Title: [SPECIAL 2019] Reiwa 1 Watanagashi Festival || Series: Boundless Kakera, Chapter 2
Fandom: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
Synopsis: 36 years after her triumph over the Endless Summer, Rika attends the 2019 Watanagashi festival alongside her friends, reminiscing about her past while discovering what the future has to offer.
Note: |Post- Matsuribayashi-hen|
Pairing(s): KeiRika (Keiichi/Rika, M/F), SatoShion (Satoshi/Shion, M/F)
Posted: June 16, 2019. Watanagashi Day! [REVISED SEPTEMBER 4, 2021]
It was the 16th of June 2019, the day of the Watanagashi Festival. Post meridian was coming close to pass. The sun gradually descended, the intense orange of the sky dying out in turn.
Around an isolated area, a man and a woman stood in combative stances opposite from one another. They gripped firmly their pistols as their eyes narrowed in slits.
Then they leaped. Both took their aim and pulled the triggers. Jets of water were shot.
The figures avoided the attacks with impressive maneuvers. Water continued to spatter the ground. As they kept up their dodge and parry, they made slow advances toward each other, narrowing the gap between them. Their offensive and defensive tactics grew more precarious than the last.
Suddenly, one of the figures unexpectedly slipped. He lost his footing and hurled down roughly, though not before shooting one last bullet at their opponent.
The other figure was quick to react, however, and retaliated back with a discharge of her own.
Both opponents grunted when the water made contact. The one who fell earlier clutched onto his chest while the other did the same for her right shoulder. Their harmless wounds left their clothes stained in dark pools.
"Damn, Rena. You managed to take me down with you," the man shivered over the cold.
Rena grinned. "Never underestimate me, Keiichi-kun. Rena knows how to be quick on her feet."
"Well done, you two," applauded a female voice. Both adversaries turned to see Mion approaching them. "Nice to see my subordinates haven't been slacking off."
Keiichi huffed, "Was there any doubt? When it comes to water gun matches, I'm at my best. Having trained under the tutelage of Akasaka-sempai helped, too."
"Indeed, Keii," Rika chimed in, hauling him back up on his feet. "I can see how refined and agile your movements are. Guess there's some truth to you being one of the best cops in Japan."
" Some truth, huh?" Keiichi raised an eyebrow.
Rika rolled her eyes. "Don't push it. Last thing I need is for you to get pompous and do something inane."
"You really know how to be discouraging at the appropriate time, Rika," Satoko snickered.
"She's not being discouraging, Satoko-chan," Shion piped up. "but rather en couraging. Too much praising can be rather unhealthy so it's best to balance it out by withholding higher standards."
Rika looked at Shion with approval. "Great minds truly do think alike."
Shion flashed a thumbs-up, added with a wink and wicked grin.
"Muuu, I'm not sure I advocate those methods," Satoshi added, "It is only natural to compliment a person for their talents..." he looked up thoughtfully, "...or is it just me not having the heart to be harsh...?"
Satoko laughed, "You're too compassionate for your own good, Nii-Nii."
"Not that there's any problem with that. That compassion is what drew to you in the first place. Isn't that right, Satoshi-kun?" Shion seized his arm in a hug.
"A-Ah, Shion-san. Not so tight, please," Satoshi squirmed.
Shion did pull away, but not without a sulky pout. "Oh, Satoshi-kun, I'm hurt. Do you not want my love?"
Alarmed, Satoshi waved his hands. "No, no, no. It's not like that, Shion-san! Please don't be sad. Muuu..."
"Relax, Satoshi," Mion laughed, "Sis is only guilt-tripping you for kicks. Not the first time she's done this. Old habits die hard, I suppose."
"You're telling me. For someone married to her, I can never resist even if I know better," Satoshi scratched his head sheepishly. "I just don't know what to say."
In the blink of an eye, Shion glomped on him. A mischievous smile crept on her perky visage. "Tell everyone you love me and you are willing to have some fun with your adoring wife later tonight."
"S-Shion-san! You mustn't be so bold!" cried her startled husband.
Everyone succumbed to a collective cachinnation. Though it wasn't long before Hanyuu ceased in her laughter. The lavender-haired woman stared at Satoshi with wonder.
Satoshi took notice. "Erm, Hanyuu-san, is something wrong?"
The laughter died down. Looks of concern laid on the person in question.
