The festival didn't let up as the two girls searched for Jigoku's friend. People moved through the crowds, going here and there. One of the village elders even walked by as she made her way towards home. Shouts from stall venders and children cluttered the air as the sun set lower in the sky. Soon, the first hint of moonlight broke over the forest trees. The fear of demons began to fade as the mysticism of the moon was recognized by the villagers. With the moon's arrival, the true purpose of the moon festival would begin.

A softer hum of appreciation and peace moved through the festival grounds as mothers reminded their children that tonight was not just about fun and games. The scare of demons was another reminder that tonight was a time of prayer and hope for the travelers who had lost their lives to demons and war. The change was subtle but no less joyful.

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In her shed, Kameno unwound the bandages covering her hands and arms. Her skin was still scarred from the attacks she'd suffered the day before, but at least the bleeding had stopped before she'd lost her demonic healing abilities. "Tch... D***ed dragon..." The door to the shed opened without a knock, and Kameno's glare was soon boring into the female pair of the village elders. She carried a bundled kimono in the white of the deceased. "I can see that you've finished changing. Good. Hurry and get dressed; the moon's begun to rise." She set the kimono down before leaving.

Kameno stood, glaring after the woman through brown eyes. The elders, her "parents", had never given her more than a few minutes a day of their time. As she growled and began to put on the kimono, she reminded herself that she didn't walk through the festival for them. It was for herself. She pulled her black hair free, letting it rest about her shoulders before she masked her expression to the dazed of the dead and moved to walk to the festival.

loth17
Rynn01