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Youkai Street

Komorebi Village

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a part of Youkai Street, by cybernekokaito.

A small, forest village with light that leaks through the gaps in the trees.

cybernekokaito holds sovereignty over Komorebi Village, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

2,082 readers have been here.

Setting

It's a beautiful forest village. During the day, the light filters through the trees. During the night, the sky is dotted with stars, visible through the gaps in the trees.
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Komorebi Village

A small, forest village with light that leaks through the gaps in the trees.

Minimap

Komorebi Village is a part of Youkai Street.

22 Characters Here

Izumi Nao [26] "Should i stay or should i go?.."
Sanjakubō Kurama [25] "I have remained here since the dawn of creation and I shall endure until the end of time."."
Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh [25] "Man, I can't stand this place."
Sanae [23] "Oh! Were you talking to me...?"
Yukiko Nakahara [21] Some people wonder why I'm always in my house. I wonder what's so bad at their house that makes them always find a reason to go out.
Susumu [21] "You got a moment for a few riddles?"
Orokawru Satogi [20] "If you give me your number I'll give you a discount... alright alright, worth a shot at least."
Shohei [18] Karasutengu
Tsuyari Kazukai [16] While they are nice, what are we going to do about this? Interacting with humans constantly... That will be quite tiring.
Ki [14] "Is there anything that I can help with?"

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2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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#, as written by Tanman
Rika Nekonyankoo

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“Stupid statue…” Rika glared at her adversary, the large golden idol that wouldn’t fit in her sack. Or budge. Like, at all. “Mark my words goldie, one day, I will defeat you! I vow… REVENGE! In one motion, she kicked the golden idol firmly, and then was swiftly reminded that her shoes didn’t have protection for her toes. Withholding her yelp of pain as she grabbed her foot, she hopped a bit before pouting and glaring down at it. Instantly her face fell as she noticed the small, but unmissable scuff and dent that she’d managed to make. Oh no oh no oh no. Nonononono. Sanja was going to kill her! I-it wasn’t that bad! Maybe she could fix it! Kneeling down at the statue, she proceeded to rub at the mark, trying to buff out a shiny looking-ACK! Now it was way worse! She’d made it even bigger! Quick, quick, she had to find another solution! Glancing about wildly in the shrine, she moved over to a nearby potted plant, and began dragging it across the floor towards the statue, leaving a trail of dirt and leaves behind her as it shook about.

"Just be careful not to damage anything before you return it to Sanja. I wouldn't want to see him get mad at you." Ki’s comment nearly made Rika have a heart attack, her tails shooting bolt upright along with the rest of her fur as she froze dead in her tracks. Slowly peering over her shoulder, she could see the tree spirit was still carefully packing away the bits and pieces that she’d asked. She hadn’t been found out yet. There was still a chance! “N-No, of course not! Who would be so rude as to damage Sanyaaaa’s~ things? Besides, you’d protect me from him, wouldn’t you Kiki-tree-tree~?” Stalling her with some conversation, Rika got to work pushing the plant up against the statue. It looked a little weird having it that close, but using the pot to cover all signs of the damage she’d done completely hid it from view. Purrfecto! No one could see a thing, and Sanja wouldn’t notice a single moved plant amongst all the things she’d taken, right? Meow! She was so smart!

Back to positively buzzing with cheer, tails whizzing about behind her, Nekonyankoo placed her hands on her hips as she strode back up to Ki, who looked to be done with making Rika’s mischief. Oh, if she wasn’t so innocent Ki would make a purrfect minion for her, but purrhaps it was fur the best that she remained just a friend. Moving up to take hold of the bag and make her leave, Rika paused as she felt Ki’s eyes on her. "Will you be staying here until Sanja returns?" Frozen midway through leaving with 'her' belongings, Rika released the bag handle rubbing the back of her head.

“Oh, I really should be going you know. Don’t want to overstay my welcome, and-“Rika stopped midsentence as she looked to Ki’s expression, and thought about the way she asked the question. Rare as it was for the feline to actually take a second to slow down and think, she wondered if this was like Ki asking for company. Well, she did owe Ki for helping with packing the stuff away, and for letting her take it in the first place. Reaching back into the sack, she pulled out a cushion that she’d swiped in the first place to sit on, crossing her legs. “-But I guess I can stay for meow~.” She smiled, laughing a bit. Fun as it would be to just sneak off with all this treasure, it’d be even better if she could slip out JUST as Sanja got back. The smile on her face stretched to a mischievous cheshire grin as she thought of how his expression would seem when she escaped with the goods. She couldn’t miss that. Gesturing that Ki should also take a seat (And pulling out a cushion for them too), she decided to make conversation with who was possibly her bestest friend in the whole village.

“But when he turns up you gatta make sure he doesn’t get mad at me. He keeps saying that I’m disturbing and disrupting and destroying and damaging and and… other -ings! I can’t help it! It’s just how I am! Honestly, it’s stupid anyway, he says I’m not allowed to mess with his domain, but like, this is my forest too! I mean, it’s your forest as well, but we’re a part of it! He looks after you, but why doesn’t he look after me? I’m important too ya’know, I have needs. Like food. Do you think he’s got any food around here? I like his fish… I guess he must catch it fresh since I didn’t see any; I would have taken that already if I’d seen or smelled it. Mmm, fish is so good… Have you ever had fish Ki? I know you don’t eat, but you should really try it, it’s so good… Wait! No, scratch that! No fish for you! If you like fish that’s less fish for me! Don’t try fish; just keep it in your tree until I come by! Wait that would probably start to smell and go off in the sun… Hmm, come find me if you ever get fish, they’re the bestest thing. But then again I do like birdies… Well, smaller birdies. They’re ever so hard to catch though! Just like big birdies, always flying, I wish I could fly. That would be so much fun! And then I could get all my treasures from the sky! Schooom! Rika Nekonyankoo flies by as the gallant youkai of fortune! My fortune! Heh heh heh… Are you listening Ki? Oh, good, and here I was thinking I was talking to myself! You’re like, the only civilised youkai who knows how to hold a conversation! Everyone else totally neglects to listen to the other person, it’s so silly. They could learn a thing or two from you! You’re so smart, and pretty – Not as pretty as me, but still, we can’t all be purrfect! Heee, but what was I saying? Oh, right, how pretty I am! Did you see how I combed my hair today? I made it extra super special cause I had a good feeling today! The secret is to use claws instead of brushes, though I guess that wouldn’t really work for you… Ooo, if you ever wanted me to do your hair, I’d be so into that! I have some new styles I’ve been dying to try, but they might look good on you too, and it’s way easier to see on a model. You should definitely come by my tent…”

And so it went until Rika was interrupted.

8 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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Upon Shohei's arrival Sanja felt relieved. Finally someone with some sense, some worth, some respect for authority! Oh glorious Shohei, how he had missed some sanity. Plus a little devotion was missed and Shohei always delivered. Sanja smiled pleased at the other Tengu's spirit, plus the way he dealt with Susumu sent chills down his spine. Sanja rose slowly with the dignity that was so thick it threatened to suffocate anyone too close.

"Oh Shohei, how nice of you to arrive. However I do believe that though your offers sound quite enticing, how I'd love to watch you rend that cocky fox. . . I do think I have overstayed my welcome. My temple needs me and I have this feeling in the pit of my gut." Towards the end Sanja scowled slightly. He had a feeling something was amiss, he had to return at once or be declared a failure. He cleared his throat and patted Susumu's shoulder, his slender hand lightly touching the kitsune's shirt fabric. As he did not wish to be too familiar with the fox.

"Susumu, I am taking my leave please do not mind my passing, yet I feel as though you would like to know. Shohei, accompany me back to Kurama Shrine." He said the last bit in a commanding tone. He walked past the humans and once he had gotten just past the female he stopped and grinned like a devil would. He decided he was going to ruin the fox's game. "Curious is it not? Such an obvious answer when clearly the lions have starved and died within those three years. . . Goodluck." As he finished he laughed and flew off quickly. Assured his loyal friend would follow him, Shohei was odd but he was quite diligent.

---

After not long at all he landed in the small garden before the shrine. He smiled, finally he was home. In his perfect, undisturbed. . . He heard unwanted noises from within his home. Noises that sounded a lot like. . .

"Rika." He uttered the word as if it were a curse upon his tongue, his eyes went dark as he strode into the shrine, throwing open the doors as dark shadows accompanied him. Using his illusions he had cloaked his entry to conceal the light of day and left himself glowing amidst the dark. His eyes went to the cat, then to his darling Ki, then to her bag. He felt anger bubbling up, his precious shrine. She had shoved his belongings into a sack and was getting Ki involved. He gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Miss Nekonyankoo. . . If you do not put my belongs back exactly as you found them, I will rend your feline ears from your small, foolish, destructive head!" He boomed and strode over grabbing the cat by her scruff for the remainder of his speech.

"I have told you once, I've told you a thousand times. Do. Not. Enter. The. Shrine. You are forbidden in my home! Everytime you come here you destroy and mess up my chi!" He dropped her to the ground once more and pointed to her sack. "I will give you until the count of ten to return my belongings as you found them and vacate my temple so I can repair this mess." He said narrowing his eyes and folding his arms as the shadowy illusions roared and licked over Rika's body, they became more and more terrifying the more Sanja had spoken. The illusions now appeared as wispy monsters among the dark. With cruel fangs and glowing pupil-less eyes. Daring the cat to try anything tricky in the Daitengu's own domain, so that they would have permission to rip her apart. In reality they were harmless, though the cat did not know as much.

Sanja's eyes went a moment to Ki and he looked at her if he couldn't believe she allowed this cat to disrupt his peace! He worked years and years to get everything just so. Each time something like this happened Sanja could not contain his rage and disdain. Centuries putting his precious bobbles in their own place. Just so they could be shoved into some burlap sack by a cat. Some might say he was overreacting, however he'd say he was underreacting. His shrine was all he ever had. He knows it's the only thing he'll always have. Such treatment registered to him as disrespect of his very title. Something that no one should do, if they wish to live a happy life.

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama
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#, as written by Emmyz
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Suddenly her eyes where not feeling so well. She blinked and rubbed them a couple of times as her pulse quickened. Everything was so confusing. The "not so abandoned" village just felt.. unatural.. Nao froze and stopped at the spot. Had that white haired man with purple eyes just been glowing? She could swear he had looked like some sort of angel. What was happening to her? Had she been drugged? Maybe he was the sect leader trying to play tricks on her head and make her extremely religious. “Uh, Yo, Nao. You okay? Earth to Nao? Come in please." she heard a distant voice. She shook her head and closed her fists, making her nails dig in to her palms as a try to break free from her confusion with a small amount of self inflicted pain.

