Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Muma Oni - The Succubus Demon ❯ Saying Farewell ( Chapter 30 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Levante01 
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.09.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.09.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
The Kannin shrine built in Teshimachi was not built to watch over the cave that encased the demon Muma Oni for centuries. In reality, it was built as a memorial ground for the Higuro-Kannin line that had spent their entire lives watching over the shrine. A small graveyard was behind the shrine. It was the same site where Teshi Higuro himself was buried.
Sato stood over the fresh grave where his grandfather was buried. Cherry blossom petals fluttered through the air. They just began to bloom on this day, as if trying to bring about a joyful atmosphere for Elder Sato Kannin’s passing.
Sato had discarded the bandages that wrapped his face and just covered his face with band-aids. He still wore bandages beneath his gi he wore. He waved charms in the air to ward off evil spirits that might try stopping his grandfather from passing over. It was a traditional ritual that each new heir performed for their predecessor when they finally passed.
The entire town waited in the courtyard in front of the shrine building, lining up to pay their respects inside the shrine. Ryomaru and Pinaka stood at the door on either side, ensuring that everything went smoothly. Sato was surprised to see how many people showed up when he came walking around to the front.
Sato was stopped by both of Ina’s parents as he approached the shrine. Her mother had the exact likeness, but allowed her hair to drape at her shoulders. She wore a black kimono, a sign of mourning. Ina’s father wore a black suit with a black hat and gray tie. He stood just a foot or so taller than Sato. He placed a heavy hand on Sato’s shoulder.
“We know how you must feel,” he said. “We’ve known you since you were a kid, and know how attached you were to your grandfather.”
Sato jerked his head in a strange nod, trying to hold back his tears.
“Sato, honey,” said Mrs. Hirashi, “if you ever need anything from us, you know we’re there for you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Sato said.
Mr. Hirashi looked to the shrine. “Ina’s inside. She’s pretty broken up about all of this too.”
“Yeah,” Sato said. “She seems to be taking it pretty hard herself.”
Sato headed for the shrine. Mr. Hirashi called to him. “You know, Sato,” he said, “it’s not healthy to bottle up your emotions. Even a strong man needs to cry sometimes.”
Sato entered the shrine. He stood at the door, watching as people knelt before the picture of Grandpa that was set up, saying their peace, and then departing. Grandpa was a well respected man in Teshimachi. They were all sad to see him go.
Ina sat next to the large picture. She was dressed in a black kimono like her mother. She dabbed at her eyes, drying them as tears continued pour down her cheeks. Sato walked over to her. He was aware of everyone in the shrine turning to look at him. He held a hand down to Ina, catching her attention. She slowly looked up at him through watery eyes.
Ina took Sato’s hand and got to her feet. She fell easily into Sato’s arms and hugged him tight. “I can’t believe this has happened,” she said into Sato’s chest. “It’s all like some kind of bad dream.”
“Sadly we won’t wake up from this,” Sato said. He held Ina away from him. “Go to the house and make yourself some tea, okay? I’ll stay here.”
Ina looked at Sato inquiringly, wondering why he had such a gentle look and smiling. It was like it barely even affected him. Maybe he was just being tough for her. That had to be it.
And that was it. As Sato sat down beside the picture of his grandpa, he watched Ina leave the shrine. When she hugged him, he wanted nothing more than to break down and cry his heart out. Mr. Hirashi was right: even strong men needed to cry, and he really needed it right now. He chose not to, though. He had to show that the heir to the Kannin shrine was strong, and could handle these things.
***
Muma walked down the stairs, dressed in a purple halter top and tight jeans. On her back she carried a backpack full of her things. She stopped on the stairs as she saw the front door open. Ina walked in and bent down to take off her shoes. Ina froze for a second, then slowly looked up at Muma.
“Muma,” Ina said in surprise. “What’re you doing? You look like you’re getting ready to go on a trip.”
Muma had a guilty look on her face as she walked down the stairs. “Yeah, I am,” she said. “I figured it’s best that I leave. It’s my fault that Sato’s been dragged into all of this.”
