Tower of Wishes - Chapter 1: Graduation

"Can you show me how it goes again?" Haku spoke in his usual bright voice, holding a white dandelion and showing it to a woman in front of him. She sat by the shade of a large cherry blossom tree, her face blocked by her long white hair, the same hair he shares.

The woman giggled in a soft and delicate voice. "You want to listen to it again?"

“Of course!” Haku sat by her, staring with puppy dog eyes. “Please?”

A moment passed as she picked the young boy up, laying his head on the base of her lap. "Alright, but only a hum, okay?"

The woman placed her palm on the top of Haku’s head, stroking it lightly. Her graceful voice began to hum a familiar tune, one that accompanied the clear skies and spring breeze. A sense of nostalgia washed over him, tingling his skin with the fuzzy memories. It was as beautiful as the cherry blossoms falling above them, as gentle as the morning light, she was everything he could ever ask for and nothing more. His only wish would be that this moment would last forever.

"Haku.” The boy looked up at her, the wind blowing her hair away to reveal her face. Yet only her delicate smile was visible amidst the flowing cherry blossoms that covered the rest of her face. "Please, wake up."

A strong gasp erupted out of Haku, sweat dripping from his face and body. The wooden ceiling was the only thing he could see on the soft tatami floor he fell asleep on. He stayed lying on the bed as he breathed heavily, trying to keep himself grounded in reality. After a while, he raised his body from the futon bed, covering his eyes with his hands as sunlight rayed into his face from the window.

"Goddess’ mercy… That dream again?" he said, letting out a breathy sigh. “I can’t seem to shake it off when I get it. It’s as if I’ve experienced it before.”

Haku reminisced on the past few years, it started when he took his first steps into the Academy that he felt strange occurrences coming to him. It troubled him every time he closed his eyes, fearing that it would happen yet again. Haku shook his head and slouched over to a more comfortable position. “Oh well... I shouldn’t make it a big deal, honestly. Otherwise, I’ll look like a lunatic again,” he let his eyes wander his room, his eyes feeling heavy again. What I should do is get up and get dressed, I have a nagging feeling I’m forgetting something. What was I going to do again?

He looked around the room with nothing better to do, books and paper scattered on the tatami floor beside a wooden shelf decorated with miniature models of strange creatures known as yokai. The walls are lined with painted scrolls, one depicting an enormous tower atop a mountain with a town encircling it. Beside it is a stand that houses his neatly organized uniform: a gray vest matching the color of his leggings, a brown buttoned coat, and his trusty cap.

Haku examined each item briefly but stopped as he stared into the uniform along with the bright sunlight that had been laid onto it. The uniform was used by all who partake in the Academy of Climbers, those who put their lives on the line to pursue the Goddess’ ultimate challenge. He has been a Junior Climber for many years, but it’s only about time that he could graduate and become a full-fledged Climber. He’s been waiting for that day since the first time he joined. Graduation day… When was it again? Haku stared at the uniform for a few more seconds before noticing the red envelope on one of its pockets. It was a letter he received last month, detailing an important event that will transpire at the beginning of spring. Haku recalled reading the letter before, trying to piece it in his mind. His hand moved and accidentally picked up a small piece of paper beside his bed. It seems to be an advert for the grand sweet festival held every year to commemorate the graduation ceremony, the date was also listed on the bottom of the advert.

“The unveiling of the sweet festival is… tomorrow.” It was then that Haku remembered what he was forgetting, he smacked himself on the back of the head and knocked out the last bit of drowsiness left in his head. "Today is graduation day!"

Haku jumped out of bed swiftly while trying to pull out his current clothes, unknowingly stepping onto a book beside his bed. He staggered and slipped, the wooden walls shaking as he dropped onto the soft tatami mat and caused a few of his figurines to drop from the shelf. Despite his dazed head, he instantly picked himself back up and began tugging on his uniform. He slipped the vest over his white shirt and put on his cap, running towards the door before he could get his coat over his shoulder. After he hurriedly put on his uniform, he made his way out of his house and felt the cold mountain air breeze past him. He puts on his wooden sandals and firmly attaches them to his feet before running out into town, passing the many houses nearby his lodgings towards the center of town, where a large tower sits at the very top of the mountain Haku resides in.

