The Lost Fate Of The Oni: Otome Romance Game

Chapter 3 - Encounter with Oni

It's getting dark. I would be lying to myself if i said i'm not atleast a little bit scared. Again, i feel the outline of my blade in my pocket for comfort.

It's just a straight path back. I'll be back home soon, safe with Haru and Father.

Suddenly i hear something approaching.

Nana: What's that?

I stop, glancing at the bushes. It sounds like a pair of feet being dragged through fallen leaves

Nana: Ah!

The shadow is that of a man. But when he gets close, i can see that he's not human. Grey skin, empty eyes... Horns.

Nana: A-an oni?!

Why is there an oni here?!

My luck must be horrible to have run into one now! I ready my blade, but my hands are trembling.

Oni: Rargh..

The oni's growl is absolutely inhuman. It sends a shiver downy spine. I step backwards instinctively.

Oni: Rargh!

He's so close to me now! I know i've been trained for self-defense. But it's different when it's so real.

I have to get myself together!

I take a deep breathe, readying myself to attack. But before i have a chance, a shadow moves between me and the oni.

Oni: Aurgh!

The oni suddenly collapses. His body crumbles into dust, floating off into the air.

Nana: Ah...

I look up to see a man with black hair and a coil of lightning flashing around his hand.

This man just save me!

Nana: Thank-

But when he turns to me, i can see it clearly under the setting sun.

Horns!

Nana: You're... An oni!

I move away from the man, reorienting myself on the path. The black-haired oni focuses his gaze on me. The relief i felt being saved quickly turns to fear. Is he going to kill me? I take a deep breath and start running down the path.

Black-haired Oni: Hmph...

I look back for a second to see him standing still.

He's not going to chase after me? ...No time to think about that!

I keep running down the path, no longer looking back.

•••

I made it home...

I pant, out of breathe from running. My body is still trembling from the fear. Looks like the black-haired oni from the earlier didn't give chase.

Haru: Nana!

Haru comes running up to me.

Nana: Haru!

I'm about to run over to him, but my legs feel weak. It takes all my effort to continue standing.

Haru: Where did you go? I was looking for you, but i couldn't find you anywhere... I thought you came back by yourself.

Nana: Haru...

Haru looks at me with concern.

Haru: What's wrong? You're shivering. You must have been really scared.

For some reason, i can't say out loud that i was just attacked by an oni. My body is still trembling. Haru clumsily moves closer to me. And wraps his arms around me.

Haru: I'm so sorry, Nana! I should have been more careful. I promise... I'll never let you feel frightened like that again.

I stay limp, still unable to speak. Haru moves away from me.

Haru: Let's go back inside. You have to get ready for the party, right?

I nod weakly.

Nana: Do you think my father noticed we snuck away?

Haru: Last i checked, he was preoccupied with party preparations. We should be alright.

I don't want to worry father. If he knows i was attacked by an oni...

•••

Haru walks me back to my room. I'm still shaken when the door closes between us. I never thought i'd be so happy to see this place again. I sigh deeply as i take in the comforts of my room.

Nana: Right.

I open the box to take out the dress father gave me. I get changed, but my thoughts are elsewhere. The oni that attacked me was just like the oni everyone talked about. But the black-haired one who saved me...

Did he really mean to save me?

If not, why did he kill the other oni? He was definitely different from the first oni. For one, his eyes were full of life. And he was rational enough to not chase after me. I move the blade from my everyday clothes to the side pocket of my dress. Just the feel of it reminds of what happened. I know now that being armed is important. And staying inside is the only way to be safe. But a part of me still remembers the joy of being outside. And there are kind people, too, like Hisui. Next time, i'll just have to be more careful.

...Next time?

I shake my head to dismiss the thoughts. I told Haru this was a one-time thing. In any case, this is not the time to think about what happened today. I walk over to the window to look outside. There are men in military garb walking into the mansion, no doubt for the party.

It should be starting soon.

I have to be at my best. I take a brush and then head over to the mirror. Not long after i fix my hair, there's a knock on my door.

Nana: Yes?

Kujo: Nana, are you ready?

Nana: Father!

I walk over to the door and open it, relieved to see my father.

Kujo: What's wrong? I just saw this morning, but now you're looking at me like its been days.

With all that's happened, it really feels like days. But i'm not going to tell him that.

Nana: It's nothing. I'm just... excited for the party. It's important to Haru, isn't it?

Father gives me a small smile.

Kujo: Yes... And to myself as well. To think that this day would come... It seems just like yesterday when Haru arrived at our home.

Nana: Yes. Haru's all grown up now.