🔥INTRODUCING THE MAIN CHARACTERS🔥

The whole story is on Nana's point-of-view.

🔥Introducing Nana!🌸

" What should I do?"

She have been abducted by a group of three terrifying but alluring Oni and she learned that they are after a secret treasure that only her have the power to unlock.. Will she also be able to discover the secret behind her existence? Only her hold the key to determine whether its quest ends in hope or despair.

🔥Introducing Tamaki!🌸

"I won't tolerate any selfish behaviour. You're my property now."

The leader of the oni group that took you from the mansion, Tamaki is a total alpha male who's not afraid to be bossy... or so she thought. Sometimes he reveals a kinder side, making it difficult to judge his character. While Tamaki maybe strict with others, he's even stricker with himself, honing a work ethic admired by other oni. Despite her circumstances, she's quickly charmed by his kindness and sense of justice. Can she help him overcome the darkness within his soul?

🔥Introducing Senri!🌸

This seemingly cold-hearted oni loathes humans, making sure to keep his distance when they first meet.

"Listen well. If you don't want to die, then don't come any closer."

But despite his hostile words, somehow Senri is always just in time to save you from danger. You soon notice that hidden underneath his cold demeanor is the heart of a kind young man. What could have driven him to hate humans so deeply? Can she teach him to open his heart?

🔥Introducing Hisui!🌸

Warm and gentle, Hisui is a welcome presence amongst the chaos of her new life. Unlike his companions, he's always there to greet her with a kind smile, but she occasionally notice a certain sadness in his eyes.

"I love you. So please, as long as i'm here i this world, don't ever fall inlove with anyone."

His futile request fills her with sorrow. Can she find out the truth behind the troubled past that led him to make such a wish?

*🔥INTRODUCING THE MAIN CHARACTERS🔥

The whole story is on Nana's point-of-view.

🔥Introducing Nana!🌸

She have been abducted by a group of three terrifying but alluring Oni and she learned that they are after a secret treasure that only her have the power to unlock.. Will she also be able to discover the secret behind her existence? Only her hold the key to determine whether its quest ends in hope or despair.

🔥Introducing Tamaki!🌸

"I won't tolerate any selfish behaviour. You're my property now."

The leader of the oni group that took you from the mansion, Tamaki is a total alpha male who's not afraid to be bossy... or so she thought. Sometimes he reveals a kinder side, making it difficult to judge his character. While Tamaki maybe strict with others, he's even stricker with himself, honing a work ethic admired by other oni. Despite her circumstances, she's quickly charmed by his kindness and sense of justice. Can she help him overcome the darkness within his soul?

🔥Introducing Senri!🌸

This seemingly cold-hearted oni loathes humans, making sure to keep his distance when they first meet.

"Listen well. If you don't want to die, then don't come any closer."

But despite his hostile words, somehow Senri is always just in time to save you from danger. You soon notice that hidden underneath his cold demeanor is the heart of a kind young man. What could have driven him to hate humans so deeply? Can she teach him to open his heart?

🔥Introducing Hisui!🌸

Warm and gentle, Hisui is a welcome presence amongst the chaos of her new life. Unlike his companions, he's always there to greet her with a kind smile, but she occasionally notice a certain sadness in his eyes.

"I love you. So please, as long as i'm here i this world, don't ever fall inlove with anyone."

His futile request fills her with sorrow. Can she find out the truth behind the troubled past that led him to make such a wish*?

I wake up to the sound of gleeful giggling. Pulling myself out of bed, I check outside my window. A servant girl is talking to a young man outside the mansion grounds. My lips curl into a faint smile.

It must be nice, being able to go outside like that... Meanwhile, I'm not allowed to go out at all...

I quickly shake my head.

No, I can't think like that!

I continue watching through my window. They seem to be having so much fun. I wonder what they're talking about? A knock on my door snaps me out of my reverie.

Kujo: Nana, are you awake?

Nana: Father! Yes! Come in.

The door creaks open.

Kujo: Good morning, Nana.

