Marisay-chan here again! Thank you Saperia for reviewing at the previous chapter, your review made me very happy. So this is for you!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters! Only the story!
Please note: For those of you who still have not figure it out, yes there is incest going around here, so read at your own risk! Also, please pardon my grammar, I am not perfect T_T.
In italics are thoughts
In bold are flashbacks
In bold and italics are thought in the flashbacks
~Story Start~
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Bee-
CLICK
Rikuo slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to clear his sleepiness away. Sitting up slowly, Rikuo rubbed his eyes.
Urgh... I'm getting a sense that this scene has happened before…could it be…
Rikuo turned slowly to the other side of the bed. To confirm his suspicion, a bulge could be seen from under the cover, with white-black hair poking out at the top.
Haaa…at least he is asleep this time…
Rikuo grabbed the top of the cover and pulled it off, revealing Rikun, who was still sleeping, in his black kimono. Staring at him for a while, Rikuo lifted a hand and placed it on Rikun's left cheek, caressing it softly as he thought about what happened last night.
"We're home!" Rikun called out, taking his traditional Japanese sandals off. Rikuo mirrored his action with his shoes, with a bit of difficulty, as Rikun refused to let go of the hand he had taken.
At Rikun's voice, all the yokais at the house suddenly came rushing to the main entrance where the two of them were.
"Young Master!"
"Are you alright?"
"I am so glad to see you, Young Master!"
"Eh? Eh?" Rikuo was confused by the commotion caused by all of the yokais.
"Everyone, calm down. You're confusing him," Rikun told them, seeming to understand the situation.
"Wh-what's going on?"
"Rikuo-sama."
Rikuo turned to see Kubinashi standing there, smiling at him.
"Kubinashi? Wh-"
"…You told me that the Nura clan did not need you earlier, right?"
"Ah…" Rikuo looked down, trying to get away now, but Rikun would not allow it. The struggle only caused Rikun to tighten his grasp. Rikuo looked at Rikun, only to be trapped by his crimson eyes that was filled with…
Was..that…love?
Rikuo widened his eyes at that, he could feel his heart fluttering against his chest softly at the look Rikun was giving him. The moment was broken by Kubinashi's voice,
"You are wrong."
"Eh?" Rikuo looked back at Kubinashi, surprised to hear that.
"Young Master will always be Young Master. When you are around, our lives are brightened up by that smile of yours," Aotabo said, stepping out from the corner.
"Young Master is an existence that cannot be missed. All of fun times we had, are precious memories that we created with Young Master," Yuki-Onna followed up, standing next to Aotabo.
"Whenever we had some concerns, the one who stand by and lend a listening ear, was you, Young Master," A beautiful yokai wearing a white kimono dress with flower patterns at the bottom and with long, wavy brown hair that covers half of her face, told Rikuo with a gentle smile.
"Kejoro is right, Young Master. If it was not for you, we will probably be lost. You are the pillar of support to us…and a great relief from all of the demanding heirs," A yokai with a straw hat and white scarf around his neck said, joking at the last part.
"Oi, Kurotabo! What is that suppose to mean?" Rikun scowled, placing his free hand on his hip.
Rikuo smiled nervously at that, before his attention was taken by a tug on his shirt. Looking down, he saw a boy with white plate over his head.
"Kappa?"
Kappa was quiet for a while, simply looking at Rikuo with those slit-like eyes of his, making Rikuo a bit uncomfortable at the gaze.
"…Young Master is important to all of us." Kappa started, halting all conversation going around the others. "If Young Master disappear one day, we will all be very sad. Everyone needs you here, Young Master."
Rikuo's eyes were once again filled with tears at that declaration. Lifting his head up, he looked at every yokai in the room. All of them nodded in agreement as Rikuo's gaze swept past. Facing Rikun last, Rikun smiled at him and gave Rikuo's hand a squeeze,
"You are needed here, Rikuo."
Rikuo broke down into tears, using his other hand to hide his face.
"Everyone…Thank you."
Rikun smiled at Rikuo, knowing that Rikuo had finally accepted the fact that he was wanted here.
The scene was observed by the other members of the Nura family, who was standing at the back of the room. Both Wakana and Yamabuki were in tears of joy, while Nurarihiyon and Rihan were smiling.
"…Hopefully, Rikuo will no longer have any doubts being in this family," Rihan looked towards Nurarihyon, holding a pipe in his hand.
Nurarihyon nodded, gaining the attention of Rikun. Seeing his grandson's gaze on him, he smirked.
Rikun stared at him for a while, tilting his head slightly to the side, before smirking back at him, as if he had planned something.
