A/N: Camilo is getting curious about his family's true history, having realised they'd been told the sanitised version their whole lives. He might not have been completely open about his own past, however.
Genre: Fantasy/supernatural. Camilo's story appears to be based on a traditional Japanese folktale. I say 'appears to be' because things aren't always as they seem when Camilo is involved. This may not be the story you think it is. ;)
As requested by NPI, I have included a glossary of Japanese terms at the end, though I've tried not to overuse them.
Also, Feliz Cumpleaños Mirabel! xx
Switch – Part One: The Tale of Kamitarō
"Clubs? You're changing suits again?"
"What's the matter Tío Bruno? Got a couple of diamonds there?" Camilo replied with a smirk.
Bruno pushed his cards together and lay them face down on the table as though afraid someone might see over his shoulder. "No… I just don't see the point of changing suit every time you take a turn. It's chaotic. It's disorderly. It's—"
"How the game's meant to be played?" suggested Mirabel, taking her turn.
A faint smell of peppermint filled the air as Pepa joined them under the arches with two mugs of tea, having obviously just come from Juieta's room. No one knew exactly what was in Julieta's special tea. All they could say for certain was that it contained peppermint and chamomile. After that, the contents were anyone's guess. She placed one of the mugs on the table next to Bruno.
"I win!" Camilo called out triumphantly, throwing down his last card with theatrical flair.
While Bruno's hands were distracted with the tea, Camilo snatched the cards from the table. "Diamonds! I knew it!"
The Casita assisted Pepa in pulling up a chair between Bruno and Mirabel.
"Deal me in!" she said, tapping the table in front of her with her palm.
Camilo wrinkled his nose. "I thought you hated this game?"
"You do?" That was news to Bruno, who recalled playing it often with his sisters when they were young.
Pepa glanced sideways and forced a smile. "It's not that I hate it," she began, looking anywhere besides at Bruno. "It just reminded me of things I'd rather forget. But, well, things are different now."
She then ruffled Bruno's hair and though it took a second, the realisation of what she meant flashed across his face.
"Actually, now you're both here, there's something I've been meaning to ask," Camilo said, leaning towards his mom and Bruno with his arms resting on the table. "You were talking recently about how Tía Julieta's gift never caused her trouble, and it got me curious. No one's ever explained what happened with your gifts. Even when we struggled with our own, we were just told, 'It's happened before. It's perfectly normal'."
He transformed into his mom for that last line, mimicking her voice.
"Wait? Your gift backfired?" Mirabel asked with surprise.
"It did," he admitted, switching back. "I just hid it well."
He noticed Mirabel open her mouth to ask a follow-up question, so partly fueled by his desire not to go there right now, but also by his need for answers from his mom and uncle, he continued speaking before she could get a word in.
"So I spoke to Tía Julieta about it, but she wouldn't tell me anything. She said I had to ask you directly."
Pepa and Bruno looked at one another with a matching expression that Camilo couldn't read, but it was almost like they were talking to one another with their eyes.
Pepa was the first to speak. "Why does it matter?"
"Well, you know I've been telling the story of Mirabel discovering the cracks in my show recently?"
"Yeah, 'Encanto'," Bruno said dramatically, implying the title in the air with his hands.
"Right. Well, it's my most popular show ever…"
"It would be," said Pepa. "Those nosey so-and-so's have always wanted to see what goes on in our lives."
"I don't think it's that. That night affected them too, don't forget. They're bound to be curious. Anyway, it got me thinking. Shouldn't we tell the whole story? I mean, we all know the cracks started long before Mirabel saw them, right?"
Pepa didn't look convinced. "Camilo, I don't think it's a good idea to—"
"Sure. I'll tell you my story. Why not?" replied Bruno with a shrug.
Pepa leaned closer to her brother's ear. "Don't you think we should leave that stuff in the past?" she warned in a low voice.
"Shouldn't the community know, though?" Camilo jumped back in. "At the very least, I'd like to know. Don't think it isn't obvious we've been told the sugar-coated version. We've all heard the rumours. Something went very wrong with your gifts, didn't it? The hail storm that injured several people? Some guy almost killing his brother? And what's the deal with the dead goldfish anyway?"
Mirabel joined in. "He has a point. We've stopped pretending to be perfect, and we're happier for it. Shouldn't we be honest about the past too?"
"Exactly! And you clearly already knew about the cracks the night Mirabel saw them," Camilo continued, remembering his mom's behaviour that night. "Why was that? Can't we at least know this stuff?"
Pepa gave Bruno that look from earlier again, but this time he just shrugged with his mouth.
"I've never had a chance to tell my side before," he reminded her.
She took a sip of tea and then stared at her brother for a few more seconds, as though watching their whole life flash by on his face.
"Look… it's not up to me what you two talk about," she said, turning to Camilo. "Just promise you won't use our stories in your performances. We should think about this a bit more first."
.
The following day, just before midnight…
"You're still not ready?" asked Mirabel, incredulously.
"I have something!" announced Camilo, coming to his mother's aid before she received yet another drilling from his cousin.
Mirabel eyed him curiously. "You do?"
Due to the fact that storytelling in the form of his stage shows was already a huge part of Camilo's life, everyone had assumed he was exempt from telling a story at the midnight club.
"How'd you find the time?"
