Chapter Text
[Wednesday, Day 1]
The mountain trees' leaves rustled from a soft wind blowing through them. Birds sang and whistled high in the treetops. A distant creek gurgled against the rocks and bank. A young man with light brown hair, dressed in a dirty white button up and brown plaid pants, laid collapsed on his side. A worn satchel laid by him, the strap slung over his shoulder and chest. A camera laid near his head, lens side down towards the dirt.
August stirred, rolling onto his back and staring up through the canopy of leaves. Sunlight streamed down towards his face in beams. He blinked his eyes and raised his right hand to shield his face from the light. His left hand twitched, feeling something soft. Fuzzy. Sunlight. The fog was gone…?
August bolted upright, coughing as the straps of the satchel and camera snagged against his neck. He readjusted the straps to sit on his shoulder. He heard an annoyed meow and looked down, noticing a black cat curled up by him, a dimly lit altar lamp was standing upright next to them. The cat turned to August and thumped their head against his leg.
"S…sorry..?" August apologized, reaching out a hand to gently scratch the cat's head. The young man turned to inspect his blurry surroundings. A worn dirt path, trees that seemed to stretch forever. But… no mist. August looked down to the satchel by his side. Any suspicion of brushing his encounters off as an overly elaborate dream were crushed by the contents of his bag. Among other things, there was a wooden crane statue, a hill censer, and the fractured pieces of a wooden spoon. His stomach sank.
"Paddle.." August counted the shards and was momentarily relieved that all the big pieces were still there. He placed them securely back in his bag.
August's head throbbed in a dull ache. He slowly rose to his feet and caught the glimpse of something shiny reflecting back from under a small shrub. August hurried forward and reached for it, finding his glasses. August used his shirt to wipe some dirt from the lenses before sliding them on. As the world came into focus, August caught the sight of a familiar figure sitting on a nearby rock with white hair, a blue silk tunic, and black pants.
"Oh, so you are finally awake?"
"Crane!" August exclaimed. He turned in a circle spotting Cierge kneeling next to her cat on the ground, petting the animal. Censer leaned against a large nearby tree with his arms crossed.
"Did we make it?" August asked, eyes darting around the secluded area. "Is.. is everything finally over? The mist.. Is it gone?"
"We passed the barrier." Crane confirmed.
Cierge laughed quietly to herself, holding her arm out for her cat to climb up. She locked eyes with August before rising to her feet, towering over the other three.
"You succeeded."
"Bai Ze and Master Yin Yang are still alive." Censer rebutted miserably. "We only made it further down the mountain."
"But we are free from that place." Crane added. "The hardest part is over."
"What way do I go?" August questioned. He fidgeted with the camera in his hands, busying himself with cleaning the dirt from the front.
"Down, obviously." Censer replied. He paced away from the tree, beginning to follow the worn dirt path down the hill.
"W-wait!" August called, trudging behind the spirit. His legs ached and his back stung, the additional weight of all of the items in his bag only slowed him down more. Cierge and Crane followed.
The group progressed down the quiet mountain side. The only sounds were August's clumsy footsteps and the birds singing overhead. As the trees thinned out, August could spot rising smoke wafting into the sky.
"Fire!" August cried in alarm. "They set the mountain on fire! We can't go down this way!"
Crane's expression remained set as he moved ahead down the path, investigating the area.
"The air is still cool ahead, keep going down until we find a safe place."
August nodded warily and continued to run down the path, bracing himself against nearby trees when the route became too steep. He stumbled over tree roots and slid on damp patches in the soil. He spotted a break in the trees and a grassy field ahead. The man rushed forward, bursting out from the tree cover. He stumbled on tired, sore legs and collapsed into the soft grass on his hands and knees. His heavy bag swung forward, crumpling the greenery. A hand landed on his back, encouraging him to breathe.
"There are… people coming, Aug." Crane alerted.
"What..?" August rose his head in confusion. He met the concerned gaze of a woman who appeared to be slightly older than him. She had short brown hair pulled in a ponytail with a band of red fabric wrapped around her head. She wore a black turtleneck shirt that cut off above her stomach and tight black pants. Next to her was a man who looked even more bizarre. His hair was nearly white despite looking close to August's age. He dressed in tight black pants with black shorts over top of them, and two black jackets. It was hardly cold enough to warrant the layers. August stared at them in a stunned silence, struggling to slow his breathing.
"You alright there?" The man held out a gloved hand for August to help himself up. August stared at the outstretched hand for a moment then accepted, hauling himself to his feet.
"You see a snake or something?" The woman asked. August shook his head as he reached down to brush dirt off of his pants.
"No, smoke.." August explained. He glanced behind him back towards the mountain, raising a shaky hand to point at the pillar of rising smoke wafting above the trees. It billowed into a gray cloud against the bright sky. "There!"
The two hikers shared a concerned glance. The woman tilted her head to the side and the man shrugged in response.
"Have you had enough water today?" The woman asked. "We have an extra if you need."
August's alarmed expression changed to utter confusion. Water? What could that have to do with the mountain fire? August shook his head slowly, fidgeting with the strap of his camera.
"No. I don't think so? It's not important, we need to leave before the fire spreads.." August urged anxiously.
