Magical festival time

A few minutes later, after navigating through the grown crowd, I made my way to the empty area. And sure enough, people kept passing by it without heeding it any mind. I moved to the side of one of the stalls, and kept creeping closer, since I was unsure of what might happen if I just burst in. I doubted any of the normal people might notice, but you could never be too sure. Once I felt that I had waited long enough, walk to the trees. It was a bizarre sight. As I walked closer to them, they stretched further and further away.
Until the space in front of me grew wide open, and revealed the second festival. It was very much different form the preparation stage. Many colorful stalls were sprawled around the area, with a myriad of different ayakashi walking around in it. The colorful light of spirits permeated the air. So much so, that I had trouble focusing my vision on them or anything surrounding them. All in all, it was truly a wondrous sight.

As I had been able to the previous day, form the entrance I could see the rokurokubi and yuki-onna tending to their stalls. With no thought out starting point, it seemed as good as any.
“Good evening.” During my approach, I greeted them cheerfully. Recognition spread on their faces.
“Good evening! And welcome!” “Good evening…” Each with their own greeting to throw back to me. The more cheerful head came close to me. “May I offer you something to eat?”
I felt my stomach. By now, I had already eaten a lot, so there wouldn’t be much chance. Still, I didn’t want to refuse the kind offer. “Sure. But please, only a small portion.” Twisting my face and rubbing my stomach seemed to have worked in relaying my intention, as only half of the eating container had been filled.
It looked very much like yakisoba, but for some reason, I got a different feel from it.
“Here you are.”
“Thank you.” After receiving the food, I remembered something. “How much do I owe you?”
The response I got was the shaking of a head. “Nothing, it is free.”
“What?” Never minding labor costs, how were they to turn a profit with the prices of ingredients?
As if reading my thoughts, a slightly frosty voice replied. “Most of the things we use are from donations, or purchased by the shrine. In exchange, we help with whatever they need for us.” Still having her arms crossed, the yuki-onna regarded me coolly. Then, as if making up her mind, she threw a bottle at me.
I caught it. It was cold. “Take it. Not that you collapse from not drinking enough.”
“Thank you…” Surprised by her level of …care? for me, I answered a beat slow.
Giving the duo a bow, I excused myself, and toured the festival.

Their food and drink had tasted well. It was a bit different from usual food, but I couldn’t really say in which way. Not that it mattered, as it was good in its own way, giving more variety to common food items.
I had walked across half of the area, seeing many common and rather unusual activities being offered. Taking a stop, one of them caught my attention: Beat the oni at arm wrestling. A group of smug ones were standing behind a smoothly cut tree trunk. And a group of defeated looking men stand opposite of them.
“Oh, what about you? Want to give it a try?” A loud voice called out to me. Near instantly, over a dozen pairs of eyes shot to me.
“No, thank you.” I declined nervously. “I am a regular human. No way I could beat a grown oni.”
“Boy, you don’t sound courageous at all.” One of them walked up to me, menacingly. He drew close to me, and threw his right arm around my shoulders. With his left hand, he pressed a nondescript bottle to me. “Here, take a swig of this. Surely it will help you overcome that stage-fright, and make you more jovial.”
Now that he was close, I could smell the booze in his breath. Of course, there was no way that I could free myself from his hold. Instead, I tried to reason with him. “Sorry, but I don’t think that-”
“What are you talking about? Oh, is it your first time? Ha! Even better than. Nothing beats-” He couldn’t finish his sentence.
Before I could register what had happened, I was held by my arms. A person was behind me, holding me in place. Before me, the previous oni laid sprawled out on the ground. Another one stood behind him, his fist pointing to the ground. Likely, he had hit him. Then, the newcomer bellowed in a large voice. “What the hell are you doing! I told you! No drinks for minors! Damn it.”
Then, he turned around to me. If I hadn’t realized it from the voice alone, I would have recognized him now. It was the same oni whom I had handed the crate of alcohol yesterday. And not only for me, recognition dawned in his eyes too. “Hey, it’s you!”
The acquaintance easily picked me up , and after a hearty hug, gave me a clap on the back. While doing so, he leaned close to me, and did something I thought he was incapable of: whispering. “Sorry about that. Could you please keep quite about it?”
“S-Sure.” I doubted it would mean anything, not after he had alerted everyone around us with his shouting, but I agreed nonetheless.
The brief look of concern on his face faded, and the usual smile reappeared. “Is that so? Hahahahaha!” With his laugh, more claps on my back followed. ‘I have to build up some kind of resistance to it if this becomes a regular thing in my life.’
But it didn’t last long, luckily. Once he had finished, he turned to someone behind me. “Thank you for your help there, Youko. Otherwise he might have been caught under our collapsed friend.”
“Don’t worry about it.” A curt reply came
I turned to the source of the voice. It was the oni girl I had noticed the yesterday. I wanted to thank her and ask her, but she quickly walked away. ‘So much for that.’

