Whew. Next chapter coming right up!
I fully admit to waifu-baiting with Izanami here.
Spoiler
(Remember when you were little and your mom had to take you with her whenever she went shopping, and it seemed like something that should be so simple ended up taking hours to get done, mostly because she ended up getting distracted from what she actually went there to buy? Well, I do. For that reason, I've never liked going shopping with girls, because the stereotype of them getting distracted while in a store has always rung true whenever I accompanied a girl on her shopping spree. I learned that much from dating Isabella.)
Osamu remembered the time he accompanied Isabella at the mall when he dated her. They originally went there to find some new shoes and a few clothing items, but things got kind of hectic. As they walked hand-in-hand, Isabella stopped when she saw a book store. Her face lit up and she tugged Osamu's arm.
Isabella: Let's go in there! I wanna find some books on the mechanical workings of firearms!
Osamu: I don't think you'll find anything like that in there!
(Then, the lingerie store...)
Isabella: Osamu, look! Maybe I can find some cute lace panties for our next movie night, huh?
Osamu: You already bought like 80 pairs of them at the last store!
(And then the donut place...)
Isabella: Osamu! You won't judge me if I eat a dozen of these, right?
Osamu: Have some self-control!
Isabella: You'll be happy if the fat goes to my butt!
Osamu: No, I'd still scold you for being a shameless glutton!
(Shopping really isn't my element. But, I wonder how it will go today with Izanami. She seems responsible enough. Well, guess I'll get out of bed and see.)
Osamu opened his eyes and sat up in bed, looking to his right to see Isabella just barely waking up next to him.
(Ah, I almost forgot. Isabella sleeps in here now since Yoko lost the race.)
Isabella: You up, Osamu?
Isabella couldn't open here eyes, still stricken by exhaustion.
Osamu: Yeah. I'll go see if Izanami is up and we'll go find something for Aika. You uhh...you aren't getting up?
Isabella: I would, but....
Osamu: What?
Isabella: My body is so sore! I can't move an inch!
(Yep, that tends to happen when you work out too hard. Lesson learned, huh Izzy?)
Osamu: Serves you right, loser. That's what you get for speeding up my treadmill and slamming me into the wall!
Isabella: It's not my fault you've got the leg strength of a 6 year old girl!
Osamu: Whatever.
Osamu got out of bed and stretched his limbs, yawning as he did so.
Osamu: Just take it easy today, alright?
Isabella: You don't have to tell me twice. Have a good day with Izanami.
Osamu could hear water running in the kitchen as he exited the room and went downstairs. Turns out, Izanami was already up and had already eaten breakfast.
(An early bird as usual...)
Osamu: Good morning.
Izanami turned around and smiled at Osamu, the sun hitting her snow-white skin and red eyes.
Izanami: Ah! Good morning Osa! Sleep well?
Osamu: Yeah, I think I did.
It was only now that Osamu realized what Izanami was wearing. It was a one-piece pajama with a back flap and a hood. It was also made to look like whoever was wearing it was a penguin, and the hood was the head. It even had googly eyes on it.
(Maybe this day will be good for her! She can get a taste of fashion that won't make everyone think she's a psycho!)
Izanami: Hmm? Something wrong? You're just staring at me.
Osamu: Oh no! I've just never seen those pajamas before...
Izanami: Oh yeah! Isabella ordered those for me online! Pretty sweet, right? She said penguins are fierce animals and symbols of courage!
(It all comes back to Isabella...)
Izanami: Oh, sorry, I didn't make you anything. Did you want breakfast?
Osamu: Oh no! That's fine. Actually, I was gonna go ahead and get dressed so we could head to the mall. It'll be fast since you already ate.
Izanami: Ah that's right! You sure though? You shouldn't start your day without eating breakfast.
Osamu: I'll be fine, I swear!
(Now that I think about it, every time I've started my day without eating breakfast first, I've always been a royal wreck. But I already said I'm fine, so I'll look stupid if I take it back)
Osamu: I'll get dressed now.
Izanami: I will too!
And so, the two got dressed for their day out. It was bound to be another hot, summer day, so Osamu wore a white shirt with the Ashikaga clan crest in the center of it and a pair of light-blue jeans.
(Alright. Let's get this done for Aika.)
As Osamu walked down the hall, Yoko quietly snuck out of her room, being wary of waking Aika. Osamu and Yoko whispered between each other as they walked down stairs and headed to the front door.
Yoko: You guys leaving now?
Osamu: Yeah, I was going to let you know to lock the door when we leave.
Yoko: Nah, don't worry about it. I've got spare keys for you.
