AN: Hello again, the update is posted earlier than I had planned due to various reasons. Here is the third installment and hope you enjoy. It's not much but still, hope you liked it.
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Standard disclaimer applies.
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The old man was enjoying himself in the bath later that night when his grandson barged in – in his yokai form. He couldn't help but draw some hints now. Could his grandson care about Tsurara more than the others? He realized that Rikuo had been unnecessarily turning into his yokai form every night and would stand guard outside Tsurara's room which he found rather amusing. He did not know there was a protective streak from the supposedly cold yokai. Or could his grandson be just paranoid?
"Old man."
"Learn some proper manners, Rikuo," he chided in a good-natured way. "As you can very well see, I am in the middle of a hot bath. What if this bathroom happened to be that of Tsurara's?"
He suppressed a smile when his grandson looked away. "I would not just barge in if I know this isn't your personal bathroom," he said lazily and sat down, his back leaning on the wooden wall. "There is something I would like to ask."
Nurarihyon busied himself by scrubbing his aged feet. "Fire away."
"Tell me about a yuki-onna's prowess – I mean, from Setsura that is."
Interested, he glanced at his yokai grandson's face which reminded him both of his face and that of Rihan. "By their title alone, it's already obvious what they are capable of," he pointed out. Then he made an effort to scrub his back. "Are you bothered by her display of ruthlessness?"
"Well, something of that sort. It was like seeing Tsurara for the first time," he admitted.
"Yuki-Onna people are known for their aggressive and merciless way of dealing with their enemies. What you saw earlier is what a snow woman is really capable of in fit of rage. She can freeze anything she wanted. There's not much to tell about their abilities since little is seen of it. Even Setsura never showed her real strength at the max." He grabbed the small towel. "Tsurara grew up with an attitude so in contrast with a yuki-onna and so it's probably hard to decipher her real strength. You just have to remember that yuki-onna have a darker side to them too – just like most yokai. And once unbalanced, they're prone to unwanted emotions. Most of which are done unconsciously – at least that is true to yokai who have been suppressing their darker sides."
Night Rikuo stood up. "I see. Well I supposed it was a shock to see her deal her enemies with merciless act."
"Does it bother you?" he repeated the question.
Night Rikuo stepped out. "Of course it does. I think I would prefer to see that cheerful side than that of which she displayed earlier though on second thought, it comes in handy."
Nurarihyon chuckled a little. "You came here just to ask me that eh?"
"Yes and I'm quite curious about her mother. I never saw her before."
Nurarihyon wrapped the towel around his small body and reached for the yukata that Karasu-Tengu had graciously left for him to wear. "She was an interesting woman – Setsura that is. A fiercely loyal comrade who would lay down her life for the Hyakki's ideal." He managed a soft chuckle. There is no need to tell his grandson that Setsura too harbored romantic feelings for him. Unfortunately, he loved his wife very much but instead of really getting jealous, Setsura playfully shared a minor rivalry with his wife which often amused him.
A smirk split from Rikuo's face. "Heh – it seems Tsurara had taken from her." "
"For a woman filled with pride for her own strength, I wouldn't expect her to feel so down when she truly wakes up so you and the rest should cheer her up. I'm not so sure but behind that rage she had displayed is an uncertainty she managed to hide," the former Supreme Commander advised, his advice came from observation as well as wisdom that he had already possessed in his somehow long life (by human's standard at least).
"A crack eh?" the Third said in his usually detached voice.
"Yes. And I think I might train her if necessary," he continued, his hands now were across his chest as he stared at his grandson seriously. "Always remember this, Rikuo – the signal is the first snow fall – that is when a snow woman's power is at its strongest. And that is when they will come get her. They needed her power."
Yokai eyes met yokai eyes as Rikuo stared at his grandfather seriously this time. "You are speaking in riddles. Why don't you just tell everything you know?" he was close to snapping at him which is a surprise since he always tried to maintain his cool demeanor.