"Hey, you know that's not smoke right? It's steam. It's, uh.. from a factory or something." The white haired man interrupted. He raised a gloved hand to tug his black cap off and scratch the back of his head with his free hand. The man adjusted his high ponytail before tugging the cap back into place.
August stared in confusion. He remained silent for a moment as he watched the steam continue to waft into the air.
"A factory? I didn't know there was a river close enough to power one."
The woman wordlessly slipped her backpack off her shoulders and unzipped the pouch. She removed a plastic water bottle and offered it to August. August nearly dropped the bottle in shock. It was clear like glass, but soft and squished in his grip. It was unlike anything he had seen before. August raised the bottle to his face, turning it over and squeezing the bottle as the water swished around inside. The sunlight reflected off the translucent colorful paper that wrapped around the bottle, only it did not feel like paper. It was smooth and waxy.
"Were you hiking with anyone?" The woman finally asked. "Or is there someone we can call for you?"
August's eyes widened at the question. He dropped his hand back to his side, still holding the water bottle. He turned his full attention back to the duo.
"Yes- my group. I was separated from them, they might still-"
"Hey!" Censer snapped, dragging August's attention back to him. "You don't even know who these people are, why are you this naive? Don't be stupid, isn't that how you got lost the first time?"
"Oh leave him be, he's managed to get us off the mountain." Crane scolded. "This could be our best chance."
The spirits disappeared, leaving August to deal with the two hikers. The pair watched as August stared off to the side. He seemed to be lost in thought. Finally August continued.
"But.. but they have to have gone home by now. And.. and my parents! They have to be worried sick.." August explained.
"Right…" The white haired man began. He stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. "You gonna be okay getting back to town, or you need a lift back?"
"You didn't drive here, right?" The woman added, noting August's confused expression.
"No… I traveled with my friends. If you direct me the way, I'm sure I can manage getting back?"
"You don't mean you're going to walk, right?" The woman asked.
"Yes?"
The woman and man shared a brief look.
"Alright, look, it's a quick drive back. Let me drop you off." The man insisted, motioning for August to follow him.
"Are you sure?" August questioned.
"Totally." The man assured.
They walked back to a lot with what seemed to be a wide variety of cars. They were in shapes and colors August had never seen before, and they were fully contained by metal roofs. The man continued walking until they reached some sort of bulky, motorized bicycle. The man offered August a helmet and helped him secure his bag to a rack on the back. August and the man climbed onto the motorcycle and drove off, while the woman waved goodbye.
The city was bustling with people in the afternoon. Tall buildings, cars, and brightly colored signs everywhere. People walked in every direction, especially ways August could not begin to understand. They followed lines across the roads that began and ended abruptly but somehow knew which way to go beyond that.
August waved goodbye to the helpful man as he moved away from the strange looking motorized bike the man drove. The white haired man gave him some sort of a salute before he drove away with enough noise to make August wince. August turned around in a full circle looking for anything even remotely familiar. Without a doubt, he went to the wrong town.
The sun beat down overhead, August raised an arm to wipe away the sweat from his brow. People passed by paying little to no mind to him. Crane phased back into existence, standing by August's side.
"Perhaps we pick a direction instead of just staring." Crane suggested, not even bothering to side step a particularly rushed woman jogging down the sidewalk. She bumped Crane's shoulder, passed through, and continued on without noticing. August nodded, taking a nervous gulp of water from his rapidly depleting supply.
August walked forward, passing brightly decorated buildings until he came to a road with horizontal lines creating a pattern through the middle of it. Cars crossed the path, at least he assumed they were cars as they looked nothing like the cars he remembered. Cars were a frame with large wire spoke wheels and a canvas fabric roof. These were terrifying monsters that rumbled loudly as they sped through the roads. August stepped into the road and was startled back by a blaring horn. The cars did not stop nor yield. August held the near empty bottle of water in his hands.
"It's impassable." He muttered, looking to Crane for advice.
The white haired spirit hushed August as he surveyed his surroundings. The other humans were able to make the cars stop to cross, there was a missing piece here. There were enough people testing their luck and darting across the roads regardless of the cars. However August was an overly cautious type, Crane doubted he could push him to resort to that.
Suddenly he spotted a younger girl reach for a sort of button on a metal post. After a moment of waiting, a light illuminated the pole. Traffic stopped and allowed her to pass. Crane looked forward and noticed their pathway was lit with the same light. Traffic stopped.
"Come on." Crane urged, moving forward. August rushed to follow before the cars began to move once more.
"Pay attention to your surroundings." Crane reprimanded. "It was passable."
"I'm trying…"
August continued along the path. Instead of trying to cross another road, he turned a corner and followed a flight of stairs. He reached a sort of plaza away from all the traffic. It was surrounded by tall buildings that casted shade onto the area. August moved to sit on a bench out of the direct sunlight.
August tucked his legs up on the bench, hugging his legs close. Nothing looked familiar, how was he even going to find his family? His friends? He was clearly in the wrong city. He watched as people passed by, dressed bizarrely and staring at small flat boxes in their hands. Some held them to their ears, others tapped on the top of the box. It was odd. He could find a post office and send a letter home, at least then his parents would know he was still alive. Or he could go to the police, they should know how to help him find his way home.
