**Revision v.1 Completed 03 Jul 17**
Disclaimer:
The characters and setting of Omamori Himari are properties of Fujimi Shobo and Milan Matra. Please support the author and publisher by buying the volumes in your country or region. I'm a fan of the series and all, but hey, it's not mine. And never will be. I only write for fun, not for profits. That's what a fanfic should be all about.
Also, all other characters referenced in the story, including OCs, belong to their respective owners.
Legend:
"Normal (Japanese) speech"
{"English speech"}
"Thoughts (Assume character's native language)"
Quotes from other characters are centered, regardless of perspective
######
Useful notes:
Spitfire – Popular skateboarding goods company, better known for their wheels and their company logo, the Bighead.
Kinchaku– A small drawstring bag that is often carried by women (and sometimes men) during summer festivals (natsu-matsuri).
Kitsune udon – A variant of udon served with abura-age (aburage for short), a type of deep-fried tofu. The dish gets its name because aburage is said to be a kitsune's favorite treat.
Extra Round 2 – A Series of Vignettes and the Summer Festival
Chapter pic: Himari looking at the reader from behind with her cell phone in hand. On the phone's screen is a snapshot of Gordon doing a frontside tailslide on a park bench with two women at the edge of their seats. In the background, Gordon is in the middle of calming the women down.
Short #1: The Last Cinnamon Bun
Takes place after chapter 5
Himari's POV
I was making my way over to the kitchen after I had finished my morning bath. Normally I would make breakfast for myself, but as of late I have not thanks to a certain new tenant living at our house.
In the kitchen, I spotted the Mizuchi, Shizuku, preparing breakfast. Less than a week has passed since she announced her stay here, and while she may have bested me in domestic chores I still have my suspicions about her. Even though she claims to be observing the Young Lord, I cannot risk letting my guard down. Her sneaking into his bed the other day proved that.
"If you're looking for your master, he went out jogging...you know," she explained.
"Yes, I know," I tell her. Every weekday morning before I wake up, the Young Lord would do his boxing exercises in the backyard followed by a quick jog around the city. It has been like that since the beginning of summer break. As a bodyguard I do have my worries as to where the Young Lord does his jogging, which is why I tell him to restrict his jogging to the urban portions of the city since ayakashi are less likely to appear there.
"You're his bodyguard and you're letting him go for a jog by himself? Sounds lazy if you ask me...you know."
Shizuku raises a suspicious eyebrow at me, forcing me to hold my arms in protest.
"It cannot be helped," I shot back. "I am usually asleep when the Young Lord does his exercises."
Though she does bring up a valid point. Perhaps I should go along with him next time. At least that would give me an opportunity to see where exactly the Young Lord goes.
I bring my attention over to the plate of cinnamon buns on the table. The Young Lord have always had a fondness for them, as I would always see him eating a few of them inside the house as well as at school.
"Does Gordon always have to make cinnamon buns so early in the morning...you know?" Shizuku asked, eyes narrowing at the plate. "I keep smelling them every time I wake up and it gets really annoying after a while, you know."
"They are his favorite food, so I cannot blame him," I said, tucking my hair back. "I actually admire the smell, to be honest."
"...I see. If he comes back, tell him to cover the plate so I can at least sleep in peace...you know."
Shizuku says it in a halfhearted tone, causing me to sigh at the Mizuchi's apathy while seating myself at the table.
I then take one of the cinnamon buns from the plate. Usually I do not partake in eating snacks before breakfast, but...I suppose a small bite wouldn't hurt. They are the Young Lord's specialty, after all.
So I did, and after eating it found myself impressed by its taste. It was almost as sweet as my mitarashi dango, to put it mildly. And just as soft, too.
But I still prefer my dango, even if the Young Lord claims cinnamon buns to be - and these are his words - "The Goddamn Greatest Snack Known to Man". He has his favorite food; I have mine. That does not change.
"Are they really that good? ...You know."
I turn my head to see Shizuku seated at the table, staring at the cinnamon buns.
"I thought you said the smell was a hindrance," I mention with raised eyebrows.
"That doesn't mean I'm willing to try one, you know." she shot back before grabbing a cinnamon bun and taking a bite. After a few chews, she swallowed the bite and stared at it.
"Not bad...you know. Though I can do better. A lot better."
"Oho, what's this? Does the Mizuchi feel somewhat threatened by the Young Lord's cinnamon buns?"
Shizuku shot a bitter glare at me before taking another bite of her cinnamon bun. It appears I have struck the Mizuchi a nerve with that remark.
I went back to eating my cinnamon bun, once again immersing myself in its sweet taste.
General POV
{"Haah... Man, I'm beat,"} an exhausted Gordon sighed as he removed his shoes in the genkan. The dark-skinned skater was drenched in sweat after a long, strenuous jog, and after removing his earbuds wiped some it from his face with small towel he had around his neck. He then proceeded to make his way to the kitchen, taking a huge swig of water along the way.
{"Sure hope those cinnamon buns I made are still there,"} he said.
Upon entering the kitchen, Gordon's body froze stiff. Not at the breakfast that was very neatly laid out for him (courtesy of Shizuku), but at the empty plate that should have contained his cinnamon buns.
It was at that moment Himari stepped in. Catching sight of her master's return, the cat ayakashi prepared to approach him with a smile.
"Ah, Young Lord, welco..."
However, her greeting fell short when Gordon turned his head and gave a terrifying glare at her, a slight glint appearing in his eyes.
"Himari..." he spoke ominously.
A startled meow slipped past Himari's lips. "Y...Yes?" she asked hesitantly.
