Nuper Flore Chapter : Act II – Lonely Curse of Eternity

(In front of the Police Station.)

Paimon
Do you think Itto is better today? Paimon got so scared when he started to change color like a chameleon. Let’s go ask Sara about his condition, she was the one who carried him to the city.

Heizou
Isn’t that Traveler and Paimon? What do you need?

Paimon
We were looking for Sara -or Itto if we can find him.

Heizou
You mean that crimson oni. Yes, dear Kujou Sara carried him on her back to the city. He didn’t look in his best condition indeed.

(They tell the whole story.)

Heizou
It sounds troublesome indeed. I’ve heard about the story of the little kitsune incident before. Seems like she didn’t learn her lesson.

Paimon
Paimon thinks after she got free, she became worse thanks to Miko.

Heizou
About that oni’s condition, don’t worry. I’ll go find them for you.

Paimon

Thanks Heizou. You’re the best.

Traveler
Will you join the festival later?

Heizou
Unfortunately, our dear general does not allow me to leave the police station until I finish writing my report.

Paimon
Aw, it must be hard to focus when you know everyone’s having fun.

Heizou
Maybe later I can have a quick look. For now, let me deal with your job. Then I’ll finish my report. Stay safe.

Paimon

Meanwhile shall we check the festival area? Kichiboushi’s game is being held today. Let’s go see what it is.

(Chinju Forest)

Paimon
Hey look! Everyone gathered around someone. Let’s get closer… Huh? Who is that?

???
Can everyone hear me? The back row, how is my voice? Fine? Good. Cough. Welcome everyone. From little onis to big tengus, every kind of youkai and non youkais. It is a pleasure to be there and host such a great event in your presents. I, the greatest tanuki of all, Ioroi will explain the game my little tanukis prepared for you.

Paimon
Ioroi? But wasn’t he sealed and became a stone?

Traveler
Seems like he broke the curse.

Paimon
Yeah! Good for him!

Ioroi
It is world wide known that tanukis are known for their excellent abilities to shape shift and hide. There is not a single creature who can hide better than us. But, I encountered some exceptional cases among other species. That’s why we will find the best of the best in hiding. This is not an ordinary hide n’ seek. Everyone should show off their camouflage skills while a group of hunters is looking for you. The area where the game will be played is signed. You can’t leave the area until the game ends. Seekers will have two minutes to find you, so try not to get caught during this time. The winner will be granted a prize from the Grand Narukami Shrine’s maiden Lady Guji Yae. Now, contestants. Get on line to write your names to the game list.

Paimon

The game looks interesting. Let’s write our names as well.

Ioroi

Look who’s here! Welcome friends! It is so nice to see you with real eyes.

Paimon

Hi Ioroi! You look different -different in a good way.

Traveler

You are finally free.

Ioroi

Hahaha! Indeed! There is not a single curse I cannot break. Are you here to take part in the game?

Traveler

We want to try our luck.

Ioroi
Sure. But I must warn you: opponents you will be facing won’t be normal humans. Each youkai has their own unique way to hide and seek. Humans are weak and ignorant. They won’t have a chance against us -unless you know your enemy.

Paimon
Huh? What do you mean?

Ioroi
I know you humans lack basic knowledge about youkai powers. That’s why that kitsune lady from the shrine prepared a booklet for everyone. This booklet contains each youkai’s powers and abilities they can use during the game. Carefully read them, you will need it in game.

Paimon
Thanks Ioroi! But don’t worry, even without that booklet, we can win this game.

Ioroi
Confidence is good, but bragging will be your biggest enemy. Take my words seriously, and good luck.

(Traveler sits somewhere and reads the booklet.)

