In the dead of the night these mysterious yokai ran to the darkness to fulfill an important duty, to report the knowledge they received. Arriving at their destination, a large and run down castle where which they resided in the past 10 years, it was a place that neither humans nor yokai can walk onto freely without being detected and if they are not welcome, they will surely be either lost or go back from whence they came, dead. They kneeled down before the dark figure in the shadows, "leader-sama," a yokai said as her red hair flows down her knee as she bowed before the man.
Their leader turned his head slightly to his men, "so he died?"
"Yes, as you predicted leader-sama," the yokai replied formally looking up her jade eyes to her leader, who was wearing a long black robe and a long necklace of beads, his hand touching the large crystal in front of them, "he was stabbed to the chest resulting to his immediate death,"
The man eyed his subordinates, with the woman in the in front; she had led them to follow and watch the blasted yokai die as punishment for disobeying his leader. Though he was amazed at the man who managed to kill that useless fool, "who killed him?"
She frowned and bowed her head lower, "when we got to him, the culprit had already left the premises," she responded in a disappointed tone, "I'm very sorry, leader-sama,"
Their leader then puts down his hand and took off his long embroidery of beads in which he uses for his daily ceremonies and predictions, walked to the window and sighed.
The woman looked at her subordinates as they find the right time to speak. Their eyes locked and they nodded, signaling the right time. She turned back, "there's something else, leader," she continued, joy was heard in her voice in hopes that she'll be praised, "we've found her, before he died, he mentioned about her being with the man who killed him"
Their leader looked at her, "so that fool is useful after all," a glint of delight was seen in his red eyes, "then we better move now," he said as he turns back to the window, "and it was such a great weather too," he frowned at the sight of the white crystals gracefully starting to fall from the sky. He grimaced, "how I loathe this weather."
. . . . .
"LOOK! LOOK! Rikuo-sama!" Tsurara beamed at the sight of the snow falling, "it's starting to snow again!"
Rikuo smiled at her childishness as she stares amazingly at the snow. Despite Christmas and New Year being over, the clear white snow still falls to the absolute delight of her attendant Tsurara, "let's play outside after school okay? Rikuo-sama!"
He shrugged, "sure," he said as he takes his bag and walks through the door, "just bring my lunch at school as usual!" he smiled, "thanks Tsurara!"
Ever since that night in the festival, the gap that Rikuo has been unconsciously making between him and Tsurara dispersed, and they began to talk normally now, that somehow made Rikuo really happy.
It was the first day of school after the new years and Rikuo is pumped up for the day, his school break had been really fun! Though they didn't really celebrate Christmas, they did prepare a Christmas tree so as to not separate their house from the others and he got to have fun at the Kiyo Cross Squad's Christmas party and that was enough for him. And besides, their New Year was a blast! The Nura house was alive and rowdy matching the loud sound of the fireworks in the sky that night. Sake bottles were seen flying at the corner of every room and the ayakashi all partied the entire night, which is why they all couldn't get up the next morning, the Supreme Commander included, and why Aotabo isn't around with him. Tsurara should have accompanied him but she wanted to help his mother Wakana with the house. He sighed, asking what would happen if he were the next heir, would he also party like that of his father where he walks around dancing and singing weird stuff… he hopes not.
He then stared up at the cloudy gray sky, at the snow falling to be exact. Though his Yuki-onna was indeed very happy with the weather, honestly, he didn't, rather, he feels like something bad will come to take advantage of this weather, his chest constricted and he holds it firmly, a stern look on his face as he recalls the pain in his chest back then…
…
"Good morning, Rikuo!" Kana greeted the moment she sighted him entering the classroom, "Happy New Year!"
Rikuo smiled in response and greeted, "same with you Kana!" he couldn't help but notice Kana smiling a whole lot more than usual today. She couldn't smile at all that much at all after those yokais attacked them and he blames himself for that, so much. So it was such an absolute relief to him seeing her back to her old self.