The cold yet colorful village caught the attention of Haku as he paced through its calm streets. Although he wasn’t interested in the identical homes that are barely holding themselves or the messy placements of building materials on the ground. Instead, he had his eyes on the many boys and girls his age working in dedicated buildings and stalls that beckon the residents to come see what they have to offer. They range from selling sweets and sewing clothes to forging weapons and crafting jewelry. But today is a quiet day for the shop owners; it is graduation day, after all. He continued to look and seem distraught from what he was seeing, none of them are from the academy.

After a while of walking, he stopped by an old jewelry store to think, his heart getting heavy. If no one is here, then they may still be in the center. But, would that mean that everyone else has already graduated? A sigh escaped Haku’s mouth as he stood there in distress and worry. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a door creaking beside him, something peeking from inside.

“What’s wrong, mister?” A soft voice came from the doorway where a girl much younger than him was standing. Her hands were clutching the sides of the door and her head was peeking from the inside, revealing her ash gray hair held together by a large orange bowtie half the size of her head. She looked at Haku shyly yet curiously, expecting him to answer.

“Oh! H-Hello there, little girl,” Haku waved his hand reassuringly as if nothing was wrong. “It’s nothing much, really. I’m just late for some event.”

“You mean the graduation ceremony?” said the girl, calmly.

Surprised to hear that so nonchalantly, Haku questioned the girl further. “Y-You noticed?”

“It’s your appearance,” she pointed at his clothes. “My brother goes to the academy as well, he wears the same clothes every time he goes out.”

Haku breathes out a sigh of relief, knowing another one of his colleagues may be around. Though he’d need to find out whether or not he was a Junior Climber like him or a high-ranking veteran. “Is he home? I was wondering if I could ask him a few questions if you don’t mind.”

“Ask him something? I don’t mind, but…” She shook her head sadly. “My brother isn’t home yet.”

Haku cursed silently, disappointed to hear he was not around but just forced a smile for the little girl. “That’s unfortunate, but it’ll be alright. I hope he comes home soon, it’s sort of irresponsible to leave you all alone like that, let alone a whole store in your hands.”

“I can take care of the store myself, but I just wish he wasn’t always so busy with that big tower. He even promised to come home as soon as he was done with the graduation, but it’s been 8 hours.”

“Well, I’m sure he’ll come back as soon as–” Haku stopped himself as if he didn’t hear that correctly. “Wait, graduation? You mean, the graduation for the academy?”

She shrugged. “I guess so, he went there with his friends who were using the same uniform. I wanted to watch but he told me to stay and watch the store. But it’s not like anyone comes here anyway. We only sell stupid rocks and–” As she spoke up, she began to cough a bit, sniffling her nose.

Haku steps forward up and kneels down, placing a hand on her soft head. “If I see your brother anywhere, I’ll be sure to remind him to come home as soon as he gets here. You should probably get some rest before he gets worried about you, I’m sure your brother would like that.”

She shyly nods, smiling a little. “His name is Ryu Sugiyama, he is a bit chubby from all the food he eats, and um… he has the same hair color as me.”

Haku nodded as pulled out a wooden stick from his pockets, flicking a lever to extend a brush from the bottom end of the rod already dripped in ink. He made note of all the details in his handscroll before putting away his equipment and looking back at the girl. “Right, I’ll be sure to find him when I do.”

After waving goodbye to her, Haku began to sprint down the streets and pass the alleyways, almost bumping into boxes and people as he jumped over holes, slid under crevices, and vaulted over fences on his way to the academy. After turning a few corners and passing through the main street, he stopped by a large red gate leading to the sacred forest separating the outskirts of town from the center. The tower can be seen closer than before past the leaves of the cherry blossom trees. Haku couldn't catch his breath for too long as he began to walk along the dirt path through the wooded lands on his way to the center of town.

