The Mystery of Mount Myōjin: On Stage

Religious event

明方 新聞

Akegata Shinbun

The Mystery of Mount Myōjin: On Stage

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Arts and Culture

Every good newspaper needs an Arts and Culture section. So, I've asked the playwrights in Wakigami to convert this story to fit the stage! It's not just any story, either. Every word of this is exactly as it happened to our good friend, Daimyō Aotsuki Tsukamoto. It's both culture, and news! Aren't I brilliant?   So sit back, enjoy, and maybe one day you'll even see this acted out by Okuni and her troupe.

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  AOTSUKI TSUKAMOTO: 19 years old, a young Daimyō, Champion of Amaterasu   THE SHEELE: KAGAMI, TAMA, and TSURUGI, aspects of AOTSUKI's soul housed within the Three Sacred Treasures and granted sentience   THE SHIROKURODAN   TANNA: 201 years old, a crab-type Kappa, leader of the SHIROKURODAN   KAGGA: 323 years old, a snake-type Kappa, occult specialist in the SHIROKURODAN   SECOND MATE RYŪJI: 30 years old, an ex-pirate, muscle in the SHIROKURODAN   SUGIHARA HIDEMITSU: 19 years old, a devotee of Amaterasu, counselor in the SHIROKURODAN   THIRD MATE RYŪJI: 0 years old, a magical construct mirroring SECOND MATE RYŪJI's soul and form   THE VILLAGERS   ISHII FUSAHARU: 42 years old, a priest of Amaterasu serving Utsunomiya   JUN-JII: 79 years old, a prune-faced old man, well-respected in Utsunomiya   MOMOSE NAO: 16 years old, a boy traumatized by his sister's death, known for causing trouble in Utsunomiya   THE MONSTERS   DODOMEKI: Unknown age, an accursed yōkai with a hundred eyes terrorizing Utsunomiya   Sumisaki Hisae: Unknown age, a vengeful kitsune, priestess of IZANAMI-NO-MIKOTO at Miwa-myōjin.

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  THE GRAVEYARD BOY — Jun-jii & Ishii Fusaharu   ENSHRINED BELOW — Second Mate Ryūji & Third Mate Ryūji   WHAT OF JUSTICE — Aotsuki Tsukamoto, the Dodomeki, & Sumisaki Hisae   POWER OF FORGIVENESS — Aotsuki Tsukamoto, Ishii Fusaharu, Jun-jii, & Momose Nao

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SCENE 1

  Setting: Outskirts of Utsunomiya. The sun is setting, the ground is barren, the town is empty. Homes have their doors securely shut and barred. Mount Myōjin is silhouetted in the background.   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN walk in from stage left and examine their surroundings warily.   These people live in fear.   You speak the truth, Kagga. Sparse are the threats that couldst make a village shutter itself under lock and key in such a way. But hark! A tea house. Let us see if they shall grant us shelter from this biting wind.   —(KAGAMI kicks the ground and tugs on AOTSUKI's hakama)   Aotsuki-sa-ma... The ground here is too dry. Shouldn't it be grassier?   Perhaps, yet perhaps not. Should this be a road that many peasants travel, it may not be so unusual.
—(Looking into KAGAMI's mirror)
By the holy sun! The ground here is cursed! Behold, a pale miasma dost waft off the ground even where we stand.   The land is cursed. Hm... That will not bode well for the villagers here.   We shall call upon our allies at the temple to deal with this unholy miasma later. For now, we must away to the teahouse.   —(All proceed stage right. Aotsuki knocks on the door of the teahouse.)   Go away, fiend! Leave us be! Take someone else!   Fiend I am not, dear sir, but a servant of Amaterasu here to lay your worries to rest. She hast heard thy prayers, and has sent me in answer. Should ye fear me, then let us speak through the portal. Directions are yet all I seek.   Prove who you are. The fiend can mimic human voices. After that, we can talk.   How best to assure you of the truth? Shall I display the Three Sacred Treasures for thee to behold? Or dost this fiend possess the power to speak in two voices at once?   —(Muffled argument behind door. It opens slowly.)   Then that means... Are you really Lord Aotsuki Tsukamoto?   Indeed I am, and you have my deepest apologies that thy village hast been so long overlooked. We shall join you within, that you might secure the door 'gainst the night once more.   Let them in. Can't you see that this is the help we've been praying for?   —(All exit stage right through door)  

