Curious...

There's a trembling little girl right behind Makiko, shuddering with great concern over something. And for reasons even she herself haven't even figured out, Karu somehow enjoys the sight of quivering knees and standing hairs.

[color=fff79a]"Rumors, myah,"[/color] Karu replied, eyes still fixed on the terrified futakuchi-onna. [color=fff79a]"I like to check on this little onryo, myah."
[/color]

[hr]

From somewhere else in the District, a little close around the markets, the muffled pounding noise of a hammer ceased sounding through the yard of a small house. The rabbit within began molding the fruits of its labor, shaping a strange white paste into round balls with her clean, delicate hands.  

There's no special occasion to behold; it's just a lunarian's natural liking to oddly-shaped masses of glutinous rice.

But before she could nibble them, however, a disembodied voice resonated from within her head.

[i][color=888888]Ayame-san?[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]Make it quick. I got a bunch to chow down.[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]You said things about "a band of youths wanting to do patrol duties", right?[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]That's the MYO, if I'm not mistaken.[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]A few thousand yen has been added to your account for that information.[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]Geez. Big money for cheap work.[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]She additionally recommends you check on their activities. That's all.[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]Noted. Well, anything of other interest?[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]You mentioned that this "District" is teeming with youkai, right?[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]What of it?[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]Seen any "mind-readers" lately?[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]Negative. Additionally, our ESP lines appear uncompromised as of this moment.[/color][/i]

[i][color=888888]That's well, but stay on guard. I'm closing the line.[/color][/i]

[i][color=bc8dbf]Farewell.[/color][/i]

...

Ayame stepped out of her home, nibbling on a ball of marumochi in hand.