Kuromineko

Kuromineko [Akashiren: クロミネコ] is the Akashiren Kami of Guardianship within the Tenshin religion. It takes the form of a black cat. Unbeknownst to anyone, Kuromineko is Kyoujiro Kirumasa's pet cat, living alongside him in the Shogunate's capital of Tennyoku. Due to this, no one believes to have spotted the Kami of Guardianship since ancient times. In the present day however, Kuromineko resides more often in Tsumikami, protecting Ryula's divine weapon, Seishin no Kiyome.
== Meaning and Etymology ==
Kuromineko comes from a combination of Akashiren terms. 'Kuro' means 'black' and refers to the colour of its cat form. 'Mi' is an honorific prefix that can mean 'revered' or 'sacred,' indicating the deity's respected status, while 'neko' simply means cat.
== History and Mythology ==
In ancient Akashiro almost three millennia ago, Kuromineko was said to have arrived to the land shortly after the first Shōgun, Jirayu La’ir Akashiro. Upon the founding of Tennyoku, Kuromineko could have been frequently seen roaming through the streets, being rather friendly with citizens, providing a protective veil from evil spirits over the city. However, upon the death of Jirayu La’ir Akashiro and the declaration of the Muhō Jidai, Kuromineko fled the city and ventured to the countryside forests, never to be spotted again.
Following the end of the war and unbeknownst to anyone, Kuromineko returned to Tennyoku for the first time in over 200 years. Whilst on an evening stroll, Akashiren Daijō-kan, Kyoujiro Kirumasa, noticed Kuromineko arriving to the city looking rather tired and roughed upon. Believing it was a regular stray cat, Kyoujiro took it upon himself to take care of it, making Kuromineko his pet. The Kami of Guardianship, without anyone knowing who she is, continued to provide its protective veil over Tennyoku, preventing all evil spirits from entering.
Following Kyoujiro's restorment of Tsumikami, Kuromineko left Tennyoku to instead protect Ryula's ancient katana turned sakura tree, Seishin no Kiyome [セイシンノキヨメ] (Purifier of Spirits), leaving Sakarishizu to guard the capital following her regeneration of strength.
== Beliefs, Traditions and Festivals ==
WIP
== In Popular Culture ==
Category:Akashiro
Category:Kami