2 February 2023
It felt really good to write about Hanako again. She’s become one of my favorite characters I’ve written. Still not 100% certain how I want to set up the next arc; may need to add to/tweak some of what happens here. But I’m looking forward to it.
I hadn’t intended for Chizu Village and its residents to become major, recurring characters. I was planning for Hanako’s journey to be episodic, save a town and move on, rarely if ever referencing them again. Then I wound up (sort of) accidentally burning Chizu to the ground, and I realized Hanako wouldn’t just abandon them, so… here we are. Now I have to decide if she saves a different village from the local part of the yokai army, or if she saves these guys again. (Spoilers: she succeeds this time.) But I’m leaning toward her (slowly) integrating with and finding a home with the former Chizu residents. Maybe this new village could even become her capital. :)
Hanako ignored the wary looks from the guards, even the outright hostility in one case, and went to find Keiko. Keiko had been designated the unofficial mayor of the refugees, especially now they’d found a place to settle down and rebuild.
The clank of hammers and the shouts of workers filled the air, and the skeletons of what would soon become homes lined the streets. Hanako navigated her way to the central hub, where Keiko was discussing plans for the city with several other people, referencing a large map of the area.
It wasn’t long before Keiko noticed Hanako’s presence and excused herself to speak with the oni. “Good to see you’re still in one piece. Any news?”
“There was an oni scouting party about five miles from here. I don’t think they know about this place, thought.” Hanako bit her lower lip and asked, “I sent a father and daughter over here. Did they…?”
Keiko smiled. “They’re here. Over by the mess tent, if you wanted to say hello. Looks like you found yourself a new fan.”
Hanako sighed with relief. “And Chiaki?”
The smile disappeared from Keiko’s face. “No change, I’m afraid.”
Hanako nodded, feeling a little crestfallen herself. If only she’d recognized what was happening sooner…
Keiko rubbed her chin, and after a moment a twinkle formed in her eyes. “Still, I have some work for you once you’ve checked in with everyone, if you’re willing.” She nodded her head toward the half-finished homes. “The faster those get finished, the better prepared we’ll be for winter and whatever else is coming.”
“Ah, yeah.” Hanako scratched the back of her head. “Those guys… I’m not sure if that’s the best idea.”
“If they don’t like it, tough. Tell them to take it up with me. I can’t delay getting my people housed because they’re butthurt over a girl half their size lifting ten times what they can.”
Hanako doubted that was the issue. Or at the very least, not the only issue. But Keiko had a point; they did need those houses. Maybe she’d drop by once she checked on the merchant and his daughter.
She found them exactly where Keiko had said. The father was helping the cooks prepare food for everyone, and the girl was running around, playing with the other kids. Hanako was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she seemed to have bounced back.
Hanako headed over to the father. “Glad to see you both made it safely. Is everything going alright?”
Current Draft of Hanako’s story (including unposted content)