Crimson and Oni-Village

The woman is looking me over head to toe as I sit in the carriage beside Zion. 

"It really is you... I never thought we'd see you again after-"

Zion whispers something in her ear. The woman's eyes go wide, before she composes herself and gives me a gentle smile.

"How about you two come inside for some tea?" She says.

"That sounds wonderful. Let's go Link we'll talk inside." Zion says before leading me to one of the small houses on the lower section of the village.

Kids are running around and playing everywhere I look, and they seem to love  Zion very much. They look disappointed when he tells them he didn't have time to get souvenirs, but then they run off again.

"I'm not at the village much, I've always loved to travel and see the world." Zion says to me as we walk.

The woman speaks up too.

"Yes, that's right. When Zion finally returns from his travels it's a big event. He normally returns with souvenirs for all of the kids." She smiles.

"I see. Seems like a cozy place. Everyone seems to know each other." I say.

Zion smiles.

"Yup, us onis value family and community, so every-"

Zion cuts himself off as I bump into a man.

"Oh, Midnight, you really should watch where you're standing, our guest isn't familiar with the layout of the village yet." Zion says.

The man I bumped into is tall, and wears a black vest that shows much of his arms and chest. He has short black hair and the usual oni horns. He's quite well built and has muscles all over. Despite his mature aura, I get the feeling he's only a little bit older than me.

He stares at me for a few moments, before turning to Zion and the woman. 

"Samara, the festivities for tomorrow night are ready. I didn't know you'd be back so soon Zion, can I assume you'll be taking part as well?" He asks.

"Yes, of course. Same with our friend here." He pats me on the shoulder.

The man's expression doesn't change.

"I see. I'll prepare more dishes." He says before walking off to an open tent in the distance. 

It seems like there are preparations being made for a festival of some sort, but I can't fully make out what it is.

"That was our village's chieftain, Midnight. He's quite hard to get to know, but he cares very deeply for our tribe." The red haired woman, apparently named Samara tells me.

We finally arrive at her home, and she sits me and Zion down at the small table in the middle of the dining room.

It's a small place, with brick floors and stone countertops. There are wood cabinets lining the walls and a small staircase leading to a second floor. The house is lit by lanterns hanging from the walls and ceiling.

The woman speaks as she begins preparing the tea.

"My name is Samara Torvahn. I'm the clothes designer in our village. I hope you feel comfortable, this must all be a lot." She says to me.

"Well, yeah... I still don't fully know if I even believe that I used to live here, I mean, I'd remember wouldn't I?" I reply.

"It is quite an unusual case." Zion says.

Samara brings the tea over and puts it in front of me and Zion, before sitting down herself. 

"So... my mom used to live in this village?" I ask.

Zion smiles softly.

"Of course. She was one of the prides of our village. Always so cheerful. You took after her." He says.

"You would spend so much time playing with the other children. Your best friend was my daughter, Crimson." Samara tells me.

Crimson... I've heard that name a few times now. I wish I at least remembered something... All of this sounds like nonsense to me. Samara continues.

"The two of you would spend lots of time with Midnight as well, the man you encountered on the way here. He's only a few years older than the two of you so you got along." She says.

I was friends with that guy too? But when I saw him, he showed almost no reaction to me. Why would he-

"Where is Crimson? I'm sure she'll be ecstatic to hear that Link has returned after all this time." Zion asks Samara. 

"She left this morning to help the kids build their treehouse. The news of his return must be getting around the village quick so I'm sure she'll rush back before we know-"

Suddenly, the door slams open at lightning speed. I see a figure standing in the doorway, panting. A girl. She seems to have used all her energy running. She has long, blood red hair like Samara and horns on her forehead. She's wearing a black tank top and short black jean shorts with a brown belt, and black fishnet tights underneath. She looks at me with her piercing red eyes, before her face lights up like a christmas tree.

"Link!!!"

Before I can even react, she rushes towards me at an abnormally fast speed and almost tackles me to the ground. What looks like sparks of red electricity flicker around her as she ran. As she's on top of me I can't help but notice her... large assets pushing against me as I try hard to escape.

"Link! Link! Link! Oh, I thought you were gone forever I thought you would never come back I didn't know why I was so sad how could you do that but it's okay now you're here and you better be back to stay I won't forgive you if you leave again we have so much to catch up on this morning I found a really cool rock you used to love those do you wanna see I think I have it in my pocket oh but forget that how have you been I forgot to ask you how you are you've really grown up oh but I have too it's been so long so naturally we've both grown I can't believe you made it in time for the festival we're gonna have the best time EVER just like we used to I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself I can't wait to-"

"Crimson, calm down." Samara interrupts her. 

Crimson stops talking almost as fast as she started and stands up, allowing me to get up.

"Oh! Grandpa Zion is here too! I missed you pa!" She gives Zion a big bearhug before turning back to me. 

"H-Hi..." Is all I can say.

She quickly hugs me as well.

"I can't believe it... I was working on the treehouse with the kids and I overheard the villagers talking about you being back! I sprinted around the whole village to see if it was true! I can't believe it!" I've never seen anyone with a happier expression on their face. 

I feel bad that I don't know what to say, and even worse that I don't remember her in the slightest. To me, this could very well be my first time ever seeing her, but somehow, after seeing her I feel more at ease about this entire situation. Like it really isn't a lie. I used to know this girl. I can feel it.

Zion whispers something in Crimson's ear, causing her to break off and stare at me in shock. 

