ENTRY #3

Sudden Turns

I DO NOT OWN NURARIHYON NO MAGO

It was thoroughly discussed how Rikuo's view on the world would be. I was convinced he'd be basically an ayakashi. Rihan was convinced he wouldn't be able to deal. Not when his instincts would be that strong, while possessing a human heart. What Otome was worried about was his sense of wrong and right. In the end, he paid no one any mind and came up with his own belief. The clan heads, his friends, the world and us three, we all forced our own ideas upon him. Typically, as a Nurarihyon usually does, he did whatever the hell he wanted and that's it. I don't know why I was so surprise. He is the grandson of Nurarihyon after all! Hahahaha

- Supreme Commander, Nurarihyon

"My Lord it's been an hour." Yamabuki Otome tells her husband for the fifth time. Her gentle face is marred by a frown, serving as evidence to her worry. The man in question doesn't seem all that concerned. Especially, for someone whose kid has been missing. But once again, for youkai, Rikuo is two years away from becoming of age. He has permission to wander around, unofficially of course. The fact that he never does though… Could be seen as worrying.

"How can you know he is fine? Even if he decided to walk home, he should still have arrived by now." Otome isn't exactly overprotective. But she knows her son. Something happened. Not necessarily life threatening but she needs to find Rikuo anyways. Her maternal senses are tingling. Her soul will not rest until someone at least goes in his search. In case anything serious happen, she would like to know where is it her child is. If they are to be attack or any disaster happen... These thoughts only help for Rihan's lack of interest to bother her even more.

"Otome, your worry is unnecessary." Rihan says gently, taking a deep sip from his tea. He and his wife are sitting in what is known around the house as "their" spot. The same place where Otome had delivered the news to Rihan on their kid's imminent arrival. Has it really been ten years? It is the place located directly in front of their room, theoretically the middle of the hallway.

Specifically, they were next to the door that gives access to the house's outer hallway. The one that borders with the garden and goes around the house. In this case, they are a couple of small cherry trees making up the scenic view. They are about to bloom. Otome plants only cherry trees in the property because of a comment Nurarihyon had made to her a long time ago. A comment of how his late wife had been like a cherry tree.

Otome had been hesitant at first, when she has first been given free reign to decorate the gardens. But in the end followed her gut. Neither Otome nor Nurarihyon has ever said anything. And she has never told anyone why cherry trees. But the first time he'd seen them Nurarihyon's eyes has searched hers and there'd been a particular gratefulness in his eyes that the Flower Youkai will never quiet forget. There'd been something decidedly sad on that gaze. A gaze of longing, of painfully missing that which once upon a time made him breath. It had sent chills down her back. Otome had looked towards Rihan and wondered if she will outlive him.

She shakes lightly her head. This is no time for reminiscing.

"Maybe, he is out with friends. It will do us all well if Rikuo learns respect… Human friends would be a huge leapt from where he's been stewing this past few years." Rihan isn't mad. Otome knows. But he worries about his son's future. Life as a youkai is hard, life as a half-blood is harder. Rihan hadn't had anyone to ask about how to deal with two different bloods. Nurarihyon's best advice had been to ignore one of the sides, whichever he preferred. Rihan had truly being a person by day and a person by night. He held no recollections of the things he did as either one when he was the contrary.

Living two lives, like two different people. It had been hard. The only person who tried to help him was Yohime. Who although as ignorant as anyone, fought tooth and nail to help her child. In the end, by the time she died, Rihan had been able to merge his identities. He still is a youkai at night and human during the day. However at the core, where it matters, he's the same.

"I am worrying about him not understanding still the teachings, if he doesn't accept himself… He will never be able to lead the Night Parade." Rihan's single golden eye seems sad. He has big hopes for his son. But the most important, before leading the Night Parade of the Hundred Demons, is the fact that if his Day Self and Night Self don't agree… Rikuo's life will become unbalance. That would leave no way for him to be happy. Time is of essence. And they don't have much of it. Thankfully the council isn't pressuring Rihan into selecting an heir. The Second still has plenty life left in him after all. Although, he will enjoy an early retirement when Rikuo is ready. He has led the Nura Clan for three hundred years already.

"Rihan, I know our child. Rikuo wouldn't just leave with friends without informing us. He'd be the first calling to tell you of a human friend. He does have a shaky grasp of what you want of him. The fact that he hasn't reported to anyone… It worries me." Otome set her pleading wine-coloured eyes on her husband, and pouted.

"Can you please go look for him? If you are right and he is with friends then it's better if it is a human who picks him up." She pleads again, hoping her husband agrees soon and leaves.

"You think he has figure it out, don't you? That's why you haven't sent anyone in his search and instead are asking me." Rihan states, smirking softly. Busted, Otome thinks. Her husband's good.

