Tsukikage Shrine (Earth-6303)

As one of the last few spiritual sites recognised by the current government, the Tsukikage Shrine *also known as: Moon Shrine* is a place of worship and divine protection. As a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, a shinto god thus dubbing the shrine an Inari Shrine. It's known for its many steps, year round blossoming cherry blossoms, and mysterious location; the Tsukikage Shrine is said to be a whole different world once you walk through the *torii* gates.

## Inhabitants

* Mizuki Chibana *Protector & Messenger*

**Priests & Shrine Maidens**

* TBA

## Appearance

From the base of the mountain, at street level the entrance is welcoming. Unlike most places in the New Andromeda District, the base of this location has the greenest of grass, little wooden fences and large cherry blossom trees that bloom year round. To enter this spiritual location one must pass through the torii gates; an entrance gate (without doors) to a Shinto shrine. It is Wooden, often painted red. Has no door and does not serve as a physical barrier, but the threshold marks the boundary of the sacred space. From the street visual is a tōrō, a traditional lantern, this one in particular is made from wood. The base has been buried within the earth, and the pole is thin yet sturdy in a red to match the torii gate. The lightbox consists of four sides with thin windows, a black roof and red walls. From the street one can see the looming stairs that lead up the mountain, with platform breaks in between. The mountain is filled with wildlife and natural earth elements, and between the first and second torii gates is a popular destination for picnics.

Several metres up the stairs, after many platforms, is the second torii gate. Like the first, this serves as a threshold into a sacred space. However, unlike the first, the second upon entrance shows a more mythical aspect. as the steps continue to rise, and move further into the mountain the appearance of the tips of the *Honden*, the most sacred building at a Shinto shrine, intended purely for the use of the enshrined *kami* (god). Prior to reaching the Honden, at the top of the stairs there will be another torii gate, a **Chōzuya**; the pavillion containing a large water-filled basin called a *chōzubachi* for washing their left hands, right hands, mouth and finally the handle of the water ladle to purify themselves before approaching the main shrine, a **Kagura-den**; the building within a Shinto shrine where the sacred dance *(kagura)* and music are offered to the *kami* (god) during ceremonies. **Setsumatsusha** or small/miniature shrines entrusted to the care of a larger shrine, generally due to some deep connection with the enshrined *kami* (god); this has occured more prominantly in the Tsukikage Shrine as many shrine locations have been removed by the goverment; the leading kami has offered their scacred place as their home and as a result setsumatsusha have increased; having a whole side of the top of the mountain for them. Many wooden torii like the one seen at the base of the mountain are seen traveling up the stairs and at the top of the mountain. In front of the **Honden** is the **Haiden**, a hall of worship or oratory that is open to the general public, and larger than the Honden. Whereas the Honden houses, only the Kami and their respective protectors & messengers. Throughout the shrine, are Ema boards where the public can write messages on wooden plaques and hang them up for the Kamis. Ema's can be bought at the Shamusho; the administration office.

In line with the second and third torii gates are statues of kitsunes in their fox forms as a means of protection, newer statues of lions and dragons are seen before the setsumatsusha to showcase the kami's individual protectors. All of these beings work as a unit under the control of the kitsunes when crisis rises, in order to protect their kamis and their shrine. When an outsider enters the torii gates, each protector is notified by the others and each try and determine what they are here for. An outsider is someone who has not come to the shrine for prayers to the kamis but for something or someone in particular. They are often guided to the Honden where they will meet with a kitsune.