<span style="font-weight: bold">"I would prefer it you call me a man of otherworldly heritage, really, even if I have so often used the word demon myself."</span>The demon stated formally. It took all Junji had not to laugh in his face, he was almost entirely sure he was talking to an insane man.<br/>"There's no use putting on airs. You're a demon," he said amusedly "No matter what you call yourself, a ward will stop you, purifying water will burn you, and some religion will hate you," he took a final chomp of his peach before tossing the pit away and crossing his hands over his head<br/><br/>"Besides, demon rolls off the tongue a lot better than 'a man of otherworldly heritage'. Don't you think?" like a switch clicking in his head, Junji realized the man's affiliation. A belief that doesn't have gods, demons or idolatry. A religion that would bring someone to say something along the lines of 'otherworldly influence'. The thought of a Buddhist demon was the cutest thing to Junji; A demon that felt sorry each time he stepped on the grass. Still, it was one of the more agreeable belief systems and, unlike the Shintos, Buddhists were actually delighted to interact with nature. Fond memories made him soften his harsh critical thoughts about the man, even if just a little.<br/><br/>"Hey, what did you say your name was again?" Junji asked curiously as he wiped his hands through his hair.<br/><br/>The demon responded proudly<span style="font-weight: bold">"Have you heard of me, by the way? My name is spelled with the kanji for predation and the kanji for tooth decay."</span><br/><br/>"Sorry Mushiba-san, but news about foot soldiers is rare and never good,"<br/><br/>Junji's expression turned curious as an old woman began to call for someone to greet them. Her demeanor, attire, and advanced age probably meant she was running things around here. At the command, a young girl with hair like moonlight shuffled out from the nearby home. The girl, Aikiko he was assuming, looked as if she were a younger clone of the old woman. She wasn't as practiced at hiding her discomfort with the situation. Junji couldn't help but pull a fang-baring grin; Almost as if teasing her for her reaction. She gave a tiny, formal greeting. Junji was so tempted to mess with her but at that very moment, a strong scent pervaded his senses and a familiar voice caught him unaware.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"Excuse me gentlemen, are you here to pray as well? I enjoy company,"</span>he said as he placed his hand on Junji's shoulder. Junji quickly and deftly brushed the man's hand away; as if he were swatting away a bug. It wasn't meant to be rude but now that this man was extra close, he smelled like death to an unsettling degree. Was he fatally ill and coming here to make some desperate pleas for his life or was he some serial killer looking to pray for forgiveness or some other nonsense? Either way, letting the man have a grip on him, no matter how "friendly" seemed like a bad idea. As the thoughts ran through Junji's head, a small pang of.... something suddenly struck him; he'd either tried to rob a gravely ill man or a mass murderer.He fidgeted a bit closer to the young priestess. The irony of the situation was not lost on him.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Toughen up Junji. If he's dying, he can't take the stuff with him.</span>he thought.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"> My girl, could you lead us all to the shrine's sanctuary?"</span>he continued. Junji visibly frowned. This was not how he'd planned this would go. In fact, it was taking a worst-case scenario turn if he ever saw one, but he'd go along with it for now in the hopes that something good would come out of all of this. The girl gave a carefully rehearsed bow before gesturing gracefully<span style="font-weight: bold">"The shrine is right this way if you'd follow me."</span>she said as she turned to walk along the path. The odd group followed closely behind.<br/><br/>The walk to the shrine was short and quiet, save for the clacking of shoes against stone. The young girl stopped to perform some ritual cleaning with water and fire. Junji held back from poking fun at the ritual but he refused to do it himself; he'd probably burst into flames if he tried anyhow. Junji's nose twitched in displeasure at the overbearing smell that assaulted his nose as he walked sheepishly through the wooden entrance. The inside was nothing spectacular but it was nicely kept at the very least. Junji's eyes twinkled at all the ornate and pristine items within the building. Maybe there was a reason he'd never been allowed into a shrine before.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">You have a mission! YOU HAVE A MISSION! Don't forget the mission!</span>he internally screamed.<br/><br/>The sound of a bell gave Junji a start and jolted him out of his thoughts. The girl slowly walked forward and performed another strange ritual; she tossed money in the box Junji had been death-staring before praying before a scroll. She rose and motioned for the group to follow her lead. Junji was almost tempted to step forward, but instead, he stood at the front of the shrine, his arms hanging limply at his sides as he watched curiously. The next few moments seemed to take an eternity as if he were being punished for being a realist.<br/><br/>"Jeez, I didn't know praying was such a-" the sound of wheezing cut Junji short and made his hair raise.<span style="font-weight: bold">"Aikiko! Under...attack...Scroll!"</span>the old woman managed to say before flopping motionless onto the ground. Junji quickly ran towards the woman to ensure she was still breathing. He quickly rolled her over and put his ear to her chest "She's alive... for now," Junji said flatly as he pulled what looked like a soft dark green mass of smashed leaves in a wide jar and a roll of bandaging from his sleeve.<br/><br/>His hands worked quickly to compact the wound which had managed to pierce clean through her. Junji's mind was racing "The entry and exit are different," he remarked "this was a projectile and it was thrown with enough power to go clean through her. A few centimeters down and to the right and she'd have been dead on the spot," he turned towards the others with an unsure look on his face. He for sure wasn't going to greet whatever did this. In fact, after he patched up granny here, he was prepared to bolt, but right now he wasn't in a position to gun it out of here. He needed some cannon-fodder to get him an opening.<br/><br/>"You guys can take care of this right?" he said as his gaze shifted between the armed strangers.