Chapter XI

✧Rasu, Spirit of Light✧

Sunday, April 7th 2019 appr. 1130 pm JST, Tokyo, Japan

Traveling through the endless void once again, I wake up on the other side in the same clothing and strange compartment as yesterday. I am not too concerned about where I am or what I am doing here; I am just still happy to be awake somewhere and with other people.

“Itō-san?” I quietly call out, “Are you there?”

After a bit of silence, I hear rustling in the compartment next to mine, “Yeah?” At first, he sounds a bit confused before asking, “We are here again?”

“I guess so. Did you wake up back in Tokyo?” I inquire, wondering if the others left this place behind or if it was just me.

“Yeah, it was strange. I woke up in my room and forgot that this place even existed.” I can tell he is a bit worried by the tone of his voice. 

He also forgot this place? I wonder, “You did?” I mean, I was able to remember everything; why did he not? “Weird, I remembered everything.”

“Really? Did you also wake back up in Tokyo?” he asks, his voice trailing off, returning to an awkward silence between us.

“Well.” I respond as I give it some thought, “More or less. Having appeared in my hospital room, I would not say it counts as waking up.”

Perhaps remembering that I am currently in a coma and realizing the awkwardness of my situation, he says, “I apologize. I did not mean to bring that up without your permission. Beyond that, though, I would say it is like we are living two separate lives. I mean, when I woke up in my apartment, I could not remember a thing about this place, but here I remember everything about home. I wonder why that is.”

Our conversation is interrupted by a stern yet kind voice, “Quite astute young Master Akito. All inquiries will be answered in due time, but for now, young master, if you would please follow Miss Dilya, she will be getting you ready for breakfast, Her Majesty is awaiting you, so don’t take too long.” I hear a noise, that sounds like a door opening, coming from his compartment.

Itō-san then asks, “Who are you people, where are we? What are–”

Before he can ask any more questions the stern voice cuts him off abruptly, “Once more, young master, I am more than happy to answer all your inquiries, but later, please do not keep Her Majesty waiting any longer. We’re already a day behind schedule, thanks to your American friend over there.” 

I hear commotion coming from the other compartments, once again there is heavy breathing coming from the compartment to my right, and somewhere past the door, I can hear crying. 

Questions continuously compile in my mind, Her Majesty? Behind schedule? American friend? Nothing made sense, at least right now they did not. Before I know it I hear Itō-san exiting his room as his voice is led away from us, and my door is beginning to open. It raises into a slit in the frame and reveals a distinguished older gentleman with a long neatly trimmed beard on his chin, and wearing strange purple clothing. “Good morning, young Mistress Maho. Please do save us time, and follow Miss Anaka here. No time for dilly-dallying, Her Majesty is waiting, Anaka if you’d please.”

Standing next to him is a rather peculiar-looking woman, presumably Anaka. My eyes are immediately drawn to her more distinctive features, like the antlers protruding from the front of her head, or the slightly pointed ears and somewhat misshapen nose. 

Complying with the older man’s wishes, I follow the strange woman, my eyes continuously being drawn to her fascinating antlers and pointed ears, it is like something from a fantasy light novel back home, unlike anything I have ever seen before, and her appearance alone stirs a sense of curiosity within me. Where is this magical place?

As we wander through the many different corridors, we remain quiet, passing by many open doors lining one side, with people in each room getting dressed in elegant outfits and preparing for something, perhaps the bouquet breakfast the elderly gentleman spoke of. On the other side of the hall, the entire wall is adored with tall windows revealing a breathtaking and spacious courtyard, barely catching the soft morning light.

Outside, the courtyard flourishes with vibrant trees, colorful flowers, and meticulously manicured shrubbery, all of which have been shaped to look like rabbits. Tears of joy again fill my eyes as it feels like a glimpse of freedom, a stark contrast to the bland colorless hospital. As the sunlight begins slowly creeping over the castle's rooftop, it casts a warm glow against my skin and fills me with a renewed sense of hope. To actually feel it against my skin, is more than I could have ever asked for.

