Chapter 1

Kimi sighed for what had to be the tenth time. 'Did he ever run out of breath?'

When her cousin Jun had come to her needing help, Kimiko had no idea it would mean carting a heavy basket through the surrounding forests all day. She knew Jun had hurt his back about a month ago and had been trying to take it easy but surely this he could handle, couldn't he?

Nope. Somehow she'd let herself get talked into marching through the woods, looking for peach trees that were bursting with fruit, and hauling a huge basket filled with their finds. And, the longer the day went, the farther Jun wanted to venture. Afterall—

'Wilder fruit taste sweeter.'

Kimi doubted it but, what did she know? She was the family orphan, a dependent on her Uncle's goodwill. Hence, how Jun figured out he could order her to do nearly anything. And, with his injury, he'd taken full advantage of the fact.

'Ko, fix my sandal. Ko, haul the hay for me. Ko, go find the stray pig that got away.'

And, now, she was apparently his cart-horse. To top it all off, he had yet to stop talking.

'The weather was perfect for barley. You can't just wait for a good hunt, you have to track it first. If there were better girls in the village, he'd be married by now.'

"Right, Ko?" he asked over his shoulder as he moved a branch out of his way.

"Yes, Jun," Kimi answered, snapping herself back to the present. However, a stray rock had her struggling to keep her balance as she tried to catch her breath. She needed a break.

"Hey, how about we split up?" she suggested, causing Jun to look back at her. "We'll cover more ground that way."

"And, what if I find the tree?" Jun argued, planting his hands on his hips like a scolding parent. "I could hurt myself worse trying to pick the fruit. Then, where would you be?"

Where, indeed.

"We don't have to go far," Kimi countered. "We can even stay in sight of each-other. But, we're going to slow this way."

That was convincing, right? It made since, didn't it?

But, still seeing Jun's unconvinced expression, Kimi quickly tried going about it another way.

"It'll be less walking you have to do," she offered. "And, we'll get back home quicker."

Considering dinner was Jun's favorite that perked him up quicker than Kimi expected. With a bright gleam in his eye, Jun threw back his shoulders and nodded sagely.

"True," he stated firmly. "And, I need to be cautious as I heal. Very well."

Kimi swallowed her sigh of relief. Finally.

"You go that way," Jun ordered as he pointed to the left. "And, I'll go the other way. I'll call you if I find anything."

"Great," Kimi replied as she shifted her basket on her shoulder.

"Don't drop those," Jun warned as he took on his father's stern expression. "We need to sell every one."

Kimi nodded, hoping the reaction was enough to get him walking again.

She knew the fruit was her family's way of making extra money. Their Gran had even promised Kimi could have her own small share of it if she helped gather them. It was the only reason she was out there in the first place. And, since there was a whole case of saiboku inks that Tuko got in from the Capital, Kimi wasn't letting anything to the basket or its contents.

"Not a bruise," she promised.

Apparently, that was what Jun wanted to hear because he nodded sharply before turning on his heel and marching off into the surrounding trees.

When his dark haori was no-longer visible through the brush, Kimiko released the breath she'd been holding as she leaned against a nearby tree. With a tight groan, she carefully eased her basket to the ground before stretching the tight muscles of her back.

"'Cautious as I heal'," she muttered softly. "Ha!"

Rolling her neck, Kimi rubbed the stiff cords. She was so getting those inks and maybe a few bottles of iwaenogu. A jar of Nikawa glue, if she was lucky. But, either way, this was going to be worth it.

She'd been saving up sheets of smoothed wood she'd collected and the brushes her Gran had given her last birthday. She was so close…..unless she just got a big pot of sumi ink. Color wasn't necessary, afterall. But, this was an indulgence, something she'd never allowed herself. She was taking the full advantage.

She even knew what she wanted to draw first. The river near their village had a collecting pool that houses dozens of lilies floating on the smooth surface. When the sunlight hit the water just right, it made the flowers look like they glowed.

Kimi had decided somehow, someway, she would capture that beauty as best she could. And, this time tomorrow, she'd have the money to start. She just needed to find some more trees. After she took a quick breath…..and maybe rested her eyes a moment.

The gentle breeze swaying through the trees was nice and did wonders to cool the back of her neck. That and the quiet was amazing…..if you ignored the crying.

'Wait!'

Snapping her eyes open, Kimi glanced about as the distant wail cut through the air. 'Where was that coming from?'

A sudden chill raced up Kimi's spine as she wondered in Jun had fallen and actually injured himself. However, the sound was too high-pitched to be him. It sounded like a child.

