Inugami

II

I've probably been walking for six hours. Taking a look around, I figure this was far enough away. The Silver Pine forest is really dark.

Hanging my duffle bag on a branch, I set up a descreet hammock high in the tree. I unpack a thin blanket and go to sleep.

When I wake up next, I find that it will be getting dark in around six hours, so I hide my things in the tree, away from prying eyes. I swing myself down to a lower branch, grinning when I feel the rush.

When I reach the outskirts of the forest, the light hits me like a brick wall, and I hiss and jump back. I groan at the sudden burning sensation of my eyes, and pivot on my heel, and sit in the darker part of the outskirts.

Sighing, I frown. What do I need from town anyways? Sticking my thumb between my lips, I lean back. Well, the only thing I can think of is a new map and food.

The map I had in the last towns had gotten wet, and torn. How it had gotten wet, I had no clue.

I blinked in surprise when a young girl walked into my view, yelping when she saw me, and bolting in the opposite direction. What the...? Why did she run? I peered curiously at her retreating form.

Shrugging, I simply dismissed it as unsociability. Plenty people were unsociable. I, myself, am moderately to severely unsociable, due to traveling alone for so long.

Realizing my eyes had adjusted, I went into the town. A old woman sweeping her deck glanced up at me with piting and unbelieving eyes. "Miss...?" I waited her to respond.

Her eyes widened as I talked to her. "I want nothing to do with those who suffer under the dog's wrath!" She spat and retreated into the house. 'The dog's wrath?' Did she mean..?

My eyes widen and my breathing quickens at the revelation. No. It can not be... No. It's not. Eleven years had passed and nothing had happened, so nothing would happen now.

Or would it?

-

The pitiful looks were enough to make me want to high-tail it out of there. The looks of disbelief were odd also. Why was it so hard it believe that I was here?

I had taken care of getting the map, so all I had to do now was get something to eat. When I saw a homey little cafè in the middle of Shedlin Street, I couldn't resist, even if I was trying to. It was small, with few people in there.

Staring out the window of a corner seat for two, I thought about the strange behavior of the people. Was it because of my age and traveling alone? Come to think of it, I hadn't seen many travelers, and absolutely no teen travelers.

I bite my lip, wonder why. "Excuse me, miss. What can I get you?" My head jerk away from the window as the waitor addressed me. He was tall and a little older than myself, but no less childish looking.

"Coffee," Tapping my chin, I mutter. "with French vanilla cream, a few sugar cubes and three ham and cheese sandwiches."

Just as he was about to leave, I called him back. "I'm aware you're working, but could you care to elaborate the strange looks I'm getting?" He nodded, and told me to wait for him.

Tapping my fingers impatiently on the table, I waited.

Closing my eyes and resting my head on the table, I jump as I hear a soft thump in the seat across from me. Took him long enough. I straighten as I grab my tray of food.

After taking a bite of my sandwich, I set it down. A sharp inhale, then I immediately began.

"Okay, now tell me why the hell I've been getting these freaky looks from people. It is really starting to get on my nerves." My hand runs through my thick hair, furthering it's messiness.

I watch as the guy arches his eyebrows with a monotonic expression. "Not one to mince words are you? Fine. I'll tell you. Because they think you're purely suicidal, stupid or psychotic. Maybe multiple."

My confusion is not evident enough for him to elaborate, so I roll my eyes.

"Why?"

"Nobody around here has guts like you. Nor the audacity to invoke the dog's interest."

'The dog's wrath'... "Hmm?" I say as I eat.

"You really don't know, do you?"

Rolling my eyes, I motion for him to continue.

"Most people know this, but," He leaned in. "There has been sightings of a... gigantic dog. Not a normal wharf, but one with pure red eyes, like the fiery depths of hell. There has also been a odd teenage boy with strange eyes, and he's been looking for someone.

A teenage girl, long and thick golden hair, and teal eyes. Exactly like you. Named Rina. No one knows why they're connected, but people think he's a-"

"Hey! You there! Back to work."

My mouth fell open and I reached out as the guy stood and left, throwing me a apologetic expression.

Damn. I really needed more information from him.

My cell burst out Sweater Weather and I got even more wierd looks. Rolling my eyes, I grabbed it and answered the call.

"Shiyori, get out of there. He's there and so is his help."

Anna's voice rifng through the phone, then a soft click told me she had hung up.