He sat in his seat and silently watched the others talking happily with each other, Kiyotsugu talking to Shima as he slowly backs away from him in fear. Kana, Maki and Torii exchanging stories and experiences during the new years, it made him kinda left out, but what the heck if they're happy…
"They are really enjoying themselves aren't they?" Rikuo turned to where the voice came from and found Yura staring at them with a serious look. She then turned to the brown-haired boy, "you're not joining them?"
Rikuo was taken by surprise at her suddenly initiating a conversation and gaped at her for a second before giving a lazy smile, "I'm fine here, thanks,"
Yura looked at the boy, concentration was seen in her eyes like she was looking for something in his chocolate brown eyes, leaning closer to him. Noticing this, Rikuo leaned back, keeping a safe distance between them, "K-Keikain-san?"
"There's something weird about you," she said with a analyzing look, "…ever since I saw you," she then pulled away and went back to her seat without saying another word. Kana, who witnessed everything, couldn't believe what she herself saw, but she did immediately come up with the conclusion that the onmyouji, Keikain Yura, likes her childhood friend Nura Rikuo. While Rikuo just stared at the Keikain with an awkward look and sweat dropped, fearing that his secret of being a quarter yokai was revealed. His face paled, what am I going to do?
…
It was pouring heavy snow outside so the Kiyo Squad members all decided to join their tables and ate their lunches as a group. And as Kiyotsugu go about his daily ramblings about yokais and such, Kana sat beside Rikuo wanting to ask what happened this morning with Yura, it bothered her. Yura wasn't the person to openly talk to a person. She was a silent girl, but can also be loud and laid back at times. And she was an onmyouji, maybe she warned Rikuo about yokais or something like that. It bothered her so much but she was much, much too nervous to ask. She glanced at the boy beside her and saw that he was staring anxiously outside, apart from that, he still hadn't taken out his lunch yet, "is something wrong, Rikuo?"
Rikuo flinched then turned to her, "ah, Kana" he forced a smile, "Tsurara was supposed to bring me my lunch today, but she still isn't here," he stared back outside, "I kinda got worried for her,"
"Rikuo," was all she could mutter hearing him explain himself. She really does worry over her, well there is also the case of the snow outside.
Rikuo then suddenly stood up upon seeing Tsurara by the school gate running her heart out. He ran outside towards her to everyone's shock.
"Rikuo's acting a bit weird," Maki pointed out to Torii as she takes a first bite at her lunch.
"AH! IT'S TSURARA!" Shima said pushing his face in the glass as he looks at the cute Yuki-onna running towards Rikuo. He cursed Rikuo angrily to himself, "taking Tsurara for himself…"
…
"Tsurara!" Rikuo called running to her. Tsurara just smiled at him as they shaded themselves inside the school. Tsurara was really panting that made Rikuo worry more for her. The girl now infront of him, who loves and lives with snow acting like this, something must've happened. And there's also the case of her skirt that was slashed at the end. He was about to ask what happened to it when she interrupted him, "I'm so sorry for being late, Rikuo-sama!"
He stared at her as she handed his lunch to him, "n-no, it's fine, more importantly, are you alright?"
Tsurara stared at him in surprise then forced a smile, "y-yes!" She averted her eyes then stared at the sky, her face deep in thought that made the boy suspicious as he follows her sight.
She timidly looks at Rikuo, "Rikuo-sama," she said, disappointment was heard in her voice, "I'm sorry,"
Rikuo smiled at her, "it's fine—
"I won't be able to play with the snow later with you!" She continued crying comical tears, "I'm very sorry!"
Rikuo blinked, he doesn't care about that, rather what he was worried more is what happened to her skirt, "i-it's fine?"
"Then I have to go, Rikuo-sama," she turned to him with her usual signature smile, "have a nice day!" she said as she runs back leaving rikuo with a blank look on his face. He still hadn't asked what happened and she had already left as if she was purposely avoiding him asking. The brown haired boy could only sigh and walk back…
…
..
That night in the empty streets at midnight, sounds of swords lashing and pains of yokais were heard as they are one by one defeated by this certain yokai who manipulates ice. Seeing the last yokai fall down below her, she lets down her ice spear and let out an exhausted breath.
