Forgotten Memories

by xxicexsnowxx

Rikun is the would be Third Heir to the Nura Gumi. Unfortunately, the enemy behind his father's attempted murder nine years ago resurfaces, and Rikun realizes that there's a lot to the clan's past that he was never told about. A forgotten memory to the Nura Clan that will haunt them all to this day. Slowly reviving my stories because of my Nuramago nostalgia. T for swearing.

5. Chapter 5

Rikun slid open the shoji doors. Nurarihyon and Rihan were already there, next to Rikuo, who was still unconscious. Rikun gave a quick nod to his predecessors and sat down next to his friend.

"How is he?" Rikun asked. He had just come back from wandering around Kyoto with his classmates, and was currently in his human form. Rikun had inherited much of his looks from his father; his hair was pure black and as wavy and messy as Rihan's, and his overall face shape was taken after his father's. His eyes, however, he inherited from his mother, including shape and color during human form. In his youkai form Rikun sported red eyes. He also kept his hair short because humans apparently didn't appreciate men with long hair except for in manga or other types of entertainment media.

"He's doing ok. He's healing faster than I thought he would, so that's good. It's just a matter of when he'll wake up now," Zen replied. The three Nurarihyons nodded, and Zen stood up and excused himself out of the room, giving the family some space to themselves.

It had been five days after the fight at Nijo Castle, and true to Zen's words, Rikuo looked much better. His face had relaxed completely, and right now it looked as if he was just sleeping peacefully. Kyokotsu and the other Kyoto youkai were only allowed to visit at night and Rikun needed to entertain his human friends in the morning, so the three Nurarihyons had an unspoken agreement to meet in Rikuo's room during the late afternoon.

After a couple minutes of silence, Rikun spoke up.

"What was he like?" He asked. Both Rihan and Nurarihyon looked up at him. "What was Rikuo like when he was younger?" He pointed a finger at his predecessors. "And none of that depressing stuff! I just want to know my-my brother better." Man, it felt weird saying that out loud. Rikun still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that he had a brother he was actually related to by blood. Sure, he had sworn brothers like Zen and Shoei, but a half brother? That was a weird experience.

Nurarihyon huffed, a small smile on his face. "Well for starters, Rikuo's probably the sneakiest out of all of us. Even though he couldn't use Meikyo Shisui well, he didn't really need it to be sneaky. Sometimes it felt like he was sneakier than us even without the use of Fear." Rikun's eyebrows shot up. Rihan laughed.

"It's true," Rihan stated. "Rikuo had this unique ability to just sort of...blend into the crowd. He'd stand next to people during private conversations and no one would notice him until he spoke up. One of his favorite things to do when he was younger was giving everyone jump scares that way." Nurarihyon nodded before he grimaced.

"Unfortunately, that also meant that Rikuo had the longest, most extensive list of blackmail in the clan. In fact, I'm not sure there was anyone who he didn't have blackmail on. He regularly used it to get the upper echelons to listen to him." Nurarihyon said and Rihan shivered.

"Yeah, he actually has some pretty good stuff against the both of us…" Rikun perked up at the news, an evil smirk making its way to his face.

"Oooh, now this I gotta know about. Dirt on the First and Second heads of the Nura Gumi? Yes, please! Do you think he'll share them with me?" Both Nurarihyons scowled.

"Don't even think about it, Rikun. He's never told either of us and don't think you'll be exempt from his blackmail list. He'd probably find dirt on you within the first week." Rihan snorted as Nurarihyon barked out a laugh. Rikun pouted.

"No, but seriously, Rikuo had many talents elsewhere. In fact, he could actually rival Karasu Tengu and his information gathering." Nurarihyon continued. Rihan nodded and Rikun looked between the two of them as if they were crazy.

"What? How is that even possible?"

"Since Rikuo could blend into the crowd so easily, he used that to his advantage. He'd hear all sorts of rumors about and around town." Nurarihyon shrugged. "I don't even know how he does it, but he's sometimes able to find rumors which Karasu Tengu and his group aren't able to find."

"It probably also helped that Rikuo was always a kind child; he always liked to help out people around the city, and in turn he would learn some stuff off of the people he helped." Rihan said thoughtfully. "Plus, Rikuo was always pretty smart. He preferred to take the time to make strategic plans rather than just the usual charge in and fight we usually do." Rikun nodded. That was certainly unusual for youkai, who lived for fighting more than anything, but it certainly wasn't out of place for human thinking.

"So then what about-" Rikun started.

The shoji doors slammed open.

"Nura-kun! We're going to go outside after dinner today to find youkai! Are you going to come with….us…" Kiyotsugu trailed off as he took in the sight of his classmate sitting across from two Nurarihyons.

Rikun slammed the door shut.

Kiyotsugu slammed them open again.

This time instead of two Nurarihyons, Rikun's completely human dad and old grandfather sat across from his classmate. Rihan gave Kiyotsugu a small wave.

"Hey, you're one of Rikun's friends, right?" He asked cheerfully. Kiyotsugu pointed at him in disbelief, stammering.

"Kiyotsugu? What's wrong? Why'd you open, close, and then open the door again?" Rikun stared at Kiyotsugu as if he grew a second head.

"But-but! Right there-! I swear I just saw two Nurarihyons right there!" He stammered pointing at Rihan and Rikun's grandfather, who put his hands in his sleeves.

"Oh my, I don't believe I know what you're talking about. We are simply here to take care of an injured family member who the Keikains have kindly let them stay here." Rikun's grandfather nodded his head in the direction of the patient.

"Yeah, Kiyotsugu. Did the craziness finally get to you or something? We're the only ones in here. And stop being so loud! There's a sick person here!" Rikun admonished, and Rihan had to duck his head away to hide his laughter. Rikun's grandfather looked constipated as he tried not to laugh out loud.

"But-but-!"

"I'll go with you guys after dinner, but in the meantime I have some stuff I need to talk to my dad about, okay?" Rikun said as he stood up and walked over to the door.

"I'll see you guys at dinner." Rikun said, his hand on the shoji door.

"But I just-!" Kiyotsugu protested.

"Good bye, Kiyotsugu." Rikun closed the door in his friend's face, leaving a bewildered Kiyotsugu standing outside.

"...Huh?!"

---

As soon as they heard Kiyotsugu's footsteps go out of earshot, Rikun breathed a sigh of relief as Rihan and Nurarihyon changed back to their youkai forms laughing.

"That was way too close," Rikun exhaled, relaxing. Rihan and Nurarihyon laughed merrily.

"Maybe, but you gotta admit that was awesome! Did you see his face?" Nurarihyon said through breaths of laughter. Rihan laughed along with his father.

"Oh my gods, his face- I thought he was gonna faint!" Rihan laughed. Rikun huffed as he also started smiling and eventually gave in and started laughing himself. It was pretty funny, he had to admit. He sat back down.

They eventually stopped laughing, although they all had silly grins on their faces. Rihan looked at Rikuo.

"You can get up now, Rikuo. I saw you twitch when Rikun's friend came in." Rikun and Nurarihyon both blinked in surprise when Rikuo exhaled loudly. He opened his eyes.

"Man, and I had been doing so well, too." He said, his voice soft and gentle. He looked at his father. "Hey Dad." He smiled awkwardly. Rikuo pushed himself up on his elbows and winced. Rihan gently pushed him down again.

"Easy, Rikuo. Those chest wounds of yours aren't completely healed yet. Although I should probably ask how long you've been awake." Rikuo winced.

"...A while." He eventually replied, fidgeting. The four of them sat in silence, Rikuo's gaze stubbornly fixed on the ceiling.

"...Rikuo," Rihan called out softly. Rikuo turned to look at his father. "...I'm not going to force you to say anything you don't want to but…" I think we deserve to know what's going on went unsaid, but everyone in the room knew. Rikuo sighed.

"I know, it's just...not easy to explain, you know?" He returned his gaze towards the ceiling. Several more minutes passed in silence. Rikun fidgeted anxiously.

"I was watching," Rikuo finally started. No one said anything. "I was watching you guys, from that dark place." Rikuo turned his head away.

"After I...died, I fell into a deep darkness. And from there I watched over you guys. I saw how much pain you were still in over me and Mom." Rihan dipped his head.

"And then...I saw how happy Yamabuki-san made you. I saw how happy you were with her and Rikun. And I was happy for you! Really…" Rikuo trailed off.

"But," he started again. He huffed a dark laugh. "Well, you should know better than anyone else here how complicated human emotions are." Rikuo directed this as his father, who pursed his lips. Rikuo sighed and looked at the ceiling again.

"I saw how happy you were but...I couldn't help but feel...jealous. Of you and Yamabuki-san." Rikuo looked at Rikun as he said this.

"It was a fleeting, irrational thought, I know, but I just couldn't help but feel...angry. No one wanted to talk about us; we became a sensitive topic of the Nura Gumi that everyone refused to talk about. It felt as if no one remembered Mom and I. Like we were something everyone wanted to forget." Rikuo's bangs covered his eyes.

"It was barely a thought," Rikuo whispered. "But they saw it, and used it against me." He swallowed loudly.

"They seized that piece of darkness in me and made it fester, until I could no longer control myself." Rikuo said without emotion. The other three occupants of the room stayed silent, listening to Rikuo's words.

"The next thing I knew, I was in our backyard, implanted with both real and fake memories, and a command." Rikuo continued, his eyes void of emotion.

---

"Let's play together." Rikuo smiled at Rikun. Rikun nodded happily and grabbed his hand.

---

"I had fun that day, fun I hadn't experienced in years," Rikuo took a deep breath.

"And then I saw you smile at the yamabuki. I saw how they reminded you of-of Yamabuki-san, and that feeling of jealousy came up again. And then…"

"They used that to control you." Nurarihyon finished for Rikuo softly. Rikuo swallowed hard, his eyes covered by his bangs.

---

"Rikun, who is that?" Rihan asked his son. There wasn't supposed to be anyone else in the backyard of the main house. If this was an enemy…

"Oyaji!" Rikun looked up at Rihan when he heard his father. "Hey, hey, guess what? I met this really cool onii-chan who played with me while we were waiting for you!" Rikun eagerly pointed at the other boy, who looked up as he was mentioned. Rihan stilled.

"Why do you always have to take so long anyway?" Rikun pouted, not noticing his father's reaction. The other boy chuckled and tapped Rikun on the shoulder.

"Don't be like that, Rikun. I'm sure Dad has tons of important stuff to do." He answered for Rihan. Rikun pouted even more.

