Velvet Room
I blink as my eyes adjust to my surroundings, a sparsely decorated room with a desk and two couches. I sit in one, but what draws my attention are the sheets of iridescent velvet that tumble down the walls. Across sits a man with a distinctive butterfly motif pinned to the lapel of his coat. He nods at me and leans forward.
MAN: Now that you have told your story, do you remember what your purpose was?
I'm sorry, who're you again?
The man smiles.
PHILEMON: Allow me to introduce myself again. My name is PHILEMON, and I am an attendant of the Velvet Room, which we sit in. Do you remember the purpose of your visit?
I shake my head.
The memories I just narrated...don't feel like my own.
Philemon nods again.
PHILEMON: Regardless whether those memories are yours or not, they might contain a clue to your purpose, both for this visit and perhaps your identity.
He turns to the desk, and picks up some large cards and a clipboard. PHILEMON turns back to place them in his lap without revealing them.
PHILEMON: First I want to confirm if your identity and purpose are in fact one. The cards in my lap have ink blotted on them. I will hold each up one at a time, and do describe what you see.
I nod, and he holds up the first card. I stare at it, and the ink gradually morphs into the woman dressed in a blue tunic holding a snake-wound rod, the Persona I summoned before. I relay this to PHILEMON, who pauses before writing on his clipboard. He takes back the first card and holds up the second one. This time the ink morphs into a red fairy with ram-horns. Again I relay this to PHILEMON, who looks surprised before he writes. When the third card is held up, the ink morphs into the anthropomorphized flower from my memories. PHILEMON replies when I relay this.
PHILEMON: It appears that what you describe does relate to your story. Demons you named them? Perhaps this method is not as effective as working through those memories.
I shake my head.
Let me see the first card again.
PHILEMON obliges and as I stare at it, an image of the girl named TSURUSA overlaps with the ink. My ears ring and vision blurs.
PHILEMON: Are you okay?
I remember...the Wild Card. I need to see those cards to remember more.
PHILEMON nods.
PHILEMON: I will hold up the inkblot cards whenever you need them.
I relax.
PHILEMON: Are there any positive memories? With the same characters and setting.
I ponder, and hear the sounds of waves crashing against the shore. Bewildered, I turn to see the velvet walls sway like the glistening currents of an ocean. I turn back to PHILEMON, and begin narrating a new memory.
Daytime 1
TSURUSA and TAIYO stood together on the beach. Another girl named KINSHU joined them on that hot summer day.
KINSHU: I'm so ready for fun times today! Who's gonna join me for beach volleyball and melon breaking, TAIYO-senpai, TSURUSA-senpai?
TAIYO: I'm still your opponent for the former! But are you ready to get beaten?
KINSHU: Ha, AKUMA-kun & I beat you last year, and we'll beat you again since we're still lighter & younger than you!
TAIYO: H-How rude, for your information I've been watching my weight, and shouldn't you start watching yours too?
KINSHU: Ehh, am I really starting to look too fat for a swimsuit?
She casually tugged at her slim stomach and stuck her tongue out.
TSURUSA: ...Don't worry, you look cute in your swimsuit.
AKUMA, SHIKUN, and another boy named TAWA emerged over the bluff carrying supplies. AKUMA slid down the loose sand behind the girls, and served the beach ball he was carrying towards KINSHU, which she deftly caught.
AKUMA: Ready to hear TAIYO and TAWA-senpai "gusugusu" when we beat them again?
KINSHU: "Gusugusu"'s right, once you two leave for college we'll be the reigning champions of the beach!
TAIYO: Good grief, do you have anything to say to that TAWA-san?
TAWA replied while assisting SHIKUN to set up a tent.
TAWA: Certainly, they are implying our teamwork, or lack of it, has cost us games in the past. Therefore I recommend withdrawing from any more games, to preserve both our dignities and tempers.
TAIYO: Shut up, at least I'm not a coward. Say, if TSURUSA-san can join us then could we do three on three? Want to join us SHIKUN-san?
SHIKUN paused momentarily and looked up, to the annoyance of TAWA.
SHIKUN: Thanks for the offer, after I'm set up here the net you brought will be next.
TAWA adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat before turning around.
