped out of the front door, whipping her hair around her face and blowing dust up and into her eyes. The branches of the trees were swinging back and forth, and even the trunks were swaying.  Akiko walked to the top of the steps, looking down. There was no-one there, and as the wind flung a twig against her face, she realised why.\n\nWincing, and rubbing at the sore spot, she turned back into the precincts, staggering a little as an even stronger gust caught her. There was a snapping sound as a branch came off a tree, flung to the ground in front of her. The wind swept round, changing direction, pushing Akiko back towards the steps, then, as she tried to brace against it, changing direction abruptly, blowing from behind her so that she fell forward, catching herself with her hands. The soil pressed into her palms, and her knees stung where she had banged them. Her hair was still blowing into her eyes, and two small twigs bounced off her back before she had properly regained her balance. She had to go back into the house.\n\nAkiko pushed herself back up, struggling to her feet.\n\nAnd froze.\n\nThe wind was no longer just wind. Tamao flew through the air, riding the currents, his jaws agape as he belched out the windstorm. Lightning danced around his open mouth, and Akiko could feel the anger coming off him.\n\nThe kami swept down, across the open area of the precincts, through the space that had once been occupied by his shrine building, and then climbed into the sky, twisting in the air. The wind twisted with him, and Akiko lost her footing again, falling to one knee, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the kami. Even angry, he was beautiful, gems shining against the dark sky.\n\nTamao dived again, into the woodland, wrapping his body around one of the trees and shaking back and forth. The roar of the wind filled Akiko’s ears, filled her mind, as Tamao’s body shone from within the woodland. Leaves filled the air, ripped from the trees by the fury of the storm, plastered against Akiko’s body by the wind, driven into her mouth. She raised a hand to ward the twigs off from her face, and then started across the precincts as she realised what Tamao was doing.\n\n“No! Tamao! Leave the tree!â€ she shouted, but the wind whipped the words away. The kami seemed to hear, nevertheless, because he fixed his eyes on her, opening his mouth to roar and shaking his head, as the tree, with a terrible groaning sound, tipped sideways, and then fell with a great crash, shaking the ground as it glanced off the trunks of the other trees around it, settling to the ground in a great cloud of dust and leaves.\n\nTamao sprang up into the air again, hovering over the shrine precincts as clouds gathered around him, thickening, becoming ever blacker. Lightning leapt from his mouth to the clouds, and Akiko heard the first rumble of thunder. The wind was as strong as ever, and a clattering sound suddenly drew her attention.\n\nHideo Takenaka’s shrine. She could just see it, still in place, but straining against the cords they had used to tie it down. One of them snapped.\n\nAkiko ran over to it, the wind blowing from behind her, helping her on her way. She reached it before the second cord gave way, wrapping her arms around it and holding it down.\n\n“Thank you.â€', 'Wind Storm', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '460-autosave', '', '', '2009-07-09 08:47:54', '2009-07-08 23:47:54', '', 460, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/460-autosave/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(695, 1, '2009-10-05 00:00:19', '2009-10-04 15:00:19', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The area of smoke had disappeared when they returned the following day, and although the houses it had covered had been heavy with kegare, a harae performed from the park had cleared away a lot of it. Not quite all, though.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The problem was that, while everyone was worried, no-one had any suggestions for action. Even Yoshiko had had nothing useful to add, although she did approve of their plan to hold the wild festival, and had mentioned that she needed to teach Akiko something. What Akiko thought they really needed to do, and Shiraishi agreed, was talk to Tamao.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The kami, however, seemed to be avoiding them. Akiko was starting to suspect that it was because he was too embarrassed to admit that he had no idea either.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The preparations for the festival were almost complete, and a few of the ujiko were participating enthusiastically. The plans for the simple, cheap, and light mikoshi had been made, and an ujiko with a carpentry business was making them right now. They’d seen the samples for the happi, and the loincloths had arrived; Shiraishi was fretting that they’d ordered too many, and that no-one would want to help carry the mikoshi, particularly the women.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">That morning, the posters they had ordered had come back from the printers. Akiko thought they looked really good, with a photograph of the iwakura against a background of trees and a reproduction of the men’s mikoshi from the book. Now, she was out in her miko’s vestments (Shiraishi’s idea) trying to convince people to put them in windows.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko kept checking the kegare as she walked around the area. It was heavy, getting heavier, and she could see more damage, and more vandalism, when she looked at the mundane world. The kegare spirits she saw seemed to be running away from her; that was, she supposed, a good thing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The first place she tried was a post office, where a number of community posters were displayed in the lobby.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I’m sorry, we don’t display religious posters.â€ The manager didn’t sound very apologetic.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“There’s a poster about Zen there at the moment,â€ Akiko pointed out.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s scholarship, not religion.â€ At that point, Akiko was sure she wouldn’t win, but she couldn’t let herself give up just yet.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, this is more of a community event than a religious thing. We don’t require any prayers or anything.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“No. We won’t advertise it. Sorry.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">On impulse, Akiko checked the kegare. The whole building was heavy with it, blackish slime running down the walls and hanging in ropes from the ceiling to drip onto the desks. The manager seemed to be covered in flies, their droning whine filling Akiko’s ears. She quickly switched back, apologised, and left.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The next stop was the supermarket across the road.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, is this for the wild festival?â€ the manager asked, before Akiko could say anything. “Can I see?â€ He took a poster from her and held it up. “Looks like fun. Yes, we can put one or two of these up for you.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Thank you.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, no problem. It should liven the area up a bit. Actually, are you having businesses sponsor lanterns or anything? We’d probably want to do something like that.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, good point. I’ll have to check with Revd Shiraishi and get back to you.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Now, that was more like it.</p>', 'Posters', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'posters', '', '', '2009-10-06 09:45:29', '2009-10-06 00:45:29', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=695', 0, 'post', '', 4);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(696, 1, '2009-07-09 09:59:48', '2009-07-09 00:59:48', '', 'Posters', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '695-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 09:59:48', '2009-07-09 00:59:48', '', 695, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/695-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(697, 1, '2009-10-06 00:00:08', '2009-10-05 15:00:08', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko could hear the chanting as she approached the shrine.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“No to Shinto! No to Fascism!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>Well, I half agree,</em> she thought with a sigh. As the entrance came into view she could see the protesters marching in circles in front of the shrine, while the guards watched them from the steps. Akiko spotted Mrs Watanabe among the protesters, and was suddenly overcome by an urge to cry. It passed in a moment, but she couldn’t meet the woman’s eyes, and hurried past and up the steps, barely nodding to the guards as she passed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>It wasn’t Tamao,</em> she reminded herself, but that wasn’t much help.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She was half way to the shrine house before she realised that Satomi was at the shrine, and walking towards her. She stopped, and quickly forced a smile.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Satomi! How are you?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“OK, how are you?â€ Satomi didn’t, Akiko realised, look OK. She looked exhausted, at the very least. Quickly, Akiko shifted to look at kegare. For a moment, she thought Satomi was clean, but then she realised that there were lines of fungus running under her skin, showing through like veins, bursting through at various points in clusters of slimy stalks. Repressing the shudder, she switched back.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Fine. We’re just getting ready for the festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, I heard about that. Someone said it was a naked festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, sort of. Loincloths and happi coats.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, but that’s what “naked festivalâ€ actually means, isn’t it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, yes, usually.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And I saw one of the posters.â€ Akiko was surprised. Akira and Kazumi must have started getting them up really quickly. “It said there was a women’s mikoshi.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do you want to help carry it?â€ Akiko thought she might, and that would get Satomi involved in a harae, which she clearly needed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah… Do the women also wear loincloths and happi?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko could feel herself blushing as she nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But that would put your bottom on display to the whole world!