Makoto's boots crunched against the gravel road as the landscape around him shifted. The forest gave way to rolling hills dotted with patches of farmland and occasional cottages. The day was cool but sunny, the kind of weather that should've been comforting.
But Makoto's cursed eye had been tingling faintly all morning, the warning sign of Akuma nearby. He sighed, adjusting his bag and glancing at Timcampy, who hovered lazily above him.
"Another town, another fight," he muttered. "What do you think, Tim? Will this one be normal for once?"
Timcampy chirped a short, almost mocking reply, spinning in place as if to say, What do you think?
Makoto chuckled dryly. "Yeah, I figured. Guess we should be ready for anything."
As the sun dipped lower, Makoto reached the outskirts of a small town nestled in a valley. Unlike the eerie quiet of his last stop, this town seemed lively. Smoke curled from chimneys, merchants hawked their wares in the marketplace, and children played in the streets.
"Finally," Makoto said, letting out a relieved breath. "A normal—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a runaway cart barreled down the hill toward him. His cursed eye flared, and Makoto dove to the side, narrowly avoiding being flattened.
The cart crashed into a fence, scattering hay and tools everywhere. A young woman ran up, her face red with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, bowing quickly. "Are you okay?"
Makoto dusted himself off, wincing slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... startled."
"Thank goodness," she said, letting out a breath of relief. "That cart's been a menace all day. It's cursed, I swear!"
Makoto gave her a weak smile, glancing at Timcampy, who was buzzing around the wreckage with great interest. "It's fine. Really."
"Here," the woman said, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the market square. "At least let me treat you to something as an apology."
The marketplace was bustling, with vendors shouting over one another to advertise their goods. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meats filled the air, making Makoto's stomach growl. He realized he hadn't eaten much since leaving the last town.
The woman, who introduced herself as Marie, led him to a small bakery stall. "Here," she said, handing him a warm pastry. "It's the least I can do."
Makoto accepted it gratefully. "Thanks, Marie. I—"
Before he could finish, a sudden crash from another stall sent everyone scattering. A pile of fruit had tumbled over, and two men were shouting angrily at each other. As Makoto tried to step aside, someone bumped into him, causing him to drop his pastry.
"Ah, come on!" Makoto groaned, watching it land in the dirt. Timcampy swooped down and grabbed the fallen pastry, chirping victoriously before flying off to enjoy it.
Marie stifled a laugh, covering her mouth. "I'm so sorry! You've had the worst luck since you got here."
Makoto sighed, glancing at Timcampy, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the stolen treat. "Yeah, that happens a lot."
As evening approached, the festive energy of the marketplace began to fade, replaced by an air of unease. People hurried to finish their business, packing up their stalls and retreating to their homes.
Marie noticed the change as well, her cheerful demeanor dimming. "You should find a place to stay before it gets dark," she said, her voice low. "It's not safe after nightfall."
Makoto frowned. "Why not?"
Marie hesitated, glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear. "There've been... strange disappearances. People going missing in the middle of the night. Some say it's bandits, but... others think it's something worse."
Makoto's cursed eye tingled more intensely, and he felt a chill run down his spine. "Akuma," he muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Marie asked.
Makoto shook his head. "Nothing. Thanks for the warning, Marie. I'll be careful."
That night, Makoto found himself in the town square once again, his Innocence spinning faintly in his hand. Timcampy perched on his shoulder, its wings folded neatly as it watched the dark streets.
"This is starting to feel like a routine," Makoto said quietly. "Show up, find Akuma, fight Akuma, repeat."
Timcampy chirped, nudging his cheek. Makoto smiled faintly. "Yeah, I guess it's not so bad with you around."
The cursed eye's burning sensation flared suddenly, and Makoto tensed. From the shadows of an alleyway, three figures emerged. Their human forms melted away, revealing the grotesque, mechanical bodies of Level One Akuma.
"Let's do this," Makoto muttered, summoning his wheel. The green light from his Innocence cast long shadows over the cobblestones as the Akuma charged.
The first Akuma lunged, its claws swiping at Makoto's chest. He ducked, the attack missing him by inches, only for him to trip over an overturned barrel.
"Not again!" Makoto groaned, rolling to avoid another attack.
The second Akuma pounced, but a falling signpost—knocked loose by Timcampy's antics—landed squarely on its head, stunning it. Makoto seized the opportunity, sending his wheel spinning toward the creature and reducing it to ash.
The third Akuma was more cautious, circling Makoto as it searched for an opening. Makoto's cursed eye burned brighter, revealing the soul trapped inside—a young man, his face twisted with fear and desperation.
"I'll free you," Makoto whispered, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.
The Akuma lunged, and Makoto countered with a precise strike. The wheel tore through its chest, and the creature disintegrated, its trapped soul lingering for a moment before vanishing.
The first Akuma, still recovering, tried to attack again, but Makoto anticipated its movements. Using the last of his energy, he sent his wheel spinning faster than ever, destroying the creature in a final burst of green light.
Makoto collapsed onto the cobblestones, his chest heaving as his Innocence flickered and faded. Timcampy landed beside him, chirping softly as if to say, You did it.
"Thanks, Tim," Makoto said weakly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I couldn't have done it without you."
The next morning, the townspeople gathered in the square, their relief evident as they realized the Akuma were gone. Marie approached Makoto, her expression a mix of gratitude and awe.
"You saved us," she said quietly. "Thank you."
Makoto rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I just... did what I had to."
Marie smiled, pressing a small pouch of coins into his hands. "Please, take this. It's not much, but it's all we can offer."
Makoto hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you. And... be careful. The Earl doesn't stop at just one town."
Marie's smile faltered, but she nodded. "We'll remember."
As Makoto left the town, Timcampy perched on his shoulder, chirping contentedly. Despite the exhaustion in his body, Makoto felt a flicker of pride.
"One step closer," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'll keep going. No matter what."
To Be Continued...