“How so?” Ina asked. “You didn’t help release Kaiban. He didn’t target Sato because you were there. It was all circumstantial. We just happened to be there when Kaiban was released. That motivated us to go after him. You had nothing to do with it.”
“Maybe so,” Muma said, “but I feel that if I stick around, only more trouble will come. I don’t want to cause Sato any trouble. Also, you two seem so happy together. I feel like a third wheel because I like him too, but he’s into you. And I feel like you don’t like me, because you know he and I … to get my powers back.”
“It’s okay,” Ina said with a smile. “I understand what it was for. At least stick around until you talk to Sato. I’m about to make up some tea. Have some with me.”
Muma nodded.
The two girls sat at the table drinking tea. Muma was clearly uncomfortable around Ina. It was the first time they had sat together like this, just the two of them. Normally there was someone else, more than likely Sato, there as well.
Ina put down her cup. “Muma,” she said gently, “I really don’t think you should leave. Sato’s gone through a horrible event. He needs all the care he can get. Sure, he may not look too hurt, but he is.”
“I know,” Muma said. “I’d really like to stay, but I have to leave.”
Ina frowned. “If you leave, Sato will be all alone in this house.”
Muma raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Pinaka will be here, won’t she?”
Ina shook her head. “Pinaka’s leaving with Ryomaru tomorrow. I heard them talking about it last night during our sleepover. She’s going to leave with Ryomaru to finish her training under his eye. That’ll leave just you and Sato living here.”
“And if I leave, Sato will be alone,” said Muma. Her eyes widened brightly and she smiled as she said, “Why don’t you move in with Sato? You know you want to! You can live like a married couple here, with all the privacy you could ask for!”
Ina choked on her tea. She put it down and said, “Are you kidding? Could you imagine what people would say at school? It does sound nice, but no way. Besides, my parents would never let that happen. Although I could ask him to move into my house. My parents wouldn’t mind. They already treat him like a son. And since they can watch over us, it’d be fine for us to live together.”
“There you go!” said Muma excitedly. “Then it’s all settled! Sato can move in with you, have plenty of care by you and your parents, and then everything will be just fine!”
“It won’t be fine,” Ina said suddenly. “Sato needs me and you. Pinaka’s been like a mother to him, a mother he’s never really had, but now she’s leaving. If you leave too, Sato will feel like no one wants to be around him.”
Muma tapped her fingers on the table. “I think you’re just making this up as you go. Maybe it’s not Sato who wants me to stay, but you instead.”
Ina’s face went white. “Why would I want such a perverted demon to stay here?” she said angrily.
Muma batted her eyes at Ina and puckered her lips. “Maybe because you’re perverted yourself and want to do perverse things with me.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Ina said, scowling. “It’s for Sato. You don’t know what it’s like for a boy to grow up without a mother. Any female companionship he can get would sure help him. And if most of the girls who he cares about leave him, he’ll think something’s wrong with him.”
Muma sighed. “I return my thoughts to you wanting me to stay.”
Ina sighed. “Fine, if you don’t want to stay, then don’t. In fact, just go now. Save yourself from having to see Sato’s heart broken because everyone’s leaving.”
“That’s exactly what I was going to do,” said Muma smartly as she stood. She shouldered her backpack. “It was great knowing you guys. I’ll miss you, of course, but this is for the best.”
Ina looked away from Muma as the succubus headed for the front door. She heard the front door open and then close. She sighed, sad that she couldn’t stop Muma from leaving. She knew how Sato was going to feel when he found out.
“Going somewhere, Muma?”
Ina was surprised to hear that voice. She looked around and saw Sato standing beside Muma at the front door. Muma couldn’t meet eyes with Sato. The look of guilt was all over her. Sato looked down on her, the same gentle smile still on his face. What could he possibly be thinking right now, seeing that Muma was leaving?
Muma twiddled her fingers. “I’m, uh,” she said, “going away for a while.”
“How come?” Sato asked. His expression didn’t change.
“Because––because I don’t think it’s good to have me around.”
Sato kicked off his shoes and walked into the sitting room. He stopped for a moment to look back at Muma. He said, “It’s sad to see you go, but if it’s something you must do, then I won’t stop you.”
