Minutes had passed following the tears and confessions, Tazuna stepped forward quietly. From a small pouch, she drew out several thin incense sticks and struck a lighter. The flame flared briefly before she let it die, a curl of pale smoke rising as the tip glowed softly.
She planted one incense stick carefully at the base of the grave. Then she turned and offered another to Lunar. "Would you like to place one as well?"
Lunar hesitated for just a heartbeat before nodding. She accepted it with both hands, copying Tazuna's movements as the tip was lit for her. Pale smoke curled upward as she placed it beside the first, the two standing side by side.
Saiya had been watching the entire process with open curiosity, her soft pink tail flicking slowly behind her. "…What's that?" she asked at last, peering at the thin sticks and the drifting smoke.
Tazuna smiled gently. "It's an incense stick," she explained. "In Japanese traditions, incense is used when paying respects to the deceased. The smoke is believed to carry our thoughts, prayers, and feelings to those who have passed on."
She watched the smoke rise, her voice calm and steady. "It's also a way of purifying the space—cleansing lingering sorrow, and inviting peace. Lighting incense isn't about sadness alone. It's about remembrance, gratitude, and staying connected, even after someone is gone."
The smoke curled higher, thinning as it met the air.
"It's our way of saying," Tazuna continued softly, "'You're remembered. You're cherished. And you're not forgotten to the one who had passed.'"
Saiya's ears twitched at that, standing a little straighter. Her eyes followed the thin stream of smoke as it curled into the air, fascination clear on her face. "…Can I do it too?" she asked, voice small but earnest.
"Of course," Tazuna replied without hesitation.
She lit another incense stick and handed it to Saiya. Saiya held it a bit awkwardly at first, fingers stiff as the warmth and smoke tickled her nose. She blinked, then steadied herself, carefully placing it beside Lunar's.
The two incense sticks stood together, their pale trails of smoke rising side by side, twisting and blending as if drawn to one another before drifting away on the breeze.
Anonym and Namawa watched quietly as the smoke drifted upward, twisting gently in the air before being carried off by the breeze.
"…Huh," Persian muttered, folding her arms. "It smells… nice." She frowned slightly. "I thought it'd smell like, you know, smoke."
Tazuna let out a quiet chuckle. "That's because it's a high-quality incense," she explained. "It's made from fragrant woods and carefully blended herbs. I chose it specifically for today."
Invincible Caviar waved a hand in front of her face as a sudden gust sent the smoke straight toward her. "Geh—! Okay, yeah, that's still smoke," she coughed lightly. "How long does this thing even burn for?"
"About ten to twenty minutes," Tazuna replied.
Black Caviar glanced down at her watch. The hands had just slipped past five in the evening, the day easing toward its close. The light around them had softened, the sky slowly melting into shades of warm gold and quiet amber.
"…Alright," she said after a moment. Her voice was calm, steady. "Once the incense sticks burn out, we'll take our leave and head to the temporary residence for the night."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Written Tycoon. She gave a small nod—nothing dramatic, just a clean, practiced signal that is familiar to them both.
Written Tycoon caught it instantly. Without a word, she reached into her coat, pulled out her phone, and began typing briskly, thumbs moving with practiced precision as she alerted their rides and adjusted the schedule.
Meanwhile, Lunar remained crouched by the grave, chin resting against her knees, quietly listening to the conversations drifting above her. She hadn't said a word—just watched the smoke rise, felt the weight in her chest slowly settle.
But at Black Caviar's words, her ears twitched.
"…Um—Aunt Nel?" Lunar asked softly, lifting her head.
Black Caviar looked down at her, expression calm and gentle. "Yes, Lunar?"
"…Could we stop by a few places before we go rest?" Lunar's voice was tentative, almost shy.
"Of course," Black Caviar replied without hesitation, tilting her head slightly. "Where would you like to go?"
Lunar hesitated, fingers curling and uncurling as she counted quietly. "…There's an izakaya," she began. "Then… a house, a snack shop... and… a school I want to visit."
Black Caviar blinked once, then smiled. "Alright," she said easily. "But—why those places?"
Lunar fell quiet again. Her gaze dropped, shoulders drawing in just a little. "…Today made me realize something," she said at last. "I've been… really self-centered."
Saiya immediately nudged her in the side with a small huff, cheeks puffed out in protest. Lunar glanced at her, managing a weak smile, and shook her head.
"It's not just about forgetting stuff for momma," Lunar continued. Her voice softened, steadier now. "It's about how I tried to solve it, how I ran and caused trouble for everyone without thinking."
She swallowed. "…That was worse than forgetting."
Written Tycoon, who had just finished typing, glanced over. She didn't interrupt—but she did nod once, sharp and satisfied at the admission of wrongdoing.