"I took it slow. I've been working on it for a while."
"Like your mother's spy story?" Bruno remarked wryly.
Pepa nudged him with her elbow, but a smile instantly broke through the fake anger and a giggle escaped from her mouth, so she simply followed it up with an eye roll.
"Well, if you are all sitting comfortably, I bring to you The Tale of Kamitarō!" Camilo said with an air of drama that only he could achieve.
.
"Long, long ago, tucked into mountains to the north of the Great City, there lay a small town called Kakurezato. For generations, the world beyond the mountains had been plagued by civil unrest as districts continually waged war against one another, jostling for political power and control, and so few had ever left the sanctuary of Kakurezato. There were exceptions of course. One such exception was Kamitarō.
"Kamitarō seemed to have been cursed with perpetual mediocrity from birth. Sure he went to school, learnt to read and write and knew his way around an abacus, but whatever he attempted to pursue in life, he was always just 'average'.
"There had been only one thing for which Kamitarō had shown potential aptitude, and that was performing. His fellow townsfolk particularly appreciated his ability to do impressions and make them laugh, and thus he had gained quite a reputation for his comedy. There was no way to turn that talent into wealth in Kakurezato however, so despite the potential dangers, Kamitarō had packed a few belongings, bade farewell to his sister and headed to the Great City to make his fortune as a performer of a fashionable new style of storytelling known as 'rakugo'.
At least, that had been the intention.
.
"Evening Osu. Long time no see!" Kamitarō called out with a slight bow as he passed a crotchety old man in a straw hat who was begging for change outside the shrine.
"Aaaugh, not you," the old man groaned. "Kikoe! Your brat of a kid brother's come home. You win this one. He wasn't beheaded by a samurai after all. Just add it to my tab."
"Kikoe came trotting from the shrine.
"'Kamitarō! I'm so pleased to see you. But… what happened?'
"Kamitarō scratched his head awkwardly while he searched for the words. 'You know how I'm average at pretty much everything ever?' he began.
"Kikoe and Osu both nodded. Everyone knew it.
"'Well, turns out rakugo was a bust as well.'
"'But… everyone loves you here.'
"'I guess it's a big koi in a small pond situation. It's easy to be the best at anything if you're the only one doing it. The big leagues though? Yeah, I'm not the star I thought I was.'
"'So what will you do now?'
"'I thought I might forge a career making straw hats. They're supposed to be boring and average, right? You know, play to my strengths…' He looked around at the familiar shrine. 'Or I could follow in our parent's footsteps. Maybe take care of this place with you….'
"'Straw hats! Please, choose the straw hats!'
"'Shut up Osu! Nobody asked you.'
"Kamitarō noticed the old man's cheeks were flushed. 'He's started early,' he remarked.
"Kikoe's expression became serious. 'We've had a lot more visitors than usual lately,' she began.
"'More money for me!' Osu sang out triumphantly, waving an empty sake bottle.
"'There's been a spate of… "unusual events" I guess you could call them,' Kikoe explained.
"'Like what?'
"'Floods, fires, livestock turning up dead. It's been happening for a few weeks. People are frightened, so they're coming here to pray.'
"'And who can walk past a poor beggar on their way to ask for blessings, without giving him a little something!' Osu said cheerfully, rubbing his hands.
"No one knew where Osu had come from. He seemingly just turned up at Kamitarō's family's shrine one day, and then never left except to spend all his money on sake at the local izakaya. Kamitarō could barely remember his parents, but by all accounts, they had been very accepting of Osu, despite his foul attitude, constant drunkenness and the fact he stank of a mixture of sake and fish. So when Kikoe took up the role of shrine miko, she honoured their parents' wishes and continued to permit the old man to beg outside the shrine.
"Kamitarō considered his sister's words, but his train of thought was interrupted by a reverberating growl in his stomach. He looked towards the town. Night had begun to descend upon the mountains and so the paper lanterns were already casting their gentle light like beacons, inviting weary patrons to come and enjoy the homely comforts that the central plaza had to offer. Memories returned of his favourite food stand. He hadn't had Kakurezato's signature yakitori since leaving, and the food they served in the Great City didn't come close.
"'Hey, I'm going to grab some yakitori, would you like some?'
"'Aw, thanks kid, what a gent.'
"'I wasn't asking you.'
"'Sure,' Kikoe said with a sweet smile that made her look far younger than her twenty-two years.
"Kamitarō gave a single nod and then picking up his lantern, he set off down the mountain.
"'And bring some for Osu too!' Kikoe called after him.
"Kamitarō approached the centre of town, grumbling and muttering under his breath about what a pain that old man was, and how if he would just spend his money on food instead of wasting it all on alcohol, maybe he'd be less reliant on other people to feed him.
"When he reached the plaza, it seemed darker than it should be. Kamitarō noticed that many of the paper lanterns that lined the streets had gone out. The sound of ceramics being smashed suddenly jolted his attention, followed by many screams as panicked townsfolk fled from the izakaya and other buildings.
"More and more lanterns went out until the streets were plunged into inky black. Eerie laughter echoed all around and it felt as though they reached right into the mountains—perhaps even emanating from there. All went deathly still for a moment and then the darkness was punctuated at once as several houses ignited, simultaneously engulfed by a halo of flames.
