Ch. 36

I will say that the display my uncle put on kept most of the more annoying humans at bay for the rest of the day.

MOST of them.
~

"Are you sure we're not under-dressed for this?"

"Don't ask me. I've never even here before either, remember?"

"All the same, we should be presentable when going out for dinner."

"If Takashi oji-san wanted us to dress up, he would have provided us with what we needed."

Mrs. Ladybug sighed. "You uncle has done so much for us already. I just wish..."

"Like I've said and like my uncle has said, you are in no debt. He considers you part of the family now and we help each other."

"Yes, well, I should like to return the favor."

"You already have. Believe me."

Rin didn't look at Mrs. Ladybug as she spoke, but she sensed the kindly insect's gaze on her. The half-demon merely twitched her ears as Mrs. Ladybug laid a light hand on Rin's arm.

"Any pain, dear?"

"What? Oh, are you still worried about that?"

"You were badly cut and struck by lightning."

"Wouldn't be the first time for either."

"And the way you fell? You could have broken your neck!"

"Done that before too!"

"Isuzu!"

"How many times did you break your neck, Rin-girl?" Centipede asked as he joined Rin and Mrs. Ladybug in the main room.

"Six," James, who had been trailing after Centipede piped up. "Mum said she counted."

"Well, six that she knew about," Rin replied, giving her brother a fanged grin.

"Oh for Heaven's sake!" Mrs. Ladybug covered her face with all four hands. "Perhaps it's best you do keep this information to yourself, Rin. I can't bear thinking about what might happen to you when you're out and about with your cousins."

"So then you probably don't want to know about the time we had to track down a group of-"

"No I do not!"

"Suit yourself."

"When you get a chance, I wanna hear about that!" Centipede snickered as Mrs. Ladybug left the living room. "Whatever it is you were up to."

"I don't know, Centipede," James said softly. "I think Rin was talking about the toad demons." The little boy shivered a bit. "Those sounded really scary."

"Only if you didn't know what you were getting into," Rin assured her brother. "Kenta, Sosuke and I did. And those low-life yokai never stood a chance."

"All the same, perhaps it is best that you keep the more frightening stories for later." Miss Spider had clearly heard every word exchanged. She drifted over to James, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulders. "That applies to you as well, Centipede."

"Aww, come on. Everyone likes a good ghost story now and then, right, Jimmy-boy?"

"Well... sometimes."

Centipede paused, noting the wary expression on James's face, then winked at the little boy. "Yeah, save 'em for Halloween, right, kid?"

"And certainly not for the dinner table." Mrs. Ladybug had returned, followed by Mr. Grasshopper.

"You've never dined with demons, have you?" Rin asked, the grin still on her face.

"Very funny, Rin, but could we please have a civilized discussion with your family tonight?" Mr. Grasshopper asked.

"Depends on your definition of 'civilized.' And they're your family now too, remember?"

"Pardon, but what kind of dinner can we expect?" Earthworm raised his upper body off one of the sofas where he'd been curled up. "I understand different cultures and all, but what exactly do demons serve at the dinner table?"

"Depends on what we catch that day. And given that there are a large number of people in the city-"

"WHAT?"

"Don't worry, Earthworm, she's just joking," James assured him. "Rin doesn't eat people, right, Rin?"

"Well, no, I don't."

"That's enough, Rin, please," Mrs. Ladybug insisted.

"And for Heaven's sake, Earthworm, we're dining at the hotel restaurant," Mr. Grasshopper added. "Everyone can chose what they like. Within reason."

"Humph. Doubt they'll have dirt."

"Eh, who's hurt?" Glowworm blinked as the family began moving toward the front door. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yes, we're all okay," James said, speaking close enough for Glowworm to hear.

"Oh. That's good, dear."

"Even better, no one's tried sneaking up here." Rin twitched her ears as Mr. Grasshopper opened the door to let everyone out into the hallway.

