Chapter Text
Kou really didn’t want to go to Hanako-san’s secluded cottage deep in the woods. Only the foolish go there, or perhaps those desperate enough to risk the dangers of the forest. But some may argue that the foolish are desperate and the desperate are foolish; they are one and the same. He liked to believe he was neither. His brother disagreed.
“Kou, is it really necessary?”
“No, but I don’t want to forget a single moment of him.”
“Journal entries and photos aren’t enough?”
“It’s not the same.” His brother sighed. He didn’t like this strange magician, the one who could crystallize memories into glass figures; the one said to be in this role for more than half a decade to repent for his sins. Kou was a stubborn boy, his brother knew. There was no stopping him either way.
“Fine, but don’t stay there for too long. Come back after one memory.” Kou bit his lip but nodded. “Make it count.”
Kou was raised from a line of skilled knights who excelled in purification despite it all. The forest posed no threat to him. Physically. The atmosphere was another thing entirely. The darkness allowed nocturnal creatures to crawl around early, the sounds of wind disturbing trees and the crunch of his footsteps like a meteor crashing into the earth. The glassmaker was kind enough to put signs leading to their abode and wards to keep travelers safe on the road. This act of kindness intrigued the boy, for such behavior hinted that perhaps his brother had been too quick to judge on rumors alone.
Although he didn’t doubt the wards would do its job, his sword laid ready. His satchel had journals, illustrations, and photos ready for the job. Sitting on the top of it all was a scratched camera, unused ever since it’s owner passed away. He clutched the strap of his bag with each step. Kou was not foolish. He was not desperate, he tried to reason. He was a grieving lover.
The cottage was encompassed by a rotting wood fence with white paint muddied and chipped away. The gate was useless. It hung off its hinges and looked to be ready to fall off at any moment. Nonetheless, Kou gently pushed it back in place once he passed it. His family was raised on honor and courtesy, extended to wrongdoers as well. The building, as opposed to the subpar decoration of a fence, was very much maintained. Polished wood, from the door to the window frames and roof was sleek. Stone walls were tightly held together with cement and windows were glass that shone as if it was recently washed. Velvet colored curtains were draped in front of it and he wouldn’t be surprised if the curtain itself was of velvet fabric. Moss and ivy crawled down from the window sills and he could see other potted plants on the other side of the window where only darkness resided. Truly, this was an impactful building.
Kou walked to the front door and steeled himself. Knocking the door three times, he took a step back and said, “Hanako-san, Hanako-san. Are you there?”
“I’m here~” The door creaked open and he was greeted with nobody. Instead, a spacious looking chamber filled his vision. The room was dimly lit with candles situated in any small space available, from the counter to the small table to the large display case behind the counter. The interior walls were tomato red, but the orange glow from the candles made it brighter than it seemed. Beyond the chamber was a small tea table and a closet door. The stairs leading up were blocked off though he had no incentive to prod any further. Kou turned to the long counter fit for a bar.
“You’re Hanako-san?”
“The one and only~” There was something strange about this Hanako person. Maybe it was the voice. It didn’t match with his image of Hanako-san. Well, his image was still a mystery because Hanako-san was wearing dark loose garbs and a long black cloak with a hood that covered their face. Trying to subtly bend down to take a peek was less than satisfying since he wore a strange owl mask that covered his upper face. The lower half seemed typical for a young child, cheeks round and red. He brushed his disappointment aside. He was here for business.
“I’m here for a crystal.”
“Most people who come here do.” Hanako-san shrugged. “What do you have in mind?”
“Our first meeting.” He opened his satchel and took out one of his few journals. Opening to the appropriate page, he hesitated. He never let anyone read these personal entries, not even his brother. To allow some stranger to not only read it, but to see the moment for themselves felt like an invasion of privacy.
“Getting cold feet? How surprising, coming from a Minamoto.” Hanako-san teased. How did he...? Kou shook his head and handed the book over. The glassmaker took it graciously and nodded, skimming the pages.
“Okay, this shouldn’t be too hard. Grab a stool.” Kou hurried to comply and sat on it upon command. Placing the journal down and gesturing for Kou to come closer, the rumored magician held out a hand, palm up. Cautiously, he took it and was suddenly yanked forward. Cold fingertips met his warm forehead and he steadily grew drowsy. Before blacking out, he heard Hanako-san say, “Excuse me for a moment. This should be quick...”
His vision went white momentarily and cleared a second later. He looked around. His old classroom, he recognized. The potted plant that was either shriveled up or overwatered by the window. The bags strewn across other desks. The bright morning sun. It was all so familiar. He looked at his hands. Small and bandaged from still being unable to harness lightning from his sword correctly.
“Do you need anything?” A soft voice spoke from beside him.
“Oh! Uh...” His voice replied without his mouth moving. He looked up.
“Well then stop staring at me you creep.” The gentleness was thrown out the window and replaced with snark. “What? Too captivated by my charm?”
“Mitsuba,” Kou couldn’t help but mutter. It went unnoticed. Of course. This was a memory and he was just re-experiencing it.
“Hell no!” Past Kou retorted before shutting his mouth with shame. Young and innocent, that was a time when cussing even the slightest bit was due for some scolding from his brother.
“Are you threatening me?” Mitsuba shrieked, hysterical.
“No! It’s just that you were wrong. But, I guess I- That’s not... That was uncalled for. Sorry.”
“You better be...”
“What did you say?”
“Eek!” Another flash of light and he knew he was back in the cottage. When he regained consciousness, a shine filled his blurry vision. He focused on it. A glass crystal school desk sat on an equally shiny glass platform. He recognized it as the shared stretch of a desk that he and Mitsuba shared. It was a simple thing, some may think of it as odd, but Kou knew of what happened at this very desk. It felt crushingly nostalgic.
“Hold it. Think about that moment.” His head snapped to the right. At the small tea table sat Hanako-san, calmly sipping some tea. When did the guy have time to brew it? How long had he been out for?
“Hold it?” Hanako-san nodded, making a cupping motion with his small calloused hands. Kou mimicked the action and visualized the memory. It began to form in his mind again. His chest felt tight. He felt so happy, so wistful. Hanako-san looked at him with a careful expression. Kou felt his eyes watering and turned away from prying eyes.