Everyone watched as Rikun pulled his hand, the one holding Rikuo's, towards him. Turning his body towards Rikuo, he held Rikuo's chin with his other hand. Locking eyes with his family at the back, he kissed Rikuo in front of everyone.
Brown eyes went wide at the action, while the other yokais dropped their jaws in shock.
Rikun then slowly ended the kiss, letting go of Rikuo's hand, winking at him. He then smirked at his family and left the room, leaving shocked and stunned yokais at his wake.
"…Your son is a show off, Rihan." Nurarihyon shook his head.
Rihan chuckled, while both of his wife squealed at how cute both their sons are, "At least he shows that he is really serious about Rikuo."
The rest of the yokais watched as the Nura family left with wide eyes, while Rikuo stood at the same place, hand touching his lips, blushing like crazy.
"EEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The rest of the yokais screamed, aside from Kubinashi, who shook his head at the Third Heir's action, and Kappa, who only widened his eyes.
Just thinking about it caused Rikuo to blush again, he simply could not believe that his brother would do that in front of everyone. After the show that Rikun put on, all of the yokais started asking him some very embarrassing questions.
Urgh…This is entirely your fault! I hope you know that!
Rikuo glared at the sleeping form of Rikun, before his eyes softened. Leaning his head towards Rikun, he whispered,
"Thank you."
And landed a kiss on his forehead. Just as he was about to pull away, Rikuo suddenly found himself on his back, with a smirking Rikun above him, hands on the side of Rikuo's head.
"You know, Rikuo, if you continue to seduce me like that, I won't be able to hold myself back."
Rikuo stared at Rikun, still a bit dazed from the sudden movement, before the words penetrated his brain.
"S-Seduce? I-I was not doing such things!" Rikuo tried to push Rikun away by placing his hands on Rikun's chest.
"Oh?" Rikun grabbed both of his hands, and pinned them at the top of Rikuo's head with one hand. "Then, what was the kiss for?"
"I-It's…" Rikuo trailed off, unsure of what to say.
"Shall I give you a kiss as well?" Rikun grinned.
"G-G-" Rikuo's eyes widen as Rikun closed the distance between them. He could feel Rikun's breath on his lips.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! GET AWAY FROM ME!" A loud thump followed by a groan was heard shortly after the screech.
Hope is born from within
"Oh! Good morning, Rikuo-kun!" Wakana smiling as usual, when she saw Rikuo entering the dining room.
"Good morning…" Rikuo grumbled out, taking his usual seat.
"So! How's the newlywed doing? I hope you haven't done anything naughty!" Rihan wagged his eyebrows at Rikuo.
"O-Otou-san!" Rikuo blushed at the implication.
Yamabuki giggled at the cute sight, before asking Rikuo, "Where's your brother?"
Rikuo jerked at the question, looking at everything but Yamabuki, "A-Ah, he's-uh-" is all Rikuo managed to say before the door slid open again, showing Rikun in his usual black kimono with a blue cloak on his shoulders. However, this time, he was spotting a big bump on his forehead.
Silence filled the room as the rest of the Nura family watched Rikun slid the door close, taking his seat beside Rikuo, before beginning to eat.
"My! What happened to you, Rikun-kun?" Wakana asked him, fetching a pack of ice for his forehead.
Rikun thanked Wakana for the ice pack and placed it on his forehead. He then glanced to the side, looking at Rikuo, who turned his head to the opposite side, sweatdrops running down his head.
The staring continued for a while, before Rikuo, unable to stand the silence, stood up. "U-um, thanks for the meal! I'm off!"
Everyone watched Rikuo ran away from the room before fixing their eyes on Rikun, who was still staring at the direction that Rikuo left. Sensing eyes on him, Rikun turned his head to look at them. Narrowing his eyes at them, especially at Nurarihyon and Rihan, he spoke,
"Not a word."
Hope is born from within
Geez…It's not my fault that he bumped into the doors while I was trying to push him off…well maybe I am half at fault…But, he was the one making advances at me first!
Rikuo shook his head to clear his thoughts, trying not to think too much into it.
But…
Rikuo raised his hand slowly.
"I don't care if you are a human or yokai!"
He was the first…
"You are needed in this family."
...to acknowledge me…
"And I…I need you by my side."
…to say that he needs me…
Rikuo touched his lips, the memory of Rikun kissing him appearing in his mind.
Ack!
Rikuo started shaking his head violently, his face flushing red.
