Shayurigammi - Its Acting time!

by Persone I

The plot revolves around one simple boy whose life is turned upside down at one moment. An ordinary teenager, Hideo Hiyako, is a self-contained guy who finds it difficult to find friends and a place in the world. One day, he finds a video game console in the basement of the house, which seems absolutely ordinary. But in fact, it turns out to be some kind of mythical artifact.

2. Scroll 1 Shyurigammi's Summoning

Scroll 1:
Shyurigammi's Summoning to the mortal world ~"Toketsu the Snow Leopard of Ice" ~

Early morning. The ringing of the alarm clock wakes up one young man from sleep, who is not averse to bask in his arms a little longer. However, the annoying trill still makes him rise above the bed and, rubbing his sleepy eyes, reach out and press the button to turn off the alarm.

Hideo Hiyako was in no hurry to go to school. Burdened by his isolation in adolescence, the boy did not really like the team, and even more so to be among noisy people. He preferred solitude, and he wanted to stay in the shadows.

He didn't talk to anyone, left school as soon as the last bell rang, and didn't make any acquaintances. And most of the time, he would like to be somewhere where no one would find him.

His only outlet, and an opportunity to escape from this noisy world, were video games. He preferred to spend his free time locked in his room and playing.

He had quite a few favorite games, which he sometimes played with his father.

And every time during the game, Hiyako wanted to associate himself with one of his favorite characters. However, he knew that he didn't look like any of them. He wasn't strong, he wasn't fast, and he didn't have any fighting skills. He was often visited by the thought that someone like him would not be able to achieve any heights. To prove himself, or to prove that he is worth something.

But now, the kid would like to flop back on the pillow and wrap himself in a blanket to take a nap for another ten minutes. Because he didn't want to go to school at all.

But realizing that he couldn't get away anyway, and in five to ten minutes his mother would come to him and start waking him up louder than the alarm clock, he reluctantly got up, stretched, slowly changed his night T-shirt into casual clothes, and went to the bathroom.

There, he also slowly began to wash, thinking to himself how alien this school was to him.

—Hiyako! Breakfast is getting cold! - Mom's voice rang out.

Hiyako muttered to himself, finally wiped his face with a towel, and went downstairs. His parents were already having breakfast in the living room. Mom, as always, is wearing a kitchen apron, and Dad is in a white shirt with a dark tie.

When the head of the family saw his son, he smiled kindly at him, but his mother was rather harsh in her reaction. She was terribly annoyed that her son was walking so leisurely to breakfast.

- Hiyako, it's almost cold! — she wailed, clearing the already empty plates from the table.

Hiyako bowed guiltily and sat down at the table.

— Do you remember the mantra? — said the head of the family, taking the boy by the shoulder.

— Da-a-a-d — Hiyako groaned, rolling his eyes — can't we just eat quietly, without it?

His father looked sternly at him
— I've told you more than once that this is VERY important. For you, first of all.

Realizing that it was pointless to argue, Hiyako sighed heavily, raised his hand with two fingers and began to describe the extraordinary symbols in front of his nose and quietly whispered their name.

- ''Kya... Rayl...Chi...Yar...San…''

Father's face instantly lit up with a smile, patting his son on the top of the head, he returned to his plate. Hiyako, in order not to anger his mother, decided to start eating breakfast and eat quickly, but now his thoughts about school have changed to this annoying mantra.

For as long as he can remember, starting at the age of six, his father kept telling him to memorize these strange symbols and their names, and repeat them in a certain sequence, every time, for example, he sits down to eat. Or he leaves the house. But why? His father did not give him any clear explanations. He just kept saying it was important and stuff, and occasionally he'd say something like,
"When the time comes, you'll find out."
But time passed, and there was no response. And the intrusive reminders kept coming at him when he least wanted to.

Hiyako did not argue with her dad. Moreover, his father had always been so kind to him that it was simply a crime to disobey him. But at least he never told him the meaning of these symbols, this mantra. Moreover, Hiyako couldn't find anything on the Internet that could resemble this mantra. Not a hand movement, not a word. It's like Dad made it up and forced it on him as something "important."

However, the way he reminded him of this with a serious face, the way he told him that it was VERY important, suggested that there was still a point in these movements and some use. But which one?

—Hiyako! You'll be late for school! — mom said loudly, which tore the boy away from his thoughts, in which he managed to drown.

Hiyako realized that she had been staring at her plate for the past two minutes, but the noodles were not getting any smaller.

- Dozed off? - The father looked at the boy with a smile on his face.

— Dad— Hiyako turned to his dad — will you ever explain, what is this mantra? Why should I know it? And what do these symbols mean?

The boy described in the air a symbol similar to the kanji "眠" (Sleep). But in a slightly different way.

In response, the father frowned, shifting his gaze to the window. For a moment, Hiyako thought the lid of her father's left eye twitched. But turning his gaze back to the boy, he replied softly.

- You'll figure it out when the time comes.

With that, he got up from the table and headed for the exit.

— But when exactly? - Hiyako said, turning to his father.

The father froze. After a minute of silence, he looked at his son over his shoulder and said

- When you turn eighteen.

He said it like he'd cut it off, and left the house and closed the door. Hiyako drooped. Everything is only when you turn eighteen. Is it really not possible to find out earlier? Why all these mysteries and riddles when the answer is needed now?! However, he hastened to take his mind off these thoughts and finish his breakfast before his mother got angry again.

After getting ready for school, Hiyako went out the door and closed the door. It was a beautiful sunny day outside. The sun gently touches the grass and leaves of densely growing trees, playfully dances with highlights on the windows, and throws sparkles on the brick-lined road. A light, almost imperceptible wind slowly drives large fluffy clouds across the sky and rustles the bushes.

Hiyako looked around, the street where he lived was almost empty as always. Only a couple of people can be seen either wandering along the sidewalk or tending to their gardens. And there was nothing else noticeable.

When he reached the end of the sidewalk, Hiyako turned back to the house. Even though he didn't want to, and he didn't want to waste time, he whispered a few incomprehensible words again and held his hand in front of him, describing ordinary characters vaguely similar to Kanji. Then he bowed and took a deep breath and went to school.

Upon arrival, he tried to stay out of sight, walked past the students who were talking very loudly about something, around the corner into the corridor to his classroom. As always, there were a lot of people here. Everyone was talking, arguing, whispering, and it all weighed heavily on Hiyako's ears.

This hum rang with some kind of echo and stuck in my head. Unwittingly, I want to plug my ears in order to hear only silence. From there, Hiyako hurried to the classroom. He no longer remembered how the others entered, how the teacher entered, how the bell rang, and how the lesson began.

All the time, Hiyako was lost in thought.

His father's statements that the secret of this mantra would be revealed to him only after reaching adulthood hurt the boy terribly. Because of that, his desire to understand this mantra was extremely strong. So much so that he began to whisper it in class and at the same time tracing these characters with his finger on the desk lid. He wanted to understand them, to understand the meaning of these strange words. Figure it out.

- Hiyako, what are you whispering? - his teacher, a stocky gray, haired man in a black robe and glasses on his nose, said loudly. Noticing that the student is distracted and is doing something of his own.

Hiyako shuddered violently, coming to himself. Looking up, he saw that half the class was already looking at him. As did the teacher, who stared at him sternly. Realizing that it was useless to deny it, he got up and quietly, afraid to look Tom in the eye, answered.

— The mantra… —

- What? - teacher asked, adjusting his glasses on his nose.

—The mantra...— Hiyako repeated in the same uncertain tone, feeling his heart pounding clearly, and a tremor began to radiate into his hand...He often told me...repeat it... for example, before eating or before leaving home.

He was terribly embarrassed to talk about it, seeing how his classmates glared at him. The teacher wanted to ask a fair question, "why is he whispering this mantra in class," but suddenly a spark of curiosity lit up in his eyes, and he asked the following.

— Do you know the meaning of this mantra? —

—No - Hiyako replied more animatedly, and then he felt like he wanted to speak out - my dad has been teaching it to me for ten years. But he never explained the meaning of either the mantra or these symbols.

Hiyako began to describe each of the symbols he knew in the air with his fingers, while continuing to broadcast.

— Honestly, it doesn't even sound like a "mantra". These are just words and signs that I don't understand. "Kya", "Rail", "Chi", "Yar" and "San" - he said he would tell you about their meaning when the time was right. But it is not clear exactly when.

The whole class was already looking at Hiyako, everyone was laughing strangely and whispering to each other, watching him twirl his hand. From the outside, it might have looked a little ridiculous. The teacher, in turn, adjusted his glasses again and nodded.

- Well Hiyako, I'll close my eyes. But next time, be kind enough to spend more time in class STUDYING, rather than chanting a mantra.

Hiyako nodded and finally sat down. He was relieved as soon as all the students looked back at their notebooks, and the teacher continued the lesson. However, the question of the mantra continued to unnerve him.

Wanting to think about it somehow, he decided to sketch the symbols on a piece of paper, as well as their names. Hoping that he would be able to find the meaning later, at least in books.

As soon as the bell rang, Hiyako left the classroom and went to the school library. Walking along the corridor, while looking at a piece of paper with symbols, he whispered a mantra under his breath, miraculously did not collide with any of the other students or any of the teachers. But the students did not ignore that some guy was walking down the corridor with a piece of paper, muttering something, while successfully dodging the rest of the students coming at him.

They pointed at him, laughing a little, and discussed this strange phenomenon among other things. But Hiyako barely paid attention to them on the way to the library. He was so immersed in the mantra, in the Kanji words, that he hardly heard them.

And all of a sudden he had to run into someone in the hallway, and not just anyone, but his teacher, who had picked him up this morning for reciting a mantra in class.

The teacher dropped a couple of books and a magazine.

- Hiyako, be careful - he said sternly, bending down to pick up the fallen things.

- I'm sorry - Hiyako replied guiltily, too, bending down and picking up a magazine and an algebra textbook...

But the teacher did not let Hiyako explain himself, because with a very interested face he picked up a piece of paper on which handwritten squiggles were written. As he began to look through each character intently, he even managed to forget that he was going to class 3-6A, and stopped even hearing the student.

Hiyako was confused and alarmed by this. The teacher stared at the symbols as if he understood each of them. His face became more and more focused, and his eyes narrowed more and more. It's like he knows them like his native Japanese.

