Disclaimer: I do not own nurarihyon no mago. I only own my OCs and my story plots.
Retsu is currently 6 years old.
Belladonna
Chapter 11:
Kogane no Gyōza
A light breeze carrying a tinge of the ocean swept through the bustling yōkai districts of Chiba prefecture, its vibrant nightlife second only to the one located in Ibaraki. Traditional paper lanterns of red and yellow lined the store entrances in a neat row, shining much like will-o-wisps underneath the inky sky. Each store has in possession of at least one lantern emblazoned with the Nura Clan's emblem— a sign of protection and a warning beacon to all.
Streams of chatter and murmurs trickle out from nearby bars and eatery, Ayakashi of various species enjoying the night as they drown themselves in booze, food and entertainment. It has been a relatively peaceful area ever since the Nura Clan had settled within the Kantō region some four hundred years ago. Unruly yōkai were all subdued quickly and viciously during the Second's reign, hence deterring many others from causing too huge a ruckus. The consequences were more trouble than it is worth.
However, after the sudden death of their commander, there was no one to organise the groups to keep a firm reins on the population of rouge yōkai, and everything gradually starts going downhill from there. While not jarringly obvious, the increase in paranormal sightings and peculiar cases had significantly risen over the years in proportion with the numbers of humans went missing. The Nura Clan has been asking for every last yōkai under its protection to keep a spare eye and ear out for anything suspicious. If anything, this is the perfect opportunity for enemies who were eyeing their bountiful territories to launch an attack.
Rokuro-neko let out a small sigh from where he is currently squatting in one of the back alleyways, right beside his workplace. Onyx pupils fully enlarged, swallowing most of the green of his irises as his gaze slides towards the distant lights of the main street. His short, midnight-black hair and formfitting barista uniform blends almost perfectly into the shadows, a long black tail sweeping from side-to-side languidly behind him.
The shop he works has its interiors designed to that of a western-styled bar, hence, workers are to dress according to the theme. It is one of the many tactics to attract customers, there are some who like 'fresh' and 'new' environments. As the night droned on, the rowdy atmosphere of the bar grew evermore, and a break was in order once there was a slight lull in workload.
Puffing out a ball of smoke into the air, he watch idly as the tendrils curl and dance before finally fading away. Bakeneko have a couple different species despite being generally looped under one same category, and while practically most of them are able to somewhat get a humanoid form, a large majority are still unable to hide their ears or tails. Although fire-type Osore in bakaneko aren't ultra rare, they do have a chance to become relatively powerful the longer they exist compared to the rest of their brethren. All they need is time.
An ominous presence coming from the darker end of the backstreet snapped the bakeneko out of his musings. Involuntarily, his muscles tensed, instincts alerting him that someone strong is well within the vicinity. He chances a glance.
Two figures walked side-by-side, both distinctively male and foreign. A tall platinum blonde man wearing a dark trench coat caught the bakeneko's eye first— the long hair tied haphazardly at the nape of his neck stood out from within the darkness— one of his gloved hands holding onto a leather suitcase. His companion's appearance resembled more to a shadow, bronze-skin with ebony hair and similarity coloured eyes hidden underneath a fedora. He wore dark casual clothes, a thin maroon scarf wrapped around his neck.
Calmly, Rokuro-neko averts his gaze and keeps his head just a tad low, intending to avoid all forms of contact and minds his own business. Foreign yōkai, judging from the looks, most probably from the west or at least, related to it.
His tail involuntarily fluffs up a little when they passed him. He doesn't know much about Ayakashi from overseas, it's his first time even encountering one to be honest— most of them don't tend to leave their home country— but he knows enough that they aren't your average run-for-the-mill, low-caliber demons. If the small amount of Osore hidden underneath their calm humanoid exterior were anything to go by, he wouldn't want to fight them anytime soon.
He huffs once they rounded the corner. Well, if they aren't somewhat capable, they wouldn't have dared to go into another's territory, let alone the Nura Clan's, and especially one from other countries. That is as good as asking for certain death.
"Rokuro-neko!"
He breathe out one last breath of smoke-filled air before getting up onto his feet with all the grace of a feline, grumbling out a reply. "Coming!"
