Her head dipped and swayed with the steady rocking of the train. Beyond the frosted windows the brick, mortar, and glass buildings of sprawling Tokyo were a blur. A sudden jolt along the rails shook the car with a thud. She toppled over, crashing into Eli's shoulder. The faint din of chattering voices echoed through the dark of her conscious. With a groan she slowly opened her eyes. The voices became clear, and all too loud. A soft touch brushed against her hand in her lap. She was tickled by the scent of modest sweet perfume. It conjured the taste of chocolate on her tongue. Her words left her with a sleepy rasp.
"Elicchi, that tickles a little."
"The train woke you up didn't it? Don't worry there's still some time."
"It's too late, I can hear everyone having fun."
The others sat waving their hands and gossiping with fervor. Their noise added to the buzz of the crowds piled around them. From between the strangers, she spotted Honoka and Umi inspect the detail on their vibrant kimono. Kotori sat beside them with a proud smile. She sat up and sighed as Eli laid down her head in turn.
"Soon it'll all be over, Elicchi."
"Let's enjoy this year left with everyone by working harder then."
"A part of me doesn't want it to end. But nothing lasts forever."
"We can still be friends as a group, somehow. We can find a way."
Nozomi hesitated.
"I suppose so."
"Now, it's my turn to nap."
"Hey!"
The city continued to zip past as a sheet of snow fell. Their hands interlaced and tightened before Eli slipped into sleep. Nozomi smiled. She felt her eyes grow heavy again but shook her head. In moments that crawled past, the train finally came to a halt. The brisk air that rushed through the opening doors sent chills up her spine. She tapped Eli until there came a groan as she stirred. The others leapt to their feet.
"We're here darling it's time to wake up."
"Nnn, ok…"
The walk descended into a trek across the wind beaten streets. The bright lights in windows and traffic eerily poked their fingers into the night. Snowflakes dusted their hair and clung like burs onto their clothes. Like a pack of penguins the nine of them huddled for warmth. The clattering of their teeth snuffed out any words. She winced as Eli held her hand with a vice like grip. While the others stuck their eyes forward, she kissed her cheek. She spoke in a whisper.
"Bear it a little longer, it's not too far."
"Mhm."
Her steps grew sluggish, her breath fogged up her vision. Her brain swelled as her face grew numb. Suddenly a cheerful shout echoed off the alleyways. She lifted her head as her ruddy ears perked. Honoka marched ahead with her chest puffed in defiance. A bounce sprung in her step. As she swayed her arms, her reddened face gave her the look of a screaming newborn. She burst into song.
"Aren't our feelings right now mysterious? Like they descended from the sky, I'll show you the heart pounding color of this special season!"
The others trained their sights on her in bewilderment. Honoka beamed and waved. Above the roar of the wind she shouted.
"Everyone! Let's sing while we walk!"
They glanced amongst themselves and slowly built a mumbling chorus. Maki discreetly clapped a beat on her hands. One by one, they formed a crude rhythm. Their voices began to chant then rose.
"Since we first met, the melody of my heart has played joyously like a premonition. It can't be stopped, will not stop, why not? To reach you, shall we not give a name to this lonely feeling? Snow halation!"
They stamped up the stone steps of a steep hill. The song reached it's warbling crescendo as they climbed. The steps dragged on and on, melting Nozomi's toughened legs to burning jelly. Beside her the weight of Eli's grip vanished. Her breath caught in her throat as she stopped singing. Whipping her head around, she found Eli with her arms thrown back, her eyes like saucers-slipping on ice. Not a thought came as she instantly seized Eli's dangling scarf, then yanked her left arm close. The troupe continued ahead until Rin frantically shouted,
"Stop! Nozomi and Eli fell behind!"
Eli panted and stood hunched over, clutching her chest. Her body trembled under Nozomi's firm touch. She bent down and wrapped her arm around Eli's back. The frigid air grew painful to breathe. She spoke into Eli's ear.
"Are you alright, Elicchi?"
"…Yes…I didn't even see it."
"Eli! Eli what happened?!"
Niko's cry fought with the howling wind as the others waddled down the steps and gathered around. Their eyes were wide with freight. Their chilled breath fogged the frowns they wore. She pulled Eli toward her side and looked up.
"She slipped on some hidden ice. I grabbed her before she could fall. It's alright everyone!"
"Nice catch Nozomi!"
"I'm fine, really. Let's keep walking."
The moved along at a cautious snail's pace before finally reaching the top. Bustling crowds were crammed into each other like sardines. They silently moved in sync like a hive mind sprawled about the shrine. At the altar came the violent clang of the god's bell and the clapping of hands. People's forms appeared then disappeared as they bowed. The sound of coins and bills bouncing into the offering box formed a quiet song. She sighed and smiled. Her hand held Eli's with care.
