Notes 1: I read the Howl's Moving Castle book somewhere in January 2020 and decided I may as well use that knowledge for the Spring Event.
I also watched the movie, since the theme is Ghibli, but — like most adaptations — there are some differences and this fic is going to vary. I went into the movie thinking I was going to identify myself as Sophie and her 'I'm getting old' jokes, but I think I'm the dog. Can't walk up stairs, knows about people's drama, can't breathe and wheezes every 5 seconds because of asthma; I relate.
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numb your heart's desire
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i
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She stumbles through the door, the feel of the steel doorknob is gripped in her calloused palm and her walking boots are covered in mud.
"Uh, um," Chitanda swallows as she walks in, her now free hand flies to rest over her heaving chest. There doesn't seem to be enough oxygen to fill her tired lungs, it's taken her forever to walk up the hill.
The inside of the house is simple and furnished — a pair of armchairs are pushed by an open hearth brick-stone fireplace; half of a dining table is occupied with clear jars, crystals and leather-bound books which are stacked up against one another; dried flowers are tied upside down on twine; old picture frames are hung near the stairs; and a work-bench at a corner is covered by permanent-looking stains.
Chitanda plays with her dark hair, the one pulled into a long braid, and looks around for someone to speak to. She calls out, "Excuse me?"
"Hello,"
A new voice says to her, seeming to have materialised from thin air. The greeting yanks Chitanda's shocking violet eyes to a young man — he's smiling at her, sat at one of the armchairs.
Chitanda blinks. What? When did he get there?
"I'm Satoshi Fukube, I work here, how can I help you?" He asks, sounding cheery and accepting.
Chitanda eyes the other armchair, the one beside this Fukube fellow. She wishes to sit on it. Her feet hurts and there would be nothing better than to plop herself on soft cushion. But she knows she has to appear presentable. Even if it may be hard to achieve, Chitanda doesn't think she looks all that neat. It can't be helped; her skin is covered in sweat and cheeks flushed red, her straw hat had done little to help shield her against the sun.
She makes her way closer to Satoshi and asks, "Are you the wizard? Can you help me?"
"In what way?"
There's something in the way Satoshi is staring at Chitanda — there's a glint behind his eyes, a flash of mischief and something else; something burning, like a small spark of fire. Chitanda can't put her finger on what such a stare means, but she's curious to know.
She opens her mouth and almost asks when the front door swings open — doorknob turned to colour orange. In walks Wizard Houtarou Oreki with his hands full of grocery bags, his signature cape of pink and grey triangles swishes behind him.
Houtarou doesn't even notice Chitanda until he looks up and his green eyes land on her muddy appearance. His bored expression is replaced with shock and interest.
"Who are you?" He asks.
"Chitanda. Eru Chitanda." She curtsies and the hem of her long skirts brushes the floor slightly. Then she says, "You're the wizard who owns this place, right?" because the cape is a dead giveaway.
Houtarou does not return her pleasantries with a low bow. He looks like he wants to tell her that they don't do any of those fanciful things in this humble home, but doesn't. Instead, he turns to Satoshi and asks, "You let her into the house?"
Chitanda feels her chest tightened once more. Are people not allowed in the wizard's house? Is there supposed to be some kind of window for her to peek into and ask for help? Some kind of over-the-counter access to buy spells stored in medicine jars and remedies in slim bottles?
"I did," Satoshi replies, showing teeth. There is no pause in his answer.
"Why?" Houtarou blanches, it makes Chitanda squirm. The last thing she wants is to upset the wizard.
Satoshi does not offer an answer, only showing Houtarou more of his wide smile. A second ticks by of Houtarou frowning.
Not wanting the conversation to die or go down an awkward road, Chitanda makes her way towards Houtarou, grabbing onto the sleeve of his cape with urgency. Houtarou takes a step back, alarmed by Chitanda's boldness. His hands clutch onto his groceries like a life-line.
"Can you help me?" Chitanda pleads.
"Did Satoshi promise you that?" Houtarou looks about ready to shake off Chitanda's hold on him.
She retracts her hand from Houtarou, realising his discomfort. "N — No, Fukube-san didn't say anything. He barely managed to introduce himself before you walked in. This business you've set up is quite well-known, I've heard a lot of chatter about it. You as well are well-known, Oreki-san. So I'm assuming you provide some guidance. This place, it's for helping those in need, isn't it?"