â€ Akiko had been trying not to think about that part, and just nodded again, sure that her face was bright red. “Are you going to be helping carry it?â€ Akiko nodded again. That was something else she’d been trying not to think about, but there was no way she could get out of the obligation. “Hmph. Well, it all sounds a bit too embarrassing to me. I don’t think I’m going to help with that, sorry.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, no problem. You could still come along, though.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Hmm. Yes, I suppose there’s also the men’s mikoshi to watch, isn’t there.â€ Satomi’s smile was, Akiko thought, supposed to be light-hearted, but it didn’t quite make it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, yes. And the other ceremonies.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I guess the key question is whether all the men are going to be fat and middle-aged.â€ Satomi’s smile really seemed forced, now, and Akiko started to worry. This was out of character; what was going on?</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Not all, no. At least some young men.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh well, then, I’ll have to be sure to be there.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do you want a purification ceremony first?â€ Akiko blurted out. She was sure that it was the right thing to say, but she couldn’t quite work out why.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What? No. Why would I…? No. Must be going. Thanks for the offer. But no. Bye.â€ Satomi was almost hurrying out of the shrine, and Akiko stood, staring after her, for some time. That really wasn’t like Satomi at all.</p>', 'Enquiries', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'enquiries', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:00:48', '2009-07-09 01:00:48', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=697', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(698, 1, '2009-07-09 10:00:37', '2009-07-09 01:00:37', '', 'Enquiries', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '697-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:00:37', '2009-07-09 01:00:37', '', 697, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/697-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(699, 1, '2009-10-07 00:00:59', '2009-10-06 15:00:59', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The festival was less than a week away, and the protesters were not letting up on the pressure. The posters had drawn attention, and Shiraishi had organised a scheme for people and businesses to sponsor lanterns. Akiko was astonished at how many people had, especially when Shiraishi pointed out that the festival was already in the black. She’d even started talking about saving up for proper mikoshi, although apparently a proper mikoshi would cost almost as much as a new building for the shrine.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Noriko and Kazumi were still coming every day, Kazumi quite openly complaining that she felt lousy when she wasn’t at the shrine. Noriko was less vocal about it, but when Akiko asked her, she admitted that she hadn’t been feeling well lately, and did feel better at the shrine. The pall of kegare over the city meant that Akiko was not that surprised.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The kegare was also reaching into the edge of the shrine grounds. She and Shiraishi had had to start purifying the grounds twice a day, morning and evening, and they were even thinking about whether a noon purification would be wise. The problem with that, however, was that they were constantly being called out to purify the homes of the ujiko and their friends. So far, all the purifications inside houses had been successful, but Akiko was sure that the kegare was getting heavier.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She found herself praying that the festival would work. Which didn’t really make much sense.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Noriko normally arrived just after the morning purification, but that day she arrived before it, with Mr Fujimura. He greeted Shiraishi politely, and asked to attend the purification before discussing things with her. Akiko could easily guess what he wanted to talk about, and quickly shifted to look at his kegare. He had more than usual, but it looked superficial, insects and mould that had fallen off the polluted things around him. Really, he was as clean as ever.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">After the purification, Shiraishi asked him what he wanted.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Can we talk privately?â€ he asked</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“If it’s about the festival, I’d rather talk here.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Mr Fujimura looked at her for a moment, apparently thinking, and then nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Very well.â€ He paused, looking around the shrine as if gathering his thoughts. “The festivals at a shrine play a vital role in setting its character, and in determining the example it sets to the local community. I’m sure you agree.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, of course.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, can you not also see that this festival would set entirely the wrong sort of example? Men and women running around virtually naked! Is that likely to promote respect for the kami?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I would say that “virtually nakedâ€ is overstating the case, Mr Fujimura. They will be wearing happi and loincloths.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“People are calling it a naked festival,â€ he pointed out.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s beyond my control,â€ Shiraishi said.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But my point is that it matters what people think of the shrine, what impression it gives. This festival is creating the wrong impression.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi frowned, apparently thinking.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That is true.â€ Mr Fujimura began to smile, but the priest continued. “However, the relationship between the shrine and the kami is more important. The kami has asked for this festival. Whatever people think, we are going to hold it.â€</p>', 'Reasoned Opposition', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'reasoned-opposition', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:01:37', '2009-07-09 01:01:37', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=699', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(700, 1, '2009-07-09 10:01:30', '2009-07-09 01:01:30', '', 'Reasoned Opposition', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '699-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:01:30', '2009-07-09 01:01:30', '', 699, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/699-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(701, 1, '2009-10-08 00:00:45', '2009-10-07 15:00:45', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Mr Fujimura didn’t press his point, leaving with, Akiko thought, fairly good grace. It was, however, clear that the guards would not be participating in the festival; she wasn’t sure that that was any loss.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">In any case, Akiko didn’t have long to dwell on the issue, because she and Shiraishi were supposed to be spending the whole day doing harae at different homes in the area. Shiraishi had even prepared proper boxed lunches for them, so that they could fit a last-minute request in.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We’re really sorry about asking you to come at lunchtime,â€ the mother said, as she showed them in, “but it’s the only time we can all get away from work or school; my husband works evenings.â€ There were two children in the family, and Akiko guessed both were at high school. The boy kept glancing at her, and blushing, which puzzled her for a little while, before she realised what was going on.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>I’m going to take out adverts denying that rumour,</em> she told herself. The house looked like it could do with a clean, and the family all looked like they needed a good night’s sleep, but when Akiko switched to look at the kegare she had a great deal of trouble keeping her face calm.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The kegare appeared to be a giant octopus, or possibly squid, its tentacles weaving through the rooms of the house, out of the windows and over the roof. She could not see the body, but some of the suckers on the tentacles contained eyes, others round mouths lined with needle-like teeth. In unison, the mouths opened and began to scream.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko switched her awareness back, and the house was quiet again. She nodded briefly to Shiraishi, and they set up in the living room to perform the ceremony.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">As Shiraishi began swinging the ohnusa, Akiko switched her vision back. The tentacles recoiled from the light, drawing back, then probing forward again, then pulling back sharply, disappearing from view as the light grew stronger and spread. Akiko heard a scrabbling sound from above, and then it was gone.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Gone, but probably not destroyed. Akiko frowned, and then quickly nodded as Shiraishi looked to her for guidance. They had purified this house, but Akiko was worried that her vision really did mean that the pollution had merely moved.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The family were noticeably more cheerful as the ceremony finished.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, we’re all planning to be at the festival,â€ the mother said, smiling. “Although,â€ and she looked at her children, “we are still debating whether anyone will help carry the mikoshi.â€ Both of them blushed; if anything Akiko thought that the boy looked more embarrassed than the girl.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, <em>mum.â€</em> It was the girl who responded though. “Why don’t you offer to help?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh no, I’m <em>much</em> too old.â€ She actually sounded a little smug as she said that.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, don’t worry about that.â€ Akiko couldn’t help herself. “There’s no age limit, as long as you’re healthy.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Hey, darling, why don’t you help?â€ Now it was the mother’s turn to blush bright red, although her husband looked quite keen on the idea. “I’ll do it if you do.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, stop it,â€ she said, and then, visibly trying to compose herself, turned back to Akiko and Shiraishi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“In any case, thank you very much for the purification.â€ She picked up an envelope from a table, and handed it over. “We will certainly attend the festival, in any case.â€</p>', 'Family Activities', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'family-activities', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:02:18', '2009-07-09 01:02:18', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=701', 0, 'post', '', 3);
