Mitsuha slowly opened her eyes, taking her surroundings in. Warm rays of the sun penetrating through the windows. She had certainly slept in, and was up quite late than usual. She smiled thinking about the strange dream she was dreaming, although she can't remember much of it. She remembers the bustling city of Tokyo as if she was there. Whatever she was dreaming about, made her feel happy. Minutes after the memory of the dream fades as she focuses on today. She was late, and without her little Yotsuha would have to manage breakfast by herself. Yotsuha knew just enough cooking to put together a meal, Mitsuha usually did the heavy lifting.
She got up from her futon, sitting, observing her surroundings. Her moment of peace was quickly disturbed by the door opening. It was her sister - Yotsuha, who looked quite annoyed.
"Sis, you are late. Again" Mitsuha raised an eyebrow at the word "Again", what did her sister mean by again? She remembers waking up on time yesterday. Yotsuha yelled "Break fast Time! Hurry up!" still sounding annoyed as she closed the door as she left. Mitsuha can hear her footsteps fading away as she wonders "Again?" she thought, repeating what her sister just said. Not like it made much of a difference. She got up, taking a deep breath - ready to start her day.
Yotsuha was back in the living room as quickly as she had left to call her Sister for breakfast. Her sister slept in yesterday and was acting like she had lost her memory. Today, it didn't feel like that. But who knows if her memory was back. She went to the kitchen to see if the miso soup was ready, and it was. She grabbed 3 bowls and filled them up with the soup, bringing it to the table along with some food from yesterday. She sat down beside her grandmother.
"Do you want last night's leftovers?" she asked her grandmother, who was sipping some refreshing tea sitting by the table. As she did every morning. "You can have it" her grandmother said. Yotsuha nodded as she started eating, with a smile on her face enjoying yesterday's leftovers.
They both ate in silence for a moment, Mitsuha ran in the room shortly after. Though there was no need for her to jog in the room, there was a subtle sense of hurry since she woke up late. Yotsuha turned her head as she heard her sister running in the room, her eyes following her elder sister. "Good Morning" Mitsuha said as she crossed her grandmother.
"Good Morning" her grandmother greeted her back. "Sis! You're late!" Yotsuha complained as her sister sat down across from her. Naturally, as she had to prepare breakfast by herself. "I'll make breakfast tomorrow." She replied understanding what her sister was complaining about, though even if she didn't say it outright.
Mitsuha grabbed a bowl, putting some rice in it from the rice cooker. "Is it too much?" she said to herself, adding another paddle full of rice to her bowl. She seemed really hungry today. Mitsuha was one of those people who never tended to get fat no matter how much they ate, perks of being her. This whole time, Yotsuha and their grandmother were observing Mitsuha, if she would act like she dont remember anything or like she was someone else entirely. After a minute of observation they concluded she doesn't seem to be acting weird. Her Grandmother pointed out "You're normal today"
"eh?" Mitsuha looked at her grandmother not being able to grasp why she said that, was she not normal before? "You were nuts yesterday." said Yotsuha, pointing her chopsticks at her, smiling, laughing almost, remembering her sister's weird actions the day before, some that only she knew. Mitsuha, still confused, sat down "Wait, What are you talking about?" she questioned with her hands on the table, leaning forward as if they were just trying to mess with her. Before anyone could answer, the Radio rang to get everyone's attention. Mitsuha turned her attention to it, listening, if it was anything important. Their Grandmother just sipped her tea and seemed to be in peace and Yotsuha focused on her food.
"Good morning, everyone. This is an announcement from Itomori Town Hall. Regarding the mayor election to be held on the 20th, the election committee..." It reminded everyone about Mitsuha and Yotsuha's father, who was the mayor of Itomori and would probably be re-elected again. Their grandmother got up and unplugged the Radio. She disliked her son-in-law ever since she met him. It was her daughter's - Futaba's wish to be married to him and he accepted all the conditions asked by Hitoha Miyamizu - to give up his life as a researcher and to devote his life to Miyamizu Shrine, since he loved her dearly. Ever since Futaba's passing, he left the shrine. Making the Grandmother wonder if he did love her daughter. She disliked him from the start, and even more when he walked out of his duties to the shrine and his own daughter's lives. Who knows his reasons for doing so. Everyone grieved Futaba's passing, He didn't have to make it harder for the family by leaving too.
Hitoha sat back down, Mitsuha turned on the TV instead - a news channel talking about comet Tiamat.
The Huge Itomori Lake was formed 1200 years ago, when the same comet flew by earth and a piece of it broke off, crashing with earth and the crater that was left by the meteor later formed the beautiful lake. And it's arriving again, from the tv reports, it will fly by close to earth.
"The comet will be visible to the naked eye for several days" says the reporter on the TV. What a view that would be, afterall you don't see a comet everyday.
