New shrine, who be this? [closed]

[Ram]

A black car rolled up the gravel road barely wide enough for one. A walking path than a road to be precise if not strictly a utility road. It was hard to tell when the only direction known was going upwards within the dense primeval mountain forest. As fast as it would be to take the train, the remoteness of the new shrine would prove to be troublesome for an entry level keeper. So Ise deemed in its network to settle for this. Certainly a one time benefit beyond providing a check up when settled in. 

In the backseat meditated a miko with dark hair. Not knowing the state of the shrine and its distance from Ise made the miko wish she’d review the situation more throughly. Nara is home to plenty of shrines that dot around the mountains and local population as any but it came to no surprise for how long lived these shrines may be were their keepers not. A jostle of the car had her open a golden eye and then another when checking their driver up front.

”How far is this shrine again?” She asked. If not for the driver being a member of the shrine network, she’d worry more where they were going.

”Another hour more. It’s a bit remote,” the driver apologized dryly. “Mostly hikers and campers come out this way. It would be best to have someone watch the grounds so we thank you for volunteering to stay. The former attendant would be grateful.”

”None needed. Are there other attendants?”

”Others have taken to their assignments but there may be some locals that can assist if needed.”

It’s been a two hour drive to reach this place from the station in Nara but eventually the headlines shrine upon the moniker of a small wooden shrine at the road side. From here they’ll walk as both driver and passenger took a box each and headed down a path of laid stone and grass growing between the gaps. It was going on 3pm on the driver’s watch after walking the paved walk way to a wide cleaning. Here was where the general shrine front would be and the keeper’s intended house.  Further beyond was more paved road leading to two key landmarks; a large pond where a walking bridge was made to an observation gazebo and the tops of what looked a pagoda roof sticking out from the tree line. All of which overlooked the large pond as the main focal point.

Setting the box down upon the stone step up to the house, the driver gave a bow and produced a letter from their inner jacket wrapped in red twine and set it on the box. Mutely they returned to their car leaving the newly appointed miko, her two boxes of personal belongings, and an empty grounds to watch over. Dead quiet as it were, there wasn’t much time left. At least to see the house being functional for the evening. 


The miko took out a short key and unlocked the deadbolt latch before moving in her two boxes and began turning on the lights. A small hut of a place bearing a side kitchen, a main living area, a side sleeping quarter, store room and bathroom. Not much yet notably there wasn’t a bathing area with the house. Odd. Did they use wood and barrels out ere? The mika shrugged and undid the seal on the letter to read before calling it a day. Tomorrow would be better suited figuring out everything.

     ”To my newest attendant,
 I wish I could have been there to meet you in person but difficulties have prevented that. My humblest and sincerest of apologies. The shrine grounds may seem daunting at first but in no time I believe you will find the routine. A bicycle is left in the storage shed. It has served me well in times that require going to town. Included are a small number of contacts but most matters are directed through Ise if a bad storm comes through...”

”At least there is a bike.” Mika nodded in concerned when setting the letter on the table. Attempting to recall how long the shrine has been vacant. Reviewing the numbers on the list for who to contact, there was a small message at the end.

       ”In case you need an extra hand, there is a kind young lad there to assist just as he assisted me. 

        Best wishes.”

[gman]

The sounds of a vehicle engine roaring and halting, some one was here. Eiji was currently in the hot spring, a short little walk away from the housing in the shrine. He had already said his farewells to the old Shrine Miko, well aware that a replacement would be coming at anytime, that time seemed like it was today. Unless someone else decided to drive up there, but Eiji knew the chances of that was slim to none. Most visitors biked or most commonly walked up here. The engine roared back to life, and after a moment the vehicle was gone. Looks like he was right, they dropped someone off. Standing up out of the hot water Eiji grabbed his sword lying on the edge of the spring. His wet clothes soggy and dropping wet from being submerged in the water for so long. Walking into the changing room he began to take his clothes off, dropping them to the floor with a wet splat. Leaving him only in soiled and rotting bandages. 
Carefully he undid the bindings holding his bandage job up, first his face, then his arms. The tattered rolls of gauze fell off of his body. Reaching over to the rolls he placed in the changing house he had prepared before his bath he began the long process of dressing his body and limbs. 