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INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(703, 1, '2009-10-09 00:00:29', '2009-10-08 15:00:29', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You are <em>sure</em> that the priest doesn’t know?â€ Yoshiko looked really nervous, and this was the fifth time, at least, that she had asked the same question. Akiko tried to keep her impatience out of her voice.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“She doesn’t know. Everything we know about the festival comes from the book, and that just has a picture of white curtains around the iwakura, labelled “secret ceremonyâ€. Revd Shiraishi does not know the secret ceremony.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But how could they have lost it? It’s very important…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I don’t know.â€ Akiko was starting to wonder whether there was more behind Yoshiko’s reluctance than appeared. “I’ve only been at the shrine for a few months. The festival hasn’t been held for over a hundred years, though. That’s long enough to forget a lot.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Yoshiko nodded briefly, but she was still pacing around the circle of light under the great tree. The night air was warm and heavy, enough to make Akiko’s vestments uncomfortable, enough for Akiko to want Yoshiko to get on with it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The other miko stepped up to the tree and leaned on it, reaching out to embrace it as she rested her cheek on the bark. After a couple of moments she stood back and turned back to Akiko, her face much calmer.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Then I suppose I had better teach it to you.â€ A flicker of nervousness passed across her face again, and she was silent for a few moments. Then, with a deep breath, she went on. “You do have the mask, right?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The mask?â€ Akiko wasn’t sure what Yoshiko meant. “Which mask?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The…â€ Yoshiko stopped. “It’s made of wood, unpainted. Very smooth, with simple, neutral features.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh, that one. Yes, we got it out of the honden during the fire.â€ Akiko felt herself blushing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm. That sounds like it. It keeps you safe from fire. It is very important that you wear the mask during the ceremony. Don’t forget, and don’t let it fall off.â€ Yoshiko sounded very earnest, and Akiko suddenly had a thought.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Do you mean that the Aramitama takes you during the ceremony?â€ Yoshiko looked surprised.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Sometimes, yes.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko winced, and nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I can see why you’d need the mask, then.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You’ve been taken by the Aramitama without it?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko nodded, really not wanting to remember that incident, at least not the first part.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Before I saw the vision of the aramatsuri, there was… fire.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Yoshiko shuddered.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Anyway, that is why you need the mask,â€ she confirmed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What about spare vestments?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What? No, why would you need those?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko suddenly felt very embarrassed about raising the issue; was she supposed to do the ceremony naked or something?</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er, well, when I got the mask out of the burning honden, the flames burned my clothes away.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Really?â€ Yoshiko looked interested. “In the kami, the mask protects your vestments as well. At least, it always protected mine. Your clothes really burned away?â€ Akiko nodded, blushing again. “That’s strange… In any case, no, you don’t need spare vestments.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Yoshiko took another deep breath.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Right. I have to actually teach you this ceremony. It isn’t long, but I have to teach it to you out of order. You must only perform it properly at the iwakura, within the curtains. This is very important. Even when you practise, do it out of order.â€ Yoshiko looked very earnest, and Akiko nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, I understand.â€ The other miko looked hard at her, as if trying to assess whether she had really understood, and finally nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Good. Let’s get started.â€</p>', 'Secret Ceremony', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'secret-ceremony', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:03:04', '2009-07-09 01:03:04', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=703', 0, 'post', '', 4);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(704, 1, '2009-07-09 10:02:53', '2009-07-09 01:02:53', '', 'Secret Ceremony', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '703-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:02:53', '2009-07-09 01:02:53', '', 703, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/703-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(705, 1, '2009-10-10 00:00:12', '2009-10-09 15:00:12', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“No, this won’t work. Let’s try looping it round here.â€ Akiko started undoing the rope again, while Kazumi held the model spear still. She glanced over at Akira and Shiraishi, who were working on the other mikoshi; the bucket had been much easier to fix, with handles to run the ropes through, so they were already working on the decorations. The mikoshi were certainly light, though. Kazumi and Akiko could carry one between them, although Akiko wouldn’t want to do that for very long. She really hoped that they’d get at least some help.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Good morning.â€ Akiko looked round, to see Noriko standing at the top of the shrine steps. She quickly bowed a greeting, as Kazumi waved.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are these the mikoshi?â€ Noriko asked as she came over, her black kimono shimmering in the light, the white fabric below just visible through the loose weave. Akiko nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We’re having trouble getting the spear fixed. The socket isn’t quite deep enough.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yeah,â€ Kazumi added. “It flops about all over the place, and we can’t have that.â€ She giggled a bit, prompting Noriko to look between the two mikoshi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah,â€ she said, understanding on her face. “So, this is…?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The women’s one, of course,â€ Kazumi replied. “That’s why Akira is working on the other one.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, then, maybe I can help you,â€ Noriko said, crouching down a bit to look at the socket.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Really?â€ Akiko was a bit surprised. “I thought you were opposed to the festival?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mr Fujimura is opposed to the festival.â€ Noriko didn’t look up as she spoke, keeping her eyes on the socket. “I think that it’s Revd Shiraishi’s shrine, and her decision.â€ She did look up, then. “Can you just tie the spear to all four corners?â€ She pointed at the places where the handles of the mikoshi joined the main frame. “That should keep it steady.â€ Akiko looked, and it did look likely to work. They started measuring off lengths of cord, continuing to talk as they got on with the preparations.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“So, are you going to come to the festival, then?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Oh yes, of course.â€ Noriko sounded genuinely surprised. “I wouldn’t want to miss it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And help carry the mikoshi?â€ That was Kazumi’s question.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah… Well, if you’re short of people, I suppose…â€ She didn’t sound entirely enthusiastic.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s just me and Akiko,â€ Kazumi said.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Not Revd Shiraishi?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Unfortunately,â€ Shiraishi replied, looking over from the other mikoshi, “I have to do the ceremonies before sending the mikoshi out and for welcoming them back. I have to wait here.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And you look devastated!â€ Kazumi said, making Akiko blush, but Shiraishi just smiled, and went back to decorating the men’s mikoshi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Actually,â€ Akiko said, “we aren’t sure how many people there will be. We have half a dozen men, at least, but the only women who have been volunteered are Kazumi and me. But we can hope that there will be more tomorrow.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I see,â€ Noriko said, giving the spear an exploratory shake. It seemed to be held quite firmly in place, now. “Well, I suppose so…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The protesters’ chants from the entrance were suddenly interrupted by louder shouting. Sighing, Akiko got to her feet to go and see what the trouble was.</p>', 'Mikoshi', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'mikoshi', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:03:41', '2009-07-09 01:03:41', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=705', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(706, 1, '2009-07-09 10:03:31', '2009-07-09 01:03:31', '', 'Mikoshi', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '705-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:03:31', '2009-07-09 01:03:31', '', 705, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/705-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(707, 1, '2009-10-11 00:00:53', '2009-10-10 15:00:53', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What is it <em>this</em> time?â€ Shiraishi sounded quite frustrated, and she clearly wasn’t expecting an answer.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Shrine Geeks!â€ As they reached the top of the steps, Akiko made out one of the things being shouted. <em>That makes no sense,</em> she thought, as she looked down.