Kougetsu hummed in satisfaction, cupping the warm green tea in her hands as she watched the sun slowly reveal itself to the world, spreading her golden rays of light. Everything around her was bathed in crimson and the color of a blush, the clouds above decorated with a hint of sky blue and wisps of silver.
Kougetsu sipped on her tea, the bittersweet taste of the green tea dancing on her tongue before she swallowed, the liquid smoothly sliding down her throat, providing comforting warmth to her body against the chilly breeze of morning.
"Thanks for the tea, Shiori-san," She told her, placing her hand over hers as she sat herself down beside the younger girl.
She smiled gently at her, eyes twinkling. "You know you don't need to thank me, Kougetsu. I think of you as my own—that being said, how many times have I told you to drop formalities around me?"
"I know, but it's a habit, after everything you've done for me and the sake of my grandmother." Kougetsu sighed, placing her empty cup of tea back into the tray.
Kougetsu brushed off her new haori—it was plain black with silver trimmings along the hem of her sleeves, along with a full moon with two crescent moons parallel to each other on the back, colored silver as well—and her Peacekeeper's uniform from any dust, adjusting the sheath of her katana the rested on the side of her hip.
Shiori watched her as she strapped her quiver onto her back, slinging the bow across her body as she fed some fruits to Mashiro, who was summoned so that she could show Kougetsu the location of her first mission.
"Alright, I must get going now," Kougetsu said, patting herself to make sure she had all of her things.
'Bow and arrow, check. Quiver, check. Both of my thigh pouches, check. Kinchaku with food, check. Katana, check.'
Kougetsu nodded to herself, gaze shifting over to the white fox in front of her, waiting for her orders. "Okay, Mashiro. I'm ready."
The nine-tailed nodded in response, tails waving with grace as she grew bigger, stopping at her preferred size, letting Kougetsu climb onto her back.
"Good luck. Make it back safely." Shiori said, voice laced with a hint of worry as she waved her hand.
Kougetsu turned her head as Mashiro began to trot, the corners of her lips twitching into a small smile as she waved back. She turned her head back to the path, entering the forest.
'Let's go. '
∞
It's the afternoon, now.
Mashiro had been walking for quite a while now, slowing from a trot to a walk a few hours ago, occasionally stopping for a rest or to eat.
Kougetsu had asked her twice how long it'll be until they'd arrive at the village, to which Mashiro would reply, "soon."
She got a feeling that she was just lying to encourage her.
"Mashiro," Kougetsu spoke up, taking out a rice ball from her satchel, "would you like some onigiri?"
"I told you, eating isn't necessary," Mashiro replied.
"But it helps replenish your magic, doesn't it?"
The nine-tailed fox nodded.
Kougetsu leaned forward, offering Mashiro the rice ball, to which she turned her head and took it from her hand, and began to chew it on.
After swallowing it, she muttered a thank you.
After a few moments of silence, she watched as Mashiro's ears suddenly perked up.
What does she hear?
Not even a second later, her attention shifted to the faint sound of chatter in the distance—and lots of it. That, to her, meant that she had finally arrived at the village.
"I can walk the rest of the way, Mashiro. I know you're tired," Kougetsu told her, getting off the fox.
Mashiro looked back at her. "Are you sure, Yozora?"
Kougetsu hummed. "Yes."
With that, the nine-tailed fox disappeared.
The girl began to sprint towards the noise, the sight of houses, shops, and crowds of people meeting her vision.
"Finally." She mumbled to herself, entering the village. Her eyes began to roam the place as she resumed her walking, taking in each and every detail of the village—from the little signs for shops, the smell of freshly cooked food of the restaurants, the laughter of adults and the giggles of children—the village was lively.
However, what caught her eye was the all-too-familiar sight of a wolf head and hide, a shirtless man, and his hakama with animal hide on it. He was seated at a restaurant, his wolf head on the seat beside him, scarfing down his food.
She hummed, remembering the times she ate with him during the assessment—no matter who he was with or where he was, he would eat his food like that. It was probably in his nature.
Kougesu shook her head, making her way to the restaurant and took a seat next to him. He didn't notice her, however, as he was too busy with his bowls of tempura, takoyaki, and yakitori.
"Hello, Seijuu. Long time no see." She greeted him after she made an order—a bowl of kake soba, propping her elbow on the counter and resting her head on her palm.
Seijuu let out a grunt and paused his eating, turning his head to look at her. He squinted, tilting his head before she spotted a hint of recognition in his golden eyes. "Ration woman."
Kougetsu blinked owlishly. "Ration woman? You remember me for that?"
"So what?" He grumbled, shoving some takoyaki in his mouth.
"Nothing. It just means you have a shitty memory." Kougetsu shrugged, taking a ball of takoyaki, which only fueled his anger.
He opened his mouth, about to yell at her with a string of insults of his own—however, Kougetsu merely shoved the takoyaki into his mouth, effectively shutting him up and distracting him. This was something she had gotten used to—in fact, during the assessment, whenever she said something that set him off or blatantly insulted him, she would distract him with food.