Mitsuha and Hitoha ate in silence with the TV in the background, trying not to think of her father they were just reminded of. "Just make up with him" said Yotsuha referring to their relationship with her Father. She was little when it all happened, her mother's passing, her father leaving home. It's all a distant memory to her and it hurts her to see that tension in her family. Mitsuha however, remembers it all as if it was yesterday. Her Father arguing with her Grandmother, yelling how he loved Futaba and not Miyamizu Shrine or its Traditions. Maybe he didn't, but still - what kind of father walks out of his children's lives. She remembers crying as a child, hearing it all. Her grandmother yelling at her son in law to get out of the house. Not even a month had passed since her mother's passing and He left them. Even though it happened long ago - Mitsuha would never forgive her Father.
"It's an adult matter" Mitsuha replied without looking at her sister. The room is filled with the sound of the TV again as they ate their breakfast. "JAXA are preparing to observe the celestial show of the century" TV showed the render of the celestial objects, predicting the comet's path.
They finished their breakfast soon after. "Hurry up, You both are a little late today" Hitoha pointed out, still sitting where she was. Yotsuha got up "It's because of Sis" she teased her sister as she left to get her backpack. Mitsuha stopped in her tracks watching her sister run out of the room. Okay, she was late once, her sister doesn't have to keep bringing it up all morning. Mitsuha sighed and left to her room braiding her hair and tying her hair up, like she does every day with her braided cord. Satisfied by how tidy she looked, she grabbed her backpack and walked out. Yotsuha was waiting for her sister and started walking out as she caught up to her. "We are leaving now" They both said in unison stepping out of the house.
Hitoha sat alone in the room, looking at the TV which had moved on from covering the comet, and was showing the weather now. She looked out and smiled, "Nice weather today." she said to herself.

The two sisters playfully walk along their way to school. They lived up the hill and everyday walking down they would see the town from up above, running along the shore of the lake. For most people that would be a view to behold, along with the cool breeze the scenery couldn't be more captivating. They both have gotten used to it, while still beautiful, it's not something they'd stop and gawk over.
Playfully talking they both walk until their paths diverge - Mitsuha attends Itomori High School and her sister attends Itomori Primary, both at separate locations. "Study Hard!" Yotsuha said as they waved at each other going their separate paths.
Shortly after, walking a few steps forward she heard her friends Sayaka And Tesshi calling out for her from behind her. She turned to see them rolling down the road on Tesshi's Bicycle, Sayaka on the back. Tesshi stopped just as they reached Mitsuha. "Ah, Good Morning Saya-chin, Tesshi" greeted Mitsuha. Sayaka lunged forward a little greeting her back "Goodmorning" putting her weight on Tesshi, bit too close for his comfort.
"Hurry up and Get off" He said, a bit flustered and a bit annoyed. And they both started a little back and forth. "Why? You meanie?'' asked Sayaka. Amused, Mitsuha watched them, smiling, listening to their little quarrel. "You're heavy" Tesshi darted back without hesitation. "That's rude" Sayaka protested, Tesshi's remarks may not be true and likely it's only an attempt at getting her off the bicycle. It still affected her a little.
"You two get along so well" Mitsuha teased them, amused as she walked forward. They both picked up what she meant, Sayaka immediately got off Tesshi's Bicycle and they both said "We do not" in protest, both a little red. Mitsuha found it amusing whenever those two acted like a couple and she made sure to tease them about it. It was fun messing with the two. She walked ahead, laughing a little with her hand covering her mouth. Saya followed a bit faster to catch up to her, Tesshi right behind them.
They both remember Mitsuha acting weird the day before, she was looking different than usual and kept her distance from them unless she had to ask something she should already know. And she spent a good chunk of the day just exploring the town like a tourist.
"Your hair looks alright today." Sayaka said lightly touching her hair. "eh? what?" asked a confused Mitsuha - 'first Yotsuha and Grandma, now these two as well? Was this some kind of an elaborate prank?'
"Yeah" Tesshi joined in riding his bike besides the two girls "did your grandma exorcise you?" He was sure Mitsuha got possessed by the spirit of a tourist and it made sense to him that Grandma would do something like that, she was a Shrine Maiden afterall.
"Exorcise?" Mitsuha repeated, confused, making sure she heard him correctly. "You were totally possessed!" Tesshi said, referring to her behaviour from the day before. "eh?" Mitsuha doesn't really remember doing anything odd - for her yesterday was a regular day. She slowed down thinking about everything that was happening today.
"Stop with the occultism" Sayaka pushed Tesshi forward, to save Mitsuha from his weird ideas. "Mitsuha is just stressed. Right?" She looked for a confirmation from her, turning back to face her. As her thoughts were cut short by Sayaka, she ran a few steps to catch up to them. "What are you both talking about?" She asked them, sounding very genuine in her question.
Sayaka was now convinced she was just stressed and was trying to avoid talking about yesterday, maybe she needed a day by herself to unwind and relax. "You don't remember?" asked Tesshi not getting the same picture as Sayaka. Mitsuha was really confused by this point but before anyone could say anything more about the topic, their conversation was cut off by the sound of someone talking on a loudspeaker. To their right, on what is usually an empty ground used as a parking space for a few cars was the Mayor of Itomori.