They maneuvered without a word through the masses. The wind tossed up her hair. The bare trees, crooked and spindly, shook their empty branches. An indescribable sensation raced along her spine. Her words were taken, her thoughts were billowed and scattered. Her blood tingled. The air grew heavy as a weight bore onto her shoulders. She tread carefully like an awed child. From the night sky lit up by dozens of warm lanterns, she felt the eyes of gods.
In quick succession they piled behind a shifting line. The queue stretched from the steps to the water pavilion. The massive stone bowl housed numerous spouts at its center. A moat of running water filled the remaining space beneath. The structure sat under cypress pillars pained a brilliant vermilion. Gold inlays along their crowns depicted intricate flowers with each petal detailed. The high roof was tiled in forest green clay. Strangers stepped in and out one by one like ants. Along the edges of the water bowl were wooden ladles lined in a row.
The seconds ticked by, a few hushed conversations filled the room. Her friends voices rose to match the lantern light splattering the dark. She turned and glanced at Eli. Her eyes gently widened as her heart stopped for just a moment. The soft lantern glow dyed Eli's hair with a golden tint. It highlighted her pale skin, turned ruddy by the scathing cold. Her bangs messily hung limp over her forehead. The calming blue of her eyes caught the glimmering light as if stars.
"Beautiful."
"Hm?"
"You look beautiful tonight."
Eli buried her beet red face into the folds of her white scarf. She rubbed her thumb over Nozomi's. Against the crowds she pressed their bodies closer.
"You always say that."
"And I always mean it."
At last the line thinned, and they stopped before the fountain. The all stood side by side. With the ease of habit they stuffed their gloves into their pockets. Taking a ladle each, they scooped up water to the brim. Next came a crash of icy prickling stabbing their skin; the water washed along each hand. Then, they poured another stream of water above the bowl. With their left hands they cupped the water and drank. Just before it could slide down her throat, she held the liquid and swished. She spat it out onto the rock bed beneath the bowl as the others did the same.
With a final flick of the wrist they filled and tilted the ladles downward. The water trailed down the thin handle. They returned the ladles and stepped away. The crowds had thinned around the altar, directing their bulk to the wishing signs and protection wards. Honoka's cheery call turned their faces. She stood with her arms cupped around her mouth.
"Guys, let's line up in a row when we pray!"
"Sure! Ooo oo what do you want from heaven Kayochin?"
Rin's sing song voice nearly drowned out Hanayo's modest reply.
"For you to get better grades Rin. And of course a great rice harvest!"
"You're mean!"
"Ah look, the altar is free!"
Nozomi shot out her hand and pointed as the others followed. They rushed to take their places. Digging into their pockets, they placed handfuls of money into a wooden box with slits. They stepped forward to ring the giant golden bell by its red and white twined rope in turns. One at a time they gave two deep bows. Then, they clapped their hands twice. She shut her eyes and drew a breath from the bottom of her lungs. The weight on her shoulders seemed to bite into her flesh. Her heart quickened. She dove into the clear pool of her thoughts.
'Please, protect my friends, protect Elicchi and grant me the strength to shoulder her burdens yet again. Please let my luck continue and spread to everyone so that they may keep smiling. Make the yakiniku and parfaits at my favorite spots taste even better this year! Lower the price on green tea! Let our lives and hard work touch those we meet. Most of all, let us finish our journey on the world's stage, remembered forever. No matter what comes, we will remain united in our hearts the rest of our lives.'
"Nozomi? Nozomi! You must be asking for a lot."
She jolted at the sound of her name. Her eyes snapped open, Niko's hand waved before her face. Looking down, Niko peered up with a twinkle of curiosity in her eye. She huffed and put her hands on her hips as Nozomi blinked in confusion.
"That's just like you to get so into this stuff."
"What did you wish for Nikkochi?"
Her expression fell and her lips quivered, Niko glanced toward her shoes. She shoved her hands into her pockets and trailed behind the others. Nozomi followed, stiffening at the quiet reply. Niko's voice strained as she swallowed a suffocating lump. Her bangs cast a shadow over her eyes.
"I asked them to keep dad at peace, tell him the family'll be ok again this year."
Nozomi placed her hand atop Niko's quivering shoulder. As they walked Niko buried her face into her sleeve. Silently she retrieved a handkerchief from her overcoat. She stuffed it between Niko's outstretched fingers. The echoes of their friends laughter and conversation lingered between them. When Niko dried the last of her tears, she returned the cloth without a word. The wind picked up and howled once more.
"He would be proud."
"Do you think? Do you really think? We're graduating soon, it's gonna be time to wake up."
"You tried and for a bit, made the world smile. You aren't that lonely girl in the club room anymore. You've done more than enough."
"…I have, we have. All of us."
"Hey you two, they're selling protection and luck charms! Which one is best Nozomi?"
"Coming, Elicchi!"
Honoka's voice rose above the din like a flare. An infectious smile colored her words.
"Happy New Year's everyone!"