Disclaimer: I do not own nurarihyon no mago. I only own my OCs and my story plots.

Retsu is currently 7 years old.

Belladonna

Chapter 13:

Deadlock

The wind howls, pulling most of the remaining leaves from its branches as rain pours unrelentingly upon the earth. Lighting cracks across the pitch black sky, illuminating dark clouds while thunder roared. It has been some time since we last encountered a thunderstorm this huge. Being caught under the sudden shift in weather during the middle of the afternoon, we seeked shelter within an abandoned chemical factory with Neko leading the way. While it had provided easy and simple access of sleeping accommodations for us, however, it astounds me that so many ghost towns exists. Having came across more than a handful along the way in my trip. The humans are basically handing out shelters liken to flyers for Ayakashi and wild animals, increasing the amount of great haunting hotspots. No wonder there was such a sharp increase in rouge yōkai within a few measly years and that is only within the Kantō region.

Pulling shut the front of my cloak, I curl up further into myself in an attempt to ward off the cold temperature, hugging Uwan's squishy little body close to my chest. The smell of leaves and soil enters my nostrils, dry crisp leaves crinkling. Ittan-Momen has wrapped itself around my shivering form while Neko had opted to keep my feet feeling toasty warm. Ame sticks close to my side with Saki flanking the other. Tozen took a seat a little in front of me and Umizatō is somewhere to the right. Hidama, the little fire bird hovers right before of me, doing its best to give off what little heat it could offer, Enenra hovering about it. The two fire and smoke apparition had taken to each other like duck to water.

The ones weren't at all bothered by the weather is Ame, Neko, Tozen, Kameosa, Ittan-Momen, Umizatō and maybe Fūri too, considering the little yōkai is nowhere to be found, which could only mean it was currently out there in the rain. Our little group must make quite the sight, huddling together like penguins bracing the treacherous winter. I never did fared well in chilly climates, needing to wear thick clothing to combat it. The summer heat I am able to withstand to a certain extent, but just not the cold. I am once again reminded of the fact that my human body can only endure so much. Although thanks to everyone's joint efforts, I managed to retain my normal body temperature and a little more.

Some days ago, Saki had given me a perfume spray-bottle filled with concentrated floral perfume which she had concocted herself, along with two glass vials filled with similar stuff. I was surprised when she explained to me how to use them. I was not aware she knew how to make these things. The concentration of the floral perfume is strong enough to cause rashes, running nose, red teary eyes and insistent sneezing. Basically, an alternate version of pepper spray and stink bombs.

For the spray, I can just use it like one would a pepper spray while the 'bombs' can be thrown onto the ground or at any target if required, and I need to escape within a five seconds time limit. Otherwise, I would be caught in it as well. I'm not sure how much Saki knows about me being targetted or the exact depths of how much danger I'm actually in, but I did warn her like I did with Tozen, Ame and Neko when we first got together. It's a small gift that will probably not do much apart from buying just a little bit more time if any Kyōto yōkai happened to find me. Nonetheless, the gift meant she wanted me to live, and hence, I appreciate it.

Lighting zaps overhead, turning everything blinding white and I closed my eyes momentarily, flinching involuntarily when I briefly saw a hallucination. Ibaraki Dōji's silhouette was standing right there, swords raised up high in preparation to deliver lighting bolts. Flashes of memories resurfaced, smell of burnt flesh thick in the back of my throat while every single nerves within my body lit up in pain from the voltage running through. A clap of thunder follows and I curled up tighter. Mind quiet and images gone.

Just then, a blur of blue leopard-patterned fur speeds into the lobby of our hideout, claws scrambling for purchase upon the slippery concrete and immediately, everyone tensed. I sat up straight, hand reaching for my sword, just in time to see the wet furry animal dash out through the other side of the building and disappearing into the forest beyond. Ame exchanged glances with Tozen. "Was that Fūri?"

"Why did it run so fast?" Tozen questions softly, almost to himself as he look towards the entrance where Fūri just came in from. I frown, an ominous feeling settling deep in my gut. A glance to Umizatō showed his face was unusually pokerface blank, a calloused hand slowly reaching out for his wooden cane and warily leaning closer towards a confused Saki.

The moment a towering two-meter over, dark furry snarling beast came hurtling in with pissed glowing red eyes, saliva dripping from razor sharp teeth and long lethal claws screeching across the ground, everyone subsequently vacated the area. Screaming bloody murder into the storm as lighting descends from the heavens, splitting a tree in two. Least to say, Saki's 'perfume bomb' came in really handy when I was this close to getting a rabid shot.

It wasn't until much later that we found out Fūri ate the last piece of the badger yōkai's favourite dessert and settled the issue with a peace offering.

It's a clear night. Rows and rows of bright artificial light drowning out the shimmering stars in the velvet sky, towering skyscrapers standing proud and tall underneath, preventing the chilly winds an easy access into the heart of the city. Very few clouds are present, promising a rain-free night for once.

Face nuzzled into Ittan-Momen who now acts as my double scarf, we hid amongst the crowd of workers heading home for the day and crossed the zebra crossing. I'm looking forward to sleeping within the warmth of a kotatsu the Onsen provides. Most of us do. The temperatures has dropped steadily, leaving nights as cool as fifteen degrees and below, worse if it's raining as well. I blew some warm air into my scarf, glad to be in yōkai form since it is more durable and cold-resistant, I'm sure my fingers would have become popsicles had I been in my human form.

All of a sudden, the lights went out, plunging the entire city in complete darkness and unease seeps into the hearts of many. Hidama sticks out like a sore thumb, though it is a good thing the humans couldn't see us. Surveying our surroundings, I kept my calm, my energy easing the slight wariness starting to build up amongst my group members. Ame felt around for me before latching onto my side, temporarily blinded as his eyes adjusts to the sudden change. "It's so dark. I can't see a thing."