"Kamitarō could hear more screams as terrified families ran from the burning houses, becoming disorientated in the darkness. He hurried in what he hoped was the direction of the well, thinking he could start filling buckets to help douse the fires, but he was pushed back by a crowd of people running into him, knocking the lantern from his hand, which rolled along the ground before snuffing out.
"Something slammed against his shoulder as another person ran into him then shoved him aside in their panic, sending him crashing against the wood panelling of a building. He felt his way along the wall until he came to some trees, and orienting himself with the light of the shrine in the distance, he finally realised where he was.
"As he leaned against one of the trees, his heart still pounding, Kamitarō became aware of a strange voice.
"'Haha, that was the best one yet!'
"'Yeah. Great job on the lanterns! Excellent touch, excellent touch!'
"'They didn't know where to run!'
"'I'm not sure how the kappa will beat that, but it'll be fun to see what he comes up with.'
"The trees ahead began to glow as an amber light flickered against their branches before the owners of the voices came into view. Kamitarō held his breath, trying not to move a muscle.
"One was a short woman with a long snake-like neck, her head floating far from her body as she walked. The other appeared to be a charred, skeletal man with flames all around him, as though on fire, but he didn't appear even the slightest bit bothered by the heat.
"Kamitarō had been pinned in place by fear, but suddenly stumbled backwards, the woodland debris crunching underfoot. The creatures whipped their heads towards the sound, and in a state of blind panic, Kamitarō bolted towards the light of the shrine.
.
"'Kikoe! Kikoe!' Kamitarō yelled when he reached the shrine.
"'Kamitarō! I saw the fires! Are you okay?'
"'I-I'm fine but, promise you won't think I'm crazy?"
"'I promise I won't say it out loud.'
"'I think, I think I've just seen… they were talking about a kappa. I think they might be y-y-yo-'
"Kikoe looked horrified by his words. 'Yōkai?' she suggested.
"Kamitarō took a step back. 'Well, yes, actually.'
"Kikoe's expression was intense. 'You had better come inside,' she said hurriedly.
"He did as she asked, carefully stepping over Osu who was sleeping on a futon just inside the shrine.
"'What's this about?'
"'I need you to listen very carefully,' his sister began. 'There's a lot about our family that you haven't been told. Things you couldn't be told.'
"'You mean I wasn't even—'
"'Just let me finish Kam, I'll explain everything. Our family has a gift. A gift that has been passed down for generations. It allows us to hear yōkai when they're in their natural form. When they're invisible to mortals.'
"'Yōkai are real?'
"'Yes, they're real. They usually leave us alone, or else live peacefully among us, taking human form. Some can take the form of an animal too. In those guises, they can be seen and heard by humans, but they have other, more powerful forms they can take and those can only be sensed by people with a gift like ours. Our grandmother had the gift of sight, but no one else in our family has ever gained it. We've only ever had the ability to hear them.
"Kamitarō was struggling to make sense of what he was hearing. Had it not been for the creatures in the wood, he'd have thought his sister had lost her mind.
"'Then you came along,' Kikoe continued, 'and it was apparent soon after your birth, that you had the sight. Grandmother's sight.'
"'There was something else though. You couldn't just see yōkai, you attracted them to you, like moths to a lantern. Not all yōkai are peaceful though, in fact, some are extremely hostile towards humans, and our parents were afraid for your life. Though their rituals kept this shrine safe, they knew they couldn't keep you in here forever. So they made the decision to protect you with magic, to seal you off from the world of yōkai completely. To make you as uninteresting to them as possible.'
"'And you all kept this from me?'
"'We had to. We did it to keep you safe.'
"Kamitarō looked towards his feet while he processed everything he had just been told. 'I've been special, this whole entire time,' he said without looking up. 'And you let me believe I was nobody?'
"'I know, but please, you've got to understand wh—'
"'This. Is. Amazing!' Kamitarō yelled.
"The shrine then fell completely silent while Kamitarō's mind began the task of accepting that he lived in a world inhabited by strange creatures. Creatures that had been living in his home town under his very nose without him knowing it.
"'What do we do now?' he eventually asked. 'You won't renew the spell, will you?'
"Kikoe shook her head vigorously. 'Mmm-mm. Even if I wanted to, a ritual like that is way beyond my capabilities. I've no idea what broke the spell, but I suspect it's something to do with you leaving Kakurezato.'
"'Why's that the dealbreaker?'
"'I'm not sure, but it might be connected to the magic that protects this place.'
"'The what?' Kamitarō was beginning to feel frustrated. His family really hadn't told him a single thing in the sixteen years he'd been alive.
"'The founders of this town were fleeing from a violent and bloody war. They retreated to these mountains to hide, and so our grandmother carried out a powerful ritual, with the help of her yōkai allies, and that ritual has shielded this town from the outside world ever since. Only those who belong here, people like you, can ever find this place.'
"'Clearly the yōkai didn't get the memo,' Kamitarō pointed out.
"'That's just it. Even yōkai can't find this place. So the ones that are here have been peacefully living alongside us until now. Don't misunderstand me. Many of them have posed a threat over the years. Our parents devised a way to trap them when they did. That's what our family does. We maintain peace between the yōkai and humans. Something must have changed to turn so many of them hostile at once.'
"'Is there anything we can do? Is there a way to stop them?'
