-Malleus-
''So, it doesn't have a fix, does it?'' I sighed.
The overalls-wearing Oni had my broken sword in her hand. She inspected it with a small, weird-feeling monocle and even held it up to the light to take a better look. A hum and a frown were my answers, and they were not very hopeful ones.
''Hard to say…'' The blacksmith made a so-so motion. ''See here, where blade starts? Foundation is cracked. Even if use Youki, the sword may shatter again, easier.''
Resisting the urge to click my tongue, I nodded. ''I see. So—''
''However.'' The Oni interrupted with a big, toothy grin. ''If you bring it to capital, you fix it easy! Cousin of mine… haven't seen him for century, but he sure knows hammer!''
Some may say that this was way too much of a bother to fix a broken sword, but I grew slightly attached to it on the few fights I've used it in. The weight was bothersome but manageable, and it was certainly more effective than simply using my fists.
That is to say, I wasn't neglecting my martial training. Pretty sure Sukuna would eat my hand while gloating: 'Then, how are you going to use that sword without fingers, pathetic brat?'
Or something like that.
In the small time I mused over the matter, the blacksmith had written some Kanji on a piece of paper. Surprisingly, it looked quite neat.
Though the time I spent at the village taught me not to judge by mere cover, considering just how smart Oni could be behind that 'dumb' and reckless exterior.
''Is there another weapon you could sell me in the meantime?'' I asked politely while taking the piece of parchment with both hands, giving a small bow that, again, earned me a strange look.
However, the blacksmith shook her head nervously.
''Apologies, Dehorned One. Most weapons here wouldn't take half punishment this one did.'' The tall woman put the broken sword and the small bag with the chips of metal back onto the table, passing them to me. ''At that point, better to use fists.''
Well, that just sucked.
''I understand.'' With a nod, I tied the bag of metal chips to my waist and sheathed the blade back in its long scabbard that crossed my back. ''Thanks for your help, Blacksmith.''
''Do tell cousin I said hello!'' She called back as I exited the shop, to which I just waved.
As I walked the main street, I paused for a moment, read the slip of paper once more, and then deadpanned.
''I can't read this, and I didn't ask the name of her cousin…''
Chuckling, I just kept going. I had to find Kuroki and see if we were ready to go out.
'I could just go back and ask, but… eh, I'll just learn the language on the way. After all, those magic Youki circles had these sigils too, and I'll probably need to learn the language if I want to use it.'
'That is, unless someone is willing to be my language teacher.' I smirked.
'…I will eat one of your fingers per stroke of the brush you miss.' Sukuna answered, tone dead as a corpse.
'Harsh much?' I hummed. 'After all we've been—Whoa.'
''Male, I was searching for you.'' Suddenly, I was stopped near the end of the commercial district of the town.
The one who did was—as always—a tall Oni, but with copper colored skin, and a particular set of lower teeth that made me remember a very punchable face.
'I wonder if it'll be too much to ask how her jaw feels…' I mused with a covered frown as I strained my neck upwards. ''Oriwa. Do you have business with me?''
One of Orikita's hunters, and the woman who challenged me to a fistfight in the middle of a celebration on my first conscious day inside the village. However, unlike last time, the woman was dressed in leather armor that did almost nothing to protect her, considering it left her lower ribcage and abdomen completely exposed.
However, her eyes did not hold the fury of that day, but something akin to begrudging acceptance.
Though apparently, the ''permanent scowl'' I mocked was just how the Oni's face looked.
'The more you know, I guess.'
''You remember name?' Oriwa wondered, surprised for some reason.
''Your actions that night do not bother me nearly as much as they should.'' I shrugged. ''Besides, you served as a proper way to let me recover fruitfully. Yet, I'll personally recommend you do not lose yourself too much in a fight.''
How would I put it into words…
''Your Cursed Energy spiked as you fought.'' I nodded, uncovering one bandaged eye with a smile. ''These eyes of mine showed it clearly. Your rage made your strength soar, but you were too angry to even focus on punching properly. Take a hold of that, and you will do… fine.''