“Did I do something to offend her?” I asked my large friend.
“Hmm. I don’t think so. But that behavior is not normal for her.” He was rubbing his chin in thought.
That had picked my interest. “How come?”
“Well…” He regarded me for a bit. Then, shrugging his shoulders, he continued. “Youko is actually attending a human school. So, she shouldn’t have any problem talking with a fellow student. Sorry, but I can’t tell you more. If you get the chance, you could ask her about it.”
Not much I could gleam from that. And further thoughts of that were interrupted, as the figure on the ground started groaning. After a few shudders, he started to rise to his feet. Rubbing the back of his head, the intoxicated oni looked around him, until his eyes found focus. Then, after looking at me for a moment, they shifted to the large frame next to me. And realization began to show in his eyes. “Sorry boss. Must have gotten too much into the mood.”
And the thoughtful atmosphere from before was gone. “Damn well you did! Now, fetch something proper!”
He ran away. With a sigh, the boss showed me to a spot, and is at down, a second later joined by him. With a remorseful face, he started talking “I hope you do not have a bad impression of us.”
“Not at all!” I shook my hands franticly. “It’s just… different cultures, I guess? We just need to learn more about each-other. Or rather, I need to learn more…”
“Don’t worry, it will come in time.”
After reassuring me, the drunk oni came back surprisingly quick. “Here.” He gave me a cup with a light yellow liquid. It was cold to the touch.
“What is this?” “You better have brought him something drinkable for humans!” My own question got overshadowed in volume.
“Yes. It is rice juice. No alcohol. To make sure, I asked at the stand.”
“Well, there you have it.” They both now looked at me.
Experimentally, I took a short sip. “It is good.” The sweet flavor of it wasn’t overpowering since the cold slightly diminished it, making it easy to drink.

The other two got drinks as well, and we sat together, chatting for a bit. Though, to be honest, I barely got anything they said, as they were talking mainly about past events, where I missed some background knowledge. Not only that, the voices around me all spoke in raised volumes, overlapping with the ones near me. To top it off, the consumption of alcohol made their speeches a bit slurred, and turned them to talk in old accents usually seen in history dramas.
Past a certain point, I excused myself. “I still haven’t seen the entire festival, and want to at least take a look at everything.”
“That’s good! Atta boy!”
“Then stop dawdling. Move out!”
After saying goodbye from the merry group, I allowed myself a sigh of relief after being out earshot. While they were very friendly, overly so, they were still imposing figures to me.

From here, things seemed to blur slightly. With all the wonders around me, it was no wonder it was hard to keep up. Perhaps the lights were a bit too much for me, as a slight headache started to arise.
Sadly, it didn’t stay that way. I found it harder to navigate the ways between the stalls. Reluctantly, I decided to look for a place to sit down and rest a bit. Perhaps get something else to drink.
Just as I observed the area around me, I noticed a change in the people around me: The crowd seemed to grow quieter. Looking at their faces, their gazes bundled behind me. The similarity to a scene from a horror movie alone was enough to make me gulp audibly. But, in the end, I had no other choice but to turn around and see who, or what, caused this. However, the moment I would be able to see the shape of the approaching one, my vision faded to black.