- Uh-uh...excuse me? - Hiyako asked him, holding out the textbooks with the magazine, hoping to attract the attention of the teacher – Yamotaro-sensei?

Yamotaro-sensei tore his gaze away from the symbols and, assuming a friendly face, rubbed the back of his head, answering.

- Oh, Hiyako, I'm sorry, but what kind of writing are these? - he took the textbooks from the boy's hands, still holding the piece in his hand.

- These...These are the symbols that I talked about in class today – the boy replied, holding out his hand for the paper - Can you please return it?

- Ah...Yes-yes, of course, - Yamotaro sensei returned the paper to Hiyako, with a slightly worried face.

He noted that the teacher, as he looked at these symbols with a steady gaze, also handed over a piece of paper with some excitement in his eyes. Maybe he knows something? Hiyako decided to find out carefully.

- I'm sorry, Yamotaro-sensei, but do...do you know what these symbols might mean? - he asked.

- I don't know, Hiyako - he said, clutching the books in his hands as tightly as possible, and hurriedly leaving - sorry, but I'm in a hurry.

Looking after him, Hiyako was even more confused than before. He looks like he knows something. Surely he couldn't have stared at them for so long because they were "beautiful" or something like that? Besides, he had such a focused face, as if he not only understood them, but knew their meaning. I knew everything about them.

The kid decided to remember this just in case, but for now he continued on his way to the library, trying to look at his feet and not at the piece of paper. Arriving at the reading room, Hiyako went to the bookshelves and selected several books about Japanese Kanji, as well as the origin of the Japanese language. And also a book with myths about Yokai. He decided that maybe his father had picked something out of history or seen it in similar books. And I decided that it was something important.

It doesn't sound convincing, but it's worth checking out.

Taking these books, Hiyako went to the table, sat down, spread them out and put a piece of paper with symbols in front of him, began to flip through the pages, trying to find at least some similarities. But there was nothing like it in any book, not even remotely similar. It wasn't even close. None of the Kanji looked like a character from a mantra. Their spelling was completely different; unlike the native language he was familiar with.

After closing and putting aside the last book with the origin of Kanji and the Japanese language, Hiyako opened a book about yokai and other mythical creatures. Hoping that maybe something will happen here. It's very likely that Dad just typed them out of this or a similar book and made up this gibberish to instill Hiyako...something. Maybe respect for traditions. Or something like that.

But to his surprise and annoyance, he had already flipped through twenty pages and found nothing.

Not a single symbol that could resemble those from the mantra. No longer hoping that he would find anything, Hiyako hurriedly flipped through the entire book to the end, but no. There wasn't a single symbol like these in it either. Hiyako put down the book and, staring at the piece of paper, put his head in his hands.

- What do these symbols mean? - he thought to himself - maybe there are hints in the sound? Maybe the words will lead me to an answer?

Hiyako began to recite the mantra, paying attention to each symbol, trying to match the sound of the word in the mantra with the symbols themselves. But even this did not bear fruit. For an hour and a half, he whispered these words, peered at the symbols, tried to find at least some clue. But nothing. Hiyako leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling and sighed heavily.

- Nothing... - he pressed his hands to his temples – do these squiggles have any meaning at all? What do they mean!?

Annoyed, Hiyako gathered up the books and returned them to the shelf. He left the library and headed back to class. Along the way, he couldn't stop thinking about the possible meaning of these signs. Because of this, it was difficult for Hiyako to focus on her studies. These thoughts gave him a headache by noon, which became unbearable.

Therefore, discarding these thoughts, he decided to focus on his studies, he put aside a piece of paper with symbols. Until the end of the day.

As soon as the last bell rang, Hiyako packed her things as quickly as ever and headed home. Along the way, he only thought about getting some rest and making the best of it for some favorite game.

The rest of the day turned out to be so boring, so routine and unremarkable that only a good round in the "The Mortal Battle" could cheer him up. Or a couple of levels in "the Demon Slayer". Anything to distract myself.

After returning home, and of course exchanging a few words about the day spent with his parents, Hiyako left his briefcase in the room, and reached into the closet for the console. It was kept in the bottom drawer of the dresser where his TV was.

Taking out the console, Hiyako blew the dust off it, rubbed it a little with his palm, put it on the floor and took out the gamepad after it. But when Hiyako reached into the drawer for the connection cable, to his amazement he did not find it there. The drawer was empty.

— Huh? Where did the cable go? —

Getting to his feet and scratching his head, Hiyako began to wonder where the cable from the console had gone. He kept it only in this drawer and did not put it away anywhere else. But he's not there now. He started scouring the room, rummaging through the cupboards. But after a minute I realized that the cable had disappeared from the room without a trace. Not knowing what else to do, Hiyako decided to ask, left the room, went to the stairs and shouted into the hall.

— Dad! Do you know where the cable from the console is?

— Huh!? Ah, I think I put it in the basement the last time we played in the living room!

To the basement? How was it possible to put the cable in the basement? Nevertheless, leaving the questions behind, Hiyako went to the door to the basement, which was next to the stairs to the second floor. Picking her up, he carefully walked down the stairs. It was quite stuffy here, as always, and now it's a little dusty. They usually put everything they didn't need in the basement. There were also old family items, clothes, some books that were already worn out, and a couple of knitted drawers. After going downstairs, Hiyako immediately joined the shelves and drawers, starting to look for the cable.

- Where in the world is it? Where? - he thought feverishly to himself.

Moving to the floor and wanting to inspect the drawers, Hiyako came across something strange. A chest he didn't recognize. A cloth-lined chest, covered with some patterns that he had never seen before in any of his parents' belongings.

- A chest? ...I don't remember there being any chest here.

When I tried to open it, the lid of the chest wouldn't budge. Moreover, there were no locks or hinges on it. But at the same time, he did not want to open up.

What is even more remarkable was a piece of paper with familiar symbols on it. The symbols from the mantra that Hiyako had noticed.

- Wait a minute...I know these signs... - he muttered to himself.

Hiyako began tracing the symbols with his finger, repeating the movement and saying their names aloud.

— Rayl… Kya… Chi… Sen... Yar?

Suddenly, the symbols on the piece of paper flashed and shone. Hiyako shuddered. Did the chest react to the words he said? He tried to open the chest again, but it was still locked.

- What if i... - Hiyako raised his hand, starting to describe the symbols in the air, also saying their name aloud – Rayl. Kya. Chi. Sen. Yar.

The symbols flashed brighter, and the chest trembled. But he still didn't want to open up. Hiyako bit his lip, frowning slightly. The symbols are glowing, but the drawer won't open. He decided to say the words even more insistently.

- Rayl! Kya! Chi! San! Yar! - he said, almost out loud – Come on! Open up!

Suddenly, the chest began to emit light, shaking as if from an earthquake. Hiyako recoiled in fright, covering his face with his hands. The glow turned out to be very bright, so much so that it burned my eyes. There was a commotion immediately. Loud ear-pounding noise and... growling? There was a long, dull roar like a hungry animal growling. Everything started to shake, shelves twitching, clothes fluttering as if in the wind.

And then there was a *CLICK!, and everything slowly fell silent. Opening her eyes, Hiyako saw that the lid of the chest was open. Even though he was still scared, he put his hands into the chest, not hiding his curiosity.

They were also some old things, but... they were somehow different. There was a white robe topped with some kanji. Yin yang was depicted on the cuffs, and a large buckle with the name of... his father was visible on the collar?

It was kind of like Dad's. His clothes are his size and his name is listed. There were also hakamus, bandages on his hands, plates that looked like shoulder pads, and... in a pile of rags, he felt something that looked like a small box wrapped in cloth.

Taking out this something, Hiyako carefully unfolded the object, and saw an old game console. Probably in the seventies or even earlier. It was bright blue in color, covered with white Kanji, and had an unusual shape. With two protrusions on the body. It's a little shabby with the outlines and relief of a leopard's face on the body. The screen felt like it was in the mouth of an animal, and there were buttons on both sides. And what is strange... there was an oblong piece of paper on which there were more than five characters, as far as he knows, with arrows that hung on a small ring of this console.

—The console...? – the kid was surprised - did dad like games before? This console is clearly more than ten years old. Hmghhhh...

Hiyako turned the console in his hands, he was very fascinated by its appearance. He had never seen anything like it before. And he wondered if she was working.

- Hiyako!? – a voice rang out from above.

Recovering, he began to put his father's belongings back into the trunk. But I decided to keep the console with me for now. He wondered if she was working after all these years. After putting his things away and arranging everything as it was, and also finding the lost cord from the console that he was looking for, Hiyako went upstairs to the room.

He put the console he found in a drawer, and after connecting the console, he began to think about what he should play. However, thoughts of the strange console did not allow him to collect his thoughts in any way. He spent ten minutes scrolling through the list of his games, but in the end he didn't choose anything, making a choice in favor of this console. Putting down the gamepad, Hiyako took the console out of the closet and tried to turn it on. And to his surprise, after he pressed the "start" button, the console started. It's amazing, but it still works! As good as new.

The game's logo flashed on the screen, titled «Shayurigammi それは行動する時が来ました(It's time to act)». A heroic melody began to play, and a beautiful landscape with mountains and cherry blossoms appeared in the background. And please click on "start". The graphics in the menu were pixelated. It's understandable how old this console is. Hiyako clicked on "start" on the console, and immediately he was given Ten cells to choose from.

Nine of them were closed, except for one. The very first one. It depicted an Icy snow leopard.

His ammunition consisted of a red vest covered with kanji and blue trousers. Shoulder pads are on his shoulders, one in the shape of a leopard's face, and the other with an ice symbol. Large gloves on clawed hands, and sandals with a top, just below the knees. And a long red raincoat-scarf around his neck.

The leopard itself was blue and white, covered with spots and rings. Her hair was long and pointed, like porcupine quills, with equally long bangs. Blue-black eyes, and sharp incisors in his mouth.

Under the image of the warrior, there was also his name, "Toketsu the Snow Leopard".

Having no other choice of hero, Hiyako of course clicked on the choice. Bars made a few demonstration punches with a U-turn into the camera, and loudly said

— Toketsu the Snow leopard! Ready to fight!

The game has begun.

