When he acknowledged her statement and headed for the door, she immediately followed him. Her body was tingling with excitement and she tried her best to keep herself composed. It wasn't too hard at first as they moved through the hotel; she merely threw casual glances here and there trying to take in the structure of the building. It was a habit more than anything; she enjoyed memorizing every last detail of her surroundings. Just in case she needed to make a quick change of course, for whatever reason. She would not take too many chances with thinking that she was completely safe. Not until they were completely out of Japan, not until she knew that there were too many miles between Japan and their unknown destination. She remained quiet as they continued down the hallway, her ever watchful eyes noting the patterns of the rug on the floor, the small markings on the wall. She remembered everything.<br/><br/>A large intake of breath came from her as they stepped outside, her eyes dilating to the new form of light that the sun provided. She had expected more people during the day, but it seemed that the inner workings of Japan came to life at night. This was a sort of relief to the Oni. She had never been too fond of crowds or people for that matter. She was thankful that they had chosen an appropriate time to exit the building, but she was still shocked none the less. Everything was different. There seemed to be no sign of the Edo period in this New World. Her comforts levels dropped and she felt slightly panicked. There was no way that she would be able to survive here. It would be better if she went to a new country, where she could be a foreigner learning another culture instead of a Japanese person trying to learn her own culture. It would be a shame and an embarrassment. She felt like she didn't even belong in Japan anymore, her own country. But was this really her country? She had been born and raised here, but not for the time period it was now. She caught sight of signs dangling here and there, realizing that the more modern Japanese used different kanji and had words that she didn't recognize. It was all so strange.<br/><br/>As they walked through the streets, vermillion eyes danced around trying to gather all the information that she could. There were no horse drawn carriages. The people wore strange clothing; there were no hakama, yukata, or kimono in sight. The clothes were all the more scandalous, fitting the body's natural contours and what not. People had their hair with colors that made her head dizzy. But that wasn't what got her the most, it was the fact that some women were walking around with unkempt hair and up in these scandalous fashions. Had they no shame? To openly flaunt their sexuality and private life to the open public. She felt her lips turn down in dissatisfaction and her nose crinkled slightly. How much had actually changed in the Japanese society? What caused for all the sacred rules that she knew to be broken? Of course, she could tell that not all women here had short hair or had it pulled up in such a way, but the numbers were few. Her mind was tangled in a mess of thoughts as they stopped and waited on one end of the path.<br/><br/>Her eyes glanced round her, noticing that some people would glance at her as they stood there. What was so odd? Perhaps it was the manner that she held herself. She had her back straight and head bowed when she was still. When she walked she took small steps behind Azrai, following him diligently. Was that weird? Should she immediately stop? Or would that only cause more problems. When Azrai started moving across the street, she recognized his slower pace. A small smile touched her lips. Was it safe to say that she enjoyed this? This was the first time she could openly walk in public without having someone trying to humiliate her or flaunt her like money. She liked how he was aware their surroundings and how he made sure that she was able to see all that she could on their brief journey for food. It made her feel safe, very safe to be around him. Though a chord struck through her mind and she didn't hesitate to glance around frantically. Was she really safe?<br/><br/>There were so many mechanical beasts and people here; it would be hard to pick out where exactly her stepfather would be. Then again, she knew him well enough to know that he would not come for her directly. The hounds that pursued them last night were just one of the examples. What kind of connections did her stepfather have here? She may have heightened senses, though they were not prepared for all the commotions of the city. Everything was loud, the smells were different, and there were too many faces. Her heart quickened and she found herself following Azrai a bit too closely while looking around. She was terrified of being out here. Maybe it had been a bad idea to agree to leave the hotel. But she didn't want to be trapped any more, she had wanted to explore. And who knows, maybe her stepfather could have found her there. She shuddered at the thought, her stomach turning uncomfortably. She cursed lightly realizing how foolish she was being, Azrai would not have taken her out if he could not protect her. She should trust him more, but could she really do that? Could she really trust someone that she barely knew anything about when he could be like all of the other men?<br/><br/>She felt disgusted with herself as she knew she was thinking wrong of the man who was trying to save her. Azrai seemed as if he had a good heart and determination that was made of steel.  