Disclaimer: I do not own nurarihyon no mago. I only own my OCs and my story plots.

Retsu is currently 7 years old.

Belladonna

Chapter 24:

Heart

An unholy cry resounds amidst bubbling hot magma. Sanmoto writhes in agony, his head burning at a much greater scorching heat than that of the underworld he now resides in, clutching at his head in absolute anguish. But no matter how long he waits for the pain to subside, for his body part to fully disperse from the living world to re-manifest itself in hell like it did so many other times, his brain simply did not reappear. The torturing pain continues to throb and burn unlike anything else, till he could barely do anything but curse the one who had inflicted this unto him.

His only link to the living world. A valuable chess piece that has a solid footing within the Nura Clan's executive ranks.

It was lost forever.

'Brain' is extremely cautious, the most wary of the lot amongst all of his body parts. So how was he found out? By who?

It was so sudden. No face, no voice, no warning, nothing but a sharp blade poking out of his chest and a burst of wild, blazing flames to erase him from existence.

"ARGHHHHHH! It's that little— That damned brat! It must be her! Rihan's daughter! Everything started going south ever since she got back! She should have been offed long ago with him! Those Shikoku yōkai are USELESS!"

Seimei watches the temper tantrum unfold with veiled calm, a contemplative silence shrouding him. Nura Rihan has always managed to hunt the other's body parts down over the past three centuries, taking them out with Nenekirimaru. But... for the brain to be unable to even reform back in hell where it's original body resides... His lips twists into a frown for the first time since the Edo period, where he had failed to be reborn.

It is one of the highest and most final form of exorcism, definitely not one that can be performed by any exorcism blade in existence, not even Nenekirimaru. A strong spiritual attack type that will leave nothing— not even a soul— to return to hell. ...There has yet to be an Onmyōji in all of history who could summon a Shikigami of such caliber, one that are capable of accomplishing such a devastating feat.

Yet somehow, within the Nura Clan main house, this very situation has come to a head.

Rihan's daughter... there is absolutely no way she should be able to summon such a Shikigami or have it take orders from her. Kitsune excels in many forms of magic, some of them working as a Shikigami or even guardian deities. Seimei himself is an outstanding Onmyōji the world has ever seen, especially since he is half-Kitsune, on the other hand... the yōkai Nurarihyon... has never been involved in Onmyōjutsu. The powers they wield are simply ill-suited for such things.

Unless... there is an unknown third party involved?

One would think that the day where a final battle is about to take place would be hectic and full of anticipation. It is... for the underlings. Weapons are cleaned, polished and sharpened, armours— for those who has it are checked for chinks and promptly repaired. After breakfast and the impromptu meeting with the commander from Shikoku, Danuki, there wasn't much for else me to do. Today is not too different from any other days, just that there is something planned tonight. A larger scale pest control excursion... and a years long debt to settle.

In fact, more than anything else, my body felt warm, sometimes hot... and bloodthirsty. I suppress that feeling and opt to take an afternoon nap to be sure that I will have a full bar's of energy to run on later. Rikuo, too, after some stern reminder, decides to cash in his nap time to make up for staying up late last night rescuing the Tochigami.

That is, napping was the initial plan, until Gyūki requests an audience with us in order to suggest sending Gozumaru and Mezumaru to infiltrate the enemies' temporary stronghold, of which the Tengu patrol members finally located late last night. It is a new building still undergoing construction near Ukiyoe's shopping district, a pretty good hiding spot actually. However, since I had already placed an infiltrator not twelve hours ago, there wasn't any real need to endanger the two. Gyūki actually chuckled after Rikuo sheepishly told him a mole had already been planted. The older Ayakashi seems relieved.

With Ojii-chan's return, the uneasiness within the Nura Clan's executives have also settled. They are more subdued than ever... in fact, they were rather obedient these past two days compared to what I remember of the anime and manga. Perhaps my efficiency and performance managed to put a lid on them for the time being, plus, the appearance of Rihan's murder weapon is also a deciding factor. As for Rikuo... it feels like he's almost brooding.

'Can't blame him, the exact identity of the sword might've... dug up some distasteful memories.'

The Shikoku vanguard squad have been awfully quiet today. I'm suspecting they could be saving their strength for the confrontation happening tonight. Menreiki should be returning before the battle with some information, so, all I need to do is to wait for the mask demon. Kuromaru had been going around the turf requesting for reinforcements under Rikuo's orders, gathering allied Ayakashi to fight on the off chance the Shikoku army doesn't listen to Danuki. A highly unlikely scenario, however, it is still best to be fully prepared.

Subsequently, we both took our respective naps and by the time I awaken, it is a little past five o'clock. Karasu Tengu informs me that a brief war council will be held around sunset, all battle personnels will be attending, so I went to freshen up before the meeting. Rikuo groggily makes his way out of his bedroom as I was returning from the bathroom, and I quickly informed him what Karasu Tengu told me.

"War council at sunset, don't be late." I had already reentered my bedroom before he had the time to process the words and utter back a reply.

The main family is in a mood, Kejōrō quietly observes. All three members who possesses the blood of Nurarihyon each held a different version but similarly grim expressions, the supreme commander's even more so. She could take a guess as to what exactly is bothering the old Ayakashi. The chatterbox smaller yōkai gossips away up in the rafters, and words spreads like dangerous wildfire amongst the bored.

Retsu knows when and what killed Niidaime. She had also got the exact number of moons that had passed since then correct.

She was eight months old.

Kejōrō continues with the food preparation, glancing out the kitchen window and towards the grey skies on occasion. The uneasiness of congregating Osore that is not theirs looms high above, a telltale sign of an unfriendly Hyakki Yakō's imminent arrival. It digs under her skin uncomfortably, prickling and raising gooseflesh.

Did someone tell her? No can't be. Only the young master and young miss was present when it happened... aside from the murderers themselves. She shudders at even entertaining such a thought. The smaller yōkai who eavesdropped on the meeting said she recognises the sword. Retsu was the one who confirmed it was the exact same murder weapon. ...She had also confirmed the infiltrator and executed him on the spot, without question, without delay, without even so much as a warning. Retsu sure doesn't like wasting time. It also feels like... she's getting impatient. She worries, because impatience has never really brought about a good outcome in all her years of experience. Kejōrō sincerely hopes this doesn't affect Retsu in any way, especially permanent.

...What next? What else can she do to help?

Breakfast is served. The young miss seems to be a lot calmer than yesterday, Ippondatara's good news on Tozen's recovery might have a hand in it, but there's still a certain tension to her shoulders. Of course there is, there is still a big fight tonight. It is both Rikuo-sama and Retsu-sama's first official territorial dispute. The young master wasn't looking any better, in fact, he still has yet to master masking his emotions well.

How much did she remember? Was it even possible? Because it sure seems like it. Then... does she remember us?

The Ayakashi quietly takes her leave, mentally preparing herself for the battle too. There's nothing more she could do for Rikuo or Retsu and it's frustrating. Just like before, there wasn't anything she nor anyone in the main house could do but watch. Nonetheless... for this battle, even if there isn't more she could have liked to help with, she can at least carry out her given orders to its fullest and alleviate both of the children's burden, even if, merely, by a margin.

'Rikuo is late.' I quietly stew in mounting irritation and anxiousness with each passing second. The only thing that gave away my emotions is the slight downturn of the corner of my lips. It took a lot of willpower to not glare at his empty seat on my right.

The sun had set minutes ago, leaving one side of the world to fend for itself in the darkness, while artificial lights of urbanisation does its best to fight against the shadows. Osore in our surroundings are dense enough it could almost be sliced with a knife, although thanks to having some of our Tochigami safe and sound, the Nura Clan's main source of Osore is mostly intact.