Hanyuu blinked owlishly before she shook her head. "No, nothing is wrong. Though I wonder the whereabouts of your son. I haven't seen him at all today."
"Hitomu?" Satoshi tilted his head. "Last I saw him, he went off to the food stands. Couldn't be for getting a bite to eat, though. He promised he'd join us in our annual group activity." [2]
Shion chuckled, "That's no mystery. Obviously, our boy is living up to his namesake and accomplishing his dream of wooing a certain girl he's set his heart on," she glanced at Rika slyly. "particularly the young damsel who so happens to carry the Furude name."
"Cheh," Rika rolled her eyes. "Hitomu's got a long way to go before he's worthy enough to be my daughter's boyfriend. We'll talk after a thousand years."
"Mouuu..." Shion sulked. "Oyashiro-sama, what has happened to the innocent Rika-chan who was so blissful of everything? Why is she so mean?"
If only I knew, Hanyuu thought.
Rika shrugged, impassive. "She's on permanent vacation."
Mion let out a guffaw. "Fun Ruiner Rika-chan strikes again. Speaking of these youngsters, why don't we pay them a visit? Yeah, let's go. Right now." she put her hands on her hips, her smile dubiously strained.
Rena caught on. Through her eyeglasses, she scrutinized Mion. "You're a bit too eager to leave."
"Good eye, Rena," Keiichi chimed in, staring at their club leader with similar suspicion. Soon, realization dawned on him, and his frown flipped upside down. "...I see. Too bad, Mion, your red herring ain't talking. Don't think you can escape your punishment game like that!"
"Eep!" Mion backed away, only for Keiichi and Rena to follow her threateningly.
Dark chuckles exuded out from the duo. Mion gulped nervously when she felt her back press against bark.
Keiichi was the first to take action. He seized Mion's right arm firmly whereas Rena did the same to the other. They leered gleefully at their club leader like cats that cornered the chicken.
"Kei-chan, Rena-chan!" Mion writhed. "N-Neither of you be hasty now. I'm sure we can r-resolve this in a civilized manner..."
The kind smile Rena wore contrasted with the glint of mischief in her baby blues. "Definitely. We'll keep you imprisoned in our grasp until you take your penalty. Keiichi-kun and I may have tied for first place, but that doesn't change the fact you and everyone else are the losers to today's club activity."
Unlike Rena, Keiichi didn't bother hiding the fiendish expression. "Couldn't have said it better myself. Our dear superior here should learn to accept her defeat, as well as our losers..."
"Amen to that," Rena eyed them all viciously, sending chills down their spines. "I have penalty outfits with their names on it!"
The bespectacled redhead threw her head back and laughed maniacally, as did Keiichi. Wolfish grins split open their lips. Mion, at the mercy of her captors, could only shrink back nervously.
Everyone else stared at Keiichi and Rena awkwardly, unsure how to react.
"Ermm... that's quite nice," Satoshi scratched his cheek, smiling meekly. "but we mustn't dawdle any longer. Rika-chan will have to perform soon. Best we get to the festival now while there's still time."
Rena beamed, "That's right! We must start the other club activity immediately."
"Heh!" Keiichi grinned. "Everyone, schedule your requiem of demise. Keiichi Maebara is on the scene, ready to claim victory!"
Satoko narrowed her eyes at Keiichi. "Not so fast, you. As if I'm going to let that happen. You'll be eating dirt while I win!"
Shion clicked her tongue thrice, wagging her finger. "Everyone is acting like they can beat us easily," she glanced at her other half. "Shall we, Satoshi-kun? Let us prove them wrong together."
Satoshi patted her head. "I promise I won't disappoint."
"Hey, hey, I hope no one here is underestimating me," Mion chimed in, "My loss in the last activity was a minor setback. I'm not down for the count just yet!"
Though the Furude women said nothing, they displayed bright smiles.
Rena pumped a fist in the air. "Let us depart for the festival, to determine the outcome of this game!"
"Right!" they cheered.
The Gaming Club strode through a path between many old trees leading to the festival grounds.
The evening fully darkened, shrouding all in the night. Everyone squinted. They could make out the bubbles of lights from afar, likely belonging to the festival's decorations.
As they trampled leaves and dirt, Rika succumbed to contemplation.
Many years have passed since Rika and Hanyuu were set free from the eternal summer back in 1983. For Hinamizawa, the rural village underwent drastic changes. No more did dense woods invade the local countryside. A myriad of new homes were planted over sections of where the trees once were, provided for the growing village population - particularly those who migrated into the village. Granted, the forests still existed, just in smaller numbers.
