Gyaaa. I am back and well, I am free for the whole week since the committee has decided to move our simulated board for the next coming month. While I am at it, I decided to update and well, I am not sure if you guys are still into it. Hehe.
I recently read the updates from the manga concerning the Hundred Tales arc and I am seriously not liking Kana's appearance there. Ugh, she's there again in her typical damsel and distress role, although I will admit Tsurara had also been on those role a few times but at least she was doing something and not just standing there.
So before we move on with the update, I'd like to say that in this story, let us ignore the Hundred Tales clan arc. I made mention of it happening but let's not get into details.
Disclaimer: I just wished, Nurarihyon no Mago is mine but that's wishful thinking.
Things pretty much returned to normal days following that talk between Rikuo and Tsurara although Rikuo had the slightest feeling that she's acting awkward when around him. Or maybe he just overanalyzed things too much due to his worry over her. Nevertheless, he is still glad that Tsurara is getting back to her bubbly old self. She is even seen laughing around while Nato chose to play a prank on her.
Even in school, Tsurara started to talk more with his friends and joined them in their activities if her schedule permitted it. There is a slight problem on that though – she's kind of distant from Kana for reasons unknown and while Kana tried to be subtle about it, she too felt somewhat distant from Tsurara. He wondered why but never bothered to ask. It is probably a 'girl's thing' and he better stay out of it.
He was heading home one afternoon when he saw Kana being attacked by a yokai along with few other humans and his instincts kicked in immediately, saving them from the yokai and thus leading her home afterwards. She invited him for tea and he took up the offer since he decided to talk to her about something.
"Rikuo-kun, here have some tea," Kana offered from her kitchen.
Ah yes, he had been neglecting her and the rest for a while now due to his contstant worrying over Tsurara but now that the latter seemed alright and that Teidi and the rest seemed harmless, at least he could do something to make up for his misgivings. And to ask why she and Tsurara are subtly hostile towards each other.
He offered a small smile. "Thanks," he muttered and watched as she sat across him. She studied him as well under those innocent-looking gaze of hers. He always liked Kana. He never denied that. And he cares for her a lot too just as much as his yokai self cares so much over his Hyakki. And because he cared so much for her, his yokai blood was awakened when they were in that accident many years ago. And again, he saved her from that mirror incident too. It was his desire to protect her that awakened his yokai self. And because it was his yokai self who saved her before, she kinda fell in love with him.
That stung on his human part since he wanted to be recognized not just because of his yokai self. But with Kana, he doubted that. She will always see his yokai part as the one she fell in love with.
He drank the tea and cleared his throat, deciding to finally talk. "So uhm, I was wondering if there's a problem between you and Tsurara. See, I noticed that you treat each other with so much caution."
Kana blinked at him, confused at first before she answered slowly. "I didn't know it was like that in the eyes of the others. I mean, Oikawa-san is treating me differently so I have to treat her warily," she defended herself. "I don't even know why she does that."
Neither does Rikuo but of course our great 3rd leader of the current generation of yokai has never been a genius with girl stuffs and he could be dense about the feelings of the women around him. He smiled. "I see, I feel relieved if that's the case then. I will talk to Tsurara about it. It just bothers me to see my friends acting strange that's why," he politely drank the remaining tea before standing up. "Thank you for the tea."
There was a disappointed look from her. "You're leaving already?" she asked and stood as well.
He nodded. "Yes. It is getting late and I still have to - "
"Can't I get to see your other part?" she asked hopefully and pretended she saw nothing from his eyes as she stated the request. She held his arms and gave him a pleading look. Rikuo looked at her quietly. He remembered Maki's question and now he knew he had an answer to that.
He hated seeing his friend with that look but it can't be helped. "My other self likes Tsurara, Kana-chan."
she looked surprised at that before she backed away and stared at him. "He is also part of you right, so do you like her too?" she asked.
He slowly nodded. "Yes. I am truly sorry," he apologized and left. Kana watched him go with blurry eyes. So much for the heartache.
A bad-looking yokai actually cackled from the shadows as he watched the events that transpired. Soon. Very soon and that Nurarihyon brat will not get in their way. They will kill the Yuki-Onna as well as the other elemental. His master will soon awaken.
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"You're truly the exact opposite of what a Yuki-Onna is supposed to be," Aki commented as she walked beside Tsurara during one of the school break. While Tsurara treated Teidi and the rest with reservation, she was more open when it comes to Aki.
"Ah, Aki, what's up?" she asked, never bothering to stop.
Said girl shrugged. "Nothing much. You've lost that brooding look by the way," she pointed out before she joined her group nearby. Tsurara watched her with a confused look before shrugging.
"Strange girl," she muttered and sat down only to notice something. Why, her master and Ienaga are too close for her comfort. And her master was paying so much attention to Ienaga which he never did the past days. He only gave Tsurara a glance and waved before returning his attention back to the human girl. Although Tsurara felt jealous at the sudden disregard, she kept the thought to herself and sat down near Tori who gave her a worried look. What's Tori worried about?