All of the captains that will be directly involved in the battle tonight are present. From the Nura Clan's side, our advisors and a few executives, Daruma, Gyūki, Zen and Karasu Tengu sits nearest to the dias, while the attack squad captains, Aotabō and Kurotabō are further down. Kubinashi, Kejōrō, Tsurara, Gozumaru, Mezumaru, Sasami and Tosakamaru cluster together. To my pleasant surprise, Shōei has attended the meeting in Hihi's stead, who is held up at his own house... or what's left of it from the previous enemy break-in.

Even sitting down, the young hanyō easily looms over every fully grown Ayakashi in the room. His face is set into an eerie calm and he hides it well enough, although I could still feel the barest trace of animosity boiling deep down in him. Didn't take the attack on his house too well, I presume. I vaguely remember that his mother is a human as well, as for her status, all I know is that I did not receive any news of Hihi's immediate family getting offed so... there's a marginal comfort in that.

Kappa somehow found out that the Shikoku intends to destroy the water purification plant and has Rikuo come with him. At least, that was what Tsurara was tasked to relay to me. Kuromaru is excused, for he is busy carrying out much more important matters. Ojii-chan is remescing with Danuki at the moment, not quite sure when or if they'll get to have tea together again.

Yūga and Kiba sits to the left, nearest to me. All battle-abled and support are also there. Ame, Neko, Kameosa, Tozen— who has made a come back with a clean bill of health, although he now sports a thin pale scar running vertically down his cheek all the way down to his chest— Ittan-Momen, Fūri, Enenra, Hidama, Kyō and finally, Shizuka. Umizatō is present as well, alongside his aide, Sazae-oni, the both of them situated beside the two Ōkami.

The atmosphere feels all too much like a calm before the storm.

Looking out into the garden, I see that the skies has darken considerably. Heaving a barely audible sigh, I lean forward, deciding to kickstart the council meeting without Rikuo. Someone or myself can fill him in later, besides, the briefing is more for the underlings.

"We will begin the war council now."

I received a few wide eyed looks, because starting a war council without the commander present is rather... but honestly... I just want to get this over with. All that anger and resentment on the Mao's Hammer revelation has been messing with my liver lately, making me feel a little bloated. "Our objective for this battle—"

Night Rikuo comes barging in from the garden just then, hauling in his fresh catch of the day draped over a sheathed Nenekirimaru. A rather peculiar way to carry someone, the image resembles drying fishes under the sun for better preservation purposes before storage. He probably loathed to touched the green Shikoku water demon, considering it's only wearing a worn brown cloth around its waist and nothing else. Gangi-kōzo lay limp, unconscious, and he dumps him beside me with a thud. If it is an attempt to appease me, it is a dirt poor one.

Rikuo takes a seat beside me, and I see Kappa slinking in to join the rest of the Nura Clan members on the right. I nudge the yōkai further away with the sheath of my own sword, barely withholding a grimace. "Ittan-Momen, would you please bring this to Hari Onna."

The cloth Tsukumogami flies over and grabs the yōkai by the tattered old cloth around his waist, lifting him up. I watch the cloth stretch precariously against the weight, holding my breath as it flies to the fusuma, using its cloth tail to smoothly slide the partition open, the Tsukumogami flies outside. Once the door slides close, I turn back to the front. "Our objective for—"

An ominous tearing sound was heard out in the hallway, immediately followed by a loud splat of a body hitting the ground. A few heads collectively turn to source located behind the fusuma, acting as if they could see right through it.

"—this battle is—" I plow on, unheeding of the situation happening one partition away.

Out of sight, out of mind.

An ear-splitting telltale screech of skin dragging against polished hardwood floor was heard for but a few seconds before all was silent, the body no doubt lifted higher into the air. I had momentarily lost track of what I was saying.

Yūga had his lips pursed into a thin line, Kiba mirroring his leader's actions, clearing his throat once. The others all had a slight trembling to their shoulders, cheeks puffed out and flushed pink. Ame had to tilt his head back and stare up at the ceiling, pinching the skin of his thighs hard. The younger Nura Clan members are faring no better, few are shaking and had to take deep breathes. Tsurara however, had to hide her entire face behind her sleeves due to secondhand embarrassment. The ancient Ayakashi are stone faced, centuries of preparation has allowed them a dignified posture. Daruma had his eyes closed, head shaking side to side, while Umizatō sports an amused smirk.

Mind whirring quickly to retrace my last words, I picked up from there. "To separate Tamazuki from the rest of his Hyakki Yakō and retrieve the Mao's Hammer. That is the goal."

The mood gradually somber up, I got my audience and traction back. "The supreme commander of Shikoku, Inugamigyōbu Danuki, has arrived here late last night with Ojii-chan. After some discussion, we have all come to an agreement to settle this issue as quickly as we can. The Mao's hammer, Niidaime's murder weapon, will be handed over to me for destruction. In exchange, Tamazuki's life... is to be spared."

I let it sink in, and I closely monitor Shōei's facial expression. Watching as the emotions flicker across his one visible red eye as he processes the situation. No one speaks out in protest, because they all know that Ojii-chan has agreed to all these terms as well.

"Both Onii-chan and myself will be dealing with Tamazuki and that blade. If anyone tries to interfere despite Danuki-san direct orders to cease invasion... I need them to be blocked without fail."

All eyes are now trained on me, backs straightened in rapt attention.

"The ones most likely to try are the executives from the Shikoku's vanguard squad. So... we're going to assign someone to deal with each of them." I held up the wanted posters, picking up the first one. "For Yosuzume. Sanba Garasu, can I count on you for this?"

Tosakamaru and Sasami nods in affirmative. "Leave it to us."

"Tsurara." I look up at the ice apparition, who sits up straighter on reflex. This would be my first direct order for her.

"Hai!"

"I'll have you join in as well. Get your ice on her wings and she's done for. Kurotabō, back her up, but don't stick too close in case Tsurara needs to freeze the area. Yosuzume isn't half-bad at close combat."

"I—" The black monk speaks up, mild surprise on his face.

"Retsu-sama, isn't it... too much?" Daruma asks from the side. I could understand, normally, just the Sanba Garasu alone would have been enough, however...

I might as well just get it out. "I've been thinking... or overthinking, maybe. I asked myself, would the Hyaku Monogatari Clan really leave such a precious artefact like that Mao's Hammer all the way in Shikoku for centuries... and then subsequently passed onto the hands of an unreliable baby Tanuki... without a guard?"

A buzz of shock zaps through the room. Gyūki opens his one visible eye just then, turning his head to face me more. It made sense. It made so much sense it's laughable.

"Of the Shikoku's vanguard squad, the others are much too weak and incompetent." I shrug. "So that leaves Yosuzume if by elimination method."

I felt Rikuo's demonic crimson eyes staring a hole in me from the side.

"The moment Yosuzume so much hint that she intends to fight or get that sword... you may kill her." The atmosphere is solemn, and my voice hard. "I want zero casualties on our side."

Tosakamaru, Sasami, Tsurara and Kurotabō nods in acknowledgement. "Hai!"

"Tearai-Oni." I flip to the next wanted poster and look to Aotabō. "Ao, please take care of that one."

"Leave it to me!" The ancient Ayakshi raises a fist to his chest.

"I have absolute confidence in your strength." I said earnestly. That, is a fact. He puffs up his chest.

"Inugami." I sigh, flipping to the next page. "This one is a pain."

"Kubinashi, Kejōrō, Menreiki... not back yet?" I ask myself, looking around. The miasma butterfly shakes her head in reply, her twin pigtails swishing at the motion.

"Shizuka, you're in, and also..." I look straight at the only ape demon present. "Shōei-nii, would you like to join in on this expedition?"

He seems surprised, with the way he lifted his head from the slight slouch he was in.

"I would have Yūga take care of this but..." I glance at my side. "We're going to use Saki's perfume bombs."

