Life had its way of throwing curveballs in one's direction, subsequently forcing the person in question to adapt to the new situation. A goddess such as Izanami was no exception to that rule. Gods and goddesses weren't overpowering, all-knowing beings. Although some of them very well believed this to be the case. Izanami couldn't predict or influence everything that was happening around her. She couldn't just snap her fingers and create a, in her opinion, perfect world. If that were the case, she would have done so a long time ago.
No, as the humans put it, Izanami had to roll with the punches that were coming her way, just like she had to deal with the unexpected appearance of a certain girl inside her domain. All in all, Izanami thought she had very well adapted to the sudden situational shift. In fact, she would even go as far as saying that in the long term she had improved her situation.
The goddess, currently in disguised as a silver-haired human with pale skin and red eyes, was inside the little kitchen of her apartment, preparing breakfast for two. While for her, food and other human necessities were nothing more than simple pleasures to Izanami, her newfound guest (or guests) would require a proper breakfast.
Speaking of the guest(s), Izanami could hear the sound of footsteps echoing through her rather small apartment. Her home was small in comparison to other homes. If you went the mile and took three big steps, then you could easily find yourself having crossed the entire apartment, with the exception of the closet and the bathroom.
Standing in the doorway to the kitchen was the silver-haired girl Izanami encountered just yesterday inside the world of the human heart. Unlike then, she wasn't wearing her high school uniform anymore. She now wore some simple white pajamas with black stripes going downwards. They looked like reversed prison clothes, now that Izanami thought about it. The girl had her hair close, causing it to fall all over her body, even partially covering one of her eyes. Said girl let out a hearty yawn, whilst rubbing her exposed eye.
"Morning Nami…" the girl greeted in English, sounding more like a zombie than a human.
"Good morning, cousin," Izanami greeted back, in Japanese. The goddess watched in amusement, as her "cousin" blinked in confusion before realization dawned upon her.
"Oh yeah… right… Forgot I am in Japan, now," the younger girl replied, this time speaking Japanese with a slight English accent.
"I'm surprised you're up already," Izanami replied. "You arrived so late last night, I was expecting you to sleep until lunch hour," the goddess chuckled. "And from the looks of things, you really could use some more sleep."
"I tried…" the younger one replied. "But I just can't. I'm just too excited, you know? I always wanted to visit Japan for the holidays and now here I am going even one step further spending an entire school year here."
Izanami once again chuckled. "I think you're the first teenager I have ever heard saying that they're excited about school, Labrys," the goddess smiled good naturally. "I'm pretty sure your demeanor will change, once school properly starts next week."
Labrys slumped down right next to the kitchen table, placing her head on her arms. "Whatever, cuz," the high schooler's voice was muffled by her arms.
"Are you sure you don't want to lay down some more?" Izanami asked. When she didn't receive an answer immediately, she thought that Labrys had fallen asleep on the table. However, it just turned out that the girl was slowly turning head around so that she could have a direct look at the older woman.
"Nah, I'll get there. What's for breakfast?"
"Well, nothing traditionally Japanese I'm afraid," Izanami said good naturally, opening one of the cupboards. "In fact, there's still some shopping I have left to do. I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Labrys replied, before letting out another yawn. "They just all of a sudden changed the flight plan, and then things got hectic pretty quickly."
"No need to apologize. It just means I get to spend more time with my favorite cousin!" Izanami grinned while placing the kitchenware on the table.
"Who? Do you mean Shade or me?" Labrys grinned. That had been an ongoing joke with her, whenever the opportunity presented itself. Whenever someone referred to her in some way, without explicitly meaning her, she would bring up her other self.
"The third one, of course," Izanami answered quickly, knowing very well that Labrys had only one "other" as they were called. The goddess received a light punch in response to her jab, but nothing more.
The two cousins engaged in small talk during breakfast, with Labrys speaking about her high school life so far and Izanami speaking about her workplace, which was the local gas station of course. The goddess had spent more than enough time among humans to hold a regular conversation. Part of her research naturally included knowing how humans thought. This had made it easier for the goddess to manipulate the girl's mind, before bringing her to the apartment in the real world.
Of course, Izanami and Labrys weren't related in any way shape or form. The fact that both had silver hair was purely coincidental. After having interrogated the girl, some more Izanami had contemplated what to do with the intruder. She had stumbled across something intriguing inside the mind of Labrys during the interrogation, which ultimately led to the decision to implement the girl into her research project.
However, this had to be done subtly. The girl's mind was already broken, given the disorder, she was suffering from. Her time in the TV-World hadn't done the girl's mind or body for that matter any favors. She would need some adjustment time, not to mention a place to stay and some other things. Being the goddess that she was, Izanami could provide with all of those things. So, for the time being, she was Nami Kiri, older cousin to Labrys Dalton, a high school student coming from abroad. It wasn't the most elaborated background the goddess could have thought of, but it was enough for the time being.