Maybe not great, but fine.
The Oni blinked, her mouth was slightly agape, and her brain seemed to have short-circuited or something.
'Did I say something weird…?' I wondered.
'Nobody expects something smart to come out of your mouth, brat.' I wholeheartedly ignored the sassy curse.
''I see… my thanks.'' Oriwa nodded after a while, her face scrunched up in a complicated expression. That's when I noticed the cloth-covered, long item on her back moving as she pulled it in front. ''That night, I lost. Shameful to me and family. As such, let me offer compensation.''
Suddenly, the cloth was pushed directly in front of me. I raised the eyebrow of my only visible eye with curiosity. The cloth didn't feel cursed, and the energy in Oriwa's body felt tranquil…
I took on the object, which I now noticed had a curved form. Slowly, I unwrapped it, revealing light yet treated wood. My mind immediately recognized it as a scabbard for a sword.
With nay a sound, its blade was unsheathed, which for some reason, made me nod and smile. Its curved form could not have been longer than my arm, making it much smaller and thinner than the one I was carrying on my back, even in its destroyed state.
At a single glance, I could tell the edge was sharp, and the steel was gleaming brightly. Focusing, I could notice the marks of use on the blade and on the handle.
A grip that couldn't have come from another Oni, considering it fit my palm like a glove, and the 'crossguard'—A Tsuba, my mind provided—was entirely too short to cover my own fingers properly, much less so an Oni's big, meaty hand.
''Origin,'' Oriwa said, her eyes locking into the blade's gleaming edge. ''It was a war's spoil, from long ago. Good steel. Cut through many during war. Many Oni's blood spilled on it.''
Then why wasn't the blade cursed at all? Heck, if anything, I'll say that not a single drop of that blood's resentment could be felt on this blade…
''And you're gifting this to me?'' I was just slightly baffled.
Just how deep does the ''strong get things'' culture of these people go?
''Yes.'' The Oni nodded, before, much to my surprise, bowing her head with closed eyes, a gesture of respect. ''It would be shame if Dehorned One would leave our village without proper weapon. With this… I hope you don't take my words as disrespect. However… if you wished to claim my head…''
…These people were not right in the head.
''I shall take this offering and put it to use during my trials.'' I almost choked from how hard I had to clear my throat, considering the tense air that now filled the street. ''You have done me a great service. Raise your head, and go along, Hunter, you still have duties that this village needs fulfilled.''
Taking the ''mercy'' for what it was, Oriwa raised her head. Her permanent scowl was replaced with a big, toothy grin that bordered on evil, but considering the lack of cursed energy to back it up, it must have been merely a thankful smile coming from the woman.
''I thank you, and wish you safe travels, Dehorned One.'' Oriwa nodded her head one more time before walking away.
And just like nothing happened, the street kept its usual cheer and activities.
'My future trials, eh? I sure have some coming in the future…' I mused over my own words, as my eye reflected on the shine of the sword that now rested in my hand.
Idly and carefully, I sheathed it back into its scabbard and covered it with the cloth, fastening it to my hip. ''…Feel like I'm a fantasy character, with all these weapons and trinkets attached to me now.''
A broken blade I wanted to 'reforge', a note to get that same blacksmith's help on a main city I knew nothing about, and now a gift from someone I beat up just in time when I needed a new weapon.
Just how cliché can I get?
Shaking my head, I started walking once more. I still needed to find Kuroki and give my goodbyes to the chief.
I only hoped it wasn't awkward, considering our activities last night…
-Chief Orikita-
Without the constant storm buffeting against her robes, visiting the cold resting place of her daughter was much easier.
Where once there was nothing but a white canvas filled with frozen trees and thick snow, now a small patch of beautiful green grass and even some moss had started covering the small tombstone.
A small chirping sound made Orikita aware that birds and other critters may start coming along now that the curse was gone.
Now that her daughter was properly gone, sent off with the combined efforts of her younger spawn, a Dehorned, and possibly, the Queen herself…
''Hopefully, you may rest this time, Shikiko…'' Orikita took a deep breath while kneeling at the feet of her daughter's tombstone. Idly, she caressed her abdomen. ''…Even if we are not in my village, sensing you is oddly easy, Malleus.''