There was a cutscene with the participation of this very leopard. I think it was his backstory or something. Hiyako didn't really follow the plot, he was more interested in what the game would be like, what the combat system would be like, the graphics in general, and so on. Therefore, he simply skipped more than half of the cutscenes in order to switch to gameplay. And the gameplay was a 3D RPG game with elements of a fighting game. The opponents were some monsters. They were ugly, with large mouths full of teeth, clawed paws, black and red in color. I think they were called Demons.

Hiyako managed to get to the first mini boss in less than fifteen minutes, after which he quickly joined the game. So much so that I forgot about my full-fledged console with a collection of games.

He was almost completely immersed in the game. She had sunk so deeply into his soul. The kind of skills Toketsu had, how deftly he crushed enemies, and with what enthusiasm and fury he shouted his skills, it was just something. It made Hiyako goosebumps.

During the game, he even managed to forget about dinner. It took a lot of effort for him to break away from the game and go downstairs. And when he sat down at the table, he thought only of one thing – how to quickly eat and get back to the battle.

Her parents noticed that Hiyako had an unusual appetite and even mood in the evening. He was usually very calm and deep in thought. But now he was eating with such persistence that it was even surprising.

- Hiyako, you're unusually hungry in the evening - the head of the family remarked when he saw how zealously the guy was eating.

- Oh? I mean, yes! - Hiyako replied, smiling nervously - …I've worked up an appetite.

After saying that, he tried to get back to eating. After dinner, Hiyako thanked his mom, washed his plate, and rushed to his room. Yes, I didn't just go, but almost flew. And as soon as he sat down at the console, time immediately ceased to exist for him, as well as his own room.

Despite the pixel art, and the fact that the game is clearly no longer top, Hiyako liked it. Although he missed the plot, he really liked Toketsu, whom he played for. He liked fighting monsters, and of course he liked the punches and techniques that Toketsu demonstrated.

And for the first time... Hiyako felt a certain... connection. He saw Toketsu as the person he wanted to become. Confident, brave, and a little cocky. He wanted to identify himself with this fighting snow leopard.

After half an hour of gameplay, there was a sudden knock on his room door. Hiyako started, turning his gaze to the door.

- Hiyako? - Dad's voice came from outside the door.

Hiyako realized that he had taken the console from his dad's things, and took it without asking. Would Dad really swear at him for that? It is not known, but he decided to pause the game and put the console under his pillow so as not to give himself away. Of course it was wrong, he knew it, but he didn't want to upset Dad. He'd better put that console back in its place as soon as he gets enough of it. The door clicked and opened a crack. Hiyako's father looked inside.

- Hiyako? I need to tell you something - the head of the family said as he entered the room.

- Yes? - Hiyako tried his best not to reveal that he had taken the console.

It was quite difficult, because my heart started pounding like crazy. And he noticed that his father was worried about something. As if he already knew that he had taken the console from his belongings. The father looked out the door, then closed it and sat down next to his son on the bed and said.

- Regarding the mantra...- he spoke cautiously - listen, I understand that you feel unfair that I'm not telling you anything about this. But understand now...It will be very difficult for you to understand and accept this. It's something you're not mentally ready for yet. I promise, as soon as you grow up, I'll tell you everything...and I'll even tell you something you don't know about yet. But we'll have to wait until then. So please don't feel so deprived and don't stop reciting the mantra. You'll really need it. Once.

When he finished, the head of the family hugged the guy by the shoulders, patted him on the back, got up, and walked out the door. It was a rather strange dialogue, if you can call it a dialogue.

Hiyako thought about Dad's words, and suddenly realized that it was already half past eight on the clock, and he had already forgotten about his homework. I had to sit down at my textbooks as soon as possible. Fortunately, the tasks and tasks were not difficult. And that was good for Hiyako. After all, like any teenager, especially one who has found a better occupation for which he would like to spend all day and all night, he really disliked doing homework. But despite the tedium, he finished quickly. He hastily packed his briefcase, left it by the bed, and after making sure that his parents were already in their room, he continued to play.

Hiyako became more and more immersed in the game. He had already played it for more than two hours. And he was in no hurry to go to bed. It was simply a crime to trade Toketsu's mind-blowing punches, his slicing arm, or his clawing, his acrobatic techniques for some kind of dream.

Hiyako could play all night long and forget about everything. But suddenly the picture on the screen stopped, the console began to emit a strange squeak and froze, interrupting the process of fighting with another monster. Hiyako was embarrassed and lightly tapped on the case, hoping that it would work. But the game did not continue, the squeaking did not stop, but even got louder.

Hiyako knocked two more times, still holding out hope that the console would work. But there was no effect. Hiyako, starting to get angry that the console was stuck at the most important moment, began to shake it so hard that the veins on his temple bulged and the eyelids of his eyes twitched.

- What's wrong with it - he hissed, looking at the screen with displeasure – come on, work!

Then he hit the case as hard as possible with his fist, and to his dismay, the screen was covered with blue, white and pink pixels and interference. Hiyako hiccupped.

Did he mess up the console? He started tapping lightly on the back cover, hoping that the console was just glitched because it wasn't very old. But instead, some symbols and signs started flashing on the screen one by one. Hiyako, not understanding what was happening, froze, staring at the screen almost without blinking. Sweat rapidly rolled down his temple, and his heart began to beat more clearly. To his surprise, the symbols that he studied today and tried to understand their meaning appeared on the screen. They appeared with bright flashes evenly with an interval of five seconds and slowly disappeared. Hiyako felt his breath start to catch in his throat.

He began to mentally ask the console to return to normal. He was afraid to even hold her, because some inexplicable devilry was happening before his eyes.

But as if for evil, the Kanji began to flash faster and disappear just as quickly. Then even faster. And even faster. The screen started blinking non-stop. And all at once, along with the symbols, a shadow appeared with a magnificent hairstyle, ears and bright glowing eyes. Hiyako's face twisted in horror, and he started shaking the console again.

- What's that? - it flashed through his head, closing his eyes, he shook his head, and with it the console – enough, enough! Please stop!

He was in no hurry to open his eyes. He was afraid that an error would appear on the screen. Or some other heresy. But when he opened his eyes and looked at his eyes again, he saw only the level that had passed before the game hung up. Everything was the same as before. Toketsu stands in a fighting stance, the monsters a few meters away from him, like any mobs, just growled and waved their paws.

Hiyako stared blankly at the screen for another ten minutes. There was only one question in my head-what the hell was that?!

Hiyako pressed a few buttons. The game continued as if nothing had happened. Toketsu ran to the front and threw several punches at the monster.

- Maybe...i imagined it...? - Hiyako paused the game, and he got out of bed, went to the window and opened it to look outside.

After taking a few breaths of the night air, he fell into thought about what had happened... And he decided that he was really just imagining these symbols and the muzzle. Because he was really tired, and he probably overplayed his hand. Deciding that he needed to sleep, he picked up the console, saved his progress, and turned it off and put it under his pillow.

- Better not to play straight at night - he thought, and after a while sleep finally overcame him.

The next morning, another loud trill rang out across the room. Hiyako was in no hurry to get up, considering that he hadn't slept for a while. He felt slightly sleepy, as his arms and legs could hardly move from lack of sleep. His head was blurred and his eyes were closing, so he didn't want to get up at all. I just want to stick my head under the pillow and continue sleeping.

But the ringing alarm clock was not relentless, so even against his will, he had to force himself out from under the covers, groaning slightly. Rising above the bed, he turned off the alarm clock, he would just like to lie back, wrap himself in a blanket and fall asleep for another two or three hours. But realizing that he would have to go to school anyway, and an alarm clock might come into his room for a worse reason - his mother, who, having burst into a scandal, would chase him to the bathroom, he got out of bed. I washed up quickly, straightened my hair, which was disheveled after sleep, got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast.

At breakfast, he repeated the mantra, albeit reluctantly, and began to eat. He hoped that everything that happened last night was nothing more than his half-asleep delirium, and the console... just glitched, nothing more. Trying not to dwell on these thoughts, he ate quickly, went up to the room for his backpack, and picked it up, slung it over his shoulder.

Hiyako was about to leave, but then he remembered that he had left the console under his pillow. What if Mom finds her, or God forbid Dad? These questions will immediately begin ala

- Where did you get it? Why did you take it without asking?

That's why he decided to take her with him. Then, if he gets bored, he'll play. After packing his things, he left the house. Before leaving, standing on the sidewalk, he recited the mantra again, while describing several symbols in the air and hurried to school.

This day was no different from the previous one, and from the rest of the previous days in principle. The school was as noisy as ever. Students go back and forth during recess without stopping, whispering loudly, sometimes shouting and laughing loudly. That didn't make Hiyako feel comfortable. Especially when he wanted silence because of lack of sleep.

But even more uncomfortable was the fact that his teacher started looking at him strangely. And it would be fine if it was only in class. It's understandable if he started whispering his mantra again instead of doing the tasks.

But he started literally following him backwards at almost every break. Hiyako often had the opportunity to cross paths with him, or accidentally feel his gaze on her.

He found this behavior eerily strange. Is it related to symbols? After all, he focused his attention on that piece of paper and his scribbles. There is no other way to explain why he watches over him as if he knows about his non-existent sins.

Hiyako felt like a prisoner for half a day. The teacher's gaze that almost haunts him, the noise in the hallway that doesn't stop. He didn't get enough sleep, and by noon he was starting to feel sleepy. He just can't think about napping at school, because where do he could take a nap at there?

When the big break came, Hiyako went out into the hallway. Tired of the noise, the stares, and the drowsiness, he decided to distract himself with a game. He was sure that another round with one of the Monsters would definitely cheer him up and help him not think about his surroundings. But it's better if he plays somewhere in a secluded place. Where they won't stare at him, or even see him.

Based on these desires, Hiako headed to the men's bathroom. Unlike the corridors, no one gathers there without permission. Therefore, this place is more or less suitable. After making sure that no one was following him, he went inside. After going behind the booths, he settled down in a corner, took the console out of his backpack and almost immediately plunged into the game after turning it on.

Yesterday, before the console froze, he reached a new level and a new mission. Fortunately, the save file was intact, so the game continued from the same place. After playing with the lava monsters for a while, Toketsu encountered a certain new character. There was also a Yin YANG emblem on his chest, with a white border. A dialogue began that Hiako wanted to skip already.

But as soon as a few letters of the sentence flashed on the screen, a nasty, slightly squeaky voice sounded like a gong in Hiyako's ear, which literally pulled him out of the feeling of being in the game itself.