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SCENE 2

  Setting: INT Teahouse. Old but clean furniture set about. In back, a faded red curtain hides the rest of set.   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, the SHIROKURODAN, JUN-JII, and FUSAHARU stand cramped together in the small room.   As the Lord Daimyō, I extend my greatest thanks in recognition of thy hospitality. We have been sent from above to help, and yet do not know wheremst to begin. Perchance a clue: our scouts learned that someone has been visiting the graveyard.   At the graveyard? That would be Nao. That boy, always sneaking around... Nao! Get out here, now!   —(Curtain in back twitches)   Is all in order ere beyond?   Nao is my apprentice at the shrine. He's not a bad child but...impulsive. Rebellious.   What is going on back there, Nao?!   —(Crashes and clatters from behind curtain)   Mine eyes do not deceive me. 'Tis not Nao, but a fiend of the gravest caliber which does lurk behind this veil.
—(Striding to the curtain)
No secret may hide from the light of Amaterasu!   —(Curtain pulled to the side. Behind is messy kitchen. MONO-CHAN, a CAT, bolts out and exits stage right.)   The mercy of light is with you this day, creature. Flee and be safe. Now, explain to me why this Nao, this boy, ist visiting the graveyard so late at night.   His sister passed away last year. He's never gotten over it.   —(Song: "THE GRAVEYARD BOY")   So as you see, there's no mystery about where you'll find him. Just go to the graveyard. But I ain't coming with you, and neither is Ishii.   I'm afraid Jun-jii is right.   Then I thank you again for your hospitality. My comrades and I shalt seek out the Graveyard Boy on our own. Lock your doors and guard yourselves well ere my return.  

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SCENE 3

  Setting: A road surrounded by dead trees. An aged torii gate stands stage right. Stage left, a graveyard with Mount Myōjin visible in background.   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN arrive stage right through the gate.   There lies the graveyard we seek. Our journey nears its end. Or is it only beginning? For under the moonlight I see a figure too vast to be our young Nao. Hast some other come to pay their respects, or might this be the fiend we seek? Show thyself in the light of Amaterasu's mercy!   —(DODOMEKI enters stage left)  

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SCENE 1

  Setting: A graveyard near Utsunomiya. Cliffs of Mount Myōjin in back. Many simple wooden grave markers stand in the ground.   At Rise: AOTSUKI and the DODOMEKI face off on opposite sides of stage. The SHEELE and the SHIROKURODAN observe from background.   Speak, fiend, or feel the Emperor's blade. What is it that is so important to you in graveyard yonder?   —(DODOMEKI tenses to flee)   Stop! Perhaps my words were too harsh. You may speak freely, we mean you no harm. ...Yet.   We look for justice.   Justice? What nonsense is this? For whomst is justice not served?   The girl, Momose Umiko, was murdered. We do not know by who. Someone in the village. Few visitors come here. We will continue to take them...until we find the killer.   This cycle of violence benefits no one but Izanami! Dost thou know aught else of what happened?   No.   Wait! A single question yet lingers on my lips. Wouldst thou hear it? What has happened to the Graveyard Boy? What has happened to Momose Nao?   Momose Nao is dead.   —(DODOMEKI exits stage left)   Hark! Mine Sheele has pierced the fog of this graveyard. Beyond, in the face of the cliff, a hollow dost run into the ground. There the miasma is strongest. I shall not ask you to accompany me into such blatant danger.   We are the Shirokurodan, Lord Aotsuki. Your personal guard. We're going with you.   —(SHIORKURODAN all agree)   Thy bravery shall be commended, ere we return. Come, we descend now into the maw!   —(AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN cross the graveyard and exit stage left)  

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SCENE 2

  Setting: A dark stone tunnel, sloping down toward stage left.   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN creep slowly from stage right to stage left. They stop at the center of the tunnel when the floor falls out just in front of them.   Sun curse this darkness! Even by the light of Yata-no-Kagami, the way is treacherous. Had we not your eyes, Kagga, we would be lost for certain.   The way doubles back ahead, Lord Aotsuki. It could be dangerous.   Were that we had a scout that I did not mind sending into such obvious danger. We could learn what lies below, but I dare not sacrifice any of my beloved companions.   As you wish.   —(Another SECOND MATE RYŪJI exits from behind hidden panel in burst of smoke)   Is that me?   A reflection of your soul. It is not you, no more than your reflection in the water is.   I'll scout ahead.   —(THIRD MATE RYŪJI exits stage left)   Your wisdom reaches deep, dear Kagga. We must wait for the scout to return, but in the meantime, I might try my hand against this vicious miasma.   —(TSURUGI exits via trapdoor)   Light of the Sun Goddess, banish the darkness from this place!   —(Lights to full, pointed directly at audience)   Indeed, this fell stench cannot stand before the light of Amaterasu. Yet it rises again even as I watch. The belly of the beast, wheremst this miasma dost generate, must be yet further below.   —(THIRD MATE RYŪJI enters stage left)   There's a temple down there.   Strange... There have been no temples here, even in the ancient times of Japan. Couldst thou tell me aught else of value?   Maybe, but I'll need some help.   —(Song: "ENSHRINED BELOW")   Thou hast served thy purpose well. Rest now, and return to the soul ere ye came.   —(KAGGA points her staff and THIRD MATE RYŪJI exits via hidden panel with burst of smoke)   What business has a Dodomeki at a temple. Was it a monk in life? We will descend and see for ourselves. Trap this may be, but I trust in Amaterasu's glory to keep us safe.   —(AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN cross the gap and exit stage left)  

