11/06/2014, 09:04 PM #3899 Myouren Temple - Gensokyo
"What tea would you like, Elder?"
"Oolong. Make sure it's cooled off, hurts to scald my old throat."
The conference room in the Myouren Temple, which was also the living room for the resident Youkais, was not lit. The curtains were set, covering the windows, and the only thing that was lighting up the room was a small scented candle. This unnecessary darkness was for Byakuren to chant and meditate in, for the sun was beginning to rise and the bright sunlight was not an optimal condition to be chanting a sutra in.
"I do apologize for the darkness. I find the early morning sun to be very disturbing when meditating." Byakuren apologized as Kyouko brought in the tea, oolong for the elder and green for Byakuren. "So... tell me about this Youkai."
Elder Hon reached into his inner pocket, pulled out what looked like an old envelope, and handed it to Byakuren. Byakuren opened the envelope to find that it was filled with several films, and brought the photos up closer to the candle to look at them. The photos were mostly black with a few smudges of light here and there, but there were sufficient number of them that displayed a clear view of the surroundings: a dark farm road at night, with a skinny, white figure sitting on the ground, the back turned against whoever took the shot. The figure was humanoid in shape, although the skin was way too pale to be that of a human. The figure was naked and, given by the body shape, was either a female or a young boy. The figure, most likely who attacked the owner of the camera, had long black hair, almost indistinguishable from the darkness of the night.
"Those photos belonged to a traveler who was attacked by the Youkai yesterday." The elder explained as Byakuren flipped from photo to photo, taking careful analysis of each photos. "The wounds on the traveler were thin and sharp, so I have reasons to believe that the Youkai uses claws or swords. It disguises itself as a helpless female, luring both men and women in, and attack them."
"How many victims are there?" Byakuren looked up.
"4." The elder answered. "First two were found before the Youkai could finish them off. The third victim was with a crowd, so the Youkai could not finish him off. The fourth victim took a photo with his camera, and the light from the camera apparently scared away the Youkai before being able to kill the victim. They're all being treated by the most skilled doctors of Human Village."
"So a Youkai that lures humans in at night and attacks them to kill... sounds like a normal Youkai." Byakuren commented as she pulled her sorcerers' sutra scroll up. The light emanating from the scroll illuminated Byakuren, revealing a gentle smile. "I'll dispatch someone to investigate the farm roads tonight."
"Maaaaan, I really wish Reimu was around here."
A familiar, two-horned Oni named Suika Ibuki has been wandering around the Human Village early morning to look for things to do. Onis are an early riser, and without another early bird like Reimu to keep her entertained, Suika naturally began loitering around until she got to the Myouren Temple.
"Oh it's the Bakuren-whatsis-face's hideout." Suika mumbled, her voice slurred from hangover and sleepiness. She began trodding up the stairs to the temple grounds, swaying to and fro. "Temples like these bound to have booze, right? Maybe I'll start off with a bit o' sake to get rid of this damnable hangover..."