I felt comfortable. Relaxed and content. My head rested on a warm, soft pillow. A gentle breeze kept going through my hair, almost as if petting me. It was bliss.
…Until I started remembering things. I was at a festival. I was walking around. And then… I drew a blank. I couldn’t recall what had happened. So, there was only one thing I could do. Albeit reluctant, I started moving my muscles slightly to wake them up. Once I had more feeling in them, I opened my eyes.
With a smile on her face, she was peering down at me. The gentle face was framed by the long brown hair, nearly falling down to me. Somehow, seeing this gave me a sense of déjà vu.
It took me a few seconds to fully realize the situation I was in. But once I had, I shot up. …Or would have, but a hand on my shoulder kept me down. “Good morning.”
“G-Good morning.” A short moment of silence passed. “Ayame, what exactly happened?”
“Well…” she gave me a sheepish smile.
“You can’t tell me?”
“Yes. Let’s just say you had too much to drink, and passed out.”
“Wait, wha-. I didn’t drink alcohol!” ‘We had a whole escapade about it!’
“Knowingly. Do you remember when the oni first found you? Did you really think they would hand out anything over than that?”
“Yes. One of them even got angry on my behalf.” I even smelled the drink to make sure there wasn’t any in.
“Well, I am not saying they did anything with malicious intentions. But them handing out weak alcohol might just be an accident, since they don’t feel the effects of it as strongly. Just an honest mistake.”
“If you put it that way.” Sadly, I had to admit, that it seemed plausible. And I had no other lead as to what it might have been.
“Mind you, they wouldn’t normally do that. They are an honest bunch. If they say they give you something alcohol free, they actually do. But they were already drinking before, so…”
“…” I wasn’t entirely sure of it, but it could very well have been. But, seeing as they didn’t do it intentionally, there was nothing for me to complain about.
“Still…” Ayame’s face twisted into confusion.
“Is there something else?”
“Not quite. But,” That confusion turned into a brilliant display of a mischievous smile, that — at least in my opinion — fit her perfectly. “if I had know you would be so open and comfortable with resting on my lap, I would have done it way earlier.”
“!” Blood rushed up my cheeks, as I quickly got up. I hadn’t noticed when she had removed her hand, so I had just remained still. Although, to be completely honest, it had no qualms regarding the feeling alone.
“My oh my, what is this? Is someone embarrassed?” She continued to poke fun at me, giggling all the while. Despite the situation being uncomfortable for me, I had to say, it seemed to fit her so better than her regular display of behavior. I felt like something else should have come with that realization, but there was a lack of it.
Instead, while being stumped, I took a look at my surroundings. We were not at the festival area anymore. The ground below us was made of wood, and turning around, I could see the outer walls of an old time building. With us being on shrine grounds, I had to guess it was one of the buildings. And just a few moments later, I would get a confirmation.

From outside her vision, Suzune appeared behind Ayame, a threatening aura surrounding her. “Mind telling my why you would start pulling pranks now? When I graciously allowed you to move to the shrine building?”
“Ah!” All laughter leaving her, she turned around, facing a figure more threatening than any demon right now. “W-Well… it just happened?” She tried to smooth things over with a disarming smile.
And apparently, it worked. Suzune just heaved a sigh, before turning her attention to me. “So, how do you feel?”
“Well… I don’t really know.”
“Huh? What kind of answer is that?” ‘What kind of tone is that to take with a person you are worried about?’ Though, it seemed she really cared, as her joking attitude only remained for a short moment. “But seriously, can you describe it a bit more?”
“I’ll try… To be honest, I am drawing blanks. I remember going around from stall to stall, when… when…” It was no use. Whatever had happened, was completely wiped from my consciousness. So, I shook my head. “From there on, it is just black.”
“Okay.” Suzune gave a sigh. To my surprise, it felt as if relieve was mixed in there.
“Seems we can’t do anything about it, so let’s just forget it, okay?” Ayame tried to cheer me up.
But one word there caught my attention. “Forget…” I continued mumbling it. Then it hit me. ‘Wasn’t there anything this morning?’ I was pretty sure, after my parents had left, I… Again, nothing. It was frustrating.
Taking a look at the faces around me, I could see concern. And worry. Worry about me figuring something out. Wracking my brain, I came up with a theory that should combine all the factors. And it was time to ask them about it.
“I did something, that is sure. And suddenly, I can’t remember. Seems somehow familiar.” I peered into their faces, trying to see any reaction. “And didn’t you say that this festival is for all the youkai to come together? In that case, surely a very auspicious one like-”
“Stop.” Suzune interrupted me, remorse clearly visible. But it was all the confirmation I needed. The one who had sealed my memories was here, and had done something.
“You can’t tell me about it. Right?”
““…”” No answer from either of them.
It was frustrating. Adding that on top of the previously build up pile, and it became too much to bear.
Still, I didn’t do anything. I wouldn’t yell or shout at them. Not only wouldn’t it help anything, they didn’t deserve it. In our interaction I felt that they truly wanted to help me. It was clear for both of them: from Ayame as she hang around me, and even Suzune, as she gave me an option, and didn’t outright decide to renew the seal. Combine that with their faces of hurt, sadness and guilt, there was no one I could muster any anger towards them.
‘I can not just think of myself. Others might suffer too.’ Thus, I knew what to do. “Suzune, could you sit down next to Ayame?” I tried to keep my voice even, devoid of emotion, so no one knew what I was going to do next.
With resolution on her face, she sat down. Both, with straight backs, faced me.
Next, I sat close to them, directly opposite of them. From here, I waited a moment.
Then, with my courage gathered, I lounged forward. And drew them into a hug.
“Huh?” “Wha-?” To both of their surprises. I couldn’t see their faces, but could guess they might both be flustered. Just like. But this was a point I wanted to get across.
“I appreciate what you do for me. Going out of your way to try and help me, even with rules and so on stacked against us. I know I might appear sullen at times. But no matter what, I am thankful. There is no need of you to do this, and still. So, really. Thank you.”

