A Taste Of Freedom

Part 14

So this was a shrine built for protection? It seems his thoughts about this old had been correct and it brought a faint grin to his lips. And yet despite this reassuring information there was still doubt in his mind, he continued to wonder if this would really work. Those hounds were already sniffing around the village in search of them; it was only a matter of time before they were discovered and then drug out of their hiding spot. Their footsteps, though quiet, were getting closer. He could feel it, and almost feel the disgusting, hit breath on the back of his neck. They did not seem like they were leaving any time soon, and quite frankly, he was not sure how long he could stand being cooped up in such a small area. It was stuffy, small, and just made him uncomfortable; he hates being cooped up in small spaces. No, he was more of an outdoors person, and with his one track him he really wanted to get the hell out of here as soon as the coast was clear.

Also, liked his personal space as well, which was another reason he felt uncomfortable. The shrine was big enough to fit the two of them it wasn't like they were crammed into some outhouse, but even just the two of them made the area feel crowded. He has gotten use to being in smaller places because of military training, but other than that he would much rather not be cooped up. Nevertheless, he was quiet about it rather than making a fuss. When Shizu agreed to read him the writings,

He would not deny that there were hints of skepticism in his expression but he gave her a nod, giving her his undivided attention, and listened to her recite the warding prayer. Despite the skepticism, however, there was also curiosity. Now he has never really thought of himself as a particularly curious person but a part of human nature and he couldn't help himself sometimes. The prayer was interesting and made him think of some of the things he does back home. He himself has been neglecting prayer to his own God and he has been told numerous times to get back into the habit. It seems as time passes people were less and less devout, and he wondered it in time even the modern religions, not just in Japan or the Middle East, but the world as well.

Such shrines, churches, places of prayer may soon cease to exist. Maybe not in his lifetime, but future generations, all of this would be forgotten.

The sudden whine of the hound, trying to cross the barrier that had been set up, let out caused him to jump a bit and he reached for his gun. He was ready to for a fight, but relaxed when he heard the hounds retreating. His own heart was racing and he had almost been trembling with anticipation while he expected the hound to come burst in â€"it was almost a letdown when they ran away but at the same time he felt relieved. A sigh escaped him as he relaxed and holstered his gun, feeling sorry that he had doubted this ancient place. They were at least safe for now, but there was no doubt that they would be back and they had to get going.

"I think it is best that we continue on," he told her, continuing to speak calmly despite being so on edge and wary. He stood from where he was sitting, and looked through a crack in one of the boarded windows, confirming that the hounds were indeed gone for now. The moonlight shone over the village faintly; dim lights illuminated most of the village, cancelling out the natural beauty of the moon. Even if he was use to it, sometimes the natural beauty of the moon was nice to look at. "I have a feeling those hounds will eventually return. I do not think that either of us has the desire to end up as a chew toy."
He was known for being facetious in the sense that he throws in some light humor now and then. He doesn't have much of a sense of humor so he wasn't like an improv genius, but it sometimes lightened the mood nonetheless. This was a time where he was being serious and was in no mood for even light comedy oddly enough. They did not have the time to rest for awhile and had to keep going, lest the canines return. Then again they might be lurking nearby so maybe it was best that they stayed the rest of the night in the shrine. They would be protected by the spirits of this land, as the hounds could not reach them in here. But on the other hand he knew they could not stay here forever even if the two of them were still somewhat fatigued from sprinting trying to find a place to hide.

It was best to continue on.

"We should make haste," he continued, "There is no telling how long we are safe, and I do not want to take chances." He dared to move from the window and leave the shrine. There was a subconscious part of him that felt as if the spirits continued watching over him even if he was still a little skeptical, knew that their protection would diminish once he and Shizu reached the city.