Contents
Chapter 26: The Spirit
Overview
Grief hardens into haunting as Misaki and Nagasa see Mamoru’s spirit. Misaki confronts Takeru over his failures, exposes her hidden blade, and later sleep-forms ice that injures him. Amid rebuilding led by Setsuko and the Kwangs, Hyori’s fraught pregnancy heightens shame and fear. Guided by Setsuko, Misaki resolves to confront her anger and begins writing.
Summary
The Ryuhon finawu conduct rites, but grief lingers. Misaki and Nagasa suffer vivid nightmares of Mamoru, convincing Misaki a restless spirit remains. Rebuilding accelerates, with Setsuko’s tireless resolve and the Kwangs’ surprising commitment. Chul-hee and Atsushi help Hyori, who reveals a pregnancy that may be her late husband’s—or her rapist’s—deepening her despair.
Tension erupts when Takeru finds Misaki’s hidden sword, Siradenyaa. Misaki admits arming Hiroshi in the attack and blames Takeru for failing to protect Mamoru. She rebuffs Takeru with the sheathed blade and leaves to soothe Izumo, noting the infant’s gentle, fluid jiya and warming presence. Seeking refuge, Misaki visits Hyori, whose dread about the child’s parentage intensifies; Misaki’s rage at men’s claims over children boils over, frightening Hyori.
Misaki wanders the village, checking on families and injecting herself into rebuilding plans as Takeru remains detached from leadership. Returning late, she sleeps beside him and dreams of sparring with Mamoru, who accuses her of abandoning him. Misaki sleep-forms ice; spikes erupt in the room, wounding Takeru’s arm, side, and neck. Horrified, she flees to the deck, convinced her anger is poisoning her family.
Setsuko finds Misaki and offers plainspoken comfort, framing Takashi’s death as purposeful trust in Takeru and suggesting that confronting the true source of Misaki’s anger might free both Misaki and Mamoru’s spirit. Misaki accepts the need to act. After Setsuko returns to bed, Misaki lights a lantern, takes brush and paper, and begins to write.
Who Appears
- Misaki MatsudaGrief-stricken mother haunted by Mamoru; confronts Takeru, reveals her sword; sleep-forms ice injuring him; resolves to confront her anger and writes.
- Setsuko MatsudaWidow drawing strength from loss; supports rebuilding and Misaki; reframes Takashi’s death as trust and urges Misaki to confront her anger.
- Matsuda TakeruEmotionally distant head; discovers Misaki’s sword; chastised for failure to protect; injured by Misaki’s sleep-formed ice; orders her out.
- Hyori YukinoBereaved wife who learns she’s pregnant; uncertain paternity fuels despair; hosted and aided by Chul-hee and Atsushi.
- Nagasa MatsudaYoung son who nightmares of Mamoru; soothed by Misaki and Hiroshi.
- Hiroshi MatsudaSon who used Misaki’s blade in the attack; interrupts parents’ confrontation; helps care for siblings.
- Mamoru Matsuda (spirit/visions)Haunts Misaki and Nagasa; accusatory presence that triggers Misaki’s dangerous sleep-forming.
- Izumo MatsudaInfant with gentle, fluid jiya; briefly manipulates tears; comforts Misaki.
- Kwang Chul-heeNorthern youth aiding rebuilding; helps construct Hyori’s new home.
- Kwang Tae-minCity father aiding reconstruction, repurposing tower metal; coordinates despite language hurdles.
- AtsushiHelps Chul-hee build Hyori’s shelter and keep her spirits up.
- Ryuhon finawuPriests who conduct rites and settle in the old temple to support grieving villagers.