"What a sneaky wife I married!" He chuckles. Otome can only smile. Leave it to Rihan to figure her out so easily. That's what she likes the most about him. How she could fool everyone but him. To him she is like an open book. A glint in her eyes, a stain in her dress, or a flower that seems sad. Small things will easily give her away, telling him everything he needs to know. A whisper might as well be a blood-curling scream when it comes to Rihan's perception. He can discern her thoughts and feelings from the most petty of things…

"Very well, who am I to deny your wishes? I shall look for our missing son, although I already have a pretty accurate idea of where he is. Do not let anyone leave until my return, this may have to be a private conversation if you were to be right." And with that, he vanishes in black mist. What a dramatic husband she has, Otome giggles. Making her way into her father-in-law's room to wait, Nurarihyon should be notified of her suspicions.

Otome walks into Nurarihyon's room with her small, dainty footsteps. Her hair black as a heart is silky and long. Cascading down her back to her ankles. The same it had been when she had married all those years ago. Her skin, which has never change from the same pale shade, is seemingly glowing in the darkness of the room. Were only an old lamp and cup of tea make her father-in-law company. She has remained the same for three hundred years. Yamabuki Otome is still young, still strong and still very much in love with Rihan.

Nurarihyon on the other hand, has changed too much to not notice. From the broad tall heartbreaker of his golden age, Nura Nurarihyon has shrink slowly from his old age. His hair has given way to the real form of his head when it fell away. The same way his smooth skin has open up and created wrinkles. Still, even old, the Supreme Commander of Youkai is as scary as the day she met him. And just as good humored as well. He doesn't seem preoccupied or shamed about his appearance. Despite all his sub commanders still going strong.

Otome suspects it may have something to do with the fact he saw Yohime old and withered. And if she could age with the same dignity she had enjoyed her youth, then the Supreme Commander will follow her example. Still, Otome knows the real reason why nobody dares comment on the Supreme Commander's appearance. People – her husband especially- do not loose a chance to remind him how old he is. He has lived up to seven hundred years. But no one will mention how old he looks.

It goes unsaid that, despite the seven centuries he's live, the Nurarihyon's aging is unnatural. A simple consequence from a battle from yore. The same battle that had at first given him everything is the same one that left him scarred for life. It is all Hagoromo-Gitsune's fault, Rihan always says. In her final moments of anger and desperation, the former Lady of Darkness had taken Nurarihyon's heart and devoured it. Taking away much of his life.

Seeing as he will reunite with Yohime, Otome thinks he doesn't mind it as much as he should. As she walks in, she meets the amused eyes of the legendary Nurarihyon. She's glad, now looking at him aged, that she met him before his decline in health. She would've had a hard time picturing the seemingly harmless old man in front of her as the fearsome Lord of Pandemonium.

"Lord Nurarihyon." Otome bows. Family or not, even though the man in question doesn't ask for it, this is one of the most fearsome ayakashi that's ever lived. Respect is in order. And Otome is nothing if not a perfect lady. She was raised as a wallflower after all. She sat down next to her father in law. And serves him some more tea. Motioning to one of the small youkai scurrying around in the roof to please bring another teacup.

"Ahhh, Otome, what is it I can do for you today? Where are my idiot son and my stupid grandson? I haven't heard him arrive from the damn prison he attends." He says good-naturedly. Drinking his beverage. By his questions, the Flower Youkai has the inkling that the man already has an idea. If Otome didn't have three hundred and fifty years of experience in being a lady, she would have sweat drop.

"School, Lord Nurarihyon, it is called a school, not a prison." Otome says gently, stifling her chuckles in the recently brought teacup. Her gaze sobers up quickly as she answers. "Rikuo's been missing since noon… I convinced Rihan to go look for him, but I fear that I have been feeling a bit… on edge when it comes to his disappearance." If there is one thing about the Nurarihyon that has not changed are his sharp senses and his eyes. Eyes that narrow intensely when he bothers to take things seriously, which rarely happens… Otome gulps. Apparently, she hasn't been the only one with an off feeling.

"Do you think, he will decide today? He is barely out of childhood…" Otome worries. Rikuo will be hundreds of years old and she will still see him as her baby… Reaching such an important decision… Just what has happened? Because really, it is no longer a matter of 'If he were to decide today…' Otome can feel it in her bones. Rikuo is coming to a decision today. It scares her.

"I think he has already reached a decision." The Supreme Commander says wistfully. For the way his fingers twitch, Otome has the thought that Nurarihyon wants his pipe. The one he has forbidden to smoke inside the ancient mansion. Although a heavy smokers during the early Meiji, Nurarihyon's addiction has mellowed down with the years. The fact he is wishing for his pipe now of all times… He is just as worried as she is.

