Tale of Hisashi | [ON HIATUS]

Prologue

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He stepped onto the dock, lantern in hand. The moonlit water lapped gently against the boulders of the harbor, where a boat and a woman awaited him. A giant fish hung from the side, propped hastily with hooks and ropes. Its seven eyes stared blankly into the sky. 
"Order up!" she cheerfully shouted, her green hair glowing in the dark.

"I can see that," Hisashi lightly chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's get this off and onto the wagon."

"Workaholic, much? A simple hi would've sufficed."

"Just enjoying my job," he responded sarcastically.

"It wouldn't kill you just to get someone to run the tavern for a day; that's all I'm saying."

"And I'm supposed to trust you with running my business?"

"Good point." Miho took a knife out of her pocket and started to sever the ropes. Hisashi would say nothing as he watched her work, the woman quick yet delicate in movement. It didn't take Miho long to detach the fish and load it onto the cart. He paid her the usual 100 silver, placed his order for next time, and exchanged bows with her. 

After watching her ship depart, Hisashi turned back to the wagon and nodded to himself. The ringing of the town bell began to echo through the blissful night, signaling to the man that it was time for him to head back.

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Hisashi stopped at a few market stands along the way to pick up a few extra supplies. The tavern could always use extra ingredients, and he had a few extra silver within his pockets. A crate of alcohol and ravernaberries were among the few that he had paid for, both of which would help him run the counter tonight. If The Guardian was right, then the entire town needed to prepare for an influx of souls. Finishing his shopping, he continued down the cobblestone pathway, en route to his destination.

He passed by a sign. One that he had passed so many times now. Its paint was weathering, but the golden light that it emitted was still prevalent.

Welcome to Mosukoshi.

Over the hills, the outline of his beloved tavern would come into view. It had no name, only distinguished by the wooden sign that hung out front. A crane was painted onto it. A small pond rested next to his establishment, where a few lightning bugs danced. Pure serenity.

Finally arriving, he pushed the wagon out back, careful with his steps so that he didn't tip its contents onto the ground or into the water. It had rained just recently, the dew still lingering on nearby flowers and trees that surrounded his tavern. The last thing he needed was to serve up muddy fish.

Hisashi dusted off his hands and used a nearby towel to wipe off the beads of sweat that had formed during his trek. He hummed to himself, proud of his work until he felt something tugging on his pants. Looking down, he saw a Yoruiko. The small, chubby spirit had somehow conjured up a small hat for itself using a leaf, letting it rest there lopsidedly. Hisashi raised an eyebrow, before glancing back up. More Yoruiko were peering out of the building, their small bodies clumped together on a pile as they held tightly onto the door.

"...did you guys manage to do any work while I was gone?" 

There would be a moment of silence, before the one in the leaf hat let out a small hum, its eyes darting to the ground. Hisashi could only let out a small sigh, before giving a soft glare to all the Yoruiko. The message was clear, and the spirits would quickly scramble back inside the tavern- their hums and squeals filling the air as they fluttered their wings to prepare for service.