"Kikoe looked pained by his question. 'There is,' she said, solemnly, 'but it could put you in immense danger.'
"'What is it? I'd do anything to keep our town safe. I'm not afraid,' he lied. Kamitarō was very much afraid, but he meant what he said before that. He would do anything to keep their town safe.
"Kikoe headed out of the shrine.
"'Come on, there's something I need to show you first,' she said, motioning for Kamitarō to follow.
"'His sister led him past the small house that their family lived in on the grounds, and continued through the trees. She stopped when she reached a familiar statue of what looked like a humanoid racoon dog, wearing a straw hat and carrying a lantern in one hand.
"'You wanted to show me the tanuki?' Kamitarō asked.
"Kikoe tapped the statue and Kamitarō gawped in disbelief as it began to shake and then crack open, revealing a strange pod-like structure inside.
"'Our parents called it the 'yōkai-gasha' or 'crank-a-kai'. Before they disappeared, they had been working on a way to trap yōkai in little capsules and then have them transported to the gasha.'
"'Like a yōkai prison?'
"'I suppose it is, yeah. They never got the capsules to work, but the gasha works just fine. And that's where you come in.'
"Kamitarō had already figured out where his sister was going. 'You need me to use my gift of sight to trap the yōkai?'
"Kikoe nodded.
"'But how. You said the capsules don't work.'
"'They don't, but there's still a way to send them to the gasha,' Kikoe explained.
.
"Once they had returned to the shrine, Kikoe knelt by the altar and began drawing a strange symbol on a small piece of parchment, with a large brush. She took up the parchment in both hands and began chanting something that Kamitarō didn't understand. She then clapped her hands twice and gracefully returned to her feet.
"'Here,' she said, holding the parchment in front of her with both hands, offering it to her brother. 'This should work.'
"Kamitarō took the parchment and considered the symbol. It was nothing he had ever seen before but appeared to be made up of aspects of kanji he had learnt in school, so felt somewhat familiar.
"'What is it?' he asked.
"'It's an amulet. If you touch this symbol to the body of a yōkai, they will be instantly transported to the gasha.'
"When he heard that, Kamitarō straightened up and glared at his sister, 'I have to TOUCH the yōkai?' he said, unable to mask his horror.
"'I did say it'd be dangerous,' Kikoe reminded him, 'but don't worry, you won't be alone. I'm going to assign a yōkai to be your guide.'
"'You mean like a cute mascot character?'
"Kikoe winced, 'something like that, yes.'
"'A cuddly little animal-yōkai?'
"'Kind of. He's a kawauso-yōkai actually…'
"Kamitarō was delighted at the thought. 'A river otter? Cute!' He started looking around for the little critter, but nothing appeared. 'Where is he?'
"Kikoe forced a smile and then said in a louder voice, 'Osu! Wake up, I've got a job for you!'
"Kamitarō's heart sank, 'No!' he pleaded, begging his sister with his eyes.
"'What do you want?' barked the old man.
"'You know that debt of yours?' Kikoe said. Kamitarō had no idea what she was talking about, but Osu clearly did. 'Here's your chance to pay it off.'
"Osu's eyes went wide for a moment, but his expression instantly changed when they locked onto Kamitarō.
"'Oh no, not the brat. This better not be some babysitting gig.'
"'Yes, my brother,' she corrected, then her tone became serious. 'He's got the sight, Osu.'
"Osu looked doubtful. 'The brat? Has your grandmother's sight? No way. Pull the other one,' he said before lying back down and covering his head with the blanket.
"'He does!' insisted Kikoe. 'And you owe this family a lot of money, so if you ever want your freedom back, you'll do as I ask.'
"Osu threw the blanket aside and sat up. His dark eyes looked glassy as he continued to watch Kikoe closely.
"'If I do this, you'll forget my debt?' he asked, almost whispering. Kamitarō had never seen such intensity from Osu.
"'I will. And you know what that means. You'll have…'
"'My freedom,' he breathed.
"The old man turned to Kamitarō and considered him closely.
"'And he's got the sight? For sure?' he asked.
"'Yes. He can see yōkai in their natural form.'
"Kamitarō then gasped as Osu changed right in front of his eyes, from the old man he had known his entire life, to a strange, humanoid otter. He still wore the same old blue and white kimono and had human-like arms and feet, but his face was pointed like an otter. His body was covered in brown fur with a thick stripe of white that began at his chin and continued down his neck. Long whiskers protruded from either side of his black nose, and he had long, whiskery eyebrows above his dark, twinkling eyes.
"'What the?' Kamitarō yelled, taking a step back.
"Osu calmly raised a hand. 'How many fingers am I holding up?' he asked.
"Kamitarō stuttered as he gave his answer. 'Th-three. You're holding up three.'
"Osu looked at his hand as though he wasn't sure himself. 'Lucky guess,' he said.
"'No, I can see you. You have long whiskers and a white stripe under your chin. And you're…' his face twisted with confusion, 'adorable?'
"'Aw shucks. What do you know, Kikoe? The kid CAN see me!' said Osu, turning back into the old man.
"'So will you do it? Will you help him?' Kikoe asked.
"Osu picked up his straw hat from beside the futon and placed it on his head before standing up.
"'Help him do what, exactly?' he asked, stepping into his sandals.