Wh-What am I thinking!...I-I-I will apologize to him later, when I get home…
Rikuo nodded, the redness on his cheeks still there. He was about to continue walking to school, when he noticed that there are ice forming around his surroundings and that the air was quite cold around him.
Ah…I almost forgotten…
Hope is born from within
"Yu-Yuki-Onna! Would you please q-quit that?" Aotabo pleaded, his whole body shivering from the cold.
Yuki-Onna turned towards him, hands straighten downwards, and said with an angry expression,
"I-I can't help it! I am trying to control it…but…" An image of Rikun and Rikuo kissing suddenly came into her mind. Yuki-Onna's face became totally red at the metal image, smoke could be seen coming out from her ears.
"Kyaaaaaaaaa!" Mist started coming out from her mouth as she screamed, causing the ground in front of her to be covered with a layer of ice. Aotabo, unfortunately, became the victim, and started to slip on the now frozen ground.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! WHOA!" Aotabo flapped his arms around, trying to regain his balance, but failed as he landed head first onto the ground, his eyes swirling from the impact.
"AH! Sorry Aotabo! Are you alright?" Yuki-Onna panicked and started to shake Aotabo, trying to wake him up. However, it only worsened the situation, as it is not a good idea to shake a person who had their head hit.
"…What are the two of you doing?"
"Eh?" Yuki-Onna stopped shaking Aotabo, making his head fall backwards, and turned towards the voice.
"Ah…Young Master…" Yuki-Onna sweatdropped.
Hope is born from within
Yuki-Onna and Aotabo, who had a bump on his head, bowed their head at Rikuo, who was standing in front of them.
"Haa…I should have known it was Otou-san who sent you both. I thought it was kind of weird that the both of you 'happened' to come to the abandon building yesterday." Rikuo sighed.
"Sorry, Young Master. But Second Heir just wishes for your safety, that's all. After all, your yokai powers have not shown up yet, making you quite vulnerable to attacks," Aotabo explained, wincing as he touched the bump.
"Haa...that does not mean he should send you after me. You are all busy with other things after all."
"No," Yuki-Onna argued back, "We are never too busy for Young Master. You are our top priority." Yuki-Onna smiled at him.
"Yuki-Onna…" Rikuo smiled back. "Alright, I give in. Just make sure that the both of you do not get seen by the other humans."
"Yes, Young Master!" Yuki-Onna and Aotabo bowed at him.
"One more thing…" Rikuo told them, causing both of them to look at him. Rikuo gestured behind them, both of them following his direction, where all the frozen buildings, trees, ground, as well as the mist surrounding them, were. "…Try and keep things to the minimum, all right?"
Yuki-Onna laughed nervously, while Aotabo sweatdropped at the scene.
Hope is born from within
~Back at Nura main house~
Rikun's eyebrows twitched in annoyance at the sight of his father, whose shoulders were shaking with mirth. Nurarihyon simply sipped on his tea, before getting down to business.
"A praying mantis, huh?"
"Ah," Rikun turned to him, ignoring Rihan for now. "It definitely does not belong to the Nura clan, or any of our allied clan. Rikuo also said that, there are other yokais there besides that insect, it seems to be the leader of that place."
"Hmmm…I shall ask Karasu Tengu to investigate on this," Nurarihyon sipped on tea again.
"Oi Oyaji, could it be from...her clan?" Rihan asked, getting serious now.
"Finally done laughing?" Rikun narrowed his eyes at Rihan.
"Oh yes! It was very entertaining! The best thing I have ever witnessed! My oldest son getting out done by my youngest! Ah...I think my eyes are still tearing up at that," Rihan made a show of wiping his eyes while smirking at Rikun, who had more and more veins popped onto his face as each sentence left his mouth.
"…A possibility," Nurarihyon closed his eyes.
"Wait, who is this her?" Rikun looked at Nurarihyon for answer.
"…Perhaps some other time, my son." Rihan grew solemn at the answer that Nurarihyon gave. Rikun frowned and was about to argue back when a voice came through the door.
"My apologies for interrupting, First Supreme Commander, Second Heir, Third Heir."
"What is it?" Nurarihyon asked.
The door slid open, showing Kubinashi kneeling at the other side.
"Zen-sama has arrived."
Hope is born from within
"Have you heard?"
"It seems there are more and more victims…"
"Kyaaaa! We better don't to seclude places alone now!"
Those were the kind of things Rikuo have been hearing all day since he arrived at school.
I wonder what they are talking about.
Rikuo looked at the girls, the ones muttering, at his class, before he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Kiyotsugu standing behind him, with what seems to be photos in his hands.
