FORGIVE ME READERS FOR I HAVEN'T POSTED IN WHAT? A WEEK? THIS IS A SHORT CHAPTER AND I WILL TRY TO HAVE THE SECOND PART UP ASAP. I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING AWESOME PEOPLE AND BEARING WITH ME THROUGH THIS. DISCLAIMER: YOU KNOW THE DRILL.
Asuka Period: Spring
Steel Blades and Cherry Blossoms
Zoë's POV
Japan is very interesting to you. Of all of the cultures you have witnessed, this seems to be one of the most tranquil at times. Culture and art are evolving in this period and the nature around you is breathtaking. Even in the Garden of the Sunset there were never the pink cherry blossoms above, littering the soft, green, of the forest floor. Artemis herself looks to be in awe of the serene beauty of the island nation. Even now as the hunters are doing their chores, half doing laundry in a nearby river and the other half along with you sharpening arrows in the shade of the cherry blossom trees, something in the air makes you want to smile and sigh. "Zoë, can I talk to you for a moment?" Artemis asks and you nod, standing to face the goddess. "Walk with me." She says calmly and a few hunters giggle girlishly. Rolling your eyes at them you nod to Artemis, following her along a faded path. The hunter uniforms had been altered to a somewhat loose, sleeveless top and leggings and you take a moment to admire Artemis's bare arms. Feeling coy, you step closer to her, intertwining your fingers with hers. The goddess blushes and looks up at you. "Japan is lovely country isn't it?" Artemis sighs and you nod. "Indeed milady. Very calm and serene. Is this simply a nature walk?" You ask playfully and the goddess smirks. "Partially. Am I not allowed to simply enjoy your company?" She asks innocently, bumping your shoulder with hers and you smile. "I also wanted to discuss the next creature we are going to hunt." She adds and you nod. "Of course. Several creatures here are sacred though."
"Exactly. There is however a creature and to be able to catch it brings luck."
"No war from the Japanese?" You ask and she shakes her head. "It is however extremely difficult to trap."
"What is it called?"
"A nue. It supposedly has the head of a monkey, the tail of a snake, the legs of a tiger and the body of a tanuki." You pause at that. "My lady, what is a tanuki?" You ask and Artemis chuckles. "Picture the offspring of a raccoon and a dog." If anything your eyes widen further and Artemis rises up on her tiptoes, pecking your cheek. "So where are we going milady?" You ask and Artemis nods ahead of us. There's a flash of silvery light and you shield your eyes, dropping the goddess's hand. It fades quickly but the spots in your vision linger before you blink and look at the goddess. She is taller than you how, around six foot in a flowing silver dress. She looks to be in her twenties or so, ageless and powerful. "There's a village its been terrorizing. It would be hard for an elder to take me seriously in my normal form." You nod in understanding, dropping her hand and following the goddess with your head held high. As you and Artemis step into the village there's a ripple of your goddess's magic spreading outward from her, briefly fluttering the wind chimes on a few huts. People look up and gape at you and the goddess, one man walking over cautiously. "Who are you stranger?" He asks warily and you can tell the pulse of magic was a translation spell meaning you can understand them and they can understand you. "Someone who can help. I would like to offer my services to slay the Nue." Artemis says and this catches everyone's attention. "We cannot pay you." The man says and Artemis shakes her head. "I do not ask for payment."
"How do you know that you can kill it?" A broad, young man rumbles and an elderly woman pulls at his shirt. "Zoë is my lieutenant. She is the best archer in my legion." The goddess nods to you and you draw your bow, firing four times in succession up towards the sun. With a few squawks, four crows drop to the ground with arrows through their eyes. Artemis flashes you a proud look and you nod. "The Nue arrives at nightfall." A woman says and hands Artemis a scroll. "We shall arrive an hour prior." Artemis says and they drop to their knees. "We thank you stranger." They grovel and Artemis nods. "One hour prior." She says before turning on her heel and walking out of the village. You follow her, taking the scroll and unfurling it. "Do you read Japanese?" You ask once both of you are far enough away and Artemis reverts to her maiden form. "No I don't actually." Artemis frowns and you squint at the text. "Well then, one of the recruits should be able to translate." Artemis decides and you nod. Turning your head you peck her lips and smile. "That was an impressive demonstration." Artemis praises and you smile. "Thank you milady."
I WILL BE POSTING PART TWO ASAP! I'VE BEEN BUSY WITH SCHOOL AND FAMILY STUFF SO I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LATE UPDATE. REVIEW SIL VOUS PLAIT?