''I'll say you're not any different.'' A male voice replied in amusement. ''The moment you step outside the village, it's like there is an arrow of cursed energy that leads directly to you, Chief.''
The soft sound of wood crunching against snow made itself known after a pause. Orikita didn't turn her gaze away, but her maroon eyes shot in surprise as she felt a small weight kneel beside her.
''There were things you didn't tell me, Chief.'' The man acknowledged with a blank expression.
Orikita felt something tightening around her heart as she saw a red lily being placed directly in front of the stone grave. Her breath hitched, remembering how the small bloom was supposed to help the dead pass on peacefully.
It wasn't something that Oni did, but at the moment, she felt grateful.
''There were, indeed.'' She nodded, not willing to lie to the man.
An entire minute of silence passed, during which the male side-glanced at the way Orikita caressed her own stomach. She almost huffed in annoyance at those deep, mesmerizing blue eyes and the way they seemed to catch onto things way too quickly.
Really, the Heavens were biased in favor of this Oni.
''I was just wondering how… our species reproduction work.'' He suddenly blurted with an apologetic smile, making her freeze. ''Considering you said there was a 'new generation', and there are younger 'spawn' around the village…''
A small chuckle escaped past her lips at the absurdity of the question, and a small part of Orikita's mind wondered how Malleus was raised, considering his lack of general knowledge, even with the fact that he must have been a very strong individual…
Not even the notion of him being incarnated made much sense, really.
''Yokai are much more tuned to their spiritual forms than their physical ones.'' She explained, not taking her eyes off the tombstone, even caressing it lazily with her fingers. ''With the right desire and attunement, one could make a child of their own without help. Though it's much easier with… another.''
''Meaning you are…'' She nodded, making a drop of nervous sweat fall off the man's cheek. ''I probably shouldn't have said… that, then.''
''You think?'' She gave a knowing smirk, but then her eyes stared at the man's hand, which softly placed itself on her firm abdomen. ''…You're a strange Oni, Malleus. These types of tender actions are more akin to the Nekomata species.''
Malleus simply shrugged and remained silent.
The soft breeze ruffled their clothes and hair. It was almost like there was an odd peaceful feeling inside this little resting place. Usually, she would have felt the negativity coming in waves, but there wasn't a smidge of cursed energy to feel now.
Meaning that, her Shikiko is probably not coming back again. After all, there must be a heavy sense of resentment still prevalent for a Curse to come back after being exorcised.
''I could stay—'' Orikita immediately interrupted the man by putting her hand over his and tightening.
''…Alright, I can take a hint.'' She chuckled as the man deadpanned.
''It's not about staying or not, Malleus. You made a promise to my daughter, I heard? Besides, it won't do to chain you or… her to this place. You have an objective of your own that won't see an end if you stay here.'' Orikita explained with a knowing grin.
Still, the smaller male frowned. ''Still feels wrong to be absent from a child's life…''
'He really is a strange one. Such caring tendencies…' Orikita was sure the white-haired Oni would have spoiled this spawn rotten if he were to stay.
However, there was one thing that she really couldn't come up with. Merely because the name of her lost daughter kept coming to mind each time she thought about it.
Heavens above, that was the reason she was here in the first place!
''Then, why don't you give her a name?'' At the prompt, Malleus's eyes widened.
And before he could claim otherwise, Orikita strained her head downwards and took his lips into hers, making sure he would shut up about the matter already.
She was willing to risk the disrespect of such action.
Malleus blinked; those beautiful blue eyes roamed her face before he sighed in resignation.
For a long minute, he didn't say anything. Though, considering the side glances he kept instinctively throwing around the resting place, it seemed he was trying to take inspiration from the environment.
''…Shikiri'' He said finally with a nod. ''I don't know why, but it feels like it fits.''
However, the words made Orikita freeze completely, to the point that the man looked at her with a hint of worry.