Nana: Good morning.

He narrows his eyes as he sees me by the window.

Kujo: Were you looking outside again?

Nana: I'm...

Kujo: I told you, outside world is dangerous. You must never leave the mansion, do you understand?

Nana: I know. But you...

Kujo: I know better than anyone how dangerous is it outside.

My father is always telling me stories about oni. Mindless, heartless monsters who attack humans without mercy. He told me about the black stares of their eyes. Their gray skin and their horns that set them apart from humans.

I know my father works hard as leader of Oni Eradication Brigade, a small division in the imperial army. But still, everyone else seems to enjoy being out and about.

I'm always wondering if my father is just being overprotective

Father shakes his head.

Kujo: Anyway, nevermind that. I got you a new dress for tonight's party.

He hands me a box.

Nana: Ah... Thankyou, Father!

I almost forgot the party tonight.

The commemoration party for new military officers assuming their posts in the brigade. I place the box on my bed and open it, revealing a beautiful, white dress.

Nana: It's beautiful!

Kujo: When i saw it i just knew it would suit you perfectly. I'm glad you like it.

Nana: I love it!

I press the dress against my body. And twirl around to the full-length mirror to see how would it look on me.

Kujo: It comes with a pocket, too.

Father comes over and points it out on the side of the dress.

Kujo: You can put your blade here.

Despite not being allowed to go out, Father insist on teaching me self-defense. He also makes sure that i carry around a small blade at all times.

He really worries too much...

I fold the dress neatly and place it back in the box.

Nana: Father...

Father smiles wryly.

Kujo: I know you think that worry too much.

Nana: That's not...

Kujo: It's alright. I understand why you might feel that way. But you're my only daughter, Nana. The only family i have left.

I can't help but smile back at my father and say...

Nana: I understand.

I take a hold of his hand.

Nana: Since my mother passed away when i was born, it's always been just the two of us.

Kujo: I hope you do. Oni can appear out of nowhere. We are the Oni Eradication Brigade always have our hands full.

Nana: Yes... You've told me before. I know you only want the best for me. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

I want to leave, but i can't worry father. Not when he cares so deeply for me. I let go of his hand, and he nods appreciatively. He pats my head gently.

Kujo: In anycase, there's still some time before the party. What's your plan for today?

Nana: I think i'll continue with my studies.

I study by myself at home. Despite not having a teacher, i try to keep up with it. I especially like reading about medicine. Father firmly nods at my words, thinking it'll help keep me safe.

Kujo: At the rate you're going, i'll have to get you more books soon.

Nana: Please!

Kujo: Alright, anything for you.

I feel silly for worrying about my father when he showers me with so much love. Staying safe is atleast i can do for him. I watch as Father exits my room and close the door behind him.

Right, i'll get ready for study.

I pick out a set of everyday clothes from my wardrobe. I ensure that i have my blade close at hand. Just as i'm about to exit my room, i hear another knock on my door.

???: Nana, can i come in?

Nana: Haru!

I open the door.

Haru was taken in by my father ten years ago and has been my only friend. Father told me that his whole village was killed by oni. That was the first time i truly realize how fearsome oni can be. But if i met Haru today, i wouldn't have guessed he'd have such a dark past. Haru smiles brightly at me.

Haru: What do you think?

He shows off his Oni Eradication Brigade uniform.

Nana: It suits you!

Unlike me, Haru can go outside. He studied at military academy to become a member of brigade.

Though, i worry for him. I feel that he's only joining to get revenge for his family. Haru maybe bright and cheergul now, but i'll never forget, the despair on his face when i first came to the mansion.

Still, he's worked hard, and today is his day.

Nana: They gave you the uniform before the party?

Haru: Yeah! But we won't officially assume our posts 'til tonight, when we get the assignment. I've been waiting to wear this uniform for years!

Nana: I'm really happy for you!

Haru: Thanks! Now i'll be able to protect you and everyone else from those oni!

Haru seems excited.

