22. The Monkey, The Fox And The Maiden
Before me lies the dark tunnel.
A path through the forest, linking two ends of the residential neighborhood together, which curves in a U-shape around the lush hill in its center. The thicket with its high trees and wild underbrush swallows the light of the moon and city beyond within a few meters. A tiny pinprick of white marks the other end, off in the distance.
Well equipped, with the lantern hanging of my waistband, bell-tree in one hand and sword in the other, I leave my backpack at the entrance and enter.
Its not too far into the night.
Hotaru is down the hill at the main road. I wrote her that I’m going in.
I can do this!
To my left, the terrain rises slight up to the crest of the hill, obscured by tree trunks, bushes and darkness.
Thankfully, my lantern is super bright and illuminates far ahead. I paired it with my phone and I could if I wanted, adjust the brightness and color as I wish. Not that it’s currently needed, but I could. Maybe there's like, a color that would go totally well with my outfit?
What am I thinking? It’s definitely not the right time for that.
I need to focus on the mission; flush out that D-class denial demon and secure the kill all by myself. With that, I’ll have my rank-up secured and I’ll be a real demon-hunter!
I huff.
So this thing likes to hide and lay low to harass and attack people at just the right time? We’ll see about that.
The sightings have been infrequent, that much I know, but denial demons usually don’t move once they claimed a place. That’s like their whole nature. But they also like to hide because of that. Once they're satiated they’ll camouflage themselves and don’t move until they get hungry again.
I raise my bell-tree and take in my surroundings.
Just an unpaved path through the forest. Well maintained, if unlit.
The air is heavy with the scent of pine needles, dead leaves and moist earth. At such a late hour this place is super tranquil and the forest looks genuinely ancient.
Soft foot falls in the underbrush. It can’t be the demon. Probably some other denizen. I was told my mark is quite big and heavy. D-class are the larger predator type, equal to something like a tiger and usually not that smart. Most of the time demons who can hold a full conversation are a tier above.
I begin shaking the bell-tree and concentrate if I can make out any unusual movements. It’s said if you do it in a rhythm similar to a dance it’s doubly uncomfortable for demons.
So this fake shrine maiden with her glowing sword gives an improvised performance all by herself, skipping along, the bells ringing out like the percussion instrument they are.
Wait, himself—then again no onlookers would suspect a crossdresser, so still herself, I guess.
Between each shake I keep an ear out for disturbances and I think I can hear more rustling leaves and something that sounds like a barely audible high-pitched bark. So I do have an audience, one of the animal not demon variety.
Ever vigilant, I make it a fair bit in, almost half way, as a boulder on the left side right next to the road catches my attention.
I give the small bell-tree another good shake and watch as the moss that covers most of the boulder bristles in a very unnatural way.
Got you.
With a big crescendo of my bells my dance reaches its end.
I can’t suppress giving a tiny bow.
The boulder moves, small cracks begin to from on its surface. I clip the bell-tree with the tiny loop on its handle to my waist band and take a step back.
The bells chime with my every move.
That’s it, the cracks split and the demon turns around.
Furious eyes with glowing red pupils stare down at me as it unfurls itself.
Standing tall as gorilla-sized macaque, most of its back and arms is this rock like surface covered in moss, only its front half and face is pink hairless skin.
An intimidating monster that’s for sure.
But I know what I’m here for.
This is my first hurdle to reaching A-rank. There will be a corresponding kill necessary for every advancement up the ladder. This is the first, more to come, each one more difficult than the last, on my road to getting the [※MAGICAL SEX-CHANGE DEVICE 3000※], of fulfilling my dream.
I can do this!
Gripping my sword with both hands I wait for its attack.
Let it show me how it fights.
This thing got yanked from its hibernation, its instinct and demeanor more animalistic at first glance, less controlled. I’ll be surprised if it has anything on its mind beyond smashing the nuances who dared to disturb it and going back to sleep.
Its opening move is a guttural monkey's roar, followed by a jump, both of its big rock fists coming down on me.
Too easy.
It barely moved off the ground when I already read its intent. With one elegant skip, I bring myself out of harms way.
My skirt billows in the wind and I come to rest a few meters down the road.
I smirk. The whole scene has me in the mood to continue my little performance from before for just a bit longer. Can't miss out on an opportunity like this.
In the best innocent girl voice I can muster I nag, “Mr. Monkey, is this how one treats a young miss after she graces you with a wonderful dance〜? That’s not very nice〜.”