"Ooooh, what a nightmare." Umizatō quips from somewhere behind us, his tone so dry it could shrivel up oceans.

"... Sorry." The rain child mutters, embarrassed. A half-amused smirk tugged at the corner of my lips before it dropped, opting to focus on sensing for youki. When I found not a trace of it apart from ours, I concluded this probably isn't the work of Ayakashi. Just then, the ground turns a darker shade, almost as if a large shadow has fallen over it. I slowly look up with bated breath, eyes widening in awe as my breath catches.

A blue whale spirit hovers above the skyscrapers, huge flippers cutting through the air as it glides gracefully, blocking out the inky sky. With the artificial lights gone, I can see a faint ethereal blue-white glow surrounding its massive body along with the countless stars in the background. My gaze shifts imperceptibly to the side, head tilted further back for a better view. There's a whole herd of them, soaring through. Definitely an impressive sight to behold.

"Power shortage?" Tozen wonders, bringing me out of my trance. I blinked a couple times while Ame chimes in his two cents.

"I think it's a malfunction in technology, probably." He kept close to me, baby blue eyes skeptical. My lips pursed, narrow eyes watching their expressions and reactions very carefully. They didn't mention the whales... Deciding to test, I nudged Ame and told him to look up. He did so without delay.

"Woah! The stars are so pretty!" He exclaims, causing the rest of the group to copy him, except for Umizatō for obvious reasons. Each of them lets out their own sighs of awe and comments. Meanwhile, I kept my silence and watched alongside them, at the herd of whales gliding overhead. There were so many of these large mammals in fact, they blocked out majority of the stars and sky. In fact, I would not have been able to see the stars at all if they weren't translucent.

No one mentioned them and neither did I see a reason to bring them up.

Sunlight filters through the canopy above, leaving warm patches of light upon the dirt ground here and there. Basking in one of these spots beside a busy market street is a furry white puppy, tummy-up and tongue hanging out of its snout. It is the perfect weather, temperature is cool and with the sun taking the occasional solace behind the clouds, it kept the earth from overheating or get too cold. The pup looks like a cross between a White Shepherd and a Samoyed, possessing wolf-like features of the former but the fur consistency and length of the latter. Although, the two red lines along the bottom of its eyes are an unusual fur marking on any canine breeds.

Many people of all age and sizes pass by, unaware of his presence. He did chose a spot that has some overgrown grass as cover. One would have to look twice and more than just a glance before they would see him, which was why he was not at all worried about anyone disturbing his nap. A small rustle of grass parting along with a set of soundless and light footsteps entered his sunbathing area. Pointy ears immediately perks up, swishing like radars while a lupine tail swishes almost imperceptibly, nostrils flaring. He sniffed once, judging from the scent, the newcomer is a young child, girl.

A small, warm hand landed lightly atop his head, smoothing out the fur cautiously as she went to kneel beside him, cooing softly. He relaxes, glad it was not a rowdy kid, leaning into her soft and gentle touch. Her hands were wrapped in bandages, the parts where the cloth did not cover held faint callouses, something he noticed when she rubbed his big ears. She trains, he muses idly, though exactly which he is not sure.

After a good minute and more of self-invited petting session, she got up to leave and bid him farewell. His ears twitched, eyes finally sliding open to reveal dark grey irises and lets out a jaw-cracking yawn, stretching lazily. He lay there for a little bit longer, contemplating whether to get up and follow the child or continue with his nap. Eventually, the boredom of having nothing to do for the rest of the day won over, and he hauled himself onto all fours to trot after her rapidly disappearing back. Weaving past the legs of the pedestrians who stops to point and coo, he sprints a few meters in order to catch up. Maybe he will follow her around for a bit before leaving, who was he to say no to nice free rubs?

He kept a few paces behind, waiting with mild anticipated glee for her to finally take notice of his presence. She did not fail, stopping a few times to stare at him while he opted to sit down, pretending to focus elsewhere. She walks fast within the growing crowd, picking up speed to the point it became a half-jog half-run, making a beeline past a small alleyway before subtly ducking into it. Yūga kept his nose close to the ground, following her scent track when he had long since lost sight of the child in the mob of people.

Pausing outside the mouth of the narrow street, sniffing, he made a detour and went in, finding her hiding behind one of the crates. He sat down by her feet, lips pulled back into a smug grin at having won the game. Reaching out a hand, she ruffled his head, green eyes shining in amusement and small smile on her lips.

"I can't keep you, so don't follow me anymore. Shoo." She waves her hand back and forth in a universal 'go away' gesture as she leaves the alley. He sits there head tilted to the side, raised a hind leg and scratched behind his ear. Well, he supposes the encounter ends here then. Letting out a huge yawn, he got up and was about to head in the opposite direction when one of his ears swerved backwards, his furry head following soon after. Eyeing a calico cat bounding along the top of the wooden fence and rounds the corner, seemingly following after the girl from earlier. He blinks, eyes narrowing a tad, noting the cat had faint Osore traces on it. Instinctively, he tails the feline.

The bakeneko soon leaves its high perch to join the brunette, walking side by side companionably into the forest lining the edge of the town. Further in they went, taking care that his paws made not a sound with well practiced ease. The moment the atmosphere change, the temperature dropping not from natural causes, every single hair along his body prickles, just shy of bristling as he sniffed the air warily, ears pricked forward in high alert as his eyes sharpen. A small clearing emerges, along with a group of Ayakashi no less than ten sitting underneath the foot of a looming tree. The child with green eyes was situated right in the middle, at ease and content.

In his measly hundred and more years of life, Yūga knew one thing is very clear. She is not just some human kid after all. Come to think of it, he never did allow many individuals the opportunity to pet him.

