Sate
A slim, ghost-like figure paced down the shifting streets, bobbing their head to the steady beat produced by the unnecessarily decorated black boots they wore. A faint orange gleam colored the world around them as lights began to flicker alive from the cold office buildings towering over.
Sate stood like a wolf among a flock of sheep, the eyes of the people around him brimming with fear as though he would lean down and bite off their heads.
Although he showed no signs of aggression, even making a point of smiling, they gave him looks of fear. He didn't like that reaction too much, but it can't be helped. He did have unusually sharp teeth. Ordinary people couldn't be helped to accept him anyways, he's long come to terms with that fact. As long as they didn't disturbed him, that's all he can ask for. He simply ignored them and the cautious perimeter they created as he continued his merry way.
It was probably better off this way.
A pair of sharp canines showed from the slim gap in his upturned lips as he glanced about happily, taking in the beautiful scene being painted by sunlight all around him. Truly, the period when the night and day exchange places was the most serene times of each day. He wasn't exactly a morning person, nor particularly fond of the sun itself, but getting up to see the sunrise is always refreshing. He felt that vigor well up in his chest as the pair of black eyes jumped with joy, the white dotted pupils catching all they could. Turning a corner, his gaze widened further in awe, the shimmering landscape of the Setsuna Mountains reflecting the falling sunlight opening up before him. This must have been the hundredth time he's encountered the sight, but he hasn't grown tired of it yet.
Sate wanted to stand there and gaze longer, but was pushed on by the relentless foot-traffic. He sighed internally as he picked up his feet, thinking it a shame how the people around him were missing the precious image laying right ahead of them.
They have such short lives, yet they take it for granted...
Sate and his thoughts came to a stop as the sea of people around him came to an abrupt halt before a red traffic light. He thought this a perfect opportunity to glance over at the mountain range again, but suddenly, a strange caw alerted the pale man.
Sate glanced up to see the faint outlines of a few winged youkai perched atop the lights.
His hands were tensed on instinct, but he quickly released them and breathed a sigh of relief. These were just a harmless breed.
The sun was setting and naturally, the outcasts of this world were beginning to stir awake. The boundary between this plane and the other were beginning to intersect.
Normally one wasn't able to see yokai unless they have crossed to the Crimson Sky, but Sate possessed a strange affinity to the realm. It only happened in places where the two planes almost touched. Watching as the slew of black bird-like creatures cocking their heads about while staring down at the crowd, Sate was a little disappointed by the rather typical bird-brained reaction considering the nature of these supernatural entities. However, on the other hand, he was glad it was just this an not something more... dangerous. He was still pretty tired from his last job and the last thing he needed was to work off the clock.
It's been a few few days since he left, but he's finally made it back. The mission that little witch sent him on took much more effort than he expected. If the job didn't pay so well, Sate would think she was trying to get him killed. He didn't mind too much though. At least he was able to visit that old noodle stand over in the 16th district along the way. They serve the best udon with tempura there. Getting to munch on the meat of a rare youkai was only a bonus.
His eyes glanced down to the tooth necklace hanging down his chest, the white pupils landing on the fresh addition, a wicked crooked tooth that had ridges like a serrated blade. Thinking of how he plucked it from the dying body, his lips rose in glee. He thought of taking a picture of such a moment, or record it, but it simply just wasn't the same.
Ah, beef and noodles, what more can a man want? his grin then changed to a concerned frown, But thinking back, it's still missing a little something... hm, hot sauce? No wait, that would be awful...
With the green light now illuminating his path, he continued forth while pondering the possibilities of the perfect meal to himself.
...
Eventually, he stopped before an antique looking shop settled near the heart of the city. He glanced at the familiar old sign before reaching out to the door handle.
He smiled.
A fancy cafe and hotspot for dangerous freaks who kill even more dangerous freaks. What an odd combination. Maybe that's why their coffee tastes so good.
Sate took account the small gathering tonight as he quietly slipped across the store towards the bar counter. Even though it didn't appear like he paid them any heed, he was secretly 'counting faces'. This has been the routine ever since he was recruited by Aria. From what he could glance, there were a few new faces mixed in with the old, and some who were missing. He didn't really talk to the regulars here personally, but seeing familiar faces pleased Sate. He loved to watch people grow up and change. Thinking of the faces he'd never see again, Sate wanted to frown, but kept his face happy. Chasers come and go, that is the cold reality of this profession. It was always best to assume the worst every night.
Luckily, the small red-headed succubus barista was heading the front. His smile strengthened upon seeing her.
"Good day, Ellie. It's always nice to see your face after a long day." he muttered, resting his head on a hand, "If it's not too much to ask, a cup of coffee please. Black. Very black."