A short time later he finished with the satisfying pull of the gauze over his lower mouth. From there he threw on his drenched clothes. Tattered and faded with all the hardships they endured daily. His long winter jacket hung down almost to his boots. Even his pants paired well, considering they all matched the color of  acid washed green. Affixing his sword to his belt he stepped outside. The door to the main house was open. He simply stared at the house waiting for a noise to confirm his suspicion of a person being inside of it. After all he did tell granny he would help out whoever they sent over here, if they would accept it that is. Eiji already had an idea of her replacement's reaction seeing him here. But might as well wait and see what manner of creature walks out of that building. 

[Ram]

The words of a promised helper. A stranger. Her eyes found no relief on reading this. No joy nor elation of some help crossed her mind when there’s no time to relax. The old lady’s vouch held this person in some regard but oddly no further details. Mika furrowed her brows how not even a picture was provided. None of this bode well but meant a guest was to be expected tomorrow but, unless someone was on the grounds, this only made the day drag on.

She looked to the window to find some sunlight out still. Whether it be the person or someone else on the grounds, she should do some venture outside. Nothing more unnerving to find someone still moving about when trying to sleep. There should be some manner of supplies around if someone has been to this small house of late. Leaving the letter to investigate the chest of drawers in the room, Mika assembled together a flashlight and a collapsable lantern to use for the walk. Feeling that she had everything, she carefully closed the house and got her sandals on for her search.

Stepping out on the path through, something in the air seemed off. Warmer, humid, almost muggy feeling. The miko checked the road heading down the mountain but saw no one and turned to leave when spotting what clashed with the environment standing in her edges of her vision. Just why…why is he standing there?

Mika held the flashlight in hand tightly. A vagabond already on the grounds. Neither moving nor waving from where they stood. That tattered ratty jacket of his nearly blended with the mess of trees of his unusual shape. She heard of yokai that tend to do this. Tricking people by standing out in the open almost inhumanly and pouncing on victims the second they realize the’ve been seen. The miko tensed up and yelled at it while there was still some distance between them.

“You there! Camping on shrine grounds is both illegal and frowned upon. Please take their belongings and leave to a proper site that would accept your visitation.”

[gman]

And out came a new figure. It was clear she wasn't no granny, Granny was a taller woman, broad shoulders, she could chop firewood with the best of em, well suited to living away from people and doing everything herself. This girl was much shorter, from this distance he couldn't make out any musculature. Now its started to make sense why granny brought up some the topic of pitching in. The new girl might need it, and who could fault her? Living out in the sticks was no walk in the park. She shouted out to him. Startled maybe. Still he didn't move, he looked around him almost like he lost something before speaking up. "I don't see a tent here, so i don't think im camping here." He said calmly as he took a few steps towards the girl. After all how is he supposed to measure her up if he can barley see her? "Ain't a visitor neither. well not right now im not." He stopped after taking a few steps shortening the distance between the two. He wondered if she had taken the time to read granny's note while she was in there, or rather maybe she was here to start stealing shit. It was really anyone's guess. 
"So i aint visiting, and i aint camping here." He said bluntly. Still staring her in the eyes. "Do you have any other guesses?" It was clear he wasn't intending on just leaving like a regular vagabond. 

[Ram]

Neither a camper nor a visitor. Not a yokai either to be actively speaking but something was deeply wrong. Mika didn’t understand why he’d be out here but he can’t be the helper either. As the man nonchalantly moved to look around as though there were more than himself outside, Mika weighted her options on how to deal with him. Let alone if he was a yokai trying to play at her in a human shape. He began to move and her eyes stayed glued on him. It wasn’t apparent at first till he got closer if he was a yokai ir human but something did become stranger that kept the girl on pins and needles.