"We did ask not to be disturbed." Mrs. Ladybug brushed down the front of her blouse for what was likely the hundredth time. "No doubt the hotel is honoring our wishes."

"I dunno. I'd say the fact that a buncha bat demons are hanging out in the hotel might have somethin' to do with that." Centipede glanced out the window to view the numerous buildings decorated in neon lights. The late spring sky had faded into dusky twilight, but every so often, a winged form would flit across an illuminated building, throwing an ominous shadow over the bright steel for just a moment.

"Yes, and I'm sure the restaurant is just thrilled about all of us." Earthworm scowled as he pushed his way over the carpeted floor. "And is anyone but me finding this carpet rather abrasive?"

"I'm the only one not wearing shoes, so no."

"That won't be a problem, will it?" Mr. Grasshopper asked. "After all, I'm certain footwear of some kind is required in the hotel."

"All things considered, I doubt they're going to complain."

Any further conversation was cut short by the arrival of the elevator. The family made their way inside and the operator- a different man than the one on duty the first night- kept his eyes fixed on the controls as he ran the elevator all the way down to the lobby. As they descended, Rin's sharp ears caught the sound of footsteps and voices growing louder by the moment. The half-demon growled under her breath and narrowed her eyes, clenching her fists as the doors opened. Sure enough, a good number of people were milling about inside the lobby and the half-demon doubted all of them were guests.

At the sight of the family, the numerous eyes of the crowd seemed to light up. A good number of them surged forward, waving frantically at the six bugs, the half-demon, and the small boy.

"They're here!"

"Get the camera!"

"Are you staying here long?"

"Wait, wait, we want to see you!"

""Do we look like a sideshow to you, toroi?" Rin snarled.

"Easy, Rin." Mr. Grasshopper laid a gentle hand on the half-demon's arm as the crowd drew closer. "No need for that just yet."

"Oh, where's the boy?"

"Yes, I want a picture with him!"

"You think he'd want to meet our kids?"

"Hey, I promised our kids they'd talk to him first!"

"You were saying?" Rin hissed to Mr. Grasshopper and Centipede moved to stand in front of Miss Spider and James.

"Right, the situation is starting to get out of hand," the elder insect whispered back. "But I think it's best if we-"

"Hey, c'mon talk to us!"

"Yeah, where's the kid?"

"C'mon, just one picture?"

"ENOUGH!"

In their desire to get a glimpse of the famous family, none of the crowd- guests or otherwise- had noticed the regal form of Lord Takashi Kurosaki striding into the lobby. The only one who had noticed was the concierge Justin Black who was currently cowering behind his desk. Takashi paid him no mind as he strode toward where Rin stood her kin, his golden eyes narrowed in displeasure as he glared out at the assembled humans. Said humans shrank back from the furious demon, all of them backing away as eagerly as they had swarmed forward. Takashi curled his lip in distaste.

"Is the habit of Westerners to harass members of a noble household or is that simply the behavior of the New Yorker?"

"Eh, it depends."

"Not now, Centipede," Miss Spider hissed.

"Oy, we-"

A snarl from Takashi cut off the protestor's speech like a blade through flesh. The bat demon bared his deadly fangs at the crowd as he spoke.

"If I receive any more word of my kin being treated as personal entertainers, the ones responsible will not live long enough to regret it? Do I make myself clear?"

The last words, spoken in a growl, was enough to convince most of the crowd to leave. They didn't get very far, however, as a large group of bat demons emerged from the shadows. A mix of males and females, all of the demons had fawn hair, golden eyes, and deadly-looking teeth and claws. Their half-folded wings shifted against their backs and several of them snapped their fanged jaws mere inches from many a frightened face.

"My guards will be keeping order in this hotel for the duration of our stay. Provoke them at your own risk!"

"Er, my lord..." Justin Black raised a trembling finger in protest.

Lord Takashi whirled and hissed at the concierge, who immediately dropped his hand.

"Er, yes, whatever you think is best, my lord. Our hotel security really could use a bit of brushing up."