Yet, her mind went back to specifically why her little dear was named Shikiko in the first place.
Shikiko… It was born out of Shiki (Season), and Ko (Child), for she was born in between Autumn and Winter…
Yet, Shikiri… The start was the same, but the ending was the latter half of Kori (Ice).
A warm wetness trailed down her face. Malleus, unknowing what to do, simply made circular motions on her stomach with his thumb while leaning onto her. His warmth helped somewhat, even if the tears kept trailing down her face.
''…I love it.'' Orikita finally said after a wet chuckle. She dried her tears even as the rivulets ran down, offering the male a tender smile. ''Thank you, Malleus.''
Awkwardly, the man smiled back, yet he didn't pull away. For a long minute, the physical show of affection lingered. However, Orikita couldn't be wasting her child's and her mate's morning any longer.
''Kuroki is searching for you right now. You should probably get ready to part.'' She informed.
The man went to open his mouth—
''Malleus…!'' The distant echo of Kuroki could be heard through the woods. Indeed, she was calling out to him, probably knowing he was around these parts.
As he rose to his feet hastily, Malleus sent her a curious look, to which she simply shrugged with an impish grin. ''It's a mother's instinct, oh Dehorned One!''
Shaking his head, the male sent her one last look before walking in the general direction of the village.
And with a now placid smile, Orikita caressed her daughter's tombstone. A feeling of deep warmth and love pooled on her belly, much different than the usual angry and deceptive cursed energy.
…
For a second, a pair of violet eyes stared at the woman. The soft laughter of a child playing in the snow echoed, and as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.
Shikiko was laid to rest, but she was not unloved nor forgotten.
And Shikiri shall live in her stead, with the name given by a mysterious man and a loving mother.
-Malleus-
''A gift…?'' I asked.
''Hm.'' Kuroki nodded, holding a small box. ''Chief… No. Mother said it was an apology for not being here properly.''
At the edge of the village, I could already see the greenery show itself on the horizon. It wasn't only that curse making it difficult to traverse, but it was more like it had swallowed up the entire village and its surroundings in an icy prison.
And with just a bit of walking, we could already leave it behind…
However, just as Kuroki said, the chief couldn't send us off. Though we did get plenty of rations and some proper camping equipment, along with a proper check-up of our weapons, with Kuroki even getting another gauntlet to replace the one she lost.
Glancing at the two identical boxes, I saw Kuroki side-glancing the one on the right. So, I softly took the left one from her extended hand. The paper tore softly, and beneath it…
''Clothes…?'' I hummed. We already packed more than enough to last until we reached the Capital. ''This material… It's enchanted, isn't it?''
My eyes perceived the fluctuation of strange symbols on the collar and cuffs of the robes. With a glance, I noticed that Kuroki's own black robes had the exact same 'feeling' to them.
''Runes.'' Kuroki hummed. ''Kuroki doesn't know how to read them…''
Shrugging, I just added it to the ever-growing list of things I needed to learn.
Instead of focusing on that, I looked around before noticing that Kuroki had immediately started to undress. I deadpanned, but the Oni simply tilted her head, staring blankly at me.
''Ah.'' She blinked and shrugged. ''Since Malleus and Kuroki already… Kuroki thought it was okay?''
…She wasn't wrong, really.
…
''This feels great.'' I noticed, doing a few stretches and marveling at how nicely the clothes fit. Like they were made to my perfect measures.
The robes had long, wide sleeves, which made me think I almost looked like a monk. They were completely white save for subtle black ribbons around the cuffs, hips, and ankles, making it perfectly tight where it needed to be so as not to get buffeted by the wind or to make me trip over myself.
I had to wear them over a shirt, since the chest was easily open even through the bindings, but the feeling of resistance I got from it made up for it ten times over.
''How about you, Kuroki?'' I side-glanced the Oni, who, much to my amazement, could actually fit in her own pair.
Well, not fit, more like one of these 'runes' engraved into the cloth seemed to make it so the clothing 'fit' whoever was using it. That was probably why the boxes were the exact same size.