Taking step forward, he halted when he felt a tug at the end of his vest and turns around. His gaze flickers down to the point of connection and found a pair of naturally narrow but childlike crimson eyes staring back at him, her other hand holding up a familiar looking hat. "You dropped this."
Glancing down at the item, his ears twitched atop his head at the sudden realisation of a lack of restriction, and reaches out to take it. "Oh, thanks."
By the time he looks up, the young Ayakashi had already turned on her heel with a slight incline of her head and moving towards the main street. A passing yōkai obscures her tiny form from view for just a split second and she disappears. Rokuro-neko blinks one more time before shrugging it off when he heard his name being called again, this time much more insistently. Wearing his hat, he turn around and heads back into the bar.
He should probably inform the Nura Clan patrol members about the foreigners when they pass by later.
Rick takes in the relatively jovial atmosphere, along with the occasional keen eyes and ears trailing after them the moment they step into the main street. Security is tight, or rather, they had made it a little too easy. The raven yōkai shot his stubborn blonde friend an accusing look, Foster— Fos for short— refuses to acknowledge him, opting instead to keep his sights ahead. However with Rick's hawklike eyes, he caught the slight upward twitch of the Fae's lips, the only telltale sign of his true feelings. His eyes narrows in enlightenment. 'Shortcut my arse.'
If there was one thing the raven dislikes more than anything, it is being in a much too crowded area with no cover whatsoever. Some old habits die hard, especially when it had been further aggravated some couple hundred years ago, on a mission nonetheless, by a certain fairy. Ah, those days they were still at each other's throats. Lots of encounters, swearing, rude gestures, guns blazing, knives thrown about, shit-eating grins, lethal to reputation-ruining set-ups, blood spilled and voodoo dolls. Now, they're accomplices. Most of the time.
The duo sic pranks upon the other every now and then, the looks on the other's faces when they manage to one up the other is much too fulfilling to take out. It was the one thing they kept from their 'before accomplices' tradition. However, if this was get back for his bathroom joke last week, then it's way too lenient. Fos isn't known for holding back in anything, or more precisely his generosity for retribution. Best stay on his toes.
Passing through the area quickly, Rick was just a tad disappointed not being able to sightsee. Although he supposes they can leave being tourists at a later date, so long as they don't get kicked out by the locals before that. The raven is very much looking forward to seeing what Japan has to offer. Although... he can't quite seem to shake off the tiny, but nagging feeling that they were being watched, much more closely that they think.
...
I've been tailing the two fellas around for a good while now, both parts wary and curious, but leaning more of the former. I had never seen a foreign yōkai before, not in this life or the last, neither was there any mention of demons from overseas that I know of. Although thanks to them, I located another of one those yōkai districts and one of its many entrances. Based on what I've seen, it's most probably their first time here, considering we went around in circles a couple times before they finally noticed. Vaguely, I wonder which group of the Nura Clan is in-charge of this area.
They proceed further until the stores slowly thin out, before heading over to the edge of a forest. Ducking behind a tree, the two Ayakashi disappears from view. I followed their example, rounding the tree as well. However, instead of finding the yōkai distinct in front of me once I walked a circle, I now found myself standing at the edge of the dark forest, back in the human world. Blinking once, I shake my head and looked around, upon spotting their silhouettes, I speed up my pace in order to catch up to them.
'They seem awfully well-informed.' I mused idly, the light rustling of the grass beneath my zori tangible only to my own ears.
The city lights shines brightly within the dead of the night, acting as a beacon while we drew closer. Storm clouds gathered up in heavens above, the scent of rain strong within the air as wind howled, a thunderstorm fast approaching. Crossing a couple streets and business buildings, we then entered a high-rise skyscraper. Looking up at it, I'd say it is almost twenty stories tall. A gust of cold wind from the air conditioner blew against my face and ruffles my hair the moment I step in. Casting a cursory glance around, I noted the modern style of the hotel, briefly taking in the bright reception area and a pretty glass chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. I made sure to keep close, but not too close to the two demons, inconspicuously walking past the reception and boarded the lift. I barely managed to avoid getting sandwiched.