"Not just the hotel security," Rin muttered.

"No indeed." Takashi nodded at his niece as he led the family down one of the hallways leading away from the lobby. "And as I told that police chief, my business with the authority in this city is far from over."

"Goodness, I certainly didn't expect all of that." Mrs. Ladybug frowned as she cast a glance back over her shoulder.

"Indeed. And to speak that way about you." Miss Spider kept her arm around James as the family followed Takashi. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, but..." James's voice trailed off as he too looked back in the direction of the crowd.

"It's alright, my boy," Mr. Grasshopper assured him. "I know you're eager to make friends with the children here, but you're in no way obligated to meet and talk with strangers simply because of our current circumstances."

"And we ain't paradin' you around like a show dog either, so no worries there, kid."

"I know you won't," Takashi said. "Sadly, some people need to be reminded of the fact that being well-known does not entitle them to your comradery."

"I did meet some of the kids here already," James said. "They were nice."

"Yes they were, " Miss Spider said with a smile. "And I am glad you had fun today."

"No doubt you'll make plenty of friends in due course, young James. But your family is right; you need not feel obligated to spend time with people simply for the sake of their egos."

"Still, I imagine we'll have to deal with the press in due course," Mr. Grasshopper said with a slight sigh. "Ah, well, at least we can control the narrative."

"Hopefully," Rin muttered.

"Again, all in good time," Takashi assured them. "For tonight, we have a section of the hotel restaurant to ourselves."

"Oh yes, your wife and daughter are her now, are they not?" Mrs. Ladybug asked with a smile.

"Indeed they are. Suzume and Sumiko are looking forward to meeting you."

Rounding a corner, the family came to a set of double doors by which two bat demons guards were standing. The two males bowed as the family approached.

"Takashi-sama, Rin-hime," they greeted softly.

"Hime?" Centipede asked, glancing over at Rin.

"Hai. My title."

"It means 'princess,' right, Rin?"

"Pretty much, James-chan. 'Lady of high birth' is a closer translation, but the sentiment is the same."

"Wait, all this time, you've been a-"

"I've made it no secret that we Kurosakis are a noble household, Earthworm."

"But... but... a princess!"

"Yeah, go figure. Our Rin-girl's a princess."

"Centipede, if you make a habit of calling me princess, I'm going to rip your tongue out."

"Take care, Centipede-san, we Kurosakis do not make threats; we make promises." Takashi flashed Centipede a thin smile.

"Eh heh heh heh, gotcha."

"Even though you'd never hurt anyone in our family, right, Rin?" James grasped his sister's hand.

"No, but I don't mind letting Centipede think otherwise," Rin whispered. Beside James, Miss Spider laughed under her breath and gave Rin an approving nod.

Takashi had spoken truly when he said that the hotel restaurant had been sectioned off. The large room had been sectioned off by heavy blood-red curtains with more Kurosaki bat demons posted at various intervals. Muffled voices and footsteps, along with the low drone of a piano, came from the other side of the curtains, but there was no sign of a particularly brazen guest attempting to sneak a peak at the family's dining space.

The large marble floor had been cleared of any smaller round tables and was instead dominated by a single low oaken bench that stretched nearly the full length of the private space. Thick red cushions of various sizes were placed along the edge of the table in place of chairs. The table was already set with cloth napkins, a full set of utensils including chopsticks, and glasses of water. The lamps mounted on the walls were turned down low with a only a few candles lit at the corners of the large table to add to the atmosphere.

"Takashi-daarin."

A young woman was standing by the table, along with Kenta and Souske. Like the rest of the Kurosakis, she had long fawn-colored hair and golden eyes. Her face was oval-shaped and gentle-looking, despite the fang tips that showed over her ruby lips and the pointed ears that twitched slightly from the sides of her head. She wore a silk kimono of emerald green and soft pink from which her clawed hand emerged to grasp the hand of a little girl, who was no older than five.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my mate Suzume and my daughter Sumiko."