It takes a special brand of people to be able to stand so close to yōkai without feeling intimidated in the slightest. Her stature is small, non-threatening and easy to overlook, and also the way she sat in the middle of the group further points to her role as the youngest member that needs protection. But, there was a catch, a small hint that it wasn't all it seems. She places herself with her back to the tree trunk, which prevents people from sneaking up on her and gives her a clear immediate view of anything that steps into the clearing. She had deliberately picked a position that allows easy access to the others and vice versa.

Cautious by default, relaxed but not unguarded, even when she was playing with him, she had been keeping tabs on her surroundings subconsciously. All signs that points to paranoia but, a vital necessity out in the wild, especially if you're looking out for a group. The difference between true paranoia and looking out for oneself is that all the precautions are ingrained on a subconscious level. It's all pure instinct, coming naturally, much like breathing. One does not have to consciously think to do it. That wasn't what he expected to see... but okay. Life is weird that way.

She looks up and spots him, green eyes narrowing in disapproval, but before she can say anything, a woman who smells distinctly of fresh flowers chimes in excitedly. "Oh, what a cute puppy!"

Taking one brief cursory glance at the other members, he decided them not a threat— except for that blind man, he's just rubbing his fur in all the wrong directions, though not necessarily bad yet— he trots towards the girl. Boredom would be the least of his worry today it seems. Having taken into account the silent yet sharp focus of the blind man when he wandered a little too near the flower Ayakashi, he kept his pace steady, unwavering and head held high, unfazed. He wasn't too keen on her anyway, the fragrance she emits constantly while nice and smoothing, is still too much for his sensitive nose. It's a recipe for disaster, for his sense of smell anyway. He ducks a little lower when the woman reaches out to pet him, barely managing to graze his coat before he made it to the child's side unscathed.

"Puppy!" A boy, young yōkai definitely, reaches out with his grubby hands and he immediately slink out of his range, ignoring the disappointed whine which followed. He just had his snow-white fur cleaned thank you. Nuzzling into her hand, snout and one paw placed upon her lap, he gets ready to take another short nap before finding dinner.

The blind Ayakashi turns his head in his general direction, lips twisted into a mock leer. "Ain't the one you picked a lil' young?"

She tenses slightly and Yūga let out a bark-like snicker, that was the last thing from his mind really, shedding his fluffy pup appearance in favour of his humanoid form. The girl with bright green eyes stare down at a now mid-teen sprawled haphazardly across her lap, a mild twitch in her eyebrow. He flashes her a devilishly cheeky grin. "Sup."

The sharp ring of metal leaving its scabbard was his only answer.

What resulted in the next moment has been regarded as 'too violent' and therefore, been removed for viewers sake. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture, Chūbu region, has a clear and majestic view of Mt Fūji. It is the perfect spot for holding any kinds of events, which brings in the Autumn Festival currently ongoing.

Delicious scent of festive food of all kinds wafts through the cool crisp air. There's yakisoba, cotton candy, taiyaki— choosable hot filling like cheese, red bean paste, custard, chocolate— karaage, ringo ame, takoyaki, crepes, okonomiyaki and many more. Snacks and game stores lined the strip of land, just shy from the bank of the lake, the tranquil water surface reflecting the orange sunset some minutes ago now reflects the stars. Yellow and red lanterns hanging upon lines intertwined between the rows of booths kept the streets lit up, and with the occasional maple leaves littered upon the ground, it truly gave the feeling of mid-Autumn.

The rag tag group of full-fledged Ayakashi and quarter yōkai had split up into groups to play, parting with a hurried promise of meeting up back at this point, majority of their attention span drawing thin with all the distractions around. Tozen was paired up with Ittan-Momen and the former Tsukumogami is almost immediately drawn towards the shooting games. Hidama has to make do with staying inside a paper lantern so as to lower the chances of possible arson, Enenra hovering around it while Saki holds onto said lamp, Umizatō walks by her side and the four wanders off.

Fūri, Uwan and Neko, along with a somewhat reluctant puppy sized Yūga opts to dart between the shops and forest lining, maybe causing the occasional mischief or two. Ame and I— with Kameosa stuffed half-way inside my bag, forms the last group, ambling along the snack booths. Stomach grumbling, I stop by a yakisoba store to purchase two packets to munch on as we walk about.

"Retsu-nee, you're still eating?" Ame questions me some time later, peering at my food.

I glance down, noting that I indeed still have some ways left to go, but it is not an issue, I'm still a little hungry and I bet Kogane no Gyōza had something to do with my fishy increase in appetite... pun intended. "The Oji-san at the store must have put a lot in it."

"But mine ain't that much." Ame said, eyeing the food suspiciously. "I think it actually replenished."

"Food don't replenish by themselves." I stated dryly, sharp eyes catching sight of a familiar sweet store not too far away. "There's cotton candy over there."

"Oo, Oo! I want one!" He raised his hand, a wide grin on his face. I studied the size of one of the packaged cotton candy displayed by the chart and look at the plate half-filled with Yakisoba in my hands. 'I can't finish the whole thing.'

"It's big enough for the two of us. We can share." I decided, handing over the plate to Ame to hold onto while I go and get the sweets.

"Okay!" He replies cheerfully, salivating as though he could taste the treat already.

Unbeknownst to the quarter-yōkai, as soon as she walked by a goldfish scooping stand, every single fish within the kiddie pool swam in her direction, gathering at the edge of the tank and only dispersing once she is out of a certain range. The store owner scratches his head, brows knitted together in confusion at the brief unusual behaviour.

...

"Woah! Another bullseye!" A young boy gasps, tugging excitedly on his older brother's hand. A crowd is starting to gather around the shooting game store, and all held similar sentiments as the boy. Letting out an exhale, Tozen lowered the faux bow he was given, looking over his work with a critical eye before deeming it passable.

