A/N : Here you go guys ! The sequel to Tick Tock. As compensation for the long wait, here are 2 chapters. Enjoy XD
Death was a mysterious thing.
No one knows what happens when they die, human or otherwise. Despite the theories, speculations and ideas on Death, nothing was ever certain. Questions still remained unanswered: What happens to the dead? Where do they go? What is it like?
Is Death truly the end?
Only the dead know the answers.
And they will tell you that the Land of The Dead is an odd place.
That it is divided into three parts. The first two are inhabited. One by mortal spirits, who have a limit to their time as the living. Their bodies return to the earth and their memories fade. Time is their enemy. But though they are doom to passed, they are allowed to pass through the living world again and again, in another body but with no recollection of what occurred before.
The other land is for immortal spirits. Those who never age, whose bodies are not made of earth and whose memories are long and lasting. The birth of these creatures are unique and differs for each one. Because of that, they do not have a limit to their lives. Yet like all living things, they can be killed but not easily and only by special means. Once dead however, they stay dead. Rarely are these creatures permitted to reborn.
These lands are commonly known as the Human Realm and the Demon Realm.
Heaven and Hell.
The borders of each of these lands are protected from each other by a sky-reaching, impenetrable and transparent wall, known as The Barrier. A tree marks the location; a living one for the Human Realm and a withered one for the Demon Realm.
And in between these two lands lies a barren plain. This was the third land. Nothing lived there; no plants and no spirits. Yet curiously, if one were to stare hard into the fog that constantly enveloped the land, one would see a shadow of a figure. Or maybe two or three. Sometimes four. And in a blink of an eye, these figures would disappear. The land would once again appear to be empty.
Indeed, the Land of The Dead was an odd place.
And this is where the story begins.
Kyoto, Japan Heian Period
Nimble hands snatched a peach from the stand, legs quickly ducking back into the shadows before the shop owner caught wind. Suppressing a grin, the peach was rubbed furiously with a rag of a shirt before teeth bite deep into its juicy flesh.
The thief poked out from his spot, carefully keeping out of sight as a bony hand stretched out again.
What a selection.
Eyes darted quickly from each stall it saw, gleefully taking note of the goods being sold.
What shall I choose?
Which should I choose?
I have only one pocket. Darn, I knew I should have fixed the other one yesterday.
Should I take that hot loaf of bread? Food should always come first, I always say. And a full tummy keep heads from rolling.
Especially mine.
Ooh, but that ball of wool looks mighty fine. Old Lady Yukio wouldn't mind making me a thick cloak. Or several more for the others. Winter is coming and one can't be too prepared.
Mr. Yato arched his back, creaking the ache tormenting him and stretched. God, it had been a long day. He stick his long nose into the air and took a sniff, as though smelling the vegetable soup his wife had promised would be served for dinner. His oldest son would no doubt be helping his mother stocked the woodpile and his two youngest would be running outside the front door, scaring all the woodland animals away with their yells.
He couldn't wait to close the shop and return to them.
His wife and kids.
Mr. Yato sighed, pulling the strings of his money bag and taking a look inside. The few coins he earned the day glittered back in the afternoon sun, their glow mocking him for his inability to provide for his family. Sighing again, he retied the pouch tightly to his sash. There was another day tomorrow. Maybe his luck would be better.
Turning back to his stand, Yato counted the peaches he had left for tomorrow.
Those fat fowls might be better. And we could keep some and rear them. It would be a good way to earn some money, without having to worry when we would run out.
Question, should I get them now or later?
Shouldn't be too hard. A snip at their strings and the breadcrumbs in my pocket should lure them easily enough and no one would notice.
Cluckcluckcluck! Cluckcluckcluckcluck!
CLUCK!
…..Guess it's later then.
Yato frowned.
That couldn't be right.
He counted again. But there really was only 16 peaches left.
And he was certain he had sold only 8. What happened to the other 4?
I have made up mind.
Gold.
Gold is always a better choice. Small, easy to hide and it isn't noisy. And I need some more anyway. It feels wrong to just have two coins in my pocket. Whoever said one should not have too much money is crazy.
That is just ridiculous !
But….what if someone notices? Not that I am that clumsy but people always notice if some gold are missing. Even if it is just one measly coin. They are so petty.
Lucky things.
He caught a glimpse of skin peeking from the side of his stall.
His hand shot out to catch it.
A light snort was released.
Right, food it is then.
I can't afford to be seen in board daylight.
And I can always get gold later. Not like there would be a shortage of people soon. Or gold coins. If not, the highways are always perfect for a –
A young boy dashed past her, knocking her arm aside and shocking her out of her thoughts. A few seconds later her poor shoulder was hit again by an older man, pushing her roughly aside and nearly sending her to the ground.
"STOP THAT THIEF!" he hollered.
Like everyone else momentarily taken aback by the commotion, Isamu was rooted to her spot and staring dumbly ahead. But unlike the rest of the viewers, it was for a completely different reason.
Right, she thought swinging her arm. Her neck creaked when she pulled it back.
First things first.
Save my baby brother.