His mouth was dry and the sun was scorching. August glanced down at the empty water bottle. Crane suddenly sat down beside him on the bench.
"Not to disturb you," The white haired spirit started, raising a hand to point towards a gated off larger, circular fountain. "You could refill your water."
August adjusted his glasses as he turned towards the direction Crane pointed. It almost resembled a pond, though smaller. Water cascaded down in 3 tiers, filling the clear pond at the bottom. A fence surrounded the largest pool and along that was a ring of shrubs. August paced to the fountain and knelt down. He reached under the shrubs and through the bars of the fence to dip the opened bottle into the water. The set up blocked his reflection and prevented anyone falling in, he almost wondered if it was deliberate design choice.
"Hey!" August heard a man snap somewhere behind him. It was unlikely someone was addressing him however. He retrieved the bottle and raised it to his lips. "Hey! Don't drink that!" The voice snapped once again, closer.
August turned to see a man around his age turning over. He wore a red jacket with a hood and some sort of light blue cloth across his face. The man ran over angrily and crossed his arms.
"What are you doing, dumbass? You'll die if you drink that. Views ain't worth it or whatever you're getting out of it."
August dropped the bottle, letting it tip over and spill on the ground.
"Die??" He questioned in alarm.
"Do you seriously not know how disgusting that is?" The man demanded. August stood from the ground and shook his head. He brushed his hands off then extended his right hand in a greeting.
"No, I'm sorry, I'm lost. I really thought it was a water source…" August explained.
The man recoiled from the hand shake, staring at August's outstretched hand then his face in disbelief.
"What, did you live under a rock for a hundred years?" The man scoffed.
August paused, how long had it been? A few weeks sure. A month or more, maybe. But it couldn't have been years.
"Sorry…" August began as he lowered his hand to his side. "My name is August. Do you… know the date?"
"It's Wednesday." The man answered bluntly, not taking the effort to introduce himself.
August's shoulders sank at such a vague response, however he got the impression that the man did not want to continue to be bothered.
"I see. Thank you for warning me about the water. Could I ask you one last question?" August asked.
"What..?" The man sighed in exasperation. He ran a hand through his side swept brown bangs then recrossed his arm across his chest.
August reached into his bag, gingerly removing the shattered spoon fragments and cupping them in his palms.“Do you know where I could get this fixed…?”
The man looked at the old wooden spoon.
"That thing's ancient! I don't think anyone knows how to fix that! I don't think anyone even makes them anymore, it's an old trade."
August's heart sank, his hands lowered and closed around the wooden spoon. He was silent for a moment, then nodded mournfully. His expression was crestfallen and his shoulders sagged in defeat.
"I see." He replied, voice tight.
The man was visibly taken aback by how devastated August was by the news. It shouldn't even be news, the spoon was basically ruined. He was just telling August the truth and he looked like he was in mourning! However, if it meant that much, it wouldn't hurt to try. The man raised a hand to rub his forehead.
"Hey, don't cry. Follow that road." The man instructed, nodding his head to the side. August turned to look where he was directing. "At the end of it, you'll see a pawn shop. Try there, the old man can fix pretty much anything. No promises. And they don't open for another twenty minutes."
The hope returned in August's expression and he nodded enthusiastically. August carefully packed the spoon in his bag once more then turned to face the direction the man told him.
"This road? Follow it to the end, then look for the pawn shop." August reconfirmed. The man nodded. "Thank you very much."
Without wasting any more time August ran towards his destination. The man's face scrunched up in disgust. August left the water bottle littering the ground. Ignorant tourists.
August rushed all the way to the pawn shop, which thankfully was in a less trafficked area. He stood by the door, glancing around for a clock to gauge how much longer he needed to wait. Crane and Cierge joined him while he waited. Censer paced across the walkway, shielding his eyes from the blaring sun. Cierge held her palm up towards the light, sighing in content.
"It's been a very long time since any of us saw the sun. We should enjoy the weather." Cierge mused. Her cat sprawled out on the sidewalk and laid stretched on the warmed pavement.
"It hurts my eyes." Censer complained.
"Then refrain from looking at it." Crane rebutted sharply.
"It's not my fault I stand properly! We can't all slouch and stare at the ground." Censer snapped.
"Guys…" August interrupted.
Crane ignored Censer's words and returned his attention to the items in the pawn shop window, curiosity outweighed his annoyance. He stared at a worn looking globe in the window for a moment, before waving August over with a laugh. However, August kept his distance from the reflective glass. He twisted his camera strap in his hands nervously.
"This globe is strange. They felt the need to label the polar directions on Korea, one should know the top of the globe is north!" Crane announced. August nodded in agreement, though he was confused.
August noticed a figure walking inside the shop, moving to turn lights on. The figure moved to the front door and switched a sign over. He unlocked the door and August rushed in, the others following suit. Censer continued to squint due to the harsh light, waiting for his eyes to adjust. The man had brown hair pulled back in a ponytail that curled at the end. He wore a simple red and black pull over and light blue jeans. He noticed August enter, but frowned as he looked down. Cierge's cat followed, rubbing against August's leg.
