The festival was in full swing that evening.
It had become crowded by the time the group had finished readying themselves and taking photos in the other room, taken by both Stephanie and Rachael; they dragged Toya to be in a picture with the girls previously.
There was still some concern about what Yoko was trying to tell Taryn, the way that woman looked with such desperation. Yet it seemed to go to the furthest part of her mind when becoming absorbed in the festival.
It was rather grand, with stalls for food and games, and a large built stage in the village’s square for performances, be it small stage plays or comedies, one performance, in particular, would be of the Priestess against the demons.
Yet the curious thing about this stage was the number of dolls that resided at the base. These dolls looked the same, making Taryn think of the stones she had seen throughout and around the village.
She wanted to know more but was swept up in Rachael’s excitement around the many stalls; it got to the point where their roles were reversed with Rachael having so much energy and excitement that Taryn couldn’t keep up for long. Taryn was now standing at the wayside watching people, but even when there were so many villagers, she couldn’t help but feel as though she was utterly alone—a feeling not uncommon to her, but one that wasn’t wanted.
“Taryn?” Stephanie spoke, drawing her from her thoughts. “Something up?”
“No, it’s nothing,” she said automatically before diverting the topic away from herself as Stephanie stood by her side. “Where’d Robert go?”
“Over at one of the many food stands.” Stephanie pointed across from them, to where there was a break in the crowd. “What about Rachael?”
Taryn pointed to the game stalls. Rachael currently trying a lottery to win a plushy cow.
“Ah,” Stephanie responded before looking back down at Taryn. Dark blue eyes filled with concern. She had seen the young woman merely watch people, watching the people and move in silence, moving further away from the crowd. From Stephanie’s perspective, it looked like Taryn wanted to disappear.
Not that Stephanie could blame her if she really did wish to vanish, with what happened between Taryn and Robert only a few days before. Stephanie wanted to ask her about it to see how she was doing. But didn’t have the nerve to do it.
So instead, she did something else.
“Hey,” Taryn was about to look at Stephanie only to feel the woman wrap an arm around Taryn’s shoulders before resting her chin atop the smaller woman’s head.
“What are you doing?” Taryn asked, somewhat confused.
“Nothing.” She said as she now merely hugged Taryn. “Just hugging you.”
That confused her. “Okay… but why?”
“Because I want to,” she tilted her head to look at her. “Want me to stop?”
“I’m fine with it.” She said, in fact, she rather liked hugs. As much as she was an observer and a bit of an introvert, it didn’t stop her from being a rather huggable person to those she knew. This then brought a question to mind. “Do you maybe, want to take a photo together?”
“You mean like this?” she asked, pulling away slightly to get a better look at her face as Taryn smiled at her with a half-grin.
“I don’t see why not?” Taryn said, then quickly added. “Unless you don’t want to.”
Stephanie laughed. “What’s with that? Of course, I want to! Besides,” she hugged Taryn again. “I think I like hugging you. You think a person can be addicted to hugs?”
“Yes,” Taryn said with an affirmative tone causing Stephanie to laugh even more.
“Good to know.” She then took out her cell phone, a newer model, than Taryn’s and pressed herself even closer to Taryn’s body. “Say Festival!”
“Festival!” Taryn responded with the best smile she could muster. One that she felt was almost forced when saying. “God, I suck at smiling.” after looking at the photo.
“No one is good on command.” She knew that Taryn could smile genuinely; it was just the process to bring one out that needed to be done.
“You seem to be.” Only to stop short when feeling Stephanie’s hands around her middle. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to get you to laugh.” She said before poking her lightly in the face.
And it was working with how a smile that was far more natural began to form. “Why, though?”
“For this, look up!” Taryn did, and Stephanie took another photo and a few more before stopping her tickling. Her chin now rested on Taryn’s shoulder. “See? You look so much better now in these photos. Want me to send them to you?”
“Sure, hey.”
“Yeah?”
“Does this… make us friends?”