This advancement towards new life, of course, opened many new paths for her and her companions to take.
Keiichi worked as a police investigator of Okinomiya who solved various cases with flying colors, much to the benefit of the residents. Other cities would often summon him for his assistance for how incredibly outstanding he was in his work. Relying on guns as little as possible in his job, which he was adamant about, Keiichi learned martial arts from Akasaka, who Rika was kind enough to introduce.
Rena pursued the art of fashion designing. She developed many styles of clothing that appealed to her fondness for cute things. Interestingly, this also appealed greatly to the new generation, so that made Rena quite successful in her career. It's just too bad she wouldn't be the one taking them home...
Mion, outside her duties as head of the Sonozaki family, sought to be a marriage and family therapist. Thanks to her remarkable social skills, she provided great aid to those in relationships burdened from any life issues. Her sessions with her clients usually ended in favorable outcomes, thus many of Hinamizawa and Okinomiya denizens had an easier time living better lives.
Satoko became a civil engineer. Putting her years of trap-making prowess to good use, she contributed to the expansion of the place she proudly called her beloved home. Her arduous labor benefitted well for everyone, especially since the village was growing in population with new arrivals.
Satoshi had it tough to readjust after his coma. He had to make up for the time lost in his education. Luckily, Shion and Satoko were there to help him. In his efforts, Satoshi managed a career as a child counselor and helped the local youths live happy, healthy lives in hopes they never end up like he and Satoko had back then.
For Shion, inspired by her sister's quest to help the troubled folk, she strived to work at the Irie Clinic as a nurse. Her goals came to life and she assisted Dr. Irie significantly with the numerous patients that came by occasionally, just as Takano had.
Speaking of her, Takano resigned from working at the clinic and moved to America with Tomitake. The pair lived together as a happily married couple with two kids of their own, according to Tomitake whenever he stopped by for his yearly visits. His wife never joined him, though.
Then there was Hanyuu, who greatly desired to teach the youth in Hinamizawa. Working alongside Chie Rumiko, Hanyuu majored in the ancient history of Japan. She helped the students excel through her arcane wisdom and made sure they all grew up as responsible individuals.
As for Rika herself, she dabbled in creative writing, having published many books throughout the years. Rika grew to be quite successful in her career and continued to pen out more work of literature that would forever expose her as an iconic author throughout Japan who would inspire many.
Everyone has found their place, filling in good roles that benefit themselves as well as the people around them. They have all left an influence in the world. I'm... proud to be associated with them...
It almost seemed like Rika would shed tears of joy. Ruminating over this new life, what she struggled so hard to achieve, was enough to touch her deeply.
"Look! We're just about there to the festival," Satoko announced enthusiastically, pointing at the bubbles of light that shrouded the end of the forest.
Keiichi whooped, "Alright, let's go!"
Everyone drew to the light like moths to a flame. Rika sped ahead of them, wanting to witness more of what the world had to offer.
Festoon lanterns hung above the booths, its gold brilliance secreted the mists of moonlight.
Masses of the old and young filled the very grounds. Their tattles of excitement sauntered along the breeze.
Amidst the large crowd, a boy looking no older than seventeen hung around the stall selling cotton candy. His short, gold hair looked bundled in a fluffy ball of fire. His round eyes were emerald green, too similar to the actual jewels from how rich they looked. It could, perhaps, have something to do with the black suit he donned.
"You are quite the angel from heaven," the boy said to the girl beside him. "Perhaps you can take me there, where the stars are brightest?"
The girl looked away from her smartphone to observe him. In that veil of long black hair with teal highlights, her sea orbs washed over him in its cold regard.
"Have the stars blinded you, Hitomu? Because you are reaching. The only way you'll get there is in your dreams."
Hitomu feigned hurt. "Ooo, that smarts, Mirai-chan!" he glared at the object held by its owner. "Don't tell me you prefer that repugnant device over me."
" Repugnant device? " Mirai echoed, knitting her eyebrows. "Who are you, my mom?"
"No. But I think it's cruel that I be outclassed by such a thing," Hitomu grinned deviously as he slung an arm over her shoulder.
"It's just about right for you, skirt-chaser. I suggest, for your sake, you cease and desist your pointless pursuits. Unless you'd like me to appoint a special date for you and the ground..."
