Getting lost is just another way of saying 'going exploring'.
"Face it, we're lost."
(We're not lost. We've never been here before.)
"…What do the Oina teach you?"
(Prowess on the field of battle.)
"Knew it."
"Seriously, you two? Again?"
(You stay out of this, Miya.)
"Fine. I'm the only one concerned about the demons hovering over the water there."
(What?) Keiko asked, curious this time. The five demons circled the water in a certain pattern. As if by magic, a whirlpool suddenly opened, leading to some interesting place. The three entered on a whim, two curious as to why the portal opened.
"So where are we?"
(Demon Market.)
"How did you know?"
(Sign.) Tetsu looked at this sign, and nodded.
"How do you think we'll get through here?" Miya asked.
"Why bother? The real question is… how do we get out?"
"We bother because that is very definitely a brush skill they're advertising!" Miya pointed at a billboard. "Did Susano ever teach you to read?"
"Not much."
(And you call me out for excessive fighting, Miya. I've been coming up with plans for getting through this place without me going insane, and have seen several demons wearing masks. Made out of the same flimsy paper as is on that pile.)
"Keiko, that plan couldn't possibly work."
"I can't believe that worked," Miya said. They had just strolled through the Demon Market wearing pieces of paper on their faces with no eyeholes. Miya had rights to doubt they could get through without bumping into everything they encountered. The fact that Keiko had put some out-of-place design on the sheet just made it weirder.
(If I was human, I'd have never suggested it.)
"You wear an utterly impractical mask anyway."
(My point.)
"Anyway… hello, my fair Witch Queen. My name is Sutet, and these are my fighting buddies Kokei and Yami. We are here to take whatever action necessary to get that scroll," Tetsu said.
(…) Keiko was speechless. Their names weren't very practical disguises by pronouncing them backwards. Especially Miya.
"Psst… this can't possibly work," Miya muttered.
"So, Master Yami, you seek this scroll?"
Miya was shocked. "Yes, Witch Queen. It is important to my studies."
"Then let the contest be called off. All hail Master Yami!"
Miya let the slip fall into her speechless hands. Holding it for Keiko to read, she had only a blank stare as Keiko learned one of the best skills for combat: Kazegami's Galestorm. Wind was a swirl. Cyclone is a spiral. Tornado was three straight lines.
"Wait a second…"
Miya's suspicions were well founded.
"Yami would never give crucial information to a demon of little to no brain."
Tetsu and Keiko tore away their masks. Keiko looked blazing at the accusation that she had no brain.
"Descendant of Nagi? White Wolf? Oh my Dark Lord, this has gone for the worst."
The Witch Queen's main attacks were charging with her blood-stained meat cleavers. By this point, the lithe Keiko had no trouble dodging. But her secondary attack showcased her nastiness. She swallowed the demons to heal herself! Tetsu tried her best to stop them from coming close enough, while Keiko continued her blind rage. Which worked, funnily enough. But thanks to the tornado Galestorm, which blew the Witch Queen far away, leaving Keiko with only the Life Beads to show for it.
Short chapter, but accidental double update because I forgot to add the last chapter to public viewing. I apologize for that error.
This story has become the master of Gilligan's Cuts, making it somewhat shorter. Lots more content? Excitement for some future project? Laziness? How should I know?
...Cliffhangers. It's cliffhangers.
Leap before you think!