Stephanie was quiet for a moment as she remained resting her chin on Taryn’s shoulder. “Girl, I think we’ve reached that stage at the bar. Waaaay back at the hotel.” She looked Taryn in the eye. “Unless you don’t want to be friends?”
Taryn glanced at her. “Then I guess we’re friends.” She then looked back to Robert, who now seemed to be dared by one of the stall runners to eat some spicy food, something he did rather fervently. “Robert is going to be so confused when he finds out.”
“Then he has to deal with it. It’s not like we hate each other anyway.”
Thinking about their conversation in the hotel, made Taryn recall something. “Do you mind if I ask you something?”
“Hmm? Sure, go for it.”
“Before back at the hotel, you told me that you’ve been cheated on before, I was just wondering if they had a reason. Or if… they just didn’t care.”
“Ah, well, yeah, some did, but their reason was pretty shit, to be honest. The one I dated before meeting Robert, practically used me as her personal ATM. Only loved me for my money; I’ve had several instances, whether it was a guy or girl, deciding it’d be a good idea to cheat on me, thinking I’m just some stereotypical dumb blonde. That I wouldn’t notice what they were doing, even trying to make a big show at my brother’s funeral to boot. It was disgusting.”
Taryn frowned. “Why would she do that to you?”
“For the attention, she dated a girl with incredible wealth, cheated, and was then dumped by yours truly. She thought I’d welcome her back if she put on a bit show at my brother’s funeral. Only for her to land her butt right on the curb before the police arrived to take her away. It showed up as a stupid article in some trashy tabloid. But that wasn’t her doing, journalists, both reputable and not were there, and both sides ate it up.” She glanced at Taryn. “I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of moments like that.”
“I can think of a few,” she answered honestly. “For her to do that to gain some form of notoriety at a funeral is pretty low, makes me think of one woman who claimed that she helped my brother’s soul find peace. I think that was the first I ever wanted to rip someone’s arm off for making such a claim like she knew my brother…”
Stephanie looked at her with surprise. “No, shit? What kind of person does that? Talk about wanting attention,” she then pulled Taryn closer to her, her head resting along with Taryn’s. “I guess that’s another shitty thing we have in common, we both draw stupid people to us at the worst times.”
“Yeah, not much that we can do about that for the most part. But I am glad to have met you and got to know you. You’re a good person Stephanie. Even if we both seem to be bad at picking a good date.”
Stephanie scoffed. “Yeah, you’ve got a good point. I just hoped Robert would be different, but… I’m not sure if I can get through to him. What he did to you was needlessly cruel and uncalled for.” She then eyed Robert from a distance. “Honestly, I thought about yelling at him, but Rachael beat me to it, he seemed to realize his actions, but that’s no excuse.”
Taryn didn’t respond, she did wonder what would happen between the two but that wasn’t any of her business. If they stayed together or not was entirely up to them.
Stephanie then pulled Taryn out of her thoughts by hugging her again. “You know what? After we get back, I say we make a plan for us to go somewhere, no boys allowed. What do you think?”
“That sounds nice, though that might be a while since you know…”
She gave an understanding smile. “I get it, but when all is said and done.” She pointed confidently towards the sky, and with a confident smile, she proclaimed. “We’ll head out and conquer the world! Again, for the second time!”
What about the first time? Taryn thought slightly confused.
Then music could be heard, one not of the festival itself. “Oh, that’s me.” Taryn pulled out her cell phone from the bag that she had been given to hold her phone and camera. When taking out her phone, she saw that it was a text.
“I’m surprised you have service on it,” Stephanie said as she kept leaning on Taryn, her arm still draped around Taryn’s shoulder as she stared at the girl’s phone. “With us being so far from the city, I shouldn’t be surprised at how difficult it is to call someone. Let alone a text.”
“I’m going to head back to the mansion for a minute,” Taryn stated. “That way, I can at least respond. Hope you don’t mind.”
Stephanie wanted to say something else, knowing that she might have been trying to avoid the crowds but found herself unable to ask her to stay. At least for now. “Sure.” She said with a smile as she took a step back. “Go ahead. I should probably get something to eat anyway. When you get back, I’ll let you know what food stalls you should check out, okay?”