Yūga's ears immediately went flat against his head and the other wolf behind him whimpers, physically recoiling, lips pulled back in visible disgust. They had their share of unpleasant experience trying to track that very same scent to the Shikoku's hideout, which was eventually discovered by the Tengu Clan, much to their immense relief.

"The Ōkami's keen sense of smell is disadvantageous in this, so..." I trailed off, gauging his reaction.

Hihi didn't get offed, while that is a relief in and of itself, it also brought up another major question... would it affect Shōei's joining of Rikuo's Hyakki Yakō? The only reason he came to the main house in the anime and manga was to see how the matter of his father's murder is to be settled, and also in hopes to quell the rage boiling within him. He is an indispensable fighting force for the upcoming war against Kyōto, I really hope he shows interest.

"Actually..." Umizatō speaks up with a pleasant smile on his face. "Why not allow let me to handle this? I'd like get some exercise in, it's been way too long."

My mind churns to a halt, before sputtering back to life. 'What the hell does he want? Why the sudden interest— ah. Saki's perfume bombs.' It would seem Sazae-oni had come to the same conclusion a little earlier than I did.

"Since you've volunteered... we'll be counting on you to handle Inugami then." I say. Umizatō smiles and smiles while I turn back to the group. "In that case, Kubinashi, Kejōrō, Menreiki and Shizuka will aid whoever needs it."

"Understood." The four chorused.

"Count me in." Shōei finally speaks up, a strong conviction to his tone. "I'll do my part in driving out the enemy forces from Nura Clan turf."

That took me aback just a little, but in a good way. I genuinely smiled for the first time in these last few days. "Thank you."

Shōei gave a curt nod.

"Kappa." I call out to the watery resident sitting at the way back, and he points to himself in mild bewilder. "I'll lend you Kameosa, it should fix the water issue. However, I'll have to trouble you to share it with Ame."

"Understood, Retsu-sama." He gives a little salute.

The shōji doors to the garden rattles, and I peer over to see Menreiki's smiley mask in place, decked out in all their full white kimono glory. I relax a margin, glad to see them unharmed. "How is it?"

Menreiki gives me a thumbs up, and swaps out the smiley mask in favour of a funny looking red-faced mask with goggly eyes. "Their Hyakki Yakō are fodder, just like you suspect. He's getting irritated, a group of yōkai that had arrived sometime between yesterday and today had already died by the blade."

"What about the enemy numbers?" Rikuo queries, arms folded within his billowing sleeves. The others that weren't let in on this look on in mild bewilderment while Gyūki silently scrutinises the Gigaku mask demon, evaluating their espionage skills probably.

"Didn't say. A few hundred I'd assume." He shrugs exaggeratedly, voice a little high pitched. "They move at midnight, so the little Tanuki says. They plan to fight at the cinema square."

"Midnight, huh." Rikuo muses.

"It doesn't really matter how many of them there are. That Tanuki is just planning to feed them to that accursed blade anyway." I said calmly. "Thank you for your hard work, Menreiki. Get some rest because I'll be counting on you for the battle tonight as well. You can get the specifics from Shizuka."

"Hai, hai~" He gives a salute, standing at attention before that mask was swapped back out with the smiley mask. That one seems to be a default. The Tsukumogami ventures over to sit beside their long time comrade, who seems relieved to see them back unharmed as well.

"Kyō, can you cause a blackout wherever the battle is about to take place?" I ask the computer-dwelling spirit.

The timid thing looks up nervously, pushing his thick glasses further up his nose. "I-I can try. It shouldn't be too hard."

"Just mess with the lights if you can't make a full on power outage. Majority of the humans should be heading for brighter places by themselves. Kiba, have the Ōkami group herd them away if there's some few stranglers sticking around. Scare them, or pretend as a human and start screaming and running, they'll most likely follow and ask questions later. I'm not too concerned with the method. Form a perimeter around the area and ensure none of them comes too close, I don't want any humans caught in the crossfire."

"I'll see to it to the best of my ability." Kiba inclines his head, fluffy ears twitching.

"If there's nothing else... this meeting is thereby adjourned. Go get ready." Turning to my brother, I said. "Onii-chan, a word."

...

Everyone is hurrying around to get some last minute preparations for the battle done, with a timing now set, the atmosphere grows tenser as the clock ticks closer towards midnight. Yōkai Rikuo and I vacated the meeting hall to allow the underlings to discuss their team battle strategy, heading for the gardens. Stopping beneath the ever blooming ancient sakura tree, a feeling of warmth and familial calm washes over me, as if held in the embrace of our grandmother. I stare up at the swaying branches, mesmerised, my chaotic mind mercifully blank of any and all thoughts for the moment.

Rikuo folded his arms across his chest, hands slotted into his billowing sleeves, hiding them from the chilly air, and speaks up. "So, what is it?"

It still feels somewhat off to hear a deeper version of his voice, so used to the whiny, higher-pitched, sound he makes in his day form. He'll probably grow into this sometime soon though, puberty will be hitting his human form within these few years. I... do not really look forward to mine, but I could use the growth spurt. Training has been hell without the developed muscles.

"To discuss a vague battle strategy, obviously." I reply, eyes not leaving the pink flurry of colours. "...You will fight Tamazuki later, do try to stay on the offensive and don't let up. Make sure he's too busy to pay much attention to anything else and don't you dare get cut by that blade. I'll find an opportunity to get that sword from him and destroy it."

It was silent for a while as I let the him mull over the information. I waited for a couple more seconds in case he has any input to better that half-baked plan. Tearing my gaze away from the sakura tree, l move to leave when it seems he doesn't have any.

"If there's nothing else, I'm going to give my katana a cleaning." I pass by him, picking my way across the grey stepping stones.

"Retsu."

I halt, turning back to look at him, mentally noting the unusually somber tone he uses. The silver part of his hair glows a pale blue beneath the moonlight, and with the cherry blossoms making up the background, the scene before my eyes is almost breathtaking. Narrow crimson red eyes stare back at me, and while his night form is much better at masking emotions, I almost sensed the deep inner turmoil within those darkened irises. A slight furrow to his naturally arched brows, lips pursing and then relaxing. It looks like he has so many questions in mind and didn't even know where to begin.

"Nevermind." He turns away, gaze shifting up to the Sakura tree in a contemplative silence.

Raising a brow at his odd behaviour, I stood in place, waiting for a few more moments for him to make up his mind. Subconsciously, I just knew it wasn't about the upcoming battle, or the vague strategy to deal with the baby Tanuki. Rikuo could improvise, act accordingly to what the situation requires, he's not that stupid. He learns fast under pressure. No, it was something else, something that has been eating away at him for much longer. Deeming the time is up, that he wasn't going to voice out whatever it was he wanted to ask, I get ready to retreat back to the mansion when he calls me again.

"Retsu."

I halt and wait patiently, mildly surprised that I have that much quota left of my patience bar. Thinking it had all but shrivelled up the moment my eyes landed upon the Mao's hammer, and my temper is a thin ice away from breaking free and swallowing me whole.

"I'll do better." He says sombrely, glowing red eyes flicking over to meet my pear green ones. "So... please bare with my inexperience for a while longer."

A chilly wind blows between us, raking up and carrying some fallen pink petals away elsewhere.

'He must think himself pathetic, needing his seven year old little sister to help manage and run our territories... but he shouldn't need to feel like that.'

"We will do better." I reply after a small break, voice hushed, but with his enhanced hearing, there is no way he cannot hear me. His expression barely changed, but... I hope it'll at least make him feel he's less alone in all of this.

Things are getting a bit too personal. I didn't like it. I turn back to the main house, stepping back onto the wooden porch. "I'll be around."

We didn't choose this.

Niidaime did.

And there is no way in hell I'll ever hold not having a father over Rikuo's head.

These weren't supposed to be his responsibilities, not this early. Running a clan his age was barely heard of.

