A burning mountain village had not been Ferapha’s reason for coming to the area, but now it took precedence. They darted through the burning buildings, willing their body to take on a stronger physical presence, and shoved flaming rubble and crumbling beams out of the way to help the citizens get free of danger. They didn’t know how long they were working at it, but their white coat had begun to cake with soot and ash, and there were singe marks all over their mane and tail fur.
Alas, Ferapha was a single kiji, and even their best efforts weren’t making much of an impact. Still, they were saving lives of innocents, and every one was valuable.
Gasps and shouts suddenly renewed, and some of the villagers started yelling, “The demon! It’s the demon come to finish us off!”
It caught Ferapha’s attention, and she looked skyward where the villagers were pointing. Could this be the rogue they’d really come here for?
A large, dark shape glided overhead, smoke and embers trailing from its tail. It circled, and Ferapha could make out something in its paws. Some strange contraption? It looked a little like a bucket, but they couldn’t be sure.
Their suspicions were confirmed when the massive, furry brown shape paused to hover over one of the smaller buildings, and upended the bucket, dumping a veritable waterfall. The strange kiji flapped to maintain air, and started drifting backwards, the bucket still flowing as if it were endless.
Shaking their head, Ferapha shouted at the villagers, “Stop gawking and keep moving! They’re here to help!”
The words caught some confused, wide-eyed stares, but one of the women spoke up to urge everyone on towards the exit. “You heard the spirit! Everyone, move! We can worry about the demon later!”
It was enough to persuade them to continue their evacuation, and Ferapha huffed. They paused to watch the ‘demon’ continue to use the odd, seemingly magical bucket to douse the worst of the raging fires, but then turned and continued on to help with the rescue efforts.
After what felt like hours, and the sun was entirely above the horizon, only smoldering embers remained of the fires. While much had been reduced to cinders, there was still enough left of the village for the residents to be able to return and rebuild. With a heavy sigh, Ferapha plopped down near a mostly-undamaged well, and dipped their head into it. They pulled back and shook themselves dry again, and licked their muzzle. They’d really love to get the rest of the soot off, but this would do, for now.
The sound of something heavy landing behind them caught their attention, and they turned to face the presence.
The brown kijikaiaku who’d helped with the fires stood before Ferapha, a massive furred beast of a creature with a sparking tail that looked like it might start more trouble at any moment. The ‘demon’ lowered its head slightly, and sniffed in Ferapha’s direction. “You are new here,” its deep, growling voice stated. “What brought you?”
“You, if you’re the so-called Demon in the Red Mountain. I’d heard of a rogue kiji in the area causing trouble, but I didn’t expect to find a burning village.” There was a faint hint of accusation in Ferapha’s tone.
The demon’s ears flicked forward, then back, and its brilliant red-orange eyes narrowed. “I am not to blame for this. There was a man on a horse, who was also new here, and after he passed, there was screaming and the village caught fire. I do not know if he caused it, but this is usually a peaceful village.”
Ferapha’s tail flicked. The demon’s words seemed to ring true to their ears, especially since they’d heard from Gaia of impending danger of a significant magnitude.
When they were silent a little too long, the demon said, “If you are here for me, then I might disappoint you. I pay my tax to the mother, and I mind myself. What did you want by coming here?”
“Just information,” Ferapha said, frowning slightly at the demon’s crass tone. “I think I have what I came for. And thank you, for helping rescue the villagers-”
“Scum,” the demon hissed. “But they are worth nothing dead. I did what I had to.”
“...As you say,” Ferapha said slowly. “What was that bucket you were using?”
“The village mage’s. It is enchanted to channel water from the nearby river.” The demon adjusted its wings, like it was getting antsy to return to the skies. “Is there aught else?”
“I don’t think so, although you may be called upon when all these messes piling up culminate in a fight against whatever, or whoever, is causing them. This hasn’t been the only inexplicable spot of troubles,” Ferapha explained.
The demon’s claws tapped at the ground. “I look forward to a good fight. Trespassing enemies need to be taught a lesson.” Its wings spread. “I am Demon. If I should see you again, what do I call you?”
“Ferapha.”
“Fare well, then, Ferapha. If you come again, mark your path in the largest rocks. I will find you.” He flapped once, then jumped into the air, and flapped again, harder, sending up dust and gravel without a care. He ascended, and soon he was out of earshot.
Ferapha frowned at him as his form receded. “What a rude child.”