"I had a plate of cinnamon buns laid out on the table before I went out," Gordon said sternly, pointing to said plate. "Where are they?"
Himari bristled under the intensity of Gordon's words but kept calm as she prepared to speak. "The Mizuchi and I...each had a few," she began explaining. "By the time we were finished eating there were none left. I..."
The blackette stopped after an eerie black aura surrounded Gordon, followed by a dark and sinister chuckle.
"Heh... Heh-heh-heh... Heh-heh. So Red-Eyes was involved too, huh. Tell her to come down here. I want us all to have a nice long chat."
Himari gulped, knowing this was not going to end on a happy note. There was only one thing she can do at a time like this.
"Meow..."
######
KNOCK KNOCK!
"We're coming in!"
Rinko and Yuuto stepped inside the genkan of Gordon's house, removing their shoes before entering the hallway.
"Hey, Skate Punk! Cat Princess! Lolita Snake! Any of you guys home?" the ribbon girl called.
"Maybe they went out or something," Yuuto assumed before he and Rinko heard some moaning not too far off from them.
"Or not," he recanted.
"Sounds like it came from the kitchen."
When the pair arrived at the kitchen, they were shocked after seeing Himari and Shizuku curled into a corner. Their bodies were shivering, and a gloomy, dark blue miasma surrounded them.
Not wasting their time, Yuuto and Rinko quickly approached them.
"Whoa! Hey, what happened to you two?" Rinko asked worriedly. "You guys look like a total wreck."
"Tell us, who did this to you?" an equally concerned Yuuto asked.
It was then the pair got a response.
"Never again..." Himari and Shizuku said together in a dreary monotone, the Mizuchi ending with her usual "you know".
Yuuto and Rinko had their heads tilted quizzically.
#######
Meanwhile back in Brooklyn, a sleeping Kuroka shivered, her fur nearly standing on end.
"Uuugh... Sounds like someone else forgot to leave Go-chin one of his cinnamon buns, nya."
The black cat moved her body to a more comfortable position.
"Well, at least it's not me this time. After what happened that time, there's no way I'm doing that again, nya."
The dark-furred feline shivered once more before going back to sleep.
Short #2: Himari's Wet Willie
Takes place after chapter 3
Gordon's POV
I have just gotten back from a quick run to the local convenience store. Soon after removing my shoes and placing my skateboard in the genkan, I went to the living room to check on Himari. Just as I thought, she was busy taking her catnap right on the sofa. She kinda reminds me of Kuroka with how she curls herself up, and even had her cat ears and tail out. Not that I'm surprised since I've seen them almost a million times.
I soon notice some papers lying on the table. Guess she was doing her summer homework and needed a break. Ugh. Man, if there's one thing I don't like about summer break here in Japan, it's the fact we get slammed with a shitload of homework. I'm fine with summer reading back home, but homework? Gimme a break. I nearly blew my brains trying to get decent grades in school.
Now I know how Malcolm and his gang feel whenever they go to summer school. I almost feel sorry for them. Almost. They're still a pain in the ass to deal with, which is saying a lot.
After making my way over towards the table, my lips curl into a frown upon seeing a math book, along with mostly empty pages for which I assume must be her homework.
Come to think of it, I almost never see Miss Samurai in any of the math or science classes back at school. Now I know why.
I shake my head before shifting my focus back to Himari, who was still sleeping soundly.
"Zzz... Zzz..."
Yep, I say she's taking this really well. No doubt about that.
But the one thing that's keeping me here is how her cat ears and tail moved, almost as if they were begging me to come over and feel them. Now I love cats as much as the next guy, having been around them since Rika first got Shirone and Kuroka on her eleventh birthday, but this is getting out of hand, even for me. Even now I'm still trying to wrap my head around this.
With curiosity getting the better of me, I quietly make my way to Himari, squatting down to meet her sleeping face. I'll admit she does look cute this way, when she's not teasing me eight ways to Sunday.
Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating that part just a teensy bit, but still, it happens a whole helluva lot.
My eyes shifted back at her cat ears. They were standing still at the moment, which gave me an opportunity to feel them.
I slowly reach over and gently ran my fingers over its white coat. Needless to say, it twitched and Himari moved a bit.
"Nnnh... Hnn..."
Guess they're a bit on the sensitive side. Let's see if I can go a bit further...
I lean over to Himari's ear and gently blew into it.
"Ahn! Nnn..."
Himari shivered for a brief moment before she turned her body away from me, leaving her back and tail exposed. I'll admit that was...interesting, to say the least.
Wonder how she'll react to flicking?
I curled my index and middle fingers into a flicking position and lightly flicked Himari's ears at the tip.
"Mrowr..."
She quickly swatted my arm away while her body curled tighter and her tail swished a bit. Guess she doesn't like it when her ears get flicked, much like Shirone.
So what is there left to try, I ask myself before an idea sprang in my head. It wasn't a great idea let alone the best, but it was worth a shot.
I inhale as much air as I possibly can and released it before putting my index and middle fingers inside my mouth, coating them with saliva. Once I felt satisfied with the amount, I pulled my hand out and slowly steadied it over Himari's ear.
And after a few moments, I thrust it in.
General POV
In his bedroom, Yuuto was busy doing his summer homework until he heard two loud shrieks.
"MRREEEEOOOOOWWW!-!"
{"Gya-haaaahh!-!"}
The brown-haired boy quickly turned his head to the window across from him. "What's going on over there?" he thought.