"They've been acting like that since we all arrived here. I think, he really liked Kana," Maki grumbled, her nose on her book once more. "Tori, I guess you were wrong."
Tori reluctantly nodded. "I guess."
well, as long as Master is happy, who am I to act jealous? I am just his subordinate. Even if he cared for me, Kana will remain his special person.
She ate her snack in silence while the others were immersed with their conversation. Only Tori bothered to notice her silence though so she tried to drag her into a conversation while Maki paid more attention to her book. Kiyo and Shima are busy talking stuffs about yokai.
"So, uh, do you mind telling me stuffs about Kuro-san?" she requested and successfully earned an interested look from the Yuki-Onna. Her eyes bulged a little in surprise before she coughed and Tori quietly offered her a bottle of water.
"Y-Y-You..." she tried to find the words.
Tori giggled at her discomfort. "I like him really because he always came and saved me. It's just that I wanted to know things about him so that one time, I will make him something as symbol of gratitude."
Tsurara scratched her head lightly and wondered where Kuro is right now. "Ah, you see, he keeps things to himself actually so I don't know much about his likes or dislikes for that matter. I'm sorry."
"Oh it's okay. Perhaps I will ask him myself if I ever see him again," she replied so casually.
Tsurara stared at the human girl. Strange, but she liked her better. They never had an actual bonding time together and they rarely talked but still, it did not stop her from liking Tori. There's just something about her personality that is so charming and maybe that is why Kuro volunteered to watch over her. It seems Tori shares Ienaga's misfortune when it comes to attracting danger.
"Tsurara, will you be going to the Arawashi this afternoon?" Rikuo turned his attention to her.
Said Yuki-Onna nodded with a forced smile. "Yes master!"
He scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile. "Ah I see. I was wondering, is it alright for you to go home on your own? I mean - "
Tsurara managed a soft laugh. "What are you so worried about master? I was able to get home on my own, remember?" she said and sighed inwardly. Just what the hell is happening?
Rikuo stared at her for a minute before he nodded. For some reason, he felt strange. He can't tell why though but there's just the strange feeling that he's missing something here. Something that might have happened. "Alright then. Just take care okay?"
"Yes master!" she answered in a lively voice. Thankfully, she was saved by the bell and she immediately gathered her things when Kana approached her as the others started leaving.
"Uhm, Oikawa-san?"
Tsurara schooled her facial reaction before turning to her. "Ienaga-san, is there something I can help you with?" she asked casually. She may not like the girl but if she's someone her master likes, then she had no choice but to tolerate her.
"Well, you see, Rikuo-kun - "
"You call him with respect just as much as we yokais do," Tsurara was surprised at her outburst but was thankful Rikuo was out of earshot though he's seen waiting for the two of them.
For a moment, Kana was terrified and she thought she felt something cold but after a moment of deciding whether Tsurara is going to attack her or not, she once again spoke. "I really like Rikuo - " she gulped when Tsurara gave her a frosty glare. "Look, I was used calling him that way and I certainly am no servant of his to call him master," Kana snapped.
That was probably a wrong move because Tsurara's eyes hardened but she once again chose to rein her emotion and crossed her arms instead before she spoke. "Very well said, now state your business since I am busy."
There is no doubt, Tsurara hated this human girl more than ever. It's no longer called dislike. It's hate. But she has to remind herself once more that Kana might be her master's future wife so she still has to treat her nicely. When she noticed her fumbling for words, Tsurara did what she should have done earlier and left. Facing Kana Ienaga just intensified her hate and she does not want to end hurting her due to her temper which she never knew she had until she was attacked before by Teidi and the rest.
Rikuo gave her a worried glance when she walked past him. "Tsurara, what was that all about? She requested that she talks to you and I felt your aura spiking up." he trusted her never to hurt a human so he knew he will not hurt Kana.
She gave him a single glance. "Forgive me master but I might have been disrespectful to her," she stated in a cool voice before walking away. Rikuo watched her go and once again felt that something is wrong. But what the hell is wrong with him?
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Class ended and Tsurara left the school building after making sure Ao will accompany their master home. She headed towards her clan who greeted her heartily as always and somehow, Tsurara cannot help but feel her troubles eased a little.
"Tsurara nee-san, it's already late," Nobu approached her. "You should head home."
She was too immersed with helping them that she forgot about the time. "Oh crap! It really is late," she said and took off her apron while fixing her things. Nobu watched with fashioned amusement at how she could be so oblivious about her surrounding especially when she enjoyed what she was doing.
"Won't the third be coming to fetch you?" he asked. It had already been a common sight to them to see the Third from far-away, obviously waiting for her to walk her home.
He did not miss how the jovial look vanished and replaced with uncertainty. "Master is busy so he'll not be coming to fetch me," she said instead. Nobu watched and commended how she always remained firm despite what happened to her a few weeks ago. Silently, he only patted her head affectionately like how a brother does to a younger sister.
That one simple gesture was enough and Tsurara was more than thankful. "Setsura-san had that same look from time to time when she talked about the First."
