Reality's Blade

Chapter 3: Just the Moon by My Side

I was filled with anxiety. I felt like I was about to enter a boss level fight with no weapons. Today I had my part-time job in a small convenience shop, and sharing the shift with me would be none other than Kazehiro. It would be the first time I'd spoken with him since I heard the rumour. I wondered if I'd be able to act naturally around him. What did I normally do? I often tried not to spend too long with him in case he noticed how flustered he made me. I had enjoyed the precious time we had together at work, seeing him outside of school felt special.

I quickly changed into my navy blue polo shirt and shop apron, with school having just finished the usual rush of students buying sweets and other snacks kept me busy on the till while Kazehiro ran between the till and stocking up. The sudden flash of students ceased as quickly as it began.

I realised I was alone with Kazehiro and my heart sped up. The quiet seemed unnatural against the drumming that felt audible in my chest. I turned to start a conversation to break the tension, although I was sure that I was the only one feeling it, but was stopped short. Kazehiro was slumped on the counter, his brows furrowed as if deep in thought.

"Are you okay?" I asked tentatively. My chest tightened, I wasn't sure what was wrong but it was out of character for the boy who was always kind and smiling, seeing him with such an expression hurt.

"Hmm? Oh sorry, what did you say?" He answered distractedly, bringing a smile to his face, yet the creases remaining between his eyebrows belied his weak smile. He was obviously worried about something.

"You know, if you don't feel well, I'm sure I could manage the shop by myself..."

Surprise crossed his face, he swiftly replied, "Oh no no, sorry for making you worry. I'm totally fine. I couldn't leave you before the home time rush."

For the rest of the afternoon Kazehiro wore a smile and greeted the customers enthusiastically, even when we were rushed off our feet. In the times the shop grew quiet I could tell he was purposely finding tasks to keep himself busy, to keep himself distracted. However in the moments he stopped the pained expression returned then would disappear as he caught himself, running his hands through his short brown hair with a heavy sigh. I wondered what it was that was troubling him so.

Our shift ended all too soon, my time with Kazehiro was over. I could feel my feet aching from standing and running about the shop, I was looking forward to chilling at home with a warm plate of food and a cup of tea.

"Good work today. See you next time." Kazehiro bid me farewell as he disappeared into the bustle of people in the lamp-lit street, his grey scarf wrapped around his face and black jacket pulled tightly around him. I was left once more watching his fleeting back, reminding me that my closeness to him wasn't permanent.

It was getting late, but thoughts of a distressed Kazehiro and the mysteries of the Dark Samurai were like children running and chasing each other in a playground, noisy and going round in circles. I knew trying to sleep right now was futile, so I booted up the console, swearing half-heartedly that I wouldn't stay too long because I had to be up for school tomorrow.

I materialised, the air that greeted me was cold with a slight breeze. The moon seemed exceptionally large tonight, hanging on the crest of the hills igniting the water silver. The campfire burned bright scattering shadows and creating the illusion of creatures flitting amongst the trees. The cottage sat darkly nestled on the treeline as if sleeping. There was no sign of Hikage.

I wandered over to the campfire then took a branch from the neatly piled firewood and held one end over the flames until it caught alight. I followed the stoned walkway down to the lake, spearing my branch into the ground by the tree trunk that sat a few feet from the water's edge.

The night was peaceful and silent except the odd crackle and spit of sparks as wood was devoured. Looking at the tranquil lake calmed my thoughts and the moon's pure light seemed to cleanse the turmoil in my soul.

I breathed a heavy sigh, with my thoughts hushed the world seemed just a bit too still, a bit too quiet. There were no insects chirping in the grass, no bats hunting the skies, no light from homes and humanity to brighten the darkness. It felt lonely, almost overwhelmingly so. I felt like I could have screamed at the top of my lungs and not a single being would hear. The world felt empty.

It was time to go home I decided, where family was near and the house was toasty warm. I smiled as I appreciated the creature comforts that I normally took for granted. I picked up my torch and started to head back to the camp fire, I suddenly noticed Hikage sat staring into the flames. My heart stirred at the shattering of the loneliness and from surprise.

Like when I first found him he made no acknowledgement of my presence. I threw my branch onto the fire, causing a collapse of the burnt remains and a shower of sparks to rise upwards, as if they were trying to join the moon by it's side like stars before fading into the dark.

"I wasn't expecting you to be here." His words were quiet, but still retained a note of surprise.

"I just came to enjoy the peace." I replied. With this he finally looked away from the flames as if their spell on him had been lifted and our eyes met for a moment, he glanced over the surroundings as if searching.

"Do you ever... get lonely here?" I didn't need to ask, the brief moment our eyes met had spoken volumes, his feelings were there plain to see.

Hikage chuckled, a deep sound with no humour, "You feel it too."

With such a naked confession I felt bad logging out straight after. I was torn between sitting and leaving.

"I won't be here much longer. Don't feel bad leaving first, I've been here for a long time, I'm used to it. I'm sure it's late."

His words were kind, he was telling me to go. I still wasn't completely satisfied though, being surrounded by loneliness didn't make it any better, it was sad that he had come to accept it. However his words were true, it was late in the real world, and I needed sleep. Reluctantly I said goodbye and logged out.