"Come on Nura-kun, today we will be having a very serious meeting as the Kiyojuji Paranormal Investigation Sqaud."
Rikuo blinked as he was dragged off by Kiyotsugu to the back of the classroom, where the rest of the members are. Rikuo stood next to Kana, looking at her.
"Kana-chan, what is this about?"
However, Kana only shrugged in response, looking confused as well, "Ah! I almost forgot to thank you for yesterday, Rikuo-kun. Kiyojuji-kun told me everything, I guess there is no such thing as yokais, huh?"
"Ahahahahaha…you are welcome, Kana-chan," Rikuo rubbed his head.
"All right, attention everyone!" Kiyotsugu commanded, making them turned their heads towards him, "I'm sure all of you have been hearing some sort of stuff going around the school, haven't you?"
"Ah!" Kana punched her hand on her other palm, as if she figured out something, "I know what they were talking about. The Vampire Case, right?"
"Vam…pire Case?" Rikuo blinked, first time hearing such a term.
"Un," Kana nodded, looking at Rikuo gravely, "Lately, there have been more and more people disappearing. They always disappeared around the night and were found the next morning…" Here, Kana got really serious, a bead of sweat on the side of her face. "…Drained of blood."
"…You are well informed, Ienaga-kun," Kiyotsugu said, slamming the photos he held in his hand on a table near them, letting the members see the content.
Everyone gasped at the photo at the table.
"Th-this is…" Rikuo's shoulders started shaking.
"…Horrible…" Kana covered her mouth in horror.
All of the pictures showed of young women, looking to be around their twenties, some even younger. Their eyes rolled to the back of their head, mouth wide open. But what really caught their attention, was the trails of blood flowing from their eyes and mouth, as well as what looked like to be a bite mark on the neck of the victims.
"…I can see why they called it the Vampire Case," Saori stated, lifting one of the photos for closer inspection, "Look," She then faced the photo towards the group, pointing at the victim's neck, "…The bite mark looks like a work of a vampire."
It's true…there are two holes at the neck…and…what is this feeling? I feel like I have seen this situation before…
Rikuo complemented on this, while Jiro and Natsumi shivered at the background.
I'm getting a really bad feeling about this…
Hope is born from within
Rikuo walked towards home with Aotabo and Yuki-Onna by his side.
"…Don't worry, Young Master. It's probably the work of some human's. Imitating to be a work of a vampire to install fear in the humans." Aotabo tried to reassure Rikuo.
"That's right, Young Master! Besides, there is no such thing as vampires," Yuki-Onna nodded in agreement.
Rikuo looked at them, before turning his head to the side, "…Perhaps not, but there are yokais instead…"
"Young Master…" Both of them frowned at the Rikuo's tone.
"Tell me, Aotabo, Yuki-Onna, do the both of you know of any yokai clan that is similar to a vampire?"
They thought about it for a while before replying in negative, "Not that I know of, Young Master," Yuki-Onna said, while Aotabo simply shook his head.
"Is that so…? Well, I will go and ask Jii-chan and Otou-san later," Rikuo told them, once they reached the Nura main house's main entrance, "We're home!" Sliding the door open, they entered the room, only to be greeted with the sight of all of the small yokais drinking sake happily.
"Eh? What…" The sight in front of him stunned Rikuo, as he watched all of them pouring each other's cup, getting more and more tipsy.
What's going on?
Yuki-Onna, then, spied a bottle, which probably contain the sake, near them. Picking it up, she sniffed the contents, "…This is not one of the Nura clan's sake… "
"Ah. It is a gift from Zen-sama." Natto Kozo told them, his natto-like face flushing a bit from the sake.
"Eh? Zen-san is here?" Rikuo was surprised by the news.
"Young Master, please go ahead, I will take care of things here," Yuki-Onna told him, knowing he would want to see this Zen person.
"Ah. Thanks, Yuki-Onna!" Rikuo thanked her, rushing out of the room.
Yuki-Onna smiled after Rikuo, before turning towards the scene of the yokais lying about.
Even though I said that…
Yuki-Onna sweatdropped, as she witnessed one of the yokais tripping over it's own foot, spilling sake onto the tatami mat. She sighed.
"…Aotabo, give me a hand, would you?"
Hope is born from within
Ahhhh…I can't believe that Zen-san is here! It's been such a long time since I last saw him. I can't wait to meet him! But…why is he doing here?
Rikuo thought as he rushed through the corridor, stopping in front of a door where this Zen person would be.
"...should be home soon," Was what he heard, before Rikuo slid the door open, revealing Nurarihyon, Rihan, Rikun sitting on one side, and a man wearing a purple kimono and a snake-faced yokai sitting at the opposite side.
