The nightly arrangement
"I've made my decision. I thank you both for your input, but of course there is no way that I can heed everyone's counsel. Something needs to be done, and something will." Eyes closed, head bowed with Ginko to the right and Kahazuke to the left, Karashunni declared his choice.
The two mushi-shi stared at one another before one could bear the other's gaze no longer.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Karashunni. I'll be leaving tonight."
"I know my decision is not to your liking, but I would appreciate it if you could stay at least until we've attempted Kahazuke's procedure. I'd like all the assistance possible."
Already having left the other two, Ginko was collecting his things in the corner he'd made his own. "I've nothing more to add to my recommendation, and I won't condone recklessness by assisting it. Thank you, again, for your hospitality." With all his gear aboard, Ginko made for the main door.
"I've enjoyed our time together, young mushi master," said Kahazuke. "I hope the best for you in future endeavours. As some free advice, don't turn your back on your elders as you have numerous times. Incline your face, and they might incline their ear."
Ginko replied to that comment a thousand ways throughout the day. None were audible. Continuing outside, he found no solace the sunny, warm climate, and he nearly walked right by Shauni.
"Please, Ginko… won't you at least stay one more night?"
Managing to put aside his inner fury, he stopped, turned and replied, "I can't. I doubt there's anything I could do to help anyways. And, just in case he's right… one way or another, I'd rather never see his conceited face again."
Before disappearing from the small fishing village for a long, long time, he continued, "But for your sake and your husband's sake, I hope it works. And… I'm sorry for everything. I appreciate your taking me in for these days. I wish things had gone better."
---
Later that night in a fire warmed cave, a young mushi master fell asleep.
---
"Good night, Ginko. We have work to do."
"Alright then. Go ahead."
The androgynous voice began to recount the daily occurrences. Ginko responded one way or another. The voice probed further with questions. Ginko conceded or defended his stance. Books were raised from the scattered floor, filled with pictures of people and things and accompanying information and conclusions, and placed on the bookshelves. Eventually, every shelf was filled and in perfect order, and not a book was left scattered on the floor.
"We've finished early tonight," said the voice.
"That being the case, may I ask you something?"
"Always curious, Ginko… always curious, even when your not conscious. You're going to ask me what I am and what we're doing. I'll tell you and you won't remember."
"Why?"
"Ginko, I am refayim. When a person awakes he feels refreshed physically and mentally. His mind can recall facts he couldn't when tired before he slept, can calculate and reason better than the night before. I am the reason for this. I work at night to make sense of the day. The refayim's conscious pattern is opposite that of all other earthly creatures, so we connect with your kind. We are sustained by your companionship, and your conscious thoughts are clarified. That is all – you simply cannot remember our exchange any more than you could a dream. Occasionally, remnants reach across the gap… but that is rare, and you quickly dismiss them as insignificant. Like dreams."
"Well," said Ginko after taking it in, "thank you. Even though I won't remember, could you tell me exactly what was wrong with Karashunni?"
"You asked me that last night as well… his refayim's glow was probably brighter than usual for it knew it had less time to work with the host. That's all. Whatever the cause of his insomnia, it wasn't refayim. But enough, you're waking up Ginko."
"Uh… see you in eighteen hours, I guess…"