Himuka After Story

'Here, Himuka. These are some snacks from me. Some slightly hard biscuits that should keep well, some with dried fruit and some with jam, and some salted fish.'

As Byakuya entered the cabin, she smiled and held out a basket.

'Thank you! I've baked lots of bread, some with peanuts, some with dried apple, and some with sausages. I picked you some passionfruit as well.'

'I'm so happy, I just love the bread you make, Himuka. I'll do my best not to eat them all in one day.'

Tonight, she would set off for Tennyo Island. In order to purify herself before our wedding ceremony. That was why, instead of farewell gifts, we had decided to exchange food instead.

'If that's the case, in a week's time, I'll bake another basketful and bring it to you.'

'When you come as my bridegroom?'

As I watched her laugh as if enjoying herself, I also felt happy myself. Ah, I really did like it when she laughed.

'Do you think they'll let me do that at least? I'd feel bad crossing over to the island without bringing anything.'

'It'll be just for ceremonial purposes, so I don't think we need to worry too much about it…… But, I think it would be nice to stuff our cheeks with bread for our wedding. So, if you would?'

'Of course. Please look forward to it.'

In a week's time, Byakuya and I would formally become husband and wife. Exactly how this would happen had been a complicated process - Douma and the others had had to think hard to find the right solution.

His daughter, who was of the White, had chosen the Undertaker as her husband—the news had quickly spread across the island, and I had become the object of envy of many. Among them, some came to harrass or badmouth me.

However, compared to my happiness at being with her, it was but a trivial matter. The real problem was 'Hiruko.'

I knew that there were rumors about whether I was really there or not, even my existence itself was doubted by some. Though the truth was I had indeed snuck out and was now living on Corpse Beach, I did feel rather apologetic about that fact.

There had also been a proposal—that I should use the formal occasion of our wedding as an opportunity to reveal my identity at last. After much worrying and thinking, I decided to have Tsukuyomi make me a beautiful ceremonial mask.

First I would put the mask on, and appear in front of everyone as 'Hiruko' to pronounce my blessings on the marriage of the daughter of the White.

After that, I would quickly change clothes and stand at Byakuya's side as 'Himuka' — that was our plan. I did not want to cause chaos among the people of the island, but more than anything I wanted to protect our peaceful days together.

Even now, no one but Byakuya came to the northern beach. It was the reason we were able to leisurely search for treasures, and throw ourselves onto the sand for an afternoon nap whenever we wanted, so it would be a problem if thoughtless people started coming out there in droves.

'Himuka, you haven't been back to the island since then. You'll be surprised to see how habitable it's become.'

'Ahaha, even if there was nothing but grass there I would be fine. But it's nice that it's being taken care of, I'm sure Amaterasu is happy about it too.'

'You think so? It would be great if she was.'

She shifted her gaze so that she could look up at the sky through the window.

‘Back then, I was not able to talk to Amaterasu for long, but she seemed satisfied. We did not know much about what it meant to live as a human, so I think your words really resonated with her.’

It was strange, if I thought about it. For beings such as us to not understand the human heart, though we watched over humanity.

‘I would like to speak to Lady Amaterasu once more. I wonder if that would be difficult though.’ ‘Is there something you’d like to tell her?’

As I asked the question, Byakuya gently caressed my hair as she spoke.

‘That time when I went to get you, Himuka……I never thought you would return to me like you did, and I was in shock. And then Lady Amaterasu disappeared straight after…..I wasn’t able to thank her properly.'

‘But I think your feelings got through to her. It’s not as if I can hear Amaterasu’s voice either, you know. But I can tell that she’s in a very good mood right now.’

‘......Really?’

‘Yeah. As far as I can tell, she’s enjoying herself the most she ever has.’

My words were neither an exaggeration nor just a way to make her feel better. I was no longer a god, but I could feel her presence.

There was no doubt that this world was blessed, and overflowing with dazzling light. The reason why was that she had seen the future in her own descendant, the daughter of the White.

That was how much she had entrusted her hopes to the children of humanity.

‘I’ll believe it if you say so, Himuka. After all, I am but a human.’

