Highlands where the mountains stretched out quietly. An abundant forest covered all peaks, valleys and ridges. Those leaves were dyed in yellow and red, and combined with the ones with the original deep green, they made a mosaic pattern.
On the sky, a pale blue spread out. It was extremely high. Clouds couldn’t be seen anywhere.
In the forests, the trees dropped their red leaves.
There was a single road on that place.
On the road made of hardened soil, the fallen leaves overlapped softly. The road ran like sewing the face of the mountains, repeating curves and up-downs.
A single motorbike ran through that road. Almost as a boat going through the waves, it went through making the fallen leaves to soar. Since there were many sudden curves, the motorbike ran slowly, like tracing the road.
The driver of the motorbike was around past fifteen years old. It had big eyes and a fearless face. Wearing a brown coat, with its long hems were folded on both thighs. It had a hat with a brim and flaps that covered the ears, fastened by the band of a pair of goggles, so they wouldn’t fly away by the wind pressure.
Behind the driver seat, there’s a carrier with a big bag fastened. Below that, there were two boxes installed like if they were sandwiching the rear wheel.
- To tell you the truth, Hermes - the driver said, while running - the country we’re heading right now, it’s not very… no, it doesn’t have a very good popularity among travelers.
- Is that so? - the motorbike called Hermes asked back quite surprised.
- I was told that before. “They’re not just unsociable, they’re simply cold against foreigners”, or, “on that country there’s no such a thing as hospitable words”, or, “no matter how hard I try, I can’t think of a single good thing about it”, or “they think they’re so distinguished, how they came to be so convinced of that?”.
- “In any case, they’re unkind and very disgusting”, or, “the kids throw rocks at travelers”, or, “when a traveler goes, all shops close or they tell you they are out of stock of products”, or, “there was nothing to eat but awful food”, or, “take care for them not to overprice things”.
- “They make you wait an entire day before letting inside the country”, or, “you’ll see for yourself how much they hate travelers”, or, “they don’t even guide you to a hotel, it’s better for you to sleep in the open!”, or, “I don’t even want to go near there”, or, “I wish for that country to disappear soon”.
- When I said I wanted to try going, all of them tried to stop me - after saying that, the driver smiled lightly. After that, Hermes asked considerably surprised:
- … despite that, you want to go, Kino? Even when there are many other roads. Even when you can choose them freely.
The driver called Kino, replied while smiling:
- That’s why I’m going. After being warned so much, I want to know what kind of country it is. Also, there’s the chance it could have gotten better.
- Ahh, then what if it didn’t change at all?
- That’s alright too. Let’s complain about it together after we leave the country - asserted Kino.
- Well, that’s good too I suppose… - Hermes muttered.
Finally, the road became into a steep zigzag. It ran upwards on the mountain face in a straight line, repeating sudden curves. Kino looked down and could see well the road they had been taking until that moment, between the trees.
At last, the road stopped climbing up. Kino stopped Hermes.
The road crossed the ridge and then started going down. On the right side, the ridge line extended until a high summit. On the front, a grand U-shaped valley extended until the ridge on the other side. In that area, there was a country surrounded by round gray castle walls, and it looked tiny in the distance.
- The landscape is beautiful - Hermes expressed his impression.
- Yes. But from here, we don’t know how the people living here really are.
- Right. Then, let’s go! It could leave a treasured memory, a country that we can’t forget in a lifetime - Hermes joked and Kino smiled.
- It would be nice if it was like that.
The motorbike came down the slight slope.
On the castle walls, there was a gate. It was firmly closed, and in front of it, there were some soldiers with long rifle guns, standing like if they were on the watch for Kino and company.
Kino muttered while dropping the speed:
- Hmm, i wonder if they will let us go inside without problems.
- If you were the only one who couldn’t enter, what would you do? - Hermes replied.
Kino stopped Hermes in front of the gates. It turned off the engine and stepped down. Kino approached the soldiers while taking off the goggles. All of them looked at Kino and Hermes with a severe expression.
When Kino was about to greet them:
- How many days are you planning to stay? - one of the soldiers asked out of the blue in a blunt way.
- Oh, could it be as the rumours said? - Hermes muttered slowly, so absolutely no one could hear it.
- Three days. In other words, I was thinking in staying until the day after tomorrow.
After Kino said that, suddenly all tension was released from the soldiers’ faces. They all smiled gently and for a second they looked at each other. After that, they all slowly stood at attention. Then, with a movement with no hesitation, they all saluted Kino and Hermes.
One of them, who looked like the leader, spoke politely:
- Welcome to our country. Visitors, I give the welcome to you from the bottom of my heart.
Kino was surprised for an instant, and then took of the hat.
- Good afternoon. I’m Kino. This is Hermes - Kino smiled and the soldiers finally dropped their hands from the salutation stand.
- Ms. Kino and Mr. Hermes, right? Please come here.
The leader guided Kino and Hermes not to the guard post on the side, but directly towards the gates. Kino was surprised once again,, and asked:
- You don’t need to do an examination or something? Like inspecting my possessions…
- No. Since it would be rude as long as you hadn’t committed any crime.
The leader said that while smiling. Another soldier entered the guard post and the external gates were immediately risen.
- Go ahead. We’re on duty so we have to stay outside the walls. There will be someone inside, so you can ask them anything.
After leaving behind a polite salute, while pushing Hermes, Kino passed through a thick castle wall.
- It’s somewhat a let down, isn’t it? Could it be you mistook the road?