She should have a little more faith and trust in him, without him she would still be in the village. Her stepfather would still be torturing her, she would still be isolated. Her mood was turning for the worst as they continued to walk, she immediately stopped herself from walking into him as he spoke of the restaurant and she listened accordingly. Her stomach rumbled at the prospect of having a decent meal that was not poisoned. She smiled as he found this place rather enjoyable. Then perhaps she would find it as well. Out of a nervous habit she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and followed him inside.<br/><br/>The aroma of food hit her like a tidal wave, making her stomach roar and mouth water. She remained collected as the waitress greeted them; she tensed slightly when she felt the waitress' eyes on her. When they were seated and the woman walked away, she let out a slow and steady breath that she had been holding. Was it strange that she felt like everyone here was in contact with her stepfather? Was it weird that if she talked, then they would know she was different? She didn't want to be different anymore; she just wanted to be a normal person, well a normal Oni blending into society. She glanced down at the menu, deciding that since her mood dropped significantly, she would eat something light. Her eyes flashed over the menu before she glanced over at Azrai. "Would it be alright if I ate this," she asked pointing to the cheapest meal they had; grilled fish, rice, and miso soup. Shizu was not one for luxurious things, even though she came from a rich family. She preferred the simple things in life and she was sure that the other would not be a big money spender either.<br/><br/>Her fingers danced across her side of the table, setting the silverware according to how she was used to it. That meant that she put everything to the adjustment of her left hand, it was little known that she was left handed by her family, for anything that was different they had frowned upon. So she had become ambidextrous and learned to hide the true nature. She figured that since she was no longer at the Tsukino Compound, she no longer needed to abide by the rules that her stepfather had set up. Making sure that everything was straight and neat, she folded her hands in her lap, reviewing all that she had learned and discovered on the way over her. Something was eating away at her on the inside, it showed by the way she nibbled on her lower lip and how her eyebrows came forward in thought. "Ne, Azrai, do you mind if I ask a question," she said in a hesitant voice.<br/><br/>She had lowered her voice, feeling slightly embarrassed for what she was about to ask, though she felt that maybe he would understand. "Do you ever feel like you are a stranger within your own country, like you are not...one of them?" Crimson hues glanced up at him before falling to the lacquer table top. "I cannot speak with anyone here. My dialect is very old, I am sure you have noticed. It is hard for me to understand many of the hanging papers on the side of these buildings and it would be rather difficult for me to have a conversation with the woman who is serving us." She let out a half hearted laugh, her frail hands clenching into tiny fists. "I feel like he did this on purpose, knowing that I would not be able to survive." Her tone was bitter as it should be towards the man whom all her hate went towards. Let alone, she was Oni and she had to have certain things that were accessible in the Tsukino Compound that she was unsure if she could access here though she would keep that part to herself. "I do not belong here," she murmured in a solemn tone.<br/><br/>She looked at him and inclined her head slightly. "That was perhaps a bit too personal for so early in the day. I apologize." Shizu was a mess. On the outside she seemed like she was very good at controlling her emotions, after years of being rather emotionless. However, on the inside she was a wreck. There were many things that she had to work through in order to feel normal. There were many things she wanted erased from her mind in order to sleep at night. She tried her hardest to not let things bother her and crawl under her skin, but they had over the years. Perhaps she was going through too much of a culture shock at this point, but how would she deal with leaving Japan and going to a new country? She had to prepare herself for that giant leap, which shook her to the marrow of her bone. The exhaustion of the shock was getting to her but she had to prove that she was strong enough to handle whatever happened. She wanted to prove to Azrai that she was not weak; that she was worth the risk to save. She didn't want to go back to the Compound and hopefully she never would.<br/><br/>She let out another deep exhale, trying to clear her mind. What she could use was a hot pot of tea which normally soothed her nerves. Being out in the public was so strange. She felt as if everyone had their eyes on her and she didn't want to look around to find out. She knew that she didn't look her best but she was certain she didn't look crazy like the night before. Clearing her throat, she looked at Azrai. "Forgive me; I feel very...vulnerable right now. This is all so new and strange." She shifted slightly in her seat, trying to calm her shaking nerves but she wouldn't be fine until they got back to the hotel. No one would see her there, only Azrai. But she was fine with him seeing her, he would protect her. At least she knew that much, even though her mind was playing tricks with her. A sense of dread filled her being.<br/><br/>His mission would not be an easy one. She was sure of it, as the dread continued to chill her.