"Y-You don't... Remember...?" She forces out.

I look at the ground in shame.

"I'm sorry... I'm sure I used to know you but... I'm sorry..." I say.

She slowly sits down, staring blankly at the table. Just as I'd never seen anyone look as happy as she did earlier, now I don't think I've ever seen anyone look this sad. This girl may already be the most expressive person I've ever met. A clear contrast with Emerald. 

Zion breaks the silence.

"Crimson? How about you show Link to Haily's old house? I'm sure he'd appreciate that very much." He smiles.

Crimson perks up.

"Huh? Oh yeah, of course! Come on Link let's go!" She stands up and starts getting me out of my chair.

Haily? Could that be my mom's name?

I stand up and start following Crimson out the door.

"Have fun you two." Samara says before we leave.

The chill breeze of the village air hits my face as soon as I get outside. The kids who were playing outside earlier are gone now. It seems be be getting later.

"I love it here. It's so perfect. Everybody gets along and just has fun. I wouldn't change a thing." Crimson says to me.

"It definitely seems cozy." I say.

That makes her lower her head a bit.

"So... You really don't remember anything?" She asks.

"I'm sorry... I don't know why I'd have missing memories but..." 

She pats my shoulder and smiles brightly. 

"Hey! It's alright! Don't think about it too hard. I'm sure you'll remember soon enough. Who knows, maybe once you see your moms home you'll remember!"  She says.

I smile for what feels like the first time since I woke up on that hill. 

"Yeah. You're right." I say to her.

She takes me to a nearby cabin on the upper level of the village platforms.

"I wish I could tour you around the whole village, but It's getting pretty late so that'll have to wait for tomorrow." She says as she opens the door.

"I'd appreciate that."

I walk into the cabin and flick the light switch.

There's a living room, with a couch and a coffee table on top of a colorful rug. I see various toys scattered around on the floor. There are potted plants on all the shelves and a small kitchen in the other room. It's familiar in a way...

"I used to come here so often to play. Your mom was really welcoming, she took such good care of me like I was her own." Crimson smiles as she looks around the living room.

I enter another room and see a small blue bed in the corner. There are more toys and building blocks all over the floor and a rocking horse beside the bed.

Was this... My room?

Crimson comes in after me. 

"So, you gonna sleep in here tonight?" She jokes and punches my arm.

"I don't think I'd fit on the bed..." I rub the back of my head and smile.

"I'm sure you could squeeze your way on there!' She laughs.

I walk over to the bedside table and pick up a picture sitting on top. It's a small boy with blue hair standing with a larger woman with long blue hair and horns on her forehead. She ruffles his hair and he looks like he's laughing. Me and my mom... This is all so much to take in.

"M- My sword..." I mumble.

"Hm? What about a sword?" Crimson tilts her head. 

"I had a sword... Apparently it was a gift from my mom. I lost it when I-" I still can't remember exactly what happened so I cut myself off.

Fact is, I no longer have my sword or gun. This is a major issue.

"Oh, I remember that! She gave it to you at one of your birthday parties! You loved it so much!" Crimson's face lights up again. 

"I lost it. I wanna get it back. My gun too." I say.

That's right, I remember what happened when we fought Rush now. He hit me into the incinerator that was birthing all those spectres and I couldn't get out. I guess I couldn't get out and passed out. That explains why I was naked but not why I was stranded or why I was out for 6 months. 

"Well do you know where to look?" Crimson asks me.

"Yeah somewhat. Might be a bit of a walk." I respond.

Crimson looks down.

"You'll come back though right? And you better stay for the festival tomorrow!" She says.

I smile.

"Don't worry I'll check out this festival of yours. I'm actually starting to like it here." I say.

Crimson smiles brightly.

"Perfect! I'll go get my mom to make you some new clothes for tomorrow!" She begins walking out the door.

"Clothes? You don't gotta do that I already have-"

"If you mean that cheap looking outfit that looks like it was bought at a convenience store then I insist." She smiles.

"Seeya tomorrow!" She yells before closing the door and running off.

Wow... Is this really true? I'm part oni... I knew Crimson? Something tells me it isn't a lie.

---

In a bunker, the sound of computers hums loudly. Walking down the hall, is the man known as King Kamikaze. Behind him is a demi-human man, with short silver hair and fox ears of the same color on his head. He has orange eyes. He wears a traditional white and red kimono and his expression is hard to read. He smiles, and his eyes remain squinted. 

"Is this her?" The demi-human asks.

Kamikaze leads him to a dungeon cell at the end of the room. Inside sits a girl. Another demi-human. With shoulder length forest green hair and the same colored eyes. Her fox ears or tail don't move.

"I'm assigning her as your priority. Don't disappoint me." Kamikaze turns his back and leaves the dungeon.

The man walks to the cell and kneels. 

"Well, hello there. Emerald, right? My name is Aito. The king wants me to keep tabs on you so here I am." The man named Aito smiles.

Emerald doesn't answer. She sits at the back of her cell, watching.

"Now, you see, the king says there's someone else he wants. Link was his name I believe? Anyways, if you could tell me and the king where he could be that would be greatly appreciated." Aito continues to smiles at Emerald.

In a quick movement, Emerald spits in Aito's face.

His smile drops as he wipes it off his face.

"Oh my, that's no good. No good at all." He stands.

Emerald looks up at him.

"Go to hell." She says before turning her back to stare at the wall.

Aito watches her, his smile returning. He brings over a chair and takes a seat, beginning his watch duty.