"Hey Hideo! What are you doing in the bathroom?! That you thought you could hide from me?

Hiako shuddered, a shudder ran through his body. He had to look up from the screen. A high school student with a steampunk outfit and a very casually put on uniform stood in front of him, smiling maliciously all over his face. And behind his shoulders loomed two guys smaller than him, who, smiling maliciously, fixed their sarcastic predatory gaze on the boy.

It was Hakko Morissan, the most hated student in the entire school. He was always getting involved in various adventures and liked to attract attention with a beating or a prank. This guy and his entourage are a real headache. He was close to being expelled many times, but his parents constantly managed to negotiate with the principal to continue his studies.

Hiako had no intention of answering him, much less talking to him. It wasn't that he was afraid of this guy, more like he was just afraid. He definitely didn't want to mess with him. It's nothing to fight, but no matter how his mom chastises him for it.

So, trying to pull himself together, and assuming an angry and slightly detached face, Hiyako spoke clearly and evenly.

— Leave me alone Hakko, let me play - he looked back at the screen where the character had already finished his line, hoping that Hakko would just leave him alone.

He wanted to skip the entire dialogue, but Hakko, alas, did not intend to just leave.

— What's interesting is that you're playing there! Let me play, too - he didn't hesitate at all, just snatched the console out of the kid's hands and, laughing sarcastically, began twirling it in his hands.

Hiyako jumped up and clenched his fists and stared at the bully.

— Give me the console! - he shouted.

— Wow, do you play this kind of junk? - Hakko cooed in a fake sympathetic voice, without ceasing to smile broadly - apparently your parents don't have a penny to buy you a normal console.

Hakko's company burst out laughing at this alleged joke. He continued to turn the console completely without looking at Hiyako, and then his gaze stared at the screen on which there was already a dialogue from Toketsu.

- And what is this!? Kawaii leopard boy!? He immediately burst into loud laughter. So that all the other passers-by in the hallway stared at him - Just look at that guys! Hideo loves little kawaii boys! Leopard-kun, that's hilarious! I can't wait to tell the whole school. Look at their faces.

Hakko and his entourage guffawed even louder. Hiyako clenched his teeth until they were already gritting with anger. The desire and thoughts to teach this bully a lesson were pounding in his head. He pounced on the high school student and, clutching the console body with his hands, began to pull it towards himself.

- Give it back now! - he shouted, pulling the console on himself – not yours!

— Hey, get off me! - Hakko pulled the console out of Hiyako's fingers and pushed him with all his might with his free hand.

Hiyako fell to the floor, hitting the tile wall with his shoulder. A flame of pain engulfed his shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he tried his best not to make a sound.

- Oh does it hurt, Hideo? - Hakko said, barely able to contain his nasty guffaw – are you ''hurt-hurt-hurt''?

Hiyako frowned even more, this bully does everything to have fun, even if it means hurting someone. Clutching his shoulder, he pushed himself to his feet. His temples throbbed with anger.

And then, to everyone's dismay, there was a loud, distinct squeak. Everyone fell silent. Hakko, like a moron, did not immediately realize that the console in his hand was beeping loudly and clearly. He took it in both hands and shook it.

- Hey, what's the big deal!? -

Then the console illuminated the entire toilet with bluish light, starting to throw lightning and sparks in all directions. Hakko, in fear, threw the console on the floor away from himself. Hiyako yanked her hand in fear, fearing that she would simply fall apart. But the console survived. Moreover, she twitched as if alive, continuing to squeak loudly and throw sparks. Suddenly she froze, and a round symbol like a seal lit up on the floor below her. The whole bathroom was flooded with bluish light that the console was emitting. Suddenly, Hiyako's familiar symbols began to appear around her, directly from the seal on the floor. More and more.

The three bullies stood in fear, looking at this devilry, while Hiyako was at a loss to figure out where the light, seal, and familiar symbols in a regular prefix came from. But that wasn't all that the console had in it. To everyone's horror, from the console screen... something... is beginning to appear! At first, with a bright flash, a dark blue, translucent clawed paw with the outlines of a glove stuck out of the screen, clutching the floor with its claws. Then the second one also clung to the tile with a bang. The hands began to pull at something. Namely, the torso, the torso of a creature whose head was crowned with large cat ears, with long, razor-sharp hair. On the face, or rather the muzzle of this something, there were brightly burning angry eyes that shone like two lamps. The powerful torso of the creature appeared behind the head, which was covered with luminous spots.

Having freed himself from the console, the upper part of the creature fixed a menacing gaze on the four guys, looking at each one in turn. The three bullies started backing towards the window harder and harder, Hiyako's eyes wide open, not understanding what was going on. The creature met his gaze, and it seemed to him that the outlines of this shadow were ... very familiar to him. It was as if he had seen this creature before.

Suddenly there was a loud furious roar, a shadow growled, it was understandable because under the eyes that turned bright red, a mouth with sharp fangs appeared.

Something whistled in the air, a cold breeze blew, cold steam began to rise on the floor, frost appeared on the walls, and the window panes were covered with frost patterns.

The shadow threw out its clawed hands and rushed at Hakko with all its anger. All three of them screamed in fear, Hiyako recoiled as much as he could in the cramped space where he was, behind the booths.

The shadow abruptly grabbed Hakko by the collar of his shirt, lifting him off the floor, simultaneously slamming him against the wall. Hakko did not have time to exhale from a strong blow as the shadow abruptly began to spin him in the air like a doll. Hakko screamed in horror. And immediately flew straight into his retinue of two guys who fell to the floor under the carcass of their under-leader.

The bright red eyes in the shadow's face narrowed with anger. There was a roar like a hungry tiger.

Then the console in his hands vibrated more violently, no one had time to do anything, as it suddenly rose off the floor, the seal on the floor disappeared, and then rushed into Hiyako's hand with a blue flash. He stared at the hand, stunned. Then he looked at the shadow that was already looking at him.

Nodding briefly... "with its head?", it turned his gaze back to Hakko, who was lying on the floor right by the door, afraid to even flinch. There was a more menacing, longer growl. Releasing its claws, the shadow began to move towards the bully, as if wanting to finish the job.

- No, wait! - Hiyako suddenly shouted, rising to his feet, addressing the shadow – don't hurt him! He didn't deserve this!

He didn't know why, but it seemed... this creature was on his side. And it seems like it should listen to him. He hoped it would listen to him. The shadow's eyes narrowed intently, looking at the boy, and then it looked back at the bully who was darting his gaze around the room.

Then back at the kid, and finally it nodded its head at him. Once again, a flash lit up the room, causing the three bullies to close their eyes. But Hiyako saw how the creature seemed to... jump back into the console screen. Had it...been living inside it all this time?

The room returned to normal. Except for the frost and the pattern. It was still hanging on the walls and on the window. But then they slowly began to melt away.

- What...what just happened!? - Hakko stammered, more with some kind of misunderstanding than aggression.

- How the hell did you do that?! - one of the guys who was with Hakko shouted, looking at the boy with wild eyes.

- I didn't do anything…? – he replied, perplexed.

- Don't lie! – the second one suddenly yelled - this thing obeyed you, you did it!

Suddenly, the console in Hiyako's hand trembled again, as did his hand. The screen became covered with glitches and interference, and it began to glow. There was another distinct muffled growl. Hiyako saw the outline of a muzzle on the screen and those bright eyes that were flickering angrily.

The air was cold again, and the room was flooded with bright blue light again. Together with Hiyako's hand, the console rushed towards the bullies. The red eyes of the shadow stared straight at them, wanting to tear them apart.

— Hey-hey man, we realized that you're serious, just don't hit us! - the high school student replied, seeing what the hell was going on around this guy. He clearly didn't want to be next.

- I didn't do anything! - Hiyako replied, already unsure if he was doing it himself.

The console was agitated again. A shadow flickered on the screen, its roar continuing to escalate. A sharp whistling wind rose. A thick white mist began to spread across the floor. The screen started throwing sparks and emitting light again. It seemed that the creature would burst out of the screen again and attack the bullies.

- Let's get out of here! - the second high-school student screamed and jumped to his feet and rushed headlong to the bathroom door. After him, the second high-school student took off, who also disappeared through the door.

— Hey, you forgot me! - Hakko immediately jumped up and ran away from the guy, whose console began to flicker menacingly.

As soon as the hooligans were gone, everything calmed down. The students who were in the hallway at that time looked with genuine surprise as three big guys rushed away from the toilet like small children, pale as ghosts.

Hiyako, continuing to be completely confused, turned his gaze to his console, which by this time had already stopped glowing and sparking. He stared at the console with a twitching eye, trying to figure out one thing – what the hell just happened?

- What was that...? What was that!? - he said to himself.

He couldn't believe that everything that had happened to him and the three seniors was real. After all, if those symbols could somehow be pushed off into nonsense because of fatigue, then it definitely cannot be explained by something. And again, these strange symbols reminded me of themselves. And this shadow, it seemed familiar to him, but why? He saw familiar shapes in her, but where had he seen her? And yet she obeyed him.

Hiyako tried to pull himself together, put the console in his backpack, shook off his head, and hurried to the bathroom door. After leaving the door, he was about to walk to class, but suddenly a voice behind him stopped him.

- Hiyako, is something wrong? The three of them ran out of the bathroom as if they had seen a ghost.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder. Not far from the bathroom door, there was a student a grade younger than him, whom he often saw alone in the hallways. She often carried a pink handbag with key rings.

— It's... it's okay - he replied, trying to pretend that nothing had happened – they just…

- Wait, were you with them? – She was surprised - they didn't beat you?

- No, no. I'm really fine – Hiyako replied, trying to act natural.

He slung his backpack over his shoulder and hurried to class, by which time recess was almost over. For the rest of the day, he couldn't get this shadow and everything that had happened out of his head. He couldn't shake the feeling that this shadow had obeyed him for a reason. Moreover, she nodded to him then, after the console jumped into his hand. As if she... knew him? She didn't attack all of them, but only the bullies. But she didn't touch him. But how could she know him? Was it really sitting in the console from the very beginning, and when he touched it, the shadow felt it? What's wrong with this console anyway? And why did it suddenly get cold in the toilet, and the windows were covered with frost patterns!?

When the school day came to an end, he quickly packed up, as always, with a bell, and walked briskly down the corridor to the exit.