Three sides of the evaluator had a floor-to-ceiling mirror and a strip of classy looking redwood railing bolted to the sides. I secluded myself into a corner whilst they stood near the front. The dark haired yōkai reach out to press a button and the door slides close with a resounding clack. As the machine climbs towards highest floor, there was an awkward lull in activity. I shifted on my feet, eyes roaming to locate the speakers playing music in the background, the volume tuned low. A barely noticeable jolt of the lift signalled it had come to a stop, followed closely by a sharp 'ding' and the door opens. Any sounds made by our shoes were swallowed up by the red carpet as we headed straight for the stairwells leading to the rooftop, pace brisk.
Strong winds howled upon the open landing, tousling my hair in several different directions and almost taking off the hood of my cloak. I tug it further down to cover my face, holding onto it to keep it in place. Tentatively, I made to stand behind the foreign Ayakashi, both having taken to kneel and squat around a glass ceiling tile, allowing them to see the happenings within the room beneath them.
Moving closer, I peer over their shoulders curiously. Dim violet lighting shone from within the spacious-looking event hall, casting a sinister and sickly glow upon all of our faces. I blink at the sight before me, head tilted to one side as I watch.
Various expensive delicacy, ranging from seafood to meat and vegetables were spread out neatly upon the buffet station. A vase of tulips sat in the middle of each table, spread out here and there within the hall, accompanied by red-cushioned mahogany chairs. Humans dressed in extravagant clothes milled about, socialising, a glass of wine or champagne in hand. The usual upper class society stuff. Rick silently observes the room below him, sharp obsidian eyes roaming the entire hall before darting towards the stage, finally catching something worthy of his attention.
The elevated platform had lit candles strewn about in a loose circle, the fires dance eerily, casting long shadows along the walls. Standing in the middle is a person dressed from head-to-toe in dark loose fitting garb, magatama trinkets hanging from the waist, face completely shrouded by a black veil and hood. He takes a shot and guesses that is the main attraction of the event, noting a faint trace of Osore swirling up into the air from the Ayakashi. Standing nearby, beneath the stage, is a masked individual with long, white hair and red kimono that drags onto the floor. Two short antlers protrude from the top of the mask, the face is that of a cute, rosy cheeked, smiling oni female.
He nudge Fos's arm, then gestured with his chin towards the oni mask. "What do you think?"
The fae turn to look with lazy emerald eyes, staring for a couple seconds before drawling, "About what?"
"Our kind or...?"
"...Neither, alien." He received a bland stare in return, slowly adding, "That one's pretty good at concealing."
"Not good enough if it can't fool you." Rick retorts, going back to searching for more suspicious characters. To say the least, apart from these two which he knew were of the supernatural, the rest of the humans present are pretty shady themselves too. The polite smiles they wore looking more and more like masks themselves.
"I highly doubt they're going all out. Although if they up their game, that might be a different story." Foster admonishes lightly, eyes lingering on the masked yōkai before looking away. "This is boring."
"You're the one who suggested we check this place out."
"I thought it might be interesting. I thought wrong." He admits with a shrug. "It's just your typical occult event."
"Only the lost seek the gods." Rick mutters knowingly underneath his breath, watching as a human stepped upon the stage to receive their 'blessings' from the hooded yōkai. He snorts while they unknowingly allowed their life energy to be drained, pushing along their end even closer. It would seem that tonight is the final meeting, for the mortal's eyes roll to the back of their head and finally collapse onto the ground. He supposes it could be a good thing, depending on how one looks at it, after all, they wouldn't have to deal with worldly misfortunes once they're all dead.
"Their life energy is almost dry, there's nothing left to eat, except their flesh. Now this is what I call a buffet for the damned." Foster grinned maliciously, emerald green eyes gleaming beneath his shades. The humans have yet to notice anything amiss and panic, their brief unease smoothed quickly by a well crafted lie as the body was carried to the side to make way for another.
Rick shot him a bland look. "They'd be shattered to know fairies are so sinister."
"Now, now, it's not my problem if they made us out to be helpful and all that stuff, then get disappointed. They assumed."
"You're right. Fae are the same as any other demons, just that they look prettier. Easier to trick people."
"Flattery won't get anywhere."
"You wish."
"As you would. Let's call it a night, I don't want to be anywhere near here once the feast starts. Sides, we can't be late for tomorrow." Fos looks up just as the first drops of rain fell from the heavens, catching one in the palm of his hand.