TAWA: Since none of our parents are in attendance, I certainly would expect us older ones to attend to responsibilities. Of course TAIYO-san, if your ladyness should fall outside of such mundane duties, then it shall be duly noted for the future.
He smirked as TAIYO visibly stiffened then looked away.
TAIYO: I-I'm grabbing the net from your truck, don't worry about it SHIKUN-san!
She ascended the bluff and ran off.
TSURUSA hesitated.
She was about to follow TAIYO, but KINSHU placed a hand on her shoulder first. Grinning, KINSHU turned towards the bluff and ran off as well.
KINSHU: I'm coming too!
AKUMA gave TSURUSA a once-over.
AKUMA: How well do you play volleyball? Like I want you on my team but…
TSURUSA nervously laughed.
Everyone finished setting up and gathered around. TAIYO nudged TAWA in the ribs, who winced and stepped away.
TAIYO: Hey hey, I figured now would be the best time to ask. Especially since we've been together to the beach for years.
TAWA: What…?
TAIYO stepped back and pulled a surprised KINSHU closer by the waist. Then she smirked.
TAIYO: How do we look?
TAWA stiffened then audibly tisked.
TAWA: Fine, about the same as every past summer.
KINSHU pouted while TAIYO shook her head and feigned outrage.
TAIYO: What, I thought you knew how to talk to ladies like us! Just give us your honest opinion.
TAWA gritted his teeth and readjusted his glasses.
TAWA: I would rather not fall for the obvious trap, but I suppose I have no choice. I am frankly repulsed at having to form an opinion on my attraction level to two of my cousins.
Everyone else cringed.
But TAIYO facepalmed instead.
TAIYO: Don't think of it as how attracted you are to us...just, tell us how well you think we prepared to present ourselves. Am I right, KINSHU-chan?
KINSHU: Ehh, maybe TAWA-senpai's just being polite, seeing that one of us is naturally prettier and younger than the other.
TAIYO nudged KINSHU'S ribs while the latter recoiled and played innocent. TSURUSA and SHIKUN shared weary half-smiles, but TAWA shook his head in exasperation.
TAWA: Tch, what should I think of when answers to this sort of question are stigmatized as insensitive? Besides comparing you two, since yes there is a difference in age…
KINSHU: Aha, you do see us differently! Wait...does that mean you have preferences?
TAIYO: Oh, is TAWA-kun blushing? This is a sight to remember!
TAWA turned his reddened face towards SHIKUN and snapped.
TAWA: What are you smiling for? Can you say something to please them?
SHIKUN: Huh well, maybe my opinion doesn't mean much, but I think both of you spent a lot of time preparing to present yourselves so confidently.
KINSHU: ...Thanks SHIKUN-senpai, I don't hear that often from people.
TAIYO: I wonder why someone else couldn't say something as simple...?
TAWA: Perhaps because you expect me to waste my breath on gratuitous flattery?
They glared at and stepped toward each other, SHIKUN and KINSHU attempting to calm each respectively. AKUMA simply grinned.
AKUMA: Aren't we forgetting to compliment one present lady?
Everyone suddenly noticed TSURUSA, who shifted her eyes.
TSURUSA: Sorry, I wasn't trying to ignore everyone…
KINSHU: Actually, I'm sorta jealous of TSURUSA-senpai.
TSURUSA looked up dumbfounded. TAWA sighed and turned away to clean his glasses, while SHIKUN left to attend to the tent.
TSURUSA: Uh why?
KINSHU: That's your natural appearance isn't it? Wow, if I had your body type, I could grow so much stronger and compete with the boys in sports! Especially those broad shoulders, they're like a boy's too!
TSURUSA narrowed her shoulders and covered them with each hand, embarrassed yet smiling.
TSURUSA: Oh stop it, my parents tease me enough about my shoulders.
TAWA: Oh…
TAWA had put his glasses back on, momentarily mesmerized by TSURUSA. He cleared his throat as TAIYO held back her snickering, but SHIKUN interrupted as he came back.
SHIKUN: I guess this means we're ready for our activities today?
KINSHU: Yeah, surf's up TSURUSA-senpai, let's go!
She grabbed hold of TSURUSA and they took off running into the waves, laughing and splashing themselves along the way.
SHIKUN: Guess we're holding off on beach volleyball. How different has this time at the beach been for you?