"Yukinko!" another yokai called as he descends down with his claw behind him pointed below piercing the yokai who attempted to attack the girl from behind. She turned to him…them as they regain their stance after that high fall. A weird black haired boy with his partner who wears a demon skull that hides most of his face, "Gozumaru and Mezumaru,"
"OH!" Mezumaru looked around the yokai who dropped dead, "you really went all out here!" he said amazed at what the Yuki-onna accomplished
"These guys really mean business huh, Yukinko?" Gozumaru added glancing at the yuki-onna—Tsurara as she looks around, feeling if there are any more enemies in the hiding, "yes," she replied, "if I knew they would move this quickly, I never should have gone and live in the Nura house," a hint of regret was heard in her voice as she clench her fists, "I involved you guys and everyone, I'm very sorry…"
The two yokai looked at the yuki-onna, "Yukinko,"
"…you idiot!" Gozumaru added what his partner said that made Tsurara turn to them, blinking in surprise, "we made ourselves involved in this when we took you in back then!" he snorted and Mezumaru flashed a mocking smile at his partner's direction, "it's the first time Gozu ever said something very inspiring,"
"SHUT UP!" Gozu retorts, pouting to himself.
Tsurara smiled at both of them, "thanks you two!"
The two smiled back.
….
…
..
.
"AH!" Tsurara gasped upon waking up to see the time, "RIKUO-SAMA IS GOING TO BE LATE!" she yelled as she runs straight to his room, cursing herself for being unable to wake up early. Though she was glad she was able to prepare and help Wakana with the breakfast before dosing off, she still wouldn't forgive herself if her beloved master is late to school because of her!
"Rikuo-sama!" She slammed the door to his room open, prepared to apologize for her rudeness after she informs the master to get to school pronto! "breakfast is—!" she paused at the sight of a half-naked Rikuo in front of her. She immediately closed the door and apologized, "i-i-I'm so sorry!" Rikuo stared blankly at the silhouette of the Yuki-onna from outside the door, processing what just happened and immediately freeze in shock, "Tsu-Tsurara?"
Tsurara froze from where she stood; her face was dyed with a shade of pink as she recalled what happened, seeing her master like that wasn't even an issue back then, but now to think she would go bright red like this just seeing the middle schooler's chest. She frowned as she remembers an old memory, "master, breakfast is ready!" she tried to keep her voice even as she walks away, her face still red.
After eating, Rikuo hurriedly walked out in front and saw Tsurara sweeping outside, but he was a bit surprised to see her not alone, "Gozu? Mezu?"
"Rikuo-sama!" Tsurara said, turning to him with a questioning look on her face, "you have to hurry! You will be late to school at this rate!" then she remembered, "AH! Please wait here, master!" she said as she run to the house then back to him almost immediately, "you're lunch!" she handed, "I don't want what happened yesterday to repeat itself again, so please…" she said then pushed him to the direction to the school. Rikuo stared at her two 'friends' then back to the Yuki-onna, "wa-wait, Tsurara"
"I'm very sorry about what happened just then, master," she whispered to him in a sad tone before pulling away from him, "have a nice day, Rikuo-sama!" Rikuo turned to her, feeling that her apology doesn't stop with just her rudeness that morning, he feels that it it extends to something more…much more...
"You really don't want to involve the third heir huh? What a loyal attendant you are," Gozu said, a hint of sarcasm was heard in his voice at the last statement as he jumps down to see the heir walk to school. He then glanced at Tsurara, "he'll surely be hurt you know,"
Tsurara tried to keep her face calm as he said those words. Of course he will, he'll lose faith in her and more than that, it's possible that he will hate her, but she doesn't mind, "I'd rather not let him get involved for history to not repeat itself, I'll definitely protect Rikuo-sama this time!" she said staring painfully at Rikuo, who held his chest. He has a bad feeling about everything now…
...
...
...
