Chapter Text
Date Unknown
I remember the coldness of the room very well.
I remember the words, too—the ones given to us before going in. Less clearly perhaps, but they stayed with me regardless.
The process was not easy, which they were sure to be honest about, but the chance of success was high, we were told that much and I was satisfied enough. Better than nothing. The percentage wasn’t even that low, if you ask me.
But you know, risks always exist, and yada yada. They always mention those, even if it’s out of protocol or a way for them to say ‘I told you so, not my fault.’.
I hated it.
Not the risks in particular, more like the fact that I had to reach this state and go through all of this in the first place. It felt particularly cruel, unnecessarily so perhaps. I know there are people in worse situations than you, there always are, but that doesn’t make my case feel any better mind you.
My heart had always been weak, for as long as I could remember.
Something about structural problems, I can’t quite remember the exact name at the moment.
It was a pain in the ass to put it in simple terms. You had to limit yourself when it came to physical activities and a few other things. Although I suppose it had its perks like asking for candy whenever I was told ‘not to do something’ when I clearly wanted to. Yay for me.
Even so, this state couldn’t last forever. Some days felt worse than others, most of them out of my control.
Eventually this led me to my current predicament.
A procedure meant to end it all — or at least keep me from dying to this godforsaken curse.
Yes, I consider this a curse, maybe a punishment from a past life. Probably doesn’t make any sense, but I like making stuff up to explain things I don’t understand.. Doesn’t work most of the time.
Whatever the case, the point is, I’m not supposed to be retelling any of this.
They told me that I was gonna go to sleep and then wake up in the recovery room, with some stitches and feeling like crap for the sleeping kool-aid they were gonna flood me with.
Instead you have me hearing voices, pretty unnerving ones too. No, I can’t understand a single thing they’re saying somehow, but it feels rather uncanny.
I remain blinded, staring into nothingness of black and many tones of grey.
Like a livid dream gone terribly wrong.
Of course it has, when do things ever go my way?
The voices remained, but it was getting so, so cold, I could feel myself tremble even if I couldn’t see my body.
It felt like being thrown into the middle of the ocean all of a sudden, slowly drowning without being able to fight back.
The voices drifted farther and farther away—the only human thing in this experience, though they offered no comfort. Turning from uncontrolled noise, to whispers to then nothing.
They were gone, and numbness took over. The ebb and flow of the ocean washed over me, the coldness of the room remained but the feeling was different.
I had become nothing. I could feel — and nothing else.
But there was no need to scream. No panic. No surge of emotion strong enough to make me want it to end. If anything it felt like a calming lullaby.
I don’t know for how long I remained there, but eventually I was woken up from this trance.
It came like a storm, growing louder by the second, yanking me from that state only to thrust me back into darkness.
The sound of rain.
January 24th
The air was particularly salty today, not like it mattered in the slightest but slight differences were easy to notice.
I stopped close to one of the many small ports surrounding the islands, the night had yet to come out, but I could see lights ready to depart.
Just in time, as always. As expected of me.
I didn’t run, but walked briskly toward the men preparing to depart into the ocean before the sun had risen.
No way to recognize anyone there so I simply shouted the name of the person I was looking for, after which everyone turned my direction.
Eventually my objective approached me.
“Kid, what are you doing here at this hour, don’t tell me old Matsuda has you working this early!?” The man in question, a fisherman in his early 40s asked.
“No sir, just doing the usual rounds a little bit earlier than usual today.” I pulled a small package from my backpack, “this is from your wife, you forgot breakfast.”
I couldn’t tell if he blushed or not but the teasing from his colleagues was enough for him to quickly take it off my hands.
“God, this woman… making you come all the way out here for this. Thanks, kid. Now get going—we’ve got work to do.”
With that, the man turned around toward the small port, and then to his boat.
While it was dark, I could still somewhat see and feel the gazes of some of the men on me, before going my way.
Even after all this time, folks weren’t completely used to me. Neither was I — just for slightly different reasons.
It had been a little over three months since I was ‘found’ on the shores of the island, unconscious, bleeding and obviously wet. Memories are still fuzzy from that time.
It was after a very nasty typhoon had hit the island, a very odd one for the season according to what they told me.
The people of the island were kind enough to look after me of course.
Although part of me believes that the interest in doing so was because of my… condition you could say. Not a healthy thought, but it pops up in my head regardless from time to time.
I took a quick look at my watch, an old model given to me to keep track of things.
4:37 AM, too early for breakfast. Maybe I should just take my sweet time on the way back.
I had to skip breakfast for this trip, but I bet Matsuda and his wife are preparing something, they’re early birds like that.