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SCENE 3

  Setting: Sprawling temple backdrop. A tall wall separates stage right and stage left. On right, a tall cliff rises with a ladder leading down. On left, temple grounds with entrance visible in back.   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and THE SHIROKURODAN enter from stage right atop the cliff. SUMISAKI HISAE is visible on left temple grounds, sweeping floor with a broom.   A treacherous descent, yet the ladder looks strong. Kagga, drape thy tail over my shoulders broad, and I shall help you brave this climb.   —(AOTSUKI descends with KAGGA's tail on shoulders. The SHIROKURODAN follow. The SHEELE are lowered down on stage wires)   (Director's Note: We need a bit more runtime to meet the requirement for this show. Can we maybe drag this ladder scene out a bit?)   This place is like unto a labyrinth. How shall we reach the center, where yon plume of smoke rises into the cavernous sky?   I've got a pretty good sense of direction.   Then lead on, braver Ryūji, and bring us to our destination. The fell Dodomeki must not be far from here, and Amaterasu's light shalt find it eventually, even in an oubliette such as this.   —(AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN exit stage right, cross backstage, and wait one minute before entering stage left)   You there, priestess! Who art thou, and what temple dost thou tend? I see the sigils of no god emblazoned upon its walls, a sacrilege in itself.   Oh? We don't get many visitors here. And it's the illustrious Lord Aotsuki. To what do we owe the honor?   —(AOTSUKI gasps)  

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SCENE 1

  Setting: EXT Miwa-myōjin   At Rise: AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN stand before Miwa-myōjin. Smoke visible in background, rising from temple. SUMISAKI HISAE sweeps between them and the entrance at stage back.   We come here following a trail most foul. Tell me, priestess. Art thou the one influencing the Dodomeki to commit its atrocities upon the town above?   Influencing the Dodomeki? I'm afraid you have me at a loss, Lord Aotsuki.   Then allow me to start with something less confrontational. Canst thou tell me where we are?   This is Miwa-myōjin of course. A temple so grand, so hidden, that it must not truly exist.   (Director's Note: We've been asked by certain influential backers to make it obvious that Miwa-myōjin doesn't really exist. It doesn't, right?)   And has anyone else visited thy temple this night?   We get few visitors. Only yourself, my lord.   Then if the temple is open to visitors, you shall not object if we look inside.   Of course. Miwa-myōjin is open to all who can find it, although most come only to make offerings.   Very well. To my side, Shirokurodan! We inspect the premises now for any sign of our foul quarry.   —(AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, and the SHIROKURODAN approach the entrance. It opens before they arrive to reveal MOMOSE NAO, with soot on his face.)   You don't have to go any further. Let's leave this place. Help me find who killed my sister and all this can end.   The graveyard boy! Thou shouldst be dead. Does a specter appear before me now?   I am dead. In every way that matters. All that remains now is—   Vengeance.   Then we shall talk. I feel for your pain, and I seek your justice, but I cannot condone thy measures taken.   Very well. I have nowhere left to run.   Tell me first, what fate hast befallen you?   I found my sister murdered. I ran into the woods. Then...everything was hazy. When I awoke, I had the power to punish the killers. First, I must find them.   And that's what I'm helping with.   We shall find the killer and bring them to a proper sentencing.   No. That won't do. I want the murderer to suffer.   Dost thou not think they have already been suffering. All suffer in this accursed, miasma-plagued place. Enough. Let us end it together.   Then let them suffer. A hundred men. A thousand. So long as the murderer suffers with them.   Nao. Is that what Umiko would want?   —(NAO steps back as though struck)   Of course it is. I spoke to her spirit, and that's exactly what she told me.   Lies. Silence thyself, trickster, for the Light of Amaterasu pierces thy petty darkness.   —(NAO steps inside. Cue smoke explosion. DODOMEKI enters from same door)   —(Song: "WHAT OF JUSTICE")   I am condemned, but we must do what we can to make it right.   Tch.   —(DODOMEKI enters the temple at stage back. AOTSUKI, the SHEELE, the SHIROKURODAN, and HISAE follow)  