"It is good to meet you all." Suzme let go of her daughter's hand to bow to the family.

"Likewise, Lady Suzume."

"Indeed, we are quite grateful to you and to your whole family."

"Yeah, Rin's said a lotta good things about you."

"And aren't you just a darling?" Mrs. Ladybug smiled at Sumiko. The little bat demon bowed and titled her head at the kindly insect.

"Good... evening," she murmured.

"She is still learning English." Suzume smiled and whispered something in Japanese to the little girl, which caused a slight smile to steal over Sumiko's face. "But she will get there."

"Omigatte, Sumiko-chan desu," Rin said with a smile at her little cousin.

"Hi, Sumiko!"

Sumiko brightened. "Hel-lo, James nii-san."

"Any trouble?" Takashi asked his sons.

"None since we got here, though there are... rumors in the city," Kenta answered.

"I see." Takashi sighed. "Well, that's for tomorrow. Come, everyone, let us enjoy our meal."

"Are you faring well enough, Rin?" Suzume asked.

"Well enough, Suzume oba-san. Thank you."

The bat demon Lady nodded. "I know we have much to talk about. Let me know if there's anything we can do at any time."

"Thankfully, both Rin and James managed to successfully navigate a most unfortunate situation," Mr. Grasshopper noted as the family settled themselves into the cushions around the table. "They are most remarkable children. Even if you are nearly grown, Rin," he added with a wry smile.

"Actually those of yokai blood are not considered grown until they have reached their first century," Suzume said, unfurling one of her wings for Sumiko to lean against.

"...century?" Centipede raised an eyebrow at Rin.

"Hai."

"In other words, you'll be a teenager for the next hundred years?" Earthworm's voice squeaked.

"I'm already seventeen."

"So you have eighty-three more years," James said with a grin.

"Yes, James, well done that." Mr. Grasshopper and Mrs. Ladybug both exchanged worried looks. "Goodness, that's a rather extensive adolescence."

"Sou desu."

"Beg pardon?"

"It is so," Suzume translated with a nod at the confused group of bugs. "Though we yokai are physically grown at seventeen, showing signs of physical age takes a good deal of time."

"If you don't mind me sayin' so, you don't look a day over twenty," Centipede chimed in.

"You flatter me," Suzume said with a small smile. "Twenty years is but the blink of an eye."

"Meanwhile, many of us were lucky to see a year or two. I suppose we are now to our kind what you are to humans," Mr. Grasshopper noted.

"Ugh, I hadn't thought of that." Earthworm flopped onto the table, causing a few of the yokai guards to throw confused glances his way.

"We are lucky, Earthworm," Miss Spider told him. "True, we are different from what we once were, but we have gained so much in return. We should enjoy it."

"I'm with Angel Fangs. And speaking of enjoying, never had a chance to enjoy a restaurant before."

"Then I shall hope you will enjoy this experience." Takashi nodded and two of the waiting bat yokai swept into the kitchen. "Not only did I ensure our privacy, but I asked the kitchen to provide particular favorite of ours for an appetizer."

"I thought that's what I smelling." Rin couldn't stop herself from perking up.

"Indeed. I know it's been a while since you've had a bowl of osumashi, Rin-chan. And you enjoy it as well, don't you, James-chan?"

"Yes," the little boy said with a wide smile. "Mum and Dad loved it too."

"O-soo... what is it?" Centipede asked. His question was answered as two human waiters, their faces tinged with wariness, rolled in trolleys covered with small steaming bowls. With quiet nods, they placed a bowl in front of each occupant and Rin breathed in the savory smell as she looked down at the clear broth.

"Oh my, this does look good," Mrs. Ladybug said.

"Very savory," Mr. Grasshopper agreed. "Forgive me for asking, though, does this have meat in it?'

"No. Osumashi can occasionally be served with fish, but it's usually a broth made solely of vegetables."

"Huh. Coulda fooled me. Looks good."