“How was it? Your first revisit?”
“Weird,” he honestly replied.
“What about the memory?”
“Just how I remember it.” He began to sniffle. Hanako-san shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“It’s okay to cry, you know? I understand. Losing a loved one always hurts.” Kou glared at him in suspicion.
“Did you read the other entries?”
“What? No, I’m not that rude. Just a guess.” Standing up, he continued, “It’s getting late and I’m sure you have a curfew.” Kou looked out the window and cursed under his breath. It had been noon when he’d set off and now the sun was beginning to set.
“I thought you said it’d be quick.”
“It was, it only took an hour. For some reason you kept on snoozing. Were you tired?”
Emotionally, he was spent, not that he was going to admit it. Instead he asked, “What about the price?”
“What price?”
“My brother said Hanako-san will crystallize your memories for a price.” Kou explained, perplexed. Was he wrong?
“Minamoto Teru,” the boy thought he heard Hanako-san say, although he couldn’t decide on the tone of it. Louder, he said, “Ohh, that. Yeah, we don’t do that here anymore.”
“Anymore?”
“Yep. You’re right that Hanako-san will demand something in exchange but I’ve changed my mind on that decision! I think it’s unfair to look into another person’s life and ask for something extra. So no need to be scared, I won’t ask for anything. No hexes or curses!” He reassured.
“But I feel bad about that...” Personally, he was glad he didn’t need to do something outrageous. But it felt wrong to take something so precious home without repaying the favor in some way. “What about gold? Food?”
“No need, I’m a self sufficient person!” Hanako-san pulled aside a curtain to reveal a large and thriving garden of veggies. “Amazing right? This place didn’t have a garden until a few years ago. But then someone demanded that it be done and boom— A garden! I sell the surplus and buy necessities with the gold. Another person used to drop off food here instead, but now they come as a visitor instead of courier.”
“But isn’t there anything I can do?”
“Well~ I am quite curious about this Mitsuba of yours.” Kou fought to keep his head from combusting on the spot. His Mitsuba? What type of phrasing was that? “So I’d be glad if you come back, not that I think today is the last day you’ll come.”
“Doesn’t that require another favor?”
“Geez, I don’t want anything.” Hanako’s exasperation was clear even with a mask on his face. Readjusting the hood of his cloak, he sighed. “Well, food is fine I guess.”
“Sure! Anything in particular?”
“Hm... Two things.” Kou nodded. “Donuts and strawberry rice cakes.”
“You just want desserts?” He frowned. “That’s not healthy.”
“Healthy is outside.” Hanako-san pointed to the garden. “Self-sufficient means I’m making it through but I’d be lying if I said I gave up depending on the outside world for anything.”
“Just for desserts?” Kou deadpanned.
“Please? Mr. Ex-Courier is stingy and only gives me lollipops.”
“Fine. I do owe you.”
“Yay!”
“But maybe not tomorrow.” He had duties to perform, even if he wanted to stay here and eternalize his memories of Mitsuba before it faded away.
“No worries,” Hanako-san waved him off. “Now run along before your brother comes for my head for keeping his young defenseless sleepyhead of a brother prisoner in my humble abode.”
“Hey!” Kou shouted before returning the journal into his satchel, it having been placed on the ground beside the stool presumably by Hanako-san. At least he’ll avoid a sore shoulder. Couldn’t say the same for his back. Slinging the bag over onto his shoulder and gingerly holding the glass school desk, he waved goodbye, promising to bring the requested food the next time he visited.
“Kou,” Teru prompted as they readied their horses. Their trip to the capital would be a long one. “You were late.”
“I overslept.” That much was true. Kou made one last check on their inventory before hopping on. Teru made a disapproving hum.
“Did he do anything weird?”
“No!” He received a skeptical eye. “What do you think he did?”
“He’s a murderer,” Teru got on his own horse and they went on their merry way. “Rumor has it he can’t leave the cottage because of his sins.”
“He seems nice. You’ve never met him, have you?” Kou’s mood was beginning to sour. Hanako-san seemed decent enough. Civil and empathetic for the most part, Kou couldn’t see why his brother hated him so much.
“You don’t know him, Kou,” he said before he sped up. “Don’t be tricked.”
“A story?” Hanako-san stopped himself from taking a bite from the hamburger steak he’d prepared before Kou dropped by. Today he adopted a fox mask. Hand protectively hovering around another glass piece, Kou nodded.
“Instead of more food, can I ask that you share some of those memories in the display case?” He’d ignored it the first time he came, but now with more time and less tension, he was quick to be drawn in by the large amount of glass crystal pieces on display. It was purposely organized so that the memorabilia was organized by halves. On one side there were gentler and cheerful ornaments and the other contained more exaggerated, cold pieces. The halves were separated by a singular crystal camellia with a kitchen blade stabbed in the center. The handle had a red coiled rope tied in a bow that floated over the flower. Kou swore if he looked at it for long enough the camellia began to bleed. The overall placement of the memories made an ‘H’ shape, leaving open spaces within it.
“I don’t know, the memories here are the ones shared with the one I love most... but since I get to see your memories with Mitsuba, it’s only fair.” The host got up and headed towards the display case. Carefully, Hanako-san stood on a chair and pulled out the first memory from the soft toned half. When he placed it onto the counter between them, Kou was able to see it was made of summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Was the ‘someone’ who demanded there be a garden Hanako-san’s lover?
“All of these memories are precious to me, but this one is simple. Like your school desk, kid-“
“I’m not a kid. And you look younger than me.”
“Well, I know for a fact that I’m older. Anyway, this memory is of our first meeting. Rather, it's our first deal.”
“Deal?”
“Mhm. Silly girl wanted to have memories of her boyfriend immortalized and since it’s Hanako-san’s job to do so, who was I to refuse? But one thing was obvious when looking back at her memories.”
“What was it?”
“She was totally being used. Well, I completed the task and she woke up happy as can be! Except... she wasn’t. She looked me dead in the eyes and asked me, ‘What happens if you break solidified memories?’”
“Break them?!”