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The guards had gathered together at the foot of the steps, and the protesters had stopped marching around, turning to face them.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You’re just a bunch of shrine geeks, that’s all.â€ It was one of the guards shouting it. Akiko was even more puzzled.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What do you mean?â€ The protesters were puzzled as well. “We’re here to protest against the shrine.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The shrine’s a place. You can’t protest against a place. No. You <em>want</em> to be here. You really like the shrine, but you’re just too embarrassed to admit it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s ridiculous!â€ This time Mrs Watanabe responded. “The kami are a threat to the whole of Japan, the whole world. We are here to stop them!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, classic symptoms of denial. You can’t save the world by protesting outside one small shrine, so we need to look for the real motive. Clearly, the only possibility is that you really like the shrine, and can’t bear to be away from it. But you can’t bring yourselves to approach it properly.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That’s ridiculous!â€ another protester shouted.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Just yelling insults doesn’t deal with the argument. Come on, actually address my points. Admit that you really like the shrine.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We don’t!â€ The protester was sounding quite frustrated now. Mrs Watanabe was just glaring at the guards, her face tense.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You’re in denial. You’re like those sad men who sit in their basement masturbating to idol DVDs. Can’t cope with a real woman.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What? How dare you…â€ The man looked really angry now, and Akiko heard Shiraishi draw her breath in sharply.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Make that <em>junior</em> idol DVDs,â€ the guard said, sneering.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You <em>bastard!â€</em> The protester lunged forward, and punched the guard hard in the chest.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Stop it! Stop it now!â€ Shiraishi shouted, running down a few steps. A couple of the protesters broke away from the rear of the group, including Mrs Watanabe. She turned to look at Akiko and Shiraishi, loathing and contempt on her face, before walking away from the rapidly-growing brawl.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The guards were pitching in enthusiastically, but the protesters weren’t hanging back much. They were ignoring Shiraishi, and this time Akiko didn’t feel like getting beaten up. She heard footsteps behind her, and turned, reaching out to grab Kazumi as the girl tried to run past.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Keep out of it, Kazumi. You’ll just get hurt.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Stop it now, before I call the police!â€ Shiraishi had gone as close as she dared, but Akiko wasn’t even sure that the brawlers could hear her.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Should I call the police?â€ Noriko was standing on the steps, cell phone in hand, while Akira came down, not looking at Akiko, and stood below her, between her and the fight.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I don’t know…â€ Akiko said. Should they? Or would it just cause more trouble before the festival.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes.â€ Shiraishi was coming back up the steps, getting away from the edges of the brawl. “Yes, call the police. This has gone on far too long. I should have called them weeks ago.â€ She looked angry, even as she shooed them all up to the shrine grounds. “They’re all as bad as each other,â€ she muttered. “What is Fujimura thinking?â€ Noriko glanced over at her as she said that, but she was talking to the emergency operator, so she made no comment.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I’ve called the police,â€ she said, as she rang off on her phone. “They said they’d be here soon. A brawl on this scale is quite significant…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes, and what did Fujimura’s goons think they were up to?â€ Shiraishi still sounded angry, and Noriko flinched a little.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I don’t know. Maybe they got frustrated.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“They deliberately started a fight! Are they really on our side?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Another worry occurred to Akiko, and she switched her vision to look at kegare. She couldn’t see down the steps from where she was standing, but there were clouds of pollution boiling up the steps like poisonous smoke, spirits like bats and beetles flying within it, settling on the shrine grounds. Where they landed, fungal growths immediately sprouted from the ground, and the stench of rotten meat slowly got stronger. Akiko quickly switched her vision back.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s polluting the shrine. We need to purify it.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Should we wait until they’ve stop…â€ Shiraishi’s question was cut off by the wail of police sirens, and a noticeable change in the quality of the shouts from the fighters. Without a word spoken, they all went to the top of the steps to look.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">There were three patrol cars, and about ten police officers there, almost as many as the brawlers, all of whom had now stopped fighting. One of the officers looked up the steps, and beckoned to them.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What happened?â€ he asked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi introduced herself, and quickly filled in the background, before describing the lead-up to the fight. The police officer was shaking his head, and both the protesters and guards looked rather shamefaced.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Is anyone hurt?â€ he asked, looking round. There was a lot of shaking of heads, although Akiko was sure there would be bruises.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You’re all a bunch of idiots,â€ the policeman said, “and I could arrest the lot of you. But,â€ he continued, “I’d have to call for still more backup to do that, and I’d rather not waste that much effort dealing with simple idiocy. So, you will all apologise to each other. Do it now.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">With a bit of muttering, the guards and protesters bowed to each other, and made their apologies.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Now apologise to the priest for disturbing her shrine.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They turned, and bowed again. The guards seemed very sincere this time, the protesters a lot less so. Akiko, quickly switching to see what the kegare was like, saw that they were all heavy with it, although the police were much less polluted.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Good,â€ the officer said. “Now, all go home <em>and don’t come back.</em> We’re going to be sending someone to keep an eye on the festival anyway, and if we see any of you there, you will be arrested on the spot. Is that clear? I don’t want any more trouble out of you, or even any more potential trouble.â€ Cowed, the guards and protesters dispersed, weaving their way between the officers and disappearing down the street.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The officer came a short way up the steps, relief on his face.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“That was a lot easier than it could have been. Revd Shiraishi, if they come back, do call us. But I don’t think they will.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“No, I don’t think they will either.â€ Shiraishi paused, still looking at the officer, as if trying to remember him, and he suddenly grinned.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I had my adulthood ceremony here. I was thinking about whether I could come to see the festival in any case; looks like I’ll be on duty. Anyway, see you tomorrow, and call if they come back before then.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">He bowed smartly to them, and then left, the other two patrol cars being already on their way.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I should have called them weeks ago,â€ Shiraishi said, again. “Oh well. So, harae?â€ She turned to look at Akiko, who nodded.</p>', 'Taunts', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'taunts', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:04:29', '2009-07-09 01:04:29', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=707', 0, 'post', '', 4);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(708, 1, '2009-07-09 10:04:14', '2009-07-09 01:04:14', '', 'taunts', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '707-revision', '', '', '2009-07-09 10:04:14', '2009-07-09 01:04:14', '', 707, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/09/707-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(709, 1, '2009-04-18 12:45:55', '2009-04-18 03:45:55', 'Akiko knew the voice, and she looked up, mouth open in shock.\r\n\r\nHideo Takenaka was standing beside the shrine, dressed in a suit. He looked grateful, but also a bit worried.\r\n\r\n“I don’t know what I would have felt if that had blown away, but I doubt it would have been pleasant.â€\r\n\r\nHe looked alive.\r\n\r\nAkiko looked away, out to the centre of the precincts, where Tamao was still twisting through the air. There was another crash of thunder, and the rain started. Akiko was soaked in a moment, but she couldn’t make herself move. She managed to look back. Mr Takenaka was still there.\r\n\r\n<em>Well, if I can see Tamao, and Mr Takenaka is now a kami, I suppose it makes sense. And I saw him before. Even if it was in a fever dream.</em>\r\n\r\n“Mr Takenaka?â€ Akiko could feel the water soaking through her clothes and starting to run down her skin, and noticed that Mr Takenaka’s suit was not getting wet. “Are you really there?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes, I’m really here.â€\r\n\r\n“How?â€\r\n\r\nHe shrugged, with a half smile.\r\n\r\n“I don’t know. I remember hanging myself — an experience I do not recommend, by the way — and I remember being enshrined here. The bit in between…â€ He shrugged again. “That’s more like a dream memory. Or hallucinations.â€ Akiko remembered all to well what he had been doing then, and decided not to say anything. “And so you can see me.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko nodded; that was obvious.\r\n\r\n“But not all the time, right?â€\r\n\r\n“All the time?