Wandering down a particular corridor, I am so lost in the beauty that I almost forget to follow behind the strange elf woman. Peering down another corridor, I see another woman with white hair and purple eyes staring up at me. As our eyes meet, in a fleeting moment, something unexplainable stirs within me. It is as though I know her, with a strange sense of familiarity and an unexpected urge to protect her. I cannot comprehend the significance of this encounter, but after Anaka leads me away to another room. As we go our different ways the familiarity lingers in my heart and thoughts, it feels like when you see someone you know, but you cannot place where you know them from or how you know them to begin with.

As we turn a corner and enter a grand bedroom, the sight immediately takes my breath away. The polished wooden floors gleam beneath my feet, and a large white rug adorns the center of the room. The same black emblem of a rabbit on my clothing is on the rug, underneath a round marble table sitting atop it. The walls, made of smooth white granite-like stones, arch gracefully toward the painted ceiling, displaying hundreds of painted figures, such as knights, maidens, and other various medieval things. The splendor of the room is unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Scanning the room, my eyes are drawn to two majestic stone pillars standing tall near the back of the room, framing a bed that is placed between them. On the opposite end of the entrance, a small set of stairs leads to a windowed door flanked by benches inviting one to sit and bask in the view.

Through the doorway, I continue to be awestruck as I catch sight from the balcony which extends outward, providing an unforgettable panoramic view of the sprawling city surrounding the castle. It is a breathtaking sight, and I feel a sense of anticipation building within me. I have missed views like these, it reminds me of the time my father took me to see all of Tokyo from the top of Tokyo Tower. I was only ten at the time and it is one of my fondest memories of my time with him. I miss them so much.

Standing there, taking in the surroundings, Anaka gently taps me on my shoulder before motioning for me to follow her. Leading me to a section of the room I have not seen yet, she gestures at a polished wooden wash basin sitting on top of granite flooring, and a thin white curtain circling it.

With a timid voice and her gaze fixated on the ground, she softly speaks, “Mistress, we need to get you washed before breakfast with Her Majesty.” Understanding the importance of cleanliness myself, I nod before proceeding to remove the unique clothing and neatly placing it on a nearby woven stool.

Gazing at the wash basin, I think about how I have never seen a bathtub or shower that looked like this in my life. I cannot help but marvel at its strangeness, it is unlike anything I ever encountered in Japan. It is rather cramped compared to one of our spacious baths, or bathhouses. There is no seating area inside except for the floor itself. After a moment of hesitation, I stare at it unsure of what exactly to do.

Noting my confusion, Anaka quickly reassures me. “I am so sorry Mistress…Sakurai was it?” She gently asks, waiting for my confirmation before continuing. After nodding to assure her, she continues, “I understand some of our customs may be unfamiliar to you. Just sit inside the basin, and I will take care of the rest.” Her words offer some sort of strange comfort, and I muster up the courage to step into the basin, prepared for the anticipated shock of icy cold water, seeing no faucet or showering mechanism.

To my welcome surprise, the water that greets my skin is pleasantly warm, soothing, and inviting. It has been so long, I almost have forgotten what this kind of thing feels like. It envelops me in its comforting embrace, easing away the weariness I have accumulated during my long stay in the hospital. A sense of tranquility washes over me as Anaka begins her diligent work, gently scrubbing away the remnants of the metal compartment, whatever dirt and grime could be left.

As I sit there, immersed in the warmth of the water, I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for Anaka and her unwavering kindness and attention to detail. Her meticulous care and the serene atmosphere of the room remind me I am in a place where I can be nurtured and protected. Speedily taking care of me, she washes every piece of me, with each gentle stroke and tender touch, it reminds me of when I was young and my mother would bathe me. I could feel the sensation of a blush consume my face as I wonder if the men are being treated in the same regards. “Those perverts are probably enjoying it.”

“Oh? Don’t worry, they have to wash themselves, Mistress. Oleras just said because of your circumstance we should mind your physical condition until we’re certain nothing came with you from the other world. Your world, that is.” She awkwardly replies, knowing exactly what I was thinking about. I feel my face becoming redder. 

