The New Winds

Mai looked for her friend after getting her food.

Otoko sat in the same place she had the day before, in a corner with as much room to herself, and as little people around her, as she could. As always for meals, her mask was off and on the table beside her meal, which she was currently staring into.

Approached and bowed before taking her seat. "Hello, Yogo-san. How are you doing this morning?"

When Otoko looked up, she gave a seated bow slowly... yet her face looked a bit... puzzled. ".... Mai... san. I am... well, I believe."

Mai was uncharacteristically silent for a long moment. "Did something happen last night?"

Otoko slowly shook her head. "...Not that I am aware of. I slept as I normally do..... Why?"

"Oh. Good." Mai did seem a little relieved. She was worried the gaki was hunting Otoko. "I was attacked last night by a gaki,"

The slight look of puzzlement was slowly replaced by that slight frown she'd given the day before. "...Is that... so? ...Do the instructors know? I fear I know no healing spells if you require any..."

Mai nods. "Asako-sensei healed me right up. I had never felt better. I just wanted to make sure you were alright too."

The puzzled look returned, and her head tilted slightly. "...Why?"

"Well what you said about your ancestor following you. I was afraid maybe you would be easier to find by other types of ghosts." Mai does seem genuinely concerned. The Mantis may not spend a lot of time on the spirit realms in their training.

Otoko gave a slow shake of her head. "... Perhaps I am, but I know more about them than most, so I am not so worried..... Besides, I am not certain why one would be afraid for this one."

"Because you're my friend, of course." She takes a bite of her food waiting for Otoko to react. She knows the young woman enough to suspect it won't be enthusiastic return of the sentiment. Though Mai would love if it was.

There was a moment's pause before a very soft frown touched the girl's lips. "...Friend..." She trailed off before shaking her head and looking even more troubled.

"...It is not... safe... to have a Yogo as a friend Mai-san. You are... kind. I would feel uncomfortable subjecting you to my misery..."

Mai clearly didn't get the meaning of Otoko's words. "It's alright. I like you how you are."

Otoko's look remained. "...That is what worries me."

Finally she just shook her head and let out a soft sigh, taking a sip of tea. "... What sort of ghost was it?"

"It was a gaki. Kuni Yotso believes it was a Mokumokuren. They stare at people through holes in shoji and feed on them." Mai gives a look of disgust. "Kinda pervy if you ask me."

Otoko nodded with a bit more firmness, clearly recognizing the spirit immediately. "...I will check all the shoji and tatami later when I am cleaning. I do not doubt the instructor will do all due diligence, but the spirit will only be fully banished when all holes are fixed... and there are many, many shoji here."

"Kuni-san, Kaiu-san, Isawa-san, and myself worked on it this morning. We should have gotten a good number of those holes patched up."

"...A good number is a good start, but I wish to make certain it is all. I would-" Otoko cut off, still a moment. Finally she picked up her tea cup, murmuring into it. "...I would not wish for a friend to get hurt twice."