Both Muma and Ina gaped at Sato. As Sato sat down, Ina said, “I thought you’d hate it for Muma to leave! Sato, you’ve been acting so weird today. What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing, Ina,” Sato said. “Everything’s fine. In fact, they probably couldn’t be better in this situation.”
Ina raised an eyebrow. Muma came to the door of the sitting room. “Okay, Sato,” Ina said, “what’s going on? Normal people would be crying their eyes out after losing a loved one.”
“Well,” Sato said, “I had planned on coming in here to spill my guts out, but there’s no need for it.”
“What do you mean?” Muma asked.
Sato glanced around at Muma and Ina. “Well, Kazuhiko Otomo––Grandpa’s old friend––stopped by to pay his respects. Afterwards, we talked outside the shrine. He’s invited me to move to Tokyo and stay with him to finish out my martial arts and shrine guardian training.”
“To Tokyo?” said Ina, looking hurt. “But how would you get to school if you live out there?”
“I’ll transfer of course,” Sato replied. “Otomo has talked to a friend of his to get me a job at a local shrine there. He said it pays decent and the shrine master will give me plenty of training in the ways. And I can shack up at Otomo’s place for free. All I have to pay for are my own personal expenses.”
“I see,” Ina said. “Where would that leave us?”
“I can come visit you whenever I want. We’ll still see each other plenty, don’t worry.”
Ina stood. She was crying again. “You know, before I thought everyone was leaving you, but now I see everyone’s leaving me. I felt bad that you were going to be left alone in this house. Now it’s me being left alone in all of Teshimachi.”
“Ina, wait,” Sato said, but Ina stormed from the house before he could stop her.
***
Kisuro walked down the night street. It had cooled off since that afternoon. He felt kind of bad for not showing up to Grandpa Kannin’s funeral, but he felt that he’d be too coldhearted. He never got close to Sato’s grandpa, so he didn’t exactly know how to feel about his death, and didn’t want to say anything insensitive to Sato.
He walked along the riverbank. Up ahead he saw a silhouette of someone sitting on the bank. As he got closer he realized it was Ina. He rushed over to her.
Ina was in her own world as she watched the small rippling of the water as she cast rocks into the river. She didn’t hear Kisuro coming up behind her until he finally said something. “Whatcha doing here?”
Ina jerked around, surprised. After seeing who it was, she turned back to the water. Kisuro sat down beside her. “I’m just sad, that’s all,” she said.
“About what?”
“Sato. He’s leaving to move to Tokyo, and after I felt sorry because everyone else was leaving him. Pinaka and Ryomaru are going because Pinaka wants to become a better demon hunter. And then Muma said she wants to leave too for some stupid reason. After arguing with her, I find that Sato’s leaving. It’s not right!”
Kisuro put an arm around Ina. “I’m sure things will be fine. He’ll still come to see you, won’t he?”
“He says that,” Ina said. “It’s just going to be so hard. Since we met we hadn’t gone a day without seeing each other, even when one of us was sick. We’ve been best friends forever. Now he wants to leave me. Why?”
“I doubt it has to do with you,” said Kisuro.
“Damn straight it’s not because of me!” Ina cried. “I’m constantly thinking about his wellbeing! I was about ready for a fist fight with a demon because of him! But now he decides to leave me!”
“Ina, I––”
Ina stood. “How are we expected to have a relationship when he’s going to live so far away? Neither of us have our own cars, and I can’t even drive. How does he expect that we’ll still see each other?”
“I’m not sure,” Kisuro said, “but you shouldn’t––”
“I’ll just have to break up with him,” Ina said. “He thinks it’ll all be fine, but it won’t!” She looked down at Kisuro. “Thanks for listening,” she added to him, then walked off.
“––overreact?” Kisuro finished, blinking after Ina, not knowing what just went on.
***
Otomo showed up at Sato’s house the next day. He was completely packed and ready to go. Ryomaru, Pinaka, and Muma had their things ready to leave on their own trips as well. Sato walked with Otomo to the car he had driven to Teshimachi. Sato turned back to the others.
“This is it guys,” Sato said. “It was a really fun trip. Be sure to stay in touch, huh?”