"'To find out what the yōkai are up to, and ideally, stop them. If that can't be done, Kamitarō has an amulet that will transport them to the gasha.'
"'Alright then,' Osu agreed with a sigh. 'But I'm only doing this to clear my debt.' He picked up two lanterns on sticks and handed one to Kamitarō. 'Well, what you are waiting for, kid? Let's get going.'
"'What? Now? But it's—'
"'Yes, now. If we're doing this, then we're doing it now,' Osu insisted, then left the shrine.
.
"By the time they reached the town centre, the fires had been put out and the lanterns relit. The plaza was far busier than it normally would be at that time in the evening, as families had flocked there to help one another, and ensure those who had lost their homes were being cared for.
"'Here we are!' announced Osu as they reached the izakaya.
"'You've brought me to a bar?' Kamitarō asked in disbelief.
"Before Osu could answer, a large man appeared in the doorway, blocking the way. He wore an eye patch over his left eye and a band around his head with what looked like a gold coin painted on it. A thick leather apron stretched around his large belly, and he had an intimidating air.
"'I've told you, Osu, we don't accept favours as payment here. Come back when you have real money or get lost,' he yelled in a deep voice.
"'Actually" Osu replied sweetly, 'I'm the kid's plus one.'
"The large man sniffed noisily, then looked Kamitarō up and down. 'Kikoe's brother, right?'
"'Yes, Kamitarō. Pleased to meet you.'
"'Hmm,' the man said, holding his chin thoughtfully. 'And will this kid pay the tab you ran up earlier?'
"'He sure will!'
"'What?' Kamitarō gasped. 'That wasn't part of the deal.'
"The man ignored Kamitarō's protest and smiled as his demeanour completely changed. 'Excellent,' he said, stepping aside with a hospitable bow. 'Come in, come in. Make yourselves at home.' Then as they entered he added, 'Of course, I'll need you to square that bill first before I can serve you anything else. You understand, right?'
"'I er, sure…' Kamitarō said, taking a pouch of coins from his kimono.
"'Atsukan please,' Osu cut in, clicking his fingers. 'Two flasks! Wait…'
"He turned to Kamitarō. 'Did you want one?' he asked.
"'No tha—'
"'Better make that three!'
"Kamitarō gave the landlord the money Osu owed him, and then joined his new companion at a table in the corner.
"Osu poured the hot sake into the cups provided and started thirstily drinking while the other cup remained on the table, untouched.
"'What did he mean earlier?' Kamitarō asked as the kawauso-yōkai poured himself a second cup.
"'About what?'
"'About "accepting favours as payment"?'
"Osu cackled manically. 'Oh that? You see Ginjiro over there,' he nodded towards the landlord. 'Well, he has a twin brother, Ginkichi, who runs the club. Now, that club is open all night long so the patrons there are often pretty drunk, and well…' Osu suddenly transformed into a beautiful young lady, and giggled flirtatiously with his hand over his mouth. 'You get the idea, right?' he said with a wink.
"Kamitarō looked around the izakaya frantically, checking that no one had noticed an old man just suddenly turn into a lady. Osu cackled again, switching back into the old man.
"'Calm down. The town's just been attacked, you're the only person here who isn't a yōkai,' Osu said, flailing his arms around wildly.
"Kamitarō looked around at the other patrons and the landlord.
"'You mean…?'
"'Yup, even Ginjiro.'
"The large man looked over suspiciously with his one good eye when he heard his name, so Osu called back, 'It's fine, Ginjiro, the kid's got the sight. He knows about us.'
"The man simply nodded with a grunt, then his face instantly transformed into a large ginger and white cat, with a patch of black over one eye, and another around the opposite ear. He then continued to polish the glass he was holding, a long tail swishing behind him.
"'See!' Osu said smugly. 'He's a neko-yōkai. Most successful business owners are.'
"Kamitarō began to grow impatient. 'Look, are you going to tell me why you brought me here, or what? Shouldn't we be investigating what the yōkai are up to? Or did you just bring me here to pay your stupid bill and buy you more sake?'
"Osu looked a little sheepish. 'I er… heh, you got me,' he admitted.
"'What?!'
"'But wait, wait… as we're here anyway.' He leaned back on his chair, then shouted to the room, 'Hey, don't s'pose any of you know who's behind the attack tonight, do you?'
"Everyone stared at their drinks. Either they didn't know, or they'd rather not get involved.
"Osu drained the second flask and then eyed the one next to Kamitarō. 'You gonna drink that or what?'
"'I don't really—'
"Before he could answer, Osu snatched it up and downed it without bothering with the little cup. They then both approached Ginjiro so Kamitarō could pay for the sake.
"Ginjiro handed Kamitarō his change and then glanced around the room suspiciously.
"'Psst,' he said, and the two leaned in. 'About what you asked before.' His voice was a low whisper. 'I wouldn't normally get involved, but as they felt it necessary to smash some of my best sake flasks tonight, I can't say I'm feeling particularly sympathetic towards them. I don't know much, but I know the kappa's planning an attack tomorrow morning. If you're looking for answers, I'd start at the river.'
"The bell above the door then chimed and Ginjiro quickly changed back to his human form as he straightened up. 'Irashai!' he called out, welcoming the customer in.
.
