8 OUT OF 9

CHAPTER 2 - TSUKIKO HAYASHI

Please read carefully! Perspectives are changed throughout the chapters. Don't get too confused!

[ VILLAGE ON THE WATER ]

Tsukiko is faster than I thought. We're silent as we run through the tall trees. The big and bright sun peeks at us through the branches and leaves of the tall pines we sprint through. They stay quiet the entire time, occasionally giving me an annoyed look. I could tell they disliked me.

"Where are we going?" I ask, trying to stir up a conversation.

"The village on the water. Master Tsuki informed me about a Kanoe we're supposed to meet there. He's supposed to help with the demon; he lives there... I think." Tsukiko replied as he jumped over a fallen tree with ease.

I do the same, admiring how high and easily she jumped. We continue to run after that, though I almost trip.

Before long, we arrive. It wasn't far from the Hashira Estates, but it wasn't the shortest distance either. I now understand its name. The big village was surrounded by an even bigger body of water. Docks and ships were almost everywhere. The village was quite lively despite it being so early.

"I see why it's a demon's target village. In the night there would be no easy escape for everyone at once, and the trees offer fine shade from the sunlight. Their scent could be easily masked here as well." Tsukiko murmured.

One thing I've noticed about him is his observation skills. She knows everything the moment she steps in. I didn't stop once to think of their scent being masked nor the shade that the trees offered to the demons. They have an advantage here, I noted, looking down at the village.

Me and Tsukiko carefully slide down the slope. They walk in front of me into the village. I secretly hoped that the Kanoe would find them first. The village was bigger from the inside. Tsukiko narrowed their eyes, scanning every building, person, and animal.

"Calm down." I suggest with a shrug. "There's no way a demon could be out right now. It's still bright out. And hot. Very hot."

Tsukiko scowled. "I know that. I'm not looking for a demon, I'm looking for that stupid Kanoe that was supposed to meet us but is making me do all of this extra work!"

I could feel the hashira's anger and the irritation in her voice was loud. I decided not to say anything about it.

"Well I'm starving." I blurted awkwardly. "We should go eat something."

Tsukiko raised a brow at me, but soon nodded in agreement. We walked down the street together, making sure to look for the Kanoe on the way. I noticed a popular restaurant and pointed to it. Many people sat outside eating, and many people walked in. One child was sitting on the ground feeding a stray cat. Tsukiko seemed to light up at the sight of a cat. He immediately walked over, asked if he could pet it, and began to stroke the feline. I chuckled, walking into the restaurant.

It's a nice, calming setting. Everything is a beautiful shade of brown. I approached the counter, gazing up at the menu. I doubt Tsukiko would want to stop to eat for too long, so I order some kushiyaki for the both of us. The employee only takes a few moments before  returning with two plastic containers of kushiyaki. I bow my head to show gratitude before giving her the currency and leaving with the food.

As soon as I get outside, Tsukiko stands up and prepares to go. They have a few cat scratches, but act like it's nothing. I hand them their container and she blinks at me. I'm guessing she's attempting to say thank you without saying it, so I simply nodded. I sat down at one of the beautiful outside tables and carefully open the container. I pull out one of the skewers and slowly eat the kushiyaki. Tsukiko sits beside me and stares at theirs. I can't help but chuckle. I reach over and open the container for them.