Black Caviar met I Am Invincible's gaze. The two shared a small, knowing smile—quiet approval passing between them.
"I understand," Black Caviar said gently, turning back to Lunar. "Truly." She crouched slightly so they were eye to eye. "But…" Her tone remained kind, inquisitive. "That still doesn't explain why you want to go to those places."
Lunar hesitated for a moment longer, then spoke again.
"…On the way to Hanako-san's shop," Lunar said quietly, "Saiya and I passed by so many places I know." Her gaze drifted downward. "I even saw people I recognized."
"But I didn't stop," Lunar continued. "I noticed them—and I ignored them. I just kept going. All I could think about was getting the flowers as fast as possible."
Saiya glanced up at her, ears drooping slightly.
"When I think about it now," Lunar said, voice trembling faintly, "it was selfish. But I didn't even realize it at the time." She shook her head, a small, rueful movement. "I haven't really talked to any of them since… Momma's funeral. Even then, I barely spoke. Everything felt too overwhelming back then."
She swallowed, the quiet tremor of her voice lingering in the still air. "So… I want to fix that. I want to meet them again. Even if it's just to say a few words."
Black Caviar stepped closer, expression softening with understanding. Her hand rested gently on Lunar's head.
"That's a good realization," she said warmly. "And a brave one." Her palm gave a reassuring pat. "We'll do exactly that. You just have to show us the way."
Lunar lifted her head, eyes brightening as a small smile touched her lips. "…Thank you, Aunt Nel."
Time passed quietly after that.
Fifteen minutes slipped by, and when the incense finally burned down to ash, Tazuna stepped forward. She carefully gathered the remains, brushing them into a small plastic bag so the area stayed clean and respectful. She smoothed the ground once more.
Black Caviar straightened. "Alright," she said gently. "Let's go."
One by one, they began to turn away.
Autumn Sun lingered behind the group, glancing back over her shoulder. Her lips were pressed tight, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. For a heartbeat, it seemed as though she might step forward again, drawn back to the gravestone—but a gentle tug on her sleeve pulled her attention back. Anonym's small hand guided her, and with a slow exhale, Autumn nodded and allowed herself to be led away.
Lunar remained a moment longer, crouched softly by the grave. She watched as Miss Tazuna knelt, bowing deeply to the stone, holding the quiet like a tangible thing. When Tazuna stepped back, Lunar mimicked her motion, lowering herself until her forehead nearly touched the cold stone. Her hand clutched the photograph of her and her mother, the edges worn from countless times she had held it close.
"…I'll come back again, Momma," she whispered, voice barely more than a breath.
When she tried to rise, her feet refused to obey. They felt impossibly heavy, as if the ground itself had rooted her in place. Her chest throbbed with the absence of warmth, and the world around her seemed to blur and dim at the edges. The weight of grief, memory, and love pressed down, almost too much to bear.
Then—warmth. A gentle pressure snapped her out of her struggles. Lunar blinked and looked down.
Saiya's small fingers had found hers, weaving between them and holding on tight. She looked up, eyes bright and calm, a soft smile curving her lips. "Are you ready?"
Lunar felt her chest ease. She smiled back, soft and genuine. "Yeah," she said quietly. "Let's go."
Not long after, the group split up, loading into the two vans parked just in front of the house.
This time, Lunar found herself in the first van—seated beside Black Caviar, with Namawa across from her, Invincible Caviar leaning back with her arms folded, I Am Invincible sitting near the window, and More Than Ready slouched comfortably in the far seat.
The door slid shut with a soft thud, sealing them inside.
The engine rumbled to life, vibrations humming through the floor. As they pulled away, Black Caviar glanced sideways at Lunar, her tone light but attentive.
"Alright," she said. "Where to first?"
"…There's an izakaya nearby," Lunar replied. "It's owned by Fujiwara-san—someone who was really kind to me and Momma." She hesitated briefly, then added, "It's also the closest place, so… maybe there first?"
Black Caviar nodded without hesitation. "Sounds good." She leaned forward slightly toward the front. "Driver—follow her directions, please."
"Lunar shifted in her seat and began pointing gently. "Um… go straight here. Then at the next intersection, turn left. After that, follow the road for a bit—there's a bus stop on the corner, you'll want to turn right there…"
The scenery rolled by—familiar streets, passing signs, places that tugged quietly at Lunar's memories. Things she had rushed past earlier now slipped by at a gentler pace, giving her just enough time to recognize them, even if she couldn't linger on each one.
About seven minutes later, Lunar perked up and leaned forward in her seat.
"Over there!" she said, pointing. "That one!"
The van slowed and came to a gentle stop in front of a modest izakaya. Warm light spilled from beneath the wooden sign, soft and inviting against the early evening. Moments later, the second van pulled in behind them.
Everyone stepped out.