"Im fine, im fine..." she lied. As she did, her fears became reality. One of the weird people had caught up with them. The tall one with long silky hair and the focused eyes of a predator. His movements made Nao's warning signals go off in her chest. The wagging, soft but alluring hips. Her eyes widened as she catched a glimpse of what was hiding behind him, a tail... who seemed to be alive and moving along in the mans softs movements... Then he opened his mouth to speak, and Nao almost got lost in this strangers hypnotizing red eyes.

"Did you see it? Did you see Sanja-kun's illusion? Oh, he's wonderful, isn't he? Judging by the way you're looking at me right about now, I'd say you're confused. That's fine, that's fine!"
As he where speaking, two sharp canine teeth where adding to his wierd.. but attractive look. Nao really tried to listen istead of just staring and getting distracted by the impossible features. Sanja? Was that the purple eyed man, the sect leader. And illusions? What was he talking about...

"Let Susumu-oniisan lift those clouds from your cute little heads, yes? I suppose your parents told you not to talk to strangers? If we play a game together, we won't be strangers anymore!"

Finally she managed to break free from his magnetizing eyes, and tilted her head to the side- making her hair fall forward from the grip of her ears, and she looked up - trying to read how Kyo was doing. Sure, this sneaky.... fox-like?...man was a big threat. Even so she felt more worried about Kyos reaction than this Susumu. Crossing her fingers he would not do anything stupid.

"A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him? I'll give you three guesses. On the third incorrect guess, you have to tell me a secret about yourselves!"

The memory of herself saying to Kyo how she would handle the talking, got played up before her eyes. Coming back from her trip to memory lane she took a deep breath and looked upon the man once more.. Luckely the riddle was childishly simple.

"The lions...would have died..." her voice was quiet and weak - very different from her usual strong and ambitious leader-voice. However, her words was drowned by the sound of another being. It was the purple eyed man who'd answered the riddle before her - thankfully ending this childish games.

"Very charming, but looks like the game is over. And the terms where quite unfair, and not in our favor, to start with. The correct thing to have done would be a quid pro quo. You tell us things, we tell you things..." sometimes she was just to much of a "know-it-all" for her own good. But her words disappeared as she saw this Sanja person FLY OFF? A flying man.. Nao's heart was beating like a rabbit chased by a fox. This was impossible... Even so - the thought of youkai had not reached her yet, she was really just dense.

"Ehhmm... regardless how nice it was to meet you.. Susumu-san.. I do think we must take our leave.." (she should probably have called him sama, but in her eyes - he'd been childish and a nuisance - so she went with san). She felt like she was going to faint, and she just wanted to wake up from this dream. Yess, that wat is was - a fantasy dream.

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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#, as written by Elysium

H A K U R Y U U



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xxxxxxMoonlight shuddered as it streamed past the rustle of leaves overhead, illuminating the leaf strewn path in quivering swathes of feeble light. Such a path remained unknown to most; yet it parted gladly for the silver-haired youkai as he made his approach, the stillness of the forest soon giving way to the soft crunch of foliage underfoot and the gentle sway of fabric against the biting nighttime breeze. Though Hakuryuu seldom traversed the hidden route, it promised the quickest way from the foot of the mountain to the grand temple high above: Kurama Shrine, home to a certain purple-eyed daitengu, and Hakuryuu's oldest—perhaps even dearest—friend.

xxxxxxIt painted a rare sight, seeing the dragon beyond the threshold of his—or rather, the water god Suijin's—shrine, but something compelled him to leave the relative safety of his domain. Something in the air, perhaps. A constant, foreboding feeling that something was off.

xxxxxxPerhaps it was his connection with the gods that prompted it, but it began the moment he awoke from his post-supper, mid-evening slumber. Just the oddest feeling making its home in the back of his mind, instantly setting him on edge. While he thought nothing of it at first, it eventually grew—coming to settle behind his eyes, in the spaces between his ribs. It was as if the world had shifted, and the forest's silence gave the impression that he was the only one who knew.

xxxxxxIt unsettled him.

xxxxxxHe needed to tell someone.

xxxxxxAnd who better to confide in than the appointed Lord of the Mountains himself?

xxxxxxThe trees thinned as Hakuryuu drew closer towards the mountain's peak, his mouth set in the thin line of a man determined. And yet, upon nearing the threshold of the temple, his lips found themselves slowly easing into that of a smile, expecting Sanja's solemn visage—and, hopefully, a few of those umeboshi riceballs he so loved—welcoming him upon entering.

xxxxxxInstead, what greeted him was this: Sanja—calm, ethereal Sanja—looming menacingly (fangs, demonic illusions and all) over the poor crumpled form of what appeared to be another youkai. The other man's rage was palpable, echoing amid the vast expanse of shrine's interior. Lesser beings might cower instantly at the face of such fury; but the dragon was no stranger to such outbursts, having already been the recipient of a few of them over the centuries. As such, he merely stepped past the doorway with a sigh, shifting his gaze from the daitengu before him to the figure on the floor.

xxxxxx"Ah, Sanja-kun. Must you be so harsh?" He asked, his main concern temporarily forgotten as he moved to get a closer look at the poor being on the receiving end of Sanja's wrath. The first thing he took into account was the bright pink hair; the second, a pair of similarly-coloured cat ears twitching atop its head.

xxxxxxRika.

xxxxxxOf course.

xxxxxxWith a shake of the head, he dropped to a crouch beside her, waving half-heartedly at some of Sanja's illusions as he did so. "Oi. What'd you do this time eh, Rika-chan?" The query was accompanied by a firm flick of a finger at the side of the neko's head. Though she was prone to causing all sorts of trouble, he didn't think she would go so far as to cross Sanja, of all people. And based on Sanja's not-so-genial reaction, her latest scheme had definitely succeeded in hitting more than a few sore points for the usually placid daitengu.

xxxxxxWith a cock of the head, Hakuryuu swept his eyes across the rest of the room, noting the normally pristine shrine's abject state of disarray. And then he came upon the brown sack lying in a heap in the middle of the bamboo flooring, what appeared to be random items pilfered from all over the shrine spilling haphazardly from its frayed mouth. It wasn't difficult to put two and two together after that, especially after seeing the troubled expression on Ki's face—speaking of whom, Haku gave her a tiny wave upon noticing her presence, vowing to greet her properly once the issue with a certain bakaneko was resolved.

xxxxxxSo the idiot tried to steal from Sanja. Typical coming from the likes of her, but woefully ill-devised. Hakuryuu rolled his eyes. No one steals from Sanja and gets away with it.

xxxxxx"I knew you were thick, but I didn't think you would d be this phenomenally stupid." He sighed, the sentiment accompanied by a minute shake of the head. "Now be a good kitty and do what your Sanja-sama told you, yeah? Put them back." Wrapping a hand around Rika's arm, he easily hauled her up with him as he stood; making a show of dusting the neko off before giving her a light shove towards the sack. "Go on, before I dump you in the deep end of the river." Though the threat didn't hold much weight, spoken as it was through Hakuryuu's usual apathetic monotone, the dragon fully intended to go through with it if the neko refused. Nekos loathed the water, after all.

xxxxxxWith the neko out of the way, Hakuryuu directed his attention to Sanja—and, finally, to the matter at hand.

xxxxxx"Sanja..." Uncertainly flashed briefly across Hakuryuu's eyes as he regarded the other man, the gesture a clear departure from the 'bored' expression the dragon normally wore. "Earlier this evening, I just—I had the strangest feeling." He paused, considering his next words, before continuing, "I know not what it is that I felt, but it feels...off. As if something has shifted. Do you not feel it too?" He kept his voice low as his spoke, preferring the other occupants of the room not hear so much of what was being said. It was a rather sensitive topic after all, and worrying them for potentially no reason was definitely far outside Hakuryuu's agenda.

5 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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#, as written by Kato
Shohei


Shohei merely gave a mirthless chuckle at Susumu's challenge regarding bargaining with eyes. “Before you say that, why not have a drink with that Sarubi-thing. He'll tell you a thing or two about eyes.” However, nothing needed to escalate, it never did between the two of them, and it probably never would, as Susumu let go of Sanja-sama almost immediately.

They all stared at the two humans. As he was waiting for the boss's word, Susumu took the opportunity to go and mess with them instead. Stealing his humans – what a low thing to do – and Susumu's tricks were pointlessly amateur compared to Shohei's contests. He ground his teeth, and turned his face away as Susumu winked at him. “Keh,” was all he said.

Apparently Sanja-sama wanted to go, and had a bad feeling about his shrine. Shohei looked back from the fox and the human children, then back up to Sanja-sama. He thought he might have an answer as to the source of his feeling. “There were five of those humans together, earlier. Where do you suppose the other three went?” he asked with narrowed eyes. It was rhetorical. If the other humans had gone to the shrine, well, then far better he and Sanja-sama were there than here. “Yes, boss,” he replied to the command, and took off after Sanja-sama as they took flight back up the mountain. He wasn't quite looking where he was going, as he was still giving evil glances to Susumu as they left, feeling mildly vindicated and amused by Sanja's spoiling of the Kitsune's riddle. “Heh, nice one, boss,” he said as they left.

They landed in the shrine's garden, and it was obvious that something was amiss. “I just left a minute ago.. Ki was here... what could have gone wrong?” he asked himself, walking in with his left hand on the hilt of his sword, in case of trouble. When he saw the source of the aggravation, he took his hand away. There was a familiar face. “Already eaten one dead cat today, got room for another,” he said by way of a friendly greeting to Rika, but it seemed Sanja-sama was already quite worked up about the situation. It was unusual to see him in such a bad mood, even using his illusions to scare and intimidate her. Shohei looked to Ki, they had said they were in charge of the shrine, so the kitty-cat getting in here and attempting to carry away all of Sanja-sama's belongings was … technically … their fault. But judging by the anger and frustration radiating from the boss … Ki did not deserve to be on the receiving end of that.

He approached warily, keeping between Sanja-sama and Ki. “Ah boss, I'm sure it's not their fault,” he said, “Ki likes to see the good in everybody, something that some unscrupulous felines like to take advantage of.” This kind of role didn't suit him and he sighed inwardly. He smoothly made his way up to Sanja-sama while the cat was distracted by the illusions or hopefully tidying up, and should he be able eto get close enough without something horrible happened, he whispered to Sanja-sama, “Don't worry about the objects she took … I replaced the most valuable ones with substitutions a while ago, just in case of something like this ... the real ones are all hidden away below the shrine.”

He hoped this didn't make the boss more annoyed, but just in case, he rushed to help with the tidying up.