When they got to the door, they saw Izanami standing there waiting for Osamu. She wore a red ribbon in the back of her hair, which was used to tie it into a half-up. She surprisingly went with something really nice and casual, wearing a long, white dress with red polka dots on it.
Yoko: Wow, you actually look normal for once. I'm impressed.
Osamu: How exactly did we go from samurai armor to this?!
Izanami: I-if you don't like it, Osamu, I can always change into something else...
Osamu: No, that's not what I-
Yoko: What he means is that you look gorgeous, Izanami. Right, Osamu?
(There she goes, saving my hide again)
Izanami: R-really? I do?
Osamu: Absolutely! You look stunning!
The pale girl blushed and bowed. Yoko reached in the closet and handed Izanami a pink umbrella.
Yoko: Here. It's going to be hot today, so just in case the sun bothers you too much, you can use my umbrella. But since it's going to be a beautiful day anyway, you two should make the most of it. Don't just stop at getting Aika a gift.
(So weird...Yoko would draw her sword at the thought of me going on a date with anyone but her. But she's been encouraging things like this lately. Maybe I'm being too paranoid. This time around, it could just be because she doesn't want us getting home too soon, so we don't run into Aika in the kitchen or something.)
Izanami: Okay! Thanks Yoko!
Yoko: Ahem!
Osamu: W-what?
Yoko: What do you mean what? Walk the lady out like a gentleman!
(Your standards of me are too damn high!)
With that, Osamu took Izanami's hand and Yoko wished them off.
Yoko: Have a good day! Call me before you get back! I'll make sure the coast is all clear!
Osamu: Alright! See ya!
Izanami: Ba-bye!
(Yeah...I think that's it. Everything she's doing right now is for Aika's sake. Whatever she saw, I'm surprised she cares this much about it)
Osamu remembered Yoko's comment in the bowling alley the night they had to walk home from the beach. Whatever it was, it concerned Aika feeling incredibly lonely and isolated ever since her mom died.
(That's right. Maybe she's doing this because she's been down that road before. She knows, better than anyone else, what Aika is going through. She's the ideal person to handle it. I've just gotta trust her then.)
Osamu and Izanami walked together to the mall. Izanami kept her umbrella over her head as the sun beat down on the city. It was clear that people were doing double takes and looking back at Izanami as they walked by. Izanami didn't seem to notice or mind though. She happily walked the sunny, lively streets with Osamu by her side.
(What are they looking at, exactly? Her skin? Yoko was smart to give her an umbrella that would cast its own color on her if the sun shined through it. It the best we can do to keep eyes off of her. Not like anyone would suspect she's a deity, but I know Izanami can be self-conscious sometimes...)
Izanami: Hey, Osamu?
Osamu: Yep?
Izanami: Any idea what Aika would like? She's kind of a hard book to read.
Osamu: Yeah, that's a good question...
Izanami: You mean you don't know?!
Osamu: Heh heh...nope...
Izanami puffed her cheeks in anger at Osamu.
(Is this supposed to be her angry face? She just ends up looking really cute!)
Osamu: W-w-well! I do know that Aika loves music, sweets, and cool clothes.
Izanami: Hmmm...Okay! I'm sure we'll find her something then! We're on a mission, Osamu! We're going to give Aika the best birthday party ever!
Izanami's smile made Osamu smile. She was just like that, she always had high spirits.
(You know, Izanami. I'm really glad that we met.)
They finally arrived inside the mall. Izanami handed her umbrella over to Osamu. The mall was large, wide, and of course, busy. Izanami had never actually been to a mall herself, so the sight was quite breath taking to her. She was fascinated by the amount of stores, the smell of food, and the volume of people that gathered in one place. A constant noise of people talking, laughing, and music playing filled their ears, almost as if was just a homogenous and continuous hum instead of individual people simply going about their lives.
Izanami: Wow! I've heard a lot about these places, but to actually be in one is so cool!
(At least her ignorance of the modern world makes her incredibly humble)
Osamu: Well? I can imagine Aika wanting some music books. We should probably start there, on the second floor.
Izanami: Alright! Lead the way!
(Gosh, she's such a trooper.)
Even here, they held hands, as not to get separated from one another. And even here, especially with Izanami not using her umbrella, the stares continued. Osamu already knew why people would be staring at them, but still, Izanami herself didn't notice. She was too busy having fun, pointing out the direction of certain stores that might be good for a gift. The tension only made Osamu grip her hand tighter. They got into the book store and immediately went up to music section. Izanami was on her knees looking through the various kinds of books, searching for the most informative and comprehensive work she can find.
Izanami: Let's see...Aika likes Jazz and Classical...ah! I found a good Jazz book, Osa! It's got chord charts, samples, and everything! It's pretty cheap too!
