Follow the Script

Chapter 4

"Fujiwara no Mokou, the girl who took too long to show herself, the access has now been closed until the ordeal is ready to face you once again. However, your target, if you want to learn the knowledge that you are looking for, is currently on the surface.

Kill the librarian and the door will open."

Mokou: A librarian? Why is there a librarian hiding underground?

No answer were given to her, the letter tossed aside. She tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge, even after giving it a good punch with all her strength, not even a dent in it. She was forced to acknowledge what the letter told her and began her search, a little exercise wouldn't hurt, especially if it allows her to obtain what she wants.

Mokou: I'm gonna make that librarian spit his wisdom.

The roots have already spread past the point of return. Knowing her goal, she began her hunt with a wide grin, a smile that she once thought would never reappear on her face. Now that an opportunity to make her revenge become real, she was not going to back down so easily.

...

...

Y/N: Tch, the sunlight's too strong.

He mumbled under his breath, hiding his weak eyes from the light above them while his other hand was resting on the handle of the katana by his side. He might have accepted her aid but he was not going to drop his guard.

Koishi: Is it? I don't feel any difference.

Completely oblivious, the girl responded without understanding the reason of his complain. After spending an extreme amount of time hidden inside a dark prison, it was a normal reaction towards natural light.

Y/N: Not like it matters.

Slowly adjusting his sight, the light began to weaken and he was capable of seeing his surroundings, grass and trees all around them and a path leading outside of this small shelter of leaves towards a large plain.

Koishi: We should hurry, we don't have all day.

Y/N: Where are we going?

Koishi: Up there.

She raised her arm and pointed the large mountain that seemed to reach the skies, clouds covering the top and letting one's imagination run wild. Maybe during a cloudless day, one could finally peek at the unknown at the very top.

Koishi: I know a shrine is up there, they take care of curses and blessings.

Y/N: ...I assume they don't do it for free.

Koishi: No idea.

Y/N: *Sigh* You're not helping.

With time against them, they began their walk towards the large mountain that would provide support to the librarian cursed by the deceased youkais haunting him. Stepping into the plain, they walked straight for the bottom of the large creation left by nature and ignored the path that would have made them took awkward turns.

Koishi: Say, what will you do if they do get rid of your curse?

Y/N: ...Fight I suppose, I don't have a choice, someone placed a target on my head after all.

Koishi: Placed a target? I thought they wanted a book.

Y/N: Yes, in a way, that's what they want but the library does not reward the cowards or thieves, you have to deserve that reward.

Koishi: By defeating you? That sounds complicated.

Y/N: Defeat is a way but the guests are always asked to kill the librarians they face, it's a life or death situation for both sides.

Koishi: How do you know that?

Y/N: ...I learned the hard way, after one of my friends was ripped her arm off by a demon. It could have stopped there but decided to devour her still breathing body in front of our eyes, saying that it was told to do so.

Unconsciously, the youkai's eyebrow lowered, giving the girl a saddened expression. It was an unconscious movement that was noticed by the man, who could only look down in shame, blaming himself for the death of someone close to him.

Y/N: I suppose she had a more peaceful death than some others.

Koishi: How is being devoured alive a peaceful end?

Y/N: Better than having your entire skeleton broken into pieces that slowly destroy your organs while you're still conscious.

The duo stopped at the beginning of the path leading up to the summit. They both glanced at each other, the man took the first step towards his destination afterwards. The action caused the youkai to become a little confused once more.

Koishi: What are you doing?

Y/N: Hm?

He turned back to face the one asking the question and gave her a confused gaze in return as well.

Y/N: Making my way to the top.

Koishi: Wouldn't it be quicker if I fly us up there?

Y/N: *Chuckle* No way, I'm not letting you carry me even a single meter above the ground. You just gonna drop me down and kill me.

Koishi: Still distrustful...

Y/N: Plus, if you suddenly get attacked, we're both guaranteed to die, especially if everyone here is as strong as that guest that I will be facing soon.

He quickly gave her a quick movement with her hand, telling her to come closer. She did so and he placed his hand on her shoulder.

Y/N: You said you wanted to help, I'll gladly believe you if what you said is the truth.

Koishi: ...

Her smile returned and was even wider than when they left the library. She nodded her head quickly and ran past him, leading the way before turning around to face him with a playful face.

Koishi: You should hurry mister Y/N or else I'm gonna leave you behind!

Y/N: ...Heh, I may be lacking my usual energy but I can gladly keep up with you.

He responded to her challenge by jumping in place, landing on his right foot only and took that small window of opportunity to boost himself past the girl, wind following behind. Koishi's head turned around with an astonishment that changed into a cheerful expression, accepting his request. That was how the both of them began their ascension to the shrine that could possibly heal the curse on the man.