Chapter 334: Ereshkigal
Eresh looked at Ishtar huffily and snapped, "Quiet! Ishtar, I don't need your help at all!"
"Hmph! You think I want to be with you?" Ishtar shot back, her temper flaring.
"You don't! Then don't follow me! I'll be absolutely fine on my own!" Eresh shouted. She turned and dashed out of the small house, running down the mountain.
Only when facing her younger sister—who was showered with all the affection in the world—did she show no timidity. Instead, she took the initiative to be confrontational, determined to surpass her only rival even if she had to use any means necessary.
Stepping out behind her, Ishtar folded her arms and watched her sister's retreating back. She pouted and muttered, "Dummy. If I'm not there... you, who've never even met a man, will fall head over heels for some pretty boy the moment he treats you with a bit of kindness. You'll probably end up hopelessly in love."
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Returning to her solitary hut, Eresh buried her head in packing her bags. The aggrieved girl stubbornly refused to let a single tear fall.
At that moment, three hands were placed on the girl's head, giving her a few silent, gentle pats.
The blonde girl looked up to find her three humanoid Mystical Creature partners had hopped onto the stone bed at some point.
"Woof, woof, woof!" The blue-haired youth with dog ears thumped his chest hard with his other hand—the classic Celtic-style encouragement.
"Eresh, no matter what happens, we're on your side," the flat-topped Druid youth, the most intelligent of the three, spoke up.
The black dragon turned its head away, acting cool and staying silent, but its hand remained on the girl's head.
They shared the same face and a similar appearance, much like triplets, yet their abilities differed. One was a dog-eared youth in a skin-tight suit wielding a crimson spear. One was a Druid in a magus robe carrying a wooden staff. The last was a dragon with a body covered in black thorns and tattoos etched upon its face.
Eresh wiped her damp eyes and showed a smile. "Thank you, everyone."
These Mystical Creatures were partners she had searched for with all her heart in the Great Forest, originally intending to compete with her sister Ishtar, who had been gifted the Bull of
Heaven by their father. Other gods were either unwilling to take risks or had only tamed giant beasts to help with transport and hunting.
What she hadn't expected was that, in their time together, she was often the one being taken care of.
The girl pulled herself together and said to her partners, "Then let's set off! To find that boy who crossed through space-time!"
"Oh!" "Woof!" "Roar!" The three creatures raised their fists in agreement.
Packing her essential daily supplies, food, and the cat plushie she couldn't sleep without, the blonde girl headed to the edge of the cliff at the mountain's peak.
Looking out at the scenery beyond—the open horizon and the clouds floating beneath her feet—she had to admit this was a place as beautiful as a fairyland.
This mountain originally belonged to a mountain god from a different pantheon, a powerful existence on par with the Father of Gods. Even the elder gods of her lineage didn't dare face that mountain god directly. However, it became a treasure land seized through Ishtar's unyielding combat. Now that they had lost their divine power, it provided a sanctuary for their family and kin.
Her sister Ishtar was willful, overbearing, and lawless. But even so, she had truly done good things and possessed undeniable achievements. At the very least, all their kin were currently indebted to her.
"This time, it's my turn to do something for everyone!" Eresh said with determination.
"If that boy is willing to be obedient and leave that place, it'll be fine. Yeah, that's what I'll do. I'll just have a proper talk with him." The girl with the blonde twin-tails nodded. Although she hadn't spoken to a boy near her age since coming to the mortal realm as a young girl, she was resolved.
"Go for it, Eresh! You can definitely do it!" She clenched her small fists to pump herself up.
At the cliff's edge, Eresh blew a bone whistle. A loud cry echoed from the sky as a giant eagle with a wingspan of nearly ten meters flew over. Though its combat power couldn't compare to Mystical Creatures, it was the finest among the birds and beasts tamed by the race of gods—a very convenient means of transport that saved them from climbing.
The giant eagle landed on the cliff and crouched down. Eresh hopped onto its back, followed by the three Cú Chulainn Mystical Creatures. Using the eagle, it took less than half an hour to find Shirou. It took barely ten minutes to get from the mountain to the forest, and by looking down from the sky as the light faded, they easily spotted firelight in the dark forest using the eagle's keen sight. They landed at a distance that wouldn't alert their target and approached slowly on foot.
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When Eresh arrived at the bamboo grove, she indeed saw the boy busy in front of a campfire, seemingly cooking. An indescribable, wonderful aroma wafted over from that direction.