We're just picking up the pieces our predecessor discarded without a thought.

Gripping the front of my kimono, I make my way upstairs.

These feelings are so very bitter and sour.

...

I hate it.

As the clock hand ticks towards twelve midnight, the youki within Ukiyoe town grew ever denser, plunging the area into deeper uneasiness. Opening my eyes from my brief rest, I push off from the wall of my bedroom and grab my spare katana, hanging it just beneath my obi belt while I kept the shrunken down Honjo Masamune within the right sleeve of my kimono. Taking a deep breath, I look at my pink penguin alarm clock and calculates the time. It is exactly six hours till sunrise.

My demon form time limit is now currently seven hours, pushing a little bit more to eight. Glancing out at the moon glowing brightly above, I shift into my night form, going for full offense mode.

...

A huge murder of crows caw noisily outside, near countless pairs of beating wings a consistent background music. The Sanba Garasu hurriedly broadcast their smaller counterparts' messages overhead.

"The Shikoku yōkai have begun to move. They are marching towards Ukiyoe's main street." Tosakamaru had to raise his voice above the cacophony so he could be heard, eyeing a circling crow that flew away once the message is delivered.

Not a couple seconds later, Sasami relays yet another report. "There is a large cluster of demonic aura approaching from the southeast."

"A similar cluster of demonic aura is also approaching from the northwest. Oh, from the northeast as well!" Tosakamaru added.

"Looks like he made it somehow." Rikuo mutters to himself and Kuromaru makes an appearance from above, landing gracefully into a respectful kneel in front of my brother.

"In response to the Young Master's request for assistance, a large force of supporters has rallied." He reports earnestly.

"Right, good job." Rikuo praises, gazing up into the sky, sensing the aforementioned surge of Osore empowering us. Every single Ayakashi of the Nura Clan senses it as well and grins bloodthirstily, their confidence alongside their strengths receiving a tremendous boost.

Glancing down at my own hand, I can see the dark tendrils of my own Osore overflowing. Clenching my fists, I nod at Kyō, who beats a hasty retreat into the lightbulb of one of the many lampposts lining the street outside the mansion. One by one, the lights began to flicker where he had no doubt passed by, and disappears down the road, traversing into the would-be battlefield. Barely a minute later, a single wolf howls from somewhere, and one by one, they join in. Creating a melody that could be heard for miles on end through the night.

That was the signal.

With that, Rikuo leisurely makes his way towards the Nura Clan mansion gates, a sheathed and freshly cleaned Nenekirimaru resting against his shoulder. I follow by his left side, mindful to keep one step behind him.

"Alright everyone, let's go!" Kejōrō shouts, raising a fist and ramping up the yōkai's spirits. All battle personnels responded with a deafening war cry, weapons elevated.

Tozen and Ittan-Momen floats two paces behind me, while the rest of my squad forms a jumbled train line. Umizatō is almost camouflaged amongst the group, and I don't see his aide, so she was probably told to stay behind with Saki. Ame is practically glued against my side, his tiny hands clutching Kameosa to his chest, lips pursed into a wobbly line. His long-time accomplice, Neko, weaves expertly between his ankles. I huff a laugh. "Nervous?"

He shakes his head vehemently, a barely restrained elated smile tugging at his lips. Baby blues peek out beneath the straw umbrella covering his head, and he whispers back his answer. "Kinda excited, actually."

"Fufu~ Keep that up." I mutter back in amusement.

As we passed by the compound gates, paper lanterns possessing the Nura Clan emblem lights our way into the beyond. Rikuo peers up at the blue moon in the indigo sky and smiles. "A hazy moon, eh? It looks like it'll be a long night."

His voice lowers into a deadly calm, and an unnatural breeze whoosh past. "Entrust your lives to me."

A resounding and affirmative, "Yeah!" came from majority of the gathered Ayakashi.

It's play time.

Some minutes ago, with the Ōkami group. Upon a gloomy rooftop of a skyscraper located within the Main Street, upwind, they share and distribute the necessary supplies before setting off to scar— evacuate all humans within vicinity.

"I trust that you lot had already finalised the plans?" Yūga growls lowly, eyeing the pack of wolves crowding around him in a loose circle. The wind ruffles his unruly silver-grey hair, large fluffy ears perked and alert, swishing like radars to keep tabs on his surroundings.

An eager hand was raised and a gruff nod of acknowledgment prompts the other to speak.

"Is the butcher knife or axe better?" A beta Ōkami asks, holding up the aforementioned weapons of choice.

"... What are you playing as?" Yūga asks blandly.

"Psychopathic murderer." He replies earnestly without missing a beat.

Their leader contemplates for a split second before ultimately saying. "Butcher knife would seem more believable. It's a little bit harder for a human to procure an axe."

"Okay!"

Turning to two wolves in particular, Yūga narrows his eyes at them. "Where's the blood?"

The two brothers of the same litter gave matching grins, pushing a burlap sack filled to the brim with many sealed plastic bags towards the centre. "Right here."

When one was opened for closer inspection, they all cringed, ears pressed tightly against their heads and lips curling back into a grimace at the... odd smell that oozes out. The concoction itself is looking rather questionable. However, the texture seems sticky enough to pass off as real blood, but still maintains a level amount of watery fluid viscosity.

"Awww man, what the hell did you two use?"

"We mixed in everything red we could find within the past few hours." One of the twins replies solemnly.

"Like what?" Another dares to ask.

A brave soul leans in to take a tentative whiff. "Wait, its faint but I think I actually smell... syrup?"

"Yep." Twin number two confirms, tail wagging. "We searched online. You would not believe this, they actually teach you how to make fake blood!"

"It's for this human event thing called 'Halloween'. Anyway, we put some corn syrup, chocolate syrup, some red food colouring, oatmeal and toilet paper—"

"Toilet paper?!"

"Yeah! For the fake guts!" Twin number one squeezes the packets harder so that a handful of the aforementioned 'guts' comes squirting out, much to some of their disgust. This smells nothing like how their food usually do. A little too sweet, too—

"Wait, did you actually add in—"

"Yep, we went to the wet market for some actual animal blood and mixed that in as well."

"... I call dibs on the fake guts. We're playing hungry wolves had escaped from the zoo."

"Hahahaha! We're going to make things absolutely gory, missing limbs and all!"

"We also poured in some odourless red paint, rotten grapes, mulberries, raspberries and beetroot we got for free at the market."

"No wonder it smells so..."

"Oooooo~ those stains ain't gonna come off that easily." Another snickers with a shit-eating grin.

"As long as it doesn't smell like syrup or fruits at the get go, and most importantly, looks like blood at first glance, the humans won't know the difference when it's 'lights out'." Kiba shrugs. "Good job you two."

The Ōkami are aiming for speed this time. How fast they can get the humans to vacate the area, so the best way to get them all fired up and make it quick is to turn things into a competition.

"Alright, you know the drill." Yūga grins hungrily, and the wolves all sent him matching expressions of blood-thirst, licking their maws. The lights on the street down below begin to flicker in and out, before a few buildings suffer a complete blackout.

"The winning team gets the premium wagyu steak."

'Tonight feels extremely off.' Yura thinks as she stares out the window of her rented apartment. Dismal clouds swirl ominously high above, a sickening purplish tint to them. The clock hanging on the wall shows that it is nearly midnight, prime time for yōkai to come out and wreck havoc. She clutches her purse tightly, where all her paper Shikigami summons are stuffed in and make a hasty decision.

Yura rushes out of her housing area in a whirl, just barely keeping a mind to lock the door before she's off like a shot. Down the vacant neighbourhood streets she ran, straight towards the crowded shopping districts lit with bright neon signs. Her breathes coming out in huffs and puffs, the night air has become warmer as summer draws nearer, but it is still rather chilly out.