9 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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#, as written by Tanman
Kyosuke ‘Kyo’ Andoh

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Still not receiving any response from Nao, Kyo was about to jostle her a bit more roughly when another figure suddenly swept into view, cutting them both off from continuing on their way. Kyosuke ground to a halt, stopped himself, glancing to the man with a bit of a glare for barging in the way he did. “Hey, back off pal, we-“ Kyosuke didn’t get a chance to finish his warning as the silver-haired man revealed himself to be Susumu, though he was going to be no big brother of his. Instinctively, Kyosuke moved partly between Nao and the man, half expecting a fight, but instead, the man launched into a constant chatter.

Confused was one word that described how Kyosuke felt, even more so as he began noticing the odd features that Nao had pointed out earlier. Tails… Ears… Maybe he was some cosplayer like his sister? That would explain the dumb look. Waiting a moment for Nao to respond, it seemed she still wasn’t quite back to herself. Great, looks like he’d have to deal with this freakazoid. He was about to tell the weirdo to buzz off when his sing-songy voice continued straight into some sort of puzzle. Maybe this was some weird travelling circus troupe rather than a cult? Some sort of performance group deciding to toy with them for busting in on their rehearsals? He… Well, the bizarre man was strangely captivating, though for some reason, Kyo couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable and annoyed by it. This guy… Ugh, something about him was irksome.

“A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him? I'll give you three guesses. On the third incorrect guess, you have to tell me a secret about yourselves!” Kyosuke listened to the riddle in full, and wasn’t entirely sure if Nao had heard at all. What was up with her? Well, whatever, he wasn’t about to just sit here in silence. Man, did he really have to do everything around here?

"Curious is it not? Such an obvious answer when clearly the lions have starved and died within those three years... Goodluck." Kyosuke glanced to the man who strode past them, another extravagant outfit and curiously strange air around him. They didn’t exactly need his help, the answer wasn’t that hard. He would have gotten it. "Very charming, but looks like the game is over. And the terms where quite unfair, and not in our favor, to start with. The correct thing to have done would be a quid pro quo. You tell us things, we tell you things..." Nao, finally seeming to regain her composure, stepped forward past Kyosuke, allowing him to slowly lower his guard. Whoever these dweebs were seemed they didn’t see them as a threat. Though, he couldn’t miss this chance to point out something that Nao had missed.

“Not in our favour? There are only three possible answers, so we couldn’t possibly get it wrong.” Kyo folded his arms, clearly unimpressed. Still, he felt kind of smart, smirking and shutting his eyes. Unfortunately, he didn’t notice the other man take flight and leave, so content was he to bask in managing to one-up Nao. "Ehhmm... regardless how nice it was to meet you.. Susumu-san.. I do think we must take our leave.." Nao took a few cautious steps back, grabbing Kyosuke once again to get them moving. Shrugging free, as he was perfectly capable of walking without her guidance, he couldn’t withhold his last snarky comment. “You need to work on your act dude. You sound way too annoying to hold an audience.”

Rika Nekonyankoo

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“Didja know that? Eating its eyes I swear! It was soooo disgusting. Little Birdie is so rude and inconsiderate like that, doing such things in Sanya’s forest, so why does he always get so mad at me?” As Rika finished her current train of thought, there was a cracking boom as the doors to the temple busted open, though little light filtered in except around the glorious silhouette standing within the frame. “S-S-San-Nya?!” Rika jumped upright. She’d been so distracted talking with Ki that she forgot to make her stealthy escape! Frozen in a position caught in the act, she watched Sanja ‘calmly’ throw his gaze around the room, starting with her, and ending on…

Scampering over to her bag, Rika made one last ditch effort to make a run for it, but it was way too heavy for her to even lift with that much contents. “Miss Nekonyankoo…” She heard the soft sound of his footsteps as he approached, and slowly turned to face him, one ear twitching slightly as she braced herself. “Ny-nyah?” In one swift motion, she was grabbed by the scruff of her neck and lifted from the ground, giving a panicked wail of fear. “If you do not put my belongs back exactly as you found them, I will rend your feline ears from your small, foolish, destructive head!"

“Sorry, Sorry, Sorry Sanya! I didn’t mean it! I just wanted to borrow them for my stor-“ She was cut off as Sanja’s rage would not be sated by such a paltry explanation. "I have told you once, I've told you a thousand times. Do. Not. Enter. The. Shrine. You are forbidden in my home! Everytime you come here you destroy and mess up my chi!" Unceremoniously dropped to the floor, Rika gave a soft yelp of pain, rubbing her rear as she fell back, temporarily distracted by the pain. As she opened her eyes again to look up to the looming figure of Sanja, she immediately began trying to scramble away on all fours. "I will give you until the count of ten to return my belongings as you found them and vacate my temple so I can repair this mess." The intimidating and indomitable shadow of Sanja seemed to grow and follow her, refusing not to be watching over the fearful feline.

Moving to try and push herself up to her feet, Rika gave a genuine scream of fright as she glanced down to where her hand was, a snake like shadow hissing at her and lunging to bite her hand. Once more jumping back onto her rear, the feline backed up by scooching her butt along the floor, eyes darting about fearfully as the shadows closed in all around her. Bumping into the wall, she found herself cornered, and gave a terrified wail of panic, holding her ears over her head and shutting her eyes as she cowered. 10 seconds?! She couldn’t do it in 10 seconds! A-and that meant all the shadow monsters were going to eat her! Nooooooo! She was too young and smart and pretty to die! “Already eaten one dead cat today, got room for another,” Rika overhead the voice of little birdie, and then her fear grew even more. No! She didn’t want her eyes plucked out and and crunched in the beak of Shohei! That was even worse than being eaten by shadow creatures!

Clutching her legs and head to her chest, clenching her eyes shut as tight as she could, she prepared herself for the inevitable, fully expecting to feel searing and rending pain as the shadows tore her limb from limb in a gruesome ceremony of mortification. Her time was almost up… "Oi. What'd you do this time eh, Rika-chan?" Rika gave another loud and panicked scream that was a drastic overreaction for the strength of the flick she received. Clearly she’d been expecting something far more painful and it just kind of… slipped out. Cautiously opening an eye a peep, she looked to who had spoken. "I knew you were thick, but I didn't think you would be this phenomenally stupid." Continued the water-dragon, Hakuryuu giving her one of his typical expressions. She wasn’t normally the fondest of Hakuryuu just simply because she hated getting wet, but at the moment, she’d take whatever help she could get. “Save me save me save meeeee!” Latching hold of him in a tackling hug, Rika practically swung around his body to hide behind him, meekly peering out to look to Sanja and the shadows still circling around them.

"Now be a good kitty and do what your Sanja-sama told you, yeah? Put them back." Giving a soft ‘Nya?’ as she was lifted to her feet, Rika shut her eyes again as he began patting and dusting her down, cleaning up the mess she’d made of herself scampering about the floor. Her poor kimono had more than a few tatters, and there was dust and dirt all over her. Weakly, her eyes started to falter, the sobbing almost beginning. She was a mess! A cute kitty like her looked like a messy muddle! It wasn’t fair! She hadn’t done anything wrong! She didn’t even get away with the stuff! Beginning to voice her complaints as the waterworks started, a prompt shove in the back by Hakuryuu forced her to snap out of it as she stumbled, rubbing her eyes slightly to wipe away the tears.

"Go on, before I dump you in the deep end of the river." Hakuryuu stated, deadpan. Rika pouted, still crying a little with some sobs. “You’re all so mean to me. No one looks after Rika, even when Rika really is sorry…” Oh dear, she was speaking in the third-person again. That normally only happened when she was particularly upset. Making some slow, tentative steps towards the bag, keeping her figure tight to avoid the still ever present shadows, she knelt towards the bag and began taking out each of the things. Shohei had already made a bit of a start, but there was plenty in there which needed to be returned. Slowly but steadily, she began taking things back… Though it didn’t exactly go the best, as she couldn’t remember where she’d taken them from, leading to Shohei having to frequently move the object she just placed somewhere else.

Finally, she was down to the last object: The ornate tea set that she’d asked Ki to first tuck away for her. Picking up the tray, she headed back over to the shelf where she’d got it from. It was pretty high up, seeing as Sanja could simply fly up to grab it, so she had to climb a little bit in order to reach. Balancing the tray precariously in one hand as she reached to the shelf and pulled, placing her entire weight on it, there was a soft creaking sound. Panic filled the feline as she swiftly and speedily placed the tea set back on the shelf, letting go and hopping down as she backed up slowly, watching in tense fear. Nothing happened though. The shelf didn’t break. The tea set was okay. She’d done it! Breathing a sigh of relief, she turned back towards Sanja and Hakuryuu, intent on showing them her best work. “See? See - lookie what I did! Aren’t you proud?! Check that out!” In a wild motion as she was just so excited, Rika raised her hand to point to the tea set. And slapped the small shelf. Instantly, one side of the shelf fell, beginning to scatter the tea set to the floor, But Rika was quicker than that. Leaping, she moved to catch the tea set, entering into a combat-roll as she deftly managed to save every single one, cupping them against her chest as she bumped against a vase to stop herself falling over. “Phew… Close one…” Her heart was beating a mile a minute at the prospect of something so unfortunate happening. Sanja would’ve really killed her if-

*CRASH!* Startled, Rika flinched and jumped, turning to the source of the sound. On the ground, shattered to pieces was the vase she’d rolled into in her attempt to catch the tea-set. The colour drained from her face. So much so was she scared that she also proceeded to drop the tea set, the tray clattering to the floor as the cups and pot also shattered on impact. “Nyaow, Meow Sanja, I-I didn’t mean it…” Rika backed up, arms in front of her defensively, easing her way to the door…

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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Sanja's fury was not sated by the cat's simple-minded answers, however the presence of Shohei and then of Hakuryuu eased off his anger. He watched the cat flounder about like a frightened pest. It was funny to him that a cat was so afraid of him, though he took pride in his power. As Shohei spoke Sanja smiled a bit and the illusions faded into nothing, leaving the shrine and the five people alone without the nightmarish visages. Haku asked him if he had to be so harsh on the girl which caused him to think a moment before responding, his regular coolheadedness returning to him with each passing word. As if a calming waterfall fell over him, quelling his inner fires.

"I suppose not. You're right. I do believe an apology is in order once she calms down. After all she is a member of my domain and should be treated with some manner of tact." He sighed a bit at his own loss of temper, placing a hand on Haku's shoulder and smiling up at the taller man as a sign of thanks. Haku went to scolding the cat and Shohei went to work cleaning up. During this Sanja went over to Ki and apologized to them for the display and he hoped he hadn't startled them too badly. Sanja as well went to cleaning things up, placing some of the bobbles and trinkets back on the shelves.