"You have a cat?? It stays outside, no pets. There's a lot of fragile stuff in here." The man informed them.
August glanced down to the cat then Cierge. She nodded.
"I'll wait outside."
"Uh, right, sorry, uh, come on kitty…" August opened the door, holding it for the cat to wander out, swishing its tail. Cierge followed behind and August closed the door. Crane wandered from the group, moving to inspect the globe resting in the window display. He slowly turned it, looking over every visible space.
Censer rubbed his eyes and blinked them as they adjusted to the now dimmer light. He glanced around the pawn shop in mild disinterest, before looking over the shop keeper. The man nearly exactly resembled him in build and features, though the man's face was rounder. His hair was lighter, more brown. Censer stared at him with a slack jaw.
"You're the guy who wanted his spoon fixed, right?" The man questioned. Even his voice was uncannily similar when it wasn't muffled by the cloth face covering.
"WHY DOES HE HAVE MY FACE??" Censer screeched.
August jumped, looking between Censer and the man. His gaze stopped on the man, staring and observing his features. The likeness was impossible, it was almost like having two of Censer.
"Uh? Why are you staring at me." The man demanded, irritated.
"Why does he act like him?" Crane comments, staying stationed by the globe.
"Sorry." August apologized. "You just look.. familiar."
"We… literally just talked in the plaza twenty three minutes ago." The man deadpanned.
"Yeah.. that's…" August trailed off.
"Aug! Why does that man have my face? What is this!?" Censer interrupted.
"That's probably where I remember you from.." August finished. It was clear the man could not see the spirits, so for now he should keep calm.
"Aug, I'm speaking to you! What is this trick!?" Censer shouted.
"What's your name..?" August asked the man. He spoke slowly, attempting to block out Censer’s distractions.
"Edgar." The man replied. He leaned against the front counter, crossing his arms. "I already called my grandfather and explained your situation. He thinks he can fix it. How would you like to pay?"
August followed the man to the counter and stuck his hand in his pocket to retrieve a handful of coins.
"Money..?" August replied. "It's not much. What else do you accept, trade or labor?"
"Where are you from?" Edgar exclaimed. "We don't pay in labor, that's illegal."
"Illegal..?" August echoed. "But if it's equal… nevermind. Is this enough?"
August fumbled with the coins, causing them to slide out of his hand and onto the front counter. Edgar starred in annoyance, then confusion. He scrambled to pull on a set of gloves then picked up the coins to inspect them.
"This money is ancient . Where did you even find it?"
"I delivered newspapers." August answered. Censer yelled in frustration and moved to Edgar's side to look him over. Edgar showed no indication he noticed.
"Is everything you own this old?" Edgar asked, genuinely curious at this point. August paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Show me."
August carefully emptied his satchel of items. The time in the mist must have had an impact on his physical belongings, because the items reasonably never all should have fit in the bag. Yet somehow they did. He carefully laid each item on the counter. A textbook with a worn and bent spine, a leather bound journal, a handful of coins, a jade bottle, a well read travelog, and an empty glass perfume bottle. Edgar's expression grew more and more surprised with each item August retrieved.
"Whose grave did you rob? Seriously." Edgar asked, moving to inspect the books. All of the pages were intact and secure in the spine of the book.
Censer's face flushed dark in rage from the careless comment.
"How dare you! Aug, we're leaving." Censer snapped, storming back around the counter. He grabbed August's arm and pulled, attempting to drag him to the door. August yanked his arm back without much effort, literally slipping through Censer’s grasp. Thankfully, Edgar was so consumed with studying the items on the table he did not notice.
"But I still need to repair Paddle…" August reminded Censer, firmly.
"Yeah, I know, but I've never seen anything this old in such good condition." Edgar replied. "Are you a collector? There isn't even dust built up."
Edgar moved to inspect the perfume bottle, trying to see if he could date the item. Before August had time to respond, the shop door opened with the sound of a jingling bell. August jolted and turned to face the door, noticing an old man with long black hair pulled back into a thin braid. The older man entered the shop and made his way to the counter. Edgar noticed and quickly snatched a name tag by the cash register and pinned it to his shirt.
The old man turned his head toward the display window and nodded politely. Crane noticed and returned the gesture curiously. The man continued to the counter, staring in Censer’s direction for a moment. Censer calmed himself and stood up straight. The old man finally settled his gaze on the counter and the variety of items laid out.
"What's all this?" The old man asked in awe. "I thought you only needed a wooden spoon repaired. You are the gentleman from the fountain aren't you?"
Censer placed a hand on August's shoulder, staring between Edgar and the old man suspiciously.
"Careful. They may be mind readers. How else could he know about the fountain and Paddle if he wasn't there and we've been with… that… thing this whole time." Censer warned. "I need you to clear your mind. It should be very easy for you."
August refrained from shrugging Censer’s hand off his shoulder. Maybe bringing Censer was a mistake. Edgar had told them he spoke with the shop owner already. August raised his hands to tug at the leather strap of the camera around his neck.
"Yes, sir." August answered the old man's question.
"Grandpa, look at all this. It's ancient, and I don't see manufacturing defects. I think they're genuine."
The older man moved to the back of the counter to inspect the items himself. He whistled, impressed.
