#ask hanako

[askjinthewindmaster]

The Kite Festival, Part 3: Secrets

Those gentle eyes look at him with nothing short of longing, if Jin were forced to name it. His heart aches in a way he doesn't understand. He feels like all he's done is hurt Hanako from the moment she set eyes on him, but he hasn't the faintest idea why that would be.

I know you...from somewhere else.

Jin blinks. But how? He nearly asks the question aloud, but Hanako's tortured plea steals his breath before he can make the words. Instead, his mouth opens only to close again. The winds around Hanako threaten to swallow him whole. He stands there, rooted to the spot unsure of what to do with himself.

The warm memory of Hanako's hand in his from earlier whispers against his skin, and with it the memory of her joy. He doesn't understand any of it, but right now, maybe he doesn't have to.

"Aye," he says finally through a small, sad smile. "Off with the doom 'n gloom, an' let's enjoy ourselves some kites. Together." At that final word, Jin doesn't bother asking permission to take Hanako's hand in his. He sits and pulls Hanako down with him into the circle formed by his legs, protecting her skirt from possible grass stains. A pain he knew enough of as someone stubbornly committed to wearing white. It couldn't be helped that it was his best color.

With their hands still clasped, Jin's left with his arm looped around Hanako's waist, which he hopes she doesn't mind. There's a part of him that feels as if he'd always done this, as if he'd always been here at Hanako's side in some way. It's impossible, he knows, but the impossible was starting to feel a lot less so the longer he spent time with the mystery of this girl.

Leaning back on his free arm to get a better view of the field before them, Jin graces his companion with one of his gentler smiles. "Thanks fer bringin' me here, Lily," he says, catching the endearment far too late. His dream. That dream. That's where he'd got it from.

Before he can say more, the field explodes in a deafening chorus of trumpeting, followed by the booming of fireworks and cheers, and then the teams are launching their kites into the skies.

@hanakothewaterlily

[hanakothewaterlily]

Hi, hanako 🙂💕, galaxy; melody; silk; rose; sun;

Hello, miyourameshi! Th-thank you for sending these asks! Let's see, from the soft asks... Galaxy - What Fascinates You? I...don't know if there i-is any one thing that fascinates me. I...love so many things. I love the way the water ripples when a stone falls into the pond...I love the s-sound of the leaves rustling in the wind...I love the warm feeling of the sun on the grass between my feet... I think I love to be in the outside world. Even the smallest creatures and plants are worthwhile. Melody - Favorite Artists? I'm...n-not very well versed on modern artists, b-but, I love the work of... Katsushika Hokusai, Matsumoto Hoji, a-and Chiho Aoshima...Th-they make very beautiful work...W-wait, were you referring to musical artists? Silk - What Outfit Makes You Feel Confident?

I...really enjoy getting to wear yukata. I don't have very many...pairs of clothes, so it...feels special to wear one and not be working.

Rose - Favorite Flower? This is...a difficult question. I grow many types of flowers in the garden when I can...So many are very beautiful... I suppose... I am most fond of cherry blossoms and lotuses. Sun - Favorite Season?

Spring, or summer...the ch-choice between the two is difficult! They are best for green things. Summer is also the season of my birth, according to Otosan.

[hanakothewaterlily]

“Hello Hanako!” A cheerful voice speaks from nearby, honey laced in her sweet tone. A young woman with long black hair and purple eyes stood nearby,, smiling at Hanako in an almost adoring fashion.

“My name is Tomoyo Daidouji! I’m a priestess and a friend of Jin’s. I know it is a tad strange but Jin speaks very fondly of you and… well..!” Tomoyo starts to rummage in her bag and suddenly pulls out a beautiful blue hand made dress. It was Hanakos’ size and everything!

“It is a hobby of mine to make outfits for others and once Jin showed me a picture of how adoreable you are I couldn’t help but make you a cute dress for you!” As Tomoyo walks towards Hanako sparkles appear in her eyes as she continues to gush.