Paimon
Hmm. According to what’s written on this booklet there will be six enemies in total. For each round only two of them will team up to catch the players. Those are: tenguu, kawatarō, kitsune, tanuki, inugami, and tsuchinoko. They all have different abilities. Tenguu can fly and find their enemy from the sky. Only way to escape from them is to hide under something. Kawataro is a water creature who can stay underwater for so long. However, they are making bubbles while moving so we must not move whenever we see bubbles. Kitsunes are considered as sly foxes, who will trick you to come out. You should be vigilant not to fall into their traps. Tanukis are the best shape shifters amongst them that you won’t be able to distinguish them from normal objects. However, they tend to leave an elemental mark behind them, so we must open our eyes all the time. Inugamis can smell everything from far away and they are very sensitive to sounds too. To avoid them we must camouflage our smell and be quiet. Lastly, tsuchinoko is a serpent who hides underground but also can climb high places. However, they are very sensitive to light so carrying something flashy will keep them away from you. Ugh, Paimon doesn’t know how to remember them all. Do you think we can win this game?

Traveler
Even if we can’t, let’s have fun.

Paimon

You are right. Each round, there will be two seekers and four prayers. Let’s go check our teammates before the first round and make a plan.

Traveler

Good idea.

(Game area. Gorou, Itto and one human are waiting.)

Arataki Itto
Look who finally decided to join. Welcome compadre! We were just planning how to beat the seekers. The general here has a big brain that can help us. Of course I’m also helping with my great ideas.

Gorou
Not sure what I call “sending the human front as a prey” is a good idea.

Human
Yes! I have no chance against two strong youkais! We humans don’t have any powers. Also, the game is to hide, not to fight.

Arataki Itto
I know that! But hey, to come up with a great plan, we have to think of something. If I’m the only one who’s thinking, we can’t win the game. So tell me your great idea. I’m all ears.

Human
According to the board, our prayers will be a kitsune and a tanuki. I call this an easy start.

Traveler
Why is that?

Human

Kitsune’s power is to trick us with traps or acting skills. As long as we are careful and not get out of our hiding places, we can get away from that. Tanukis on the other hand will leave a mark behind them after they hide. If we can follow that mark and run towards the opposite direction, we will be safe. Both youkais are tricksters, so the only thing we should do is to be smarter than them. I’m a farmer, so I can distinguish natural from artificial works. This young gentleman here said that he’s a general. Soldiers must always stay alerted to all kinds of dangers. However, I’m not sure about this oni.

Arataki Itto
Huh!? What do you mean by that!? Do you think I’m not smart enough?

Human

Yes.

Arataki Itto
Huh!?

Paimon

That was pretty straight forward.

Gorou
Since eliminations will be individual, you don’t have to worry about losing. However, as a general, I can’t let any of my comrades fall behind. Don’t worry Itto, I will support you within my power. We will win this game together.

Arataki Itto
Thank you, general for your kindness but do not worry. I’m a master of disguise and tricks. There’s not a single youkai I can’t deal with.

Gorou
Well, if you say so.

Human
It’s almost time. Take your positions.

(Everyone hides in a spot. A kitsune lady is walking around while some furniture changes places.)

(Human tracks furniture from behind, Gorou is hiding away from the kitsune while she is crying for help. Itto is nowhere to be seen.)

(Time is up and everyone comes out from their hiding spots.)

Human
We managed to escape. I must accept that general, you are a master of hiding.

Gorou

As excellency mentioned: To hide from the enemy, you should always trace their steps. Avoiding the threat can only happen if you are the one behind. I just followed that kitsune’s footsteps, that’s all.

Human
I see, that’s pretty clever.

Gorou
I also don’t like being around foxes…

Human

Yes, I understand that. They might be intimidating, right? By the way, where is oni?

Paimon
Since he didn’t get caught, he should also win. Shall we go check him?

Human
Bet he got so lost on his way that even he can’t find his way.

(Deep inside the forest. Itto is talking to Ichiko.)

Paimon
Itto, where were you hiding this whole time!?

Arataki Itto

It’s alright, don’t cry. Hey, look! That's the traveler and flying companion.

Ichiko

Sniff. I-I wanna go back hick! I want my mom… sob sob.

Human
What’s that? A kitsune baby?

Ichiko
I wanna go back! Uaaaa! I want my mooom!

Arataki Itto
Ok ok, we’ll find your mom. Please don’t cry.

Gorou
What’s wrong, Ichiko?

Ichiko
General… I want my mom. Sob. I wanted to scare the players, but-but then I saw some bushes move on their own. Now I’m so scared. I WANNA GO HOME, MOMMYYYY! UWAAA!