Miyamizu Toshiki - Mitsuha's Father, giving a speech as the running candidate of the next election. "...And above all, restoring the town's fiscal health to continue its revitalization project! Only when these are achieved, can a safe and secure community be created!" Along with him were the representatives of Teshigawara Constructions, they had close connections with the current Mayor and that got them all the projects for the town. Kept the money rolling. Politics always had a negative connotation attached to it, but something about Miyamizu, his passion to create a better society seemed genuine to the townsfolk. And his words did resonate with them.
"As the incumbent mayor..." Toshiki continued on with his speech. While the three friends moved along not really wanting to stop there. "He will be re-elected again anyway" One of the towns folk listening to the Mayor's speech said. Those people continued their talks on the rumours surrounding the Mayor, their theories on how he manages to get re-elected every time. The crowd likes him or maybe he has connections to sway the voters' opinions about him. Who knows.
Sayaka, Tesshi and Mitsuha just ignored them despite hearing it all. What else could they do anyway?
Few of their classmates were also on their way to school, they stopped to listen to the Mayor's speech and saw Mitsuha and her friends arriving towards them, "Hey, Miyamizu." The guy of their group turned his attention to Mitsuha and her friends, quickly followed by the two girls that were with him. "Goodmorning" Mitsuha greeted her classmates, none of the three greeted her back tho.
These three have been picking on Mitsuha for years, bullying her, badmouthing her. Mitsuha felt it's best to just ignore them, picking a fight with them would be a waste of their time and it wouldn't be a good look for the upcoming Shrine Maiden. A sentiment shared by Tesshi and Sayaka as well. And so, over time they've gotten rather bold with their badmouthing, often saying things within her earshot - making sure she heard them.
"So the Mayor's kid and his contractor's kids get along too" he just said it referring to the rumours floating around about the Mayor's connections with the Teshigawara Constructions, about how they benefit each other.
Tesshi and Mitsuha both decided to stay quiet. While Mitsuha knew not much about the dealings her father was involved in, given he was out of the family for quite a long time. Tesshi knew things. And even if he didn't like what was said to him and his friends, fighting back on it just didn't feel right. So he let it slide. They were all just floating rumours anyways.
Sayaka felt bad about it, but there was nothing she could do either. They just walked away ignoring them.
Toishiki saw his daughter after a long while, walking by on her way to school. He could have just ignored her and continued on with his speech, but he stopped for a moment to see her. He wanted to talk to her - only he didn't know how. He wasn't very happy about his own choice of leaving his children and as any parent, longed for any interaction with them. This was not the time nor the place, but he couldn't help calling her out.
"Mitsuha!" She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face her father, surprised and a little scared. Toshiki was not sure what to say next, and as a strict parent he just corrected her - "Don't you know how to walk straight?" noticing how she was walking with her head down a little, not aware of the exchange that happened moments prior. Her classmates who just mocked them were amused. "So embarrassing" - "Sucks to be her" they talked among themselves.
She turned to the road, moving forward, embarrassed. Tesshi felt for her and so did Sayaka but all they could do was comfort her. "Mitsuha?" Sayaka called her to make sure she was okay. "In front of everyone.." Mitsuha said in a low tone but loud enough for her friends to hear, as she sped up not wanting to be there for another moment.
Tesshi and Sayaka fell behind, feeling it's best to give her some space. She seemed to need it. "You think she is okay?" Sayaka asked Tesshi, who was quietly walking along holding his bicycle. "She has it rough" was all Tesshi could say. Mitsuha walked a little farther from them. "Makes sense why she wanted to be by herself yesterday, escape the worldly problems" pointed out Sayaka trying to change the subject and lighten the mood. "Perhaps", Tesshi had his own thoughts weighing his mind. Now Sayaka was lost, not sure what to say and they walked to school in silence.

They all reached their school and settled in their classroom. First period was Literature, walked in shortly after. As she settled in, telling the class what they would be learning about today - Mitsuha noticed the date written on the board. September 3rd, she could swear it's September 2nd. "Hey, Saya?" she turned her head to Sayaka who was sitting to her right "Isn't it September 2nd today?" wondering if she was mistaken or someone wrote the date on the board wrong.
"huh? No, it's September 3rd" casually replied Sayaka. They both didn't think much of it, she might have mistaken today's date, as one does at times. "Alright class, let's begin" said an enthusiastic Miss. Yukino, pulling out a book and writing about today's topic on the board as she began her lesson. A poem about dusk and mystery. Common phrases being used to describe twilight. "Twight - when it's neither day nor night and when one might encounter something supernatural..." She went on about her lecture.
Mitsuha flipped her notebook to find the next empty page to write down notes and she noticed, very clearly, in huge letters - a question.

"Who are you?"

"mmmm?" hummed Mitsuha wondering what was this about. She doesn't remember writing this in her notebook. Completely absorbed in thought not paying much attention to what's going on in the class. Flipping more pages to find if anything else was in her notebook that she didn't remember writing.
"Miyamizu-san" Yukino notices her being absorbed in thought and decides to call her out. Partly also to see how she would react today.