“I made Jin an outfit as well and he said it may make you happy to have a cute one as well!” Stopping about 4 feet away Tomoyo held out the dress.

“I would absolutely love it if you tried it on. You and Jin are both so cute you’re a designers dream! ✨✨”

She swivels around to meet Tomoyo, her hair following her like an afterthought as its ends float gracefully above the ground, never quite touching it. Hanako folds her hands, tilting her head curiously as she observes this kind stranger. The woman speaks with cherubic enthusiasm, leaving the nymph little time to process each thought as it comes. When Tomoyo pulls an entire dress out of her bag, she gasps, hands hovering over her mouth to muffle its sound. A dress, for her? From a stranger? Hanako's tourmaline orbs tilt back to the priestess, and her hands lower, revealing slightly parted cherry blossom lips. A curious breeze tickles her feet, branches of a faraway tree swaying contentedly. "I...o-oh my, M-miss Tomoyo, I...h-hardly know where to begin," She starts meekly, mind reeling as she gently runs an index finger over her lower lip, examining the woman, examining the dress. This priestess spoke of Jin, that she made him something as well...and-

...That he had shared a picture of her? Hanako freezes, a blush forming across her cheeks. She can only think of one picture she's sent Jin- Shaking her head rapidly, she persuades herself that, no, there must have been another one, one more appropriate to show a stranger, that she's simply forgotten she sent him. Yes, that would have to be the explanation. Certainly there was no chance that he would have- Wait...did she say that Jin spoke fondly of me? The roses on her cheeks bloom further. Hanako's eyes briefly dart to the ground. It is...hard to believe. But she wants it to be true. Gathering herself, Hanako gently smiles to Tomoyo, obligingly reaching for the gown. She gingerly lifts it from the priestess's hands and draws it towards herself. Her fingers run over the folds of the fabric. It has been a long time since she's touched cloth as lovely as this, and with but half a dozen outfits to her name, another dress felt like an impossible luxury. "It's...this is beautiful, Miss Tomoyo. Th-thank you......ah-" Cheeks still pink, Hanako awkwardly looks around her, and then to Tomoyo with a sheepish bow. "P-please, one moment..." Rising, Hanako closes her eyes and inhales slowly and deeply through her nose. When she exhales, a dome of water lifts around her, rising from the ground and upwards, meeting a foot above the crown of her head. It glistens in pastels, and with a shimmer, the water clouds over, obscuring all but her faint silhouette beneath. In the water's reflection, a faraway place is visible - a tranquil lake surrounded by forest, glimmering sunshine reflected on its surface. Birds dart across it, diving just above the lily pads and the speckles of blossoms among them. A cherry blossom tree sways at the top of small hill overlooking this bounty, teeming with life, pulsing with quiet radiance. The dome recedes slowly, and when Hanako next appears, she stands demurely, wearing Tomoyo's handmade dress. She pivots one foot, one hand fiddling with the ends of the bow near her collar, the other pulling the skirt fabric out to note its features with admiration. Her lips curl into a wider smile, radiating delight despite herself. The blossoms on the tree bloom, sunshine peeking through the leaves. Misting sea green orbs return to Tomoyo. One hand folds over her heart as she speaks, "Thank you, truly, M-Miss Tomoyo... This dress is...so lovingly crafted, I...It is so wonderful to wear. I adore it. I-I-Is there n-not something I can do to r-repay you for this kindness...?"

[hanakothewaterlily]