"I don't have doubts. I was born and raised as an ayakashi. I bath in the blood of my enemies without blinking an eye. I do not dislike humans; I just don't care about them. They are not part of the equation in my life, and the truth is that they weaken us, they remind us, often accidentally of a heart we try to forget we have. Pardon the irony of that statement," He chuckles.

"But I am figuratively speaking. In my first fight with that evil fox, she had taken Yohime kidnapped. I was so worry, so scared, so in love that I confronted her head on. Nurarihyon is a sneaky ayakashi; it fights with its immeasurable fear… Not very well suited for a full out frontal attack. But I did not have my head on my shoulders, because Yohime's tears were all I could see. In the middle of getting pummeled by Hagoromo-Gitsune's tail, I remembered. To be the man for Yohime, I had to be the ayakashi that saved us first. There is no light without darkness. And so, I won."

At this he cracked a smile. It isn't often that the Supreme Commander allows himself to reminisce so easily, but it isn't rare either. The memories of his late wife soothes him. And he loves remembering her, of that much Otome is sure. Rihan mentions her more than his father. But it is in more trivial things. Like how she cooked or the way she smiled or little things she used to do. The first time was in their wedding day. The comment was about how beautiful Otome looked in Yohime's kimono. Rare tears had shined in her eyes. She hadn't known where the wedding kimono had come from.

"Rihan is a completely different case," The Nurarihyon continues, snapping her from her thoughts.

"Half bloods are unheard of… We didn't even know how it would all go down. We feared for Yohime's life but thankfully, she and the baby came out perfectly fine from the experience. If I thought his birth was complicated raising Rihan was even more so. Between split personalities to lack of understanding to kidnappings… I was convinced he'd never be able to control it. I thought he would forever be two different persons. I tried, but I couldn't understand him." His eyes cloud in rare frustration, clearly he isn't pleased at such a failure.

"His human side did not acknowledge me, and his youkai side was too restless. The only person able to rage on through that particular battle was the most peaceful being to ever live in this house, his mother pulled through for him, for me and for the family. And, though it took a few years, Rihan was able to understand." At this, Nurarihyon smiles.

"Even after all this time I am murky on the details of the how. He learned that his greatest weakness was his greatest strength, and developed Matoi. Taking my Night Parade and making it bigger… In that moment when I thought he'd reach the top, he married you, and it is then that this clan hit its golden days…" The Nurarihyon sounds ethereal. Almost like he is living the tale once again. Otome is relieving it too. Marrying Rihan had been the best moment in her life, second only to the birth of Rikuo. Idly, she wonders where is the older youkai going with this.

"Rihan understood humans perfectly, and youkai well enough. He understands, but he doesn't share many of the instincts inherent to us. That may be the reason why he is so good at calming them down. He has the sporadic urges that we are all guilty of, but it isn't strong enough to even be call temptation. He is slightly more human than youkai, but he is a youkai nonetheless. A strong one, he is a son that truly has surpassed his father." Nurarihyon's words are coated in pride. He truly loves his son. Otome can understand why.

"Rikuo… my idiot grandson, is another matter all together. He is more youkai than human, which means that he has the inclination for the dark side in his blood but the heart of a human. I kill, you kill, and we will not feel the regret. Logically speaking we know is wrong and since the heart has no say, we are able to make greater sacrifice and better decisions that are learn only by living through centuries. Rikuo can make those decisions as well, but he will have a conscious to deal with later. Guilt is the heaviest of weights, and it easily destroys people." The Nurarihyon continues to explain.

"I think Rikuo needs to forego his human side, but once again, that is the exact same advice I gave Rihan. Rihan had his own solutions, and though I don't know how he does it, he seems to deal with guilt just fine. What worries me is something Kubinashi mentioned me a few decades ago. In the times of Rihan's birth Japan was in a revolution. Revolution is but a nice way to say that it was at war. Rihan was three when he accidentally stumbled upon the battle of Sekigahara, and what a scare that was! He grew up surrounded by bloodshed, by human and youkai's alike." Otome absorbs this piece of information, even after centuries she stills learns more about Rihan most days.

"He knows perfectly well how vicious humans can be. That may have a lot to do with his ease at handling youkai matters, even when he's human. Rikuo on the other hand sees humans as weak, as harmless… He will have an issue of taking advantage of what he considers to be an already downed enemy, and he needs to learn. He's a youkai, not a damn samurai. His honor's nice, but not necessary. No one here's going to care how you killed the enemy as long as it's dead. There are three things he needs to know in order to be a good Nura Youkai: camaraderie, loyalty and, in his case, leadership. He does not required neither mercy nor honor."