In front of Kino’s eyes, who had negated like that, the inner gates started to open.
After passing through the inner gates, Kino and Hermes appeared on a street of the city.
In front of the castle walls, there was a square. There were some people gathered and after finding them, they all said to Kino in an intimate way, “thank you for coming!”.
While Kino was listening and replying to them, more people started gathering from here and there and in the end, Kino and company were in the center of a crowd. They were all smiling and every mouth pronounced welcome words. There were no people scowling at them or throwing rocks.
Hermes shouted in a small voice so nobody but Kino could hear:
- It’s another country! We came to another country for sure!
- It’s not like that… maybe.
Kino spoke to everyone standing there:
- Thank you very much. I didn’t expect such a warm welcome, so I’m a bit surprised. Umm… there’s something I’d like to ask, though - all the people became silent, in order not to miss Kino’s words. With a slightly nervous face, it asked if there wasn’t a hotel with not very high prices, with a place where it could leave Hermes and that it had a shower.
They started to talk to each other saying, “that place is alright”, “no, that one is better”. On that moment, a girl voice could be heard from behind the crowd.
Pushing her way though the people, a girl came out right in front of them. It was a girl of around eleven or twelve years old, she had short hair and big eyes. The girl quickly bowed her head in front of Kino and said:
- Good afternoon, Ms. traveler. I’m called “Sakura”.
- Good afternoon. I’m Kino. This is my partner Hermes.
Kino said that with a smile and Hermes greeted her with a “hello”.
Sakura looked directly at Kino and asked with a both arms put together politely in front of her body:
- My parents manage a hotel. It’s very close. I’m sure it will be of your liking. Would you like to come?
For just an instant, surprise was shown on Kino’s face. Then, it squinted the eyes.
- Then, would you guide us?
- Yeah. We leave it to you.
After Kino and Hermes spoke like that, Sakura nodded cheerfully with a smile.
Kino walked pushing Hermes, following Sakura’s guide.
During the walk, Kino had taken off the coat and put it on the luggage carrier. Kino was wearing a black jacket and had a thick belt around the waist. On the right thigh, the revolver called “Cannon” by Kino, was in its holdster.
Sakura looked up to Kino and spoke.
- The name “Kino” is short and has a nice sound, easy to pronounce, it’s very beautiful, isn’t it?
- Thank you. Long ago, I thought so too!
After Kino said that, Sakura made a slightly perplexed face.
- Long ago? What about now?
- Now, I think the same. That it’s a good name. But, the name “Sakura”, has a very nice sound too. What does it mean?
Sakura replied embarrassed:
- It’s the name of a flower. A beautiful pink flower that blooms on spring.
- Ohhh - said Kino shortly.
This time, Sakura spoke getting sulky:
-But my friends make fun of it, calling me Okura and Nekura! It’s terrible.*
(note: Nekura means gloomy or pessimistic and Okura is the name of a herb.)
Hermes asked to Kino, who was silent with eyes that were looking at the distance.
- Nothing - the reply came immediately. Then, it added - It’s not something that can be explained.
Finally, Kino and company arrived at the hotel.
It wasn’t that big, but since it was carefully cleaned outside and inside too, it was pretty.
A young couple who was in the reception, greeted them.
- Welcome. It’s been really a while since we had visitors from outside.
- They’re my father and my mother. They manage this hotel as its owners. They also work as tourist guides from around here. And I’m their promising apprentice - said Sakura.
Kino made a slight bow, while smiling and introduced Hermes.
- Which room would be of your liking? - Sakura’s mother asked Kino, and Sakura replied while nimbly peeping on the account book.
- Is the room in the first floor with the big door available? - the mother nodded - then, that one. So it’s easier for Mr. Hermes to come in and out.
Kino and Hermes were guided to the room that was suggested by Sakura. As she had said, Hermes could enter with a good margin, and also without changing the direction, he could go outside from a different door; it was a convenient room. When asked by Sakura how the room was, Kino said it was very satisfied.
- Soon, it will be lunch time, so please, come to the dining room. On the right side of the front, it’s the door with the drawing big fruit from a tree.
- Thank you. I’ll go soon!
After Sakura left, Hermes spoke to Kino, who was unloading the luggage from the carrier.
- Somehow this is extremely different to the previous comments from the travelers.
- Right? I’m surprised as well.
Hermes dropped the volume of his voice a little and said in a serious tone:
- Kino, perhaps. All the attention we have received so far won’t suddenly change completely from now on? And because of that, the travelers fell to the depths of insatisfaction?
- Would they do something so elaborated…? Well, it’s ok even if it’s like that. I’ll go eat the dinner. After that, let’s look around the town. Maybe it will be as you say, Hermes - Kino said that with a bitter smile and left the room.
After a very delicious meal, Sakura volunteered to act as a guide for free to Kino, who wanted to tour the town. Kino accepted her proposal gratefully.
Kino took off the boxes that were by the sides of Hermes’ rear wheel. It asked Sakura to bring a cushion, and then it spread it on the carrier, making like that an express rear seat.
Sakura sat there sideways. While moving, Kino made sure its hands could turn around the waist and paid attention not to touch “Cannon”, on its right thigh.
The first thing Kino asked was a place where a mechanic could check on Hermes’ condition. The middle age mechanic who repaired cars, accepted Kino’s request without any problem. He checked Hermes from tip to tip. Then, he quickly found the worn out aching spots and all the places in bad condition.
- Hmm? What happened here?