Around him she could see the rusted chains start to materialize. Becoming easier to discern the details the closer he came. Normally her eyes would see these aspects of guilt or karma to hand loosely but ensnared around the person. These bindings hanging as though the person who earned these fell through a web or got tangled up in yarn. No pain as their shoulders held spikes or difficulties breathing as twine choke their necks. What she saw was active movement. The very chains that would once hang harmlessly in the air actively constricted and coiled like snakes. The ends that would hang loosely were wavering ominously. What could these be actively moving for? Why are they? Mika wondered if this was some manner of yokai to have this new vision. No… human would have this as far as she was aware.

“Show your proof of business or leave,” the girl threatened. “As appointed by the former caretaker and in the divine authority of Ise, I will ensure this order of Sugawara shrine is maintained. Otherwise I will have your conduct reported. At least then there would be some record of your presence here.” Mika didn’t want to rightly trust that he, of all the people here right now, was the person mentioned in the letter. It made no sense why would the previous miko be around such a person with this aura. He must have manipulated the former shrine keeper or something! Mika armed herself with a charm tucked in the ties of her hakama for a rash rebuttal.

[gman]

"Approved by the former Miko huh? That i find hard to believe." Eiji stepped forward again. From here he could see she was either stationed at a city shrine or was new at it all together, it was always important to remember new doesn't always mean untrained.  Granny forgive him, he did say he would try to help the next girl but he couldn't help to try to milk entertainment where ever he could find it.  "Divine authority you say? well may they strike me down where i stand." Eiji said as he opened up his arms and looked up to the air waiting for a lighting strike that would never come. "Well that didn't work. That whittles down your options a tad lady. As for contacting anyone to complain about me, well i hope you like walking. Because its a two hour hike to town with a hefty drive back as well. Other than that im afraid you may be shit outta luck. Course you could always call for help but." Eiji raised his hand to his mouth to clear his throat for the next part of his self aggrandizing skit. "HELP HELP HELP" He shouted as loud as he could. Waiting a few moments he looked around to confirm his theory. "Nope no one around. So what is it gonna be? Gonna turn around and get to walking? I personally wouldn't recommend that, by the time you get into the walk itll be dark. And Yokai do love them some  lonesome travelers. "

[Ram]

Her brow twitched as her hand gripped both flashlight and charm. How she wished lightning should strike him down at this moment but no, none came. Only more mockery that she wished to kick him down the steps for and leave his karmic wrapped boy to the earth. Of course no help will come either. This mountain side would be as remote as an island. Curse him for calling out. “Regardless of what you say, I have my assignment. I advise you don’t get in my way concerning this as your last warning,” Mika returned and started toward the pond to check the bridge and the small rest hut. Talking to him wasn’t going to make her search completed any quicker.What’s a few yokai or two? Mika was sure to handle some before repairing the shrine’s natural barriers.

“Go stand around and yell at the sky then or kick out strays for your personal amusement. I’m not wasting the afternoon on your mockery.” The girl waved him off to save her talismans for self defense if that evening yokai problem is true. She would start crossing the walkway and observing the water quality of the large pond. It would take a small boat to cross all this but from where she could see, there didn’t appear to be any boats in sight. Must be for observations. She kept her head forward to avoid staring at that man’s chained up mess of a figure. Something was just that unnerving about him. The letter never said anything about having issues so… no. No and no! He can’t be the helper described in that note! Mika stomped her heel on the bridge to quietly vent against such a reality. There no way that mess has amounted to being an assistant. The second he butts in again she was sure to put him in place for wasting time.