"I know, but… I think, Supreme Commander, that we have been too soft. Rikuo hasn't even started training, everything he knows he has copied either from his father or from you, I… think it's time my son understands what it means to be a youkai. My husband and I can't keep sheltering him anymore, but I believe that every youkai is guilty of Rikuo's naivety. I will like to ask for your support in backing me when I talk to Rihan."

The Flower Youkai says with a sigh. Her soft voice the same as it always is, a mere whisper but firm. Nurarihyon knows her well enough to catch the underlining determination. Otome hopes Rihan won't be too mad. But the same way Nurarihyon had step aside because he couldn't deal with the human part of his son, Rihan will have to trust her with Rikuo's darker nature. Because despite everything, her husband can never truly understand the harsher aspects of being a youkai. She has to do this. In the end, she knows he will forgive her.

"What is your plan, Yamabuki Otome?" Nurarihyon asks warily, not liking the grimness in his daughter-in-law's voice.

"I think it's time Rikuo meets my home town." She says clearly. Concentrating on not letting her voice shake. She knows. More than anyone, how dangerous this is. But she also knows, that as calm as things have been this past few years they won't remain so. She has indulged in her son too much. It is time to remember that she is a youkai. It would do well for Rihan to remember soon. The Supreme Commander's eyes narrow. Either in thought or in anger she does not know.

"You don't mean…?" He asks cautiously. He fails in keeping surprise from his voice, Otome only nods. She does not trust herself to speak firmly, but she does anyway.

"It's time Rikuo meets Tōno."

Rikuo's youkai form seems to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. From afar Rihan watches it amusedly. The child is panting and charging at invisible opponents that only he can see. His son is not a trained warrior, but he is a natural at it. The Second Commander frowns because of how easy it is to see, this isn't a fight. It's a cry for help.

His battle cry and every powerful attack show a side of his son that Rihan has never known. It shows the fact that Rihan has neglected Rikuo's warrior studies. That he is in desperate need of more guidance, both mentally and physically. Or perhaps, like Otome often says, he needed less of it. Has he been sheltering Rikuo? Rihan wonders.

Really, this little escapade only serves to remind Rihan of how young Rikuo still is. Youkais were considered children up until the human age of thirteen. Despite this it isn't strange for a demon under a hundred to be considered a child. Not when the person speaking has lived for millennia. But even with his small appearance, Rihan has to admit. The Third Heir of the Nura clan is downright terrifying in this particular moment.

His fear coats the landscape in a characteristically black mist; chaotic and uncontrolled. It floats in tendrils, in clouds and in soft fires. The only thing in common is the clear disorganization. It looks as if its source doesn't quite know how to manifest its fear but is in the dire need to. Like Rikuo's desire to do so is greater than the fact he doesn't know how. His son is itching for a fight. Rihan knows it instantly and from kilometers away.

As he gets closer he sees something he has never seen before. Rikuo's eyes were glowing perilously. The beautiful crimson-colored eyes, a trait from his mother, were flashing in warning. It's a sign of power. Although, not the highest level of youkai awareness – in which the background of the pupil goes black – the fear necessary to pull that trick off is exorbitant. Usually small demons were only capable of it during power condensation, which happens often in Night Parades.

Rihan is impressed. He observes as Rikuo runs through each kata, flowing from each attack. He does it sloppily and inexpertly. But he clearly knows them by heart. He just needs for someone to adjust his balance. His feet were too close. Yet, despite everything, there is a distinct, latent power cursing through his extremities. His son has nothing if not talent. Why hasn't he started to train him yet?

Rihan notices that randomly, Rikuo seem to get frustrated. As if remembering something sour that took place. Whenever it replays in his mind, fear explodes from his body in a wave. If Rihan isn't wrong, it's probably covering a good part of the perimeter. His son is apparently mad. But if the older youkai is accurate, more than angry, Rikuo is hurt. Well, as his father he should find out why.

Before interrupting the younger youkai though, the current commander of the Nura decides to be careful. It will be better to familiarize himself with his surroundings. Quickly he skims over the scenery. His son is in an abandoned semi collapsed building. His fear – and since when has he so much of it? – doesn't allow him to see much, but all that could be seen is wreckage. The pavement is blasted to smithereens with several areas showing the dirt beneath. Every single window is broken and shattered. From a wave of fear most likely. Chunks of split rocks, thrown randomly around finish the painting of destruction.

Apparently his son has done quiet the number on the former school building. He must be really mad. Or really, really frighten. When a slice of fear passes by, too close to his head for liking, Rihan decides it is time to make his presence known. To his surprise Rikuo has sheathed his sword – and where the hell has he gotten a katana? – and is looking intently at him. Eyes guarded.