The eyes of the demon narrow.
Oh so it does understand human speech? That makes it extra funny. I’m gonna keep this up then.
Seeing that jumping at me will only lead to another easy dodge, the big mossy rock macaque goes into a sprint on all fours to unleash a series of punches at me. I dodge the first few and block the last with my sword.
To my surprise the glowing rainbow blade that has cut so many chitinous shells and even the hide of a white giant with ease, does little against the rock skin of this demon.
That’s not good, not good at all.
Yet the momentary shock of my block allows me to put some distance between me and the demon. It tries to grab me but I’m thankfully too fast.
A close call.
I glance at the tiny mark on its skin, just a scatch. So that means its back, legs and arms are too well armored—can’t cut through rock I guess. That leaves its chest, neck, face and theoretically palms. Not a lot and not easy to hit with its defensive stance.
“Now Mr. Monkey, isn’t it terribly rude trying grab a young miss without her permission〜? One ought not to do such a thing〜.”
Pure fury in its eyes. It likes my taunts even less than my bells. Good. An enemy blind with rage is just that: blind. It will make more mistakes. All of Haruki’s lessons of the past weeks begin to blossom.
The demon closes the distance to strike. It's visibly enraged, its swings are wide and full of force. Harder to dodge because of their sheer reach but so much more legible.
I block each one that appears too difficult to evade.
I let the demon cut itself on my sword with its own strength, as tough as its rock hide is, it’s not impenetrable. Black oily streaks of blood shimmer on its forarms in the light of my lantern as I use its latest wide swing to put a larger distance between us.
“Mr. Monkey, your manners are appalling, I must say〜. To harass a young miss like that and attack her on a lonely road at night. Truly despicable〜.”
It screams.
Okay, Mr. Monkey absolutely despises my girly trash talk.
In a wild rampage the demon pounces at me and wails without coordination or strength. Easy to block, even if I feel every strike travel down my limbs. A firm stance and redirecting the force of the attacks away from me are the keys to staying in this fight.
It's not letting up.
Between its swings it starts trying to bite me. Its face with those burning red eyes comes terrifyingly close as I catch one of its blows with my sword. Gnashing teeth and the foul odor of rotting leaves and stagnant water, almost has me ready to puke. I’ve become strangely sensitive to smell.
“Trying to bite someone. Are we in kindergarten Mr. Monkey〜?”
At that, it roars and reaches high with its right arm, determined to make me pay for my words. It leaves its chest exposed.
My chance.
I thrust my sword forward deep into its body and jump away at the very last moment, before its stone fist is about to crush me. Letting go of my weapon, I come to a rest behind the demon.
A glowing blade sticks out its back.
Got you!
I dismiss and resummon my sword in my hand. Not something you should usually do—resummoning your weapon costs a significant amount of mana, but I feel super energized, as if I haven’t used any at all. I feel fantastic!
Besides it’s over.
Mr. Monkey just doesn’t know it yet.
I watch a black oily brook spring forth from the hole in its back, probably not much better in the front.
The demon turns, clutching its chest with one hand.
Not looking good for you Mr. Monkey.
“Have we learned our lesson about harassing innocent people at night〜?”
The demon raises itself upright on its hind legs and pumps its chest.
Oh my〜 so angry.
What a stupid thing to do. It’s wide open.
I get low, lock onto my target, align my blade, secure my grip and pump as much mana in my lunge as possible.
My blade is a bright blitz.
Leaving no time to react.
The edge of my sword slices with ease through the soft skin of the rock macaque’s neck.
It’s over.
I watch the body burn away with a ghostly flame before its severed head has even reached the ground.
YAY!!!
I'm the best!
That was supreme!
ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
Slightly terrifying and super nerve racking when I think about it, but whatever. If I don't think then it's fine.
I dispel my weapon and give an exaggerated bow of respect. For whom I can’t say, but it’s fun okay? One has to finish one’s performance with the necessary reverence. It’s only right.
I feel like giggling. I’m so pumped, as if I downed like, ten coffees in a row or something. I haven’t felt this awake in forever! This is great!
Skipping over I extract the deep green gem that is the demon’s heart from its ashes.
My reward in hand, I message Hotaru, letting her know that everything is fine, also I think I’ll walk a bit. Hold that high and enjoy the tranquility. Just me and the night.
Yeah, I’m gonna do that.