Suddenly an even louder commotion kicked up from the feline. His eyes went over to Rika as she stumbled about like someone who forgot how to maneuver their own body. He held his temples in shock as she dropped a vase, then his teaset gifted to him centuries ago by a human king in thanks. It took him a few moments to realize what had happened and once it clicked in his head his deep purple eyes went to the door Rika was trying to sneak out of. Thick vines and thorns grew to cover the door. He ran a hand through his hair, the words Shohei had spoken to him about the replicas popped into his head just as he was raising his hand to strike the cat. Instead of hitting her, as he thought of how silly it would be to beat her over fakes. He burst out laughing. He held his face and then his stomach as tears ran down his cheeks. What a day this had been! Such excitement hadn't ever happened before, not since the wars centuries prior when both sides would come consult him on strategy. Not since those Oni rebels thought they'd burn down the shrine. This, was something he truly needed in his mundane life. Normally he would've gone ballistic on the cat, but instead he sat beside her and ruffled her hair.

"You crazy cat, in your complete disregard for my home, my rules and wishes, and me personally. You have brought me some joy that I haven't felt in a long time." He then stood up and regained composure once more and snapped his fingers, causing the vines to dissipate and they instead went into the shrine, putting the rest of the items back in their rightful places, tidying up the shattered pieces of his vase and teaset. Sanja then waved his hand dismissively toward Rika.

"Rika, I shall forgive you for your crimes today. Though, mark my words, Shohei and Hakuryuu shall not be able to save you next time you think to rob me and break my belongings." Sanja sat down on a large cushion, violet like his eyes and it was large enough for him to lay sideways on. Near the back of the square chamber. He sat very properly on it as Haku came over and whispered a concern of his into Saja's ear. The Daitengu's momentary laxness instantly went away.

"Yes, I had felt it just as the suns began setting. That is why I had left my shrine, to investigate it. Though I fear it's much more than we thought. It would appear as though Humans are in our part of the village, not only that, but they can see us as well." He then held his chin in his hand slightly. "Though, I do not know if that is the feeling to which you referred." He then got lost in his own train of thought, true enough humans being able to see them was a bit of a problem. Though, at the same time he had always wanted to interact further with humans, his curiosity would most likely get the better of him. Which was something he was well aware of and would try to suppress his own desires to seek out the stray humans and question them. He looked up to Hakuryuu.

"I do wish to thank you my friend. Without your aid I fear my temper would've only escalated."

9 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi
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"For sooth! Thou art under my care, young princesses!"

His English was a little hard for her to understand, as she was failing English. However, Yukiko understood the gist of what he was saying and could not help smiling. Looking around at the trees and the other foliage, Yukiko felt that they were getting no closer to the abandoned village. There was absolutely no light in sight.

"... Uh, Sanae-chan? I may be wrong but... I don't think this is the right way."

Those were the exact words that Yukiko did not want to hear. If they were lost, her parents would eventually wake up to her empty bed and she would be grounded for the rest of her life. Yukiko released a slow breath in an attempt to remain calm, unaware that she gently squeezed Satogi's hand in the process. It'll be okay.. We'll fix this... Sanae-chan and Orokawru-Senpai will find a way back....

❝Lessee... you're right. Yep. We're lost. But! But, that don't mean I dunno how to get us un-lost. Y'know, I know how to get to the shrine from anywhere in the forest? Even at night.❞

A bead of sweat fell from Yukiko's forehead, unable to believe how easily Sanae admitted to behing lost. However, the mention of the shrine immediately perked Yukiko's spirits back up. Visiting the shrine would be just as good as the abandoned village. Shrines were very neat after all and held lots of history, "That sounds perfect, you're a lifesaver, Sanae-chan." Yuki smiled, obviously very relieved that they would be able to get themselves out of this mess.

❝Would be a lil' easier if we had some kinda flashlight, but... Kyosuke-kun took Satogi-kun's. Hmm... y'know, I heard about cellphones havin' flashlights, but... I dunno how mine works. S'this way, though.❞

A pang of guilt overwhelmed Yukiko, but she did not speak up. If they knew she had been hiding the fact that she had a flashlight this entire time they would surely realize her ulterior motive was to hold Satogi's hand. That would be far too embarrassing to explain, so she chose to continue concealing the fact. After a while, laterns came into view and Yukiko gave the area a good look, enjoying the aesthetics. Yukiko glances down to make sure she won't fall unnecessarily, though normally she was surefooted.

❝They say the abandoned village's hidden by some trees at the bottom of the cliff on the other side of the shrine. Me? Well, I never saw it before, but... well, that's probably 'cause it's hidden. 'Sure if we get up to the shrine, we can find a way to get down there, y'know? And—... uh, wait. Shh.❞

Yukiko nodded her head, glad that they might get to visit the shrine AND the abandoned village that was rumored to house all kinds of Youkai. When Sanae put her finger to her lips, Yukiko felt her heart sink. W-We aren't alone...? Is it Andoh-san and Izumi-Senpai..? ...Or someone else...? She had to admit she was very nervous. What if it was human thieves or other degenerates? The three of them could not fight off vandals. The voice sounded like singing... At first, earlier on she thought it was her imagination, a song stuck in her head, but now that they were closer it was obvious it was unsettlingly real.

Weep not poor children,
for life is this way,
Murdering beauty and passions


❝Am I the only one who hears... voices? Ya think someone else is out here? Could it be Kyosuke-kun and Nao-chan? Oh man, what if it's... what if it's the voices of Youkai? D'ya think we really found some?!❞

No... I hear someone too...? It might be them... but what if it's not?" Yukiko asked quietly under her breath, biting her bottom lip as she attempted to make a deicision. At the mention of Youkai, actual real Youkai, she found inner courage and nodded her head in a determined manner. Youkai did not intimidate her as much as the thought of cruel humans, but she would figure out sooner or later that certain Youkai were much more frightening than any human, ".... I suppose we'll never know if we don't investigate." Yuki sighed, managing to put aside her fear of the possibility there was violent humans inside of the Shrine instead of the Youkai they were seeking.

Then she spoke in English, the only sentence she could passibly say without making a fool of herself, "All for one, and one for all...?" Yukiko quoted in a insecure manner, asking the other two if they were truly going to be in this together, no matter how horrible their discovery might turn out. She also realized she was quoting the musketeers, but their motto really struck a chord, and in this situation they would have to be united, or else things could turn out very badly, especially if they encountered delinquents instead of Youkai, "Do...Do you guys... hear singing or is it just me..?" Yuki asked in a shaken tone, unsure what kind of scene they were about to happen upon.

Hush now dear children,
It must be this way,
Too weary of life and deceptions
Rest now dear children,
For soon we'll away,
Into the calm and the quiet


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Image"Truly enough that would stump normal beings, though the answer to your simple riddle is A Fire. Now that that's out of the way, did you need something further? I must stay vigilant, humans will be intruding our village sooner rather than later I'm afraid."

Clapping her hands when Sanja guessed right, Tsuyari smiled a bit. She loved being in the Daitengu's presence, especially when Susumu was throwing out riddles. Watching Sanja get them right with ease was very entertaining. It also reminded her why it was useful to be in good standing with Sanja. His knowledge about the land aside, Sanja was incredibly intelligent and that made him an invaluable ally to have.

❝Oh, oh! You guessed it right, Sanja-kun. My boy's so smart. Smart, smart~❞

Tsuyari just shook her head at Susumu's words, completely baffled by his behavior. She began to wonder why he asked Sanja riddles in the first place when he knew that the Daitengu was going to guess them all right anyway. She didn't understand his reasoning, yet that wasn't really her fault. She had never been attracted to anyone romantically, so she was unable to point out flirting when she saw it.

"It reminded me of Ki, as they are quite dear to me, I got them a gift. They are after all tending to the shrine whilst I am here."

The embarrassment in Sanja's expression brought a grin to Tsuyari's lips. However she did not get to enjoy the fact that she had embarrassed Sanja very long, "Aw... Now I wanna get Ki something too..." Tsuyari pouted. She was incredibly broke, so the chances of her getting Ki anything worth having were slim to none. Most of the time Tsuyari stole the things she needed. She would catch fish in the river using her ability to manipulate the wind to jerk the fish out of the river. Despite her resourcefulness, Tsuyari knew that Ki would not want a stolen present. The last time she stole something for Ki was still a well-kept secret.

"Yet, I admit I don't know if they'll even like a silly material object such as this."

She blinked at the bunny as Sanja toyed around with it, smiling softly, "I think Ki will love it. Ki comes across as the type who cherishes sentiment over monetary value." She explained, but it was only her opinion in the end. Tsuyari let herself zone out, though the smell of the air had changed. She wasn't entirely sure of what was coming, but she did know that it wasn't any type of Youkai she had ever smelled.

“Please remove your hand from Sanja-sama, or have it removed … from your arm,”

"...Karasu-San too? How did I manage to obtain such violent comrades...?" Tsuyari mostly asked herself but asked her rhetorical question loud enough for all three men to hear. While she was not referring to Sanja so much, she definitely meant Susumu and Shohei. Also, she completely forgot that she was still in her Yokai form, one that Shohei had never seen before, but still called him the same pet name she always would as she was m.

❝Oh? Tell me, is that a promise or a threat? If you take off one of my arms, can I take off one of yours? An eye for an eye, right? I'd like to bargain with eyes...~❞

A shiver ran down her spine. Here we go again... The thought of eyes being removed made Tsuyari very uncomfortable. She had never seen anything that gruesome, well, except for when she had to cook fish. Fish were a totally different story, though. Humans being harmed by Youkai was not acceptable, they were more like pets that needed protecting in Tsuyari's eyes and she would gladly intervene in one's defense. Violence between Youkai was always a constant reminder of what happened to her parents and that made her antsy.

All five of Tsuyari's tails began to swish around eagerly when her eyes located what Shohei was warning Sanja about. There were two humans in the village. She wondered how they managed to be among the Youkai, but that only intrigued her more. Humans were such interesting pets. They never ceased to grow and amaze her.

"Curious is it not? Such an obvious answer when clearly the lions have starved and died within those three years. . . Goodluck."

Tsuyari couldn't help but smile when Sanja managed to ruin Susumu's game with the humans. She knew where this was coming from, Susumu was going to try and wager them out of body parts. Tsuyari made her way over to the humans, getting a better look at the two. She was always curious when it came to their species. She waved off Shohei and Sanja before returning her full attention back to the humans, ecstatic that there was something worthwhile going on. The night had been kind of quiet and dull, so this was a much-appreciated change of pace.

"Very charming, but looks like the game is over. And the terms were quite unfair, and not in our favor, to start with. The correct thing to have done would be a quid pro quo. You tell us things, we tell you things..."

A snicker escaped her lips, enjoying the human girl's spark. She could tell that the human was nervous, but Tsuyari did nothing to interfere just yet. While she was interested in protecting them, their fear and bewilderment did amuse her. They were always so surprised or frightened when they met with something they deemed 'fictional'. They were so arrogant in that sense, believing they were the dominant species... That is where Tsuyari drew the line. Humans were by no means superior.