TAWA: What remains the same rather are insults by TAIYO-san, otherwise I am content with the turn of events.
TAIYO: Heh, so am I. Who knew one newcomer could make this village feel alive again? Though not counting you out SHIKUN-san, welcome to the party!
She ran off to join the others in the water, and TAWA put away his glasses before he and SHIKUN dove in as well.
In the midst of splashing, TSURUSA noticed AKUMA was missing.
She emerged from the water and walked back to the tent, where she found AKUMA rummaging through supplies. He paused to look up at her.
AKUMA: Oh, you know I was thinking...I was right to guess you'd look great in a swimsuit.
He grinned as TSURUSA crouched before him smiling menacingly.
TSURUSA: So are you really here looking for something, or just sneaking peeks at us girls from a safe distance?
AKUMA: Well besides admiring your youthful looks, I was wondering if I'd ever get to witness those scenes again.
TSURUSA frowned unimpressed.
TSURUSA: You're overthinking it. Just, you know, enjoy the moment for its worth.
She blushed slightly, but AKUMA wore a somber look as he refocused on the supplies.
AKUMA: I mentioned before I wanted to travel the world, visiting all the beaches and like. I'm not sure if I'll enjoy them all the same as I grow older. Maybe it is better to lower my optimism now, even if I need it to survive the rest of my time in this village.
TSURUSA: You said it yourself already, this place is a shithole. Even here apparently.
She spread her arms for emphasis, causing AKUMA to chuckle.
AKUMA: If you'd have seen the paradise prints in travel magazines, it'd wash out the beauty of this beach in your eyes too. Over there in the distance, an artificial island with some ugly looking power plant sticks out bad, really discourages me from swimming far out-aha, found it.
As TSURUSA turned her head to try locating the landmark AKUMA mentioned, he finally pulled out a water gun from the supplies, and shot her in the back. TSURUSA whipped back around, and lunged at him in mock rage. AKUMA dramatically stepped backward, then the earth crumbled beneath him.
TSURUSA reached out to him, and they managed to grab each other's arms.
They fell through the hole and landed at the bottom, coughing from the dust and impact.
TSURUSA: AKUMA-kun, are you hurt anywhere?
AKUMA: Like, everywhere…
They raised their heads to find themselves in a mist-filled cavern, and squinted ahead.
AKUMA: Do you see...-
TSURUSA: -...a vault door?
The metal, round door loomed in the distance, and as TSURUSA & AKUMA glanced at each other in apprehension, OROCHI'S familiar hiss echoed through the depths.
Velvet Room
PHILEMON nods at me and leans forward as I finish narrating.
PHILEMON: Do you feel closer to your purpose?
I shake my head, and he nods again.
PHILEMON: Then I will not question your purpose anymore until you say your answer. That being said, I have another exercise to work through with you. I will say a single word at a time, and do say what comes to mind afterwards.
I nod.
PHILEMON: Demon.
Ink, Wild Card, boy.
PHILEMON: Boy.
SHIKUN, AKUMA, TAWA.
PHILEMON: Persona.
Woman, demon...no, devil.
My ears ring and vision blurs. PHILEMON looks concerned.
I'm okay. This new memory has someone called the Devil Child. It takes place before my first story.
I begin narrating.
Morning 1
TSURUSA became wide awake, her pupils dilated and breathing heavy. She pulled the bed sheet over her head.
TSURUSA: Just a dream, it's just a dream, go back to sleep, not afraid of any dream…
She heard the shower turn on next door, and groaned. TSURUSA instead kicked back the bed sheet and rolled onto her side.
TSURUSA: AKUMA, that's someone I've never heard of before. Those masked people too...yet why do they feel so familiar?
Her face reddened as she realized her fingers were rubbing together, as if locks of hair ran through them. TSURUSA buried her head in her pillow to calm down.
TSURUSA: Might as well make Father breakfast after his shower…
She pushed herself from the bed and lowered her feet to feel for slippers. Then TSURUSA strode over to slide open the lavender curtains.
Stepping out of her bedroom, she crossed the living-dining room to the kitchen.
TSURUSA'S FATHER opened the hall door as she set the chabudai.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: Already up this early during vacation?