"Which ones would you like, young man?" The store owner queried, gesturing to the shelves of toys with a flourish. Eyebrows having yet to come down from where it has risen in pleasant surprise, it's been a long while since he had seen anyone manage to get a dead hit on all three targets.

Mahogany eyes scanned the lines of plushies contemplatively. They already have a live cat, dog, monkey-leopard thingy and Uwan, so he picks out one he thinks the two children within his group would like that they do not already have."The frog please."

"Here you go!"

A scream startles Tozen and he squeezes the frog in an accidental choke-hold, Ittan Momen shifting a little upon his shoulders where he had wrapped it around. Retsu insisting that they all travel at least in pairs. He glance to the other end of the crowded street, the commotion had sounded distant.

"Wonder what's going on?" The shopkeeper questions worriedly, before quickly ushering the kids gathered around to go back to their parents. Tozen decides that is his cue to search for his own two gremlins and takes off down where he last saw the duo.

...

A woman wearing a painted kitsune mask and looking to be around in her twenties ran amok, snarling and leaping about as if possessed. A couple other females' shouts of panic filled the area as they tried to chase her down, but she was too fast. Slipping out of their grasps each and every time and nearly bowling over a few other bystanders.

"Err, Retsu-nee? I think maybe we should leave...?" Ame mutters underneath his breath in hopes of not drawing the screeching human's attention towards us. My lips pursed into a thin line, not particularly eager to go anywhere near the frenzied woman anytime soon, she sounded like she might have rabies, but the faint Osore wafting from the mask begs to differ.

I sighed in defeat. "Help me look for a mask store."

"...Eh?" The rain yōkai blinks at the now empty space beside him before proceeding to look around frantically. "Retsu-nee?"

Drawing my sword, I did my best to get near the possessed woman hopping around, on a side note, I hope her dignity is still salvageable by the time she wakes up. Once her friends had her cornered against a store, I quickly move in and sliced the mask in half. The hard paper gives way to reveal a startled young woman's face before her eyes lost its light and fell forward.

I did a quick scan to make sure she's still breathing and heart beating normally before heading back to Ame, who was trying to locate a mask store. I clap a hand upon his tiny shoulder and he starts, screeching in terror and whirled around to face me, hands up in defence. I move past him, following the faint trace of Osore lingering upon the breeze. "Come on."

Traditional masks of all kinds lined the racks of the booth, each and every one of them holding a small amount of youki, just like the mask the woman had on. A man wearing a dark, plain traditional kimono with the hem and sleeves rolled up is currently manning the store, a Noh mask covering his face. Upon the wooden counter, a fairly large glass jar sat, and in it is a familiar looking purple butterfly perched atop a shrivelled up branch. The 'man' looks up when I approached alone, having dumped Ame and Kameosa somewhere a few booths away.

Silence befall us, recognition zapping like electric currents.

Narrowing my eyes at them, I mustered my best unamused stare and wait. The mask Ayakashi seem to get my drift of 'either you pack up and leave or I make you'. Remembering our last encounter at the high rise building, he wisely picks up his comrade, tuck her into his clothes, kept all his masks in record time with a little magic trick and hightailed outta there. A now empty store now stood before me and I let out a long suffering sigh.

So much for a relaxing event.

As I turned on my heel and start ambling back to my group, I felt just a tiny bit for the two. Rouge yōkai had no one to turn to and after I killed their ringleader, their only goal was scattered to the wind, leaving them to wander around in other's territories and living off whatever it is Ayakashi was originally created for, instilling fear in humans. An unbearably long and sad existence of unfulfillment.

November, winter is just round the corner, the temperature has dropped as much as fifteen degrees in the day and nine degrees at night, and that is excluding the rain. Wood crackled within the fire pit, orange-yellow flames rising up into the air as the smoke given off heads straight to Enenra, who hovers above to collect them, preventing the smoke from giving away their current location. Using a twig to poke at Hidama, the little fire bird peck and snap at said twig while Umizatō urges it to spread the fire out more evenly. The soup rises to a boil within the metallic pot, heavenly scent permeating through the air.

The sea Ayakashi has to hand it to the kid, she can sure make good food when she wants to. He had his doubts when she first suggested cooking on that random day some two months ago. Kameosa sat by the bonfire in all its antique jar glory, cracks upon the ceramic creating a reminiscent set of eyes and a mouth. Oh, and also her knack of picking up strays, he swears their group would have double the amount— since he tagged along— in maybe a couple more months at the rate they're going.

Retsu's parents are still nowhere in sight, even after five months of travelling with them, which was more than a little worrying. Saki knows not of the issue and did not want to intrude on something the child was obviously not very willing to bring up, so he deduced the flower Ayakashi was a recent add in as well. So that left with conclusions made from his own observations. He has to admit, it was a very, very hard thing for him to even sit close range as apparently, night Retsu has the immense paranoia of a wild rabbit. She was literally nowhere in sight whenever he wanted a small chat.

Sure he sensed her yōkai form during her night trainings, a couple times a week usually some ways from the camp— but never too far— with either Tozen, Ame or Neko. Uwan, Fūri and Enenra joins in on rare occasions to spice things up, something which the smoke apparition was proving to be, though not for long when Retsu literally blew him away with a spike of her Osore. For a six or seven year old, she already possesses an alarming amount of Osore than the average yōkai. Now, if only Umizatō's memory would just stop failing him for one second then maybe he could have connected the dots. He sincerely hope that isn't the signs of going senile. It is there somewhere lingering in the back of his mind, causing sensations of déjà vu but it just kept eluding his grasp.