She skids to a sudden halt in the middle of a relatively crowded street, frozen in spot at the overwhelming and telltale skin-crawling feeling that washed over her.

This is the first time she's sensed so much Osore gathered in one spot. It's unnerving.

Taking a deep breath, another, and another, she gripes her purse for reassurance, before shaking her head to clear any unwanted thoughts. 'I am the Keikain Onmyōji Style's successor. If I can't even do this... I have to check this out!'

Just as she runs headlong into the area right where Osore is densest, one by one, the lights from the surrounding buildings flickers and dies out. Leaving the entire street to be engulfed by pitch black darkness, the way it should be without any artificial lights keeping the night at bay.

Then, the screams began.

Yura pulls out her Shikigami on ingrained instinct alone. However, before she even knew what was happening, a whole stampede of frightened humans are rushing her way, yelling about escaped zoo wolves and a psychotic mass-murderer or whatnot. She pales as the people runs by, shoving and pushing against her. She does her best to brave the waves upon waves of panicking humans, trying to stand strong and shoulder her way past them into the real fray happening not too far from here.

'The yōkai are just there! I can sense them!' Yura pushes with all her might, but with each step she took, she was pushed back three steps.

"Oi! Ojou-san! Run!"

"There's mass-murderer on the loose! Don't be reckless! You're too young!"

"Wait! Wasn't it escaped wolves?!" Someone squawks out in bewilderment, and was promptly shoved to keep running when they heard the deafening sound of a wolf howling. Finally, deeming enough is enough, a few kind hearted adults who only mean well promptly swept her off her feet, carrying her kicking and screaming off into the complete opposite direction.

On that day, Keikain Yura had been indisputably defeated by a mob of humans.

More youki swirls in a dark mist-like form all over the deserted streets, giving any lesser opposing demons a bad chill whenever they brush against it. The Nura Clan has reigned supreme over eastern Japan since around the Sengoku period, the territories they govern would have no shortage of belief and fear to go around, even despite losing a few of their Tochigami. The Shikoku horde on the other hand, while they are a smaller group, they are still a Hyakki Yakō as well, proven by the change in environmental temperature.

Before the two clans even meet face-to-face to settle a territorial dispute, the suffocating Osore they command are already clashing.

A lone silver-grey wolf leaps down from one of the skyscrapers, morphing into his humanoid form mid-air and lands some paces to my side. Yūga grins, his sharp eyeteeth gleaming dangerously in the moonlight. "The humans are all taken cared of, you can fight without worry now."

"Much thanks." Rikuo acknowledges with an imperceptible nod of his head.

"Good work." I praised, slapping the Ōkami on the shoulder, and he nudge back with a smirk.

We pass by an overhead bridge and step out onto the vacant roads of Ukiyoe's Main Street. Merely a couple meters up ahead, the Shikoku forces lay in wait, eyeing us up the same way we are doing to them. I immediately set to scanning the opposing team for their executives. They have three of them left. Yosuzume, Tearai-Oni and a miserable, allergy-reddened face Inugami.

It seems Saki's perfume bombs are still going strong, albeit, the effects has been significantly lessened. The dog demon is currently doing his best to give me the stink eye amidst a clogged nose and puffy, bloodshot eyes. Unconciously, my lips twist into a pitying smile and the moment he saw, his mouth was drawn back into a silent snarl. 'How cute~'

"I've been waiting for you, Nura Rikuo." Tamazuki greets us cockily from atop the Cinema entrance, the spotlights located beneath his feet unaffected by Kyō and they shine upon him, casting a larger shadow of the little Tanuki onto the cream coloured wall of the building behind.

"Behold my true form!"

His Osore spikes, and a whole pile of leaves materialise from thin air to swirl around him, effectively shrouding his human disguise from view for a split second. Like the first time we've met, the leaves gradually dwindle down to reveal an extravagant white and purple garb, competed with a mask upon his face. Lightly faded pink, wild and long hair cascades down his back, and all of a sudden, I recall the L'Oréal shampoo commercial; 'Because you're worth it.' completed with hair flip, smile and sparkles.

I blink that image away. His flashy transformation show earns a huge round of applause and near-feral cheers from the Shikoku demons.

"Oh! That's Tamazuki-sama!"

"Now that's his original form!"

It's like we're at an idol concert.

Rikuo snorts, and I realise I had said that last sentence out loud.

"So that's his true form?" Ao says rhetorically from behind us, leaning forward to watch.

Tamazuki leaps down from the building not without executing a single front flip and landing neatly on his feet. His Hyakki Yakō parts like the red sea as they let him through. Holding the Mao's Hammer horizontally with his left hand, he steps out in front of us, legs braced in a wide stance.

"At last, it is time to fulfil our cherished dreams. I swear by the name of the eighty-eight gods of Shikoku—" Like in the Kabuki play, he does the head bob thing the actor always does before engaging in a fight. "—as promised, I will take your lives and fear!"

I make sure my face looks like I ate something sour before delivering the killing blow in a deadpan tone.

"Sailor moon did it better."

Three.

Two.

One.

When it finally registers, the polite ones snickers and chuckle quietly, while the complete opposites— which, unfortunately for Tamazuki, makes up the majority of the Nura Clan— howl boisterously. Boredom is a common problem for yōkai, hence, many had taken up the hobby of watching pretty much anything they could get their hands on and yes, that includes anime.

"Needs more glitter and bling, there is never enough in a magical girl transformation!" I correct him heatedly, playing the role of a die hard fan who just bared witness to an atrocious act, fists clenched in mock frustration. I can feel Rikuo giving me the side eye stare from the side.

Tamazuki did not move, just look straight at me and in an even tone that simply drips with simmering hatred, he asked. "... Do you think it's funny?"

"Do you think I'm smiling?" I question right back, expression completely serious.

Somewhere behind me, I hear a yōkai scream out a laughing fit, it sounded suspiciously like Ame was having an asthma attack. It was then closely followed by the sounds of hacking and coughing.

"Petty verbal jabs—" Tamazuki begins before I promptly cut him off.

"Stings, doesn't it?" My lips twitch in amusement.

"— has no effect on the bigger picture." He emphasises between gritted teeth. "It's time to begin the battle between the tumultuous hordes."

"You want to run that by with someone first?" Rikuo smirks smugly. We both step aside to let Danuki through, who sheds his old man disguise to revert back to his real furry form and gigantic size.

The Shikoku's Hachijūhakki Yakō freezes up in their tracks, any previous bloodlust completely washed away with their old supreme commander's unexpected appearance and disapproving frown. The collective expressions they are all making firmly sits within the 'oh shit' department. When weapons are being lowered marginally, we knew we had them.

"Cease this fight immediately!" Danuki bellows out to the army, and the yōkai gathered all exchange unsure glances before lowering their blades and weapons further.

Tamazuki... cannot command the Shikoku horde anymore, he knows that as he looks around him to see his underlings one by one avert his gaze. Danuki holds more respect from the Shikoku's Hachijūhakki Yakō than he did. While all the present Ayakashi may have went behind the old commander's back and snuck out of Shikoku alongside the little Tanuki to initiate this war. However, this is all done without the older Ayakashi's knowledge, which means... they couldn't— wouldn't— go against Danuki's wishes.

Well, even if some foolhardy enough yōkai did, Danuki could still crush them, power-wise and literally, all he simply need to do is sit on them with his gigantic size and they're goners.

The Shikoku horde as a whole is no a threat anymore.

Tearai-oni, despite his immense shock, manages to recover faster than most and stutters out, "I-Inugamigyōbu Danuki-sama? Why have you come all the way out here..."

"Oyaji." Tamazuki says, his tone dull.

"You... utter fool! Really... You really are a stupid son." Danuki's voice shook with emotion, and for a split second, I am suddenly rather concerned about his blood pressure. "Put down that blade and come home with me now!"