TSURUSA: Good morning, I didn't sleep well. I made breakfast, would you like me to warm your convenience store food?
TSURUSA'S FATHER: Thank you, but I'll eat what I bought cold. Let's eat together once you're ready.
TSURUSA nodded and walked back to her bedroom to start her morning routine. When finished she sat down to eat opposite her father.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: Couldn't sleep comfortably in this house?
TSURUSA: I was just restless, thinking about things. Like how lonely OBASAN is until our vacancy next door gets filled.
Her father smiled.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: No need to worry, I gave her our landline here, so expect a call soon. Anything else?
TSURUSA looked down at her food.
TSURUSA: ...Why couldn't you leave me in Tokyo for my last school year?
Her father sighed.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: I know it's upsetting that you won't graduate with your friends, but next year you can return. I want us to stay together as a family, even if we entrusted you to OBASAN most of your childhood, because your mother and I would never want to live apart from you.
TSURUSA bowed her head.
TSURUSA: Sorry…
TSURUSA'S FATHER: It's okay, you'll be going to school in the city of Semaimizumi. I suggest you take a tour if you're already up, the bus starts running in the next hour.
TSURUSA: Guess I'll visit my new school, do you have directions there?
Her father shook his head.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: We'll go together to enroll you later. Enjoy yourself, this is just a new life experience out of many to follow.
TSURUSA finished eating and stood up.
TSURUSA: I'll be going then. Enjoy...sleeping during daytime.
Her father laughs.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: I'm still getting used to this too.
TSURUSA walked around to hug her father, before returning to her room. Moments later she exited the house dressed and made up, and walked down the street to the bus stop.
TSURUSA boarded the next bus down the main road into the southern farmlands.
At the next bus stop, she noticed a boy whose face was hidden in shadow. He boarded and nonchalantly fed the fare box. His head flipped up to reveal himself as AKUMA. TSURUSA stared at him in shock, and as the bus restarted in motion he stumbled forward, catching her staring. They stole glances at each other, and she gripped her clothes in hesitation as AKUMA grabbed hold of a seat. Suddenly, he gasped.
AKUMA: You must be the doctor's daughter that just moved here!
He stared intensely at TSURUSA, who met his eyes.
TSURUSA: Y-Yes, how did you find out?
AKUMA: Whoa, seriously...word really does get around this tiny village. Why'd you even move here?
TSURUSA: My parents decided to...
AKUMA: Don't you have your own reason?
TSURUSA hesitated, and he slid into the seat in front of her.
AKUMA: Where are you from?
TSURUSA: I don't know you, so why are you asking me these questions?
AKUMA had an annoyed expression, but kept quiet. Minutes passed, before he turned away from TSURUSA.
AKUMA: Like I said Mutsumi is tiny, and word passes between old hags-I mean housewives, faster than where you came from I bet...
TSURUSA turned to face the window, and watched the elderly farmers in the rice fields as she passed by. AKUMA muttered to himself.
AKUMA: I have errands to run, so I can't give a tour of Semaimizumi or anything…
TSURUSA: I'll be better around a city than a village anyways but thanks.
AKUMA: I didn't mean to say that out loud.
He shrugged. The bus finally stopped at the city station, and AKUMA departed. He turned around to face TSURUSA as she also stepped off the bus.
AKUMA: The name's AKUMA, I'll be around the village if you need me. It's been nice meeting you!
He turned and started to walk away, waving farewell behind him.
TSURUSA: Him, huh…I should've introduced myself, why was I so rude?
Evening 1
Back home, TSURUSA opened the hall door to find her mother cooking in the kitchen. They politely greeted each other, then TSURUSA returned to her bedroom before supper. As she ate, TSURUSA'S MOTHER questioned her about what she did in Semaimizumi. TSURUSA answered but focused on her food, then set down her chopsticks after a brief silence.
TSURUSA: Mother, did you have a reason for moving here?
Her mother set down her chopsticks and folded her hands upon her lap.
TSURUSA'S MOTHER: I thought it would be an opportunity to gain experience working in a rural setting. Is that a question you want to ask yourself?
TSURUSA: Yes…
Her mother closed her eyes for a few seconds, then opened them.
TSURUSA'S MOTHER: Sometimes the reason doesn't come from yourself.
TSURUSA: How come?