#######
Back at Gordon's house, an angry Himari stood with a deep frown, arms crossed under her chest while tapping one of her clawed fingers on one of her elbows. Her left eyebrow was twitching as with her cat ears, and her tail was swaying side to side.
She was looking down at Gordon, who resembled someone who just went through a gigantic paper shredder and lived to tell the tale. Claw marks and blood covered the New Yorker's face and arms, and his t-shirt was torn to the point that it was barely recognizable. His shorts also suffered the same fate as his shirt, exposing a pair of black and red Spitfire boxers.
"Yep, definitely not trying that again," he lamented before losing consciousness on the floor.
Short #3: Becoming a Body Pillow, or How Gordon Deals with a Sleeping Catgirl Every Night
Takes place after chapter 2
Gordon's POV
It was that kind of night again.
"Zzz... Nnn..."
Tonight is my second night sharing a bed with Himari and I'm still feeling awkward about this. I mean, I'm not even a few weeks into my stay in Japan and here I am sharing a bed with a girl. A rather cute girl, I might add. Now I don't know if I should be happy about this, but I know Brandon and Dante would be if they were placed in my shoes.
Though I do have one minor complaint that needs to be addressed.
SQUEEZE~
{"Ack!"}
I'm being used by Himari as a damn hugging pillow! And each time I try to move she just keeps holding me tighter! I know this is her way of showing affection, but can't she be a little more restrained for once? I'm only human!
Man, and here I thought Aunt Angelique's bear hugs were painful enough.
And that's not all.
SQUISH!
I also happen to be in a position where my face is stuffed right between Himari's boobs, raising the awkwardness factor to over nine thousand (bad DBZ reference, I know). It wasn't helped by the fact one of Himari's hands was holding my head in.
So yeah, I'm doing great. Real fucking great.
Now the big question is, how do I get out? I certainly can't force my way out, that's for sure. Himari's way stronger than I am, and the last thing she wants to see first thing in the morning is a dead version of me in her arms.
Jeez, what the hell should I do? Think! Think, Gordon!
Huh? Wait. Maybe that can work. It's kinda embarrassing, I have to admit, but it should be doable.
I stick my tongue out until it was on Himari's skin. With little room I had left I then began licking her chest.
And the result?
"A...Ahn! Hnn... Mew! A…Ah!"
I feel shivers coming from Himari's body and her grip was loosening slightly. Looks like I'm gonna get out just fine if I keep this up.
SQUEEEZE!
{"Gah!"}
Or at least that's what I thought when Himari's grip tightened even more around my body, threatening to crush my ribs in the process. Shit! This isn't what I had in mind at all. Man, I'm nearly at the end of my rope here. What else can I do? I can't even move my damn arms!
...!
Or at least one of them since Himari's other hand is behind my head. Duh! Why haven't I figured this out sooner?
I move my left hand from beneath me and slipped it in between mine and Himari's bodies. I do have to admit Himari's stomach feels soft despite it being quite toned in my opinion.
Dammit, now's not the time for that. I gotta make her get off me!
So I began tickling Miss Samurai on the side.
"Mya! Heh-heh. Fufufu. Funya!"
I can feel her body squirm and her grip loosen as I continued tickling her.
"Fuhahaha! Hahaha!"
Himari giggled and laughed, her grip loosening more and more until I can move my body again. I took this opportunity and turned my body away from Himari's chest.
Unsurprisingly, I once again feel Miss Samurai's arms grabbing my waist and pulling me towards her. Her head rested on my neck, allowing me to feel her soft, moist breath.
And speaking of soft...
SQUISH!
...Yeah. That pretty much sums it up right there. At least it's less annoying than having them up in my face all the time.
With that finally out of the way, I finally went to sleep.
Short story: The Summer Festival
Takes place after chapter 6
Gordon's POV
It was a bright and sunny afternoon out in Iriya, with little to no clouds in sight. It was raining a bit last night, but thankfully it dried out. The weatherman did say it would get sunny, after all.
I was patiently waiting outside Rinko's house with Yuuto. Today is the day of the summer festival and all three of us are planning on going there. It'll also be my first time heading to a summer festival, and I've heard some stories about them from Rika's folks back home. Heck, the first time they met was at one of them and they even have a photo of their encounter in their room.
As to how I agreed to come, it all happened two days ago at Café Relish...
######
I was at the café with Rinko and Shimamura checking up on our summer homework. Since summer homework was a bit more difficult than regular homework, I had to make sure they were right on the mark.
That's where Shimamura comes in.
"Wow. Looks like you two got an awful lot of work done."
Rinko had her head tilted up proudly, like a fantasy hero after slaying a powerful foe. "Fu-fu-fu. All in a day's work for the amazing Rinko!"
"Though Rinko got most of her answers wrong."
Shimamura's blunt statement immediately broke Ribbons' motivation. I even asked her if she wanted my help prior but she flat-out refused. "I don't need some Skate Punk helping me out!" was her reply.
Oh well, I asked her nicely.
"And as for Evans, you seem to be on the right track with most of them. There were some mistakes here and there but they can be fixed."
"Good to hear," I nodded before a glass of lemonade was laid in front of me. I turn my head to find that the server was none other than Liz who greeted us with a smile.
"Here you go," she said cheerfully before she took notice of all the papers spread across the table. "Wow, that's a lot of school work you all seem to have."
"Ugh, tell me about it," I groaned, bending my head back. "I feel like my brain was about to explode after nearly working all night with them."
"Oh... Are they really that hard?"
"Depends on who you ask," I answer Goldilocks before taking a sip of my lemonade.
"Y-You know, I..."
"Hm?"