Rikuo steps forward, voice raised in order for the little Tanuki to hear him loud and clear across the clearing. "We've come to a compromise with your supreme commander. Tamazuki, as long as you forfeit that sword to us and go home, the Nura Clan considers this matter settled."

There was a split second silence, then, Tamazuki is chuckling. Shoulders shaking marginally at first, until his amusement grew in intensity and it became a full out laughing fit.

"You want this katana too? Beautiful, isn't it? The sword that plucked Oyaji's fangs and rendered him the useless demon he is now." Tamazuki waves the weapon around like it's something to be revered.

"Tamazusa!" Danuki calls out once again, but it's no use. His son is too far gone.

"My name is Tamazuki!" He snaps in annoyance, flinging an arm outwards in frustration.

I narrow my eyes, tuning out most of his monologue, my attention never once leaving him. Those are merely nonsensical stuff. If he can't order his Hyakki Yakō to attack us anymore, then he'll use them as fodder. Making up my mind, I decided to launch my first attack when he moves to turn on any yōkai. I nudge Honjo Masamune partially from its sheath with a thumb, and it slides out with a barely audible soft click.

"Humans... once strongly feared the shadows. However, don't you think the world is much too bright now? This is why the yōkai 'presence' is weakening. Nura Rikuo... We need to change, and we must once again become feared by humans." The little Tanuki extends out a hand, and my blood boils ever hotter as he held the Mao's hammer by his side.

"I, Tamazuki, will restore darkness to this world. With this blade... I will become the Maō!" He shifts to face his underlings, where majority shrinks back in guilt and fear.

"Every single of you... are all utterly useless. I've known from the beginning, but... not like it matters. After all, there is a way you can still be useful." His pale coloured pinkish hair grew longer and proceeds to wrap itself around the handle of that sword.

Taking that as my cue to interfere, I lean forward into a crouch and leap up into the air high above him, the night wind biting at my skin. Within a split second, I had Honjo Masamune expand in size and charged with Ougi Meikyō Shisui "Zan", the dense offense Osore coiling like black snakes along the cold, sharp steel.

"That's right, all of you... I'll have you serve my ambition."

With that, Tamazuki gleefully turns on his own Hyakki Yakō. Unsheathing the jagged blade, he swings his head and upper torso in a circular motion. The action causing his hair and subsequently, the Mao's Hammer attached to it to fly outwards in a deadly arc. All the better to cut as many of them down in one fell swoop.

"T—Tamazuki-sama?!" One of the Shikoku yōkai stutters out while another outright screeches in horror as the accursed blade swings closer to their faces.

Twisting my body mid-air to make a full spin, I make use of the added momentum and speed from the action to deliver my attack. Bringing my sword down so quickly it became nothing but a flash of white, I split the ground with a wall of lethal blue flames, successfully separating the Tanuki from his own Hyakki Yakō so he couldn't turn them into fuel.

Screeching of terror fills the area, the fire almost grazing the Shikoku demons lined up at the very front. They fell onto their backsides, scampering and crawling away from the blue flames that screamed certain death. Tamazuki draws back warily, the fire licking hungrily near his feet, no doubt recalling when happened to the other half of his vanguard squad. He turns around just as I lean backwards to execute a backflip in order to change my landing spot. My initial trajectory would have landed me smack dab in the middle of the Shikoku horde and that won't do.

A gust of wind ruffles my clothes from behind, bringing with it the smell of huge avian wings which sent my internal alarm bells into a fit and I grip my sword tighter, bracing for an assailant. The sharp clang of metal against metal was heard at the same time the beating of multiple pairs of large wings makes themselves known. I glance back just in time to see the Sanba Garasu currently engaging in a deadlock with Yosuzume while working to herd her off to the side, where Kurotabō and Tsurara are watching her like a hawk.

'The little shit tried to sneak attack me.'

A flash of movement down below draws my attention, and I see Tamazuki heading straight for my would be landing spot with the blade outstretched, his intentions clear as day. "Since you're so eager, I shall add your blood to my collection first!"

Well, jokes on him, Masamune can enlarge and lengthen itself, so it's a multi-ranged weapon. I certainly wouldn't mind taking off his arm, Danuki only said to spare his life, not his limbs. However, before I could even use the split moment needed to adjust my sword to follow through with that thought, Rikuo has already rushed out to intercept him. Nenekirimaru clashing against the Mao's Hammer with an ear-screeching sound of grinding steel. I touchdown a little too close to them than I would have liked, placing me right behind Rikuo. I jump back to gain distance, taking note to stick near to the ground.

"Tamazuki! That little brat is my prey!" Inugami growls vengefully, rounding the corner where my barricade of flames don't reach. Bloodshot eyes glaring daggers at me as uncontrollable tears and snot runs down his red face.

"Then go bite off her head right now!" The Tanuki orders, pushing back against Nenekirimaru, although Rikuo is quick to pull back and land a few more strikes, forcing the other into a defensive position. Their blades eliciting sparks from where they connect harshly.

Inugami's neck stretches out grotesquely, his skin growing darker, furrier, before a transformed dog head completely rips itself away from his shoulders. His body slumps down uselessly while the head lunges for me with a rabid look, sharp canines bared and saliva dripping.

I couldn't help the feral grin splitting my face as I tilt my head back to stare down my nose at him mockingly. "Unfortunately, someone else has called dibs on you, little pup. Be a dear and play with Umi-san over here."

Umizatō appears all of a sudden— one moment he wasn't there, the next he is— striking the blunt end of his wooden cane into the dog demon's forehead with a dull thud. He dons an ever pleasant smile on his scruffy face as the younger demon was sent flying backwards onto the concrete ground with a pained yelp.

"Try not to wear out too soon." I smile.

Inugami snarls in absolute fury, shaking his head and floating up, face twisted into a grimace.

'Out of everyone, the pup has one of the shittest luck during this invasion.' I mused, slipping right within the Nura Clan crowd and using the bigger frames of the Ayakashi gathered to hide my much smaller one from Tamazuki's immediate view. Although, Rikuo is currently doing a rather decent job at going for the offense relentlessly, I still have to finish off the Mao's Hammer as soon as possible. Having watched and experienced my more ferocious fighting style must have given my brother an idea or two to implement his own.

'Time for part two.'

Drawing in a deep breath, I allow my eyes to fall into a half-lidded state and switch my offense Osore to defense. Sensing the change of wild Osore drawing back towards my body into a protective shroud, I immediately activate Meikyō Shisui, and throw myself back out where my brother is.

Katana clashes fiercely, unrelenting, and night Rikuo looks more pissed than I had ever recalled him being. His crimson eyes glowing brightly with the amount of Osore he's channeling. They exchange words whilst fighting, although I tune them all out to better focus, watching closely for any opening I could take. Adjusting myself accordingly, I ended up placing myself right behind the little Tanuki.

Tamazuki... he's sloppy. From the looks of his near non-existent swordsmanship, he was literally placing all his chances of winning on the Mao's Hammer alone when he stormed into Kantō region. Weapons are only there to aide their masters. It doesn't matter how great the weapon one hold is, they are nothing but common trash in the hands of the mentally challenged.

Sounds of fighting elsewhere rings loud and clear in the area. Inugami is currently subdued by Umizatō, so that's one trouble down. Yozusume is kept extremely busy, apart from the five already assigned to take her down, the other Nura Clan members are on standby. She's not getting past any of them that easily.

Then, I sense a change, a change so subtle that I wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't naturally more sensitive with sensing Osore. My eyes widen, gaze honing in on the demonic energy surrounding both my brother and Tamazuki. I look over to the wall of blue fire where majority of the Shikoku demons have stepped out from behind and are currently watching the battle. Danuki is sitting a little ways in front of them, a silent warning for his people to not interfere.

However... some of them are still internally cheering Tamazuki on.

