Chapter 5

Azure: Alright, once again, I sincerely apologize for the long wait. You've heard it all, so I'll just move on.

Gin: *shakes head* You call yourself an author?

Azure: No, I don't. I just said that I like writing.

Hotaru: Whatever. You've got to do better than this, however!

Azure: Since when were you my mom?

Hotaru: ...

Azure: Like I was going to say earlier, this is the chapter where things officially start to happen. Natsume, Hotaru, and a few others will discuss what Hotaru has been experiencing, and figure out different possibilities as to what this is and what's causing it.

Gin: Finally! Wait, what about me?

Azure: Did you not read the last chapter? Go read it.

Gin: ... *begins to read last chapter again*

Gin: ...Oh yeah... Well, I guess I can't really do anything about that.

Azure: Thought so. Now, enough interruptions you two. Let's begin! Everyone has been waiting.

I awoke to the chirping of cicadas, and was automatically hit with a wave of extreme heat. Groaning, I threw my blanket off me and sat up. Stifling a yawn, I then proceeded to rub my sore, tired eyes before glancing toward the closed wooden doors that separated me from the deck and the outside.

Standing up, I gave a stretch before sliding open the once closed doors. It seemed that it was now late afternoon. I must have been quite drained from last night's event, but I would never have any regrets.

Suddenly remembering the mochi I purchased for my grandparents, I took the bundle that I had placed by my luggage and began to head toward to the direction of the kitchen, where hopefully my grandparents were. Upon entering the room, my grandfather greeted in a cheery voice.

"Good afternoon Hotaru, it seems like you got enough sleep." I gave a nod, still not quite awake, but when my eyes caught a certain silver-haired boy seated at the kitchen table, I quickly became more alert and aware.

"...Gin? What are you...?" I began before he answered my unfinished question.

"I arrived here a bit earlier to see if you were awake, and your grandmother found me first. She invited me in, and introduced me to your grandfather." He paused to give it time for his answer to sink in before giving a small smile. "Your grandparents are delightful, Hotaru!"

At this, my grandmother gave a jolly laugh. "Why, you're so kind, Gin! Feel free to help yourself to more! You're awfully skinny." She said while shoving dishes of food on the table toward him as Gin began to look a little overwhelmed. I knew Gin wasn't very comfortable at the moment, and decided to help him for the moment by distracting my grandparents with the mochi that I had gotten them.

"Grandmother, Grandfather, I bought you something at the festival!" I announced as I passed my grandfather the bundle of various mochi and manju. He unfolded the cloth, a brightened up considerably at the treats.

"Hotaru! Thank you so much!" He said before giving me a small hug. Grandmother rubbed my head playfully as Gin suddenly sat up and handed the mask that he bought to my grandmother.

"And, this is my thank-you gift to the two of you. Thank you for allowing me to take Hotaru to the festival on such short notice." My grandmother gave a serene smile at the kind gesture.

"Oh, Gin, you didn't have to! Dear!" She said, calling my grandfather over to her.

"This looks exactly like the mask I gave you on our first date!" My grandfather exclaimed as my grandmother nodded in excitement.

"That's exactly what I thought! How funny!" The two of them began laughing again, then my grandmother left the kitchen, probably to put the mask in a safer place. In the meantime, I sat at the table next to Gin, picked up a plate and chopsticks, and began helping myself to the breakfast - or lunch, as it is probably called now - that my grandmother and grandfather had prepared for me and Gin.

Soon, everyone was seated at the table, and began to engage in conversation. It was fun being able to talk with grandmother and grandfather with Gin, and it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders because of the fact that Gin was a secret for so long. This was refreshing.

Eventually, it got somewhere that made both me and Gin a bit uncomfortable.