"But it's so boooooring!" Rikun whined. The other boy laughed and ruffled his hair.

"Don't be like that, you have me don't you? I'm not boring, am I?"

"Of course not!" Rikun shook his head. "You're the best onii-chan ever!" Rikun declared. He grabbed the other boy's hand. "Come on, this way! Oyaji, you come too!" Rikun said as he pulled the both of them further into the garden. The other boy laughed and let Rikun pull him.

Rihan couldn't really do anything but let Rikun pull him. He knew this was a trap. This wasn't Rikuo. He knew that. Rikuo died over 200 years ago. Rihan even visited the makeshift grave Setsura had made for him often.

But that smile, that face, that manner of speaking... Rihan didn't know what to do. The Rikuo lookalike seemed to notice his discomfort and turned to look at Rihan with his familiar brown eyes.

"What's wrong Otou-san?" He asked with a smile on his face. "You should smile more often. Okaa-san would be sad to see you sad." Rihan's brain screeched to a halt. Rikuo gave Rihan a big, genuine smile.

"Besides, happiness only comes to those who smile, right?" Rikuo laughed and held out his hand. Rihan hesitated. And then took Rikuo's hand.

---

"Hey, what's that?" Rikun wondered out loud as he ran off to investigate whatever caught his attention this time. Rihan smiled along with the boy he held hands with as they watched Rikun run off.

"Don't run off too far now Rikun." Rihan called out after his son. A falling petal caught his attention. Rihan and the boy turned towards the large flower bushes beside them.

"Wahh, they're so pretty!" The boy exclaimed in wonder, going up to the branches to take a closer look. Rihan chuckled.

"They are, aren't they? They're called yamabuki." Rihan told the boy, who nodded in understanding. Rihan turned to look at the flowers once more.

"In the language of flowers, yamabuki represent elegance and nobility," Rihan continued, running a hand across the branches. "Just like her." Rihan closed his eyes and smiled, thinking about his second wife.

"It can also mean impatience. I suppose Rikun picked up on that part of the flower of all parts…" Rihan chuckled to himself. Rikun was one of the most impatient kids he'd ever had to take care of. His smile became sad however, as a bittersweet memory of another woman and another son welled up in his chest.

"...What about the plum blossoms?" A dark voice sounded from behind Rihan. Rihan didn't have time to turn around before he felt something piece through him.

"You...forgot the plum blossoms' promise, didn't you?" As Rihan fell forward, he turned just slightly, looking at the boy who he held hands with earlier. His eyes widened as blood spurted out of the wound in his chest.

"Ri..ku...o…" He choked out, looking at the boy who was a mirror image of his first son.

So Rikuo really did hate him as a father then? Was he angry at him for treating Rikun better? Was he angry at him for failing him? Did he hate Rihan so much that he wanted to kill him?

No. That look of pure hatred wasn't Rikuo. Those eyes that held nothing but hatred and darkness... that wasn't Rikuo.

Was it?

The hatred and darkness in the boy's eyes seemed to clear just a bit at the mention of his name. The hatred gave way to shock and fear.

"O... tou... san…" He said slowly in horror as his mind slowly cleared. Rihan fell to the ground, laying in his own blood.

Rikuo's brain finally caught up with the current situation. He screamed.

"Wh- Otou-san…! What did I…?!" Rikuo started hyperventilating, his eyes wide with shock because what did he do? Rihan coughed as he struggled to breathe, his lungs slowly filling with blood.

Is this...how I die? Rihan wondered as his consciousness threatened to slip away. In the distance, he heard Rikun calling out for him. Rihan's eyes shot open. That's right...Rikun…! Rihan struggled to keep himself alive.

"Otou-san!" Rihan heard the boy scream. Everything sounded muffled, like he was underwater. Shit. Rihan could barely see anymore. No, he can't die here yet…! He can't fail his son again! He cursed as he felt his Fear slipping away.

How ironic. A small part of Rihan's brain thought. A dying Nurarihyon whose own Fear slipped away from him.

And then his breathing became just a bit easier. Rihan felt an unfamiliar Fear wrap around him and his wound. It was weak, hasty, nervous, but it helped as Rihan's own Fear slipped away from his grasp. The unfamiliar Fear wrapped weakly around Rihan, as if trying to protect him.

"Ehehehe..!" A voice cackled behind them. Rihan was too weak to lift his head up or move his body to look at who it was. The boy gasped.

"Lament, boy! You just killed your own father, you know? Lament! Ehehehehe!" The voice cackled even louder. Rihan struggled to breathe. That was definitely an enemy.

The unfamiliar Fear exploded at Rihan's feet. Fear gathered around Rikuo as his anger and rage spiked.

"You bastards..!" Rikuo roared as he grabbed the sword stained with his father's blood. He felt his blood burn, his form changing as his Fear responded to his grief and hatred. His eyes filled with tears of anger, but his eyesight became sharper as his youkai blood took over. He rushed at the eyeball youkai that spoke. He prepared to strike and then-

Chains. What? Rikuo felt chains binding at his consciousness. What-what was this? Rikuo watched in horror as someone else took control of his body. The chains dragged his consciousness further away. No…! Rikuo struggled against his bonds. He felt the chains swallow him. He heard himself talking to Rikun.

"Hoh? Are you his son?" Rikuo doubled his efforts to get out of the chains. He couldn't let Rikun die. Not after Rihan.

"Ah well, it doesn't matter. I'll just finish you both off here!" Rikuo screamed internally as he watched his body swing the sword towards Rikun. And then Rikun disappeared. Rikuo sighed in relief as his body cursed.

"Damn, he got away." Rikuo watched as his father coughed from where he was on the ground. No! At this rate, Rihan will definitely be killed, now that they knew he was still alive.

"What...What do you want?" Rihan managed to cough out. Rikuo wanted to scream at him to stay quiet, but that wouldn't help the situation. Rikuo tried to think. He might not be able to control his own body, but if he was just a consciousness...maybe he could influence the thoughts of whoever was controlling his body?

It was better than nothing. Rikuo sent his thoughts out. He tried to convince the enemy that Rihan was as good as dead. It wasn't hard, seeing his father like that. He prayed that the enemy was stupid enough to not make the final blow.

Rikuo's body turned and left with the eyeball youkai as sounds came from the main house. No doubt Rikun had informed them of what had happened.

The chains pulled at Rikuo again, this time swallowing him. At least Rikun was alive. As for Rihan...Rikuo couldn't bear to think of what happened to his father. He prayed with all his might that Rihan would be able to survive.

Please, someone, just this once...save him…! Rikuo begged, wanting to sob and being unable to.

The darkness swallowed him whole and Rikuo fell into a deep sleep, at the back of his mind.

---

"By the time I woke up, I had already…." He covered his eyes with one of his arms.

"I thought-I thought I'd killed you that day," Rikuo whispered, his voice cracking. "Thank the gods you're still alive. I dont-I don't know what I would do if I'd-if I'd actually-" Rihan laid a hand on Rikuo's shoulder. He gently propped him up and hugged him.

"It's ok, it wasn't your fault Rikuo," Rihan murmured to Rikuo, comforting him.

"But-!"

"Shh. You don't want me to blame myself for you or Wakana right? So stop blaming yourself for this." Rikuo rested his head against his father's shoulder. He started shaking as he cried against his father. His hands clutched the back of his father's kimono.

"Dad-I'm so glad you're alive-! I'm so sorry-!" Rikuo choked out in between sobs. Rihan ran a hand through Rikuo's hair, murmuring words of comfort. Rikun and his grandfather sat silently, watching as father and son reunited and reconciled with each other.

---

It took several minutes for Rikuo to stop crying. He still rested his head against Rihan's shoulder, but his sobs had quieted down and turned into small sniffles.

"I thought you hated me." Rihan admitted when Rikuo finally stopped crying. Rikuo snapped his head up.

"What?" Rikuo yelped. "No! I could never-"

"I know." Rihan gently cut Rikuo off. He gave his son a small smile. "But it's like you said earlier, human emotions are confusing," Rihan gave a small shrug.

"Although, I think I should still apologize to you Rikuo." Rikuo tilted his head in questioning. Rihan fiddled with his fingers.

"I'm sorry. For not being there for you when you needed me 400 years ago." Rikuo widened his eyes.

"No! I mean-I don't blame you for it. So you don't have to apolo-"

"Rikuo, just take the apology." Rihan sighed, looking at Rikuo in the eyes. Rikuo snapped his mouth shut. "I know you're a kind child, but learn to let people apologize to you, ok? Not everything is your fault." Rikuo looked down at the sheets.

"Ye-yeah. I'll try. Thanks, Dad." Rikuo managed to say awkwardly. Rihan smiled softly at Rikuo. Several moments passed in silence.

"Rikuo," Nurarihyon called out gently. Rikuo lifted his head up to look at his grandfather, his eyes still a bit puffy and red.

"Yeah?" He croaked out, wiping the remaining tears from his eyes with his sleeves .

"I know this is sudden, but what do you plan on doing from now on?" Rikuo sniffled.

"What?"

"Will you come back with us to the Nura Gumi? Or would you prefer to stay here? Or simply live with the humans?" Rikuo scrunched his face in confusion.

"Did something happen while I was unconscious? I thought you guys would have already decided that I was going back." Nurarihyon fidgeted.

"Yes, well. Hidemoto may have implied that maybe you wouldn't want to come back, considering what it was that made you leave in the first place." Rikuo looked down at his lap.

"Oh." Was all he said. Rikuo looked at his palms, turning his hands over a couple of times. After a couple moments of silence, Rikuo finally spoke.

"Well, I mean, it should be fine. For me to go back. I've gotten pretty used to the rumors anyway," He shrugged. "Doesn't really make a difference I guess." Rikun slammed a hand down on the tatami, making Rikuo jump and the other two occupants of the room look at him.

"Rikun?" Rikuo asked.

"No!" Rikun yelled. Rihan and Nurarihyon exchanged glances. Rikun whirled around to face Rikuo, anger burning in his eyes. Rikuo leaned backwards, taken aback by Rikun's outburst.

"You shouldn't be used to it, what the fuck? You're family and they're just gonna trample over you like that? What is wrong with them?" Rikun yelled.

"I mean-it's not like their accusations of my weakness aren't baseless-" started Rikuo before Rikun cut him off again.

"That doesn't mean they can do that to you! Wasn't the whole point of this hyakki to protect and accept both the weak and the strong? Those old geezers, only caring about power…" Rikun muttered the last sentence to himself. Rikuo blinked.