I let Hotaru know, and send her a selfie with my newly acquired demon heart. D-rank, here I come.
While on my phone let’s also tone down the bright light of my lantern to something that isn’t high beams level on a modern car. Make it a nice warm yellow too. This thing was such a good investment. Totally worth it.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and close up the zip. The girls were so jealous when they learned that my little outfit comes with such sensible pockets. Apparently most skirts don’t which sounds like a hassle.
Time to go.
I halt.
The gap next to the path where the demon rested calls to me. It looks odd. There's something back there.
Gripped by curiosity, I walk over to discover a small alcove in the rising terrain of the hill. Old lichen covered stones hold back the dirt, preparing a space for a tiny moss covered shrine, worn down and forgotten.
Was the demon denying people access to this old shrine?
I hold the gem up and lecture it, “Now that wasn’t very nice of you Mr. Monkey〜.”
Putting the stone in my second pocket I brush as much grime off the tiny shrine as possible in a pinch and pay my respect. It seems the right thing to do.
That’s it.
I freeze.
∘ ∘ ∘ ( °ヮ° ) ?
Uhm…
I was about to head back but someone is stand there on the path right next to me. A salary-woman in her thirties.
Where did she come from all of a sudden?
A lone woman at night appearing out of nowhere is slightly unnerving. Is she some kind of assassin or was I so distracted that I totally missed her approach?
She closes her eyes and gives me a bright smile.
Not sure if that makes it better or worse. At least it’s not a creepy smile.
“I shall speak my thanks, little miss miko.”
Eh, it’s nothing just doing my part—for my own benefit. Also who are you calling little, lady? I might be on the smaller side when it comes to men, but I’m currently dressed as a girl and I’m fairly average for a girl, maybe even a bit tall. Out of my friends, only Haruki is taller than me. Okay maybe Mayumi too, but that doesn’t count, she's constantly wearing platforms, that’s cheating!
Her smile hasn’t abated. I should probably say something instead of standing there like a mute idiot.
“Uh… hi?”
She continues smiling.
Yeah, now it begins to feel condescending. Like, if I were some adorable child and not an adult.
“Has your temple sent you? I shall extend my thanks to your head priest.”
I crack a joke, “Nah, I’m more of a freelancer.”
What’s that lady’s deal? Everyone knows that the demon hunting shrine maidens are a tradition of the past. I’m clearly doing cosplay. Did I give such a convincing performance? Is she drunk?
Would explain a lot.
That sounds like just my luck, having to deal with drunk salary-women. Ugh. That so wasn’t in the job description for demon-hunter!
“Then we shall employ you for the night, little miss miko.”
Again with the little… yes I know pretty boy drew the short straw—literally—both of his brothers significantly taller, even his sister is looking down on him. Come to think of it, how did Tarō let himself ever get bullied by such a twerp? I guess pretty boy’s goons, his so called ‘friends’ played a role.
Wait a second…
The aristocratic coded petite pretty boy and the handsome tall guy from the countryside…
Oh no.
(⊙ _ ⊙ )
My girl-love obsession let me totally miss it, I’m so blind!
No wonder pretty boy constantly tried to drive a wedge between Tarō and his harem in the original story, and that Tarō forgave me so easily. Old childhood friends, driven apart, bitter rivals, destined to meet again and again…
I was supposed to be the gay villain(ess) with a possible BL ending!!!???
『 死 』
Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck… yeah, checks out that the story totally crumbled to dust the moment I removed myself from it.
But wow, glad that I dodged that particular bullet. That’s the last thing I’d want. I want to be a pretty girl who kisses other pretty girls, no men allowed!
Also uhm… Tarō do you swing thatway or was it only for pretty boy?
The drunk woman tilts her head like a confused puppy which snaps me from my revelation.
Right, she wants me to hunt more demons for her.
“Sorry Mrs, I already fulfilled my demon hunting quota for the night, but thank you for the kind offer.”
I try to move past her, she blocks my path.
Just like that, we entered creepy territory.
“Oh little miss miko, you already took such expert care of our uncouth neighbor, we shall require you for your other services.”
She closes her eyes for a saccharine smile.
My hairs stand tall.
No.
It can’t be.
I’m dreaming.
This isn’t real.
I’m imagining stuff.
That isn’t happening.
My chronic sleep deprivation is coming back to haunt me, right?
RIGHT!?
Behind the woman I see the unmistakable sway of a bushy copper tail.
Shit.