The girls, each with unique skills and roles, ventured into the cavern individually, their expectations diverging from prior discussions. Rei, the keeper of health knowledge and custodian of the library, cradled her weathered journal on her lap as she settled beside Hoshiyo, the group's leader, and the rest of their companions.
Noticing Rei's well-worn leather notebook, the wise and well-traveled Peddler inquired, "A lover of literature, I see. And your name?"
"Yes, indeed. My name is Rei," she replied, politely smiling. "And in case you missed it earlier, this is Hoshiyo. In our youth, our mother regaled us with tales from some of Japan's earliest written works, chronicling the legends of our Shinto deities."
"How fascinating," the Peddler chuckled, returning to his meal.
Meanwhile, the girls exchanged silent glances, pondering the question: Why had Rei deceived the Peddler? They all knew that Hiroshiro and his daughter Hoshiyo were not their parents. Suppressing their concerns, they held their tongues to avoid arousing suspicion.
"Are you all siblings?" the Peddler inquired, breaking the silence.
Rei shrugged and let out an awkward laugh. "We're more like step-siblings," she confessed.
The Peddler chuckled heartily. "Ah, that explains it!" he exclaimed. "So, what brings you to this forest?"
"We're on a quest to find our mother," Rei explained, her tone a mix of hope and uncertainty. "But her path and the reasons behind her disappearance remain a mystery."
"Is your mother a Rōnin, by any chance?" the Peddler inquired.
Rei glanced at her companions for assistance, but they were equally clueless about the term. Sighing, she asked, "What exactly is a Rōnin?"
The Peddler's chopsticks clattered as they fell from his grasp, his expression one of disbelief. "You don't know?" he gasped. "Have you been living under a rock all these years? How could you not know?"
Hoshiyo couldn't resist a chuckle. "In a way, we did live under a rock," she whispered to Rei.
The Peddler shook his head in amazement before explaining, "A Rōnin is a wandering warrior, a samurai without a master, who roams the land offering their sword to those in need. Considering your family situation, it would make sense."
Takeko raised her arms in excitement. "That's a brilliant idea! We could become samurai ourselves," she suggested enthusiastically.
Ceres, however, was quick to interject. With a roll of her eyes and crossed arms, she countered, "It's not that simple. We'd need a master swordsman to train us."
Takeko tilted her head in thought. "Where would we find one?" she wondered aloud.
"Not here," Ceres replied firmly. "It's getting late. We should rest up for tomorrow."
Their heads abuzz with the day's revelations, the girls silently acquiesced and settled inside the cavern. After the stimulating conversation, they were promised the night would be peaceful. They huddled together on the cold, hard ground beneath the cave's walls, the thin layer of grass offering scant comfort against the night's chill.
Meanwhile, Takeko remained awake with the elderly Peddler, diligently jotting down notes in her journal about the culinary techniques he had shared with her earlier. They conversed in hushed tones, their voices a soft murmur filling the cavern until dawn's first light peeked through the forest canopy.
As Takeko rubbed her bleary eyes and stretched her tired limbs, she noticed Hoshiyo stirring. "Sorry if I disturbed your sleep," Takeko apologized softly.
Hoshiyo smirked in response. "No worries, but it seems like you didn't get much rest," she observed.
Takeko shook her head. "The Peddler and I were engrossed in conversation about his wares, and he even taught me a few cooking tricks," she explained.
"That's wonderful, but it's time for us to move on now. Thank you for your hospitality," Hoshiyo said respectfully, bowing to the Peddler.
Returning the gesture, the Peddler silently acknowledged the girls' resolve as Hoshiyo led them out of the cave. With determination in their hearts, the group pressed forward. They still had a day ahead of them, but they were undeterred.
The terrain grew increasingly rugged as the temperature plummeted. The biting wind whipped through their hair and stung their faces, but they trudged onward, their bodies weary but their spirits unbroken. Hoshiyo forged ahead, driven by adrenaline and determination, refusing to relent until they reached the village beside the mountain.
In the distance, a small structure caught her eye. Squinting against the frosty air, she discerned the remains of a burnt-down house, its collapsed roof bearing witness to the longstanding history shared by the families who once called it home.
Hoshiyo shielded her eyes from the sun's glare with her hand and squinted ahead. "I see a house over there," she announced.
Rei hurried to her side, mimicking her gesture. She surveyed the burnt structure and remarked, "Looks like it was ravaged by fire."
Hoshiyo nodded, her expression sad. "My clone caused the forest fire, spreading rapidly and consuming her house. That's why they lived up on the mountain," she explained.
"Do you think this was her house?" Rei inquired.
With certainty in her voice, Hoshiyo affirmed, "Yes, I'm certain."
Motoko scanned the surroundings cautiously. "I don't see anyone nearby," she observed.
Ceres, ever vigilant, rolled her eyes. "Japanese people are masters of stealth. Let's remain cautious and watch each other's backs," she advised.
Agreeing with Ceres, the group approached the dilapidated structure, which was once a vibrant home. Moss, weeds, and wildflowers adorned its exterior, nature's attempt to reclaim what had been lost to time.
As Hoshiyo reached out to touch the charred wood, she felt a sense of déjà vu wash over her. Memories—not her own—flooded her mind, echoing her identical clones. Among them were faint recollections of a young girl lying on the ground, her life cut short by illness, and a playful Tanuki who frequented her side.
Concern etched across her face, Rei gently inquired, "Are you alright? What's troubling you?"
Forcing a small smile, Hoshiyo replied, "I'm being burdened with memories that aren't mine. It's unfair."
"I'm so sorry. I wish I could share your pain. Is there anything I can do?" Rei offered sympathetically.
