The sun shone warmly overhead, and Hanako looked up, her blue eyes shining with wonder as she took in the world around her. The trees were in full bloom, and she sighed as a soft breeze ruffled her hair and washed over her skin. The cool water of the spring she was bathing in soothed her aching muscles as she sunk lower into the water.
"Ah..." she sighed and closed her eyes, yet her ears were pricked for any sounds of approach. They swiveled back and forth, trying to detect if any humans were nearby. When she didn't hear any movement other than the wind rustling through the leaves, she relaxed, letting the water engulf her naked body.
Must I always be on guard? Must I always fear of discovery? She sat up and look down at her reflection, taking in the young beauty staring back at her. She saw blue eyes staring back at her. Long, midnight black hair fell down her back, and floated around her and she had a clear, fair complexion. Her breasts were large and round, firm to the touch and her buttocks were just the same. Her hips were wide and her waist narrow.
Yet no matter how many times she looked at herself, no matter how many times she thought she looked so human, she was always aware of what she was. Atop her head, a large pair of black cat ears splayed sideways in agitation, and her long, black and fluffy tail swished in the water.
"It wasn't my fault I am this...this thing!" she growled to herself, her needle-like fangs bared as she glared at her reflection. "I don't know why I had to be this! I am a freak! An abomination of human and demon!" She hissed and slashed at the reflection with the razor sharp claws, yet it did little to swipe away the image, as it reformed. With a sigh, she knew that no matter what she tried to do, no matter how hard she tried to change herself, she would always be what she was.
"A half-breed." she muttered, "I don't belong among humans, nor demons. Forever an outcast, such is the curse of my dirty blood." she leaned back and sighed again, gazing up at the clouds above her. "I will never belong. I can only try to survive, even if that means I must live in hiding, like a pest."
Footsteps and heavy breathing caused her ears to prick her ears and her eyes flew open. With speed that belonged to a demon, she hid behind a large tree, peeking out at the intruder. Who could that be? And why are they running?
"Hanako! Hanako Yamanari!" That voice...is that Shuya? She blinked in astonishment, and she saw her friend appear, looking around for her.
"Hanako! The village master wants to see you!" Shuya called out, his voice loud and clear as it carried to her sensitive ears. With a flash of embarrassment, she debated fleeing, having left her clothes on the other side of the springs.
She looked back around, only to find herself staring into Shuya's chocolate brown eyes. Shuya looked down and blushed deeply, seeing Hanako's exposed flesh. "Ehehehe...um...you look...nice...H-Hanako.."
"AAAAAAAGH!" She screamed, and she slapped her friend's cheek, "Shuya! What the hell!" She glared at him and covered her breasts, her cheeks burning as she stomped back through the water to retrieve her clothes.
"Uh-uh..." Shuya groaned, his cheek red and swollen as rubbed it. "S-sorry Hanako...I didn't mean to surprise you..."
"You know why I take baths alone!" she hissed and put her dress on, pulling the loose sleeves over her shoulders. The fabric was light and soft, dyed black by the blood of demons she had slain from time to time. Her chest remained exposed, and the collar coming to rest upon her breasts. It was dyed crimson, from the blood of humans she had killed to defend herself. Reaching into her sleeve, she pulled out a red ribbon, and she proceeded to tie her long hair up in it as she continued, "What if one of the other villagers had come?"
Shuya is such a moron sometimes, but he is my only friend. The only one I can trust. Human he may be, he was the only one who accepted me, and he promised to keep my demon side a secret. He has been good on his promise so far.
As she thought, she couldn't help but sigh as she put her shawl over her head, hiding her ears from view. She placed her money pouch on her sash and tied it around her waist.
Shuya walked over to her, somewhat hesitant to come near her as he continued rubbing his cheek, "Sorry Hanako...I know it was dangerous and stupid, and I totally deserve the slap for looking at you, but you must come quickly! The village master wants you!"
"Did he ever give you a reason why?" she asked as she grabbed her satchel and slung it over her shoulder.
"I think it was about your work." Shuya scratched his head, "Sorry if I can't be much more help than that Hanako..."
"So old Nobu Fujiwara wants to dump more work on me. I think he suspects what I am, so he is trying to expose me by making me work harder, longer and faster than anyone else. I can't feign illness, lest he attempt to force medical treatment upon me." She growled as she made sure her tail was tucked into her skirt, wrapping it around her legs.
