Hinote Kyou Mizu

Chapter 2

*~*Twenty two years ago*~*

The two humans heard the crying over the heavy rain coming from the direction of the stream. They followed it, not knowing what it was. The Man believed it was an animal, the woman, unsure.

They both approached cautiously, the man walking out with his garden hoe ready to defend against a sick or injured animal.

“Touzouko, come here and look at this!” The man called to his companion, waving her to the side of the stream.

“What is it Hito?”

He pointed to the form of a woman by the water, obviously dead. The couple walked down to investigate more, noticing the blood covering the woman’s skirt. Her eyes were open, revealing spiritless green-orbs partially covered by blue hair. She was tiny, but obviously had a regal air when she was alive.

“It’s a demon! Run Hito!”

The woman tried to run away, but the man, Hito, grabbed her wrist and held her.

“Stupid woman. It’s dead. Look.”

Hito kicked the dead demon in the head, the sickening thud of the neck snapping confirming his words.

“See if it has anything of value.”

She looked up at him uncertainly, kneeling down to uncurl the demon's arms. When she did, she received a shock.

“It’s a baby.”

The small bundle wrapped in earth-brown cloth looked up silently, eyes transfixed on Touzouko’s, apparently understanding everything going on.

“Is it still alive? Drown it if it is.”

Touzouko turned and looked at Hito, stunned.

“Hito, I can’t just kill it.”

He grabbed the bundle, scowling at the woman. “If you wont then I will.”

“Please Hito, don’t! I’ll be responsible for it. Please!”

He looked at her, skeptical. “Fine. But if it gets in my way, I’ll kill it myself.”

She nodded, picking up the dropped baby. “Thank you Hito.”

He mumbled something as they walked, not even looking back at her.

She tried to unwrap the bundle as she followed, being careful with her new charge. She looked at the little demon girl in her arms and smiled crookedly.

“I will call you Amaya, for it rained the night you came to me.”