Unlike the residential area that Haku lives in, the forest is more refreshing and clean. No buildings are in sight aside from pathways, bridges, and gates which all seamlessly blend in with the environment and are made from natural materials. The trees crinkle to life as Haku felt the cold air brushing against his skin. Green leaves and pink cherry blossom petals hover down his path and a few on his hat, indicating the coming of spring, the time the graduation takes place. Not all the leaves were cherry blossoms though, as it had only just started. But if Haku waits any longer, they might as well be. Moments passed with the wind starting to calm as he heard the sound of running water in the distance, it was not long until he saw a red wooden bridge over a shallow river connecting to the other side of the land. Upstream was the source of the water, a constantly flowing waterfall with a torii gate at the top, overgrown with moss and stripped from its paint. The calm sound of the water onto the mossy stone gives a relaxing and divine feeling on Haku that washes away any worries.

Haku walked up to the bridge and stopped in the middle, turning to face the waterfall. He bowed deeply before clapping his hands twice then pressing them both together as he closed his eyes and began to pray. “Goddess of the tower, grant me the opportunity to tackle your challenges and partake at the ceremony. My devotion to you is unparalleled along with all who walk the benevolent path towards your arms. I beg of you, let me join them in the climb to the top and accept your gracious gift that has blessed humanity under your reign.”

As silence washed over Haku in his prayer, only accompanied by the sound of the trees and water, he could hear a voice calling out to him as he prayed to the Goddess. The voice spoke to him in a brash and deep tone.

“Move over,” the voice said as if insulted by his prayer.

Surprised by the sudden divine intervention, he bowed deeper with his eyes still closed. “M-My apologies, oh great Goddess! I did not wish to offend you in any way. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“Move over, idiot,” the voice continued in a more commanding voice.

His heart clenched, causing him to go in a sitting position where he placed both his hands on the base of the bridge and crashed his forehead on the ground making a loud cracking noise. “I apologize for one million-- no, one billion-- even a trillion times! Please, just forgive this insignificant life.”

“Hey! I said move over! Don’t make me do it myself.”

“My sins have all been so grave… in that case,” Haku, with teary eyes, pulled out the knife from the back of his belt and aimed it at his stomach. “Let me do the honors to commit honorable seppuku in your name. I, Haku Nozomu, will offer my life to you!”

As Haku took a deep breath, ready to plunge the knife into his body, he felt something hard impacting his side. Surely enough he was thrown off balance, knife out of his hand and body tumbling to the ground of the bridge. Haku felt his side sting, rubbing it lightly as he opened his eyes to see what just happened.

“Damn brat,” the same voice spoke, coming from the bridge he was on. There he saw a pair of yellow eyes giving an icy stare at him coming from a spiky-haired boy in front of him. His leg was angled up after kicking Haku out of the way, glaring at him on the ground. “I told you to move, didn’t I? Look where it got you.”

Haku felt quite embarrassed from what had happened and pained from how the boy just kicked him. He noticed he wasn’t wearing a uniform like anyone from the academy, or much clothing at all for the matter. He only wore dark shorts, a gray coat, and a black scarf for clothes; all tattered and barely holding together. His lack of garments revealed several large scars stretching out from his stomach to his chest. Some parts, like his arms and legs, are wrapped in bandages as well. But most curiously, strapped onto his head was a black horned mask with red pointed teeth, resembling that of a demon.

“Are you just going to sit there or something?” The boy asked in a loud and intimidating voice. “Piss off, unless you want me to give it to your face this time.”

Haku quickly shuffled himself up and stood aside, keeping himself a safe distance from getting sacked. “R-Right away! I am so sorry for all that, please just forget about what happened.”

The boy squinted his eyes at him before shrugging to himself and walking along the bridge. “Yeah, whatever.”

The boy walked along the bridge, his wooden sandals clacking with the wood with each step. It was when he passed the middle section of the bridge did Haku notice something strange, suddenly grabbing his shoulder as he passed by him. “Wait just one moment!”

The boy, clearly about to lose it, leaned back as he faced Haku, his body still facing forward. “What is it now?”

“Um, well,” Haku stammered a bit as he saw his eyes staring daggers at him. “It just seems like you forgot to pray to the Goddess’ bridge is all. I might as well remind you to do that while I’m still here.”

“Who--”

“The Goddess' bridge. Don’t you know? This represents how our Goddess came to our land with the gift of life.”

“--gives a crap,” the boy brushed his hand away. “I’m busy.”