"If they are fakes, they're perfectly done." The old man stated.
Censer’s rage dissipated as he huffed in pride. He raised a hand to smooth out the collar of his changshan.
"Oh course, the artists who made them were masters in their trade."
The man raised his eyes to stare at August then vaguely in Censer's direction.
"And what about the wooden spoon?" The man questioned.
August fumbled inside his bag. He took a breath and steadied his hands to gently pass the pieces to the man. The old man noticed the immense care that August took with the fragments and the worry in his expression. The old man took the pieces into his own hands with equal care.
"These should be all the pieces.." August explained. "Do you think you can help?"
"I'm going to take this to my station in the back, so I can get a good look at what needs to be fixed."
August nodded and watched as the man left with Paddle.
"Do you really trust this old man? We just met him. Do you even know where he's really taking Paddle?" Censer rambled.
"I'm going to evaluate the prices for these, give me a minute." Edgar announced, talking over Censer. He removed a flattened rectangle from his pocket.
"Uh…" August replied, trying to listen to both speak at the same time. Their voices mixed and blended together seamlessly, already sounding so similar.
"These guys can't be trusted." Censer continued. "Especially that one. Why would he have my face?"
"When I get you the final quote, how would you like to be paid?" Edgar questioned.
"I.. I don't know?" August replied, eyes darting from Censer to Edgar.
"This is a trick. You're playing right into it." Censer warned, glaring at the man behind the counter.
"You.. did want to sell these right? This is a pawnshop, pawning or selling's what we usually do."
"You really have a gift for stumbling into the worst situations-"
"But we can pay in cash, check, or credit. Or you can pawn for a loan."
"Don't you?"
"Depends on how you want it." Edgar stated. He propped his elbows on the counter and leaned against the top.
August nodded slowly, taking a deep steadying breath. He struggled to keep track of both of them as they overlapped.
"Aug, are you even listening to me?" Censer snapped.
"Give me a moment!" August demanded with an exasperated sigh, reaching to remove his glasses and rub his eyes.
"Okay…? I was just asking how you want to be paid. I'm assuming you want cash?" Edgar replied confused.
August raised his head to look at Edgar again.
"I'm sorry, it's not you. I've had a very… very , long week. Cash is fine."
"No! Just give us our stuff back, give us back Paddle, and let's go Aug!" Censer shouted.
"You really enjoy the sound of your own voice, don't you?" Crane interrupted. "If you're going to ramble, at least make it useful. That man can't hear you, and all it serves is to frustrate Aug and make his task harder."
" I enjoy the sound of my voice? Who's the one always lecturing!" Censer snapped back, storming over to the white haired spirit.
August's eyes wandered to the side to follow the two bickering ghosts. There wasn't much he could do to stop the fighting, but it was rapidly becoming too much. His attention was drawn back to the counter when Edgar cleared his throat.
"You don't look that good. You should go sit down. I'll get you some… water?" Edgar offered unsure. He nodded his head to the right, which August followed the gesture with his eyes.
Just off to the side of the counter was a section of old looking chairs. August gratefully moved to sit down. Edgar turned and disappeared behind a curtain strung across a doorway behind the counter. August melted into the chair as soon as his exhausted legs got a moment of rest. He closed his eyes, relaxing into the cushions. Censer and Crane continued to argue amongst themselves.
"I'm the only one with any sense here!" Censer declared.
"Yeah, of course, that's why you're our leader right?" Crane quipped.
"WELL I'M NOT THE TRAITOR!"
Censer slammed his fist down on an antique dresser, which wobbled from the force. A cluster of books perched on top toppled to the side, one slipping off the edge and clattering to the floor. August jumped, turning towards the source of the noise.
"I told you not to let the cat in!" Edgar shouted as he reappeared from the back of the shop, holding a water bottle. August stood from his seat, waving his hands dismissively.
"I didn't! He's still outside!" August assured. Edgar glanced around the shop, noticing the scattered books.
"Oh." He passed the bottle to August then paced across the store to the dresser. Edgar scooped up the book and placed it back on the dresser. He rearranged the books so they were stacked neatly again. Edgar turned to head back to the counter. With a glare, Censer swiped the stack of books off the furniture once again.
Edgar jumped from the sudden noise and commotion of clattering books. He turned, staring at the pile on the ground in utter bewilderment.
"What the fuck?"
August stared frozen behind Edgar. He turned his head to Crane, silently requesting help with wide eyes. Crane nodded in understanding and looped his arm around Censer's before dragging the aggravated spirit to a different section of the shop without easily moved and fragile items. August sighed in relief, even if the two were still bickering in ear shot.
"Maybe… the top isn't balanced?" August suggested. Edgar knelt down, picking up and brushing off each book.
"Maybe."
After Edgar scooped the books back up and examined them for damage, he carried them with him to a proper shelf. His expression was set in confusion. August followed behind, watching Edgar sort them.
The pawnbroker returned from the back, waving to gain the attention of the two boys. Censer and Crane both quieted down from across the shop. Edgar and August hurried over, Edgar slipping behind the counter to join his grandfather.
"The spoon is repairable." The old man informed August.
"Really?" August asked ecstatically. His face lit up in relief.