At that moment, the three creatures couldn't resist the temptation and bolted forward. Eresh hastily reached out to grab them and ducked down.
"Honestly! You guys! Be quiet!" Eresh complained in a whisper.
"Who's there?" However, they had already brushed against the bamboo, making a noise. Shirou had noticed them.
"Awoo!!!" Lion Saber and Panda Jeanne scrambled for the front position, leaping out and brandishing their weapons, staring into the pitch-black bamboo grove.
"Gaa!" Panda Jeanne spat a small ball of fire from her mouth toward the spot where the girl was crouching.
A spinning red thorny spear suddenly appeared, sweeping away and extinguishing the flame.
Three Cú Chulainn Mystical Creatures stepped out of the bamboo grove, led by the Black Dragon Cú Chulainn. Each displayed an aura that was not to be underestimated.
"To think the three of us would be discovered so easily! Honestly, I didn't expect to lose to my own basic instincts. What a terrifying kid. Are those fragrant things over there tools you used to lure out your enemies?" the only one capable of speech—the Druid Cú Chulainn with an elf-like appearance—spoke up.
Facing three powerful enemies, Lion Saber and Panda Jeanne had to concentrate, not daring to show the slightest opening. They gripped their weapons and bared their teeth; battle was imminent.
"Shirou! Back up, back up!" At this time, Fujimura Tiger also sensed the danger and pulled Shirou back.
"Wait! It hasn't come to the point where we have to let these children kill each other! Can we stop?!" Eresh took the initiative to step out and shout.
"Wait! Don't attack yet! You're... Tohsaka? You turned into a kid too?" Shirou looked over in surprise. He hadn't expected to find a familiar face standing there, even if her hair was now blonde. He looked at the three mini Cú Chulainns.
What the Druid Cú Chulainn had just said was clearly a cover for the girl. Even if his status in this world was a "beast," he still shared a connection with the proud warrior Cú Chulainn. Someone who could earn his recognition was clearly not someone who would use underhanded tactics.
"I see. Come over here," Shirou judged, waving the girl over.
Eresh realized there was no point in hiding anymore. She hesitated, suppressed her inner nervousness, and walked over with the mindset of "losing the battle but not the spirit." She put her hands on her hips and said forcefully, "What?! I'm not some 'Tohsaka'! My name is Ereshkigal! Master of the Underworld! Understood? Tremble, mortal!"
"I see. Good thing it's not her," Shirou sighed in relief.
"Wait! Why are you sighing in relief?! You should be—" the blonde girl puffed out her cheeks in protest.
Just then, the chicken braised with hot oil and sauce was ready. When he lifted the lid, fragrant steam rose. He took wild mushrooms, truffles, and other fungi and vegetables that had been grilled on a red-hot iron plate over the fire, threaded them onto carved bamboo skewers, sprinkled them with spices, and placed them on a plate for the girl.
"Anyway, eat your fill first," Shirou said as he filled three more plates for the Cú Chulainns and handed them over.
"Thanks..." Eresh took the plate. Looking at the delicious-looking food, she felt a bit awkward, unsure whether to eat it or not.
Unlike the hesitant Eresh, the creatures smelled the aroma and immediately started eating in huge gulps. Seeing her partners eating so happily and finding the scent truly enticing, the blonde girl also took a bite. As the food entered her mouth, a look of wonder crossed her face. "Delicious! What is this? I've never eaten anything this good!"
"It's braised chicken in sauce. I used fresh lily bulbs that haven't turned bitter yet, combined with mountain peppers, wild garlic, and wild onions to make a sauce to braise the juicy chicken. There's also the teppanyaki-style mixed mountain vegetables and mushrooms."
"I see! You must teach me how to make this! I want to go back and make it for everyone to try!" The blonde girl's eyes sparkled with stars as she nodded repeatedly.
In the Underworld, she didn't need food. Her daily work was merely providing comfortable housing for dead souls. To that end, she had to spend a massive amount of time regulating the temperature of the Underworld and creating "cages" suitable for living.
"Sure, of course!" Shirou laughed heartily and agreed. Hearing Gil mention a blonde twin-tailed girl, he had thought it would be a "Red Demon," but the girl before him lacked the practiced acting of an honors student; she was clearly a "Red Angel."