‘Man, that is way more embarrassing than I had thought!’ But, it was too late to change anything. And in fact, it felt good to get that off of my heart.
Apparently sharing my embarrassment, Suzune struggled to get free of the hug. Which was only made harder for her, as Ayame copied me, and slung her arms around the two of us. With a giggle from her, I felt the situation turning warmer. Then, she moved her head closer to me, and started whispering into my ear.
“While I have to keep it short, I can tell you this much: Her interference this time was not to hinder you. In fact, it was probably for the best.” Her voice was honest.
With one last squeeze, she removed her arms. I took it as a sign to do the same, much to the delight of a certain shrine priestess, who gave me a glare. I tried to think about the message I just got, but didn’t get very far, as a new arrival showed up.
“Isn’t it nice to see such a bunch of good friends.” It was a voice I recognized. Turning around, I saw the shrine priest from yesterday approach.
The amused look on his face gave rise to an aggravation of a certain member. “Swipe that smug smile of your face Suguru! What are you even doing here? I left you in charge of the festival.”
He gave a quick laugh. “Don’t worry, everything is going fine. More importantly, is our guest okay?” He looked me over.
“Yes, thank you very much. Sorry for the disturbance.” I quickly hopped up, and gave a bow.
In reply, he shook his hand. “Don’t worry about formality. A friend of Suzune’s is a friend of mine.” With a disarming smile, he approached me, and put a hand on my shoulder.
“Thank you.” I took a closer look at his face. I made out some details, but they didn’t match Suzune’s. So he likely wasn’t a relative. To make, sure, I also turned to look at her.
He picked up on that action. “Ah, don’t worry. I am a normal human just like you. I just work here.”
“Which is actually an annoyance to me.” Came a grumpy reply. “That aside, did the task go alright?”
“Yes, there have been no problems.”
“Task?”
“Well-” He started, but got interrupted by her. “Minoru, take a look up.” She said, pointing to the sky.
I followed that sign, and my gaze was met with a beautiful night sky. ‘…Wait. Night sky?’ Slight panic set in. “What time is it now?” Pricking my ears, I couldn’t hear much noise from the festival either.
“Way past ten. Don’t worry, we told your friends and your family that you were feeling unwell and that you were resting here.” That was a bit of a stretch. “In fact, you can even stay here for the night, and skip school the next day. It should work out.”
‘Just how lax is she?!’ Putting that aside, there was another concern. “How did you convince everyone. Did you-?”
“No, no one used magic. It is just that I have an authoritative air around me.” Suzune pushed her chest out.
Then, stepping in, Suguru added. “I talked with your parents about it. It seemed that they trust Suzune a great deal, so it should be fine.”
“Damn, Suguru! Learn to read the mood!” And adding to her dismay was Ayame.
“And I told your friends from school. I thought it might be better as they know me from seeing.” As she triggered another outburst from Suzune, I felt a headache forming. ‘They are going to question me on it for sure, right?’

