Ch. 35

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The arrival of one demon probably would have caused a ripple of fear to run through even a city as large as New York or London. The arrival of entire army of us? Oh, New York was VERY nervous.
~

After her night flight with her cousins, being woken early was the last thing Rin wanted. Unfortunately for the half-demon, her wishes were ignored and Rin was jerked out of sleep by the sound of pounding on the hotel door.

Waking with a snort and a growl, Rin rubbed at her eyes with a clawed hand at the sound of Mrs. Ladybug opening the door and Chief Beatcom's worried voice.

"We need to talk. With her."

"You mean Rin? One of our children?" Morning bug or not, Mrs. Ladybug's cheeriness clearly wasn't extending to the man who had cased her family such grief. From her sitting position against the wall of her room, Rin snickered at the policeman's startled stammering.

"Y-y-yes, ma'am. We need to talk with Rin. Please, it's... it's urgent."

Considering whatever needed to be discussed was likely also a matter of Chief Beatcom wanting to keep his head firmly attached to his neck, Rin didn't doubt it. For a moment, the half-demon considered simply sitting in her room and letting the police chief deal with the mess he'd made.

Just for a moment.

With a sigh, Rin heaved herself to her feet and stretched. She could hear the rest of her family- who'd been enjoying breakfast sent via room service- offering the police chief coffee, so there was no rush. Let the idiot sweat a bit; Rin took her time cleaning her teeth and washing her face. Judging by the absence of one of her kin heading her way, they (or more likely Earthworm) had heard her rise.

Rin growled a bit as she ran a brush through her hair. Knowing her yokai kin, they wouldn't arrive until noon at the earliest, so why had Chief Beatcom seen the need to pester her before then? She planned on asking him that, of course, but Rin had to admit she was a little worried. Chief Beatcom had sounded more than scared; he sounded desperate. Had Takashi oji-san sent a scout to the city to threaten him or someone else? Had Kenta or Souske taken matters into their own hands regarding what the fate of some of the city officials would be? Tilting her ears, Rin could hear the faintest rustle of wings through the walls. Hmmm... her cousins were awake, but in no hurry. That plus the absence of a large demonic presence hinted that the Kurosaki force was still some distance away.

For now.

Satisfied with her appearance, Rin left the washroom and strode down the hall, the police chief's words heavy with trepidation as she approached.

"...and if the other two are prowling around right now, I-"

"They're not."

Rin's entire family, along with Chief Beatcom, looked up as the half-demon entered the living room.

"Kenta and Souske are awake, but barely. Is there a particular reason why you see fit to disturb my rest, Chief?"

"I'm with Rin, Chief. Some of us ain't morning people," Centipede agreed from where he lay stretched out on one of the sofas. Miss Spider raised an eyebrow at him, but the look on her face practically radiated agreement.

"Yeah, well, this couldn't wait." Chief Beatcom started to rise from his seat. "We gotta talk!"

A growl from Rin silenced the irate officer. Chief Beatcom slid back onto his chair, a half-finished cup of coffee forgotten. James watched the exchange with fearful eyes, his own breakfast forgotten in the moment.

"Perhaps it would be better if some of us spoke outside?" Miss Spider gestured toward the balcony leading out of the living room. "Rin?"

"Hai, a good idea."

"I think some of us should join you." Mr. Grasshopper rose from the table, his four hands brushing the front of his freshly-laundered coat. "Centipede?"

"Oh yeah, I wanna hear this."

"As do I." Miss Spider nodded at the group as the five of them made their way to the outside alcove.

"James, would you like some more toast, dear? I'm sure you're still hungry." Mrs. Ladybug smiled at the little boy, running a hand gently through his hair. James glanced at his sister, managing to smile at Rin's assuring nod.

"Yes please, Mrs. Ladybug."

"Alright, I'll get that. Earthworm?"

"Ugh." Earthworm flopped forward, his nose touching his nearly-empty plate.

"Really, Earthworm."

Rin ignored Earthworm's newest list of complaints and followed her family onto the balcony. Though a tad cramped, there was still enough room for everyone to stand comfortably. As such, Rin allowed her spiked wings to extend a bit as she crossed her arms and faced Chief Beatcom.

"Well?"