TSURUSA'S MOTHER: Your father and I discussed this after he first received the sponsorship offer. One of the major factors in our decision was how ready you're able to take care of yourself. If we had left you in Tokyo, we would've had to tell your relatives. Your father thought one year living in a new place would solidify your understanding to be an adult, and I believe him.
TSURUSA: Oh...I think I understand.
Her mother smiled.
TSURUSA'S MOTHER: I'm considering you for a part-time position at the hospital. Perhaps you're ready for an extra commitment before applying to medical school.
TSURUSA: Thank you Mother, I'll do my best.
They picked up their chopsticks and resumed eating.
Nighttime 1
After supper, TSURUSA prepared to go to sleep in her bedroom. Instead of drawing the lavender curtains, she opened the window to view outside, only to find a maple tree in the way.
TSURUSA: The view could be better…
AKUMA: The view is better from down here.
TSURUSA nearly jumped when she heard his voice, and looked down to find him standing by the tree.
TSURUSA: H-How did you find where I live?
AKUMA: I take walks at night sometimes, when the moon is out. So I pass by here a couple times-umm, were you expecting me to?
TSURUSA: No, but I was expecting to see you another time...
AKUMA: What for?
TSURUSA: To introduce myself...and to answer your previous questions.
AKUMA: Oh, well hold on a sec. Lemme come to you.
He climbed out of the shadows up the tree, while TSURUSA anxiously glanced back and forth between him and the living-dining room window. AKUMA stopped at the branch level to her view.
AKUMA: This is close enough.
TSURUSA relaxed, then locked eyes with him.
TSURUSA: Then, my name is TSURUSA. I moved from Tokyo to here to experience something new. I miss parts of my old life, but there were parts that I'm happy to move on from. If I can fill in those parts by meeting new people and trying new things, I'd have no regrets growing up.
She smiled.
AKUMA: Wow, Tokyo...care to exchange your experience with me? I'm also interested in sharing new things with new people.
TSURUSA: Sure, but another time. It's getting a bit late.
AKUMA searched his pockets.
AKUMA: Then...I didn't bring my phone, but would you write me your number?
He pulled out a slip of paper, and handed it to TSURUSA.
TSURUSA: Hmm, why should I?
AKUMA: Umm, it would be more convenient than finding me around the village, and...
TSURUSA: Next time, call before you surprise me under my window again.
She went back to her desk to write, and came back to the window to hand the slip back to a flustered AKUMA.
AKUMA: ...Thanks. I mean, see you?
He flashed TSURUSA a brilliant grin. She smiled back.
TSURUSA: Yes, see you later!
AKUMA jumped down from the tree, and waved farewell. TSURUSA watched him melt away into the shadows, before closing the window and drawing the curtains.
Evening 2
TSURUSA was sitting and eating at the chabudai opposite her mother, when the phone rang. Her mother stood and picked up the phone, greeting the caller before handing it to TSURUSA. She stood up as her mother sat down.
TSURUSA: Moshimoshi.
OBASAN: Ah TSURUSA-chan, I can hear you again!
TSURUSA: OBASAN, should I worry that you're going deaf?
OBASAN: That's terrible, my hearing is just fine.
TSURUSA giggled.
TSURUSA: Has anyone moved into our old apartment yet?
OBASAN: Yes, and they made such a racket, I've hardly slept the past few nights…
TSURUSA: Sorry...have you been feeling lonely?
OBASAN: ...Yes, a little. Don't worry about me, I'm already too slow to keep up with a young lady like you.
TSURUSA: OBASAN, you don't have to keep up with me. I'll always come back to visit you when I can.
OBASAN: Ah...you sound just like your father. He'll be proud to have raised a future doctor, with as much conviction as he had for his past patients.
TSURUSA: OBASAN…
OBASAN: Sorry for dampening your spirit, enough about my past. Is your new home comfortable?
TSURUSA: Yes, and the village has plenty of residents you could get along with, if you want to visit.
OBASAN: Hmm, maybe I will. But aren't you bored as a young lady living there? Where will you be going to school? Semaimizumi isn't too far, is it?
TSURUSA: OBASAN, you don't need to dote on me like a small child anymore. I'll be going to school in Semaimizumi, it's only a bus ride away. Once I graduate, if I get into the same medical school Father and Mother went to in Tokyo, we'll be living close to each other again.