After leaving school, Hiyako headed home, hardly looking around, because his legs carried him on their own. He was lost in his own thoughts, trying to figure out what it was. This unknown creature hurt Hakko, a certain shadow or silhouette with red eyes. Coming out as if from a console... at the same time, Hiyako himself didn't do anything. But why? In connection with what?

Unexpectedly, he was thinking about yesterday's incident with the console. Yes, he referred to fatigue, but what if these symbols on the old console have another explanation? And then...This shadow...That roar...This frost...

Maybe…?

Suddenly, something distracted Hiyako. It was a kind of loud squeak that came out of nowhere. Stopping, he began to look around, trying to figure out what was making that sound. Realizing that it was in his backpack, Hiyako took it off his back, opened the zipper, and realized that the console was beeping.

- What? What's the matter again? – he was indignant, taking it in his hand – why are you squeaking again?

He shook it a little, but the console wouldn't shut down, he tried to turn it off, but it didn't respond to pressing. Hiyako started pressing all the buttons in the hope of somehow stopping this squeaking. And to his amazement, the screen turned on, there was a blue radar on it, which recorded something near his location. There was a small red yin-yang mark on the radar that was blinking periodically. Below on the screen was written "The threat of the Yang Clan."

Hiyako was embarrassed. No sooner had he moved away from one disaster, a new one appeared. Now the console tells him that there is... some kind of "yang clan" nearby. He'd like to just go home, but he's not up to it right now. But this endless beeping of the console began to bother.

- Agh fine! You want me to go that way? OKAY! – he said to the console, after which, looking at the screen, he headed along the radar, away from the familiar road to his house.

The console led him to a certain lonely alley. There she made a more frequent sound, and finally fell silent, apparently saying that Hiayko was there.

There was nothing special in this alley, except for a few dumpsters, and...a certain small thing on the asphalt. It was shaped like a small disk or a medallion. Of course, Hiyako was used to not paying any attention to such trifles. He would like to pass by and come back, but suddenly this thing made a sound. The kid looked at it again. And then symbols started flashing above her. The same symbols he had seen before. Which were also on the console.
What if it's something...finally can explain to him what all this heresy means?

Curious and hoping that this was the case, Hiyako slowly approached the unknown thing and crouched down in front of it. She periodically showed him every symbol he knew. Hiyako wanted to pick it up and examine it better. He had already stretched out his hand to pick it up, but suddenly this thing sent a visible blue wave under his feet, and immediately the entire alley and part of the sidewalk behind it were engulfed by a blue domed barrier on which Kanji flickered.

- What? What the!? - Hiyako looked at the dome in fright.

He abruptly turned around and rushed out of the alley, but only hit the barrier, which did not allow him to leave right away. Hitting him or anything else didn't help. Something was holding him back inside the alley, as if it didn't want him to leave.

- What is this?! - he yelled, still pounding on the barrier with his palm.

Suddenly, to his dismay, there was a low, arrogant, sinister laugh behind him. Hiyako swallowed nervously and slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder. Apparently someone wanted him to come here to lock him up.

And this someone showed himself. There was a guy 3-4 years older than Hiyako himself standing near the wall of another building. Dressed all in red, with a dark hairstyle that stood on fire. His eyes were surrounded by a red border. With his hands in the pockets of his black, slightly torn jeans, he looked at Hiyako like a predator, grinning maliciously.

- Setting a trap for the new owner of the Yin Seal turned out to be not only smart, but also effective - he grinned - however, I never thought that he would be so short-sighted.

Hiyako immediately turned to the stranger, pressing herself against the barrier wall, staring at the stranger with all her eyes. Who is this guy!?

- Who are you? What do you want from me! - he yelled.

- So you're not even privy to what's going on - the guy put his hand to his face and was pierced by laughter – Hagh! The better for me, the less resistance there will be. I'll say it just once, kid, give me your seal, and I'll let you go home in peace. If you don't agree in a good way... I'll get angry and act in a bad way.

Hiyako didn't know what to do. There was nowhere to run, because the barrier covered the entire alley, and there wasn't a single passageway from the side where this guy was standing. And this guy is older than him, and obviously even stronger. There's just no point in fighting him, he'll beat you up and not notice. What should I do, what should I do!? Suddenly, the answer to his mental question was a clear, echoing voice that began to wail.

"Don't just stand there! We can't let him take over the seal!

Hiyako started, looking around in disbelief. There's no one here but him and this oddly dressed kid. Surely this speaker couldn't be on the roof? And the voice sounded like it... sounded in his head? Who talked to him?

- what? Who! Hiyako looked around in confusion.

- Are you playing dumb? - the guy frowned and, moving away from the wall, stared at Hiyako with a stern look - It won't work! Hand over the seal, or you will experience the wrath of the Yang Clan!

"Stop wasting time! He needs to be hung up!"

A sonorous voice, unfamiliar to Hiyako, continued to shout into his ears, similar to the voice of a young, impudent guy, mixed with the soft growl of a beast. Hiyako turned his gaze to the console in disbelief... did the voice come... as if from it? Something told him that the voice was coming from her.

"Come on! Use it! It's time to act!"

A voice screamed in Hiyako's ears. He stared blankly at the console, then around, as if thinking that he had already lost his mind. What kind of day is this today, then the bully is bothering, then the console is freaking out, then some guy has captured him, demands some kind of "seal" from him, and someone is talking to him before the pile. Meanwhile, this guy is against it, watching Hiyako stand like a pillar and look at the console or somewhere else, is already pretty tired.

It started to get pretty annoying.

- You're starting to get on my nerves, punk! - he grinned - I wanted to solve everything without unnecessary blood, but you left me no choice!

Then he pulled out of a small pocket on the strap hanging on his chest something that looked like a large round-shaped buckle. It was shiny, painted in silver and red, had sharp features and the outline of an incomprehensible beast or even a monster. There were some Kanji written on it in black lines. There was also a Yin-yang symbol in the center, but it was red. The guy turned the buckle in his hand like a pistol barrel and shouted

- The Yang Seal! Activation! - He waved his hand and, putting this "seal" forward, shouted loudly - Shyurigammi, attack!

The Yin Yang symbol on his seal glowed red, starting to throw sparks and emit a bright red light. There was a noise and a loud furious roar. A wall of fire broke out behind the guy, he raised his hand with the seal up, and a ray of red light shot out into the sky from it. A rumble arose, and suddenly a dark-bard shadow with bright red eyes appeared behind the guy.

Then that guy moved his hand, describing the familiar Hiyako symbols in the air, while saying

- KYA! RAYL! CHI! SEN! YAR!

The symbols he described lit up in front of him, and a ring with sharp, jagged corners appeared in front of the seal, which began to twist. A patterned circle full of different squiggles appeared from the center, with the Yin yang sign in the center. The ground suddenly shook, the symbol split into fragments like glass, and a three-meter monster stood in front of the guy.

A lion-like creature. His main was raging with fire. Smoke was coming out of his nostrils. His eyes were burning red. And on the ammunition, made as if from frozen magma, there was a Yin Yang with a black border. Raising two huge swords, he roared loudly, swung them several times, and spoke menacingly.

- Kaitaro the Fire Lion! Arrived!

Hiyako clutched his backpack with the console to his chest and stared at the huge lion monster that was staring at him with a devastating gaze. He's about to rush in with those blades and chop him into small pieces.

- What kind of monster is this!? - It flashed through his mind.

"It doesn't matter! He must be defeated! Come on! Lift the seal and say loudly and clearly -Activate the Yin Seal!" The voice addressed Hiyako again.

Hiyako looked uncertainly at the console in his hand again. He still didn't understand who was talking to him. And he didn't understand why he would do that. But if this console, according to the voice... helps him defend himself and fight off this monster. Can he... can he summon someone who will help him? Of course it sounds ridiculous and silly. It sounds more like a naive childish thought. But what's left for him now? If he doesn't do something, even if it sounds ridiculous, he might get hurt. If he stays alive at all. Hoping for the best, he did as the voice said, pushing the console forward, saying.

- Yin...Yin Seal! A-Activate it!

But nothing happened in response. At this pathetic attempt, the opponent just laughed out loud.

- Huh, so you don't even know how to use your seal! You make my job even easier. Taking it from you will be easier than taking candy from a child! Just stand there and don't move.

«Don't listen to him, get to the work! - the voice continued to say - Say it again – but louder! Be more confident!»

Hiyako clenched his fist with his free hand, dropped his backpack to the ground, gripped the console in his hand harder, sent it forward again, took a deep breath and shouted as loudly as possible.

— Yin Seal! Activation!

Then the console sparkled, and Hiyako's hand followed the console up sharply. A blue pillar of light shot out from the screen with a circular symbol that looked like a ring of symbols. Everything went dark. A bright light surrounded the guy. Hiyako squeezed his eyes shut from the light that began to hit him right in the eyes.

"You. You're the one who activated the seal. You have become her new lover and new Owner. The power of Shyurigammi is in your hands. Your element is Ice. So use it."

Then Hiyako felt a strong gust of wind that began to blow over his face. He took his hand away from his face and opened his eyes. Immediately, he saw snowflakes falling from the sky. The kid exhaled in surprise, and steam poured out of his mouth. He found himself in a certain snowy area. There was snow everywhere. Underfoot, it was falling from the sky, swirling snowflakes in the air, the whole area was planted with green fir trees that were also wrapped in a blanket of snow.

In addition to the fir trees, he saw red-painted pillars standing in a row, each with symbols scratched on it.

- W-where...Where am I? - with surprise, in slight confusion, he muttered, looking around.

«You are at your Shyurigammi's place of residence. Follow the call of the seal»

A certain high-pitched ringing voice spoke in response. Hiyako spontaneously turned his eyes to his console. Immediately, the screen and even the indented pattern lit up, and the console began to reach out, pulling Hiyako along with it. He realized that she was showing him where to go, although he didn't understand how or why. He still didn't fully understand where he was or how he got here. However, he followed in the direction the console was so eager to go.

As soon as he took a few steps, the light hit his eyes again. Hiyako covered his face with his hand. As soon as the light faded, he saw a cave, in front of which stood a large round pedestal on the likeness of a large platform with a carved pattern and symbols. There was a large block of ice on this pedestal. And inside, there was a certain creature. But it was very cloudy, and only its shape was visible. For the most part, the figure resembled a dark blue shadow trapped in ice.

