Shirakawa-go (8)

Weeks had gone by since then, carrying them closer to the end of their time in Shirakawa-go. During that stretch of time, they accomplished much. 

One of the major tasks was reopening the restaurant section of the bakery. In the first few days, the seating area had remained off-limits as they awaited the delivery and setup of new chairs and tables. Once everything was in place, the dining space was fully operational. Customers especially took to the upper deck, which quickly became a favorite spot, given the warmth of summer. 

Yasushi, ever mindful of the changing seasons, had ensured the space would remain comfortable year-round. Outdoor heaters were installed to make the area usable even in winter. A retractable roof was also added — perfect for rainy or snowy days — offering customers protection from the weather while still enjoying the deck's open-air charm. 

"Tomorrow, those three are coming back, right?" Catherine asked, wiping the counters as they worked to tidy up after closing for the evening.

"Yeah, we don't really know how long they'll stick around, but I'm guessing just for the day," Yasushi replied, his energy back to normal after those first few days of recovery. Once his health returned, he fell right back into his usual routine, handling the work that had kept him busy before everything happened.

"Well, I'll be here too. I can't help but wonder why a goddess tied to love, war, and fertility is dropping by. Lady Amaterasu, sure — that makes sense since this is her domain. And Lord Shiva, I get it; he's been a big help to my business. But Freyja, from Norse mythology of all places? That's something else," Nino said, her tone carrying her curiosity without any need for exaggeration.

"Didn't Lord Shiva mention something about her wanting to see Yasushi and Jingliu?" Nandini chimed in, casually tossing out the idea. That comment brought everyone's focus to the couple.

Yasushi glanced at Jingliu, who returned the look with the same lack of concern. He shrugged, breaking the quiet moment with, "Beats me. At this point, I've stopped trying to figure out what these gods want. Half the time, I just roll with it."

Yunxue let out a quiet laugh and said, "Isn't that just another way of saying you're a magnet for trouble and unwanted attention without even trying?" 

Her words drew nods from the others, leaving Yasushi momentarily speechless. He exhaled, not sure how to respond, then after a brief pause, he said, "Well, since they're gods, maybe we should put in a little extra effort. What do you say we bake something nice for them tonight?" 

His idea caught them off guard at first, but after thinking it over, they all agreed. They figured it couldn't hurt to stay in the gods' good graces and make the visit a bit more enjoyable, especially since Shirakawa-go didn't have the same level of fame as other places in Japan. 

With that, they, along with Nino, headed to the kitchen to brainstorm ideas. The rest of the evening was spent experimenting with different recipes, each of them offering suggestions and adjustments as they worked late into the night.

+-+

Hours later, as the dim light of dawn crept through the curtains, Yasushi's eyes opened. He felt the warmth of Jingliu resting against him, her head on his chest, his arms still around her as if guarding her even in sleep. Carefully, he reached over to the desk nearby and grabbed his phone, glancing at the screen. The clock read just past five in the morning.

He considered staying where he was, the thought of more rest tempting. Closing his eyes briefly, he tried to will himself back to sleep, but it wasn't happening. With a quiet sigh, he resolved to get up. He moved slowly, easing himself free from Jingliu's resting form so as not to wake her. Once clear, he dressed quickly and made his way outside, deciding a quick jog would help clear his head.

Yasushi ran the perimeter of the town, following the route he'd stuck to since arriving here a few days ago. The air was cool, the streets still and undisturbed, making his footsteps the only sound around.

He appreciated these early runs, a moment of solitude before the day began. With their time here nearly at an end, he felt drawn to this routine, not only for the calm it provided but also to check the areas Nandini had pointed out, where the barrier around the town stood as a silent safeguard.

Before Shiva departed weeks ago, he reinforced the barrier protecting the town. Its enhancements ensured that anyone with ties to the supernatural couldn't cross into the area unless explicitly permitted by him. Knowing that the goddesses Amaterasu and Freyja were en route, he had granted them access in advance, allowing their entry without complications.

