A Few Good Dreams Revisited: Kansai Part I

The young couple had decided to spend another day and night at Kurashiki's beach before continuing their exploration. From Kurashiki, they ferried across the small bay to reach Takamatsu. Those days were tender. Parks were explored. Local foods were sampled. Deep in Hazuki’s bones, a rigidness began to set in. Naoe’s eyes began to lose their vibrance. Even amid their joy, strength was already starting to fade. After exploring the island, the two of them returned to Konshu for January’s end.

Back on the largest island, the couple set out to experience local festivals that dotted the calendars of late January. Day by day, they made their way to Kansai. Both of them had always wanted to explore the region. Osaka was their first stop, but only for a single day. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki were immediately consumed, to the delight of both of their stomachs. Crowded streets, full of locals and foreigners alike, buzzed with energy and cacophony. Naoe was almost overwhelmed, but couldn’t help but marvel at the color and intensity of the shopping centers and narrow alleys filled to the brim with crowds.

That evening, they arrived in Nara. It was a place Hazuki had always dreamt of, and they made it just in time to see the festival he was looking forward to the most: Yamayaki.

For over two centuries, the people of Nara gathered at the base of Mt. Wakakusa to watch the mountain burn. Fireworks exploded in the sky as the couple followed the crowd along the ancient streets towards the base of the mountain. Once they had found a viewing point, they watched the explosions above fill the night sky with color and light. A procession of torchbearers marched in traditional white garb down the lantern-lit path. The procession reached its destination, and soon the blaze began.

It started in the wooden fire pits, before spreading forward into the young, winter-worn grass. Flames flickered and grew as the crowds cheered and clapped. The fires spread until they met one another, forming an enormous snaking flame that curved as far as the eye could see. Up it went, bending and rolling over the darkened mountain, casting its fiery heat and light into the cold night sky. Fireworks began once more. A procession of lanterns walked through the crowd as smoke rose into the sky. Prayers for better days and prosperous endeavors were murmured in the hearts of attendees. Naoe’s head came to rest on Hazuki's shoulder as he pulled her close in a longing hug. It was perfect.

Kyoto’s skies were overcast and still. It was two days later. February was near. Kyoto was set to be one of their final stops. Both of them longed to spend as much time as they could in the city, even if it was full of crowds and tourists. They cared not for the mainstream stops, instead following Sayane’s handpicked guide for local favorites and off-the-beaten-path adventures. First up, they were to have a kintsugi lesson with a local craftswoman after breakfast. Hazuki was up first.

He had not taken his medication in nearly two weeks now. The chemical familiarity had finally faded. Now, his body and mind felt familiar and renewed, no longer dulled or blocked. Naoe’s energy mixing with his, along with the acceptance that was growing in his soul, had brought a clarity and presence to him that had eluded him for almost a decade. The visions in his head were all but quiet. His soul was settled.

Every night, the two of them reunited in their dreams and sat beneath the crystalline tree. As they rested in their dreamscape, their energy drifted between them like the waves of the sea. Even with their added rest and joyous new memories, both of their bodies started to give. Strength faded. Their time was dwindling.

That morning, small red streaks ran down the sink basin and mixed with the water. Hazuki wiped the blood from his mouth. As he was brushing his teeth, a gag of exhaustion overtook him, and before he could stop himself, he had vomited a noticeable amount of red.

Naoe awoke to the retching noise and knew what it signaled. She didn’t want to acknowledge it, because in her heart, doing so would mean acknowledging the decline had already begun. Soon his strength would not be enough to support both of them, nor would hers. Every passing minute of existence whittled away at the balance of life they had left. Tears formed in her eyes as she lay still and looked at the space on the bed beside her where he had slept. His scent was still on the fabric as she rolled over to begin gathering her things for the day’s excursion.

Hazuki returned to the bed and sat beside her, eyes tired and face pale. Naoe’s eyes were now bagged with subtle purple marks, and her face seemed slightly more gaunt. Their hands joined.

“It’s soon, isn’t it?” Hazuki whispered.

Naoe broke and nodded as the tears returned.

“I think the blossoms will be blooming soon. From then on, we only have a few more weeks at most. But I don’t think we’ll make it too much longer,” she whispered.

Hazuki knew she was right. The gnawing within him was already noticeable, and it felt as though the flow of energy between them had already shrank, like a faucet that was slowly closing, pinching down the current until it eventually became a drip. His lips pressed against her head.

“Well, I’m glad we still have the energy we do for Kyoto. I’m very excited,” he said with a tired but sincere grin.

Naoe smiled in return.