"Knowing that the next attack was imminent, Kamitarō and Osu set off for the river immediately.
"'So, this kappa, what's he like?'
"'Dishonest, distrustful, all-around disgusting,' Osu replied. 'They can be charming when they want to be, but they're unpredictable and can attack without warning. Don't be fooled by his short stature either. Those things are slow on land but they're stronger than a grown man. If he decides to attack, he'll drag you to the water where he'll…' Osu stopped himself. 'Let's just say you won't like what happens next. Which reminds me, we should probably take a cucumber.'
"'A cucumber? Why?'"
"Camilo, no!"
Camilo's story was suddenly interrupted by Julieta, and he felt a nudge on his arm from Dolores. He looked up and his aunt flashed her eyes and shook her head at him urgently. He'd become so carried away by his story that he'd forgotten the promise he made when he borrowed the book his sister had found.
"Oh, right. Yeah…
"'For our breakfast of course,' Osu replied. 'I love cucumber, don't you?'
"They had almost reached the river when Kamitarō realised he'd lost something. He patted his kimono frantically. 'No, no, no…'
"'What is it?' asked Osu.
"'The amulet. It's gone.'
"'What? Where did you put it?'
"'If I knew that, it wouldn't be lost, would it,' Kamitarō snapped impatiently.
"An idea then came to him. 'You can enchant things, right? As a yōkai? You have magic?'
"'Some magic, sure, but….'
"'Great! I think I remember what the sigil looked like. I just need something to write with.'
"Osu reached into his kimono, took out a brush and ink block and handed them to Kamitarō.
"Kamitarō hurriedly took the items, 'I'll just write it on my hand. That should work, right?'
"'I guess.'
"Kamitarō drew the sigil on his palm and showed it to Osu. 'How's that?' he asked.
"The kawauso-yōkai looked at the image. 'It'll do.'
"Osu then held his own hand over it and started to repeat the chant that Kikoe had recited at the shrine. The sigil glowed for a moment and then faded back to black. Kamitarō ran a finger over his palm. The ink didn't smudge, and it appeared to have become sealed permanently onto his hand.
"'So what now?' Kamitarō asked when they reached the river's edge.
"'We call for him.'
"Kamitarō knelt down and began to splash the surface of the water with his hand. 'Kappa! Oh Kappa! Show yourself! We want to speak to you!' he yelled.
"After a minute or two, the surface of the water began to ripple and swell, and what looked like the domed, shaved head of a monk immerged a few feet from where Kamitarō was knelt, almost appearing to be made from the water itself. Just as the forehead was about to break the surface, it vanished with a 'plop' and then a strong jet of water propelled from the ripples, striking Kamitarō in the face and sending him rolling backwards off his feet.
"'What the?' he said, grabbing his throbbing nose.
"'That little…' Osu raced to the water's edge, as his body rapidly morphed into a regular river otter. He then slid effortlessly into the water, diving after the kappa.
"Kamitarō waited on the bank, unsure of what the kawauso was up to, and unable to see anything through the clear water due to the darkness.
"There was a sudden splash and the little otter leapt from the river, landing roughly on the grassy bank and instantly becoming the old man again.
"'Run Kam! He's packin' an amikiri!' he yelled. He grabbed his lantern and began sprinting away from the river.
"Before Kamitarō could ask what on earth an amikiri was, a small blueish man launched from the water. The large eyes on his turtle-like face were like black pebbles, and there were long claws on his webbed hands and feet. The kappa hissed and spat a jet of water towards Kamitarō who managed to dodge it, more out of luck than skill, as he had been scrambling to his feet.
"He hadn't got far when there was another splash, moments behind the kappa. This time a more fearsome creature appeared. Even in the dim light, Kamitarō could make out that its skin was blood-red. It had a long beak-like snout and thick black hair like a lion's mane draped around its head and down its neck. Its body was reminiscent of a shrimp, with a broad, segmented tail where its legs should be. The only appendages it had at all were two long skinny arms that ended in narrow claws like a scorpion, and its ghostly eyes glowed like fireflies. The creature was able to swim through thin air and it launched itself at Kamitarō, grabbing his arm painfully with a claw.
"Kamitarō cried out, and Osu reacted immediately. Taking his true form, he leapt at the creature wrapping around it with his arms and legs. He then bit the amikiri's arm causing it to shriek and release Kamitarō from its grasp.
"The amikiri retreated, but the kappa had caught up to them in the struggle. It headbutted Osu hard in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and sending him to the ground with a yelp.
"There was nothing Osu could do but watch as the kappa grabbed Kamitarō's hair with its webbed fingers and started to drag him, struggling and kicking, towards the river.
"'Use the amulet!' Osu barked.
"Kamitarō was trying to claw at the kappa's hands, but it was no use. He knew the kappa intended to drown him, and who knew what else. In any case, all hope of peaceful negotiation had long since passed. He wriggled his left hand into position and despite the pain of being dragged by his scalp, he slapped his palm onto the kappa's arm, pressing the symbol as firmly as he could against its skin.
"The kappa shrieked with surprise and then in an instant, appeared to be sucked into Kamitarō's hand, who then crumpled to the ground.
"Seeing this, the amikiri took flight and made for the river, but Osu reacted quickly and managed to grab its tail as it passed.