“Yep. Said, ‘I know you think I’m being stupid for letting him walk over me like that. I don’t want your pity.’ I told her, ‘Nothing happens if you break it. You might forget about these moments and you’ll never be able to relive them.’ Simple as that!”
“Something tells me there’s more,” said Kou.
“Bingo! She thanked me for my service and I told her the price was her body-“
“You what?!” Kou got up from his seat. Hanako-san placed his hands in front of him placating, “Woah, woah. Nothing inappropriate. She just needed to bring me food everyday. Physical labor.”
“You made her work just for a memory?” Kou glowered.
“A collection of memories,” Hanako-san corrected, picking the glass figure up and putting it back where it belonged. “And she ended up enjoying our time together, win-win scenario if you ask me.”
“What in the world...”
“Anyway, I wanted her to get me something worthwhile but you know what she got me instead?”
“Vegetables?”
“Correct! And it was home grown, who can say no to a lady’s hard work?” Hanako-san made a move between shrugging and a puffing out his chest. Kou couldn’t tell what he was trying to convey with that action.
“That’s quite the story. Did she end up breaking the memories of her first boyfriend?”
“Nope. Keeps it locked away someplace else to remind her of her mistakes and how she’s changed for the better.” This time, Hanako-san looked confident. “I told her to ditch him and fall in love with me. Said to her, ‘I could treat you much nicer than that guy.’ She ended up head butting me and running away.”
“But then, how did you make these other memories?”
“You said one story.” Hanako-san finally took a bite from the hamburger steak sitting on the counter and frowned. Cold. Picking up the plate with one hand and holding Kou’s offered desserts in the other, he avoided the barricade in front of the stairs and made his way up.
“When are you going to eat those?” Kou nodded at the box of donuts and strawberry rice cakes he’d given to Hanako-san. He was given a mirthless smile in return.
“These are offerings,” at Kou’s confused face, he continued. “Grave offerings.”
“Hanako-san—“
“Back here again?”
“Hanako-san—“
“We’ve already discussed the price.”
“Hanako-san—“
“Come back next time.”
“Hey kid...”
“What wrong, Hanako-san?”
“That.” Hanako-san pointed around him. “You don’t need to force yourself. Call me Hanako.”
“But—“
“You’re so stiff. Funny, but it gets tiring after a while. Well whatever. What’s the next memory?” Kou pulled out a photo and flipped to the entry corresponding with it. “I see... This’ll be fun.”
“Will you tell me another story today?”
“Eh~? Nope.”
“Please? Hanako.”
“Well shucks. If you’re calling me that now, I can’t use it as leverage. Fine.” The black crow mask he wore made his grin more sinister. “Now then, forehead forward. Get comfortable.”
“Yessir,” Kou mumbled, to which he got an amused smirk in return. A familiar tap, a familiar sleepiness, a familiar flash of light. He was at the beach.
“What are you standing there for? Didn’t you say you’d build the best sand castle I’ve ever seen?” For all his snide comments, Mitsuba was buzzing with excitement. He tugged Kou towards the sandy beach and immediately gathered the nearby sand into a pile. Kou directed a lopsided grin at his boyfriend, unseen by the recipient. The blond grabbed a bucket and headed to the sea. Grabbing some sea water, he wet the sand pile and packed it into a box-like shape.
“Mitsuba, can you grab a straightedge?”
“Way ahead of you.” Said tool suddenly appeared in front of him. Carefully making the base, Kou returned the item to his partner. Patting sand into a box, he added spires to the project. Mitsuba used the straightedge to add details as Kou continued to make walls and other towers. Their castle ended up simple. Mitsuba snickered. “Best sand castle?”
“Like you can do better...”
Kou dropped the bucket with closed embarrassment, the water dangerously close to their completed work. In his haste to save it, he almost missed Mitsuba’s whisper of, “Well, it was fun.”
“We can come back next time.” Mitsuba jumped, not expecting to be heard. Kou pointed to their bag. “You brought your camera, right? Why don’t we take a picture to commemorate this moment?”
“I’m holding the camera,” Mitsuba called as he ran to get it. “You suck at photography.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll leave it in your capable hands.” They posed in front of their sand castle and with a single click, the camera snapped the photo. His vision went white once more and he was back in the cottage.
“Must have been fun,” Hanako murmured. Kou looked up to see the magician stroke the glass sand castle absentmindedly. “It’s been a while since I’ve left this place. Who knows how much longer I need to stay.”
“So it’s true? You’re stuck here to repent for your sins?”
“Hm, not quite.” Giving the spire one last tap, Hanako leaned back. “Hanako-san‘s domain is this cottage. It‘s where I am strongest. I can travel freely within the forest but I can’t leave it because of my title. All my business is either within the woods or outside by a middle man. I’m kinda stuck here because of my job, nothing else to it.”
Kou made a half nod, trying to process his words. “So, about the payment—“
“I’ll take the answer to your question as the price.” He inclined his head and placed the crystal castle in Kou’s open palms. “I look forward to the next memory.”
He wondered how lonely it was to live isolated in a forest always dark. He pondered how twisted a retribution it was to be punished indefinitely. It didn’t seem right. He thought he heard Mitsuba tell him to drop it but he ignored the voice. In his dream a red camellia bled black yet the ink stained his hands red.
Hanako was playing with a pink rabbit when he woke up. He had a plain white mask with ‘seal’ written in red ink on its left cheek. The cloak he wore had an odd yet intricate clock tower on the back.
“Mokke?” Kou recognized it as soon as his mind cleared.
“Yep.” Hanako gave it one last pat and let it bounce away. “Know them?”
“We have one as a pet.”
“How brave of you! You have my utmost respect!” He laughed an echoey laugh. Kou couldn’t help but wonder if wearing that mask was stuffy. “These little critters love to steal things.”
“I heard from my brother that they used to attack people. I’ve only ever encountered them after they calmed down.”
“Yes, they used to be such vile creatures. But luckily their rumor was changed to being candy loving bunnies.”
“Who changed it?”
“Would you like to see for yourself?” Hanako opened the display case once again, pulling out a simple statue of candy. “The story of Yashiro Nene’s first real encounter with a violet spirit.”
The girl from his other story? Kou wanted to voice his question but it died in his throat as soon as it formed. Hanako looked at the glass antique longingly. “Touch it.”