Hiyako approached the pedestal. Suddenly, two bright red eyes flashed in the ice and stared straight at him. Hiyako recoiled, startled.

- I will help you protect those who are dear to you! Hiyako's familiar voice rang out, similar to the one that had already spoken to him, "But in order for you to use my power, you need to free me."

— R-release? B-but how do I do that? I... I don't know anything. I don't even understand what's going on! - Hiyako looked into the shadow's eyes in confusion, hoping that this creature, whoever it was, would at least explain something to him.

— Your moves! – The figure said in a clear, slightly irritated voice - you described the symbol with your seal! Do it again, but harder!

Hiyako turned his gaze to the console, not knowing what else to do. He described one of the symbols that he knew, suddenly the console left a bright blue trail in the air, and the shadow in the block of ice jerked sharply, there was a slight crack.

— One more time! But harder!

Hiyako gripped the console tighter and waved the console harder, already describing another symbol. The shadow twitched again, but more violently, and the ice trembled and cracked.

— Harder!

Hiyako tightened his fingers on the console as much as possible so that it would not fly out of his hand and waved the console forward with all his might. There was a crash. A large crack appeared in the block of ice at the level of the creature's chest. There was a roar, and with it, the wind howled. Hiyako continued to stare at the ice and took two steps away from the pedestal.

The ice immediately shattered into fragments and ice floes, and there was a shadow in the center of the pedestal. The creature that was in that ice. It looked like a tall figure with a lush standing hairstyle like fire, ears, and a tail behind its back. The creature stretched, cracked its neck, fixed bright red eyes on the boy, bent its legs, jumped off the pedestal and landed closer to the guy.
Hiyako felt the creature's hot breath, and a low growl.

— What...What are you? - he asked the creature uncertainly.

— Not "what", but "who"! - the creature replied angrily - I am your Shayurigammi. The warrior of light. You woke me up and set me free. Now you have to channel your power.

- Channel the power...? You...Can you help me defeat these guys!?

- I like the way you think. I agree. But in order for me to join the battle, you'll have to use a seal. You must summon me by saying, "Go Shyurigammi!"

— G-go…Go Sh-shyurigammy...! - Hiyako stated uncertainly.

- Not convincing - Shayurigammi replied, crossing his arms over his chest, looking away from the guy.

— Go Sh-Shyurigammy! - Hiyako repeated– trying to sound more confident.

— Are you talking to yourself or to whom!? - the disgruntled Shayurigammi barked back.

Hiyako gritted his teeth, took more air into his lungs and shouted again with all his anger, trying to make it clear to Shyurigammi that his goals were absolutely serious.

— GO SHYURIGAMMI! GO!

— That's MUCH better! - the creature grinned contentedly as his eyes twinkled.

Then Shayurigammi took off and ran along the winter trail, raising clouds of snowflakes behind her. Hiyako jumped back and covered himself with his hands from the rising snow.

A shadow raced along the road from both sides, planted with large green fir trees. The speed with which the creature ran along the path took away all the snow and icicles from the branches. At the end of the road, a huge ice wall appeared, wrapped in chains, with a large seal on it, and several Kanji on the sides. The creature barked under its breath, jumped up to the wall and began to slice it with its claws. One punch. Second. On the third blow, the wall broke through, the chains shattered into pieces. The creature passed through the broken wall, jumped up, did a somersault in the air, and standing in a pose with its claws raised, it barked loudly

- Snow leopard Toketsu! Arrived!

When Hiyako opened his eyes, he saw that he was standing in the same alley surrounded by a barrier again.

With the same guy and a huge lion, opposite. But there was something else, or rather, "someone."

A tall anthropomorphic snow leopard stood in front of him, holding his arms folded on his chest. With a lush, knife-sharp hairstyle, a large bang on his entire forehead that hung over his eyes, an ammunition of shoulder pads, one resembling a leopard's face, a dark red vest on his body that covered his shaggy chest, a blue hakama on his legs, with ribbons on the sides that hung from a belt with a muzzle buckle, gloves on his clawed hands She was wearing high-heeled sandals on her hands, just below her knees, and a long red cape-scarf around her neck. And there was a gold oblong medal tied on the tail.

— I'm watching the fun in full swing, – said the snow leopard complacently, - is there a place for me?

Grinning, he cracked his clawed fingers in turn.

— This leopard... Hiako thought, looking at the back of this creature, it looks familiar to me...And his voice... it's familiar too.…

—Yukihio!?" Here! - the guy opposite screamed, gawking, - It can't be! The last one was killed then, 100 years ago!

— Someone obviously spread false information - the leopard looked at the guy and winked at him, without ceasing to maliciously show his sharp incisors.

— The last ice leopard of its kind? - and then the guy broke into a crazy grin - Well, if that's the case, then defeating you will raise my rank as a Warrior and gain recognition from society! I have to defeat him! Kaitaro! Riley! Chi! Yar!

He swiped in the air, describing certain symbols, the same symbols known to Hiyako himself. Suddenly, all three symbols formed a ring around the seal, followed by a red circle with sharp teeth at the edges, from which reddish scrolls of parchment burst out, which began to develop as if in the wind.

The lion roared loudly, smoke came out of his nostrils, and fire poured out of his eyes. Raising two huge swords that looked like they were made of charred stone, he charged at Hiyako and the leopard standing next to him. Hiyako hiccuped in horror, immediately giving the command.

— Gah! A-attack him, quickly!

- Don't worry - the leopard replied, not at all embarrassed.

Kaitaro swung his swords to strike, but not immediately, the leopard, leaning forward, interrupted his attack by stopping the swords above his head with his hands. Kaitaro growled angrily and began to push the blades at the leopard, intending to cut it down. He growled hollowly, continuing to hold his opponent's swords above him.

«Why doesn't he hit back? Hiyako thought feverishly to himself, looking at these two with fear and bewilderment – isn't he supposed to fight too!? Why is he just standing there!?»

- Hit him! - Hiyako shouted to the leopard, who was trying not to let the blades fall on his shoulders - Come on! Why are you just standing there!?

— I have a counter question for you! - hoarsely answered the leopard from tension - Why don't YOU do anything!? The seal is in your hands!

Seeing how stupid his opponent turned out to be, the guy from the Yang clan burst out laughing, almost falling on the asphalt from laughter. Running his thumb over his eyes, he mocked loudly.

— Ha! Even after summoning Shyurigammi, you don't know how to use it! It will be an easy victory! Kaitaro, finish with him! - The guy started pulling the console to the sides, shouting at the same time — Yar! Chi! Seng!

Kaitaro roared loudly, abruptly raised his left paw with a sword, swung with all his strength and anger sharply struck the leopard, hurled it into the wall of a nearby building.

— NO! - Hiyako shouted, moved his hand towards his fallen fighter.

When he hit it, he left a deep hole with cracks in it. The leopard fell out of the hole onto the asphalt, barely holding on to it. His hands were shaking, and he was breathing heavily. Shaking his head, he barked and got to his feet, his eyes lit up, he clearly did not intend to give up so quickly.

- Let's add some fire here - suggested the guy with the seal - Kaitaro! "Kya! Riley! Chi!

Suddenly, Kaitaro raised his swords again, swung and hit them on the asphalt, immediately cracks appeared on the asphalt, and something lit up in them. Lava! Fiery lava was visible right between the pieces of concrete! And she was rushing straight at the leopard!

He had to jump sharply to the sides, landing on all fours. A bubbling, steaming lava formed next to it. Kaitaro growled again and hit the asphalt once more, but on the other side. The leopard jumped back again, and now lava was bubbling on both sides, preventing it from escaping. Hiyako recoiled in horror when he saw how real lava appeared out of nowhere right in place of the asphalt!

- And now let's give this frosty kitten a fiery hell! – the guy declared, raising the seal again – Yar! Shawl! Chi! Kya!

He brought out several symbols again, which flashed red, and red scrolls burst out of the red ring that appeared. And Kaitaro's eyes started to burn with fire again.

- Attack! - Kaitaro barked, raising his swords - Jigoku no ka no arekuruu danmaku!

Kaitaro crossed his swords, and a ring of fire appeared from their intersection, from which a raging barrage of fire shot out. The leopard shuddered and covered his face with his hands. The fire hit some kind of invisible shield that formed around him. But the fire was so strong that he started pinning the leopard right against the wall. Stronger and stronger. Until suddenly the shield went down and the fire hit the leopard. Grunting in pain, he got down on one knee.

- Ghhh!...ghh!...

And Kaitaro swung his swords, struck their blades on the still intact asphalt, and headed for the leopard, scraping swords on concrete, throwing sparks. He was trembling, smoke was pouring from his body, and he was trying to stand up, barely holding back a painful roar.

- Hee-hee... hee-hee... haha-haha! - a warrior from Yang Clan burst into malicious laughter - how pathetic you are! Your Yukihio will be a wonderful addition to my collection! Kaitaro! Kill him! "Kya! Riley! Chi! Sen!

Swinging his swords and letting out a long roar, Kaitaro tried to cut the opponent into three parts. Before the blades touched the leopard, he managed to raise his arms through the pain to stop the swords above his head. Hiyako froze in fear, his fighter could die right now, and there was nothing he could do to save him!

«What should I do!? What should I do!» Hiyako's eyes darted around frantically.

- Do...! Something…! Already! - the Leopard roared, barely holding the lion's swords above him – you have the seal! Use it!

Hiyako grabbed the console with both hands and looked at it as if hoping it would give him a clue "how to use it." And to his surprise, symbols appeared on the screen in a certain sequence.

- Wait a minute... symbols... Again? - Hiyako looked at each symbol, and remembering how each symbol is called, he began to pull the console saying aloud - Let's try it..."Chi... Kya… Sen..."

Hiyako swiped the console, describing the symbols, leaving a blue light. All four symbols flashed, swirling around him, lining up around the console. A ring was formed on one side of which some Kanji flashed, and from its center appeared the same developing scrolls, but blue. The screen lit up brightly. Hiyako squeezed his eyes shut because of the light

— The basic attack is activated! - said the console.

Suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the screen, which rushed towards the leopard and disappeared into its body. Then his spots and markings glowed bright blue, and he raised his wide-open eyes, which glowed with a bright light. He seemed to breathe easier.

— Finally, at least some action! - leopard barked.

