Chapter 3

"Rin, this is Akane. She's the oldest resident living here in Kadonyu."

Rin bowed. "Akane-san, thank you so much for allowing me to visit your village."

Rin's dark eyes took in the old woman's body. Akane had a head of white hair and she wore tinted glasses. She tied a red scarf around her neck. A light jean jacket over a beige shirt and cotton pants finished her outfit. The old woman reached forward, softly gripping her chin, turning her face right to left, examining her. The old woman's aged eyes lined with crow's feet softened on her. She pulled away with a simple nod.

Rin looked from Abe-San to the old woman. The old man nodded at Rin. "If you don't mind, can I ask how old you are? Abe-san said you have lived here your entire life."

A raspy but energetic voice answered. "I am 90 years old."

Rin gasped. One could tell she was older, but Rin wouldn't think 90! "You look fantastic for your age! What's your secret?"

The old woman laughed. "These mountains keep me young. Come, child, let me give you a tour."

The rest of the afternoon quickly buzzed by, as Rin followed Akane. She snapped pictures in awe. Once she and Abe-san broke through the tree line into the village, the view took her breath away.

It was lush greenery as far as the eye could see. All the colors were shades of green. Once they cleared the forest, it opened into a flat clearing. Trees were sporadic. There were mountains everywhere she looked. She could also see abandon houses that nature was reclaiming. Vines were growing over the doors and the tree branches hung low over the homes. To the east of the village, there is a following creek of fresh water. Abe-san explained it was drinkable since the water was being filtered as it came down from the mountain. It was absolutely beautiful. The pictures Abe-san shared did not do this place justice.

Rin also couldn't believe how fast the old woman could move. Akane pointed out various spots where families used to live. Where the old schoolhouse was. She also explained once she hit middle school, she had to travel 5 miles each way to the neighboring village, since this village only taught up to fifth grade. As they continued their tour, Rin noticed she didn't see anyone else which contradicted what Abe-san had told her. Where were the rest of the villagers? She would have to ask later.

She stopped to take a picture of an abandoned home. She zoomed in, scanning the surrounding area. In her viewfinder, off in the distance, she saw a black bear. She snapped a few pictures, smiling. Abe-san said it was possible they would see bears. She couldn't believe it! Putting the camera down, she openly watched the small bear sniffling around, looking for food. Her eyes darted behind the bear through when a flash of red streaked by in the tree branches. The bear also seemed to sense what she saw when it stopped and looked in the same direction.

"What?" She whispered. She grabbed her camera, using the viewfinder to zoom in. She swept the tree line but saw nothing. Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What is going on?" She whispered.

"Are you hungry?"

Rin jumped at Akane's voice. She started laughing, feeling silly. "Actually, I am." She turned around to see Akane watching her.

"Good. I'll throw some logs into the heater so you can bathe as well. I'm sure you need a bath after that long hike."

Rin smiled. "That sounds wonderful! Thank you."

As both women walked away, the trees hiding their lone occupant gently swayed. The figure crossed their arms, sniffling the air. Amber eyes watched them and silver ears twitched, listening.

"Keh, about damn time."

~oOo~