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SCENE 2

  Setting: INT Miwa-myōjin Inner Sanctum   At Rise: AOTSUKI and HISAE stand stage left. At stage right, a blackened body lies atop an altar surrounded by purple candles. The DODOMEKI stalks towards it.   It's a smaller revenge than what I was hoping for, but it will do to please Izanami.   Priestess Hisae. Pray to the sun that the next time we meet it shall be on better terms than discovering thou hast been terrorizing a village in my demense.   You're a bit young for my tastes, but I wouldn't object to meeting again.   And the body. Is that young Umiko upon the slab?   No! I wouldn't be that heartless.   —(DODOMEKI begins tearing the candles up and snaps the altar and body in two)   That's the latest kidnapped villager.   Their souls already within Izanami's foul grasp...   You're no stranger to the Lady of Death's ways, I see. But I am a stranger to yours. Tell me, what will you do with that?   What else? We shalt find who murdered his sister and bring them to justice.

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SCENE 3

  Setting: EXT Utsunomiya Village   At Rise: SECOND MATE RYŪJI enters stage left, followed by AOTSUKI TSUKAMOTO and MOMOSE NAO.   Looks safe. But are you sure about just leaving that Kitsune down there after what she did?   'Tis not our place to judge, only to mend. I shalt be informing the Daimyō of her actions. What Her Magnificence decides to do with the renegade priest after that is not our concern.   Right.   We must speak now to Jun-jii and Fusaharu. Dost thou think you can control yourself?   The monster still seeks revenge, but I will try.   A blessing of the Sun, then, whose gentle rays soothe all under her expansive purview!   —(Special effect: Flash of light)   I feel...calmer.   Canst thou imagine bringing harm to even the meanest vermin?   I'm still angry, but no.   That is well. (Speaking to others off stage left) The rest of you would do well to await our success outside. These next matters shalt be delicate and require my own hand to guide.   —(RYŪJI exits stage left. AOTSUKI and NAO enter through teahouse door on stage right.)  

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SCENE 4

  Setting: INT Teahouse.   At Rise: AOTSUKI TSUKAMOTO and MOMOSE NAO enter stage left. JUN-JII sits on a stool center stage, waiting for them.   I have returned, and with the Graveyard Boy at my side.   Nao! Where have you been?   —(NAO looks away and does not respond.)   The fiend hast been dealt with, but we must now move to more severe matters. To whit, what sin caused it to lay its many eyes upon your poor village?   What do you mean?   A murder.   What? Wh-what are you talking about?   The DODOMEKI is a creature of vengeance. It hast come to Utsunomiya seeking vengeance for a girl's life, wrongfully ended. Dost thou know anything about that, Jun-jii?   I'm sorry, my lord! It was an accident! The day before Umiko-chan fell ill, I used some rotten peaches in the food. I didn't think anyone would notice! I'm not certain that's what killed her, but...   No. Umiko was killed with a knife. A hunting knife.   I... What? How can that be?   Explain thyself forthwith.   I never touched the girl! I thought she just fell ill, not died a violent death!   Then we're back at square one!   Not necessarily.   —(ISHII FUSAHARU enters stage right.)   What secrets keep ye, Ishii Fusaharu?   Umiko came to me the night before she died. She was very ill, but I thought it would pass. She did not.   —(All pause)   Umiko...wasn't able to face the thought of being a burden on her family. I fear she took her own life.   It cannot be!   He is not lying, Nao.   No! I can't accept that Umiko killed herself. If she did, then who do I punish? What's the point of everything I've done?!   There is naught and none to punish, dear Nao.   I don't know what you've done, Nao, but there's always forgiveness.   Forgiveness...? After what I've done?! After what we did to this town?!   Forgiveness. The Lady of the Sun clears burns away all sin in Her glorious light. Should ye work for the betterment of your home and keep the same horrors from happening again, then ye too shalt be forgiven.   Work? A monster like me? What can I do?   The same thing you've been doing, lad. Just be a bit more diligent about it, eh?   I have not dismissed you as my acolyte, Nao. Get some sleep and we'll begin your training again in the morning.   But in the morning the magic will wear off and my yōkai side will...   Ye doubt yet, Nao, the Power of Forgiveness...   —(Song: "Power of Forgiveness")   And thus was the village of Utsunomiya brought back into Amaterasu's Light. Remember, all ye, no sin is unforgivable should ye be willing to change.  

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