Osamu: Great work! Now to just find something for Classical.
Osamu stumbled upon a Classical Guitar book with a collage of classical artists on it, including Sebastian Bach, one of Aika's favorite composers.
(This is perfect. She never did finish learning Bouree in E Minor. I'm sure she'll love to continue.)
Osamu: Found it. Let's get this and he-
Osamu's stomach began to grumble, and Izanami laughed.
(Great work genius! You knew this would happen and you still tried to play The Cool Guy! Damn it! Now I look stupid!)
Izanami: Hey, Osa, I think your tummy is mad at you!
Izanami began wagging her finger.
Izanami: If only you had eaten breakfast, right? Tsk tsk tsk. I always thought you were a smarter man than this.
Osamu: Believe me, I'm mad at myself too...
(IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT!)
Izanami: Let's get some food! They have a food court right across from here!
Osamu: Yeah, I think that's a smart idea.
Izanami: Oh really?
(Don't make of me, I'm already suffering over here!)
They bought the books and carried the bag out with them. Izanami suddenly took charge and led the way to the food court. The whole way there, those ghastly stares greeted them again, and yet, still, Izanami didn't seem to notice.
(What the hell is wrong with people? I guess they can't help it if they see a girl as pale as Izanami...but still, how rude...)
Izanami and Osamu stood in front of Sakura's Sushi, running their eyes up and down the menu to see what they want.
Izanami: Hmmm...what do you want?
Osamu: I'm not sure.
Izanami: Well I don't know either, I was just gonna have whatever you thought of having.
Osamu: Alright, how about we order one item and share it?
Izanami blushed once she heard the word "share". She couldn't even look at Osamu anymore.
(What? Don't tell me she's too shy to share a meal with me.)
Izanami: T-that sounds perfect!
Osamu: Okay...
Izanami looked at Osamu once more, and flashed her smile of sunshine.
(I might die from just how cute she is...)
They ordered one tray of sushi and took it back with them to one of the nearby tables. They snapped apart their chopsticks and dug right in.
Osamu: Thank you for the food.
Izanami: Thank me for the food!
(Well, considering she practically helped create the world, I guess it's appropriate for her to thank herself.)
Izanami: So, we got the books. What else did you say she liked? Oh, that's right! Sweets! We should totally get her some donuts!
Osamu: "Totally"? That's unlike you. Since when did such a phrase get into Izanami's lexicon? And besides, we shouldn't buy her food a week ahead of her birthday.
Izanami: Well excuuuuse me! I was just trying to blend in with my boyfrie- I mean...uhh....sorry....
Osamu: Huh? Don't worry about it. I don't blame you, since, you know, we are technically on a date right now.
Izanami's face turned as red as blood from that statement and nervously began fidgeting with her hands.
Izanami: Dummy, we're here to get Aika her gifts!
Osamu: Yeah, but Yoko also told us to make full use of the day! So, technically, you and I are on a date!
Izanami covered her mouth.
Izanami: Does that mean we're gonna kiss and have babies!?
Osamu: Totally. I want 70 of them, okay?
Izanami: 70?! Why so many?! I-I'm not ready for that many children and my boobs aren't big enough for breast-feeding!
Osamu broke out in hearty laughter, and Izanami puffed her cheeks again.
Osamu: Relax, I was just kidding. Oh, you gonna eat that last roll?
Izanami: You can have it.
Osamu: Thank you!
Osamu met Izanami's eyes as she rested her head against her upright hand. It was almost as if he was rediscovering something.
(I think Izanami really did get cuter. Looking at her now honestly has my heart in a pinch...)
Izanami: It's rude to stare, you know!
(Crap! I've been compromised!)
Osamu: S-sorry! Let's get going to the next store.
Izanami: Yes indeedy!
("Indeedy?" Maybe she shouldn't associate herself with mortals anymore.)
Next up, they went and bought Aika plenty of graphic shirts with music-related designs, as well as a new leather jacket, beaded bracelets, and necklaces. It got much easier to pick things up. They could just look at an item of clothing and see Aika sporting it. For Izanami, it also felt like a chance to get to know Aika better. But, again, all throughout the store, people kept staring at Izanami. The space was so tight that it was impossible for Izanami not to notice. This time, she just ignored it. With the second store cleared, Osamu decided to spend the rest of the money he had on Izanami, but wasn't quite sure what to get her. They walked hand-in-hand through the mall, each carrying a bag of Aika's gifts.
(It's a stupid thing to do, but perhaps I should ask her...)
Osamu: Hey, Izanami? I was thinking of getting you something too, but I don't know what kind of gift you'd like.