"'Not so fast!' he snarled, still in his true form.
"Kamitarō struggled to his feet and hurried over, holding up his palm threateningly. 'Tell us what you know,' he ordered. 'Or I'll send you to the same place I just sent your friend. What were you planning?'
"The amikiri seemed genuinely afraid, 'I-it's just a prank bro! That's all!' the amikiri said, its voice shaking.
"'A prank? Is that what you call these? Setting fire to people's homes is just a fun little prank to you?' Kamitarō could feel the rage building as he spoke.
"'We were just going to cut the fishing nets. You know, make it so the townspeople have to go without fish for a while. And flood the crops so their roots rot. Nothing bad, I swear.'
"'Starving a town is, "nothing bad"?'
"'You'll still have rice… We just want to annoy you. Stir things up a little.'
"'Why?'
"The amikiri went silent.
"'Tell me!' Kamitarō demanded.
"'I can't, you have—'
"The amikiri didn't get to finish what it was saying, because with his arm aching and his scalp bleeding, Kamitarō's patience had run out. He pressed his hand against the creature's cold, red carapace, and it was instantly sucked into his palm.
"Kamitarō then slumped onto the grass, exhausted and stunned.
"'You… you saved me Osu. Thanks,' he breathed.
"Osu had returned to the old man.
"'Ah it's nothing, I—' He froze when he looked at Kamitarō. 'Your face!' he yelled, pointing.
"'My what?' Kamitarō touched his face and was shocked to feel thick, scaly skin and a turtle-like nose. He then noticed his hands were dark and webbed. He looked to Osu, hoping he'd have an explanation. 'What's going on?'
"He then saw a long red snout from the corner of his eyes, and thick black hair fell around him, obscuring his peripheral vision, as his hands became lobster claws.
"'What have you done?' Osu asked.
"'What have I done? You're the one who did the spell,' Kamitarō argued as his hands returned to normal again.
"'Show me your hand,' Osu ordered hastily.
"Kamitarō got to his feet and did as he asked.
"Osu's face dripped when he saw the symbol. 'You moron!' he yelled. 'You drew it wrong. That's meant to be the kanji for "north".'
"Kamitarō looked at his hand. 'I thought it was 'ba' as in 'bakemono' because that's what yōkai are…'
"'Because 'bakemono' is any supernatural creature that can transform'. Osu yelled, emphasising the word 'transform' as Kamitarō turned into the amikiri again.
"'Well you said the sigil looked fine.'
"'I wasn't paying attention. I expected you to be smart enough to remember basic kanji'.
"'You know I've always been average at everything.'
"'No, you're not!' Osu barked, and for a second, Kamitarō thought a compliment might be coming. 'You're not average. You're a freakin' idiot!'
"Kamitarō involuntarily changed into the kappa again. 'Don't pin this on me. You were meant to be protecting me. This is YOUR fault.'
"Osu's shoulder's dropped at that and his face became expressionless, as though the anger had turned inward on itself. His eyes flickered, hinting that there was a moment where he could have chosen not to say his next words.
"'D'you know why I've never liked you?' he asked darkly. His voice was low and his words deliberate. 'It's because you're fake, Kamitarō. Sure, people like you well enough. 'Course they do, 'cause all you do is reflect themselves back at them. You just say what they wanna hear, morphing yourself into whoever you think they need you to be. Nobody notices because they're too busy admiring themselves in the mirror that is your blank, hollow personality. But that's all you are, you're a trick of the light, a sleight of hand. The brat behind the curtain.'
"Osu's words cut deep. In just a few sentences he had managed to sum up what Kamitarō had felt his entire life. He had no idea who he was, what made him unique. So he had done exactly as Osu said. He had adopted the personality of those around him, switching from one persona to the next, while never, not once, stopping to ask himself who HE really was.
"'Why should I care what you think?' he yelled, the words propelled by pain. 'You're just a vile, stinky old man who manipulates people for your own gain.'
"'Wanna know why I take this form, Kamitarō?'
"'I know why. So people will take pity on you.'
"'I choose this form because I don't care what people think of me. I know who I am and I'm comfortable with that. If people think I'm ugly, or unlovable, that's on them. So long as I know who I am, that's good enough for me!'
"'Kamitarō, now an amikiri again, opened his beak to reply, but Osu continued to talk over him.
"'You know what, I'm done with this. Just, go back to your sister. Tell her she made a mistake trusting you.'
"'But… What about your debt? You HAVE to help me.'
"'Forget it' Osu said, transforming himself into the beautiful woman. 'I'll find a less degrading way to pay off my debt.'
"As the kawauso-yōkai turned to start heading back towards the town, Kamitarō grabbed his shoulder.
"'Osu, wait! You don't have to—'
"He flinched and pulled his shoulder away as though Kamitarō's hand were a hot poker.
"'Don't touch me with that thing!' he yelled.
"Kamitarō looked at the symbol on his palm as the gravity of what had happened hit him. By the time he looked up again, Osu was already shuffling quickly away in his elegant kimono.
.
"'Momo! I've missed you!' a man called out with delight when the beautiful lady entered Ginkichi's club. He was clearly already drunk; a perfect target.
"Without a word, Osu pretended to step out of his sandals, his feet concealed from view by the little step, as they magically transformed to socks. He shuffled daintily over to the drunk man and then knelt on a cushion beside him.