“Not a problem,” Pinaka said. She hugged Sato tight. “I’ll sure miss you.” She looked back at Ryomaru. “I’m sure Ryomaru will too.”
Ryomaru looked down at Hasu standing next to him. “Er, sure, I’ll miss the kid.”
Pinaka finally released Sato. “Be good and stay out of trouble.”
Sato nodded. “I’ll try my best.” He looked at Muma. “I hope you find a good place in the future. You’re always welcome to come back to Kannin shrine and stay here, even if I’m still in Tokyo.”
“Thanks, Sati,” Muma said.
“So,” said Sato, “do I get a farewell hug from you too?”
Muma hesitated. “Well, you know how I feel, Sato. I think if I hug you I won’t want to leave, or even let you leave. We’ll just leave it with a verbal goodbye.”
Sato laughed. “Suit yourself. It’s been fun knowing you. You better come see me from time to time.”
Muma nodded. “I will, don’t worry.”
Sato felt something at his feet. He looked down and saw Jira rubbing against him. He bent down and picked her up. “I’ll miss you too, Jira,” he said, and she mewed happily. Sato turned her back over to Pinaka. “All right, looks like I’m out of here.”
He turned, but stopped as arms wrapped around him. Muma hugged him tightly. Sato looked back at her. “Couldn’t resist, huh?” he said.
“I never want it to end,” Muma said dreamily.
“Unfortunately it must,” Otomo interrupted. “Come, young Sato, we have to get back to Tokyo.”
Sato nodded to Otomo. He gave his friends a last glance and headed for the car. He stopped as someone called out to him, “Kannin!”
He looked down the road at Ina racing toward him. She stopped, breathing heavily. Her hair wasn’t in the pigtail like it normally was. She wore it down for once. She took a moment to catch her breath, then looked up at Sato.
“Ina––hey,” Sato said, surprised. “I didn’t think you were going to say goodbye.”
Ina pushed something into Sato’s hand. “I figured it’s something I must do, Kannin.”
Sato raised an eyebrow. “Why are you calling me Kannin now? Ina––”
Ina smacked Sato across the face. “Don’t call me Ina anymore! It’s Hirashi to you, got it?”
“What’s going on?” Sato asked. He looked down at the ribbon Ina placed in his hand.
“I’m breaking up with you, Kannin. It’s not going to work out with you in Tokyo. I can’t stand a long distance relationship. I hope you have a good life Kannin, because I won’t be a part of it.”
Sato’s eyes widened. Pinaka and Muma were also shocked at the event. They both rushed to Sato’s side, putting their hands on his shoulders securely.
“Are you all right?” Pinaka asked.
“I can’t believe she just did that,” Muma said, looking after Ina as she stalked off.
Sato shook his head and looked down at the ribbon again. He wrapped it around his right arm and tied it secure. Finally he said, “I’m fine. I better be going.”
“Wait, Sati,” Muma said as Sato was about to get into the car. “Ina just broke up with you, yet you act like nothing has happened. That’s not good for you. Maybe you shouldn’t go. I’ll stay here if you change your mind about Tokyo.”
Otomo looked down at Sato. “Love is a cruel mistress,” he said. “If you would rather stay, I understand.”
Sato got into the car and shut the door. He rolled down the window and said to Muma, “I’ll be just fine. Ina’s trying to deal with this in her own way. Everything will be fine.”
Otomo went around to the driver’s door. He said to Sato’s friends, “Good luck to all of you in your ventures. You’re all welcome at my home in Tokyo at any time.”
“Thank you, sir,” Muma and Pinaka said together.
***
Otomo glanced to Sato as they drove out of Teshimachi. “You can let go now. There’s no one left to be strong for.”
Sato sat back in his seat, breathing deeply. “There’s always someone to be strong for, even when they’re not around.” He placed a hand on his right arm. “Ina’s distraught from Grandpa’s death. She loved him as much as I did. Once she gets over it, things will be back to normal. She’ll realize her mistake.”
Otomo chuckled. “You sound pretty sure. You’ve got a lot to learn about girls, though.”
“No problem,” said Sato. “I’ve known her since we were six. It’ll all be fine.”
“If you say so.”