"Ehhmm... regardless how nice it was to meet you, Susumu-san.. I do think we must take our leave.."

While she would not admit it, Tsuyari was in no rush to see the humans leave. She was in the mood to play with them a bit as well, although in her company they would return home with all of their body parts. She simply was not the grotesque type of Youkai, "Do you even know your way back...?" Tsuyari asked cheerfully as if delighted by the humans happening upon the village, but also that they were likely lost.

“You need to work on your act dude. You sound way too annoying to hold an audience.”

Tsuyari's eyes met the blond male, "How about you show how it's done then? Lead by example, no?" She tilted her head, blue hair shifting with her movement, her blue ears twitching as she spoke. She found it quite irritating, as she loved Susumu's riddles immensely. While she liked the girl, the boy simply clawed at her patience.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi
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Orokawru Satogi



As Sanae picked out another direction for them all to go instead of off into No Man's Land, Satogi pulled Yukiko along with him and practically stepped on Sanae's heels so no one got seperated. It was only getting darker as the night wore on which also meant more dangerous. As they got closer to the shrine that Sanae lived at Satogi noticed the lanterns and felt more at ease.

It seemed Yukiko did too, as only now did she loosen her grip a little. This sense of calm did not last long however as the girls noticed something that he didn't.

"What's the matter? It took him a minute after they pointed out the voice drifting towards them in the apparent direction of the abandoned village. He stops where he was at if not already so and stands on his toes to get a better look off in that direction.

"I.. don't see anything. But who else do you think it could be?"

He considers checking it out himself but Yukiko mentions an English phrase he recognised. Giving her a smile he nods and squeezes her hand as a warning just before he cups his mouth with the other to amplify his voice.

"Oh man, I think I hear Izumi! We should check it out!" He said it loud enough for whoever was singing to hear but to Sanae and Yukiko they would know it was sarcasm just from his body language. With a happy grin on his face Satogi gives a brisk nod to the woods before turning back to the girls. "I bet they beat us there already and got bored enough to try this. But, if we hurry around Sanae's route we can beat them back and prank them instead."

Satogi was definitely pumped up to have a good time. He was bouncing in place and eager to get on his way to the now even more mysterious village.

8 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo Character Portrait: Natsumi
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Walking slowly through the forest, allowing her hands to graze over trees as she passed them by, a matured woman with long dark magenta hair caught the tune of a familiar voice. An eerie tune floated, lilting through the trees, a song of a known enemy for the woman. She need not hurry as the tone faded, instead it appeared that two of her enemies were now in the same spot. Her eyes narrowed as she went toward the trail that her enemy left behind. Her enemy being the woman who out of her cruelty, liked to kill children, Natsumi could not even imagine such a horrible thing as that. Whenever this rain woman was about luring children Natsumi would swoop in and save the sad and lost children. Taking them into her being to save them. She knew that the rain witch was luring them to that Bird monster's shrine. The man who let her son die. Shiro, my Shiro. . . She lamented internally.

Once she arrived at the shrine she spotted quite the gathering, it wasn't to her liking so rather than try to fight them all on her own she rushed back down the mountain to intercept the children. She couldn't allow those monsters up there to get them! She knew what she must do, she would counter the rain woman's song with a lure of her own. Natsumi quickly whisked through the leaves, going right through the wood of the trees as she ran. She found a small hill and lay some scattered branches so it appeared as though she had fallen. It was then that she began weeping. Her cacophonous sound traveling on the wind and wrapping around the children, beckoning them toward her with a strong charm. An overwhelming urge to seek out Natsumi.

She would protect the children from the other Youkai's even if she had to absorb each and every one of them.

8 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi
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  1. Susumu attempts more riddles! He condescends and challenges Kyosuke.

    by cybernekokaito
  2. Sanae was going to go along with the group & follow the singing, but figured a crying woman was better to investigate and she... ditches her friends in the middle of the woods like a really smart person.

    by cybernekokaito

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speech: #c70000 || thoughts: #7a7676
Susumu cocks his head to the side after his riddle was answered correctly (and his performance was promptly insulted), the thought of just why these humans can see him in the first place never crossing his mind. He claps his hands together as though in praise, smile widening and eyes not quite closing, but slitting in a narrow way. The fox-faced man before the pair starts to circle around them, glancing back over to Tsuyari from now and again. These two looked absolutely delectable, and the energy off of young souls is tangible enough to make Susumu's mouth water. He stops behind them and puts his hands on their shoulders, swinging from side to side, taking them with him. He hums a little tune before he continues with his game.

Very good, very good. I hope you didn't cheat; that wouldn't be good. Not at all~ Let's see, let's see... What can travel around the world while staying in a corner? Three guesses again. The wager's still standing.

He reaches out to pinch a few locks of Kyosuke's hair, twirling it around his finger. It isn't meant to hurt him, of course, but the gesture is altogether a bit unsettling. His eyes, however, stay locked on Nao, as if waiting patiently for her answer. Such a smart girl, he muses, to have broken down my whole act like that. I should better myself from it!

He mulls over her words on not wanting them to leave, and he simply smiles, tilting his head to the side and raising a finger to his lips. He closes one eye, canines glinting along his toothy grin. Aren't you the smart one? Let me guess—you wear the pants in this relationship, then? Well, in that case, why doesn't he answer this one? He inclines his head backwards, smile never leaving him, as he shifts his gaze to Kyosuke. Be a good boy and answer me, please~




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speech: #d10000 || thoughts: #f55858
Sanae shrugs, nodding with Satogi's suggestion. The singing was, admittedly, pretty weird, it could be their friends trying to play a prank on them. So, naturally, the proper response would be to prank them back, right? So Sanae, ignoring whatever weird feeling was in her gut, nudges Satogi back and grins, then links her arms with Satogi and Yukiko. C'mon, guys! Up to the shrine we go! Follow that eerie singin', 'cause it definitely can't be Nao-chan or Kyosuke-kun, riiiight?

She giggles at her own sarcasm and starts to guide them up the path to the shrine, following the singing. A few moments pass, though, and Sanae's ears are filled with a different sound entirely—crying. The shrine maiden stops and lets her arms slide out of the grips of Satogi and Yukiko's arms, head turned in the direction of the weeping. What a... sad, sad noise. She feels her shoulders slump, and she frowns a little. Before she starts to step off toward the crying, she waves back at her friends. Heard somethin' over here, guys! Come along if ya like, but if not, I'll meetcha up at the top where the shrine is!

She takes off, not bothering to look behind her for whether her friends decided to follow her or not. She has to check this out, whether alone or not, because deep inside her, she can tell it isn't a trap. First and foremost, if she really were in danger by some spiritual supernatural being, she can bless and bless and bless until the evil is gone... but she does not sense any evil here. Soon enough, she steps up onto a hill and notices... a woman. Sitting and weeping, and it's a sad and beautiful sight both at once. She steps up to the woman, holding out a hand, as if to comfort her. M...M-Miss...? Miss? Is everythin' alright? Didja fall? What's wrong?

8 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Natsumi
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"What's the matter? I.. don't see anything. But who else do you think it could be?"

When he mentioned that it had to be the other two of the group, it eased Yukiko's mind, but she couldn't let go of the possibility that they may not have been the only ones in the forest and shrine. Yukiko could have exploded from embarrassment then and there when Satogi smiled at her and gave her hand a squeeze. However, there were more pressing matters, so she shook it off, quite literally shaking her head when he wasn't looking. Get a grip! Yukiko scolded herself, reminding herself that this was not a Shōjo manga, that there was possibly real danger ahead.

"Oh man, I think I hear Izumi! We should check it out!"

Unable to keep herself composed, Yukiko cupped her free hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. She truly hoped that they would be able to get revenge, especially if Nao and Kyosuke were attempting to scare them for being enthusiastic about the Youkai legends. She didn't think it was fair to tease or judge others based on their beliefs. Wasn't the world so much more fun with a few extra ounces of faith and hope?

"I bet they beat us there already and got bored enough to try this. But, if we hurry around Sanae's route we can beat them back and prank them instead."

With a nod, Yukiko adjusted the bag on her shoulders before taking a deep breath. The fact that Satogi was excited enough to actually bounce in place like a child waiting for their ice cream made her excited to turn the tables on the others as well. Being in Satogi's and Sanae's company was infectious. Their energy managed to brighten her mood, even in a dangerous situation like this, "I don't see how they could get bored so quickly... Did they even attempt to look for Youkai..?" Before she could say anything else, her arms were suddenly intertwined with Sanae's and Yukiko blinked in surprise, but couldn't stop her lips from curling into a smile.

❝C'mon, guys! Up to the shrine we go! Follow that eerie singin', 'cause it definitely can't be Nao-chan or Kyosuke-kun, riiiight?❞

Yukiko felt her body freeze at the sound of the crying, normally she would not have investigated such a thing, but for some reason, she felt obligated to look for the person. Sanae freed herself from Satogi and Yukiko, and as the crying continued, Yukiko could not help but feel overwhelmed with sadness. The crying was so painful to listen to, the woman sounded so overwhelmed with grief... What on Earth could make someone cry like that... Yukiko thought to herself, almost completely forgetting about their search for Nao and Kyosuke. She even felt tears slipping down her own cheeks.

❝Heard somethin' over here, guys! Come along if ya like, but if not, I'll meetcha up at the top where the shrine is!❞

"Orokawru-Senpai, go with Sanae-chan in case the woman needs help... Sanae-chan can't carry her I'm sure..." Yukiko softly stated, before looking up the steps of the shrine. She had to see what those voices were. She HAD to investigate the song that the woman was singing in case it was Nao and Kyosuke. The fact that Sanae took off brought Yukiko back to reality a little, reminding her of Nao and Kyosuke not long before. If they all three went, it would do nothing for their quest for revenge, nor would it help them meet up with the rest of the group, "I'm just going to check out the shrine... We should regroup there, especially if the woman crying is injured." She felt her words held enough logic, so with just a smile toward Satogi, Yukiko ran up the steps that led to the shrine without another word. As she grew closer to the top, Yukiko grew nervous, letting out a soft sigh before looking around. The traditional setting was beautiful, that much was certain, "Izumi-Senpai? Andoh-san? Not funny." Yukiko called out as she began to look for life. Anything really. The voices, plus the singing? Someone was certainly there.

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"It's not we who are trying to hold an audience here - but rather you who are trying to distract us from leaving - right?"

Tsuyari tightened her lips, attempting to bite back the grin that was trying to form. This girl wasn't as dumb as most, and that alone made her interesting. There was also the fact that Susumu was interested in those of the male variety, so this one was completely unclaimed, she could have all the fun she wanted with her, for a while at least. Perhaps it would teach the kids a lesson about roaming where children were not supposed to tread? "Oh? Why would we ever try to do that?" Tsuyari asked with a quirked brow, her blue tails swaying playfully as she spoke. Her tone was innocent enough, but the mischief could not be hidden from her blue eyes.