The mechanic asked Kino about a missing nut on the side of the engine.
After Kino embarrassed, spoke ambiguously, in its place, Hermes said:
- Kino shot at it with a gun. Saying it wouldn’t come off.
- It was a nut that it didn’t come off no matter what, so using a gun with less quantity of gunpowder, Kino shot at the corner of the bolt after applying a solidification putty on it. Despite I said it was better not to do it.
The mechanic turned back at Kino and put a shocked bitter expression.
- Ms. traveler… that was splendid, but not very admirable.
- You’re right… I’m sorry.
- Mister! Reprehend her more! - Hermes said in a half serious tone. At last, the mechanic showed a smile on his face covered with oil.
- Well, it looks like it’s worth fixing. Ms. traveler, would you wait while you have tea with Sakura? Alright, let’s go, Hermes.
- I’m on your hands! - Hermes said that like he couldn’t be any happier.
On the bench in reception of the mecanic store, Kino and Sakura had the tea that was arranged. A beautiful clear sky and a warm sun.
- He’s a polite and very skilled person. It’s extremely rare for Hermes to be so happy to be fixed - after Kino said that, Sakura looked up at Kino, sitting next to her, and replied.
- And also, he’s a person who can scold properly his customers - Sakura giggled innocently - and the tea is also good.
In front of Kino, who had had said that:
- Ms. traveler! Welcome to our country! - someone from the city waived its hands, smiling from the window of a car, as it passed.
The morning of the second day, Kino woke up along with the dawn.
It left Hermes, who had been fixed to the point of being like brand new, in a deep sleep in the room, and went to a little park near the hotel. There wasn’t a speck of clouds in the sky. The tall peaks which towered the north of the town, could be seen clearly as if they were very close.
Kino moved its body there, as usual. From simple exercises to fight training. And then, it trained drawing an unloaded “Cannon” many times.
By the time Kino was wiping off some sweat, a man jogging approached. He greeted Kino with a smile and Kino returned the greeting. The man asked what was its impression of the country so far.
Kino replied sincerely, how different it was to all the rumours they had heard, here and there until now. The man heard that and replied with a bitter smile, “yeah right, in the old days it was terrible”.
The man pointed at “Cannon” and asked if it had been overhauled recently. After Kino shook the head, the man said there was a skilled gunsmith on the South Avenue, so it could be worth to try going; then, he drew a simple map on the ground.
After Kino thanked him, the man said:
- Compared to the favor you did for us, visiting our country, this is really nothing!
And then, he left while waving a hand a smiling.
- A gunsmith in the South Avenue, right? Understood. If we go to the South District, the parks there are splendid.
After having the breakfast, when Kino asked Sakura if it was alright to request once again her guiding, Sakura replied like that and accepted willingly.
After Kino thanked her, Sakura concluded:
- Since satisfying the customers is the job of a tourist guide.
They both rode Hermes, the same way as the day before and arrived at a small store near the south walls. Sakura asked in a loud voice if there was someone. After a while, from inside, a small sized bald old man with a moody look, came out.
- Today is my day off. Wait no, even tomorrow will be a day off. Would you come the day after tomorrow?
The gunsmith who seemed like he had been sleeping, said that with a face that didn’t look amused.
- This person here is Kino, a traveler. She’ll only be here until tomorrow. Can’t we ask you for gun repairings?
The gunsmith made a surprised face.
- A traveler? - after Sakura nodded, he glanced at Kino and asked bluntly - Which?
Then, he saw “Cannon” after Kino took it from its holdster, and for a second he made serious face. He shook his fingers lightly, asking for Kino to hand it over. When he received it, he stared at it fixedly with a severe expression. After a moment, he said like muttering:
- … Yes, I understand. If it’s alright for you, I’ll be tampering it.
The gunsmith urged Kino to give him the other parts. Kino thanked him and gave him several “Cannon’s” spare parts and empty cylinders.
- It’s pretty worn out so I’ll check it starting from the frame. I’ll change parts if it’s needed so it will take some time. Around afternoon maybe. You can go and check the park. There’s a festival there.
While the gunsmith was saying that, he slowly picked one of the guns he had hanging on the wall. It was a double action revolver with a 45mm diameter. He also gave Kino some semicircular chips with bullets.
- This is the replacement. It’s not necessary in this country, but well just in case. Wear it for a while.
The traveler, the motorbike and the girl thanked him and left the store. The old man glared at the gun he had just received. And then, inside the store where there was nobody else, he muttered:
- What a surprise…! I was really surprised. You live a long life, don’t you?
In a place not far from the store, there was a big park. Inside, there were trees from woods left untouched, and beautiful mountain streams and ponds. There were simple houses made of wood, where kids played.
On a corner of the park, there was an open air theatre where people were gathering.
By the time Kino, Hermes and Sakura arrived there, they were performing a play. Sakura explained it was performed by the residents and that it was a play that taught kids about the history of the country.
Kino said it was very interested in history and Sakura guided them saying, “let’s go watch it”.
The two people and the motorbike directed themselves to the place at the back. Then, when they did that, a person who was sitting there, saw the traveler Kino and let them go a row ahead of him. The next person also conceded a place to Kino , and the next one too, conceded a seat with a smile. In the end, after thanking many different people, Kino and company ended up on the center of the seats, where it was easier to look at the stage.
Kino sat down while feeling a little embarrassed. Hermes was standing by the side. The play had already started. By the time Kino tried to pursue the story, the man who worked as the narrator suddenly raised his voice from the side of the stage.