The Minka

They walk side by side on the dirt road for what seems like a while. Perhaps it is half an hour, perhaps only ten minutes, but the road elongates before them in that silence punctured only by loud birds in the canopy and frogs croaking in a bog hidden to their left. Dirt kicks up by their shoes, dusty and drying. This land was due for a spell of rain. Mercifully, heaving and dark clouds on the horizon rumbled with contractions, anticipations of the impending delivery of water, lifeblood to the earth. Hanako sends a gentle smile to Váli as she consoles her. Her gaze is grateful, but pained. It’s hard for her to lie to her, though she might desire it so as not to worry her faithful friend. She reaches for Váli, arm crossing over herself, fingers clasping over her own gently clenched around the fabric of her sleeve. Tourmaline meets Coraline, glistening together in shared exhaustion and shared hope. Not much further now, thankfully. “I…m-must admit…it has been…difficult, to see everyone this way,” She speaks softly, turning to the right down a smaller road that narrows up a gradual hill, “I had…I had hoped that, someone, a-a-anyone…might recognize me…but…” Hanako’s voice trails into silence, the answer in and of itself. Before falling into further melancholy, Hanako rallies and squeezes Váli’s hand gratefully. “But you did. You recognized me…and I am so happy you did.” Her hands hover away to brush aside some overgrown branches on the rapidly narrowing path, pushing them gently so that she and her friend might dip under their reach. A few feet in, they clear, and standing before them atop a slight hill is the promised Minka. The tall triangle of its roof sweeps up into the sky at one angle, then descends sharply on the other side. Its steep roof is covered in a patchy layer of thatch that has seen one too many storms to remain intact, but with summer on the horizon, materials will soon be in abundant supply for its repair. The grounds, once kept neatly trimmed and organized, stretched with unruly vines, weeds, and plants. In their own wild way, they are beautiful, bearing tangled clusters of flowers in a myriad of hues. Trees hang with overbearing poise around the gardens, cloaking it in blessed shade. The wind rustles through their leaves and the forest around them sways contentedly. Before it was forgotten, this Minka and its grounds were likely a thing of beauty: the oasis for a family of farmers and their modest flock. Soft memories coat its walls, whispering with gentle hum. Hanako floats up the faded path towards the wide entrance to the Minka, shaded by a long and large overhang of roof. The doors to its main room are of simple bamboo, wooden slats with patterned holes and rice paper weathered and torn with age. It’s archaic, but possesses the hints of wabi-sabi that give that which is worn and humble a great dignity. She turns around while still marked by the sunshine, hands lacing behind her back sheepishly. “It, isn’t much, b-but…the roof…does not leak in the rain…most of the time…- th-there is a w-water pump for the bath, a-and a well for.. cooking and cleaning n-nearby…” She twirls a lock of pink hair in her finger absentmindedly, “I…purified it, so it sh-should be safe to u-use the well for drinking water…” Her lips purse, “It has…several rooms… I s-still only have one futon, b-but you may use it... I do not mind…s-sleeping in the bath…” Hanako holds herself gently, glancing away, “I have felt…very t-tired lately…a-and soaking overnight has helped me.” @freezingclawsofasgard

[hanakothewaterlily]

How many languages do you speak?

Ah, I speak a few different languages, a-actually! Well...more like...dialects? I speak Japanese fluently...but I also speak a few nymph dialects now. I can speak Dryadii reasonably well, and my Nereidii is getting better, but there are quite a few of them and sometimes I mix them up. Nymph languages are different in that...they aren't just verbal words. They often contain...pictures, memory, emotion? It is hard to describe. I am hoping to learn English properly one day, a-as it will make traveling easier!

[hanakothewaterlily]

For the Soft Asks: 1, 8, 9, 10, 12, 23, 26 <3

1.) My favorite constellation is Libra! 8.) I love them both, but I am partial to puppies. They love the water, and are so loyal and sweet...! 9.) My...favorite holiday? Hmm, I...I love so many holidays, really. It's a chance to stop and enjoy life with your loved ones. I enjoy Hina Matsuri very much - we get many visitors to the Temple with their young daughters, and the dolls are very pretty! I think Golden Week has become one of my favorites as well... It is a very busy time for the Temple! It contains four different holidays in the span of a week! Showa No hi, Kenpo Kinenbi, Midori no hi, and Kodomi no hi. Although it can be exhausting, I love seeing the joy on people's faces, the gifts they exchange, and the love they share throughout the whole week! 10.) You know that I love both equally! They each have their...time, so to say! The day is wonderful for adventure and activity, and the night is wonderful for rest and contemplation. Although...sometimes the night has its own activities as well! 12.) This is difficult for me, too... Both museums and carnivals have their own merits. I admit, I believe I find myself at more carnivals than museums, but if I was to go alone, it would likely be to a museum or an aquarium. They are wonderful learning experiences! Humans have such fascinating ways of preserving their knowledge and their history. 23.) You know I do not wear a perfume, Váli... I am rather sensitive to strong synthetic scents. I seem to have a natural odor that shifts from time to time, so I am told. Sometimes it is cherry blossoms, sometimes it smells like a river or freshly fallen rain, and then sometimes it has the richness of lotus...or a combination of those. 26.) My favorite word? I'm...not sure how to choose. My favorite words are the names of my friends and loved ones, though...I'm not certain if that counts.