"So, Hotaru, Gin. How did the two of you meet?" My grandfather asked. Gin was rather shy and embarrassed, but I was more pale and freaking out. No one at the this table, even Gin himself, knew the truth of how Gin and I really met. So, I would just have to tell my grandparents how the Gin now and I met. Not the entire truth, however, or else my grandparents would think that we fell in love too quickly and probably disapprove of our "relationship". So, lying it was, but I'm sure Gin would understand.

"W-Well, I wanted to take a walk through the woods one day last summer, and I eventually arrived at this bridge over a lake. Gin was already there, calmly looking out toward the water, and was surprised when he finally noticed me. He told me that he's never seen any other person, or living being besides birds or rodents, in this forest. We began to talk, and begin to learn more about each other. Apparently, he and his family moved here about a year ago. However, his mother died quite a few years ago, and his father is often gone on business trips. So, he's alone most of the time. But he prefers the outdoors more than the indoors, which is why we always meet in the forest. It was toward the end of summer last year when we became a couple." I finished bashfully, before giving Gin a smile. Gin seemed to have noticed what I was doing, and gave an understanding nod and smile in return.

My grandfather and grandmother were both wearing looks of pity for Gin. "Gin... I'm so sorry..." my grandmother said, trailing away before looking quite happy.

"Well, don't you worry dear! Feel free to come over and see us as much as you would like! Aw, you guys are so cute, I can almost see grandchildren in the near future!" At this, I spit out the tea I was currently drinking as Gin dropped the pickled vegetables that he had been previously holding in his chopsticks.

"Grandmother!" I shouted as my grandmother only laughed.

"Well, it would have to be after the two of you finish high school." My grandmother said with a wink while I groaned and covered my face in embarrassment. Gin just laughed nervously and gave me a comforting pat on my shoulder.

My face was not going to cool off anytime soon, so I stood up to go to the restroom. "I'll be right back!" I said as I pushed my chair in before walking toward the restroom down the hall.

Before I was completely out of earshot, I heard my grandmother talking to Gin.

"Thank you so much, dear."

"For what, Takegawa-san?"

"Well, ever since last year, when Hotaru was in her first year of high school, she suddenly became very depressed and lonely. It was as if someone she knew had passed away! However, no one that we or her parents knew of had died, and nothing else seemed to have happened. Hotaru is very open; she would tell us if something was wrong, or if something had happened. It was probably that phase that many teenagers go through, but it worried us none the less. Ever since she came back her to see you, her spirits have lifted considerably. That was a big factor in why we allowed you to be in a relationship with Hotaru. So, once again, thank you very much, Gin!"

Once lunch had finished up, Gin and I helped my grandparents clean the table and the dishes. Grandmother had originally politely refused Gin's help, since he was our guest, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. In the end, he was a huge help, as he is actually quite strong. Gin was able to clean the really heavy pots and pans with ease before drying them.

When the dishes were all clean, Gin bid my grandfather and grandmother farewell as I went outside to see him off.

"Sorry about lying, but we met on different circumstances that my grandparents really don't need to know about. Besides, if they had put two and two together and realized how quickly we would have 'gotten together', they probably wouldn't approve of us together." I told him with an apologetic tone.

"It's quite already, I had a feeling, which is why I went along with it. It's probably best if your grandparents didn't know that spirits actually exist, and my... condition, haha." Gin said with an awkward laugh at the end, which elicited a giggle from me.

"But really, it's a miracle that my grandparents didn't touch you. You're safe touching me - for some reason - but I have absolutely no idea about other humans, and preferably, I don't want to risk it as it's a one time thing. Once you're touched, if you disappear, you're gone for good." I finished off sadly as I saw Gin reach a hand out to pat my head.

"Not you too!" I pouted childishly as Gin gave a laugh, a really, sincere one.

"Sorry for worrying you. You're right, no offense to your grandparents, but I should avoid meeting with them as much as possible." There was now an awkward silence between us.

"You know..." Gin finally said, his face suddenly serious. But... was there... was he... blushing?

"...I actually don't mind... being in a relationship like that... that much..." Yep. He was definitely blushing. And so was I. I'm pretty sure I was as red as a tomato at that point.

