Whispers in the Winter Wind

A few months had gone by since everything transpired. Yasushi and the others involved were called to testify in court against the four councilmen.

In the end, each councilman received a forty-year sentence, with the chance to request parole after serving thirty years. At the time, Yasushi felt frustrated that the punishment wasn't harsher, but he chose to keep his opinions to himself.

When the full extent of the councilmen's crimes became public, outrage spread rapidly. People demanded answers and turned their attention to the mayor. However, after the police completed their investigation, they concluded and announced that the mayor had been completely unaware of the councilmen's actions and had no part in their schemes.

Following these events, the Gyudo Homeless Association released an official statement outlining their new plans to address the city's homelessness problem, now that the councilmen were no longer in power.

By collaborating with the mayor, the Gyudo Homeless Association gained significant influence over the housing and homelessness issues in Ginsukimura. This new authority positioned the association to make meaningful improvements within the city, creating opportunities for real and lasting change.

Yasushi's vision for transforming the city had largely come to fruition. However, he understood that addressing every underlying issue would require more time and effort. Confident in the association's newfound capacity to make a difference, he decided to step back, trusting their ability to continue the work while offering occasional help.

Sakura, the society's president, felt a sense of accomplishment as she reflected on the progress made. While her concern for Yasushi had been strong, especially after two council members had attempted to retaliate against him, she now felt relieved. Looking ahead, she felt optimistic about the improvements to come, hoping that others facing similar challenges could move toward brighter and more stable futures.

+-+

"Time really does fly," Yasushi said, taking a sip of coffee as he settled into the couch in one of the many living rooms they often used.

"It does~ but are you completely sure about this, dear? You could always wait another year," Kohana Futakao, Yasushi's mother, asked, glancing his way.

"Yeah, I've thought it through. It's better to get started now than to keep pushing it off," he replied, exhaling as he leaned back. "Jingliu, Xinyi, and I will go to the UK with you and Dad. We'll keep up with school there, and after graduation, we'll jump straight into work with you both. By then, maybe we'll finally be able to introduce the AI and quantum tech to the world."

Graduation neared closer for Yasushi and his friends, foreshadowing a period of separation until they could carve out a place for themselves and, with any luck, come together again after years of effort.

"Graduation takes place a week from now, right? How about the rest of your friends? We met them a couple of times over the months," Yuji's dad asked through his mother's phone while they talked on a video call.

Yuji had already returned to the UK since his time off had ended, but Kohana stayed behind as she still had some leave left and would join them in the UK later. His little sister was cradled in their mother's arms, wriggling occasionally.

"They found jobs they're interested in, so there's nothing much to worry about. Though I do wonder about Furuya since we're not sure how he and Catherine will manage the distance. I've talked with Xinyi, but it seems like she has some sort of plan," Yasushi replied.

He didn't know the details of that plan but had some thoughts about what it could be. One possibility was Catherine staying behind with Furuya to avoid separating the two of them. It sounded reasonable enough in his mind.

"Well, whatever happens in the future, all three of you will find a place in the workplace. That much is certain. By the way, both Yinhaie and Nandini will be coming back soon, right? Where did Yinhaie go? I remember your…promise with her, so…" his dad said, his voice even but curious.

"She went back to China. She didn't really explain what she wanted to do, but we're sure she'll manage just fine. As for when they're coming back, I think it'll be two days before we graduate," Yasushi replied, his focus straying to the coffee in front of him. He stirred it absentmindedly, the movement almost automatic.

Months had passed with a strange feeling following him around. Having those two near him had become normal, almost expected, and even though Yunxue's presence helped to fill the space, something still felt off.

The absence of their constant chatter and presence had created an unfamiliar quiet, and it left him unsettled in a way he couldn't quite name. He knew he needed to speak with Shiva about Nandini's future soon, though the timing of such a conversation weighed in his mind.

Yasushi and his parents talked for a while longer, their conversation meandering from one topic to the next without urgency. Eventually, the discussion came to a natural end, and Yasushi mentioned wanting to step outside for a walk. Jingliu decided to join him.

+-+

They strolled through the park, each holding a crepe. The silence between them felt unforced, as if words would have only gotten in the way. They wandered for some time, the crunch of their shoes on the paved path the only sound marking their steps.

Eventually, their walk brought them to a small pond. Jingliu moved closer, her attention caught by a group of ducks floating lazily near the edge. She crouched down, studying them. The light snowfall had lessened, making it easier for animals to roam, though the pond's heated system allowed them to swim even during the colder months. Small wooden shelters nearby served as their winter refuge.