There were clear instructions not to go too fast when close to the city, so I had to keep a normal pace.
Asphalt, no cars at this time. Good.
Wind conditions, slightly higher than average. Manageable.
Rain, non-existent. A shame.
Okay, let’s get the day properly started.
A light stroll later, and I found myself in front of Matsuda-san’s house. Bigger than the nearby ones, but I suppose you get some perks when you’re the mayor. Can’t really judge.
“Rain, is that you!?”
A voice came from the end of the hallway, probably the kitchen or the backyard. It was hard to tell exactly where but I did hear the words abundantly clear.
“Yes, it’s me Matsuda-san.”
I could see Matsuda’s head pop up from the side of the kitchen’s door. A perfectly bald head, shaven to perfection. Although white hairs could still be spotted.
“Did you manage to do the delivery in time?”
“Of course.”
“Atta boy, sorry for the sudden wake up call, but the mistress was really persistent on it.”
Matsuda’s wife's social network was pretty big, and from what I could see, friend to almost all of the locals. That includes the fisherman’s wife, whose breakfast I just delivered.
An errand is an errand after all, can’t really complain. I shouldn’t.
“I know it’s a bit earlier than usual, but breakfast is ready.”
Matsuda-san is many things, but being good at the kitchen isn’t one of them. Even so, my taste buds seem to have been damaged since I was found because everything I try has been pretty mild since I’ve been awake. Maybe it’s more of a blessing than a curse.
Still, his coffee is pretty bad. Again, can’t complain.
“I trust the delivery went well.”
This time, Matsuda-san’s wife, Uehara-san, showed up. Same age as her husband, few wrinkles and no white hair. Not bad for some in her early 60s I suppose.
“Yes ma’am, no complications whatsoever. Delivered to target successfully.”
She gave a pleased nod and sat on the table.
If there’s someone that really makes me work hard to earn my keep it is her. I don’t think she does it out of malice, or any type of resentment, I haven’t felt any coming from her. She’s simply a hard-working person and expects from others. In this case, me.
Personally, I’m fine with it. There’s not many around that can do what I do, let alone have the time to do so.
The early breakfast was uneventful, Uehara-san excused herself first. Apparently she had some matter to attend to, but I don’t really have the nerve to ask, or the interest.
“Okay, let’s review today’s tasks shall we?”
As it was custom for the last couple of weeks. We reviewed my tasks for the rest of the day.
Mainly consisted of deliveries around the rough terrain, however I wasn’t a stranger to doing some heavy work if needed be.
Not long after I woke up from my sudden appearance on the shores, Matsuda-san offered to take care of me until someone came looking.
But nobody came.
I knew no one would, my circumstances are very special if my memories are anything to go by.
Surprisingly, he didn’t care all too much for it and allowed me to stay as long as I could provide some value to the community which translated to running around doing whatever.
I’m basically a glorified workhorse.
Literally.
My appearance is not what it used to be.
Two equine ears perched atop my head, a coat of grey hair accompanied them, which I’m fairly certain wasn’t there before either.
It feels way in every possible way imaginable, but the sensitivity is a nice bonus if you know how to use it.
Hearing the mosquitoes better while trying to get a good night's sleep is probably not a good use of them.
But that wasn’t all, there was also the tail. Which at first I didn’t think much of until I started to realize how annoying it made to put some clothing on, especially underwear.
It took me some time to get used to washing it, and cutting holes in a pair of pants or two.
The unusually long hair near the tail is also annoying, considering how easily it can be left behind after a shower. Ugh.
Whatever, it is what it is, no point in getting worked up about it.
“I got today’s scheduled Rain.”
Laid on the table, was a map of the island, he had been using a couple of times, and some papers with some stuff written on them
“There’s a couple of things to be picked from the main port, and delivered around the same town, all pretty close, so no problem there.”
I nodded as he talked, figuring out the layout in my head already. Mostly used to it by now, not to mention it’s not a big place so getting lost is actually difficult. Even if did happen to me once of twice
“Then we have a couple of deliveries to the opposite shore, nothing too heavy, just some tech or something like that. Some youngsters wanted to work on the old radio tower”
I remember the place, it looked very creepy from afar, and up close too. It's not my business, I'm not staying for long either way.
“Then they asked for some help moving some heavy foliage around the southern part of the island too, there was some sort of accident while tree-cutting, don’t worry about the details.”
Heavy work to spice things up, keep it coming.
Matsuda-san looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped as soon as he mouth opened, instead his eyes shifted from one side of the map to another.
“That should be about it for the day I think, a little more packed than usual.”
Nevermind then.
However before I could be in my way…
“Before you go Rain, there’s one more thing I wanted to suggest if you don’t mind.”