His eyes definitely did seem like emeralds from the gleam in them. "There's no need to be bashful. I know how adamant you are in preventing me from pursuing other girls."
"Obviously. I worry over who you seduce. No innocent woman deserves such a horrific fate," she huffed, ignoring the heat blooming in her cheeks.
"You say that, but you're way into my business to mean it," he noticed her pink cheeks and smirked. "Oh ho ho~! You appear to be blushing. How can this be? Hmm... if I know my vocabulary well, when one blushes it shows they're embarrassed."
The pink deepened in beet red. "Y...Yeah. Embarrassed... that I put up with you..."
Hitomu laughed, "Or that you don't know how. Mirai-chan, I'm here and I'm talking to you. If you want me, just say so."
"Don't be ridiculous! You and your delusions, hmph! " she looked away, arms folded.
"There's my boy!"
"...mmm?" he glanced at the origins of the new voice in confusion.
And was enveloped in a tight embrace, courtesy of Shion who donned a warm smile as she nuzzled her cheek against his. "My baby boy~!"
"M-Mom!" Hitomu cried out in embarrassment. "Not in front of Mirai-cha—I mean public! Not in public, please!"
Satoko laughed, "Dear nephew, be more grateful to have Shion-san as a parent. She harbors so much love for her family, and you receive the most of it as her own flesh and blood." This earned her a gracious smile from Shion.
Hitomu scratched his neck, looking rather sheepish. "Ah... yeah, sure, I'll keep that in mind next time, Auntie Satoko."
"Haauu..." Rena bit her lip seeing the Houjou family interact.
Noticing the familiar desire prancing about in her friend's eyes, Mion teased, "Still having trouble curbing your Take it Home mode, Rena-chan?"
"Old habits die hard," Rena giggled.
Hanyuu put her hands together with a smile. "Glad to see we're settling well amongst ourselves, but shouldn't we be starting our club-sanctioned competition?"
"I haven't forgotten," Mion answered gleefully. She stepped into the center, proclaiming, "Now that we're all assembled, I say it's about time for our Battle of Evils!"
The Battle of Evils was a traditional game they played. Every year during Watanagashi, the Gaming Club would tackle all the booths, competing against one another in strange games where the one who racked up the most wins would be declared victorious. The severity of punishment games depended entirely on the whims of the winner, though for a special occasion like this it would likely be doubled.
Naturally, the seniors, who hoped to be the best and were unwilling to face failure, were psyched for the challenge. Mirai simply got on her phone again, uninterested in their shenanigans.
"Guess this year's going to be the Battle of Nine Evils, with us eight club members and Hitomu as an addition," Keiichi cheered.
"Ten," Rika threw in. "Count our daughter in, too."
That was enough to get Mirai off her phone. "What?!"
Rika smirked, "Did I stutter, little one? You are going to play with us. Unless you want your allowance to be reduced by half."
Her daughter gasped in utter horror. "Not that! Anything but that!"
"Then comply," Rika steps forward, hand out and fingers itching to grasp. "And while you're at it, hand me your phone. You're too distracted by that piece of junk."
"Eh...Ehh..." Mirai looked over to her other family, silently pleading for help.
Hanyuu and Keiichi exchanged unsure glances before gazing back at Mirai with head shakes. Mirai gulped. Plan B it is.
She turned to her mother, eyes wide and misty as her lips pushed together to make a pout. "Mommy... spare me from your undisputed fury. Please..."
"Psshh... I shall not grant you mercy. Hand me your gadget at once," Rika, unfazed at the puppy-dog eyes sent her way, simply brought her hand out farther.
"B-But, Mother! Surely you can reconsider for me, your sole heir–"
Mirai stopped upon noticing the scathing glare on that face. After a few tense seconds of silence, she sighed in surrender.
"Hauuu, I would have conceded..." Rena remarked as she watched Mirai begrudgingly lend her mother the phone.
"I'm sure you would," commented Rika apathetically, her expression complimenting the tone she used.
Sneakily, Hitomu shot a taunting smirk at Mirai for a split second before quickly changing into a kinder smile. "Yay! Mirai-chan's going to participate!" he cheered.
"At the cost of my phone," Mirai sulked. "If only Mother knew how beneficial they can be..."
"Well, now that we got that settled," Mion pumped a fist, teal eyes sweeping through her subordinates with pride. "Let the competition commence! "
The Battle of Ten Evils went underway. Everyone put their own strengths and wits to the test, opposing the challenges that shrouded them from victory.