Then there's the way she had been travelling, moving every other day and never staying long in one place and scouting out the area in her yōkai form before deciding whether or not to stay the night. One would think it was almost like she's avoiding something, or someone. Tozen, for all his generally keeping-to-himself demeanour, Ame and his happy-go-lucky attitude, even street-wise Neko, they all knew something the rest of the members aren't fully in on but has a gist of. It was made apparent when one day, Retsu told all of them a single earnest sentence.

"When a situation ever comes up and we all got separated, if you want to regroup, meet at the nearest Onsen." Umizatō was not all too concerned, he could hold his own just fine, the rest of the members however, are an issue. Which was why Retsu emphasised on them to flee.

There's a certain air around them, subtle enough that it fades into the background usually, but deafening loud once the fragile peace is shattered. A quiet hum of warning that rises to a crescendo, to run, to survive when something or someone shows up. Just like the incident with Mujina (badger yōkai) that stormy day. Retsu was especially upset when she found out it was a false alarm. Her anger wasn't explosive, not at all, it was like magma simmering underneath the earth's crust, waiting to erupt but the exact timing unpredictable. The scary thing is, she held it in, clamp it down viciously and cooled off almost instantly. She has a ridiculously high amount of patience and knows how to use it, hoarding her emotions until one day it finally overflows and unleashes. He wouldn't want to be in the way of that.

Retsu is an enigma. There's a slight regal aura about her and she is enough of a puzzle piece to draw in young and curious Ayakashi even at this age. Umizatō can't say it is the same for him but there is a certain pull. That and her face is probably an added factor as well, if not pretty then at the very least, easy on the eyes. Then there's also the time when she hauled in all those cash from god knows where. Tozen had disappeared for three days, two nights and when he asked, suspicious, she merely said he was out and did not elaborate further. Retsu plays her cards close to her chest, not letting him know more than what is absolute necessary so he drops the subject, deciding not to push his luck. They have reached a mutual understanding of 'you don't pry or overstep lines, I won't kick you out.' It works for the meantime. Retsu knew he was mostly just here because of dear, sweet Saki's pleasant company, and boy did that kid watch over him like a hawk. Really, sometimes he wonders if she was thinking about cooking him one of these days, not that he'd taste any good.

"The food's ready." Umizatō called out, picking up a makeshift leaf bowl and ladled a serving of fish onto it. The rain child appears from within the depths of the abandoned apartment building they found, brushing dust off his hands from having helped clear some stuff to accommodate a suitable sleeping area. Yūga emerges soon after, light grey hair taking on a silver in the dimming glow of the fire— they're running a little low on the firewood, something Retsu, Tozen and Ittan-Momen had went off to rectify.

"Getting firewood shouldn't take this long." Yūga mutters half to himself, casting a glance out into the dark surrounding vegetation. This place had been abandoned for quite some time and Mother nature has reclaimed the lands once more.

The wolf demon had shed his wolf pup appearance, only needing the inconspicuous form when he's out and walking about, opting to currently stay in his mid-teens humanoid form. A piece of silver wolf fur drapes over his broad shoulders, underneath it is a greyish traditional kimono coupled with dark knee-length pants and sandals. Big fluffy ears sat atop his mop of unruly hair, the length longer at the back and reaching a little past mid-back. Silver-grey near the top and slowly gaining darker in shade down, completed with a few Osore patterned swirls. Under his sharp dark grey eyes, are the two red lines he had even while in his puppy form. Overall, pretty wild looking, has sharp eyeteeth too.

"They'll be back soon. Retsu-nee and Tozen has a good sense of direction and they also have Ittan-Momen as scout if they ever get lost." Ame assures quickly, although he too, casted a brief but worried look outside as well.

Uwan came running out soon after in a rustle of orange and red maple leaves, the forest yōkai changing its wardrobe in accordance to the seasons. Neko and Fūri scrambles out from the rafters to join in, lured in by the smell of fish while Saki finishes up the last of the bedding before heading over as well, a gentle smile upon her face. "Thank you for the help, Umi-san."

He does feel just a tad bit bad not giving out his full name, insisting that he goes by 'Umi', but... everyone has something they're not too willing to share. The blind man grins, a welcoming warmth blooming within his chest. "Hope you all enjoy it."

Just as the words left his mouth, he felt it. A skin crawling unease that creeps up his back and seized his heart in a chokehold, whispers of danger echoing throughout the forest and beyond, the grin wiped clean off his face. Yūga snaps his gaze up, lips tugging at the sides as if tempted to curl up into a snarl. The ominous presence felt like a bucket of ice water has been dumped over their heads. The other Ayakashi could feel it, the dread settling deep within their bones like the final nail in the coffin.

"Stay here." Umizatō orders quietly, leaving absolutely no room for arguments nor protests. For once, all his laid back attitude and cheery disposition is gone. Grabbing Kameosa, he dose out the fire with some of its water, Hidama barely moving out of the way to curl up with Enenra, shivering. Yūga gets up, ready to join the blind Ayakashi until he held up a hand to halt him right in his tracks.

"We need someone to stay." The wolf demon deflates, knowing that aside from himself, the others are no fighters. Then, as if an afterthought and a semblance of a reassurance, Umizatō tilts his head in their general direction and said, "I'll be back. With them."

"Careful." Saki whispers, voicing the thoughts of the group. He gave a small smile, grabbing his cane and walking into the night. Once he was out of immediate sight, Umizatō shoots across the ground, sprinting full speed towards where he can sense the trio are and hoping he wasn't too late.

...

Eight months since I left Kyōto. While safer within the Kantō region, it doesn't mean complete protection. I knew that, so I had set my defense Osore as default, katana practically never leaving my side, it was really all the precautions I could take and make do. Nura Rihan got killed somehow in his own territory within the heart of Tokyo, and I was wondering when my luck would run out. I predicted that they wouldn't dare to venture or stay too long within our lands, maybe only passing through, although that hardly gives them enough time to search for me. Kantō is a fairly huge area if I have to say so myself.