"Ah, come on Hanako..." Shuya rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "You shouldn't be so suspicious. Have you ever considered that maybe it's your cold and distant personality that makes him suspect what you are? Demons don't like humans right? Well, you are half-demon."
She whipped around to glare at him icily, "And what of it? I don't have to like humans. I'm not obliged to like humans any more than I like demons. And in truth, I prefer humans over demons." She tightened her shawl and placed her hands inside her sleeves. With a sigh she looked at Shuya, who was looking down shyly, averting his gaze. "Sorry Shuya. Come on, let's get back to the village." She smiled and began walking, and she chuckled as she heard Shuya's heavy footsteps rushing to walk beside her.
"Hanako..." Shuya began shyly, "I-I'm sorry for invading your privacy..." he looked down, his cheeks bright red as he blushed deeper.
"Say no more Shuya. All is forgiven. Just next time don't scare me like that." She smiled and looked at him, giggling softly.
"S-sure thing Hanako!" Shuya grinned, gaining his confidence back now that he was safe, "Race you to the village!" He took off, his long legs covering more ground with each stride.
Hanako rolled her eyes, knowing the he knew she could beat him easily, but she accepted the challenge. With a mighty leap, she raced forward, overtaking Shuya with ease.
"H-hey!" Shuya panted, "No fair Hanako!" He laughed, coming to a halt. "I'm nowhere near as fast as you are!"
Hanako paused and looked back, her tone light but her expression somber, "I guess that is one of the benefits of being half-demon right?" She sighed and looked down, closing one of her hands into a fist, "Lots of strength and power..."
"Well, I would give anything to be like you Hanako." Shuya smiled as he ran up to her, his dark brown eyes glimmering excitedly, "You're amazing!"
"No!" Hanako snapped, her eyes piercing her friend, "No! banish such thoughts! You belong here, in this village, among your people. I do not. I belong nowhere. Not among demons, or humans..." She sighed and looked over the crest of the hill, her eyes focusing on the village not far off in the distance, "I don't even belong here..."
"Hanako..." Shuya began gently. "Hanako I don't think you...I mean I...I have something to tell you..." He reached out to grasp her hand, his eyes staring at her, yet they shone with an underlying sadness, "Hanako I..." He didn't finish his sentence, for Hanako had moved away, further toward the village.
"Come on Shuya. We need to get back now." Hanako said in a flat voice, avoiding his gaze as she continued walking. Shuya sighed and followed slowly, his eyes downcast as he trudged along.
Hanako wrapped her shawl tighter around her head, shuddering, That was close...I thought he was going to kiss me...I can't let that happen. I can't hurt Shuya like that...I would never forgive myself if I broke his heart...
The pair arrived at the village, walking in side by side as the other villagers looked on.
"There they are again." A young man grinned as he watched them, his buddies smirking, "The love-birds have returned."
"When do you think Shuya is going to ask her?" one of the men beside him asked, his arms crossed as he stared at Hanako.
The third man laughed and slapped his friend's back, "Judging by her expression, he did! But according to Shuya's face, it didn't go so well. See his cheek? You would think a simple 'no' would have worked! Hahaha!"
The three men laughed as they passed, and Hanako sulked more, hiding her face in her shawl. "What are they talking about Shuya?" she asked as she looked back at her friend.
Shuya blushed even redder than before, giving the men dark looks, "I have no idea...just forget it Hanako. It isn't important right now..."
Hanako narrowed her eyes at Shuya, "Fine...but we will talk about this later Shuya..."
The young man sighed and looked at her, "Yes Hanako...I know. I promise I will explain everything later." He smiled, attempting to reassure her.
Hanako opened her mouth to respond when a loud yet raspy voice spoke to her, "Ah...Miss Hanako Yamanari...you look lovely this evening." Hanako looked up to gaze upon a large, rotund man, his face grimy with sweat and dirt, though she knew he would never do any real work around the village to get in such a state. It was a show, a display that he was trying to help the village. Hanako knew better. She had disliked Nobu Fujiwara ever since she had set eyes upon him, during her arrival to this village.
