"I'm glad my mother had the wisdom to set me on the right path," Seimei says. "Many hanyou like me - those born of unions between spirits and mortals - are not so fortunate. They are rejected by the societies of both parents, and often end badly. Along with others in the general vicinity."

Seimei gazes down at the picture of his mother. "She was very determined that I should live a human life, and use my powers for good, not evil. That is why she got Kamo-sensei to teach me." He turns the page back to the picture of his childhood self and the old man. "I have seen how magic without discipline or ethics turns out. I suspect you have, too. It's very ugly."