Sato looked out the side window. He knew it was more complicated than he made it seem. He really wondered if it would be all right in the future. What did the future have in store for him anyway? He didn’t think it would be more adventurous than what he had encountered with Muma. Things were definitely going to change, whether they’re good or not.
Sato stood over the fresh grave where his grandfather was buried. Cherry blossom petals fluttered through the air. They just began to bloom on this day, as if trying to bring about a joyful atmosphere for Elder Sato Kannin’s passing.
Sato had discarded the bandages that wrapped his face and just covered his face with band-aids. He still wore bandages beneath his gi he wore. He waved charms in the air to ward off evil spirits that might try stopping his grandfather from passing over. It was a traditional ritual that each new heir performed for their predecessor when they finally passed.
The entire town waited in the courtyard in front of the shrine building, lining up to pay their respects inside the shrine. Ryomaru and Pinaka stood at the door on either side, ensuring that everything went smoothly. Sato was surprised to see how many people showed up when he came walking around to the front.
Sato was stopped by both of Ina’s parents as he approached the shrine. Her mother had the exact likeness, but allowed her hair to drape at her shoulders. She wore a black kimono, a sign of mourning. Ina’s father wore a black suit with a black hat and gray tie. He stood just a foot or so taller than Sato. He placed a heavy hand on Sato’s shoulder.
“We know how you must feel,” he said. “We’ve known you since you were a kid, and know how attached you were to your grandfather.”
Sato jerked his head in a strange nod, trying to hold back his tears.
“Sato, honey,” said Mrs. Hirashi, “if you ever need anything from us, you know we’re there for you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Sato said.
Mr. Hirashi looked to the shrine. “Ina’s inside. She’s pretty broken up about all of this too.”
“Yeah,” Sato said. “She seems to be taking it pretty hard herself.”
Sato headed for the shrine. Mr. Hirashi called to him. “You know, Sato,” he said, “it’s not healthy to bottle up your emotions. Even a strong man needs to cry sometimes.”
Sato entered the shrine. He stood at the door, watching as people knelt before the picture of Grandpa that was set up, saying their peace, and then departing. Grandpa was a well respected man in Teshimachi. They were all sad to see him go.
Ina sat next to the large picture. She was dressed in a black kimono like her mother. She dabbed at her eyes, drying them as tears continued pour down her cheeks. Sato walked over to her. He was aware of everyone in the shrine turning to look at him. He held a hand down to Ina, catching her attention. She slowly looked up at him through watery eyes.
Ina took Sato’s hand and got to her feet. She fell easily into Sato’s arms and hugged him tight. “I can’t believe this has happened,” she said into Sato’s chest. “It’s all like some kind of bad dream.”
“Sadly we won’t wake up from this,” Sato said. He held Ina away from him. “Go to the house and make yourself some tea, okay? I’ll stay here.”
Ina looked at Sato inquiringly, wondering why he had such a gentle look and smiling. It was like it barely even affected him. Maybe he was just being tough for her. That had to be it.
And that was it. As Sato sat down beside the picture of his grandpa, he watched Ina leave the shrine. When she hugged him, he wanted nothing more than to break down and cry his heart out. Mr. Hirashi was right: even strong men needed to cry, and he really needed it right now. He chose not to, though. He had to show that the heir to the Kannin shrine was strong, and could handle these things.
***
Muma walked down the stairs, dressed in a purple halter top and tight jeans. On her back she carried a backpack full of her things. She stopped on the stairs as she saw the front door open. Ina walked in and bent down to take off her shoes. Ina froze for a second, then slowly looked up at Muma.
“Muma,” Ina said in surprise. “What’re you doing? You look like you’re getting ready to go on a trip.”
Muma had a guilty look on her face as she walked down the stairs. “Yeah, I am,” she said. “I figured it’s best that I leave. It’s my fault that Sato’s been dragged into all of this.”
“How so?” Ina asked. “You didn’t help release Kaiban. He didn’t target Sato because you were there. It was all circumstantial. We just happened to be there when Kaiban was released. That motivated us to go after him. You had nothing to do with it.”