'Not good.' I tear my attention away from the group back to the duo fighting. 'If this takes too long, it will turn into a battle of Osore between two commander level demons. By then, the amount of youki emitted will become a natural force field, then I won't be able to get close enough to destroy that sword!'

The two break apart for a split moment, and I dart towards Rikuo to grab him by the shoulder with my free hand— not too much that it'll give away my presence to Tamazuki but just enough to grab his attention— allowing Meikyō Shisui to engulf one of his ears to hiss into it venomously.

"Rush him."

That blade must perish now.

I sprint towards Tamazuki at the same time Rikuo did, and that was when the Tanuki finally realises I wasn't anywhere in sight, and Inugami isn't entraining me either. He looks around, flustered, face turning left and right.

"Where are you looking?" Rikuo demands, bringing up Nenekirimaru and strikes down at Tamazuki, who quickly but haphazardly blocked his blow with the Mao's Hammer.

Getting close, my zōri skids against the concrete to place me right at Tamazuki's side. Gripping the handle of Masamune with both hands, I twist it so the sharp side of the blade is aimed at the underside of his right arm, just a little above his elbow. I vaguely register that Meikyō Shisui has deactivated by then, the bloodlust I harbour being too much for my heart to keep calm, and my form was unveiled.

Tamazuki barley has the time to flinch when I lean backwards into a backflip, using the weight of my entire body to swing my blade upwards and looping off his arm. Blood sprays out. The Mao's Hammer makes its descent to the ground while simultaneously, with nothing to keep Nenekirimaru at bay, it slices through his white mask and cuts off a portion to reveal a shocked dark coloured eye.

Turning on my heel, I delivered a mean roundhouse kick at the Tanuki's side and sent him flying away from the goddamn sword which has clattered onto the ground.

Crimson eyes raking over the chipped blade and the worn, tattered yellow handle alongside the blade's name engraved upon it, I stand over the fallen blade. Quickly switching into a backhand hold, I swiftly raise Honjo Masamune up over it, feeling Sunny leaving my hand to embed himself onto the blade.

"Retsu-sama!"

A cry in the distance signals to me something went wrong, but the blade's right in front of me. Nothing and no one is going to stop me.

Kirin lets out a deafening roar only I could hear, and the exorcism flames curl around the blade at the same time the beating of wings draws ever closer. Amidst the sounds of a ferocious snarl, clash of steel against steel, a cold sub-zero chill and many others, I mercilessly drove Masamune into the Mao's Hammer.

"NOOOO!" Tamazuki lets out a final bellowing cry, good arm outstretched in vain.

The blade hits its target head on, a resounding clang echoing throughout the area as the sword beneath was snapped cleanly into two. The fierce fire lick all along the jagged metal, cracking everything in its path, melting it, and finally engulfs the old worn handle. It burns, and burns, and burns till nothing of it remains, not even a single speck of ash.

Tamazuki watches in despair. Fresh blood runing from one side of his forehead, across the bridge of his nose to stop at his right cheek, it looks like it is going to leave a scar.

Within mere seconds, the Mao's Hammer is forevermore ancient history.

I let out a small sigh, straightening up and tilting my head back to see what the fiasco just now was about. Although I had a feeling who is the culprit.

Yosuzume is now trapped in place by Kubinashi's red strings, a layer of solid ice covering her wings, curtsy of Tsurara. Her staff had been brutally knocked from her hands by Kurotabō, who points the end of one of his many blades at her throat in warning. The Sanba Garasu regroups to hover around her, ready to intercept her technique at any moment.

Yūga's big wolf form is situated right between me and the bird demon, teeth bared and fur bristling. I see Tozen out of the corner of my eyes with his bow raised and arrows nocked, sharp mahogany eyes trained on his past opponent. Rikuo, a little off to the side, is also on his guard as well, although he's mindful to keep an eye on Tamazuki too.

"I thought so." I mutter beneath my breath, sauntering over towards the subdued bird yōkai. Yūga flanks my left side when I pass by him, easily towering over my child stature, growling low in the back of his throat.

"Well done you lot." I praise lowly, barely allowing everyone a moment to draw in a breathe before I am raising Honjo Masamune up and pointing the sharp end at Yosuzume. I will it to extend and in the blink of an eye, my sword has pierced the bird yōkai straight through her chest. Tsurara cuts herself off from her temporary joy at a job well done, eyes widening in shock.

"No hard feelings." I say calmly, raising my chin to glare unforgivingly at the demon. She's relatively calm from start to the end, a good aide indeed. "You're just on the wrong side."

Kirin's flames emerge once again, swallowing her whole and her eyes widen for the first time since I saw her before perishing forever.

Kubinashi's red strings had somehow remained intact, fluttering uselessly down until he draws them back with a bewildered look. Everyone else put away and or lower their respective weapons, relaxing a margin. Rikuo glances over at me and I shot him a meaningful look to wrap things up, gesturing with my chin over at Tamazuki who is sitting despondently on the ground.

"No... no... if there was enough blood on that blade...!" He mumbles to himself, eyes crazed. "There's no way I would lose!"

"You're just being manipulated by a sword. You yourself... do not have the ability." Rikuo steps closer to him, glaring at him with contempt. "'Fear' means admiration! I want to protect everyone in our clan. I've realised this is what it means to shoulder a Hyakki Yakō. There's no way anyone would follow the fear of a guy who doesn't care about his allies."

"If you're gonna call it a clan, then at least take on the burden of the yōkai who admire you... and carry them well. You have allies who went all out attacking us as if their lives depended on it just to serve you... You have allies who followed behind you and your fear... and you... decided to betray them."

"From my small-minded little clan... who can't even look down their noses at me, because they're already crawling about on the ground... I was... chosen..." Tamazuki continues to mumble pathetically, a deranged look in his eyes.

I snort. "Let's not waste anymore breath on him. The mind deterioration effects of the blade has yet to ebb away. He'll be like this for a little while."

Yōkai Rikuo steps away, lips pursed. Meanwhile, Umizatō finally knocked out Inugami, chucking him into the awaiting arms of Hari Onna and Gangi Kozō standing a little further behind Danuki. The old Tanuki lumbers forward to his fallen son and laughably scoops him up with one hand. "Oh, what a wretched little thing you've become..."

The older Tanuki turns to bow in extreme gratitude to my brother once more after cradling the defeated Tamazuki in his hands, his son protesting weakly. "Thank you for sparing my son's life. From now on, I'll make sure he stays quietly in Shikoku."

"... There is... one more matter that I hope you can see it through." Rikuo says, and Danuki glances up at him. "I want you to make sure to hold a memorial... for those who became sacrifices."

There is a significantly lesser amount of demons annihilated this time around, however... there are still those that were done in before they set out to find us. Taking a couple seconds for that request to register, Danuki nods in agreement. "Consider it done."

Rikuo incline his head in acknowledgement and Danuki straightens up, turning to order his Hyakki Yakō to go home with him.

The Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō watches the events that had just transpired with extreme trepidation. Pure exorcism flames had burst to life from Retsu's blade, and then, there's Tamazuki's near obliteration of them with the Mao's Hammer. They had come to the realisation that their old supreme commander had just saved them from both the duo's blade. With a downtrodden air about them, the Shikoku demons all obediently follow after Danuki's lumbering form to begin the long trip back home. Once they are out of earshot... I clutch at my stomach.

"I'm hungry." I sigh, just as a loud growl resounds. Rikuo casts an incredulous look at me and I glance behind to my group. "I'm grabbing supper at Bakenekoya, anyone in?"

Ame whoops, arms raised high up into the air. "I want their catnip juice!"

"Count us in!" The wolves rushes over, having sensed the dissipating Osore, signifying that the battle is officially over and the Nura Clan has emerged victorious.