Arataki Itto
Hey, hey little girl. Are you afraid of ghosts?

Ichiko
U-huh…

Paimon
But Ichiko, aren’t you a youkai? You are the same kind.

Ichiko
No we are not! Ghosts are scary. You can’t see them and you can’t fight back. They are scary…

Arataki Itto
Aww, come on now. Look at yourself, such a brave kitsune came all this way to Chinju Forest. They should be afraid of you. I, Arataki-One-Oni Itto, swear on my oni pride as long as I’m around, none of these ghosts can harm you.

Ichiko
Hick…

Paimon
But Itto, aren’t you also-

Traveler
I’ll stay with you too.

Ichiko
Thank you… And, I’m sorry for giving you beans… I was wrong. You are a good adult.

Arataki Itto
It’s alright. How could you know that I was allergic to beans, you are just a kid. Come now kiddo, hop on my back. We’ll get you out of this forest.

(Ichiko sits on Itto’s shoulders and they leave the forest.)

Yae Miko
Ichiko, where did you go? Me and your mom got worried sick.

Ichiko
I’m sorry auntie.

Yae Miko
Now now… And what is everyone doing?

Arataki Itto
Oh it’s nothing. We just had a walk, that’s all.

Ichiko

Oni King is the greatest! He is not afraid of ghosts and he is super strong.

Yae Miko
Oh? Is that so?

Arataki Itto
Hahaha, little kid. I’m not the Oni King but thank’s for the compliment, I’ll take it.

Ichiko
Oni King fears nothing!

Yae Miko
Oh really? It’s good to hear. I guess I can leave you in his reliable hands anytime.

Arataki Itto
Don’t worry fox lady, one of my specialties is taking care of children -but in exchange of a generous payment.

Yae Miko
Ah, I like your style. Very well then, if you play with Ichiko for the rest of the events, I’ll give you special coupons that work in every restaurant in Inazuma worth for a month.

Arataki Itto
A month!?

Yae Miko
Not only you but all of the Arataki Gang members can profit from those coupons.

Arataki Itto
Am I hearing correctly? A feast for kings for a month just for taking care of a child for two days? Ohoho, ah! Ehem! That sounds like a fair exchange. Do not worry fox lady, under Arataki Oni King Itto’s guidance, this little girl will never get bored nor fall into danger.

Yae Miko

Such a relief. Then I must turn back to Yae Publishing House for work. Those books won’t release themselves, will they? Dear Ichiko, please don’t cause trouble to this kind oni, alright?

Ichiko
Yes auntie!

Paimon
Wait! Paimon thinks there’s one more person to go with them. Not because of the reward but you know.

Traveler
Usual Paimon.

Paimon
Ugh, come on! Paimon is just concerned.

Yae Miko

Actually that’s a good idea Paimon.

Paimon
Really?

Yae Miko
Of course. And I know the best candidate for that. Just wait here.

(Yae Miko leaves.)

Paimon
Wait, but- Ugh, guess we missed the opportunity. Why didn’t you say anything?

Human
Well, since the kid has returned to the festival, I shall leave. And Itto, sorry for not trusting you. You are smarter than you look.

Arataki Itto
May those muscles not deceive you with their swank but I’m quite a genius.

Human
Not that far. Hey, by the way, where is the general?

Paimon
Um… There was an urgency he had to deal with. That’s why he left earlier, ehehe.

Human
Is that so? Huh, I couldn’t say a proper farewell but… maybe next time. See you in the finals friends.

(Human leaves.)

Paimon
Paimon is glad she didn’t spill the truth and told them he escaped from Miko with fear.

Arataki Itto
Okay little kitsune, what do you want to do? Let this oni create the best festival you ever had in your short life.

Ichiko
Yay! Festival! I wanna eat festival food! And there, they were playing something with hagoitas. Also I want to catch some fish too.

Arataki Itto
Your wish has been heard loud and clear. Get ready for an unforgettable festival, little kitsune!

(Itto took care of Ichiko the whole day. Meanwhile Traveler and Paimon went back to the city for the night.)

(Next day Chinju Forest.)