My eyes glance up at Liz and I immediately noticed her was fidgeting a bit. She was also twiddling her thumbs, too.
"I can probably help you, if you want..." she suggested shyly, looking away with a faint hint of red forming on her cheeks.
I feel my heart skip a sudden beat at the display of shyness Liz was showing. Could it have something to do with me saving her teacup hide a week ago?
"Liz-san! There's an order that needs to be taken to table nine!" the café's owner called, bringing her back to reality.
"Ah, yes! I'll be right there! Please enjoy your drinks."
Liz gave a quick bow to us before making her way over to the counter.
O...kay, that was awkward.
"I didn't know you were friendly with one of the maids here, Evans."
I glance over to Shimamura, who was taking a sip of her drink. Obviously I can't tell her Goldilocks' true identity is a magic antique teacup. She'll think I've gone crazy.
So I came up with a vague response.
"It's...a bit complicated."
Unfortunately, that answer alone wasn't enough for Shimamura as she narrowed her eyes a bit.
"How complicated?" she pressed on. Yeesh, I really don't like when class reps always pry into other students' business.
Thankfully for my sanity, Shimamura's expression eased up a bit. "Oh well, that's not important right now. With all of these papers done, you two should be pretty free the rest of the summer."
"Yeah, thank god for that," I grinned, stretching my arms out before taking a sip of my lemonade.
"By the way, Rinko, the girls on the soccer team are all moaning and groaning about you not being able to take part in that tournament." I hear the class rep tell Rinko. "But then again they can't really force you to participate since you're only a temporary member."
"Y-Yeah...ahaha..."
Rinko lets out a nervous laugh. Well she is Touryou's go-to athlete so of course there will be a lot of sports clubs begging her to help them.
"So did anything happen between you and Amakawa-kun?"
Shimamura's sudden change in question immediately caused Rinko's cheeks to turn red. "W-Wait, what did you mean, 'anything'? N-Nothing's happened, really."
"The shrine's summer festival is in two days, and you guys always go together every year," the class rep explained before noticing I was here with them. "Oh yeah, I forgot this is your first time hearing about it, Evans. So are you planning on going?"
I let out a shrug in response. "Why not? Might as well. What about you?"
"Sorry, I'm going to be a bit busy then," she politely declined with a slight wave of her hand. "Maybe you can go along with Rinko and Amakawa-kun?"
"Eh?"
"Hmm, not a bad idea," I replied before turning my attention over to Rinko. "How 'bout it, Ribbons? Can I come with you guys?"
"Huh? Uh...sure, I don't have a problem," she said slowly before giving a weak laugh.
Yeah, something was telling me she didn't want me to come at all.
######
Back at Rinko's house, the front door opened a bit to reveal a woman wearing an apron over her shirt and skirt. What really struck me about this woman is that she bears a strong resemblance to Ribbons, but without the ribbons themselves. I'm guessing she must be her mother.
"Hello there," she greeted with a warm smile. "You two are here for Rinko, correct?"
"Yes, we are," Yuuto told the woman.
"Okay. She's almost finished so give her a couple seconds, okay? Hmm?"
The woman's face bore a curious look after her eyes shifted over to me. It was then that I got a bit nervous because knowing Ribbons I knew she must've used the nickname Skate Punk when referring to me.
"Ah, you must be the 'Skate Punk' Rinko was talking about, right?"
See? What did I tell ya?
"I'm Karin Kuzaki, Rinko's mom," Mrs. Kuzaki introduced herself with a bow. "It's so good to finally meet you in person."
"Y-Yeah, nice meeting you, too, Kuzaki-san," I bowed in reply.
"Oh please, call me Karin," Mrs. Kuzaki insisted. "Yuuto-kun does so whenever he visits. And besides, any friend of Rinko's is a friend of mine, too."
"Uh…sure, Karin-san," I said nervously before hearing a familiar voice coming from upstairs.
"Hey mom, are they here?"
"Yes, they are," Karin answered before the door fully opened to show Rinko wearing a stylish yukata with colorful flower patterns adorned throughout and a lavender obi tied around her waist. She also held a kinchaku in her hands.
"So, how does she look?" Rinko's mom asked, holding her daughter's shoulders.
"It suits her fine, Karin-san," Yuuto answered with a nod.
"And how about you, Skate Punk-kun?"
Already I can feel my heart get pierced by that nickname. I just can't seem to win with these two, it seem.
"Uh...yeah, she's rocking it real good, Karin-san," I tell her with a sheepish thumbs-up.
We were well on our way to the festival after parting ways with Rinko's mom. I was a bit curious about why they go there every year, so I decided to ask them about it.
Turns out it all started when Yuuto became depressed after the death of his parents. Rinko wanted to give him a piece of her mind by telling him to be a man, but Yuuto told her she's too much like one herself (no surprise there). Unfortunately that got Rinko mad until Yuuto told her to start acting like a girl around him, to her sudden shock.
In exchange, Rinko wanted him to buy a ribbon in her favorite color at the summer festival (which happens to be red, believe it or not). And every year Yuuto would get her the exact same color ribbon for her to wear year-round.
"By the way, Skate Punk," Rinko started asking. "Where are the Cat Princess and the Lolita Snake?"
"Yeah, I at least figured Himari-san would come with us, since she's your bodyguard and all," Yuuto added.
I then proceed explaining to them why Himari and Red-Eyes couldn't come to the festival with us. Miss Samurai didn't like shrines very much 'cause they weaken her body a little, and Red-Eyes just hates festivals in general 'cause they reminded her too much of the river god festival.
