Ryuu blinked a few times, his body was aching and his head was swimming with fuzzy thoughts. He vaguely remembered asking…an onmyoji for help and then Akemi was there. He remembered him and the onmyoji fighting, but that was it. Why had he done it though?

"Oi, Rikuo!" Zen's voice rang from next to him, sounding like the wave of Mizuchi.

"Lord Zen, could you keep your voice down?" Ryuu asked, his voice quiet and not sounding like his usual tone.

Zen stared at him, "After that battle you're a lot different."

"What do you mean?" Ryuu asked, raising an eyebrow, "I…remember coming home and then meeting Akemi…and then the-"

"I guess having you spend so much time in Tono did a number on your memories and your two selves," Zen let out a small sigh, "But don't worry, I think you're slowly returning to normal."

"Normal?" Ryuu blinked, staring at him.

Zen nodded, "Your two sides blurred together during your time in Tono. It's…I guess it'd be hard to "separate" them but I think you're pulling through. I mean, you're just as weak as your father was in his human form."

Ryuu couldn't comprehend a word that Zen was saying. It eventually turned into a wall of noise, mixed in with the party and laughter outside.

"Zen, when you leave could you close the door?" came Rikuo's deep voice.

Zen nodded, bowing slightly and then closing the door behind him.

Ryuu heard his father sit down beside him and he glanced over.

"Asking an onmyoji for help with something like that," Rikuo sighed, "You're really reckless."

"I don't remember what I did," Ryuu protested, "I barely remember coming home!"

Rikuo nodded, "That's…well, that's…"

Ryuu stared at his dad, waiting for him to come up with the correct words but obviously they never came.

"That's tough," was all Rikuo could offer.

Ryuu nodded in agreement and then his eyes widened, "Um…Hayato! Where's Keikain-san?"

"Outside," Rikuo gestured to the door, "He's having some fun with the yokai."

"Fun?"

"They're playing games," Rikuo said, a small smile on his face, "I hadn't expected a son of Yura's to be so…care-free about interacting with yokai."

Ryuu began to get up, but Rikuo forced him back down, "No. You're staying here. Until you're obvious nausea has passed anyway."

"But-" Ryuu shut his mouth, feeling like he was about to throw up.

"Tsurara!" Rikuo shouted, Tsurara appearing at the doorway connected to the hall, "Could you bring in a basin? Not filled with water."

"Of course!" Tsurara nodded and went to fetch just that.

"I'm fine, really," Ryuu said shaking his head, "Also, I wanted to tell you something."

"What?" Rikuo asked, eyebrow cocked.

"I've met Keikain-san before," Ryuu said.

"You…have," Rikuo stared at his son, unsure of whether to believe him in his half delusional state or not.

"In my yokai form. Um…one night, I was in Tono and I decided to go out walking," Ryuu tried to recall most of the details but began to struggle, "I was with…Itaku-sensei and then…He left to get something and told me to stay."

"How did you meet Hayato?" Rikuo asked, rushing for the main point before Ryuu had to throw up again.

"I ran into him, on accident, but we didn't fight," Ryuu said, "He said something really strange, but I don't remember what it was…something about-"

"Ryuu!" Akemi pushed open the door, Kubinashi had obviously tried to stop her, but to no avail. "Oh, thank god! You're okay!"

"Y-yeah," Ryuu nodded, his eyes widening as he slinked back slightly.

"Ryuu?" Akemi stared at him, "You seem…different."

"Different?" Ryuu's eyes flickered from Zen, in the back, to his father and then back to Akemi. "Different how?"

"More…human," Akemi said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And more polite."

"It must just be your imagination," Ryuu laughed, but he could feel his blood start to boil again.

Simmer down, Ryuu told himself, but another voice answered him.

You're weak. You admitted that and you said that I could take over.

Ryuu's eyes widened and his began to cough.

A bucket was placed in front of him, Ryuu wasn't sure by who, and he vomited into it.

He could feel a few pairs of eyes set on him, but Ryuu was feeling so sick and miserable he didn't have the energy to look up.

"Thank god it's the weekend," he heard Akemi said.

"Well, you know what-" Ryuu was about to give a sharp retort-one that wouldn't have been his own-but another wave of nausea came over him and his lunch landed onto the pile of vomit that already sat at the bottom.

"Ooh, nasty," Rikuo cleared his throat and released his hold from the bucket as Ryuu grabbed it to steady himself.

Rikuo stood up, his eyes focused on Akemi and Hayato, "You two."

"Y-yes?" Akemi blushed a deep red and Hayato stared at her, an amused smile on his face.

"Stay here with Ryuu until…at least until he can talk smoothly again," Rikuo said. He looked at Zen and Tsurara, "Let's go."

