Both horses galloped through the woodland path, hooves striking packed earth in a steady rhythm that echoed between the trees. Moonlight filtered through the canopy in broken bands, silver streaks sliding over bark and stone as the wind rushed past their faces. Leaves trembled as they passed, branches bending just enough to watch them go.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The world narrowed to the sound of breathing, the creak of leather reins, the faint metallic jingle of Seijuro's blade at his back.
Seijuro broke the silence first, "We're nearing the outskirts of my village," he said. "We should slow down."
Without argument, both of them eased back on the reins. The horses responded immediately, their pace dropping from a gallop to a controlled trot. Lily turned her head slightly, blue eyes sharp beneath the falling strands of her dark hair. The lily-shaped ornament tucked into her hair caught the light as it swayed,
"So," she said, "how far is this spot?"
"We're close." Seijuro frowned as he unfolded the map Frank had given him, studying the markings more carefully now,"It should be the… shopping district?"
The shopping district? Why would boogeymen linger somewhere like that?
His confusion must have shown,
"You think?" Lily said flatly. "Don't you know your own village?"
Seijuro exhaled through his nose. "It is the shopping district. Happy?"
She scoffed and urged her horse forward, "Where are you going?" he asked,
"You just said we're close," Lily replied without looking back. "Or are you unsure about that too?"
Seijuro's grip tightened around the reins, irritation flaring hot in his chest, "What's your problem? Look, I get it, neither of us wanted to be partnered up. But the least we can do is talk like normal people."
Lily stopped abruptly and turned to face him, arms crossing over her chest, "My problem is you, Yoshiki."
"We literally just met…"
"And that was enough," she cut in. "You're eager to prove yourself. That makes you reckless. Reckless partners get people killed."
She looked away again, voice colder when she continued, "Don't drag me into your hole of danger. We're allies. Nothing more."
Seijuro didn't respond. He only watched her ride ahead, jaw clenched,
Out of everyone, I get paired with this bitch.
The horses continued at a measured pace until the trees began to thin. Stone lanterns emerged from the undergrowth, their surfaces worn smooth by time. Ahead, a massive stone arch rose from the earth. Lunar Village's outer gate. Crescent moon carvings were etched into its pillars, faintly glowing with embedded sigils that hummed as they passed beneath.
Beyond it, the village opened wide. Shops lined the street on either side, their wooden fronts illuminated by hanging lights. Merchants called out to passersby, laughter and conversation weaving together into a warm, living noise. Further ahead, a stone bridge crossed a narrow river, water glimmering beneath it as it flowed lazily through the village,
"Is this it?" Lily asked,
"No. We cross the bridge, then head left."
"I meant the village," she said dryly. "You sure this is the right one?"
Realization hit him a second too late, "…Yeah. My bad."
She scoffed again but turned forward, urging her horse on. As they crossed the bridge, the scenery shifted. Houses replaced shops, children's laughter echoed from alleyways, and lanterns hung lower, softer. The air smelled faintly of incense and river water,
"We need to head left," Seijuro said.
Lily nodded and turned down the next street, "This place isn't bad," she admitted. "A lot of crescent moons, though. What's with that?"
"It's tradition," he said. "Whoever founded the village really liked moons."
That earned a brief chuckle from her, "You've got one too," Lily noted. "Your necklace."
Seijuro lifted it slightly. "Both my parents made each half." He separated it, showing how the pendant split cleanly into two. "See?"
"…It suits you," she said after a moment.
"Thanks. So, where are you from?"
"Solar City." She paused, looking around, "This part looks different."
Seijuro followed her gaze. The buildings here were larger, cleaner. People walked in fine kimonos, carriages rolled by, and shop windows glittered with goods, "This is the shopping district," he said, "The wealthy side of Lunar Village."
"You come here often?"
"I used to." His voice dipped slightly. "Not so much anymore."
"Fear-related?"
"No," he said. "My dad left. It's just my mom and me."
Lily glanced away. "…I see."
After a pause, she added, "Anyone else?"
Seijuro shook his head. "Just her."
Something flickered in Lily's expression, then vanished, "Let's stable the horses and scout."
They left the horses at the district stables and moved back into the street on foot. Seijuro scanned rooftops, alleys, anything out of place,
"Higher ground would be better," he said, "Gives us a better view."
He turned. And Lily was gone.
"Yoshiki."
He looked up. She was already on a rooftop, standing with hands on her hips, smirking down at him. He sighed and leapt up beside her. They jogged across the rooftops as the sun dipped lower, shadows stretching long across tiled roofs, "What's your type?" Lily asked suddenly.
He blinked. "…W-what do you mean?"
"Mage type," she clarified, smirking at his naivety,
"Physical."
"Element," she replied, stopping abruptly.
She reached to her belt and flicked out a small metal rod. Before he could react, it extended with a sharp snap, striking his forehead and sending him stumbling backward.
She laughed as he rubbed the spot, groaning.
The rod unfolded fully into a dark purple staff, humming faintly with energy.
"Did Captain Frank train you?" she asked,
"Yeah. Lisa handled theory."
"My sister trained me. Captain Jade taught theory."
"Captain Jade?" Seijuro frowned,
"One of the Captains that went rogue."
He exhaled slowly,
Even captains can fall…
They continued scouting until the sky darkened and the first stars appeared. Then a scream cut through the night. They moved instantly.
By the time they reached the street, a teenager stood frozen in terror, and then something grabbed him.
His body twisted violently, collapsing inward as purple shadow swallowed him whole. When it cleared, only teeth and writhing darkness remained. Another boogeyman emerged beside it. Seijuro's blood ran cold, "That's not possible…" he muttered.
Lily drew her staff, "Yoshiki. Now."
Seijuro drew his blade. They stood side by side as the boogeymen drifted toward them.