They scarfed down shaved ice as fast as possible, all while enduring the blizzard which stormed inside their heads. Next came devouring the infernos of takoyaki that scalded their taste buds. Then they played in the classic shooting gallery, a test challenging them in perfect precision for knocking down prizes.
The games were quite demanding and all of them had to pour in their best effort and talent. Though the club retained powerful ambitions for victory, only one would assume that throne for themselves.
That one happened to be Hitomu.
"I did it!" Hitomu triumphed as he held up two fingers to form a 'V' for victory. Snuggled in his chest was a blue plush penguin he held with his other arm, the grand prize for winning the shooting range.
Mirai hissed, "Bullshit!"
"Language," scolded Hanyuu.
Mion looked none too pleased either. "First, I lost to Kei-chan and Rena-chan, now I get bested by a newbie. This old man should really consider retiring..."
"Don't say that, Onee," Shion placated. "Everyone eventually meets their superior. On the positive side, I'm glad to see our pride and joy triumph."
"Agreed," Satoshi piped in merrily. He wrapped his arm around Shion. "As consolation, you lose knowing that your nephew takes after you in prevailing games."
"Heh... when you put it that way then..." Mion cracked a smile, perking up.
Satoko complimented, "A commendable accomplishment, Hitomu-kun. You have clearly been learning from our prior Battle of Evils," she crossed her arms and smirked. "Tell me, what punishments do you have planned for the losers? Surely... you are not planning anything against me or your family."
Little sneak, Keiichi rolled his eyes.
Hitomu shook his head. "Nope. There's only one person I plan on punishing today."
He glanced at a disgruntled Mirai, whose sea eyes were storming. "Oh, Mirai-chan~! A shame you lost, though your tenacity was quite awe-striking."
"Just get to the point," fumed Mirai.
Hitomu winked. "Since I'm the winner, I say you have no choice but to be my slave for two weeks. Basically, you do what I tell you without question. That includes spending some quality time with moi! "
A seething scowl eclipsed her doll face. Already, Mirai could feel humiliation ravage her pride.
Hitomu looked back at the stuffed penguin he held. Grinning, he pushed it towards Mirai. "For your first order, you must carry this penguin which I have won, in recognition of my victory over you. Cherish it well!"
Though veins protruded from Mirai's temples as her right eye twitched erratically, she followed the demand and took the plushie in an affectionate hold.
"Suffice to say, I think this year's Watanagashi turned out well," Rena commented.
Mion shrugged. "Eh, I liked last year better when I beat you all and won."
"You would," scoffed Keiichi.
"Furude-sama!" an elderly voice cried. The group drew their attention to a frantic woman shuffling toward them. "Thank goodness I found you! The ceremonial dance is about to start soon!"
Rika blanched. Peering down at the watch enveloping her left wrist, she studied the hour and minute hands that shifted clockwise. "Only ten minutes left, barely enough time for me to get ready. Sorry, everyone, but I must depart."
She barely made a quick step when she stopped tersely. Rika groaned and leaned downward, clutching her abdomen.
"Rika!" Hanyuu tended to her. "Are you okay?!"
Her insides felt as if they were tethered together in a thick knot. Rika doubled over. Keiichi and Hanyuu each took one side and helped Rika up.
"D...Damn... all the food I ate from our competition is taking its toll on me. My metabolism isn't as efficient as it used to be..."
Hanyuu frowned. "This is bad. You're in no fit condition for the ritual. What are we going to do...?"
"Well, we certainly can't cancel the ceremony," the messenger added, dejection masked over her wizened face. "but we cannot force Furude-sama to perform like this."
Satoshi ran a hand through his blond hair. "This is turning out to be quite the conundrum."
Mirai eyed her mother with an unreadable look.
Rika knit her brow. "I doubt I can recover in time. Is it possible to delay the dance until further notice? Would the people react reasonably?"
The unsure glances from them said enough, and Rika found herself agreeing instantaneously. People could only wait for so long...
"For something like that to occur at this juncture... shit..." Rika grimaced.
"Perhaps I can improvise," a feminine voice offered promptly.
Everyone turned to the source of the voice, before growing surprised to see... a grinning Mirai!
Mirai proudly slapped a hand over her chest. "Yes, you all heard correctly. I shall take over and dazzle the audience. As a substitute priestess!"
