(二) Chapter-Two; The Crimson Oni

After eight days of sluggish recovery, Hinatsu and Tetsuya made their way down the familiar mountains that once surrounded their home. The young female gazed upon the forest that made up the horizon, feeling a combination of emotions; anxiety, bewilderment, and excitement. As if viewing the world from a new lens, as if finally grasping how sheltered she indeed was. The world Hinatsu had known appeared small and insignificant compared to the bigger picture before her.

"Tetsuya, look, it's a town!" Hinatsu exclaimed as she pointed toward the said location.

"If I were you, I wouldn't place my hopes too high." The kitsune, who had shapeshifted back into his original form, replied.

"Don't give me that attitude! This is all a first time for me." She uttered with irritation.

"We can go there under two conditions. One; go by an alias. Two; stay alert of whoever you trust." Tetsuya said.

"Fair enough; how does Hayagawa Saiko sound?" Hinatsu questioned, unaware of why she would need to conceal her identity.

"Certainly better than nothing." The fox spirit answered as the two made their way through the forest and towards the small town. Shortly before the pair reached the location. They came to an abrupt halt.

"Find me a skull and bone! If you can't find those of a human, settle for those of an animal." Tetsuya ordered; Hinatsu swiftly nodded her head before searching the forest for any human or animal corpses.

Suddenly, Hinatsu saw a decaying human corpse lying on its back. At the same time, its bones were scattered about, and what remained of the rib cage remained open. The head had been decapitated, while the torse, forearms, and thighs were clean of any flesh. As for the hands and feet, those were being devoured by insects. It was among the most gruesome things Hinatsu had ever seen. However, she did not have to rob a grave to give Tetsuya his skull and bone. Instead, they were lying in the forest as if waiting for Hinatsu.

She carefully grabbed one of the scattered ribs and the decapitated head before dashing toward Tetsuya. Once the fox spirit came into her sight, she dropped the charge and bone onto the ground.

"Hope this will suffice." She said as the kitsune approached the head before spewing fire from his mouth, setting the head ablaze. The grass, flowers, and leaves decayed around him in the process. Hinatsu's thoughts wandered as she watched the flesh melt off the bones.

...

"I must ask, how do you perform your youkai magic?" The young Hinatsu questioned, causing Tetsuya to shift his gaze towards her.

"It's actually quite simple. For youkai like myself to perform certain feats, we drain the life span of living beings such as plants, animals, or even humans. We then concentrate it on the energy required to perform types of all things." He explained, further sparking Hinatsu's curiosity.

"Is that so? Well, then why do you need a skull and bone to shapeshift? Also, is it possible for humans to learn this sort of youkai magic?" She asked once again.

"The proper term is 'Heavenly-Magic.' Also, I learned that technique a few centuries ago from an old friend. As for your other question, from my knowledge, humans can't learn Heavenly Magic." Tetsuya continued.

...

"Are you going to stand there all day?" Tetsuya asked as he wore the now clean skull on his head before proceeding to bite the bone. Hinatsu shook her head as the fox spirit shapeshifted into a human. The pair then made their way towards the nearby village. They arrived at the gate, guarded by two men standing on watchtowers.

"Halt! State your name and business!" One of the guards commanded; Hinatsu internally panicked as she struggled to gather the right words to utter.

"My name is Hayagawa Tetsuya, and this is my sister, Saiko. We are just passersby." Tetsuya said, to the latter's relief. However, this was clearly not enough to satisfy the guard.

"Show us your traveler's passes!" The other guard demanded, to Hinatsu's confusion.

"What is a-" The female was cut off by Tetsuya's left hand. While his right hand reached inside his and Hinatsu's kimono, pulling out two wooden tablets with ink inscriptions. Fortunately, the two guards were naive to notice the dead grass and herbs near Tetsuya.

"You may now pass. Also, please inform us if you notice anything suspicious." One of the guards informed as the village gate opened, allowing the pair to enter the area.

Hinatsu's eyes wandered around the village and its inhabitants as she passed through the town with her companion. Despite the town's narrow population, she was not sure if she had ever seen so many people at once. However, that was the least of her concerns, for events that unfolded proved devastating. Among them included a malnourished laborer exerting himself despite being too feeble to perform their job and a frail teenager being beaten after stealing a bag of rice. Hinatsu had heard of some pretty horrible things, especially when Jukai would recount stories of an era full of war and chaos. However, she would have never thought it would be as bad as this.

"Please! Let me in! My mother's in there!" A pitiful child cries while banging on the door of a tiny home.