Shaking her head, Hoshiyo declined, "No, it's Something I must bear alone. I wouldn't want to burden you with it."
Her attention was drawn to a tiny toy amidst the debris—a wooden stackable doll miraculously spared by the fire.
Rei noticed her fascination with the doll and inquired, "What's that?"
With a soft smile, Hoshiyo answered, "It's part of a game they used to play when they were younger."
Rei nodded in understanding. "I suppose not all those memories were bad," she remarked.
Hoshiyo's smile widened as she nodded in agreement. "You're right," she affirmed.
As daylight gracefully faded into a tranquil shade of dark blue, Hoshiyo found herself lost in a reverie, clutching the wooden toy in her hands. Kneeling on the ground, she felt as though she were watching scenes from a distant past unfold before her eyes, each memory vivid and poignant.
Before long, Ceres approached with a hint of impatience, arms crossed over her chest. "Shouldn't we be finding shelter soon?" she gently prodded.
Rei interjected, advocating for Hoshiyo's need for a moment's respite. "Give her a moment," she urged.
But Hoshiyo gathered herself and rose to her feet, ready to press forward. "It's alright," she assured them. "I'm ready to keep going. Besides, I may know of a place we could stay."
Ceres remained skeptical. "Where? The village is half a mile away from here," she pointed out.
Unfazed by Ceres's skepticism, Hoshiyo set off down the dirt path leading away from the dilapidated house, her movements guided by an inexplicable sense of familiarity. It was as though she were tracing the footsteps of a long-lost friend, a connection forged through memories that didn't quite belong to her.
As Takeko trailed closely behind Rei, she couldn't help but voice her confusion. "What's going on?" she inquired.
Rei's response was measured. "I'm not entirely sure, but it seems Hoshiyo is following a memory," she explained.
"A memory?" Takeko echoed, her brow furrowed in bewilderment. "But we were only born yesterday."
Rei nodded sympathetically. "It's difficult to comprehend, but Hoshiyo appears overwhelmed by memories that aren't hers. We must discuss it further when she's ready to share."
The newborn sisters followed Hoshiyo's lead, arriving at a grand house enclosed by a sturdy stone and cement wall. Atop the wall, roof paneling stretched, seamlessly merging with a sizable wooden doorway that granted access to a quaint courtyard. The surroundings were adorned with thousands of pebbles and imposing stones.
Rei surveyed their surroundings with a growing sense of curiosity. "Where have you brought us, Hoshiyo? Whose house is this?" she inquired.
Hoshiyo paused, her brow furrowing in concentration. "If my memory serves me right, the Yokai Tanuki was once a human who perished as a Samurai," she mused.
Approaching the house cautiously, Rei squinted at the nameplate embedded into the wood. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the name, her voice rising with disbelief. "This is unbelievable! Hoshiyo, what have you done? You've led us straight to our death!" she exclaimed.
Startled by Rei's reaction, Hoshiyo gently nudged her aside to inspect the nameplate for herself. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she read the bold letters engraved upon it. "Tokugawa," she whispered, realization dawning upon her.
Ceres whispered urgently, "We need to leave before we're caught. It's a miracle we made it this far without being noticed by the guards."
Takeko frowned, her voice barely audible as she countered, "Something doesn't add up. The man himself rarely returns home. Perhaps his family resides here while he's away on business."
With a grip that bordered on pain, Ceres seized Hoshiyo's shoulder, causing her to wince. "Who exactly was that raccoon dog?" she demanded in a harsh whisper.
"I don't know," Hoshiyo hissed, the pain evident in her voice.
Rei intervened calmly yet firmly, "Quiet down, both of you. We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves. If we're discovered, the Shogun will cut our heads off in the center of the village for everyone to see."
Hoshiyo's glare spoke volumes as she muttered, "The punishment in this country is appalling. Do they not value human life here?"
An impatient shove from Ceres silenced her, accompanied by another urgent whisper, "Just be quiet."
A faint banging noise reverberated in the courtyard, emanating from what sounded like a hollow space. The girls' eyes widened in alarm as they exchanged nervous glances, sweat trickling down their brows.
In the serene glow of sunlight, a young girl appeared at the mouth of a dark well, her petite frame barely visible against the backdrop of shadows. Her raven locks caught the sunlight, casting a soft hue of brown, while beads of sweat glistened on her porcelain skin. She couldn't have been over ten years old, yet her determined gaze was intense.
Struggling with the weight of the bucket, she heaved it out of the well, the effort evident in her every movement. With a thud, the bucket landed on the ground, and she began dragging it across the dirt toward her humble abode.
As she worked, the girl sensed a presence nearby and turned her head slightly. Her curious eyes locked onto the figures standing a short distance away. With a hint of curiosity, she asked, "Who are you?"
Hoshiyo and her companions stood in tense silence, acutely aware of the gravity of their situation. Each word uttered could seal their fate, and fear hung heavy in the air. Undaunted by the looming threat, Hoshiyo stepped forward with determination etched into her features.
Kneeling before the young girl, she spoke sincerely, cutting through the tension like a blade. "We are in search of our mother, who may be a wandering Ronin," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "We seek shelter for the night to continue our journey come dawn. We stumbled upon this home unknowingly, and we offer our sincerest apologies for any intrusion. My name is Hoshiyo. What is yours?"
The girl, identified as Masahime, met Hoshiyo's gaze with curiosity and innocence. She reached her home's doorway and revealed, "And that is my mother."
Turning to follow her gaze, Hoshiyo and her companions saw a woman cloaked in layers of silk kimono. Her countenance bore a disconcerting smile that sent shivers down their spines. At that moment, a chilling realization settled over the group—they had walked unwittingly into a trap, and escape seemed increasingly elusive.