❝Aren't you the smart one? Let me guess—you wear the pants in this relationship, then? Well, in that case, why doesn't he answer this one?❞

Susumu turning the riddles on the male gave Tsuyari the chance that she needed to have her own fun, especially as the human girl stepped forward daringly. The smile she had been holding back finally spread across Tsuyari's pale lips. Susumu-sama to the rescue~ Tsuyari chimed mentally, thrilled that her fellow Youkai was on the same page without either of them speaking a word to each other. Perhaps as Kitsune they had a bit more in common than she thought?

"Why is that?"

At the brown haired human's question, Tsuyari giggled a bit, stepping forward as well, closing the gap between them rather quickly, almost as if her feet had never even touched the ground at all. They, of course, did not, but unless Nao chose to look down, it wasn't exceedingly obvious, "Perhaps you two are interesting? Is it wrong to strike up conversations with tourists?" Seeing as the two girls were of similar height when Tsuyari was in her adult form, Tsuyari met her gaze easily and cupped the human's cheeks within her pale hands. She had no intention of actually committing to a full blown kiss, as it could drain the poor human if Tsuyari wasn't careful. She knew that the human was unaware of that fact and her reactions would be priceless, which was enough motivation for Tsuyari.

Slowly Tsuyari leaned in towards the brunette, her lips growing dangerously close to Nao's. The blue haired girl took in the brown eyes, could sense the nervousness she felt, it was almost like Tsuyari was hunting a deer in the woods. The human's brown hair and eyes reminded her of the skittish animal, and the girl was certainly adorable like a young fawn, "Let's get to know each other better, hm?" Tsuyari practically cooed as her lips barely brushed Nao's between her words. With a soft chuckle escaping her lips, Tsuyari let her slender fingers caress the human's cheek, gazing into her innocent brown eyes. Always a fan of taking things slow, Tsuyari's right hand trailed down Nao's cheek to her neck, admiring the girl's soft skin for a moment. Her blue eyes became half lidded as her fingertips trickled down Nao's arm, then snaked around the girl's waist to keep her from escaping...

Now that she had set the mood, she decided she wanted to go in for the kiss after all, as it would definitely bring out the strongest reaction from the girl she had in her clutches. Tsuyari licked her soft pale lips, then her lips claimed Nao's without warning. The fox had to remain calm, she did not wish to harm the human, only to stir her up a little. Her brave behavior was fun, and she looked forward to how the young girl would react to being kissed by another girl. That was still less common in human society, was it not? Tsuyari withdrew before she could lose control, giving Nao's bottom lip a soft lick with the tip of her tongue. Releasing her from her grip, Tsuyari licked her own lips, as if to only savor the taste of Nao's, "I'm Tsuyari, what might your name be? I'm pleased to make your acquaintance~" The blue haired girl stated softly, gauging the reaction of both Nao and Kyosuke.

7 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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Once everything had settled within his shrine, the cat began prattling on about how next time he 'wouldn't eve notice' things were missing. As he opened his mouth to speak Ki instead spoke up.

"I am very sorry for what happened here today. I did not understand what I was doing wrong at the time, but it is now clear to me. I promise that nothing like this will ever happen again. I understand if you have lost your trust for me." Hearing his darling Ki's contrite within their voice, Sanja smiled at them. He knew it wasn't their fault, his Ki had always enjoyed company and didn't know better, in fact it was Ki's end of the statement. The words nothing like this would ever happen again rang like music in his ears, he had taught them well. It brought him joy just to see how they've matured, how they learn so fast. It hadn't really been till they spoke that Sanja even noticed Ki had sat down beside him. It was then that a certain song rang out, one most unpleasant, one that Sanja had grown a distaste for. Amaya, the Rain Woman.

At her mention of his luck he frowned a bit, how rude of her to come into his home and then judge his recent affairs as if she knew anything about them. She wasn't one to be trusted. Folding his arms across his chest to look more imposing in front of this weather woman. However his curiosity peaked when she mentioned humans venturing to the shrine. He smiled and clasped his hands together.

"Well, well, well. Humans? How interesting. I suppose I should thank you for leading them the right way, now be on your way." His attentions were then swept up the racket of a certain cat. As she pulled and tugged on him as if he were her father, his eyes narrowed a bit as his eyebrow raised. This cat had no boundaries, nor any sense, though he would humor her for now.

"You may stay to see the humans Rika, however if you touch the offerings they bring or the items on their backs, you will lose one finger for each thing you take." He smiled down at her, almost daring her to test if he truly would. His deep violet eyes then went to the doorway as an unfamiliar voice called out a few names, most likely searching for their comrades. It was then a girl with reddish hair was visible through the doorway. Sanja felt excitement running down his spine. A human, here at his shrine when they can see the Youkai. He fixed his hair and took a deep breath as he stood up and stepped forward a bit, allowing himself to glow from his illusions, though he hadn't consciously done it. He was becoming more and more curious to speak with a human at length, to have one look upon him and praise him face to face, rather than through prayer.

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi
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Orokawru Satogi

Just like the singing, Satogi was the last one to notice the next mysterious voice that came out of the unknown. He had to be stopped by Sanae's attached arm and heard the crying, which sounded like a woman. Satogi was now more cautious then worried, even though the sound should be investigated.

"How many people are in these woods with us? It's very odd." Even with how close they were to the shrine he doubted there would be anyone out this late besides the group of teenagers. Satogi wasn't surprised when Sanae ran off, it was part of her being to help others. What did catch him off guard was Yukiko leaving him there alone and running off towards the shrine.

He knows she wanted him to help Sanae but he was split between the two. Finally deciding, he ran off after Sanae. "Please let this be the right decision!" The whole moment reminded him of one of those dating simulators with choices that changed the story. Hopefully he had just picked a good route or he might hate himself later.

Upon coming to the clearing he skids to a stop behind Sanae, hoping he hadn't knocked into her. The woman who had been crying was sitting on the ground as if she had fallen. She looked older than the highschoolers, but Satogi had no idea what age to put her at. For the most part he stayed behind Sanae and waited for when he might be useful.

10 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo Character Portrait: Natsumi
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  1. Amaya is grumpy after Sanja //chased// her away from the shrine. She notice how only one of the three humans, the ginger girl, made her way there. So she decides to go look for the other two. Bumping into Natsumi, she tries to save the 2 humans from getting absorbed.

    by Emmyz

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.: A M A Y A :.

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Maya was not pleased with Sanjas reaction. "I suppose I should thank you for leading them the right way, now be on your way." Did he not want to thank her? Was she not welcomed to his shrine? Sure, she did not like shrines very much but at least she should not be chased away like pest. Amaya was bad luck (not always tho), but after that rain earlier.. Was a imsy whimsy compliment too much to ask for? Apparently. Maybe his "superior position" had gotten to his head, like with Ryuu. Uhg those people thinking they are better than others. A needle in the ass - that's what they need. She scoffed in a "humph", now tapping the cold tip of her nose in a mysterious way - while thinking about maybe creating some hail just by the mountain tomorrow. But Amaya was not the one to share her devious plans. Instead she just smiled and bowed in a ironic way - narrow eyes glowing with mischief and the wrinkles surrounding them looked evil as usual. Her face softened a bit, noticing how Rika had made her way to Mayas side. Also remembering the cat's words "Amaya~! Such a surprise!".. Surprises was a good thing, right? So at least the thief knew how to behave around this purple haired ameonna. Sure, it was mainly because of her fear for rain (getting wet) - but even so Amaya was pleased and gave the pink haired feline a few strokes between the ears.

She straightened her posture again and glanced around the group. Smiling when meeting Ki's crimson red eyes. Maya liked them. Ki treated everyone with respect and was a really good listener. Too bad they where occupied / imprisoned by Sanja most of the time. "Oh Ki, how i miss them. They should join me for a talk sometime soon" She flickered her thick eyelashes and tilted her head to the left, making her fringe fall to the side, now looking at Haku. "And my favorite dragon has neglected his nighly swims lately. Are we too lazy?" what she really was saying, was how she missed their company. But ofc, Maya was not the one to express that. Now when thinking about it, it had been kind of dull last couple of days.. Amaya had been bored.. And lonely. No one around to torture, tease or have fun with. She sighted at the realization she even missed Ryuu's stuck up face. Maybe she wished for some drama.. and some company! But for the time being, she was unwanted.

"Well well, looks like im on my way. We don't want to upset dear Sanja any further.. I'll save the teasing for Ryuu" she winked in a teasing way and held up the lower skirt of her black dress just to clear her knees when turning around. Waving happily towards the group. She was an actress indeed, inside her heart was aching and she truly felt unwanted. As always she was thinking about the worst and turned negative and gloomy. Was bad luck and rain truly that terrible? Walking away, she heard an unfamiliar voice. Finally making her mind think of something other than pain and death. "Izumi-Senpai? Andoh-san? Not funny." Passing the corner of the shrine on her way out, Maya caught a glimpse of the ginger girl from the forest earlier. The source of the unfamiliar voice was one of the 3 humans. But where were the other two??? They most have been separated? Weird.. It had only been a few hundred yards to the shrine when she left them. Maybe they'd stumbled across something.. or someone.

"I sense there's something in the wind.. That feels like tragedy's at hand..." she sang quiet as she walked...

Maybe it was because of her boredom lately, but Maya suddenly felt a strong curiosity. She had to find out what happened to the other 2... No rush tho, simply just walking with determined steps through the woods and towards where she'd seem them last time. It had grown late now and the forest was really no place for humans to be at night - which made her only more curious. Suddenly she heard the weeping. Someone crying with an enchanting and sad magnetizing power.

"Natsumi..." she mumbled and changed direction - now heading for the crying mu-onna. Because where she was, the other 2 humans where going to be. No doubt. Amaya sighted when she reached the gathering, and saw the scene clearly. Natsumi was sitting on the ground weeping and the two children standing there... The girl holding out her hand... "Don't touch her! And get away from her!" Mayas voice was not charming or compelling in any way, not like Natsumis crying echo that still lingered, tho her words were the ones of honesty and was sharp against the now cold and calm late evening air. "She is not hurt nor more depressed than usual.." Situation was quite ironic. Was Amaya helping the humans? Trying to save them from getting absorbed? She kept telling herself that Sanja would get mad if these humans "disappeared".. But then, Sanja had not been very welcoming towards her earlier... So why should she care for his precious shrine visitors... Naaah...