"That's what you're angry at?" Rikun gave Rikuo a look.

"Of course that's what I'm angry about, you're my brother!" Rikun yelled. He whirled around to face his father and grandfather.

"Hey, old geezers! Gimme the title of Third heir when we get back. I'm changing how things work in this clan." Rihan sighed in resignation as Nurarihyon dipped his head and started smoking. Rikuo furrowed his eyebrows.

"Third...Heir? You're not the Third heir yet, Rikun?" Rikun rolled his eyes.

"Everyone pretty much accepts me as the Third heir, and most refer to me as such but there's never been a formal announcement because some old geezer refuses to step off of the seat." Rikun narrowed his eyes at his father, who was studiously looking away. "Really, old man. It's time to let the younger generation take over, come on!" Rikun huffed, crossing his arms. Rikuo on the other hand had a look of horror creeping up to his face. He groaned and put his head in his hands.

"Oh my gods, this is my fault isn't it?" Rikuo groaned. Rikun blinked.

"What?" He asked. Rikuo groaned even louder and exhaled loudly.

"I'm the reason Rikun still hasn't been named Third heir, isn't it?" Nurarihyon fidgeted.

"Well, no one really wanted a repeat of what happened to you-" Nurarihyon started, which only made Rikuo turn around and face plant into his pillow. He peeked at his dad.

"Dad, really? Surely you can see how much different Rikun and I are?" Rihan gave a weak smile.

"Yes well, we thought it'd be better safe than sorry." Rikuo pulled the blanket over his head and groaned again.

"Oh my gods Rikun, I'm so sorry for this-"

"Woahwoah woah, wait a minute. Why are you apologizing?" Rikun waved his arms to stop Rikuo from rambling on. Rikuo poked his head out of the sheets.

"I mean, it's my fault that you haven't been named the Third-" Rikun waved his arms to stop Rikuo again.

"Hey, hey, hey. No." Rikun said firmly. Rikuo looked at him in confusion. "It's not your fault I haven't been named heir yet. Stop apologizing for everything that's not even your fault!" Rikuo shrunk back into the covers.

"Sorry," he mumbled, completely forgetting what Rikun said earlier. Rikun sighed.

"I think I see why some of the old geezers wouldn't like you." Rikuo was too nice, even for a human. He took the blame for things that weren't his fault. With that kind of personality in a youkai household...No wonder they didn't like him. Even so, it didn't excuse excuse their actions; Rikuo was still family no matter what. Rikun was going to have to change a lot about how the clan worked.

Rikuo cracked a small smile at Rikun's statement. "Yeah, I know. I've been told that my personality makes some of the upper echelons want to bang their heads on the walls. A shame they never actually did it though, it would've been funny to watch at least." Rikun couldn't help it. He burst out laughing, Rihan and Nurarihyon joining in moments later. Rikuo joined in on the laughter until he winced, clutching his wounds.

"Woah, easy, Rikuo. I think you should rest for now. I don't think you've reopened your wounds yet, but try not to laugh too much before you're healed." Rihan gently tucked Rikuo in.

"Dad, I'm old enough to cover myself with the blankets."

"Maybe, but right now you're still a patient."

"When did you get this overprotective?"

"Just now. Now rest, Rikuo." Rikuo sighed and complied, closing his eyes. Rihan ushered the two other family members out of the room, closing the door behind him.

"Never knew you could be such a sap, old man."

"Don't you have friends to entertain, Rikun?" Rikun scowled as Rihan smiled cheekily, knowing he won the argument.

"Fine." Rikun stalked off towards the dining hall, where his friends were waiting for him. He paused halfway down the hallway and turned back.

"Oh yeah, by the way, change back to your human forms. I don't need Kiyotsugu or anyone else seeing you guys looking all handsome and youkai-like. It's such a hassle to deal with."

"Oh? You admit that we look handsome?" Nurarihyon wiggled his eyebrows, Rihan making a similar reaction.

"Can it, old geezer. Just turn back to your old geezer form. And you, old man! Stop laughing and make your hair stop flying." Rikun commanded with a scowl. Both Rihan and Nurarihyon obeyed, trying to hold back their laughter. Rikun huffed and started towards the dining hall again. Just as he was about to round the corner, he paused, throwing a glance to his father and grandfather.

"Besides, I think we can all agree that I would win in the looks department." Rikun laughed as he ran around the corner, dodging the pipe Nurarihyon chucked at him.

Soft laughter sounded from Rikuo's room.

---

Two more days passed before Zen determined Rikuo was well enough to travel. The Nura Gumi was all packed up and ready to leave for their home on Takarabune. They were just waiting for their newest (not really?) addition to their family to say their goodbyes.

Rikuo stood on the bank of the river, facing the Kyoto youkai who came to send him off. Rihan, Rikun, and Kubinashi stood behind Rikuo, watching him say his farewells.

"Onii-sama...Do you really have to go?" Kyokotsu whimpered, tears in her eyes. With Rikuo leaving, the Kyoto youkai were essentially without a strong leader. While Rikun certainly felt bad for the Kyoto youkai, he was also unwilling to leave his brother alone in Kyoto. Rikuo patted Kyokotsu's head in apology.

"Yeah... I'm sorry." Rikuo said softly. The Kyoto youkai bristled. While they would certainly follow Rikuo to the ends of the world...this was akin to something like betrayal. But family was something they understood. Many were unhappy with Rikuo's decision but deep down, they all understood why.

"Hey, don't look so down you guys. It's not like this'll be the last time I ever see you." Rikuo said, trying to cheer his depressed (former?) comrades. It worked slightly, as Kyokotsu managed a watery smile.

"It's just been a bit too long since I've been home. Surely, you all can understand?" Rikuo asked. The Kyoto youkai fidgeted. They understood. Rikuo gave them a small smile.

"Besides, there's something I still need to do back home…" Rikun couldn't see Rikuo's expression, but he furrowed his brow at the way Rikuo worded that sentence. Something he still needs to do? Why does he sound...dark?

Rikuo knelt down and hugged Kyokotsu, who cried slightly into his shoulder. When Rikuo pulled away, he whispered something to Kyokotsu. Whatever it was, it seemed to work as Kyokotsu widened her eyes and hurriedly wiped away her tears. She gave Rikuo a determined look and nodded. Rikuo smiled back at her and stood up. As he followed Rikun and Rihan up the ramp of Takarabune, Kyokotsu called out to him.

"Onii-sama! Take care of yourself out there!" She yelled and waved. The other Kyoto youkai followed in pursuit, waving goodbye and wishing Rikuo the best. Rikuo smiled and waved back before disappearing into the boat. Takarabune came to life mere moments later, and the Nura Gumi finally started their journey home.

---

"I hereby call this meeting to order. First order of business, Rikun. Step forward." Rikun stepped forward and bowed deeply to his father.

"Father," Rikun called out, his forehead almost touching the floor. Rikun didn't like calling his dad so formally but...well, this was the official announcement of him becoming the Third heir. He had an image to uphold. Judging from the twitch of Rihan's lips though, Rihan was thoroughly enjoying himself in this experience. Nurarihyon, who was situated on Rihan's right, was also trying not to smile. Rikuo, who was sitting on Rihan's left, had a look of sympathy on his face. He was the only one of the three who sat in a formal seiza position.

Rikun lifted his head up and sat formally in front of his father.

"Due to your recent performances and successes with the Shikoku youkai and the events in Kyoto, I hereby name you the official Third Heir to the Nura Gumi. Any objections?" Rihan announced, looking around the room. The room remained silent.

"...I have a concern." Someone finally spoke up. Everyone turned to see who spoke.

"I am concerned with this hasty decision." Gagoze declared with an ever present sneer in his voice. Rikun resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Gagoze was never one of the youkai he really liked, and the feeling was mutual.

"And this concern of yours is?" Rihan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Is it not a bit early to be talking about this?" Rikun raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean, Gagoze?" Rihan inquired, leaning forward.

"With the events in Kyoto behind us, we are to assume that the Nue would be rising again soon. Now is not the time to be making any major changes to the way things work in the clan, is it not?" Rikun wanted to shut Gagoze's stupid mouth. Unfortunately, Gagoze actually made sense this time around. Rihan seemed to notice too, as he leaned backwards with a slight frown on his face.

"Besides, with Rikuo-sama's return, wouldn't this decision create a rift in the clan?" Quiet murmurs started around the room at Gagoze's statement. Rikun had certainly never thought about that. What did Rikuo think about seeing his younger brother be awarded his previous title? A younger brother that had more talent than him?

Rihan's frown grew even more.

"Are you- are you actually defending me, Gagoze?" Rikuo finally spoke up, his tone incredulous. "You hate me way more than you hate Rikun."

The youkai of the room bristled. While it was no secret that many of them had disliked Rikuo and still do, to announce it right in front of everyone, especially right in front of Rihan and Nurarihyon…

Rihan and Nurarihyon narrowed their eyes at the rest of the room.

"I-I'm sure you're mistaken, Rikuo-sama. I would never have the audacity to-"

"You just had a conversation outside with Kyuso about how you couldn't stand to breathe in the same room as me." Rikuo stated flatly. Rihan narrowed his eyes further, his Fear flaring for just a split second. "Also, you agreed with him, Kyuso." The tension on the room rose in an instant. Gyuki cleared his throat.

"Gagoze, Kyuso," Gyuki called out in warning. The rest of the youkai murmured amongst themselves. Rikuo took one look around the room.

"Don't think any of you are exempt; I've heard enough around this house to blackmail you lot for the next 3 centuries. I don't mind attacks on me, but if you guys try to attack Rikun…" Rikuo let the threat hang. The room quieted in an instant, the tension thick enough to cut through with a knife.

Rikun gulped. He'd heard of Rikuo's infamous blackmail list, but he never knew it was that powerful. Rikuo huffed and leaned back on his heels.

"As for your other concern, Gagoze," Rikuo started, catching the attention of the entire room. "It's not like much will change around the clan at this time. Currently we are only naming Rikun the Third Heir -which I totally don't mind, by the way- not the Third Head yet. As Rikun has been the honorary Third Heir for a while now, not much will change except for Rikun's official status. Official clan movements and business will still be conducted by the Second Head and occasionally the First, or with the permission of one of these two, which is what you guys have been doing for the past few centuries, yes? Any more concerns?" Rikuo asked, looking around the room. Silence answered him.