In this era of low birth rates, children in families were mostly treated like precious pearls, often becoming self-centered and spoiled. Like a bratty girl dressed as a magical girl who forces everyone to listen to her sing in the playground. Or a seaweed-haired young master. Or the first Gian in human history.
To have the same face as Tohsaka yet such a healthy heart was truly rare and precious. If it was this child, Shirou felt he would be willing to go through the extra effort to fulfill her wish.
"Thank you, Shirou!" The blonde girl laughed happily. She had expected a dangerous figure and had prepared for a fight to the death. She hadn't expected the opponent to be such a gentle, good boy. If it was him, as long as things were explained clearly, it seemed it would be fine even if he touched the Holy Grail.
At that moment, Eresh suddenly snapped out of it. Her eyes widened, and she screamed in her head: No!!! Why am I instinctively looking out for him? Is this "magic"?! What a terrifying boy!
"What's wrong?" Shirou asked, looking at her in confusion.
"Hmm?!" "Woof?!" Both sets of Mystical Creatures looked up at the boy and girl.
"No, no! It's nothing." Eresh waved her hands frantically. Although she had to find a way to stop Shirou, he wasn't a bad person, so she didn't want him to end up being killed. Thus, she spoke up: "Ahem! Anyway, to prevent you from being reckless and doing something that harms us of the race of gods, I will follow you every step of the way. I'll be responsible for monitoring you. That's it!"
Eresh folded her arms and made her declaration, indicating she wouldn't leave.
"Eh? You mean you're going to sleep with me tonight? I don't mind, but are you really okay with that?" Shirou asked, surprised.
"Uuu... uuu..." The girl lowered her head, her body temperature rising rapidly. Steam seemed to be coming off her head, and even her ears turned bright red.
Eresh grabbed her spear and drew a line on the ground, pointing at Shirou. "You're not allowed to cross this line! And you're not allowed to leave my sight! A Goddess's command is absolute! It's decided!"
"Are you trying to be close or stay apart?" Shirou complained helplessly.
"Goodnight!" Eresh laid out her blanket on the other side of the line, rolled herself up like a caterpillar, and left only her back facing Shirou.
Late at night, seeing the girl—who clearly wasn't used to camping—finally fall asleep, Shirou noticed she had slipped out of her rolled blanket and was uncovered. He brought over a blanket made of animal fur to cover her.
As he approached, one of the Cú Chulainns lying beside the girl instantly opened one eye.
Shirou silently stopped at the line and used magical energy to make the blanket float. Under Cú Chulainn's watchful gaze, he covered the girl and then turned back to his own bed.
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The next morning, the girl truly did as she said and followed Shirou every step of the way. After several hours of walking, Shirou finally arrived at the center of the Great Forest—the area where he had seen the golden meteor fly from the ground to the sky that night.
When they reached a clearing, Shirou saw another human, and an adult at that. However, her aura was entirely different from a human's.
Sitting cross-legged in the center was a tan-skinned "Big Sister" with messy blonde hair and a strange headdress. Even before Shirou and Eresh touched the grass, she had already sensed their arrival. Various birds and beasts stood around her, including several Mystical Creatures.
She showed a ditsy, big-sisterly smile and waved at Shirou. "Oh, oh! You're the kid who's good at cooking. Don't be afraid, come here."
"You!... You! You! Why? Why? There shouldn't be any more gods with divine power left!" Eresh's mouth hung open as she pointed at the woman in shock, unable to speak.
"Oh, you're the deity from over the mountain. Your kin are always coming over to mess with the Grail here; it's so noisy. Can you pass a message for me? Tell them to come at a fixed time so everyone can be mentally prepared." Quetzalcoatl looked at Eresh, her expression shifting as she bared saw-toothed fangs in a menacing, grinning threat.
"Excuse me!" Shirou ran in front of Eresh to protect her. He pulled a tin box of snacks from his backpack and held it up before the Feathered Serpent God. "This is a gift for the master of this place. Please, have a taste!"
"Ah, how cute! You stood up to protect her. In a few years, you'll be a fine man. I can look forward to that. Big Sister will agree to anything you want." Quetzalcoatl looked at Shirou with appreciation, her face shifting into a silly, crooked-mouthed grin as she agreed.
"Shirou..." Eresh pulled at the boy from behind, trying to pull him back, but he resisted with all his might. Even when pulled back two steps, he only turned back to show her a stubborn expression.
