Epic Of Caterpillar

Chapter 2843 - 2844: The Mythical Era

-----

In ancient times, known as the Mythical Era, when Mana and Cosmic Energy saturated the planet and magic was as commonplace as the air itself, Heavenly Realms emerged across the world. They formed from vast concentrations of pure Mana that permeated everything.

The Soul of the Planet compressed these realms to contain the overwhelming quantities of Mana and Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere. It was a desperate effort to ease the burden on the surface, halt recurring mass extinctions, and protect humanity.

From humanity arose thoughts, myths, and legends. The Heavenly Realms absorbed these stories, imaginations, dreams, and emotions, giving them tangible form.

Japan itself formed as a Heavenly Realm merged with sea and land. Its myths, legends, and beliefs created an eternal chaos of elements within the realm. From this chaos emerged Izanagi and Izanami, the creation gods tasked by the Will of Heaven with forming the islands of Japan.

They descended from the heavens to the Floating Bridge of Heaven, Ame-no-Ukihashi, and stirred the sea with a jeweled spear. The drops that fell formed the first island, Onogoro, where they built a palace and began their work of creation.

Though alone at first, Izanagi and Izanami soon fell deeply in love, inspired by the many expressions of love they observed among mortals. Curious, they embraced, and Izanami became pregnant with their child.

This child, however, proved too powerful. Born from the unrestrained passion of two Primordial Deities, Izanami died giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi.

Enraged by her death, Izanagi drew his sword and committed a horrific act, slaying his firstborn, Kagutsuchi, and cutting him into pieces. Yet this was not the end of Kagutsuchi. From his blood and body parts, new deities arose, many associated with volcanoes, mountains, and martial aspects.

From his blood were born:

Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, a thunder and martial god, patron of warriors. He is famous for subduing the giant catfish Namazu, which causes earthquakes.

Futsunushi-no-Kami, another martial deity associated with swords and conquest. He is worshipped as a protector of armies and shrines.

Kuraokami-no-Kami, a dragon and rain god linked to water and storms. He represents the balance of fire and water.

Amatsumikaboshi, a star deity associated with Venus, the Evening Star. He is sometimes depicted as a rebellious or chaotic force.

And from his body were born:

Kuramitsuha-no-Kami, a water deity associated with mountain streams. He is linked to distant mountains where rivers originate.

Iwanagahime-no-Kami, Goddess of rocky, iron-bearing mountains. Her name means ”Princess of Long Stones.” She embodies permanence and endurance. In myth, she was offered in marriage to Ninigi, Amaterasuʼs grandson, but rejected him.

Haniyasu-no-Kami, a god of earth, clay, and volcanic soil. He is connected to volcanic mountains, as fertile soil comes from volcanic ash. He is worshipped in relation to pottery and agriculture.

Kayanohime-no-Kami, Goddess of fields and valleys, often tied to mountain passes. She is patron of grasses, herbs, and vegetation, representing mountain passes and valleys.

Ōyamatsumi-no-Kami, the great mountain god and ruler of all peaks. He is protector of warriors and hunters, adoptive father of Konohanasakuya-hime, goddess of Mt. Fuji. He embodies volcanic and towering mountains.

Tsuchigumo-no-Kami, a deity of hidden valleys and caves. He is associated with mountain passes and shadowed places. Later demonized by the Oni King Shuten Doji after their marriage, their wicked union produced the feared Demonic Spider Yokai bearing her name.

Kaguya, Yamiyo, and Kuraen were born from the union of Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, the Thunder-Fire Lord, and Kayanohime-no-Kami, Lady of Grasses and Valleys. The two fell in love while visiting the World Tree, the Primordial Pillar connecting all Heavenly Realms.

Unlike other Kami unions, theirs brought complications. All three children were born with weak bodies but extraordinarily powerful divinities. Their forms blazed with fire too fierce for human shape. Flames leapt from their tails, their eyes shone like embers, and their cries echoed like sparks in the wind. This likely stemmed from their fatherʼs blazing thunder and fire contrasting with their motherʼs gentle, fragile body of grass and winds.

Kaguya, the firstborn princess, radiated like blossoms in flame. She carried the gift of renewal, fertility, and the gentle fire of hearths.

Kuraen, the second, Warrior of Dawn, bore a tail of sunrise fire. He protected travelers and smiths, his steps thundering across branches.

Yamiyo, the third, Warrior of Dusk, bore a tail of twilight embers. He guarded hunters and warriors, his gaze smoldering with hidden strength.

Seeing their fragile forms consumed by fire, Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Sun Goddess, spoke:

”If they remain as men, they shall perish.

Let them take the form of squirrels, nimble among branches, swift upon the World Tree.

Thus shall they bear fire without destruction, scattering sparks to mortals below.”

And so it was decreed. The three siblings became squirrel fire gods, racing along the limbs of heavenʼs tree. They carried embers in their tails, dropping sparks upon the earth and teaching humankind sacred arts: kindling hearths, forging iron, cooking food, and the warmth of family.

The squirrel fire gods became messengers between realms—playful yet divine, guardians of flame and forest. Their shrines stood at the edges of mountains and valleys, where fire meets wood and storm meets meadow. Offerings of nuts and embers were laid before them, accompanied by prayers for safe hearths and strong blades.

This is the past Kaguya remembers, the same memories her siblings regained as they merged with their parallel selves, fully becoming Kami. Each now over a thousand years old, these ancient recollections remained vivid. Though their core natures and personalities endured, they had grown much wiser.

After enduring many trials and strengthening their bodies through Divine Cultivation of Heavenly Essence, they attained half-beast, half-human forms more acceptable in the Heavenly Realm.

Now, all three stood watching the battle unfold, hidden behind their Divine Parents. The Thunder-Fire God, a brawny and muscular warrior, glared at the scene in awe and anger. He was frustrated by Susanooʼs recklessness and their own powerlessness to intervene. His long black hair waved like thunder and blazed like fire. His white skin grew redder with rising fury. The god typically wore samurai-style armor and red wooden sandals.

Takemikazuchiʼs aura surged like thunder and fire as he gripped his divine katana in anger. He glared at Susanoo with indignation, unable to comprehend why the Storm God was pointlessly fighting the Chaos Spawn. ”Just what is wrong with that idiot?! Canʼt he see this is serious?! Damn it! It makes no sense that heʼs the strongest when heʼs such a brainless fool!”

Kayanohime, ever serene and calm, looked at her beloved with worry. She held his muscular arm with delicate hands, caressing him gently to ease his temper. She was among the most beautiful Kami, with a slender body, clear skin like white jade, beautiful green eyes, and long black hair. She wore a green kimono and usually went barefoot. ”Oh dear, please calm down. Susanoo-sama may be reckless, but has he ever truly disappointed us? He always does what is right in the end. You know him well—youʼve been rivals for many years.”

Takemikazuchi, known for his raging temper, had a soft spot for his beloved wife. He sighed and held her delicate hand with care. ”I know, I know… But he still gets on my nerves! Kaguya, Kuraen, Yamiyo—donʼt you agree with your father?”

He turned to his three children, the squirrels of the Heavenly Realm who had matured over countless years into strong, nearly independent gods. Though their time here far outweighed the years spent in Genesis with Kireina, they retained deep loyalty toward her.

-----