Yasushi's run took him along the northern edge of the town, where the horizon stretched out into sparse wilderness. In the distance, he spotted someone — a figure whose appearance stood out sharply.

Even from afar, he could tell it was a woman, though he hadn't seen her before. He had spent enough time in the town to become familiar with nearly everyone, even in passing. The realization of her unfamiliarity sparked a sense of alertness within him.

As he drew closer, he observed her closely, taking in every detail of her appearance and bearing. Before he could decide whether to call out or pass by, she turned to him. Her neutral expression shifted in a heartbeat, giving way to something else — first interest, then a look of unrestrained delight.

Her blue eyes lit up with an unnatural glow, catching his attention immediately. The stillness around them broke as a sudden gust swept through, catching strands of her white hair and setting them aloft as though stirred by unseen hands.

Weeks earlier, Nandini had described Amaterasu and Freyja to them in detail, though she also mentioned that gods could change their appearance whenever they wanted. Yasushi recalled her words now, realization dawning as he finally identified the woman standing before him.

He stopped just a step away from her and spoke directly. "Lady Freyja? Why are you here this early? I thought you'd be arriving with Shiva and Amaterasu."

The woman, now addressed as Freyja, tilted her lips upward into a smile. "Oh? I wanted to get a look at this quaint little town," she said. "Amaterasu already knows I'm here, though I wasn't expecting to cross paths with you so soon…" Her eyes moved deliberately over him as if taking in every detail. "Fascinating…"

"Uh… what?" Yasushi said, baffled by her sudden interest.

Freyja paused before letting out a soft chuckle. "Forgive me. It's been quite some time since someone like you has caught my attention."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, her cryptic response leaving him more confused than before. "I mean, people tell me things like that, but not... this way."

Her amusement deepened as she replied, "You really have no idea, do you?" The tone of her voice carried a sense of mystery that only frustrated him further. He frowned, shook his head slightly, and waited for her to continue, though no explanation came.

Freyja stopped and looked him over before speaking again. "Your body — no, your soul — it's a rare balance of yin and yang. You might think you've changed over time, but the soul doesn't alter like that. Right now, there's a struggle happening within you. Will the light triumph, or will the darkness take hold? That will depend entirely on your choices, young man."

Yasushi froze, caught off guard by her words. His mind reeled. Nothing had felt off to him, no signs of what she was describing. But hearing this from a goddess? It made him doubt himself.

His soul? Yin and yang in conflict? He didn't know what to make of it anymore.

+-+

"Well — hmm? Something wrong?" Yunxue asked as Yasushi stepped into the house, her voice cutting through the quiet air of the morning.

Yasushi looked up, his expression clouded. "Honestly, I don't even know how to answer that right now. For now… I'll just help with breakfast," he said, his tone carrying a mix of frustration and fatigue. He moved past her, heading toward the kitchen.

Yinhaie, Nandini, Catherine, and Yunxue exchanged puzzled glances. His words left them unsure of what to say, but they chose not to press him further. The clatter of utensils and the occasional soft murmur of conversation filled the space as everyone continued with the preparations. Yasushi worked quietly beside them, though his silence seemed heavier than usual.

Eventually, the rest of the household made their way downstairs, drawn by the familiar scent of breakfast cooking. It didn't take long for them to notice Yasushi's demeanor.

"You're acting weird today. Did something happen during your morning run?" Xinyi asked, fixing him with a questioning look.

Yasushi let out a frustrated breath, pushing his hair back. "I didn't want to keep repeating myself, so I waited for everyone to be here," he began. He recounted his encounter from earlier that morning, his words halting at points as if he were still trying to make sense of it himself.

After finishing, he shook his head. "I've been trying to 'look inside,' to figure out what she was talking about, but there's nothing. I can't feel anything out of place," he added, frustration clearly creeping into his voice.