It wasn't the same in design, however. Kuroki had black robes with white linings, and where mine were tied tightly against my extremities and mid-section, Kuroki's sleeves were nice and loose for some reason.
''Hm. Easy to wear.'' Kuroki gave one of those small smiles of hers and went to grab our bags back before looking 'excitedly' at the greenery on the horizon. ''Malleus… Hurry?''
I raised an eyebrow while keeping a blank expression. A huff of amusement escaped past my lips, and I nodded. ''Sure, sure.''
As Kuroki went on ahead, eager to see the many places outside the village she had lived all her life in, I gave a longing look back at all the houses, the smoke rising, and the happy Oni I could see even from this far away.
My mind went back to the fight I had with Oriwa, every breakfast I held with Orikita and Kuroki, my fight with that Curse, the significant growth I had achieved over my technique, and the night I shared with two women.
I really couldn't process how all of that happened in so little time…
Lastly, I thought of the little life I left behind, wondering if I could manage my goal and… maybe come back?
'Look at me… caring about a child of a woman I had barely met, not even two weeks ago,' I huffed. '…I did give her a name, though.'
Shikiri…
With one last look, I turned around, using a small burst of cursed energy to catch up to Kuroki, who was absent-mindedly going through the lingering frost and snow.
''At the very least, I'll meet the child once.'' I decided.
-Yasaka-
The West Capital of Yokai, Kyoto… Supposedly, a peaceful stay for any and all amicable spirits that decided to take residence in it. However, it was filled with hidden agendas among the many spirits.
It was no surprise, considering that with the diverse amount of Yokais that existed, along with how every species of Yokai had a different way of being born.
And inside a meeting room, sipping on some lavender tea with a practiced smile, she sat, the one who reigned over this territory. The nine-tailed trickster fox, the Kyuubi, or simply Lady Kitsune. Many were the titles she got during her 'reign', even if none quite… stuck.
''For how long, I wonder, are those two going to make us wait, Lady Yasaka?'' A feminine voice said haughtily.
From her side, a pale woman with long white hair tied into a bun frowned. Her pale blue eyes reminded the Kitsune of those members of the Sugawara clan before their demise. Yet, that appearance won't fool anyone capable of utilizing the Soul Arts from feeling the deep freezing Youki and tightly condensed cursed energy coming from the long-robed woman.
For she was no mere human, but a Yuki-Onna called Tsurara, and the one in charge of the Northern region of her territory.
''Patience, dearie.'' Yasaka smiled, making the woman drop the pointed stare just a smidge. ''You know how those two are… Especially the little one, she has it hard, considering the absence of a certain someone.''
''I do not consider it of excuse.'' Tsurara pointed out, closing her eyes while taking a sip of her own cold beverage. ''I was nearly her age when—''
''We are here, Big Sis Yasaka, Big Sis Tsurara~!'' Suddenly, the door burst open, and from it two women emerged.
The first was a petite girl with long platinum blonde hair and a toothy grin. Her skin was like porcelain in color, with the exception of bright red marks going from her completely red, clawed hands and bare feet, all the way to her shoulders and legs.
She dressed in a thin, bright-yellow kimono that rested loosely on her shoulder and barely reached her mid-thigh. On her head rested two long, thin horns completely black in color, and every energy inside her felt like it was a bomb ready to burst, incapable of containing the excitement within the girl.
''Communicate correctly with your fellow, Lady Douji.'' On her side, another woman, much taller and with curves covered by long black and white robes, spoke.
She had short and dark blue-ish hair cut neatly in a bob-cut, with a red mask representing a bird's skull placed on the side of her face. Above her flowing robes, loose pieces of black, chitin-like armor rested on her shoulders and waist.
On her neck, there was a golden pendant which emitted an energy much fouler than any single individual in the room, to the point that, were Yasaka a lesser Youkai, she would have recoiled and assumed a Special Grade curse of the highest caliber was let inside her home.
''You're no fun, Big Sis General…!'' The small Oni pouted, balling her fists up and down in an exaggerated manner.