Paimon
Seems like Itto and Ichiko spent the whole night in the festival area. Let’s go check on them. Hopefully they didn’t cause any trouble to others.

(Itto and Ichiko are with Kujou Sara.)

Paimon
Uh oh, Sara’s here. What happened?

Traveler
Is everything alright ?

Kujou Sara
Traveler, welcome. And yes, don’t worry. I was appointed to take care of these two by Lady Guji. She wasn’t feeling safe to leave them on their own.

Arataki Itto
Don’t worry General and keep your little tengu beak to yourself. As long as I’m here, everything is under control. Why don’t you just sit down and relax, enjoy the festival. Me and little Ichiko know how to have fun more than you.

Kujou Sara
That’s exactly what we are worried about.

Ichiko
Hmph! You wet blanket. You are just jealous that we are more fun than you!

Kujou Sara
I’m here to watch over you in case you cause trouble like last night.

Paimon
What happened?

Kujou Sara
They were playing akitsu yuugei, but when they lost to other team, Ichiko broke all the hagoitas-

Ichiko

Stop it! Don’t tell them!

Kujou Sara
Why? You were very proud of that.

Ichiko
Don’t tell, don’t tell them! Stop it!

Kujou Sara
So you are sorry?

Ichiko
I’m sorry… Please don’t tell anyone Sara.

Kujou Sara
If you are sorry, then I won’t make you embarrassed. Sorry Traveler, I can’t tell what she did.

Arataki Itto
Why are you trying to drag her mood down? She’s just a little kid.

Kujou Sara
She needs to learn the right actions. We can’t let her break every hagoita whenever she loses.

Ichiko
Ugh, don’t tell them anymore. I didn’t do anything, please!

Kujou Sara
As long as you learned your lesson, I will stay quiet.

Paimon
Don’t worry Ichiko, we didn’t hear anything.

Traveler
As long as you play safe, you are free to do whatever you want.

Paimon
Yeah! Games are fun when both sides win. If you always win a game, it won’t be fun anymore. It’s like eating your favorite dish every day. You’ll get tired of it one day.

Kujou Sara
If there’s something else you want to try, I’ll teach you how to play.

Ichiko
Do you know the temari game?

Kujou Sara
Of course. I would play with them when I was your age. I had a special temari I made myself.

Ichiko
Really? Then let’s play a temari game!

Arataki Itto
The more the merrier, let’s call more people to play with us. How about it?

Ichiko
Yes! Let’s invite others too!

Arataki Itto
And the winner can take the temari ball with them.

Kujou Sara
Not my ball.

Arataki Itto
Come on General, are you still playing with toys at this age?

Kujou Sara

At least I keep my own toys instead of taking little kids’ toys.

Arataki Itto
As I always say: they have to learn at a point. Life is not fair.

Ichiko
Sara, please bring your ball. I won’t take it from you, I promise.

Kujou Sara

Fine, I’ll go fetch it. Traveler, can you take care of them while I’m gone?

Traveler
Leave here to me.

Kujou Sara
Thank you.

(Kujou Sara leaves.)

Ichiko
Let’s go find some players!

Arataki Itto
Follow my lead then.

(They ask around to find players.)

Little Haru
Temari? It’s for girls! I’m not interested.

Arataki Itto
What do you mean it’s for girls? Games are for everyone. Also if you can manage to win against us, you might win a prize.

Little Haru
Really? What’s the prize?

Arataki Itto
You can’t know unless you win, hahaha!

Ichiko

But it’s for girls only.

Little Haru
Wait! I changed my mind. I’ll join.

Arataki Itto
Hahaha! That’s how it is.

Little Ren

Temari? How do you play it?

Ichiko
One person hides the ball and the first one who finds it can hide the ball next.

Little Ren
Seems like needing too much effort. I’m not very into games that make you run around.

Ichiko
You don’t have to run! Just look around.

Little Ren
Okay then… I’ll give it a try.

Daisuke
I’m sorry kiddo, but I passed my game age already.

Arataki Itto

Come on man, are you actually going to decline her invitation? Look at those eyes, those huge, cute, sad eyes.

Ichiko
Mmm…

Daisuke
Sigh. Fine, I’ll join.