â€\r\n\r\n“Yes. I’m always here, you know. This is where I’m enshrined; I’m not sure I can leave the precincts.â€\r\n\r\n“So you know what’s going on?â€\r\n\r\nHe nodded.\r\n\r\n“Wakabayashi drove me to my death, so I pay attention when he comes.â€ His face suddenly became completely serious. “Ms Tanahata, this is very important. You have to find a way to preserve the shrine.â€\r\n\r\n“I know.â€\r\n\r\n“No, you don’t. You think you do, but…â€ He seemed to take a deep breath. <em>Do kami breathe?</em> Akiko wondered.\r\n\r\n“Aramitama,â€ Mr Takenaka said. “You have heard of it?â€ Akiko nodded, and he continued. “Tamao’s aramitama is enshrined in the iwakura.â€ Akiko remembered the pulsing presence within the stones, and nodded slowly. “Ah. I see you have had some dealing with it.â€ He paused again, as if deciding what to say.\r\n\r\n“The storms have been Tamao’s nigimitama. The aramitama is much more forceful, more violent, and it cares a lot less about whether people get hurt.\r\n\r\n“If the shrine is destroyed, the aramitama will be furious. Floods, earthquakes, storms, all at once. Even volcanic eruptions.â€\r\n\r\n“Mount Fuji?â€ Akiko asked, without thinking.\r\n\r\n“No,â€ Mr Takenaka shook his head, “the kami of Mount Fuji is too powerful for Tamao to interfere. No, Tamao would create a new volcano, here.â€\r\n\r\n“He can do that?â€\r\n\r\n“I fear so. He is certainly threatening it. Even if he can’t, the other disasters would kill hundreds, at least.â€\r\n\r\nAkiko swallowed hard, and nodded.\r\n\r\n“I understand. I don’t know what we can do, but I understand.â€\r\n\r\n“Good.â€ Mr Takenaka paused, and this time he looked almost embarrassed. “Ah, could you give my son two messages?â€\r\n\r\n“Oh… Yes, of course.â€\r\n\r\n“Thank you. First, tell him that the password for the encrypted directory is “obviouslyâ€, in English. And second…â€ The kami paused, looking really embarrassed. “Second, tell him I’m proud of him for continuing the company.â€\r\n\r\nHe vanished, and when Akiko looked around there was no sign of Tamao, either. It was still pouring with rain, but the wind had dropped. Her clothes and hair clinging to her skin, Mr Takenaka’s warning heavy in her mind, Akiko stood up to return to the house.\r\n\r\n<em>And how am I going to tell Akira?</em>', 'Messages from Beyond', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '462-revision-2', '', '', '2009-04-18 12:45:55', '2009-04-18 03:45:55', '', 462, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/04/18/462-revision-2/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(710, 1, '2009-07-11 10:51:26', '2009-07-11 01:51:26', 'At the moment, I think there are over 100 people reading <em>Tamao</em> seriously. It''s a bit difficult to tell, because, of course, not everyone reads every day, and the statistics I get do not explicitly tell me how many different people have visited the site and read enough pages to have read the entire story. Indeed, given that I imagine at least some of my readers use shared computers, I''m not sure how the stats machines could work that out.\r\n\r\nOne hundred people is not bad. It''s enough to convince me that the story objectively does not suck, which is something I believe most authors worry about.\r\n\r\nIt''s not enough to make the story economically viable. In this context, "economically viable" means "paying me the sort of word rate I could get by writing RPG material". It doesn''t mean "providing a reasonable return on time and effort by any normal sort of standard" or "paying me a living wage"; it just means "not a loss compared to something similar I could be doing instead". If the story doesn''t look like it''s going to become economically viable, I will stop it when I''ve completed the plot I sketched out initially.\r\n\r\nThat will take you to early December (49 weeks), and while it will resolve a number of issues, it won''t resolve everything that has been raised.\r\n\r\nSo, how many readers do I need for it to be economically viable? I think, looking at my numbers and what I''ve heard from other people doing similar things, that I would need about 10,000. I might be able to get by with half that. But, in any case, 50 to 100 times as many readers as I have now.\r\n\r\nI really don''t think I''m going to get that many by the end of this year, so that''s not the standard. If the numbers are going up in a way that suggests the story might become viable in a reasonable length of time, and I''ve not actually lost money on the story, then I''ll continue it. But for that to happen, I need more readers.\r\n\r\nSo, if you think you are going to want the story to keep going, tell your friends about it. Link to it if you have a blog or webpage. Note that, because of the licensing, you may put bits of it on your website to give people a taster, but the only readers that count are readers here, so direct people to this site.\r\n\r\nThanks, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.', 'Readership', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'readership', '', '', '2009-07-11 10:51:26', '2009-07-11 01:51:26', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=710', 0, 'post', '', 2);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(711, 1, '2009-07-11 10:50:59', '2009-07-11 01:50:59', 'At the moment, I think there are over 100 people reading <em>Tamao</em> seriously. It''s a bit difficult to tell, because, of course, not everyone reads every day, and the statistics I get do not explicitly tell me how many different people have visited the site and read enough pages to have read the entire story. Indeed, given that I imagine at least some of my readers use shared computers, I''m not sure how the stats machines could work that out.\n\nOne hundred people is not bad. It''s enough to convince me that the story objectively does not suck, which is something I believe most authors worry about.\n\nIt''s not enough to make the story economically viable. In this context, "economically viable" means "paying me the sort of word rate I could get by writing RPG material". It doesn''t mean "providing a reasonable return on time and effort by any normal sort of standard" or "paying me a living wage"; it just means "not a loss compared to something similar I could be doing instead". If the story doesn''t look like it''s going to become economically viable, I will stop it when I''ve completed the plot I sketched out initially.\n\nThat will take you to early December (49 weeks), and while it will resolve a number of issues, it won''t resolve everything that has been raised.\n\nSo, how many readers do I need for it to be economically viable? I think, looking at my numbers and what I''ve heard from other people doing similar things, that I would need about 10,000. I might be able to get by with half that. But, in any case, 50 to 100 times as many readers as I have now.\n\nI really don''t think I''m going to get that many by the end of this year, so that''s not the standard. If the numbers are going up in a way that suggests the story might become viable in a reasonable length of time, and I''ve not actually lost money on the story, then I''ll continue it. But for that to happen, I need more readers.\n\nSo, if you think you are going to want the story to keep going, tell your friends about it. Link to it if you have a blog or webpage. Note that, because of the licensing, you may put bits of it on your website to give people a taster, but the only readers that count are readers here, so direct people to this site.\n\nThanks, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.', 'Readership', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '710-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 10:50:59', '2009-07-11 01:50:59', '', 710, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/710-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(712, 1, '2009-10-12 00:00:14', '2009-10-11 15:00:14', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Evening was drawing in, and the preparations for the festival were nearly complete. Half a dozen vendors had come to set up temporary stalls, in the precincts but set back a bit. The ritual equipment was set up in front of the iwakura, with the mikoshi on stands, facing the stones. Akiko fought down the urge to fiddle with the decorations again, and was turning to check on the tents for changing when she caught sight of Mr Fujimura, standing at the entrance to the shrine.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Bowing, she quickly hurried over, as Noriko came up the steps behind him.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mr Fujimura, I am very pleased you have come,â€ she began, but he shook his head, his face stern.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I will certainly not be attending this festival. No, I wanted to try one last time to persuade Revd Shiraishi not to hold it. Or at least to make it more decent.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko involuntarily glanced around at the preparations. Did he really think they could stop it now? Still, he had saved the shrine; he had earned a hearing, at the very least.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“One moment. I will find Revd Shiraishi.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">That actually took a bit longer than anticipated, and she finally tracked the priest down arguing with one of the vendors about his cooking facilities. When she mentioned that Mr Fujimura had come, however, the priest quickly conceded the last couple of points, and came with her.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“What does he want?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“The same,â€ Akiko replied. Shiraishi shook her head in frustration.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Does he really think we can stop now?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi greeted him politely, nevertheless, and invited him into the shrine house, as the first people had started to arrive for the festival. They sat in the reception room, Noriko sitting behind Mr Fujimura, and off to one side, with an attitude of deference that made Akiko uncomfortable.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I will come straight to the point,â€ Mr Fujimura began. “I am asking you, based on whatever respect I might have earned, not to hold this festival, at least not as advertised.â€ Akiko stole a glance at Shiraishi, and thought she saw the priest wince. It was true; refusing Mr Fujimura was difficult. The priest bowed deeply before replying.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Your service to this shrine has been great, Mr Fujimura, and I do not want you to think that we do not appreciate it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But I am afraid that we must hold this festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Revd Shiraishi, Shinto has a long tradition of noble and dignified festivals. Can you not see the damage you might do to the reputation of the kami as a whole?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“This festival also has a long history.