"I will get to work on it, you can come back first thing tomorrow." The old man explained.
August's expression fell, but he nodded in gratitude.
"I see, thank you very much, sir. If I may… is there a way I could wait here?"
Edgar's brows furrowed and he looked at August then his grandfather in confusion. Before he could respond verbally, the old man raised a hand.
"It would be several hours before the piece is ready. It will have to cure overnight. Do you not have anywhere to be?" The old man asked.
"No, sir." August admitted. Censer groaned from across the shop.
"Stop making yourself such an easy target!" The irritated spirit snapped.
The old man tilted his head, turning to gaze in Censer and Crane's vague direction. Censer quieted down immediately, moving to stand straighter. There was something knowing in the old man's eyes, even if he wasn't sure the man could actually see him. The pawnbroker turned back to August, scrutinizing him. August fidgeted nervously with the strap of his camera with one hand, while gripping the bottle of water with his other.
"Where did you say you were from?" The pawnbroker questioned.
"Do choose your words carefully." August heard Crane warn from somewhere behind him. "This is a bizarre circumstance, we should stay on their good side. They might be able to help us more."
August swallowed a nervous lump in his throat.
"I used to live.. I came from the mountains." August explained slowly. "My, uh, grandparents lived up there. But they passed... I'm hoping to find my parents again, but I need money. Also a place to stay."
Edgar turned his head to look at the pawnbroker with his eyebrows raised. The old man nodded in thought.
"It's not our business to pry." The pawnbroker informed. "But we'll go on and cash you out. And if you need a place to stay, I've got a friend who usually rents to tourists. I'm sure he wouldn't mind renting something out to you."
"Thank you, sir. Oh, will I work for him?" August asked.
The pawnbroker stared puzzled for a moment.
"It's not required? Are you looking for a job?"
"Did you really live that far away?" Edgar questioned.
"Please give us a moment to finish evaluating your items, then we'll write you a receipt and cash you out. I'm going to call my friend and see if he can help you. What's your full name again?"
"Oh, uh, August Fernan Moebius, sir." August replied. The pawnbroker nodded kindly and gestured for August to sit. August obliged and sat down on an available chair. Crane, despite his curiosity towards the pawnshop, chose to sit down next to August.
August's body relaxed, sinking into the soft chair. The tension, stress, and exhaustion all took their toll. Almost immediately, August began to nod off.
Eventually he heard snapping fingers and raised his head, groggy. Edgar stood with an envelope in his hand. Pawnbroker stood next to him. August rubbed his eyes and pushed his glasses back into place.
"This is the money and receipt for your items. 16,400 yuan." August nodded, not fully understanding as he took the envelope from Edgar.
"I called my friend and he has a place for you to rent if you need it." The pawnbroker added. "Are you familiar with the city? I can give you directions."
August's shoulders sank as he truthfully shook his head.
"No, sir, I'm sorry this is my first day being in this city."
"It's alright." Pawnbroker reassured August. "Edgar, show him where Kreacher's apartment complex is."
"Do I have to…?" Edgar questioned. "Mr. Pierson creeps me out."
"Yes. And he is a very generous man." Pawnbroker insisted firmly.
"Alright…" Edgar sighed.
"Will Paddle be alright..?" August asked.
"Your spoon's gonna be fine. You can come get it tomorrow morning." Edgar replied.
"It still needs time for the glue to dry." The pawnbroker reassured him.
"I can always stand guard and watch over Paddle." Crane offered. August hesitated, then nodded.
"You're leaving Aug with me??" Censer shouted.
"We're inside, lower your voice." Crane replied matter of factly. "And I believe I should apologize to Aug for leaving you with him."
Censer glared at Crane, but otherwise stayed quiet in the presence of the pawnbroker. August glanced at Crane with a look of appreciation, then returned his attention to Edgar and the pawnbroker.
"If I take him to Mr. Pierson's, can I go get lunch after?" Edgar asked his grandfather.
"I don't see why not, but you better come back for the rest of your shift this time." The pawnbroker answered.
"I will!" Edgar defended. He turned to August. "So are you ready then?"
"Uh…" August glanced at Crane who responded with a simple short nod as he moved to the back of the shop to look for Paddle. "I think so?"
"Alright, let's go." Edgar replied impatiently, moving to the entrance of the store. August hurried to follow him, bowing his head politely to the pawnbroker on his way out. Censer huffed and followed the two.
Edgar paced down the sidewalk ahead of August and Censer. Cierge watched them exit the store in confusion. August glanced at her, then Censer, silently asking for him to explain.
"Ask Crane." Censer stated unhelpfully, moving past August to walk beside Edgar. August mouthed a silent apology and rushed to keep up while Cierge watched the three leave.
"How far away is it?" August asked, trying to take note of landmarks on the way so he could easily find his way back.
"About fifteen minutes."
The group continued walking with mumbled complaints from Censer until they arrived at a tall, plain brick building.
"We're here." Edgar announced, stopping outside of the complex. It was tall with blinds covering all the windows. August headed to the entrance and stopped, glancing back at Edgar who was turning to leave.
"My grandpa said his friend will meet you here, so good luck." Edgar stated.
