#01: Walking the Streets of a Former Hell

On a Friday evening in late autumn, the bar on the university campus was full of would-be revelers. Still the rowdy atmosphere often associated with bars had yet to set in, replaced by a lazy sort of anticipation.

Two particular maidens occupied a two-seat booth in the eastern corner.

– "I'm telling you Merry, that was hell."

– "Ah, poor Renko."

The girl in black flopped face-first onto the table, sending her loose hat tumbling to the floor. After a long and unproductive day of laboratory research, even such an energetic character could be thrown into melancholy. Fortunately for her, her partner was prepared with news that was sure to lift her spirits.

– "To be honest, a drink or two sounds great right now."

– "In that case, the dream I had yesterday must have been fate… There's a reason I asked to meet you here instead of the usual café."

In this era where the smiles of children had become scarce, there remained at least one tradition known to foster smiles in adults. The sole two members of the paranormal club, Renko Usami and Maribel Hearn (Merry) rarely participated in these sorts of activities– but this was a result of preoccupation rather than any personal distaste. At times, these pursuits were not necessarily at odds.

– "You see, Renko… Last night in my dream, I met an oni."

Renko's countenance piqued ever so slightly, and she lifted her head from the table.

– "An oni? Sounds interesting. What happened?"

– "Hmph. Haven't you said that telling people about your dreams is just a bother?"

– "I was joking, of course. Jeez, Merry, don't you know me at all?"

– "Well, you're not wrong to be interested. The number of oni has decreased to almost nothing these days, so it was a very rare meeting. She was smaller than you'd expect, with long horns and fiery red hair…"

– "Don't hold out on me, Merry. You met an oni! Everyone knows an oni's two favorite things are fighting and drinking."

– "That's right, Renko. You know your stuff."

– "And since you don't look too beaten up… Tell me, how did that famous oni brew taste?"

– "Hmhm. Maybe you can tell for yourself."

From a deep pocket of her violet dress, Merry extracted what appeared to be a small liquor flask. Her companion's tired eyes widened further, beholding the item with fascination.

– "You were actually able to bring some back? I can't believe it…"

– "You can't?"

– "No, I can. You've put me in a position to believe a lot of things, but I still can't help being impressed."

– "Then, what do you say? Do you want a taste?"

After hardly an instant of thought, Renko expressed her answer with a wide grin.

– "All right, but I insist that you take the first sip."

– "That sounds like you think it's poison."

– "Oh, good point. Is it?"

– "Please. I'm as honest as an oni."

In one fluid motion, Merry threw back her head and took a swig from the flask– without spilling a single drop.