"You're not going to eat? It's your favorite", Reigen asked his little protégé and friend as they both sat by the kitchen table for breakfast.
The boy had been quiet all morning and it was starting to make Reigen uneasy. Of course Mob was fairly quiet every day, but this morning had been quiet even for his standards.
Reigen had actually tried to make omelet rice today and somehow even managed. It was a bit charred but it hadn't stopped the boy from chomping the thing down last time either. This morning though, half an hour had already passed and Mob hadn't even touched his meal, just poked it around a bit to make it seem like he had.
Mob simply shook his head, turning a page in a book he was skimming through.
The boy had taken a liking to picture books and had even learned the meaning of a couple letters. He was currently going through an animal encyclopedia Reigen had borrowed for him when they had visited the public library yesterday.
Mob had been staying with Reigen for four days already. The two had done all kinds of things together during this short time.
At first Reigen had introduced the boy to ramen and all kinds of other foods. They had both had a huge stomach ache the next day. Mob had to be introduced to stomach medicine soon after.
They had departed late that afternoon and went to the zoo and aquarium nearby. Mob had absolutely loved the aquarium, watching the colorful fish swim by for a very long time.
The two had also visited the amusement park. They had rode both the train and the bus on the way there. Mob had been nervous the whole trip but he had slowly warmed up to the speedy rides and great amount of people. He had gotten a cotton candy as well, so it made everything all good.
Yesterday they had gone shopping. Mob still needed some clothes and such and Reigen wanted the boy to decide. He also wanted to get Mob toys and books. Mob was only a boy, after all. He had never had toys and even with his body being that of a 14-year-old's and his mind even older, a good plush or toy blocks would never get old.
The girls at Reigen's usual second hand store had all fallen in love with the boy. They had sat him down on a plush chair and showed off all kinds of toys. In the end, they left with a teddy plush, some building blocks and a puzzle. Mob didn't really know what toys were used to, so those were also a safe choice. It was also gentle for Reigen's wallet which was on a serious diet it seemed.
"Is everything alright? Is your stomach upset? I can get you some meds if you'd like. I could make tea as well. It might help" Reigen continued with the questions, even feeling Mob's forehead for a fever. There was none, but the boy almost seemed paler than usual. He had dark circles under his eyes as well.
"Fine", Mob mumbled again, staring at a picture of an elephant. He tried to figure out how such a thing could exist.
"If you say so, just tell me if you feel worse. What should we do today?" Reigen took the plate away, putting it in the fridge for if the boy wanted to eat it later. He was really worried. Mob had never said no to a meal. It was unheard of.
Mob shrugged. He didn't have an idea for today. It was useless for Reigen to ask. The boy didn't know the possibilities.
Reigen shrugged as well and went to sit on the sofa, turning on the TV. Guess this day will be a lazy one. They might as well stay home if Mob wasn't feeling well.
To be honest, Reigen was getting quite tired as well. The constant running around and doing something new every day didn't quite fit his lazy lifestyle.
Mob stood up and joined the man watching the morning news. He sat on the sofa and leaned his body to Reigen's, closing his eyes. Mob let out a sigh and settled.
The duo didn't move from the sofa the whole morning. They just lazily watched whatever was on and rested. Even a commercial about vacuums would do when there was seriously nothing else good on the TV that early in the morning.
Mob had fallen asleep where he was resting his head on Reigen's shoulder. A small snoring sound came from the boy with the occasional mumble or snort. Mob didn't move when he slept. He was dead still.
Reigen let himself close his eyes as well. A small nap wouldn't hurt anyone. He'd set an alarm or something.
The sound of the TV was a calming noise in the background as the two occupants of the apartment slept on the sofa. It was surprising that Mob didn't wake up to the man's loud snoring. It almost shook the whole room.
Reigen woke up groggy, scratching his head. He had no idea how he had ended up lying on the sofa but there he was. Last time he had been sitting up. Reigen checked his phone to see that they had slept around two hours instead of the couple minutes he had had in mind. Well, this was supposed to be a lazy day. This was a good way to begin.
Mob was lying on top of the man's legs, a string of drool wetting the pants. He was still sleeping peacefully, not even stirring as his makeshift mattress moved.
"Oi Mob, wake up. Time for dinner", Reigen carefully poked Mob's head, hoping to wake the boy up as gently as possible. He would order something in and he wanted to know what Mob wanted. Pizza sounded good.
But the poking was of no use, Mob didn't move.
"Faking it? Get your butt off the sofa", Reigen huffed as he rapidly poked the head again, "You must be hungry already. Get up and we'll eat something. I'll get you something you like."
But Mob didn't move. He didn't even seem to hear what Reigen had just said. Mentioning food usually got the kid to at least perk up.
Reigen was getting worried. The boy was usually easy to wake up.
Living in the forest, evading predators and other danger had made Mob a very light sleeper. A twig snapping outside would make him lift his head up from the pillow and see if there was any apparent danger.
Reigen had almost pissed himself one night when he had found Mob standing in the dark hallway. The boy had been listening to something in the darkness. Possibly a neighbor or someone walking by.