That last attack had been on purpose. Rikuo has known he was being watched. When Rihan stepped away from the shadows his son visibly relax. His shoulders sagged and his face looses the predatory edge it had before. Gone is his amused smirk. Which Rihan has always assumed to be his son's default expression. This is more serious than he thought.

"Your mother's worried…" Rihan starts. He turns momentarily into mist and reappears next to Rikuo. Soothingly placing a hand on his shoulder. "It is not proper of you to disspaear without a trace, her maternal senses were tingling. Or so she says. Now that I see you, I'm tempted to believe her." Rihan says amusedly. Expertly knowing how to ease the tension from his serious son.

"Tell me, Rikuo." He says to the still panting boy. Rihan does not miss the fact that Rikuo is avoiding his gaze. Looking at everything and anything but at him. He is being truly bothered by something. It continues to poke incessantly at Rihan's curiosity. "What happened?" The boy flinches as if struck. He seems rueful and ashamed. For a moment Rihan worries that something really serious happened. Has someone find out about their family? As if to aggravate his imagination the boy maintains his silence. Clearly he isn't too thrilled about sharing his day.

"Rikuo, you can tell me anything. I am here to help you, you know?" Rihan prods once again. Wishing for his wife. Otome is so much better when it came to these matters. Though she's good at everything. Ahhh, the Flower Youkai's perfect. Concentrate dammit! "Rikuo." The boy sighs. But apparently, he has finally selected the words he wants say.

"Dad." He starts cautiously. The Commander does not miss the way Rikuo's eyes were watering. Rihan is starting to really panic. What could possibly have his son so upset? His options were to worrysome to contemplate. "Today I realized why you have been sending to school." He gulps. Rihan cant remember seeing Rikuo's night form looking quiet as nervous.

"Oh… really?" Rihan says interested. Keeping up his usual, carefree smile. He doesn't want to scare Rikuo into silence. The boy nods. Making an mhumm sound of acceptance.

"I have to make peace with both sides of me, and to do that I have to make them both happy. My youkai side has tons of friends but my human side… not so much. So you send me to school for my Day Me to not be lonely." Well, it is the gist of it; Rihan thinks to himself. It is more for him to learn to respect humans. But if he is friends with them then he obviously respects them. Rihan isn't ready for what his son will say next.

"I hate humans. Not all of them, just most." He admits guiltily, eyes downcast. Rihan realizes why Rikuo hasn't gone home. If Rikuo knows Rihan wants him to get along with humans and Rikuo can't do that… Rikuo's just worried of disappointing him.

"How come? Did something happen at school?" Bingo, again with the oncoming waterworks.

"I want to say that I am sorry. I was being mean to humans. Including my human part, because I think of them as weak. That isn't fair. You are even more human than I am and you kick ayakashi butt on a daily basis!" He points out exasperatedly. As if he cannot get over how dumb he has been. Acting like it hadn't been less than a day ago.

"Don't say butt." Rihan chides on reflex. Even when he realizes how out of order that really is, he still keeps a stern façade. Rikuo just huffs, galled.

"A boy in my class gave a presentation today… about youkai." At this Rikuo's little hands became fists in his laps. As if trying to calm himself down. By his son's visage Rihan has a pretty good idea where this is going. "He… he call you evil, and child eaters and murderers...! He called mom a baby eater! Mom's the sweetest thing around… And I just think that it isn't fair! It isn't fair because they doesn't know all of you, they just knows the bad ones and… I… I realized that…" His child's eyes were swimming with tears, of shame, of guilt and of anger. His son is as guilty as anyone from suffering of a wounded pride.

"That you had been doing the same things to them. Right?" Rihan finishes. Rikuo nods meekly.

"I understood. So I tried to correct them. I tried to defend you, to explain to them that they were wrong!" Rikuo's eyes are wide and panicked. He can't understand how people could have such a big misconception on his family. Sure, some members were a little scary, but that doesn't make them evil! "They…" This will be the hardest. No one likes to admit when they have been bullied.

"They laughed at me! They kept calling youkais bad names! Saying that I was lying! But I am not! Cause we exist! Not even Kana…" His eyes became downcast again. As if his humiliation is weighing him down. Now, Rihan does not have a clue on who this Kana is. Apparently, he has missed out on teasing his son on his first crush. Rikuo is brought out of his reverie only to meet his father's eyes. Rihan isn't mad at him, not yet. He makes sure to appear unperturbed in order to encourage the younger youkai.

"Rikuo, kids say things sometimes…mean things that they don't mean. They just don't know any better. You have been guilty of that sin as well." Explains Rihan calmly.

"I know. But I just… I like youkai more! Humans are… too simple minded and in fact most of them are weaker than us! They will never try to understand me! I tried to understand them! They can't see past their own noses!" Rikuo says hotly. He is bothered and hurt. Those kids most have said some terrible stuff about youkais. Rikuo is pretty riled up.

