Mori versus the Oni Part 2 - Chapter 2

Still Seas, Stormy Shores

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Lanterns lit the town of Niocho Nio. The orange glow through the thin paper spread warmth through the streets while the sun did not. A full moon, ivory and delicate, glistened overhead surrounded by an entourage of flickering stars. Ano yawned with a wide mouth and closed eyes clinging to Mori’s sleeve as the trio walked to the harbour to catch their ship to Osaka. Sada had been displeased with the idea of children coming aboard. But a little gold and a promise they’d stay in their cabin and the giant captain had flashed a smile of stained teeth.

Steam and smoke rose from the smithies along the harbour nestled between warehouses and sake dens. Merchants rolled carts up the main street to try and snag the best trading spots. Sailors trudged, groggy and sore, from the numerous brothels and dens to their ships lest they become stranded in Niocho Nio. All the while a pale orange light grew on the eastern horizon.

Sada stood on the gangplank his sail…