"Gin..." I mumbled his name as he glanced at me with a small, cute smile.

"Well, I'll see you later, Hotaru!" He gave a wave before rushing off into the forest. I wonder what he did when he wasn't with me; probably hanging out with the other spirits of the forest. I'm positive they had missed him terribly, and must be overjoyed to have him back. However that happened. Which brings me back to what I was talking with Natsume about last night after the festival.

As if right on cue, the little fox spirit appeared in my line of vision, his tail violently trying to get my attention from the entrance of the forest. I ran over to greet him.

"Natsume, I'm sorry, but this has to be quick before my grandparents start to get suspicious." Natsume nodded, his face serious.

"I'm well aware, I was watching you guys for a while. Like you said, we'll take later, so I'll get straight to the point. I was talking with the main spirits of the forest, and I was able to schedule a meeting with them about what you have to say for Gin. It's at midnight tonight." He said. I frowned a bit at the timing, but understood that it would probably be best for me, as I could sneak out with my grandparents asleep.

"...Alright, sounds good. Keep in mind that it has to be in place where Gin won't notice it." "Don't worry, only very few spirits including myself know this place. Anyway, I'll meet with you in this exact spot at midnight and I'll escort you to the meeting place." Natsume replied, and I smiled at the spirit in gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Natsume. I'll see you within a few hours!" And with those departing words, I began to run back to the house with Natsume in the opposite direction.

Before I knew it, dusk had already arrived, and then came the night. My grandparents went to bed early that night, telling me that they were going to leave early in the morning to drive to a large city that was a very long drive away. They were going to stock up on groceries, and buy a few other supplies for an "end of summer" party that they were going to throw at, well, the end of summer. They told me that they wouldn't be able to check on me in the morning, so I bid them goodnight and farewell as I wouldn't see them until the day after tomorrow. I was going to be alone for all of tomorrow.

Despite how mean it sounded, I was actually glad that they would be gone. It would make it easier for me to visit with Natsume and the other spirits without being caught. For a topic as important as this, I couldn't be caught and grounded.

When midnight struck, I sneaked out of the house as quietly as possible to meet with Natsume in the spot we had first met at earlier today. As he had said, he was there, patiently waiting for me with his fluffy tail held high in the air in anticipation of my arrival.

"Good, you're here! Let's get going!" He said, straight to the point, as he began to walk down a path toward the secret spot the meeting was going to be held at.

It was primarily quiet for the very first part of the journey until we were both sure that my grandparents would not hear anything unusual.

"We'll try and finish up the meeting as soon as possible Hotaru, although I don't think it should go on for that long-" "Actually, it's quite alright, Natsume. I received word from my grandparents before I came here that they would be gone all day today, and would not come check on me in the morning." I interrupted, as I noticed the tension that had stiffened Natsume up earlier began to fade away.

"Well, that's good then. But still, I don't think should last more than three hours! And even that is still extreme. At least you'll be able to sleep in tomorrow morning!" He replied happily as I gave a laugh in response.

We had been claiming a tall hill for a while, but finally arrived to see a glowing light coming from the top. Natsume and I continued to ascend the ancient stone stairs before arriving at the meeting place.

There was a large, stone table with crude stone chairs in the center of the clearing, which was surrounded by tall pine trees. To illuminate the place, blue will-o'-the-wisps floated overhead, and many fireflies flew about. Besides the middle aged looking spirit that had greeted us and announced my arrival at the festival yesterday evening, there were a few other spirits there as well, some I recognized, and some that I didn't.

The middle aged looking spirit seemed to be the leader among them, and held up his hands for the talking to cease when he saw that Natsume and I had arrived.

"Welcome, Natsume and Hotaru. I hope the journey here wasn't too much of a trouble?" He asked us kindly and we both shook our heads.

"Nope, we were just fine." I told him as the middle aged spirit beamed at us.