Tsurara stood by the sakura tree that night. She stared at the petals in awe as the cold wind lightly lifts it under the moonlight, she inhaled, taking in the wind then smiled as she heads off, alone. She turned away from it despite wanting to stay a little longer, but sadly she doesn't have the luxury to do so. She then noticed the sudden presence of the Supreme Commander casually sitting on the wooden floors in the hallway smoking his pipe. He glanced at the ice maiden, "off to your usual work I see,"
She turned to him and bowed her head in respect to him, keeping silent, "please let me do this," she pleaded. Nura Rihyon sighed, "I don't plan on stopping you in what you want," he said staring at the quarter moon that was seated at the center of the sky, "though I can understand what you want to do,"
Tsurara turned to him and down at the ground, keeping quiet as the old man breathes out smoke from his pipe before speaking what seemed like a warning to her, "just be prepared to face the consequences of your actions,"
She silently nodded, "thank you," she said and flashed a grateful smile at the Nurarihyon before leaving. The Supreme Commander then shift his head to the dark side of the hallway where a shadowy figure was rested, he breathe in from his pipe, "you heard the lady," he said to him as he grits his teeth and walked out, attempting to follow the young lady.
Rihyon relaxed himself and sighed, "my, my"
…
..
.
"There seem to be many of them tonight," Tsurara muttered. She was already tired and panting but there are still many of them. She glanced around, she was sure that there are still more powerful ones on the hiding, waiting for the ice maiden to tire herself before they take action. Honestly, she really needs help right about now but she wouldn't bet on anyone coming to aid her. She took the wrong time to ask Mezumaru and Gozumaru to do something for her. She braced herself. She knew she wouldn't stand against them, but still, she had to fight…for her master.
Then all at once the yokais attack her from all sides. To get away, she jumped up high and blew her cold breath below freezing most of them in one shot. She then stops to gather her strength when another jumped behind her and hits her hard from behind, she had no time to dodge and so she fell down hard on the ground. She forced herself to stand thinking that it was not over yet. Taking a step, she began swinging her spear in front of her as a defense as she blows sharp icicles at her enemies stabbing them one by one.
"A very interesting yokai indeed," an enemy mused as she watches in the shadows. Amused by the show Yuki-onna is exhibiting. Excited to show herself and fight her.
Tsurara knelt down, taking in deep breaths as she gaze at the yokais on the ground either unconscious or in too much pain to stand up. She made an effort to not kill them for she knew that these ayakashis are just being manipulated by the more powerful ones, something she learned from her master way back, not to kill. She clench her fists, she will never forgive them.
She stared up in the sky, that's right, she still needs to help Wakana-sama with the breakfast and she still needs to fix her master's lunch. Her master, she smiled, I hope he is having a great dream tonight—!
She was caught off guard as a yokai sprung forth from the shadows pointing her sword at her. Luckily, she was able to dodge it by spinning to one side. She couldn't take it anymore. Her body is far too heavy and tired to move, what's more, she's starting to lose consciousness! The woman smiled darkly at the sight of the Yuki-onna falling to the ground and to the yokai's absolute surprise, she landed into the safe arms of him— her master.
Tsurara's eyes widen in absolute revelation as she stared at him…
"Rikuo-sama,"
There! DONE! This chapter is at least! thank you for the people/authors who reviewed the last chapter...once again, please tell me guys what you think about this chapter...
teehee... tha latest chapter of nuramago is out ^^, i love how Tsurara is developing! Kana as well!
This is out of topic but...Do yokais celebrate Christmas? i mean they are creatures of the dark and for them to celebrate about god or religion for that matter is just a bit... *shrugs. Anyway the truth is slowly revealing itself and Tsurara is a bit out of character in this chapter don't you think? Ah, well... the yuki-onna has a lot on her mind so... please bear with her. I also introduced Gozu and Mezu in this chapter, the twins interest me... ^^
ANNOUNCEMENT: since classes are starting next week (for us) D: i won't be able to update very much... i'm very sorry, but being a "responsible" student is my new years resolution... so i'll abide to that! IWANTTOCHANGE! xD (What's your new year's resolution?)
...But I'll try and update as much as i can! so please be patient with me!
i apologize for any errors in the story and a little bit of constructive criticism is very much appreciated...
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!
SEE YOU GUYS NEXT YEAR!