12 Parents Love (1)

Letting out a large sigh Enmei stared blankly towards the horizon. The bird had led him up the mountain but decided to change its course. His black hair swayed softly from the wind and his breath became visible from the cold thin air.

"I want some takoyaki.." after those words he began to descend the mountain.

The cold air made its way into his nose, within it the slight scent of soil and smoke. Walking down the curly path, whilst feeling the occasional smacks from leaves and bushes, Enmei finally arrived at a small house, a trial of smoke connected to the sky from within the house.

Pausing for a bit Enmei then knocked at the door. A middle aged woman cautiously opened the door. Her eyes darted around and long sleeves from her clothes covered he bandaged hands. She stared at Enmei, realising he was just a young boy she relaxed.

"C-come in", she whispered her voice shivering and wispy.

"Welcome", a man greeted Enmei, his voice quite raspy, "What do you need at my humble abode?"

"I heard there had been strange sightings recently", Enmei began, noting the large intake of air from the pair, "screams come from the house at night and the wild animals avoid this area".

"I'm sure it's a misunderstanding, the villagers hate us", the wife nodded.

"Then-", "Akai", "Then Akai-san, how do you get to the village, the way to the place is quite far"

"My son usually goes down and buys stuff"

"Your son?"

"Yes"

"Is your son here."

"No, he, he-", the wife was even more nervous.

"He's studying in the big city, he got a scholarship there". Akai finished for his wife.

"Is that so...", Enmei nodded, "then-"

"I'm sorry but aren't these questions quite personal, we've just met"

"My apologies I was just worried that you will be in danger out in this isolated place"

"This isolated place is my home, and we can take care of ourselves no need for you worry, please boy I want I can't entertain you anymore, leave".

Along with a bang Enmei was thrown out of the house, he left the area, exploring the forest and speaking to the crow,

"Do you think I was rude"

"CAW", the crow nodded

"But the couple was suspicious, their voices were kind of shaky and the house smelt like blood".

"CARW CAW" The bird took off, leaving Enmei there until a familiar disguising scent only lighter led him to a cave.