Angel Anonymous

Angel Anonymous

Chapter 2

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"Well, hello Jakotsu. The offender always returns to the scene of his crime."

I took my sword away from the girlish man's neck, who was balancing on his heels to stay straight. His greenish-black hair was held in a strange ponytail, and his kimono was ragged and dirty, but it had a mellow violet color. He wore a very nice green scarf and sandals. Green triangles were under his eyes and he wore red lipstick which—in my opinion—accented his face gracefully. He would have made a very good woman.

"Well, Mukotsu, I hope you know not to steal my kill next time!" Jakotsu retorted, stomping on the ground impudently with his foot. His head turned to me. "Who is this wench, Mukotsu?"

"This beautiful maiden saved me from certain death." He said, putting his hands on my shoulders. I elbowed him in the face.

"I said do not touch me."

I stood up, looking Jakotsu in the eyes. Then I huffed and slipped past him, leaving the room. As I reached the crest of the stairs, I noticed I was being followed. I turned to Jakotsu and frowned, my left hand resting on my sword.

"Yes? What do you want?" I asked this warmly.

"Who are you and why did you take Mukotsu in?"

"My name is Mika. I wanted to make sure he was alright. That is all. I will take my leave now. Give Mukotsu my best regards."

I walked down the stairs and paid the innkeeper for Mukotsu's stay plus his medical supplies. Then I left the inn.

Outside the inn, I bumped into yet another 'kotsu. This one was young, with black hair tied into a bottom long braid. His eyes were a deep cerulean blue and his skin was a nice shade of tan. I sighed and chuckled a bit. He raised an uninterested eyebrow.

"What's so funny, wench?" He asked.

"I am glad I am not the only one with eyes of blue." I said, walking towards the exit to the village. "See you around."

"Hey, wait." I stopped. "Have you seen a fat man and a girl-man around here?"

I jabbed my finger at the inn. "You must be a 'kotsu, too." Then I walked away.

--

After walking for about two days, I reached a very tiny village in the trees. It was well hidden, so it must have been hiding something. I sighed and walked into the village, stopping for a cup of tea. Sipping it tentatively, I stared out of the window, wondering about the fate of the three 'kotsu. As I sipped and stared, I hadn't noticed my new companion. It was a cat, with a ragged bandaged ear. It was all black with bright blue eyes. Its tongue was a healthy pink and its fur and eyes were glistening, even though it was debilitated. Whoever let a cat into the tea shop, I did not know. But it was a welcome companion to my often lonely sits alone.

"Well, aren't you a cute little thing?" I muttered, petting its head. It purred and lied over my lap. It didn't want me to leave. How cute. "Where's your owner?" It mewled once more. It didn't have one, I inferred. "Um, excuse me."

A young waitress came to my side. "Yes ma'am; what may I do for you?"

"A saucer of milk for my companion here."

The waitress looked down at the cat and nodded, running off to get a bowl and milk. I scratched the kitten behind the bandaged ear as it mewled and rolled over on its belly. That was when I decided to discern its gender. I lifted its tail lightly. I put it down quickly; it was a girl. The waitress placed the saucer on my lap as the cat started drinking quickly. It was very thirsty; the milk was gone in a matter of seconds. Now that I inspected the cat closely, she was rather gaunt. I decided to go fishing for her. I left my pay on the table and then left with the cat in my arms.

On the way to a small river, I decided to name my cat. I named her Aoi, for the beautiful color of her eyes. She mewled the whole way, wiggling out of my arms and darting towards the river as soon as we reached it. She dove in and did not resurface for a time. Then she came up with two fish—one in her tail and another in her mouth. I laughed as she ate. She was healthy, albeit a bit skinny for her size and age. After she ate her fill, we trotted off into the village with our heads held high.

The people of the village looked at Aoi in horror, and some even ran away into their homes. Aoi mewled confidently as we strolled, a sort of sly smile appearing on her features. I wondered at that point what little Aoi really was. A simple cat or something much more devilish?

I smiled, walking on the side of an inn, Aoi almost melting into the shadows. It was a unwelcome—also uncalled for—surprise when the western side of the village burst into flames.