Mushi-shi

Ginko encounters a wanderer of a different breed, a street musician who sings hauntingly of the mushi. After a moment's conversation he is inspired by her plight. As a child she had no vision, yet now more » Ginko encounters a wanderer of a different breed, a street musician who sings hauntingly of the mushi. After a moment's conversation he is inspired by her plight. As a child she had no vision, yet now she can see all. Across mountains to distant oceans, past, present and future. Her eyes, infested by the ganpuku the eyes of fortune have been both blessing and curse, and she'll tell all for a price. But when the time comes, take my eyes and bury them deep in the mountains. This I have seen« less

Rumors of a new kind of mushi have brought Ginko out to visit another master, one who's been studying the discovery for some time. But upon his arrival, Ginko is disturbed to find the villagers prepar more » Rumors of a new kind of mushi have brought Ginko out to visit another master, one who's been studying the discovery for some time. But upon his arrival, Ginko is disturbed to find the villagers preparing to destroy the mushi, scorching the mountainside in the process. Unable to persuade the local master to stay her hand, Ginko is detained until the deed is done. Realizing the true danger at last, he fears the cure may be far worse than the curse, the fire releasing an even deadlier threat.« less

Ginko's wanderings are driven off course when he comes across a strange sound echoing through the frozen mountains. Following the source back to a village, there he finds the people plagued with a rus more » Ginko's wanderings are driven off course when he comes across a strange sound echoing through the frozen mountains. Following the source back to a village, there he finds the people plagued with a rust that all can feel but none can see. As the Mushi Master investigates the young girl who's been blamed as the source of the curse, he hears a tale of tragic youth from a voice long unused. When the cursed are not to be blamed, it must be the fault of the mushi.« less

Ginko travels to an island to investigate the legend of the uminaoshi, people who have died and been reborn. The remote island is one of idyllic beauty, deep family bonds and great happiness A paradis more » Ginko travels to an island to investigate the legend of the uminaoshi, people who have died and been reborn. The remote island is one of idyllic beauty, deep family bonds and great happiness A paradise whose inhabitants truly grasp the joy of all that is life. Upon further inspection of their miracle, Ginko finds a mushi at the mystery's core, one that feeds on time but regurgitates life. Caught deep within the sea's grasp, even the master will question whether he can truly leave this life behind.« less

A family renowned for two things: An exhaustive archive of the records of Mushi Masters and a black birthmark, a curse that's survived through the generations. The archives are priceless, the girl eve more » A family renowned for two things: An exhaustive archive of the records of Mushi Masters and a black birthmark, a curse that's survived through the generations. The archives are priceless, the girl even more so. For despite hearing countless tales of the horrors of the mushi and their need to be eradicated, she, a woman ravaged by mushi, she treats them with love rather than hate, sealing them away forever without doing any harm. A scribe with a golden heart. A scribe with mushi for pets. The end.« less

A servant with high aspirations reaches up and disappears into the sky. Literally up in the heavens, but not quite, the young lady for a time resides in the shadow world of the mushi. Found by Ginko a more » A servant with high aspirations reaches up and disappears into the sky. Literally up in the heavens, but not quite, the young lady for a time resides in the shadow world of the mushi. Found by Ginko and returned to her household, the Mushi Master explains to her suitor that the object of his affections is now linked to both worlds. She has to want to be normal. She has to want to stay. But when his family rebukes the marriage, the young man may not be able to accept his bride with his whole heart.« less

A mystical mountain, an artist's first inspiration. As fame and fortune grow, any thoughts of his former life lie discarded like a robe dropped carelessly on the ground. Ten years later, the muse has ... more » A mystical mountain, an artist's first inspiration. As fame and fortune grow, any thoughts of his former life lie discarded like a robe dropped carelessly on the ground. Ten years later, the muse has grown dormant and the artisan travels back to find his home, his family gone. The mountain, too, has grown dormant. Ginko follows the man's flight home, led there by a painting alive with mushi. While his reception on the mountain may be less than pleasant, the life that he has brought back to the village is more than welcome.« less

A boy worries for his mother, her mind left addled in the early spring sun. A warm breeze, the fragrance of flowers and the sound of a loom All things that lull the mind to sleep and yet rest will not more » A boy worries for his mother, her mind left addled in the early spring sun. A warm breeze, the fragrance of flowers and the sound of a loom All things that lull the mind to sleep and yet rest will not come. There, Ginko finds in the dark of night a mushi that thrives on memories, its appetite for the things most cherished. Afraid to forget things not close at hand, mother and son will take a journey to its bitter end. But when the past is forgotten and the future reshaped daily, happiness can be a recurring blessing.« less

Resting in a bamboo forest, Ginko is joined by a man who has been lost within the shadowy confines for several years. Unable to escape, he has married the bamboo child of local lore and together creat more » Resting in a bamboo forest, Ginko is joined by a man who has been lost within the shadowy confines for several years. Unable to escape, he has married the bamboo child of local lore and together created a life all their own. Without company, Ginko is allowed to find his way out, only to return to set eyes himself on the mushi posing as unique plant. The man's mystery unraveled but no solution, the human offspring will sacrifice her family in favor of fond recollection for the one she loves.« less

Forced to seek shelter as temporary reprieve from the rain, Ginko meets a man chasing rainbows out of desperation rather than hope. Having inherited a name and a curse from his father, two ages of one more » Forced to seek shelter as temporary reprieve from the rain, Ginko meets a man chasing rainbows out of desperation rather than hope. Having inherited a name and a curse from his father, two ages of one family wasted in search of a fleeting fruit after the rain. Recognizing the rainbow as mushi in brilliant disguise, Ginko agrees to chase storms alongside him, adding his knowledge to the quest. But where the father was driven by joy, the son is driven from shame. Can the source of hope be caught by one without it?« less