We are so screwed, Rika thought.
They were amidst the crowd. She sat on a foldable silver chair, next to her an outdoor trash bin in case she needed to spew out her contents. Residents passed incredulous glances at her every now and then, wondering why she was present amongst them and not preparing to perform.
The torches erupted flames that licked the shrine red and orange. Hidden behind them were two enormous gongs. At the center was the altar, sustaining the stacks of large futons containing cotton from within. The prodigious statue of Oyashiro-sama loomed over all with a solemn gaze.
A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead. Rika dreaded the impromptu ceremony that would shortly end in failure.
"Rika-chan," Keiichi snaked an arm around her shoulders. "Your stomach doing okay?"
"Just fine," she hummed.
Relief is written on his face when he chirped, "Good to hear!" he glanced at the face of the empty shrine. "Wouldn't be good if you missed our daughter's first ritual."
She stared at him with a pessimistic frown.
"Keii," when Keiichi looked back at his wife, she continued bluntly, "Do you think our daughter is ready for this?"
"Without doubt. Indisputably so," he nodded without skipping a beat.
Rika was momentarily stunned. There it was, the poised disposition that had given Mirai the 'okay' she needed in her plan.
"Why is it you feel that way?" Rika questioned. "Our flesh and blood is about to recklessly fulfill my priestess duties, with lack of experience at that."
Keiichi chuckled. "You forget, Mirai is both a Furude and a Maebara. As her parents in those respective families, we confront our problems without hesitance and aim for the best outcome. Naturally, that is hereditary when it comes to Mirai."
She blinked, beginning to assimilate her husband's words.
He pulled Rika closer to him in a hug. "Ease yourself, Rika-chan. Anxiety subjugates the mind and dilutes our ability to see the success of ourselves and others. Let things play out. I assure you today won't turn out as bad as you think it will."
Not saying anything, Rika simply kept her eyes transfixed on the man before her. Keiichi, though unbridled in his assertiveness, always had his heart in the right place. He had the mouth to back it up, too. That was how he rightfully earned the title Magician of Words .
It seemed thirty years hadn't dampened his magic in the slightest. For her to be swayed by his Hope. Again.
Her head lolled against the chest belonging to her significant other, heavy-lidded eyes sewn shut as she cooed.
I'll put my faith in his judgement, though I can only hope that Keii knows of the consequences...
"Look! It's about to start," Rena piped, the stuffed penguin held in her arms. Mirai had entrusted her with it before she went off to prepare.
Rika pulled away from Keiichi and sat up straight, eyes wide with interest at what was to come.
Mirai appeared at the heart of the shrine. She donned a kimono jacket and a red hakuma, befitting the appearance of a shrine maiden. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.
Gripped in her hands was the ceremonial hoe. Thick red ropes accompanied with white zig-zag ribbons and a chime were tied around the top end. Mirai tentatively traced the smooth wood of the handle.
Everyone remained silent. Rika inwardly noted the faint traces of sweat and nervous look on her daughter's face.
Two men clad in kimonos and masks snuck to the gongs stealthily with bachi .
Mirai fidgeted, not quite used to being the center of attention. Though she knew, deep down, she couldn't afford to shamefully withdraw. Her family and everyone else were expecting a wonderful performance out of her.
Heaving a sigh, she proceeded.
The bell chimed when Mirai, while circling the altar in a sort of dance, swung down the hoe but not so low to stab the futon. Then it chimes again, and again, and again, like heartbeats. The Taiko drums seemed to follow the pattern as well.
Rika could see Mirai's lips moving, no doubt chanting the necessary prayer. But because the sound was drowned out by the others, no one could really hear.
"Amazing!" Hitomu whispered, awe-struck.
"Oohs" and "Aahs" emitted from the audience under their breaths.
Rika scrutinized her daughter with great interest. Her movements were something else. The way she swayed about expressing elegance, contrary to the hint of roughness that conveyed the assertive, rebellious air she usually carried.
Not to mention Mirai was following the steps of the offertory dance correctly. Rika tried to recall a time where she had ever instructed her daughter on that. She could only draw a blank. The girl always seemed too invested with her phone to really care, so she never bothered listening to her.
Based on what Rika was seeing, however, her daughter knew exactly what she was doing somehow. Watching Mirai move was almost like watching herself perform the ritual she practiced many times–an imitation of mother from daughter.
Incredible...
