Hey guys! Sorry for the long update! Here's the new chapter!

Chapter 2: Asahi

"Asahi Sakuradai… I have come for you…" The youkai hissed, sending shivers up the girl's spine.

"Wh-what do you want with me!" The demon's blood red eyes narrowed.

"In order for me and my demon brethren to survive…you must be exterminated!" Suddenly the youkai's claws shot out. Asahi screamed, waiting for the claws to rake through her flesh…but they never did.

Asahi looked up timidly, afraid of what she might see. She gasped. Surrounding her was a barrier, crimson in color.

Asahi's head snapped up. She gasped at what she saw. Surrounding her was a red slightly transparent barrier. Though the world outside her sanctuary was covered in red, the girl could still make out her assailant. The youkai's clawed hand had simply glanced right off the red surface of the barrier. It roared in frustration at it's failed assassination attempt. It's strange head turned toward the girl's savior, as did Asahi's.

The thickness of the barrier prevented Asahi from seeing anything more than the man's silhouette. She squinted, seeing that something seemed to jut out of his head...A hat maybe? Who knew. It could have been a horn for all Asahi cared; the man still saved her from being hacked to bits. She shook her head vigorously, watching the battle as best she could.

"Foolish human!" The youkai screamed, "How dare you interfere!" Asahi's eyes widened as a cool calm voice answered.

"How dare you attack innocent travelers. I for one am glad I decided to interfere." The youkai's ugly face twisted into a bloodthirsty grin.

"Then you will be glad…WHEN I SEND YOU TO HELL!"

The battle was short. As the youkai lunged, Chichiri muttered a quick incantation. The monster let out a startled growl as found that it could no longer move. It's eyes widened as it saw a bright red light burst from the man's staff. A scream ripped from it's throat as it felt it's arm leave it's body. Breaking free of the spell, it swiped at Chichiri, blinded by it's own rage. Chichiri dodged and ducked, parrying every once in a while as well. Asahi watched in awe at his agile ness. It was truly amazing!

She gasped as she saw him leap into the air, his staff high above his head. She winced when she heard a sickening thud, caused by the man's weapon striking the youkai's skull. As the barrier began to dissipate, Asahi started, realizing that she was trembling. As she heard footsteps approach her, she looked up, eyes widening as she saw who her savior was.

He certainly looked…unusual. What she mistook for a hat was actually some blue colored gravity-defying bangs. His hair was also tied back, long tendrils of blue hair swaying as he walked towards her. He seemed to be dressed in the robes of a monk, although in Asahi's opinion, he didn't look too religious at all. She inwardly smiled.

But his face was probably the most interesting trait about him. His eyes were big semicircles, and his mouth was turned up in a smile so cheerful it seemed artificial. Her eyes widened. It was artificial! He was wearing a mask!

But it does look cute… Asahi thought with another smile. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted.

"Are you alright, no da?" A cheerful voice asked. Was that the same voice that had so calmly spoken to her attacker? It was so strange…

"Uh, yes…Yes. I am."

>. >. >. >. >.

Chichiri looked down at the girl before him. She looked fairly pretty. She had medium length auburn hair tied back in a braid that hung over her shoulder. Violet eyes clashed with his own. As she spoke, she gathered up her belongings; a small basket of herbs, and a notebook.

"Well, I'm glad I could come in time before you were seriously injured, no da." He said, helping her up.

"Yes," Asahi replied, smiling. "Thank you so much for your help. I don't know what I'd do without you." Chichiri smiled sheepishly behind his paper mask.

"Oh, don't mention it, no da. It was just…the right thing to do." The girl nodded.

"Well, you have my deepest thanks for saving me, junkaiso. Oh! My name is Sakuradai. Sakuradai Asahi." She said with a bow. The man returned the respective gesture.

"Konnichiwa, Sakuradai-san." As he straightened, the monk said, "My name is Houjun. Houjun Ri. It's a pleasure to meet you. No da!" The two stared at each other for a bit, an awkward silence hanging in the air.

"Anou…would you like me to walk you back to your village, no da?" Asahi's eyes widened at the kind offer.

"Oh, no thank you. My village isn't too far away, so I'll be alright. Arigato again, Houjun-san. Sayonara!" With a small wave, the girl walked back into the forest. Chichiri said a farewell to her retreating figure, fighting the urge to follow her.

Asahi… He thought. She had a…very strange chi about her… It was true. The girl's chi had something…unearthly about it…perhaps even…celestial? Was that what attracted the youkai…? Chichiri shook his head, shoved the thoughts of the strange girl away, and continued his traveling.

>. >. >. >.

Asahi smiled as she saw the path leading to her village. Her parents would be very happy as to how much medicinal herbs she was able to collect. Being the village healer was a very important job after all! As for the run in with the demon…she could keep quiet about that. Couldn't she?

As soon as the village came into view, a horrifying sigh greeted Asahi. Her violet eyes widened in terror and shock.

NO!

>. >. >. >. >.

Hahaha! Another cliffhanger for you all! Once again, I'd like to apologize for the long update. I had to update my other story first before working on this one! Special thanks to Lolagurl who was the first to review! YAAAY!

Lolagurl: Glad to hear you like it! Sorry all the chapters are kinda short…I promise they will be longer as time goes on! (It was the same with my other story too…)

D.D.Z: If you don't mind doing that, sure! I wouldn't mind at all! Thank you and I'm glad to hear you like it! Hope this chapter was enjoyable too!

Fire Dragon: Yes, me and my cliffhangers…BWAHAHAHAHA! (Ahem) sorry. Hope you liked this chapter! (Apart from the cliffie. Haha!)

germain: Wow. Once again, what the hell are you smoking? But…thanks for your review. Hope you liked this chapter.

guest: Glad you like it! Hope you like this one too!

Translations for stuff:

Junkaiso: "monk" or "traveling monk" if ya wanna get all literal

Anou: "um…" or "uh…"