She sighted and meet the eyes of Natsumi. "It's a pity my power over tears only work on their kind... well well.. " she nodded towards the girl and the boy. When suddenly another thought hit her. It was the fact that the humans should not be able to see her right now.. Amaya was standing on the "right side" of the boundary. The little wall of bushes and trees at the edge of the village should go through here.. The line dividing the youkai world from the humans, keeping them hidden and safe from the eyes of the outside world. The boundry both protecting the humans as well as the youkai. This was strange, but she decided not to fixate on it. Now the question was whether she should save them, let them get absorbed or harm them herself.

"You two.. Tell me, have you ever prayed for rain?" She decided to settle her scattered mind with a question. Her actions would differ depending on what answer they gave her. Walking up to their side she brought a lock of purple hair behind her ear as she let her red eyes investigate the two strangers. What a pair of lovely faces, soft skin and emotional human eyes.. Their expressions looked so tempting. If she could just dig her nails into those juicy cheeks and watch the pain in their faces.. Naaah. Maya was going to play fair and wait for their answers. "So. Who wished for rain once? Don't be shy" She continued, now her face was softer and her pale skin was lit up by the moonlight while her plum purple hair almost melted in to the pitch black night.

5 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Miyako Mormeril Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki Character Portrait: Mikado Sarubi
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Just as Chiyoko was getting up, Miyako came along with an apology. [color=#990099"Sorry for the delay Chiyo-san. If you come back later I'll make sure to put aside a bottle of your favorite for you."[/color] With a light chuckle and a dismissive wave, the Tanuki-lady responded, "Oh, don't worry about it. You know that I'm up all night, so I'll definitely be back. You keep doing a good job, dearie." With that, she made to leave with Mikado, although she un-modestly walked ahead of him. It was merely a small gesture, but, there was definitely a message behind it.

However, as she was headed to exit, Chiyoko could hear what could have been an argument of some kind, from two unfamiliar voices. "... I suggest we get out of her. Tell our village council, and they will send out a search team for the others. Plus deal with these people as well. They don't seem.. normal. Cult members, circus people or just creepy. Whatever they are, maybe they will go to jail.. hopefully.. i dont feel safe having them so close to Komorebi." What bugged Chiyoko most was the fact that she couldn't recognize them. Chiyoko made it a point to remember a person's name when she happened to run into them, but, she couldn't pin a face or name on these voices. She just absolutely had to figure this out.

Emerging from the curtain, Chiyoko witnessed the two of them, two young people she didn't recognize in modern clothing, one of which was using her cell phone. It was not hard to make the assumption that they were humans, humans that were quite perplexed. Immediately, her Youkai nature told her that this was the perfect opportunity to play some mischief, but a rational side decided that she should probably approach this situation cautiously. It seemed as if her Youkai kin had already tormented them enough. Perhaps now was the perfect time to provide them comfort, like soft cheese on the mousetrap. Also, she couldn't allow them to escape if they were planning on contacting outside civilization about them.

Putting out her kiseru, she retrieved a couple leaves from inside her kimono's sleeve and using those, she changed her appearance in a puff of smoke. The changes were mostly minor, but, were intended to give her a more human appearance. Her hair grew out to shoulder length, her ears had disappeared, and so had her enormous tail that identified her. She also made herself look a little older, but, middle-aged at best.

Once she believed herself to be visible to the humans, she called out, "Ayiyi, are you having trouble with your phone, dear? Reception is really poor out in this little old place sometimes." Slowly, non-threateningly, Chiyoko approached the humans. "Seeing as I don't recognize you, you young folk must be from that one village over yonder, Korembi, am I right? Did you get lost this late at night? Only nocturnal animals and strange people wander around at night so deep in the forest, especially around this old place. Don't worry, though, because this old lady is willing to help. Ayi~, where are my matters? I'm just an old lady who just talks too much. You may call me Chi-Chi, that's what my grandkids called me." Smiling, Chiyoko offered a polite hand to the two teens. "And who might you youth be?"

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi
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As two precious children came to her she ceased her crying song. It had worked, she had saved these darling angels from the Witch's song. She looked up, tears in her crimson eyes as a young lady spoke to her.
❝M...M-Miss...? Miss? Is everythin' alright? Didja fall? What's wrong?❞ The odd way the girl spoke caused Natsumi to smile the way a mother would at their own child, a smile full of love and warmth. Her soothing aura kicked in as another boy with black hair appeared and just for a moment her heart lurched forward. Black hair, like my Shiro! Her mind sung though once his eyes opened his momentary hope shattered at her feet. She sighed softly and glanced up at these two, with their "help" she stood up leaning on the girl a bit.

"I. . .Seem to have fallen yes. But thanks to you to darling children I will be much better now. How can I repay your kindness? Please do let me put you up for the night, after all the trek to the mountain shrine is. . . Dangerous." At the thought of the shrine that cost her son his life she frowned a bit, feeling an inner rage building just at the thought, though she quickly subdued it to focus on her aura. Making sure the children felt safe and comforted near her, like they'd never want to leave her. Ever. She then was interrupted by a yelling voice. A witch of rain, she wanted to steal her children from her! The devil Amaya came to take Natsumi's darling children from her, she just got them and now they would be stolen away. The thought caused a pit to form in her heart, one that caused her to tear up a bit. I don't want to be alone, not again. She thought as she heard her warning the children.

"Please, do not listen to that voice children, this mountain is full of deadly Youkai, they will devour you in the cruelest ways. We must leave here, get to safety at once!" She said turning to Sanae with a look of desperation. "I am not strong enough to go on, I cannot protect you right now. Please let us leave this mountain." She said as she increased the strength of aura as to drown out the questions about rain from the Rain Witch.

12 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Miyako Mormeril Character Portrait: Takumi Mizutori Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Ryuunosuke Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi Character Portrait: Tutsrugi
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speech: #ebd212 || thoughts: #d6c969
Ugh. Just his luck. While he was trying to have a nice conversation with Miyako and his much loved Servant, Takumi had just happened to wander into the bar and spot him. When Takumi tries to get too cozy with him, he attempts to slide away, but Takumi catches him just in time. He grunts softly, not bothering to look over at Takumi. Had you bothered to look around you, you would have been able to discern that 'what our prince is having' is right in front of you. Would you kindly care to release us, you damned snake?

The prince had come to have fun, but that seems like too much of a pipe dream now that Takumi is here. He may as well just find any happiness he can glean from this unfortunate occurrence as well as possible. He keeps still for a few moments while Takumi practically rubs himself all over the prince before he gets tired of it, and he places a hand to the snake God's chest and gives him a shove — much too rough to be considered familiar.

Should you continue to handle us as though We were yours, he may kill you. A pause. Oh, on second though, you should continue — We shall attend your funeral, if only to spit on your grave.

Truthfully, there's one way that the prince could rid himself of Takumi — should he pretend to reciprocate the snake's revolting feelings, surely, he would be disinterested. The thought causes Ryuunosuke to shake. He would rather die.

Perhaps, though, that may take too long — if you would let us, We would like to kill you ourself. Ugh, would — you — let — go?!




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speech: #c70000 || thoughts: #7a7676
Susumu can't hide his disappointment when the teens run away, ears flattening and tail lowering. He feels inclined to follow them, to dance after the boy with pretty eyes and the girl with marvelous teeth. He takes a step, almost in a trance-like daze, to follow after them — wild, predatory instincts are taking over him, and he feels himself growl — before Tsuyari's sweet, girlish voice brings him back to reality. He shakes his head rapidly, like a dog shaking off water, and looks down at her, eyes wide and less predatory than they were mere moments ago.

A stamp! Think of sending a letter, Tsuyari. You might send a letter all around the world — you could send one to America or Europe, or anywhere! — but the stamp always stays in the corner of the letter. Isn't that clever?

Though the humans, for one reason or another, did not appreciate the riddle in the slightest, Susumu is confident that Tsuyari will like it. He watches after the humans that ran and spot a... curiously familiar old woman chatting them up, and he narrows his eyes. Ah, what an unlucky folly these humans are. Instead of taking my bait, they took Tanuki-chan's. They'd be much happier with the likes of me — little miss's teeth would be put to good use, and I would treat the boy right. I wouldn't mind taking care of a blind plaything...

Susumu looks back towards Tsuyari and gives a gentle smile. Do you see obaa-san over there? Does she look familiar to you? She's the vile Tanuki-chan who hates us — isn't she cruel for stealing our prey... ah, pardon me, our friends away? He laughs afterwards, but it stops abruptly.

Susumu's prey... was taken... by another Youkai...? That doesn't sound quite right. Doesn't that mean... they can be seen? It seems that it's taken watching someone else to realize the flaw. ... Tsuyari.




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speech: #d10000 || thoughts: #f55858
As they were attracting quite the crowd, Sanae steps backwards, closer to Satogi, and holds out her hand towards him, indicating she wants him to hold it. To say she was scared would be an understatement — two innocent teenagers, out in the woods at night, approaching a strange, crying woman and being approached by a totally different strange woman? This is like... scary movie stuff! Oh, God... me n' Satogi could die here! This could be it!

She feels a whine squeeze its way out of her throat, but she swallows her fear down bravely. The nice, crying lady wants to leave the other lady, it seems — so there's no way that she was here to set them up. Sanae looks from one woman to the other, clearly fearful and confused. Uh — have I ever prayed for the rain? Well... sometimes, I don't wanna go to school, so I pray for snow, but I dunno if I ever prayed for the rain? I do a lotta prayin', though! I'm a shrine maiden, y'see, so I pray a lot, an' I take care of the shrines, too! We were on our way up to one a second ago, actually, but this nice lady here's been cryin' up a storm since she got hurt... She pauses to remember what Amaya had said about the lady. Ya want us to get away from her? But... she don't really seem that bad? I think... if you will excuse us... we should get goin' to find our friends. We'll just take the lady along with us...

She takes another step back, hitting Satogi's chest with her back, and nudges him with her elbow to indicate for him to step back, as well.

I dunno yer name, lady, but... d'ya wanna come with us? I'll make sure ya aren't sad anymore! She gestures hurriedly to Natsumi.

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Rinu Amaya Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi
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Orokawru Satogi



Satogi watchs the crying woman for a time, listening to her speak with Sanae. A sudden urge to protect her like he promised he would Sanae and Yukiko washed over the young boy, but it was the oddest thing and confused him a little. He said nothing and simply observed the scene for a moment, until another woman soon appeared.

This one was even stranger than the first and spoke as if the crying woman was a danger. He had these conflicting emotions swirling in his mind, and he couldn't decide how he wanted to react.

Sanae's words of leaving and a quick jab with her elbow brought him out of his confused stuppor, and with a shake of his head to clear it he takes her hand and agrees with her.


"Right... we need to get back to Yukiko." His mind still seems to be clouded but with the warmth if Sanae's hand he could concentrate on the task at hand. Waiting for when Sanae was ready to leave he would stay attached to her hip until they were back on the shrine path and in familier territory.