So far, it has always worked.
Kougetsu hummed in satisfaction, thanking the cook as he placed the steaming bowl of soba in front of her, and chopsticks beside it.
"So," She started once again, as she waited for her noodles to cool down a bit. "Are you here on a mission?"
Seijuu's eyes shifted over to her, narrowing. "How the hell did you know? If you're offering your help, save it. I don't need it,"
She held in the urge to roll her eyes. "Well, you don't decide. Because I'm here for the mission of the disappearing village." She told him, voice dropping to a whisper that only Seijuu could hear.
"Then leave,"
"No. I am here for the mission, and I will stay for the mission."
Seijuu held her stare for a moment before huffing and continued to eat, muttering a "whatever, woman."
She looked over at him, silver eyes scanning the side of his face for a moment before she looked back at her bowl, taking her chopsticks.
As they ate in silence, she heard someone take a seat beside her. Curious, she shifted her head towards his direction slightly, enough to observe his features from her peripheral vision
He seemed to be quite tall, even while sitting down, by a head. He wore a navy blue kosode under his navy blue haori, decorated with a white dragon pattern to contrast the color.
Her eyes trailed up to his face; by normal standards, he would be considered attractive. He had a round, yet defined look—messy, reddish-chestnut brown hair framing his features. He had hooded, almond-shaped eyes colored a lime green with a small mole mark underneath his left eye.
He seemed about her age, if not older, by one or two years, at least.
Of all seats, why beside mine?
Kougetsu should've sat by Seijuu's left side. That way, nobody would've been able to sit beside her, as there weren't any seats after that.
"Hello, miss," He greeted with a sly grin, voice deep and pleasant.
Kougetsu swallowed her food, looking over at him. "Hello."
"I couldn't help but notice you on the way back to my home. You and your friend are Peacekeepers, no?" He asked, tilting his head to the side, curiosity shining in his lime green eyes.
"Yes. It's clear from the uniform and weapons. Why do you ask?"
He waved his hand dismissively. "No reason. It's people like you that make our world a better place."
She nodded slowly. Just what was he getting at, exactly?
"Thank you, mister."
"I'm not that old, only nineteen," He laughed, scratching his neck. "I'm Shoji Akio. You can call me by my first name."
Kougetsu nodded, but decided not to take his word. She wasn't too fond of the air he gave off. "Yes, well, thank you, Shoji-san. Coming here to tell us about what you think about us Peacekeepers. Your words about the organization are much appreciated."
"Of course. After all, you're pretty easy on the eyes, which I couldn't help but notice. But this scar...it's hard to overlook, looking closely at you now," He muttered, raising a hand to trace the scar on her face, which trailed from her edge of her lips to her left eyebrow.
She slapped his hand away, eyes narrowing.
Did he seriously think she'd be flattered?
Hah. I can't believe this is happening to me.
Instead of acknowledging Akio's supposed compliment, she turned her head and continued to eat.
However, it proved to be futile, as the corners of his lips stretched into a smirk.
'Playing hard to get, are you?' He thought, scooting closer to her.
"Uh, so, what's your name? Would you…like to go on a date with me, maybe? You know, get to know each other."
After a moment of chewing her food and swallowing it, she looked over at him.
Without any hesitation, she answered, "No,"
Akio blinked owlishly, almost falling out of his seat out of surprise. What? Barely any girls declined him! Considering his looks and his persuasive talking…
"Huh? Why not?" He questioned, trying to keep his composure.
"I don't want to, nor am I obligated to,"
"But don't you want information about the village?" Akio asked.
She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Yes, I do."
"Then I can tell you during our date,"
Kougetsu couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh.
Seijuu stopped his eating, looking over at Kougetsu with wide eyes, goosebumps littering his skin.
He knew that laugh—it was the one she'd use whenever Cursed Ones tried to justify why they murder and eat others.
The only time she would blatantly show her negative emotions—but emotions, nonetheless.
One she'd use before ripping their heart out with her sword.
"You are so disgusting and arrogant that it's actually concerning. You think you have the right to blackmail or bribe me on going on a date with you, in exchange for information?" She stood up, eyes boring into his. "I can simply ask anyone. It's not just you in this damn village, bastard. Grow up."
Kougetsu slammed her onto the counter, sliding off the chair easily. "Come on, Seijuu. Let's go."
"But I'm not finished yet—"
"I'll treat you to a large meal after our mission. On me."
His eyes seemed to sparkle at the thought, a smug grin making its way on his lips as put on his wolf mask. He proceeded to roughly grab her hand, leading her in a direction she wasn't so sure of. She was just glad that she got away from Akio.
The said male watched her and Seijuu, wide eyes following her figure. He was just so, so...surprised and baffled by her words.
