Meanwhile, past the borders of the Nura Clan, unrelenting fire scorched away at the once luscious forest of the Shikoku Clan...

"Father!"

"Lord Danuki!"

Screams filled the air as the head of the Shikoku clan lay helpless on the ground, his large body covered in an abundance of blood. Around him were other yokai's who decorated the floor like broken ornaments, many having sustained heavy and severe injuries as they screamed out in pain and agony, some unconscious and a very unfortunate few, dead.

A young man ran to the Tanuki's unmoving body, short black hair stained with blood and seeping into his clothes. Hesitantly he knelt down besides the once mighty leader of the Shikoku clan, fisted hands punching the ground in utter defeat as tears flowed from his face.

"Father!" The young man cried out to which his father responded with a small smile as he grabbed his son by the back and pulled him into his body for some sort of comfort.

"D-d-do not cry my s-son...," He wheezed out, "T-this enemy is strong, we cannot d-defeat them alone... It is unfortunate that t-things have ended t-this way..."

The young man became alert as his father silenced, the larger demon groaning in pain as he gathered his breath before continuing again.

"Go to t-the Nura Clan, y-you must w-warn them of this... I'm s-sorry Tamazuki," Danuki gripped his son closer towards him, using what little strength he had left to cradle his sobbing child. He felt his heart tear into pieces, he couldn't bare to see his son so distraught, he could only wish to have more time.

The past few years had been a blessing to the old yokai, his son's atonement for his sins had opened up another chance for him to mend their relationship and he wouldn't have traded such days for anything in the world.

Before Tamazuki's encounter with the Nura heir, Danuki was constantly plagued with worries for his son, his bloodthirsty determination for power had frightened his father. He would wonder if Tamazuki would forever be lost but fate was good and brought him back his loving son. He would be eternally grateful to the Nura Clan for guiding his child back into the right path. That's why, even if this truly was the end for him, that maybe despite such a bitter way for his long life to end, he was no longer scared or worried for Tamazuki. His son was a renewed man after all, the type of man that would make any father proud.

"T-Tamazuki... my son... I am s-sorry...," Tamazuki shook his head, tears falling from his eyes as he explained to his father that he had nothing to apologise for, "N-no, I'm sorry. M-maybe if I had reached out to g-guide you s-sooner then maybe we would h-have had m-more memories t-together, t-these past 2 y-years have been m-my most memorable... I k-know y-you will do w-well to lead o-our clan... because... y-you are my s-son and I a-am so p-p-proud to b-be your f-father... Tamazuki, my sweet boy."

Tears blurred his vision but black eyes widened as he watched his father cough up more blood. Dread filling him at the thought to losing
his father. His joy was unexplainable as he listened to his fathers words. His life has been spent walking a dark path in a pathetic and subconscious attempt to gain his fathers approval but like karma, Nura Rikuo came along and had changed all that and he was glad. Such a trial had enabled him to make amends with his clan and most importantly his father, and slowly their relationship became better... it became more like that of a father and son's. He no longer wanted to gain power to surpass, but rather to bear a power that would protect those he held dear.

And so he refused to let go, he gripped his father's large hands , squeezing them in reassurance as Danuki's eyes closed, breathing shallow but steady, he then whispered his gratefulness for him before turning around.

Deep obsidian eyes burned with hatred as he stared at the man who gave out a maniacal laugh and the others who stood with him. Harsh fires surrounded the said man as his flames spread and burnt the forest of the Shikoku clan, the souls and spirits residing there crying out. The once scenic greenery reduced to burnt trees and a burning landscape.

The young lord gritted his teeth. Deny as he may, there was no ignoring the fact that they were in total and utter defeat. His father was right, they couldn't possibly defend themselves from such a threat, at least not alone. They were already on the ground kneeling before these monsters.

Their most probably hope was the Nura Clan, for these were not simple rogue demons who wanted a simple one time fun.

Tamazuki's stomach churned as an uneasy gut feeling spread through out his body, his nerves going into overdrive. He knew that the enemy would not stop here, for he had seen that look in the fire wielders eyes. An expression of pure hatred, an evil hunger for immeasurable power... after all, had he not worn a look so similar in the past? Had it not been for Rikuo knocking some sense into him, he would no doubt still have been that wretched man to this day. But he had changed, found serenity and most of all peace with himself. He knew the destruction that look could bestow and he was shaken to the core. This man was, whoever he was, was not someone that could be reasoned with, he didn't come for jokes nor peace negotiations.

Mustering what little sense and bravery he had left, he shook his head of such doomsday thoughts. He had an obligation to spread the word of an immense threat, that a true devil had emerged from hell. Tamazuki's pride churned at the idea of not being able to fight and win, but he would lose this battle to win the war. The younger demon whispered his revenge into the air, the cold breeze bearing witness to his words.

With clenched fists he whistled, calling out for Yosuzume, his trusty attendant. A frown marred his features as his aid appeared, hurt and in a clear struggle. Her appearance had his mouth shutting tight into a grim line, eyes painfully roaming over her bleeding cuts. Though as he stared into her face he felt his emotions stir, anger tripling and pulsating all over.

He knew that Yosozume was never one for emotions, choosing to hide behind that bandana of hers, but now as he stared at her face the look of horror and complete distraught was projected into him and he felt helpless at their predicament.

"Can you fly?" Tamazuki choked out, steadying his wobbling attendant.

She nodded her head, her wings spreading out and flapping as a reply. Tamazuki breathed out in relief, glad that her wings weren't damaged. He observed them, touching the fine feathers in soft strokes before he grasped her hand, his grip tight on hers as Yosozume held his with equal strength and determination.

"Listen... I need you to fly to the Nura Clan. This isn't an enemy we can take on our own, he's to strong." Yosuzume nodded in understanding, eyes downcast as she looked at their intertwined hands. She gave her master's hand one final squeeze before mustering what little strength she had left to fly away, "Be safe, Yosozume. I'll distract them, so go!"

Yosuzume flew away, glancing back to see her master standing in front of the enemies that had invaded and brought havoc to their land. A visible tear escaped her eyes before she turned her head away.

She only flew faster, muscles aching but mind set to reach the Nura Clan. She was the Shikoku clan's only hope, and she wouldn't and couldn't let that hope burn out.

a.n/ very short chapter, but guess who's back :) know that i never intended to leave this fanfic, but it's crazy how it's been at least 2 years maybe now? I still very much want to finish this though, so hopefully we'll reach that final chapter somehow, but hopefully not too soon, anyways thank you for giving this story a chance, please look forward for more!