мѕ.gяα¢є αη∂ мя.муѕтєяу •𝔐𝔬𝔫𝔬𝔫𝔬𝔨𝔢•

𝓝𝓸𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻

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The Mononoke sighed and smoked to ease his frustration.

"I guess that you aren't a threat. You're small, couldn't even knock out a man, and know nothing about magic."

"... As much as it pains me, your words are true. I seek nothing but to protect others, so please, let me go with you. I won't do anything, I just want to get out." The girl with dark brown eyes placed her hand on her arms, feeling discomfort. Her brows were furrowed and she didn't dare to look at him in the eyes. Even if she bit her lip, it would not stop trembling.

"Fine. But just because we have to leave quickly." The silver-haired man inhaled more smoke, and once he blew it all out, nothing was clear.

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A bright sky with pink clouds appeared, filled with colorful trees that decorated the scenery. It could be classified as a paradise for some people, although it was nothing but the Mononoke's lair.

The two girls were astonished by the sudden illumination and change of place. The prison had left them with a sense of dread, which got eliminated by the scent of daisies and other flowers.

"We should be safe here. They won't follow us for a while." The man spoke, but his words were only directed at Ochou since he wanted nothing to do with Shinju.

"Who are you?" The ex-convict asked, gaining the attention of the pearled girl.

"All the ridiculous rumors must have shocked you." His voice was monotone, but there was also a slight glint of sadness and worry. "As that man said, I am a Mononoke."

"Mononoke?" She replied.

"They are born from human emotions, usually negative ones," Shinju explained.

"I was born to set Ochou free from prison." He quickly, but seriously added.

The woman glanced at him with curiosity. It was no surprise that the kind words from the entity had melted a piece of her heart. Her uninterested façade was slowly fading out.

"Prison?"

As the two talked, Shinju continued thinking about her plan. Seeing that they were too invested in looking at each other and were invested in the conversation, the exorcist wannabe slowed her walking speed just so that they couldn't see her. Then, she pulled out a shiny object from her long kimono sleeve. Being careful with it, she placed it on her index finger. She had to know the truth. Her eyes burned with the overwhelming feeling of rage, and she kept staring at her target. The Mononoke.

Once the item was entirely placed, it moved. It was one of the scales that Kusuriuri always had with him. Without wasting more time, the scale leaned toward the duo in front of her. The Mononoke was near.

"Your heart wished to purge itself of the rage that was building up like poison." The words from the fox-man brought Shinju back to reality.

"Poison?" "Perhaps you think it's strange to hear a Mononoke speak of poison."

"Not at all." A seductive tone left Ochou's mouth. The infatuation began to show.

Then, her eyes widened, alerting both of her companions, who quickly went to her side to aid her.

"That sensation... Thanks to that sensation, I was able to stand it. Over and over and over again, you saved me."