“So, what’s todays hut?” I ask Kanjo, enthusiastic to get to know her more. It’s a few weeks after Sacho’s fight, and, once again, we have another place to clean. Sacho’s also dyed her hair white to hide the redness.
“Some random arcade on the other side of town. It’s a little sketchy if you ask me. I don’t know why Sacho chose this place to clean…”
As much as I can’t stand it, I know exactly why.
***
Just like Kanjo said, the place is as sketchy as they get. When we walk inside, the first thing we are greeted with is A poorly made sign with scribbly handwriting reading:
BY USING ARE MASHINES YOU AGREA TO ANY LOSS IN MONIY FROM COIN SWALLOWING MACHINES.
As if that’s not enough proof that this place is poorly managed, Pills scatter the floor; rats feed out of an old paper, reading Unpaid light bill.
Just before I can comment on the shattered windows, A man steps into view, holding a cigar in his left hand, and a bottle of whiskey in his other. He sports and unshaved beard, and yellow teeth. He’s also wearing a shirt that reads ‘999’.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“You ready to clean this place?” Comes the man’s gruff, warped voice, as he takes a sip of alcohol. “Don’t worry, this place is sporting one of its better nights.”
As usual, we split into our usual groups: Sacho and me, Kanjo and Megumi. But just as I start sweeping the dusty floor, Sacho hushes me. Before looking side-to-side, she pulls out her wand, and murmuring: “Omnia-secreta-revelare!”
In a matter of seconds, a scroll appears in front of both of our curious eyes.
Sacho takes the scroll, gives it a tap of her wand, and it folds up.
***
After we finish cleaning up the place, we part ways at the arcade, and all go back to out houses. Since Sacho and I share a bedroom, we both go home together.
It’s summer, and the sun is still out, despite the dark, dank mood that washed over us in the arcade.
“Y’know, Sacho?” I exclaim, as I look tentatively at a bird in its nest.
“Yes?”
“There are so many people out there who are scared of death, here on earth. Is it the same in the Magic Realm?”
“Yes. In the Magic Realm, Death is feared. Probably even more than in the human world, since public hangings happen almost daily.”
“I think it’s a funny thing to be scared of, don’t you think? People fear death, as their life just so happens to be passing right then and there! While these people are busy worrying about life, they still have a mile to deaths doorstep.”
“That’s a very good philosophy; If more people listened to it, I’m sure that it would make a lot of people stop and think.”
“Well,” I say, “At least we can enjoy our years together, right here in the present.”