Houtarou takes a moment to study Chitanda before he sets his bag of groceries on the dining table and decides what to say back.
"I am the owner of this space, and — yes, I provide magical aid," Houtarou replies. His answer is rushed, like he wants to get this conversation over and done with. If I have to do it, then I'll make it quick. "I don't know why Satoshi allowed you to enter the house, but, if you need anything, just ask —"
"Oh, thank you —!"
"— Satoshi."
Wait. Just ask Satoshi?!
Chitanda wants Houtarou to reconsider, but it's obvious from Houtarou's body language that he's brushing off their little chat.
"I am a very busy man. Satoshi can attend to you, I'm sure he can lead you towards some kind of elixir or enchantment or whatever it is that you need."
Chitanda opens her mouth like earlier, eager to say so much, but she can't. She can't, because she's under a curse. And though it may not look like it, it's powerful and she needs to get rid of it! "Is Fukube-san also a wizard? Can he conjure spells as well, because what I need is not something that can be sold?"
Houtarou stops, blinking slowly in response, then lets out a low hum. "He's not a wizard per se, he's …" Houtarou trails off, not sure how to explain himself.
"I'm a wizard's assistant," Satoshi answers cheerfully.
Houtarou's face screws up, but he does not protest. "Sure," He mutters airily, already turning away from the conversation. He's set on the idea that Satoshi will provide his support to Chitanda.
"W — Wait!" Chitanda manages when she sees Houtarou ready to walk out the door yet again. "Please, I'm desperate! Oreki-san, you're the only magical being I know." She says, trying to find a way to hint at the wizard; she hopes he's good at catching these things, these small details.
Her large eyes chances at him and her hands snag at his clothes once more. She's pleading. Houtarou only stares back, his green eyes flutter in response. He seems in a daze. Perhaps he's surprised that his mundane day of errand running is turning into something else?
Chitanda prepares herself to say everything on the tip of her tongue; but nothing comes out. Oh, how she hates being unable to speak her mind!
"I …" There's a pause from Houtarou.
Chitanda doesn't add anything and Satoshi studies the duo, watching carefully.
"Sorry," Houtarou apologises and shakes his head to clear his mind. "If you're only looking for me to learn magic, I don't take apprentices. I already have my hands full with Satoshi and an impending deadline."
EH? Did he completely miss the point?
"Wha — N — No, that's not —!" Chitanda tries again but loses her confidence, the curse is making her tongue-tied.
Her grip around him tightens in frustration and there's a moment of silence.
"If you want," Houtarou says after a beat, perhaps feeling sorry for Chitanda and her inability to talk. "I know a witch, she lives near-by. There is no portal my door can take to her cottage, but she may be able to help you."
Chitanda brightens a little, her fingertips retracting from him again. "Really?"
"Yeah," Houtarou shrugs then decides, "We'll visit her now."
"N — Now?" Chitanda stutters, she's still out of breath from her ascending walk.
"Hmm, but I'll make it quick."
"I —!" She supposes this is happening now. Chitanda beams. "I can't thank you enough, Oreki-san!"
Houtarou's eyes lingers on Chitanda's face for a bit before he turns away from her. "Satoshi?" Houtarou says, as if handing the commands to the smiling man.
"I got it. You don't have to tell me twice." Satoshi says then looks into the fire pit and positions himself, like a driver steering an automobile.
Satoshi displays his skill and his magic. The ground beneath them shakes and the wizard's house rises; sprouting sturdy chicken legs below. The floor teeters. Ornaments placed on the tables, shelves and the four corner walls fall and shatter.
Houtarou lets out a low effort curse at the broken objects. "I'll have to clean that up later. I don't have time for this nonsense," He mumbles, glancing at a picture frame with its glass cracked.
Satoshi lets out a chuckle as he concentrates, bringing the house to its destination.
"What —?" Chitanda begins, swaying in confusion and on the verge of losing her footing. She clutches onto the nearest stable thing she can reach, which isn't much, but still, Houtarou is better than nothing.
"It's okay," Houtarou reassures, though he himself is stiff from Chitanda's touch and close proximity.
They stay like that until the house stops moving.
;;
"Aren't you coming, Fukube-san?" Chitanda asks when the house settles itself near a small cottage in the woods.
Satoshi only offers another grin. "I would like to see Mayaka, but alas, this is a business trip and I wouldn't want to oppose."
The reasoning sounded mature enough, but Chitanda can't help but feel something amiss. She can't shake the feeling off.