"Well, Officer Hanson's body was dumped on the precinct doorstep yesterday. Want to explain that?"

There was a moment of stunned silence as the three bugs standing by Rin took in the news.

"Wait, wasn't he the one who heard about us comin' and said nothin'?" Centipede finally asked.

"Well... he... yes, he made a serious mistake, but-"

"But what?" Rin asked, narrowing her eyes.

"But it was my responsibility to handle that!"

"Like you handled our situation?"

"I...I..."

"Hold a moment." Mr. Grasshopper held up two hands. "Officer Hanson is indeed deceased, Chief Beatcom?"

"Yes. And..." The police chief's eyes rolled in his sockets as he considered his words. "Parts of him... they were..."

"My cousins did say they would take everything of value from him. His information and, clearly, whatever sustenance he could provide."

"So it's true..." Chief Beatcom held onto the balcony rail as his knees buckled a bit. "They... they ate him."

"Well, part of him, anyway."

"Rin!"

"Demons are not humans and they need meat, yes?" Miss Spider asked, looking up at Rin.

"Hai. I thought it no secret that yokai have often used humans for food."

"Perhaps not, but to be fair to the chief, there is quite the difference between knowing something and experiencing it," Mr. Grasshopper pointed out.

"Oh believe me, there is."

"Believe me when I tell you you shouldn't be surprised," Rin growled back. "Had you done your job rather than listening to Spiker and Sponge, you could have been considered allies to the Kurosaki family rather than potential enemies. Your actions caused this, Chief Beatcom; yours and a good number of the city officials. As such, you face Kurosaki justice."

"You call that justice?"

"Hai. Officer Hanson hid valuable information from you; how do you know this was the only time he did so?"

"How do you know?"

"I don't and quite frankly, I don't care."

"Rin!"

"Consider this," Rin said, glancing up at Mr. Grasshopper. "What if Officer Hanson took a call from someone reporting strange figures with animal heads breaking into their next-door apartment. What would you say to that?"

"That depends, my dear," the elder insect replied with a slightly haughty expression. "If you had asked me last week, I would assume it was a prank call. If you asked me now, I might consider the fact that the Egyptian Gods of old were not entirely myth."

"All the same, you would want the situation investigated, wouldn't you?"

"Well, certainly."

"Yeah, for all we know, some punks in masks could be robbin' the place," Centipede chimed in.

"Exactly. How would you feel if an officer sworn to protect his territory not only dismissed such a complaint, but didn't even bother discussing it with his superiors to let them make the decision? And what if a life was lost because of it?" Rin favored Chief Beatcom with a cold smile. "Imagine what would have happened to James had I not been there and those women attacked him with axes then. You did nothing; I, the Kurosaki, had to act."

"I know. I understand I put you in that situation and I'm sorry! I..." The police chief took a deep breath. "My entire precinct is facing a disciplinary committee next week. I may end up suspended or out of a job."

"I'd offer you sympathy, but I'd be lying."

"Come, Rin, I think the chief is being sincere," Miss Spider said, laying a light hand on the half-demon's arm.

"So am I. And let me tell you, Chief, not having a job is better than not having your life."

"Yes, your uncle is due to arrive today, is he not?" Miss Spider asked.

"He is."

"So... is this it?" Chief Beatcom asked. "For me?"

"I don't know," Rin sighed. "I promised you I'd talk to my uncle on your behalf, Chief Beatcom, and rest assured, I intend to keep that promise."

"Thank you, Rin."

"But," Rin held up a clawed finger, "that's all I can do. After that, I must defer to whatever Takashi oji-san decides. And if he decides to kill you and raze this city to the ground, there is nothing I can do about it."

"Ehhh, he ain't gonna go that far, is he?"

"Unlikely, as most people here aren't to blame. But bad tempers do run in the Kurosaki family."

"Yes, we've noticed," Mr. Grasshopper said with a sigh.

"That being said, there is something you can do to placate my uncle, Chief. But... you're probably not going to like it."