Glancing at the water reflecting an afternoon sky, Mika noted her own reflection. The image of duty in her miko attire as they trained her to be. Mika had to trust in some of their judgement to be out here. Anyone else outside of Ise simply wouldn’t understand. The girl would go on to investigate the hut at the lake. A rest area with the viewing blinds tied upwards of a gazebo. Undoing one of them and lowering it were bent creases in the wood as if someone leaned on it in the past. Not too bad of a condition for shade and privacy. However, the seating cushions looked tattered and tossed a out in disorderly stacks for a makeshift bed. Picking up one of them was the fabric oddly maintained. As though it were worn away thin. She quickly set out the pillows that looked decent for viewing positions and restocked the pile to a corner of ones that looked far too damaged to keep. Turning on the flashlight, she gazed upwards to check the ceiling for water damage and leaks. Cobwebs and pillar scratches some birds may have done. “Hard to tell for any termites… or other things…” She sighed while attempting to climb for a better look. Without a ladder, she thought to step up on the wooden rails that made a boarder around the gazebo for a better view before moving on to that odd pagoda further away.

[gman]

Eiji waived her away when she brought up her last warning, She seemed to go her own away. Probably getting her bearings of her new surroundings. If he had to guess she would need help with the logistics side of staying at a shrine in bum fuck nowhere, especially the part were you have to drag anywhere from twenty to one hundred pounds of necessities back from town. Well she looks the type to cross that bridge when she gets there. So thats what he will do as well. Turning around he walked himself back inside the hot springs, he had forgotten his cigarettes in there after all. Entering the building he found his plastic bag holding his lighter. Walking back outside the girl was gone. Checking somewhere out if he had to venture a guess. It was no matter to him really. He stayed put outside the hot springs, opening the bag he fished out a box of bargin bin cigarettes then proceeded to struggle to get his lighter to catch flame. After ten or so strikes the fire came alight. 
The first drag always tasted like crap, but he had a craving he needed to fix. He wondered if this new girl had any talent for Magic, Granny sure as hell didn't, maybe thats why she spent all her life on this mountain. There was a fast way to see what kind of tricks this new girl had up her sleeve. Eiji waited for her, she was walking towards the pagoda. He waited for her to get well on her way there before finishing his cigarette and then proceeded to follow her. 

[Ram]

Standard aging and weather wear. The rails seemed to hold her weight decently as well as a good sign. Though the material on the pillows could use replacements in their odd state. Perhaps a woven cover grass mat to best with the weather better after sun bathing. She climbed back down and gave the gazebo another once over. Beyond the pillows was there little out of the ordinary about it which meant she’ll have to make do herself. Taking a charm pouch from her belt, she slipped it between the wedges of the support pillars and traced ‘ 守 ‘ for protection before carrying on down the other side of the bridge. She didn’t hear anything else accompanying her footsteps but didn’t dare to turn around to find out if she was being followed. What was he doing standing around like that anyway when he could simply announce himself?! Rather animalistic of him to stand there at a distance like that. Strange guy.

Reaching the end of the bridge, she looked out at the still waters of the pond. Maybe burn some incense for the late evening for any bugs while she’s at it before bed. View didn’t look so bad so maybe the pagoda would be the same. Carrying on, the path winded a bit for a stretch under trees and around a thicket. Some steps heading upwards at a relaxed slope covered in leaves and stray grass in the cracks. Oddly rustic for a walk with stone lanterns dotting the path some meters away for each at certain intervals. No actual candles seemed to be inside them from what she could tell and some moss catching on their roof. She knocked a clump of moss off and deposited a charm bead inside. A pleasant uneventful stroll this was shaping out to be when Mika arrived at the lone pagoda. A more beaten path carried off to the left side of it. Whether thar was intentional or a well worn animal trail, Mika couldn’t tell. The pagoda stood on a stone foundation step with an entrance from the north side against a rocky backdrop as if it sprung up from the ground making it appear smaller than the building actually stood. There’s normally not much inside a pagoda really beyond housing saintly relics in its basement level. To have a pagoda up here on the mountain side would be a place to house remains yet strangely out of the way. Mika looked around for any sign post for what could be housed here but couldn’t find one oddly enough. Well, no matter. She approached the door and set to open it and peer inside.