Abruptly spreading his opponent's swords to the sides, he landed his kick into the lion's torso, pushing it away from him a few steps. Then, raising his fist, he ran away and, with a loud growl, hit him again in the torso. Kaitaro was thrown directly into the wall of the building, in which he left deep cracks.

- I got it! - Hiyako thought to himself - it's like playing a game! I need a combination!

However, despite such a strong backlash and shock, Kaitaro was not going to give up so early. Getting to his feet, he furiously raised his swords to fight again. Just like the warrior from the Yang clan, he did not intend to recall his fighter. He was determined to defeat him at all costs.

— Don't think that you will get off with such a simple trick! Kaitaro! - he barked - Combining swords! «Kya! Chi! Sen! Rayl! Yar!»

With a roar, Kaitaro combined his two swords into one, one large blade burst into flames, grabbing the handle, the lion swung and sent a large wave of fire at the leopard. He covered himself with his hands again, but the impact was such that he was pushed back hard almost to the barrier, and his hands were left digging from the impact. The leopard, spreading his arms, bared his teeth and roared with anger, his eyes turned red.

— Come on! - he barked, fixing his gaze on Hiyako - You used your seal! Do it again! –

— Uh, good! - Hiyako replied, raising the console again - Chi! Kya! Seng!

He shouted more confidently than the first time. The symbols Hiyako had left in the air formed a ring again, and a blue ray of light shot into the Leopard's body. His body began to glow bright blue, and the veins in his arms bulged. He grinned harder.

He ran away again and swung with all his might, this time into the opponent's chest, growling at the top of his lungs. At the same time, Kaitaro was thrown into the wall again, he roared hollowly, and a small crack appeared in his armor, behind which the fire of lava shone.

— Come on even harder! – the leopard shouted, jumping back.

Hiyako realized that it was necessary to continue the attack, clenched his fingers on the console, put it forward, and taking a deep breath began to quickly and furiously draw symbols in the air while shouting their names as loudly as possible.

- Graaaahhh! RAYL! CHI! KYA! SEN!

The flashing symbols formed a ring again, and a blue ray shot out of the blue circle that appeared in front of the console screen, hitting the leopard again. He clenched his fists to the chapel, growling hollowly, his veins actively pulsed, his veins shone even brighter, throwing up his hands, he shouted loudly to the whole neighborhood. Then he charged at Kaitaro, hitting him in the chest again in a jump. He was hit by the wall again, causing it to shake and begin to crumble.

Hiyako triumphantly clenched his fists, seeing how the leopard sent his opponent into the wall once again. Suddenly, the console in his hand buzzed, and when he looked at it, he saw a new combination of symbols.

- An enhanced attack is available upon completion of energy accumulation - the console said – the combination "RAIL. KYA. SENG. CHI. KYA"

Hiyako realized that since the leopard has accumulated energy, and this combination is on the console, it means you can deliver a powerful blow. A blow from the bottom of my heart. And the leopard showed with all his appearance that he was ready to deliver the strongest blow that could put the opponent on his shoulder blades.

- Come on! We can win! – the leopard shouted, continuing to glow menacingly looking at the enemy.

Hiyako immediately tightened his fingers on the console, and began to pull the console as hard as he could, shouting to the whole neighborhood,

"RAIL! KYA! SEN! CHI! KYA!"

The symbols that he described rushed with bright flashes and disappeared into the leopard's body. A bright fire flashed in his eyes, clenching his fists and abruptly spreading his arms, he roared with all his might.

- Special attack! Aisu Kyaro Attack-ku! - the leopard rushed at the lion with a blue flash, striking his torso with his claws.

Kaitaro's body was rapidly covered with a thick ice crust. After that, the leopard raised his hand again and struck again, the ice split loudly and the opponent was slammed into the wall of another, still intact building with great force. Kaitaro fell to the asphalt. The guy from the Yang clan saw that the opponent started to defeat him, panicked and got angry.

- No! I can't lose like this! I won't let you win! - he shouted, his eyes red with anger - Kaitaro, attack! «Yar! Chi! Seng!»

Standing firmly on the ground again, Kaitaro raised his sword again. Swinging, he rushed at the leopard with raised swords, intending to try to cut it again. His eyes were blazing with unrestrained fire again, and smoke was coming out of his nostrils. But it was clear that he was no longer so strong after a few good punches.

- Dodge! - Hiyako shouted to him - Hurry!

Snow leopard grinned under his breath, jumped back at the moment when Kaitaro struck the asphalt with his swords, landing on his feet, he swung again. Hiyako realized that now was the best time to strike. And of course he picked up the console again, starting to output characters. The leopard hit Kaitaro in the chest with all its might, throwing him two meters against the wall. But he got up anyway.

— He hasn't fallen yet, - said bars, looking at his opponent with aggression, - it's time to use the Kanyaro Technique!

—The Kanyaro? - Hiyako asked him uncertainly, not understanding what he was talking about.

— My finishing technique! - the leopard explained to Tom, looking at the boy over his shoulder, his muzzle became angry - Come on! You have to know something!

- Wait a minute..."Kanyaro"... - Hiyako thought about this word – something familiar…

Suddenly, he remembered that he had heard such a term, it had slipped through during his game.

Kanyaro is a technique of powerful punches to finish off an opponent. Each warrior has four types of Kanyaro. It is used when accumulating maximum Yin energy, at a time when the opponent is close to defeat.

- One of the four available Kanyaro of the Snow Leopard Toketsu - the console said again - Kanyaro Kan!

The combination of symbols for this very attack appeared on the screen again.

- It's time to act - Hiyako said, clutching the console in his hand.

Lifting the console, he took a deep breath, fixed his opponent with a stern gaze, and waved it sharply, displaying the symbols - KYA! CHI! YAR! SENG! SENG! CHI…Chi... chi...!

Each of the described symbols flashed, starting to rotate around the console. Rushing towards the leopard, they began to rotate around him, then abruptly rising, they rushed to the center, forming one common symbol that resembled a "seal" that in a bright flash rushed into his yin-yang buckle on his chest, with a loud, distinct sound. Immediately, a raging blue flame engulfed his body.

- I can feel it! I feel it, I feel it! - the Leopard's body lit up again, a wind rose around it with ice fragments that began to ring loudly - Kanyaro Kan! Aisukuro de Kogeki!

Becoming a bright blue shadow with glowing red eyes, he flashed at Kaitaro at full speed. Swinging, he delivered several swift, lightning-fast blows to his torso. With a loud roar, he arched up, his body completely covered in ice. After that, the leopard jumped up again, swinging, and letting out a loud long roar, he delivered the finishing blow with all his might. The ice shattered deafeningly, scattering into fragments in different directions, Kaitaro himself was already thrown into the barrier wall around the battlefield.

The barrier surrounding both wrestlers vibrated. The kanji flashed away, and he fell. Kaitaro struggled to get off the ground. Breathing heavily, he raised his swords with difficulty to continue the battle. But now, the Yang Clan guy was no longer in the mood to continue. His opponent has gotten the hang of controlling Shyurigammi too quickly, and with this scenario, he can defeat him!

— No! If this goes on, he will defeat us! Kaitaro, retreat! - The guy waved the seal, the lion disappeared from sight in a red flash, apparently ending up in the enemy's seal - Today the victory belongs to the Shin clan!

Grabbing something from his pocket, he threw it at the heroes' feet. It turned out to be a smoke bomb. When it exploded, it enveloped Hiyako and the snow leopard in thick white smoke. As soon as it dissipated, the enemy was already gone.

- hey get back here, you coward! – the leopard moved forward, but it was too late, he ran away - Nrgrrhhh, When I'll get my hands on you, I'll tear both of you apart!

With a growl, he slammed his fists on the asphalt, leaving a crack from which ice immediately began to spread. Hiyako continued to stare at the leopard in disbelief, finally mastering the language after the incident, he immediately blurted out.

— What was that just now!? And who are they! And who are you!?

- Too many questions - snow leopard replied, getting to his feet and looking at the guy over his shoulder. Let's get out of here before they see us.

Suddenly, the leopard abruptly became covered with interference and disappeared into the console in a bright flash with the Yin Yang emblem. The screen flickered a few times and went out.

Hiyako, arriving in complete disbelief, somehow shoved the console into his backpack, looked around in the hope that there were no passers-by nearby who could accidentally see it, and rushed home at full speed. And in my head, thoughts about what had happened were spinning like a merry-go-round. Some guy with a seal in his hands summoned some kind of monster and set it on Hiyako. And he himself summoned some kind of snow leopard, and his appearance is painfully familiar, but where did he see him?

When he finally got home, Hiyako hurriedly took off his shoes, trying not to show that something had happened. My father, as always, was sitting in the living room in an armchair reading the newspaper, my mother was doing the housework in the kitchen. When they heard the door click, they turned to the sound in the hallway.

- Hiyako? You're late today - his father asked him - how are you doing at school?

- Everything is fine, everything is fine! Hiyako replied, hurrying to his room - sorry, I have to do my homework!

With these words, he ran through the corridor to the stairs, ran up it, ran into the room and locked it. He dropped his backpack and sat on the bed, holding his head in his hands. Thoughts of what had happened continued to swarm in his head like ants without stopping.

- What the hell was that? - he asked himself aloud - Some guy with some kind of thing summoned a monster that attacked me. And I started fighting with him myself, while talking to some kind of snow leopard.

- Not to «some kind of"! – suddenly there was an aggressive ringing voice in the room - By the way, I have a name!

Hiyako jumped at the unexpected voice. Standing on the floor, he began to frantically look around to figure out who had said it.

- Who's there!? - He blurted out in disbelief.

- Me! I'm here! – The voice said again.

Hiyako's gaze fell on his slightly ajar backpack. That slightly arrogant voice...It was as if he was coming out of it. He hoped it was just his imagination, even if it was so clear and loud, but it was just his imagination! However, everything pointed to the fact that it did not seem at all. He reached into his backpack with a slightly trembling hand and took out the console.

- Uh...Hello? – He said uncertainly.

Suddenly, the console buzzed, the screen instantly lit up, and to the boy's dismay, the leopard's face loomed on it. He looked at him with undisguised anger. His eyes were shining.

- Have you already forgotten that you summoned me and set me free?! - he growled as his face started to distort due to the static.

Hiyako shuddered, how many times during the day his heart was ready to stop, who knows. He raised his finger in utter confusion and pointed it at the screen, not believing what was happening.

- Are you... inside?