"Sorry, kid. But your mother is sick, so she has to be isolated." An unfamiliar male said while grabbing the child by the clothes before throwing them to the ground.

Eventually, the pair come across a sign right beside the road. Hinatsu could not bear to stand by and watch. She felt compelled to do something about it, which she attempted, only to be stopped by Tetsuya's hand latching onto hers. She stared at the fox spirit in bewilderment after sensing the restriction in her movement. Perhaps it would be best if she did not stick her nose where it does not belong.

'Bounty for slaying the oni increased to sixty...." Hinatsu said internally, carefully reading each character until coming across one that she could not read.

"How do you read this one?" She asked, pointing towards the unfamiliar kanji. Tetsuya sighed before speaking.

"That is read as, "en. "" Tetsuya uttered, to Hinatsu's confusion.

"What is an, "en "?" She questioned, which did not sit well with the fox spirit.

"I can't believe I have to explain money to a sixteen-year-old, but oh well... ... Nichimoto's currency is divided into three units; ri, sen, and en. One small bronze coin is worth one ri, while one large bronze coin is worth ten ri, or equal to one sen. One small silver coin is worth one sen, and one medium silver is worth ten sen. As for the large silver, it's worth one-hundred sen, or one en. One small gold coin is worth one en. Whereas one large gold coin is worth ten ens." Tetsuya explained as Hinatsu struggled to wrap her head around this new information.

"Now I think we've seen enough of this town. Let's get moving before the sun sets." Tetsuya said while grabbing Hinatsu's hand and exiting the village.

As the day slowly turned into night, Hinatsu leaned against a tree trunk. While Tetsuya nuzzled close to her as the dying fire in front of the pair kept them warm.

As the moon and stars illuminated the navy sky, the sound of a woman screaming shot through the forest. Hinatsu was awoken by agony-filled cries before pushing Tetsuya aside and grabbing her blades.

She followed the sound, which led her to a horrific sight. An oni of around two and one-third meters in height, dark yellow skin, and a muscular figure was draining the life of a sick woman. It was then using magic to presumably make others ill before ripping the head off of the woman and chewing on her torso. Hinatsu's eyes dilated in shock and horror, almost making her want to vomit, as she gripped her katana tightly.

Soon, the oni noticed the female and the woman before picking up its spiked club. It violently swung the weapon over Hinatsu's head. However, she ducked and rolled, dodging the blow. She then unsheathed her katana. The oni's cold, menacing gaze met Hinatsu's dark eyes as it swung its club in a horizontal line. Fortunately, when the weapon hit a tree trunk, the oni was left in a state of brief perplexity. Hinatsu crawled on the ground before attempting to stab the youkai in the foot. Unfortunately, the creature gazed down at its feet and found Hinatsu.

The oni grabbed her legs before slamming her torso against a tree, dropping her to the earth. Blood gushed from Hinatsu's back and hips as raging coughs escaped her lungs. She quickly lost consciousness. The oni loomed over her while holding its spiked club high.

Suddenly, the youkai was struck in the neck by an enormous spiked club, then fell to the ground with a bloody mouth and neck. The mysterious creature looked upon the bleeding girl before lifting her up and carrying her somewhere else.

...

Hinatsu slowly opened her eyes and found herself inside a dimly-lit stone room. Her head was resting on a pile of leaves and grass, a wolf pelt draped over her injured body. Hinatsu gazed down at her naked body and found bandages wrapped around her chest and stomach. Her hair was worn down. She sat up, only to sense sharp pain in her torso as if her body were ripping itself apart from the inside.

'Where am I? What happened to me? Where is Tetsuya?' Hinatsu asked herself as her eyes wandered through the spacious room. There were three other grass and leaf pillows, each with its own animal hide cover. A roll of bandages with scissors was laid in one of the corners. The skulls of numerous animals, ranging from a rabbit to even a tiger, decorated the room, each hanging from a stick of dried bamboo. The only light inside the room came from a fire lying in the center of the area.

Hinatsu laid her head back down, not wishing to cause further damage to her body by reopening her own wounds.

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A few hours later, she awoke to the sight of a creature with red skin, long dark, unkempt hair, a muscular build, and a pair of ox-like horns. The being had a large mouth with long, nearly tusk-like canines, clawed feet, and hands. It also wore nothing but a red tiger-skin loincloth and stood at a little over two and third meters in height. Shivers ran down Hinatsu's spine as the oni approached her, carrying a small bowl in his hands.