Kou was surprised when he didn’t need to know anything about this memory before he grew sleepy. It was different than revisiting his own memories. His vision went spotty and the transition was slow as opposed to the instant white light he was used to.
In the forest, away from the warded trail was a girl. Panting, she ran deeper and deeper into the darkness. In her hand she clutched a weird clay doll.
“Stupid Hanako-kun! Stupid job, stupid rumor, fairy, doll! Why did it have to be so far way from the cottage?!” Ashen hair disheveled and sea foam tips flying behind her, she yelped when she tripped over a stray tree root and tumbled onto the ground. Even in the abyss-like darkness, the shadow looming over her was still noticeable. She cowered, eyes shut and hand tightening on the clay figure.
Kou leapt forward to try and save her before realizing he was a mere spectator and could do nothing in this situation. He silently cursed. Where was Hanako? Why wasn’t he with her in the first place?
Blindly, she crawled away. Never once opening her eyes, she whimpered every step of the way. A shriek resonated within the forest when a shadowy hand clutched her ankle and lifted her high into the air. “You saw us.”
“I didn’t!”
“You saw us.”
“I didn’t! Let me go! Hanako-kun!”
“I’m here~” To Nene’s relief (and Kou’s) the owner of the voice jumped into the fray. Using a kitchen knife, he sliced a large wound into the black mass, scattering it. Nene yelled as she felt herself falling. Hanako laughed as he caught her, having the audacity to say, “Nice catch!”
“Hanako-kun!”
“As expected of my assistant, you did a good job.”
“You’re late,” she bemoaned.
“But I came just in time, didn’t I?” He smirked. Nene was about to retort but was interrupted by something falling onto her head.
“Ouch! Wha-?”
“Oh, back to normal? Pesky Mokke.” Hanako tutted.
“We are not pesky.”
“We are cute.”
“Mokke?” Nene mumbled.
“Mhm. Yashiro, would you do us a favor? Change the Mokke’s rumor. It’s only because people say they’re killers that they’ve become so. Would you be so kind as to, for example, call them something nicer?” Nene looked at the spirits in pity. “Can you do that?”
“Please!”
“We didn’t mean to hurt you!”
“Change our rumor!” The rabbits around them began chanting, tears gathering at the edge of their eyes. “Please!”
“I will!” Her smile was bright enough to light the forest. The clay doll in her hand was raised in the air with her declaration. “I’ll change the rumor! Leave it to me!”
“Yay!”
“Thank you.” The last thing Kou saw was Hanako’s smile before his vision went spotty. He returned feeling groggier than usual.
“Welcome back. Sorry about the fatigue, I forgot to mention seeing someone else’s memories is more taxing than going back to your own.”
“Hanako...” Kou grumbled.
“Hm?”
“You suck. Why didn’t you help her as soon as she was in danger?” Hanako howled.
“Pretty late, right? Hanako-san is something akin to a spirit too, so the Mokke would have felt the strong spiritual presence. They needed to be drawn out, it couldn’t be helped.”
“If you say so...”
“Trust me.” Hanako returned the memory to its rightful spot with a chuckle. “I was upset about that too.”
Yashiro Nene. He heard of that name before. Thinking about it now, he might have passed by her multiple times years before. Where was she?
“Yashiro-san?” Teru looked up from his patrol reports. “She disappeared a few years ago.”
“Nobody’s seen her since?”
“Ran into the forest and never came back. Her body’s never been found.” His eyes narrowed upon thought. “I heard she was expected to die around then. He might have done something. But we don’t know for sure. Be careful, Kou.”
“What are you doing?!” Kou screamed when he found Hanako in the kitchen, holding the kitchen knife high.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m cooking.”
“Not like that you aren’t!” Kou tried to approach the spirit. “Don’t swing that knife around, it’s dangerous. It’s like you’re trying to kill the chicken there. And it’s already dead.”
“It’s not dangerous. And I know how to cook.” Hanako insisted, sidestepping out of the way.
“Everything about you is a hazard.” Kou pointed to the other’s long spider and cobweb embroidered cloak and swinging knife. The mask seemed to severely limit vision. “Did you kill the chicken with that knife too?”
“No, why do you ask?” Hanako legitimately looked baffled.
“Just thought it was your signature weapon.”
“Nope! Kitchen knives should only be used in the kitchen for cooking.” Hanako went back to his work. “Have you eaten lunch yet?”
“No.” His stomach growled to support his claim.
“Sit down and wait. I’ll make you some too.”
“What are you making?”
“Udon! For a while kitsune udon was an option, but that’s in the past.”
Kou did as he was told and sat nearby, eyeing Hanako as he worked. He was swift and precise with his hands, surprisingly so. He used the knife proficiently to cut vegetables and meat, having already thrown the noodles in the boiling water. “You’re good with the knife. I didn’t think you’d be able to cook. Still have my doubts to be honest.”
“Well, it took time to develop these skills, you know? I didn’t instantly become a pro the moment I was born.” Hanako hummed as he finished the presentation. Bringing two bowls to the table, he gestured, “Eat up.”
It was good. Delicious, even.
“Doubt me now?”
“No.”
“Great. With that out of the way,” he gave a short prayer and took off his mask. “Thank you for the food.”
Kou tried to peek under the hood. Hanako responded by turning his head away. “Where are your manners, kid?”
“Sorry.” His friend nodded in forgiveness but kept his back to the knightly exorcist. “I have a question.”
“Mhm.”
“Where is she now? Yashiro Nene?”
“You really like to pry, don’t you?” Hanako said after a moment. “She’s fine, happy even.”
“I see.”
“Finish your meal and then we’ll work on your memory,” the glassmaker ordered. “Be careful on your way back. The wards are weakening and I don’t know when I can replace them.”
Kou nodded mutely. Hanako was a really dodgy person.
He had been careful on his way back. He’d not been as careful the next time he visited. The monster had jumped him from his back, knocking him to the ground and scattering his papers the moment the satchel flew open. The camera fell a few feet away. Kou fumbled for his sword. It easily unsheathed itself with a tug, lighting called forth like second nature. With a roar he swung the sword in an arc. The lighting made a whip like range of attack and the monster jumped back, rumbling the earth with its mass. The exorcist readied his stance.