Inside these instructors were mainly stairs than actual rooms. Not much space in these towers as their purpose wasn’t intentionally designed for visitor viewing from within. A gate at the front lead to steps heading downwards where whatever the pagoda was housing laid there. Not wanting to intrude further without asking, Mika headed upwards instead to see if there was a way to view the layers from inside. Her flashlight shining on the red wooden beams and cross sections for any sightings of water damage and cracking along the way up the top. At each layer there was a viewing space to step outside on a narrow walkway to take in the sights at that height. From the first layer she could see the path she had taken to the pagoda. The second layer showing the tops of trees and the general canopy of the mountain and its carved stone edges the building will soon rise above, the third had a view of the mountain side itself where it was easier to discern the shape of the landscape and how distant they were from the next small town, and the last view window overlooked the pond itself where the gazebo can be seen with the full stretch of the water in view. Any higher from here was nothing but the towering expanse of the wide roof beams. For what limited space she could see of the roofing, there were some tiles to replace. These damages weren’t as prominent till higher up. A storm must have passed by or for several years. Worth noting but will need careful work to be climbing around. “Guess that’s about as high up it’ll go.” Mika sighed but the walk wasn’t so bad to stretch her legs out from both car and train ride from Ise. Looking at back in the direction of the pond and shrine itself gave her a sense that maybe this shrine isn’t so dilapidated as other keepers made it out to be for a first shrine to watch over compared to more well known buildings across the country. Even her instructor seemed to encourage this as more training. No doubt that woman may visit and check on her disciple’s work in the near future. Mika would spend a good while observing over the grounds from the top floor of the pagoda. Something did catch her eye in the fading light towards the shrine house. Some wisps of steam appear to be rising in the distance. There’s more? She wondered aloud and began making her way back down the steep set of stairs to make her way back.

[gman]

Following in her footsteps from a sizeable distance away he caught up to her, watching her enter the pagoda and let herself inside really lent to the theory she was legitimate. Eiji doubted she could have picked the lock on the door that quickly, unless she was a pro that is. But she sure as hell didn't look the part that was for sure. Well might as well introduce himself properly. He wouldn't walk over to her though. He knew from experience that sneaking up on people in close quarters like that was a recipe for trouble.  So instead he would wait at the end of the bridge. Leaning up against it with his arms crossed. At least this way he was out in the open and couldn't be accused of sneaking up on her. 

Time would pass and she would come around again. Staring off into the water he turned his head towards the movement in his peripheral vison 
"I was asked to introduce myself. You can call me Orochi." He said, he would put out his hand only to take it back after a second. "I wanted to ask you something. Just a odd question really, back there you gave me one final warning. Final warning before what?" Eiji said as he quit leaning on the bridge. 
"One warning before you yell at me? One warning before you hit me? Or are you gonna warn me before you kill me? I ask because you were some what vague with your intentions there."

[Ram]

Before leaving the pagoda she left another charm under the first steps before locking up. Next would be the path around the pond to keep an eye for any campers hidden around the edges. She started down that way when through the trees was the bridge and on the bridge was that haunting figure. That ghoul of a being still here. Why does he persist? Mika turned around and headed back to the bridge. He stood by the end post looking at the pond. Probably thinking of some koi for dinner before turning her way. As she approached him and his snake like chains moving around him did she get a better look at his tattered jacket and bandaged face. Some sort of undead or crypt walker. Made sense to have a monstrous aura of restless regrets. Called himself ‘Orochi’ which made some sense as the chains about him moved and seemed to make a hissing motion as Mika marched closer.

“By who?” Mika certainly didn’t want his name right now and Orochi was presumptuous. She went to slap that hand of his instead but it swiftly moved away with a question, dropping a bead at the miss hit. Before she did what exactly? That’s all he wanted? Mika glared at him for his second annoyance and those damn writhing chains around him. “I am here to secure this location.” Mika explained as a kanji emblem flashed from the bead. A white hued barrier from the bead formed a square and scaled upwards around this Orochi as a transparent box close to him. The energies within absorbing that fowl air of his. “And you will stay put until my survey is complete.” Her tone more edged on her annoyance than fearing his disturbing appearance. If he wasn’t going to sit there then Mika was ready to waste a few more charms to keep him there.