The restaurant owner shook his head and looked at Akio with pity in his aged brown eyes. "Having a daughter myself, seeing you treat her like that was certainly getting on my nerves. The young woman is right. She doesn't owe you anything. Besides, the villagers would be willing to give her any information about the demons in our village."
Akio sighed, his gaze shifting to the bowl of udon in front of him, head low.
This wasn't the first time he'd been yelled at by a woman—usually, he'd shrug it off and continue his behavior.
However, the young woman's words, whose name he doesn't even know, just...struck a chord in him, somehow.
She undoubtedly taught him a lesson he didn't know he needed.
∞
The sun was just beginning to set.
It dyed the skies and the lands a beautiful orange, soft pinks and violets blending into one another.
Kougetsu bowed her head respectfully at the older woman, thanking her for the extra bits of information about what happens to the village. Narrowing her eyes at Seijuu to do the same, he merely ignored her as he crossed his arms, watching the older woman like a hawk.
Kougetsu wasn't sure why she was so wary of the older woman—she was harmless, and almost cried at the mention of Cursed Ones who come during the day.
She supposed that he wasn't very trusting of others.
"Come on, Seijuu. We have to get to the place where they supposedly come out and start killing the villagers," She prodded, gesturing with her hand to a small field located at the end of the village.
"Hey, quit telling me what to do! I'm the boss here." Seijuu complained, clenching his fists.
He still followed her, however.
She rolled her eyes, deciding to give in to his charade to pump him for the mission.
"Yes, you're right. I'm not the boss; you are."
He laughed loudly, puffing out his chest as he crossed his arms.
"Of course. You have to follow my orders." He grinned, smug.
How adorable—too bad, Kougetsu thought the opposite.
The girl sighed, hands resting on the sheath of her katana as she waited for any signs of the demons.
She watched as Seijuu began to slice his swords against the tree, using it as a practice to keep himself occupied for the time being.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly in thought, mulling over the events of the day. She remembered that Shiori wanted to talk to her about her sword—and she wasn't so sure why. Shiori has seen it before, right? She saw the way her eyes lit up in recognition…or did she read her wrong? Well, she did over-analyze, overthink—it was an unfortunate habit.
What annoyed her today, though, was the nerve of that boy—Shoji Akio, was it? Yeah, she didn't like him.
Boys like him believe they are all high and mighty just because they are good looking. Boys like him think they are a girl's dream of a spouse, just because he could woo a couple of girls, only to exploit them and discard them.
He was nothing but trash.
Kougetsu sighed, untying the ribbon from her hair before tying it into a tight bun, not wanting any hair to get in the way of her upcoming battle with the Demons.
Thankfully, after the fiasco with Akio, she managed to collect information about the events.
One: apparently, as soon as the sun would be at its peak in the morning, the entire perimeter of the village would shake before it descended into some sort of dark, misty place.
Two: When that would happen, multiple demons would come out, dragging unlucky victims out of their homes to eat them. So far, there's been twenty victims. Seven women, from the ages of fourteen and up. Seven men, from the ages of seventeen and up. Six children, from as little as mere babies to ten.
Three: it started around two weeks ago. Nobody knew how the demons got to their village; since it was up high in a mountain, and there were some cherry blossom trees on the pathway to the village. She deduced that the demons probably saw some alternative way to get to the village.
Four: finally, it was impossible to escape the village. As soon as someone stepped in, they couldn't get out; the moment someone steps foot out of what they called the 'village territory,' they'd get sliced in half. She figured it was a part of their Cursed Magic.
Kougetsu clicked her tongue in annoyance, taking in a deep breath before exhaling. She needed to clear her mind, or else she wouldn't be able to focus on her task right thoroughly.
The moon was at its peak.
The village was quiet, and there wasn't a single person in sight. They were probably hiding, now, with firearms, swords, and other weapons prepared if the Demons were to invade their homes.
Seijuu had stopped practicing with the trees, standing beside her and waited for the Cursed Ones to come out.
As if on cue, she could feel the ground beneath her tremble. Kougetsu tensed, hands tightly grasping the hilt of her katana that sat comfortably on by her hip.
She could feel the village descend, watching as the trees seemed to stretch into the skies above, grass appearing as if they were as long as the susuki grass. Once it stopped, everything, indeed, was shrouded in some sort of…dark, murky mist. However, she could still see the faint illumination of the moon above.
"Hah...I can feel them," Seijuu muttered.
He can feel them? Does he have a Sixth Sense?
How rare. Wielders seldom ended up with a Sixth Sense.
Nodding in response, Kougetsu began to back up. As soon as her back touched his, she could feel the warmth radiate from his body, goosebumps littering her skin.
How annoying.
She pursed her lips, her stance ready just in case any of the Demons were going to attack them from any direction.
All of a sudden, Kougetsu and Seijuu heard loud, chilling cackles from multiple directions.
She drew out her katana, the loud shing of metal echoing throughout the empty village. She grasped it tightly, brows furrowed in concentration as she saw figures beginning to emerge from the shadows.
"Hello, dinner!"