Humming in agreement, Rick stood up swiftly. "Let's go then."
As they made a beeline for the edge of the roof, Rick brushes past a spot that had all the hairs along the back of his neck, arms and legs raise in alarm. His hair fluffs up in accordance, much like how a bird's feathers would when ruffled. He halt immediately, sharp obsidian eyes scanning their surroundings in full alert. Fos pause to look back questioningly once he noticed the other wasn't following. When the raven demon did not give an immediate explanation, he stare right at him, wary. There was only one remedy when one feels unsettled.
"...Do you need to pee?" A sharp elbow was heading right for the lungs, until the sudden attack was promptly cut short by a gloved hand. The fae chuckled, "Now, now, no need to get so defensive. We all have our moments."
After casting one more look around, Rick mutters under his breath. "Come on."
He had a nagging feeling that somehow, they had overstayed their welcome.
... Well, I suppose I've hit the jackpot, or so to speak. Vaguely, I wondered exactly just how bad is the infestation level within the Nura Clan territories. If the Hyaku Monogatari arc has anything to say about it, I'd say it's a downright disaster. No wonder Gyūki and the rest were pissed, Hitotsume in particular. While they may be able to command their own clans to do something about the problem, however, it's not exactly the same or as efficient as a mass scale wipeout.
A Hyakki Yakō without their commander is a group of aimless spirits. Which brings up the big question.
'What is Ojii-chan doing?' I know he's retired and all, but to allow his own territory to fall into this much chaos, granted, this 'chaos' isn't exactly the worst. Alright, put myself in his shoes, how would I feel if I were him? He was forced out of retirement because his son was killed by an ancient and powerful enemy. War is in the horizon. Rikuo is still so young, it'll take many more years of cultivation and training before he's on par and the little shit is refusing them. Also, if I'm being full of myself, maybe my disappearance had been the cherry on top of all this pile of headache. ...Wow that's a whole lot of bad news and bad luck.
Too much on the plate at one go can put off anyone. That's quite the amount of slack Rikuo needs to pick up... perhaps he knew, subconsciously or not, which was why he kept avoiding it. Maybe. I would need to interact with him before I can figure out what he's thinking. Shaking my head to clear any unnecessary thoughts, I turn my attention back in front of me.
'What to do, what to do. Decisions, decisions. Leave and let them carry on, or meddle? If so, what are the risks?' The dangers are relatively low, these aren't exactly anywhere near executive level yōkai, so there shouldn't be any issue if I get the jump on them first. The humans wouldn't have much longer left to live based on what those two yōkai said. In fact, this is the final meeting, which means these people are beyond help. Originally, I had thought it was the lighting that caused them to have such pale complexions, but as I piece together the information given, it doesn't seem to be the case. Give or take, they have little more than a couple days left to live, after all, one of them have just collapsed.
'My priority should be downing their ringleader to prevent more victims, and then maybe the Oni mask, if I'm up to it. I have a feeling that one will take more effort. As for the humans, whether or not they would get caught in the crossfire doesn't matter, they'll be meeting their maker by the end of the week with or without my help anyway.' I chewed on my bottom lip as I run through the facts within my head. 'There's always the option of staying put, but... if I intend to go home, I'm going to have to deal with this eventually. Might as well do it now since I'm here and all.'
Gods never posses mortals, only demons do that. Because gods have no need of a mortal body, which is why they are what they are. I was pretty neutral about all things supernatural— in my past life that is, considering what I am now. I had worshipped a religion, having followed my parents, I wasn't necessarily a hardcore believer though I don't go out of my way to break superstitions. They are there for a reason is what I like to believe. My parents always tell me I should just focus on what I should be doing. God can't help you if you don't make opportunities for yourself, and the future will change depending on what you do.
There's a fine line between worship and obsession. Only the lost seek the gods, which makes one so easily vulnerable to manipulative predators.
Be it any religion, they all have one teaching in common. 'Do not commit evil.' It's fine if you don't help anyone— not everyone can be as selfless as that— just don't harm others. If you believe in nothing, not even god, then believe in karma.
Karma always comes around.