- Wait a little. Wait!... Oh, sorry. But wait a little! Could it be, the one there, is the traveler who arrived yesterday?
The people on the stage and under the stage, all of them noticed Kino simultaneously. Sakura leapt to her feet and:
- Exactly! Just now, they wanted to see the play so we came…! I’m their guide!
She replied like that. The adults around broke out in shouts of joy. For some reason, they all naturally started clapping their hands. Even the performers in the stage started applauding and whistling through their fingers. The narrator said:
- What do you think, everyone? Since we still hadn’t started the main part of the play and for the sake of Ms. traveler, who won’t have another chance to see it, what if we start it over from the beginning?
Around Kino and Hermes being quite shocked, voices could be heard. “I don’t have any complaint”, “good idea!”. Then, another applause started. A young woman stood up:
- My boy is a star performer, everyone, this time look at him properly, alright? He’s the third tree from the left- she shouted in a loud voice, inviting everyone’s laughter.
Kino stood up and after looking around, it bowed the head.
- Aaalright! It’s settled, then! - the narrator spoke like that and the preparations started on stage.
Kino dropped into the bench:
- I was surprised! - it said looking at Sakura.
- Same comment - said Hermes.
- Welcome to our country!
After Sakura spoke with a smile, the play started.
The play explained the history of that country.
On the distant past, on a far off country, there was a group of people who were persecuted and chased away. They arrived at many other countries here and there, but none of them received them.
After wandering for a long time, they ended up getting lost inside a deep forest.
However, the forest blessings saved the life of the starving people. On that forest, where there was nobody who rejected them, they decided to create a new country and make it their permanent residence land.
Since that moment, an uncountable amount of time had passed.
- And then, I’m here now. I’m on the front of that stream - in the middle of the clapping hands, Sakura spoke in a murmur.
- Ms. traveler, by all means have lunch along with us.
There were so many people suggesting that, Kino and company were somewhat troubled. In the end, they took part on the party the members of the play were throwing.
During the barbecue on the park, when Kino asked for something to help with, it received the task of turning the charcoal. After Kino finished that in the blink of an eye, next time it worked as the person charge of the grill. Embarrassed, it put on the apron they offered and cooked skillfully ten skewers.
While Kino was working like that:
- Somehow, it looks like she’s having fun - Hermes muttered.
After the party, Kino and company looked around the park. Then, they went back to the gunsmith store.
The gunsmith raised his head and and stood up from his chair while speaking like that. He took “Cannon”, which was wrapped on a cloth on the top of a working table. He looked at Kino with blue eyes, surrounded by wrinkles. Then, with “Cannon” still on the cloth, he presented it with the grip pointing to the front.
- It’s a very good gun. I’ll be glad if you treasure it.
After Kino received it, it lifted the hammer and pulled the trigger many times, checking how it worked. That face changed slightly.
- I’m surprised… It’s even better than the time I got it.
- Is that so? - the gunsmith said curtly.
- Thank you very much. How much it would be?
The gunsmith sat on his chair, he looked at Kino and asked:
- Ms. traveler, you’re a good shooter, right?
- About that, I’d like to ask you something…
- In the past, there was a legendary shooter of a great skill, called “Teacher” by its former students. It was a traveler and while wandered here and there, it put its neck in many troubles. It was so talented that it was scowled at, and appreciated in many countries… it’s a story from long ago. If it’s still alive, I think it must be quite old already.
- Ms. traveler. Could it be that you know this person?
Kino glanced at “Cannon” and put it inside the holdster. Looking straight at the gunsmith’s face, it said:
- No, I don’t know about it.
The gunsmith smiled slowly.
- I understand. Thanks. The repairing is free of charge. Also… - he rotated the chair and turned back, it took a wooden box that was there and then, he presented it to Kino - I’d like for you to see this.
When Kino received the box and opened it, there was a single handgun.
The slender silhouette of an automatic 22mm caliber. It had a squared barrel with a weight attached below.
The safety equipment, the slide stop and the magazine catch too, were all on the right side, so it looked like it was intended to be used with the left hand. Inside the box, there was also a spare magazine and other parts, a silencer with a harmonica shape, a slide lock for the time when using the silencer, a cleaning kit, and also a holdster.
- It looks very good, it’s my first time seeing this type - after Kino spoke, the gunsmith nodded.
- It was called “Person of the woods” at the time it was born. It’s a characteristic 22mm caliber handgun.
- Ohh, it’s something expensive, isn’t it?
Kino said that, deeply impressed and by the time it was about to put it back in the box, the gunsmith said sighing.
- I’d like for you to use it, Ms. traveler. Please, accept it.
Kino was surprised and raised its head. The old man started explaining quietly.
- Long ago, I wore it on my waist, on the times I travelled. It saved my life many times. But it’s been decades without using it. I grew old and I don’t travel anymore…. this can still be used for a long time. It would be a waste if it crumbles to dust along with me. I want for it to travel like in the past.
- You’ll take it, won’t you?
- You’ll receive it, won’t you?
- … I understand. I’ll use it.
After Kino said that, a smile appeared on the gunsmith’s face.
The smile was a grin, like if he had just won a bet. He suddenly got up and let out a loud voice, like if he was about to explode:
- Aaalright! Well said! Come with me. I’ll show you some tips. I’ll also tamper the holdster and the grip. Come here!
He then, pulled Kino in a strong way, unexpected for an old person and took it towards a door with a signboard where it was written “Shooting Range”. On the front of the store, Sakura and Hermes were left behind dumbfounded.