"Is this fried jerky?" Quetzalcoatl looked at the box curiously. She reached out, pinched a piece of fried chicken, tossed it into her mouth, and chewed a few times. Her eyes immediately shone with satisfaction. "Mmm! Delicious! This! It seems like it would go great with alcohol!"
"Alright! I'll acknowledge you two and the little ones as guests!" the Feathered Serpent God said, nodding with a smile.
She was once the Sun God, the highest deity of Mesoamerica. She had participated in creation, abolished human sacrifice, and was a benevolent god who loved life yet remained firm. Her status in Aztec mythology was roughly equivalent to the level of the Great Emperor of
the North Star or the Emperor of Longevity in Taoism—high-ranking celestial officials who assisted the Jade Emperor.
This pantheon was once a major force among the Aztecs in Mesoamerica, centered in Mexico and including surrounding lands. Though not as technologically advanced, the scope of its cultural influence was perhaps no less than that of Taoist culture in China.
Legend says there are five suns in the sky, representing five turning points for the people who supported this pantheon. The original god of chaos—coexisting as yin and yang, male and female—gave birth to four children. The Earth was created by the hands of these four gods, but soil alone wasn't enough; there had to be a sun to make things grow.
Thus, one of the gods who inherited the chaos god's traits became the first Sun God—Tezcatlipoca, the jaguar god. Though he had a benevolent side, his half-dark nature meant the sun in the sky was only a half-sun. He was brutal by nature, prone to cannibalism, and accepted human sacrifices. Under his leadership, humans followed a bloody, cruel doctrine; every day, the sun had to be offered human blood for the gods to have the strength to rise from the east. The number of human sacrifices was staggering, often thousands in a single day. These victims were usually beheaded, flayed, or had their hearts cut out while still alive. Humans brought others as livestock to the tops of the flat-topped pyramids unique to the Americas, letting blood flow down the stone steps until absorbed by the earth in exchange for a bountiful corn harvest.
This happened too often. Quetzalcoatl, the benevolent god governing wind and sky, couldn't stand it. He used a stone to kill the jaguar god, and thus the Feathered Serpent became the new Sun God. Later, the resurrected jaguar god counterattacked. The two gods fought, raising a massive storm that nearly wiped out all of humanity, ending the Second Sun Age. Two more generations of sun gods followed and failed, leading to human extinction. In the Fifth Sun Age, Quetzalcoatl could no longer bear the world's misery and used her own blood to resurrect dead humans, leading to the present.
There is a prophecy that this Sun Age will be destroyed by a great earthquake in 2012; one of the sources of the "end of the world" in 2012 came from this religious prophecy. During this period, the jaguar god would occasionally return, bringing desire along with inevitable disaster.
In fact, human sacrifice never truly stopped. Even in modern times, there are cannibalistic cultists or theorists who argue that humanity is overpopulated and war can be used to reduce it. Or those who plan elite family planning, prioritizing the offspring of the elite while setting obstacles to raise the cost of marriage for others, causing the "weak" to lose the chance to reproduce and thus weeding out "inferior" genes. There are always people who feel that others' sacrifices are a matter of course, that sacrificing a portion of the population is worth the price of a longer, "correct" survival for humanity.
To all of this, Quetzalcoatl says "No!" She truly loves kind and strong humans. Even if her people converted to Catholicism due to Western conquerors, it didn't stop her from falling in love with the popular human sport of Lucha Libre.
"Little Miss!" Quetzalcoatl bared her serrated teeth in a grin and looked at the blonde girl.
"What!" Eresh took a step back, warily hugging her three partners who wanted to leap out and protect her.
"Anyway!" Quetzalcoatl announced loudly, "Let's have a banquet first! Since guests have arrived, it must be a banquet! If you have something to say, say it over drinks later! Hahaha!"
"Eh?" "Hah?" Shirou and Eresh dithered in confusion, then looked at each other and cried out again in unison.
Shirou understood she was a powerful god, but he hadn't expected her to be such a lively, enthusiastic, and party-loving "Big Sister."
And so, a bustling banquet began. With a loud roar from the Feathered Serpent God that echoed through the forest, the Mystical Creatures who heard the call gathered.
In the clearing at the center of the forest, less than a hundred meters from where the Holy Grail was located, the surrounding creatures converged. They sat around a central bonfire. Under the direction of a monkey-like Mystical Creature, monkeys from the forest brought barrel after barrel of fruit wine, pouring drinks for the powerful creatures gathered there.
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