-pg43- Tale #2 Cove of the Misago -pg44- Takahiro That day, I came to Alpha's shop to play. Alpha You don't usually come alone, Takahiro. Here. Takahiro Thanks. Alpha Ojisan is ? At the gas station ? Takahiro At a town meeting (or drinking party), since yesterday. Say, Alpha... Alpha Mm ? -pg45- Takahiro Alpha, have you been coming here long ? Alpha Yeah. Takahiro If you have, then you might know it, I think... I saw something strange yesterday. Alpha No scary stories! Takahiro Great--it was scary. Alpha Eeek! Takahiro Alpha was scared, but was nice enough to listen to me anyway. -pg46- Takahiro Yesterday evening I was clam fishing at low tide. I got a lot of clams, since I was all alone out there. One moment there was a school of fish, splashing along. And then... -pg49- Takahiro Why was she naked... But as she smiled, I began to calm down. And THEN...! -pg51- Takahiro My heart was pounding all the way home; I ran the whole way. I even forgot the clams. But I was NOT goin' back for them.. I reached the house, and Grandpa was gone to the town meeting. I didn't sleep till morning, I was so scared... This is all true! What do you think, Alpha ? -pg52- Alpha It's the Misago. Takahiro Mi---? Alpha She's called the Misago... A long time ago my owner told me about her...I guess those stories were true. Takahiro Misago. Alpha Yep. She lived in the forest cove, once upon a time... -pg53- Alpha A miraculous creature known as the Misago lives and fishes in Koajiro's cove... She hates adults, but likes kids; sometimes she comes and plays with them. But because her teeth are scary, everyone flees. My owner said he saw her when the valley was deeper, so she must always look young. -pg54- Takahiro That sounds right... I wasn't scared until I saw her teeth... Alpha Takahiro, because you were alone, she came to play. Takahiro Mm. Ah! Alpha Looks like we're in for it! -pg55- Alpha But it's starting to rain... Takahiro THAT's why I'm leaving. Alpha You should really stay overnight... Takahiro I'll be fine! I'll see you again soon! Alpha Mm! Be careful! -pg56- Takahiro That was silly of me! I shouldn't have stopped at the bookstore. -pg57- Takahiro This is dangerous... I'm shivering. Shit...I'm gonna get sick... Grandpa... Alpha... A... -pg59- Takahiro The Misago smiled, showing her teeth. But today they weren't quite so scary. And so we stayed, for warmth... Wrapped together... -pg60- Takahiro Unh... Uh...Ah! Alpha Oh, you're awake! Good! We looked for you all night! Takahiro The Misago ? Alpha Eh ? -pg61- Takahiro The Misago... She warmed me. Alpha Oh, really ? Did she dry those clothes ? Takahiro Clothes ? Alpha And... It's true! -pg62- Takahiro Why did the Misago leave ? Alpha She prolly left as soon as you were dry. And she may not have wanted to be seen by anyone else... Takahiro Yeah... Until I grow up myself... Tale # 2 Closing