落とし穴１２７堀：夜釣りと波の音？ (Part2)
“Wait, does Obon have something to do with fishing?”
“Well, it’s not just fishing. Generally speaking, you’re supposed to stay away from the water during the Obon season. Right, Taizo-san, Sota-san?”
“Indeed,” Taizo replied. “Obon is the time when the dead return from the land of the spirits. Bodies of water—especially the sea—are considered close to the underworld, the realm beneath the earth. Because of that, approaching the water during Obon is traditionally taboo.”
“There’s even an expression that ‘the cauldron of hell is open’ during this time,” Sota added. “You know how people float lanterns down rivers? That’s because water is the link to the afterlife. The spirits flow down the river to the sea to return to the other world. It’s all part of the cycle.”
“Huh. Now that you mention it, I think my grandma used to say something like that,” Taiki mused.
“And the story goes that if you get too close to the water, the dead will drag you back to the underworld with them,” I finished.
“Whoa...” Taiki let out a sound of genuine impressed curiosity.
It seemed he really hadn't known any of this. He mentioned his grandmother telling him, but he’d likely forgotten almost all of it. Well, that’s usually how it goes with the origins of seasonal traditions.
Just as I was thinking that...
*Whoosh... crash... drag... drag... squelch...*
I heard that sound again. It wasn't the rhythmic pulse of the tide. It sounded like something independent, moving regardless of the waves.
“““...”””
Apparently, I wasn't the only one who heard it. We all looked at each other. It was the perfect timing for a ghost story, but the "ghost" had picked the wrong crowd. None of the four of us were the type to flinch at something like this.
“...So, what do you think that sound is?”
“No idea,” Taizo said. “I don’t see anything that could be the source. That makes the 'ghost' theory the most likely candidate. Sota-dono, you’re the expert—what do you think?”
“Well... I might have spiritual powers now, but they only manifested after I came to this world. Back on Earth, I didn’t believe in ghosts at all. And right now, I’m not sensing a thing.”
“If you don't feel anything, the 'spirit' theory is probably a bust,” I noted.
“Well, if we don't feel any malice, why don't we go check it out?”
“Agreed,” Taizo nodded. “If it intended us harm, it would have attacked by now. I’m not the type of man who can just leave a mystery unsolved.”
“Me neither. I’d rather satisfy my curiosity,” Sota added.
“Alright then, let’s take a break from fishing and go investigate the mystery noise.”
Whatever the cause was, to these three, it was nothing more than an interesting diversion. Of course, the fact that we’d basically ruled out anything actually paranormal helped.
With that, we immediately set out to uncover the source of the strange sound.
“Now, about that noise—where exactly did it come from? Let’s narrow down the location. If we find the spot, we might find the cause. Personally, I thought it was coming from under the breakwater on the opposite side from where we cast our lines...”
“Oh, I thought it was around there too,” Sota agreed.
“Me too, but there’s nothing there, is there?” Taiki pointed out.
Just as Taiki said, there was nothing beneath the opposite breakwater but the open sea. There was no obvious cause for a dragging sound.
But then, a silhouette suddenly rose to the surface.
“Wait, is that our shadow?”
“No, no. We’re shining our lights from this angle; a shadow wouldn't appear there. That’s definitely a figure in the water.”
“Oho. So there’s someone in the sea. Hmm, still not sensing anything, though. Not even a hint of dread.”
That made sense, because I recognized that silhouette. The figure drew closer to the surface and then...
*Splash.*
A head popped out of the water.
“Why are you guys shining lights on the water? It’s a bit early in the season for squid, isn't it?”
It was a Sahagin lifesaver.
“““...”””
The other three immediately looked like they had just watched the world’s most boring movie. I couldn't blame them. They’d gotten all worked up for a ghost, only for it to turn out to be "the ghost's true identity is just withered grass."
“Uh... why are you all looking at me like I just disappointed your entire lineage? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, don’t worry about it,” I said. “We just thought you were a ghost.”
“A ghost? Oh, like a spirit or a zombie? Honestly, if those guys end up in the ocean, they usually just get eaten by other monsters or fish. They’re basically just clumps of mana or rotting meat. You get ghost ships sometimes, but this is inside the Weed dungeon, so...”
I had just learned a grim reality of this world. But I suppose it made sense. In the seas of another world, ghosts and zombies were apparently just part of the food chain.
“Oh, that reminds me. Here, take these.”
The Sahagin suddenly held up a net.
“What’s this?”
“Turban shells and oysters. They’re fresh and delicious. I heard you guys were out here fishing, so I gathered some for you. Oh, it was no trouble at all. Took me less than thirty minutes. Don't be shy, have them as a snack while you're out here. Hope you catch something big! Anyway, I’ll head out so I don’t scare the fish away. See ya.”
“““Thanks.”””
Thanks to the suave Sahagin’s thoughtful gesture, we ended up having a delicious time night fishing.
Night fishing really is great. But remember, water during Obon always comes with ghost stories, so be careful.
Also, a random thought occurred to me—would it be fun to start a blog? I’ve been thinking about that game-making and drawing stuff I mentioned before, and a blog might be the best way to handle it. Maybe something with "Cloud-whatever" in the name... I've got a few ideas brewing.