The rain is starting to come down now, taking a deep breath, I place a hand upon one of the glass panels and send in some Osore to loosen it. Carefully prying it up, I set it aside before swinging my legs in, feet dangling some meters from the floor. Mentally counting down from three, I pushed off at one, the dark green cloak flapping around during my descent had never felt louder, releasing a small burst of energy, I land with barely a sound.
Burning incense and smoke hit me all at once, making my nose twitch in irritation. I huff, barely managing to hold in a sneeze as I shoot a glare towards the scented candlesticks. While taking a couple moments to adjust, I picked up an unusual smell. Underlying the fragrance of sandalwood and smoke, is a very faint smell no normal human would have been able to detect. The putrid stench of decay.
Unfortunately, I had yet to be well versed in the local folklores, hence, I'm unable to guess which category the yōkai belongs to based on the smell alone. Casting a quick glance around, I noticed something else I had missed earlier, for the chandelier hanging from the ceiling had blocked it from view. A rectangular box made entirely of glass was placed upon a table against towards the wall, within it and perched atop a broken off branch, is a dark violet butterfly. It has already caught the attention of several curious humans, attracting them for a closer look at the mesmerising creature. The butterfly flaps its wings once, twice, the colours changes depending on the angle of the light, from black, to violet, to pale pink.
I blink to shake myself from my stupor, brows furrowing together. 'Another one?' I backtracked a bit and reweighed my options, before deciding everything remains the same. I just need to get rid of the ringleader, I'll deal with the rest when it comes.
Unsheathing my katana from its scabbard, I coat it with a thin, even layer of Osore for better cutting edge and calmly move towards the cloaked Ayakashi. I can hear his voice, a low pitch, muttering nonsensical words for a made-up ritual, the idiotic human standing before him completely trusting. An animalistic possessiveness festers within me the closer I get towards my prey, lips curled into a reminiscence of a snarl, senses heightening to their peaks as if in preparation for the incoming battle. I can feel my blood, warmer than usual, course through my veins like fire, heart beating a steady and deadly rhythm. Standing beside the foul-smelling yōkai, I wait patiently for the human to finally collapse and taken away, before stepping to the side and in their place, facing the yōkai.
Trespassers.
Pupils dilated, black— darker than ink, seeps into scleras, highlighting the eerie glow of demonic crimson irises.
In my territory.
I raised my katana with both hands, bloodlust coiling tighter and tighter like a deadly snake preparing to strike.
Unforgivable.
The sword swings downwards in a wide arc, leaving behind a white flash of metal. A couple beats of stunned silence, one, two, three, then blood as dark and foul as sewage water gushes out like a fountain. Somewhere behind me, over the deafening ringing in my ears, a gasp was drawn in. It is too soft, much lesser resistance than expected, that it feels wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Danger. Back off. My eyes widen marginally as realisation hit me.
There's no head.
I had never leaped back as fast as I did at that moment. Osore wavers and disperse upon my surprise, unveiling my presence to the world. I stare unblinkingly, subconsciously accessing the damage I had managed to inflict. A deep vertical cut that went through his chest, stopping at the abdomen and nearly splitting the yōkai in half. Not enough strength. Not enough to kill him. The mannequin head fell to the ground with a loud 'thump' and the yōkai stood rooted to the spot, shocked, uncomprehending.
Chaos broke out as screams of horror echoed in the background, people ran, pushing at each other towards the exit. I steadied my hand to get ready to deal the final blow, until a blur of red enters my vision and I leaped back instinctively, a katana whizzing through the air right where I had been standing. I lock gazes with the smiling Oni mask for one moment and instantly switched my Osore to offense, sending a devastating blast of dense energy right at it.
While the mask yōkai was down, I made a mad dash straight for the their leader, my surroundings reduced to a mere blur of colours meshed together. A group of Ayakashi without their leader is listless, as long as I can get him, the underlings will scatter to the wind. Tightening my grip on the sword, I instinctively gathered the familiar dregs of a technique passed down within my bloodline, willing the blue fire into existence. Flames licked along the blade, resembling hungry spirits that had just been released from the depths of hell, eager to consume anything it touches.
Ougi Meikyō Shisui "Zan".