"If there are no more concerns or objections with this matter, I suggest we move on with the meeting. Dad?" Rikuo prompted, looking at his father. Rihan's lips twitched upwards into a smirk. Rikuo's brains were still useful during times like these. Rikun gave a silent "thank you" to Rikuo, who gave him a small smile in return.

"Yes, I believe we can continue on with this meeting now. Rikun, please return to your seat." Rikun bowed and shuffled to his place next to Rikuo. Once he was seated properly, Rihan continued the meeting.

"As you all know, the Nue has been revived. Though he has temporarily retreated into Hell to recuperate, we can't say for sure when he will finish and begin his attack on us. Hidemoto estimates a year at the earliest. As a precaution, I advise all sub clans to start preparing. We don't know how powerful the Nue and his demon clan will be when they reappear."

"Um, if I may," Rikuo spoke up timidly. All eyes in the room turned to him.

"Yes, Rikuo?" Rihan prompted. Some of the upper echelons scoffed and whispered behind their backs. No doubt they didn't see any reason for Rikuo to speak up. Rihan shot them a glare and they immediately quieted down.

"While I agree that the Nue is certainly a threat that we need to prepare for, I believe we have bigger problems to worry about now." Once again, all youkai tensed.

"Can you please clarify on that, Rikuo-sama?" Daruma spoke up. "Are you implying that the Nue is a lesser threat, or that there is a more immediate threat to the Nura Clan as of now?" Rikuo gave a small hmm.

"I'd say it's more of an immediate threat. I'm not too hot on the details, but what I do know is that Seimei didn't work alone regarding my…revival." That sent the room into a frenzy. Rihan clapped his hands and the room quieted down. He motioned for Rikuo to continue.

"When I was still back in Hell," Rikuo stumbled on the last word; Hell wasn't a place anyone talked about easily. "I saw Seimei conversing with someone else. I don't think they noticed me, but they were talking about how to best get revenge against the Nura Gumi. After I was revived and controlled by Seimei, I saw the two working together, and if I'm remembering correctly they plan on striking soon."

"Who is it?" Rihan asked his son. "You said it was a more immediate threat. Do you know what they're called or their approximate location?" Rikuo stayed silent for a couple seconds, thinking about how to best break the news them. In the end he settled on a straightforward approach.

"The Hyakumonogatari Clan. Their base is still in Edo -Tokyo- or close enough to it as far as I can tell." This time the room burst out in yells.

"The Hyakumonogatari Clan?! Didn't we defeat them over 300 years ago?"

"Are you saying that that Sanmoto has been revived?!"

"To think that the clan still exists, and right under our noses!"

"Wait, what's this Hyakumonogatari Clan?"

"Enough." Rihan commanded. The room quieted within half a second. Rikun couldn't help but feel in awe at his father's way of commanding the youkai. How many years will it be before he could command the same amount of respect?

"Rikuo, you're absolutely sure Sanmoto Gorouzaemon is back?" Rihan pressed for clarification. Rikuo nodded grimly.

"He hasn't been revived yet, that much I'm certain of. His revival seems to be the primary goal of the Hyakumonogatari Clan as of now and then of course, the annihilation of the Nura Gumi."

"And they're working with the Nue."

"Yes. Back in Kyoto, that giant eyeball youkai that was always by my side, Minagoroshi Jizo, is a member of the Hyakumonogatari Clan. Now that I think about it, I think you were the one who killed him, Rikun. Seimei had sometimes even referred to him as Sanmoto himself, although Minagoroshi Jizo always told him to call him Minagoroshi Jizo or Sanmoto's eyeball. From their conversations it's safe to assume that Sanmoto is still in Hell, though the remaining members of his clan seem to be trying to revive him. How, I am not sure." Rihan sighed and rubbed his temples.

"If what you're saying is true, then we need to start preparing for war now-"

"Hey, hold on a minute! What's this Hyakumonogatari Clan you guys are all talking about?" A new voice piped up from near the back of the room.

"Hmph! Ignorant young up-starts." Jorogumo sneered.

"What did you just call me, you old hag?!" Zen yelled. Shoei, who was sitting next to Zen, placed a hand on his shoulder to prevent him from standing up and starting a fight in the meeting hall.

"Well, I suppose we can't really blame you for not knowing. The Nura Gumi has grown in size throughout the centuries and the number of new youkai has been increasing rapidly in the past few years with Rikun-sama around." Karasu Tengu said thoughtfully. "Oi, someone explain to them what's going on." Everyone looked around the room for a volunteer. Rikun glanced at Rikuo who put his hands up and shook his head.

"I was only eleven when it happened, so I never really got to participate in the whole ordeal." Rikuo whispered to Rikun. "Dad was the one who got rid of the clan. Or at least, that's what we thought. Apparently we didn't do a good enough clean-up job with them." Rikun nodded and looked at his father, who sighed. He took a breath from his pipe and started recounting the events from 400 years ago.

"The Hyakumonogatari Clan is a clan we destroyed close to 400 years ago. Back then they had tried to take over Edo with their 'stories'..."

---

After Rihan had fully recounted the story, the room remained silent for several minutes.

A youkai with the ability to create new youkai and stories...And absorb the Fear from humans… Rikun thought. This was bad news indeed.

"Hey, Kurotabou. You wouldn't happen to know anything about this would you? Since you are a former member of that clan." Hitotsume suddenly spoke up, looking at said monk.

"Hitotsume!" Kubinashi yelled, Kejoro and Kappa almost out of their seats, grasping for their weapons.

"Hitotsume-dono," Kurotabou called out sternly. "While it is true that in the past I was one of 'them,' my loyalty lies with the Nura Gumi and only the Nura Gumi now. Please do not question my loyalty again." He continued, aiming a dark look at Hitotsume. Hitotsume harrumphed and shuffled into a more comfortable seating position.

Rikun blinked at the interaction. Kurotabou was one of the Hyakumonogatari Clan? Rihan certainly failed to mention that in his summary of the fight 400 years ago. Rikun raised an eyebrow at his father who gave him a small wave with his fingers. Later. Not now.

Rihan cleared his throat.

"One more thing I would like to mention before we end this meeting." All youkai present turned their attention to the Second Head. Rihan opened one of his eyes, a dark look on his face.

"I expect all of you, and I mean all of you, to treat everyone in this clan with respect." Rihan commanded, his tone hard. No one dared to argue with him. "Now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves, as we have potentially two enemies that are as strong as or maybe even stronger than us. As always, look out for each other and report any oddities or suspicious movements. Start preparing the clan members for potential war; I don't need to remind you lot of the damage we saw during the fight 400 years ago or at Nijo Castle a couple weeks ago. You are dismissed." The youkai shuffled and murmured their consent. One by one the upper echelons walked out of the meeting hall, finally ending the tense meeting.

---

"Where's Rikuo, by the way?" Rikun asked from where he was sitting at the low table, a cup of tea in his hands. Rihan, who had his head in Yamabuki's lap, gave his son a brief glance.

"I think I saw him go and confront Hitotsume after the meeting. He'll be here soon." The three Nurarihyons and Yamabuki were currently taking a rest in the Nura family room. This was a private room reserved only for members of the Nura family when they needed space or time to rest.

"Good luck to Hitotsume then, I guess. Can't imagine how he'll fare against Rikuo's 'post-meeting blackmail.'" Nurarihyon snorted. Rihan barked out a laugh and sat up, reaching for a cup of tea himself. Yamabuki went to massage Rihan's shoulders.

"What's that old geezer?" Rikun asked. There's different kinds of blackmail? Yamabuki hmmed in agreement. She was also curious about what Nurarihyon had said.

"You see, we categorize Rikuo's blackmail list into two non-official categories: the regular type and the post-meeting type." Rihan started to explain. "Regular type is blackmail that's strong enough to get someone to shut up and do the occasional favor, but can still be said around others without too much damage. Post-meeting on the other hand are the dirty, dirty secrets that no one can know about besides Rikuo and his unfortunate target. Those are secrets you don't want anyone finding out about. I think Hitotsume really hit a nerve back there; Kurotabou and Rikuo were always pretty close even though they were only together for two years before...Well. You know." Rihan shrugged awkwardly at the end.

"Man, I need to get Rikuo to share his secrets with me. Can you imagine having that much blackmail power on your hands?" Rikun whined. "Ugh, but Hitotsume and Gagoze are still such sticks in the mud. Why do I have to deal with them?"

"Hey now, when you become the official Third Head you're gonna have to deal with everyone eventually, sticks in the mud or not. Best you get used to it now, brat." Rihan warned, making Rikun pout. Nurarihyon barked a laugh at Rikun's reaction and even Yamabuki hid a smile behind her sleeve.

The shoji door slid open.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late." Rikuo said as he walked in and plopped down next to Rikun. He too, reached for an empty cup and poured himself some tea. "I went to go give Hitotsume a little 'talk.'" Rikuo said, a small smirk on his face. "He won't be doing or saying anything out of line for a while." Rikun gaped.

"Dude, you gotta teach me how to do that." Rikuo blinked.

"Do what?"

"Your whole blackmail thing! How do you even get such blackmail in the first place?" Rikun cried out. Rikuo blinked again.

"I mean, I honestly don't really know myself." Rikuo scratched the back of his head. "Honestly, I'll just walk around the house or around town and then stuff just happens and I end up with good blackmail material. I don't even consciously try to do it! Maybe it has to do with people somehow having a hard time noticing me even though I'm standing right in front of their face?" Nurarihyon snorted.

"If that were the case, I should be better than you at blackmail, shouldn't I?" Nurarihyon questioned. Rikuo shrugged. Nurarihyon puffed out a ring of smoke. "Honestly though, I'm genuinely surprised at how you can manage to be sneakier than me. In human form." Rikuo laughed awkwardly. He reached for a cookie on the table.

"To think that that Sanmoto would try to use you to get back at me for that skirmish 400 years ago though… That guy has no care for anyone but himself. He used Kurotabou all those years ago too." Rihan spat in distaste, a sour expression on his face.

"Oh yeah! I've been meaning to ask about that." Rikun suddenly remembered. "What was Hitotsume saying about Kuro being a previous member of the Hyakumonogatari Clan?"

"I'd actually like to know too. I know he joined us around the time of Sanmoto but I never really got the whole story from you, Dad." Rikuo piped up. Rihan sighed.

"Well, long story short, Sanmoto was able to get Kurotabou under his control using that weird 'conqueror's tea' of his and Kuro tried to assassinate me the first time we met." Rikun spat his tea back into his cup as Rikuo choked on the cookie he was eating.