As the morning went on, Izanami asked her guest how she came to learn Japanese, a subject the goddess was genuinely curious about.
"Oh, that?" Labrys asked between bites of her toast. "Well, originally I was going to learn French. You see, we had the choice between German and French as a secondary language at our school. You had to choose either one of them. You couldn't bail out. However, two months before we had to submit our choice, they hired a new teacher. Mr. Hondo came from Japan and was originally hired as a PE teacher. However, he was also certified as a Japanese teacher offered some lessons if enough people were interested."
Labrys laughed at the memory.
"We barely managed to get the numbers together and the first year he was teaching us without any books."
"Interesting," Izanami commented.
"Uh huh. By the end of the year came the annual school festival and Mr. Hondo decided we should build up a stand to inform people about Japanese culture. We even made some ramen with a recipe from the internet. All in all, it was a success and ever since then our school teaches Japanese as a third language option."
"That's quite the story," the goddess said while sipping on her coffee. "And it's lucky for us, too. That way I don't have to work as an interpreter for you." Izanami did take the liberty of increasing Labrys' vocabulary, just in case.
"So, how come you work at a gas station now?" Labrys asked.
"No particular reason," the goddess shrugged. "They needed help and I needed a job. I have been working there, ever since I came to Inaba. The hours aren't so bad, once you get used to it. Plus, I get to meet a lot of townsfolk every day that way." Truth to be told, Izanami had simply needed a job where she could meet people every day and strike up conversations. The gas station just happened to be there. There had been other options, but no opportunities.
The day went on. Breakfast was soon finished and Izanami went ahead and did the dishes quickly. Labrys in the meantime went ahead and prepared herself for going out. She and her cousin had some things to do in town, like going to the local high school for example. Grocery shopping was also on the to-do list, plus some clothes shopping for Labrys. In her hastiness of packing her things when the flight plan change was announced, she completely forgot to pack some regular clothes. She only had her high school uniform to change into, which the school had sent to her cousin the month prior.
Luckily said cousin was generous enough to spare some clothes until the shopping was done. Labrys now wore a simple white shirt with a grey vest over it and ht blue jeans. The girl also tied her hair back into a ponytail so that it wouldn't get in the way anymore.
The girl watched herself in the mirror for a couple of seconds, wondering if she should ask Nami for a vest or a pullover with a different color on it. Figuring that would be unnecessary, Labrys waved off the motion and proceeded to put her discarded pajamas away into her cousin's closet.
Nami's apartment didn't contain a guest bedroom. Labrys had slept in the living room on a spare futon the other night. Her high school uniform hung among Nami's clothes in the closet, which was located in Nami's room. The room didn't have much in it. A bed, a wardrobe with a mirror attached, a nightstand and an alarm clock on the said nightstand. The living room wasn't much better. Couch, TV, table, the futon and a potted plant in the corner of the room. Labrys didn't remember Nami being so minimalistic. Even the bathroom and the kitchen had more personality, mostly because they were filled with more stuff.
She made a mental note to ask her cousin why she didn't put up some decorations inside her home. The entire place felt almost barren.
When Labrys stepped out of Nami's room, she found her cousin already waiting for her at the front door. Nami had decided to wear a grey wool pullover and some black trousers. In one hand the older cousin was already holding the keys to the apartment, playing with them a little.
"Ready?" Izanami asked.
"Yup," Labrys nodded.
"Alright. We stop by your new school first and then go to Junes. Should make things easier."
"Junes?" Labrys repeated, tilting her head. "What's that?"
"It's a megastore that recently came to town," Izanami informed her cousin, as both stepped outside. "They finished building the place six months ago or so. It has made things easier for people in town. Everything in one place, cheaper products and a bigger selection of goods."
"Ah," Labrys nodded, understanding.
"I hope you don't mind going on foot for a little," the goddess continued as they walked down the staircase and out of the apartment complex. "Inaba is pretty small, compared to back home. So I never felt the need to buy one."
"Really? You have no car?" the younger cousin asked.
Izanami shrugged. "I usually use my bike to get to work or the bus if the weather is bad. I usually don't buy too much either and the few times I do, I just call a cab."
"Huh. Okay. But wouldn't a car be useful nonetheless? I mean, what if you want to go somewhere else for holiday or something?"
"Trains, bus, there's plenty to chose from. A car would be unnecessarily expensive and stand around ninety percent of the time. If I ever need one, I'll get myself one."