Nana: I'm counting on you, officer!

Haru: As you should!

Suddenly, his expressions turns serious.

Haru: I'm not going to lose anyone again...

Even under that cheerfulness, Haru still holds the darkness of what happened years ago. Perhaps my father is right to keep me inside all the time. Haru's demeanor falters.

Haru: Anyway, i thought it might be nice to do something special today.

Nana: Something special?

Haru: What do you think of going into town with me?

I gasp.

Nana: Haru! You know my father would never let me!

Haru flashes me a cheeky grin.

Haru: We don't have to tell him.

Nana: You're asking me to sneak out with you? If my father finds out, we'll both get in trouble.

And Father just told me how worried he is about me...

Haru: Then as long as he doesn't find out, we'll be fine!

Nana: Haru...

Even though i understand my father's feelings, I can't say i'm not tempted by Haru's offer. I've always wanted to go out into town. I hear Haru and the servants talk about it all the time.

Haru: Please, Nana? Just this once. Once i became an officer, i might not be able to see you very much. I'll make sure to protect you when we're outside.

Haru looks at me earnestly. It's hard to say no to him when he's giving me that look.

Nana: Okay. Just this once. And we have to keep this a secret from my father!

Haru: Ofcourse! It's our secret.

Sorry, Father... But i'll be with Haru, so i should be safe.

I look into the mirror to make sure i'm properly dressed.

But... What's 'properly dressed' anyway? They're my usual clothes. Wil they be alright?

I've never been outside, so i'm not sure how people dress to go out to town. I look at Haru. He seems to notice the sheepish look on my face.

Haru: You look fine!

Nana: Are you sure?

Haru: I am! You look great.

Haru glances at the dress on my bed.

Haru: Is that what you're wearing tonight?

Nana: Ah!

I hurry over to the bed and close the box.

Haru: I'm not allowed to see it?

Nana: You'll get to see it tonight!

Haru: Okay, okay! Anyway, are you ready to go?

I make sure i have my blade in my pocket, then nod at Haru.

Nana: Ready!

My heart is pounding. Haru and i carefully navigate our way through the mansion.

Soon, we dind ourselves outside. I feel a pang of guilt when i think about my father. But i keep following Haru.

Haru: I feel like a child, sneeaking out like this.

Nana: Me, too.

We used to play hide-and-seek in the mansion and it's gardens. Sometimes, we would play until late, and the servants eneded up looking for us.

I can't believe Haru is going to officiall be an officer today. Time sure passes quickly.

Nana: Whoa!

I can't contain my amazed gasp as we reach town.

There are so many people!

Haru: You haven't seen anything yet!

Haru leads me through the crowd. Just being here drains my energy quickly.

I'm just not used to this...

I keep an eye on Haru's back as he leads me through the town. Should i...?

Haru: What's wrong?

Nana: Wait for me!

Haru: Am i walking too fast?

He slows down his pace so i can catch up to him. Haru is careful to take shorter strides so i can walk be his side. I keep on looking around in wonder.

Nana: Are those shops?

Haru: You know it! There are shops for food, toys, clothes, and many other goods.

A clock on a building grabs my attention.

Nana: That's such a big clock!

Haru: Isn't it pretty?

Nana: I'ver seen a clock so huge!

Haru: You really concentrate on funniest details.

Nana: I can't gelp it! It's my first time outside.

Haru smiles widely.

Haru: I know.

He seems to be enjoying this. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I'm enjoying it too.

Haru: Oh! Let me take you to the military academy. You said you wanted to see it.

Nana: Yes!

It's where my father trained when he was young.

Haru leads the way. I feel safe as long as i'm with him.

The town is sure wonderful!

Suddenly, a shop with beautiful dresses at its front catches my eye. It has a particularly pretty pink dress in the window. While distracted, i get separated from Haru. He's already a fews steps ahead of me.

Nana: Ah, Haru!

He glances towards me. Just as i'm about to catch up with him, a wave of people start walking past me.

Nana: Haru!

