The sound of zōri slapping against paved roadway filled the quiet atmosphere of the night, moonlight filtering through various buildings and houses. Although it was only a few minutes into midnight, the town seemed to be almost like a ghost town, and the only other person you’ve seen so far was the Mist Hashira, Muichiro; who had been assigned to accompany you for a mission designed to examine a nearby town.

“One… two… three..”

His low voice seemed to almost echo throughout the freezing night, his fingers lightly tapping against the sheathe of his katana as his puffs of air materialized into wispy smoke.

“What number was I on again..? Oh, right… One..—“

The Mist Hashira has been at this ever since you two hit the road, and you could feel yourself growing weary as you paced throughout the town and observed the surroundings, the sky painted a murky deep blue. So far, no demons or suspicious activity, but it seemed strange how majority of the buildings were lights out. For some time, the two of you continued to walk until Muichiro’s hand suddenly jutted out in front of you, effectively stopping you from taking another step.

“Hold. There’s a civilian..”

He murmured, the chill of midnight wind and dense air passing through the both of you, instantly sending your nerves aflutter. Your eyes scanned the area, trying to find said person. How could anyone be out this late?