Bearclaw Valley with sincerity, there is virtue

Keiko could tell the Ookami was pleased by her creation because of the happy rumble in his chest. Her dark eyes traced the edge of his muscles, his broad crown – yes, he was a noble deity, indeed.

She dipped her head as a gesture of reverence. Though he had left a spot Keiko-sized upon the futon, the thought of joining him never occurred to the young Miko. Instead, she turned towards a more humble bed made from pine fronds and curled up in a tight ball.

“Oyasuminasai,” Keiko breathed as she fought back a yawn. Unexpectedly, today became the first day of the rest of her life. Everything would be different now.

Exhausted, the priestess quickly fell into a deep slumber.

~

The night sky. Keiko stared at it and felt small like a pebble in a river. Cold air rushed around her body. A visceral feeling. Was this really a dream?

She walked but there was no ground beneath her feet. Just a starry blanket of infinity.

Then, a large white light hung in the sky. Flames made its silhouette dance, but despite the fire, there was no heat. A sound like a singing bowl sent a shiver up her spine.

Amaterasu.

Daughter of the creator god.

Tears welled in her eyes as she stood before the heavenly being, breathless.  Then, something broke free from the light. A shooting star tumbled across the night sky. A gift. A blessing. Then, it found its place upon Amaterasu’s tapestry and became the brightest star of all.

~

Keiko’s eyes fluttered awake in the early morning.

Songbirds whistled in the distance.

Frosty dew clung to the grass.

I know your name, Keiko realized.

Hokkyokusei-Okami.

Her North Star.