"You never told me that!" Rikuo coughed out. Yamabuki refilled Rikuo's cup and handed it back to him, who downed half of it in one gulp. Rihan shrugged.

"When I fought him for the first time, I thought he was weird. He didn't feel like any of the other 'stories' I had encountered previously. It wasn't until you told me about that story you heard at school that I realized he was somehow being controlled." Rihan said to Rikuo.

"Wait, really? Guess I'll have to go find Kiyoemon-kun's grave and thank him then. He's the one who told us about it. Thank gods he was crazy enough about youkai, even if it did mean I had to tag along with him during his 'adventures' to make sure didn't get himself or any of my other friends killed." Rikun perked up at the description.

"Hey, that sounds like Kiyotsugu! Do you think they might be related? Even their names are similar." Rikun joked. Rikuo gave a small laugh.

"Who knows? Maybe." Rikuo laughed as he tapped a random rhythm on the low tabletop. He poured himself another cup of tea.

"It's kind of weird being back after so long though. I think Kubinashi still wants to cry whenever he sees me." Rikuo admitted. Rikun snorted. When Kubinashi learned that yes, Seimei's vessel was indeed the Rikuo he took care of so many years ago, he sobbed on Rikuo's shoulder for ten minutes straight, leaving Rikuo standing in one of the many hallways of Takarabune feeling very awkward. Kejoro didn't fare much better than her comrade. Both of them and many others pledged their loyalty to Rikuo again, who became absolutely flustered at their reactions and kept trying to calm them down and assure them that nothing was their fault.

"At least you know a lot of people still care about you in the clan. Don't mind the old geezers, they're like that all the time. I prank them as revenge." Rikun smirked evilly at Rikuo, who looked like he was struggling not to laugh. He twirled his tea cup in his hands three times before blowing on it and then drinking it.

"But the clan sure has changed a lot since I was around. There's a lot of new youkai I've never met before."

"You can thank Rikun for that. He's been going around trying to make a name for himself ever since people started referring to him as the honorary Third heir." Nurarihyon snorted. Rikun stuck his tongue out at him.

"Yeah, well what else am I supposed to do? Sit around and do nothing and get handed a hyakki? I feel insulted, I'm a Nurarihyon!" Rikun gasped in mock anger, making everyone laugh. The family conversed and exchanged funny stories late into the night, filling the room with laughter and warmness. Finally, their family was complete.

---

"Rikun, get up." A voice whispered into Rikun's ear. Rikun's eyes shot open and he reached for his sword, only to be stopped by a firm grip on his wrist. Rikun, head still muddled with sleep, aimed a punch and what he thought was his attacker's face. His fist was caught easily.

"Rikun." The voice whispered again. This time, Rikun was able to recognize it.

"Oyaji?!" Rikun whispered in surprise and anger. Rihan's amber eye stared at him lazily. "What's going on? It's," Rikun paused to look at the clock next to him. "3 bloody o'clock in the morning!" He hissed. Rihan let go of Rikun's wrists and motioned for him to keep quiet.

"Shh. Get up, we have a meeting to attend." Rikun blinked, his head still slightly foggy.

"A meeting? At this hour?" He whispered, but got up nonetheless. Rihan nodded and motioned for Rikun to follow him.

"Come on, the old man and Rikuo are already waiting for us." That woke Rikun up.

"What? Why?" Rikun whispered as the two of them stepped out of Rikun's room. Rihan covered the both of them with his Fear and he led Rikun down a series of hallways.

"Don't know. But Rikuo called us, so it must be important." Rihan answered quietly, trying not to disturb anyone in the house.

"What? When? When did Rikuo call us?" Rikun whispered.

"When we were in the family room earlier." At this point Rikun was wondering whether this was all a dream or not. He certainly didn't remember Rikuo mentioning or calling a meeting at 3 bloody o'clock in the morning.

Rihan led him to a small room in the corner of the house. The inside looked empty, and no lights shone through the shoji doors. Rikun wanted to point this out to his father and call him crazy, but was forced to reevaluate his father's words and sanity when Rihan slid open the doors and light poured out into the hallway.

Rikuo and Nurarihyon looked up at the two new guests.

"That took you awhile." Nurarihyon snorted. Rikuo simply gave them a small smile. Rihan walked in and sat down. Rikun followed suit and sat down on the last empty seat, a lantern in the middle of the four occupants of the room. Nurarihyon and Rihan took out their pipes and started smoking. Rikuo poured himself some sake and offered some to Rikun, who accepted as soon as he changed into his youkai form. He still had school in the morning after all, and youkai blood digested alcohol much quicker than human blood.

"So why'd you call us, Rikuo? It must be important considering you requested that none of the other trusted members can attend." Rihan spoke quietly. Rikun frowned. When did this happen again?

Rikuo, thank the gods, noticed his confusion. He gave Rikun a small apologetic smile.

"Sorry about that Rikun, I know you haven't learned the secret signs yet." Rikun blinked, his mouth opening to ask the obvious question before Rikuo beat him to it.

"As the official Third Heir, you'll learn stuff like secret codes where you can call a secret meeting between the Heads and the most trusted members of the family, or in some cases, only the Heads, Dad and Grandpa. I know you haven't learned them yet, since you were just made Third Heir, but Dad'll teach you soon." Rikun didn't know how to respond to this revelation. Looks like there's a lot more to being Third Heir than he previously thought.

"And the code you used in the family room?" Rikun asked. Rikuo put his hand down on the tatami and tapped out a rhythm. Rikun recognized it from where Rikuo had tapped it out on the table.

"As for what time," Rikuo continued. He spun the sake cup in his hands three times, blew on it, and drank it. Rikun nodded in understanding.

"I'll teach you later, Rikun. You had something to say, Rikuo? Considering how you're drinking sake this early into the meeting I'm assuming it's not good." Rihan spoke up.

"Yes, as for why I called this meeting without Gyuki or Kubinashi or anyone else," Rikuo said as he finished his cup of sake and poured himself another cup. "I felt that it would be safer this way. We have a problem. A big one." Rikuo looked at his cup of sake, at the way the light from the lantern danced across the alcoholic drink.

"There was something I deliberately didn't mention at the meeting today." Rikuo started. All three occupants stayed silent, listening intently to every single one of Rikuo's words.

"We have a spy." Rikuo finally said. The room became colder instantly.

"Or a traitor. Either way Sanmoto has access to classified information on the Nura Gumi." Rikuo said seriously, his cheerful demeanor completely gone, replaced with a stern, leader-like aura. Rikun started. This was nothing like the cheerful and innocent Rikuo he knew.

Rihan folded his arms into his sleeves.

"So that's why you didn't want anyone else in on this meeting." Rikuo gave a nod.

"And it's not some small spy or lower clan member or anything. Sanmoto has access to information that would normally only be reserved for members as high as an upper echelon. That's how they were able to plan accordingly and match our movements during that incident nine years ago and during Kyoto. Personally, I doubt Gyuki and Kubinashi would be it, but I thought it would be better safe than sorry." Nurarihyon sighed.

"Worrisome indeed. Especially with two clans after us." Nurarihyon scowled.

"And since Sanmoto and Seimei are apparently allies, any information on our weaknesses Sanmoto gets he'll pass it onto the Nue." Rihan nodded solemnly. Rikun bit the bottom of his lips.

This was definitely bad. They don't know how long this spy has been here, and how much information on the clan they had already gathered. The most worrisome was that they didn't know who it was. Accusing an upper echelon with no physical evidence would be an impossible task, even for the two Supreme Commanders. The clan would split apart.

"If I had to guess," Rikuo interjected. "I'd bet my money on Mitsume Yazura." He said as he sipped his sake. All three heads turned towards his direction.

"And why is that, Rikuo? I know Mitsume doesn't like you but directly accusing someone as important as Mitsume still requires some kind of evidence." Rihan questioned. Rikuo scowled.

"I know that, Dad. I'm not stupid." Rikuo huffed, insulted. Rihan put his hands up in apology. Rikuo huffed again. "I'm saying that because he was acting weird during the meeting." The rest of the three blinked.

"He was?" They said simultaneously before glaring at each other in embarrassment. Rikuo had to hold back a laugh at the identical expressions on all three of their faces.

"Yeah. I noticed when I mentioned the Hyakumonogatari Clan earlier. He panicked and his Fear spiked for a split second before he brought it back down under control." Nurarihyon frowned.

"Are you sure it wasn't because of the impact the Hyakumonogatari Clan had on us four centuries ago? Everyone else kinda panicked too." Nurarihyon pointed out. Rikuo gave a small hmm, twirling his cup around, watching the liquid spin around in it.

"I won't deny the possibility, but Mitsume's reaction was more similar to that of someone having one of their secrets found out before trying to hide it again. He was also one of the few youkai that didn't panic out loud when I mentioned the Hyakumonogatari Clan. Unless he went through a personality change I don't know about, from what I remember of him he tends to act brash and loudly; the Mitsume I remember would act more like Hitotsume." Rikuo's words sent the small room into silence again, the atmosphere tense. Rikun dipped his head down in thought.

So they had a suspect already, but no physical evidence as of now. They couldn't call Karasu Tengu for an investigation either, since if anyone noticed that would cause tension and trust issues within the clan. There was also the possibility of someone other than Mitsume being the spy/traitor. Rikun wondered briefly if the meeting hall was possibly bugged before throwing that idea out the window. The meeting hall was always thoroughly inspected beforehand by Karasu Tengu and his group. Unless Karasu Tengu was the traitor…But even so there are times where classified information is given directly to the upper echelons in private.

All of this was making Rikun's head hurt.

"Hey, Rikuo. Do you have anyone else you suspect-" Rikun turned to look at Rikuo, only to find Rihan and Nurarihyon staring at his brother intently. Rikuo sighed and put down his empty sake cup.

"I know, I know. I'll leave you guys to discuss what you guys plan on doing now. If I find anything else I'll call you guys again." Rikuo said as he stood up. Rikun blinked.

"Wait, why are you getting up? Did something happen? Why are you two staring at Rikuo like that?" Rikun was confused. Rikuo gave him another one of his apologetic smiles.

"I'm sure they'll explain to you once I leave, Rikun. Well then, good night, I guess." Rikuo said as he stepped out of the room. He gave a small bow and then closed the door, his footsteps becoming fainter and fainter as he walked back to his room.

---

As soon as Rikuo's footsteps went out of earshot, Rikun asked the obvious question.