While I was in my thoughts, the scene around me continued, until a few fateful words from the newcomer. “Right right, calm down grandma.”
“!” With fury burning in her eyes, Suzune turned to the offender. “What did you just say?” Despite the rage, her voice remained calm.
“Oh, sorry. I guess great-grandma might be more appropriate.” Suguru smiled.
What ensued was a chase of unseen proportions, as they both vanished into the building. The door closing behind them sealed off all sound, uncanny for its thinness. But by now, nothing shocking anymore.
This left me alone with Ayame. And she gave her comment almost immediately. “Learn from this and never make this mistake. Not even jokingly.” Turning to her, I could see her face pale, with slight shudders running along her body. Likely a previous offender.
But the grandma comment gave rise to a different question. “How are those two related?” Obviously not by blood, as had been mentioned. Still, they looked closer than just coworkers.
“Actually, that is the reason why he can make that comment and survive.” “Huh?” “Suguru is from a family of shrine priests that have lived here for a long time. More than a hundred years ago, Suzune appeared here. So, she had been around this family long enough to qualify as grandma.” Thinking about it, Ayame gave a giggle. Realizing something important, she quickly added. “But don’t tell her I said that! …Not only the you-know-word, but also her past.” She made sure to hold eye contact for the next part. “The past of any youkai is precious to them. Most live longer than humans, and do not wish to share it all to easily. Once they do, it is a sing that they accept you as one of their closest friends, or as a member of their family. Me telling you about it is essentially a breach of etiquette, so please don’t tell anyone.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” I reassured her. At least, this explained Mori and Suzune only hinting at their past, and not talking about it. It might seem hurtful in the beginning, but was actually understandable. I just met them two weeks prior. Way too short to come to a certain conclusion.

After the scene from before, now being alone with Ayame, caused my ears to grow red slightly. Taking a long at me, she simply giggled. Then, with a certain warmth in her eyes, she spoke to me. “Come.” Uncertain what it meant, I took a look at her. She breathed deeply once, and her usual face was visible once more. “Follow me. I will at least escort you out of here, and down the stairs. Ah! If you do not feel safe alone, I can accompany you home, if you want.” She gave me a sheepish smile. “Well, I assume you want to rest at home, and not in the shrine for the night.”
“That is correct.” After my answer, there wasn’t much talk. I didn’t mind the silence, and neither did she seem to. Simply leading me out of the building, and out of the shrine grounds, Ayame then stopped at the foot of the stairs.
“Should I walk with you?” Unlike the previous question, this one was sincere and serious. So, I responded in kind. “Thank you, but I should be fine from here on.”
“Got it. But, just in case.” She looked to the side to a bush. It rustled, and a second later, a small white fox emerged. Giving me a faint smile, she explained. “Just let him accompany you. It would make me feel better.”
“…Got it…” Somehow, seeing this made me feel a certain sense of déjà vu. Not as far away as the previous one, but I still couldn't put my finger on it.
Shaking my head to discard the thought, I said goodbye. “Thank you. I had fun today. See you tomorrow at school.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Parting with smiles on our faces, I took to the street.

The way home was without problems. Once I reached my home, the small fox perked up.
“Thank you.” While whispering this, I patted its head. Seemingly enjoying it, it rubbed against me. The same sense of remembrance overcame me. ‘I must be tired.’
After a minute or so, it hopped a few steps away. One last look, and it turned around, walking away. Taking this as our sign of parting, I walked away too, and entered the house.

From the entrance, I saw light in the kitchen. Pocking my head around the corner, I saw dad typing away at his laptop. “I’m home.”
“Welcome back.” A few moments later, probably finishing a paragraph, the typing stopped, and he turned his head to me. “Feeling better?”
“Yes.” I lowered my head ruefully. “Sorry for not telling you myself.”
“It’s fine. No one is responsible for sickness.” It was only slightly, but I could see his features relaxing. ‘He must have worried.’
“What about mom?”
“I told her she should go ahead and rest, and that I would wait for you or a message.” He closed his laptop, and rose form his chair. “I am going to her now, and will inform her.” He took a moment to inspect me. “Make sure to head to bed soon and get some rest too. Wouldn’t want anything to flare up again.” With these words, his eyes showed a hint of fear.
With a smile, I did my best to reassure him. “Don’t worry. I am sure it was just a short spell of dizziness or something. I feel completely fine.” I hit my chest with my fist.
And it had put him at ease. “Is that so. Must be nice, to be so young.”
“Come on, now you are starting like mom.”
“Yes yes.” Without further ado, dad went up the stairs before me, walking out of sight.
“I should try to worry them less. Not like anything should happen to me for now.”
I was going to eat those words the next morning.