[gman]

The box around him was a new trick. One he hadn't seen before. Putting his hand to the wall it began to sizzle. He didn't pull it back no, he was curious about its efficacy. Leaving his hand on the wall for a small time he pulled it back to see the damage. It hurt, but the bandages were fine. This must have been the Ise magic Granny told him about. Fascinating. Maybe it was like a cattle fence. Something to dissuade whom or whatever was inside from trying to break it. His hand only seemed somewhat burned. Not enough to be lethal. "I guess this is what you meant when you said final warning. Fair enough." Eiji said as he pulled out his cigarettes. Putting one in his mouth and lighting it up. He had nothing better to do as it was. "Old Miko by the way. She asked me to introduce myself. Have fun securing the area. But do be cautious." Eiji said as he again leaned into the bridge railing. Watching the water from his magic cage. Maybe he would see some fish. It was that time of day they start swimming home after all. "The area is relatively safe. But one can never know what comes around the corner."

[Ram]

Why would the old miko ask him to do that? He could have introduced himself earlier instead of looking creepy the whole time. Well now he can sit there for his actions and making losing some of that taint on him. “Orochi huh? If that certainly describes your person.” The miko contemplated putting another bead on him but the box was holding up well enough. Some of that ill air around him was being absorbed away nicely yet he doesn’t look all that worried or in pain. Guess he wasn’t a pure demon after all.

“Well you stay put. I’ll let you out when I’m done.” Returning his mocking wave as he stays there to smoke, Mika left him to return back to the pagoda and take the left path. Seeing that he wasn’t behaving like a yokai would did have her start second guessing this haunting creature. If he isn’t a spirit of a dead camper in the forest then what is it really? If not, maybe he is a strong demon. “Maybe I should have made that box smaller.”

Musing on having done that, he did give a name. Mika considered returning the gesture when returning. Taking the trail beyond the pagoda, the dirt followed nearly around the small lake. By the scenery alone it was pretty. Maybe some deer can show up or some wild birds. She reached into her robes to drop another beam charm into the shore line and stepped on it to bury it partially. Mika then moved the flashlight about to survey any evidence of campers or tourists. There were stray cigaret butts though making her scowl in disgust. That bum… can’t he keep the area clean! That box of his will be so small he won’t even get a chance to light any next time!

She knelt down to poke at a stray when something seemed off around the area. That sensation of being starred at again. Did he get out already? Mika shined her light around the trees and started toward the direction off the mountain path and began to pursue that. Her light catching on some glowing orbs. Probably reflecting off the metal on his coat or something. “What’s I say about staying put.” She warned and got a paper charm out to put that stalker in his place.

[gman]

Well that was that. The girl turned around and walked away. He was still there trapped in that box. Not much he wanted to do in the moment other than smoke. So he did. There was a small problem however, The smoke wasn't escaping the box. 
Worst case scenario it would fill up the area and would get into his eyes. A small price to pay really. So he smoked away with out a care. The box did seem to shrink a little bit as he smoked. Maybe it would continue to get smaller? Eiji put up his hands to the ceiling, Trying to feel through the burning if it indeed was shrinking. From what he could feel it was just that small change with it.  It didn't seem like he was in danger of being crushed to death. Looking over the railing he was pleasantly surprised to see some carp. Swimming around in the lake. 
-----------
Eiji was lost in thought watching the waters when he was snapped back to reality when he heard the sound of glass breaking. Looking up the box he was trapped in had shattered, Its glowing shards dissipating into the air. Eiji reached his hand out to feel one of the shards. Naturally it hurt to touch. He wondered what caused that? Maybe the spell had a timer on it. He really lost track of time. He would have checked his watch, if he had one. Oh well, it was getting dark now. Nothing else to do but go home to the camp site and turn in for the night. Tomorrow was a new day for more bullshit, and who knows maybe one of his rabbit traps out in the field caught something. That would sure as hell beat the hell out of another day of bread. 
Turning towards the wilds he made his way into the woods and towards his campsite.  