"'Let me get you a drink sweetheart,' said the man, raising his arm to get the server's attention.
"Osu eyed the sake on the table longingly. 'I'm afraid I won't be accepting alcohol as payment from now on,' he said. 'If you want my company, I'm going to have to ask for cash… But maybe I could help you finish that?' he added, with a nod towards the flask.
"The man looked surprised by this. 'Well, okay then. But a lady such as yourself still needs a more refined drink than this cheap crap. Let me get you something anyway. I insist.'
"While the man was distracted with the menu, making every decision for him, Osu's ears pricked at the sound of a familiar name from the table behind.
"'Kamitarō? No way.'
"'Yeah, it was definitely him.'
"'So he wasn't cut out for the Great City then?'
"'Are you surprised? I thought he'd at least come back with one of those top knots they're all wearing now, but nope. Still the same old shaggy mop.'
"'Well yeah, that loser would never do anything that might give him character.'
"They both laughed hysterically at the comment.
"Osu's attention was snapped back as the server appeared with a flask, knelt down and poured some of the sake into a little cup, before placing the flask on the table.
"Osu stared at the cup. He could tell at once that it was the good stuff. The stuff he only ever got when he took the guise of Momo. With a deep, pained sigh, he rose to his feet.
"'I'm sorry,' he said, looking ahead. 'Not tonight. There's somewhere else I need to be.'
.
"'Okay, okay, this isn't a disaster, we can work with this…'
"Kikoe was pacing around the shrine having just discovered that her brother was now switching involuntarily between three different forms. She stopped by the altar and took a few steadying breaths.
"'I think I can do a spell to stabilise the forms. Give you more control. If you can transform into yōkai at will, this might be exactly what we need in order to infiltrate their plans. I think, no, you should, also have their abilities. You can fly and see in the dark as the amikiri, you can swim, you can shoot water," she turned to him excitedly. "You know, this might just work."
"'And I guess, I could help,' came a familiar voice from the entrance. 'If you'll have me back.'"
"To be continued…" Camilo said with a playful smirk.
.
"Hey, Camilo!" Mirabel called out as he was about to enter his room.
Camilo waved and said good night, assuming that's what she meant.
"Wait," she said, hurrying over.
The last of their family members said their good nights and went into their rooms, so Camilo and Mirabel were left alone on the balcony.
"Why did we stop talking?" she asked when she reached him.
Camilo was confused by her question.
"I realise we're not as close as we were, but I didn't know we'd fallen out," he joked to deflect the awkwardness.
"Agh, you know what I mean. I mean talking about the things that matter. You never gave the slightest indication there was something up with your gift."
"'Cause I never had to. Trust me, if the others could've hidden it too, they would have."
"Can you at least tell me now?" Mirabel pressed.
"Why? It doesn't matter now anyway."
Mirabel raised an accusatory eyebrow. "You've changed your tune. Or does being honest about the past only apply to your mom and Tío Bruno?"
She had him there, and he had to admit that his uncle had been incredibly candid with him about some pretty difficult topics since that conversation. Mirabel was right. It was Camilo's turn to come clean. He just didn't know where to start.
Luckily, he didn't have to.
"When you first started shapeshifting at random moments, you weren't trying to make us laugh, were you?" Mirabel asked, starting for him.
Camilo shook his head.
His cousin inhaled sharply and seemed like she was about to say something sympathetic.
"No, but then you did laugh," he explained like it was no big deal. "And I kinda liked seeing you all so happy. So I went along with it. Started doing it on purpose."
He was surprised at what a relief it was to say it aloud after so long. It felt like finally being able to place down something heavy that he'd been carrying for as long as he could remember, and noticing how much lighter everything felt without it.
"And I've been the family joker ever since," he said, taking a bow.
A/N: For anyone who's interested, the kanji that Kamitarō mixed up were 北 (north) and 化 (transformation). In the cursive writing style of the time Camilo's story is set, they'll have looked quite similar.
Glossary of Japanese terms
Yōkai: various supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. They can often shapeshift and can be friendly and helpful, or extremely dangerous, though most are just mischievous.
Rakugo: a style of comedic storytelling in which the performer kneels on a cushion and plays all the characters using just a folding fan and a small cloth as props. It's what inspired the 'one-man shows' I first mentioned Camilo doing in my first fic, so I wanted to give it a little nod here.
Miko: a shrine maiden. They usually assist the priest in their duties and are often related. It's unusual for a shrine to be run solely by a miko, but Kikoe has no choice as her parents seemingly disappeared.
Izakaya: a traditional Japanese bar where food is usually served alongside alcoholic drinks.
Atsukan: hot sake. It's often a cheaper sake and is heated up to improve the flavour.
Yakitori: grilled chicken skewers.
Tanuki: racoon dog. A canid that bears a striking resemblance to a racoon, but is more closely related to a fox.
Gasha: short for 'gashapon' which is one of those machines you put money in and turn the crank for a plastic toy in a capsule. More commonly called a 'gatcha' but the word Camilo used comes from the canon universe his story is set in (Yo-Kai Watch, only many years before the games are set).
Kanji: Chinese characters that form the basis of the Japanese writing system.
Kawauso: otter.
Kimono: traditional Japanese garment.
Neko: cat.