"Well," Chitanda fiddles with her braid. "Well, if you say so."
"I do," Satoshi reassures, but Chitanda can't help but feel it is a lie.
;;
Mayaka grows an assortment of greenery on her land; fruits and flowers and Solanaceae — tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell and chilli peppers. Black witchy dresses hang under the heat of the Summer sun to dry and vines crawl up the walls. On her roof, there is a garden of Adonis; small plants bloom inside even smaller baskets and shallow pieces of broken pottery. Mayaka could be anywhere on the acre of land.
"Oreki?" A voice calls, causing Houtarou and Chitanda to angle their heads upwards.
"Yo, Ibara."
There is no more to be said after that, the small witch climbs down the ladder from the roof of her home, ready to attend to her unexpected guests.
Mayaka invites the two inside; feeds them bread and butter, then chases the meal down with tea of dandelion fluff and four-leaf clover roots. The cottage is cluttered in an organised way, and full of colour and wonder. Floating candles light places sunbeams cannot reach.
"Thanks,"
Mayaka makes a humming noise to Oreki's gratitude before making a motion to ask what the duo needs from her.
Houtarou speaks, "Chitanda-san is looking for an apprenticeship, I was wondering if —"
"No, that's not it," Chitanda interrupts Houtarou's explanation.
"Huh?" Houtarou utters, his mouth falling open and his face twisting in a manner that said, So we walked all this way here for nothing?
"I —" Chitanda stumbles between watching Mayaka's roaming eyes, Houtarou's expression and the pouring of hot tea. "I never said I knew how to do magic."
"Oreki, I can't believe —!" Mayaka begins but doesn't finish her astonished reprimand. Actually, she can believe his tomfoolery!
"I, I just said," Chitanda reaches for her cup, her tea too hot to drink. "I just said you are the only magical being I know and that I —" Chitanda stops, forbidden from saying anything further.
Mayaka notices the drop in Chitanda's tone. She puts down the tea pot and says, "There's no point asking help from this idiot, he can't even read the room right,"
"Hey,"
"But, at least, he's not wrong to the reason why he thought you wanted an apprenticeship. You have potential, Chitanda-san." Mayaka says in a matter-of-fact tone.
A candle flickers, and Chitanda inhales sharply. "What do you mean?"
"Magical beings are able to recognise one another, there's a certain feel to it. You do have magic, I can't pin-point what kind, but from what it seems; perhaps you have an ability to enchant things with your words or your eyes or maybe your touch. Unknowingly, you've put a spell on Oreki, there's no other explanation. You've somehow persuaded his lazy self to personally help you with whatever grievances you're facing."
Houtarou frowns at the statement made, but doesn't say anything. Chitanda doesn't utter a word either. What can she say to that?
"I wouldn't mind, you know?" Mayaka continues.
"Pardon?" Chitanda's grip around her cup tightens.
"I wouldn't mind taking you as an apprentice." Mayaka clarifies.
Chitanda's dumbfounded.
No. No, this conversation is going in an entirely different direction. Chitanda doesn't think she could ever imagine a greater misinterpretation. Mayaka's misunderstanding and Houtarou's just sitting quietly, sipping his drink. Is no one able to recognise Chitanda's curse? Will she be doomed forever? These are the horrible thoughts that run around Chitanda's brain.
She should refuse the offer. She almost does.
But then Chitanda rethinks the decision. If no one here is able to see what she really needs, then should she take the apprenticeship and undo the curse herself? Does she have the power to do such a thing? The skill? The patience to learn how to cast and break spells?
"How long will the apprenticeship take?" Chitanda inquires, not wanting to get too ahead of herself.
Mayaka puts a finger to her chin, thinking. "Well, I can't give you a solid answer. It varies from person to person. But given that most magic folks learn the basics of sorcery at a young age and you lacking such knowledge, it could take some time. Maybe even a few years?"
Years? Chitanda's face pales.
"Like I said, it all depends on how determined and hardworking you are. Oreki moved at a snail's pace, but he managed." Mayaka states, just as Houtarou throws her a disapproving look. Mayaka ignores it, "If he can do it, then I'm sure you can too."
Chitanda idles in her thoughts, absorbing the information given to her. There doesn't seem to be any cons to this agreement. It could be beneficial to her in a long run. But what sort of sorcery does she have to master to undo whatever powerful spell that's fallen on her?