OBASAN: Very well, just as I had my own life experiences, you have yours to make. So spend your time wisely, and get to know some new friends your age, that's my advice for you.
TSURUSA: Thank you OBASAN.
OBASAN: Anyways, if it's not too much trouble, I'll be calling your household once a month. My new doctor's young and doesn't seem to know enough, so I'm keeping your father unofficially.
TSURUSA: You can admit you want to talk with me more too.
She heard OBASAN laugh.
OBASAN: You can call me back as well.
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast been bound to I...
It shalt be a mutual exchange of opportunities for both of us to grow...
With my proposal of the Hermit Persona, thou art closer to the future you believe in…
TSURUSA talked some more, then walked over to hand the phone to her mother.
Evening 3
TSURUSA was walking home when she noticed a woman talking to AKUMA on the street.
WOMAN: I'm uncertain whether or not I can effectively tutor you on high school subjects…
AKUMA: UNMEI-sensei, whatever you know is fine, I just want to be taught by you again. Oh I know, how about I give you a shoulder rub in exchange, you always looked so stiff in class.
UNMEI: AKUMA-kun, it's unscrupulous to appeal to any base needs…
AKUMA: So what? There you go on again about desires...
UNMEI: I just don't think I'm the appropriate person to approach for these matters.
AKUMA: Sensei, why are you making this sound so complicated? I just want to spend some time with you, while improving my studies. Doesn't that sound carefree enough?
He greeted TSURUSA as she passed by.
TSURUSA: Uh hey...
UNMEI: If you'll excuse me…
UNMEI walked off.
AKUMA: Oh, that was my old teacher, not one useful for high school though.
TSURUSA: I see…
AKUMA: Hey, do you want a tour of the village? It's not as up to date as the city, but I can show you some sweet spots that I'm willing to share, unlike with others.
TSURUSA: Um, sure. I have some time before supper.
They walked down the street to the village square. AKUMA cleared his throat and pivoted towards TSURUSA as he walked backwards.
AKUMA: Here we've arrived at the square, heart of Mutsumi Village and a bustling center of activity.
He flourished his arms to the left.
AKUMA: To your left, various shops and services are available to residents, of worthy note the much esteemed Mutsumi Bar. Its history goes back at least half a century, and no more than two, depending on how outrageous the barkeeper feels towards tipsy customers that night.
TSURUSA: We're not allowed inside the bar, right?
AKUMA: The barkeep doesn't mind actually.
He winked at TSURUSA before pivoting back around. AKUMA continued to walk forward keeping an eye on her, and caught her attention with another flourish to the right.
AKUMA: To your right, our one and only open air market is open from dawn to dusk, with the freshest produce grown right in our farms. On a particularly good day, you can hear the "gayagaya" of hicks and hags all the way from the border.
As they passed the open air market, a farmer called out to AKUMA from behind a stand.
FARMER: Oi AKUMA boy, why weren't you in the fields today?
AKUMA waved the farmer off.
AKUMA: Today was my day off. Didn't feel like helping either. Got a problem with that?
FARMER: Yeah I do, didn't seem like you were off the hook, when your family has been looking for you all day.
The farmer approached AKUMA and roughly grabbed his shoulder.
FARMER: I worked my butt off for yours, and SHIKUN did for his mother, while you must've flirted with this chick all day. Got anything to make up for it, Devil Child?
AKUMA batted away the farmer's arm, but the farmer grabbed his collar next, so he flailed and kicked their shins, making them recoil. Before the farmer could wind up a punch, TSURUSA stepped in between and slapped their hand away from AKUMA'S neck.
TSURUSA: Stop it! I only just met up with AKUMA-san, and I don't know what he was doing earlier today. But you think punishment will make up for the work he owes? Is there no one else to hold him responsible, other than you hurting him?
TSURUSA looked towards the market stand, where SHIKUN had been witnessing the fight with a resentful look. He sighed and called back the farmer.
SHIKUN: It's not our place to deal with him, only his family should. Let's finish packing up here and go home.
TSURUSA and AKUMA turned to leave as well, the latter rubbing his neck while his face was hidden in shadow.
TSURUSA: I should be going home too...excuse me.