“Maybe so,” Muma said, “but I feel that if I stick around, only more trouble will come. I don’t want to cause Sato any trouble. Also, you two seem so happy together. I feel like a third wheel because I like him too, but he’s into you. And I feel like you don’t like me, because you know he and I … to get my powers back.”
“It’s okay,” Ina said with a smile. “I understand what it was for. At least stick around until you talk to Sato. I’m about to make up some tea. Have some with me.”
Muma nodded.
The two girls sat at the table drinking tea. Muma was clearly uncomfortable around Ina. It was the first time they had sat together like this, just the two of them. Normally there was someone else, more than likely Sato, there as well.
Ina put down her cup. “Muma,” she said gently, “I really don’t think you should leave. Sato’s gone through a horrible event. He needs all the care he can get. Sure, he may not look too hurt, but he is.”
“I know,” Muma said. “I’d really like to stay, but I have to leave.”
Ina frowned. “If you leave, Sato will be all alone in this house.”
Muma raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Pinaka will be here, won’t she?”
Ina shook her head. “Pinaka’s leaving with Ryomaru tomorrow. I heard them talking about it last night during our sleepover. She’s going to leave with Ryomaru to finish her training under his eye. That’ll leave just you and Sato living here.”
“And if I leave, Sato will be alone,” said Muma. Her eyes widened brightly and she smiled as she said, “Why don’t you move in with Sato? You know you want to! You can live like a married couple here, with all the privacy you could ask for!”
Ina choked on her tea. She put it down and said, “Are you kidding? Could you imagine what people would say at school? It does sound nice, but no way. Besides, my parents would never let that happen. Although I could ask him to move into my house. My parents wouldn’t mind. They already treat him like a son. And since they can watch over us, it’d be fine for us to live together.”
“There you go!” said Muma excitedly. “Then it’s all settled! Sato can move in with you, have plenty of care by you and your parents, and then everything will be just fine!”
“It won’t be fine,” Ina said suddenly. “Sato needs me and you. Pinaka’s been like a mother to him, a mother he’s never really had, but now she’s leaving. If you leave too, Sato will feel like no one wants to be around him.”
Muma tapped her fingers on the table. “I think you’re just making this up as you go. Maybe it’s not Sato who wants me to stay, but you instead.”
Ina’s face went white. “Why would I want such a perverted demon to stay here?” she said angrily.
Muma batted her eyes at Ina and puckered her lips. “Maybe because you’re perverted yourself and want to do perverse things with me.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Ina said, scowling. “It’s for Sato. You don’t know what it’s like for a boy to grow up without a mother. Any female companionship he can get would sure help him. And if most of the girls who he cares about leave him, he’ll think something’s wrong with him.”
Muma sighed. “I return my thoughts to you wanting me to stay.”
Ina sighed. “Fine, if you don’t want to stay, then don’t. In fact, just go now. Save yourself from having to see Sato’s heart broken because everyone’s leaving.”
“That’s exactly what I was going to do,” said Muma smartly as she stood. She shouldered her backpack. “It was great knowing you guys. I’ll miss you, of course, but this is for the best.”
Ina looked away from Muma as the succubus headed for the front door. She heard the front door open and then close. She sighed, sad that she couldn’t stop Muma from leaving. She knew how Sato was going to feel when he found out.
“Going somewhere, Muma?”
Ina was surprised to hear that voice. She looked around and saw Sato standing beside Muma at the front door. Muma couldn’t meet eyes with Sato. The look of guilt was all over her. Sato looked down on her, the same gentle smile still on his face. What could he possibly be thinking right now, seeing that Muma was leaving?
Muma twiddled her fingers. “I’m, uh,” she said, “going away for a while.”
“How come?” Sato asked. His expression didn’t change.
“Because––because I don’t think it’s good to have me around.”
Sato kicked off his shoes and walked into the sitting room. He stopped for a moment to look back at Muma. He said, “It’s sad to see you go, but if it’s something you must do, then I won’t stop you.”
Both Muma and Ina gaped at Sato. As Sato sat down, Ina said, “I thought you’d hate it for Muma to leave! Sato, you’ve been acting so weird today. What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing, Ina,” Sato said. “Everything’s fine. In fact, they probably couldn’t be better in this situation.”