"I understand them pretty well. I am one, as much as I dislike it." He says. "I know they're some pretty cool humans out there, like grandma. I just… I just don't want anyone to say mean stuff about my family, I had a hard time not snapping at them…" Ah. There it is. Rikuo had been about to loose control. That's the reason he has been itching for a fight and why he wants this conversation.

"But you didn't. That makes me very proud." Rihan says.

"Isn't it my job to protect the clan's honor? They were defiling our family." Rikuo says confusedly. It couldn't be okay for them to say such rude things and get away with it, could it?

"Relax, Rikuo. They just don't know any better. And you need to know... I own you an apology." Rihan says in total seriousness. "Rikuo, I know you don't want to hear this and although I probably don't approve with most of what your classmate says, especially about your mother being a child eater, you need to know that youkais are pretty evil by human standards. I have tried to shield you away from that truth… but it is unfair to you. I told your mother when you were born that I would let you decide on how you wanted to live your life. Still, I have withheld information that could be vital to your decision. And pushed you in the direction I wanted you to go."

For the first time that day Rihan's smile thinned into a line. He let's a weary sigh pass through his lips. He wants to convey the importance of what is being told. By Rikuo's face, he has been successful. His son seems determine enough. "Rikuo the truth is that youkai are vicious beings. We kill, we steal, we haunt. There are many of us who consume ikigimo. To humans that's a sin and a torture. Ikigimo is the human liver. Many ayakashi eat the livers of babies or women. Although not common, it is not entirely frown upon." Rihan explained.

"Ehhhhh! How come?" Rikuo says scared. This… couldn't be real right? Youkai's are the good guys!

"Rikuo, your mother and I have raised you to see human and ayakashi as equals. In reality ayakashi see humans as inferior beings, not bothersome but not worth their time either. Kind of like the same way as humans feel about pigs." Rihan sweat drops at his analogy. Ten years and he hadn't even started brainstorming on how he wants to have this conversation. If Rikuo left here with the wrong idea on humans… Then this generation of Nura will be historically bloody, and vicious.

"Does it bother you that there are pigs living somewhere?" Rihan asks his confused son. He hopes he isn't telling him all of this too soon. Warily Rikuo shakes his head no. "But what if you has the pigs right next to your house? And they smelled and made noise and dirty everything? Will it bother you then?" Rikuo thinks about it for a moment. He nods. He doesn't like being dirty or heavy smells. They cause him a headache. "Will you be sad if they were to kill that pig so it won't bother you again?" Rikuo is about to answer, but seems to realize that these questions were probably important. The young boy gives it a moment of thought.

"Not really. It is just a pig…" He answers honestly. And there it is, Rihan thinks.

"And if they were to make bacon out of that pig, will you eat it? Imagine it is magical makes-you-strong bacon" Rihan asks. In the end, the analogy seems to be working just fine.

"Yes!" That particular question doesn't need much thought. The Young Master of the household loves bacon. Rihan smiles tenderly at his son. Well, Rikuo is just a child. Though he seems to have a pretty deep understanding of this conversation.

"Ayakashi think of humans, the way humans think of pigs. When humans don't mess into their affairs, ayakashi aren't usually bothered. But humans are taking land everyday, building bigger, busier and noisier cities. They are disrupting the youkai's habitats. In the days of yore ayakashi didn't really need to haunt humans. People believed in ayakashi and that kept the circling of fear going. Now, there's flashlight and guns, people often feel safe, a little bit too safe."

"They no longer believe in the old tales and so the balance of fear is out of order. Youkai must go out and create fear, or they risk ending up powerless. Without fear we are all at risk of fading away. Some find it efficient to just kill some humans. Those in the search of power believe that eating ikigimo is a quick route to invincibility, but instead of a shortcut it turns into an addiction. The line of Nurarihyon does not engage in this practice, purely due to a matter of pride."

His father winks at him, it looked weird since he already has one of his eyes closed. But Rikuo is relieved. He doesn't know how he feels about the whole liver-eating thing… "We don't need that kind of boost. Consider human as pigs and ikigimo as magical bacon. Suddenly the idea is not as bothersome." Rihan doesn't know how to feel about his son's understanding expression.

"So, humans are inferior." Rikuo says in thought, Rihan jumps to interrupt him but his son continues. "That doesn't mean they are pigs though. Kind of like the small youkai of the clan. They are weak, but they aren't cannon fodder. Don't humans have a protector?" His son is smarter than Rihan gives him credit for.