Suggestion, a rare thing.
“Do you know that trail, the one that leads further into the island, directly into the mountains?”
I reminisce for a second there. I do remember seeing that dirt trail a couple of times actually, but never had the need of exploring deep in the mountainous forest so I abstained from going deeper, I normally prefer to go around, having the ocean in sight.
“I remember it, passed it many times actually.”
“Good, that makes things easier for us then. There’s someone there I want you to meet, try to stop by when possible if you can.”
‘If you can’ is a very deceiving thing to say at the end. In my short experience living with Matsuda-san, it usually means it’s important and he wants me to do it but he doesn’t want to say it out loud for reasons unbeknownst to me.
Fair enough, I’m normally done with my tasks early in the afternoon.
“Not a problem, should be fine.”
However, I’m not familiar with the path into the mountains. Let’s hope for a smooth ride.
That didn’t jinx things, I hope.
“You didn’t mention a package, so this is not a delivery. Is there anything I should know?”
I asked with natural curiosity, they don’t send me around just for a leisurely walk. Especially considering how hard it can be to move around.
“It's hard to put into words, but let’s just say it's a person that has been wanting to meet you for a while. I figured it was time.”
Totally not ominous by the way.
I try to bury the thought in the mind and focus on the day ahead. Without anything else on my mind, I made my way out.
My clothes for the job were pretty straight forward, running shorts and a breathable long shirt. Although it was a bit chilly this time of the year, it worked well for the most part.
There was also a handy, but rather old, watch to help me keep track of time. Rusty but it gets the job done.
The colors were too bright for my taste, but it was a gift and I was broke, so I couldn’t complain.. You know the saying, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Or well, uma in this case.
Somehow the proverb doesn’t feel that good anymore. Whatever.
6AM sharp, my day was about to start.
The sun is barely making it out by now.
Rather busy day if I do say so myself, but gotta love when time is against you.
Let’s go.
‘Do you remember anything?’
Those questions were thrown at me plenty of times the first couple of days.
Truth be told, I remember more than what I’d like, it’s a shame I can forget things at will
I couldn’t exactly explain the hows or the whys, when I’ve yet to understand them myself.
How would you go about teaching something you don't understand?
Exactly, you do not.
Even so, I don’t like lying either but one has to make exceptions to self-imposed rules from time to time.
Take it as an innocent white lie if you must.
I stuck to it once a plan had taken shape in my head. I don’t remember anything from before the beach, barely figures or shallow memories from a distant time not my own.
Paraphrasing of course, I’m sure I didn’t mention it like that.
Whatever the case, they went with it. Not sure if it was out of pity, lack of empathy or if it was a futile endeavor to them.
However, my ignorance of this world was shown pretty abruptly once certain topics were brought up.
There was no way to hide my confusion regarding those in any objective manner whatsoever. Horse girls being a thing wasn’t something I was prepared off, let alone me having anything to do with it.
They choose to ignore it, putting it on my memory loss as well. Better not to dwell on it, they said. It will come back to you eventually, they said.
I was able to get familiar with the topic rather slowly.
You can only do so much without the internet, but I had a tv and plenty of time to watch.
There I found out more about umas, their place in the world and how most of them dedicated part of their lives, sometimes brief or the entirety of it, to racing.
A peculiar thought then came up soon after.
No male umas?
Apparently yes but not quite, and that would explain all the weird looks I’ve been getting.
Male umas are a genetic anomaly as far as I can tell.
They can exist, but the chances of one being born are very, very low. The population of umas is already a minority, for males it becomes even worse you could say.
They can be born, sure. But to say some people can go their entire life without seeing one in the flesh wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration.
Of course, all of this was explained to me, in a very chill manner, might I add, by Matsuda-san himself after he offered to take care of me for the time being.
I didn’t give the proposition much thought to be completely honest. I had nothing going on after waking up. My life had a hard reset, so to speak.
I don’t feel familiar enough with this place, to even start thinking of ways to return to semblance of normality.
But… What is that again exactly?
Can’t really answer that myself.
To be completely honest, after thinking about it for some time, I think my positions it’s not so bad.
Why do I say that? Well…
Physically speaking, I’ve never felt this good before.
My body is in pristine condition, and I don’t mean I’m ripped or anything like that. But more like, I don’t feel like there’s anything wrong.
My chest, my heart. It feels clean, without issues or blocks. I can breathe freely and move as much as I want.
If anything, this could be a blessing in disguise. A really weird one, sure, but a blessing nonetheless.
But in the mental aspect, I wouldn't say I'm faring very well there.
There were plenty of moments of desperation and panic in the first few days. A realization that everything and everyone I had ever known was long ago. I was alone in some weird alternative reality.