Ichiko
Yay! Thank you!

Daisuke
You’re welcome.

Little Asahi

Ichiko
Then let’s be friends. Hello, I’m Ichiko.

Little Asahi
Nice to meet you, I’m Asahi.

Ichiko
Asahi! Now, since we are friends, we can play, right?

Little Asahi
I guess so.

Kuki Shinobu

Boss, aren’t you a little bit too old for these kinds of games?

Arataki Itto
Huh!? Me? Old? Are you kidding me?

Paimon
She has a point though, you look too big compared to all those kids.

Arataki Itto
It’s not my problem you guys are too tiny. Just grow up.

Kuki Shinobu

That’s not how it works.

Yoimiya

Arataki Itto
Is that a challenge I sense?

Ichiko
Yay! We got more people to play! Let’s go to a quiet place so we can play better.

Yoimiya
Good idea. This way, we won’t disturb anyone else. But we shouldn’t go too far, otherwise they might get worried if they can’t find us.

(They meet at the game area. Kujou Sara brings her temari.)

Ichiko
Sara, you brought the temari.

Kujou Sara
Yes. However, unfortunately it’s not in its best condition. It’s been so long I last touched it, so its shape deformed.

Yoimiya
Ow don’t worry. It still looks nice. Also we won’t throw it to each other, so it’s still useful.

Little Asahi
Who’s hiding first?

Ichiko
Me! I found the game so I hide first!

Kujou Sara

Ok, but don’t hide it in a difficult place. Don’t go too far or too high, neither too down or inside a dangerous hole.

Ichiko
Ok. Everyone, close your eyes.

(Ichiko hides the ball.)

Ichiko
I’m done. Now go find it.

(Everyone searches the ball. Little Ren finds it behind a tree.)

Little Ren
Found it!

Yoimiya
Good job Ren. Now it’s your turn to hide it.

(They play a few rounds until everyone hides the ball.)

Ichiko

Next is you.

Kuki Shinobu
Okay… Where should I hide this?

???

Asahi!? Asahi, where are you?

Little Asahi

Uh oh. That’s my mom.

Fumiko
Asahi! You are here. Dear Archons, I thought you got lost. Where do you think you are going without informing me!?

Little Asahi
I’m sorry mom… Ichiko invited me to play temari.

Fumiko
This is not an excuse to run off without a word. And who is Ichiko!?

Ichiko
Hello, I’m Ichiko. Would you want to play with us?

Fumiko
???

Little Asahi
No Ichiko. Mothers don’t play games.

Ichiko
Why? Itto is playing.

Little Asahi
That’s because he isn’t a mother.

Fumiko
Are you… Ichiko? Is that really you?

Ichiko
Hm? Yes I am Ichiko. And you are Asahi’s mother.

Fumiko
My goodness, it’s been so long that you won’t even remember. I mean, I grew up so much. My face and my voice changed.

Ichiko
Huh? I don’t understand.

Fumiko
I’m Fumiko. We used to play together down by the Konda Village. I even gave you a hairpin- That’s the hairpin you are wearing.

Ichiko
No way! A friend of mine gave it to me. She is a kid like me.

Fumiko
I know, I was that kid. I grew up so fast compared to you. Back then, I didn’t even know you were a youkai and thought you were one of us. Time is cruel to humans.

Ichiko
It can’t be! My friend was my age when we met, so she still has to be young.

Fumiko
I’m sorry Ichiko, but humans age faster than youkais. That friend of yours grew up, became an adult and now has a child of her own.

Ichiko
No! It can’t be…

Kujou Sara
Missis Fumiko, please allow me to deal with the situation. I know it should be confusing for both of you-

Ichiko
Sara, this lady is weird.

Kujou Sara
No, she is not Ichiko. Time is a concept you comprehend differently than humans, since you are a youkai. Normally a human in your age should come to the end of their lives.

Ichiko
I- I don’t understand.

Kujou Sara
You’ll understand when you grow older.

Little Haru
How old is she?

Ichiko
I’m almost a hundred.

Little Haru

What!? That’s impossible! You’re too old.

Ichiko
No I’m not! I only have one tail.