Mirai eventually stopped, the harmonious chimes and dancing air stilled as well. Hovering before the stack of futon, she hefted the hoe over her head. Then the blade plunged into the heart.
Out gushed cotton when she withdrew the hoe. Hinamizawa was booming with applause that night.
Rena pounced on Mirai once the girl was finally able to visit them at the stream, locking her into a bear hug. "You were so kyuute back there! Omochikaeri~! " [3]
"O-Of course, Rena-san. But maybe... i-if you would just allow me to respire..." Mirai choked out.
Thankfully for Mirai, Rena seemed to understand. She released her suffocating captive and gave a sheepish, apologetic look.
"As to be expected from the daughter of Rika," Satoko grinned. "oh, and Keiichi-san, too. He must count for something, I suppose."
"Whatever makes you happy, Satoko," Keiichi rolled his eyes, though he and everyone else were chuckling in amusement.
Mirai was on cloud nine. Here she was, commended by her loved ones for her efforts. Today wasn't so bad after all...
"Yo! Mirai-chan!" a voice hollered.
She whirled around. Blue met green when she made eye contact with Hitomu. Much to her confusion, he wore a smile that was genuine with warmth and without derision.
Unsure how to properly respond, Mirai answered tentatively, "Ah... Hitomu... Did you need something?"
"Most certainly," Hitomu nodded. He presented to her the stuffed penguin.
Realization dawned on her. Oh, right, the punishment game. Mirai produced a yielding sigh, begrudgingly accepting the plushie. "When do you expect this back?"
"I don't," he answered.
"Huh?" Mirai blinked.
Hitomu shook his head, looking amused. "You really didn't get it? Silly. When I ordered you to take the penguin, I meant for you to keep it as your own."
Her jaw went slack. "You're actually giving this away to me?"
He laughed, "Don't sound so surprised, princess. I planned this from the start as a way to cheer you up. You did seem disgruntled earlier. And when you performed out there, I just knew you earned it. Consider it a reward for your commendable deeds today."
"Wow, Hitomu... I... don't know what to say," Mirai murmured.
"Say thank you, child," said Rika curtly.
"Rika, please," Hanyuu shushed.
Mirai eyed the penguin starting back at her with wide innocence. Then, donning a light smile, she pulled it closer to her heart.
"Thanks... Hitomu- kun ... I'll cherish it greatly under your behest."
It was Hitomu's turn to be surprised. She never added an honorific to his name like that before...
But he shrugged it off and winked. "Exactly what I needed to hear."
Shion cooed over the scene. " N'aww~! It's delightful to watch the roses of love bloom. Sure takes me back to my dates. It seemed like it was yesterday that Satoshi-kun gave me a plush kitty."
At this, her son and Mirai, both red-faced, began to sputter, fumbling for words.
Satoshi wrapped his arm around Shion. "Now, now, dear, let's not get them too flustered, okay?"
"Nyeh!" Shion playfully stuck her tongue out at him in response.
"Ha ha! Much as I wanna continue the fun," Mion whipped out the cotton ball confined in her fingers for all to see. "We should probably get to sending our cotton adrift now."
Everyone else complied silently, also revealing their own pieces of cotton.
Sparkling blue coursed toward the outskirts of Hinamizawa. Atop it were a legion of cotton balls meandering where the moon smiled.
Huddled together close by the river, the group placed their own cotton balls in the water, which were then swept away. No later than a few seconds did their pieces of cotton disperse.
The cotton balls slipped under the bridge, shrouded in shadow. Then, the water under the bridge flowed, ushering the cotton out into the distance, and that was that.
One more piece of the past to be nothing more than a distant memory.
"Child," Rika called to Mirai suddenly.
Mirai faced her mother. "Yeah, Mom?"
"How exactly did you perform the ritual dance so well?" inquired Rika.
In spite of the strict tone, she actually held great respect for her daughter. Granted, she hadn't expected a miracle like that, though she wasn't particularly upset. If anything, she was grateful.
Perhaps Mirai was finally growing up. Maybe, just maybe , she was starting to respect tradition. There could be some hope for her after all.
"Ha ha! How unlike you to be wonderstruck, Mother," giggled her daughter. "As for your question, that should be easy to answer."
Rika cocked an eyebrow when her daughter approached her.
Before Rika could protest, Mirai dug into her dress pocket and whipped out the phone she confiscated.
"Hope you don't mind me swiping this back. I just need it to show you."