Those moments still come from time to time.
The best I can do is push them deep into my mind, hoping they’ll go away on their own.
The road to the mountains was a challenging one, you could say. Too many curves, not enough straights, I can't speed up much unless I want to off myself by jumping into the trees.
Not a very tempting proposition but we can leave it under consideration for now.
It was 4 hours past noon, or something like that. I rushed every pending item in the list to make it on time here.
Even skipped lunch, which in hindsight probably wasn’t a good idea.
The road towards the mountains was entertaining at first, then annoying then boring. Very repetitive, a lot of zig zagging.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but at least I know now. Yay?
Something that has also been lingering in my mind is that I forgot how to ask Matsuda how long it would take me to get there.
The island isn’t too big per se, so even if I don’t get anywhere, I should at least reach the other side. A funny thought for any third party, but pretty embarrassing to me.
I’ve yet to fail a single task given since I started helping around, and I would like to keep that record clean, thank you very much.
Thankfully the answer to my predicament presented itself not too long afterwards.
At least I hope it is.
Near the road, basically to its side, there was a big opening and almost plain ground, and not too far into it I could observe a house, pretty big for the area and the first one I’ve seen in a while.
This has to be it, right?
The house had clearly seen better days, although it was built of proper material, with an imposing three floors, I could tell by its state. Painting is almost gone, tiles missing or broken in many parts, dirty windows, a couple of planks about to break apart, among many others.
I hesitated the closer I got to it, I had stopped running by now.
Could this be Matsuda-san playing a joke on me? No, I probably have the wrong house.
I stood a few meters away, staring as if waiting for something to happen.
Not like I expected something but I were to see or hear any paranormal signs coming from it, I swear to all the known Gods that I would become the fastest living being to ever live.
Then I saw it.
There was a person sitting on the porch. Very still, and looking directly at me.
“You’re earlier than expected!” A woman’s voice yelled.
Long ears and a tail, I could barely spot in the back.
“I guess old Matsuda gave you some sense of urgency.”
Full gray hair aside from a red streak running through left from top to bottom, average height, leaning on the older side, dare say close to sixty.
She stood up with ease and started walking in my direction. I remained still, still somewhat processing the situation.
Not that finding a person up here was unexpected but there was something about the setting ringed as ‘odd’ in my head.
The closer she got, the more details I could spot, she was wearing some old green tracksuit, I could also spot purple earrings on both ears.
There aren’t many umas on the island. The population itself is small, so I counted no more than four.
I guess the number went up by one.
“What’s that, can’t talk?”
She had already gotten close enough, less than a meter away. Her face was composed, her lips held the hint of a faint smile, very subtle.
“No, I’m sorry. I was just not expecting…”
“And old uma around these parts is rare I guess…. If you don’t know the history of the island.”
I wouldn’t quite put it like that. I more or less expected some type of hermit but not well… nevermind.
“Are you the person Matsuda-san told me to meet?”
She made a mocking expression, mixed with disgust, if you can call that a thing.
“Of course I am, didn’t you hear me earlier? Also, there’s no one else around, is it?”
By now she began to slowly walk circles around me, observing perhaps a bit too much for comfort.
Lady this better not be what I think it is.
She began mumbling the more seconds passed, barely audible but couldn’t understand a thing.
“I was told to come here for… Well, I wasn’t given a reason. Do you need help with something?”
She kept mumbling and walking about, eyes shifting from top to bottom, left to right at a scarily fast pace.
“Muscle could use a lot of work, but the frame is there… Nutrition is lacking by the looks of it… Hair is a mess, not much to do about that…Broad shoulders, I can work with that…”
Excuse you ma’am, but I can still hear you.
Yeah, no, she doesn’t care much about the looks of it. I guess I can model a bit more if that’s all she wants.
“Of course that old man wouldn’t tell you a thing about this, he lacks the spine for heavy topics. How he got to that position I’ll never know.”
“I’m sorry, I believe I don’t follow.”
She let out a heavy sigh.
Listen here lady, you’re not being very clear about things here, don’t you dare give me that attitude. For starters, some clarity would be very much appreciated.
“It seems being perceptive is not one of your strong suits. Fair enough, I can work with that.”
She said in an almost amused tone, by now she had already stopped walking circles at me, and was looking at me directly into my eyeballs, and I could have sworn she was somehow seeing my naked soul behind if that makes any sense.
That half grin she had on her face didn’t make me feel any better either, she clearly knew something I didn’t and I know Matsuda-san is behind this somehow.
“Rejoice Rain, you’re getting scouted and trained. Hope you’re ready.”
I beg your pardon.