Izanami: A gift for me? Oh, no no no! Please, save your money! I don't need any gifts!
Osamu: Are you sure?
Izanami: Yep! I'm fine just like this. This day has been pretty wonderful so far.
As they walked, Izanami saw a sample stand. Apparently, they wanted people to try out their new pretzel, dashed with sea salt and glazed with honey mustard.
Izanami: Ooo! I'm sorry, can I go try the pretzels?
Osamu: Of course you can. I'll wait here.
Izanami gleefully skipped over to the pretzel stand and approached the confectioner with a cheeky smile.
Izanami: Good day to you, ma'am! I'd like to try out one of your pretzels, if I may!
The woman looked at Izanami with an almost fearful expression. She collected herself and handed a cup of the pretzel sticks to her, her hand shaking as she reached out.
Confectioner: S-sure! Go ahead and have some...
Izanami bowed, always minding her manners.
As Osamu sat and watched Izanami indulge herself in the delight of the pretzels, he could hear the chatter of people behind her. Women, men, and children talking about her pale skin, how she looks like a corpse, and how off-putting it was.
Woman: Is she sick or something? She looks like she's dead...
Man: Did you see her eyes? What's with her?
(This can't be good...how could they talk about her behind her back?)
Osamu: Hey, excuse me, but it's incredibly rude to point out people's appearances. You'd best shut up and go about your day.
The couple walked away, but onlookers still remained. Izanami finished her pretzels and dumped the cup into the garbage, but her movements seemed a lot less energized now. She walked back to Osamu with a smile that even he knew was fake.
Izanami: I'm done now. Sorry for keeping you. Let's go.
And so they continued walking through the mall together once more, making one last weep through the stores to make sure they didn't miss anything Aika would've liked.
Izanami: Hey, Osamu?
Osamu: What is it?
Izanami: I'm...I'm not embarrassing you, right?
(Oh no...I was so stupid. Of course she could hear what people say about her. Yet, this whole time, she was smiling...)
Izanami: I've pretended to brush it all off today, but I can hear them all talking about me...and you too. You can go home if you want. I don't want people thinking ill of you just because you're hanging out with me.
Osamu: I'm not going anywhere. I'm on a date with Izanami and no amount of rude stares or remarks is going to make me any less happy than I am right now. Alright? Don't think so lowly of yourself.
Izanami: You're right...
Time just seems to burn away when you're in a mall. The sun was already due to set in just a couple of hours. Deciding to wrap up the day, Osamu and Izanami left with their bags. On the way out, Izanami accidentally bumped into a child who was running off on his own. She bent down and reached her hand out to help the little boy.
Izanami: I'm so sorry! Are you lost? You shouldn't be running around such a huge place without your parents around!
The little boy was terrified of Izanami, refusing to take her hand. He ran away, back into the arms of his mother, who gave a snide stare before walking off with her sun. Izanami hung her head as Osamu tried to find a good string of words to say.
Osamu: Well...you know how kids are. They're adventurous, but they're always terrified of the things they find...Izanami?
Osamu could only see both her hands move to cover her face from behind. With a closer listen, he could hear Izanami faintly crying.
Izanami: I'm sorry, Osa...
Before he could say anything, Izanami disappeared into a vortex, wanting to be alone after the barrage of ridicule today.
(Damn it! Where did she go?!)
Osamu's first instinct was to call Yoko. He held both bags with one hand so he could reach the phone. Yoko picked up almost immediately.
Yoko: What's up? You coming home yet?
Osamu: No, not yet! Listen, Izanami...she just did that thing with the vortex! Did she go home? Is she there?
Yoko looked around and saw no sign of her.
Yoko: No, she isn't here. What happened? Why did she just disappear?
Osamu: Because people kept talking about her behind her back. I think the straw that broke her back was when she tried to help a kid who fell, but she ended up scaring the little guy.
Yoko: Oh no...do you want me to look around? I'll search the neighborhood for her!
Osamu: Yes please! I'll be in the area shortly.
Yoko: Alright!
The call was ended, leaving Osamu to stand by the entrance of the mall.
(It's always been this way, hasn't it? Nobody ever accepted her when they saw her. Makes you wonder if she stayed away from this world because she preferred to reside in the world of the dead...or if being here among the living was too painful for her. Either way, I've got to look for her. That house wouldn't be home if one of us was missing from it!)
Osamu ran all around the neighborhood searching for Izanami, as did Yoko. They both ran around for what seemed like hours. Osamu stopped when he came across a flower shop that was just about to close its doors.
(Izanami...I know you didn't want one, but I'm going to get you something nice.)