Ina raised an eyebrow. Muma came to the door of the sitting room. “Okay, Sato,” Ina said, “what’s going on? Normal people would be crying their eyes out after losing a loved one.”
“Well,” Sato said, “I had planned on coming in here to spill my guts out, but there’s no need for it.”
“What do you mean?” Muma asked.
Sato glanced around at Muma and Ina. “Well, Kazuhiko Otomo––Grandpa’s old friend––stopped by to pay his respects. Afterwards, we talked outside the shrine. He’s invited me to move to Tokyo and stay with him to finish out my martial arts and shrine guardian training.”
“To Tokyo?” said Ina, looking hurt. “But how would you get to school if you live out there?”
“I’ll transfer of course,” Sato replied. “Otomo has talked to a friend of his to get me a job at a local shrine there. He said it pays decent and the shrine master will give me plenty of training in the ways. And I can shack up at Otomo’s place for free. All I have to pay for are my own personal expenses.”
“I see,” Ina said. “Where would that leave us?”
“I can come visit you whenever I want. We’ll still see each other plenty, don’t worry.”
Ina stood. She was crying again. “You know, before I thought everyone was leaving you, but now I see everyone’s leaving me. I felt bad that you were going to be left alone in this house. Now it’s me being left alone in all of Teshimachi.”
“Ina, wait,” Sato said, but Ina stormed from the house before he could stop her.
***
Kisuro walked down the night street. It had cooled off since that afternoon. He felt kind of bad for not showing up to Grandpa Kannin’s funeral, but he felt that he’d be too coldhearted. He never got close to Sato’s grandpa, so he didn’t exactly know how to feel about his death, and didn’t want to say anything insensitive to Sato.
He walked along the riverbank. Up ahead he saw a silhouette of someone sitting on the bank. As he got closer he realized it was Ina. He rushed over to her.
Ina was in her own world as she watched the small rippling of the water as she cast rocks into the river. She didn’t hear Kisuro coming up behind her until he finally said something. “Whatcha doing here?”
Ina jerked around, surprised. After seeing who it was, she turned back to the water. Kisuro sat down beside her. “I’m just sad, that’s all,” she said.
“About what?”
“Sato. He’s leaving to move to Tokyo, and after I felt sorry because everyone else was leaving him. Pinaka and Ryomaru are going because Pinaka wants to become a better demon hunter. And then Muma said she wants to leave too for some stupid reason. After arguing with her, I find that Sato’s leaving. It’s not right!”
Kisuro put an arm around Ina. “I’m sure things will be fine. He’ll still come to see you, won’t he?”
“He says that,” Ina said. “It’s just going to be so hard. Since we met we hadn’t gone a day without seeing each other, even when one of us was sick. We’ve been best friends forever. Now he wants to leave me. Why?”
“I doubt it has to do with you,” said Kisuro.
“Damn straight it’s not because of me!” Ina cried. “I’m constantly thinking about his wellbeing! I was about ready for a fist fight with a demon because of him! But now he decides to leave me!”
“Ina, I––”
Ina stood. “How are we expected to have a relationship when he’s going to live so far away? Neither of us have our own cars, and I can’t even drive. How does he expect that we’ll still see each other?”
“I’m not sure,” Kisuro said, “but you shouldn’t––”
“I’ll just have to break up with him,” Ina said. “He thinks it’ll all be fine, but it won’t!” She looked down at Kisuro. “Thanks for listening,” she added to him, then walked off.
“––overreact?” Kisuro finished, blinking after Ina, not knowing what just went on.
***
Otomo showed up at Sato’s house the next day. He was completely packed and ready to go. Ryomaru, Pinaka, and Muma had their things ready to leave on their own trips as well. Sato walked with Otomo to the car he had driven to Teshimachi. Sato turned back to the others.
“This is it guys,” Sato said. “It was a really fun trip. Be sure to stay in touch, huh?”
“Not a problem,” Pinaka said. She hugged Sato tight. “I’ll sure miss you.” She looked back at Ryomaru. “I’m sure Ryomaru will too.”
Ryomaru looked down at Hasu standing next to him. “Er, sure, I’ll miss the kid.”