"Why isn't Rikuo allowed to listen to the rest of the meeting?" Rikun asked in a stern voice. Was Rihan and Nurarihyon really going against Rikuo too…?

Rihan exhaled loudly. Nurarihyon put a hand on his son's shoulder as if comforting him. It was only then that Rikun registered Rihan's expression. Guilt.

"...I didn't want to do it either, but Rikuo knew himself what was going on immediately." Rihan pinched the bridge of his nose. Nurarihyon smoked on his pipe.

"Honestly, with the perceptiveness and brains of that boy, he would have made a terrifying commander if he learned how to use Fear properly." Nurarihyon huffed, looking at the direction which Rikuo left. He turned to face Rikun, who was starting to look irritated at the lack of answers to his question.

"Due to the fact that Rikuo was once the host of Seimei, coupled with the fact that he was revived by Seimei himself, there is the possibility that Rikuo has some sort of tracker on his body. There is the possibility that Seimei and Sanmoto are looking through Rikuo's body to gain information on us." Rikun opened his mouth to protest loudly, but Nurarihyon held up a hand.

"Don't get us wrong, Rikun. We hate to suspect Rikuo too, but we can't deny the possibility. It's possible that Rikuo doesn't know he's a tracker, in which case makes it all the more dangerous."

"But he's family!" Rikun protested.

"We know that, Rikun. We don't want to do this either. I don't want to do this, as a father, but as Supreme Commanders of the Nura Gumi, there are some decisions we have to make. You'll have to make them too someday, Rikun, once you become the Third Head. Rikuo knew this too; that's why he left before we said anything." Rikun closed his mouth. He sat back on his heels, his expression still unhappy, but accepted the explanation.

"So? What should we do now?" Rikun asked. Nurarihyon folded his arms, thinking.

"Are you still gonna train with that Toono brat? Uh...Itachi, was it?"

"Itaku," Rikun corrected. "And yeah, we're gonna train together again soon. We haven't talked about details yet but we're planning on alternating between me going to Toono and him coming here to train me. Why?"

"Keep it a secret for now." Rihan answered. "If you're going to be learning new stuff and become even stronger, we don't want the spy to find out about your hidden strength. Keep an element of surprise, per se."

"It's likely they already know about Rihan's and my abilities and strength, so you'll be the element of surprise when they attack." Nurarihyon added on. "And keep this a secret between the three of us and of course, Itaku. Don't let anyone else know of this. You guys can use the secret underground dojo for your training." Rikun nodded, understanding the situation.

"I assume I can't tell Rikuo about this either?" Rihan and Nurarihyon shook their heads. Rikun sighed.

"Fine. But for the record, I disagree with the decision to leave Rikuo out of this." Rikun pointed a finger at the two Heads. Rikun might not have known Rikuo for long, but he would do anything to make sure his brother feel comfortable in his own house. Rihan gave Rikun a small laugh.

"You guys have been getting along quite nicely by the looks of it. That's good, as long as Rikuo doesn't share his blackmail secrets with you first and not me." Rikun turned his nose up at his father's comment.

"You wish, old man! I'm getting those secrets, not you." Rikun retorted. Nurarihyon laughed.

"All right, you two brats. Now that we've established what we're going to do about the situation, let's end this meeting. Don't you have school tomorrow, Rikun?" Rikun rolled his eyes.

"Don't remind me. I have a test tomorrow, and now I'm going to be sleep deprived because of this meeting. I need to sleep. See ya, old geezers." Rikun stood up and left the room without waiting for Rihan and Nurarihyon to follow suit. Rikun frowned all the way back to his own room, thinking hard about Rikuo's situation. He fell into a restless sleep, still thinking of how to help his brother.

---

At the same time, Rikun really couldn't understand his brother's human tendencies.

"Hey, Rikuo! You know you don't have to do chores around the house, right?" Rikun called out to Rikuo. Rikuo sighed and turned to face his brother.

"Don't be like that, Rikun. You sound like Dad and Grandpa." Rikuo rolled his eyes and went back to hanging the laundry on the laundry lines. "You know, you guys could stand to help around the house more."

"Eh, don't feel like it." Rihan said from where he was lying down on the porch. Rikuo frowned disapprovingly at his dad.

Rikun plopped down next to Rihan, still in his school clothes. He had noticed that everytime he came back from school, Rikuo always seemed to be doing some kind of chore around the house, whether it was scrubbing the floors, watering the plants, or in this case, doing laundry with Kubinashi and Kejoro.

"Rikun-sama, I think Rikuo-sama has a point. You can help out sometime too." Kubinashi piped up. He set down another full basket of wet laundry.

"Hey! Why only me and not the old man?" Rikun protested. Rihan snorted.

"Because he's been trying to get me to do it for the past three centuries and sees me as a lost cause now." Rihan replied lazily, a smirk on his face. Rikun pouted.

"See, Rikuo? Stop raising the standards for me! You're making me look bad!" Rikun protested. Rikuo laughed.

"Ah, it's nice to have you back, Rikuo-sama. At least there's one of you that didn't inherit the headache-inducing Nurarihyon gene." Kubinashi said casually, hanging up the sheets to dry. That earned him a splutter of protest from both Rihan and Rikun. Rikuo shrugged.

"I mean, I don't mind. When Mom was still alive I used to help her out too. It sounds kind of silly when I put it this way, but sometimes it reminds me of her." Rikuo scratched the back of his head. Kubinashi and Kejoro nodded in understanding. Rikun nodded from where he was sitting. That made some sense.

"After Mom died it kind of just became a habit." Rikuo shrugged. "Besides, it made things easier for me." Kubinashi frowned.

"What do you mean by that, Rikuo-sama?" Kejoro asked. Rikuo shrugged again.

"It helps. With the rumors. As long as I focus on something, like doing chores, I hear less rumors around the house." Everyone froze. Rikuo continued on, oblivious to the reactions of those around him.

"I don't know about you guys, but the house gets pretty boring after awhile. Since I wasn't really allowed to leave the house that often, I had to do something to occupy my mind or I'd probably go crazy hearing all the rumors around the house." It was then that Rikuo realized Kubinashi and Kejoro were staring at him with horrified expressions. A quick glance at Rihan and Rikun showed similar reactions on their faces. Rikuo froze halfway to pinning another piece of clothing onto the clothing line.

"Um, did I say something wrong…?" Rikuo asked hesitantly, looking at everyone else's reactions. Kubinashi exploded first.

"That's why you helped with chores around the house back then?!" Kubinashi spluttered. "Why didn't you say anything, Rikuo-sama?!" Kejoro nodded in agreement, a serious expression on her face.

"I mean, I didn't really find it necessary-"

"Not necessary?! Rikuo-sama!" Kubinashi protested. Rihan sat up, a stern expression on his face. Rikuo scowled.

"Yeah, well what would you guys have done if I did tell you guys? It's not like the rumors would just disappear even if I told you!" Rikuo snapped back. The yard went silent. Rikuo had a point. Rumors didn't quell down that easily, and certainly not that fast in a youkai household. If they had tried to put a stop to it, it would only reinforce the idea of Rikuo's weakness. Rikuo sighed and turned back to doing the laundry. "That's why I told you guys I didn't find it necessary to report."

Rikuo did the rest of the laundry in silence, Kubinashi and Kejoro joining in after a few moments. The previously amicable air was replaced with a sour mood.

Rikun didn't like it. He hated seeing how his brother gave up any and all attempts at defending himself from the rumors. He hated seeing his brother acknowledge that he himself was useless. He hated seeing his brother hate himself so much. He couldn't imagine the amount of stress Rikuo had to live through 400 years ago, being the heir and having rumors thrown at him from his own family.

Rikun glanced at Rihan. Rihan had a conflicted expression on his face. He obviously didn't like the fact that Rikuo had to resort to such methods to avoid the rumors, but he couldn't really do anything about it. Rumors were...well, rumors. They were bound to appear from somewhere, even if they were prohibited. Rikun took a deep breath.

"Hey, Rikuo! Wanna spar against me sometime?" Rikun asked, trying to cheer up the gloomy atmosphere. Rikun turned around, surprised.

"Spar?" Rikuo asked, a surprised look on his face. His eyes held a bit of a childish sparkle in them. It would seem that he didn't get to spar very often. However, that sparkle vanished almost instantly as Rikuo frowned, something that Rikun didn't miss. "I don't think that'll be a good idea, Rikun. You've heard everyone else; I can't use Fear that well." Rikun shook his head.

"Not that kind of spar. I was referring to a kenjutsu spar. Just kenjutsu. No Fear whatsoever. I heard from the old man over here that you were pretty good at it." Rikun jabbed a finger in Rihan's direction. Rikuo's eyes lit up at the suggestion. Rikun felt himself smile at his victory. He was able to make Rikuo happy for once.

"Oh! In that case, sure! I learned from a good master during the 80 years I was out on my own, too, so I'd say I've gotten a lot better at kenjutsu since you guys last saw me." Rikuo smiled. Rihan leaned forward with interest.

"Hoh? Then you'll have to show me then. Rikun, don't underestimate Rikuo now, you hear? He was a lot better than you at kenjutsu when he was your age." Rihan smirked at Rikun. His single open eye gave Rikun a look of gratitude. Rikun smiled cheekily.

"When do you want to spar?" Rikuo asked. Rikun thought about it.

"How about in...15 minutes? I'll go get changed and put down my stuff first." Rikun said, standing up. Rikuo frowned.

"Don't you have homework to do? Do you have the time?" Rikun sighed dramatically.

"I'll do it later, Rikuoooo~" Rikun whined. "Sparring is so much more fun than homework!" He bounced around like a little kid, making Rikuo and Rihan chuckle.

"All right, all right! Go get changed. I'll meet you here in 15 minutes." Rikuo smiled, walking over and sitting down next to his father, taking a small break. Rikun beamed at Rikuo and sped off to his room to change.

---

"All right, Rikun. Despite whatever rumors you may have heard so far about me, don't hold back when you attack, okay? Otherwise there'd be no point in this spar." Rikuo called out to Rikun, who was standing on the opposite end of the yard. A small crowd had gathered in the backyard to watch the previous heir and current heir spar. Rihan and Nurarihyon watched from where they were sitting on the porch.

"Ha! You'll regret that decision, Rikuo!" Rikun pointed his sword in Rikuo's direction. Rikuo snorted.