But both of them did say evil ayakashi won't be able to get me the time I'm there, so that counts as a plus in terms of protection.
"Hmm. Imagine that," Rinko said understandably before gazing up at the sky. "Still, I really can't believe it's been more than two months and already my life's been turned on its head. And I barely even knew you."
"Yours and mine both," I said, putting my hands behind my head. "I mean, who would've thought I belong to a family that hunts youkai for a living? Not to mention actually having one as my servant. I mean, what are the odds of that happening? One in a billion?"
"And not only that, we've met other ayakashi like Shizuku-san and Liz-san," Yuuto interjected before holding his chin in thought. "But that leaves me wondering, though. Are all the ayakashi we're going to be facing girls?"
"I really sure hope not, Amakawa," I tell him with a sigh. The last thing I need is me actually picking a fight with one at some point or another.
But why do I get this sudden feeling it's gonna be soon?
######
When we finally arrived at the festival, my mind was blown away at the scenery. Numerous stands were propped everywhere, ranging from traditional Japanese dishes to games and souvenirs. Colorful paper lanterns hung on various string lines, illuminating the landscape. People of all ages were there as well. Children were running around enjoying themselves while the elderly were taking leisurely strolls, probably reminiscing about the good old days.
I think I understand why Grams visited Japan three years after the war ended. Festivals like these give people peace of mind.
Oh, I almost forgot. I promised Rika the other day I'll send her some pictures.
"What's going on, Skate Punk? Something the matter? " Rinko asked, noticing me stopping.
"Nah, I just need to take a few pictures for someone I know back home," I tell her. "You guys go ahead."
"Okay. Just be sure to meet us at the shrine when you're done."
I gave the pair a confirming nod as they walked away. After they disappeared in the crowd, I pull out my phone and began taking pictures of the festival.
General POV
Yuuto was going through the bustling crowds and stands on his way to the shrine. As the size of the crowd steadily grew, the boy caught notice of Rinko latching onto his arm.
"What's wrong, Rinko?" he asked her.
"T-There's too many people here! I wouldn't want to get separated or anything..."
Yuuto gave a soft smile at the brunette's hasty reply. "There's nothing you need to worry about. Besides, you'll be fine. And even if we do get lost, we can always meet at the accessories booth."
Rinko's cheeks burned bright red at his assuring words before turning her head away.
"Yeah... Y-You're right. By the way, you are going to buy me another ribbon this year, right?"
Yuuto gave an earnest nod. "Of course."
"Good... That's good..."
The pair arrived at the shrine moments later, and it was there they found what they have been looking for.
"There. That should do it."
Yuuto has just finished tying Rinko's ribbon onto one of the tree branches. What made the branch stand out from the others was the line of similar ribbons tied across.
"Heh, I'm still surprised these old ribbons are still here after all these years," he said with a chuckle.
"But of course. No one would dare remove something that looks so deliberately placed," Rinko said innocently before her features darkened. "Not to mention my will has been imbued into every one of them so that whoever touches them gets cursed. Fu-fu-fu..."
"Y-You're starting to creep me out, Rinko..." a nervous Yuuto said before looking back at the shrine. "Still, I can't believe nothing's changed around here. We used to play here all the time when we were kids."
"Yeah," Rinko smiled while touching the ribbon tree. "Those were some good times we had, huh?"
Yuuto nodded at the brunette. "Yeah, and you haven't changed one bit."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean...?" an annoyed Rinko demanded before calming down. "Anyways, can you tie the new ribbons in my hair?" she asked, presenting the ribbons.
"Sure," Yuuto complied, taking the ribbons from her and tying them. After a few minutes, he stepped back and allowed Rinko to touch her new ribbons. He knows how important they are to her, and would willingly buy and tie them again.
Yeah. He'll keep buying them. Always.
"You know," he began saying, "I was actually lying when I said that."
"Huh?" Rinko was confused until Yuuto smiled.
"To be honest, you have changed. You're a lot cuter now."
"Wh-Wha..." Those words caused Rinko to blush up a storm while flailing her arms haphazardly. "W-Why'd you go and say something like that!?" she shouted. "It's embarrassing, you know!"
However she failed to notice a small rock behind her and tripped on it, causing the ribbon girl to lose her balance.
"Wah-wah-wah!"
Acting on instinct, she grabbed Yuuto's hand to keep herself from falling...
"W-Whoa!"
But Yuuto himself was slow to notice what was going on and was quickly brought down along with her.
"Kyah!"
"Uwah!"
CRASH!
Gordon's POV
I was busy looking at some of the pictures I took on my smartphone while sitting on a nearby bench. There were some pictures I took of other people (I did ask them beforehand, of course), and I recorded a few short clips here and there. I'm pretty sure the Hayashis would love 'em when I send them later.
Hmm...maybe I should take up a career in photography sometime. Yeah, that'd be great. Travelling all over and taking photos. Sounds like the simplest job in the world, if you ask me.
{"Fuhuhu~ Hey, sweetheart. Remember me?"}
Oh god. Please don't tell me who I think it is.
I slowly turn my head to see none other than Nariko Fujima hovering over my shoulder.
{"The hell are you even doing here, Red?"} I demanded with an annoyed frown. Of course, I never forgot what she tried to make me do when I first met her at the beach. Thankfully Shimamura was there to save my hide.
{"Wow, I'm shocked. Is that how you greet someone you haven't met in a while?"}
{"If they're annoying, which you're pretty much showing to me right now,"} I retort with a grimace towards Nariko's flat expression.