They nodded, following Rikuo back out, the sound of Ryuu's vomiting following them as they left.

Akemi ran her hand up and down Ryuu's back in a comforting fashion while Hayato sat by and stared.

"What did your shikigami do to him?" Akemi asked, glaring over at Hayato.

"It wasn't my shikigami," Hayato rolled his eyes, "Mizuchi doesn't enter a person's body. He's a water-base that focuses on offensive attacks that don't penetrate."

"Well, obviously it was your fault he ended up like that," Akemi said, her eyes still trained on Hayato.

Ryuu reached a hand up and waved away the idea. After his fifth round was done, he picked his head back out of the bucket and said, "It wasn't his fault. Really."

"But he beat you up so badly-"

"It's my fault," Ryuu said, taking the towel that Akemi handed to him. "Up until this point, it really had nothing to do with Hayato. It was…what happened back in Tono. I was young…and my resolve was weak."

"Eight or so?" Akemi recalled and Ryuu nodded.

"You wanted to hear the story," Ryuu said, "I'll tell you, but I'm sure you remember this, right?"

Akemi glanced over at Hayato questioningly, but Hayato nodded. "I want to hear the rest of it," Hayato responded, "Not just the part where we met."

Ryuu nodded slowly, "I'll do the best I can to remember…so…after I was taken to Tono…

"I was scared, obviously. I was young and the only people I knew was Itaku and Reira. The others, I wasn't too familiar with. The yokai there were cruel and I found it strange. The yokai I was familiar with were kind and gentle but these…they treated me a lot differently than they treated the natives. I wasn't sure if it was because my father was the Supreme Commander or it was just because I was an outsider but I was treated quite differently for several years. Around the time I turned ten, Itaku decided I should probably get out more and took me out walking-at night of course. We walked for really long time and then we came upon a young onmyoji…by himself. Itaku turned back, saying he needed to get something and told me to stay where I was. At this point I was still in my yokai form, since it was night, but for some reason I wasn't afraid of the shikigami. When Itaku came back, the young onmyoji had something to me that changed how I felt about being the Supreme Commander's son.

"When we got back to Tono Village later that night, I refused to train. For a few days I just sat in the room I was staying in and didn't talk to anyone. If it hadn't been for Reira, I probably wouldn't have eaten either. I began to question myself and my gray existence. Sure, my father and his father were amazing Supreme Commanders and they were both really powerful-but could I live up to that? My father was ¾ human and only ¼ yokai but he changed the world so much. I, myself, am half yet I felt powerless and useless. For two years I trained hard, but I felt like I had gotten nowhere. Was it Itaku's fault? Was he being too gentle on me? Or was I just useless?"

Ryuu shrugged, taking a deep breath, "And then…when I finally got past it, I couldn't bring myself to summon Fear. I panicked and I got scared myself. After that, Itaku didn't put me through any training. Instead, Reira began to teach me how to control the "cold" aura around me that my mother had gave me. My emotions should be separated from my power and I accomplished that quickly. So, Itaku decided to give it another try after my training with Reira was accomplished."

"And…what happened?" Akemi asked.

Hayato put his hand on Akemi's arm, telling her to be quiet.

"Nothing worked," Ryuu let out a bitter chuckle, "I…couldn't. I tried and I wanted to, but I just…couldn't. I was in the form of a yokai but I had the mindset of a human…it felt like half of me had run off somewhere or severed itself from me because I couldn't find it."

Hayato and Akemi waited patiently for Ryuu to continue and when he did, Ryuu's voice grew dark.

"I became resentful. Why did I have to be part yokai? Why did…why did my great grandfather have to be someone so grand in a world that I didn't want to be apart of? Losing my ability to create fear was traumatizing enough, but then I slowly began to lose my resolve to become the Fourth Heir…and I became sickly. The yokai that helped in my training became worried and they sent a letter to my father. He told them that I should just be let go…I wasn't lying when I told you guys I studied in Kyoto. For the next three years, that's what I did. And I exceeded everyone, but I was different after I left Tono because I did the worst thing that a person like me could do," Ryuu looked over at Akemi and Hayato-his eyes gleaming dangerously, "I gave up."

"What's so bad about-" Hayato gave Akemi's arm a squeeze.

"It's bad," Ryuu shifted slightly, "because I have two sides. Right? The yokai and the human. I won't say my yokai side is…bad. It's just worse. And I was tired of everything so when he asked if I wanted to give up, I said yes. The person you've been seeing for the past few days…that's not me. That's my yokai form borrowing my human appearance. And when I asked for a duel, that was me. That was me calling for help. When I said that I lost the human side of me, I really meant it."

Hayato and Akemi were silent, Ryuu having finished his story. Hayato nodded slowly, "So…now what?"