Mirai fiddled with the flashing device. Several seconds later, her fingers stopped touching the screen and she shoved the screen in Rika's face.
Rika could see herself alone in an empty room, practicing the dance using a meat hammer. Everything was silent as she was going through the motions. Not even her swings or her grunts were immune to being deprived of sound by the phone's low volume. Her counterpart from the past appeared unaware of her recording.
"This was from about a couple months back. When you were really getting on my case about my future duties as the shrine maiden. I figured it would've been smart to record what you do in the shadows and learn from re-watching the footage."
"Wha... what?!" Rika felt her hopes shatter hearing this.
Mirai switched off her phone, pocketed it, and sighed, "Mom, I have to be frank, you're a great parent. But being a teacher isn't your strong suit. That goes to Aunt Hanyuu. Sorry-not-sorry," she smirked. "Anyway, I saved the day. That should suffice to earn my phone back, yes?"
Rika opened her mouth to answer.
But Mirai promptly added, "Yep, sounds good, thanks. I'll be going off with Hitomu now. Peace! "
Rika felt her left eye twitch as she watched her teenage daughter walk away with an amused Hitomu.
"Wow, bet your mom didn't expect that!" Hitomu laughed.
"I did what I did. Even if it may seem unorthodox to her, she really can't argue with the results," Mirai grinned.
"You certainly were rewarded today."
"Well, I won't be the only one," she moved closer to his side. "I'm taking up your offer—for us to watch where the stars shine brightest. Together."
Hitomu looked taken aback. "Seriously?" he wasn't sure he heard right. "You...you're not pulling my leg? You really want to?"
Mirai squeezed the penguin tighter against her chest. A tint of pink colored her cheeks. "...Let's just say you convinced me. You're not as delusional as I pegged. Unless, you have changed your mind?"
He stared at her owlishly for a moment, considering her words. Then, a smile curled from his lips. "It'd be a dream come true," Hitomu snaked an arm around her shoulders. "...So how long before we marry?"
"Don't push it."
They chuckled amongst themselves.
"That's definitely our daughter," piped Keiichi as he coiled his arms around Rika's waist tenderly from behind, pulling her close to his chest. Both Maebara and Furude watched as the young pair continued to wander off.
Rika huffed and folded her arms, sulking, "Some things certainly haven't changed."
Keiichi laughed, "Mirai is far from reaching maturity. Give her time to bask in her youth and it'll be worth the wait when she ages. Just like your best wine."
"Hauuu! I nearly forgot!" Rena piped, glancing at her fellow club members. Her eyes danced in mischief. "Penalty outfits~!"
Smirking with a similar gleam in his eyes, Keiichi pulled away from Rika and walked next to Rena. "Yep. Hope you remembered, Satoko, Mion! "
Satoko paled. "Oh, no."
"Shit!" Mion panicked. "Not today!" she rushed over to Shion and shoved her in Rena and Keiichi's direction before turning tail with speed that rivaled a cheetah. "Thanks for the sacrifice, Shion!"
Shion stumbled forward, arms flailing frantically, but managed to catch her footing.
Though that did nothing to placate her newfound anger towards Mion. Shion pursued her older sister, a murderous look donned on her face. "Onee, get your ass back here!"
"Shion-san, wait for me!" cried Satoko, following after her surrogate sister.
"There is no escape from us!" Rena and Keiichi followed suit, chasing the trio.
Satoshi, Hanyuu and Rika were left behind, miraculously pardoned from their punishments. They exchanged dumbstruck glances.
"That's... that, then, huh?" Satoshi chuckled.
Hanyuu smiled. "I assume it is."
"It makes you wonder what would happen next Watanagashi," Satoshi commented.
" Mm, " Rika hummed, turning away to view the sights.
Gravel from the banks did it like the river, sweeping the land. From afar, hundreds of trees rustled as if shivering from the breeze, shedding viridian leaves that landed on where they towered. Even the black skies seemed to smile, flashing its stars for teeth.
She crooned, "May the future offer us more of its gifts."
[1] Mirai is Japanese for "future". Meant to serve as a symbol of what Rika finally obtained after being able to live her life without the Endless June.
[2] Hitomu is a Japanese name for "single dream". This was a tough one to come up with, though fortunately, I managed to come up with a name I thought suited well for the child of Shion and Satoshi.
[3] Japanese phrase that's roughly translated to "I'm going to take you home" in English.