But she did not know. That miracles weren’t something caused by the gods. Miracles were brought about by the strong feelings of humanity. And she— was a girl who could move the hearts of the gods.

‘I’ll keep trying my best at your side, as well.’

‘......Himuka?’

‘I’ve been thinking of what I ought to be doing from now on, in my own way. And then, I thought I should try to become like Jigen. He brought the wisdom of ‘Japan’ to this island. In the long time I spent wandering, I heard and saw many things. Until now, I never imagined myself getting involved with others, but I think it might be…… fun to convey those kinds of formless things to everyone, little by little.’

‘I think that will be great! I fully support you, and I’m looking forward to it!’

‘Really? I’m glad! I was a bit afraid to talk about things like this……that maybe the words of someone like me are unnecessary. Ah! I’m sorry, I promised you I wouldn’t say things like this anymore, that is……’

‘I’m happy.’

‘Uwah?!’

Upon her sudden kiss to my cheek, I jumped a little.

‘“The waves bring what one seeks” ……I’m sure, no, I’m certain, the knowledge you’ll bring, Himuka, will make this island even more wonderful.’

‘Y-you think so……’

‘Of course I do.’

I felt reassured. Searching for something that I could do to contribute was fun yet scary. Because until now, no one had needed me. But now that I had become human, I wanted to try my best, even if I failed. Because she was there, and would surely cheerfully encourage me without mocking me for being like this.

‘By the way, I met Kuroba yesterday……’

‘Did he say something to you?’

‘He said to, "Hurry up and make some children."’

Her face reddened, and then she gave a wry laugh.

‘Normally I would go give him a scolding and tell him not to tease you but…..In reality, it might be better earlier rather than later.’

‘There are only two Whites left after all. I think you will live for a long time, but even if it’s just one person, I’m sure you’d like to have many more compatriots, right?’

‘From the beginning I was looking for a husband in order to preserve the White bloodline, so I was prepared for it. But now…… I think it would be fun to have a child.’

‘......A child.’

‘How hideous. Let us set such a child adrift on the sea.’

My chest tightened. Remembering those days when I endlessly wandered alone, completely alone, on the dark seas.

‘I wonder if……I can love our child properly.’

As I said those words, Byakuya hugged me tight and spoke.

‘You don’t need to think so hard about it. Just like you treasure me, treasure our child that will be born. It’s alright, Himuka. You’re someone that’s more than capable of showing kindness to others.’

‘......Treasure.’

I said the word aloud, then pondered it over in my mind. I wanted to treasure them. I wanted to protect them to the best of my ability. Byakuya, the children we would have, and this world.

‘Yes, I understand. I’m nervous about it now…..but I’ll do my best to become a good father. No, I vow that I will definitely become a good father.’

I had not known how to love. But through meeting her, loving her and being loved by her, I had learnt what it meant to care and be cared for by another. So that was why I would surely be able to learn yet another new kind of love.

'I’ll also work hard to become a good mother. We might fail at times, but I think as long as we’re together we’ll be alright.’

‘......Yeah, you’re right.’

To think that I who had once been formless, could now love another, and even have a child. I was scared, but I was also looking forward to it, without a doubt.

‘Well then, I’ll be returning to the mansion now. See you in another week-……’

‘Wait.’

I had immediately grabbed her arms as she had gone to stand up. Although we had already exchanged parting gifts, it was still awfully difficult to part from her.

‘Himuka?’

‘Just a little longer……please stay here, just a little longer.’

I gently pressed my lips to hers, running my hands through her pearl-coloured hair. Though truthfully I had meant to stop at just a kiss, once I started touching her it was hard to let her go after all.

‘It’ll be lonely not being able to hear your voice for seven days and nights. So, at the very least….just a little longer.’

‘......Aah.’

I slowly laid her down on the fur rugs and pulled up her skirt. Wanting to hear her sweet voice, wanting to trace her trembling skin, I covered her lithe body with my own.

When I had become human, I had learnt what it meant to desire someone. It was something that was indecent, fun, maddening, affectionate ——and without end.

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