Thinking back, I probably assumed certain things a little too much. Deluded myself that it wouldn't happen to an extent.

Kidōmaru appeared some several meters away— much too close to my liking— along with his two attendants, Danki and Gyūriki, when our eyes locked and familiar unforgiving steel-grey irises met crimson. I felt the blood literally drain from my face. No words were exchanged, none were needed. Tozen and Ittan-Momen are thankfully in tune with my demeanour enough to know shit just got real.

Discarding the firewood, I immediately propelled myself backwards as far as physically possible and activate Meikyō Shisui, not a hard feat considering my mind is currently as blank as a sheet of unused paper. As if all had been waiting for my cue, everyone flew into action. My group scatters, Tozen discards his own pile and sprints to the side before Ittan-Momen— bless it— shoots for the bow Tsukumogami, wrapping him up in its cloth and took to the sky as fast as it could. That is both of them in a somewhat safe zone, for now. So that left myself and the three Kyōto yōkai. Good enough.

I turn tail and flee, taking to the trees in one desperate leap, mentally willing to not give myself away. I held an iron grip upon my heart to keep it calm. To be honest, it wasn't working too well. The encounter is too fast, too sudden, it had spooked and shook me to my core. The technique wavers, to my building panic. A spike of dense energy and I felt his presence enlarging, gaining traction. I couldn't breathe, the air seemingly knocked out from my lungs as if I was hit by a blow from behind. My foot met thin air and I started to fall.

Kidōmaru is not messing around, and when did my Osore get cut? 'Don't look back.' I warned myself and gritted my teeth. 'Focus!'

Grabbing onto the nearest branch the last second, muscles straining and with a great heave, I swung myself up to the next tree. Ankles just barley missing Gyūriki's powerful claws as it slammed into the bark of the tree I had vacated, sending splinters up everywhere. Wasting no time, I scaled it, heading up as fast as I can where Ittan-Momen's presence is hovering about, waiting. The choking Osore of the ancient Ayakashi mere meters away behind.

I broke through the thick canopy with a desperate push, paying no heed to the twigs and branches that dug and scratched at me. I leaped towards Tozen's outstretched hand, the pupils in his mahogany eyes blown wide, face pitched in grim determination. A clammy vice-like grip upon my ankle tugs me back, then my hand was getting further and further away from the archer, our eyes mirroring the other in which the way it widens in growing horror. My heart plummets to a dark bottomless pit long before my body's physical descent back towards earth.

I passed by Danki on the way, who had let go of my leg after dragging me back. Gyūriki was somewhere in the middle and I tried to twist out the way of his incoming fist, but his punch still managed to land, though not as much as it would have had I not shifted. My bones rattled, teeth trembling from the impact, left arm numb from the hit and without a doubt, bruises forming. Wind rushed past my ears, faster than anything I've ever experienced and I was sent careening towards another tree in a disorientated spin.

Somehow, I righted myself enough to make a better landing than a full on painful head-slam against the tree, nails digging into the trunk while my legs scrambled for purchase upon the bark. I hurriedly propelled myself off to the side to another branch, away from Kidōmaru who was waiting at the bottom. I head further into the dark forest and away from the general direction of our camp, darting from tree to tree. As expected, the Kyōto yōkai followed hot on my heels.

I went through my options, pushing past the throbbing pain that is my arm. Meikyō Shisui was broken, I won't be able to use it again. 'Offense Osore?' I grit my teeth, it won't buy me enough time. Kidōmaru can deflect it easy peasy with his own. 'Kyōka Suigetsu?' I blink once, breathes coming out short and laboured.

All these months on the road, I had tried to use the second level technique. A lump forms at the back of my throat, hopelessness creeping in. I don't have enough control and Osore to use it. My Meikyō Shisui is already half-assed at best, the theory is emitting enough Osore to completely conceal myself, layering the energy like overlapping barriers over my body, over and over until it is hard to cut through because the flow is in all directions, not just one.

Kyōka Suigetsu, simply put, is making a mirror image of myself. The control to separate a specific amount of Osore from my body, hold it and then remoulding that energy whenever it was disturbed while concealing the real me is basically multitasking. It is not something my current self is able to do, my Osore level is that of a seven year old for fucks sake. One layer of Meikyō Shisui was all I could currently manage, hell, I swear Rikuo could only manage one too and he's five years older than me!

'Blue Fire?' My gaze darts to the side for a moment, noting Kidōmaru and Danki has caught up. 'I have one shot.' I told myself inwardly, letting my eyes sink into a half-lid and poke around for the core of my osore. I hurriedly gave it a tug once I sensed it and a dark swirl of energy encased me.

Danki chose that moment to close in on me, knife in hand, until an arrow whooshed past forces him back, the sharp tip grazing his arm. A vengeful shower of arrows rained down upon the silver haired Oni, cutting off his path briefly and he glares up into the sky with an irritated 'tch'. Very briefly, relief filled my veins like a life source and my heart calms a little, allowing me to remember one important factor.

If I'm scared, channel that fear into another feeling, into power. Unbridled rage.

That is exactly what I did. My heart pounds for an entirely different reason now, most of the traces of fear disappearing to make way for revulsion and anger. I unsheathed my sword. 'I won't go back with you. I refuse!' Suddenly, a shadow appears from my side along with a surge of Osore. I didn't need to look to know it was the ox demon, his battle cry more than enough of a hint. "This ends now brat! Gyūriki Senriki Goma."

