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Ono's Sojourn
Ono shook the dust from his weather-beaten slacks as he got to his feet. The firm grimace upon his face was unwavering as he loomed over the bloodied carcass of a young woman; her dainty-looking pink and white gown stained and tattered and her coin pouch open and surrounded by stray piece lying just inches from her left hand. She lay face down with her features buried in the arid dirt. Her skirt had been hiked up just below her thighs and her legs were cut in several places, with deep, darkened bruises up and down along each side. Drying blood showed clear in the mid-day sunlight, and many flies and parasites had already begun to gather above and around in her in an advancing circle. Her hair was still a bright and golden wheat-color, but it was matted with dirt and badly frayed and tangled.
Ono's long-billed cap kept his deep, sunken eyes in heavy shadow. He stared at the body, silent and still, breathing slow. He thought that the girl was probably very pretty once, but now she looked sad and terrible - a used and defiled parcel, cast aside and then disposed of forever. He wondered what type of person was responsible; if they had followed her here and done grotesque things to her, robbed her and left her for dead. Maybe they had been accompanying one-another; maybe that had been friends. He found himself staring far into the distance, lost in these strange thoughts. The wind whipped at him from the east. The stench of the girl's rotting flesh was being chased away with each gust, replaced by the scent of a strong storm that was moving quickly. Ono watched the clouds billowing just over the incline ahead, and absentmindedly ran his index finger over the hilt of his sidearm. With one final glance at the young, unfortunate victim at his feet, Ono turned and began to walk into the storm's oncoming pressure. His boot came down hard upon something hard and round. Ono stopped with a start, and looked down at a small, delicate silver pocket-watch attached to a matching chain that had been splintered at the far end. His boot had cracked the smooth glass surface of the clock face.
He bent down slowly and scooped the watch into his hand. He examined it a moment, and then brought it to his breast pocket, placing it inside before rising up and continuing up the incline. Thunder could be heard rumbling in the distance. Ono could feel the air growing wetter around him as he climbed. At last, he came abreast of the incline and was able to watch as a flat sheet of rain approached him. The storm was upon him in moments, yet he continued his progress unhindered, holding his cap down against the clawing wind that was fighting against him. His fading starchcot shirt was drenched completely through in minutes as the downpour completely enveloped him. Ono couldn't be sure where he would find shelter next, but he intended to keep moving forward regardless. He had been through far worse weather on much colder days than this. In time, he would find someone else to speak to, and they would point him in another direction. Then he'd walk until he could walk no longer, and then he'd continue moving from there. He wasn't sure where he was going, but it didn't really feel right to be still. He couldn't be still for long.