Yasushi stepped up beside her but didn't say anything, simply standing there. His hands rested in his coat pockets as his eyes followed hers toward the ducks.

"Yasushi," she said, breaking the stillness.

He murmured in acknowledgment, glancing at her.

Her voice was soft but even. "I want to live here someday. When everything finally settles, let's come back."

She looked up at him, the weight of her words evident in the way her eyes remained.

Yasushi paused, letting her words settle in his mind. It wasn't the first time they'd talked about their future together. Over the years, their conversations had touched on topics like marriage and shared plans for the long term. They both knew what they wanted — marriage, a life together — but timing always seemed to push those dreams a little further out. They'd been together six years, and he was planning to propose soon. He only waited for the milestone of their next graduation.

They had often imagined where they'd live, sketching out ideas for multiple homes across different places. A home here in Ginsukimura, another in the nearby town of Hakkuin, and two in China — one in Mengyinhu and another in Yuwu.

They had even considered the United Kingdom, picturing one house in London and another tucked somewhere in the countryside. Despite these expansive dreams, they had never landed on one place to call permanent. Each location had its charm and drawbacks, leaving their discussions unresolved.

Yasushi looked at her, uncertain of what had prompted the sudden urgency. "What brought this up so suddenly?" he asked. His tone was calm but tinged with genuine curiosity.

She rose to her feet again, her expression thoughtful as she said, "I've been considering this for a while, but... I really do feel a deep connection to this city. The people here, the moments I've lived — they all mean so much to me. This is the place where everything changed for me, where I found a new direction in life. I want to make this city our home."

Yasushi looked at her for a long moment, his attention eventually turning toward the falling snow. He thought about how Ginsukimura had become more than just a place to him. It was where he had found a new beginning, built relationships, and experienced moments that shaped him. This city had become a part of who he was.

"…Yeah," he finally said, his tone carrying an understanding. "I feel the same way. I love it here too. If you're sure about it, let's work toward making this our home, for good, in a few years."

A small, content smile crossed her face as she nodded. "Then… I guess that's it. We've finally decided where we'll settle down." She took another bite of her crepe, the moment settling between them.

Yasushi laughed softly and nodded. "Yeah, we did. If that's what you want, I'll back you. But do you want to stay in the same house forever, or are you thinking about moving somewhere else?" he asked.

"For now… let's stay where we are. If we come across a plot of land or another house that feels right, then we can think about moving. How about that?" she said, her tone casual but certain. Yasushi agreed without hesitation.

He didn't care where they settled as long as it was within the city he cherished. Whether it was his old home, the one they shared now, or somewhere entirely new, the location meant little compared to staying in the place he held close to his heart.

Before they could go any further, a hand rested firmly on both their shoulders, catching them off guard. When they turned, the sight of Hakufubuki, the city's goddess, greeted them.

"It's been a while… Is something wrong, Hakufubuki?" Yasushi asked, his voice reflecting his surprise at her sudden appearance.

"Wrong? Is it wrong to want to visit you?" she asked, her voice tinged with something that almost seemed questioning, as her fingers moved to pinch his cheeks with an insistence he couldn't brush off. "I just wanted to see you, that's all. You're graduating soon, so I figured I'd bring a couple of gods along to witness it."

Yasushi offered her an uneasy smile, the kind that barely settled into place before slipping away. "That's really not necessary, though…"

"We are going," Hakufubuki said, the words landing as if they were the final nail in a discussion that hadn't even begun properly.

Yasushi exhaled heavily, knowing the futility of reasoning with her. Giving up, he stepped back, tilting his head toward the open sky like it held an answer. "Hakufubuki, do you know much about the supernatural in the UK?"

She turned slightly, her expression more thoughtful than usual. "Not really. I stick to the gods of our country and sometimes the neighboring ones. The UK is too far out of my realm of concern. Why do you bring it up?"

"Well, we're heading to the United Kingdom for a few years to continue our studies. I'll be there for a year before starting work with our parents, but Jingliu and Xinyi will have two or three years, depending on their programs. I just wanted to make sure we wouldn't end up tangled in anything supernatural over there," Yasushi said.

Hakufubuki listened, her expression calm before replying, "You don't need to worry about that. I've heard a few things from reliable sources, including Amaterasu. Some of the information actually came from Merlin."