Haku felt a bit insulted by what the boy just did, keeping himself in front of the boy to keep him from going forward. “I understand what you have places to be, but to stand on sacred ground and not pay your respects is highly disrespectful.”

“What part of ‘I am busy’ do you not understand?”

“A few seconds is all it takes, or else misfortune would surely be on your path. She was the one to bless us with water, right?”

A vein could be seen popping out of the boy’s forehead, he seemed like he was about to burst. But instead of throwing a tantrum, he simply sighed and looked dead into Haku’s eyes. “The water, huh.”

“Y-Yeah, she was the one to–” Haku spoke, but stopped abruptly when he felt a hand clutching tightly to his shoulder

“If you love the water so much...” the boy, without warning, dragged Haku to the railing of the bridge, “then why don’t you go for a swim!”

Haku flew off his feet and over the railings as he fell into the river below, causing a huge splash to erupt from his crash. Haku felt the ice-cold water freezing his body, the rocky bottom crashing onto his back and causing him to gasp, letting more water into his mouth and nose. He raised his head from the bottom of the water, coughing the fluids out of his nostrils and throat. Looking up at the boy, he could see him staring with no remorse or regret whatsoever, his eyes narrowed and resolute.

“I mean it when I say it. I don’t care or will care about those stupid fantasies,” the boy proclaimed, turning away from Haku dismissively. “Don’t get in my way next time, unless you want me to take you to the Goddess myself.”

“You j-jerk, wait up!” Haku stammered as he coughed out more water. Before Haku could retaliate, he’s already far ahead, leaving him to his new bed. A sigh escaped his mouth, developing into a sneeze as the cold windy air caused a chill to run down his whole body. Dear me… I better get out before I catch a cold.

Water dripped down Haku’s clothes as he stood up, scrambling to grab the cap that was drifting away from him. After squeezing the fluids out of his cap and putting its wrinkly form on his head, he quickly went out of the river to dry himself off. Haku had difficulty shaking off the water, it seems like it’ll be hard for him to even walk when he’s being weighed down by his soaked clothes. “To push someone you just met into a sacred river. Unbelievable. Whoever that is, I’ll make sure he gets a piece of my mind the next I lay my eyes on him,” he grumbled to himself as he tried his best to dry his clothes.

After his clothes were dry enough for him to walk comfortably, he started walking the path up the center of town, still damp with water. Not long after the bridge, Haku could see the trees getting sparser as he approaches a red torii gate leading to the center of town. Past the gate, he could see the center of town, known for its overabundance of buildings hanging by the side of the mountain and held together by wooden scaffolding. And at the peak of the mountain, the giant spire is visible towering above them. It was so tall that he couldn’t even see the top without being shrouded with clouds. Rumors say that the peak of the tower pierces the sky itself and reaches heaven. A sense of nervousness washed over Haku the more he watched, but he had nowhere to go but up. Swallowing his fears, he walked to the center of town in hopes of answers.

Haku squeezed his way through the street vendors and crowds of people. The center of town wasn’t as big as the outer layers, but it certainly is the most packed out of all of them. Each construction is built close to the other, some are even stacked on top of one another. Those on flat ground are lucky enough to stand as most of the other buildings are built onto scaffolding against the slope of the mountain and next to the spiraling pathway. And at the top resides the academy, encircling the tower near the peak. What’s different here, however, were the people using the same uniform as he does and the girls who were wearing red and white kimonos. They were his fellow Climbers, the ones who were willing to put their life on the line to climb up the tower, and the sight of them made Haku wary.

“Judging by their sweaty faces and freshly wrapped bandages, it’s highly likely that they already went through the ceremony. My chances of getting in are suddenly slim…” Haku sighed. “I guess I better ask one of the graduates to see if it’s still open.”

He gazed at the recent graduates for someone that is not preoccupied. His eyes landed on a pair of girls that were chatting together and sharing results. I don’t think they would mind a few questions, he steeled himself and began approaching the duo.

“Honestly, it was quite a surprise that we managed to do a flawless run on that ceremony; in record time, too!” The girl with long red hair formed into a ponytail chatted to the other who had their back facing Haku. They don’t seem to notice his presence.

Haku silently cleared his throat and raised his hand at them. “E-Excuse me,” he spoke flusteredly. “Do you, um, have a moment?”