Taryn smiled slightly. “Thanks.” Then quietly headed back to the mansion. She soon found a spot with good reception before looking at what had been sent to her.
The text was from her Uncle Gerald.
Hey Kid. How are things going in Japan? Are you having fun in Tokyo? Take any interesting photos?
Taryn smiled before responding. Things are alright in Japan. The weather, for one, isn’t blisteringly hot. I’ll send you some photos I took recently. Where are you?
Scotland.
Again?
Yes.
Followed by him sending a photo of an old falling apart church with a just as old graveyard with what looked to be the sea in the distance.
Taryn paused; it didn’t look familiar. But then, Scotland had many places like that, sites deemed off-limits to the general public that somehow or another her Uncle could circumvent.
Reminds me of a level from Uncharted 4. Taryn laughed when seeing an emoji of a face sticking out its tongue before sending some of her photos of Tokyo’s streets and then the village.
I recognize some of the Tokyo streets but not this other place. Is this where you are now?
It’s a remote village about a few hours away from Tokyo.
Is it safe?
There haven’t been any earthquakes.
No, I mean, is it safe for you? This place is old, isn’t it?
Taryn gave a wry smile. Her Uncle would know firsthand of this, after all. It is. She texted back. But you know how it goes. Mom asked the same thing. I’m fine as far as these things are concerned. I barely feel anything now. Then she changed the topic slightly. When you saw the photos from Tokyo, did anything look different to you?
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It’s been four years since I’ve been to Japan; things are always changing. Which sucks. That ramen shop better still be there, or I’m going to be pissed.
She tried not to laugh. Didn’t you just say that things change?
Yes, but I still have my food preferences. That place was Godly.
Taryn paused. Text me the address. We’ll be back in Tokyo for at least a few more days before we head home. I’ll see if I can find it. It’s in Tokyo, right?
It’s right in the heart of downtown. There are some Yakuza around the area, at least, I think. They may have moved last I heard. But such people won’t bother you. Some Families tend to hold respect for foreigners: fellow outcasts and all that.
How can you be sure?
Sweetheart, I know for a fact that they won’t bug you.
Taryn made a face; he couldn’t have been that sure, could he?
Crap. Her Uncle texted again before Taryn had the chance to respond. I have to go. Work. Followed by a sad-looking emoji. Talk later, okay?
Okay, be safe.
You know I always am. Now I have to go kick some ass. Pray for the poor fools I beat. I’ll try calling next time.
Better not, roaming charges are a pain.
To hell with roaming charges! I want to hear your voice. Now I really got to go. Send me some more photos when you can. Love you, kid.
Taryn let out a breath; it had been a while since she had heard anything from her Uncle. Not since Roy’s funeral. His work was necessary, even if he seemed to be getting tired of it. It made her wonder if he might decide to retire at some point, but that might be difficult since she didn’t know the full circumstances. Not that it mattered to her, Gerald always kept to his word and never broke any promises that he made. Gerald genuinely loved his family.
“Lowell-san? What are you doing back here?” Toya’s voice came from behind her, a few feet away. He wore wooden sandals on his feet; he looked as though he was planning to go somewhere. “Why are you not with your friends?”
She held up her cell phone. “I got a text from my Uncle. Reception isn’t that good, and he’s always busy with work. I tend to take the chance to at least respond before he goes off to whatever work he needs to do.” She said in English. “Are you going to head down to the village?” she asked when he came to stand by her side.
Toya shook his head.
“Why not?”
“Merely because I have never gone down to the village before.”
She eyed him with skepticism. “You’re joking.”
He chuckled. “No, I assure you I’m not. I have never gone down to the village, not in all the time I’ve lived here.”
That made no sense to her. “Why?”
“Never needed to. But besides all that, are you enjoying the festival?”
“I am, but there are a few things I’m not sure about.” She looked at him. “Would you maybe, want to come down to the village with me? If you don’t, that’s fine, I just thought that, I don’t know what I thought.”