Reigen had told the boy to never do it again. No one could get into their apartment. There was no need for wandering around in the dark. Mob would only hurt himself by bumping into a dresser or something.
Mob had learned and there hadn't been such a meeting since.
Reigen finally decided to shove the boy, albeit gently. He ended up doing that twice and almost pushing the boy off the whole couch.
Still, the boy didn't wake up. He did mumble something under his breath though, giving Reigen some hope. At least the boy was alive and breathing. Other than that, he didn't move.
Reigen didn't know what he could possibly do in this situation. A hospital was out of question. There were no documents on the boy at all and bringing him into a hospital would only cause a fuss. The police would definitely get involved too. Reigen and Mob didn't need that.
Dimple. Dimple was the only one they could go to. The spirit was bound to know something. And if not him, then the many other spirits living in the forest. They had been with Mob the longest. They knew the boy much better than Reigen ever could.
Reigen ran to get packed for the journey. He'd need to carry the boy and although the boy wasn't heavy, he was dead weight. Reigen wasn't an athlete either. He had never been.
The man ran around the apartment, throwing a blanket on Mob to at least keep him warm. The backpack was soon ready and Reigen looking for something he could secure the boy onto his back with.
The people would definitely stare, but Reigen couldn't care less this time. Mob's life could be in danger. There was no point in worrying about appearances now. Getting Mob back to Dimple was the main goal here.
Reigen carefully lifted Mob onto his back, tying a couple belts onto his midsection to keep the boy from falling. At times like this, the man wished that he had two pairs of arms instead of one. He was struggling and Mob was sliding down with each move he made. The boy's neck would definitely be sore when he finally woke up.
Reigen put his backpack on the front, giving Mob more room in the back. They looked massive, like a tank. Moving like that must feel like one too, slow, heavy and clumsy.
Reigen didn't have the hands or the time to tie his shoelaces properly. He only threw on his jacket, kicking the door open and running down the stairs and outside the apartment complex.
Reigen nodded to his landlord when they met in the stairs. The look the man had given him was really something else. Reigen would definitely have to explain this later, in great detail.
Reigen pulled out a GPS he had prepared this time. He wasn't going to get lost with cargo this valuable to carry.
It still took Reigen almost an hour to only walk to the edge of the forest.
He was sweating and panting by the time he sat down to take a small break, placing Mob down on a soft mattress of moss. He took a large sip out of his bottle and wiped his forehead.
The boy still hadn't stirred. He quietly slept on even as he was moved around.
Reigen had once even dropped the boy, managing to prevent a hit to the head with inches to spare. A by-passer had given them a dirty look before continuing with their way. Reigen had only managed a shy smirk back before pulling Mob up and hurrying off himself.
"Reigen?! What are you doing here?" it was Kinoko.
Like a blessing she had come. The little spirit could guide them right to Dimple.
The spirit then noticed Mob and the state he was in. If the spirit would've had any eyes, they would've been filled with dread or glaring at Reigen in question. They had entrusted Mob to the man. How could the situation end up like this? It hadn't even been a whole week.
"What did you do?" was the only thing the spirit asked, pressing a hand to the boy's cheek. Something similar to motherly worry could be seen in the spirits form. It shook and the movements were stiff and forced. It was clear that the spirit would've just wanted to hug the boy and make it all better if she could.
"I did nothing! Absolutely nothing! Mob was feeling unwell this morning and then he just shut down!" Reigen explained, waving hands in front of him. He was guarding himself from a spirit's fury. God knows what curses the little one could cast.
Kinoko gave the man one more doubting glare before turning her attention back to the boy. They shouldn't argue like this. Mob needed help.
"We need to get going", Reigen voiced what both of them had in mind, watching the spirit agree with a small nod.
Kinoko had magically called other spirits which were now helping Reigen carry the boy, still asleep and dead to the world. The spirits had stopped to inspect the damage to their friend, then, as Kinoko had done, stared at Reigen before finally helping.
The atmosphere of the whole forest had suddenly changed. It was almost as if the temperature had dropped a few degrees as well.
It was awkward for Reigen. He had done absolutely nothing to make the boy like this. He was innocent.
Or he would be, until proven otherwise. The spirits, and because of that the whole forest, were all clearly thinking that the man had done it. In a way or other, it was the man's fault.
And out of the frying pan, into the fire. The group came to Dimple's gave
Reigen didn't remember it being this big and ominous. The entrance of the cave was like a pitch black hole leading from the lush green forest right into the depths of hell.
Kinoko walked right in, waving Reigen to follow which the man did, slowly. He was carrying Mob all by himself again.
The smaller spirits had scrambled, fearing the powerful spirit of the forest. They all also knew that Dimple wasn't going to be pleased and would definitely unleash his anger on something nearby. They weren't going to risk being one of those objects.
The walk seemed longer than usual as well. Reigen's feet felt like jello by the time the group made it to the end of the cave. He was sweating and panting again as well.
Dimple was lying on a pile of leaves and moss, the bed Mob had made him. The green body rising and falling as the large beast breathed. The air ruffling the dried herbs hanging nearby.