Freyja's words had left Yasushi scratching his head, and frustration began to creep in the longer he dwelled on them.

"Did it ever cross your mind that she might've been joking? Maybe just messing with you a little?" Xinyi asked, her tone straightforward. Several others nodded along, seeming to consider the possibility.

Yasushi stopped what he was doing, turning the thought over for a moment before looking directly at Nandini. "I doubt it," he said, rubbing his chin, "but is Freyja known for lying? Or even pulling pranks on people? I wouldn't think so, but then again, what humans think of gods and what they're actually like is often completely different."

Nandini shook her head. "From everything I've ever heard, no. Lady Freyja has always been described as truthful, compassionate, and nurturing. She's seen as someone who tries to stay aligned with what mortals might call the 'good' side of things. That said, gods aren't always easy to pin down, and they can be unpredictable at times. But as a goddess of love, fertility, and beauty, I doubt she'd waste time playing tricks on you, if that's what you mean."

"So, you're saying it's unlikely?" Yunxue asked, crossing her arms as she glanced between the two of them.

Nandini gave a small nod in response. "Exactly. I don't think it's her style. If you're still unsure, though, maybe ask Lord Shiva or Lady Amaterasu when they arrive. They might have a better sense of why she said what she did."

Yasushi exhaled, letting the tension roll off his shoulders. "Guess that's the plan then. Hopefully, at least one of them gives me a straight answer. If not, this whole thing's gonna get messy and turn into a headache real quick."

The conversation drifted away from gods and their unpredictable nature after that. Breakfast continued, and the group changed its focus to lighter topics. Talk turned to their plans for the coming school year.

With today marking the end of their extended stay in the town, their departure loomed just around the corner, and the upcoming changes were on everyone's minds.

+-+

"Business is running like usual, and the numbers are solid. So, have you made your picks yet, Nino? We'll be heading out soon," Yasushi asked, turning toward the older man stationed behind the counter. 

The owner, his hands resting against the wood, gave a nod and a small grin. "Yeah, I've got a group in mind. They're folks I've watched grow up around here. They asked if they could take it on, so I put them through a few tests. They've shown they can handle it. Once you're all gone, I'll officially hand things over to them," he said, his voice calm and clear. 

"Good. You better make sure of that," came a voice from the entrance. 

Heads turned toward the door as the last few customers walked out, clutching bags filled with bread and pastries. Stepping inside were Shiva, Amaterasu, and Freyja. For those unfamiliar with Freyja, their eyes widened slightly, taking in her presence. Amaterasu drew a few looks as well, though most had grown accustomed to her by now.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Shiva. Care to sample some items from the new batch? Xinyi and Jingliu recommended we add these," Nino said, motioning toward a display on his left that showcased freshly baked treats. 

Shiva gave a nod, and the two goddesses joined him in selecting pieces to try. They each took a bite, their reactions speaking volumes. Freyja let out a soft, high-pitched sound that resembled a small squeal, her enthusiasm plain. Amaterasu, in contrast, closed her eyes briefly, clearly absorbing the taste with quiet focus. 

"Mind sharing why the three of you decided to stop by? Shiva's connection to this place makes sense, but I'm curious about the rest of you," Yasushi asked, his attention fixed on the three gods. 

After finishing his piece, Shiva responded, his tone relaxed yet direct. "I'm just here to look around a bit, nothing complicated. Freyja wanted to speak with you and Jingliu about something specific. Amaterasu? She just felt like coming along, no particular reason." 

Yasushi didn't buy into what he had heard earlier, so they left Yinhaie at the counter to handle customers while the rest of the group headed into the staff lounge.

Once inside, Yunxue and Nandini prepared tea and coffee, setting cups in front of everyone alongside two trays piled high with baked goods. With refreshments in hand and everyone seated, the conversation finally started. 