Yesterday, she was looking straight at her - as if she was paying attention, even after she called her name, she just sat there, without moving. It wasn't until people started looking at her and Sayaka called her "Mitsuha" as if to break her out of her daydreaming that she finally stood up. "I'm Miyamizu?" She announced as if she was questioning herself. And everyone found that amusing.
Today however, she immediately got up upon hearing her name. "Yes" picking up her book, realising she wasn't paying any attention.
"Oh, so you do remember your name today." Yukino stated, which confused Mitsuha even more.
'eh? what's with everyone today' she thought tilting her head in confusion as everyone laughed. It didn't feel good being laughed at but she didn't feel bad either, her confusion about today overshadowed it all by now.
"Settle down everyone" Yukino tried to calm the class down so she can proceed with her teaching. "Miyamizu-san, please read the next lines of the poem" She asked politely. Mitsuha panicked a little trying to figure out where her teacher was in the lesson. she looked over at Sayaka who pointed out to her in her own book from where she had to read.
Mitsuha began reading -

Under the harvest moon,
When the soft silver
Drips shimmering
Over the garden nights,
Death, the gray mocker,
Comes and whispers to you
As a beautiful friend
Who remembers.

Under the summer roses
When the flagrant crimson
Lurks in the dusk
Of the wild red leaves,
Love, with little hands,
Comes and touches you
With a thousand memories,
And asks you
Beautiful, unanswerable questions.

"Thank you, beautifully read, please sit" Relieved, Mitsuha sat back down in her seat as Yukino explained the poem furthur, talking about the phrases used and how those phrases evolved over time.
The rest of the day went as usual - time during their classes flew by before they knew it. The final bell rang, and everyone got up - greeted the teacher as he left.
Everyone packed their bags, those who were on cleaning duty that day waited for everyone else to leave. Some went out to play football, or just to hang out. Some just went home.
Mitsuha, Tesshi and Sayaka were on their way out as the three who antagonise Mitsuha were by the door, picking up their brooms as they were one of those people on cleaning duty. The guy of their group mocked Mitsuha for no reason "Hey it's the Shrine Maiden." The girls with him laughed - they would often mock her because she was 'special' in some way. Or so they thought what she thought of herself, coming from a family of such religious background, not to mention her Father was the Town's Mayor too.
"Hoy!" Tesshi stood up this time "don't you guys have work to do?"
"yeah yeah" he rolled his eyes and waved him away.
Mitsuha as always just ignored them, walking away. Sayaka followed her and soon after Tesshi. They had a special corner in the school's playground, on the far side, under a tree where Tesshi had got a few desks from the empty classrooms. Itomori High School is rather big for the amount of students attending it and so finding a few desks no one would miss was an easy task.
Sayaka and Mitsuha pulled out their juice boxes as they settled in their seats, sipping away as they talked about random stuff that girls would talk about. Tesshi sat up a table reading a science magazine - turning the pages until Mitsuha asked about why everyone's behaviour was a bit odd today, which caught his interest.
"You don't remember?" Sayaka asked her, so far she thought Mitsuha needed a day off and wanted some alone time, but now she is starting to think she may have just suffered memory loss. "Yesterday you forgot where your desk and locker were. You had bed hair and you didn't wear your ribbon" Mitsuha imagined herself as Sayaka described her and couldn't believe she was telling the truth. "What? No way! Really? I don't remember any such thing."
Sayaka was starting to put two and two together. 'Yep, she had amnesia' she thought "Yeah, it was like you had amnesia, you even thought today was 2nd. Don't you remember anything about yesterday? How you spent the day sightseeing?"
"Why would I do that? and yesterday I remember was...sunday?" Mitsuha said, trying to remember, now she knows today's Tuesday - but she can't recall any events from monday. "That was the day before yesterday. Did you hit your head somewhere? maybe that caused your amnesia?" Tesshi chimed in giving his theories as to what might have happened. "I don't know-" replied an even more confused Mitsuha.
"Well, I do feel like I've been having strange dreams lately, a dream about someone else's life?" She said trying to recall what she was dreaming about, but it all seems forgotten. "I can't remember clearly"
"I got it!" stated Tesshi confidently "That was ... your previous life! or maybe your subconsciousness linked to the parallel multiverse ..." He continued showing off the science magazine as if it was proof of it. But he was cut short by Sakaya who could take his nonsense only so far "You stay out of this" She commanded. Tesshi stopped immediately.
"But Mitsuha, you were really behaving weird yesterday. You've been feeling alright? Maybe it was the stress that got to you. The ritual is coming up, isn't it?" As the shrine maiden of the Miyamizu Shrine. They would perform a kagura sacred dance and other rituals, offering food and sake to Shitori-no-Kami. It would not be the first time she would have done it, but she still hated it.
"Don't remind me!" She put her head down, covering her ears and shaking her head. "I can't stand this town anymore. I want to just graduate and go to Tokyo" Maybe once she was in Tokyo she could be free of this Maiden Business and live her life how she wants to.