- I’ll go contact the reception, to tell them we’ll arrive a little late.
Sakura said that and went to a nearby shop to borrow their phone. Kino and Hermes waited on a corner of the street. It became evening and the shapes of people in the street decreased in number.
- Honestly, I didn’t think he would make me shoot so much.
Kino said that, in its hands there was a bag with the wooden box. The gunsmith hadn’t released Kino until it shot three hundred times. In the mean time, he remodelled the holdster so it could be wore on the back of a belt. And in the end, when Kino and company left the store, he saw them off with a satisfied face.
- It’s ok. Here we were utterly bored.
Hermes spoke in a slightly harsh tone.
- I’m sorry I made you wait. But this time, it wasn’t my fault.
Kino raised the bag lightly.
- What should we do with this?
- Wouldn’t be ok if you used it? Since you received it.
- You can say that easily. What would Teacher say if she saw me wearing a 22mm caliber automatic?
- You wouldn’t be told anything. You would be shot.
- That’s if you were seen, right? It will be ok as long as you’re not seen.
Hermes said with a nonchalant air and Kino replied.
- You know, I always have the feeling we’re being watched by that person.
- You have my deepest sympathy… by the way, why did you say you didn’t know about her?
Hermes asked. Kino replied sincerely.
- I was told to reply like that by Teacher if I was asked someday…
- Ohh, I see. She was thinking on your safety, right Kino?
Hermes was impressed and Kino asked to nobody.
- What on earth did that person commit in the past?
- Ms. Kino, my mother said she would make the dinner slowly.
- Thank you. Then, should we go back?
By the time Kino was about to turn on Hermes’ engine:
- Wait a little, please - said Sakura - Ms. Kino, Mr. Hermes. Before that, there’s a place where I would like to take you. We can’t go at any other time. Is it impossible?
- No, I don’t mind. What about you, Hermes?
- It’s ok, what kind of place is it?
After Hermes asked, Sakura only replied:
- It’s a very wonderful place!
- It’s amazing. -How niiice.
The door opened and Kino and Hermes raised their voices in admiration at the same time. Kino and Hermes and also Sakura, were standing on the highest place on the walls. Following Sakura’s guide, they went to an operation shack on the walls, and stepped into a luggage elevator.
The sun that had just set was dying the sky in red. It was a strong red, and on some parts it was almost transparent.
In the distance, the line of raging peaks could be seen clearly. The sky started from there.
- Here it’s my favourite place, the one I think is the most beautiful. I used to think, “someday when a tourist comes, I’ll take him there by all means”, and you’re the first ones.
Kino said that and left Hermes on the side stand.
For a while, the two persons and the motorbike stood while glaring at the red sky.
- In the future, I want to inherit the hotel from my father and mother, and become a great hotel owner and tourist guide… I wonder if I’ll be able.
- You will. No, you’re already a great tourist guide. I had a lot of fun during these two days.
Kino said that with a smile.
- Same opinion! This wonderful Ms. guide matches this wonderful country, doesn't it? - Hermes said that elegantly and Sakura was surprised and said bashfully:
- Ehehe. Thank you, Ms. Kino and Mr. Hermes.
Kino sat down on the walls and looked up to Sakura.
Sakura started talking slowly while standing, facing at the setting sun.
- I want to know more and more things so I can become a better and better guide. I want for more and more travelers to visit this country where I was born, and then, to go back to their homes after creating wonderful memories they won’t forget in the entire life - then, the girl watched Kino with a smile free of any worries - to be able to help them like that, isn’t it lovely?
Kino looked up at Sakura while smiling and spoke, nodding slightly many times:
- Yes. It’s an amazing job.
And then once more, its eyes looked at the sky.
When they arrived to the hotel, Kino had dinner along with Sakura. Hermes was sleeping in the room. After a delicious meal, Sakura’s mother brought cake and tea. She asked if Sakura had caused any problems but:
- That’s unthinkable. Instead of problems, I received a very fun time.
Since Kino replied like that, Sakura smiled with a little pride.
- Hmm Ms. Kino. Are there bad or hard things when you travel?
Kino replied while nodding.
- There are, yes. Every now and then.
- Don’t you want to stop travelling, then?
Sakura asked that while glancing fixedly at Kino’s face, who was having tea.
- No, I’ll keep doing it despite that.
- Is that because that’s the thing you think you should be doing?
To Sakura’s question, Kino shook the head.
- It’s because that’s the thing I think I want to do - and it replied like that.
Sakura smiled with satisfaction and approached her mug cup to her mouth. She had two sips, and then asked as if to change the subject:
- Ms. Kino. During your travels, you didn’t happen to meet with a wonderful person, like someone who you were destined to be with?
Kino was a little surprised and immediately replied with a bitter face.
- No. Sadly, it never happened. But what happened many times is people running away from me because I swing my gun.
While the two of them were laughing, Sakura’s parents, who seemed to have finished their work already, approached to them. They sat near Sakura.
The mother opened her mouth.
- You know, Sakura. If you would like to, even you could go on a journey.
Sakura was surprised and looked at her parent’s faces.
- You could do as Ms. Kino, going here and there, seeing many different things and studying. Wouldn’t be nice if you can become a guide after doing that? While looking at Kino, we realized there's also that kind of training.
Sakura looked as if she was considering the options for a brief moment, but she shook her head immediately with a smile.