Somewhere in the fiery pits hell, Sanmoto clutches at his chest where his heart was supposed to be, writhing in pure agony.

"No. No! NO! NO! NO!" He bellows futilely. "DAMN LITTLE BRATS!"

"Hey~ Where are the demons?!" Kiyotsugu calls out as loud as he could, rushing onto the main street with a headlight on his head right at same time the power came back on, illuminating the entire street once more. He squints his eyes against the sudden brightness and spots a familiar figure standing in front of an empty cinema square. "Oh, Yura-kun! You came?"

Keikain Yura turn around and immediately had to look away from the glaring light shining in her face. After Kiyotsugu clicks the headlight off, she finds that it was only her yōkai enthusiast classmate.

"Just what you'd expect from a member of the Kiyojūji Paranormal Investigation Squad! So where are the demons? Did you see them? There was a ton of information about demon sightings, alongside some escaped zoo wolves and a psychotic mass-murderer, written on the Kiyojūji Paranormal Investigation Corps homepage, but..." He looks around the vacant area, devoid of pretty much any beings, alive or dead.

"They have already left." Yuri says, an underlying tone of frustration in her voice.

Kiyotsugu paled, clutching at his head in despair. "NOOOOOO! I can't believe I've missed such an event! It was all over the net too!"

"Your premium wagyu steak!" A waitress calls out, and the winning team of the Ōkami gang cheers joyously, while the other wolves pouts. However, they were soon easily distracted when a mouthwatering aroma of a lamb meat stew was placed in front of them.

I've eaten through two full course meals by now, consisting of grilled pork belly, a side of salad and rice. Ame is sitting beside me, Tozen a couple seats away with Ittan-Momen hovering overhead. The rest are situated somewhere else in the rowdy restaurant, I think I saw Menreiki and Shizuka upstairs. The drunken noises increase in volume as the yōkai heartily fills themselves up on the sake. I'm currently sipping the catnip juice Ame had so recently taken a fancy to. It's a pale gold-ish colour served in a tall glass with a few cubes of ice. It's sweet, but not overly so.

The Bakenekoya is gradually getting more customers, word got around quickly that the enemy forces has retreated, and with the oppressing threat gone, business has resumed. Some tables over, I see many yōkai had begin to gather around a busty blonde haired lady currently locked in an intense arm wrestling match with a guy, whose appearance looks to of middle aged. He has long, spiky silver-white hair tied into a low ponytail, on his forehead is a metallic forehead protector with the Kanji 'Oil' inscribed on it.

Beside the blonde woman, is a lean, short haired young female clutching a pink little piggy in her arms. Its collar is made of a string of pearls and wears a little maroon vest. The Bakeneko staff are beckoning the demons gathered around to the side, querying the many curious Ayakashi on who they think would win, and they are all scurrying to place their bets within the next minute.

Ame leans over to me, watching the scene play out with mild interest. "Who would you bet on, Retsu-nee?"

I study the two competitors, while the man is bigger and looks sturdier than the blonde woman... I have a good feeling. Smirking, I take a big sip from my drink. "The woman."

...

The blonde won, and groans of defeat were heard for minutes on end. During this time, Ame had called for two more glasses of catnip juice and I grabbed one of that. I think this might be my new favourite drink. Belly full and muscles relaxed, fiasco over with for the meantime, my eyes began to drift close, sleepiness creeping in fast. I jolt, prying my eyes open and I peek to my side in boredom, squinting at a promotion advertisement displayed on a wooden stand at the corner of the table. It says 'Kirin beer, buy two get ten percent off.'

'... Kirin.' I eye the yellow foamy liquid of the beer, eyelids closing once again, head bobbing as I rub at my face to stay awake. 'Kirin... beer?'

My mind gave me a mental image of the Kirin deity, adding a bottle of beer which if presumably came from him, equals to—

*Censored*

Grimacing, I shake my head to physically rid myself of the image when my vision swims with the action and quickly fades into black. I was out by the time my head hits the table.

Since he was the closest, Ame was the first to panic, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes as he does his best to gather the attention of every member in the restaurant by screaming like the child he is.

"Retsu-nee— Hicc'up! Retsu-neeeee! She's noT WAKING UUUUPPPP!" He wails and everyone was sent into an uproar.

Kejōrō appears at her side all of a sudden, lightly shaking the little girl lying facedown on the table by the shoulders, calling out her name with increasing worry. "Retsu-sama? Retsu-sama?"

Night Rikuo looks on as Yūga leans over to sniff at her face, then moving onto the food and drinks in front of her, before finally giving his first report. "I only smell alcohol."

"Where is Zen-sama?!"

"Right here!" The crane yōkai bellows, standing onto a table and startling many a demon present with his loud voice.

Zen checks on Retsu, who continues to snore peacefully away, now positioned to lean back against Kejōrō, and gives the final verdict. "Ojou-sama is only drunk, right now she is sleeping. Bring her home so she can properly rest."

Ryōta-neko is crying the loudest by the time they've realised Nurarihyon's granddaughter is knocked out cold by their homemade catnip cocktail. No one under the age of thirteen is allowed into the establishment, as majority of their drinks contain alcohol, but Retsu was exempted. All they had to do was make sure she doesn't consume any drinks... however, they have all forgotten to take note of that amidst the celebratory atmosphere.

The Nura Clan yōkai all exchanged looks of pure terror as they all came to an unanimous decision.

"Wakana-sama must never know of this."

...

Tension is running high, even higher than when the Shikoku had made their move. The core members had all but cranked up their stealth mode to its very peak, with extreme cautiousness, multiple lookouts, and sneaking around, proceed to safely deposit the sleeping seven year old back into her bedroom. The Sanba Garasu takes up guard on all corners of the rooftops of the mansion, and many more guards are placed nearby. Suzu, the maneki-neko, was allowed to sleep in the same room as Retsu for extra protection.

Inside one of the many guest rooms, Ryōta-neko is prostrating himself in front of Nurarihyon, ridden with guilt over his carelessness, tears steaming down his face. The old Ayakashi hushes the Bakeneko, peeking around to double check that Wakana is not, in fact, awake and waiting for his guard to drop to strike.

Least to say, no one slept that night.

OMAKE: Red Button

Inugamigyōbu Danuki studies the little red button near the sliding doors of the train, brows furrowed together. Then, his pupil-less amber gaze shift to take in the picture plastered onto the smooth plastic interior wall, depicting someone pressing the button to speak into a flowery patterned insignia just to the side.

He presses the button just as Nurarihyon finally turns to check what the old Tanuki is doing, and his eyes damn near pops out of his head.

...

"Hello, this is the train captain speaking. How may I be of service?"

"... Hello?"

"... Is anyone there?"

Author's note:

I need to rewatch some parts of the anime and reread the manga for the Shikoku final battle. ^^" After doing just that, I realised Tamazuki is really... completely depending on the Mao's Hammer to do all the work. Geez.

Thank you all for much for 430 Favourites and 471 Follows! XD Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Current members:

•Amefurikozō (Ame)

•Sunekosuri (Neko)

•Tozen (bow Tsukumogami)

•Uwan (the bush)

•Kogane no Gyōza (Koi fish)

•Saki (Flower Ayakashi)

•Fūri (blue fur with leopard patterns)

•Enenra (smoke yōkai)

•Umizatō (the blind one)

-Sazae-oni (clan member)

•Ittan-Momen (cloth Tsukumogami)

•Kameosa (jug Tsukumogami)

•Hidama (small fire bird)

•Yūga (wolf yōkai)

-Kōga [Clan Head, father of Yūga and Ryōga]

-Kiba [childhood friend]

-Ryōga [younger brother]

•Suzu (maneki-neko)

•Kirin

•Kyō (computer-dwelling spirit)

•Menreiki (Gigaku mask Tsukumogami)

•Shizuka (miasma butterfly)

~kirakira_bluemoon