While she diligently takes care of me, a tinge of longing for home tugs at my heart, momentarily overshadowing the excitement of my new surroundings. I catch myself beginning to stare at the antlers on top of her head. I find myself wondering what my initial reaction was upon first seeing her. What exactly is she? Summoning my courage, I speak up while she washes my legs, “Excuse me, Anaka-san?”

Timidly replying, she avoids making direct eye contact with me. “Yes, Mistress?”

Unable to tear my gaze away from her, I shyly probe, “If you do not mind me asking, what are you exactly?”

A faint smile plays on her lips, her cheeks turning a shade redder, perhaps from embarrassment. “Oh, me?” She says, pointing to herself. I nod, urging her to continue. Her smile getting a little bigger, she continues, “Me, I’m just your typical elf. The others informed me there were no elves in your world.”

“The others?” Wondering if she is speaking about the others from the compartments, I pry. “What others? Are you speaking about the people who came here with me or other others?”

With her smile slowly vanishing, “I’m afraid I may have said too much. Don’t worry about that too much for now, Her Majesty awaits you and we need to get you dressed.”

My words have seemed to cause visible distress on her face, and I instantly realize there is something more going on here and I will not be getting any further answers from her. Flustered, she hurriedly completes the rest of the bath and rises to her feet, handing me a linen wrap to dry myself off with.

“I am sorry to have pried Anaka-san, I did not mean to upset you, I guess I am just curious after just waking up.” As I apologize to her I am still able to see distress on her face, and I can feel a tinge of guilt in my gut.

Reassuring me with a gentle smile, she says “No worries, Mistress. Just don’t mind much of what I say, I am only a lowly maid after all. Besides, not many people encounter outsiders like us in these parts.” She gestures at both of us. 

Outsiders? I wonder if because I am from Japan I will always be an outsider here. But why is she referring to herself as an outsider? I wonder if elves are outsiders in this part of the world as well. With my curiosity piqued, I inquire further, “Why is that?”

Gradually opening up to me, she begins to share tidbits about the local kingdom, as she dresses me. Explaining how the Holy Dalich Empire works, that is where we currently are, she informs me they are staunchly opposed to slavery, but many of her people are still sold by the other elves into servitude to humans around the world, just not here. She was careful to clarify that she was not a slave but rather a young woman who seized an opportunity to escape, journeying southward through two treacherous and jagged mountain ranges to be free. Only taking such a treacherous route because the other human nations would have enslaved her or returned her to her homeland.

Before I know it, and what seems like no time at all, I find myself dressed in an elegant yet simple shoulderless white dress, adorned with delicate embroidery along the sleeves and hood. I stand before a mirror, twirling to take in the sight. “Anaka-san? This dress is so very lovely.” A tear falls from my eyes as I realize it is the first real thing I have worn in years and it reminds me what it is like to be a girl again. The dresses, the fancy makeup. Another cherished memory.

I notice a hint of pride flickering across her face as she replies, “I thought it would be the perfect fit for you. I believe you are now ready to be presented to Her Majesty and the other nobles.” she adds, her head bowed and eyes closed in a show of respect.

Leading me from the room and down the corridors, she takes me to a hall where a large set of wooden doors sits. They are a sight to behold. Intricately engraved with grand carvings of mythical beasts, they display a level of craftsmanship that leaves me awestruck. The wood itself has been stained with a lighter reddish hue, accentuating the natural beauty of the material. Thick and substantial, they seem well-fortified, with metal reinforcements peeking through the wooden surface in very strategic places. Not only are they visually striking masterpieces, but they also showcase strength and durability. 

From within, I can hear the screams of a man. Anaka looks at me with a worried expression across her face, “Oh I guess they’ve started already.” She states as she quietly opens a smaller door, built into one of the larger doors, and ushers me within. Inside is a bustling banquet hall, with nobles dressed in different shades of red or white sitting across the various tables; which are filled from edge to edge with different bread, and various fruits, the likes of which I have never seen before.