"I have to train again," Ryuu sighed, "So much for getting a "head start". I'm further behind than my father now. When I succeed as the Fourth Heir I'll be useless."

"When you?" Akemi questioned.

"Yes," Ryuu nodded a peaceful smile on his face. "My problems are solved now…all I have to do is learn how to invoke fear. Isn't that right, father?"

There was a loud thump and thud outside the door and it slid open slightly. Rikuo, usually looking so dignified in his Night Form, had a slight blush on his face. His subordinates smiling sheepishly alongside him.

"So…you accept? Being the candidate for Fourth Heir?" Rikuo asked.

"I don't see why not. Yokai and humans, I will protect them all."

"Ryuu, are you feeling okay?" Reiji asked on Monday, when the last bell had rung.

"I…yeah," Ryuu nodded, "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Maki asked, "You seem a lot more polite than you were last week."

"Is that so?" Ryuu laughed, "Well…I guess you can say that I sort of got a weight lifted off my chest."

Akemi watched Ryuu, a slightly dazed look on her face. Is this what Ryuu was always like? Akemi rarely remembered him before he went to Tono.

"Akemi!" Rina waved her arms in front of her face, "Earth to Akemi!"

She jumped, knocking her books to the ground.

Ryuu glanced over and noticed her all flustered as she picked them up. Akemi glanced up and Ryuu was giving her a small grin. She felt her face heat up and he mouthed, "Stupid woman."

Akemi bit her lower lip and looked away quickly.

"What's up with you today?" Seito questioned, "Every time you meet Nura's eyes you start blushing!"

"I-no I don't!" Akemi exclaimed.

Rina nodded, "Uh-huh, I noticed that too…did you realize how good looking he is?"

"G-good looking?" Akemi stared at them.

"You were so mad at him we didn't bother telling you how all the girls are completely head over heels for him," Seito said, "We thought it would have made you more pissed off."

"H-head over heals?" Akemi repeated, her eyes widening.

Rina nodded, "I heard a few girls wanted to confess to him!"

"C-confess!?" Akemi stood up, nearly tripping over her chair. She fell sideways and braced herself for the floor, instead she landed on something…muscular?

She looked up, her eyes meeting a pair of golden ones. She bounced back, in an awkward stance.

"You're welcome," Ryuu said, Reiji and Maki giggling in the backgroun. "Um…you alright there, Akemi?"

"Y-yeah! Obviously!" Akemi rolled her eyes, "Why wouldn't I be? I'm fine. Always have been."

"Just making sure you didn't catch my fever," Ryuu shrugged, beginning to walk away.

"What? I'm don't have a weak immune system like you!" Akemi said, holding in a cough before Ryuu walked out of the room.

"Akemi, you have asthma, calm down," Seito said, suppressing a smile as she handed Akemi her inhaler.

"No, I'm fine," Akemi mumbled, pushing it away.

"So…do you actually like him?" Rina questioned, smiling.

"Who would like that guy? All he has are looks and brains and money," Akemi said.

Rina and Seito glanced at each other and then back at Akemi.

"Well…what else do you want in a guy?" Seito asked.

"I want him to be caring and funny and friendly," Akemi snapped.

"He seem to fit your description perfectly today," Rina said, gesturing out into the hallway.

Akemi glanced out and fumed when she saw Ryuu talking to a group of girls, "Oh and he has to be considerate."

"He was pretty considerate when he caught you," Seito said.

"A different type of considerate!" Akemi stood up, taking her bag. "I'm going home."

"Okay… feel better," Rina giggled.

Akemi stomped out of the classroom, practically shoving open the door.

Ryuu and Hayato glanced over. Ryuu watching as she stormed past Ryuu and deliberately stomping on both of his feet as he passed.

"Argh!" Ryuu jumped, leaning against Hayato once the damage had been done.

"Geez…what's wrong with her today," Hayato mumbled, pushing Ryuu towards the wall and then brushing off the invisible dust that Ryuu had left.

"I don't know," Ryuu shrugged, "She looked real mad earlier too. Every time I looked over she would scowl and everything."

"She…" Hayato's lips slowly formed into a while, "I think…she might like you, Nura-kun."

"What?" Ryuu looked over, shaking his head, "Impossible. She obviously hates my guts-"

"She hated your yokai personality," Hayato said, "She doesn't hate you."

"But my yokai personality is part of me," Ryuu said, giving him a quizzical look.

Hayato rolled his eyes, "Come on, let's get going."

"Okay," Ryuu mumbled, "Keikain-san…you really are weird."

"Mhm," Hayato yawned, "I'm not the one that's half yokai."

Ryuu bumped against him playfully, "Shut it, onmyoji."

"Right back at you, yokai," Hayato smirked.

Ryuu and Hayato laughed. When Ryuu had finished, he was shocked to find Akemi waiting for them by the school's gates.