"Ah! I know you're terrified of me, but I wish no harm upon you. For I am the one who rescued and bandaged your wounds." The red oni spoke with a voice that was both deep and raspy. Hinatsu began to steady her breath while attempting to wrap her head around the red oni's words.

"Drink this; it will aid in your recovery." He uttered while offering the injured female a tiny bowl. The vessel contained hot water with small pieces of flowers and herbs and some grains of rice. Hinatsu quickly sniffed the soup, which actually smelled quite pleasant. She then carefully grabbed the bowl of liquid before swiftly draining it of its contents. It tasted absolutely foul. However, at least it is better than ingesting poison. Hinatsu found it hard to believe that a youkai infamous for being murderous, cannibalistic savages would carry near enough empathy to save the life of a complete stranger.

"What is your name?" The red oni asked suddenly as Hinatsu placed the bowl aside.

"My name is Hayagawa Saiko. Family name spelled with the characters for early and river. Given name spelled with the characters for talented and child." She said, to the red oni's delight.

"I'm Akamaru, just Akamaru. Spelled with the characters for red and peak. Please take it easy. Your wounds need time to heal. I'll be on the other side of the cave if you need anything." Akamaru uttered as he got up to leave Hinatsu to herself.

"Where are my clothes?" She asked suddenly, causing the oni's attention to shift towards her.

"They're outside; I can grab them for you if you want." He said, which earned him a nod from the injured female. Hinatsu then laid her head down, with seemingly thousands of thoughts drowning her mind. What happened to that other oni? Does anyone else aside from Akamaru live inside this cave? Why does this one oni seem far more humane than the ones she's either heard of or encountered? Cetera. Akamaru quickly returned, carrying a red yukata, a pair of hair pins, wooden sandals, two sheathed blades, etc. He placed the garments beside Hinatsu before kneeling, turning his back towards her, so she could change herself. Hinatsu quickly dressed and tied her hair before Akamaru looked in her direction. He then knelt down, so she could have a better view of him within this dimly-lit cave.

"Why is it that most another oni will be intoxicated by the mere smell of blood? However, you can maintain such a restaurant in front of gushing wounds." Hinatsu questioned.

"I'd be lying if I said. 'I wasn't drooling at the mouth while treating your wounds.'. And as much as I try to be something different from another oni. I was born this way, and there's nothing I can do about it." Akamaru uttered as if slightly offended by the female's previous question. Hinatsu then asked herself, 'Is it normal to share such personal details with someone you just met? Did Jukai not tell me it is usually not the best idea to let yourself into a vulnerable state in front of those you hardly know.' Although perhaps this Akamaru character could be someone who can be trusted.

"Why do you live in such a spacious cave yet are the only one here?" She asked, curious as to why the room she was inside seemed built for at least three different people. However, only one used it. She could not see it, but the red oni's eyes began to water upon hearing her words.

"I lived here with my friend and his parents, but then it was just him and myself. Until one day, my best friend, Aomaru, left and never returned. Then before I knew it, I was blamed for the nearby village's problems. Now I reside here, without a friend nor family member." As his gaze turned towards the ground, Akamaru uttered while tears slowly fell from his eyes. Hinatsu was bewildered by how helpless this 'monstrous' youkai was allowing himself to be. By that point, it did not matter whether he was a human or oni, for he was a pitiful sight. Hinatsu slowly reached out her hand and placed it on Akamaru's knee as if attempting to comfort him. The red oni was taken aback by the female's compassion, yet nonetheless appreciated it.

"Just recently, I was blamed for the disappearance and likely killing of a group of hunters. They've even placed a bounty on my head," He said, the last part coming out as a sob, while that was the straw that broke the camel's back for her. Hinatsu's irises dilated out of realization. Could she actually be the one who killed the hunters?

"I could be wrong, but you're being blamed for something I did. It sickens me to know that someone else is being blamed for my atrocities. My only intention may have been to protect a dear friend. However, if I had known something like this would happen, I would have thought twice." Hinatsu uttered as if ashamed. The red oni grabbed her shoulder with his clawed hand, forcing her to look into his eyes.

"You did what needed to be done, and I'm sure your friend is grateful for that." He uttered; Hinatsu nodded her head in response before Akamaru retracted his hand. Akamaru's attention shifted away from Hinatsu and towards the cave's exit.

"Is something wrong?" Hinatsu questioned.