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are you not concerned that it might make things worse?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It seems very popular.â€ Shiraishi’s tone was questioning, as if she wasn’t quite sure what Mr Fujimura was asking. Akiko, also, started to wonder once more just how much Mr Fujimura knew.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I am not talking about the number of visitors to the shrine.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We are sure that the kami wants us to hold this festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Mr Fujimura looked thoughtful, and his eyes narrowed slightly.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“How sure?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Completely sure.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">He still looked doubtful, but suddenly he nodded, bowed, and stood up.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“In that case, I can see that I will not convince you. I still believe that you are making a mistake, and I fear that I can no longer offer you any protection.â€ He turned towards the door, and then noticed that Noriko had not stood up. As he glanced down at her, she bowed, and then looked up at him.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I will be participating in the festival.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">For a moment, Mr Fujimura actually looked angry, or upset, or something, but he quickly brought his face under control, and simply nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Very well.â€</p>', 'Last Ditch Effort', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'last-ditch-effort', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:34:17', '2009-07-11 11:34:17', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=712', 0, 'post', '', 1);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(713, 1, '2009-07-11 20:33:54', '2009-07-11 11:33:54', '', 'Last Ditch Effort', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '712-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:33:54', '2009-07-11 11:33:54', '', 712, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/712-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(714, 1, '2009-10-13 00:00:30', '2009-10-12 15:00:30', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko held up the length of white cloth, looking at it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It’s just a piece of cloth.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, yes.â€ Noriko sounded slightly amused. “That’s how loincloths are made, you know.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Kazumi, unsurprisingly, was already getting undressed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I looked up how to put them on,â€ she said. “There are pages on the internet. Actually, there are quite a lot of pages, with pictures, but most of them weren’t… ah… aimed at women.â€ She grinned, and Akiko rolled her eyes. “Anyway,â€ she continued, “I’ve been practising. Should be no problem.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“And I’ve learned how to do them,â€ Noriko added. “It’s not that hard.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“But if you don’t do it right, <em>they fall off!â€</em> Kazumi giggled as she finished, and Akiko glared at her.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Stop that! We’ll do them properly.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Excuse me, is this where we change… Oh.â€ Akiko looked round, to see a mother and daughter standing just inside the entrance. She remembered them from the purification a few days earlier.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Ah, yes. Yes, please come in.â€ She glanced round, and saw that Kazumi had just started taking her underwear off. <em>She does wear underwear, then,</em> she thought, quickly followed by <em>Oh, for goodness sake woman!</em> “Um,â€ she turned back to the two women, “if you take your clothes off we’ll help you with the loincloths.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Mm.â€ Both of them looked a little embarrassed, although it was the mother who spoke. “I don’t know why I let my husband talk me into this.â€ She took a deep breath. “OK. Let’s get changed. You’re still OK for this?â€ This to her daughter, who nodded.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Unlike my brother, who is a chicken.â€ She suddenly grinned. “Actually, I think it’ll be fun. People will be looking at the mikoshi, not us, right?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Right, right,â€ Akiko quickly burst in, before Kazumi could say something to frighten them off. Any help would be good. She glared at the girl, who was now standing there naked as she began to wrap the cloth around between her legs, but Kazumi just grinned back. She looked back, and saw the mother’s mouth twitch in a half-smile.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Excuse me…â€ Another voice, this time from just outside. Akiko hurried over to see who it was, and was quite surprised to see the Tanakas’ grandmother.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yes?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“My daughter-in-law is being useless and refusing to help, but do you think I could help carry the mikoshi?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Er…â€ Akiko desperately tried to think of a tactful way to put the question, but before she could, Kazumi came running up, loincloth fixed but no coat on.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Show us your muscles!â€ she said, flexing her arms. The old woman looked shocked for a moment, and then grinned.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“I’ve been feeling much better recently.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Well, the more the merrier.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Kazumi, get back and put your happi on!â€ Akiko scolded her, and then turned back to Mrs Tanaka. “As she said, we’d be glad of your help.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Akiko, get your clothes off!â€ Akiko turned back, to see that Noriko was already changed, and she and Kazumi were fixing loincloths for the other two women. Kazumi was grinning at her, and Akiko shook her head.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“You get on with that loincloth!â€ She was right, though, and Akiko reached for the belt of her hakama.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Excuse me…â€ Another woman’s voice from outside. Surprised, but suddenly much more confident about the event, Akiko turned back to see who it was.</p>', 'Getting Changed', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'getting-changed', '', '', '2009-10-19 06:20:28', '2009-10-18 21:20:28', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=714', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(715, 1, '2009-07-11 20:35:02', '2009-07-11 11:35:02', '', 'Getting Changed', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '714-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:35:02', '2009-07-11 11:35:02', '', 714, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/714-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(716, 1, '2009-10-14 00:00:19', '2009-10-13 15:00:19', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko felt a bit self-conscious when she came out of the tent with the other women, lining up beside the women’s mikoshi. In the end, sixteen women had decided to take part; glancing at the men, Akiko could see that there were far more, twice the number at least.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>It’s not going to be easy to win the race,</em> she thought, with a wry smile.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They all knelt down on the prepared mats, and the heat and humidity made Akiko briefly glad that she wasn’t wearing any more clothes. A quick glance at Shiraishi’s glistening face confirmed that the outfit did have its advantages. Still, she pulled at her happi, making sure that it was still decent. Noriko, kneeling to one side of her, was still blushing slightly, but she noticed Akiko’s glance and flashed her a quick smile.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko turned her attention back to the ceremony, and switched her vision over.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The men were heavy with kegare, worms and insects crawling over them, wrapped round their bare legs. Motion out of the corner of her eyes warned her that the women were no different, so she steadfastly refused to look round. The mikoshi, however, were largely clean, and the iwakura stones were untouched, with a flame burning deep within them.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi finished the harae norito and stepped up to swing the ohnusa over them. Akiko ducked her head as waves of light swept out, and when she looked up again the men were all clean, so she risked a glance round at the women. Also clean.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>Ready,</em> she thought.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi stepped forward again, to kneel in front of the iwakura and begin intoning the norito asking the Aramitama to send his spirit into the mikoshi. As she intoned the prayer, Akiko saw the flame within the iwakura stir, and start to dance. It pulsed in time with the words, sinking down further each time the priest paused, until nothing remained but a tiny kernel of light.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">It exploded outwards, flame engulfing the stones and towering into the air, a wave of heat washing over Akiko as the flames wrapped around each other, and split apart, coiling in the air, taking on shapes. A dragon and a phoenix hung in the sky for a moment, looking down on the gathered people. Then they dived, flying through the crowds, Akiko’s stomach lurching as the phoenix passed through her, before rising back into the air at the shrine boundary and returning to the mikoshi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Slowly, gently, the phoenix landed on the rim of the bucket, flaring its wings out forward to cover the container, while the dragon gripped the spear, coiling its body around the shaft, its head lying along the blade. As the norito came to an end, both faded, disappearing within the structures of the mikoshi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko realised she had been holding her breath, and let it out, slowly.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Shiraishi stood, and turned to face them.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Take up the mikoshi!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They all stood, jostling round the mikoshi as they found their places, lifting it onto their shoulders. Akiko was glad they had made them light.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Turn around!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Carefully, they turned the mikoshi, to face out of the shrine. Akiko realised that she was holding her breath again, and forced herself not to.