“Are you inviting me to join?” he asked curiously.
“Yes, but only if you want to go.”
He eyed her for a moment before giving a slight smile and grasped her free hand with his. “I would be happy to join you.”
Her smile faltered for a moment when recalling his reaction to her knowing Japanese. “Actually, before that. I want to ask something. It’s about when you asked if I spoke Japanese. Why didn’t you ask me about it before in the hallway?”
The grip on his hand tightened slightly. As though he didn’t wish to let go of Taryn’s hand. “I didn’t think of it at the time. By the time I had, you had already gone out for the day, and I did not wish to start our next conversation on such a topic. I felt it would be rude if I did.”
She frowned. “That’s it?”
“Yes, does my answer not satisfy you?”
“No, no, it’s not that. I was just wondering that’s all.”
His smile returned. “Then, if that’s all, why not head down to the village? I’m sure your friends are wondering where you snuck off too.” He then let go of her hand and followed close behind her.
“Taryn!” Rachael called out only to stop short when seeing Toya with her. “Oh, hello.”
“Why the heck is he here?” Robert asked softly to Stephanie, who merely shrugged.
Taryn then quickly divulged that Toya, for whatever reason, had never left the mansion. This led Robert to make a sort of “pampered prince” comment, in which Rachael silenced him by elbowing him in the stomach as hard as she could while Stephanie pulled him away to stop him from doing anything that would draw attention.
Toya didn’t seem bothered by it or hadn’t heard the remark, for he was far more interested in the stalls. While talking to some of the villagers who took an interest in him. For as it turned out, no one in the village had ever seen him before. They knew that there was the owner of the property who lived in the mansion but had never laid eyes upon him. It was a sight to see how some villagers decided to watch from afar, while others willingly got close to having a better look at the allusive mansion owner.
In the midst of that, Taryn was dragged off by Rachael and Stephanie to participate in more gaming stalls and a dance surrounded by a small fire in the square then go and offer prayers at the village’s shrine as Stephanie took a bunch of photos of the shrine itself.
That was until the festival’s main event, the performance of the events of the Priestess against demons. Talking of tales of what transpired hundreds to thousands of years ago. While the stage performance took place, Toya, who stood next to Taryn, would explain the events since there were no words that the performer spoke.
Even if Toya hadn’t told her she could understand most of it, being someone who was a more visual learner, than of vocal helped more often than not.
When it was over, the stage was set up to be burned. This was where the villagers began to leave dolls all along it to be burned. Some belonged to family members that had long since passed. Others were identical, made of wood with space along their chest for a wish to be written.
A sacrificial ritual, Toya said, and if the doll which contained the wish in question had been burned completely, that wish would come true.
Stephanie, Robert and Rachael all wrote something on the blank wooden dolls, while Taryn merely watched from a distance.
“You’re not going to participate?” Toya asked, joining her side.
Taryn shook her head. She would not, for she had nothing to wish for. If she had, it would be a wish that could never be granted. No matter how selfish it may have been.
“What about you?” Taryn asked. “Don’t you have something you want to wish for?”
“No,” he said with a slight shake of his head as he gave a faint smile. “For my long-awaited wish has already been granted, you see. So now, I have nothing to wish for as well.”
“What did you wish for?”
He rested his index finger on his still smiling lips. “It’s a secret.”
She just looked at him before looking back to the other people that continued to place dolls along the stage before stepping back. A man dressed in what looked to be historical Shinto Priest robes stepped out to reveal that it was a rather beautiful woman when the mask was removed. She held it up above her head and called out.
“May the spirit of Kuronochi-sama be appeased for another year. May you rest finding peace and solidarity.” she then took the mask that had straw attached to it, using a nearby flame to cause it to burn before throwing it on the stage. The fire spread, consuming all within its path.
Even from where Taryn stood, she could feel the heat radiating from the burning stage; she looked to her left to see Rachael recording the event. She stepped into view to get her friend’s attention. “Hey, I’m going to head in, okay?”