'Indeed it ends now.' I concentrated my Osore onto my blade, making it as thin as possible and swing it at him. For a moment, I saw a small reflection of myself in his grotesquely wide orangish eyes which slowly shifts from bloodlust into something akin to fear, then I saw my scleras are a pitch black, two glowing crimson irises staring right back. My lisp curl into a menacing smile, intimidation purposes— it works better than I had thought— power fuelling me. 'Bingo.'

Blood splatters into the air in a beautiful arc, clothes tearing and flesh giving way under the kiss of cold metal. Gyūriki fell down, down and landed with an ominous thud onto the forest floor, his body unmoving amongst the dead leaves, blood slowly pooling around him. I pushed off the next branch and flip into the air, using the momentary rush of power to place my next attack.

Ougi Meikyō Shisui "Zan".

I swung the blade once more in a downward slash, aiming for the surrounding trees and set them ablaze in a wild torrent of blue flames. The fire burned bright in the dead of the night, a beacon of light. They will buy me some time. Leaning forward mid-air and using the momentum to do a front-flip, I managed to land in a crouch upon the earth. A thin sheen of cold sweat has formed atop my forehead and I immediately start sprinting, covering as much ground as possible before the time I bought for myself runs dry. I cast a quick glance at my sword, the fine cracks upon it growing ever steadily the more offense Osore I put into it.

The blade was already cracked since that night before I left, it was made even worse that time with the occult in the skyscraper and then now. No amount of care could return it back to its former glory. I can maybe use one or two more of the blue fire before it breaks and becomes useless. Not good.

Hair along the back of my neck raises, the wind shifting imperceptibly and instinctively, I hit the deck without a question. The tree standing in front of me splits into two, right down the middle. 'Air pressure made from a blade.' It takes a second before the pain registers, it blossoms in a pool of blood and white hot electricity that zips straight up my spine, directly into my brain. Warmth spreads along my back, soaking into my kimono and cloak, followed close by the strong metallic scent of iron filling the crisp autumn air.

I grip my right shoulder tightly, warm liquid immediately slipping past my fingers, down my arm and drip onto the ground, teeth gnashed together in agony. I slowed my breathing in hopes the blood won't escape too fast and also to alleviate the pain. Counting to two, I struggled to my knees and onto my feet, katana still gripped tightly within my dominant hand. Both my arms have lost their full functionality. I turn around to face my opponent who's standing just a small distance away, studying me warily. My stunt with Gyūriki only served to raise his guard up. No more surprises for him then, at least, not so easily.

He was silent for a moment, making no move but his sword was drawn. Kidōmaru does not draw his sword easily, he's a firm believer of 'Only unsheathe a katana when you wish to put your life on the line.' I believe it is a samurai thing, or something. "I'll give you two options, surrender now or I will take you back by force."

'You say as if those two things have different outcomes.' I thought dryly, studying his blade and footwork very intently. I have enough training with him to know if I look him straight in the eyes right now I would be paralysed with fear. I barely just got back some of my bearings, I'm not giving away my chips so easily. Tozen and Ittan-Momen are currently entertaining Danki, if the distant sounds of arrows flying through the air is a hint.

I could imagine Kidōmaru narrowing his eyes in disapproval when I did not answer him. "Humph, suit yourself."

The atmosphere grew tense and the forest seem to be holding its breath with how silent it suddenly became. I forced calm into my body regardless, wiping my sticky hand on the already ruined dark blue sash of my kimono. Way out. Way out. Come on. My gaze shifts and the ancient yōkai rushes forward at full speed, sword poised at his side. I stop suppressing my Osore and let it gush out like a Tsunami, grabbing onto my katana with both arms and swing.

Kidōmaru met me head on, his ridiculous amount of Osore overwhelming mine easily. I lost my footing and got sent flying a good couple meters back, executing a sloppy back-flip at the last moment so I don't fall on and aggravate my shoulder. Landing in a messy crouch with a slight skid, katana dragging along the ground, I grimaced when more blood poured from my wound. It's a deep cut.

The ass doesn't give me time to breathe, katana swinging down onto me in a barrage of jabs. He's definitely not taking me lightly. I did my best to dodge his invisible-and-not attacks and only redirect them when necessary through sheer dumb luck and instinct. His blade appears right before my eye and I barely manage to tilt my head to the side as the blade cuts into my cheek, dangerously close to my eye. A couple more sharp slices were made somewhere, everywhere along my body. It burns. I can still feel the vibrations his blows left behind deep in my bones, but I can't feel my arms anymore. I take a leap backwards, he moves forward. My eyes narrow and for one moment, a thought flashes through my mind. 'Does he even want me alive?'

He raises his sword once more and I knew his going to use a faster technique than what he used just now. So I grit my teeth and ready my Osore to clash, shifting just a bit to cover my left side in hopes of at least preserving my life. Cold steel rains down upon me, too fast for me to feel any pain until another part of me was stabbed, blood splattering here and there. I could only watch without being able to do anything as his sword runs along my right arm, cutting deep right below the elbow. Another grazes along my arm where I couldn't completely deflect it, taking more than just a few deep cuts on my side and a few nicks along my thigh. I thought it would never end.

Kidōmaru's gaze averts mine for a split second, seeming immensely flustered and to my skepticism, he leaps back, placing as much distance between us as possible. My answer arrives in the form of Umizatō, unsmiling and leaking killer intent, as he lands right in front of me, warding off the Kyōto yōkai. A flash of black and white enters my vision and I was pulled back into a warm, battle-hard body. The world tilts and blurs, wind whipping past my face, eyes sliding close on instinct and I tensed up, breath hitching in fear.