"Yeah, well, right now, I'll do anything if it means not gettin' killed. So, what do I gotta do?"
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The ability to sense the presence of demons was not strictly limited to those with yokai blood. In the far-off days of Feudal Japan, monks, priests and priestesses were trained to sense rogue yokai and those who specialized in the slaying of demons to protect human villages were also taught that skill so they would be able to sense their foes. However, without that training, a human might feel a slight brush or chill in the back of their mind and that would be all. And with the days of Feudal Japan far in the past, far fewer people were being trained to actively sense the presence of yokai.

The lack of such training was not a problem at the moment. The news of the Kurosakis' arrival had spread through New York City like wildfire and in the noon of the late spring day, every New Yorker alive in Manhattan seemed to sense a change in the air. The people still trod endlessly up and down the sidewalks, but they did so with their eyes shifting uneasily toward the skies. The honking of cabs seemed oddly muted as people kept their ears cocked for the sound of wings beating the warm air. And all throughout the city, pale faces peered out from the gleaming windows of the famed New York skyscrapers as they waited for the judgment that was sure to come.

And finally, as the clocks struck 4, the judgment came.

At the time, Rin and her kin had migrated to the roof of the hotel, where a small bar complete with tables and chairs had been set up at one end and a small playground, which had been carefully circled with a thick mesh net, dominated the other half of the roof. Plenty of kids who had been staying at the hotel were enjoying the slides, swings, and climbing structures and James had been ecstatic to join them. As such, the afternoon passed in a leisurely fashion for Rin and her family as they watched James play and savored the relative peace away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

ZZZZZZT!

Rin growled as she felt the humid air swirl with power. The presence of approaching yokai in such numbers was like icy fire dancing over her skin and already she could hear the sound of huge wings pounding the air like the beat of a festival drum. Close by, Earthworm stiffened.

"I...I hear them. Oh Heaven helps us, there's so many."

Earthworm huddled to the ground, his tail over his head. He wasn't the only one who was panicking, though; the humans who were also partaking of the rooftop's leisure clearly sensed something too. Conversation died, smiles faded, and drinks were forgotten. Even the children ceased their playing and became still as all eyes turned upward.

BONG! BONG! BONG! BONG!

The sun vanished.

In an instant, all of Manhattan was cloaked in shadow as a massive form blocked out the light from the afternoon sun. Eyes widened, hearts pounded, and throats were instantly too dry to scream as every New Yorker looked up to see a massive brown bat hovering above the Empire State Building, spreading its wings wide enough to cover all of New York City in darkness. The bat's eyes glowed red and gold, the color of a blood-soaked sun. Its massive maw stretched open, displaying teeth that gleamed almost impossibly white and sharp. Spikes jutted from its wings as its clawed hands seemed to rip and shred the very air that kept it aloft. The bat wrinkled its snout in distaste before throwing its head back and letting loose a piercing screech.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Glass window panes rattled like loose teeth, some of them cracking even without the sound waves aimed in their direction. Every radio broadcast, every television set, every voice in the city was drowned out by the cry of the bat.

EEEEEEEEEEEE! An echoing cry followed the bat's call as numerous figures, too many to count, burst forth from the shadows, flying in formation throughout the city. Men and women shrieked and fainted right on the streets as they beheld the creatures swooping over them. Male and female bat yokai darted around the buildings, their wings extending from their backs and their golden eyes alight with anticipation as they flashed fanged grins and powerful claws at any who dared to behold them.

"Behold, the Lord of the Southern Bat Demons." Rin turned to smile at her stunned kin. "Isn't my uncle magnificent?"

"Rin." James had by this point run over to join the rest of his family and was grasping his sister's hand tightly. "Your uncle isn't going to hurt anyone, is he?"

"No, James-chan, don't worry. He's merely putting on a show; a reminder of how powerful he is."

"I had a feeling that was what was happening." Mr. Grasshopper adjusted his monocle as the bat demons continued their flight. "Such a display is often the best way to ensure a potential foe poses no challenge."

"Puttin' an idiot in their place feels pretty good, to be honest." Centipede was watching the scene with a rather smug smile.

"Indeed it does. He'll probably join us here in a bit and no doubt Chief Beatcom and his team will as well. I'd better join my kin in the skies, though; I'll keep an ear out for when the police show up."

"Huh, bettin' every official in the city is gonna head this way, providin' they're not too terrified to move." Earthworm remained huddled on the ground.

"Good, that means we won't have to hunt them."