"Ohh. Speaking of the yokai. Welcome back, Rikuo," Nurarihyon smiled at him, before standing up, "Come on, Rihan, shall we leave? Let the children do some catching up."
"Sure," Rihan followed his example.
"Who are you calling children, Jiji?" Rikun glared at his grandfather, who ignored him, walking out of the room with Rihan.
"Hebidayu, you are dismissed as well," The man ordered to the snake yokai.
Hebidayu flickered his tougue out, before bowing. As he walked past Rikuo, Rikuo felt a burning sensation within him.
Eh?
"What's wrong, Rikuo?" Rikun asked, seeing his brother stopping at the door.
"N-No. It's nothing," Rikuo looked at Hebidayu's retreating form, before sliding the door close behind him. Taking a seat beside Rikun, he smiled at the man before him.
"It's been a long time, Zen-san."
"Haha, formal as always huh, Rikuo? Just call me Zen will do, we are almost like brothers," Yakushi Zen, head of the Yakushi clan, smiled back at him, before coughing violently.
"Ahahaha…Why are you doing here, Zen-san?" Rikuo asked, unable to break the habit.
"Simply visiting. I missed yesterday's Council Meeting after all. Also, I wanted to check on the, finally crowned, Third Heir."
"…You just came here to find things to humiliate me with."
"That too!" Zen did not bother denying that.
"Excuse me," A voice came through the door. The door slid open, showing Yuki-Onna kneeling, with three cups of tea beside her.
Rikun immediately tensed up at the sight of her bringing tea in. He then quickly wrapped one of his arms around Rikuo's waist, bringing Rikuo onto his lap, making Rikuo squealed at the sudden change of seats.
"Gah! Wh-wh-Rikun?!" Rikuo flailing his arms in surprise.
The reason of Rikun's action was soon answered after he pulled Rikuo onto his lap. Somehow, Yuki-Onna managed to trip while entering the room, sending the teacups she was holding flying into the air, the contents inside the teacups spilling onto the tatami mat where Rikuo was sitting earlier.
"OIIIIIIIIIII! YUKI-ONNA!" Zen yelled, looming over her, while she was busy apologizing to the two brothers. "HOW CAN YOU BE SO CARELESS? WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF RIKUN HAD NOT MOVE RIKUO AWAY? I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU IF YOU HARM RIKUO!"
"Aiiiiiii! Sorry for being so careless! I shall take my leave!" Yuki-Onna fled, afraid of facing Zen's wrath.
There was a short silence between them as Zen calmed down, taking his seat again with a huff.
Rikuo, noticing he was still on Rikun's lap, wriggled slightly, trying to get out of his brother's hold. At the slight struggle, Rikun looked down at Rikuo, who looking a bit embarrassed at their position.
"Y-You can let go of me now, Rikun."
Rikun continued to look at Rikuo, tilting his head to the side, as if thinking about that idea. Then, a smirk suddenly took hold of his face.
"No."
"Wha-!" To say Rikuo was shocked was an understatement. "What do you mean, 'no'? Let go!" Rikuo struggled violently to break the hold on him, but it proved to be useless against his stronger brother.
"Hmmm," Rikun grinned, "Well, I will let you go, on one condition."
"Eh?" Rikuo paused his struggles.
Rikun tapped his lips twice with his index finger, "Kiss me, and I will let you go."
Rikuo's face turned red, unable to reply, and could only watch as Rikun leaned down towards him.
"Ahem."
Rikuo's eyes widened at that, throwing himself off of Rikun, landing on the other side of Rikun.
Ack! I totally forgotten Zen-san was there! This is-This is too embarrassing! Gyaaaaa!
Rikun looked at his now empty arms, looking towards his side at Rikuo, who was blushing like crazy, before glaring at Zen.
"Do you have to interrupt us, Zen? It was just getting good too!" Rikun frowned.
Zen sweatdropped at that, while Rikuo blushed heavier, if it was even possible.
"…Appreciated, if you don't make advances at your brother in front of me."
"You are welcome to leave if you do not like it," Rikun raised his eyebrows.
Zen smirked, getting the hidden message Rikun was sending to him. "Don't worry, I already know this will happen sooner or later. I have no problems with the two of you being together," Looking at them with sincere eyes, "Good luck to the both of you."
Rikuo smiled while Rikun smirked back, "Thank you, Zen-san."
"Although…" Zen turned to Rikuo. "A piece of advice from me to you, Rikuo."
"Advice?" Rikuo tilted his head.