The Tengu merely shook her head with a deep frown. ''Because this is not a mere tea gathering or a festivity. We are here for important matters, are we not?''
These were Representative of the Oni: Ibaraki-Douji, blood of the infamous Shuten-Douji herself, and General Otekamaru… One of the three Calamities and the current leader of the Tengu.
Tsurara, on the side, cleared her throat, interrupting the argument of the two. ''If we may start this meeting properly? There are matters that I need to attend to back in my realm.''
''Hmph…'' Ibaraki suddenly turned from both the General and the Yuki-Onna, with crossed arms and a pout. Silently, she walked to her seat next to Yasaka and offered her a bright smile. ''Hello, Yakasa!''
The sudden change in attitude made her chuckle. ''Hello to you too, dear Iba.''
The General Tengu merely nodded and sat on the remaining chair between Tsurara and Ibaraki. With that, and a wave of her hand, the doors to the meeting room closed, and a single piece of Kanji-riddled paper materialized right in the middle.
The room had become sealed and undetectable to normal, spiritual, or magical means. And, unless the four agreed that the matters at hand had been resolved, then the door would not open.
'If anything, it secures no one can storm out…~'' Yasaka held back a chuckle, feeling her nine orange tails twitching at the minimum movement.
''First and most important…'' Otekamaru started, resting her chin between the back of her hands. ''My people had confirmed the spike of cursed energy near the 'Great' Clans to be one of the two remaining seals cracking, losing part of its power.''
''Oh?'' Yasaka raised an eyebrow, ignoring the disgust in the Tengu's voice while mentioning the Sorcerers. ''Then, are we to suspect that another of the 'Great Calamities' is to be released soon?''
The name was quite ironic, for yes, the three 'great calamities' consisting of Tamamo-no-Mae, Shuten-Douji, and General Otekamaru were evil spirits that the humans feared greatly. However, it was that same fear which led to their Spiritual Energies mixing and twisting until they seemed more Curse than oukai…
It was why, twenty years ago, when the General appeared near her city, that Yasaka took the task upon herself to 'filter' out that hate and fear out of the Tengu. Though it did take a toll on her overall power.
''No need, Lady Yasaka.'' The Tengu gave a small smile and a nod. ''…It is Shuten-Douji's seal that cracked right open. As the why such a thing happened again after two decades… it may have been the equivalency that the heavens imposed on us.''
At that, the Yuki-onna scoffed, her blank face converting into a frown. ''Are you suggesting that an individual of a high enough grade for the world to crack open one of your fellow's seals was born… again? Twice in the same era? Forgive me if I don't believe in such happenstance, General.''
''Either that, or a great evil was released into the world.'' Otekamaru shot back pointedly.
''Then, maybe you should keep a check on that amulet of yours?'' Tsurara suggested coldly. ''At least, no 'evil' or 'heaven-graced' individual was born into my land. So, maybe the problem was much nearer than we think…''
As the General's expression soured, both she and Tsurara were locked in a stare-down. Little Ibaraki, who was practically vibrating in her seat the moment her ancestor was mentioned, suddenly jumped into her chair, raising her hand high in the air.
''Oh, I know, I know!'' The Oni claimed with a beaming smile. ''Two of the twenty fingers of that old woman lost the tracking sigil that kept us informed about them!''
Yasaka's closed eyes shot open, the orbs of liquid gold stared at the smaller woman as the energies deeply sealed inside her tails went haywire for a mere second, letting them frizzle and puff up like a cloud.
Equally, the room's temperature had suddenly dropped. A mist was left behind with each person's breath. The only one calm enough about the information was the one who said it, who stared in confusion, and the Tengu General, whose expression tightened while her clawed 'talons' dug into the table's material.
''You jest…'' Tsurara spat between tightly pressed lips. Her tone choked, and almost… fearful. ''There must have been a miscount. Or… Or maybe the sigils had finally faded after a thousand years—''
''Not possible.'' Yasaka chided softly, her eyes closed once more, yet her foxy grin was much more forced. ''That Sorceress' sigils would never have faded with time. You know this, little Tsu…''
The white-haired woman scoffed and turned her nose away at the nickname. Yet, the reasoning could not be denied.