Sayaka got up and picked up her backpack "I don't blame you, There's really nothing in this town" she sighed as Mitsuha and Tesshi picked up their backpack as well, preparing to walk home. Tesshi picked up his bicycle along the way.
"This town is too small and very close-knit" said Mitsuha walking home with her friends. "Nowhere to go, nothing fun to do..." she rambled on "Trains too come once every 2 hours" Sayaka joined her in her rambling. "Any town is hours away" she continued, remembering her expeditions outside of Itomori when she needed to see a dentist.
"Small general stores and they all close at 9"
"There's no Bookstore. No public Library. No Dentist."
In the distance they saw the pubs they would pass by on their way to and back from school. "But we have 2 pubs for some reason" Mitsuha sighed.
"Will you two stop it?" Tesshi asked them politely, this whole conversation was making him feel bad about knowing he would be staying in this town for his foreseeable future. "we are not saying anything wrong" Sayaka said but Mitsuha kept walking on account of not hearing him.
As they walked, they continued at it. "There are no Jobs in the town either" Sayaka continued despite Tesshi asking them to stop. "No one comes here to seek Matrimony either" followed Mitsuha.
Now these two were getting on his nerves, he didn't disagree with anything they had to say about the town but there was no need to keep talking about it. The path they were walking on was carved onto the side of a hill, every evening the sun would go behind the hill making the sunset quite early for the town.
"We even have short sunlight hours" Sayaka kept complaining and Tesshi has had enough. He was a firm believer in life is what you make of it but not like he could say it they would resonate with it.
"Give me a break" He yelled, stopping his bicycle. "What?" Mitsuha and Sayaka turned to look at him. He really didn't want to complain about them complaining, he just wanted them to stop and he didn't know what else to say. "I mean, How about we stop by a cafe?"
"Cafe?! Really?!" Both Mitsuha and Sayaka's eyes lit up. "Where?!" Did a cafe actually open up in town that they didn't know about? Tesshi was closer to all the construction projects that happened in town so they thought maybe he knew something they didn't.
"Uh.. It's a surprise. Just follow me." Tesshi said taking the lead, the two girls followed him excited about finally they would see a real cafe in town. Their conversation switched to cafe's and Sayaka told Mitsuha about the few she had been to when she was out of town.
Tesshi paid no attention to their excited conversation, he just walked ahead and sighed. Soon after, Tesshi stopped by a vending machine, parking his bicycle by the tree. "Welcome to the Open Roadside Cafe!" he said, putting some coins in the vending machine and grabbing his drink.
Mitsuha and Sayaka just stood there, in disbelief, disappointed. "So what will you guys have? we have some espresso, cold coffee, orange juice.." Tesshi looked into the vending machine listing out what was available.
After the long and weird day, and her expectations crushed about finally visiting a cafe. She just sighed "You both enjoy, I'm going home" she waved as she left.
Sayaka picked out orange juice for herself as they both settled in on the bench nearby. A dog laid nearby, friendly one, he is usually around the area. One of their neighbours passed by in his moped - probably coming back from grocery shopping. "Hello" He greeted Tesshi and Sayaka as he passed them. "Hello" they both greeted him back out of respect and took a sip of their respective drinks.
"What kind of cafe is this?" Sayaka wasn't very happy that Tesshi got their hopes up for nothing. "You knew there wasn't one in this town" Tesshi replied, drinking his coffee. Sayaka looked down and then along the road Mitsuha went. "Mitsuha just went home" She said.
Straight ahead, up the hill they could see her house. "Things must be rough for her" continued Sayaka. "Well, she takes the centre stage" Tesshi said, referring to Mitsuha being the next in line to inherit the Miyamizu Shrine. "Yeah" sighed Sayaka. Mitsuha was too young and not ready for that responsibility and her Grandmother was there to handle everything Shrine related. But she was getting old, and that adds to the pressure on Mitsuha. Having to manage all that is not easy for anyone.
The dog that was laying in front of Tesshi got up, looking at him, catching his interest and his love for dogs, he rubbed the dog's head, petting him and the dog seemed to enjoy it too. Sayaka just looked at him, wondering. "Hey, Tesshi?" She said to get his attention.
"mmm?" he hummed letting her know he was listening and was not lost with the dog. "What will you do after you graduate?" She asked. She didn't really have a plan for herself and since they were close to their graduation, got her thinking.
"What's this all of a sudden?" he looked at her "are you asking about my future?" he asked for a confirmation and Sayaka nodded. He thought for a moment, he never really thought about what he wanted to do after graduation - thinking about it now isn't giving him a clear answer.