- No. I won't’ go anywhere. By studying here, I’ll become the best guide from here. That’s my dream. Also, here I have splendid examples to follow. Right? Dad, mom.
Both parents looked at each other for a moment.
- Yeah… that’s good too. If you ever worked even a little bit more, you would be putting too much effort and we would end up with nothing to do.
After the mother spoke like that, her daughter replied immediately.
Then, the family laughed happily.
Kino glared at that, almost if it was something happening in a different world.
The following day, in other words, the morning of the third day since Kino had entered the country. Kino didn’t wake up along with the dawn as always.
By the time the sun had already rose considerably, Hermes woke up by itself and was surprised to see Kino still on the bed. Then, he raised his voice and woke it up.
Kino immediately jumped from the bed after waking up. Then, watching the sun outside the window, it made a depressed expression.
Hermes asked, but Kino muttered with an expression like even itself didn’t understand it at all.
- It’s weird, right…? I wonder if my body has gone crazy.
- Ms. Kino. Very near from here, there’s a wedding. Would you like to come and see it?
After Kino finished eating a late breakfast, Sakura’s silhouette came wearing an apron and holding a plate, and asked that.
After Kino accepted, it went back to the room and took Hermes outside. Along with Sakura, they walked towards a religious construction that was nearby. It wasn’t a long distance so they walked pushing Hermes.
Towards the cheerful crowd, the groom and bride were standing, wearing clothes of composed colors.
Both of them were young. They were teens between fifteen and nineteen years old.
- They’re getting married pretty fast, aren’t they?
Hermes asked and Sakura replied:
- Normally, people get married when they're more than twenty years old. How unusual.
The groom and the bride went on a stage holding a big bag. From all the guests, only the women rushed in front of them. Sakura explained quickly.
- The couple will threw many little bags. Mixed between them, there are some with the seed of a tree. That’s the amount of children they want to have in the future. They say the person who meets tomorrow morning holding one of the seeds, will be the next person to become a happy bride.
Sakura spoke like that, while looking really eager to participate herself, so Kino said:
- Is it alright if I help you to search it too? Two people is better than one.
Both of them joined the women guests.
- Fiuuu - by the time Hermes complained being left behind, the groom and the bride shouted:
- “We’re thinking on having five children!”.
Then, they started throwing little bags. They threw them one after another, and the women guests standing with quite a bit of thirst of blood in their faces, they started to desperately gather the fallen bags. After opening them and checking there was nothing inside, they threw it near another person. As Sakura too, was searching while having bags being thrown at her, her hand was pulled by Kino. Then she was taken outside the crowd.
Inside the bag Kino gave her, there was one big seed.
- Waa! … but how could you find it so soon?
After Sakura asked surprised:
- From long ago the only good thing I have is luck.
Kino said as if it was nothing.
- … is it ok for me to keep it?
Kino replied to Sakura, who asked as if to confirm it.
- Of course. It probably isn’t enough to pay you back from your services as a guide, though.
Sakura said while shaking her head.
- It’s not like that! I’ve never picked one. I always wished to get one someday. Thank you very much, Ms. Kino!
Kino spoke to Sakura, who was embracing the bag with deep emotion.
When Kino and company returned to the hotel, there were some unarmed soldiers standing outside. After they saw Kino, they bowed when they were in front of them. One of them spoke:
- Ms. traveler. We’d like you to start getting ready to leave the country soon.
After thinking a little, Kino asked nonchalantly:
- Umm, couldn’t I stay here for one or two days more?
Surprised, Sakura looked up to Kino’s face and Hermes asked in a loud voice.
- Uwaaaa! Ki, Kino. What happened to you?
- Nothing, just somehow… don’t be that surprised!
Then, without changing his hard expression, the soldier said:
- … it’s a pity, but when you entered the country you said it was for three days. Those are the rules so… We’d like for you to start getting ready soon.
Not having any other choice, Kino started the preparations. It got fuel nearby and bought food rations. The middle age woman at the store had a sullen face, but when she was asked for the price, she gave everything for almost free.
After Kino asked surprised:
- Yes, if it’s for a traveler. In exchange, advertise my store to other travelers, alright? Telling them to be sure to buy here. That if they go to other stores, they’ll have bad luck on their journey.
The woman spoke like that and winked. She wasn’t very cute.
After they returned to the hotel, Kino gathered the luggage quietly. Sakura, her parents and the soldiers from before, were waiting in the reception of the hotel.
- If you go to the west, there’s a good spot to sleep in the open on the surroundings of the ridge. Since before that place, there’s the risk of falling rocks. And after that, the road descends steeply.
After Sakura’s dad spoke like that, the soldier too:
- Yes, that place is good. And after descending a little there’s a small marsh there. The scenery is very nice.
After saying that, he drew a simple map.
Sakura handed over two packages.
- It’s traditional food from our country. I cooked it with Sakura. You can eat the small one tonight, and then you leave the other for tomorrow breakfast, for example. They’ll last for a while.
Kino received it and then spoke facing all the people there.
- For everything you have done for me, I really thank you very much.
Then, it looked for a handshake with Sakura, and said, while shaking her small hand.
- Thank you. I could make very beautiful memories.
Sakura put a lot of strength in the shaking hand and said:
In front of the gates on the west side, there was a square, and there were Hermes loaded with the luggage and Kino wearing a coat. Before them, there were lots of residents, like the time they had arrived, but this time they were gathering to seeing them off.
Finally, Kino spoke in front of everyone.