"So I'm a witch?" Chitanda inquires instead.
Houtarou takes a long sip of his drink.
"Well," Mayaka answers, "If you want to be a witch, then yes, you can be one. From what I can tell, you have potential, Chitanda-san. It's clear as the sky is blue, but I don't know much about you yet. I don't know where your strengths lies or what you lack, so I really think the apprenticeship will do you some good."
Chitanda looks down at her cup, thumb circling the rim, then she says quietly, "I'll have to think about it."
;;
"You're under a curse, aren't you?" Satoshi asks when Chitanda walks through the front door alone.
She stops in her tracks, and a feeling squeezes behind her throat, like all the air in her lungs escaped as Satoshi reveals that he knows the truth. The powerful enchantment cast upon Chitanda forbade her from telling anyone she was under such a bewitching, but it didn't forbid her from talking about it once the person acknowledged the said curse.
"So, you know?" Chitanda gasps, her slim fingers covering her mouth. She wishes Wizard Houtarou was here to listen and learn about her circumstance; maybe then he'll be able to help her. But he's still at Mayaka's cottage, away from the news and away from the house.
"Yes, I can see it." Satoshi replies.
"See?" Chitanda repeats as her purple eyes sparkle with curiosity. "How?"
"I have my ways." Satoshi utters, a spark of mystery ignites behind his stare. His irises look more orange than brown.
"Do you know a great deal about magic too?" Aside from managing the moving house, that is.
"More than you'd think I do!" Satoshi says, a little boastful then puffs up his chest. "With the power I possess, I can conjure up all sorts of spells! I can even use it to help you! You seem like a nice person who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I'll make you an offer, Chitanda-san. A promise, if you must."
"You will?!" Chitanda exclaims. Does this mean that she doesn't need to hint at Wizard Houtarou or accept Mayaka's offer to become a witch?
Satoshi starts nodding. "Of course, of course!" He pauses. "I promise you I'll undo your enchantment — in an instant, in a flash, just like that — if you break the contract that chains me to my current circumstance."
The happiness on Chitanda's face is instantly stolen. "E — Eh?"
Satoshi only tosses Chitanda another grin then speaks, "It's a simple deal, really. You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."
The look on Chitanda's face tells Satoshi that she's taken aback, maybe even lost to how to respond.
"You see," Satoshi begins, dropping his flashy appearance. His smile is now gone. "Even I have to admit it's quite a spell you're under, it won't be easy to break. I can do it, but I can't exercise all my magic right now. I wish I could do whatever I like, but I'm limited. I'm bound."
"Bound? To what?"
Satoshi pauses, as if mulling over what to say, or perhaps how to say it. "I cannot move from this house."
Chitanda feels her shoulders knot. "But this house is Oreki-san's, isn't it? He said he's the owner."
"He did." Satoshi confirms.
"Did Oreki-san trap you here?" Came Chitanda's question, now nervous.
"I suppose you could say that, but it's nothing malicious. I'm under a contract. I'm obligated to take care of this place."
"So you can't step away? Not even a foot outside?"
"Not even a foot." Satoshi echoes. "I haven't been out in years."
She bites her lower lip. "What you said earlier, about not wanting to follow Oreki-san and I to Mayaka-san's cottage, was it an excuse?"
"Yes, I'm sorry." Satoshi looks genuinely sheepish.
Chitanda continues munching on her lip. She doesn't know who to trust. Satoshi seems willing to lie to her while Houtarou has chained this poor man to a building.
"Did you know you'd seal your faith like this when you entered into the contract with Oreki-san?" Chitanda asks.
"Yes," Satoshi replies. "At the time, I had entered into it willingly. The conditions were mutually agreed upon, but now …" His voice dips, sounding sad, however the blue moment does not last long. Soon Satoshi's usual grin is back on his face. "Now I think opportunities call me elsewhere. And I think you can achieve that for me."
Chitanda wrinkles her nose at the bold proclamation, it causes Satoshi to chuckle.
"The answer is simple really," Satoshi says. "It's Mayaka."
"Mayaka-san?" Chitanda echoes, her brows knit together in confusion. She's lost. "I understand that Mayaka-san is a powerful witch, but what does that have to do with me? What can I do? How can I —?"
"If there is a will, then there is a way." Satoshi interrupts. "You shouldn't be doubting yourself or asking what you're capable of. Oh, no-no." Satoshi waves a finger in the air like he knows best. "The only real question you should ask yourself is: Do you possess enough skill in magic to help our situation?"