"I haven't really thought about it. I'll probably keep on living a normal life in this town" Sayaka finished up her drink, thinking. "What about you Saya?" he asked and she turned to him "I always thought I'd go to Tokyo with Mitsuha to attend a University. Most people leave after graduation, I figured that's what we would do too." She looked forward to see a fading Mitsuha's House since the sun was setting and it was getting darker. "But I don't know if She would join me with her Shrine duties and all"
"Of course she would, she wants to leave this town as much as you do" Tesshi got up, letting go of the dog, who got under the bench and curled up, yawning. Sayaka followed him, picking both their empty cans and throwing them in the trash can by the vending machine. Tesshi picked up his bicycle, both their school bags were on it and they both walked home. "Would you come to Tokyo with us?" Sayaka asked him. "I would like to, but i'm not sure"
Mitsuha, Sayaka and Tesshi have been friends since childhood. It didn't really feel right if the girls had to leave Tesshi behind for University. Sayaka wished he would join them too

Mitsuha upon reaching her house got changed into her yukata as quickly as she could. Grandma and Yotsuha were already making the braided cords and ribbons as she joined them. She sat down and grabbed some spools of coloured threads - some blue, some red and some yellow. Tying one end of all the threads down and weaving them into intricate patterns to make the braided cord.
Grandma worked on a different instrument - while Mitsuha's cord was more of a rope, her's was comparatively flatter. Almost like a small piece of beautiful cloth as the threads weaved into an intricate design.
The shrine of Itomori would often sell these braided cords as souvenirs, often to people visiting the small town as tourists, there to see the crater turned lake that was created 1200 years ago. That happened once in a while. And they had networks to ship these cords out of Itomori. There was demand for it too, since every other shrine made cloth, Miyamizu Shrine was the only one that weaved cords. That's how the Shrine stayed afloat - that and the good will of the townsfolk.
Yotsuha was spinning threads on the spools for Mitsuha and Grandma to use. Just grabbing one and tying one end and spinning it over and over. The first few were fine but it got boring quick since she never got to do what the other two did.
"Mmm.." She hummed in boredom "I want to do that too" she said referring to the actual cord making process. "You are not ready Yotsuha" Her grandmother replied bluntly. "Learn to listen to the thread's voice." She stopped what she was doing to explain something to her granddaughter "When you keep twining like that, emotions will eventually start flowing between you and the thread."
Mitsuha, focused on her own cord making, couldn't help but smile at their conversation. Long ago, there was once a time when she was in Yotsuha's shoes, when cord making seemed a fun thing to do.
"Threads don't talk" Yotsuha said, almost disappointed. "She means Concentrate" Mitsuha told her sister as both of them went back to doing their thing.
"1000 years of Itomori's history is etched into our braided cords" Grandma said to them both as she did her cord making. "Listen. 200 years ago -"
Mitsuha knew what was coming "Here she goes again." she smiled to herself. She must have heard about it a 1000 times but everytime it makes her chuckle.
"Sandal Maker Mayugoro's bathroom caught fire and burned down this whole area. The Shrine and the old documents were destroyed" She paused to fix her glasses "And that event is known as -" before she could say it, Mitsuha, as if answering to a teacher in a classroom said "The Great Fire of Mayugoro."
"eh? They named the Fire after him? Poor Mayugoro-san." Yotsuha sounded empathetic.
Grandma continued "And so the meaning of our festivals became unknown and only the form lived on." while not completely true as she herself knew a lot of history that was passed down to her, in the form of stories still lived within her. A great deal of documented details were lost to that event 200 years ago. The people taking care of the shrine back then did their best to re-document what they knew - but humans don't tend to remember 1000 years of history very well.
"But even if words are lost, tradition should be handed down. That is the important task we at Miyamizu Shrine have." She concluded and sighed, massaging her shoulders which hurt a little from the constant movement of making the cord, remembering the one person who left Miyamizu Shrine. For his own selfish reasons.
"That foolish son in law..." Mitsuha's hands didn't stop with what they were doing but her smile immediately faded upon hearing her father being mentioned. Her grandmother continued "As if leaving Shinto priesthood and this house weren't enough. He got into Politics? Hopeless" She said, sounding disappointed and angry. Even though he left years ago, consequences of his actions still rippled through the Miyamizu Family. It still affected Hitoha who probably will never forgive him, and to a greater degree - Mitsuha who effectively lost both parents at a young age, and to a lesser degree - the carefree Yotsuha.
The room grew silent as Yotsuha didn't know what to say, she was already told it was a grownup's matter in the morning. Mitsuha - didn't want to say anything.
Hours went by as the three worked in silence, finishing the braided cords and throwing them into the box filled with the freshly made ones. Grandma got up and picked 2 purely red braided cords she had made earlier today. "Here, put these on for the Ritual. One is for Mitsuha and One is for Yotsuha." She said offering it to Mitsuha nodded and pulled up her hands letting Grandma place them on her palms. "Now go, Mitsuha, Yotsuha. It's time."
"mm" nodded Yotsuha as she got up quickly followed by her sister. Mitsuha walked slowly with her hands in front of her, watching the red braided cords with care. This yearly Ritual always made her feel nervous. It would be the first time for Youtsuha performing and she looks excited to do so, since she is running to get changed into the traditional kagura dress.
They both took their time to properly dress up, Mitsuha helping her sister with the fine details. When they were done, Yotsuha stared at herself in the mirror. "I look so pretty" she smiled, turning to her sister and twirling to show her. Mitsuha smiled at her sister "Yeah you do" seeing her dressed up in traditional kagura dress for the first time and so happy to do so took her stress off a little. "Alright, lets go" She led the way to the stage where their grandmother and a few other people, some from the shrine, others just there to witness the ritual being performed, were already there.