“I am as well,” she replied as she rose to join him.

It was early outside, and only the locals and truly dedicated tourists were out in the streets. Weathered signs announcing shops and wares greeted them with painted proclamations above metal and glass doors that were slowly opening as the city awoke. The alley in which they moved was near the river, and after a moment, the two of them veered downward to walk along the ancient riverbank. Mountain water flowed beside them as they slowly made their way to their destination.

In the artisan’s shop, shelves containing thousands of ceramic cups, bowls, and mugs lined the walls. Their teacher was waiting for them.

“Good morning!” said the woman with a kind smile as she welcomed them into their shop.

Kintsugi was explained to them. Broken pottery of emotional value was mended with lacquer that was mixed with precious metals such as gold and silver. The reformed pottery would be held together by the bond, with gold or silver streaks lining the places where the breaks once were. Neither Hazuki nor Naoe had any pottery of value, but that did not stop their excitement. They were led to another room to select any broken remnants they found. Naoe snapped several photos as they explored.

After minutes of searching, Naoe found a matching set of rice bowls. They were simple. Grey and brown with darkened rings along the top. Gold would look lovely with them. Their selection was confirmed, and they started the process. Piece by piece they repaired the bowls, making sure everything was flush and stable. It took time. They helped one another without speaking. Hours passed and soon the bowls were reformed.

Powdered gold was sprinkled over the lacquer veins that now lined the bowls. Soft brushstrokes padded the gold into the foundation until it overtook the lacquer’s color with its vibrant shine. They finished. Photos were taken. Hazuki asked the artisan to take a photo of the couple holding their bowls. Their smiles were genuine and wide, if not fatigued. Naoe’s pride in her work was visible even in the small frame of the film. She had never gotten to make anything before.

Sunset was already approaching as they made their way back to their hotel. Hazuki stopped in a picturesque shop to grab coffee, and Naoe sat on a chair outside to wait. As she sat admiring her work and the photo of the two of them together, a young maiko rounded the corner, parasol overhead. Her kimono was light blue, with images of swans embellishing the edges. She approached from the side and gazed at Naoe’s scarred face full of joy as she studied her bowl.

“I like your kintsugi,” said the Maiko in an approachable tone.

Naoe looked up in slight surprise. She was still getting used to having everyone be able to see her. Looking at the young woman in traditional garb, her eyes widened even more.

“Oh goodness! Are you a geisha?!” she asked.

The maiko smiled.

“I’m a maiko. I am in training to become a geisha.”

“Wow! I’ve never seen a maiko or a geisha! You’re so beautiful and regal! I love your kimono and headpiece.”

“Thank you. I like your dress,” replied the maiko.

“Thank you. I’m not used to clothing like this. I usually wear kimono,” answered Naoe.

“That’s interesting. Do you wear it for your job, or do you just prefer traditional clothes?” the maiko asked.

“You could say I wore it for my job,” grinned Naoe.

The maiko eyed her with a curious gaze.

“You seem very different. There’s something about you.”

Naoe blushed. Hazuki exited the store and limped to join them. The maiko’s gaze settled on him with equal curiosity.

“Hello!” Hazuki said with a smile.

“Hello,” she replied with a bow.

“You’re a maiko?” he asked as his hand came to rest on Naoe’s shoulder.

“Very good,” she replied with a smile.

“Do you train nearby?” Naoe asked.

“I do. My okiya is just down the road. I walk these streets every day as part of my training.”

“Wow! You must get to meet so many interesting people!” smiled Naoe.

“I do.”

The three of them stood there for only a moment. Hazuki saw Naoe’s radiant smile as she admired the young woman. The maiko saw him lovingly observing Naoe and smiled to herself.

“You two share something very intimate, beyond a normal relationship, don’t you?” she asked.

Naoe’s fingers found Hazuki’s.

“Would you believe me if I told you I was from the… what did you say? Sengoku period?” Naoe asked Hazuki as she smiled at the maiko.

“Yes. Sengoku.” Hazuki said softly.

“I’m from the Sengoku period, and my spirit was tied to a plum tree in Inabe City for almost four centuries. We met there many years ago.”

“After we'd known each other for a few years, I lost my entire family and was an orphan, then homeless for some time. I lived in her park, and we bonded there. We helped free one another. Now, we’re trying to see as much of the world as we can,” added Hazuki.

The maiko didn’t speak at first.

“I would believe you,” she replied with a slight head tilt.

“...Would the two of you like to join me at my teahouse tonight for dinner, performances, and tea?” she asked them.

Naoe’s gasp of excitement was their answer.