Terror gripped her heart at the idea of a child wandering about. The river widened and grew stronger this deep into the woods and if anyone fell in, there was no saving them.

Quickly hefting her basket onto her shoulder, Kimi pushed her way through the trees. She had no idea what a kid was doing lost in the woods but she couldn't just leave them on their own. For all she knew, Kimi probably knew the child's mother.

Another loud squall had Kimi doubling her efforts as she shoved low hanging branches out of her way.

Finally breaking through the thick canopy, Kimi felt her foot slipped sharply on a patch of river mud, sending her sliding down the slick bed and crash through the brush, the heavy basket smacking heavily on top of her.

Her groan of frustration was cut short by a gleeful giggle.

Pushing herself upright, Kimi scanned the area, desperate to find the kid and get them away from the rushing water rumbling beside her. But,…. there wasn't anyone. Anywhere.

Kimi huffed a loose hair out of her eyes as she slowly shifted the basket off her back. She knew she'd heard something but, had she mistaken it for something else?

"Hello?" she called. "Is anyone there?"

Nothing. Nothing but the river, birds and the shadowing of nearby clouds.

Kimi shook her head as she stood and pulled on the basket's handle. 'Just what she needed now. Rain.'

Well, at least she'd tried.

The sound of something dropping behind her had Kimi turning to spot the tell-tale peach that had escaped and rolled across the riverbed.

Gasping sharply, she knelt down to check her basket, her hands running over the woven surface. So focused on her task, she barely noticed the small hand that snatched the lost fruit before vanishing behind a nearby rock.

Her hands froze mid-stroke as she glanced towards the hiding spot. So, she had heard right.

Feeling a bit braver, and a lot less foolish, Kimi crept towards the large stone. The last thing she wanted to do was scare the poor kid, afterall.

"Hello?" she called again tentatively. "Are you alright? If you're lost, I can guide you back to the village."

Kimi paused as she waited for a response but when none came, she pressed on. The kid was probably too young to talk or too scared to. She just had to stay calm and keep her voice down.

"You really shouldn't be out here, anyway," she chided gently as she glanced around the rock. "Now, come with me and I'll take you back to your mam…..ma…."

Kimi's expectations on what she'd find were simple. And, for the most part, she was right.

The tiny figure huddled in a tight ball behind the rock was a child. From his rounded cheeks to messy black hair, he looked like any small child you'd find lost in the woods. But, the matching set of stubby horns barely peeking through the unruly locks told Kimi this child wasn't from the village. And, when he pulled his plump hands from his mouth, still dripping with sticky juice, she saw the other proof of what she'd found. Spread across his face and eyes, like an angry paint splatter, was a mark of vivid red.

This was an oni!

Stumbling backward with a horrified shriek, Kimi scrambled to put some distance between her and the little ogre. What was an oni doing out there?

Kimi remember stories their grandmother would tell about them. Of great hulking beasts of fire and thunder that would crush you and bring disaster wherever they went. Of hideous monsters that ate the unlucky people that crossed their path and used the bones of their victims for evil magic.

Was she about to be eaten?

Terror chilled Kimi to the bone as her eyes darted about frantically. Had this been a trap? Would they all attack her at once? Could she run?

Before Kimi could decide which direction to break for, a soft sound cut through her panicked thoughts. Was that….crying?

Snatching up a nearby branch, Kimi crept towards the rock again ready to swing. But, what she saw had her lowering the make-shift weapon.

The oni was crying. Deep shuddering whimpers and fat tears rolling down chubby cheeks. Just like any lost child.

When watery eyes spotted her, the kid shrank from her against the stone's shadow. This was a vicious monster that would tear her limb from limb? He looked barely more than a baby. And, since he kept trying to scoot away from her, was just as terrified of her as she was of him. He wasn't going to hurt her.

But, what was he doing out here?

"Hello!" Kimi called out as she once again looked about. "Hey, I've found your baby!"

"If you're looking for one," she added in a low mumble.

Kimi supposed she could run for it once she heard pounding steps of an approaching oni. She could have the mother or father or whatever find the kid safe and sound and not have to be captured. Unfortunately, the woods were silent.

"Hello?" Kimi tried again, louder. "Is anyone there? Look, I don't want any trouble. I just….Found your baby."

Sighing in defeat, Kimi crouched down to take a good look at the little face staring up at her with a frightening intensity.

"Where's your mama?" she asked helplessly.

However, the boy was just as helpless to answer her. Truth be told, Kimi doubted he could even give her his name, much less explain why he was alone in the woods.

'Had he been abandoned?'