AKUMA: Wait...please.
TSURUSA hesitated then closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them with an edge in her voice.
TSURUSA: It seems you have something urgent to talk with your family about first.
AKUMA: I can make this quick, just come with me to the east end. Please.
In the east end of Mutsumi, TSURUSA and AKUMA sat down on a wooden bench.
AKUMA: My family, the KINSHU...they expect a lot of things from me. I hate it all, so I run away. I run to others instead, especially newcomers like you. My relatives, and those dumb hicks and old hags, I've never gotten along with anyone who represents this decaying village. To hell with anyone who thinks I'm stuck being a poor farmer in the future, I'm leaving this shithole someday.
TSURUSA: ...I'm sorry.
AKUMA: You too, huh...
He forced a chuckle. TSURUSA turned to him, her voice gentle.
TSURUSA: Please don't laugh at yourself.
AKUMA: What am I supposed to do?
TSURUSA: Stop running away.
This time AKUMA added an edge to his voice.
AKUMA: ...And play right into my family's planned future?
TSURUSA: Do you think they, or anyone else sees the village the same way you do? Like me?
AKUMA: What kind of question is that? How am I supposed to know what you think?
TSURUSA: I told you before, I moved here to meet new people and try new things. The same reasons you had when you introduced yourself and gave me a tour, right?
AKUMA: ...I should've clarified what I meant by "new things" that night. Nothing in this village should be exciting to you, city girl.
TSURUSA: AKUMA-san, you're new to me...I mean, the experiences in life I've enjoyed come down to the people I've been with through them. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt again if you or I can help it. Please don't do yourself wrong by putting down your life here.
AKUMA stood up, and gave TSURUSA a genuine, bitter smile.
AKUMA: I guess that makes sense.
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast been bound to I...
It shalt be a mutual exchange of opportunities for both of us to grow...
With my proposal of the Devil Persona, thou art closer to the future you believe in…
AKUMA walked away, TSURUSA looking after him before leaving for home as well. She received a text from him along the way, "TSURUSA-san, sorry for leaving like that. The moon is beautiful tonight."
Morning 4
TSURUSA was exiting her house when she met AKUMA on the street. He looked nervous.
AKUMA: My family is holding a wedding reception tonight, and some of the invited guests won't make it.
TSURUSA: That's unfortunate…
AKUMA: So now we're opening it, to have each family member invite one more...if one can make tonight.
TSURUSA: ...Thank you very much for the invitation, I can make it.
AKUMA relaxed.
AKUMA: Jeez, how awkward was that? I gotta act formal tonight as well.
TSURUSA: If you'd said anything less, I probably would've refused. Do your best!
AKUMA: Thanks, please be at the border before evening, so I can escort you to our estate.
He bowed like a gentleman, winked, and walked off.
Evening 4
TSURUSA and AKUMA walked through the gates of the KINSHU estate, flowing with the other guests. Spacious courtyards and gardens accommodated for their tables, seats, and a buffet style dinner. A KINSHU relative behind TSURUSA and AKUMA spoke.
RELATIVE: TSURUSA-san, go ahead and eat. AKUMA and I will return.
She took AKUMA into the central building. TSURUSA went to get food, and listened to other guests talk about their families, lives, and the economic recession. Finally she stood off to the side.
KINSHU: You're AKUMA-kun's guest right?
TSURUSA turned to face the girl talking to AKUMA before. Her expression was neutral.
TSURUSA: Yes, sorry.
KINSHU: A seat was reserved for you, follow me.
TSURUSA followed her to a table with three empty seats. She waited for KINSHU to let her know which was hers, but upon not receiving an answer she touched the middle one. Immediately KINSHU grabbed TSURUSA'S hand, and pulled it to the right seat. KINSHU innocently smiled.
KINSHU: The middle's mine.
TSURUSA: Excuse me…
AKUMA later joined them to the left of KINSHU. They sat down as the bride and groom entered from the central building. Everyone quieted down as introductions were given by a Shinto priest. Then the bride's and groom's families gave speeches, followed by the other present family, TAIYO'S and TAWA'S, heads. Between the cheers and laughter, the bride and groom returned to the building to change into sun and moon kimonos respectively.
