When Touko ventures into the dark forest, a traveling hunter saves her from a vicious fiend—and loses his life in the process. Now the young girl must leave the safety of her village to return her savior's dog and sickle to his family.

On board the armored collection truck, Touko meets fellow reluctant travelers. Meanwhile, in the capital, the orphaned Koushi gets an unexpected offer from a wealthy magnate. Despite his misgivings, this patron could be his ailing sister's only hope.

While Koushi meets his new family and learns about the task before him, Touko struggles to keep her place on the truck. But even if she succeeds, an unexpected obstacle may cut her journey short.

While Touko and her companions flee the wreckage of their trucks, Koushi digs through the archive for forgotten tomes. What he discovers casts his mission in a new light.

Touko and Kouji follow a treefolk child into a forbidden area of the capital, where they make a startling discovery. But the spies of the gods are hot on their heels.

Hinako's illness worsens, provoking a crisis at the Okibi mansion. Meanwhile, Touko joins Akira to confront the gods. New forces and unguessed truths emerge as Flickering Flame draws ever closer.