The thought both warmed and broke Kimi's heart. Poor kid was probably so confused and scared. And, hungry considering how his wet eyes kept zipping towards her full basket. Smiling warmly, Kimi grabbed another peach and held it out to the child.

"Here ya go," she said gently.

When he scooted further from her, Kimi carefully set the fruit on the ground and backed away.

"It's alright, little guy," she promised. "I'm sorry I scared you before. You just surprised me, is all."

The child studied her with a deep suspicion for one so young. But, Kimi forced her voice to stay light and soothing to coax him from his corner.

When a little hand snatched up the offering, Kimi kept still as the boy devoured it shockingly fast.

"How long has it been since you've eaten?" Kimi mused aloud.

He certainly didn't look like he'd missed any meals with all his baby fat. Then again, oni were known for huge appetites so….

"You want another?" Kimi offered when the boy started to lick his sticky palms.

Those wide eyes locked on the next one with avid interest before snatching it from her hand this time. Kimi chuckled as she relaxed, watching the boy eat.

"So, you like sweets," she mused with a smile. "I like them too. Though my cousin, Jun, likes them more." She added with a wink.

The action seemed to intrigue the child because he immediately stopped stuffing his already full cheeks and tried to copy the motion. However, it came across more of a twinge, causing him to kick his bare legs out and pout.

Kimi swallowed the snort leaping up her throat. Yep. Just a little kid.

"It's alright," she soothed. "You'll get it eventually. In the meantime, what am I going to do with you?"

While the kid had yet to say a word, Kimi could tell those sharp eyes were watching her with the clarity of understanding. He might not talk but he listened. Maybe he could help her help him.

"I'm called Kimiko," Kimi offered as she patted her chest with her hand. "Can you tell me your name?"

He had to know it because that little mouth of his scrunched up so tight he looked on the verge of crying all over again. Either that or burping.

"That's okay," Kimi replied. "I'll just have to call you something else till then."

As if suddenly remembering his prized treasure, the boy took a huge bite out of the fruit clutched in his hands. Kimi giggled.

"Well, you certainly love peaches," she teased. "How about I call you Momo? You think you might like that?"

Apparently, he did. His little face lit up with a wide smile and his dripping hands clapped with glee.

"Okay, Momo it is," Kimi announced with a smile. "Well, now we need to figure out how to get you home. Is it close by?"

Again, he said nothing. But, the happy expression on Momo's face changed to confused panic as he jerked his gaze about. The longer he did it, the more panicked he grew. And, the darker those clouds grew overhead.

Immediately draping her arms about the stout child, Kimi pulled him into her lap as he buried his face against her collar.

"It's alright," she soothed as she rubbed his trembling back. "It's alright. We'll find your family. Don't worry. I'm sure they're looking for you. We'll just have to find them."

'And, hopefully they won't eat me.'

It wasn't lost on Kimi that what she was doing was probably a bad idea. Everyone else in the village would say she was crazy to try and help an oni, much less plan to find more. But, she knew what it was like to feel alone. To wish someone would offer even a little help or comfort to her fears.

And, well….she wasn't leaving a little kid alone in the woods. Oni or otherwise.

"Did you follow the river?" she offered, trying to gouge his reaction for an answer.

Unfortunately, Momo was only interested in looking every-which-way, his head snapping from one direction to the next in scrambling panic.

"Hey, easy," Kimi chided as she moved her head away from being cracked with a short horn. "Calm down. If we just pick a direction, we can go from there. I'm sure we'll find them before it gets dark."

However, Momo refused to be soothed. Instead, he thrashed in Kimi's grasp as if his life depended on it.

He only grew wilder as the area suddenly grew even more shaded. If she didn't hurry soon, they'd be caught out in the woods after sundown.

Kimi suddenly froze as she glanced upward. It wasn't late enough in the day for it to grow dark and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. So, what was causing that horrible darkness?

A low growl from behind had Kimi stiffening suddenly, causing Momo to freeze in her grip.

Glancing slowly over her shoulder, Kimi barely had a moment to spot three pairs of glowing red eyes from a large cloud of dark mist rising from the river's bank before an elongated fanged head suddenly lunged towards them.

A shriek ripped form Kimi's throat as she rolled to the side, taking Momo with her. The little guy bellowed in her ear but Kimi barely noticed as she stared at the nightmarish creature prowling in front of her.

Broad and long, its four clawed feet paced and pawed at the muddy bank in furious agitation. Cold red eyes glinted from the sharp-angled furred face as a wide mouth snapped and snarled, revealing razor-sharp fangs. Black smoke trailed down its back and around its head like a mane and a thin tail lashed viciously behind it, cracking like a whip. It wasn't till Kimi got a look at the tail's end that she spotted the matching glinting eyes of a hissing snakehead.

