Kusatsu

Naoya’s brain was stunned into inaction, staring at the face that was the first he’d ever seen upon entering the Deadrealm. Aki looked at him with a daring smile and it made him even more confused.

“Wh… why…” he managed to stammer.

“I’ve not been involved with anyone in all the years I’ve been here. Relationships like Kazu’s are very rare. We souls have emotions, but they’re muted. We’re offered our positions depending on our general demeanour, our compliance and goodness.”

It made sense. Everyone in the organisation was so nice. Even the higher-ups like Ruri joked, took suggestions from everyone and was generally… well, looking out for people.

“Everything is nice, but that’s it. Just nice. Nothing more. But with you… I’ll be frank. I’d like to take advantage of the heightened emotions I’m feeling, even if it might be artificial. Just for a while. I know it’s selfish.”

“I don’t mind if it’s selfish. I just thought I’m bothering you.”

Aki shook her head.

“And I don’t mind if you’re male or female either. Whatever is more comfortable for you.”

“That’s the problem. I’m not sure.”

Naoya put a hand on Aki’s shoulder.

“If you’re okay with it, I’d rather try than do nothing at all. For me too—even if it’s not real, it feels like it now. I’d rather have someone on my team while I’m here.”

Aki smiled softly and leaned in to kiss Naoya’s cheek. When she drew back, Aki was male again.

“Both of you are very handsome,” Naoya said.

Aki huffed a laugh. “I know that Akie was always prettier than me.”

“I wouldn’t say that. You both have a very distinct charme of your own. By the way… do you need to sleep?”

“Not as such for the body, but the mind needs some rest to sort itself from time to time. Why do you ask?”

“Stay with me while I sleep?”

“Gladly.”

They settled in together, finding a place in each other’s arms to sink into. And for the first time since everything had started happening, Naoya felt calm spreading throughout his body.

——

Two days later, Naoya stood in the damp, steamy air of Kusatsu—the smell of sulfur heavy and cloying. A few hours before, they had visited a deserted island north of Wajima, recharging Naoya’s eye. Properly prepared, the small tear had been dealt with quickly, and the only consequences were a splitting headache and a stinging eye.

The onsen town was packed with people. Since it was at a slightly higher attitude, the autumn leaves had already fallen and the air felt like snow, though none had fallen yet. In the centre of town, hot water was bubbling continuously out of a hot spring, flowing through wooden channels and finally, down a man-made waterfall into a turquoise basin. All around the water feature, colourful lights lit up the steam and the surrounding houses during the cold night. It was a beautiful, surreal atmosphere.

With everyone bundled up against the low temperatures, the group in the dark jackets didn’t stand out at all, as they overlooked the people from their vantage point high up on the stairs of a nearby shrine.

“There isn’t a rift yet,” Aki explained. “But the signs are there, and it can happen any second. Do you want to explore the town until then?”

“You mean like a date?”

Aki smiled happily. “Exactly.”

“Ugh,” Kazu said from behind them. “Do you have to?”

“Yes?” Aki said.

“Just kidding. I’m happy for you, no matter how ill-advised this is. I’m just sorry I have to third-wheel you.”

“It is what it is,” Aki said.

He took Naoya’s hand and led him down the stairs. It was weird and wonderful at the same time. They behaved like they had known each other for months and months, and Naoya felt like it too, but he knew it was fake. He knew it was fake, but he felt elated at the same time.

“I wish we could stay here for a few days. I’ve never been to Kusatsu. Too absorbed in studying. And to be honest, no friends to go with either,” Naoya said. “Now that I’m saying it, I guess I’ll have to repeat the semester if I’m away for longer.”

“Officially you’re in the hospital. Accident on your Kyoto trip,” Kazu replied.

“Really?”

“We have to make alibis sometimes for people who need medical attention after possession. Not everyone has the constitution to withstand it,” Kazu continued.

They had crossed the plaza to reach the hot springs, the sulfur now even heavier. Naoya breathed in the smelly steam, which usually promised relaxing holidays.

“Well, I might repeat anyway. I’d rather do it properly.”

“Cute,” Aki said and kissed Naoya’s cheek.

“Ugh,” Kazu said, but he had no heat behind it.

They walked around town, sampling the local delicacies. The call came when they stopped to greet a friendly cat at the local grilled fish restaurant. They walked around the buildings until they found a deserted alley and shifted together into the Deadrealm.

The steam looked even more eerie in the purple light of the Deadrealm. It seemed to be glowing against the dark of night. But even more than that, the rift that was squarely in the middle of the plaza with the large hot spring, shone like a foreign star, bathing the area in a stark, white light.

“I’m in contact with the containment team,” Kazu said, pointing at a small earbud. “They’re covering the perimeter. We’ll strike as soon as they’re ready.”

A safety measure. A contingency plan. Many things about the curse on Naoya’s body were still unknown, so this time they were better prepared. During the last two days, Naoya had spent almost all of his time with Aki, talking and learning about each other’s lives. Just lying in each other’s arms had been a great source of comfort and Naoya was grateful to have her at his side now—a reassuring presence on his team, looking out.

“Are you ready?” Aki asked.

Naoya nodded. With the talisman at the ready, he was ready to chant… or better sing. Everything was like last time. There was no reason it shouldn’t work.

“I’m sure you’ll do great. I’ll be here with you.”

“Thank you,” Naoya said honestly and accepted a brief kiss. It still surprised him that Aki’s lips were softer in his male form, but he had no time to dwell on it.

“They’re ready,” Kazu shouted. “Now!”