"You're leaving?" August asked.
"Yeah. I got things to do, you'll be fine. Just wait here." Edgar replied before turning and leaving.
August watched as he headed down the sidewalk, disappearing around the street corner. August sighed. He sat down on the concrete sidewalk outside of the apartment building Edgar led him to. A few bystanders glanced at him before looking away as they walked past. Censer crossed his arms, standing in the center of the entryway.
"You're getting stares." Censer informed. "You shouldn't just sit on the ground, you look hopeless."
August raised his head to stare at Censer, before sighing again.
"My legs hurt, I haven't had a proper rest in… I don't know how long."
"It hasn't been that much." Censer scolded, placing his hands on his hips.
"It's not the same for you, you don't get tired…" August reasoned, leaning his head back against the brick wall of the building. The sun beat down brightly into his eyes and he reached up to adjust his cap.
Censer stepped forward, blocking the sun's warmth.
"August, we need to impress this man if you want to get a home. Get off the ground."
"Censer-"
"You there!" A man's voice called. August turned to watch as an older man with a scruffy beard pushed through Censer to stand in front of August.
"Hey!" Censer snapped in annoyance, stumbling to the side.
"Are you Mister Moebius?" The man questioned, squinting at August. He noticed one eye seemed to be darker than the other. August nodded and stood, brushing his pants off before reaching to shake the man's hand.
"Uh, yes sir, August Moebius. Mister Pierson?"
The man nodded, accepting August's hand and shaking it roughly.
"Come in, come in. I'll give you the tour." The man urged, tugging August along. He unlocked the front door and gestured for August to come inside. Mr Pierson glanced over August's appearance, staring at the satchel hanging by his side for a moment. August stepped inside and Kreacher followed, shutting the door behind him. It closed directly in front of Censer’s face, who glared in growing irritation. August gave Censer a brief, concerned look.
"So, tell me, uh, tell me about yourself." Kreacher asked, leading the way up a winding stairwell.
August paused for a moment, confused by the vagueness of the question.
"Well… my name is August, I used to live with my grandparents in the mountains-"
"No, no, I don't need all that. How long are you staying and how are you paying? That's, that's all I need." The man interrupted.
"Oh. Sorry, I don't know how long?" August replied, scratching at the back of his neck. "I would give you money…?"
Kreacher stopped walking and turned to face August on the landing of the flight of stairs. August paused with him, reaching to grab onto the straps of his camera. Censer caught up to the two, standing beside August with his arms crossed.
"You don't know? A few days, a week, a month…? You a tourist?" Kreacher pressed.
"Oh, a month? And no, I'm… I actually came from the mountains. I need a home while I try to find my family." August replied.
"Right. And you'll be paying up front?" Kreacher interrupted
August nodded, surprised to be cut off. Kreacher continued to lead him up the flight of stairs.
"I usually only take online applications. You got an ID or anything on you?"
"I…D?" August replied, confused. He glanced to Censer for help in determining the meaning. Censer shrugged unhelpfully.
"Identity card? Anything to prove who you are?"
"No, sorry sir, I don't have anything… I have a research paper I wrote for school?" August offered with building anxiety. It was getting late in the day and he honestly wasn't sure what lead to follow if he got turned down. He could try to find a place near the pawn shop, spending a night outside wouldn't be anything too unusual to him now. He would manage but having a roof over his head was much more preferable. His thoughts continued to race while Kreacher hummed quietly to himself.
"I'll just need a deposit from you then." Kreacher replied. "When are you planning on moving in?"
"Oh, tonight?" August asked.
"You uh… you got furniture you'll be moving in?"
August shook his head, looking down.
"No, sir, this is all I have, so just the room is enough."
Kreacher paused once again, turning to face August with a flat expression.
"No ID and no furniture? Listen, I'll give you the room but it's bare bones in there. Where are you… where are you going to sleep?"
"The floor?"
"The floor?!" Kreacher exclaimed. He sighed then motioned for August to follow him once they reached the top of the stairs. He retrieved a key from his pocket and used it to unlock the door.
"There won't be power until I can get someone out here tomorrow. Will that be okay?"
August nodded without questioning, but he wasn't sure what 'power' meant. August and Censer followed the man inside a simply laid out apartment. Entering they immediately saw a sink and cupboards, leading August to assume this was a kitchen. However he was confused by the boxy looking things. One had a long horizontal handle with knobs and door. The other was a little taller than him with two doors with vertical handles.
They moved past the narrow kitchen into a big rectangle shaped room. There was a sliding glass door to the right that lead to a small balcony.
"So you got your kitchen, your living space, your balcony, and your bathroom right back there." Kreacher announced, pointing behind August. August turned to see a closed wooden door.
"And look, I'm not a bad guy. The least I can do is find you a futon and a blanket. Least give you somewhere to sleep."
August's expression lightened.
"Really? Thank you so much sir."
"Yeah, yeah, let me see what you got for the deposit. I won't charge you the remaining amount until the end of the month, let you get on your feet, you know?"
August nodded and removed the cash from his bag in a plain envelope. Kreacher shuffled through it and removed a few bills.
"I took 500 yuan." Kreacher announced, sliding the rest of the money back into the envelope. August nodded as he took the envelope back and placed it back in his bag.