"Master Nobu, thank you for your kind words" Hanako bowed in respect to the leader of the village, "You wished to see me?"
"Yes I did. Come with me." The greasy old man smiled, his teeth stained yellow with age, "Come now I won't bite..." He clasped a large meaty hand on her shoulder and led her away, "Thank you Master Toriyama for bringing her to me." He cast over his shoulder at Shuya.
Shuya was helpless as he watched Hanako be led away, and he let out a deep breath, "You're welcome sir..." He turned and began walking away, kicking a small rock in frustration.
"Ow!" a startled yelp sounded from nearby, "Watch where you're kicking stuff!"
"S-sorry sir!" Shuya squeaked and apologized, "I didn't mean to hit you with it!"
The victim simply grumbled incoherently and stomped off, leaving Shuya alone. Shuya sighed again and continued his trek home, "I will do it the next time we are alone..." he muttered to himself, pulling out a wedding band from his pocket, "I will ask her. She deserves to be happy...all she ever is is sad and angry, and she never lets her guard down. I only want to help her feel like she belongs somewhere..." Shuya put the ring away and smiled, "She does belong somewhere. She belongs with me, in my arms, and so help me, she will realize that someday!" Cheered up by this thought, he lifted his chin and walked faster, looking forward towards his chance at making Hanako Yamanari happy.
Hanako eyed Nobu Fujiwara suspiciously, her instincts telling her that something wasn't right. The Chief had been to eager to get her alone. Too much of a hurry to speak of anything other than some devious plot.
If he touches me...I will rip his dick off and shove it down his throat... She thought solemnly to herself, making sure her shawl was wrapped tighter around her head.
"Why must you hide under those ugly clothes my dear?" The large man asked, his foul breath clogging up her sensitive nose, "I know you are a healthy and beautiful young woman..."
"You're...words are most kind sir," Hanako forced a smile upon her lips, "Thank you."
"Do you know why I have summoned you here?" he asked as he held the door open to his home.
Hanako entered the premises, her eyes scanning around the large home, "No sir. But I assume you have more work for me to take care of yes?"
"Not exactly my sweet." Nobu Fujiwara sat down, folding his legs and looking at her, "The Lord of this region, Shinji Nakori, has sent out a request, that each village offer up their most beautiful young maidens for the Lord Shinji to pick from. This lucky maiden will become his bride, and thusly, the Lord will shower his bride's home village with wealth and prosperity and fame."
"So why am I here? I know that there are far lovelier than I in this village." She protested, knowing full-well what was coming.
"That is not true and you know it. You are an exotic beauty, the One with Eye of the Sky. Your eyes alone make you a treasure, and your beauty is without an equal. Do this honor for your village, and make us proud to call you our Lady."
Hanako hesitated, unsure what to say. If she went, she would most certainly be picked by the Lord, and where most women would want this, Hanako did not, for the Lord Shinji Nakori was human, and his bride, she would have to share his bed. What would his subjects say when they learned that a half-demon had been married into regency? She would be executed without Trial for sure.
"No...I can't go..." she murmured, already feeling the burning wrath of the older man.
"Oh but you will. I know you will." Nobu Fujiwara sneered, "For if you don't, I will expose to the whole village what you are, demon."
Hanako snapped her gaze up to him, "H-how did you?"
"I watched you. I have seen your ears and your tail. Yet you choose to live peacefully among us. I have let you remain as long as you pay your dues, and didn't harm anyone in this village."
Hanako looked down at her flaw hands closing her eyes, "I didn't mean to deceive. I simply wished to live in peace..."
"And peace you shall get once you marry Lord Shinji." He growled, "That is the bargain. Peace, for your marriage to the Lord."
"But what of what happens when he sees me? What will I do?" She asked her fears surfacing under pressure.
"That will be dealt with once we reach that bridge." He waved a hand dismissively. "Now go and prepare yourself. The Lord comes to collect you tomorrow, and you will be presentable." He gave Hanako a withering glare, as if challenging her to defy him.
Hanako simply bowed her head in submission "yes sir...I will go now and fulfill your request." She turned and exited the home.
Once outside, she let the tears fall freely, clutching her sides as she raced away.
What am I going to do? I cant marry the Lord. I cant even make myself love Shuya! How am I going to get out of this?