"Those are the only things I know because she passed away before she could tell everything. Like I have said, the enemies are not as formidable as the Nue but they are tricky. One moment of neglect and it would cost a high price. I'm talking from experience here. We fought their kind for a short amount of time but they proved to be foxier than the others."
Rikuo leaned away and gave a stiff nod. "Have a good night, old man."
Nurarihyon blinked and shrugged before he decided to go to bed.
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As if nothing happened to her at all, Tsurara woke up the next day with her cheerful attitude which made the others sigh with relief. They still could not get it out of their head – the other side of a yuki-onna.
"Good morning, Rikuo-sama," she chirped with that jovial smile as she delivered him his tea.
Day Rikuo smiled back as well. "Morning too, Tsurara. How are you feeling?" he asked.
She clapped her hands once. "Great!"
"You still should take it easy," he advised as the rest joined them for breakfast already. He turned to Kuro. "Kuro, I think I can declare it safe and you can go back to watching over Torii if you like. I noticed she is very fond of you."
There were a couple of teasing remarks coming from the other yokai as they gave Kuro a look. "Wooo – so Kuro is interested in someone?" Kejoro asked with her ever sweet smile.
Kuro withstood all of it as he tried to present an impassive face which miserably failed because he turned a bit red much to Ao's delight. "Who would even think that Kuro could blush like a human?" he roared in laughter.
Kubinashi set his tea down and nodded. "Indeed. I guess there is a first time for everything, don't you think so, Kuro?"
Unable to defend himself, Kuro stood up with a comical expression of an irate yokai. "Ao you are just jealous that someone finds me more interesting than you."
Rikuo shook his head at the commotion and risked Tsurara a glance to see her cheerfully laughing with the rest. He sighed. He supposed he was more used to this side of her so he was really worried she might suddenly change.
He resumed eating his breakfast. "By the way, Tsurara, what time will you be going to the district?"
Tsurara scratched her head. "The usual time, I go there after school remember?" she turned to Rikuo. "I'm really sorry I will not be participating with the Kiyo Cross Squad activities."
He nodded, unable to speak since he was chewing on his food. To his surprise, he was yanked by the collar and dragged away from the group as he, Ao and Tsurara were running towards school. "We are going to be late," she said and he realized she was the one who dragged him away. Well, that is something he appreciated about Tsurara. Although she recognized him as master of all spirits, it doesn't stop her to speak her mind when she thought it was necessary. Like that fight against the tanuki and Yozusume, like that fight against Tsuchigomo. She was straightforward when it comes to her desire to fight alongside him, to protect him.
"Eh? Oikawa-san, why are you dragging Rikuo-kun?" Torii asked in a puzzled expression when she spotted them.
Tsurara immediately released Rikuo and gave Torii an uncertain smile. Rikuo realized she wasn't aware that his friends knew about their identities already. "The Kiyo Cross Squad knew about us already. They found out," he whispered.
Tsurara swallowed before waving her hand comically. "A pleasant morning, Torii."
Torii smiled brightly. "How are you feeling? Rikuo-kun said you were feeling sick lately."
Tsurara forced a small laugh. "I'm fine. I'm fine now. What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I was waiting for Maki."
The three nodded. "I see, then we'll go ahead?" Rikuo asked.
"Ano, what was Monk-kun's real name?" she asked. "I realized it was impolite of me to call him Monk-kun when he has a real name so…"
"Kurotabou," Ao answered with a small snicker when he spotted Kuro nearby.
Torii bowed in gratitude. "Thank you."
Rikuo cleared his throat. "Ah, Torii, is it alright if you keep his identity secret? I mean you know what I told you guys in the rooftop yesterday."
His friend smiled reassuringly. "Of course." She turned to Tsurara. "I'm glad you are doing alright now, Oikawa-san. We were planning to pay you a visit actually."
Which had its benefit, Rikuo thought, knowing this plan was Kiyo's idea. He wanted to see yokai. He supposed his friend does not know when to give up, making it his life's mission to see and investigate yokai sightings.
"Uh, thank you?" Tsurara once again said with a hesitant smile.
