4/9 – Afternoon – Hinasho Down Town
Chizuru’s van pulled into the convenience store down town. A small stand was next to it, with an elderly man in a bucket hat sitting behind it.
“Sorry about this you two. Batou-san stops here once a month with all sorts of stuff and Sakura just loves spending her allowance on Sentai and Anime things he picks up.”
Chizuru walked an excited Sakura over to the man who smiled warmly, sitting up straight and pulling out a paper bag.
”Thanks again Batou-san. She’s been wanting to see that one.” she then turned towards Kaze, as Ishidaiku walked up to the stand as well. ”Your mom told me you’re into old prayers. There’s a Shrine across the street if you’re interested. We’ll be here for a while.”
Kaze nodded appreciatively and crossed the street towards the Torri, and after a small dirt trail, he managed to find the shrine. He knelt in prayer for the safe travel and for the upcoming year. However, a sound of fabric drew his attention and he looked up, a Shrine Maiden coming from behind it. She was a very plain girl.
“Hi, I haven’t seen you around before. Of course, I haven’t seen anyone in quite a while. The Shrine’s not very popular these days you see.”
Kaze nodded, a knowing look on his face.
”Yeah, I know the feeling. In the city, there aren’t many practitioners anymore either.”
“Oh, you’re from the big city? It’ll probably be pretty boring around here for you then. Blessings to you for the upcoming year.” She said grasping Kaze’s hands for a short prayer, and then releasing him. “If you ever want to come support the Shrine, stop by. I’ve gotta get going for practice.”
Kaze nodded as the girl took off. It was brief, but he did get to do a prayer of thanks. He headed back towards the van, and began to feel queasy, and clammy. Hopefully he hadn’t caught anything from the bus.
”Ready to go? Sakura got her fill toady.”
”Yeah.” Kaze said as he got in and tried to shake off the feeling.
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4/9 - Late Afternoon – Silver Dragon Restaurant
“I can’t take this anymore! I’m out of here!” a voice from the kitchen yelled. Most of the patrons turned in response to see what the commotion is.
“Ame! You get back here! What will your mother say?” The Head chef yells to her.
“No dad! My eyes are open now. I need to spread my wings and fly. The people from the big city told me that I need to move out of this dump and start a real restaurant. I’m out!” the girl said stomping out.
“Sheesh what’s wrong with her?” a patron exclaims. The girl’s father shakes his head and sits contemplative.