Genji was finally getting a much needed vacation. He sat in the train car watching the scenery pass by. The trip itself was planned months ago, but until last night the exorcist couldn’t come up with an excuse to go. He was busy at both of his professions, the local youkai and humans were constantly asking for help. Then he had been called to a possession yesterday.

Genji shuddered as the memory swept over him. The victim was a the only little girl of a rice farmer. Her mother had run screaming to his home falling into Genji’s arms as she retold the horror that was occurring in her home. The exorcist had quickly followed her to the home. The dark energy leaking from the shack made Genji’s stomach lurch. After expelling his dinner the exorcist was shown to the child. She was only a few years older than he was during his possession. He cringed at the sight of the slit pupils and yellow eyes that glared up at him

“Hello holy man.” The low growl came from the girl, her parents gasped at the sound. Genji nodded to the husband and the couple left. Pulling out his Juzu, prayer beads, the young exorcist started to work at hauling out the spirit. Six hours later he had left the home with an apologetic water youkai going back to the forest. Genji’s chi was exhausted by the experience. So he backed his bags and headed for the train station.

He pulled himself back to the present when Genji felt the train stop.
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Genji took a deep breath of the mountain air and adjusted his bag. The exorcist walked through the forest unaware of whose territory he entered. Walking between the trees he smiled at the sight of a few kodamas following him.

They were jumping and began pulling on his robes. Laughing at their antics he picked up one of the little spirits. “What’s wrong little one?” It was then Genji felt something watching him.