Almost immediately, a young woman in a neat apron hurried from the shop, her eyes flicking to the black vans with a mix of caution and curiosity. She bowed quickly.
"I-I'm so sorry!" she stammered. "You can't park here—it'll block the signage—"
Written Tycoon stepped forward before anyone else could speak. She nodded crisply. "Understood." Then, gesturing to the drivers, she instructed, "Park farther down and wait."
"Yes, ma'am," came the prompt reply. Both vans rolled away without complaint.
The waitress blinked, then let out a quiet sigh of relief. She'd clearly been bracing herself for an argument—or worse. Black vans like those didn't usually mean anything good around here. For a split second, she'd even wondered if she was about to deal with some kind of yakuza entourage.
Her shoulders loosened as she looked back at the group.
Tall, poised Uma Musumes moved with quiet confidence, each radiating their own presence—graceful, composed, and undeniably striking. Her gaze lingered just a fraction too long on Written Tycoon, and heat crept up her cheeks.
Sharp, hooded eyes, soft facial features… and glasses? No, no, that's exactly my type.
She quickly tore her eyes away, only to have her attention captured by the children instead. Her chest softened immediately.
They're so cute…!
She squealed silently in her mind, curling her hands at her sides to keep herself from reacting outwardly.
As she held herself, she remembered how there was a little girl who used to come here often. Always so polite and cute holding her mother's hand. Everyone in the neighborhood had talked about it for weeks after they heard the mother had passed away… Fujiwara-san had mentioned how the child had been adopted and gone to live somewhere else far outside the country.
…How sad of a story it had been.. I wonder how that poor child is doing…
The waitress finally escapes her thoughts as her eyes shifted again and landed on Lunar.
Immediately, her thoughts short-circuited. "…HUHHHHHHH?!"
The scream tore through the quiet street, sharp enough to startle everyone around.
Before anyone could even react, she spun on her heel and bolted back inside the izakaya.
"FUJIWARAAAA-SANNNNN!" her voice echoed behind her, bouncing off the walls and down the street.
The group stood there in stunned silence, as their attention shifted to Lunar who might have the answer to whatever just happened—Persian, More Than Ready, and even Written Tycoon tilting her head slightly in confusion. Lunar noticed the looks and scratched the back of her head.
Before she could respond, the sliding door of the izakaya suddenly burst open.
A man stepped out, freezing the moment he saw the group. His eyes scattered in quick succession, taking in unfamiliar faces, figures, and then stopped.
They locked onto Lunar. "…Lunar-chan?" he said, disbelief and relief crashing together in his voice.
Lunar straightened instantly, bowing deeply. "Hello, Fujiwara-san."
The man let out a breath he seemed to have been holding for far too long and hurried closer. "You—" he stopped himself, eyes searching her face. "Are you alright? How have you been?"
"I'm doing better," Lunar answered honestly. "I just came back from visiting Momma's grave."
Understanding softened his expression at once. He nodded slowly. "…I see."
His gaze shifted to the others. "Are these the people who've been taking care of you?"
Black Caviar stepped forward smoothly and extended a hand. "I'm Black Caviar," she said politely. "An old friend of Guair's."
Fujiwara's eyes widened slightly before he grasped her hand firmly. "Then thank you," he said earnestly. "Any friend of Guair's is a friend of mine. Thank you again for looking after Lunar."
He turned back to the group, shoulders relaxing. "Please—come inside. At least have a bite."
Lunar hesitated as her eyes looked back to Black Caviar who seemed a little troubled by the invitation, then stepped forward again, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, Fujiwara-san," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "There are other people I want to visit… I don't think we have enough time right now."
Fujiwara paused, his expression thoughtful. Then a gentle smile curved his lips. "…Is that so…" he murmured. "Very well. Then wait here for just a few minutes."
Before anyone could ask what he meant, he turned and slipped back inside, the door sliding shut behind him.
The group exchanged puzzled glances.
"…Umm, so… do we just wait?" More Than Ready whispered, leaning slightly toward the others, brow furrowed.
Black Caviar chuckled softly. "Let's see what he's planning."
A few quiet minutes passed, then the sliding door of the izakaya opened again.
Mr. Fujiwara stepped out, this time carrying several plastic bags filled with neatly packed boxes and wrapped skewers. The warm, savory aroma followed him immediately, drifting out into the street.
"Here," he said, holding the bags out. "For all of you."
Black Caviar accepted them with both hands, her expression softening. "Thank you. This is far too kind of you," she said sincerely, before passing the bags along to More Than Ready and Invincible Caviar.
More Than Ready lifted the lid of one box—and froze, nostrils flaring as the scent wrapped around her senses. "…Woah," she murmured. "…That smells incredible."
