Yuta

The rays of the afternoon sun peeked through the cloth covering of the carriage. It felt nice to lay down a little. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a full rest. Such thing was a luxury for me. I pulled down my long leather gloves revealing some of my deep scars. The skin from the tips of my fingers to my shoulder was discolored, a deep pink in some areas and a grayish brown in others. I felt the wrinkled skin of my forearm. It brought me back to that night.

Fire swarmed around me, smoke filled my lungs and made my eyes tear. I was frantically digging into the burning rubble to save… I put my gloves back on before the tears began to fall. I wished that I could forget it all, but I knew that I couldn’t happen. As long as I am in this body, I will always be haunted by that night.

I will never be free.

~~

I reached my destination, which was a small village. Most of the land was dedicated to farming. The markets sold necessities like clothes, food, and building materials. I asked around to see if anyone recognized the gem.

"That's one nice necklace, but I haven't seen that around here," said one merchant.

"I don't have anything like that. Mind if I buy it off you?" asked another.

I grew angry with each rejection. Tisun's trail was fading with every second. I thought I had asked every merchant until I came across a little stand with a crooked sign that read, "Nifu's Oddities." It was a pitiful stand, there was barely any merchandise and the boarding was falling apart. A few rusted necklaces and bracelets were on display.

No one was running the counter. I peered inside, hoping to find something of use when I was stopped by someone grabbing my arm.

"Hey Stranger, you got to be careful," said one of the villagers. He wore a wide-brimmed bamboo hat that covered most of his face and carried a shovel. The most unpleasant smell came from him. "That place is cursed."

I was never one to believe in the supernatural, but the shop did look like it hadn't been touched in years. "Cursed?"

"Yes, there was a man here long ago named Nifu. He ran that stand and sold what he called 'oddities' - trinkets of all kinds from all over."

I remembered the emerald necklace and the pull it had. It was in supernatural territory. Something about it was enticing, drawing you into it. Its attraction was so strong it made a mother spend her family's life savings to get it.

The man shook his head. "They were a spectacle, unlike anything I've ever seen. Pins with the most intricate design, boxes that opened on their own, and necklaces that glowed - he had them all. He was a pleasant guy, but I couldn't risk getting cursed."

"Where can I find this Nifu?" I asked. If I find him, I'll be a step closer to solving the mystery.

He stuck the shovel in the ground and used it to lean on. "Do these sort of things interest you?"

"Not usually, but I have some questions to ask regarding a previous transaction."

He gave a yellow, toothy smile. "I sense a fire in you Stranger. I won't ask your motives. If it's answers you seek, I won't stop you. Word has it he lives in a cave deep into those woods." He pointed west to a dense forest. "Take caution Stranger, you never know what lurks in those woods."

It didn't matter how dangerous it was. As long as it brought me closer to Tisun, I was willing to take on the challenge.

"Best of luck to you." He then walked away carrying his shovel on one shoulder.

~~

Spring was in full effect. The trees around me dawned a fresh set of leaves. Pink and white blossoms bloomed from the some shrubs. Some bushes began to bare red berries and butterflies flew by. This couldn't have been the same forest the man said was dangerous.

The path soon became difficult to follow. I studied the ground for any indications of recent travel. There were some bushes that were spaced out further than the others. When I walked through them, I found that the space was wide enough for one person. Not too far in I discovered soft footprints imprinted in the moist dirt.

Bingo.

I continued on, enjoying the silence. My peace was soon interrupted by the sound of a low growl from behind. A brown and grey wolf approached me, baring its teeth. It was strange to see one without its pack. I drew my sword and stepped forward.

It charged at me and went for my leg. I spun and kicked it in its snout. It shook its head and charged at me again, this time going for my body. I managed to block most of his attack, but his right paw got me. With my hilt of my sword I jabbed at his side. Four lines of blood ran down my left shoulder.

The wolf breathed heavily and blood dripped from his mouth. He attacked again, which landed him another kick to his face. My last move made it difficult for him to stand. He looked at me and laid there as if he was waiting for me to finish him off. I raised my sword only to sheath it.

The wolf did not move. It seemed he was surprised to see that I was letting him go. I gestured with my head for him to get lost. Uneasy, he slowly got up and ran away in the other direction.

I decided to be merciful because I understood that he was only protecting himself. He was the weakest, which is why he did not have a pack of his own. The weak deserved a fighting chance. I watched as he disappeared into the bushes.

Good luck to you, friend.

~~

I finally reached a cave nestled in the side of a big hill. The wind rustled the leaves around me. It was pitch black inside and there was no telling how far it went. Taking my firesteel, I lit one of the old torches by the entrance. I entered with my hand on the hilt of my sword. The fire illuminated the cave walls. My footsteps echoed along with the little water droplets that fell from the ceiling.

It reeked of mold and the humidity was stifling. The walls started to narrow before expanding once more into an open area. I didn't get to get a good look at my surroundings for my torch was blown out by a gust of wind. I took a few steps forward and felt something rise from the ground. What appeared to be two metal frames came together, trapping me inside. I felt around and tried to find an opening, but it was no use. The bars were spaced too close together.

I heard someone approach the cage. With the strike of a firesteel, a torch was lit and I could fully see my captor.

A man wearing a large bamboo hat that covered his eyes and nose stood directly in front of me. "Hello Stranger," he said with a wide smile.