The red-headed girl turned her gaze to the approaching boy, tapping her friend’s shoulder and pointing at him. “There’s a guy behind you who wants our help, Kyoko. Look.”

“… Really?”

Slowly, the other girl began to turn their gaze towards Haku. But the sight that was shown to him made him shudder in fear. Her face was obscured by a traditional fox mask clad in crimson red that dripped down to her uniform. Her hands clutched onto a multitude of sharp knives drenched in the same color. Haku began to panic, her expressionless gaze that transfixed to his trembling eyes gave him a single message that echoed in his mind. I’m next.

The next thing he knew, he was running away while screaming his lungs out without looking back at the sight that tainted his poor eyes. The girl herself watched as he ran as far as he could from her, tilting her head puzzledly. “… Did I scare him?”

The red-headed girl awkwardly laughed. “M-Maybe he just doesn’t like pomegranates. Let’s get you cleaned up now, shall we?”

“… Okay.”

After a while of running around and bumping into a few of his folks, Haku slowed down to catch his breath next to a lone sweet shop by the gate that he passed through from the forest. There weren’t a lot of people around, giving him room to breathe as he sat down on a bamboo bench beside the old shop. What in the name of the Goddess was that about? Was it just me or was that girl dripping head to toe in b-blood? It can’t be just my imagination, that has to be!

Haku took a deep breath and let it all out. In and out, in and out. The spring breeze helped calm him down that he could clear his mind and look back at his journey. First was a jerk who threw me off the sacred river, second was a psycho girl dripping in blood, now I don’t even know if the ceremony is still being held and I’m wasting my time resting by an old sweet shop, he glanced back at the gate he came through, feeling conceded. “I’m tempted to just go back home at this point. I’ve endured enough.”

“Excuse me… is everything okay?”

Haku heard a soft voice next to him. He looked to see a female Climber right beside him on the same bench he’s sitting on, gazing at him with worry. She had long orange hair with two ponytails at the side held together by decorative bells. Haku took a moment to process before responding rather bashfully. “Ah! It’s nothing to worry about. I was just caught up with something, that’s all.”

The girl didn’t seem to let up, however, and continued to worry for him. “I’m sorry if I seem like I’m prying; you were rather deep in thought when you sat there, staring into space without realizing your surroundings, and then you whispered something about wanting to go home. I couldn’t ignore it, I just needed to make sure.”

He was very surprised to see someone so concerned for his wellbeing that he nearly mistook her for being someone else. Someone from a distant memory, perhaps. Nevertheless, Haku smiled reassuringly and gently waved his hand. “Thank you for your concern, but I think I’ll be okay. You don’t need to be so worried.”

She was reluctant at first but smiled anyway. “Well, if you ever need anything, you can always ask me.”

Haku realized something when he sat there by the girl. All this time, he was trying to find some information on whether or not the ceremony was still open or not. But a person who enrolled in the academy was right there next to him, and one who is willingly offering their help. However, she seemed different from the ones in the town center. For one, she didn’t seem exhausted like the others, and no bandages were wrapped around her body. Another fact he realized was that, despite her smile, her eyes didn’t quite reflect the same emotion as if something was bothering her. A part of me thinks she’s in a similar position as I am, but I can’t just fully admit that I’m late for the most important day in a Junior Climber’s career.

“So, what brings you here in this old sweet shop, anyway? Shouldn’t you be at the center where everyone else was?” Haku tried to bring up a conversation.

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“You know, with the ceremony that’s been going on.”

“Oh, well…” the girl seemed conflicted as she was questioned by him. “I’m just… resting. Yes, resting here after the ceremony.”

The answer she gave was very half-hearted Haku noticed, her eyes averting to the ground almost instinctively. “Something’s bothering you, I feel. Is everything okay?”

Her gaze shifted again, turning away from him. “It’s nothing, please don’t worry about it. You’re probably in a precarious situation yourself.”

Yet another half-hearted answer, Haku thought, feeling more concerned for the girl next to him. Both of us have secrets we want to preserve, yet keeping them within us will only feel suffocating in the end. I think I should do something to lighten the mood.