[Ram]

Seems like he wants to play games now than standing from afar eerily. Mika made her way past trees and raised roots in pursuit for a clear look at them. Maybe he got tired of standing around bored earlier in his containment field. She wasn’t sure how he got out so quickly but she’ll find her answer soon enough. Once she saw a looming shape try to duck past another tree so she threw a paper charm that way to cut them off at their backs. Signing her with hand, the paper charm detonated with a blessed light to trip them up. A strange squeal that didn’t sound like a smoking hazard would call out. Maybe after all this chasing about she’d have an answer to this creature.

Coming forward she found what looked like some sort old man with a straw coat hobbled over. Mika seemed to have an idea it was some as she armed herself with paper slips. The old man turned to her and began waving his cane at her. “Why would you attack a poor old man?!” He demanded to which Mika threw another ward at him. She could see no strings attached to this creature and no human is without guilt. Only creatures of impulse would lack these emotional attachments.

“Out. You can’t fool me with that act,” she threw a charm and chanted ‘secure’ to force a barrier around him. The old man howling in pain as he touched the walls. Mika was disappointed it was that strange Orochi but a stay mountain demon will do. She began to make the box smaller to crush their essence and purify their cores when he began pounding on the walls. At first with his small fists but soon they grew bigger. The size of the old man gradually doubling then tripling as he pushed outwards.

“As though I’ll allow some child to best me,” the old man resorted as he broke through. His size about the heigh of a tree as he crawled on his hands and feet as the size of a boulder. “I’ll teacher you whippersnappers!” Mika’s brow twitched and conjured an array of charms at her disposal and took her anger out on him.

An hour! This whole hour of chasing after some old man in the mountains! Mika backed up and fled back to a tree for support as she conjured up another barrier to as a pillar to guard her from his grubby hands before taking a stance. The first one didn’t last long under his grip that she has to double reinforce against this man child’s strength. They continued to sting the old man despite his enlarged size which was a good sign. If these elderly enjoy beating around others with large sticks then she’ll do the same. Her blessed barrier pillar striking out at his eyes as her own seemed to brighten while venting her grievances of this day upon him. Each strike she’d add another layer to strength the barrier pillar.

Three. Four. Five times as the box became more opaque. Her arms raised high as she brought the pillar down upon his blemished body once more into the mountain with a loud rumble as he fell to submission. She then encased the shrinking giant within the pillar and finished him off by crushing him to purified smoke within. Having accomplished this, Mika exhaled a heated breath and started to head back to the lake. It’s gotten dark out but if she headed back in a straight line then she should be able to sense the charms left behind as a guide.

Just when she thought the old man was her main issue for the evening, a dark fog bellowed behind her. The air becoming sickening and cutting at her clothes as clawed arms reached out. Mika quickly chanted for a barrier around herself as the smoke clashed against it and flows around her. Claws that once reached for her fell severed as smoked away into nothing within the purified space. She threw on a second charm for good measure when facing her next foe. When she thought was by one local demon, there were several now than before. Skittering large parasites at her feet and constricting around her. The faces pressed into it were frog like with their webbed hands touching the barrier then backing away. When and where did they all come from at once? Mika glared at them all and set to enlarge her barrier around her to push them away with large snake fangs lunged out and sank into the golden walls.

Surprised such a strong bite would have pieced through her two layers, she attempted to reenforce her ward to mange severing one of the fangs before the barrier crumbled and the fog quickly surrounded her instead. The parasites and skittering creatures dove in at once leaving the miko to threw her talismans at her feet just to make clean space to make a run for it in the dark. Her flashlight lighting a broken path back with the smoke blurring the edges.