Shoki's Bag (Mythic Waters) (Volume 1)

Planet Victoria is divided into two realms - the human realm and the spirit realm. Even though their relationship is symbiotic, there is a great divide geographically and spiritually between the humans and the spirits of nature. Rejected from society because of his facial disfigurement, Shoki leaves his job as a circus strongman and becomes a Traveler. He carries with him a carpetbag that is filled with black ooze manifested from his shame, regret and failures. He's determined to rid himself of his baggage but lacks the strength. When Nix, princess of Water Spirits, searches for her kidnapped sister she meets Shoki. Because Nix is wounded and has lost her powers, Shoki reluctantly agrees to help her and return her sister to the water realm. Their journey will not be easy as a war is brewing between the humans and the spirits over a valuable commodity - steam power.