I swung the sword with a bellowing war cry, spreading out a wave of deadly fire. The wounded Ayakashi leaps back in a last ditch attempt to save itself, but the effort was futile. Within seconds of being caught in the ghost-like flames, he was reduced to nothing, even the stench eradicated. I ease up a little tension from my shoulders, face impassive. 'One down.'
The screams died out suddenly, as if cut off, and I snap my head up immediately. Humans lay on the floor haphazardly, unmoving, surrounded by a strange looking purple gas. The oni mask had already gotten up, albeit on slight unsteady feet from my earlier attack and hurries away, the red kimono looking much worse for wear. My gaze darts towards the butterfly yōkai, pupils dilating further when a young woman with the exact same wings stood in front of the now empty glass display, filling the hall with poisonous gas. Her wings fans at them to allow it to travel faster across the area towards me, desperate violet eyes trailed onto my form.
Making a split second decision, I gathered up Osore onto my blade once more and swung it in the direction of the entrance, a huge blast blowing away the gas and ripping the doors right off their hinges. Holding my breath temporarily, I dash towards it and hightail out of the event hall. Fighting a miasma butterfly yōkai in an enclosed space is highly disadvantageous, not to mention if I were to fight that type, it would be better to defeat it before the gas is released. I'll call it a night for now.
I ran full speed down the carpeted corridors, darting past several double doors and finally spotted my escape route. A floor-to-ceiling glass window right at the end of the hallway. Tightening my grip onto my katana, I coated it with Osore once more and slash downwards. The sound of glass shattering rang sharply in my ears, millions of little glimmering crystals sent flying outwards, mixing and blending perfectly into the pounding rain outside. Bending my knees little to gather power, I propelled myself out into the air with one huge leap.
The rain is startling cold against my warm skin, seeping into my clothes and hair, completely drenching me within seconds. For a couple moments, I hovered within the rain, taking in the vast scenery. Dark clouds looming as far as the horizon goes, casting the world in a dull and depressing grey, the splatter of raindrops hitting the ground rhythmically. Further out is the lighthouse, guiding the ships sailing within the dark and unforgiving sea into the harbour, the bright beam of light shining ever so surely. Gravity took over and I began to descend, down, down towards the ground alongside the rain.
My Osore dispersed and I immediately revert back to my human form.
With wide eyes, I glance around, realising with belated dread that my daily time limit is up. Stupid. The ground is getting closer, wind whipping around me uncontrollably, drying my eyes. My heart thundered within my chest like a hummingbird and I gritted my teeth, mind drawing blanks. I knew I had no way of sticking that landing in one piece with my human form. In light of the situation, I allowed a single swear word to pass by my mind.
'Fuck.'
Death by jumping off a high-rise building, I wonder if I'll make it to tomorrow's headlines. Ha. The ground is mere meters away now, for a moment, Ame, Neko, Tozen and the group flash past my mind, along with brief images of the family I had yet to reunite with. 'That's too bad.' I squeeze my eyes shut and brace for the impact.
...
Raindrops congregate towards me at an alarming speed and in large blobs, submerging my body in freezing cold water within a second and involuntarily, I gave a shudder. Autumn is definitely not a time to go swimming. The liquid glows, a soft gold in colour, taking the form of a giant fish and gracefully swims away with me in it. An air bubble manifests around my head and I inhale shakily, hands clenched tight into fists to keep them from shaking too much. The world is clear yet distorted in places, ripples forming from where the rain splatters against it. It feels almost peaceful.
The golden koi heads a little deeper into the forest, back where I had came from and hovers a small distance from the entrance-tree, before promptly depositing me onto the muddy ground. I breathe in the crisp, cool air while the fish swims in circles above my head, as if acting as a roof. My clothes were oddly dry, save for the wet patch forming on the cloak from where I sat on the forest floor.
I look up at the koi fish that had hitchhiked upon my person a month or so ago. It had never once left me, neither were we any closer to finding a way to get rid of it. The spirit just stayed upon my skin as a tattoo, quiet, inconspicuous and completely invading my privacy. I chewed on my bottom lip thoughtfully. However, I cannot deny that it had saved my life just now.
Whatever reasons it has, we met, we were stuck together, and I just found out it can leave my body to fly, or swim, whatever. I have so many questions, but I set them aside for now. Because ultimately, it only boils down to one question.
Would I have left it there in that drying puddle of water?
