Well, in this chapter, the real story begins. I get the feeling the medicine seller is quite enoyed with his companion... I know i would. I'm trying my best not to make that girl a Mary Sue :)
Chapter three
Some people sure chose to build their homes in weird places. Weird and completely unaccessible, thought Ai, as she signed in frustration. The snow here was so thick both she and the medicine seller were sinking in it ti their knees, getting completely soaked. She sneaked a glance at the silent man by her side, who annoyingly enough, seemed quite relaxed. Dammit, she was not built for such trips! And why won't it stop snowing?
Of course, nothing lasts forever, even misery. After what seemed like hours (and about forty minutes in reality) they finely reached the small house. A cabin really, Ai thought as she observed the crumbling structure. haven't she known better, she would think they got to the wrong house. It looked grim, miserable, but not the least threatening.
"Don't let your guard down, lady exorcist", said the medicine seller as he knocked on the door, "even standing here, i can sense it's anger".
"It's angry at the house occupants"?
"Perhaps. And also-"
He was interrupted by the sound of an opening door. A small, pale woman stood in the doorway. Her gaze shifted from the blond man in the colorful attire, to the heavily dressed woman who's face was almost completely covered with a blue scarf.
"Go back where you came from", she said tiredly.
"Excuse me"? Said Ai, slightly taken aback.
"Exorcists, right? Warlocks? Magicians? I even had a scientist here once. I'm sorry for being so rude, but i'm tired of this already. Theres nothing you can do. Please leave".
"I'm sorry, i'm afraid we can't", came a reply on Ai's left, "As you can see, a storm is raging, and it's about to get dark. My friend here, who really is a witch, could probably manage. But me, a simple medicine seller? I will surly freeze to death".
Ai didn't know which one of the lies angered her more. The one about her being able to go harmless through a snow blizzard at night, or that there's anything simple about her companion.
Sadness flickered through the womans apathetic gaze.
"You can stay for the night. You'll have to sleep on the floor though".
"That's alright", Ai tried to smile cheerfully (which was quite difficult to do in the gloomy atmosphere), "Thank you for having us".
"My name is Masuyo", the woman said, leading them inside. " Those are my children, Itsuki and Izumi", she pointed towards a boy and a girl in their early teens.
"Children", she turned to her kids, "Those people are travelers. They got caught in the storm. They will stay for the night".
"I know you", said the boy, looking at Ai, "You live in town. You sell good luck charms at the market".
"Oh, you caught me", Ai smiled, trying to ignore her companion's amused expression. "My name Matsuoka Ai. I am, as my friend mentioned, a witch. By occupation".
"Did you come to get rid of the demon"? The boy's black eyes seemed to burn into her.
"Stop it, Itsuki", his sister whispered, "Don't say stuff like that. You know it's no use. Besides, speaking so loud, shell definitely-"
"Hear you".
A smiling woman, who most certainly wasn't there a moment ago, was standing now in front of them, leaning on the wall opposite to the door. Ai could notice the light and temperature in the room increase, and realized the candles on the table and kitchen counter were now lit.
"Are you trying to kill me again"?
And then the light became unbearable.
xxx
And we finely get to see the mononoke. I already have the story in my head, so i'm definatly going to finnish it. Please please please, if you read this story, leave a review. Constructive critisism is more than welcome, especialy one that can improve my english :)
Oh, and you'll have to excuse me for my poor knowledge of japanese names/culture. I looked for japanese names on the web and liked the sound and meaning of this ones. If you'll find them incorrect, please say this in a review.
Next chapter we'll find out the form of the demon...