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Go!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">They ran forward.</p>', 'Calling the Kami', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'calling-the-kami', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:35:51', '2009-07-11 11:35:51', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=716', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(717, 1, '2009-07-11 20:35:44', '2009-07-11 11:35:44', '', 'Calling the Kami', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '716-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:35:44', '2009-07-11 11:35:44', '', 716, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/716-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(718, 1, '2009-10-15 00:00:58', '2009-10-14 15:00:58', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">It didn’t take long for the mikoshi to stop feeling light. They were barely down the steps — behind the men, unfortunately — when they had to stop trying to hurry, sweat already pouring off them in the heat of the twilight. Akiko carried the mikoshi for as long as she could, and Kazumi and Noriko had already dropped off for a break before she gave up, her shoulder too sore to continue. Mrs Tanaka took her place, with a surprising amount of energy and enthusiasm, even leading the other women in a chant. Grinning, Akiko joined in as soon as she caught her breath.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">There were quite a few people by the roadside, gathered in small groups, with cameras. Akiko winced a little at the flashes, but reflected that it was inevitable, really. She glanced down again, to check that her happi coat was in place, and got nudged by Kazumi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Don’t think about it,â€ she whispered. “You’re doing nothing wrong; what does it matter if something slips out?â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko looked across at her, and the girl’s face was surprisingly sincere. Akiko couldn’t think of anything to say; Kazumi had a point, but…</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">To have something else to think about, she switched her vision over, and almost stumbled. The dragon was visible again, coiled around the spear, its light pulsing brightly, occasional tongues of flame detaching from its body to consume the kegare over the houses. The polluted spirits clinging to the roofs of the houses were disappearing as they approached, and ahead of them, where the men had already passed, she could see that the road itself, and the people waiting, were clean.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Hey, look!â€ Kazumi sounded excited, and it broke Akiko’s concentration, so that she saw the ordinary scene again. Ahead of them, a family was waiting outside their house — with rows of drinking bottles on a table.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko gladly took the offered bottle, and made sure that they had enough for the women who didn’t have hands free.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Looks fun!â€ said the woman, as she handed over the bottles.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“It is. You should join in next time,â€ Kazumi replied, making her laugh.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Maybe…â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The water seemed to restore Akiko’s energy, and she slipped back in to carrying the mikoshi, resting it on her other shoulder this time. It even felt a bit lighter, and, glancing at the others, she started up the chant again.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yo-sha!â€ They were picking up the pace again, and the men came back into sight.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We’re gaining!â€ Akiko wasn’t sure who had said it, but they could all see it.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Faster!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We can catch them!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The men had heard them, of course, and glanced back, before sending up a shout of their own, and putting on speed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko’s vision switched by itself, and the light dazzled her. The phoenix was spread out over the men’s mikoshi, its fiery wings brushing the houses to either side, tumbling kegare from them and sending spirits scurrying for cover, those that were too slow bursting into flames. She glanced up at their own mikoshi, where the dragon, its claws firmly gripping the frame, rippled in the air, flying, sheets of flame sloughing off to further purify the area around them. It was bigger now, and brighter.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And helping to carry the mikoshi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yo-sha! Catch them!â€ Akiko shouted, and pushed herself into a run.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The mikoshi seemed to weigh nothing at all.</p>', 'Junko', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'junko', '', '', '2009-10-15 09:17:36', '2009-10-15 00:17:36', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=718', 0, 'post', '', 7);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(719, 1, '2009-07-11 20:36:26', '2009-07-11 11:36:26', '', 'Junko', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '718-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:36:26', '2009-07-11 11:36:26', '', 718, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/718-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(720, 1, '2009-10-16 00:00:44', '2009-10-15 15:00:44', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“If you let us past, <em>you</em> can stare at <em>our</em> bottoms!â€ Akiko just about had enough breath to laugh at Kazumi’s comment.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Nice try. Afterwards!â€ was the reply that came back, although Akiko couldn’t see who said it. They were very nearly back at the shrine now, and they were only a short distance behind the men, who were constantly looking back, and going just fast enough to stay ahead. They also looked quite tired, and even with what Akiko was sure was the kami’s help, she was very glad that they were almost back to the shrine.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The men went round a corner ahead of them, and a cheer went up, Akiko assumed from people waiting at the entrance to the shrine; moments later her guess was confirmed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“We have to pass them before the steps.â€ Mrs Tanaka was behind Akiko, and sounded very determined. “Far too narrow on the way up.â€ The old woman’s stamina had astounded Akiko, but her competitive spirit was, by now, a bit less of a surprise. She looked around, and there were a number of nods.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Make them fight for it, at least.â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Sei-no. Yosh!â€ Akiko shouted, and they all put all their strength into it. Akiko could have sworn she felt a touch of fire on her back, as they caught up to the back of the men’s mikoshi, and then started moving forward. The men, startled, looked sideways, and for a moment Akiko was looking straight at Akira, for the first time in a while. His eyes dropped, then he blushed, and lost his rhythm for a moment, stumbling. Akiko grinned to herself, and the women made it further forward, the front of their mikoshi drawing level with the men’s.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Unfortunately, they were on the outside, the men having quickly taken the shrine’s side of the road. The entrance was getting closer, with shouts of encouragement from the waiting crowds, and if they could just pull ahead, maybe they could block the men, and get onto the steps first…</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Yo-sha!â€</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">With a shout, and what sounded like groans, the men started to pull ahead again, and although Akiko tried to accelerate she just didn’t have anything left. Neither, it seemed, did the other women, and the men pulled ahead further as Akiko realised that the women were giving up. <em>We’d need to jump over them now,</em> she thought. She was vaguely aware of a stirring from the dragon, but didn’t risk making further contact. The Aramitama was not as careful about injuries as she would have liked.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The men were cheering and shaking the mikoshi violently as they climbed the steps, sure that they were going to win.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">“Are we going to let them gloat like that?â€ Mrs Tanaka asked. “All together now: Yo-sha!â€ Grinning, Akiko joined in the shouts, as did the others. Maybe they could drown them out, even if they couldn’t beat them. Kazumi started shaking their mikoshi as well, and everyone else joined in, to much cheering and applauding from the sidelines.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko assumed that only she saw the waves of light shaken from the mikoshi, and that only she saw the kegare being burned from the spectators as it flowed over them.</p>', 'Return', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'return', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:37:26', '2009-07-11 11:37:26', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=720', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(721, 1, '2009-07-11 20:37:15', '2009-07-11 11:37:15', '', 'Return', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '720-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:37:15', '2009-07-11 11:37:15', '', 720, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/720-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(722, 1, '2009-10-17 00:00:35', '2009-10-16 15:00:35', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko shifted slightly in place, trying to calm herself as she knelt in front of the iwakura, dressed in her miko’s vestments. It was fully dark now, the precincts lit by large braziers burning wood, two of which stood near her, the firelight playing over the stones so that they almost seemed to be dancing themselves. She could see Kazumi and Shiraishi raising the white curtains around her, and hear the murmuring of the spectators. Most of them were staying to see what came after the secret ceremony, it seemed.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Kazumi and Shiraishi knelt off to each side, and bowed towards her. Taking a deep breath, Akiko bowed to the iwakura, her face touching the ground. Bowed again, her mind clearing of everything except the dance. She clapped, and thought she heard echoes. The second time she was sure she did, the scatter of sound bouncing back from the rocks. She bowed once more, then calmly took up the mask and placed it over her face. Kazumi got up, moving round behind her, and tied the cords to hold it in place. Then she bowed, and returned to her seat as Akiko watched herself stand up.