Hello?

Kicking up dust, he makes his way over the knoll. A wooden biwa strapped across his back with mesmerizing swirls in the grain, a gift from his elder sister. For years, Kazuki spent much of his youth traveling across distant lands, experiencing life and spreading music as best he can. His time spent wandering has taught him the importance of following the road. Coming into view, High Root Village lay ahead. A humble collection of weathered wooden houses, almost every one decorated with a protective talisman moving slightly in the breeze.

The vibrant green fields held numerous rice paddies and beautiful orchards. Birds flew overhead, and the sun gleamed in his eye. Like a simple paradise, the village gave an allure that inspired a song. A smirk came across Kazuki’s face. He released his biwa from its strap and begins strumming a tune as he continues approaching.

Finally, High Root Village! What a gentle, quaint little village! I should have plenty of time to set up!

He approaches the stone paths that make up the village, darkened by the countless visitors in its lengthy history. The village is quiet and seemingly empty. There’s a small stream flowing through the heart of the village, the sound of the flowing water like a soundtrack.

Where is everyone? On a beautiful day like this, there should be people outside.

Kazuki makes his way to the central square, noticing doors slightly opened. People seemed to be observing him but reluctant to interact.

Looks like I’ll have to make the first move, then.

“Hello!” He called out. “My name is Kazuki, I’m a traveling bard! I’ve come to participate in the Festival of the Wild Wind with you all tomorrow!”

The villagers remained silent and watching. Doors creaked and whispers could be faintly heard. Kazuki looked around curiously, contemplating the situation.

Something’s wrong. Am I.. in danger–

“Are you an idiot, boy?!” A matured man, short in stature but authoritative, approaches quickly. “If that Oni comes back now and finds you here, he’ll eat you in front of us all!” He grabs Kazuki’s arm and pulls him inside one of the houses.

“Oni?!” Kazuki asks, puzzled as he’s led inside. “What do you mean Oni?”

“We’re under threat of a malicious Oni right now,” The man said solemnly.

“I’m sure the festival is the last thing on anyone’s mind. Some time ago, we were visited by this Yokai.” The man begins fixing some tea, he grabs a few cups and starts pouring them slowly.

“The Oni approached with demands of food. Our village is known for its harvests and crops, bountiful and plenty. It intends to steal away our food for its own lazy consumption, these Oni can be greedy beasts.” Finished pouring, he hands Kazuki a cup of warm tea, steam rising.

“We could normally produce enough for us and the Oni, but luck hasn’t been in our favor. This was the second harvest to bear less than enough for even ourselves. Each time we cannot meet the Oni’s request, it demands our people instead.“

Kazuki’s face grew horrified. “People..?”

The man continued, tears welling up in his eyes. “My name is Kashira Daichi, I am the village leader here… and I have had to send 3 of my people to that monster!”

Kashira burst into tears, completely losing his composure. Kazuki took in the gravity of the situation. Suddenly, there were rushed footsteps. The door suddenly slid open.

“Kashira! It’s coming!” A beautiful young woman with golden hair announced, panicked.

Kashira pulled himself together as best he could. Kazuki, unfamiliar with the intense presence of an Oni, feared the worst.

“So today is the day.. Come, Yuni! Stay here with our visitor and I’ll take care of this.”

Yuni, with a reluctant concern, hesitated to let Kashira leave the house. Kazuki looked down in thought. As Kashira closed the door, he headed for the village center.

“Who are you?” Yuni asked.

“My name is Kazuki, I’m a traveling bard who came for the festival.” Kazuki replies, without adjusting his gaze.

“I see. We tried sending messengers to alert nearby villages. I’m assuming the Oni wouldn’t allow that.” Yuni looked down thoughtfully.

“Yuni?”

Yuni looks up slowly.

“Kashira cares deeply for this village. I’ve known him for just a few minutes and that’s the one thing I know about him.” Kazuki reaches down with a fist held out. “We will figure a way out of this. That’s for certain.”

Yuni’s expression seems to ease a bit and she reaches out her own fist, bumping his.

“You’re right!” She says, hopefully. “Father has been there for us through several troubled times and this one will be no different.”

Kashira stands alone and awaits the encroaching Yokai.

In all my years guiding this village, never have I been forced to watch as my people are taken. I cannot allow this to continue and still call myself the village leader.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Kashira Daichi.” A booming voice with a grating tone echoed from behind him.

“I’m here for my meal. What’s on the menu?”

Kashira stands tall and firm.

“I’m sorry to say, demon, that we have nothing for you. Our harvest has dwindled, we cannot produce enough for ourselves, let alone an Oni. We sow and we work the fields, yet our crops get devastated by disease and die out…”

The Oni looks down at him with a fiercely wicked, toothy grin. “So you’re giving me a sacrifi–

Kashira continues. “And I refuse to give you any of my people. I am Kashira Daichi, leader of High Root, and I will no longer submit to your malicious evil.”

The Oni begins laughing cruelly.

“Perhaps it’s time you earned your own keep, demon.” Kashira concluded.

The Oni’s laughter grows into a maniacal laughter. He walks to Kashira, getting closer and closer with its intimidating, grotesque stature.

“I think you’re right, I’ll just take it!”

The Oni snatches Kashira by the leg, throwing him over its shoulder and starts to head out into the fields.

Yuni’s eyes widen. “Kashira! No!” She rushes to open the door, but Kazuki grabs her.

“Yuni! Think about this! What can you or any of us do against an Oni?! Please, don’t be rash!”

Yuni cries quietly in Kazumi’s arms. The Oni becomes distant and Yuni and Kazuki emerge from the home. She looks out in the direction they went.

“We have to save him! You said it yourself, he’s the one who will figure a way out of this! We can’t do it without Kashira!” Yuni, frantic and almost angry, pleads to Kazumi.

Villagers begin emerging from their houses, scared and suspicious.

“Yuni!” An elderly woman yelled out. “Calm yourself! Your emotional theatrics hinder your judgement!”

Yuni begins to calm as the woman approaches. “I understand, Lady Fumiko.”

Fumiko continues. “As humans, we don’t have the power to combat most Yokai, especially not Oni. The most we could do is try and seal it and even if we tried that, failing would mean certain demise.” Lady Fumiko stops just short of Kazuki and begins inspecting him. “I also wouldn’t ask such an important request of an outsider. This man knows nothing of our culture or history. Why would he take it upon himself to risk his life for our village?”

“Aira no Seijūrō,” Kazuki started. “The Biwa Master of the Roots was born right here in this village. People say he learned to strum a biwa before even speaking his first words. Legend has it, his music once even turned a malevolent and violent spirit benevolent and kind. It was this legend that inspired me to become a bard and try to affect change with my own music.”

Kazuki’s posture straightened and grew more confident. “As a musician I have long held this place in reverence. Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of performing here at the Festival of the Wild Winds. If there is something I can do, even as an ‘outsider’, I want to help.”

Lady Fumiko stares back at his determined expression for a moment, sharing a deep gaze before turning to Yuni. “Get him ready for the fields. We’re going to need to gather whatever food remains as currency to barter for Kashira.”

“Yes, Lady Fumiko!” Yuni takes Kazuki’s hand. “There isn’t much time, let’s hurry!”

Lady Fumiko looks up with a gentle, thoughtful smirk.

Kashira, you honorable fool. Don’t you go inspiring these young ones to risk their lives. I thought I raised you better than that.