Pinaka finally released Sato. “Be good and stay out of trouble.”
Sato nodded. “I’ll try my best.” He looked at Muma. “I hope you find a good place in the future. You’re always welcome to come back to Kannin shrine and stay here, even if I’m still in Tokyo.”
“Thanks, Sati,” Muma said.
“So,” said Sato, “do I get a farewell hug from you too?”
Muma hesitated. “Well, you know how I feel, Sato. I think if I hug you I won’t want to leave, or even let you leave. We’ll just leave it with a verbal goodbye.”
Sato laughed. “Suit yourself. It’s been fun knowing you. You better come see me from time to time.”
Muma nodded. “I will, don’t worry.”
Sato felt something at his feet. He looked down and saw Jira rubbing against him. He bent down and picked her up. “I’ll miss you too, Jira,” he said, and she mewed happily. Sato turned her back over to Pinaka. “All right, looks like I’m out of here.”
He turned, but stopped as arms wrapped around him. Muma hugged him tightly. Sato looked back at her. “Couldn’t resist, huh?” he said.
“I never want it to end,” Muma said dreamily.
“Unfortunately it must,” Otomo interrupted. “Come, young Sato, we have to get back to Tokyo.”
Sato nodded to Otomo. He gave his friends a last glance and headed for the car. He stopped as someone called out to him, “Kannin!”
He looked down the road at Ina racing toward him. She stopped, breathing heavily. Her hair wasn’t in the pigtail like it normally was. She wore it down for once. She took a moment to catch her breath, then looked up at Sato.
“Ina––hey,” Sato said, surprised. “I didn’t think you were going to say goodbye.”
Ina pushed something into Sato’s hand. “I figured it’s something I must do, Kannin.”
Sato raised an eyebrow. “Why are you calling me Kannin now? Ina––”
Ina smacked Sato across the face. “Don’t call me Ina anymore! It’s Hirashi to you, got it?”
“What’s going on?” Sato asked. He looked down at the ribbon Ina placed in his hand.
“I’m breaking up with you, Kannin. It’s not going to work out with you in Tokyo. I can’t stand a long distance relationship. I hope you have a good life Kannin, because I won’t be a part of it.”
Sato’s eyes widened. Pinaka and Muma were also shocked at the event. They both rushed to Sato’s side, putting their hands on his shoulders securely.
“Are you all right?” Pinaka asked.
“I can’t believe she just did that,” Muma said, looking after Ina as she stalked off.
Sato shook his head and looked down at the ribbon again. He wrapped it around his right arm and tied it secure. Finally he said, “I’m fine. I better be going.”
“Wait, Sati,” Muma said as Sato was about to get into the car. “Ina just broke up with you, yet you act like nothing has happened. That’s not good for you. Maybe you shouldn’t go. I’ll stay here if you change your mind about Tokyo.”
Otomo looked down at Sato. “Love is a cruel mistress,” he said. “If you would rather stay, I understand.”
Sato got into the car and shut the door. He rolled down the window and said to Muma, “I’ll be just fine. Ina’s trying to deal with this in her own way. Everything will be fine.”
Otomo went around to the driver’s door. He said to Sato’s friends, “Good luck to all of you in your ventures. You’re all welcome at my home in Tokyo at any time.”
“Thank you, sir,” Muma and Pinaka said together.
***
Otomo glanced to Sato as they drove out of Teshimachi. “You can let go now. There’s no one left to be strong for.”
Sato sat back in his seat, breathing deeply. “There’s always someone to be strong for, even when they’re not around.” He placed a hand on his right arm. “Ina’s distraught from Grandpa’s death. She loved him as much as I did. Once she gets over it, things will be back to normal. She’ll realize her mistake.”
Otomo chuckled. “You sound pretty sure. You’ve got a lot to learn about girls, though.”
“No problem,” said Sato. “I’ve known her since we were six. It’ll all be fine.”
“If you say so.”
Sato looked out the side window. He knew it was more complicated than he made it seem. He really wondered if it would be all right in the future. What did the future have in store for him anyway? He didn’t think it would be more adventurous than what he had encountered with Muma. Things were definitely going to change, whether they’re good or not.