{"Fufu. Well, too bad. I'm here now."}
As she seated herself next to me, I couldn't help but take notice of the clothes she wore to the festival, and it was far different from the swimsuit she had on when I first met her at the beach.
A beautiful, bright red yukata with silver and white lily patterns and a yellow obi adorned Nariko's body, while her long red hair was styled in a neat bun with a small stick holding it in place, though she still kept a few locks of it over her eye. A pair of blue ear studs decorated her earlobes, and a pair of geta graced her otherwise bare feet. Her fingernails and toenails both were painted blue to match the studs.
{"W-Wow, you look..."}
{"Elegant?"} Nariko guessed with a playful wink, causing me to look away.
{"I was gonna say graceful,"} I answer, after which I find myself on the receiving end of a surprise hug from the redhead.
{"Aww~! Thanks sweetheart, you're too kind!"} she smiled, rubbing my cheek with hers.
{"Don't push it, Red. I still hadn't forgotten what you did to me last time,"} I say in annoyance. Thankfully Nariko got the message as she quietly retracted her hug with a pout.
{"Jeez you're such a mood killer. Putting that aside, this your first time visiting a summer festival?"}
I gave an honest nod towards Red. {"Yeah, of course. I'm surprised there's this many people attending."}
{"Well, what did you expect? It's part of Japanese culture, so of course the crowd's gonna be packed. So what were you doing before I just so happened to jump in?"}
{"I was snapping some pics for a friend back home,"} I explain, ignoring her witty smile.
{"Pictures, huh? Mind if I see them?"}
I was a bit reluctant to show Nariko the pics I took, but after some reconsidering I pull out my smartphone and showed them to her.
{"Hmm, these photos ain't half bad,"} she said while looking through them.
{"Like I said, they're for a friend. I have to make them eye-catching somewhat."}
{"Heh-heh. Your friend must have a thing for Japanese culture, huh?"}
{"Ahaha. Yeah, more or less."}
That's because she just so happens to be Japanese herself.
I then grew nervous when I caught Nariko sniffing the air with her nose pointed up.
Then her mouth started drooling.
"Ah~ I knew it. They do have it here after all. Kitsune udon~"
Roll with it, Gordon. Just roll with it.
"Uh... Haha. I'm guessing that's your favorite, right? Come to think of it, I think there's a stand that serves them somewoah!"
I was quickly cut off by Nariko grabbing my shoulders and shaking me violently.
{"Please take me there! I beg you!"}
{"What? Okay okay, geez! Don't get your obi tied in a bunch!"}
Man, what the hell did I do to deserve this...?
#######
{"Mmm... Wow, that was some great udon! The broth was decent for my personal taste, but the noodles and aburage tasted great! I wonder what's their secret to making them taste so damn good?"}
{"Hey, don't forget you owe me big time, Red."}
{"Jeez, I thought I told you I'll pay you back. I don't turn back on a promise. Trust me when I say that."}
Nariko and I had just left the udon stand a couple minutes ago. Sadly, it turns out she forgot to bring her wallet so I had to pay for all the bowls of kitsune udon she devoured out of my own pocket.
Fourteen bowls, to be precise. Fucking FOURTEEN! What kind of girl eats that many and not get stomach poisoning? And here I thought I had it bad with cinnamon buns. That girl's on a whole different level entirely.
And don't even get me started on those puppy dog eyes when she begged me to pay for them. Ugh...never again.
Fortunately Nariko made it up by getting some cotton candy. It was a start, but I was still upset at my wallet being almost empty.
{"Besides, you just got a chance to eat some good udon, right?"} Red asked with a smile.
I let out a discontented sigh. {"I guess. I'll admit they do taste all right, though."}
{"Now was that so hard?"}
{"Watch it..."} I growled before Nariko took a bite of my cotton candy. {"Hey, you have your own, dontcha!?"} I shouted.
{"Quit complaining and I'll stop."}
My eyes narrow at the redhead before heaving a defeated sigh. {"Fuck you,"} I mouth off.
{"Want me to eat more?"}
Nariko's threat forced me to retract my cotton candy out of reflex.
{"Didn't think so. Hm?"}
Nariko stopped after seeing a plush fox hanging at a game booth nearby. I was quick to notice a few kids kids throwing balls at milk bottle stacks. A classic carnival game like the ones at a street fair.
And as one would expect, the kids were having a hard time knocking a few of the stacks down to win one of the prizes. No doubt the game was rigged in order for the vendor to make a quick buck. It's no different than the ones back home. In fact, that's the main reason why I stopped playing them altogether in middle school after reading that one book. I forgot the name of it, but it did involve a teen wanting to become the next Bozo the Clown at a dunk tank.
The plush fox did give Nariko a reaction, though.
"Aww, it's so cute~!"
...Yeah, like that.
{"I'm guessing you like foxes, huh?"} I ask nervously.
{"Duh, of course I do! They're my favorite animal!"} Nariko said excitedly, bouncing on her feet. {"So can you get me that?"}
{"Uh-uh, noooo way. Thanks to you, I'm almost at the end of my financial rope."}
{"Aw come on, I really want that fox!"} she urged, sounding like a spoiled child. {"Just give me the money and I'll do it!"}
{"The game may be rigged, for what I know. Haah... You know what? Fine, let's go. Not like I suffered enough, anyway."}
{"Ooooh~! Thanks sweetheart, you're the best!"}
{"Yeah, yeah..."}
We headed over to the booth and met with the person running it, a guy who was somewhere in his fifties wearing a white t-shirt, blue shorts, tan flip-flops, and a proud smile that failed to hide his sneaky intentions. He also had on a blue sun hat and sunglasses despite it being nighttime, adding to the shady aspect.