The girl watched as Haku rose from his seat, water dripping down from his clothes that she hadn’t realized before. He walked over to the counter of the old sweet shop, an older boy was slouching in the back. She saw him pulling up a handful of coins and placing it on the surface. Not long after, he returned to his seat with two sticks of dango in each hand.

“Here,” Haku offered one of the dangos to her. “I had a feeling you must be a little hungry after the ceremony. So here’s one for you, my treat.”

“H-Huh?” She was flustered, unsure if she should take it. “You don’t have to. I don’t think I deserve it, honestly.”

“I insist. I already bought it for you anyway, might as well just enjoy it, right?”

“I… suppose,” the female Climber reluctantly took the dango in her hand. The snack took the form of three colorful balls made of rice flour skewered onto a stick and served with sugar. Taking a bite of it revealed its chewy texture accompanied by its sweet and mellow flavor. The charming taste coated her mouth, curving her lips into a delighted smile.

“This… is really good!” She said with a mouthful of dango, continuing to eat it voraciously.

Haku giggled to himself, steadily eating his dango. “There, I think that did the trick. Feeling any better now?”

“O-Oh!” The girl paused her devourment of sugary snacks and composed herself to meet Haku’s eyes, smiling warmly. “Yes, somehow I feel a bit better, thank you.”

“Anytime to help someone in need. The name’s Haku, by the way, Haku Nozomu.”

“My name is Momoka Kyarameru, but you can call me Momoka,” she introduced herself, but suddenly noticed Haku’s appearance more thoroughly, more specifically his drenched clothes. “Oh right!” From the sleeves of her kimono, she pulled out her tenugui towel, a thin sheet of cloth decorated with floral patterns all over its surface. She folded it neatly and presented it to Haku with a delicate smile. “I think you’ll be needing this.”

“Huh? O-Oh! Thank you!” Haku was confused at first but accepted the cloth bashfully. At first touch, the soft texture became apparent from its luscious material. Slowly, and somewhat awkwardly, he dabbed his drenched skin and clothes with the cloth to soak up the water to the best of its abilities. Surprisingly, it was quite absorbent and does its job well, drying Haku from his watery contents. “Wow, this towel must be very expensive from its quality.”

Momoka giggled and shook her head. “That was made by a good friend of mine, so it’s one of a kind!”

“Your friend likes to sew?”

“Mhm, well she used to at least before she got caught up with the academy’s training. Consider it a parting gift of sorts from her hobby, and…” she had more to say but turned back to Haku. “Well, I don’t want to bore you with the details. Did you have something in mind you wanted to ask?”

Right, I should probably question what I’m here for before I forget again, Haku reminded himself. “Ah, I wanted to ask… Do you happen to know if the ceremony is still open or not?”

Momoka briefly froze, as if the question struck a nerve. “Oh… It’s that kind of question, isn’t it?”

Haku seemed puzzled by her remark, “Is something the matter?”

“No, no, I can answer that for you. It’s just…” she sighed silently. “Well, I was wondering why you would question that of all questions.”

“A-Ah, you see…” Haku nervously stammered, trying to come up with the least embarrassing words. Damn it, I knew this would happen at some point! Do I make an excuse or should I tell the truth?

“Don’t tell me…” Momoka narrowed her eyebrows as she began to suspect Haku. “You didn’t, did you?”

It’s no use! I’m going to get caught, either way, Haku began to panic inside his head. “Did what, exactly?”

“You…” Momoka uttered, Haku bracing for the embarrassment of his lifetime. “You were sent out to do a full lap around the outskirts of town as a punishment from the captain. That would explain your drenched clothes, why you were out of breath when you came here, and your question. You want to partake in the ceremony that you were late for!”

Haku was lost for words, he didn’t say anything as he heard the proclamation from Momoka’s mouth. She just made a better excuse than I could ever think of, I’m quite envious for some reason.

“What a cruel fate you were put through. The captain can indeed be cruel sometimes, especially regarding punishments,” Momoka pitied him. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul about your situation, and I’ll answer your question to the best of my abilities!”

“You’re so kind, Momoka. Thank you so much!” Haku expressed his gratitude, despite knowing the punishment from the captain part was not entirely true.