"Are you telling me to learn magic?" Chitanda blanches.
"You already know magic, Chitanda-san, what you don't know is how to cast it. I overheard what you said back at the cottage, that you do not possess the ability —" What? How did he know? When did Satoshi hear this? "— but that is untrue. Mayaka's right, you do have a natural talent for spell casting. Houtarou will not take you as an apprentice, but Mayaka is willing and I think you should seize it."
Chitanda doesn't know what to say to this offer. So far, three people have considered a hidden talent she didn't know she possessed; told her they were willing to lend her a hand; give her a nudge towards her full potential.
"I can help you make arrangements to this new life, I can walk the house to Mayaka's cottage when she decides she is free to teach you." Satoshi continues. "It would be fitting to stay with Mayaka, however, I would like to keep you close so that you can catch the clues on how to break my contract. I cannot reveal the ways to undo it, but I will do my best to drop hints."
Chitanda absorbs the information tumbling out of Satoshi's clever mouth. It's like he's memorised all the right words to say just for a moment like this.
What should she do?
On one hand, what Satoshi is offering sounds too good to be true! She's tempted to ask a billion questions. She wants to know exactly how this will go, the inside and out. Chitanda wants to pick Satoshi's brain and see the whole picture.
On the other hand, though Chitanda is willing to put her back into the apprenticeship, she knows it'll be difficult to trudge on if there's no true encouragement. Satoshi seems to be the only person who understands her. Strangely, she feels kin to him.
Plus, his proposition could literally shave years off her! A cure that'll come in a matter of weeks or months sure sounds better than doubting herself and spending forever praying for a miracle.
"So," Satoshi extends a hand; his gesture inviting, fingers curling with glee and wrist thin. "Are you up for it? Do you like mysteries? Do you think you can solve mine?"
.
.
.
"Chitanda-san has something to say to you, Houtarou," Satoshi says when the wizard returns from Mayaka's. "Go on, Chitanda-san," Satoshi hums, as if coaxing a child.
"I'll be taking Mayaka-san's offer on that witch apprenticeship." Chitanda utters to Houtarou, her voice small and thumbs twiddling.
"Oh, that's good —"
"Also!" Chitanda says, her input like a bullet in the air. "Also, I would like to stay here."
Houtarou raises a brow. "... Here?"
"Yes," Chitanda replies with a nod.
"Why?"
Then, without missing a beat, Satoshi speaks on Chitanda's behalf. "Because I told Chitanda-san about you."
"About what?"
"You. Or more specifically, I spoke about your hardships while you were under Mayaka's apprenticeship." Satoshi lies, because there was, in fact, no time to mention nor discuss this!
Chitanda barely had time to agree before Houtarou walked back into the living room. They don't even have a plan, they're playing this by ear, acting like little demons.
"Don't you remember how intense your own training was?" Satoshi continues, putting on an act for Houtarou. "Didn't you tell me that Mayaka would often give you so much work to do that you couldn't even take an afternoon nap? You wouldn't make Chitanda-san stay with Mayaka, would you? Mayaka can be so strict! Living here would give Chitanda-san a little more freedom!"
Houtarou frowns. "Ibara's only strict with me,"
"That's untrue, she treats me the same." Satoshi replies.
Houtarou casts a look at Satoshi that Chitanda can't read, "That's because Ibara isn't very fond of our association with one another."
"Don't be like that, Houtarou, think of poor Chitanda-san! She's come all this way, have a heart! You don't know Chitanda-san's life story!"
"Do you?" Houtarou questions back, impatience etching itself on his features.
"Well, no, but Chitanda-san might be in dire need! If you allow her to stay, she'll have all the time in the world to tell you everything about herself!" Satoshi replies.
"I don't have the time nor energy to listen,"
"I'm well aware, but —!"
"But what?" The wizard's left leg starts shaking.
"It's convenient!"
"Convenient?" Houtarou's shoulders do not ease. "Convenient for who?"
Satoshi's voice clips a little, he manages to utter, "Chitanda-san, of course!" but it doesn't sound as convincing. So he continues rambling on about something else, until he finishes with a "Think about it, Houtarou!"
But it's clear from the look on Houtarou's face that this is the last thing he wants to do. He doesn't want to expand his energy beyond this invisible limit he's created for himself, so Satoshi sinks back into his armchair.