They were at a standstill, neither of them willing to make the first move. Neither of them wanted to give an opening. Eventually the monster struck first. What it lacked in speed, it made up for with power. Blocking its swing caused him to slide back a few inches. Kou pushed back and sliced at its fist. He never took pleasure in seeing a monster in pain, but it’s scream relieved him at this moment. “You’re mine!”
It wasn’t. Its recovery was swift and its retaliation was harsh. Rather than punching at him again, the monster opted to crush the boy with its injured hand. Kou leapt out of the way in a roll. The moment he turned back he was met with another swing. He grunted as he was sent hurtling across the forest. Skidding to a halt at the base of a tree, Kou held his sword up protectively as he tried to reorient himself. The monster hobbled closer, giving him time to take a knee. Right when he was about to jump up for a surprise attack, the monster howled and fell forward, narrowly missing the knight by a few centimeters.
A gaping stab wound oozed blood as the monster squirmed uselessly. From the shadows, a gardening hoe repeatedly pounded its body, mutilating its limbs. The ceaseless assault only stopped when it grew still and began to disappear. A figure emerged into Kou’s view. An animal skull narrowly fitted on his head, Hanako rested the hoe on the ground and asked, “You still kicking?”
“Uh...” Quite frankly, Hanako’s mask had shocked the poor kid into speechlessness. Was he a death god? “Yeah.” He winced as he got up, his chest aching and his body scratched and bruising in multiple places.
“Looks like you’ve seen better days.” Hanako chuckled, good natured. “Why don’t we patch you up at my place?”
“Yeah,” Kou mumbled as the adrenaline began to fade. “Sounds good.”
They only made it a few steps before Kou had to remind the boy to wait as he collected his stuff. Luckily, Hanako just nodded and even helped pick up his camera while Kou scrounged the papers. He cringed after the muddy and crumpled remains of a few of them. These memories...
“We can salvage them.” Hanako reassured at his crestfallen expression. “Do you recognize what they’re describing?”
“I think so.” His anxiety worsened as his panic slowly fogged his memory.
“Calm down.” His savior placed a cold hand on his cheek, the cold bringing him back to reality. “We‘ll work on those today. You won’t be forgetting about these moments for good. I promise.”
“Thank you.” Even with the mask he thought he could see Hanako smile. He took the camera from his hands and gingerly placed it on top of his bag. It wasn’t usable anymore, possibly ever given its condition from the fall. He’d find a way to fix it, be it simply the appearance or hopefully its function. Kou nodded once he was sure he’d found everything and they resumed their journey. “By the way, is the hoe your new weapon?”
“No way,” Hanako spluttered. “I was just gardening at the moment when I felt a disturbance in the forest. I rushed here as fast as I could and this was the only thing I had on hand.”
He didn’t seem to be lying at least. But still, that had been brutal. He shivered involuntarily at the memory.
“Honestly I’m glad it was you who got attacked,” Hanako admitted. At the affronted look he received he clarified, “You know how to defend yourself. If it’d been some random housewife, well, who knows how she’d do.”
He hadn’t thought of that. Kou silently agreed. Hanako did warn him of the weakening wards and how he might not be able to replace them immediately. As far as he knew, he had been the only one to know this. If some other person within their town had stumbled upon the monster at the wrong place and wrong time, they may very well be dead. Kou was a little grateful its opponent at least knew how to fight back. “Hey, Hanako? Why did you get a garden? Apart from being forced to, of course. You seem like the type of person who’d shut someone down if you really didn’t want to do as they said.”
“Well when your absolutely lovely assistant wishes to have a garden and you can’t say no to her, what else is one to do?” He chuckled, most likely recalling the event. “Never gardened before, she had to do all the set up.”
“I bet she’s proud to see you doing well.”
“Course I am. I had years of bumbling my way and getting used to the heavy work.” Hanako laughed.
Hanako was just as mysterious now as he was the first day they met. They were almost done with the first half of what was inside the display case before the glassmaker said they were close to the end of the collection.
“What about the other half?”
“It’s not my place to tell.”
He tried pushing it once or twice. The magician’s muffled voice turned cold. The message was clear. Do not ask me again. Kou was a stubborn person. He wanted to know more.
Hanako was unavailable when he came. Instead, a tall lanky man greeted him, smoking his pipe and looking unsurprised by his intrusion. Rather, it was like he was expecting him.
“Here for another memory?” Kou nodded. “Sorry to break it to ya but he’s out today.” The way the sentence rolled off his tongue made the boy uncomfortable. This man was dangerous. Maybe not as a physical threat, but Kou felt wary of the man. He seemed to know too much, much more subtle yet much more deeper in meaning than Hanako’s teasing.
“I’ll come back tomorrow then.”
“You want to know more about Hanako.” The man got up from his seat and the exorcist became aware of their staggering height difference. “And I want to help.”
“Why?” Kou glared suspiciously at the offer. The man laughed at the antagonism. It died quickly and he sighed.
“Hanako-san needs to let go. Someone is waiting for the foolish child. His sins have been repented,” he choked slightly but coughed to cover it up. “It’s time to move on.”
Kou gulped.
Hanako was suspicious of him, he knew. Kou had always been one to wear his heart on his sleeve. He never saw the man in the cottage following their first meeting, but the knight found him in the public bookstore often. He was the owner, Tsuchigomori. Meetings to help the man went nowhere often. Kou knew too little of Hanako. They couldn’t come up with a solution when he never shared how he was feeling. Kou realized, for all Hanako shared about himself, he never went beyond shallow emotions. She was happy. I was upset. Storytelling had never felt so mocking and he was certain that was never the glass maker's intent. He needed to know more.
“Again? What are you going for, kid?” Hanako put his glass memory back in the display case. “Why are you so interested in my past?”
“I don’t know you,” said Kou. “I want to get to know you.”
“What? Are my retellings too boring? You don’t believe me?” Hanako’s plain white mask gave him a ghostly feel. Kou blinked. The red ink rippled.
“I want to help you move on.”