"They have several protectors. There are humans that are able to fight ayakashi." Rihan explains. "They can be really dangerous. They call themselves exorcists, or onmyouji. Some of them can become stronger than most ayakashi." Rihan goes on, he thinks it's the first time a child is terrified from the stories about onmyoujis. "But Ukiyoe has no exorcists, so no one protects the humans." Though clearly relieved, Rikuo grows really quiet. A pensive expression crosses his face. Rihan wonders what conclusions his son is drawing and wishes heavily that he voices them aloud. Preferably soon, he needs to know if his son got it.

"They need protection." Rikuo sighs resignedly, almost reluctantly. As if he has been arguing with himself to not say it. "I will protect them. I will repay my debt of not knowing any better by fixing their ignorance. If I protect and they start seeing that not all youkai are evil, then I will have repaid my debt."

Rikuo nods to himself, and despite his determination he looks up to his father voluntarily. Meeting his eyes for the first time in this conversation. He is looking for something. He doesn't have to look for long; Rihan's eyes were shining in approval. "But, when an onmyouji is here. Then it will turn into his responsibility." Rihan laughs and rubs his son's hair.

"Rikuo you keep on surprising me." Rihan says, true awe coating his words. When had his little boy grown up so much?

"Dad… I… I don't want to go to school anymore. I am not going to live my life like a human." Rikuo's voice shines with finality, but there is an underlining of worry. He doesn't want to, but despite anything he says. His father has the last word. And Rikuo is well aware of it. Rihan takes a deep breath. Hoping he isn't committing a mistake.

"Fine" He finally relents. It is time Rikuo learns to be a youkai anyway. He needs training and teachings, and a change in attitude. He is too easily scared. That is deadly for a creature born from darkness. "I need you to know something. No matter how bad you think you've screwed up anything, you can always tell me. Your mom and I have raised you too much like a human, but I need you to understand that no matter what, the clan – especially Otome, my dad and me – we will always have your back. Rikuo, there are many things that you're human side will find wrong that are everyday things for youkai."

Rihan's golden eyes stare right at him. If Rikuo didn't know better he would be scared of his dad. "Once you enter the world of youkai it is impossible to get out. If you decided to live like one, you will never have a normal human life"

"I know that." Rikuo says, eyes flashing. He knows what he wants. His blood is restless and it is time to subdue it. It is time to reign on it. He's had time to be human. But humans were too simple, to bigoted. Rikuo is meant to lead the Night Parade. To stand above all demons, protecting them as long as they were living under his command. It is about time he starts settling into the position and forming his own Night Parade. It is the start of something new. For better or worse the Nura Clan's Young Master has decided his fate.

Kana likes Rikuo. He is really nice to her, always kind. He is the nicest boy she knows. Most of them like to tease her too much, and Kana doesn't like being tease. Rikuo's different. The thing is, that Rikuo thinks youkai exist and that… that scares Kana. He is her best friend but… For some reason she hasn't been able to shake their last conversation out of her mind. It's really silly but it feels as if much more went down than she suspects.

Now, surrounded by her classmates she still feels alone. Rikuo always takes this bus with her. She can't remember how long it has been since the last time he hasn't. The one in the morning as well, he's always there for her. That's the reason she had been so irritating this morning with him about being late. Kana always worries that she'll take the bus alone. Rikuo always arrives but by the time he did – at the nick of time – Kana was already worried.

He has never walked home before. It left Kana fretting over his well-being. She sure hopes he isn't trying to run away or something equally crazy. She had wanted to follow him. But she hadn't had the guts. What if they got lost? Or something happened? What if her mom were to find out? She would kill Kana. Still, the elementary student feels concern wrap around her heart like a hangman's noose. Would Rikuo make it home okay?

Speaking of homes, with all the things Rikuo said today. He said youkais live in his house, didn't he? That place is believed to be haunted, Kana remembers. The neighbors always complain about strange noises, unnatural flowers and trees, sudden gusts of wind, missing food, screams in the middle of the night… Kana shivers. What if Rikuo is being haunted by youkais? And she doesn't believe him? But if that were true. Why did he defend them against Kiyotsugu?

He said both his parents were youkai. He said his dad's Nurarihyon and his mom…? Well, a youkai. This is just… so bizarre! Youkais do not exist! Why did she feel so concern about what Rikuo had said! Why does she feel that the last conversation they had is the final time they will converse? It's preposterous! He will come tomorrow and meet her at the station like he does every morning. Then, she will understand how silly she is being.

Kana's throat goes dry. The nagging feeling isn't going away. Why is she unable to drive away irrationality? In truth, what is it she's worried about? Did she hurt Rikuo's feelings? No way. She had just answered his question. She had even tried to cheer him up. Maybe he is mad that she hadn't stood up for him. She just hadn't had the courage to go against Kiyo. In the end, she is scared of youkai.

