I do not own Nurarihyon. It's just a really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really interesting story that warrants a really interesting fanfic. Please enjoy!

"So," Rikuo said, moving his chess piece, "do you have feelings for Kana?" He placed his rook in front of Nurarihyon's grandon's king. "Check."

Nurarihyon's granson, also know as Night Rikuo, placed his chin in his hand, thinking either about chess or the question. Finally, he moved his bishop, blocking Rikuo's path to his king. "I guess she's all right, but I'm not one for crushes. I find them to be overrated. However, she's a good friend, wouldn't you agree?"

Now it was Rikuo's turn for silence, whether it be for his next move or the question. Finally, he took his pawn and ate Night Rikuo's bishop. "Yes, I agree fully. If you want to think about it, she's the reason that I became aware of you. And, you do realize, it's the pawns that you have to look out for."

Night Rikuo nodded thoughtfully, not thinking that much. He moved his king to the right. "Yep. It's the pawns. Speaking of friends, I see that you and Yuki Onna are getting along."

Rikuo blushed. "Yeah, but while you're trying to distract me, I've checkmated you." Rikuo slammed his knight down, two steps above and one to the left of Night Rikuo's king. With a big grin, Rikuo smiled. "And people call you the strategist."

Night Rikuo tutted. "You give yourself less credited than is due."

"Wake up, son!"

"Did you say something?" Rikuo asked.

Night Rikuo shrugged. "See you again tomorrow night for a rematch. I don't take defeat easily."

8)

"Wake up, son!" Wakana Nura gently squeezed her son's shoulder, a smile on her face. "Come on, you're the one who wants to go to school. As is, you're probably going to be late."

Rikuo jumped out of bed, automatically reaching for his glasses. He yawned as he put them on, then processed his mother's words. "Late?" he shouted, jumping out of bed. "Oh no!"

Breaking records, Rikuo got dressed, ate breakfast, brushed his teeth, and was out the door in thirty seconds. Running after the train, he pleaded in his mind for it to wait.

You know, you go through this same schedule every day, Night Rikuo taunted in the back of Rikuo's mind.

Oh, be quiet. It's your fault for dragging out that chess game with your small talk, Rikuo snapped back.

I think you quite enjoyed it. Oh, look, here comes Kana. Be careful. You wouldn't want to upset your betrothed. Rikuo could have sworn he heard chuckling in the background.

You enjoy this way too much. Rikuo rolled his eyes.

"Hi Rikuo!" Kana waved. She enjoyed his company so much, and usually tried to wait for him, even though he mostly showed up late. If the train left, she'd just run with him and blame her sleepiness for keeping her late. He was kind and sweet, not like most boys in her class.

"Hi, Kana!" Rikuo replied, slowing down as he caught up with her. Suddenly, the train whistle blew. Panting, Rikuo grabbed Kana's hand and raced up the steps to the subway. "Come on. There's no way we can be late again!"

Kana held back giggles. They'd been late so much this semester, she doubted that another time would hurt that much.

"Mast-I mean Rikuo!" Kana looked back, then turned her head forward again. It was Tsurara.

Rikuo looked back and took a deep breath. There was Yuki Onna. Even if he wasn't on time, she always was. She was an excellent body guard and all, but Rikuo sometimes wished that his life would be simple enough to allow him to go to school alone. Not that he minded Yuki Onna's company. Behind her was Ao, his other trusty bodyguard. Rikuo stopped, letting them catch up. As soon as they did, he continued his race against the trees. With just milliseconds to spare, he caught the train door and held it open to his friends.

At school, Rikuo breathed a sigh of relief. School. One of the most normal parts of his life.

You have an alter ego. Nothing about you is normal. Night Rikuo knew just the right thing to say to make Rikuo irked.

Yeah, well, at least I'm the dominant personality. Top that.

When you're shouting for help, I will.

I've been training. I won't need your help that much.

Sure. I give it twenty-four hours.

Is that a deal?

Sure, Rikuo. Sure, it's a deal.

Rikuo smiled. Twenty-four hours. He could stay out of trouble for that long with no problems. He looked at his watch. Eight forty-five. Rikuo's smile widened. It was a Friday. All he had to do was get through school, go directly home, maybe nap a little, and sleep in. He could totally do that without getting attacked.

You're on! Rikuo said in his mind. He was careful to keep these conversations in his head. Once, he had made a comment out loud. Boy, did he get some weird stares after that.

Tsurara, as she was known in school, came up to Rikuo. "Are you okay, Rikuo?" He blushed, nodding his head. "Well, then, get to class. You have thirty seconds!" She patted him on the shoulder to encourage him to go.

"Ayyyyyy! Coooold!" Rikuo yelled, jumping out of his socks.

Tsurara stared dumbstruck at her hands, then bowed profusely. "Gomenasai! Sorry! Sorry!"

Rikuo rubbed his shoulder, chuckling. "No prob! It was actually kind of nice."

Tsurara smiled. "Thanks, Mast-Rikuo."

Rikuo smiled as he turned. Even though she had spent months in school with him, she still seemed to like calling him master. Night Rikuo had joked about that for days. I mean, how could Rikuo have a relationship with someone who constantly called him master?

Ah, well. Thought Rikuo, appreciating the silence in his mind for the first time that day. Twenty-four hours. Boy, will Night Rikuo have to pay up. Rikuo wasn't too sure how, but Night Rikuo was full of surprises, and when he lost, he lost fairly.

Beware of the pawns, Night Rikuo chuckled, breaking the silence.

Oh…boy… If Rikuo could have groaned in his thoughts. He would have.

All righty. That's chapter one. If you want me to continue, press one. If you want the message repeated, press two…Oh, wait. This isn't a phone. Anyway, please review and comment. If I don't get any, I might not feel motivated to write the next chapter. Sorry, that's just how I roll. So, please review! InuApril's out for now!