"Excellent! Well, come, sit down. I know that you're in a hurry Hotaru." I didn't feel the need to tell the spirit that I wasn't in a rush anymore, so I took a seat besides the middle aged spirit and Natsume, who the took the seat to my left to sit next to old woman spirit.

The middle aged spirit clapped his hands together once, as if to officially start the meeting before speaking.

"As you all know, we are here to discuss the abnormal return of Gin." He gave a slight pause before continuing.

"Last year, toward the very end of summer, Gin accidentally and unknowingly touched a human when he aided the human from falling. While a good deed of him, it costed his life. As you all know, a body held together by magic as a very fragile and feeble one. Once touched by a human, you would disappear forever. In other words, you would die. At first, that is exactly what happened to Gin. However, only a few days before the arrival of Hotaru this summer, Gin had somehow returned to us. But with no memories of his life whatsoever. The only thing he really did remember was that his body was held by magic, and that he would disappear if touched by a human. We have gathered here tonight to discuss the possibilities of how Gin has returned." The spirit finished his introduction to allow the information to set in with the other spirits before continuing once more.

"We have a special guest tonight, who will hopefully provide with some clues and information as to how this happened. Everyone, please welcome Takegawa Hotaru." The spirit then gestured to me. All of the spirits at the table gave me a kind and grateful look, some of them a bit more personal than the others that didn't know me until now.

"Hotaru, if you don't mind, will you tell us the majority of your time with Gin before his disappearance?" Natsume asked as I gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"Like, tell us all how you met, how you became friends, and anything else that you might think is important. Don't tell us about what you wanted to talk with me about earlier, we'll talk about it later." Natsume clarified as I nodded and began to tell the spirits.

"I was about... hmm, maybe five or six years old when I met Gin for the very first time. I had gotten lost in the Forest of the Mountain God on my way to my grandparents' house. I was crying all by myself underneath a tree when Gin called out to me. I rushed to hug him in gratitude, not knowing of his condition and what he was. After he explained it to me, I had agreed not to touch him. It seemed kind of reluctant, but he promised that he would show me the way out of the forest. And that's exactly what he did. Although he told me not to wander into the forest ever again, I asked him if he would meet me at the entrance we were at tomorrow, so that I could bring him a gift in thanks. I never got an answer from him. The next day, I arrived at the entrance with my gift, just in case he happened to be there. He actually was, and I remember being ecstatic. From that day on, we would meet each day and play together in the forest. We soon became great friends."

I paused to regain some information, and thought about what I wanted to tell the spirits before continuing my story.

"For years, we would always play with each other in the forest during the summer, and we were both very sad when I had to leave and couldn't see in the the autumn, winter, and spring. It was last year, my first year of high school, when Gin asked me to go to the spirit festival with him. He had actually wanted to ask me a lot earlier, but he felt that the spirits might scare me if he took me at a younger age." I paused once again, embarrassed to tell them the next information, but I swallowed my fears and somehow managed to get the words out.

"I remembered commenting at the festival last year how it was kind of like a date, and... Gin told me it was one. I think that was the first time I truly noticed that he had fallen in love with me, which was quite the relief to me since... well... I loved him too..." My courage soon faded away, which allowed the spirits to smile and "aww" at me. With their support, my courage came back to me.

"After the festival, we were walking back to our usual meeting spot at the entrance of the forest when Gin suddenly took of his mask - something he rarely did. I was very confused, until he placed his mask on my face before kissing my cheek. He then told me that his mask suited me, and that I could keep it. I was too stunned and happy to say anything, so Gin continued walking after smiling at me." At this point, some of the spirits, like the elderly woman, were in tears, and I - once again - became very self conscious. But then I remembered the final bit of information that I had to tell them, which quickly made me melancholic.