Rin spread her wings and ran forward, jumping off the edge of the hotel. Her wings caught an updraft of wind and the half-demon felt herself rushing into the sky. Soon she was surrounded by her fellow Kurosakis, all of whom hissed and growled in greeting, inclining their heads as their Lord's niece joined their ranks. Rin nodded back, a smile stretching over her face as she flew along with them. Oh, how she had missed this. Flying alone was wonderful enough, but to be part of such a great force, flying together in synch, was a joy beyond words. Kenta and Souske quickly caught up to Rin and the three young royals soared together, watching and listening as the humans below them panicked. All the while, Lord Takashi hovered above New York, reveling in the fear that enveloped the Big Apple like a miasma.

All too soon, Rin heard the sound of blaring sirens and screeching tires. Numerous police cars were speeding toward the hotel where she and her family were residing and a good number of limousines were following. However, while the policemen quickly left their cars and raced into the hotel- Chief Michael Beatcom in the lead- the limousines stayed parked some distance away and their doors remained firmly shut. Above her, Rin heard her uncle growl and she looked up to see his glowing eyes narrowed in displeasure. With a toss of his great head, the massive bat demon flapped his wings and flew forward, allowing a few small shafts of sunlight to trickle back into the city. However, with so many bat demons still covering the sky and the flashing lights from the police cars, the minute rays of sun were barely enough to penetrate the shadows cast by the Kurosakis and the light that did make it into the city quickly mixed with the red lights from the emergency vehicles, making the whole city appear as though it had been painted with blood.

Another low growl from Lord Takashi reverberated through the city. On cue, the main force of the Kurosaki bat demons ceased their flight and alit upon the many rooftops surrounding the hotel. There they perched, their claws digging into the stone and metal of the buildings and their wings folded about them like cloaks as they peered down at the terrified humans below. Rin, Kenta, and Souske, meanwhile, remained aloft, cautiously flying by Lord Takashi's head as the powerful bat demon stared down at the hotel rooftop and the policemen who were just emerging from the door leading back into the hotel. At the sight of the officers, Lord Takashi's mouth opened in a cruel smile and he turned his head to regard his niece.

"Hai, Takashi oji-san."

Rin and her cousins folded their wings and shot downwards, expertly landing lightly on their feet beside Rin's bug family. James glanced over at Rin, who gave her little brother a reassuring nod as above the, Takashi spread his wings wide and gave vent to one last screech before folding his massive wings and allowing sunlight to burst forth over the city once more. The sudden onslaught of light caused many onlookers to yelp and cover their eyes as the great bat demon descended upon the hotel. However, in the same instant sunlight returned over New York, the great bat vanished from sight. Rin, Kenta, and Souske, who had closed their eyes as Takashi descended, waited calmly for everyone else's vision to clear enough for them to behold the tall slender man standing in front of them.

Garbed in his usual black haori and red hakama, Lord Takashi's massive wings rested over his shoulders like a cape and his clawed hands rested by his sides. Not a strand of his fawn-colored hair had come loose from his topknot and his goatee was neatly trimmed. The bat demon's long elfin ears jutted from his head and his nostrils flared as he took in the sounds and smells of the city. All the while, his golden eyes remained fixed on the group in front of him, his expression impassive as he took in each and every face that stared back at him in awe.

"Behold his Lordship Takashi Kurosaki, ruler of the Kurosaki Bat Demons and Lord of the Southern Lands." Kenta's voice rang over the rooftop. "Look upon him and fear."

"Thank you, my son." Takashi's voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the power behind it. "You and your brother have done well."

Kenta and Souske bowed as their father's eyes came to rest upon Rin. The half-demon stepped forward, also bowing as Takashi approached her, addressing her in Japanese as he did.

"My dear niece, my Rin. Had I known what had happened to your family, I would have come to your aid, war be damned."

"I know you would have, Uncle. And I thank you for your aid." Rin straightened up as Takashi laid a clawed hand on her cheek.

"You have done the Kurosaki name proud, my child. And here you stand before me, fully grown and more than worthy of your title. Ahh, would that Tomoko could see you now. Still..." Takashi looked over at Rin's current family, who were watching the bat demon warily, as though they were worried he might cause her harm. The idea was laughable, of course, but Rin caught a slight gleam of approval in her uncle's eyes. He nodded at her and Rin stepped aside as the bat demon Lord made his way over to her family.

