Chương 87: Chapter XXIII Verse I — The Spirit's One-sided Reunion

The glowing line found something. Information flooded Galan's mind. It's mostly accurate, he thought. Worth a try. He gripped the tether of light and sent a jolt of energy through it.

"It's okay," he said to the startled crowd.

"This is also part of the plan."

"What was that?!" Tadamaru projected.

"Just sending some lookouts," Galan replied.

"They'll tell me if anything gets close."

"Is it Asaka?!" Umiginu cried.

"Relax, that is still to be determined." He walked to the front of the stage, trailing a new branch of the tether. He placed it on the ground, and a circle of light grew from it, forming a translucent container. Galan stood, looked to the sky, and began to chant.

"O being at the end of this tether, heed my call and come hither!" With a snap of his fingers, an overpowering flash of light erupted from the cylinder. Inside, a form began to coalesce. It was faint at first, like heat haze, then thickened into smoke. An outline of a head and shoulders emerged, followed by strands of raven-black hair drifting as if underwater. The figure wore a simple, soil-colored kimono and white leggings, but it was the small details that drew a sharp, agonizing gasp from Umiginu.

She recognized the river-reed belt she had woven herself, the tiny turtle charm she had carved with her own tools, and the fox mask gifted by the human children Asaka had once called friends.

"Asaka…" she whispered. The spectral form solidified, opening its eyes.

"Hmm…? What is happening?" The spirit mouthed without a sound.

"Asa—!" Umiginu lunged forward, but Galan caught her arm.

"Wait." He turned to the spirit.

"Who are you? State your name."

"My… name? I'm…" The spirit looked around, its gaze falling on the offerings, then on Umiginu. Recognition sparked in its eyes.

"Umi!" The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The spirit ran towards her. Umiginu yanked her arm free and slithered to meet her. Galan snapped his toes, and his mindcast created the illusion of solidity between them. They embraced, and Umiginu felt the same warmth she had months ago.

"I miss you so much," she sobbed. Asaka pulled back, her face serene.

"I'm sorry, Sister. I couldn't find the ones who were desecrating the sacred forest. I will try again tomorrow, I promise! You don't need to cry."

"Wha… what do you mean…?" The ghosts did a good job cutting away the painful parts of her death, Galan thought. He stepped forward.

"Miss Asaka, my name is Odagawa. I wish to speak to you about what you saw in the forest a few hours ago."

"Oh? Are you an investigator?"

"Yes. I was sent by Lord Zensuke to bring the trespassers to justice."

"Wait, that's not what you said," Tadamaru projected, confused.

"Just trust me," Galan sent back.

"These spirits are unpredictable."

"Sorry, Mr. Investigator," Asaka sent.

"But I didn't find anyone. And to be honest… I don't remember walking back home at all…" She noticed Tadamaru.

"Ah, Mr. Tadamaru! How is the cinnamon shop project going?"

"It's uh… aban—" Tadamaru started.

"Don't," Galan sent to him.

"Just say you're still working on it."

"I mean… the outside still needs some carvings," Tadamaru said, forcing a smile.

"Might need a couple more months."

"If you need any help, just tell me." Asaka knelt.

"I can decorate it with flowers from my garden." Tadamaru's face twitched. He knew her garden had been uprooted for a training ground, and his shop was little more than a memory overgrown with vines. A pit of sadness filled him.

"I will, Miss Asaka! We will make it beautiful together!"

"Hihi. And once it's done, I promise to come by and be your first customer! I'll even bring some real kogan so you can practice giving change!" Tears welled in Tadamaru's eyes.

"That's… so nice of you…" His breath hitches.

"We... We will make it the best shop in the forest! Selling the shiniest chestnuts and the roundest stones to everyone! Both humans and yookai will be welcomed! Just like we promised!"

"That's what I like to hear." With another snap of Galan's toes, Asaka's spectral hand petted the raccoon dog's head.

"Now stop crying, okay?" I have to fix that shop for her… I can't let our promise fall in vain… Tadamaru nodded, wiping his eyes, and retreated to his seat.

"By the way, did someone tamper with my memories?" Asaka asked Galan, her brow furrowed.

"Yes," Galan said, seizing the opportunity.

"In truth, you were kidnapped by a malevolent force to fuel the ghosts that have been hunting humans. Now, try to remember the gap between your last memory and waking up here." She closed her eyes. A new memory surfaced in her mind, one where she cut down a man who was begging for his life. Her form flickered, pieces of her soul drifting apart in panic.

"What?! What is this memory?!"

"Calm down," Galan said firmly.

"That is not your memory. It belongs to the ghosts. You have the ability to read their minds just as they can read yours." He crossed his arms.

"It's… uh…" he hesitated, thinking of a compelling lie to tell.

"So that they can wipe the memories of anyone that was a witness to their crimes, understand?"

"I'm not sure, but… I will try to remember more," she sent, holding her head. Just then, the sound of rapid, small footsteps approached them from the crowd.