"...That was when the human boy tripped in front of Gin-" I was interrupted by a collective gasp from the spirits at the table before being able to continue. "Gin, who didn't know that it was human, grabbed the arm of the little boy to prevent him from hurting himself. I was seeing the kid and his friends off when I noticed that Gin was glowing green. At first, we were both confused until we realized that the boy he had grabbed was a human. However, instead of feeling sad, Gin gave me the biggest, most loving smile I had ever seen from him before saying, 'Hotaru! Come here! I can finally touch you!' We shared one final hug before Gin disappeared." I finished my story, then gave a look around the table to show that I was officially done.

"...What a heart wrenching tale." The middle aged spirit said. "Although, I had no idea the two of you were in love!" He said, and all the spirits agreed with him except Natsume.

"Really? It was quite obvious. I thought you all knew, which was why I didn't say anything, so don't you all go blaming it on me." Natsume told them with a touch of a growl at the end of his sentence.

"Well, no matter. Thank you for sharing that Hotaru. It must have been painful." I didn't say anything as the middle aged spirit pulled out a piece of paper, a brush, and some ink from his kimono before writing a few notes done.

"Tell me, Hotaru. When Gin's soul scattered, you were still hugging him, correct?" The sudden question caught me off guard, so I only nodded numbly in reply to the spirit's question. "I see" was all he said before writing something else - presumably the answer I had given him - on the paper.

The spirit had asked me a few more questions, then thanked me.

"Now, you had something else that you wanted to talk to us about Gin? It seems pretty important." The middle aged spirit asked me as I remembered one of the main reasons I was here.

"Ah, yes, I do. Well, a few days after I arrived here this summer, I was walking along with Gin when I suddenly felt weird. How to explain... like, I was feeling an emotion that I normally wouldn't feel. I was really happy being together with Gin, but for some reason I felt abnormally sad. It was almost alien. I suddenly collapsed, and saw a vision from someone else's point of view. It wasn't mine, but the scene was really familiar to me. I was also there as a little kid, so whoever's memory this was knew me when I was a kid. The scenery was familiar as well. When I woke up, I had a terrible fever and Gin escorted me back home. I didn't pay too much attention to whatever this was until it happened again, this time, with a different vision. When I woke up from that, I finally pieced the puzzle together." I paused as everyone else anxiously awaited for what I was going to say.

"Those visions were... Gin's memories from the time I spent with him as a child."

Everyone was completely shocked. It seemed to have taken them completely by surprise. The other spirits were whispering fiercely among themselves, while Natsume stared at me with wide eyes, and the middle aged spirit was furiously writing things down on the paper.

When he was finished, he clapped his hands together once to get everyone's attention.

"That was... unexpected. Gin's memories, you say?" I nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, there's no doubt about it. I recognized what was happening in those visions, as I experienced the same memories myself, only in my point of view. This time, these memories weren't in my point of view, and the only other person with me in those memories was Gin. Besides, it seemed to real for it to be a dream. I also suddenly fainted before I saw each vision, and was struck down with a fever after I awoke. They have to be Gin's memories." I finished.

Once again, everyone began to talk among themselves, coming up with possible theories as to what this could be. The only spirit who was not conversing was the middle aged spirit, who was glaring at the notes on the paper until his face gave an appearance of that on utter shock.

"I-I think I know what happened!" At his words, everyone froze, and the area became deathly silent. You couldn't even hear the chirping of crickets.

"Yes... yes, it all makes sense." The spirit turned toward me, and gave me a piece of information that forever changed my life.

"Hotaru... You said that when Gin's soul scattered, you were hugging him. I think what happened was... the part of Gin's soul that held his memories are currently residing in you."

Azure: *drops the mic* I'm done here. I'm super, super excited to give the rest of the information in the next chapter, so that's going to be my motivation for posting the next chapter as soon as possible! Hotaru! Gin wasn't here to hear this, right?

Hotaru: Yep, don't worry, we're all good!

Azure: Great! Thank you so much! Well, see you all in the next chapter! Hope you enjoyed this one!