[hanakothewaterlily]

Hmmm...a yokai. At least it's what he sensed once he was near her. A yokai on the beach..if he wasn't here himself, he'd never believe it himself. Just coming back into ningenkai a few years back, and this is the first yokai he's come across other than Kurama or Hiei. "Never thought I'd meet another one of us out here again, figured you'd be enjoyin' yer time in Makai."

"Hm? A yokai? Me?" She turns slowly, hair trailing as an afterthought behind her graceful movements. Bewilderment writ on her face, Hanako blinks, pink lashes falling over eyes of tourmaline that absorb his form. It takes a moment for recognition to settle in. "Oh! Yusuke? Yusuke Urameshi?" A gentle smile curves over glossy lips, and with a hum, she folds her hands and bows with formality. "I am...Hanako Shimizu. A pleasure to meet you here, again," She rises like a swelling tide, and a sparrow chirps in distant branches, "A yokai..." The words form careful on her lips, foreign and strange, "Well...not exactly." A vision of a generous pond flanked by flora and one domineering cherry blossom tree springs forth, complete with sounds of running water, whistling winds, and chirping fauna. Lily pads litter the surface of the water, with water lilies scattered like spilt jewels among them. Is it an illusion writ by the sun and waves? Oddly tangible, if so. "I am...what you might call a...spirit, in part... I have form, but I am the spirit of a place...and a time." Hanako stands quietly, as if waiting expectantly for the examination that would verify her truth. Here on the beach, she stands in a faded two piece bathing suit dusted in sea greens, the top a strapless bandeau, a brazillian bottom, and a translucent sarong providing additional modesty for her lower half. Her head tilts, one finger curiously tapping her chin as she scans Yusuke from top to bottom. Then, with a playful glint, she makes her own inquiry. "And...what would you call yourself, Yusuke? You said...one of us, but something about you is not yokai, I believe..."

[hanakothewaterlily]

"Hanakooo! I picked a few asks for ya!

badzt-maru: favorite place you've traveled to?

pompompurin: how tall are you? do you wish you were any taller or shorter?

kuromi: if you could have any hair color, what color would you choose?

Hello, Sota! It's lovely to hear from you! Thank you for the Sanrio asks! Now, let's see... Badzt-Maru: Favorite Place You've Traveled To? Oh my, this is very difficult! I've loved so many places I've travelled because I got to travel with the ones I've loved. The yearly trip to Hamamatsu with my family has always been a highlight, as well as that special time I went to Bergen with Jin, Váli, and Kurama... I will never forget that trip. Pompompurin: How Tall Are you? Do You Wish You Were Any Taller or Shorter? I'm about 172cm (or 5'8"). Sometimes I wish I was shorter, since my height as a woman makes it difficult to blend into a crowd of humans...w-well, not that my hair and eye color are helpful, either. I get a lot of...stares. Some of them aren't so nice... Maybe if I was shorter, I wouldn't get as much attention? Kuromi: If You Could Have Any Hair Color, What Color Would You Choose? It's...it's hard for me to imagine my hair as anything but pink. If I could try a hair color for a day or two and be able to change back, I would like to try having black hair and brown eyes, just for a little while. I want to see what it would be like to walk around the human world and blend in a little bit better...