"Should him," Zen pointed at Rikun, who blinked, "Do anything that you do not like, just kick him where it hurts the most," Zen grinned, while Rikuo sweatdropped at that 'advice'.
"Oi! What is that suppose to mean?" Rikun was offended by that piece of 'advice'.
"Humph! As the eldest among us, I will have to protect the innocence of the youngest, which is Rikuo. Wouldn't want your bad influence to affect him after all."
"Why you-!" A vein popped on Rikun's forehead.
Rikuo simply laughed nervously.
Hope is born from within
Nurarihyon and Rihan were just walking along the corridor when they saw Gyuki walking towards them.
"Oh! Gyuki!" Rihan smiled.
"First Supreme Commander, Second Heir," Gyuki greeted them.
"Ohhh. Gyuki. Want to join us? We are just about relax under the Cherry Blossom tree, since the young ones are doing some catching up. Figured that we should do the same," Nurarihyon invited.
"Besides," Rihan said, "There are some things you wish to tell us, right?" Rihan stared at Gyuki with his amber eye.
Gyuki stared back at Rihan, and then switched his gaze to Nurarihyon, who was also staring at him.
"…I shall take part then."
Hope is born from within
~Evening~
"…and I will probably be of assistance to the Nura clan then."
"You will definitely be a great help to the Nura clan, Zen-san. Nobody else would be able to match to Zen-san when it comes to the knowledge of plants and herbs."
"Haha, thanks Rikuo."
"…Don't touch him so freely, you bird."
"Jeez, possessive much?"
The door slid open, showing Zen ruffling at Rikuo's hair and Rikun glaring at Zen, with Rikuo sitting awkwardly between them. Noticing someone standing at the door, all three of them turned towards the direction.
"Ah. Hebidayu. Is it time to leave already?"
"Yes, Zen-sama. Oboro-guruma is waiting outside at the front gate," Hebidayu replied. His snake-like eyes swept across the scene.
Rikuo trembled slightly when the gaze landed on him shortly. The burning sensation that Rikuo felt before was making itself known again, getting stronger and stronger. Rikun noticed it when he saw Rikuo clutching his shirt, where his heart was.
"Then, I will be leaving now, see the two of you later."
"Ah," Rikun nodded as he stood up, blocking Rikuo from their view with his body.
When they left, Rikun kneeled down beside Rikuo, who suddenly slumped forward.
"Rikuo? What's wrong? Are you hurting anywhere?" Rikun panicked, finding the situation weird, as Rikuo was fine a while ago, before…
Before Hebidayu came in!
Rikun's eyes widened at the conclusion he made. He looked at Rikuo, who was panting slightly at the sensation.
"Rikuo! This is important! Is this the first time you are feeling this way?" Rikun asked him, holding his arms to support him.
"Eh? N-No, earlier when I entered the room, I felt this…burning feeling inside me," Rikuo told him, confused as to why Rikun was asking him this.
"…To confirm, is it when Hebidayu walked past by you?"
"Eh? Ye-Yes. How did you know th-Rikun!" Rikuo called out in shock, when Rikun suddenly left the room after hearing the word 'yes'.
Rikun rushed through the corridor, startling some of the smaller yokais that was walking along there. He slammed the main entrance door open, getting into the open space between the entrance door and front gate. Looking around, he narrowed his eyes when he found no one there.
"Damn!"
Hope is born from within
"Haaa…it sure was quite refreshing to see those two again!" Zen laughed, sipping on his sake.
Hebidayu remained silent, looking at Zen as he continued to drink his sake.
"What's with the gloomy face, Hebidayu?"
"…Zen-sama, may I ask you about your plans in the future?"
Zen looked at Hebidayu, surprised at the question, "Hmm? The future you say? Well," Zen closed his eyes, "To support the Nura clan, of course."
"We, the Zhens, have always been weak in physical aspects and had short lifespans. The Nura clan was the one who took us into their care when we were at our worst. They acknowledge us despite our weak status, and stated that even if we are weak, we should turn that weakness into something, that could be our strength," Zen took another sip on his sake.
"…And just like Rikuo told me earlier, I will definitely become an asset to the Nura clan. With that in mind, I will not have any regrets, should I die in their hands when the time comes," Zen smiled.
"…Too bad, that you will have to die at someone else's hands then."
"Wh-"
A loud crash sounded within Oboro-guruma.
Hope is born from within
Rikuo panted as he ran after Rikun, who was zipping through the town as if in a hurry.
"R-Rikun! Slow down for a bit! What's going on? What has my feelings got to do with it?"