Before anyone could say anything, Yasushi leaned forward, directing his question at Freyja. "What exactly did you mean earlier? You said something about my yin and yang fighting each other?" His expression was a mix of skepticism and irritation as he locked eyes with her. 

Freyja, who had been chewing on a piece of pastry, looked almost startled, her cheeks puffed up like she had crammed too much in at once. She hurried to swallow as Amaterasu and Shiva fixed their eyes on her, their interest obvious. She finally turned back to Yasushi, taking a breath before responding. 

"We're familiar with your… unusual circumstances," Freyja began, her tone calm but direct. "To put it plainly, you have two souls inside you. There's the 'you' that exists now, and then there's the soul of the original owner of that body. The first Yasushi wasn't strong enough. Their soul was weak, and they were supposed to die at birth. When you reincarnated, you took over entirely, which is the only reason you exist as you are now." 

She looked him straight in the eye and continued, "The original Yasushi isn't gone. He's waiting, quietly building up his strength to reclaim control over your body. You've been locked in this fight for years, probably without realizing it, but the time will come when you'll have to confront him directly." 

"Oh!" Xinyi's sudden exclamation startled the group. "It's like those anime! You know, where the character has some crazy power inside them, and they have to fight it out to see who gets to call the shots. But then, in the end, they work it out and team up, and bam — power boost!" 

Shiva's laughter broke the moment of tension, while Yasushi could only manage an awkward chuckle. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound kind of similar," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I don't think my situation's quite as... uplifting." His eyes moved toward Freyja, who had already gone back to eating, her attention seemingly elsewhere. 

"You should take this seriously, Yasushi," Amaterasu said, her voice calm but cutting through the moment. "If you leave this unresolved, you might lose. It won't matter how strong your mind or body is. This fight is on a different level. Your soul is resilient, stronger than most, but the will of the original 'Yasushi' has grown, and it wants control now more than ever." 

"What does that have to do with Jingliu then?" Yasushi asked, confusion written across his face. "Shiva mentioned it involved both of us somehow."

Freyja set down her utensils, taking a moment before responding. "I've seen it with my own eyes. It's something many gods know of, but it's particularly significant to those tied to the concept of 'love.' It's uncommon, but once we notice it, we tend to pay attention. In your case, it's exceptionally rare."

She stopped for a moment, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Have you ever heard of the 'Red Thread of Fate'?" The question seemed to strike a chord, as Jingliu's face turned bright red, clearly flustered. Freyja laughed softly and added, "It seems Jingliu knows exactly what I mean. It's quite popular in China, after all."

Without waiting for a response, she continued, her tone more direct. "To put it simply, the two of you weren't originally tied by this thread. Over time, however, one formed. And this situation is nearly unheard of. In all the records I've come across, there are only six known cases like this, though there are likely a few unrecorded ones."

They were caught off guard, but Shiva continued, "The red thread thing usually shows up when two people are meant to be together, often from the very beginning of their lives. What Freyja brought up, though, is something far less common. For a thread to develop later on, it carries a different meaning. It confirms something undeniable — that once those two people pass on, they'll be reborn over and over again, destined to meet, fall for each other, and repeat the cycle endlessly. People who believe in romance go crazy for this idea."

Freyja clasped her hands together, her expression brightening. "Exactly! That's why I had to come see it with my own eyes. It's incredible, something so rare. I sincerely hope you two have a wonderful life together from now on~."

The conversation drifted into more relaxed topics after this, moving away from the seriousness of what had just been said. However, Yasushi couldn't help but notice Xinyi becoming quieter as they talked. Even with what she had declared back before they graduated, there was a sadness to her that she didn't bother to hide.

He wished more than anything for the problems ahead to resolve themselves without much effort on his part. The battles between his own soul and the remnants of the original Yasushi's spirit had already drained him enough.

Adding to that the potential chaos of what else might be waiting — be it the unknown, supernatural forces, or complications he couldn't yet imagine — he could only hope everything would pass without creating more trouble than he could handle.