4: First mission

At the edge of the forest, they set up their ground of operations. Four bicycles stand neatly on the crunchy bed of leaves. The four students sit on the straw carpet they brought. 

"So, you are from the West," Hana says. "Are you American?" 

"No, no, I'm British. I came from Wales." 

"Which is-?" Hana asks. 

"It is next to England. That is where the English language comes from." 

"Wow." 

Kei unfolds the map of the forest. She points, "This is where we are." 

"We are visiting the elder kisune at the abandoned shrine to offer the offerings," Hana explains. 

"Do we have the offerings?" Soma nods. 

"Does everyone understand the routes?" Everybody nods. "I am going to repeat myself, so nobody gets it twisted. We will not be using the main stairs. This is a rookie mistake; you will get spirited. Only Soma can take the stairs. We will use the beaten path and enter through the back entrance." Hana looks strict. 

Hana looks at Miraru. "Since this is your first day, why don't you hold the camera? We will do more complex things." Miraru takes the camera handed to her. "I won't fail you, Boss," they reply. 

Hana, Kei, and Miraru set out while Soma holds the fort, looking after the bicycles. 

Rays of light fall from the gaps between leaves. Tweets of birds and the smell of earth. Wild flowers adorn the tree bases. Miraru picks some out of reflex. 

Then, they suddenly find themself alone. 

Miraru holds their head. "Why did I take something from the domain of a powerful yokai without permission? I'm so dead. I'm so dead. I'm so dead." 

They feel a presence. There is no running away now. Miraru walks the rest of the path alone. 

Moss covers the stone walls and mold, the wooden floors. The evening sun shines on the lonely shrine in melancholy. 

Miraru stands before the presence. A person who looks exactly like themselves. 

The mirror image asks, "Can I have your name?" Miraru sighs, "No, but can I have yours?" The image stares at them for a second and then looks away. "Walk with me." 

They gaze at the setting sun. "I was just worried that you might harm that little shrine maiden," says the image. "Do you treasure her?" Miraru asks. The image replies without looking back. "No, this is just politics." Miraru stares at it. "If you love someone, you should tell them." 

The image ignores it. "I should not keep you longer," it says. "I'm sorry for taking your flowers," Miraru confesses. The image fades away. 

Hana and Kei enter the shrine. They jump in shock, seeing Miraru. "Mi-Mi san, you were with us," Hana says as she looks back to where she believes Miraru was. There is no one. "Mi-Mi san." 

"That was not me," Miraru answers without emotion. 

Hana laughs in nervousness. "Mi-san, you are scaring me." 

Miraru holds up the camera. "Well, if you say so, Boss. Shall we shoot the offering?"