'A Nue!'

With a cry like an angry hawk, the monster lunged towards them again, fangs and claws extended. Scrambling as fast as she could, Kimi shoved Momo behind the large rock she'd found him.

A sharp pain burned across Kimi's arm right before she felt herself jerked off her feet and dragged across the rocky mud on her back. The crunch of bone rattled in Kimi's ears before the Nue tossed her aside. With a warning snarl, it turned back towards Momo's hiding place.

Kimi blinked in stunned shock. Nue never spared their victims. Unless…. It wasn't after her.

Wide eyes searched desperately for anything she could use before Kimi found the large branch she'd dropped. It wasn't much but….

The hissing tail swayed lazily in eager anticipation as the Nue crouched its large body to pounce onto the rock shielding Momo.

'This was a really bad idea,' Kimi thought right before she swung the thick stick as hard as she could at the Nue's back-end.

A flash of triumph rushed through her when the fanged snake-head at the end of its tail smashed against its rump, fangs embedding into it. However, that moment was shattered when the Nue's furious head spun about and snapped viciously towards her. Again, she swung as hard as she could, cracking the beast across the jaw.

Unfortunately, the Nue was focused now. When Kimi went for another swing, it clamped its fanged jaws about the dead wood and twisted its head sharply to the side, shattering Kimi's weapon in her hands.

Kimi watched in helpless shock as her only defense clattered uselessly to the ground. She barely noticed when her back slammed against the ground, the Nue's feral gaze glaring down as its dripping jaws drew closer to her neck.

She ignored the burning on her arm or the biting sting of rocky soil into her back. All she saw were those glowing eyes and the black mist smoking about its head.

This was the last thing she was going to see before she died. This was what she would carry with her into the afterlife.

'Mama, Dad. I'm sorry. I tried.'

Clamping her eyes shut, Kimi waited for that moment of pain when an angry bellow suddenly rent through the air. A distinct squishing sound dribbled down her cheek.

Eyes snapping open, Kimi watched as the Nue shook its head in disgust. Another peach slammed into its skull, knocking the beast to the side of her.

Scrambling to her feet, Kimi blinked in stunned shock as Momo dug out another fruit from her pack and launched it at the thrashing Nue. Unfortunately, this was only enough to enrage the monster. She had to find something else.

But, nothing seemed good enough. There was nothing sharp or heavy enough. Everything was either worn or rotted or already swept away from the river. There was nothing to—

The river!

It was high and strong from the recent rains. A whole cart had been swept away by it. It could work, if she could just somehow knock the beast into the current. And, judging by how quickly the Nue was shaking off Momo's attacks, they didn't have long.

Lunging towards the kid, Kimi grabbed his chubby arm before he could throw another peach.

"Momo, no!" she called right when the Nue raced for another attack, fanged jaws opened wide.

Terror caused her throat to tighten as she watched those furious eyes draw nearer and nearer. Momo screeched behind her, causing Kimi to tighten her grip against the strap of her basket.

Sighing in defeat, Kimi prepared for the worst as she gripped the strap hard and swung harder. The woven wood struck against the monster's side and two things happened at once: the Nue flung itself towards the rushing water and a hole ripped itself against the base of the basket, sending the rest of its precious cargo into the current after it.

The monster thrashed and struggled with all its might towards the bank. But, the combination of the slick mud and strung under-current proved more than it could handle. With a gurgled snarl, its head disappeared beneath the surface.

Kimi stared stupefied as trail after trail of rosy-colored fruit bobbed like ducklings out of sight. 'What….just happened?'

A snort leapt up Kimi's throat at the absurdity of the question. As if she could define the insanity that just happened.

Plopping her backside onto the rocky ground, Kimi decided to give it a try, anyway. She'd followed a noise, found an oni child, got attacked by a Nue, and lost all of her family's cash crop…. Oh, and her arm hurt like hell. But, she was alive and so was Momo—

"Momo!"

Eyes zipping about, Kimi searched for the little trouble-maker and when she couldn't spot him, the fear he'd fallen into the river too had her nearly screaming in frustration. However, a snuffling sound in her basket had her kneeling to peer inside.

A sticky-faced Momo grinned triumphantly up at her as he fisted a peach in each hand.

Kimi released a breath, her heart easing its pounding. "Well, there you are," she teased. "Decided to crawl in and claim what was left?"

Momo's delighted clapping was all confirmation she needed.