"…It's your instincts, Rikuo," Rikun told him, not slowing down at all.
"My instinct?"
"Ah. I had no idea what causes it, but you have always displayed extraordinary senses, especially when it comes to dangers."
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"It means that, subconsciously, you are able to tell if someone or something near is dangerous, is a danger to the people around you or that the people you know of, are in danger," Rikun looked back at him, "It happened four years ago as well."
"Eh?" Rikuo looked surprised.
"At that time, you told everyone that you were feeling a burning sensation, that you got a bad feeling, and then you just suddenly blurted out that your friends are in danger. However, nobody believed you, except me."
"Ah…" Rikuo took in this information.
…Then, at the abandon building as well…
This room…we need to get out of this room!
…Wait, this time I had this feeling when Hebidayu is around…
Rikuo widen his eyes, the implication hitting him hard, "…Then, Zen-san is-!"
"Ah. Come on, let's take a shortcut!"
Hope is born from within
Zen landed on the ground hard, tumbling a few times before coming into a stop. Zen coughed, standing up while taking a look at his surroundings, noticing they are at a secluded place filled with bamboo trees. He then turned his head in front of him, watching as Oboro-guruma crashed onto the ground, a few feet away from him at the treatment earlier, and focused his gaze on Hebidayu, who landed beside the ox-cart.
"What is the meaning of this, Hebidayu!" Zen growled out, coughing as his weak body started to get a little agitated.
"You are a fool for not figuring out."
"What?"
"For years and years, I served the Yakushi clan with pride, trying hard to bring it to the top. Then, when all of you decided to join the Nura clan," Hebidayu's face twisted with disgust. "All you could talk about is 'Nura clan this', 'Nura clan that'. You don't even have a shed of ambition within you! Hn, don't worry, I shall relief you of your duty and take over the Yakushi clan."
"…Yo-You dare betray me? Even though we exchanged sakazuki?" Zen shouted at him, coughing again.
"Sakazuki? Humph! It was only a pretense. I was simply waiting for the right time to strike. At first, I thought I could convince you to turn your back at the Nura clan, but I was wrong. All you were thinking about is supporting them, 'I will definitely become an asset to the Nura clan', it sickens me to the core! Weaklings like you should just die!"
At the word 'die', Hebidayu stretched his neck out just like a snake and charged towards Zen. Zen managed to avoid the first two strike, before the third strike hit him straight on his stomach, causing him to be pushed backwards and landing on his back. Zen coughed, holding his sore stomach protectively, seeing Hebidayu's head on top of him.
"You're mine!"
"Keh! There's no way I will let myself die by the likes of you! There are still things I need to accomplish!" Zen held his other hand in front of him, just as Hebidayu attacked one last time.
"Well said!"
"Huh?" Zen turned his head to the right, just in time to see Rikun appear with one of his legs outstretched behind him.
"Haaaaaa!" Rikun brought outstretched leg to the front, kicking at Hebidayu's stretched neck, causing Hebidayu to retreat back. He landed on the ground and stood in front of Zen protectively.
"Zen-san! Are you alright?" Rikuo came from the side and kneeled beside Zen, pushing him up into a sitting position.
"Rikun! Rikuo! What are the two of you doing here?" Zen coughed slightly, bewildered by the sight of them.
"Hn. Thank Rikuo. If it wasn't for his instincts, you will probably be eaten by that snake."
"Rikuo did?" Zen looked at Rikuo with stunned eyes. Rikuo smiled at him.
"Apparently, somehow, I knew that Hebidayu would be of a danger to you, Zen-san. Rikun is the one who figured it out though."
Zen looked between the both of them, before smiling. Placing his hand on Rikuo's head, "Thanks, the both of you," Rikuo smiled back, while Rikun smirked at him.
"…Just because there is more of you does not mean anything!"
The three of them turned their attention to Hebidayu, who was rubbing the spot where Rikun hit.
"Hahaha! What great timing! Not only I will take over the Yakushi clan, I also will get to raise to the top, by killing the grandsons of Nurarihyon!" Hebidayu laughed, getting full of himself.
"Hebidayu!" Zen growled.
"…Unforgivable."
Zen looked at Rikuo, who had his eyes covered by his hair. Zen widened his eyes as he felt Rikuo's Fear flaring behind him. Looking at Rikun, he saw the same thing was happening to Rikun. As he continued to stare, Rikuo's Fear started to flow towards Rikun, merging with Rikun's Fear, almost covering it like a cloak.
"…That's right, Rikuo. We will definitely never forgive someone who dares hurt our brother!"