The weather in Inaba wasn't too bad all things considered. It wasn't warm, but not cold either. It was cloudy, but there was no rain. As the silver-haired duo made their way towards the high school, Labrys mentally noted with interest that Inaba didn't look too different from any other country town back at home. The only immediate notable thing was the roofs and some Japanese decorations inside the gardens.
Labrys also recognized many car brands that were driving on the street. At least half of them weren't from Japanese companies, which surprised her slightly. Something else that gained her attention was the amount of none-Japanese people they happened to come across the street. When Labrys pointed that out, Izanami was quick to explain.
"The Amagi Inn is a famous tourist spot. It's not unusual to see people from other countries every now and then, especially during tourist season. We even had some school classes from overseas here every now and again."
"Why's an Inn so famous?" Labrys asked confused.
"They have hot springs. It also is a traditional run inn. People want to know what that is like. Usually, they come here to escape the big city or at least that is the impression I got from talking to a few. There are some nice places where you can take a walk and enjoy nature."
"Huh, didn't take this place for a tourist town. It looks kind of bland."
Izanami had to laugh at this. "Don't tell this one of the elderly people here or they might get mad. Many people here are proud of the town, even if it is pretty bland."
"That so? Say, why did you move here in the first place? Didn't you live in Tokyo before?"
"Too crowded," came the quick answer causing Labrys to raise an eyebrow.
"I couldn't stand it anymore. So many people at once, trains filled to the brim with humans, like sardines in a can. Not to mention my last boss was a douche."
"Really? Where did you work before?"
Izanami quickly made up some story about working at a grocery store and not getting along with the boss. Labrys in return told her about that one math teacher that no one in her class could stand and the conversation went on from there.
Izanami led her cousin to Samegawa Flood Plain, a river with a walkway right next to it. It was the final stretch before the duo would arrive in Yasogami High, the school Labrys would attend the following year. Of course, Izanami had already dealt with the school officials beforehand. Being a goddess came with a lot of perks, such as mind manipulating a lot of people in a short timespan. The teachers had been "informed" of everything necessary. The actual paperwork would come later.
This was something Izanami hated about modern society. All of those papers and forms that one had to have. In the past, it was way easier to blend into human society. You were simply a wanderer who had come from a faraway land. There, easy. Nowadays? Not so much. It was an annoyance that Izanami had learned to deal with over time.
When they arrived at the school, the duo found the gates open and even a few cars parked inside. This was no surprise as the teachers had to prepare for the upcoming school year. If Labrys had to describe the building in one word, it would be: rusty. The school was only about three stories high and had a separate gym hall. The building emanated a comforting aura, similar to when one visited one's grandparents. At least that was the feeling Labrys got from watching at it from the outside.
The inside wasn't all that impressive. Dark wooden floors, shoe lockers at the front, as those were common in Japanese schools and a blackboard hanging in the middle of just one long hallway. That was all there was to it. It was only one long hallway with rooms on each side and staircases leading upwards. Even the primary school Labrys went to had a more complex structure design and could probably house more students, too.
"What's wrong?" Izanami asked, noticing Labrys' disappointed gaze.
"Nothing," the silver-haired girl stroke her ponytail. "It's just so… small." The girl made a gesture with her hands. "Like really small."
Izanami resisted the urge to laugh. "Welcome to Inaba, cousin. Over here everything is small."
As it just so happened, a teacher exited one of the rooms and noticed the pair standing inside the hallway. Said teacher led them to the principal's office. The principal himself looked like he should have retired ages ago. He was slightly hefty, had an impressive white beard and spoke slowly. He sounded like he had trouble breathing, making Labrys feeling somewhat concerned.
Labrys and Izanami had to sign some documents before Labrys was handed her student card.
"Well then, Labrys. I hope you will have a fun year here at our school. It is the first time we've had someone from abroad coming to our school."
"Thank you, principal," Labrys replied accidentally in English, noticing her mistake too late. She was quick to apologize and repeat the sentence in Japanese.
"Maybe you can help some of our students with their English classes," the principal said good-naturedly. "I am sure you will make yourself a lot of friends that way."
"I'll see what I can do," Labrys replied with a laugh. "Um, by the way, you have been informed about my… condition?" she asked in a more meager tone.
The principal nodded slowly. "Yes, we have received information regarding your personality disorder," the principal spoke grimly. The man, of course, wasn't aware that it had been Izanami who had been feeding them the information into their minds. The goddess had a busy night behind her.
"The teachers have been informed, as well. I must admit this will be a first for all of us, but I am confident that everyone in this school will do their best to make you feel welcome."
"Thank you, principal," Labrys nodded politely.
"Say, I hope I am not intruding or anything, but is it possible to speak with the other you right now?" the principal asked.
Izanami raised a curious eyebrow, looking over to the girl. She hadn't been paying attention, but now that the man brought it up, the other part of her heart had yet to make her presence known. Labrys frowned a little, before shaking her head.