"It is good, Centipede," James assured him.

"Hai. One of my favorites."

"Enjoy." Takashi had already picked up his spoon and everyone else quickly followed suit. Rin shuddered with delight as the savory broth danced over her tongue and slid down her throat, sending warmth through her body as it did. The thinly sliced scallions and button mushrooms seemed to melt in her mouth as she ate and the half-demon had to stop herself from simply emptying the bowl into her mouth in a single swallow.

"Perhaps you will teach us how to make this soup?" Miss Spider asked Suzume. "If you do not mind."

"Not at all. It's quite simple and I did teach Miranda-imouto. I understand she made osumashi for you often enough, did she not?" Suzume glanced over at Rin and James.

"Hai, she did," the half-demon answered. "Usually when it was cold."

"And when I wasn't feeling well," James reminded his sister. "I think this soup is better than chicken soup for making you feel better."

"Never had chicken soup, but I think I gotta agree with you there, Jimmy-boy." Centipede gulped down the last of his osumahi. "I could eat that every night."

"Actually so could I." Rin sipped the last of her own broth.

"It does seem a family trait," Sosuke said with a smile.

"Indeed. One that every member of our family shares." Takashi set his own empty bowl down and the two young waiters busied themselves collecting empty bowls and refilling everyone's water glasses. At the same time, they distributed paper menus to the entire family before returning the empty soup bowls back to the kitchen.

"Order whatever you like. The prices here are of no concern."

"Thank you again for everything, Lo... Takashi. However, once we're established in the city, I hope you'll allow us to treat you and your immediate family to a meal," Mr. Grasshopper said.

"I would be honored to accept, Grasshopper-san. But for now, simply enjoy."

Rin scanned the menu, her golden eyes zeroing in the roast beef. Catching the eyes of the waiter, the half-demon indicated the item.

"Could the roast beef be hot, but raw?"

"Certainly, miss. Your uncle already let the kitchen know how most of the meat dishes are to be prepared." The waiter jotted down the half-demon's order. "Rice, onions, and mixed greens with that?"

"Hai. With a bit of soy sauce and ginger. Sumimasen desu."

As it happened, it wasn't just Rin and her yokai kin who preferred their meat raw. As their meals were served, Rin noted both Miss Spider and Centipede had also opted for the steaming, but bloody roast beef, though they had requested roasted potatoes in lieu of rice. Mr. Grasshopper, naturally, had forgone meat, but seemed to be enjoying a hefty helping of red potatoes roasted with onions and butter, a salad of mixed greens and he was sharing a plate of bread and butter with Mrs. Ladybug. Mrs. Ladybug accepted the bread with a nod of thanks as she dug into a steaming dish of broiled salmon, potatoes, and green beans. Across from them, Earthworm sampled a bit of roast chicken, muttering darkly about eating a bird before it got the chance to eat him. Next to him, Glowworm was cheerfully nibbling away at a hot open-faced turkey sandwich which was drowned in gravy. The half-demon bit into a piece of raw, onion flavored beef as she watched James happily eating a (fully cooked) bite of roast beef, his own plate also full of roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, bread and butter.

Not like I have to worry anymore. James hasn't gone hungry since we met our new kin.

With a sigh of relief, Rin settled into her cushion and focused on eating. The hotel kitchen had done its work well and everyone seemed happy with their dinner. The candles and low lamps sent flickering shadows against the walls and the heavy curtains held the heat well in the room. One by one, everyone finished and sat back, expression of contentment on their faces and more than one eye blinking rapidly from the sudden sleepiness that follows a good meal. Rin might have succumbed to such a feeling herself had she not heard her uncle's whisper.

"We will talk tonight, Rin-chan. And I will need you to tell me everything.
~

I knew that whatever I told my uncle wouldn't sway him in his resolve to punish all who had harmed James and I. But I also knew that whatever I- and later James and the rest of my family would say- could possibly change on my uncle's mind on just how he would dispense judgment on the heads of the guilty.