Rikun then reached a hand inside his sleeves, pulling a sword out from it, unsheathing it in the process. He then suddenly disappeared from all of their sight.
"Wha-! Where did he go?" Hebidayu panicked, looking around searching for Rikun.
"Don't underestimate us!"
Hebidayu was shocked when Rikun suddenly appeared in front of him, hands high up with the sword between them.
"Wh-" is all Hebidayu got out, before Rikun sliced him into half, blood spurting out everywhere.
Zen was in awe at the scene, watching as Rikun flicked his sword to get excess blood off before sheathing it.
This…is their Fear.
"Hn," Zen smiled, "...Can't believe I ended up getting protected by brats."
A vein popped on Rikun's head, "Huh? Do you want to get sliced by me? I will happily grant that wish," Rikun glowered at him, holding his sword up threateningly.
"Don't be like that, both of you. I'm just glad that you are alright, Zen-san," Rikuo told Zen, sighing in relief.
"All thanks to you, Rikuo," Zen ruffled his head.
"What about me?"
"What about you?" Zen looked at Rikun with an eyebrow raised.
"You-!" Rikun's eyebrows twitched at that ungrateful bird yokai.
Zen smirked, turning to look at the crashed ox-cart. He closed his eyes, before opening them again, coming into a decision, "Oi, Rikun, Rikuo," Getting their attention, "Let's exchanged a 5:5 Sakazuki."
"Eh?" Both of them looked at Zen, surprised.
Zen walked towards Oboro-guruma, reaching inside grabbing a sake bottle and three cups. "I want to become a real brother to the two of you, and to support you both at the side."
Rikun and Rikuo exchanged glances before smiling at Zen.
"All right."
Zen then poured the sake into the cup, hooking arms with Rikun first.
"A Zhen is weak, so we will protect you. In exchange, you will have our backs. After all, there is something you need to accomplish, right?" Rikun drank his sake
"You really need to learn not to eavesdrop on other people's conversation," Zen followed his example.
"You were shouting it so loudly earlier, it's impossible not to hear it," Rikun deadpanned, as Zen exchanged Sakazuki with Rikuo.
"Hn. Rikuo, it must be hard for you to have a brother like him," Zen shook his head pityingly at Rikuo, who sweatdropped.
"Oi!"
After exchanging Sakazuki, Rikun and Rikuo watched as Zen rode Oboro-guruma home.
"…I have been meaning to ask you this, Rikun," Rikuo faced him.
Rikun glanced at him. "Such a serious face you have there, Rikuo. What is it?"
"That sword…"
"Hmm?" Rikun looked at the sword at his hand, "This? It's the prized sword in our family, Nenekirimaru. It can only harm yokais though."
"That's not it! I know what it is! Why do you have it? I thought Otou-san is keeping it."
"…"
"It can't be that…" Rikuo took a step towards Rikun, who was looking nervous suddenly, "YOU STOLE IT!"
"Oi, oi, such an uncouth word. I was merely 'borrowing' it. Can't fight empty handed, right?" Rikun sweatdropped, emphasizing on the word 'borrowing'. "Besides, it's not like he will miss it for a while."
"RIKUN!"
Hope is born from within
~Somewhere in an alley~
"Ahhhh…" A woman cried out in pain as a man stood in front of her, biting her neck.
The man gave an evil chuckle as he heard the woman took her last breath, before throwing her down to the ground. The woman fell to the ground with a loud thump, blood flowing from her eyes and mouth and a prominent bite mark on her neck.
The man then gave another chuckle, wiping his blood-stained mouth with the back of his hand.
"We will definitely get our revenge against the Nura clan! Hahahaha!"
The man laughed out loud, walking into the darkness where glowing red eyes could be seen.
~To Be Continued~
Whew! Finally done with this chapter! And it only took three days! Amazing right? Also, there are quite a lot of funny scenes here huh?
My my, Rikuo's yokai attibutes are starting to show huh? Things are getting interesting!
Also, who is this her? Who is killing all the women? What did Gyuki wish to speak about? So many questions, so little answers.
A few things to take note again:
Sake = Wine in Japanese.
Zhen = A species of poisonious birds. Like how Nurarihyon is a species of yokai.
Oboro-guruma = A yokai living in the Nura clan, used as a mean of transport. It resembles an ox-cart with a face coming out of one end.
Sakazuki = A ritual of exchanging sake cup to pledge loyalty. 5:5 pledge denotes equality between the drinkers, tying them like siblings. 7:3 pledge denotes of master and servant.
That's all folks! Review to find out what happens next!
Edited on 5th December 2014