Little Asahi
You are older than my grandma.

Ichiko
What do you mean? My mom is six hundred years old and still young.

Little Ren
What!? No one lives that long.

Ichiko
No, they do!

Kujou Sara
Ichiko, not a single human can survive for that long.

Ichiko
Why? Can’t they just breathe?

Kujou Sara
It doesn’t work like that. Even I lived a lot compared to you.

(Ichiko gets confused and looks around.)

Ichiko
Does that mean… You’ll leave me one day?

Kujou Sara
Not because I want to. But I’ll have to leave this world to-

Ichiko
No! I don’t want this!

Kujou Sara
Ichiko, please calm down.

Arataki Itto
Come now, little kitsune. We were playing temari together. Why are you upset all of a sudden?

Ichiko
I don’t want you to leave!

(Flames surround Ichiko as she gets mad.)

Ichiko
I don’t understand why you are leaving!

Yoimiya
No one’s leaving now. Ichiko please calm down. You are scaring others.

(Kids hide behind Fumiko.)

Ichiko
But you said you’ll leave one day. Why?

(As Ichiko swings her arms, the leaves catch fire.)

Kujou Sara
Ichiko stop! No one’s going to leave, but you have to calm down.

Kuki Shinobu
Boss!

Arataki Itto
Take others out of here and warn everyone in the festival area. We can deal with her.

Kuki Shinobu

Got it. Everyone, follow me!

(Shinobu takes everyone out of the forest. Ichiko’s fires grow bigger and her tail appears.)

Ichiko
Don’t come near me! You liar! You said we were going to stay. I hate you!

Kujou Sara
Ichiko! You have to stop right now!

Ichiko
No!

(Ichiko runs away as she fires everywhere behind her.)

Kujou Sara
We can’t let her get close to anyone.

Paimon
What about the fire?

Arataki Itto
If we can’t stop that fireball, it will grow anyway. Come on! Let’s catch her!

(Ichiko enters Inazuma City. She burns everything as she passes by.)

Paimon
She’s there!

Kujou Sara
She’s already inside of the city. We have to be quick.

(Traveler, Sara and Itto try to catch Ichiko, but she is faster than all of them. Finally Traveler manages to catch her from the tail but she gets angry.)

Ichiko
Don’t touch me!

(She kicks Traveler away and Traveler hits the tree.)

Arataki Itto
Got ya!

Ichiko
Nooo!!

(Ichiko hits Itto and oni hits Sara. They both fly back.)

Arataki Itto
Ugh! What are they feeding this girl?

Ichiko
Where is mommy? Mom? Mom!

(Ichiko starts to climb the steps but stops after seeing someone blocking her way.)

Shikanoin Heizou
I’m sorry little girl, but I can’t let you go any further.

(They fight and Ichiko falls back from the steps.)

Kujou Sara
Don’t hurt her!

Shikanoin Heizou

If I don’t calm her down, she will knock me down.

Ichiko
Uwaaaaaa!!!

Paimon

Huh? What’s now?

Ichiko
Uwaaaaa! Waaah! Huaaa!

Traveler
She is crying.

Kujou Sara
Ichiko! Are you hurt?

Ichiko
Saraaaa! Waaaah!

(Ichiko hugs Sara and continues to cry.)

Ichiko
It hurts! Sob. My leg hurts! Waaaah!

Kujou Sara
Where exactly? Show me. It will be alright after bandaging it, don’t worry.

Ichiko
I don’t want bandages! He is mean! He hit me! Waaah aaah!

Shikanoin Heizou
I’m sorry but you were hurting others. Look around.

Ichiko

Nooo!! I don’t want to look! Sara it hurts! Waaah!

Kujou Sara
I- I don’t know what to do at this point.

Yae Miko
I know what exactly we should do.

Paimon
Miko! And Ayato? What are you two doing here? How did you know we needed help?

Kamisato Ayato
Itto’s friend came to warn us right after the incident. We were planning to come earlier but we had to deal with the fire in the Chinju Forest first.

Yae Miko
So it was you who started the fire, Ichiko.

Ichiko
I didn’t do it! He pushed me down!