- Everyone, thank you very much. I’ve visited many different places but it’s the first time I’m treated so gently, and the first time I see such an enjoyable country.
All the people there smiled. They started clapping their hands naturally. Sakura came directly to the front of the crowd with her little body and quickly bowed her small head respectfully.
- Ms. Kino and Mr. Hermes. Thank you very much for your stay. Next time, by all means, come along with a wonderful person for your honeymoon. I’ll guide you to the best room.
She talked pretending she was an adult, like if she was a great hotel owner.
To those words, the crowd bursted in shouts of joy.
While they were saying that, Sakura waved her little hand and Kino too, turned around with a smile.
Then, Kino crossed the internal gates while pushing Hermes. Not even once it looked back.
Then, by the time they reached the outside of the gates, Kino turned on Hermes’ engine. The soldiers went outside to see them off.
The soldiers said that, and Kino, facing everyone, took off the hat and made a small bow. Leaving the salutations behind, it made Hermes to go forward.
Until the motorbike disappeared in the distance, the soldiers didn’t drop their hands as they kept seeing them off.
- Kino? How odd, for you to wish to stay more than three days.
While they were running in the woods, Hermes asked Kino.
- Yes. Even I am quite surprised - Kino said that and shifted one gear. Then it followed - But maybe it was better this way. If we stayed more, maybe I would have wanted to stay for a longer time. And then, gradually I would never be able to leave that country.
- … such rare words. Those can’t be heard normally. Are they a herald of an extraordinary natural phenomenon?
Kino said while laughing lightly. Hermes talked in a little pensive tone.
- It was a nice country, wasn’t it?
- I enjoyed it very much.
After running for a while, Hermes said as if remembering:
- It was completely different from the rumours.
- I wonder why - to that Hermes’ question:
- Who knows. It bothered me a little at the beginning, but somewhere in the middle I stopped caring - Kino said that with a satisfied smile below the goggles. And then it added - if by chance, another traveler asked me, “what kind of country it was?”, I would tell them, “it was a very gentle and wonderful country where they treated me very politely”.
After running until the evening, they arrived to the ridge. It was the place Sakura’s father and the soldier had talked about. Kino decided to make a camp there.
It passed a rope between Hermes and a tree, and put a tarp to be prepared in case it rained. Below that, it spread a cloth and on top of it, a sleeping bag.
When it opened the small bundle it had received from Sakura, there was a lightly brown roasted mountain fowl. Kino ate it completely. It used boiled stagnant water from the marsh, to make some tea. Kino glared at the scenery on the east, while holding a cup.
A full moon was rising slowly from the mountain range, lighting up the woods slightly. There could be seen many artificial lights gathered on the distant surface. It was Sakura’s country.
Kino holded up slightly the cup and mimicked a toast.
After drinking the tea, Kino said, “I leave the rest to you”. Then, while wearing the jacket and with the boots on, it entered the sleeping bag below the tarp.
It was the time when the full moon reached its highest point. Kino woke up inside the sleeping bag, and just like that, it got up in a rush. Hermes asked:
- What is it, Kino? There’s nothing out of the ordinary. There are no animals nearby. The weather is also probably ok.
Kino crawled out from the sleeping bag. It stood up next to Hermes.
- Maybe it’s because you woke up late in the morning?
- No, it’s something else.
The expression on Kino while doing that assertion was stiff.
- There’s something, I have a very bad feeling… like as if I were chewing sand.
After saying that, Kino slowly took out “Cannon” from its holdster on the right thigh. As expected after seeing that, Hermes too, spoke with tense tone:
He asked shortly but, without replying, Kino watched out for the surroundings. Hermes too, somehow looked round.
On the sky there was a pale violet gradation towards the moon. On the distance the ranging black mountains could be seen. On the east, there were small lights on the surface, which would be some people staying up late on Sakura’s country.
Hermes spoke to a Kino whose face looked like the one of a rookie soldier ambushing the enemy:
- There’s nothing special. Aren’t you worrying too much?
On that instant, the ground vibrated a little. Then, a low sound reverberated.
From halfway of a tall mountain towering on the north side, some black lumps were heading up. Almost like cumulonimbus from the middle of the summer, that thing started swelling with a fast pace. The difference was the strong gray color below the moonlight, and the fact that they were being born from the face of the mountain.
After swelling to a certain degree, one after another, while collapsing from the edge they started to roll over.
While the low sound resounded, they went down at an intense speed like if they were licking the slope. From where Kino and company were looking, their direction was from the left to the right.
That gigantic fluid, ended up swallowing the small lights.
Kino shouted while aiming “Cannon’s” barrel. Hermes spoke in an undertone, muttering every word:
- If my memories are correct, that’s pyroclastic flow.
- Pyro.. what did you say?
Kino turned back and asked. With the rope and the tarp installed, he replied with the tone of a scholar.
- Pyroclastic flow. It’s a phenomenon when volcanic ashes and pumice stone are blown at high temperatures and they flow down by a mountain face. That’s a pyroclastic flow.
After saying that, Hermes remained silent.
The pyroclastic flow kept descending over the valley. While looking at the lights on the ground that couldn’t be seen anymore, Kino said:
- If I were to go there now, there would something I could do?
- No - Hermes replied without hesitation.
- The pyroclastic flow is near a thousand degrees centigrades. A thing like a person, in the blink of an eye is… the blood inside boils in an instant and it dies from the shock. They’re all dead. There’s no time to escape. That’s why, there’s nothing you can do, Kino. Even if you go, you’ll just die.