Meanwhile at Tesshi's house, people have gathered to discuss about the upcoming election. The mayor himself - Toshiki Miyamizu is there pouring sake for Tesshi's Father "I'm counting on your help again" Toshiki said to the head of Teshigawara Constructions. It was no secret that the Teshigawara Family had influence over a few districts and that the Mayor would often use their friendship to have influence over them - when time comes, to garner votes.
"Leave it to me" He said drinking his shot of sake "You'll get the votes from Kadoiri District and Sakagami District this year as well" Truth be told, he didn't have to do much to persuade the people. Everyone knew Toshiki as the former Shinto Priest of Miyamizu Shrine, The name itself carried its weight in the town. But a little help didn't hurt.
Tesshi was in the other room within earshot, drinking soda and listening to their discussions. "I smell corruption" he said to himself, amused. His mother who just put some food on the table for him, heard that. "Don't be ridiculous" She said, they both were aware of how things were done - as a business they had to get every edge they could. Even if that meant using the connections to their advantage. It was a win-win for both parties involved and It was the way the world worked.
His father walked in the room looking for his wife and found her right in front of him upon opening the door. "Bring some more Sake for the people" He said, to which she nodded "Yes Yes" and left to bring some. "And Katsuhiko" he looked at Tesshi "Work on site this weekend, Learn how to use explosives"
"mmm" Tesshi hummed in agreement without looking at him, wondering about how one day he will inherit the Teshigawara Constructions. Would he be like his Father? as he himself put it - corrupt? "I can't hear you." His thoughts were cut short by his father who didn't get an answer from him. "Yeah-" He said loudly this time, making sure he was heard as he picked up his chopsticks to eat his dinner. His father left the room to discuss business and to drink more.
Tesshi ate in silence as his mother passed him to bring more Sake to the guests as his father had asked her. She came back and sat across her son, grabbing her own dinner. The room filled with the murmuring of people coming from the next room. She noticed her son looks absorbed in thought, mothers always tend to notice when their children aren't feeling the best.
"So, How was school today?" She asked him, starting a conversation to understand if anything was bothering him. "mmm? Ah School. It was as usual-" He said and his eyes went back to his food.
"Anything Interesting happened today?" she continued with her questions, trying to make a conversation. "Ah- we went to a cafe today" he told her, chuckling. "We have a cafe in Itomori? Tell me where, I'd love to visit" she raised an eyebrow, knowing full well there wasn't one. "Nah, but we have a vending machine near the bridge. Me and Saya stopped by to have a drink"
"That sounds like time well spent. I wish there was a place like a cafe in this town. It would be nice to go there every once in a while" she said and her son nodded "yeah-, when I join Dad in the business, Cafe will be the first thing I will build" Tesshi sounded hopeful and confident. His mother smiled "That sounds like a great idea" as they wrapped up dinner. The voices by the neighbouring room also started to dial down as people started leaving. Tesshi too got up to put his empty bowl in the sink.
He got back into his room. Opening the door to his balcony and looking out, thinking about his life. Miyamizu Shrine is lit up, up in the mountains in the distance and he remembered Mitsuha's Ritual was tonight. "We both have it rough, don't we?"
Tesshi has the responsibility of inheriting the Family business. Mitsuha has the responsibility of inheriting the Shrine. Both had pressure on them to learn about how things are done. He sighed, getting up and walking downstairs "I'm going to the Miyamizu Shrine. I'll be back" He let his parents know as he left.

At the shrine, few people have gathered to witness tradition. Sayaka was there too, she wouldn't want to miss her friend's big ritual. It was important for the town too even though over the years many people have lost interest in these traditions. Sayaka watched from a platform on the far side as Mitsuha and Yotsuha got on the stage just about to begin and they took their initial stance.
Their Grandmother sat close by on the edge of the stage, watching them perform. The music played out of an electronic music system. Traditionally it would be people playing the music on their own instruments but this way was easier.
The Miyamizu Sisters began their dance, moving just as their grandmother had taught them. With slow and precise movement. Twirling, moving their hands precisely, mindful with their foot movements. Kagura dances tell a story. And so did theirs.
"Is that Yotsuha-chan? She is all grown up" A man in an elderly couple said, standing not too far from Sayaka. "They both look just as pretty as their Mother" his wife complimented them, watching them perform the dance.
"Hey" Sayaka heard Tesshi's voice from behind her, who just got there, joining her. "Hey" she greeted back and they both watched the event silently.
Minutes went by and their dance concluded. Both sisters sat down, with choreographed movements. Opening up the cooked rice wrapped in paper that was in front of them. Mitsuha and Yotsuha both took some with their fingers - putting it in their mouth and they chewed.
"The oldest sake in the world" Tesshi noted, leaning forward intrigued by what was going on. "By chewing on the rice, spitting it out and letting it ferment. It turns to alcohol" He explained to himself.