"Hey now, I may not be able to use Fear well but I'll wipe the floor with you at kenjutsu, brother or not." Rikuo declared right back at Rikun. He sounded confident, a bit arrogant even. A vast difference from his usual shy and quiet personality. It seems that Rikuo has a lot of confidence in his kenjutsu skills. Rikuo smirked and made a beckoning motion with his free hand, giving Rikun the first strike. Do your worst.

Rikun smirked and shot forward.

His first strike was easily blocked by Rikuo. No matter. Rikun was only testing Rikuo anyway. Rikun quickly followed up his attack with a flurry of strikes.

Rikuo blocked every single one of Rikun's strikes easily as he backed up steadily. Their swords locked. Rikuo gave Rikun a small smirk before pushing Rikun away. Rikun backed up a couple steps.

"Not bad." Rikuo acknowledged, nodding his head. "Textbook form mixed with something else. I'm gonna guess Gyuki and Grandpa were the ones who taught you mostly?" Rikun gave a low whistle. The crowd mumured around them.

"Wow, you're good. You guessed all of that just by sparring with me? No wonder the old man said you were really smart." Rikun readied his sword again. Rikuo readied his too. He hummed to himself, eyes calculating.

"I'd say...about three strikes." Rikuo murmured to himself, his eyes narrowing. Rikun blinked in confusion. The crowd started murmuring again, wondering what the previous heir was talking about.

Rikuo shot forward with blinding speed. Rikun barely blocked Rikuo's strike. Rikun widened his eyes.

This was nothing like the shy, soft spoken Rikuo he came to know. His hands shook as Rikuo struck hard with his next strike.

Rikun's sword flew out of his hands with the third strike. Rikun backed up as Rikuo pushed his sword point to his throat. Rikun gulped as the entire yard stared.

That serious expression on Rikuo's face looked so different from what Rikuo usually looked like. Rikun felt Rikuo's eyes staring right into him, calculating. His eyes were sharp, cold even as they stared at Rikun. Rikun felt himself getting nervous. Was he fearing Rikuo?

And then the tense atmosphere disappeared when Rikuo gave Rikun a small smirk. He put down his sword. Rikun sighed in relief as his entire body relaxed. Rikuo walked back to where Rikun dropped his sword. He kicked up Rikun's sword in one swift motion and tossed it back to Rikun.

"Well? You gonna start taking me seriously now?" Rikuo asked playfully, his eyebrows raising. He looked like a Nurarihyon, his expression confident and his eyes glimmered with a sort of playful wickedness.

"Rikuo-sama, where on earth did you learn to do that?" Kubinashi couldn't help but blurt out. Rihan nodded along with everyone else. They all wanted to ask the same thing. Rikuo smirked and rested his sword on his shoulder.

"I told you guys I had a good teacher." He said as he winked, looking exactly like Rihan for a spilt second. Rikuo turned back to Rikun.

"You've got good form, but your left leg is sloppy when you block. Try moving it just a bit to the left. You could work on the sword angle too." Rikuo advised. Rikun blinked.

"Oh." Rikun stammered. "Ok. I'll give that a try." Rikuo smiled. He held up his sword again.

"Wanna continue?" Rikuo asked cockily. Whatever fear Rikun had felt disappeared, replaced with adrenaline and excitement. Rikun brandished his own sword.

"You bet!" Rikun laughed as he ran forward. Rikuo ran forward at the same time as Rikun, their swords clashing, making sparks fly around the yard.

---

"Who would've thought Rikuo-sama would become this strong in kenjutsu?" Kurotabou asked from his position behind Rihan. The fight had attracted most of the house, and everyone stared in awe at Rikuo's skills.

Rikun was clearly frustrated at not being able to get in at least one hit. Rikuo was obviously holding back with Rikun, pushing just enough so that Rikun needed to give his all, but also holding back so that he didn't overwhelm Rikun.

Rikun yelled in frustration as his sword flew out of his hands again. Rikuo pressed his blade against Rikun's neck before stepping back and letting Rikun retrieve his sword.

"Damnit, Rikuo!" Rikun yelled at his brother. Rikuo had the audacity to laugh.

"Why don't we stop here for the day? I'll teach you some techniques and pointers next time." Rikuo suggested with a small laugh. Rikun grumbled, but agreed grudgingly. Rikuo was leagues ahead of him in kenjutsu. Rikuo gave Rikun a small smile.

"Sorry if I went too hard, Rikun. It's been awhile since I've been able to spar like this. I might've gone a bit overboard…" Rikuo admitted as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"That-That was amazing, Rikuo-sama!" Natto Kozo cheered from the sidelines. The entire yard erupted into cheers, everyone dazzled by Rikuo's performance. Rihan and Nurarihyon nodded approvingly, their eyes wide with surprise. Rikuo started at all the commotion.

"Huh? Wait, what?" Rikuo looked around him in bewilderment. He didn't understand why everyone was so excited. Some of the smaller youkai ran up to him.

"Hey, hey, Rikuo-sama! Can you teach us kenjutsu too?" They pleaded, crowding around Rikuo eagerly. Rikuo's face reddened as he became more and more flustered.

"Uh-um-" Rikuo stammered as he tried to answer. Rikun laughed at his brother's reaction. Rikuo was too pure!

A deep cough interrupted Rikuo, and Rikuo turned to look at its owner.

Gyuki walked up to Rikuo calmly, the smaller youkai parting and making a path for him. He gave Rikuo a curt nod.

"Rikuo-sama, if I may." Gyuki started. He looked at Rikuo in the eyes. "Would you give me the honor of sparring with you? I wish to test my abilities against you."

The entire yard went ecstatic. Gyuki was one of the best swordsmen in the clan. In terms of skill only, his swordsmanship was better than even the two Supreme Commanders. To think that Gyuki of all people would want to test his kenjutsu skills against Rikuo's…

Rihan nodded approvingly. "I'd like to see this match as well." He said thoughtfully. "That is, if you're not too tired, Rikuo." He said, looking at his son. Rikuo nearly tripped over his own feet.

"No! I mean, yes! No wait, I mean-" Rikuo paused to take a few deep breaths, calming himself. He looked at Gyuki. "It'd be an honor to spar with you, Gyuki." He finally said, accepting the challenge. The yard cheered again, some of the smaller youkai already placing bets. Rikun walked back to the porch and sat down next to Rihan and Nurarihyon.

---

"So who do you guys think will win?" Rikun asked his predecessors. The match had already started, with Rikuo making the first strike. As soon as the match started, Rikuo's entire demeanor changed. He narrowed his eyes in concentration as he held his sword with both hands, facing Gyuki directly. The two of them circled each other for a bit before Rikuo shot forward. Rikuo also knew how strong Gyuki was; he couldn't afford to give Gyuki the first strike like he had with Rikun.

"Hard to say, really," Nurarihyon gave a thoughtful hum. "Since Rikuo was holding back with you for pretty much the entire fight." Rikun scowled. While he was happy that Rikuo was able to show off his strength, that didn't mean he wasn't embarrassed to be beaten by his own brother. Rikun had never lost this badly, even against Rihan or Gyuki.

The crowd oohed and ahhed when Rikuo was able to slip his sword under Gyuki's guard, pressing the blade to Gyuki's neck while Gyuki's own sword missed Rikuo by a hair. The two disengaged and immediately started sparring again. Rikun gave a low whistle.

"Wow. I didn't think anyone could get under Gyuki's guard." He admitted out loud. Rihan and Nurarihyon both hummed in agreement. The match was close, but it seemed that Rikuo still possessed just a tiny bit more skill than Gyuki, able to land just a couple more hits than Gyuki. Rikun watched in awe along with the rest of the yard.

Rikuo knocked Gyuki's sword upward, and Gyuki was left defenseless momentarily. Rikuo rushed forward at the opening as the yard cheered.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed when Gyuki's Fear activated. Rikuo's sword swerved as he was caught off guard by the intensity of Gyuki's Fear. Gyuki knocked Rikuo's sword away and made a series of slashes, which Rikuo was barely able to block. Fear showed on his face as he fought the youkai.

Rikun started to get up, along with Rihan and Nurarihyon to try and stop the fight. Rikuo couldn't handle fighting Gyuki when Gyuki was using his Fear! Gyuki was one of the most powerful youkai in the Nura Gumi, even amongst the upper echelons. What was Gyuki doing?!

"Gyuki!" Nurarihyon yelled, trying to get his trusted subordinate to stop. Gyuki swung his sword down at Rikuo. Rikuo widened his eyes.

He disappeared. Gyuki's sword hit nothing as Rikuo activated Meikyo Shisui instinctively. But even from the porch Rikun could feel how flimsy it was. Rikuo's Fear was already weak on its own, and Rikuo had activated it too hastily. It would be cut down in an instant.

Gyuki coated his blade with a bit of his Fear, and tore through Rikuo's, who gave a small yelp. Gyuki drove forward, ignoring Nurarihyon. Rikuo was trying to block the strikes with a panicked desperation. Finally able to regain some sort of footing, Rikuo slashed his sword down, meeting Gyuki's blade in the middle. As soon as their swords clashed, Rikuo disappeared again.

Gyuki hmphed and once again, cut through Rikuo's Fear easily. Rikuo's sword fell to the ground.

But Rikuo was nowhere to be seen.

...Huh? Rikun looked around the yard along with everyone else. Gyuki spun around in a circle, trying to find his opponent.

What? Rikuo's Fear had been cut clean through, Rikun knew that. Rihan and Nurarihyon also glanced around in confusion, which was probably the most surprising thing. Rikun couldn't feel Rikuo's Fear anymore, so Rikuo shouldn't be using Meikyo Shisui anymore. Unless Rikuo had somehow found a way to make Meikyo Shisui undetectable to even the original Nurarihyon, in which case Rikun definitely needed to get his brother to give him some pointers. But no, the chances of that were impossibly slim.

Gyuki cut through the air with his Fear-coated sword again, just in case he really didn't cut all the way through Rikuo's Fear. Nothing happened. The crowd started murmuring as everyone glanced at each other in confusion.

"...I am impressed, Rikuo-sama." Gyuki finally said as he deactivated his Fear. "I had only meant to test you to see if your Fear control had improved over the years, but this exceeds all my expectations. I did not know you could maintain your Fear this long, even after I had cut through it two times." Gyuki said into the open air.

"That's because there's nothing to cut anymore, Gyuki." Rikun screamed and fell right off the porch when Rikuo's voice suddenly came from behind him. Rihan and Nurarihyon jumped slightly as everyone else yelped and jumped and did a double take when Rikuo seemed to just materialize behind the Nurarihyons out of thin air.