"So, you two looking to win a prize?" he asked jauntily.
Nariko gave an enthusiastic nod.
"Well Miss, for only 1500 Yen you get three tries to knock down three bottle stacks," the man explained, gesturing to said stacks. "If you knock two of them, you get a free shot. But if you knock all three you get a prize. Sounds fair enough?"
Yeah, define "fair", I thought while the sunglasses man eyed me.
"I'm guessing this young man is your boyfriend, right?"
Say what now!?
"Yep!" Nariko answered, pointing her thumb to me. "He'll also be paying."
My lips curl into a frown towards Red, but that only resulted in the man laughing heartily.
"Ahahahaha! Sounds fair enough. Okay sonny, pay up."
I begrudgingly fork three 500-Yen coins over to the guy, who then laid out three balls for Nariko. Nariko picked one of them up and tossed it up a few times to get a feel, then threw it to the bottle stack on the right. All six bottles on that stack fell.
"Not bad, not bad," the sunglasses man nodded.
Nariko picked up the second ball and looked at the remaining bottle stacks. She then threw it to the left stack (albeit with a little more force than the last) and knocked that one down as well.
"That's two, Miss. Now you get two tries to knock down the last stack."
Nariko was given another ball by the sunglasses man before looking at the last stack of bottles. Now I know this trick from the back of my head. It's likely that man either handed Nariko a lighter weight ball or superglued that last bottle stack.
I sure hope it's not the latter.
"Come on, Miss," he encouraged. "No need to hesitate. Just give it your strong arm."
I can see a sly smirk coming from Nariko's lips as she cocked back her right arm, almost like a baseball pitcher. Her narrowed eyes gazed at the milk bottles before she gave the ball a strong throw. The ball zipped past the sunglasses man at a blinding speed, plowing through the bottles and knocking all of them down before making a huge dent in the wall.
The man's mouth gaped open, as did mine while Nariko gave a triumphant grin. Damn, if the Mets ever needed a new pitcher that didn't suck, she would be it.
#######
After Nariko parted with the stuffed fox (not before taking a picture of her celebrating afterwards at her request), I decided to take a couple more pictures of the festival.
However when I backed up to take a specific shot, my body hit something, and I heard a small splat soon afterwards.
My eyes then look down to see what fell. A...crepe?
"Ah, that's not good."
I turn my head at the voice and immediately saw two people.
One of them was a man somewhere in his late twenties with short black hair that was neatly combed and dark red eyes. He was also dressed quite well, donning a black suit with a dark green dress shirt underneath, a black tie, and brown shoes. His expression was somewhat relaxed, like someone whom you really can't tell if they're mad or not.
Sitting on the man's shoulders was a little girl wearing a pink kimono top with a red obi tied around it and a yellow ribbon tied around that, a long white skirt, and brown shoes over black socks. Both the kimono and skirt were trimmed with frills, and around the little girl's neck was a black choker. Somehow she looked like a miniature version of Liz given her hair and eye color, but I did find her hairstyle to be a little bit out there, what with the four large, drill-like curls going around the back and sides. How do they even stay put, I have no idea.
And much like Red-Eyes, the little girl's expression was emotionless and passive. However I did notice something off about this girl when she stared at me. I didn't know what it was exactly, but it felt like she was looking at something other than my soul, and it was starting to creep me out a bit.
"You know, you really should be more careful where you're going next time."
I was quickly brought back to my senses by the well-dressed man's voice.
"Ah...right. Sorry," I apologized, giving a short bow before looking at the crepe on the ground.
Then after piecing two and two together, I look up at the little girl. "Was that crepe yours? Gee, I'm really sorry about that. How about I get you another one?"
"..."
The child didn't speak a word, instead glancing down at the man.
"She would love that," he answered for her. "Why don't you go on ahead? We'll wait right here."
I nodded before heading off to the nearby crepe stand.
After buying a raspberry crepe from there, I went back to the pair, still at the same spot as promised. I hand the crepe over to the little girl, who gave me a queer look.
"..."
And like before, she still said nothing. I was beginning to suspect she already didn't like me 'cause I made her drop the previous crepe.
Then after a few moments, she took the crepe from my hand and started to eat it, smiling while savoring the taste.
"I must thank you, young man," the suited man said with a friendly smile.
"Hey, no sweat," I tell him before looking up at the blond-haired child. "So I'm guessing she must be your daughter, right?"
I assumed that was the case with them, even though it was a bit far-fetched since they don't look anything alike.
Then the man lets out a lighthearted laugh.
"Hahaha. I'm afraid not. I'm simply her caretaker is all. I do apologize for her behavior. She doesn't like to talk very much."
"I...can see that."
Welp, that idea just got thrown out real fast.
"So what brings you here to this festival?" the well-dressed man asked politely.
"Oh, I was busy taking a few pictures," I explain briefly. "Mind if I take one of you two?" I ask them.
The man had his chin held in thought before releasing a soft chuckle. "Sure, I don't see why not."
"Thanks, I promise I won't take long."
I bring out my smartphone and pointed the camera at the pair, taking a few steps back to get the view I wanted. After focusing the camera, I took the shot.
"Okay, one more," I said, turning the phone horizontally and taking a quick shot of the little girl.
"There, that should do it," I tell them, putting my phone away. "Sorry about that."
"Not a problem. Well, I guess we shall be excusing ourselves, then."
"Yeah, see ya."
