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.

“Revd Shiraishi, there’s no-one here,â€ she called. The priest came over to look.

“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.

She 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.

“Good morning,â€ she said, when she pulled herself together. “What happened?â€

“What does it look like? Someone decided to pollute our shrine, in quite a concrete way.â€ Shiraishi sounded very annoyed.

“But what about the guards?â€ Ms Yamanaka sounded genuinely puzzled.

“Good question. I thought you might know.â€

Ms Yamanaka shook her head.

“Could I stand under the porch while I make some calls?â€

“Go ahead.â€

Ms Yamanaka got her cell phone out of her bag, and as she began making phone calls, Akiko and Shiraishi started clearing up.

The 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.

A few moments later, Ms Yamanaka came over, her expression concerned and apologetic.

“I can’t get through to anyone, so I’ve got no idea where they are. But… Can I help you clean up?â€

Shiraishi 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.

“Yes, please. There is a lot to clear up.â€

Ms Yamanaka smiled, and then suddenly blushed, embarrassed about something.

“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.

“She’s nearer your size. Have you got anything?â€

“Oh,â€ Akiko was briefly surprised, “yes, yes, no problem. Just jeans and a top, though.â€

“That’s fine.â€

“Well, come with me.â€

As they entered the shrine house, shaking off as much water as possible, Akiko realised that Ms Yamanaka still looked rather embarrassed.

“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€

“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€

“Thank you. I’m really sorry to cause this trouble.â€

Akiko led the way back into the house, while the rain continued to hammer on the roof and windows.