“Really, you sure?”
“Yeah, been a long day.” With a smile, she waved a then stepped out of view to let her continue filming. As she ascended the stone steps to the mansion’s entrance, she caught sight of Robert looking at her. She stopped to look at him, which caused him to look away instantly.
The look he gave was exact, even though he wanted to talk, but this wasn’t the time. Hell, Taryn couldn’t even think when it would be a good time. But things couldn’t be left as they were. They both knew that.
Sighing, Taryn pushed the thought out of her head and ascended the stone steps the rest of the way, giving one final glance to the fire before heading towards the mansion’s entrance.
“Lowell-san,” Toya’s voice caused her to stop in her tracks. “Is everything alright?”
She turned to face him. “I’m fine. Just feeling tired.”
“Is that all?” he asked as he moved to stand in front of Taryn while the lights’ warm glow from the mansion illuminates them. “It looked to me like you were rather sad.”
“Maybe I am. I did have fun during the festival.”
“But?”
“But…” she clasped her hands tightly together. “I felt it wasn’t fair. That I shouldn’t have been happy, I felt guilty.”
“Because of your brother,”
She nodded. “What right do I have in being happy, when I inadvertently took away his life? Before, when I cried in front of you, I felt like I had been liberated. That some part of me was able to move on. But not all of me, even now, I still have some lingering feelings, emotions that chastise myself for feeling the way I do. I wish I could be like those who can just bounce back after a loss. But that… doesn’t seem realistic to me. For me, I can’t just forget. I can’t just move on like that person in my life wasn’t important.”
When she started to feel the tears well up in her eyes once more, she quickly turned around and wiped away those tears. She didn’t want Toya to see her cry again. Since that mental wall was gone, it was something she would have to deal with.
“God, look at me,” she said when she turned back to face him. “I don’t mean to drag you into my personal issues. I’ve already done that before, and I don’t want to make a habit of it.”
“You are more than allowed to cry,” Toya said, as he moved closer. “It will not make me think any less of you if you do. You have gone through much more than any person should. That I am aware of. I told you before that if you wanted to cry, you could always come to me.”
“I don’t understand why you’d want me to when you barely know me,” she told him.
He smiled softly, placing his hand along her cheek. “While that is true, we as people should be allowed to be vulnerable in front of others. And if we were to help another, regardless of how much we knew of each other, then I see it as a good thing.”
She gave a short laugh. “I guess so.” She grasped the hand that remained on her cheek. “Thank you, I won’t apologize again. I know I will have to go to my brother and give a proper thank you. I know better than anyone that he’d put his life on the line for me again and again. It’s just how he was.”
“I’m sure he’s happy for you,” Toya said. “I honestly wish I could have met him. From what you have told me, he seems like a wonderful man. If it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be here, and I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like. You have no idea how grateful I am that you’re here.”
Taryn was about to tell him that if it had been the case, it would have been like any other day for him, only her words did not make it in time. Toya had closed the distance even further, leaning down and bringing his lips to hers.
It was unexpected. Sudden.
Not a single warning was given that this was what Toya might have intended. So much so that all Taryn could do at that moment was freeze up. It wasn’t the first time she had been kissed by a guy; Robert being said guy. But theirs had been awkward and clumsy, not knowing what to do. With how attractive Toya was, it made sense he had been with someone, perhaps more than several, in his life so he would know what to do.
The way he kept a gentle hold along the back of her head while his other hand rested along her back, pressing her further into his body, as he kept lightly brushing his lips over her’s not going any further than that even though it was clear that he could have.
Her mind finally caught up with what was going on; she lifted her hands against Toya’s chest and pushed him away. Her face slowly turned red from embarrassment, as her blue eyes looked at him in confusion.
Without a word, Taryn took a few quick steps back. “I… um, I need to go. It’s… late and uh… um… yeah. Good night.” Before quickly making a mad dash to the mansion’s interior, a hand covering her mouth as Rachael’s words echoed in the back of her head.
“Maybe he finds you attractive.”