A bad move, I realised too late as white hot pain lances the right side of my body and go straight to my brain. Wounds. Shit. I gritted my teeth, allowing no sounds to leave my mouth while I squeeze my eyes shut, drawing slow measured breaths with practiced ease and the pain eases, somewhat. I taste blood on my tongue and held it in. Half-sitting, half-leaning into someone, a strong arm cradling my smaller form protectively, presence radiating warmth and assurance. Familiar, familial. Carefully, I tilt my head up, cracking one eye open to get a look and my heart stutters, skeptical, confused, scared. 'Rikuo...?'

The smell of tobacco is faint amidst the scent of fresh blood, but I caught it. Rikuo doesn't smoke does he? Staring a little longer, I finally noticed the finer details I had failed to register at first glance. The black ink-like marks along his eyes, the shade of his hair leaning more towards a golden colour rather than silver. His face is more angular, rough, lacking any signs of baby fat my brother would no doubt still possess. My throat squeezes tight, tears prickling at the corner of my eyes, vision glassing over before I rapidly blink it away. Every doubt I ever had just evaporates into thin air, and all I felt in that moment was immense relieve.

Ojii-chan.

...

The trio had a silent stare down, face drawn, weapons out and at their sides, Osore that is not quite completely all out swirling thickly in the air. Suffocating, threatening, warning. A few beats of silence passed, the spell broke when the other two Kyōto yōkai staggers in, one supporting his half-dead-but-not-quite-yet comrade. A shame really, Umizatō muses. The duo froze at the sight before them, eyes immediately darting to their leader for instructions. Kidōmaru took a tentative step back, sword still drawn at his side and wordlessly signalling for his subordinates to retreat, deciding the odds are not in their favour. The Kyōto yōkai disappears underneath the coverage of the forest and out of sight.

Tension eases up the farther they went, the longer time passes, Osore gradually disperses as the fight ebbs away. Only then, did Umizatō ease up a little. In his mind's eye, he can see Retsu slumping against Nurarihyon listlessly, sliding a little towards the ground, face contorted into a grimace. The adrenaline finally left her system it seems.

Nurarihyon's grip on her injured arm tightens, cutting off the blood flow while simultaneously applying pressure as well. Umizatō tears a sleeve and wordlessly hands it over as the other Ayakashi shifts enough to gently lower his kin's head to rest on his thigh, gently coaxing the katana from her white-knuckled grip. Her arm is already screwed and her death grip is not helping. He takes the cloth and hurriedly rips it to strips to use as a tourniquet. The child jolts a little when he tightened one of the sash upon her shoulder, but does her best to not move too much.

Blood pools around her, soaking into the back of her clothes, hair and the hem of Nurarihyon's dark blue kimono. Umizatō's lips pursed together, noting the way the Ayakashi's Osore took on a deadly calm as he continue to press more cloth into her side and tied a knot.

He almost mistook Nurarihyon as another enemy— and vice versa— when he suddenly burst out into the clearing at the exact same time as he did, Osore flaring wildly and possessing much more urgency then he. It took over five centuries of experience and discipline for them to restrain themselves and not attack the other on the spot, opting for a quick scan to each others' Osore instead. They had recognised and registered the other as not Kyōto yōkai under these dire circumstances and turn back to the task at hand. Questions later.

The dots had finally connected, he just can't believe it took him this long to figure it out. He'd know that presence anywhere. It was the same, or at least very similar, feeling. He really wanted to knock his head against a clam or something. The answer has been lying beneath his feet this whole time, literally. Whose territory has he been walking on these past few months? He perks up when he sensed Tozen and Ittan-Momen drawing nearer from above, and called out to them. Not a second later, he heard the incoming beat of multiple huge wings flapping. Nurarihyon was the one to acknowledge them.

"Karasu Tengu, call for Zen. We're heading home. Now." He barks out, one arm keeping a barely conscious Retsu upright, the other hand applying pressure to her arm, which had the nastiest injury. The limb is completely covered in blood. Tozen looks a little pale at the sight, but manages to hold himself from crowding the kid, instead, giving Umizatō a questioning look.

"Understood. Kuromaru fetch Zen-sama—" The eldest took off without delay after a verbal affirmative, and the old Tengu turn to one of the normal crows perched atop a tree. "You there, inform the mainhouse of our return and prepare a room, we have an injured."

The crow spread it wings and flew off into the indigo sky with a resounding caw.

Umizatō mutters to Tozen. "Better get the others if you all want to go with her. Tozen hesitates, casting a worried glance at the child and he nudges the Tsukumogami. "Go on. She'll be fine."

Although the scene right before them looks anything but fine, still, he's confident Nurarihyon won't let his own flesh and blood slip away into the afterworld. Retsu is pretty resilient too. He finally relents, hitching a quick ride upon Ittan-Momen and back to the camp. Looks like that dinner would have to be postponed. Nurarihyon turns to Sasami. "If you would, please."

"Of course." She says succinctly, and moved to carry the girl, who had slipped into the clutches of unconsciousness and reverts back to her feeble human appearance, taking note to not jostle her too much.

Frowning, Umizatō finally turn to face the leader of Kantō region. "So it really is you, Nurari."

He replies with a small, tired smirk, Osore dissipating to reveal a smaller and washed out old man in its place. The sea Ayakashi felt immensely ancient now. "It's been a while, Umizatō."

Author's note:

Well, the chapter you've all been waiting for I guess. Haha. This had been fun to write, hope you all enjoyed it! 148 Favourites, 185 Follows and all the beautiful reviews! Thank you all so much for the support! X3

Do check out my tumblr account "kirakirabluemoon", I've posted two new artworks! X3 Hope ya'll like it!

Current members:

•Amefurikozō (Ame)

•Sunekosuri (Neko)

•Tozen

•Uwan

•Kogane no Gyōza (Koi fish)

•Saki

•Fūri

•Enenra

•Umizatō

•Ittan-Momen

•Kameosa

•Hidama

New additions:

•Yūga

~kirakira_bluemoon