Yae Miko
He has nothing to do with the damage you caused. You almost burned down a forest and people’s houses.

Ichiko
No I didn’t!

Yae Miko
There’s no point denying that! The scenery is right in front of us. Look around.

Ichiko
I won’t look! You can’t force me!

Yae Miko
Only right answer is to accept your mistake and apologize! Don’t even argue with me!

Ichiko
No!

Kamisato Ayato
Lady Guji, please allow me to talk to her.

Yae Miko
She’s all yours. After that, I know what to do with her.

(Ayato approaches Ichiko.)

Kamisato Ayato

Ichiko. Can you turn here?

Ichiko
No!

Kamisato Ayato

You must be sorry for scaring everyone, am I right?

Ichiko
I didn’t want to scare them. But they said they’ll go one day.

Kamisato Ayato
Everyone separates roads one day. Some leave earlier than they should, and you feel lonely without their existence around. But life brings something new as it takes another from us. The friends you see here will stay with you as much as in their power, I ensure you. But when they leave, so many beautiful memories will remain. Missis Fumiko may grow old, but now you can play with her daughter.

Ichiko
Sobs. But I don’t want them to go…

Kamisato Ayato
I know you are upset. But some things are not in our control. We have to accept them as they are.

Ichiko
Sobs…

Kamisato Ayato
Now, we should leave those people for a while. Would you come with me?

Ichiko
Am I in trouble?

Yae Miko
What do you think?

Kamisato Ayato

The best punishment is learning a lesson from all these and fixing your mistakes. What do you think?

Ichiko
…Okay.

(Ayato holds Ichiko’s hand and they leave.)

Paimon
Aw… Paimon feels bad after all of the things that happened.

Shikanoin Heizou
It is sad indeed, but there are so many lives to protect. We can’t let her act freely.

Kujou Sara
Thank you, Heizou. But next time please try to be kinder. Now, we should help the villagers.

(Next day.)

Paimon
All the damage seems pretty much fixed. Paimon wonders what they did to Ichiko.

Traveler
Let’s hope she learned a lesson at the end.

Paimon
Yup! But still, it would be a shame if Miko locked her again.

(They walk around the ruined house.)

Naganohara Ryuunosuke

Where did I put my nails?

Paimon
Hello again. Do you need help?

Naganohara Ryuunosuke
I swear I put them somewhere here. Yoimiya! Did you see the nails I bought today?

Paimon
Hello!

Traveler
Are those the nails you are looking for?

Naganohara Ryuunosuke
Oh hi you two. Thanks for finding them. After the fire incident, this old house got burned terribly. But fortunately, the Kanjou Commission is indemnifying all our needs.

Traveler

That’s good to hear.

Naganohara Ryuunosuke
There are still more parts to fix so I have to head back to work. Stay safe, both of you.

(Thoma is gathering animals around the tree and feeding them.)

Thoma
Oh poor things. They must be so scared after the incident. I have to be sure that all of them are recovered properly.

(Some people are gathered around soldiers.)

Kujou Sara
Please everyone get on one single line and protect the order. Everyone will get every material they need to fix their houses. There are more than enough.

Paimon
Hi Sara. Do you need help?

Kujou Sara
Hello. Don’t worry, it’s just a simple process. The Tenryou Commission got an urgent mission to distribute building materials to the villagers without causing a scene. After what Ichiko caused, Tri-Commission had a meeting with Her Excellency Almighty Shogun. At the end of the meeting, they decided to provide the necessary supplies to the villagers after making a list of what is needed for each family. We have been working since yesterday and yet there is not much improvement.

Traveler
How is Ichiko?

Paimon
Yeah! Poor girl got taken away so quickly. Is she alright?

Kujou Sara
Don’t you worry, she is safe and sound. However, after causing so much damage, she is sent to Grand Narukami Shrine to train in isolation.

Traveler
She is not locked down again, right?

Kujou Sara
Not this time. However, she is under surveillance 24/7 by Lady Guji herself. The Head of Yashiro Commission had a long and convincing conversation with her, so Ichiko is safe.

Paimon
Phew, that’s a relief.

Traveler
Is it ok if we visit her?