Invincible leaned in, sniffing once before groaning with mock frustration. "Ugh… now I'm starving," she said, hands resting on her stomach as it rumbled audibly.
The scent reached Lunar a heartbeat later.
That smell…
Her breath caught as recognition settled in. The faint sweetness of the glaze. The char from the grill. Mr. Fujiwara's yakitori—the ones he used to sneak for her every time she came by with Momma, sliding them over with a quiet wink, pretending it was nothing special.
Lunar stepped forward.
She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Fujiwara-san," she said earnestly. "For everything."
He blinked, then laughed softly, waving a hand. "Eh? What do you mean, thank you for everything, Lunar-chan?" His smile was warm and steady. "This is nothing. Just remember to eat well, stay healthy—and grow up to be an amazing Uma Musume. This uncle wants to cheer for you too, you know."
Lunar nodded, eyes shining. "I will! I'll make everyone proud." She bowed again, this time even deeper, letting her gratitude settle in the gesture.
Mr. Fujiwara watched her with quiet satisfaction, then smiled. "Good. I'll be waiting for that day."
Black Caviar glanced at the generous pile of food, instinctively reaching for her wallet. "Please, allow me to pay—"
"No, no," Fujiwara interrupted firmly, shaking his head. "Please, take it. I insist." His tone softened, almost tender. "Consider it my thanks—for taking such good care of Lunar. And… I'm truly glad to see her happy now. I saw her at the funeral… that was a sight I never want to see again. Thanks to you, I won't have to."
Black Caviar stilled, then slowly let her hand fall. She inclined her head. "Then… thank you. And our best wishes to you."
One by one, they began to take their leave.
"Take care!"
"Thanks again!"
Lunar lingered for just a moment longer, raising both hands to wave. "Goodbye, Fujiwara-san!"
He returned the wave, a warm smile on his face, watching as they slowly disappeared down the street.
The warmth of that exchange lingered with Lunar as they climbed back into the vans. Somehow, the ride that followed felt lighter—like a burden she hadn't realized she was carrying had finally been lifted.
Following Lunar's careful directions, they turned onto narrower streets. The buildings grew shorter, closer together. Familiar scenery slid past the windows—homes instead of shops, trees instead of signs. When the van finally slowed and came to a stop in front of a modest house with a small yard, Lunar leaned forward in her seat.
"…This is it," she said softly.
The doors slid open, and everyone stepped out. Lunar moved first, her pace a little hesitant but determined, the rest following behind her and letting her lead the way.
The house was simple and well kept. The paint was a little faded, but the windows were clean. A small yard stretched out front—and near the side, a slightly weathered swing hung from a sturdy frame, swaying faintly in the breeze.
Namawa's eyes lit up immediately. "Hey," she murmured to Invincible Caviar, nodding toward the swing in the yard. "You think someone still uses that?"
Invincible Caviar glanced over, shrugged, and replied with mild disinterest. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just decoration."
Their quiet exchange was cut short as Lunar reached the front door. She lifted her hand and knocked gently—once, then twice.
From inside came a muffled, warm voice. "Please wait a second!"
Hurried footsteps followed, then the door swung open.
A young woman stood there, likely in her twenties. Straight black hair was pulled loosely behind her ears, framing a soft, delicate heart-shaped face that made her large, kind brown eyes stand out all the more. She wore a simple pink cardigan over a plain top, sleeves rolled up slightly, as if she'd been interrupted mid-chore.
The moment her gaze landed on Lunar, her eyes widened.
"Lunar-chan—!"
She stepped forward without hesitation and pulled Lunar into a tight hug. Lunar stiffened in surprise for half a second—then returned it, arms wrapping around her just as firmly.
Only then did the woman seem to realize herself.
She pulled back abruptly, cheeks flushing as she noticed the number of people gathered behind Lunar. "I—I'm so sorry!" she said quickly, bowing in embarrassment. "I just—got carried away. I didn't expect—"
The group responded only with gentle, understanding smiles—wordless reassurance that eased her flustered apology.
And then—
Something small and fast slammed into Lunar.
"—?!"
She tumbled backward, hitting the ground with a soft thump.
"Lunar!" Saiya yelped, rushing forward, ears flicking nervously.
Lunar blinked, disoriented for a heartbeat, before her focus snapped into place.
Above her loomed a familiar face.
White ears—soft and delicate—peeped out from pale, short pinkish-white hair, blending almost seamlessly together. Bright pink eyes shone, brimming with unrestrained joy. Unlike Ayaka-onee-san, this girl was unmistakably an uma musume—one Lunar knew all too well.
"Sakura…?" Lunar breathed, stunned.
The girl grinned wider, her long white tail flicking wildly behind her.
"I missed you, Lunar!" Sakura chirped, throwing her arms around Lunar in another fierce, heartfelt hug.