“Was it Tsuchigomori?” White was painted black. The word ‘seal’ disappeared and reappeared on the right cheek of the mask. “What did he say?”
“Nothing.” Sweat began to form on his brow. Get out. He had to get out. “He said nothing.”
“Leave.” Hanako growled. His voice, always strange and watery, grew firm and distinguishable. It was one of pure, unadulterated fury. “Leave, kid, and do not speak to me about this again.”
He had to escape. He had to run.
Kou bolted without looking back, leaving his things behind.
Tsuchigomori did not look annoyed when he returned Kou’s bag to him a few days later. Instead, he looked defeated. “Hanako-san would like to apologize for his behavior the other day.”
“No, I was impatient. It was my fault.” He accepted his belongings and bowed. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s my fault too, for putting this on you.” Tsuchigomori sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t think it’s best to see him again so soon. Besides, he told me he was replacing the wards. The forest isn’t safe, we need to let the town know.”
“I’ll make sure of that.” He fidgeted. “Is it really not a good time to see him?”
“Impatient, are you? You’re the opposite of Hanako-san . That kid could learn to be a little less patient.” Tsuchigomori chuckled. “The Fox will lead the way. I doubt Hanako-san would appreciate seeing a friend be skewered when they wanted to see him.”
Being called the magician’s friend warmed his heart, although he knew to take it with a grain of salt because this knowledge came from a third party. But hey, if anyone seemed to know what people were thinking, it was definitely Tsuchigomori.
The Fox was waiting for him at the entrance of the forest. It was impatient in a sour mood, Kou doubted it was happy about its job. “Thank you for bringing me to the cottage.”
“Hmph.” It lifted its snout. He settled with ending the conversation there. He said what he wanted. It was obvious it didn’t want to talk. They took a roundabout route, walking away from the trail and coming back every once in a while. Kou wondered if Hanako was putting up protective charms within the entire forest rather than only the trail. Spirits would feel uncomfortable, definitely, but as long as they remained peaceful, the charms would leave them alone.
“Thank you,” he repeated once they safely entered the cottage. The Fox huffed one more time before running out of the building, door magically shutting behind it.
Kou waited. And waited. And waited. Hanako did not appear. He looked up from the counter to the display case. Glass origami cranes, crystal unraveled bandages, a shattered full moon, he had a feeling it was by design and not from misfortune. But then his eyes immediately went to the camellia centerpiece.
He stared. It was bleeding again. The red blood darkened to black and oozed off the shelf and out of the case. He blinked. It was back to normal, shiny and clear and without any impurities. He was curious. The door creaked open the moment he stood up.
“Leaving already?” Hanako teased. Kou sat back down. He had wanted to take a peek but was glad Hanako’s return stopped him, albeit inadvertently. Hanako was wearing a half-mask today. His visible golden eye shone with mischief.
“I wanted to apologize,” Kou started. Hanako stiffened and let out a long sigh. “I didn’t mean to decide what was best for you. I just wanted to help a... friend.”
“Friend, huh?” Hanako grimaced, though it was more self deprecating than directed towards the blond. “I want to apologize as well. I shouldn’t have vented my frustration on you. It was immature of me. Will you forgive me?”
“Yeah!” He offered a hand. Hanako took it and they shook once before letting go. His hands were soft as they were rough yet small all the same. “Did you finish setting up the wards?”
“Almost. The trail is done but I’m taking extra precautions.” Hanako hopped over the counter and opened the display case. “I know you want to get to know me better. So let’s finish the collection, shall we?”
“Really?” Kou grinned. Hanako laughed. It was different than most other times, it was genuine.
“Maybe. Baby steps, you know.” He set a memory made up of crystal donuts down in front of the exorcist. “But know that I won’t share everything.”
“I know.” Kou nodded.
“Then, shall we start?” The knight nodded and gently held the figure. His vision slowly started to fade. When his vision cleared, he was still inside the cottage.
“Hanako-kun!” Nene shouted from his left. Kou’s eyes traveled to where she was heading: the stairs leading to presumably Hanako’s room. The girl was carrying a small basket, loosely covered by a red cloth. She called out for the glassmaker once more and upon receiving no response, set the basket down on the counter and took the seat besides Kou. “He’s late again. And he tells me not to keep him waiting!”
Kou nodded despite knowing she wouldn’t react. “What are you going to do next?”
“Hm... Maybe I’ll sneak upstairs. He’s probably keeping a whole bunch of secrets up there.”
“Trespassing, Yashiro? I never thought you’d stoop so low.”
“Hanako-kun!” Nene lit up at his arrival. “I brought your donuts!”
“And you were thinking of going upstairs, weren’t you?” She grumbled in shame. “There’s nothing up there, it’s just my room and bathroom.”
“Fi~ne. But what took you so long?” Nene thrusted her basket into his hands. They set the table and sat the basket on the ground beside it, pulling out the food. Nene poured some tea from her thermos into their mugs as Hanako dug into his donuts.
“Just the usual business.” He patted her head at her pout. “Don’t worry about it, Yashiro.”
“Okay.” She mumbled into her snack. Hanako smiled and continued to stroke her head.
“I’m being careful, you don’t need to hover over me like a mother hen.” He stopped and dropped his hand. “I’m strong.”
“But last time I saw you...”
“Nope, that didn’t happen. Besides, Tsuchigomori patched me up.”
“You just admitted it happened.”
“Hush, you. When did my assistant get so snippy?”
“I don’t like seeing you hurt.” They flinched. Kou was beginning to feel like he was intruding on something intimate. “We can find some other option, one that doesn’t get you close to death.”
“It’s the most promising lead right now,” he shook his head. He offered her a donut. “We’re here for fun, so no more moping.”
“Okay.” Nene tried a half smile. “Did you hear, Hanako-kun? There’s going to be a love festival next month. I wonder if I’ll find my prince there? Oh, my heart is racing at the thought of it.”
“Even though you have me?” The glassmaker moped. Nene squirmed in her seat.
“You’re different.”
“Oh? How so?” He leaned over the table, one hand cupping her chin and the other settling on her shoulder. “Tell me. What makes me so different from the rest?”
“Y-you just are!” Her heartbeat was loud and fast. Face a shade of bright red, she threw her hands out. “You’re the only one to make me feel like this.”