Morning 5
TSURUSA stepped out of her bedroom and into the kitchen. Her father had left a note stuck on the fridge.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: "Out today, childbirth!"
Evening 5
TSURUSA was walking home when she noticed a small crowd by the TAIYO estate. She walked closer, and heard excited whispers about the TAIYO family's newborn baby. Then MR. TAIYO exited the compound behind the main one, arms outstretched in his white garment like wings, meeting the crowd in the park between buildings.
MR. TAIYO: We have been blessed – with a boy!
The crowd erupted into cheering, praying, and singing. TSURUSA'S FATHER soon after left the estate, exchanging farewells with MR. TAIYO. He noticed and waved to TSURUSA before joining her.
TSURUSA: I could see how excited you were for today, just from your note.
Her father smiled as they walked to the hospital.
TSURUSA'S FATHER: I'd been anticipating this, since the mother first let the hospital know of her contractions. The choice of home birth I admit was unusual to me however.
TSURUSA: How exciting was it compared to when I was born, hmm?
TSURUSA'S FATHER: Well, the only difference was I didn't personally deliver you from your mother. Though it was around the time I'd been studying hard to become an obstetrician, so I would be able to deliver cuties like you were.
TSURUSA blushed and looked away from him.
TSURUSA: Hey, what an embarrassing job to have, Father.
She giggled, and her father laughed with her.
Evening 6
TSURUSA had departed the bus at the village border, when AKUMA rode up to her with two bicycles. He panted before speaking.
AKUMA: Jeez, couldn't catch the bus, when I had to pull another bike along.
TSURUSA: One would think the bus could've carried both for you…
AKUMA: Anyways, one of them is for you.
TSURUSA pointed at herself in surprise.
TSURUSA: Huh, it's not like I need to get somewhere faster…
AKUMA: It's fine, I borrowed it for tonight. I wanna show you a spot up in the hills. But first, let me rest a bit.
TSURUSA made a show of thinking, then nodded. She and AKUMA walked the bicycles together down the street, TSURUSA briefly entering her house. Then they began cycling up the main road, across the village square, and into the northern hills. The main road eventually transitioned from pavement to dirt, and along the way they passed the TAWA estate. Just at the summit, AKUMA stopped for the view. TSURUSA rested her bicycle next to his, and gazed down upon the village.
TSURUSA: Not bad at all...wow, I didn't realize how big the village really was until now.
AKUMA: Yeah, but I usually come here whenever I want to feel significantly taller than anyone. From up here is like we're on top of an anthill.
He pointed down at some houses by the base of the hill.
AKUMA: I can see some of my childhood haunts, where those old hags crawl around. There's Old Hag 1, Old Hag 2, that's Old Hag 3 and her pitiful old man-
TSURUSA guiltily half-smiled.
TSURUSA: Have those poor elderly really done anything wrong to you?
AKUMA: Ehh, mostly they're just annoying. They're good for nothing but gossip and nagging, plus they make these dumb stories, like how a woman has more babies on a full moon.
TSURUSA forced herself not to giggle.
TSURUSA: R-Really, you shouldn't make fun of them like this, you're horrible.
AKUMA sidled up and looked at her.
AKUMA: About the moon, it changes all the time right? It waxes and wanes, from full to new, and around again. I can't stand the same boring sun rising and setting everyday, since that just means another day of sweat and tears. But when you take the time at night, to check out the face of the moon, you realize that your life has gone through phases, its ups and downs.
He held TSURUSA'S hand, and reached out with their arms towards the moon.
AKUMA: You get me? We could be peasants and servants one phase, but next we would feel like kings and queens! And so on through time...oh, sorry.
He released TSURUSA'S hand, yet she looked at him.
TSURUSA: It's okay.
She looked away blushing. AKUMA'S hand formed the okay sign around the moon and grinned.
Velvet Room
PHILEMON nods at me and leans forward as I finish narrating.
PHILEMON: The Devil Child, AKUMA, may be one of the clues to recover your purpose. That being said, the situation with the boy named SHIKUN comes next in chronological order, am I correct?
I nod.
PHILEMON: We are unfortunately out of time for this session, but do come back with another memory if possible. Well then, I shall see you later.
He smiles. I stand from my sofa, walk out the door, and fall into the infinite abyss.