... No. Probably not.
"Let's go." I murmured, offering my arm to it. The koi stare at me for a second, and although I can't speak fish or anything of the like, it seems... grateful. As if a repeat of the first time we met— minus the subsequent chaos— the fish apparition jump dives into my arm, its scaly body dissolving right into my skin to form a moving tattoo. I watched as it swam upwards, disappearing underneath my sleeve and heading towards the blank space upon my back.
Standing up, I tug the hood of the cloak over my head and glance around the dark forest warily, before taking off at a run towards the entrance. Eyes squinting to see in the overwhelming darkness, I round the tree, feet sinking further under the mud with each step I took, almost swallowing my zori. Lighting zips past the thick threatening clouds and thunder rumbles overhead. It became easier to walk once I reach the pavements of the yōkai districts, bypassing some water-type Ayakashi who were out and about enjoying the weather.
I ran.
Sleek, glossy black feathers ruffles slightly in the turbulent winds, large powerful wings fighting against the stormy weather. A trio of Tengu flew overhead, unfazed by the pounding rain as they went lower, intending to check the high-rise building. While patrolling the area, they had sensed bursts of Osore coming from this general vicinity. However, as they hover around the now calm and quiet area, it seems they had missed the fiasco.
"Wait."
Kuromaru held out a hand before his younger siblings could venture further, sharp red eyes surveying the empty rooftop. A thin trail of purple gas is slowly rising up into the sky from a missing ceiling panel, the smoke easily dissolving into the rain. There had been reports of supernatural-related issues ongoing within this area for a good while now, and that's all there was for the past few years since the second's death. Reports but no actions.
The Tengu Clan is in charge of the aerial patrol, their job is to report back and await orders, and should it be needed, they would congregate before holding a raid. However, there had been little events lately, a Hyakki Yakō moves for no one but their master. They don't have one right now. The Sanba Garasu exchanged glances before making their descent, ensuring to direct a few strong winds to blow away the miasma. They peer into the the glass window, eyes narrowing at the scenery beneath their feet.
Humans, a whole group of them, lay on the floor, dead. The gas still lingers in the now pitch-black room, candles blown out, having yet to disperse.
Dawn broke over the horizon, air fresh and a tad chilly from the previous night's downpour, the sun climbing higher and higher as a new day rolled in. Birds sang within the treetops, soft rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves above, bathing the earth with warmth. Rick and Foster made their way out of their inn, leather suitcase securely within the blonde's gloved hands.
Yesterday's trip wasn't a complete waste of time as it had originally seemed. The locals had made a move after they left, emitting sharp spikes of Osore during the very brief scuffle. Fos had commented offhandedly based on the youki alone the Ayakashi sent to clean up is relatively young but no less capable. Rick quietly wonders to himself if the nagging feeling he felt was because of that.
A relatively big group of yōkai walking from the opposite direction soon caught their attention, the wandering humans around them oblivious to both parties' presence. They cast a curious glance, noting how not one save for a pair of green irises dared to meet their gazes, although it averts just as quickly, albeit in disinterest. The last person trails behind inconspicuously— a blind man— tapping his wooden stick around. He gave off neither a human scent nor the slightest trace of youki, Rick felt absolutely nothing from him.
A sudden chill ran up the raven's spine and he instinctively grab onto Fos's gloved hand, tugging him along at a much faster pace, further and further away from the mismatched group. After a couple minutes of getting dragged by his dark haired accomplice, with the source of his unease long gone, Fos snaps.
"Rick."
"Hm?"
"Stop touching me."
Rick looks down at their joined hands for a moment uncomprehendingly, a beat of silence later, the raven couldn't have let go any faster. Wiping his contaminated hand onto his pant leg for good measure, while the Fae picked up speed, leaving the other behind. Some things never change.
I stood in front of a huge advertising poster, eyeing it thoughtfully. It says a koi fish exhibition is to be held within this town tomorrow. Staring at it for a couple more moments, a metaphorical light bulb suddenly lit up within my head. I tilt my head slightly to the side, blinking slowly, then a small smile graced my lips.
...
"Make sure your scales look shiny, and swim a bit more so you don't look like a dead fish." I murmured to the golden koi currently held within a bigger plastic tank we had managed to find, a tarp covering it. Seems like I had better luck this time than I did the the other day. The fish merely gave me a meaningful look and I gently lowered the tarp back over the opening.
