Kappas are reptile-like monsters that live in lakes and rivers. They smell like fish and they're excellent swimmers. If the water in one's head runs dry, it'll grow weak.

Though Kappas are sometimes dangerous, they're honest and they always return favors. Their favorite foods are cucumber and fish.

Jin somberly held the folklore book and continued to read it. Pushing back his slipping glasses he pondered: Why would a Kappa come to live here? Are cucumbers even grown in these parts? Though he had found only two books with basic information on them, he was almost certain that Akari was a kappa; it was the only explanation for the water-filled hole in her head.

The union between a human and a kappa, Jin read on; though possible, is unfortunate. The offspring is always ugly and horrific. People will be drawn to attack them with axes.

"Well I don't know about that," Jin muttered. Akari didn't appear that bad; maybe she was a bit too handsome for a girl, but she was only truly disturbing when her skin changed. The last part about the axes, however, caught him off guard and made him snicker a bit. He glanced around the library to make sure no one saw. At last, he felt a bit guilty. Perhaps Akari was chased out of her old town? Jin didn't know her very well, so he didn't feel TOO sorry for her, but he wanted to be sympathetic– even if he had enough people to worry about. That's why it's important to keep one's health up... so you're not a burden on others, he thought coldly, closing the book with a heavy thump. Up from the first floor below, he heard an uproar, so he shelved the book and hurried down the stairs.

Behind the lobby's front counter stood Gill and Elli, gossiping as they always did, but with even more spite than usual.

"If you don't take it easy, there won't BE any more newcomers," Elli huffed, crossing her arms. "I know your attitude can't be helped, but you're a representative for this island, you know?"

"It's not my fault," Gill argued, absolutely livid. "She's the one getting all light-headed for no reason! And you weren't there–" He waved his arms, but then dropped them. "She stares at me like I'm some kind of... some kind of dairy product! Ready to be sliced and served from my own egg carton."

"That's a good one. You should write it down."

"I WILL." He produced his diary and slammed it on the counter, furiously scribbling in it with a fluffy quill.

"Any problems?" Jin asked, not feeling comfortable with just leaving after eavesdropping on the two. Gill's quill continued to bob with insane yet quiet wrath.

"It's the new farmer." Elli hopelessly glanced down at her apron and patted it. "Gill teased her and called her a fool–"

"–Did not," Gill interrupted; "but if it suits you and her..."

"Ahem," Elli breathed. "The new girl got so upset that she almost fainted."

"That's just ridiculous," Jin said, pushing up his glasses. "You two hardly know each other. Goodness. Kids these days..."

Gill sniffed. "Barely past your twenties and you already sound like an old man," he said, not looking up once.

Jin scoffed lightly and pulled a small green book from his lab coat. "I'm taking this," he said, brushing it past his black bangs and walking out the double doors.

When Gill finally noticed the theft, he nearly jumped over the counter. "HEY," he blasted; "You can't just 'take' books out of our proud town library!"

Kappas are also know for their esoteric medical knowledge. A kappa will teach their secret arts to whoever saves or spares their life. At other times, they will swear servitude or offer daily gifts of fish.

When Jin pulled his nose from the book, he nearly jumped. On the clinic's front porch before him was none other than Akari. She observed him, and in such a consuming way; it was almost like she was eating him with her eyes alone. For the very first time, Jin agreed with Gill's disturbed way of thinking.

The doctor quickly pocketed the book.

Wow, Akari thought, unable to take her eyes off the doctor. Such long, dark hair. And those intense eyes... She's beautiful... Way prettier than I'll ever be.

"Hello. How are you?" Jin greeted her tensely. "You're looking much better."

Jin was a guy. Not a girl.

"Oh, yes. I'm feeling much better." Akari nodded her head in agreement, trying not to cry in agony over her unwieldy thoughts. She was so caught up in it, that she didn't notice the water spilling from her head.

Jin looked away to repress a snort. He adjusted his glasses as an excuse. "I examined you when you were brought to the inn," he said as he faced her once again, frowning and being careful not to laugh at her strangeness. "I'm glad to see you're doing all right now."

"Examined?" Akari flinched, feeling like her legs would crumble out from underneath her. "Y-you didn't notice anything... WEIRD... right?" She wrung her hands in sheer terror. Speaking was not helping– speaking had made things worse, but hopefully it could also make things better. "I mean," she continued; "Not that there's anything WEIRD about me! Uwa ha... Ehehehe–" She laughed the most awkward laugh that she had ever laughed. It was so awkward, she immediately recognized it as such and crowned it king of the awkward laugh festival. This all happened within the confines of her gourd-like head.

In response, Jin stepped onto the curb and leaned forward, lowering his cold eyes at her. His unmoving mouth explained nothing, but yet... everything. In an instant he had conveyed his knowledge of her and even his intentions of blackmail.

You did notice something weird, didn't you? Akari thought, clenching her teeth and nearly growling like a hot spring monkey.

"I'm Doctor Jin. Be sure to visit our clinic whenever you aren't feeling well." He pushed his glasses up, which casted off an ominous glare. "However, if you live a healthy life, you won't be needing to visit us much."

His words were intoned with a secret threat.