Ah— They both stilled at her confession.
“Yashi-“
“No—!” She thrusted her donut into his mouth and ran out the door.
“Ah, Yashiro! It’s dangerous out there! Come back!”
Kou felt a lopsided grin take over as he watched Hanako chase after his assistant. The memory faded and he woke up to a cup of tea set in front of him. Hanako evidently had enough time to brew it, leading him to look out the window to check the time. The sun was setting. He’d been out for a while.
“Good enough for today?” Hanako grinned. The crystal figure was back inside the display case, which he hadn’t seen in the memory.
“Yeah.” He stretched. “Yashiro Nene was going to die soon, wasn’t she? You were finding a way to save her.”
“Indeed.” Hanako’s smile dimmed. “Well, let's get you home before Brother Dearest storms here demanding for you.”
“He’s not going to be so vile!” Kou spluttered. Really, what did these two have against each other?
Teru did not seem convinced when he told him about Hanako’s kindness.
“Murderers are murderers no matter how much they’ve changed. Nothing can change the past. Nothing can change who you are at your core.”
Hanako wasn’t with him when he visited.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Hanako rasped. His mask had slipped off his face, revealing his golden eyes. One of them was flickering a blood red. “I’ll be there soon. Just wait a little longer.”
“Hanako?”
“T-that wasn’t me. I didn’t kill him. No! I’m still here, don’t take him away, please. I’m taking his place. I’ll finish the job.” He fell to the floor, knocking a few books off the counter. “I promised. We made a promise—“
“Hanako!” Kou shook him by the shoulder. “Get it together!”
“Kou...?” The blond smiled in relief.
“Yeah, it’s me.”
“Can... can you get Tsuchigomori-“
“Tsuchigomori?”
“Tsuchigomori.” He nodded.
“Okay, I’ll just—“
“No need.” Said person loomed over the door frame. “I had a feeling this would happen, Hanako-san.”
“I told you to drop the honorific.”
“And I told you I’d drop it once you’ve retired.”
“Give me another fifty years then,” the glassmaker snarked. Tsuchigomori rolled his eyes and knelt down beside him, shielding Hanako’s body as he made him drink from a vial he pulled out of his pocket. Kou could hear a sigh from his friend. When he stood up and turned to face the knight, the mask was back in place. “Thanks, kid.”
“Are you okay?”
“Well, I’ve seen better days.” He shrugged. “Also seen worse. Today’s not bad, all things considered.”
“And what was that about another fifty years?”
“Just a little joke between me and Tsuchigomori,” Hanako staggered and leaned against Tsuchigomori for support. The man hardly looked impressed. “Not retiring any time soon though.”
Tsuchigomori frowned.
He saw Mitsuba in his dreams, his voice mingling with the disembodied voice of his brother’s. “The dead will not rest, nor will Hanako. Give up, Kou.”
He adamantly shook off their warnings. He had a friend to save.
Sometimes you need to save yourself first before you can think about helping others.
There was something about seeing Mitsuba holding his signature camera that made Kou choke back tears. Was it the guilt of breaking said camera months later? Was it the genuine smile he wore when he raised it? Was it because that was the last they ever saw each other before that fatal accident?
He wasn’t there when it happened, but the aftermath had been enough. There had been no hope for the people involved, not by a long shot. But he had dreamed it was a nightmare. The grave wasn’t real. Mitsuba was just recovering. He’d come back. But he never would.
Either way, he felt reality crush him. After pushing it back, subconsciously keeping himself within his bubble of hope, seeing their final moments together finally came to him in the form of anguish.
Hanako was there. Of course he was. But in a rare display of intimacy, he took the knight into his arms as he wept. No words, no nothing. He just let him cry his eyes out, all the while tightening his hold on the boy when things got worse. It was a sign of true empathy.
“It’s okay to cry, you know? I understand. Losing a loved one always hurts.”
Had he cried like this too? Had he had anyone to support him like how he was doing the same for Kou now?
The crystal glass camera, immaculate in every way, glimmered on the counter above them.
“And with this, you no longer have any reason to visit me,” he thought he heard Hanako say. “I’ll miss your company.”
And then Kou realized once again that he was losing another important person in his life all too soon.
He came to tell that mask-wearing enigma that he had no reason to stop visiting. All of his memories with Mitsuba were immortalized, sure, but that shouldn’t stop him from coming by once in a while. His time with Hanako would not end here.
His friend was once again missing and this time he had no idea why. Strangely, the centerpiece of the display case was sitting out in the open, unattended and vulnerable.
The camellia was bleeding, he knew that for certain. But rather than pain, the feeling that swept over him was grief. The knife was a cold reminder of what he did, but the flower seemed like the unintended victim. He couldn’t tell if it was screaming in anguish or crying for help. Maybe both.
Come to me.
The red string seemed to sway to and fro. The knife dug deeper.
You can rest.
The camellia bled black. Ink overflowing the counter, dripping onto the floor. A story untold, begging to be written. He blinked. It was gone.
It’s okay now.
The glass was beckoning him, almost begging him to reach into the memory it contained. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. Sitting down comfortably and making sure he wouldn’t disturb the crystal after his slumber, Kou tapped the petal of the camellia and let things fade to black.
“Ya-shi-ro~” Nene perked up at the mention of her name. Jumping off her stool, she ran to the door and thrust it open.
“Hanako-kun!”
“I found a way to save you.” His voice exuded happiness, only betrayed by the slight tremble in its execution. Hanako had his typical grin stitched onto his face. Nene had a permanent frown.
“What are you going to do?” She tried to take a step closer. For each step forward she took, he took a step back. “Hanako-kun, what’s going to happen?”
“I made a plea with God.” Kou cried out in alarm as the Hanako pulled out a knife. Nene finally took a step back. “My life for yours. It’ll be okay, Yashiro. Just stay back.”
“No!” The girl leapt forward, trying to wrestle the knife out of his hands. Kou floundered around helplessly. “No! I won’t let you.”
“Yashiro, stop. You’ll get hurt—“
“I don’t care.”
“Well, I do.” They rolled across the garden floor, kicking and pushing various objects in their scuffle. Hanako held firm on the knife while trying to keep it away from Nene while she reached over to snatch it. “Yashiro, isn’t this what you wanted?”
