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Potions and spells were all they could think about. Two times after all, there was a witch who lived in a village deep in the valley. Everyone in the village kept to themselves so rumors barely gained traction until one day a rumor was circling around the town that an Oni was stealing and devouring livestock in a cave. Two Time didn't know much about the Oni themselves but the situation itself did affect them as they owned sheep. They didn't want an on I eating their livestock so they decided to investigate. They ask around town about the appearance of the oni many gave th same description of the creature. Its eyes were dark as an amethyst and it was tall as a house and its skin was dark as the night sky. They weren't sure where the demon resided except for a cave but the valley had many caves so they didn't know where to start first so they asked the town leader elder Alam about it. “I believe I heard some younglings mention that the demon resides in a cave furtherest to the east if you're going to confront the demon then please be careful child I do not want to see you hurt” he pleaded. Two-time nodded as they said their goodbyes to the elder before leaving to prepare for their journey to the east. Once they were ready they set off towards the east.
It was a long and treacherous path. They had to avoid rockslides, bandits, and so much more. During their journey, they wondered why an oni would travel so far from the east to steal livestock surely there were other villages or fields where the oni could take livestock. Something wasn't adding up. Still, they pressed on until they finally reached their destination. The cave was gigantic, you could fit an entire house in it. Out of nowhere a baritone voice called out to them from the cave. “What do you want mortal?” Two Time huffed. “I am a witch not a mortal!” Silence fell upon them until the voice spoke up again. “Ah my apologies…” the voice sounded contrite as if it was sorry for the misconception. Two Time was surprised by the apology, in the past whenever they corrected their fellow villagers on how they weren't mortal they would still call them one despite them living beyond the human limit. The witch shook their head they were getting sidetracked they needed to ask the Oni about the missing livestock.
“I wanted to ask you about the missing sheep that was taken from my village know anything about it?” they questioned. The Oni grunted. “I have not eaten any of your village's sheep if that is what you are alluding to why on earth would I go all the way from the east to your little village to devour some sheep? What do you take me for? It demanded. Two-time fliched. Thankfully the demon didn't see that happen. Now that they thought about it, why would a demon travel so far just to eat sheep, while on their journey they noticed that there were fields of animals grazing the land. Couldn't the demon eat those instead of traveling all the way from the east to their village? It would be a waste to travel so far for sheep. “When you put it like that it does sound ridiculous for you to do that.” they sheepishly admitted. After they said that the Oni began to laugh. “It does! I did not eat your sheep but I know who did.” the Oni stated. Their eyes lit up, so the journey wasn't for naught after all. The demon continued. “I believe your culprit or culprits are coyotes,” it explained.
“You mean to tell me that all this time it was coyotes?” the witch deadpanned. “How is that even possible?” they questioned the demon. “I have seen it for myself as I have observed my own sheep being killed and I have witnessed their tactics through attacking the sheep by the throat. By any chance did the sheep have their throats attacked?” The question forced them to recall when they were speaking to one of the villagers she mentioned that one of the sheep that was killed had its throat slit. As a matter of fact, a lot of sheep's throats were slit so they had a coyote problem. Seems like they have made a mistake in accusing the Oni of the missing sheep. The witch bowed their head. “I apologize for my fellow villagers' accusations against you if there is anything I could do to make it up to you I will,” the witch conveyed. “Make it up to me huh? I suppose I have a request to make I need someone to try my raspberry lemon herbal tea!” the Oni chortled. The witch's eyes widen. That was all it wanted? They were expecting it to request that, well they were a little thirsty and famished. “Can I have food with that tea?” they asked.
“Very well I shall honor that request…stop bowing and come in its been a while since I had guests over!” The demon chided. They cringed before entering the cave. They muttered to themselves. “ I call upon ye on holy flame…” A ball of fire appeared in their hand while they journeyed through the cave. A few minutes later they finally arrived at their desired location. The place was well-lit unlike the entrance, the demon should put up torches in their opinion. Speaking of the oni it had its back to them as it was busy preparing the tea and food. “Make yourself at home! It won't take long for everything to be ready.” Its voice was cheerful and welcoming quite the opposite of the stories about them. They looked around the residence and they noticed a table with four chairs so they took a seat. Luckily they didn't have to wait long before they were served tea with a bowl of vegetable stew. “Careful its hot wouldn't want you to burn your tongue.” it winked at them. Two time rolled their eyes. Now that they were seating they got a good look at the demon, and the descriptions weren't far off, its skin was as dark as the night but tall as a house was wrong. It seemed like it was shorter than a tree but taller than the average man. It had long dark hair that seemed to lead all the way to its back. Another intriguing part about the demon was that its horns were broken. The demon also wore monk clothes which in itself was interesting to the witch.
“How's the stew? I hope it isn't too hot for you.” the demon asked. Two time shook their head. “ Not at all its delightful! its been a while since I had tea with someone.” they sheepishly murmured. The demon snorted. “You too? Well, I wonder why surely someone as brilliant as you would have plenty of guests coming to your door.” the demon declared openly. Two times laughed. “I’m not exactly the most approachable individual you know?” “Neither am I “ it quipped back in response. After that, they both began to giggle to themselves. “Oh! My apologies I didn't ask for your name, dear.” the demon confessed. They introduced themselves and asked for the demon's name. “I’m Two Time just a simple witch nothing more and you?” the demon smiled. “Thats a lovely name and you may call me Azure.” Azure like the color? well they couldn't judge its name while their name was just as unusual to the other villagers. “I do not mean to be rude but…I am not aware of what you would prefer me to call you as I have been thinking of you as it and not an individual…” The witch sheepishly admitted. The demon was confused at first until it realized what they were asking. “Ah! Its no trouble dearest I am a simple fellow nothing more than that!” he cracked up.
“I take no offense to your question though I thank you for your honesty,” he states. The witch's ears were burning. They weren't the greatest when it came to sockization although it wasn't completely terrible. The embarrassment was worth it in the end when they found a companion. The two went on to chat about their lives and occupations. They found out that the man or demon was on a path of deliverance which is why he wore monk clothes. In return, the demon learned about two times life as a witch and their village. Soon enough the sun started to set which meant that they needed to get home before it was dark. “Ah, it appears I must go as I must inform my village of the culprits.” They stated. They stood up and said their goodbyes to the demon. “You may visit me anytime!” he beamed. They nodded before setting off for their village. Once they got there they informed the village of the true culprits and then they went to their house to sleep off their tiresome journey. They dreamed about chatting with the Oni about their vigors while they dranked tea together. Their heart felt lighter for some reason that's probably just the feeling of meeting a new friend right?