Unsure of where to go, Izanami sat in the abandoned bowling alley, crying so hard she couldn't stand up. She sat right by the columns of stained glass windows as the sun shined through them. The sound of footsteps in the hallway alerted her, and she saw Osamu step into the room, knocking around the bowling balls on the ground in his clumsiness.
Osamu: Damn it...you're here!
Izanami tucked her head into her lap.
Izanami: Please leave me alone.
Osamu took out his phone, sending a text message to let Yoko know that he found her in the bowling alley. He defiantly stepped closer to Izanami.
Izanami: My entire life, people have talked to me like I'm less than nothing. At the same time, I have to help those people when it's their time to leave this world. It hurts...being judged for things you can't change about yourself. Even Yoko called me Corpse when I first saw you again. I wouldn't mind it so much today if it was just about me, but I ended up dragging you down too. I'm sorry, Osamu. I'm so sorry.
(She smiles so often, you forget how painful it actually is to be her...)
Osamu knelt down beside Izanami and held her hand. Izanami was able to lift her head and look at Osamu with her tired and sad eyes.
Osamu: Izanami. Remember when you and I met, here, in this city, 5 years ago? I was so young, and so silly too. I ventured out at night and took walks around town all the time. One night...I decided I would take my last walk through town. I decided I'd end it all at your shrine, but you saved me at the last second. Even then, under the moonlight, I saw how pale you were, and how red your eyes were. I wasn't scared. I was mesmerized. I was so profoundly touched by how hauntingly beautiful you were. We sat together, ate, laughed, talked, cried...and we even shared a dance together. Do you remember what happened after that?
Izanami: I looked at you and I fell in love. So... I kissed you.
Osamu: Yep. I still think it was one of the best kisses of my life. I could feel how happy you were, and I was happy just to see you happy. I kept going to that shrine for a while so we could lean on each other, so we could love each other when we were both so miserable. But then...I left.
Izanami: And I missed you...Why did you leave?
Osamu: It was exactly because you saved me that I had to go. I broke apart in Kyoto, but I was able to rebuild myself when I left. I came back a stronger man because of what you did for me back then.
Izanami: I guess you got overwhelmed, huh?
Osamu: Yeah. I never got to give you anything before I left. So, please, accept this.
Osamu pulled out his gift, a bouquet of stargazer lilies. Izanami grabbed hold of it, shocked that Osamu bought her something despite her earlier protests.
Osamu: I know, I'm 4 years late. Better late than never, right?
Osamu stood up and reached his hand down to Izanami.
Osamu: Let's go home, beautiful. There are people who love you waiting for your return. You even got Yoko running all around the neighborhood looking for you!
Izanami grabbed onto Osamu's hand, laughing at the idea of Yoko caring enough to find someone else when they're missing.
Izanami: You're right. Let's go home!
They departed the bowling alley and made their way back to Yoko's house. She was waiting for them on the sidewalk, wearing a hoodie and yoga pants. When she saw Izanami holding flowers, she knew that Osamu had fixed the problem.
Yoko: My, my! Don't you look happy?
Izanami: Yeah! All thanks to Osa!
(You probably shouldn't give me credit right in front of Yoko...)
Osamu: Oh! These are the gifts.
Yoko took the bags from Osamu.
Yoko: Good. I can take these to the back and keep them stashed until the day arrives. Aika still doesn't know what's coming. You guys go on inside, you look beat.
Izanami bowed.
Izanami: Thank you, Yoko.
They both walked back inside and left their shoes by the door. Osamu sat at the counter as Izanami prepared dinner.
Osamu: Did you have a good day?
Izanami: I sure did! Thank you, Osamu. I love you.
(Crap! I want to return the favor, but let me just make sure that the coast is clear!)
Osamu looked around, making sure none of the other girls were around.
Osamu: I love you too...don't tell anyone I said that!
Izanami snickered with glee.
Izanami: Don't worry, it will be our little secret!
(Good. I'm glad the day turned out alright for her.)
Isabella: Oh baby, I'm starving! What's for dinner tonight?
Aika: Maybe you should go and help out instead of acting like that.
Isabella and Aika came downstairs, and at the same time, Yoko came in through the back door.
Izanami: Hey guys! I'm making grilled salmon tonight!
Isabella: Perfect! I'll help you out!
Aika and Yoko sat down with Osamu as the sky grew dark once more, and laughter filled the kitchen.
(All of them are like the ingredients we find in our kitchens. Spicy, sweet, sour, and salty. I think this house would be a lot less colorful if any of them were missing. Perhaps they realize that too.)
And so, the moon rose over Yoko's house, as beautiful as it always was. Back then, now, and in the future!
Poll
