The Wild Clearing Hot Spring
Atsu: Mount Yōtei. The she-moutain. I used to greet her every morning. Jubei and I would play in her shadow. Dream about racing each other to the peak. (Deep exhale) It’s good to see her again.
Yōtei’s Shadow Hot Spring
Atsu: So much has changed in Ezo since I’ve been gone. I can see the south in its people. And the fear of Saito’s gang. But Mount Yōtei still stands. And the air… (Inhales) Still smells like home.
Horizon View Hot Spring
Atsu: I used to look at my shamisen like it was a chore. But after Mother died, I heard music everywhere. The rustle of leaves… The call of the stars… Begging to be played…
Hidden Cliff Hot Spring
Atsu: (Sigh) Sometimes, I wish I had company other than my own thoughts. Then people open their mouths. And they talk. And talk. And talk. Then I remember why I’m alone.
Smoky Mountains Hot Spring
Atsu: Jubei is … alive. He became the samurai he always dreamed of. Lord Kitamori. ‘Protector of the north’. And his sister the onryō.
Bear Rock Hot Spring
Atsu: I never understood the onryō in Mother’s stories. Why couldn’t they protect themselves in life? Why did they have to die before getting revenge? (Sigh) I won’t be someone else’s bedtime story.
Kappa’s Hot Spring
Atsu: (Groans) Every muscle’s on fire. I feel like one big bruise. Just need to rest here for a few hours. Maybe a week… (Sighs) I wish.
Cloud View Hot Spring
Atsu: Jubei and I used to beg Father to take us with him whenever he left home. Didn’t matter where he was going. We knew he would make it an adventure.
Grassy Fields Hot Spring
Atsu: The wolf… (Amused chuckle) First time I saw her, I thought she’d rip my throat out. I tossed her some scraps. Even though I was starving. The wolf’s been my shadow ever since.
Quiet Valley Hot Spring
Atsu: I spent so many years chasing battles… Fighting in the peasant infantry. Listening to young men die for a lord’s glory… It feels strange now to stop. And take a moment.
Cave Path Hot Spring
Atsu: (Sighs) All this time riding across Ezo… I’m lucky to have Homura. It would be a lonely journey without him. Though it sure would smell better.
Red Crane Inn Hot Spring
Settler: You look chilled through! Come, a good soak will warm you. Welcome! Our waters will cure whatever ails you — cold, cough, or general aches.
Atsu: How much?
Settler: A small charge compared to the hot spring’s many benefits.
Atsu: It’ll be nice to feel warm again.
Settler: You won’t be disappointed.
Atsu: The winds grow colder. I remember bundling up in Mother’s quilted coats. Racing Jubei on skis Father carved from bamboo. Then ending the day around a warm fire.
Valley View Hot Spring
Atsu: When I was sick, Mother would take me to the hot springs. She’d brush my hair as I soaked in the water. It always made me feel better.
Black Bowl Hot Spring
Atsu: (Winces) Damn shoulder still hurts. Even after all these years, it never lets me forget. I can barely see the scar… but I feel it.
Distant Castle Hot Spring
Atsu: Wish I had company in here. It’s been too long since I’ve laid with someone. (Sighs) Maybe it’s better this way. Don’t have to sneak out after… or wash their stink off me.
Cliff View Hot Spring
Atsu: I’m an aunt… I thought I had no family, and now… (Sighs) I don’t know. This doesn’t change anything. It can’t.