"I sense the presence of another youkai," Akamaru uttered before she stood up and followed him outside the cave. Fortunately, she seemed to have the strength to move independently. However, it would probably be best to take it easy until the wound fully recovers. Once the two made it outside, the sun shone high in the sky. Hinatsu quickly noticed two enormous rocks, inscriptions on a wood plank beside them. She approached them out of curiosity but could not figure out what the notes said, for the strokes appeared sloppy and cluttered.

"What is written on these?" Hinatsu questioned.

"One on the right reads Kiiromaru, and the left reads Kuromaru. My best friend's mother and father." Akamaru uttered before the female attempted once again to study them. This time, she made out the characters for yellow and peak on the first stone, while the second had the symbols for black and height.

Suddenly, Hinatsu spotted Tetsuya dashing towards her from a distance. She swiftly approached the kitsune, who jumped into her arms with his claws latching onto her clothes and his head buried in her chest.

"Hinatsu, were you hurt?" Tetsuya questioned sternly, to which the said female nodded. Upon watching the pair's reunion, the red oni scratched his head out of confusion. 'Why is he calling her Hinatsu?', Akamaru thought.

"I was injured while fighting a menacing oni. Fortunately, I was rescued by a kind soul." She responded as the fox spirit let go of her clothes. He then shot a piercing glare towards Akamaru, who slowly approached them.

"Hinatsu, stay back! I'll handle this!" Tetsuya exclaimed. However, Hinatsu dashed toward the oni, and stretched her arms and legs out in a pose resembling a starfish.

"He's the one who not only saved me but also killed the creature that injured me!" Hinatsu exclaimed.

"You are a fool for trusting an oni, and you should know it! Now, get out of the way!" He ordered, but Hinatsu refused to comply.

"I know how it is, so please don't worry about me," Akamaru said to Hinatsu, who rather than listen to him. She pulled down her yukata from the back and turned it towards the kitsune. He gazed upon Hinatsu's bandaged back, bewildered by sight.

"Akamaru, the red oni did this. If he wished to kill me instead, then why wouldn't he just strike me while I'm at my weakest point." She uttered; the fox spirit then looked at Akamaru with a slightly less piercing glance. Hinatsu then pulled her yukata back.

"I have seen many things within my life. However, I cannot recall seeing nor hearing of a compassionate oni. I am not saying you are not speaking the truth, but rather I would not trust others so easily if I were you." Tetsuya uttered, to Hinatsu's relief.

"Come, let's get moving; we still have a long way to go." The fox spirit said as he turned away from the human and the one.

"So, why was he calling you, Hinatsu?" The red oni questioned; Hinatsu's attention shifted towards him as she attempted to gather the right words.

"You see, my name is not Hayagawa Saiko. My name is actually Nagayori Hinatsu. Family name spelled with the characters for long and legacy. Given name spelled with the characters for fire and summer." She explained, to which Akamaru nodded.

"Well, Hinatsu, I guess this is goodbye. It was nice knowing you, even if only briefly." He uttered.

"Tetsuya and I are traveling towards the capital in the south. Maybe we'll find your best friend along the way." Hinatsu said.

"What are you telling me?" The red oni asked.

"I'm suggesting that you join Tetsuya and me on our journey; I think it would benefit all of us. Feel free to decline my offer." The dark-haired female spoke. Akamaru could not deny such a generous request, for it would mean he would no longer be alone, and he may even get to reunite with his lost friend. In a swift motion, he picked Hinatsu up and hugged her tightly.

"Akamaru,... ... you're crushing me." She managed to say, to which the red oni let go of her and then apologized. He then dashed into his cave to grab his tetsubou, or large, heavy iron hexagonal club, before catching up with Hinatsu and Tetsuya.

"Why is he following us?" Tetsuya questioned sternly as he turned towards the red oni.

"I thought it would greatly benefit the three of us if he joined our journey. He also seemed more than happy to come." Hinatsu uttered, earning herself a sigh from the kitsune.

"I will let it slide this time. However, if Akamaru even thinks about hurting you. I will burn him alive." He warned. Then Hinatsu told the fox spirit of the events leading up to Hinatsu's and Tetsuya's reunion.

"If that yellow oni is now dead, then we can claim that bounty for ourselves. Just as long as you say, you killed it." Tetsuya suggested, to Hinatsu's displeasure.

"Wouldn't I be lying?" She asked.

"Not if the real killer is working under us," Tetsuya uttered, earning himself a hesitant nod from Hinatsu. Then the pair returned to the village, where the dark-haired female collected her bounty worth sixty en. Then the three-man party set out towards the unknown, continuing their journey to the south.

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