Kujou Sara
Of course. You proved your strength by your accomplishments long ago. I don’t see any reason not to get close to her.

Traveler
What about you Sara?

Kujou Sara
Me?

Paimon
Yeah! It is obvious that Ichiko loves you and cares about you so much. Won’t you give her a visit?

Kujou Sara
Maybe later. I still have tons of work to handle here. Please send my regards to her beforehand.

Traveler
I have one more question.

Kujou Sara
Please make it quick.

Traveler
How did you two become so close?

Paimon
Yeah! You said you heard others talking about her when you were young. And she got sealed away afterwards. When did you two meet?

Kujou Sara

Uh… It’s more than that. I also used to play with Ichiko when I was a kid. She just thinks that I’m another adult that is similar to her friend.

Paimon
So she doesn’t remember who you are.

Kujou Sara
Indeed. Since I grew up, my appearance had also changed. It is normal for her not to recognize me.

Paimon
Oh…

Traveler
It must be hard for you.

Kujou Sara
No, quite the opposite. I got mature and am very busy with my work. Sigh, I just wished we had more time to play when we were young. But that’s not my wish, that was my younger self’s wish.

Paimon
You love her so much, admit it.

Kujou Sara
Ehem! Maybe you shouldn't waste more time here and leave. Thus, we can also continue our job.

Paimon
Oh right. Sorry about that.

Traveler
Take care.

Kujou Sara
You too.

(Grand Narukami Shrine. Miko and Ei are talking.)

Yae Miko
Oh, hello little ones. I was waiting for you. Why did it take so long?

Paimon
You were waiting for us?

Ei

Whenever there is a problem, you appear.

Paimon
When you say it like that, it sounds like we are the ones who start everything.

Yae Miko
Come now. You were helping us to keep her calm. Why should we blame you?

Traveler
How is Ichiko?

Yae Miko
She is fine, don’t worry about her. The Lord Commissioner and I had a nice chat over a fine aged sake last night and we decided to let her work here, under my surveillance. Trust me, she will become the best shrine maiden you’ll ever see.

Ei
As long as she doesn’t cause any further troubles, there is no need for me to interfere.

Yae Miko
You are worrying too much. Everything is under my control now. I was just being reckless during the festival, that’s all.

Paimon
Where is Ichiko now? Can we see her?

Yae Miko
She went to clean the shrines on the mountain with Kano Nana and that little tanuki.

Paimon
Oh, so they are together with Sayu. Kano Nana should be tired already after taking care of both of them.

Yae Miko
She also wanted me to give you this.

(Ichiko’s letter:
Dear friend,
Sorry that I scared you and hurt you. I got sad after hearing what Sara told me. But now I’m better. Hope you are also fine. Please have some candy if you are not an oni. They have red beans.
Love,
Ichiko.)

Paimon
Aww that’s so cute.

Yae Miko
She sent that to everyone in the city that she burned their houses. I didn’t say anything to her.

Traveler
Maybe Ayato convinced her.

Yae Miko
During the Commissioner’s visit, Miss Kamisato also joined us. But instead of drinking sake, she played with Ichiko with paper and pencils.

Traveler
Ayaka was here?

Paimon
That’s our Ayaka! She’s not only kind and caring but also a good example to kids. By the way Ei, why were you here again?

Ei
To check on that kitsune and decide if we should execute her.

Paimon
Wowowow! Execute her!? But she’s just a child!

Ei

I was going to decide after hearing the whole story. That’s why I came here to talk to Miko.

Traveler
And..?

Ei
Everything seems solved. There is no need for me.

Yae Miko
You know, you can visit me outside of work too. I miss drinking with you under the stars. Sigh, it’s been so long we last-

Ei
I should leave now. It was nice to see everyone again.

Paimon

Bye Ei. You should come out more.

Ei
I’ll try.

(Ei leaves.)

Yae Miko
What a shame, she didn’t even listen.

Traveler
We can listen.

Yae Miko
Why don’t you go back to the city and ask around if they need any help. Everything here is under control.

Paimon
Wow, such hospitality.

Traveler
Sara also sends her regards to Ichiko.

Yae Miko
I’ll forward your message.