- Don't poke me in the face - the leopard replied, grinning, starting to pull his muzzle away, while looking at the guy's finger. It was as if he had actually touched him.

- Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think that... but... - the language began to slur. Hiyako was so confused that he didn't know what to say – W-what are you?

He spoke with difficulty, without taking his eyes off the screen.

- Not "WHAT" but "WHO" – said the leopard indignantly - this is the second time I've already told you, and the second time I have to introduce myself to you!

Then the console began to throw sparks from the screen, Hiyako's hand jerked sharply to the side with it, and then lit up the room with a bright flash. The kid had to squint against the blinding light. As soon as the hum subsided, the Snow Leopard was already standing in the center of the room. But he looked a little different than in battle. His body was translucent, pixels were coming from his shoulders, he looked like a projection, a hologram that was shuddering with glitches and interference.

- My name is Toketsu - the leopard replied in the same dissatisfied voice - The snow leopard Toketsu, from the Shayurigammi Yin tribe.

The guy gaped at the unknown creature, not understanding whether it was real or not. My brain literally turned upside down in my head.

- Ah, it shouldn't be like that, – the leopard remarked to himself, starting to run his big clawed paws over his body and shoulders, – is it really all because of this thing?

- Wait, did you say... «Toketsu»? – hearing the name made the kid think - this name seems familiar to me. Wait... it was you, that I played on this console.

The leopard's eyes widened for a moment, taking his paws off his body, and looking at the boy, he squinted to the side and thought about something.

- So... that's why I came to your call - he said softly, thinking - you formed a bond with me...

- A bond? A call? - Hiyako was confused, but I didn't call you.

- You took the seal in your hands, – said the leopard, pointing with a clawed finger at the console, - you activated it. Didn't you realize that the moment you fought that guy, you made a Shyurigammi call and made a pact with me?

"Shayuri... who?" –

Toketsu raised his eyebrows, this guy's ignorance was simply outraging to the core. Leaning forward, and tensely clenching his fists, he asked loudly

- Don't you know about Shyurigammi?!

Hiyako replied guiltily, clutching the console to himself.

Toketsu closed his eyes and changed his indignant expression to one of intense disappointment. Exhaling loudly at the same time. His eyelid twitched slightly.

- Mrghhh...so you don't know anything about the Yin-Yang seals, either - he said again, this time with a hopeless tone.

- The Yin-Yang Seals? - repeated Hiyako, which once again confirmed that he did not know anything.

- Apparently, I'll have to let you in on our business... - said the leopard, putting his paws on his belt, looking at the boy — Listen here!

"Next to you People, we live Shyurigammi. You can't see us, but we can see you. We have the opportunity to look into your world, but our interactions are very limited. You're not able to see us until you make full contact. About a hundred years ago, people were able to cross paths with our people for the first time.

At first we lived peacefully.

But people whose souls were rotten with greed and malice wanted to use our power. They created the Yang Talisman seals and proclaimed themselves the Yang Clan.

Those who were pure-hearted had to fight them. After creating the "Yin amulets" and summoning the Shayurigammis who agreed to fight with them for the right cause, they joined the battle.

And this battle has been going on for over 100 years. It has not been suspended yet."

— But what does this console have to do with it?! - Hiyako replied in disbelief.

— The thing is that...When the war ended, or rather was suspended, the Shin Clan agreed to an agreement with the Shayurigammi. We put shackles on the entrance to our world, and all the seals were hidden from the Yang Clan. Destroying a seal is even more difficult than creating one. So there was no choice.

- Hidden?... - Hiyako held up the console and showed it - you mean, like this?

— No! - The leopard replied angrily - special spells were placed on the seals. If outsiders try to take the seal, it takes on the appearance of any ordinary thing! And that's probably why your seal looks... like this thing.

— It sounds like a plot in some kind of anime... – The kid said, squinting at the floor – wait ...doesn't that mean that...you have lived in this thing?

- Weren't you listening to me?! - Toketsu turned to him angrily - They're CALLING us with this thing. And we live in our own world, separate from the human one.

- But I was playing a game on that thing! - Hiyako immediately objected, regaining control of himself - You were in this game, I remember exactly! Why!?

— Does this nonsense really bother you more than the 100 war that you have now become a part of?! Toketsu was indignant, crossing his paws on his chest, boring the guy with a despicable look – it doesn't matter why you saw me in it, and played something there!

Hiyako replied, pressing his head into his shoulders - But... what should I do in that case?"

- What do you man "what should you do"?! - Toketsu's eyes lit up red with anger - it goes without saying to carry the burden of a Yin Warrior! You must learn how to use your seal, and channel the power of Shyurigammi into battle.

- But this is not my battle! - Hiyako objected - I'm not a fighter at all! I didn't even know anything about you or your war!

- By taking this seal, you voluntarily became a fighter of the Yin clan - Toketsu replied coldly - you signed the contract, and now you can't get rid of it, boy.

- But I'm just a schoolboy! - Hiyako yelled - In the 8th grade!

- Do you think the YANG clan cares?! - Toketsu growled - it doesn't matter to them who you are: a guy or a girl, a child or an old man. They'll just take away your seal, and you'll be killed.

There was a tense silence. Hiyako clenched his teeth and stared with trembling eyes at the mythical creature telling him that he must go and fight against some kind of Yang clan, otherwise he would die. Toketsu, in contrast, looked at the cowering, frightened boy, without expressing any emotion or regret. All he cared about right now was to convey to the guy the importance and responsibility of the task that they had been given by chance.

But a sudden knock on the door broke the silence, causing both of them to pay attention.

- Hiyako? - a woman's voice sounded behind her, slightly agitated.

- It's Mom! - Hiyako hissed, startled - you need to hide!

- No need - Toketsu replied calmly, still holding his paws on his chest.

- What do you mean, «no need»? She'll see you! - Hiyako hissed in disbelief.

- Just trust me and open the door - Toketsu replied without changing his face at all, looking away.

Hiyako looked uncertainly at the "Shyurigammi", then over his shoulder at the door, and with a nervous sigh, turned around and opened it.

- Yeah, Mom – he turned to her.

- Are you okay? We heard you... screaming? - she asked.

- Eeegh… - Hiyako looked in the direction where the Toketsu was parked - …can't she see him? - he thought and answered his mother – no, no, everything is fine. I just... accidentally dropped my backpack on my foot... and screamed. But it's okay.

Mom looked at the boy in mild perplexity, but after making sure that everything was fine, she nodded her head and added.

- Okay then. If you're okay, come down. Dinner is ready.

Then she went down the stairs and disappeared into the living room. Hiyako watched her disappear around the corner, then exhaled and closed the door.

- Ugh...Didn't she see you? He turned to Toketsu in surprise.

- I told you «no need» - Toketsu replied with the same face, standing in the same position - you can't see Shyurigammi until you come into contact with him or take the seal in your hands. So, apart from you and the other Yin seal holders, no one can see me.

- Okay... one less worry - Hiyako wiped his forehead from sweat, breathing became a little easier.

- So let's get back to another «worry» – switching to a stern tone, Toketsu spoke again - your duty.

- It's not my DUTY - Hiyako suddenly declared with a frown - just because I found this thing, it doesn't mean I have to go and sacrifice my life!

He stepped forward towards Shayurigammi, fiercely clenching his fists. To which he frowned in disappointment, looking at the boy from above.

- And if we put the question bluntly? – He said defiantly.

- "Bluntly"? - Hiyako was taken aback.

- That guy from the Yang clan saw you, and even more so - Toketsu said, pointing at Hiyako and then at himself - Now he knows you by sight, and he's already reported to his henchmen like Pete. While you're pretending to be a princess, they're already looking for you. And as soon as they find you, not only you will die, but also your relatives. Mom and dad. What are you going to do now? Will you keep denying it? Just throw away the seal? It won't help. You're already bound to her by a contract. Until you're killed, the connection won't break. So make up your mind, kid.

Hiyako wanted to continue to defend his position, and not get involved in all this nonsense, with war and mimic creatures. However, after thinking about Shayurigammi's statement, he scratched his head uncertainly. If everything Toketsu had said was true, then he had no other choice now. If this bond he mentioned cannot be broken by anything other than his death, and even getting rid of the seal will not save him. No parents...then…

- Mghhhhhh... - Hiyako tensely pressed his finger to his lips and then replied, "If the fate of my parents depends on it... fine. I'm ready," he said confidently.

Toketsu immediately changed his face, he raised an eyebrow in surprise and began to humble the boy with a look from head to toe.

- Really? I thought you were going to panic right now. Will go and throw away the seal, saying, something like "I don't care, not my problem" of else, and you'll go and cry to your parents, and all that. But it looks like... I was too hasty.

- Even if I'd thrown it away and we'd moved in, they'd still be looking for me, right? – he said, turning back to Toketsu - after all, a certain "connection" has formed.

- Exactly - Toketsu nodded, "it's almost impossible to break this connection. Even a human can't do that, let alone Shyurigammi. And if your words are not an empty sound, and you are really ready, then you will have to make every effort to learn the Yin seal.

- Where do we start? - Hiyako asked.

- First of all, you need to digest all this, – surprisingly replied Toketsu, - and preferably on a full stomach.

Immediately, in confirmation of the leopard's words, Hiyako's stomach rumbled clearly and loudly. Although, considering how much effort he spent running into that alley during the battle and back to his house, he just had to be hungry.

- Go eat - Toketsu said condescendingly, looking up at the ceiling - I feel like you need it now.

- Okay, Hiyako had already gone out the door, but then he stopped, turning back to Shyurigammi - Um... "Toketsu", maybe you're hungry too. Can I get you anything?

- Eh!? - Toketsu's cheeks were covered with a slight blush, looking away, he tried to control himself and replied - Thanks, I'm not hungry. Go.

- Uh-huh - Hiyako left the room, closing the door behind him. Then he went down the stairs.

Toketsu, meanwhile, escorted the guy out the door, then, looking at his feet, turned around and went to the open window. Gazing at the setting sun, he fell into thought.

"Do I feel bitter that I got such a partner? ... There is such a thing. Partly. And even more so, it cost me a nerve to hammer the right priorities into his head. But... it's a sin to complain about fate. He doesn't seem so hopeless. There's a twinkle in his eyes.…But now I have to make a man out of this boy. Arashio… Wherever you are... I give you my word, I will do my best to do it."

The end of the first scroll.