"Oh, Oikawa-san, you're doing alright now?" Maki arrived and gave her a quick glance. "That's a relief."
"Yes. Shall we go then?" Tsurara said, feeling uncomfortable that she's being subjected to a conversation like this.
Maki whispered close to Torii. "I wonder who Rikuo really likes. I mean, he seems to have a crush on Kana but he spends most of his time with Tsurara and they often disappear together although now that we know about it, I think it had to do with the yokai stuff."
"I think Rikuo might like Tsurara more," Torii spoke and nodded sagely as if she had just given the best idea.
Maki glanced at her friend. "What made you say so?"
Torii had a thoughtful look on her face before she sighed. "Just my hunch. How is Kana holding up?"
Her friend sighed. "I honestly cannot tell. She seemed confused."
"The woe of falling in love with a yokai…" Torii muttered to herself which was thankfully unheard by her friend.
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Tsurara wondered why Kana had been giving her short glances ever since they arrived. Though it is nothing hostile, it still bothered her. She had been gone for a few days and the people around her are really acting differently.
She waved her hand goodbye as Rikuo entered his class and she proceeded to the classroom next door when she bumped into Rikuo's teacher who had often wondered what her relationship with Rikuo is. But just like Rikuo's teacher from before, Mana that is, she assumed that the two are into a relationship.
"Sorry ma'am," she said and bowed before she ran off to Ao who was waiting patiently for her. It had become a double responsibility for Ao to look after Rikuo and Tsurara during daytime while Rikuo, the yokai one, would take over at night time.
"Ao, Ienaga-san is somehow acting strange," she said as they walked inside their classroom. "What do you think happened?"
Ao glanced at her. "I have no idea."
"I see," she nodded and sat near the window. Ao sat behind her and the class started not long after. But for Tsurara, memories of her short fight against Kari came rushing back.
"Neve was the one who killed your mother," Kari said as he defended himself from her ice blade. "You're too weak to call yourself the head guard so don't sound so proud about it." The man continued with a scoff.
He had just insulted her strength and ability and she will not forgive him for that. Not only him but the blond too.
There are still too many things she doesn't really know – such as the events that led to her mother's death. And those people who attacked her a few days ago knew something about it. She had been deep in thought even after the class was over and Ao had to distract her by patting her shoulder.
"Eh?"
"Rikuo-sama is already waiting outside. You were supposed to be the one fetching him right?" Ao asked and gave her a worried glance. Is there a need to tell her that just a moment ago, the classroom was almost frozen?
"Oh, let's go then," she said cheerfully and grabbed her bag. Comically, she cried when she realized she hasn't brought their lunchbox and she immediately ran towards her master with her usual comical tears. "I'm so sorry Rikuo-sama, I forgot our lunchboxes."
"Ah, it's alright I guess?" he said and glanced at the surrounding. "Tsurara, did you do something? I felt your yokai aura spike up earlier." His eyes betrayed his worry.
Shocked, it was only that time that she realized the cold in the classroom. Confused, she looked at him and bowed. "I think I did that unconsciously. I'm sorry."
He patted her shoulder and smiled. "Be careful next time. Let's go, the rest of the Kiyo group are waiting for us upstairs."
The three of them walked together in silence before Tsurara asked the question she asked Ao earlier. "Did something happen to Ienaga-san? She was acting strange."
Rikuo forced a smile. "Nothing happened. She must still be adjusting over the fact that the three of us are yokai."
"Oh," she decided that the reason was acceptable so she only nodded. Upon reaching the rooftop, Shima immediately jumped in glee at the sight of Tsurara whom he adores.
"Oikawa-san!"
"Hello," she gave a small wave of the hand. "I see you guys are all doing good."
"With Rikuo and Oikawa-san, the Kiyo group is now complete and – " he gave Rikuo a good glance " – it means we are going to investigate your house for some yokai!"
"Hiii?"