Tsurara held his hand for comfort. "Thank you for not asking, Nobu-san." she smiled before she bowed and left. Nobu watched her go before he turned to one of his brothers who happened to be there all the time.
"The same look huh? The look of a forlorn."
"Yes."
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As anticipated, her Master never appeared to fetch her. She rounded the corner when she saw someone being attacked by a number of yokais. From the looks of it, she was terribly wounded. Instinct dictated that she jumped away from where she was standing and she was glad she did so because had she been a tad too late, she'll be stucked in the wall by the sword that came attacking at her.
"What the - "
"The Yuki-Onna. What a good luck we have," one badly looking yokai asked as he licked his lips and Tsurara stared away in disgust.
"Gross," she mumbled and defended herself against the attack by immediately freezing him and she did the same thing to the number of yokai about to hurt Neve. She realized it was Neve. Making sure no one was left there standing and moving about, she approached the wounded yokai. "What happened?" she asked.
Neve stood up and gave her a grudging look of gratitude. Without a word, Neve pulled her hand and they started running. "We need to get away from here. There are a number of them lurking in the shadows of the night."
Tsurara sighed and pulled her hands from Neve's hold and stopped to look around. Truly, she could feel their presence but she can't see them just yet. "Yuki-Onna, we have no time to dawdle here. I am pretty sure Teidi and the rest are experiencing the same thing. It means the enemies are finally moving."
"The one you guys mentioned?" she asked, still not to keen on trusting her too much after what happened to her.
"Yes. They must have come to pay us a visit," she spat and ducked as a tiny object came at them. It was even too small for the eyes to see and Tsurara was sure she was hit as well.
"We need to get - "
"Yuki-Onna! Watch out!"
the feminine voice surprised both of them and before they knew it, they found at least seven yokai downed on the ground as two emerged from the shadows.
"Eh? Kejoro! Kubanishi!" she exclaimed. "What are you two doing here?" she asked and stood up, not minding the pain in her left leg from the attack earlier.
"Patrolling. We're worried since you did not get home and it was beyond your usual schedule," Kejoro said and glanced at the blond woman near Tsurara who was already writhing in pain. Even Tsurara had a feeling that they weren't just attacked by tiny objects. Those objects were damn poisoned.
"Master Rikuo had just dropped Ienaga-san to her house so he'll probably he here shortly," Kubanishi stated but Tsurara pretended she did not hear what was just said and bent down to check on Neve.
"Neve?"
neve's face was contorted in pain but she managed to speak a few more words. "Y-You can't let them get you. Go."
Tsurara stood up and felt her knees turning wobbly as her sight became hazy. She stumbled forwards but Kejoro managed to support her. Tsurara gave a weak smile. "Help Neve and I have to go protect Master. The enemies are scattered around."
Kejoro glanced at Kubanishi who was already carrying the now unconcscious form of the blond. "We need to bring them to Zen. I am guessing," he said and pulled a few needlelike things from Neve's arms, "that these objects were poisoned and meant to wear them down in a matter of seconds. Check on the Yuki-Onna's body and pull out these tiny things."
Just when Kejoro was about to do that, their master arrived. "What happened here? Who are they?" he asked and motioned his hands towards the number of downed yokai. Then he frowned when he saw the two unconcscious women. "Tsurara!" he exclaimed, surprise to find her wounded.
"They were attacked. Thankfully, we came to patrol this area while waiting for you," Kubinashi stated. "We need to bring her to Zen, master."
Rikuo nodded and gathered Tsurara in his arms. He turned to Kejoro. "Scout the area and make sure to know what their purpose are. Call on the others for help. Be careful though."
"Yes Master," Kejoro answered and gave a worried glance at Tsurara. On the other hand, Rikuo glanced down at his Head Guard and frowned. Just what the hell is he doing? He's well aware that there are yokai out there wanting to get Tsurara and yet he was not even there to protect his subordinate.
He felt troubled now, really, really troubled. Just in twenty four hours, he felt something went wrong between that lapse of time. Tori was attacked earlier and there was Kuro to protect her. Kiyo and Shima too. Thankfully, he appointed Ao to watch over them for a while. And Kana too. She was attacked twice. He was about to lead her home but returned her to his house instead. Even Ao and Kuro were advised to do the same thing. He advised Kappa to go check on Maki as well. All of the attacks on his friends were done just after class.
If Neve was also attacked, then he can conclude that even her friends had to be dealing with the same problem. He saw the children of Karasu-Tengu and called for them. "Search for the other yokai who was with Neve. There's also a human with them. Bring them all to my house."
"Yes sir."
It seems the enemies are moving. He needed to think of a plan and rethink the events that transpired since yesterday. He had a feeling something was wrong with him.
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I am not sure you like the chapter but this was already planned out to happen. In case you're wondering,something did happen to Rikuo.
wildcatz, xAngelic, whittney, ELISA, Princess Ren, Lonely Athena, FeuWitch and the others who reviewed chapter five, chesvian, cassissinntegra, Sky Gem, kiyari817, seth12619, Mayonaka No Sasayaki, Aoi Hana9 – thank you very much.