I'm reaching out to him, but the crowds pulls me the opposite direction. When i try to fight it, i crash against a stranger.

Stranger: Watch it!

Nana: I'm sorry!

I look around, but i can no longer see Haru. Without him around, i'm scared. I place my hand over my pocket where my blade is, feeling its hilt for comfort.

I end up walking with the crowd, exhausted. It feels like i've been walking for a long time. Finally, i see a bench and stagger through the crowd to take a seat.

Haru... Where are you? I should head back. But i'm not sure where i am anymore. What should i do?

This place feels so different and intimidating when i'm alone.

???: Excuse me.

A gentle voice calls out to me. I look up to see a beautiful man. He looks at me with concern in his eyes.

He's somehow different from all the men i've seen before.

I look him up and down.

Nana: Yes...?

I have to be on guard. He smiles kindly at me.

???: Please, don't be alarmed. My name is Hisui.

Hisui: Are you lost?

Should i admit that to him? I continue to eye the man suspisciously. He definitely has his wits about him, so he can't be an oni. But oni aren't the only danger in the outside world.

Hisui: I'm not going to hurt you. Promise. See?

He holds up both his hands to show that they're empty.

Nana: Well... I'm lookong for my friend.

Hisui: Where did you last see your friend?

Nana: Back where there's this beautiful dress shop...

Hisui: A dress shop, huh? Was there a pink dress at the front of the shop?

Nana: Yes! Do you know it?

Hisui: I passed by there earlier. I think i can dind my way back there. Let me show you the way.

I shouldn't trust strangers, but he doesn't look like a bad person.

I nod relunctantly.

•••

Hisui leads through town, and soon, we reach the dress shop.

It felt like i was walking for such a long time...

I still can't find Haru anywhere.

Nana: He's not here...

Hisui: Perhaps he's gone to look for you. Let me help you look for him.

Nana: Are you sure?

I remind myself i shouldn't be so trusting about this man even though he's offering to help. But Hisui smiles softly and nods.

Hisui: I'll make sure you're safe. Come on, let's go.

He holds out his hands to me. Shyly i place mine on his. We walk around town, but after almost an hour, there's still no sign of Haru.

Hisui: Do you know where he might have gone?

Nana: We were about to go to the military academy...

Hisui: Should we look there, then?

I nod. Hisui leads me to the military academy. But Haru isn't there, either. Hisui continues to guide me through streets, walking slowly. His hold on my hand is so gentle. I keep on scanning the faces in the crowd. But still, no luck.

I can't even get excited about being in town anymore... This is exhausting.

Hisui looks at me worriedly.

Hisui: Do you need rest?

I wonder why he's being so nice to me.

I nod weakly, and Hisui brings me over to a bench.

Hisui: Are you alright?

Nana: I'm fine. I just don't get out much...

Hisui: I can tell.

Hisui looks up at a clock on one of the buildings. I follow his gaze and see that it's a quarter to five in the afternoon.

Wait, that clock...

Nana: I saw that clock earlier! Just as i was walking into town! Which means the path back home should be nearby.

Hisui: It's getting late, and we've had no luck finding your friend...

Nana: Yeah... Maybe i can wait for him back home instead.

Hisui: That's a good idea.

I look around my surroundings again.

Nana: I can get home from here.

Hisui: Are you sure?

I point out the forest path leading back to the mansion beyond the clock.

Nana: That's my way home.

Hisui: I'm glad, then.

Hisui walks me over to the path.

Hisui: I should be leaving as well.

Nana: Oh! I almost forgot... Thank you! You didn't have to stay with me all day.

Hisui: I couldn't leave you alone when you looked so troubled. It wouldn't be right.

Nana: But i don't have anyway to repay you.

Hisui: Don't worry, knowing you can get home safely is enough for me.

With a smile, i bow to him before walking back into the forest.

If i ever meet him again, i should repay him somehow.

But for now, I focus on making my way home.

It's just a straight path down from here.

It's a bit of a long walk, but home is on the other side.