“Not like this!” Nene began to pound her fists on his chest. “There has to be another way, you’re just impatient.”
“You don’t have much time left!”
“You’re being reckless!”
“That’s besides the point!” Hanako sat up, sending Nene tumbling off his lap. She frowned. “Yashiro, give up.”
“I don’t want this.” She stubbornly held onto his sleeve. “I won’t let you.”
“You can’t do anything about it, so—“
“What’ll happen to you?” Her hushed murmur was deafening. Hanako stilled. “Hanako-kun, what about Hanako-san ?”
“It’ll be fine. With this, my sin will be repented. We’ll see each other soon.” He smiled, tugging his sleeve out of her grasp. “So be a good girl and go back inside. I don’t want you to see this.”
“You’re lying.” Nene stood up, fury written all over her face. “You’re going to disappear, aren’t you? For good.”
“...Go back inside, Yashiro.” Foregoing any gentleness, he roughly shoved her in the direction of the cottage. “Don’t make me tie you up.”
“No!” With an inhuman shriek, she lunged once more for the knife. Unprepared for her sudden assault, Hanako stumbled back and tripped over a stray watering can. He rolled aside quickly but was pinned by his assistant. The struggle for the weapon devolved into another wrestling match. Along the way, the two of them were nicked by the blade multiple times. Blood slowly dripped from their cuts, though they disregarded it. “Just give me the knife!”
“No.” He pulled at her hair to get her to stay down when she bit into his hand. He reflexively kicked her to get her to stop. “Ow! What the—“ His knife hand jerked up and it did not meet air.
Red.
Scarlet.
Crimson.
Blood.
It dripped like a leaky faucet. It stained the ground and his clothes like a fruit juice. It slid off the handle and ran down his sleeve, down his arm. He let go in shock.
Nene looked at her chest blankly. The moment she saw the handle sticking out of her chest she blubbered a gurgling scream. She grasped at it weakly and tried to pull it out only for Hanako to force it back in her in panic. She cried out in pain. He teared up in guilt, apologizing profusely through his fright.
“You can’t!” He hesitated between cradling her in his arms and getting up to get help. “W-wait here, Yashiro. I’ll get Tsuchigomori—“
“ Stay .” She said through quivering lips. Her voice trembled as she weakly grasped air. “Please.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he repeated as he took her into his arms. She shook her head minutely.
“‘S fine.”
“This wasn’t supposed to happen.”
“I know.”
“Don’t leave me.”
“I won’t.” Lies. It was an empty lie and they knew it. “Do I look presentable?”
No.
“The most beautiful person I’ve set eyes on.”
“Am I warm?”
No.
“So warm it’s almost hot.”
“Do you love me?”
Do you have to ask?
“Absolutely.” She gave a wobbly smile.
“Me too.” After a suffocating silence, she asked. “See you soon?”
“Sooner than you think,” he said. “Promise.”
“Don’t go breaking it then.” Nene gave one last chuckle before stilling in his arms. Her eyes never left his face, even in death. Hanako wailed. Screaming into the sky, he cried.
“This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t what you promised. Give her back!” His voice grew hoarse between his sobs as he screamed curses at the God who denied his only wish. “It was my life for hers, wasn’t it ?!”
Then are you willing to take her place?
“I am.”
Knowing you may never see her again?
“Yes.”
Then so be it.
There was a bright flash of light, illuminating the everlasting darkness of the forest. Kou shielded his eyes as it blinded him, swallowing Hanako and Nene in the process. When he reopened them, he saw the ground littered in glass memorabilia and one lone person laying on the ground, mantle blanketing their body. They sat up, long hair cascading down their back.
You are the new Hanako-san.
Nene looked around her surroundings, her ruby eyes dull and lifeless.
You will serve the remainder of his time.
She picked up the closest crystal within her vicinity. The camellia cried in pain as the knife embedded itself within it.
Consider this the price for bringing you back to life.
She frowned at the memory in her hand, tilting it and bringing it up to her ear. Its shrieked, suffering. She put the piece down.
How you handle your task is up to you.
The voice spoke no more. Nene collected all of the memories scattered around her. The camellia spewed blood.
I’m sorry.
I’ll be waiting.
Please forgive me.
“Hanako-kun, you idiot.” She turned and looked straight at Kou. And then she grinned, an almost perfect copy of the ones her so-called boss used to wear. “I’ll be in your care, Tsuchigomori-sensei.”
From the shadows came the tired response, “Like I have a choice.”
The shadows extended and wrapped themselves around Kou. He jerked up in his seat, slumped over the counter. The last bits of drowsiness were blinked away and he almost screamed at the glowing eyes peering back at him.
Nene chuckled. While her gold eye was bright with mischief, her red eye was dark with seething fury. “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Did you like what you saw?”
“So you were Hanako this whole time?”
“Who else could I be?”
“Why?” She scowled at his question.
“Why what?”
“Why are you pretending to be him?”
“Why did you come to me in the first place?” She snapped. He froze. She snorted at his quietness.
The glass camellia in her hands screamed for it to be heard. It spoke through shaky weeping.
Stop.
Listen to me.
Come back to me.
“Can’t you hear it?”
“Hear what?”
“That memory!” She gave him an withering look.
“Memories don’t speak.”
“It’s telling you to return to them. He’s telling you to rest.” Her frosty glare became a subzero glower.
“I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.”
“Listen to me!” She threw her hand at the direction of the door, slamming it open as if by magic. The cold winds entered without a hindrance, blowing anything small and loose out of place. Even with her hair occasionally blocking her vision, she kept eye contact with the blond. She opened a hand to reveal a red camellia. It flew out of her hand, into the air and hit the boy’s forehead.
“Goodbye.”
He did not remember ever leaving the cottage. He did not remember how he got back home. All he had as proof of his visit was the red camellia, the color of blood and falling apart. A reminder of a death none too painless, but a death that left no mess. Graceful as it was pitiful.
When he went back to the cottage the next day, he found it gone. There was no trace of the building ever being there, no sign of the girl who resided in it.
An empty plot of land in the dark and loveless forest.