Reincarnated as a Demi-Human

Chapter 7: Yaoguai Market

After they finished their cheese tea, Camille led the group through the bustling streets of the Main District. They passed a shoe store and took a few lefts and rights until they arrived at a dimly lit part of the block that seemed devoid of life. The only light in the darkness came from an alleyway where an entrance gate with a neon sign glowing crimson that read, "Yaoguai Market" stood.

Camille and her friends stood at the entrance, with Yin and Jin huddled together, shaking like leaves clinging to a branch in a storm. Aizhen took a few steps closer, studying the sign. She lowered her head to listen to the sounds roaring from within. Her ears perked up as she heard sinister laughter echoing inside, feet scurrying across the stone pavement, and food sizzling wafting through the air.

She felt a slight quiver swim down her spine, the ends of her ponytail began to spike, and a cold draft caused tiny bumps to rise from her arms. A spike of miasma emitted from the market, ranging from harmless to dangerous.

"I can feel a wave of negative energy just standing outside the gate.", said Aizhen.

"M-mm-m-aybe this was a bad idea.", suggested Jin.

"Yeah, can't we just go around then go through?", Yin said.

"No way! If we go around, it'll be too late, and Pigsy's will be closed. We just have to pile through, keep our heads low, and don't be Sus'.," snapped Camille.

"Camille, do you know what kind of demons might lurk around the market at this hour? HE could be in there!"

"He? He who?", asked Aizhen as she turned to her friends.

"Never mind, HE. Look- Our only shot is through this market, past the junkyard, across the bridge, and a couple blocks to the left. Boom! We'll be at Pigsy's before you know it."

"If we survive, that is.", said Yin.

"Just who is HE you guys are talking about?"

"Not important right now. What's important is getting you to Pigsy's. No turning back now, right?"

"I guess, but...I'm a little uncertain at the moment. There's something menacing about this place thats making my skin feel bumpy?" Aizhen said, rubbing her arms like a cold gust of wind had brushed through her.

"What's the matter, Scaley, getting cold feet?" Jin asked, a tiny grin forming, seeing uncertainty washed over Aizhen.

"You're not chicken, are you?" Yin teased, breaking off from his brother and sharing a similar grin.

"Chicken? Why would I be a chicken?"

Yin and Jin flapped their arms and made chicken noises around Aizhen. She watched them, confused by their antics.

"W-w-w-hy are they starting to act like chickens?"

"Now boys, don't intimidate her like that.", scolded Scorpion Queen.

"Yeah! You guys are more a chicken than Ai-Ai is! You were scared little pups a minute ago, and now you're acting like hyenas!" said Camille.

"Wait...So they're acting like chickens because they think I'm a chicken?"

"They think you're a coward and a scaredy cat is what they're implying from their antic here.", explained Scorpion Queen.

Aizhen's cheeks flared, glaring at the brothers, hands rolled into fists, throwing them to her side and turning toward the gate.

"Oh? Is that what they were implying? Do they think I, Aizhen, aka Huanglong the Yellow Dragon, am afraid of a spooky, dark market? Well, I'll show you who the 'chicken' is! I'm going to march head first into this 'Yaoguai Market' and prove to you that I am not a 'chicken'!" proclaimed Aizhen as she stomped toward the gate, steam puffing from her head.