Even if they don't exist, she just doesn't want to know anything about them. When Rikuo had stood up and yelled to the whole class about the rightfulness of ayakashi… Kana had thought him mad. Perhaps Rikuo realize that. Maybe she should apologize tomorrow? Is her friend even truly mad? He hasn't said anything. And apologize for what? Saying the truth? Rikuo isn't a baby. It is time he understands that some things do not exist.

He has to let go of his imagination, at least where monster's are concerned. Still, why is Kana feeling so guilty? So desolated? Had she said something wrong? Kana feels doubt weight her down in her seat until a voice is so loud that it drags her out of her thoughts. It is none other than Shima. He is screaming nonsense once again. Apparently, Kiyo isn't too happy about him yelling it in his ear.

"There's a youkai! I swear to God that a giant lizard was just there, fixed on the side of the bus!" The blond boy exclaims, terrified. Kana freezes. In seconds she can feel goosebumps ride along her spine. Is it her or is it suddenly colder than a moment ago? All the kids run to plaster their faces on the windows, but for the lack of screaming the youkai isn't there. Kana tries to ignore the panicking boy. Youkai do not exist. Youkai do not exist.

"Shima! What are you saying? Youkai's are not real! They are just tales people use to say when there was no TV!" Torii retorts. Clearly fed up with the topic of youkai. She had been similarly vexed when Rikuo had stood up in class. Now, Kana could see that Torii wasn't as nonchalant with the topic as she appears. Her fists are tight. Her green eyes darting around the bus, frightened. Torii isn't the only one. Most of the children are attempting to look mad, but behind that façade they are scared. They believed in youkai, they just wish they didn't exist.

"I am not lying! There was a youkai! We are all in danger! It's going to eat us!" Shima looses it. He starts screaming and yelling for help. A part of Kana doesn't understand why the bus driver isn't checking to see what's wrong. Wasn't it his job to take care of the children? The scenery keeps blurring together impassively. Showing that the vehicle is nowhere near slowing down. Youkai do not exist.

"Shima didn't you pay attention to my presentation? As Torii said, youkai's cannot be real! Science would have discovered them by now. They are a mere invention of the human mind, they are stories to scare children into going to bed." Kiyo says, galled at another person contradicting him. First Nura and now Shima? What is it with people today? Youkai do not exist.

Inadvertently Kana has drawn her knees close to her chest. Sobs are fleeing her mouth. Youkai do not exist. But… if they don't. Why is she so fearful? What is the chill permeating the air? Why is Shima so out of it? He had been the most mean to the young Nura, second only to Kiyo himself. Adamantly denying the existence of ayakashi. Why has he change his mind? Youkai do not exist.

"There is a youkai! I am telling you!" Shima starts to cry, loudly. His gasps and pants, and screams and shout all pull cords inside of Kana. She can feel his agony. Most kids lose it at that. What if what Shima says… is true?

"Oh, gods! There it is!" Torii exclaims. Watching outside from another window. She starts screaming and crying, sobbing into her small hands. She's a mess with tears rolling along her cheeks and fright bursting from her chest. She has joined Shima's chant on their impeding deaths. A very distraught Saori attempts to console her. But she herself is just as petrified.

Were they going to be eaten? Were they going to be killed? As if the mood wasn't cryptic enough, Kana realizes there is a tunnel coming up ahead. In the back of her mind, she hears Kiyo trying to disprove thee supernatural existence. Pulling out parts of his research. Statistics, and studies, and important names, all irrelevant against the children's current state. No one pays him any mind. They are too alarmed already.

Right now, kids are huddling together, shaking. It is purely chaotic. The bus descends to Pandemonium in minutes. Youkai do not exist. Youkai do not exist. Youkai do not exist. Youkai do not exist. Youkai do not exist. Along her mantra Kana starts rocking, back and forth. The movement does not alleviate her anxiousness. And her conscious mind doesn't even register it. Somehow, Kiyo's coming announcement does reach her mind.

"People, don't you understand? Youkai do not –…" That's as far as he gets. Screams ensue as the bus enters the tunnel due to the blanket of darkness it brings along. An ear hurting sound is heard, and it is the final breath of the hurricane that rampages along Kana's heart. The tunnel has collapse. It is too much! Too much fear, too much fright! Kana faints. Youkai do not exist… she had once hoped.

Sorry, no Yura. She and Rikuo won't meet for a while. They are too young, their believes to pliable. Though she may appear next chapter.

Did you like that conversation between Rihan and Rikuo? I always did thought that, were Rihan alive that day, things would've been so different.

As always, any review, critic, or idea is more than welcome. Any pointer or grammatical mistake is throguhly appreciated.

Thank you for reading.