"Sorry. Right now, Shade is not here."
"Not here?" the old man repeated confused. Labrys took on a relaxed posture and began explaining.
"You see, split personality is different for everyone. Some people are able to change who is in control with their others at will. Other people will have a trigger, like a loud noise, which causes the switch. And then there are the cases where people can't control it at all and it just happens."
Labrys made a small pause, letting the information sink in.
"As for us, it is different every day. You see, right now Shade is in a sense asleep. She doesn't notice anything that's going on around us and she won't remember anything up until the point where she wakes up."
The principal stroked his beard. He appeared to be genuinely interested in the topic.
"When she is awake, I can sort of feel her in the back of my mind. Like a wasp that's buzzing around at the back of your head. We can even talk to each other during these times."
"Fascinating," the man commented. "Your condition is more complex than I first imagined."
Labrys smiled wryly. "With all due respect principal, you haven't even heard the half of it. Anyway, when I feel Shade in the back of my head, it is possible for us to switch positions. However, there are times when the switching just happens on its own. Usually, this happens at night, when we're asleep. But when you see me spacing out in the middle of the staircase or something, it's usually a safe bet that the other one has taken over and is trying to orient herself."
Izanami mentally remarked that the girl had to give this explanation fairly often, judging by how seamlessly she rattled down the information. For the principal no doubt this was a lot to take in, even with the information the goddess provided him with. She herself wasn't very well versed in the topic of split personality, but her interest had been peaked.
"I see," the principal sounded unsure. "This is a lot to take in. Perhaps it would be best to call the teachers together and let you give everyone a rundown of your condition. If it isn't too much asked, of course," the man hastily added.
Labrys smiled. "Don't worry, sir. It wouldn't be the first time. Let's just hope Shade won't be the one awake then. She doesn't like holding presentations." Labrys grinned, causing the principal to smile.
"I see, I see. Well then, I wish you a successful school year. And I hope you will like your stay in Inaba."
"Um, before we get out, I think there's something I need to tell you."
"Oh? Go ahead," the principal nodded encouragingly.
"You see, Shade and I have an agreement of sorts. We allow the other one to have full control over our body for one day each, meaning when the day is over we switch controls. Today would have been a day when Shade was supposed to be in control. I'll have to make it up for her another day."
"Mhm," the old man nodded. "I see. So we will be seeing both of you regularly."
"Yes. I just thought I should tell you, so it doesn't come to any confusion. God knows we've had enough of that in pre-school." Labrys mumbled the last part but was just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
Izanami let out a chuckle. "I have to hear that story sometime," she commented, stepping forward. "If that's everything principal, we will be on our way."
"Of course. I wouldn't want to keep you here any longer than necessary. Have a nice day, you two."
Later, when both silver-haired cousins were walking past the river again, Labrys stretched her arms, taking in a deep breath. "Oh man, how can he breathe in that office of his?"
Izanami nodded in agreement. "He should open a window every now and again."
"So, Junes was next?"
Izanami nodded. "We'll have to go for a bit, but it lays in the direction of my apartment. Speaking of Junes, I think they're looking for part-timers right now. Aren't you interested in-?"
Izanami stopped herself when she saw that Labrys had suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.
"What's wrong?" the goddess asked, only now noticing the look of confusion on her face. The girl with the ponytail looked left and right, her eyes narrowing with each passing second. She looked down on herself and inspected the clothes she wore.
"These ain't mine…" Labrys stated in confusion.
"Labrys? Is everything okay?" the goddess asked.
Labrys head immediately snapped upwards, glaring at Izanami for just a split second, before her expression softened.
"Oh, it's you. Hey cuz," Labrys waved with her hand. "Long time no see. How much did I miss?"
"Uh…" Izanami blinked in genuine confusion, causing Labrys to frown once again. The girl put her hands on her hips and leaned a little forward.
"It's Shade here. Ya know? The other one?" she said in a deadpan voice. Immediately Izanami understood what was going on. An involuntary switch happened between Labrys and Shade. Shade was now in full control of their shared body and Labrys had taken a backseat.
"Ah, sorry about that Shade. It's just been so long since I've last seen you two switch without warning." Izanami faked an embarrassed laugh.
"Ah, no biggie," Shade waved off. "I get it. It's weird for us, too, ya know? Never got used to that. Anyway, what did I miss? Is this your hometown or somethin'?"
"Can't Labrys explain it to you?" Izanami asked.
"She ain't here anymore. Fell asleep. It's a bother."
The goddess nodded, understanding. She can only imagine how disorientating it must be to wake up at some random place, without any idea how one got here or where they were heading in the first place. She then proceeded to tell Shade what happened so far during the day, all the while the two continued their way to Junes.