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>I am in the iwakura,</em> she realised. <em>The kami is in me.</em></p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She reached down, picking up the sakaki branches laid in front of her, and stood smoothly, her strange perspective causing no problems at all. She raised both sakaki vertically, and bowed, towards the iwakura, towards the place whence she was looking out.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And she danced. As she moved, the flames of the braziers flared up, dimmed down, guttered like candles, cast strange shadows across the curtains, and then, in one dazzling flare, went out.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">There were two points of light in the darkness, fixed in a pair, moving up and down, towards her and away. <em>My eyes,</em> she suddenly realised. A fire burned in them, the only light now in utter darkness, but still she danced, the ground firm under her feet. Even through the sandals she could feel every blade of grass, every particle of soil as it moved beneath her. She looked down, and the points of light vanished, as she swept the sakaki along the ground, the gentle smell of the bruised leaves filling her nostrils for a moment. The rasping sound of the leaves drawing across the soil drowned out the noises from the crowd beyond the curtain, without seeming to get any louder, and then the silence was complete.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She was still dancing, but there was no sound in the darkness, no scent of grass, no sense of wind on her skin or ground under her feet. Nothing but her awareness of her own body, her right arm stretching heavenwards as her left drew close to her chest, touched her chest.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">But she couldn’t feel it. There was nothing but the dance. Nothing but the movements. Nothing but a pattern of limbs in space, a pattern that cried something out, as she jumped, from nothing into nothing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And landed in blinding light as the earth rang under her like a bell.</p>', 'Akiko''s Dance', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'akikos-dance', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:38:08', '2009-07-11 11:38:08', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=722', 0, 'post', '', 3);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(723, 1, '2009-07-11 20:37:59', '2009-07-11 11:37:59', '', 'Akiko''s Dance', 0, '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '722-revision', '', '', '2009-07-11 20:37:59', '2009-07-11 11:37:59', '', 722, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/2009/07/11/722-revision/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `tamao_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_category`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES(724, 1, '2009-10-18 00:00:24', '2009-10-17 15:00:24', '<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Her vision did not clear, and slowly she realised that she was wreathed in flame, that the light blinding her was the fire up against her skin. But the mask protected her, and she did not burn. She took a cautious step forward, and the ground rang again, smooth and slick under her foot, like metal. She looked down, but there was nothing but light. The feel of her vestments on her skin reminded her of what Yoshiko had said; it seemed that the mask really was protecting her clothes as well, this time.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She knelt on the ground, bowing her head respectfully, and waited. There was a humming in the air, a tension. The anticipation leaked into Akiko, and she felt her heart speeding up, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid, as fear and hope tumbled over one another in her stomach.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And she could see herself, kneeling on white-hot metal, the mask still firmly fixed over her face, the red and white of the vestments barely visible in the light. But she, she was in the fire now, and could feel it gathering, drawing in, becoming denser, a swirling mass in her centre.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She moved, in a direction she could not name, and was within the iwakura, looking out, light spilling from the stones and illuminating Kazumi and Shiraishi, who seemed frozen in place. Between them, two sakaki branches hung in the air, caught in the moment of falling to earth.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">There was kegare there, too, and it was not frozen, writhing in the earth, flowing through the air, battening on the grass, drawing the life from every stem. Strands of the black web were already reaching into Shiraishi and Kazumi, threatening the lights that shone in the cores of their beings. Akiko felt the anger of the Aramitama, and her own anger at the pollution rose up to join it, as the light boiled out of the iwakura, catching the lines of kegare, igniting them so that they blazed with a furious white light for a moment before vanishing. The fierce exultation of the Aramitama merged with Akiko’s own feeling, as it paused for a moment at the curtains, before surging through.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The spectators were also frozen, most looking towards the curtains, but others concentrating on the food they had just bought, or on other attendees.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Kegare ran through them, reaching out from the ground to join the dark shapes that writhed and boiled in their hearts, pollution and weakness settled into their souls, eating them from within. Akiko felt an overwhelming surge of disgust, transforming into bitter anger, rage against anyone who brought such pollution into the kami’s home, a rage that wanted to burn, to cleanse, to leave the shrine pure.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">As it started to move, Akiko’s mind exploded in panic. <em>It is going to kill them all!</em> She struggled to pull it back, pleading with it to wait, to think, but it was like beating the seats of a train; the Aramitama was moving forward, every moment stretched out in Akiko’s awareness as the flames reached towards the first of the spectators, the one closest to the curtains.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Satomi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The corruption was lodged deep in her heart, running through her whole body, bursting through the skin even now, pestilent mouths searching for the streams in the air. She was a plague, a rot. She carried decay.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>She is my friend.</em></p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>I am not here, </em>Akiko suddenly realised.<em> I am seeing through the Aramitama, but I am in my body.</em> And with that, she knew what she had to do, though her mind shied away from it. As she hesitated, the flames moved closer to Satomi.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She reached up, behind her head, and felt the threads holding the mask. For a moment, her courage failed, but then she imagined Satomi burning, not just in a vision, not just for a moment, and slipped the knot.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The mask fell.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">Akiko was looking out of her eyes, but she could see nothing as the agony swept through her, clothes gone in a moment, flesh curling and falling away as her body was consumed to ash, to dust, to nothing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She was in the Aramitama as it swept towards Satomi, and now it was the easiest thing in the world to sweep it aside, swing round her, and then dive in, focusing on the kegare, following the lines of corruption into her heart even as the pollution flexed and twisted to escape, not even attempting to strike back.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">As if it could strike back against the inferno.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The fire pierced into Satomi’s heart, consuming every last trace of kegare, and the woman’s life was, for the briefest of moments, utterly open to Akiko. And then it was gone, as the Aramitama swept on, guided by Akiko, striking at the kegare in every spectator, splitting into two streams, then four, then eight, doubling each time until there was a web of fire filling the precincts, linking all the spectators as their pollution burned away, white fireworks against the dark sky.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The streams of fire merged and flowed out across the shrine, no threat now to the purified spectators, flowing across the open grass, through the house, into the woods, around the base of the sacred tree. All the kegare was burned up, consumed, and the rage began to change, to harden into satisfaction and defiance. The light reached the edge of the precincts.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">And stopped. Beyond, a great wall of dark smoke, within which eyes and mouths and insectile limbs and gaping wounds weeping foul liquids moved and hissed and mocked, forbade passage. The light rose up against it, making its own wall, claiming its own ground. The kegare shrank back a little, giving no ground but avoiding contact. The kegare was not afraid, though. Akiko could feel no awareness in it, nothing beyond a mechanical repulsion from the light.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The fire soared upwards above the shrine, cleansing the air, raising a shield over the shrine that covered the trees of the forest, and the air above them, a shield that closed into a burning roof, as the fire poured down again, into the heart of the iwakura, and further down, down into the hill beneath, driving the kegare from the cracks in the stone and awakening something that had been dormant for years.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">The hot water rushed up through the rock, bearing Akiko with it, bursting up through the iwakura, bouncing over the rocks to splash onto the ground, which sank away beneath it, forming a pool, a pool that rapidly filled with water. Akiko could feel the water warm on her skin, relaxing, calming, refreshing.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;">She stood, and stepped out of the water, the mask in her hands, her vestments perfectly dry.</p>\r\n<p style="margin: 8.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-indent: 28.0px; font: 13.0px Optima;"><em>On to <a href="http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/category/07-spreading-the-light/">Part 7: Spreading the Light.</a></em></p>', 'Purification by Fire', 0, '', 'publish', 'open', 'open', '', 'purification-by-fire', '', '', '2009-11-25 12:05:21', '2009-11-25 03:05:21', '', 0, 'http://www.davidchart.com/Novels/Tamao/?p=724', 0, 'post', '', 6);