It looks like Satoshi's decided to not speak anything further about the topic. Houtarou knows he won't get another comment from his friend. When Satoshi wants to avoid answering a question, he can do so for a long time, he's very good at dodging. Arguing with Satoshi can feel like running in circles.
So Houtarou turns to face Chitanda and asks, "If I let you stay here, what will you do?"
Chitanda's eyes widen. Is Houtarou asking for payment? She doesn't know if she has enough money to pay for the uncertain amount of nights to occupy the place. Actually, she isn't even sure if she has any money at all, there seems to be a gap in her memory. Likely from the curse.
Even if she did have any coins, she doesn't know if there's space for her to sleep, much less a spare room to occupy. Houtarou is right, what will she do in her spare time? How will she make it up to him?
"Um," Chitanda's gaze flickers to the groceries still left at the dining table and the bits of broken glass on the floor. An idea pops in her head. "You said that you were busy, weren't you, Oreki-san? Something about a deadline?"
"Yes, I have something coming up. What about it?" Houtarou answers skeptically.
"What if I do your chores for you? That way you'll be free to do whatever you please. I can buy groceries and clean. I'm very fond of cooking. Please let me stay. What's better than coming home to a clean house and a warm meal?" Chitanda wills everything into her proposition.
Houtarou pauses, considering the weight of Chitanda's words. He looks like he's fighting to resist the offer but makes the mistake of shifting his green eyes to her lovely face.
Chitanda's gazing intensely at him again, willing everything into the seriousness of her tone and her plead. "Please. Please,"
Houtarou's expression does not change, though there is an air to him that tells Chitanda that he is struggling with indecision.
For a while, there is silence, then Houtarou lets out a loud sigh, "There are two bedrooms in this house, one is mine, but the other is unoccupied, you can take it."
Chitanda begins beaming. She's ready to link arms with Satoshi and rejoice, celebrate in this scheme they've created out of thin air, before a thought occurs to her. She asks, "Is the other room Fukube-san's?"
"No," Houtarou answers shortly. He sees Chitanda having the liveliness and curiosity to inquire more questions, but he only has a certain amount of energy to give. So he quickly says, "Don't bother haggling. It's been such an eventful day, it's best you go to bed now and rest, tomorrow Ibara will teach you whatever it is you wish to learn. Good night."
Then he turns towards the stairs, taking one step at the time. After such a speech, Chitanda figured the wizard would want to hurry off to bed, but his efforts is slow and sluggish. His pink and grey cape moves almost as lazily as himself.
And when Houtarou disappears and the sound of a door shuts, it's a signal to Chitanda that there will be no more conversations until the next day.
"I guess that's that then." Chitanda whispers, more to herself than anything.
But before she follows Houtarou's example and travels upstairs, Chitanda turns to Satoshi. Against the flickering light cast by the fireplace, his face could rival a sly fox's.
"I didn't take your bedroom, did I, Fukube-san? Where will you rest for the night?" Chitanda asks, not wanting to steal anyone's space.
Satoshi does not turn away from the amber fire crackling against the wood. "Don't worry, I have a place to sleep, it's just not somewhere you'd associate with. Most human beings won't even think twice of it."
;;
The spare bedroom is filled with crafts and belongings. There are women's clothes in the wardrobe and foreign knick-knacks on the shelves. Someone must have previously lived here, Chitanda wonders who.
A part of her wants to look around, but it's been quite a day and she's exhausted. It doesn't really concern her, the occupancy is a small feat compared to her current issue, so she tosses it to the back of her mind and changes into a nightgown that's about her size.
And once she's in bed, she glances upwards at what seems like a mural of falling stars, painted on the ceiling. It must be enchanted because it glows in the dark and brings her some comfort. Before Chitanda falls asleep, she tells herself she must find a solution to break not only her curse but also Satoshi's contract.
;;
Notes 2: The chicken legs are from an old folktale called 'Baba Yaga', of an old witch who has a house that walks on giant chicken legs. Fun fact: I like pet chickens, and this may be why I included this detail instead of the metal legs spoken in the book/movie.
Notes 3: While I was editing this, I realised I wrote 'triangle squares', do I even know shapes lol? I didn't trust myself after that so I used the 'read out loud' tool on Microsoft doc to check for errors, and every time 'Fukube' was read aloud, it said 'Fu-cube' and I just wheezed each time. I'm not serious enough of a person to be wielding a Law degree.
— 17 March 2020