The pair walked away, slowly disappearing into the crowd. I'll have to admit they're a nice bunch, if you can get around the little blond's silent treatment.
With no time to waste, I head down to the shrine. Sure hope I didn't keep those two waiting.
General POV
"..."
"Y-Yuuto..."
Rinko and Yuuto found themselves in a precarious position, having landed on top of each other. Brown eyes met amber while their cheeks flushed with a bright shade of red.
Squish!
It also occurred that Yuuto got a hold of Rinko's breasts. Despite them being small, they still felt soft in the young man's hand.
As for the ribbon-wearing girl herself, she didn't know what to do at this point. One part of her mind was telling her to scream and beat Yuuto up for feeling up her chest. However another part of her mind was telling her to do nothing about it.
What should she do? What can she do? Somehow she was glad Yuuto groped her breasts (or lack thereof according to a certain group of people), but at the same time it somehow felt wrong to her.
Then she remembered what Shimamura told her at the cafe while Gordon was away at the restroom.
######
"Just make some progress with him already."
Rinko's eyes widened at the class rep's suggestion. "Wha-wha... What are you saying, Yuu!?" the brunette said flustered.
"It's like I said, Rinko. You've been friends with Amakawa-kun since elementary school and the two of you have gotten almost absolutely nowhere."
"There's a good reason for that, you know."
"And that is..."
"Uh..."
"Look, I'm not saying to be forceful on him," Yuu explained. "I would never tell you that. I'm just saying you should try being more open to him. Let him know that you really do care for his feelings."
Rinko looked at the table with downcast eyes.
"I know it's tough for you, Rinko, but try to understand that Amakawa-kun has no other living relatives. Both his parents and grandparents are long dead, and while he may be doing well now, it won't be long until he goes to college. Think about that. He'll be all by himself again."
As much as Rinko hated to admit it, Yuu has hit the nail straight on its head. Yuuto may be a freshman now, but in a few years he'll be heading off to college where he'll be by himself once more. Who will be there for him? Who will encourage him to try his best?
But more importantly, who will be there to comfort him?
######
Back at the shrine, Rinko looked away, her blush growing deeper. If she wanted to further her relationship with Yuuto, now is her chance.
"Y...Yuuto, I..."
"The hell are you two doing?"
"Ah!"
Both teens gazed up and spotted Gordon standing not too far off from them. After realizing the position they were in, they quickly broke off from each other, their cheeks turning a bright shade of red.
"S-Skate Punk! When on earth did you get here!?" Rinko demanded, half-upset half-angry.
"Just now," Gordon answered. "Were you two planning on making out here? For Chrissakes, this is a shrine, not a love hotel. Do it there, for crying out loud."
Rinko felt her face burn up at the New Yorker's suggestion. "Why you...! Come here, Skate Punk!"
"What? Hey, hold on a minute! Gah!"
"GET BACK HERE!-!"
Up on a tree branch, Nariko was watching Gordon get chased by the ribbon girl, her fox ears and tails exposed. In her hand was a shish kebab lined with meat, and in one of her arms was the stuffed fox she won.
"Oh sweetheart, didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to walk in on a couple's love affair," the four-tailed vixen chided, watching Gordon use Yuuto as a shield and surprising the boy as Rinko told him to move. Yuuto tried his best to quell the situation, but it got nowhere as Rinko began chasing Gordon again.
"Dammit, Ribbons! What's going on with ya all of a-!"
"Can it, Skate Punk! You're not getting away with what you just said!"
"What? Aw, come on! Gimme a break here, alright!?"
"No way!"
Nariko stifled a giggle at Gordon's ongoing predicament before taking a bite of her shish kebab. The foxgirl's ears perked at the taste as she held her cheek in delight.
"Delicious~!" she beamed.
Outside of the festival, the well-dressed caretaker was busy immersing himself at the grand display of fireworks.
"Hmm. It does pain me to say this, but the humans of this day and age really know how to put on a good show."
He then turned to his little blond companion, who was quietly munching on a candy apple while sitting on a tree stump.
"What did you think of the boy we met over there?" he asked.
The child glanced up at her father's red eyes for a few moments before she resumed eating her apple.
"I see," he spoke, looking ahead at the fireworks. "Still, to think a foreigner like him would possess the blood of a demon slayer. This just keeps getting interesting." The sharply-dressed man then looked over to the girl. "Well then, shall we get going?"
The kimono-wearing blonde got off the tree stump and gave her caretaker a curt nod.
"Haha. Then let us be off."
The two ventured off into the forest, gradually fading from sight.
And that ends the second Extra Round after a very long hiatus! Man, does it feel good to be back on this site!
So a bunch of things happened at the summer festival. Gordon runs into Nariko once more, hints of a relationship between Yuuto and Rinko are starting to come to fruition, and Shuten and Tama make their first appearance…a lot earlier than expected. Don't worry; Gordon doesn't know who they are…yet. But when he does… Oooh boy, watch out.
Now that this chapter's over and done with, we can really move on the Roots Arc, where everything comes to light for Gordon. And when it does, shit. Will. Get. Real.
Be sure to leave a comment on the way out. Until next time on The Brooklyn Demon Slayer...
"So this is…Gramps' home…"
"Himari! You came back!"
{"I…I just can't believe it. He's really…"}
"I don't give a crap about what you want! Once I kill you, I'll be made a living legend!"
"If Noihara's your home, then it's my home, too!"
"I'LL KILL YOU!-!"
{"SNAP OUT OF IT!-!"}
"Seventh Round – Home, Part One: Unraveling"
{"Is this...my demon slayer power…?"}