“Now then,” Momoka began to recall back the information regarding the ceremony in her head. “As far as I can tell, the ceremony doesn’t close until the sun sets and the first sight of twilight is visible. Yokai would be at its most powerful during that time and would cause many unwanted casualties if they were to meet graduating Junior Climbers. And so the ceremony would end and the gates to the tower would be sealed to prevent other people from entering in or any yokai from coming out.”

Haku pulled out his extendable brush and handscroll as he listened to Momoka’s explanation, writing down the necessary notes that would keep him from forgetting. “It would end at sundown, you say?” he watched the tower at the peak and paid attention to the length of the shadow it casts. “That would mean the ceremony would close in around… 4 hours.”

“You’re very perceptive for someone late for the ceremony.”

“I can’t tell if that was a compliment or an insult, and didn’t you feel sorry for me for the captain’s punishment?” Haku pouted.

“Well, regardless,” the color on Momoka’s face drained away as she looked at Haku zealously. “A word of warning, Haku. If I may, that is.”

“O-Oh, what is it?” Haku was caught off guard, it was the first he saw her with a serious look on her face.

“The tower is a merciless place filled with dangerous creatures that will stop at nothing to pursue a human’s life. Not to mention with sundown fast approaching, it would only cause great suffering to you and me as well for seeing you off with the information I provided. Please, I beg that you turn away now and pursue a more peaceful endeavor,” Momoka leered at him. “I don’t want to see... another fall on the Goddess’ watch.”

Haku noticed the faint sorrow in her expression, revealing something he should've noticed at the very start. She’s burdened by an unforgettable past, I do not doubt that. He never knew Momoka before or had any prior knowledge of her in the academy. But sitting there right by her side with a dango at hand gave him a sad sense of nostalgia at a time long gone, a time he shared with her.

Haku took a bite out of his remaining dango, eating it as ravenously and quickly as he can. It caught the attention of Momoka who watched him almost choking on the food in his mouth. When he finally swallowed them all, he let out a sigh and rose from his seat energetically. “Man, the captains weren’t wrong about not eating fast, nearly suffocated myself before even setting foot in the tower.”

Momoka watched as Haku stared at the tower with hope in his eyes, the light wind flowing through his cape and hair beneath the crinkling leaves of the cherry blossom trees. “The Goddess constructed the tower as a challenge to receive her divine gift. Those who are compelled wish to acquire her fortune, those who are troubled wish to cure their misfortune. But in the end, we all walk the same path up the spiraling staircase with a blade at hand, handing our lives to the Goddess.”

Moments later, Haku began to walk away from her suddenly without looking back. She did not react or object, she merely watched as he got farther and farther away, getting closer to the tower despite her damning warnings. It was when he was at a fair distance did he glanced back at Momoka with a smile on his face. “Thank you for all your help, Momoka. I’ll be off to the academy now to partake in the ceremony. I hope you understand that it’s my final choice.”

“Please, wait!” Momoka stood up from her seat unable to contain herself any longer. “The Goddess has given you life and the freedom to choose what you do with it, you don’t have to throw it away for a goal so far from reach. If you are so determined to climb the tower, then please tell me…” she tried to reason, her eyes getting glossy as Haku heard the trembling of her voice. “What is your wish?”

Haku stood and listen, pointing a thumb at himself with a proud expression. “To be honest, I don’t have a specific wish of my own. I only wish to know more about the world and the tower, to answer the questions that have plagued my mind. I will explore the tower and find out more about its contents, whether it would cost my life or not. That is my wish.”

Soon enough, Haku turned his head away waved Momoka goodbye before being lost into the crowd of Climbers wearing the same uniforms he does. Momoka looked down at her shaking feet, the droplets of her tears wetting the ground she stood on. It took her a while before she recomposed herself, reaching in her sleeves for her tenugui towel which was sadly missing from its rightful place. “Right, I forgot…” she sighed to herself as she walked back to the bench to rest, noticing something peeking from the seat Haku was on. There sat Momoka’s tenugui towel carefully and neatly folded. She glanced at the tower in the distance, her mind wandering restlessly. I could’ve stopped him. I could’ve convinced him. I could’ve warned him. I could’ve done so much more, and yet… her mind raced with regret. yet as she watched the clouds with a mouthful of dango, she scoffed to herself. “He sure is an idiot.”