"It would be more fun with Yura around," Tsurara commented, having established a good rapport with the omniyouji. Too bad Yura had to stay in Kyoto as one who is next to succeed the Keikan house. Tsurara smiled at them and graciously declined the offer to join the group. "I've a part time-job this afternoon so I won't be able to participate."
"Me too."
Tsurara turned to her master and arched a single brow. "Eh? You'd be busy tonight?" she asked, unaware of the silent agreement among the hyakki that she is to be watched over.
Rikuo forced a smile. "Not really but I have some stuffs to do," he turned to his friends. "I really can't allow you to go investigate at the house right now."
But Kiyo is not to be deterred. "C'mon Rikuo, just once," he insisted.
Rikuo was debating over his decision when Tsurara leaned closer to him. "Master, I think you should just agree for once. It's not too bad to let them do as they please though I really doubt they would see much of our friends."
The action earned some misunderstanding from their friends as Maki smirked. "So, you two are really dating eh? What's with the secrecy?"
Confused, Tsurara stared at Maki before her face heat up in a blush. "Ehhh? It's not what you think," she defended. "I was merely telling him to agree." Though it really does not sound bad if we're dating, her inner self told.
"Oh."
She gave them a slanted smile. "Uh, Ienaga-san, are you alright? You've been mostly quiet," she turned her attention to Kana who forced a smile, not knowing how to face Rikuo and Tsurara after yesterday.
She raised her hands a little. "I'm fine. Please don't mind me being quiet here," she said uncomfortably. Respecting her words, no one asked further. The rest of the day went like any normal days and soon, Tsurara left for Nishikigoi where she was greeted with such warmth. And well, tears.
"Onee-san, we're so glad to see you are alright," Nobu explained. They all bowed down much to Tsurara's astonishment but inside she felt delighted that this group cared for her and treated her as one member of the family. "We are so sorry we weren't there."
"I'm alright now and there is no way you could have known that something bad would happen to me so let's not delve into it, okay?" she said merrily, not wanting to worry them. "I'm really touched with your concern but please don't blame yourselves."
The so-called Tsurara clan wiped their tears as Tsurara wore over her apron and started working while the brothers stood and watched before one commented.
"She looked like Setsura-san all the way but perhaps what sets her apart from her mother is her buoyant attitude which had already infected the entire district. One would never think she is a yuki-onna at first glance. A yuki onna is supposedly one who exudes cold and bitter aura but she, how do I put it? Her aura is always warm and beguiling." They nodded in agreement to what was just pointed out.
"We have to do our best to protect Tsurara-san and not to disappoint her."
"I definitely agree."
Like always, night came and it was time for Tsurara to go home and though they insisted that they accompany her, she graciously declined once more, not wanting to put them in harm's way if ever the enemies are back. And that was how she ended walking in the streets, alone at night but with her guard up. Her senses were alert as she walked on the lonely street. And that was when she saw him there, leaning on a nearby tree along the side of the road, his arms crossed together.
He smirked at the surprise look on her face as he jumped down from the tree and took a few strides towards her figure which was silhouetted against the light from the post. "Yo."
"Master Rikuo!" she exclaimed, her voice hinted with a mixture of surprise, confusion and excitement. "Have you come to fetch me again?" she asked innocently.
Night Rikuo gave her a short glance. "Something like that. How did your work go?" he asked as they walked side by side. It was like the first time he fetched her, only this time – it wasn't snowing. And he did not bring an umbrella.
A warm smile curved her lips. "I feel grateful," she admitted, her heart swelling with happiness. Night Rikuo turned to her when she stopped and he raised his brow. Tsurara clasped her hands together as the wind blew its breath towards her face, her scarf dancing with it and so is her beautiful hair. Minus the snow, she truly is still an embodiment of a yuki-onna, one with ethereal beauty. Rikuo silently drank in the sight of beauty that was always beside him. Oblivious of how she looked like, she spoke once more. "They truly accepted me."
Pulling her hand, they started walking. "I wouldn't be surprised. You've got quite a charm," he said in his usual detached voice but it was his eyes that belied whatever he felt – a sincere admission that he, too, was charmed by her. "Let's go take a walk."