"Merlin? I met him once during one of my visits. What did he share?" Yasushi leaned forward slightly, clearly interested in what the ancient mage might have mentioned.

Hakufubuki nodded, taking her time to answer. "He said that King Arthur himself has agreed to watch over you and your companions. Anyone who tries to cause you trouble will have to answer to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table." A small smile crossed her face as she delivered the news.

Yasushi felt his stomach twist with an odd mix of disbelief and awkward gratitude. The realization hit him harder than he thought it would — more people cared about him than he ever assumed possible. They weren't just acknowledging his existence but actively choosing to shield him. It wasn't something he could process easily, and as his thoughts churned, the reasoning became clearer — though not entirely comforting.

Shiva's influence carried weight in this world, being the most powerful deity around. If Shiva backed Yasushi, it practically demanded others to align themselves accordingly, whether they liked it or not. Some seemed genuinely supportive, others less so, their acceptance begrudging at best.

Yasushi wasn't naive enough to think everyone was on board. Plenty of them barely tolerated him, and he was acutely aware that others despised him outright. Still, he hoped the power dynamics at play would keep those people at bay. As long as enough allies surrounded him, maybe the more hostile ones would leave him alone.

"King Arthur, huh? Yeah, I'll take that," Yasushi muttered, exhaling through his nose. "Having someone like him in my corner is definitely a relief."

"There are more people, but I don't know who exactly. It's fair to assume they'll be tied into the mythology and history of the United Kingdom. So, anyone you can think of might be involved," Hakufubuki explained, offering a small smile.

"King Arthur isn't supposed to be a woman, right?" Yasushi asked, his question stopping both Jingliu and Hakufubuki in their tracks.

"…No? Why would you even think that?" Hakufubuki responded, her tone laced with genuine confusion.

Yasushi quickly laid out his reasoning, bringing up the Nasuverse, the Fate series, and FGO. He explained how King Arthur, among other historical figures, was often reimagined in that world. His explanation left both women unsure how to respond.

"That's… a peculiar take," Hakufubuki finally said. "But no, King Arthur is unquestionably a man. That being said, I'm amused by the creative liberties taken in that series. It's not entirely wrong, though; gods, as you might already know, can change their forms between male and female at will. It's not a limitation we deal with."

The three of them left the park, their discussion flowing naturally. Their focus turned to the idea of turning a popular franchise into a tangible venture. Jingliu and their companion nudged Yasushi, teasing him about the potential profit he could make by bringing it to life. Yasushi chuckled, brushing off the suggestion with a casual, "I'll think about it."

The conversation turned to lighter topics as they wandered together, setting aside the approaching pressure of graduation. Jingliu and Yasushi, caught in the mutual relief of distraction, seemed more at ease. The day continued, and they decided to spend it together, letting the usual worries fade into the background for a while.

As evening fell, they found themselves standing before one of Hakufubuki's shrines, a familiar place that carried its own sense of comfort. Yasushi turned to the Goddess, his tone even but thoughtful. "Hey, Hakufubuki… we've been talking about moving overseas for school. Is there a way we could still meet you while we're there?"

Hakufubuki, her expression warm, answered without hesitation. "Of course. Most mythologies work together, you know. If you're in the United Kingdom, I can visit whenever you'd like." She added a playful note to her words, a slight tilt of her head as she continued, "If you miss me, just say the word."

"That's good… I'll definitely take you up on that sometime. Anyway, we're heading home for now, so… goodnight," Yasushi said, his tone calm but deliberate as he turned slightly toward her.

"Goodnight," Hakufubuki replied before stepping closer and wrapping her arms around him. Her voice softened, almost teasing. "And don't forget, I'm another mother figure for you~."

Yasushi squirmed a little in the embrace, his face caught against her chest. He spoke with a muffled protest. "I thought you were supposed to be the aunt…"

"Don't overthink it~," she said lightly, her words playful as she gave him a firm squeeze before letting go.

Yasushi exhaled sharply, clearly trying to regain some composure. He raised a hand, offering a quick, somewhat awkward wave before turning to walk alongside Jingliu. Hakufubuki stayed behind, her expression softening as she watched them disappear around the corner. Her hand lingered in the air as if unwilling to let the moment end.

Her gaze lifted to the sky, and her voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible. "I did okay, right? Hopefully… he'll be able to grow up without too much trouble…"

And with that, she disappeared from the spot, leaving the quiet street behind.