Hermes spoke calmly, to a Kino stroke by amazement.
In the middle of the reverberating low sound, Kino sat down.
After a while, the surroundings became quiet, and even later, when the valley field of vision became clear, the moon was inclined to the west, and the eastern sky was starting to get brighter. Kino had been sitting holding “Cannon” in its right hand all the time. Kino didn’t say anything and Hermes didn’t ask anything.
When dawn had passed completely, the colors came back to the sky and to the mosaic ground. Only the valley where the country had been, was covered in a single gray color.
Kino stood up. It put “Cannon” back to its holdster. Without words, it folded the tarp and gathered the cloth and the sleeping bag. It took out the big bundle which was inside the bag.
- After eating… let’s take off.
Kino said that, sat on Hermes and opened the bundle. There was bread and meat preserved in salt.
Kino ate all of it in silence. When it was about to fold the bundle, it realized there was an envelope together with another small bundle.
Kino took out a letter. There, the names of the recipients and the sender were written.
- … It’s a letter. For me and you. From Sakura’s mother.
Below Kino, Hermes replied shortly.
Under which had become a pretty bright sky, Kino started reading the letter.
“To Ms. Kino. To Mr. Hermes. To the last travelers who made us the favor of visiting our country.
By the time you read this letter, I think we won’t be in this world anymore. Our country and ourselves will be burned by the pyroclastic flow and we will remain buried below the ashes for sure.
It’s also possible that you could have seen that yourselves.
We came to know about the big eruption of that mountain around one month ago. According to the investigators researches we came to know that an unprecedented large scale pyroclastic flow would attack our country.
There were just two roads for us to take. Abandoning the country or not abandoning the country.
We decided our answer. To remain in this country.
For travelers like you, it’s possible this action might be seen as foolish. But we were born and raised here. We don’t know other places. We don’t know other ways of living. It could be there was never room for us to decide from the very beginning. But even if it was like that, we don’t think of it as something unhappy.
While feeling a kind of relief, we thought of living the remaining days giving our best. Without cursing our destiny, without feeling hatred, without feeling sad, we lived a full life.
But at that time, we were shocked. When we had disappeared from this world, the only people who would remember us, would be others, in other words, only travelers. I don’t know if you’re aware or not but, we always had an arrogant attitude towards the travelers who visited us until then. We were quite aware that we hurt their feelings by doing that.
We realized if we kept acting like that, we would end up remaining on other people’s memories as an ill-mannered country.
We decided in our hearts that if someone came to visit us, we would give them a warm reception as much as possible. We wished for the memories of this country, for the memories of us to remain as something wonderful.
Ironically, after we had decided that in our hearts, the travelers stopped coming altogether. Maybe it was a curse from our bad reputation until then.
The time flowed quietly. When there were only three days left, by the time we had already given up, Ms. Kino and Mr. Hermes, you two came.
As a representant of our country, I welcome you from the bottom of my heart.
Ps. I was struggling thinking if I should write it or not, But I’d like for you to know.
The ones who knew the truth were the citizens with the right to vote, people older than twelve years old. The next day after the eruption, in other words, the “today” from your perspective, is exactly Sakura’s twelfth birthday.
Ms. Kino. After seeing how well you got along with Sakura, we thought of giving that child to you by force if it was necessary. But last night, that girl said she would like to inherit the hotel and become a tourist guide for this country. If that was that girl’s dream, you might think of it as an extremely selfish act, but we will take this girl with us.
Thank you very much for reading this until the end.”
- I see. So that’s why. I understand it - Hermes said.
Kino kept holding the letter and thinking for a while.
Finally, with a low voice muttered as if it was groaning.
- It can be that. But, it’s already hopeless. One way or another, a journey of two people is impossible.
Kino folded the letter and put it back on the envelope.
It took the other small bundle. Inside, there was a single folded paper and a little bag. It was the bag Kino had found in the wedding and then given to Sakura. When it looked inside, the seed was still there.
Kino opened the paper in a rush, and started reading what it was written there.
“For Ms. Kino. Even if I”
Kino’s mouth stopped on that moment.
For a while, it opened its eyes wide and stiff, but after Hermes urged it to read, it read the rest all at once.
“Even if I keep this, it would be useless. It’s yours. Take care. Don’t forget about us.
Kino sighed and looked up to the sky. It did that for a while.
Finally, Kino put back slowly and carefully the bag and the letter inside the luggage.
At the same time, Kino took out the box it had received from the gunsmith. It put the holdster from the box on the back of its belt.
It packed the small bullets in the magazine. It put some in a pocket and one in “Person of the woods”. After it loaded it and activated the security lock, it put it inside the holdster.
The holdster that surrounded the barrel inside, “Person of the Woods” adorned Kino’s back, visible for the most of it from a single glance.
Hermes said. Kino smiled a little without saying anything.
Kino put the luggage on Hermes and tied it. It turned Herme’s engine on. Kino put on the coat. It put the hat and the goggles on the neck. By the time the sun started showing its shape slowly, the green, red and yellow from the woods, were brightening vividly. Kino narrowed its eyes and put the goggles on. The lens reflected the light and hid Kino’s expression.
- It was a good country, wasn’t it? - said Hermes.
- Yes, I enjoyed it a lot… I don’t have any complaint - Kino sat on Hermes and said - shall we go?
Kino looked back just once and looked at the quiet valley coloured in gray. It looked at the country sank below the ashes.
Then, it faced the front.
At last, the motorbike went away and soon that place became silent.