I hate this city.

I've only been here twice before, and never "on the hunt" so to speak. Previously, my visits were predicated on the concept of "time off" and "relaxation" and "chill the hell out Aguri you're making me nervous with all of your pacing" and "just go". Those previous visits had all ended up with me having no better discourse than to go to Zawame City to see my brother.

A few years ago, such fits of restlessness might have ended with me at "home", at the Kusugami estate, but both of my parents have since passed on, and nothing remains for me there. My entire family is now tied up in the brother that I rarely see, and that has been all but excommunicated from the Makai Order. Well enough, I have come to terms with it by now.

This time is different. I am not here to see Ryouma, and in fact would be better served not to have him aware of my visit here at all. I am here to hunt a Horror before it can devour any of the citizens of "his" city. The sooner I get in, deal with the problem, and get out, the better.

I enter the city during the day, and it will be a long few hours until sunset sneaking around, so I simply find a nice park to settle down where I can take some time to focus my energies on the coming hunt, not to mention easily hide my bow in the tails of my coat without needing to go to extra lengths.

Nearby, a small stage has been formed out of flagged stones and steps and small columns on either side. A group of young men are on the stage, being watched by a small audience, and I watch them from a distance as they begin to dance.