It was really nice to celebrate Christmas with Kurama and his mom. They both cook like pro's, leaving me very satisfied afterwards. It turns out it was Kurama's idea to get me and his mom immediately agreed when she heard I would be alone for Christmas. During dinner, Shiori said that at New Year's eve, she'd be at a party from work and thought it would be a good idea for Kurama and I to spend it together. He full heartedly agreed and seeing that I have nothing better to do and it's actually fun to hang out with him, I agreed as well. So that is where we are now.

I look at myself in the mirror as I'm fixing my obi with a little difficulty. It's been a while since I only dress up traditionally for the New Year's celebration. I think back to the phone call to my grandmother earlier that day. She is in worse shape than ever. I suppose it won't be long until she passes away, making me have no direct family anymore. I suppose I can't be sad though. It's better this way and from what I remember about her when she was still right in the mind, she would agree with me. She always told me she has no regrets in life. I guess that's the best way to go. And perhaps anyone else in my situation might feel lonely, but I've never felt lonely. Sure, I miss my family, sometimes more then I can bare, but I'm not alone. I have friends looking out for me and vice versa and I'm sure that one day, though I'm sure it won't be easy, I will have a family of my own again.

I pull a haori over my shoulders for the cold, tying the front before opening the door to see Kurama there about to knock. "You did it again didn't you?", he asks knowingly. I smirk at him. "I could sense you from miles away.", I tell him a bit overdramatizing it. "You will never be able to sneak up on me, even if your life depended on it." I can see his amusement as he says, "That's too bad. Sneaking around is in my nature after all." He then looks me over from tip to toe, making me feel a bit self-conscious. Not sure why though. It's just Kurama. "You look very pretty Rosa.", he compliments. I never really know how to deal with those, so I just take it back to him. "You don't look too bad yourself.", I say seeing him dressed traditionally as well. He would fit right into the 17th century.

We make our way towards the local shrine through the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Luckily everyone seems to be going the same direction so it doesn't take too long to get there. The atmosphere feels good despite the light freezing temperature. I bow before the shrine, silently showing my gratitude to the gods for the past year. When I'm done, Kurama does the same.

Afterwards he treats me to a caramel coated apple and we retreat to a bench to wait until the clock strikes twelve. "Any wishes you are going to make?", I ask him. He shrugs, "The usual I suppose, like good health and such. You?" "Same here.", I say watching the people who walk by. I smile at the sight of a young boy who looks carefully how his parents perform the rituals and tries to copy them to the best of his abilities. It's rather cute. I go to point it out to Kurama, but suddenly I feel like I can't move. My heartbeat rises in alarm as my eyesight goes in and out of focus and everything goes quiet around me. The only noise that reaches me is Kurama's voice calling my name.

/Kurama's point of view/

A faint smell of the Makai planes reaches my senses. My eyes widen and I let my treat slip from my fingers as everyone seems to freeze in their spot and a grey haze seems to have covered everything like a black and white photograph. I turn to Rosa in alarm to find her in a similar state like everyone else, but every other second she regains her color and moves barely before she falls back into that strange state that everyone else is in. A heavy frown is set on her face and her jaw is clenched. Whatever this is, she's fighting it. "Rosa!", I call out to her worried, holding onto her shoulders.

Nothing changes and I stand up, scanning my surroundings for the source of this phenomenon. The scent from before is still around. Whoever it is, they must be the cause of this. I turn back to Rosa, crouching down before her. "I'm going to look for the cause of this. In the meanwhile I want you to keep fighting.", I tell her. I think she heard me as she tries even harder, making her moments of mobility a fraction longer. I nod at her reassuringly before walking off into the stoic crowd, following the scent. I'm careful not to bump into anyone as I search. I don't know if I'll knock them over if I do. This demon must be pretty powerful to do this. And whatever 'this' is. I can only guess.

I see movement and slip quietly closer. What I see is a mostly human appearing demon. His skin is slightly grey though and his ears are pointed. He seems to be of age. I watch him as he seems to assess the humans around him one by one, sometimes taking measurements before shaking his head in disapproval. I step out from in between the crowd facing his back. He's still busy with his previous actions, so he hasn't heard me yet. I narrow my eyes at him before speaking up, "Looking for something particular?"

He turns around surprised. "Well, look here. I wasn't aware there was someone here that is powerful enough to remain unaffected by my powers." "Who are you and what did you do?", I ask cutting to the chase. "Hm? I'm not sure I like the tone of your voice boy, but I suppose I can let it slide for once." I frown, trying not to lose my patience. "Please answer my questions.", I try again.

The man scoffs, but speaks up anyway. "I'm just here to do my job. That being the collecting of good human specimens for the black market." I glare at him. "I do believe you picked the wrong time and location.", I tell him, making him chuckle. He doesn't seem fazed by the hidden threat. "Is that so? Are you not a demon?", he questions. "I am." "Then why do you care what I do?", he asks. "Perhaps I wouldn't have cared in the past, but right now you're causing my friend trouble and I take that personally." "Oh?", he says looking surprised before looking around. I tense when he notices Rosa in the far back, still struggling. "Now that is something you don't see every day.", he comments, looking interested.

"That one is strong for a human.", he says as he moves to get closer. I step in front of him, making him halt in his tracks. He raises a brow at this. "Is she yours boy?", he questions. "Not in the context you suggest, but she's with me.", I tell him, my voice deceptically calm. "Hmm. Judging from your attitude, I'm guessing that you're not willing to part with her." "You guessed correctly. Now I suggest you leave this world. You've dug your grave pretty deep already.", I warn him. This demon is really pushing his luck with me. He only smirks. "Listen here boy. I may look old, but I'm no push over. I suggest not to underestimate me. Now step aside and let me do what I have to do."

I ready myself into a fighting position. "I'm afraid you are the one underestimating me.", I tell him, making him frown. "Now usually it's my friend's job to dispose of unwelcome company in this realm, but since she is unable to, allow me to take her place.", I say, getting ready to send this demon to the afterlife.