"Akemi," he stared at her.

"Wh-what?" Akemi rolled her eyes, "Today we have to go to Bakeneko's, remember?"

"Oh, right…I forgot," Ryuu said.

"Did you make plans with him?" Akemi asked.

"No," Ryuu smiled.

"Good then," Akemi said, beginning to walk in the opposite direction.

"That's your house," Ryuu said.

"I knew that," Akemi turned and began walking towards the Nura Residence.

"Oh, yeah," Hayato stopped Ryuu by holding his shoulder, "Before you go…the yokai thing-"

"I can't," Ryuu shrugged, "In reality, I hadn't really awakened. Now that the whole human yokai thing is sorted out I can't transform…for now, I think."

Hayato nodded, "Well, I wish you luck on that."

"Thanks," Ryuu nodded, smiling slightly and then jogging to catch up to Akemi.

"Young master!" Bakeneko greeted, "So this is your human form?"

"Sadly," Ryuu laughed, putting on the apron over his clothes.

"No, it's very attractive," a female worker commented, giggling.

"He's almost like the Third Heir," another swooned.

Akemi rolled her eyes, nearly crushing the sake bottle in her hands.

"Akemi, watch it," Ryuu said, pulling the bottle away before she broke it.

"Right, sorry," Akemi mumbled, walking away and not meeting his eyes.

Did I do something wrong? Ryuu thought to himself, as he went to get the orders of a few people.

"Ryuu, over here!" came Zen's voice.

Ryuu turned, walking over, "Hello Lord Zen. Father."

"How was school?" Rikuo asked, his red eyes flashing lightly in the lighting.

"Fine…confusing…"

"If you're confused, you could ask Akemi for help," Zen offered, pushing his cup towards Rikuo.

Rikuo poured it for Zen as Ryuu said, "Well, Akemi was what was confusing."

"Akemi?" Rikuo raised an eyebrow, nearly spilling over.

"Yeah…every time I looked at her she scowled at me and then when I tried to talk to her she turned all red and walked away," Ryuu said, shrugged, "I wonder if it's because she's disgusted by me…"

"Dis…gusted," Zen stared at Ryuu.

"You know, because I'm in my human form," Ryuu sighed. "If not, I wonder what else it is…"

Zen and Rikuo glanced at each other. Zen rolled his eyes and Rikuo nodded in agreement.

"Maybe she likes you," Rikuo suggested.

"Likes me?" Ryuu stared at his father. "That's…well of course she likes me. We're friends and stuff. But I think she might be mad-"

"No," Zen shook his head, "Your dad mean likes."

Ryuu stared blankly at the two of them.

"Are you naturally thick or-?" Zen questioned, staring at him.

"Love," Rikuo said, "Maybe she loves you? Has a crush on you?"

"Lo-crush?" Ryuu shook his head, "No, that's not possible! That's… I mean, it's not that I would mind but-"

"Young master, can you get the orders over here?" Bakeneko shouted.

"Told you not to call me young master when I'm working for you!" Ryuu said, standing up and jogging over slightly to get the order of one of the pettier yokai.

"Your son…"

"I know," Rikuo took a drink of his sake.

"Are you sure-?"

"He inherited Tsurara's ditzy personality," Rikuo smiled over his cup as he watched Akemi stomp brutally on Ryuu's foot, "Your daughter on the other hand…"

"She's a bit violent," Zen admitted.

"As expected of being raised by Lord Zen," Rikuo laughed.

Zen shoved him gently, "Oh shut up, Rikuo."

The night went by faster than Ryuu would have expected. Once their shift was done, Ryuu and Akemi began to walk back together.

"So…your yokai form?"

"A negative," Ryuu said, "Once in awhile I can feel it…but I can't do it."

"Oh…" Akemi's voice trailed off. "Well, I hope you can do it eventually."

"Yeah, me too," Ryuu mumbled.

"Hey…Ryuu," Akemi started, "I…I'm sorry for how I treated you today." "Nah, it's fine," Ryuu shrugged, "I expected as much. I mean, I treated you pretty badly earlier too, so-"

"No. It's not that…it's more that-"

Ryuu held up his hand, Akemi staring at him questioningly but he didn't speak.

"Wh-"

"Shush!" Ryuu grabbed her and fled into a nearby bush.

Akemi struggled slightly but Ryuu kept his hand over her mouth. He peek through the leaves, feeling a heavy yokai aura.

What…is this? It's…it's hard to breath, Ryuu thought. He felt Akemi relax slightly and he glanced over to find her eyes widen with terror.

The footsteps began to fade, but they were walking away from the area around the Nura Residence.

"Come on," Ryuu said, standing up and grabbing his bag-Akemi following right after him.