"You just trusted that man to take your money??" Censer snapped. August glanced at him briefly and shrugged while Kreacher was pocketing the deposit money.
"I'll be back with the stuff." Kreacher announced, handing August his own set of keys. August nodded, fumbling with the keys. Kreacher turned and left, shutting the door behind him.
"You just let him leave like that? It's no wonder you were so easy to trap in the damn fog."
"Censer. Please. I don't have many options, I'm doing what I can." August sighed in exasperation. "Nothing is like I remember it, the money I had isn't even usable. I don't understand how this city's money works and I'm just lucky to have a place to stay until I can find my family."
Censer huffed, and walked away having already lost this argument before it could even start. Censer moved to the kitchen, squinting at the strange boxy furniture.
"What even is this?" He asked, pointing at the tall white double doored device.
"I don't know…" August replied, following the spirit over.
"You open it then. See what's inside." Censer demanded.
"Can't you open it?" August questioned.
"Of course. But you need to be a real man."
"A real man-" August started. He paused, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. "You want me to open it? Fine."
August reached for the handle and opened the door. The inside was dark, but kind of shiny. There were metal wire shelves and shiny box-like shelves on the inside of the door. An unlit light bulb was fixed to the top.
"Weird… some kind of wardrobe?" August questioned, staring inside the fridge.
"August." Censer snapped vehemently.
August turned his head to the side, noticing that the door of the fridge was stuck halfway through Censer’s body. The expression on his face was pure rage.
"Close. It." Censer ordered.
August slammed the door shut, backing away with his hands raised.
"It's closed, I'm sorry! I… I didn't realize."
"I was right here, how did you not realize?" Censer bickered. "Are you that blind? Maybe your glasses are too old too."
"No- I just was focused on the wardrobe! Look, I'm sorry Censer. Can we not do this?"
"What? Now you don't want to take responsibility?" The spirit pressed.
"No! Censer. I'm not… I'm not doing this. I'm sorry, but I didn't mean to hit you." August asserted, turning and walking away from the angered spirit.
"August-" Again a cold jolt shot through August's body. He froze in his place.
"Hey, August! I'm back!" Kreacher's voice called through the door with a knock. He unlocked the door a moment later. August turned to the entrance easily. The door swung open and Kreacher entered, passing through Censer once again. August covered his mouth with one hand while Censer silently fumed.
Kreacher walked in with two bulky bags on his arms.
"Futons rolled up in this one, and your blanket and pillow is in that one." The man informed. He sat down the two bags in the middle of the living area. "Who were y' talking to?"
"Oh, uh, no one." August answered.
Censer stormed away from the entryway, shoving past Kreacher who shivered briefly.
"Alright then. Anything else you need?"
"No, thank you sir. I.. I truly appreciate the help."
"Not a problem, kid. Here's my number if you need something. I don't pick up after business hours though." Kreacher replied, handing August a business card. August nodded and safely tucked it in his pocket. People have numbers now?
"Where do I go to find you?" August questioned. The man stared at him in confusion, scratching the side of his head.
"Just… call me, okay?"
"Oh, okay, sir. Thank you…"
"Take care kid, get some sleep. You look like you need it." Kreacher replied before leaving the apartment. He shut the door behind him.
August moved to unload each of the bags. He unrolled a thin padded mat that he presumed would be where he slept. He opened the other bag and pulled out a white sheet, a white quilted blanket, and a pillow with a white sheet. August felt eyes glaring at him and turned to look over his shoulder.
Censer was standing with his hands on his hips, glaring at August. August sighed in defeat.
"What now…?"
"You've been incredibly disrespectful." Censer snapped.
"Censer.." August tried to interrupt and reason with him.
"After everything I've done for you."
August starred in disbelief. This man tried to use him and then kill him. Sure they had a common enemy and united in the end, but it was August himself that broke them all free.
"And then you ignore me when I'm talking to you!" Censer carried on.
August turned to begin setting up the sleeping mat against the furthest corner of the room. Censer followed him.
"Without me you'd only get into more trouble. You're too naive. Why would these strangers go out of their way for you?"
"We traded goods." August argued defensively.
"How do you even know that money's any good? They took your stuff and sent you to someone they knew. You didn't even double check what he was taking."
"I know, but we don't have options. I'm still skeptical, but I need to trust people at some point. Plus they're nice!" August reasoned, pausing in his set up.
Censer scoffed, raising a hand and inspecting his nails.
"Yeah, just like Bai Ze was?"
August fell completely silent, lowering his head to stare pointedly at the floor. He slowly breathed in and out shakily. Censer lowered his hand to watch him.
"Are you… crying…?"
Without another word, August picked up his satchel which still contained the metal crane figure, the altar lantern, and the incense censer. He walked over to the kitchen, opening the fridge, and shoved the bag inside. He shut the door and walked silently back over to the mattress. He carefully removed his hat, glasses, camera, shoes, and suspenders.
"Aug." Censer called.
August laid down on his side facing the wall. He pulled the covers up over his head and closed his eyes. Censer sighed but acknowledged that continuing to persist was a pointless effort. He moved to sit on the balcony, watching the sun set.