"Kuchikamisake" Sayaka was trying to remember what it was called and blurted it out after Tesshi's explanation. "Do the gods appreciate sake made that way?" She wondered loudly. "Ofcourse they do" Tesshi asserted. "It has been a tradition for hundreds of years" Sayaka, not very satisfied with that reasoning, just nodded. "mmm"
Mitsuha's antagonizing classmates walked in among the sparse crowd. "There, look, it's Miyamizu" the guy said to his friends. They were on time to witness the Sake making process. Mitsuha and Yotsuha were done chewing up the rice and they picked up their respective containers, holding it under their chin and covering their mouth with the robe from the other hand.
They both opened their mouths to let the mixture flow. This was the most embarrassing part for Mitsuha. They both kept their eyes shut during the whole thing.
"Ehh-" Naoka and Miki both were disgusted with what they were witnessing "I could never do that" said Miki, holding her hand over her mouth. "Isn't she embarrassed?" wondered Naoka "I can't believe this" said Miki.
As Mitsuha opened her eyes, she immediately noticed her classmates. She grunted quietly out of the mental discomfort but as ritual demanded it - she had to ignore it and she held her composure. Both sisters untied the red cord that was tied to their hair and used it along with a piece of paper to close the sake container. Wrapping it up and tying the knot beautifully.
They stood up holding it as the ritual concluded, Mitsuha could see her classmates - laughing. At her she assumed. Both sisters turned and went back inside. Their Grandmother nodded as if to tell them 'well done' as they passed by her.
Now that the Ritual was over and Mitsuha had the freedom to express herself, she grew red with embarrassment. Yotsuha was humming to herself curiously watching her container "Will this really turn into Sake?" she wondered loudly as she walked. They both put their container by the little shrine inside. It was to let ferment for a few days before transferring it to a sake bottle to offer to their god.
They both walked in a different room to get changed into their casual clothes. Mitsuha couldn't shake that feeling of embarrassment of being seen by her classmates and Yotsuha saw her sister's discomfort. "Are you okay Sis?" she asked "You look a little red" wondering if she messed up the ritual somehow.
"My classmates saw me" said Mitsuha in a low voice. "huh? so what?" Yotsuha didn't understand what was so embarrassing about that. "Wouldn't you be embarrassed if your friends saw you doing that?" her older sister asked "No-" she said bluntly. Mitsuha couldn't process how her younger sister's brain worked "eah- just get changed, I'm tired" she whined.
Quickly, they both changed into their casual clothes, taking the traditional dress off was easier than putting it on. They both neatly folded their Kagura dress and wrapped it up in cloth. Leaving the Shrine to head home, finally.
Mitsuha sighed as she opened the door letting her sister through. Yotsuha caught that, understanding that her sister was still upset about being seen by her classmates. "Cheer up Sis. Who cares if a few classmates saw you?"
Mitsuha closed the door behind her. "I envy your pre-pubescent lack of concern" she replied as they both walked out. "I wish I lived in Tokyo, away from this-" she wasn't sure what the right word was - this town? these traditions? these people? this life? She thought as they reached the stairs. Miyamizu Shrine was a short hike above their house and now it was a hike downhill.
"Yeah, why not sell lots of kuchikamisake and use that money to go to tokyo?" Yotsuha suggested. "Where do you get such ideas?" Mitsuha was just dumbfounded. It wasn't a bad idea by any means, sake is always in demand. "Sell them with photos and making videos. You can call it Shrine Maiden's KuchiKamiSake" Yotsuha expanded on her idea. "You'll make lots of money" She smiled thinking what a great idea she came up with.
Mitsuha imagines doing what she suggested for a moment, not sure why she did so - the thought of making more sake that way just disgusted her. Thought of people drinking that - words can't even explain that mixed feeling of embarrassment and disgust.
"NOO - That breaks the liquor tax law" She quickly explained to her why it was a bad idea. Ofcourse she didn't say the real reason - not that her idea could ever be a real plan. She ran down the stairs, trying to run away from the embarrassment. "That's the problem?" wondered Yotsuha who thought it could have been her sister's ticket out of Itomori.
Mitsuha just stopped under the Torii gate, the entire town could be seen from where she was standing. And she shouted, on top of her lungs "I hate this town! I hate this life! Make me a handsome Tokyo boy in my next life Please!" as if she was asking the gods for a favour. Her sister stopped dead in her tracks hearing her shout and she sighed in disbelief "Such a fool..."
Even if the God's didn't hear her, the town might have. Or not, It was late - everyone was probably asleep.

Yukino was explaining Tasokare - 'Who goes there' expression and how it changed over time - and how it comes from tasokare-doki which means twilight. I changed it to a poem about twilight - seemed fitting for a literature class. And because I dont speak japanese so i didn't know how to extend the original scene or what would happen next - I could have not done it and wrote the original scene but this just felt better.

I gave names to the two of Mitsuha's classmates we know of - Naoka is the Straight brown haired one. Miki is the Black haired one who ties her ponytail to her left side. I haven't thought of a name for the Guy yet.