Well, it cemented it now. Clearly, Toya liked her. Taryn just didn’t know how to deal with it.
Toya watched as she ran into the mansion, a smile on his face as he gave a faint chuckle before turning to see Robert frowning. Still holding that same smile, Toya brought up his fingers to his lips and then turned to take his leave. Robert understood; the man didn’t want Robert to tell anyone. Not that Robert minded, Taryn could do what she wanted, what’s more, it was pretty damn clear from the get-go that Toya had an interest in his ex. But it was something about this guy that bugged him. He just couldn’t figure out what that was.
* * *
Taryn landed atop the futon laid in their room when they returned, her hands covering her face as her legs absently kicked the air out of her embarrassment as it began replaying in her head.
He could have just said something rather than kissed her so suddenly. But then she might not have believed him if he had. It wasn’t that uncommon to fall in love with someone in a short amount of time. Hell, her parents and both grandparents could attest to that. She just never expected it to happen to her. Her hands fell limply away from her face as she let out a slow breath. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around it.
As lovely as Toya was, she knew it wouldn’t be possible. Not just because of how far apart they were but also for one simple reason. Her heart wasn’t ready for something like that, not again. She couldn’t just throw herself into another relationship after how the first one ended.
Not to mention she and Robert still needed to talk. At some point, be frank with each other rather than going for each other’s throats.
At some point, she would have to talk to Toya too, to let him down. He’d be disappointed, but if she told him why then maybe he’d understand.
Letting out another breath, she glanced up at Rachael’s small stand mirror, one of the things she bought at the store while they were in Tokyo. She bought it for two reasons: one it was pink; the other was that a cat was resting on a red heart. But it was what Taryn saw in the mirror that held her attention.
A woman was standing behind her.
Taryn could see her so clearly, as though she was there. Signs of injuries were evident on her skin; a white under-kimono was streaked with some dark substance. Was it blood or dirt? That Taryn couldn’t tell.
But one thing was clear, this wasn’t June.
Taryn slowly sat upright, her eyes never leaving the mirror. The woman, her face not visible, was pointing at a dresser. Taryn moved towards the dresser, and even then, she could still feel something there. The woman hadn’t left.
Checking each drawer, there was nothing to be found, that was until she went on the floor and looked underneath it. She could barely see something; the dresser was low, so she could only use her fingers. When she managed to pull out what was there did the feeling dissipate. The woman had left. She didn’t even have to look into a mirror to know.
What she had retrieved was another torn note.
I can see why Ai came to this village; it is beautiful. Even at the near beginning of the summer, some cherry blossoms are blooming in the trees. Truly a wonderful place.
But something feels off.
I’m not sure if it is because of the research I had done or that the people may or may not have gone missing here. Either way, the feeling I have won’t dissipate.
The mansion’s workers seem to be alright, though there is one who appears somewhat different from the others—a woman named Yoko. Oddly enough, I feel like I’ve seen her before. With all that’s happened in my life, I can’t recall her. But she seems to know me. For when we met, she said, “Here to make another life-changing story Reporter-san?” besides the apparent crack at my job she knew who I was. Whether we had met in the past is irrelevant, however. If she has info on Ai, she might be of help.
I have yet to meet the master of the mansion; in fact, he seems somewhat elusive. Many of the staff talk highly about him. And from what the women and men say, is that he is very handsome. Not sure why I haven’t seen him; maybe he knows more than he lets on, but I might be jumping the gun with what’s happened to Ai.
There’s a place somewhere within the mansion where the master, the previous owner, would make dolls by hand. Ai had a love for ball-jointed dolls. She might have gone to this village for another reason but found something else. Since she makes dolls and sells them online, she might have wanted to learn what techniques the people here use and amplify her craft.
If I go deeper into the mansion, I might just find more clues.
A slight frown creased Taryn’s brow.
Toya never mentioned his family making dolls, but she might figure out more of what was happening here if she were to follow these notes. But before that, she needed to get out of this Ko-Furisode before doing anything else.