"Ahh, James-chan, how you've grown since I've seen you last." Takashi smiled down at the little boy, completely ignoring the police force who were trying their hardest not to visibly shake with fear.

"It's good to see you again, sir," James answered softly.

"It is good to see you again as well. And as I told your sister, I am so very sorry that I was unaware of what happened to my poor sister and her husband. Neither you nor Rin should have suffered as you did."

"It's not your fault. You didn't know and Rin couldn't get away to let you know what had happened."

"Well, I am here now. And I promise all will be put to right." Takashi smiled at James once more before turning his full attention to the six bugs.

"So, you are my new kin."

"We have that honor, my Lord," Mr. Grasshopper replied. "I hope you find us worthy of that title."

"If Rin has vouched for you, then believe me, you are more than worthy. From what I have heard, you showed my niece and her brother nothing but the true care of a proper family from the moment you met, is that correct?"

"We could do nothing else," Miss Spider said, meeting the bat demon's eyes.

Takashi nodded at this. "Then I am honored to call you family as well. We have much to discuss, but we will have time to get to know each other properly. I hope you will grant me a bit of time to wait for my mate Suzume to arrive with our daughter. Sumiko is unused to flying such distances."

"Oh, you have a little girl too?" Mrs. Ladybug asked with a smile.

"Indeed I do. She was born the year after James was. Do you remember Sumiko, James-chan?"

"I think so. She was just a baby then."

"She is five now and merely takes time on longer flights."

"I'm sure she's just darling. We can't wait to meet her and your lovely wife," Mrs. Ladybug assured Takashi.

"And they wish to meet you as well. Unfortunately, it seems I have less pleasant matters to attend to." Takashi turned to finally regard the policemen, his golden eyes narrowing as they settled on Chief Beatcom. "I have heard some rather unflattering stories regarding your actions when Rin and James arrived in your city. Believe me, they do not paint you in the best light."

"Oh God, he knows," one of the officers whimpered.

"Shut up!" someone else hissed back.

"Silence, men!" Chief Beatcom glanced over at Rin. The half-demon nodded, gesturing for the police chief to do as she had instructed him. With a sigh, Chief Beatcom stepped forward and knelt down in front of Takashi. Bowing from his waist, he pressed his arms and forehead against the rough pavement of the rooftop.

"There is no excuse for what I've done," he said as clearly as he could. "Ow..wa...I apologize, my Lord."

"Aaah, my niece has instructed you in our customs, has she? How good of you to finally listen to her." Takashi regarded the kneeling police chief for a few moments. "Rise, police chief. I accept your apology. However, I am not yet done with you or your ilk." The bat demon's eyes narrowed as Chief Beatcom raised his head to look back up at Takashi. "Not by a long shot."

"Yes, my Lord." Chief Beatcom got to his feet and rejoined his men, ever aware of the eyes upon him. Takashi gazed disdainfully at the policemen once more before turning back to his kin.

"Right, shall we adjourn to our rooms? Suzume and Sumiko won't arrive for another few hours and then, may I suggest we all meet for our evening meal at the hotel restaurant?"

"Forgive us, Lord Takashi, but you have provided us with much and we currently have no way to repay you," Mr. Grasshopper said.

"Nonsense. You have done far more to repay me than I could have asked for by showing kindness to Rin and James. And sharing a meal would be an excellent way to get to now each other, correct?"

"I'm for it, but what about the others?" Centipede looked up at the numerous bat demons still perched on the rooftops.

"Ahh, they will likely take turns sleeping in the rooms we have here, but they will not want to be confined to the city. I imagine many of them will prefer to sleep in the park or in the more rural areas outside of Manhattan."

"If that is what they prefer."

"It is. I am also waiting on two of my closest advisors; they should be here by tomorrow."

"Oh? Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes. As I said, I plan to put every wrong that was inflicted on you to right, starting with the source. But," Takashi smiled, baring his long and deadly fangs, "all in good time, my family. All in good time."
~

And so, New York City finally met my uncle, the great Bat Demon Lord. But his arrival was merely the preview for the show of power that was to come.