"Ah! Rikun, are you alright?" Rikun hurriedly called down from his position on the porch, looking down at his brother.

"What the- when did you get up there?!" Rikun demanded pointing at Rikuo, trying to get his heartbeat back to a normal rate. He really hoped his voice didn't sound as high to others as it did to him. Rihan and Nurarihyon stared at Rikuo with similar shocked expressions. Kurotabou had backed up and put a hole in the poor shoji door behind them, and Kubinashi had his strings out in front of him defensively. Aotabou had just about fallen over and squashed several small youkai who were standing behind him.

"Um, right after I activated my Fear the second time?" Rikuo answered, scratching his head. "It's a tactic I used a lot when I was on my own. Sensei wasn't always around to help me, so the next best thing was to run until help arrived or run and hide until I managed to lose them…" He laughed sheepishly.

"Honestly at this point I've run away from so many battles it's not even shameful to me anymore. And Sensei always said that there's no shame in trying to survive…" Rikuo admitted with an awkward laugh. The rest of the youkai stared at him.

"Wh-Why'd you drop your sword then?" Rikun finally managed to ask. To be honest, he wasn't really sure what kind of reaction he should have at the moment. It seems that everyone else around him felt the same, if their silence was anything to go by.

"Oh that? It's a trick Sensei taught me." Rikuo answered. Rikun wanted to ask what stupid fucking kind of trick was that. Who dropped their weapon in the middle of a fight?

"When I dropped my sword, all of you focused on it, right? Even if it's just a split second, it gives me enough time to escape. Or, at least, more time to escape. Despite it seeming stupid, it actually works, which is why I use it. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was stupid as hell at first, too." Rikuo explained.

"What if you're attacked while running away though? You wouldn't have a weapon to defend yourself with then." Rihan expressed his concerns, everyone else nodding in agreement. Rikuo on the other hand, looked slightly offended.

"I could always just steal another weapon; it's not like I'm using a fancy sword like Nenekirimaru anyway. I can always steal another sword and replace it." Rikuo said as he held up his sword.

Wait.

"My sword!" Hitotsume cried out, hands reaching for his now-empty belt. Rikuo smirked as if to say told you, and tossed Hitotsume's sword back to him.

"Besides, I always carry around at least one tanto. If worst comes to worst I can use that." Rikuo continued as he pulled out the hidden dagger from the folds of his kimono.

"Well you've certainly learned some...useful things out on your own, haven't you Rikuo?" Nurarihyon commented, staring at his grandson. "You're certainly not as innocent as you were when you were younger. Who would've thought the goody two-shoes Nura Rikuo would actually steal from people?" He laughed. Rikuo frowned.

"I only steal out of necessity, unlike some people around here." Rikuo emphasized, making his point. "Since I was out traveling for most of the time, it's not like I'd be able to have a constant supply of weapons like I do here. I had to learn how to adapt. And I only ever stole money like, twice." Rikuo rolled his eyes.

"Please don't bunch me with you guys, who sometimes steal for fun." Though Rikuo was reprimanding them, his tone was light. He knew that changing a youkai's basic nature was impossible, but that didn't mean he couldn't call them out from time to time.

"Is it just me, or did you actually manage to get even sneakier while you were gone?" Rihan asked, staring at Rikuo, who laughed.

"A bit, maybe?" He admitted sheepishly. "It's not that hard when you're hiding in a crowd, though. Since most youkai instinctively try to trace their target's Fear, all I have to do is hide my Fear. And since I'm only a quarter youkai it's actually pretty easy. It's saved me more than once." Rikuo shrugged.

"But Gyuki…" Rikuo said, narrowing his eyes at the ox youkai. "You... actually tried to kill me just now, didn't you?" Rikuo scooted behind the wooden pillar, trying to hide himself. The attempt looked more cute than anything else.

"A-ah. My apologies, Rikuo-sama. However, I would not have actually made the strike if I knew I would take your life. Please rest assured that I was merely testing you, and that while I may have pushed you to your limits, I would never do anything that would cause you permanent damage." Gyuki said formally while giving Rikuo an apologetic bow. Rikuo stared at Gyuki flatly.

"Didn't you do this with me back when I was still in the clan 400 years ago?" Rikuo sighed. "Gyuki, I understand that this is how you train people, but can you please give a warning next time? I don't fancy having to fear for my life every time you decide to 'test' me in this manner."

"Yeah Gyuki, give a warning next time! I thought you were actually going to kill Rikuo, for God's sake." Rikun said as he stood up, dusting his yukata off.

"But now that I think about it, your training style really is just scare them with your Fear and see if they survive now that I think about it. You did this with me and my friends when we went to Mt. Nejirime." Rikun recalled. Although Rihan and Nurarihyon were also in the plan that time...Rikun shot them a small glare. He still wasn't over having his friends in danger because of some test or whatever.

"Oh, Gyuki did that to you too huh, Rikun?" Rikuo piped up from his position halfway behind the pillar, still trying to partially hide from the terrifying ox demon known as Gyuki. "See Gyuki? You really need to change your outdated training methods."

Rikun burst out laughing at Rikuo's blunt humor.

"Y'know, he kinda does have a point, Gyuki." Nurarihyon snickered. "You've always stuck to the old methods, haven't you, old friend?" Gyuki simply cleared his throat, averting his gaze.

Rikuo waved Rikun over to where he was. "Hey, tell you what, Rikun…" Rikuo leaned over and whispered something into Rikun's ear. Rikun's eyes widened.

"No way! Seriously?" Rikun asked, his face full of surprise. "You actually did that?" Rikuo laughed.

"Yep! Sure did. How about it? Wanna join me this time? I'll even teach you how to do it." Rikuo laughed, holding out his hand. Rikun shook it eagerly, sealing whatever secret deal the two brothers were talking about.

"What're you two up to this time?" Rihan asked his sons suspiciously. Both sons turned to look at him with identical innocent expressions.

"Nothing," They said in unison, which definitely wasn't suspicious at all. Nurarihyon and Rihan narrowed their eyes.

"...As long as we're not caught up in whatever hell you two are planning on stirring up, I'm good." Rihan said, putting his hands up. Rikuo laughed.

"What makes you think we're gonna stir up hell?" Rihan stared at Rikuo flatly.

"I know that pranking look on your face. Yours too, Rikun." Rikuo snorted.

"You're just salty that I got you guys good 400 years ago." Rikuo laughed as he ducked the flying sake cup Rihan threw at him. He grabbed Rikun's hand and started running.

"You know I'm right!" Rikuo called behind him as he ran away from Nurarihyon and Rihan, Rikun in tow.

Nurarihyon and Rihan huffed, watching the two children run away. The rest of the yard shivered at the thought of whatever the two were planning. They had had more than their fair share of Nurarihyon pranks. Hopefully the main house would continue to stand with the addition of another Nurarihyon. They hoped.

---

Gyuki sighed, putting down the documents he was reading, resting his eyes.

The two Nurarihyon brothers had been fairly quiet after his impromptu 'test' five days ago and frankly, it was starting to worry everyone.

Those two were planning something, they all knew it. But so far life had continued on as if nothing had happened. And that was worrying to say the least.

Everyone was on guard for pranks, except for Rihan and Nurarihyon. The two Supreme Commanders went on as usual, being their usual lazy and elusive selves. They didn't seem worried at all about their descendants secret plans.

Gyuki sighed and stood up. He needed a break from all of the work that came with being an upper echelon. He stood up and walked out of his room at the main house.

He wandered through the main house, eventually ending up on the porch overlooking the backyard. Nurarihyon spotted him from his perch on the sakura tree and jumped down.

"Hey, Gyuki-" Nurarihyon started as he walked towards his old friend. He tripped on something.

A waterfall of ink poured down directly on Gyuki's head. All youkai present gasped in surprise as the terrifying Gyuki was drenched from head to toe in black ink. Nurarihyon looked down at the wire he tripped over and back to Gyuki, his mouth dropping open.

Two loud laughters came from the top of one of the trees in the backyard.

"That was awesome, Rikuo! Oh my gods- help me, I'm gonna die laughing ahahahaha!" Rikun laughed as he clutched his stomach in pain. His other hand was holding onto Rikuo's shoulder to prevent himself from falling out of the tree.

Rikuo was busy trying to wipe the tears out of his eyes.

"I can't believe you fell for the same trap twice, Gyuki!" Rikuo cried out laughing, having a hard time balancing on the branch he was currently on with Rikun.

"You used me!" Nurarihyon spluttered as he pointed at his two grandsons. Rikuo gave him a small wave.

"Thanks for that, Grandpa!" He called back at Nurarihyon, who opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water. Rikun laughed even harder.

Gyuki huffed as he tried to wipe the ink out of his eyes. He stared at the two young masters with a stern look. Rikun seemed to cower just a bit at his glare, but Rikuo was completely unaffected.

"Revenge for the 'tests,'" He smirked back at Gyuki. Gyuki sighed. Perhaps he did go overboard with his tests so far. He turned to head to the baths to clean himself up.

And immediately tripped over the clear tape that was stuck across the hallway. Everyone gaped as the two brothers wheezed with laughter.

Gyuki picked himself off of the ground, trying to preserve whatever dignity he had left. He slowly looked over at the tree the two brothers were hiding in.

"Whoops, gotta go! Better run like the wind, Rikun!" Rikuo laughed as he grabbed Rikun's hand and jumped out of the Nura premises.

The two brothers ran off into the busy streets of Tokyo, their laughter echoing into the night.

---

Sorry if the ending seems a little rushed; I never know how to end a chapter or story.

Some author's notes:

Plum blossoms in the language of flowers can mean "keep your promise." I remember I read somewhere a long long time ago that Wakana's favorite flower was the plum blossom, so I thought I would add that tidbit in the flashback with Rikuo.

Other meanings include: noble, virtuous, faithful, honest, and endurance.

In this story Rikuo will be represented with ume, like Wakana, instead of the sakura blossom. He would have the endurance and faithful part of the flower, for enduring all the rumors, going through Hell, being possessed, but also still keeping his faith and loyalty in the Nura Gumi and his family.

I'll be posting some extra stories after this chapter, mainly things like the back story behind Rikuo's leaving, what Rihan felt on that day and his recovery, etc. Some extra stories will have to come later, after certain parts of the main story is finished or it won't make sense.

Thanks for sticking around with me for so long, and the short story will come very soon because I've already written one down (it was actually finished before this chapter)

Please review so I can keep up this motivation of mine!