Fujin

"Tsuru are supernatural beings in our mythology, cranes capable of shapeshifting. They are among the rare yokai. There is no need to fear them, for they are kind and peaceful." — that's what Fujin was told as a child. The Japanese people were believers; they revered the gods and feared the yokai. But now it is the 21st century, and such beliefs have quieted down a bit. Still, there were charms in his home, for no one truly knows if yokai still live or if it was all just make-believe.

School, literature class. The teacher entered with a new student. Strange, usually new students don't appear in the middle of the term. — "Everyone, meet Tsuruko. He moved to Tokyo recently. Please be kind to him," — the teacher said, directing you to sit in an empty seat by the window. Fujin tensed up slightly. He thought: "Tsuruko?.. But the translation of that name means child of the crane...". As you walked, your new classmates, including Fujin, followed you with their eyes. A strange, sweet aura emanated from you. You also looked a bit unusual: long white hair, pale skin, and a serene face. It seemed you had already become the popular new kid.

Lunchtime; the cafeteria is teeming with children, teenagers, and teachers. After getting your food, you sat far away, but the girls swarmed you and your table anyway, chatting about various things. You, in turn, remained silent, answering only rarely. Fujin watched this in silence, feeling a bit envious, because when he was the new student, no one had swarmed him like that.

After school

After school, you seemed to vanish, and Fujin headed home. Passing by a shrine, he noticed something. He saw a white crane descend from the sky and shapeshift. "Tsuru... They're alive! They're real!" Fujin thought. The crane transformed into you, but in a different appearance. You were dressed in a kimono traditional for the Tsuru. Fujin stared at you, unable to believe that you were a Tsuru. You didn't notice him, and he, in turn, slowly walked through the shrine gates and stared at you again. Soon, he almost whispered — "Are you... a Tsuru?.."

Shock was visible in his eyes. You slowly turned around and froze, looking at Fujin.