He didn't seem surprised to see Reigen back so quick but what got him to stand up was the sight of his protégé limp on the man's back. The eyes dilated and the ears perked up, the whole body now clearly awake.
Dimple slid his long body off the bed and dragged it to the trio before they could take another step. The sound of the scales rubbing against the stone floor was the only sound in the whole cave. The long body rose high, looking intimidating. Dimple brought his nose close to Mob and let out a long breath of air, ruffling the boy's hair.
Reigen was still. It was like the most intense game of Statues ever. Reigen hoped that he wasn't losing this round. Dimple was quite good at this. He should become a pro.
The cave was just as it had been when the two had left.
It was apparent that the spirit's large form had knocked over a couple things. Some of the dry herbs hanging on the walls were now down on the ground and some of the bedding had been messed up.
Dimple stared at Reigen for a while before letting out a small growl and taking the boy from the man. Dimple carried the boy onto his bed, taking the small form carefully into his mouth.
Reigen had read from somewhere that Golden Retriever dogs could carry uncooked eggs in their mouths without breaking them. He couldn't help but think that the spirit looked just like one of those dogs right now. He was so careful with his mouthful of razor sharp teeth.
Not even the clothes on Mob were wrinkled as Dimple put the boy down and nudged some blankets on as well to keep his protégé safe and warm.
Guess the spirit could be gentle and caring when he wanted to. Judging by the way the spirit then turned to Reigen, the spirit had just run out of whatever that had been. Dimple's eyes were ice cold and like stone as he lowered his head to Reigen's level.
"What did you do?" Dimple asked, sounding almost bored. Like he had known this would happen.
"I did absolutely nothing! I swear! Why does everyone think that it's suddenly my fault?" Reigen tried to protect himself again and shook his head as he took a careful step back only to be met with Kinoko's calculating gaze.
Dimple huffed, "Of course you didn't."
He sounded very doubtful and it didn't help with Reigen's anxiety at all. The man was near pissing himself now, wishing that he could just turn around and run. He couldn't leave Mob though, so he decided to muster all the courage he could find.
"I didn't! That's the truth and nothing else!" Reigen crossed his hands over his chest.
The spirit was stubborn, refusing to belief the simple truth.
"I know you didn't", Dimple finally told Reigen, smiling a bit. The row of teeth glinting in the light of the cave as if ready to bite into the man in front of him.
He had really given the man a scare and enjoyed it quite a bit. Fear was the tastiest thing there was and the man was radiating it.
"See?!" Reigen turned to Kinoko.
The spirit only shrugged, finally letting the subject drop. If Dimple said it, then it must be the truth.
"It was party your fault though, so don't get all calm and such" Dimple wrinkled his nose.
Reigen and Kinoko both turned to face the spirit, hoping for answers. Kinoko wanted to know if she could punish the man or not and Reigen wanted to be right for once. How was Reigen innocent and guilty at the same time?
"Mob is a spirit. I have told you that much", Dimple began, carefully curling his long body around the boy's bed in a protective wall.
"I guess you have. Yes", Reigen nodded.
"And you've noticed how much energy is in this forest itself", Dimple continued.
Reigen nodded. The forest was pulsating with energy. It was apparent even to him, a normal person.
"Mob is a part of this forest as much as the other spirits are. He is alive because of the forest."
Reigen had his hand on his chin, clearly trying to make sense of what the spirit was going on about, "So you're telling me that Mob is like this because I took him out of the forest?"
"You're getting there, human", Dimple nodded, "You took Shigeo away from his life source. How do you think a boy can live for hundreds of years?"
Reigen nodded in understanding. So it was like taking oxygen from a flame. The flame would burn as long as there was still oxygen present in the space but as soon as the flame had burned out its life source the flame would flicker and die.
Reigen had taken Mob, a boy who was part spirit, away from a forest full of spiritual energy. He had taken Mob away from his life energy. As soon as the boy had used up all his energy, he simply stopped moving.
"But what can we do? Will Mob die?" Reigen had to ask.
Mob looked so lifeless just lying there. And although some color had already returned to the boy's face, he still was unsettlingly still. The slow breathing was the only sign of life still present in the body.
"Shigeo will not die. He isn't as weak as that", Dimple growled. He had lived with the boy for centuries. He was bound to get attached and couldn't tolerate anyone dissing his boy.
Reigen shook his head. No, he didn't mean it like that. Papa spirit could keep from biting Reigen's head off, thank you.
Dimple turned his head towards the boy and brought his nose close, the whiskers touching Mob's face. He was checking to see that the condition hadn't worsened. Yes, Mob was on the way to recovery.
"Shigeo will have to become a human", Dimple finally admitted, sounding almost disappointed. Maybe it was fatherly affection, maybe it was something else, but the spirit didn't seem that pleased with the outcome.
"Become a human? How is that possible?" Reigen had to ask. He couldn't see how that would be possible or even work.
"You'll see", Dimple told him, taking Shigeo into his mouth once more with the same care as seen before. The spirit then turned his body and began walking towards the cave's exit.
"Follow me", Dimple nodded.
Kinoko jumped onto Reigen's shoulder and the two followed the spirit out, only hoping that wherever they were going, Mob would get better.