"At this time of the night?" she asked skeptically.
"Yes. Let's visit the shop," he said, referring to the district given to the cat clan. "Or do you have anything else to do?"
She slowly shook her head, still oblivious of the fact that he wasn't letting go of her hand. At least until they reached a crowded area and noticed how some were looking at them with envy. Some yokai.
"Would you look at them? They make quite a pair, don't you think?"
Not sure whom they were talking about, Tsurara looked around only to find them staring at her and her face heated up. Much as she is aware of her own feelings for Rikuo, she isn't so hopeful that a romantic relationship would occur between them. She can make her mother as the primary example. Setsura often told her how she had an unrequited love but it never stopped her from loving him still. Perhaps, that's how she would end too. After all, Rikuo seemed to like Kana a lot.
At the realization, she gasped as her free hand flew to her mouth, making Rikuo stop to look at her with a quirked brow. "Is something the matter?"
"Don't tell me…" she started but trailed off. She seriously needed to talk with Kana. Perhaps this was the reason why she was so quiet earlier.
"Tell what?" he asked as they rounded another corner.
"Nothing," she shook her head. "Where exactly are we going?"
Without looking back at her, he answered. "At the Neko District. Let's celebrate your recovery (AN: Sorry, I forgot the name of that particular district.)," he slowly said. "You ought to have a break."
"But Master Rikuo, you still have a class – " she swallowed whatever protest she was about to say more when he challenged her with a single look. She sighed. "Alright but we should head home immediately."
"Rikuo-sama!" the head of the Neko district greeted as they entered the pub and not a few seconds later, a lot of male yokai were now giving Tsurara an awed and interested look while she felt uncomfortable. All throughout though, Rikuo never left her side as he drank with such comfort, one arm almost draped around her shoulder – an action which did not go unnoticed by the one who leads the district.
"I thought your woman was the one you brought before?" one asked in a whisper which was heard by Tsurara nonetheless.
"But this one is a babe," one asked. "Say Onee-san, what type of yokai are you?"
"Ice?" she answered with a slanted smile. Who did Rikuo bring here? She sighed heavily. It must be Kana. Just the thought of it made her heart feel heavy. She really is nothing special. She always ended up second. Even during the Matoi part years ago, she thought she was the first one who would have performed that technique with him, it turned out she's second from Zen. Her mind drifted – perhaps the reason why she always ends up the second is because she is not yet strong and worthy enough no matter what she does.
"Cool. So you're an ice yokai." The question broke her quiet musing and she was once again forced to smile at them.
"Uhuh."
"C'mon, stop badgering her and allow her to enjoy a little," Rikuo spoke with a smirk. "Everyone – this is Tsurara, a Yuki-Onna. This introduction is for those who might not know her still."
Many raised their hands in unison and spoke in chorus. "We don't. nice to meet you, yuki-onna."
Tsurara does not know how to react so she waved her hand with an unsure look on her face. But it did not take long before she was comfortable in their company and she laughed and drank with them. Not really one who can withstand strong drinks, she later on dozed off while at the same time forgetting her sudden uncertainties and insecurities. It was midnight when Rikuo decided that they head home.
"She's your head guard right?" the leader of the district asked and glanced at the beautiful yokai.
"Yes."
"You don't usually bring women here and she's the second one you've brought," he commented. "But this one seemed dear to you as you treat her with gentleness so very unlike you." The comment came when he watched Rikuo pick her up in a bridal style and started walking off. He did not fail to notice how he treated her with utmost care despite how subtle he tried to make it look.
Not really bothering to explain, the master of all spirits walked away while leaving a simple line. "She's special." Too bad, Tsurara had not heard that which would probably lessen her worries.
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Many thanks to those who reviewed. Sorry, I couldn't type down your names but nevertheless, I am very thankful for leaving such reviews. To Konan03, I would have loved to chat with you but sadly, I don't have a deviant account. Have to log out now since I'm very, very sleepy. I lacked sleep the past two nights.
Take care everyone.