"Guess I can't blame you," she said. "I probably would have too, if I could fit. Was that thing after you?"

Kimi didn't wait for an answer. "I wonder why. You must have really wandered far, huh?"

As if the question suddenly reminded the child of his current problem, Momo popped his head out of the basket and looked about in frantic curiosity. It reminded Kimi of a rabbit checking the outside of its hole before zipping out of sight. Not wanting to risk him getting the same idea, Kimi gently cupped his small shoulder.

"How about you stick with me till we find your mama, alright?" she offered calmly. "We can look together."

Kimi had no idea whether he understood the offer or not but a wide drooly smile stretched across Momo's face, causing her heart to melt and flutter all at once. Oni child or not, the stinker was a cutie.

"Great," she sighed with a chuckle. "So, now that we've straightened that out—"

"Ko!"

Considering she'd just faced a Nue, it seemed foolish to be startled by her cousin calling for her. However, her every muscle tightened with sudden intensity before Kimi made herself relax again.

"Ko!"

"Of course," Kimi muttered before giving Momo a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. He's a friend. He's just…looking for me, is all."

"Ko! Come on, where are you?"

Kimi sighed. "I guess I should answer, huh?"

Momo scrunched up his face moodily, causing her to smother a giggle.

"I know, but he means well," she promised.

"Ko! Answer me!"

"Im down here," Kimi shouted, cupping her hands about her mouth.

"Ko?"

And, like a fishing heron peering through water, Jun glanced down the rocky ridge overhanging the bank.

"What are you doing down there?" he demanded, folding his arms like a scolding parent. "Do you want to drown or snap your neck?"

"I…" Kimi stuttered as she glanced back at the basket. Whether fright or a new game to play, Momo had crouched down, out of sight of the rim.

"I was just…"

"There's no trees near the river," Jun snapped, bringing Kimi back to him. "Everyone knows that. Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you? And, you're wasting time, playing in the mud?"

Irritation flared hot as Kimi prepared to tell him exactly what had taken up her time. However, a slight whimper from the basket stayed her tongue. Jun meant well but would he understand her helping Momo?

The kid was alone but trouble did seem to follow him. Plus, she had lost all their cash crop so…. She guessed she could give him this one.

"Just go ahead and head back to the village," she called. "I'll be right behind you."

"Don't you need a hand up?" Jun asked as he started to stoope over the ledge.

"No, I'm good," Kimi quickly said. "I'll be fine. Besides, you don't want to hurt your back worse, right?"

The reminder of his 'injury' was thankfully enough to cause Jun to freeze before he snapped himself upright again.

"You're right," he replied with a nod. "I need to look after my back. Good call, Ko."

"But, the ridge looks steep," he quickly added. "Are you sure you can make it up on your own?"

Kimi had no idea. But, she wasn't about to tell him that.

"I got this," she called up. "Don't worry about me. Head back towards home and I'll be right behind you."

"You're sure?" Jun called down, though Kimi could tell by his fidgeting steps he was eager to take the advice. Thank the Spirits for that.

"Definitely," Kimi reassured. "You go. I'm….fine."

She intended to wave her arm to emphasize her point but a throbbing pain caused her to wince. However, Kimi kept her smile bright and wide as she tucked her arm behind her.

Thankfully, Jun didn't seem to notice.

"Alright," he declared. "I'll go check the path ahead, to make sure it's safe. But, don't take too long. It's getting dark."

"You got it," Kimi quipped, stepping to black the mouth of the basket.

Nodding confidently, Jun tugged on the hem of his haori before turning and marching out of sight.

Kimi slumped against the woven basket, Momo's chubby hand smacking her own playfully. She'd never been more grateful for Jun's self-preservation in her life.

"Well, that went better than I thought," she chuckled as she smoothed some of Momo's wild hair back from his brow.

Momo gifted her with a drooly grin, his arms waving happily. Kimi couldn't help the warmth that bloomed in her chest.

"Be grateful you're cute," she teased. "Otherwise, I'd be in real trouble."

Though, she probably was going to be anyway. But, she'd already done the stupid thing. Now, she just had to do the next stupid thing.

"Looks like you're coming with me, Momo," she informed as she glanced down at the gaping tear in her basket. "Guess we better patch this, first. Afterall, I gotta sneak you in somehow."

Scooping up a handful of thick mud, Kimi splattered it against the hole thickly. Momo's squeal of delight was reassuring to her as he happily patted against the inside. Grabbing another handful, Kimi ignored the icky feeling of mud flicking against her face as Momo clapped eagerly for more.

'Well, at least, someone was having fun.'