I established that it can understand me, but just not able to reply verbally. I had to watch its expression very carefully, particularly its eyes to even come close to guessing its thoughts. Somehow or the other, I managed to convince it to help me earn some pocket money. Rent for staying on me if you will, stealing food and money from others had left a sour taste in my mouth, if there are better ways to go about, I prefer to take it. Nodding to Tozen, he starts to push the wooden chart, with the mini-aquarium sitting atop of it, into the koi fish exhibition.
"We aren't due to open till tomorrow..." Rasped an elderly man, ambling out from within before he halts once he saw the covered tank, a questioning glint in his eyes.
"Pardon our intrusion, we were wondering if we could speak with the main host?" I speak up easily, stepping up to face him with a polite smile.
He looks at me, returning a polite smile of his own, eyes crinkling with laugh lines. "I am the main host. How can I help you?"
"I am Nnana, and this is Tozen. We were passing by this town when we saw the poster for the exhibition, so we thought about renting our koi fish. I'm sure it'll certainly help attract more audience." I said as confidently as I can, internally screaming upon almost giving away my family name. 'Get a grip of yourself!'
He glances at the covered tank once more, gesturing towards it. "Is your fish in there?"
"Yes." I moved to pull the cover back, allowing the host to peer in. He blinks a few times, took off his thick glasses, wipes the lenses with a cloth and put it back on. He squints, staring at the koi for some time. The fish merely swim gracefully, its large scales reflecting a golden glow.
"... O-ojou-san. Give me a price, I would like to have this fish." The elderly says shakily, hands clasping the sides for support, his sparkling eyes resembling that of a kid who just saw their favourite thing in the world.
"We don't sell, but we can rent it." I shot down his request immediately, polite smile still in place. Koi had agreed to come out if only I wouldn't sell or give it away, I don't break promises. It took some time to convince him before the koi fish collector finally gives in, albeit reluctantly, finally accepting our proposition upon the threat that we will leave if he's not interested.
"What is its name?"
I glance at the fish, lips pursed. Now that I really look, it seem to have gotten fatter than when I first saw it. The first thing that came to mind is its 'flabby stomach', which I automatically pronounced in my past life's mother tongue 'Dum.' A similar sounding word in English would be... Dumpling, nicer name would be Golden Dumpling. Translate that to Japanese is—
"...Kogane no gyōza."
Tozen subtly shot me a look while the elder is still gazing, mesmerised, at the fish. "I'll have that pinned up by tonight and a tank prepared!"
"We need to leave by the end of the exhibition, so I'll rent you until then. Tozen here will be keeping an eye on it." I said with finality, satisfied the deal went through. If everything went smoothly, I wouldn't have to worry about money for quite some time.
...
That night and the following one, the elderly fell asleep beside the golden koi's tank keeping vigil, taking many photos to keep as a treasured souvenir. Tozen sits nearby, feigning sleep when appropriate as he keeps watch day and night.
A poster of 'Kogane no gyōza' was updated on the website, causing a frenzy once koi fish maniacs saw it. Business was booming, the queue going on for miles as fish collectors, competitors and audience alike from all over the world flocked the exhibition just for a glimpse of the aquatic animal. From the entrance fee alone, the show was already making profits the likes of which no one has ever seen before. The exhibition was a complete and utter success, however, the host's only and greatest lament was being unable to have the marvellous koi to keep as his own.
...
On the last day, somewhere in the distance, a loud yell of anger mixed with a dose of despair was heard throughout the area.
"THAT DAMN CAT ATE THE GRAND CHAMPION!"
"Hey, that ginger looks very similar to our neighbourhood's Michael." Someone commented.
Deep within the heart of the exhibition, Kogane no gyōza swims languidly over in the other display tank, bubbles rising from its mouth as if sighing in pure relief.
Author's note:
Practical tests, quizzes and exams one after another, plus a writer's block for certain parts of the chapter. Took me almost the entire holiday, but I finally got this out! Whoo!
123 Favourites, 154 Follows! Thank you all so much for the reviews and support! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Cheers! X3
~kirakira_bluemoon