''…Lady Douji, are you completely sure, without room for failure?'' The methodical General asked, taking a deep breath.
''One-hundred and ten percent sure!'' The Oni claimed proudly, while repeatedly tapping the red mark on her forehead. ''My eye reaches far and beyond, I am just that amazing, and in an entire century, I have never missed a single reading, huahuahua!''
'The Queen of Curses.' Yasaka thought. The mere mention of her title sent a shiver down her spine. 'The One who Defied Heaven…''
She shook her head, not allowing the thought to remain on her mind. There was still a chance that the incarnation wasn't true.
After all, there are almost no mortals or spirits that could swallow that curse and live more than a few seconds. It was tried in the past by a group of mad Oni, until the few fingers they had were ripped off their hands.
Not a single trial had succeeded. Incarnating Ryomen Sukuna was basically impossible for the weak, and the strong knew just what sort of Calamity would have been released into the world were they foolish enough to infuse their essence with one of her fragments…
With a heavy air of uncertainty, the rest of the meeting followed along.
''A letter…?'' She asked one of the maids, a spiderling who had taken the job of her mother merely a year ago. ''Does it have a sender?''
After the heavy mood of the meeting, she thought that maybe relaxing outside, with the sun warming up her well-brushed tails, while she saw her little kit run around and explore in her infant curiosity, would have been a perfect way to relax.
However, it seemed that work followed her around even now.
''Yes, Lady Kitsune.'' The nervous spiderling vowed, her second set of hands clinged awkwardly at the costures of her clothing, while the other four were tightly hidden behind her back. ''…A Chief Orikita? I apologize, I do not recognize the name or the seal of her village.''
For the second time in the day, Yasaka was taken aback. Her hand extended, and the spider-yokai hastily put the open letter on her palm.
Orikita… she remembered that name. However, after entire decades without communication, she believed something horrible had happened to that old Oni. Yet, here she was, two decades down the line, sending her a letter?
Yet, one single glance at the calligraphy told her that, indeed, it was that same Oni.
And as she read the contents of the letter, Yasaka's mood took a downward turn and then soared in the span of a few minutes. It must have been quite the comedic scene, considering how her orange ears twitched, lowered, or stood straight with each word she read.
Finally, a happy smile covered her face. ''Marie… Be a dear and send this letter back to the border patrol between our barrier and the Human Kyoto.''
''Tell them that the individuals mentioned in the letter are to be brought to me if spotted, and treated as old friends, no matter their age.'' The spider-yokai's eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly. Immediately running off with the letter to send for deliverance. ''That girl… It's not a race, you know? Fufufu~''
One of her ears stood straight and pointed at the sound of leaves being crushed.
Her smile felt even warmer as she called out. ''Kunou, don't go too far, you hear?''
The little ray of sunshine in her life, a small kit with a single fox-tail, turned around. Her little dress was already scuffed and dirty, which would get her a reprimand from her teacher, but not her. At least, not today, maybe later down the line.
It wasn't spoiling, it was just leaving kids to live their little happy moments~
''Yes, mama!'' Kunou waved back, making the woman chuckle softly. ''Ah! Bugs, buuuuugs! Nooooo!''
Yasaka couldn't help but laugh at the scene. If only her world were always filled with moments like these.
.
.
.
Author's Note:
And this is basically the end of the first Arc. Maybe a bit long, maybe a bit short, eh.
If you thought you recognized the General Tengu from anywhere... IT WAS ME, READER! I USED GENSHIN CHARACTERS AS EXPIES (again)!
And I'll do it again.
In any case, Malleus and Kuroki leave the village behind, with another life to ''take'' the former's place. You may recognize Malleus' new robes since they are very similar to the ones Sukuna used while in Megumi!Kuna form.
I have 6 more chapters of this fic on my P atreon if you wish to check them out and support me along the way.
Discord Link: discord .gg/ 92Yt5wxeWN
P atreon: p atreon .com (slash) HamsterX42