The Day of Thunder

"Oh?"

Yukara ran a hand absent-mindedly through her hair, starting the after-wash detangling. "I will have to do so. Still, perhaps you could tell me more about you? I am curious what you do, when not spirit travelling."

"I like stories. Dad uhas told me countless tales, but I have trouble remembering them." She answered. "He said that it's difficult for the living to remember the dead."

"Interesting. I know many who cannot seem to forget... though perhaps it is a memory they cling to, and not the dead as they truly were."

Yukara contemplated that quietly for a time. "Do you have any favorite stories? Or kinds of stories?"

"I'll admit, I do like heroic tales." she answered. "Not just the kind that become legends, like the heroes who rescued uncle Hisomu from Jigoku. But, smaller ones, too. Stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others. Those are my favorite. Even the tragic ones."

"Do you ever write them down? So you can remember them later?"

Yukara pondered that. "You could make copies and share them too, each reader makes a copy and passes it on."

"I try." she nodded. "That's the main reason I came here. I wanted to witness and record whatever happened here."

"A noble calling, to preserve a moment for future generations."

Yukara contemplated that. "Not so different from a sensei, passing on their knowledge so that the sum experience of mankind may grow."

"Something like that." she nodded."What lessons would you pass on?"

That gave Yukara pause, drawing her into a contemplative silence.

After a protracted pause, she muttered, "That is a difficult question, Nao-same." It truly was.

"So much of my lessons have been very personal, and hard earned. I do not know if they would be fitting for everyone - every life is unique... and so I would have to give it more thought."

"That makes the lesson all the more valuable. But, I understand." She nodded. "Whenever you're ready, tell me more of your story."

"I will... but I do not believe I can offer one worthy of speech today. I will consider it, and convey it to you when next we have opportunity."

Yukara answered in a very serious tone, as though this were a crucial duty she had been tasked with.

"It is paltry repayment for the kindness you have shown me, but I will happily provide what tales I am able, thus to begin the process of evening that debt."

"There is no debt, Yukara-san. We are family." Nao said. "Go try to get some rest. Your wounds still need time to heal."

"Of course. You still have my thanks, regardless."

Yukara rose, wrapping her yukata about herself, clumsily tying her obi. Her damp hair flowed over her shoulders, giving her something of an obsidian mane, glinting in the light reflecting from the pool, as did her eyes. She was a strange one, but perhaps that was what the clan wanted.

With a shallow bow, she turned to go, "If you need my aid, please... do not hesitate to ask."

"And, if you need mine, it will be yours." she nodded. "I hope the rest of your day is restful."