“Revd Shiraishi, we should go inside.â€

The priest did not respond, the brocade bag holding the go-shintai still clutched by her side, ash and smoke still marking her face and clothes.

“Revd Shiraishi?â€ Akiko was starting to get worried. The priest shuddered, and then nodded.

“Inside. Yes.â€ She turned round and walked back into the house, heading for the kitchen, Akiko behind her. As soon as she got into the kitchen, she went to the sake cupboard, and took out a large bottle and a glass, before sitting at the table and opening the cap. Akiko started to reach out to stop her, but faltered. What could she say? Instead, she took a seat across the table from Shiraishi, hoping to provide some moral support at least.

Shiraishi poured herself a glass in silence, and drank it at one gulp. A second glass followed, drunk a little more slowly. The brocade bag was on the table between them, and Akiko saw an opportunity to start a discussion.

“Can I see the go-shintai?â€ She expected a refusal, but at least it would start them talking about what happened.

“Sure, go ahead. What difference can it make?â€

For a moment, Akiko wasn’t sure whether to take advantage of the permission, but it was an opportunity she might not have again. She reached out for the bag.

There was a snake on top of it, scales flashing in red, green, and purple, sliver and gold lines marking their edges as its eyes flashed at her and it reared up and hissed.

Akiko snatched her hand back, and the vision passed.

“Er, maybe I’d better not.â€

Shiraishi knocked back another glass of sake and shrugged.

“Suit yourself.â€

“But at least we got it out of the shrine.â€ The priest put her glass down, and looked at Akiko as if examining her. For a moment, Akiko had the distinct impression that Shiraishi was undressing her in her mind, and she shifted uncomfortably. The priest blinked, and the moment passed.

“How did you…â€ she began, and then shook her head. “You don’t know, do you.â€

“No.â€ It was obvious what she was referring to.

“Why?â€

“I saw Tamao still inside the shrine. I had to go and rescue him. It…â€ Akiko suddenly remembered, and gasped. “It was like some dreams I had, before.â€

“Hmph.â€ Shiraishi poured herself another glass, and was about to take another drink when she caught Akiko’s eye, and put it back on the table. “So you didn’t burn.â€

“No. As long as I was holding the mask, I didn’t burn.â€ The priest nodded, but she was looking at Akiko strangely again. Akiko started to feel uncomfortable, and looked away.

“Anyway,â€ she began, while trying to think of something to say. “Anyway, we saved the go-shintai, so we can rebuild the shrine, right?â€

“Huh.â€ Shiraishi snorted, a sceptical noise, and when Akiko looked back she was drinking the sake. This time she met Akiko’s eyes with a certain defiance.

“I’ve barely been able to meet expenses. I’ve not been able to pay insurance premiums as well.â€ It took a few moments for Akiko to realise exactly what the priest was saying.

“The shrine wasn’t insured?â€

Shiraishi shook her head.

“We can’t rebuild. It’s over.â€