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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After only a moment his moment was stolen by the cat. It was as if a second plague had befallen him, in the shape of Rika Nekonyankoo. He felt his irritation rising, in his own shrine! This was his moment, he had waited and waited to have interactions with a human. He rose from his seat and glared at the small girl, she had dared to shove him and then speak to the human and dare to introduce him without consent. He would deal with her at a later juncture.

He strode gracefully, pushing the small cat behind him as one would move their own child, not roughly but firmly. His violet eyes shone with a burning curiosity, he had always wanted this. His whole life he had wanted this. He looked directly into her eyes and smiled kindly, holding himself high, regally poised like a king before his subject.

"As miss Nekonyankoo has said, I am the host of this shrine. I am the Daitengu from the first age, king of the mountain and curator of the forest. I am Sanjakubo Kurama, welcome to my shrine. Your manners and offering have been noted and duly appreciated. Is there anyway I may help you miss Nakahara?"

He spoke with charm and yet a measure of arrogance dripping from every word as he now stood directly in front of the red-haired female. Luckily for her, he was not exactly tall enough to loom over her. His hands spread open wide in a friendly gesture as is aura shimmered around him, to human eyes he must have been quite a sight. He wanted the human to feel safe with him, he desired to speak with her at length about her culture about her family, her people! All of this was so exciting he had to hide it with a simple smile, though beneath it he felt like a child again.

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki
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Dialogue Color - #996600
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"Yes, hmm, I hear you," Chiyoko responded to the inquisitive questions of the youths, bringing her fingers up to her chin thoughtfully, "Am I a strange person or a nocturnal animal? Hmm... I guess I'm a little bit of both." She chuckled to herself at this, as if it were a simple joke. "And, yes, this place... I suppose you could say that people who don't want to be bothered tend to end up here, but we all end up bothering each other anyway. Kufufu~, I suppose it's a little complicated, but, I can explain if you'd be willing to step inside this place for a little bit." Chiyoko gestured to the building she came out of. "The Rōzuu~ebu is my favorite pub after all, I'll just tell them you're with me."

Although, as if she felt the need to speak even further, she began to make some small talk. "Although I can't help but wonder what you two are doing all the way out here. If you were looking for the abandoned village—at night, at that—then I can only imagine you're on a test of courage. Ah yes, I've done them myself when I was your age, although, I didn't have a boyfriend with me." Chiyoko chuckled mischievously at that thought. "Oh, did you take any photos? I'd like to see them. A thousand years ago, I was quite the shutterbug." A hyperbole, as cameras obviously didn't exist back then. It was more like fifty years ago when Chiyoko had a passing interest in photography. "Is it just you two exploring late, or, are there other folk with you? I should like to meet them."

13 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Tsuyari Kazukai Character Portrait: Miyako Mormeril Character Portrait: Takumi Mizutori Character Portrait: Susumu Character Portrait: Shohei Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki Character Portrait: Ki Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Ryuunosuke Character Portrait: Hakuryuu Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo

...and 1 others.

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❝ Had you bothered to look around you, you would have been able to discern that 'what our prince is having' is right in front of you. Would you kindly care to release us, you damned snake? ❞

"Our prince is willing to share with the likes of me? I'm honored. Would the prince wish to try some of my famous brew?" The snake smiled, little hearts and flowers practically beaming from his person. As the prince shoves him, Takumi chuckles a bit and nuzzles his face against Ryuunosuke's, taking a content breath in. He enjoyed being close to the prince because he of all Youkai refused his affections the most, "You're just so cuddly my prince!" Takumi sang out gleefully, seemingly unaffected by Ryuunosuke's harsh words and even harsher treatment. If anything, the prince shoving on him only made him want to hold on to him even more. Like it made him happy to be rejected.

❝ Should you continue to handle us as though We were yours, he may kill you. ❞ A pause. ❝ Oh, on second thought, you should continue — We shall attend your funeral if only to spit on your grave. ❞

At first, it appeared that Ryuunosuke's insult hit home with Takumi as the Serpent God paused his affectionate assault just staring at the prince in surprise, but his smile quickly returned. His playful nuzzling did as well, it seemed that the snake was only appalled by being stepped on in his true form and his advances being returned with obviously reciprocated feelings, "Just the fact you would attend my funeral makes me happy, Oni-Sama~!" Takumi wasn't exactly what one would call quiet, especially as he had been already drinking, but he wasn't entirely shouting like a drunkard yet either. Either way, if anyone was sat near them they could not help but overhear the snake. He was just too lively and bad at using an 'indoor voice'. Apparently, he was never reprimanded as a child for speaking loudly.

❝ Perhaps, though, that may take too long — if you would let us, We would like to kill you ourself. Ugh, would — you — let — go?!❞

"Killed by the prince? What a lovely and passionate ending~!" He shivered with delight, though in truth he would not so easily lay down his life, not without producing an heir at least. But that meant.... shudder. He would have to lie with a woman... The thought was almost unthinkable, but it was his duty as the current Hakuja no Myojin to continue on his bloodline... It wasn't that he disliked women, but it was not hidden knowledge that the snake preferred men. Women were great, but he couldn't see past the betrayal from his past... but those were thoughts he would rather avoid at that time. He was trying to enjoy himself, and it wasn't every day that the prince strolled into the bar. As far as Takumi was aware, this was the very first time! How exciting!

When Ryuusuke told him to let go, Takumi chuckled a bit, "Imposssssible. You're shaking mi'lord. I couldn't possibly let royalty freeze to death. Let me warm you..." Takumi chimed, his 's's in the word impossible coming out as a seductive hiss, but that wasn't any surprise to anyone who knew him. He was a serpent after all. Clinging tighter as the prince attempted to remove him, Takumi let out a whine, pretending to be offended that the prince was trying to shake him off. He wasn't sure if he would be successful in remaining glued to the prince, but it was worth a shot. In truth, he had very little body heat of his own as he was a serpent, but it was a good excuse to keep hold of the prince.

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❝ A stamp! Think of sending a letter, Tsuyari. You might send a letter all around the world — you could send one to America or Europe, or anywhere! — but the stamp always stays in the corner of the letter. Isn't that clever? ❞

Azure eyes brightened like stars when he explained the answer, and the human child form of Tsuyari clapped, "Extremely. I would never have thought of that." She chimed in a cheerful manner, his riddle having perked her up after being abandoned directly after kissing the human girl. It had been her first kiss as well, but she didn't hold things so dearly as humans often did. It was just a kiss. There would be plenty more, right? Besides, it was just a girl, one that was not tainted by the adult world just yet. There was no harm in it. When her eyes landed on Chiyoko in human form, she immediately grinned. Oh, how she wanted to tease the Tanuki as she often teased her for her preference in what form to take. However, she wouldn't ruin the old lady's fun. She had her own, so she was willing to share. It wasn't like Tsuyari had any real interest in the humans, it was just fun to play with them every now and again. However, the reaction that the brunette human girl had after the kiss, it wasn't awful. She rather liked it and would like to see it again. As long as nothing real came out of it, she wouldn't mind playing with any humans that strolled into town. At least if she played with them, they would return home in one piece. She couldn't say the same for anyone who dared to play with her companion, Susumu. What am I going to do with him....? She thought to herself with a sigh, but that only made her smile a bit. Without him, she would have been far lonelier. Not to mention, most of what she knew about being a Kitsune she had learned from the ivory haired Kitsune. She owed him a lot. Her trust was one of the things she owed him, but that was something that she could not fully grant anyone, not even to Susumu.

❝ Do you see obaa-san over there? Does she look familiar to you? She's the vile Tanuki-chan who hates us — isn't she cruel for stealing our prey... ah, pardon me, our friends away? ❞

Listening to his words, Tsuyari began to feel awkward. Chiyoko while poking fun at her had never spoke to her with malice, but she knew that there was more than enough tension between Chiyoko and Susumu. As far as Tsuyari was aware, most of the Youkai she knew were at least on neutral terms with her, but it seemed Susumu had many enemies, not that she couldn't understand why, "I think she only hates you.... Susumu-sama..." she stated quietly in an uncomfortable manner. It wasn't fun admitting that she was more accepted by the Tanuki than he was, but it was what it was. While she wouldn't brag, she couldn't lie to him either. She couldn't just lie to him after everything he had done. It wasn't right, and she couldn't stomach it. She caught the word prey, blinking a bit. She didn't see them as prey per se... but it was somewhat accurate. Even though she was comparable to a fisherman who threw the fish back, and Susumu was the kind that devoured his fish without remorse... they both were treating the humans as prey in the end. It was clear that Susumu couldn't keep his mind from cooking up different ways of harming the humans, and she shook her head, "Prey and friends don't sound anything alike... nice try, Susumu-sama." She replied, unable to hold back her amused smile. Even though she knew what he had in mind for the humans, at least a general idea, she couldn't help but find it endearing that he was attempting to censor himself for her sake, "Thanks for the effort, though... I've already accepted who you are." She added with a small smile crossing her lips. Although it was distant, it was still quite warm for someone like her.

❝ ... Tsuyari. ❞

"....I think I know.... How did they see us here...? Isn't this a safe zone?" She asked the older Kitsune, her blue brow quirking questioningly. In five hundred years she never knew of humans and Youkai interacting inside of Youkai Square. At least not like this. How were they seeing all of the Youkai as if they were not hidden from the human world at all...? The thought was quite scary, and she didn't even want to think about what that would mean for her and her fellow Youkai, "....Susumu-sama? Are we safe here anymore..?" She asked worriedly, eyeing the direction of the humans. Just thinking that they could be attacked for 'poking and prodding' made her shiver. She did not want to fight, especially humans.... It wasn't in her nature.

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“Yes, yes, that’s what we are. What exactly did you think we were?”

At the Bakeneko's question, Yukiko froze almost stiff as a board, "I...I just had to ask..." She began to fidget nervously, her eyes shifting between staring at her shoes and glancing back up at the Daitengu and the Bakeneko. Should she explain why she wasn't used to Youkai? Was meeting Youkai common here? Were the others playing some sick prank on her because she was so interested in them? Was the whole abandoned town a joke to get her out here to humiliate herself in front of actual Youkai? She didn't want to believe that, but she was very embarrassed, her cheeks heating up fast, "Y-You don't come across any Youkai where I used to live in the city...." she stammered softly, looking up to the Youkai for a moment to see their reactions. Afraid that this was all some kind of sick joke. Either the Youkai weren't real, or they were real and teaming up with the village in the attempt to freak out the newest family in the village.

When the Bakeneko shoved past the ivory haired man, Yukiko's eyes widened a bit, a hand clasping over her mouth. She wasn't sure which of them were older or stronger, as she had just met them, but his appearance and the way he held himself, she doubted what the rosy-haired Bakeneko had done would be taken with a grain of salt. I hope that at least most of them are benevolent toward humans...

“Don’t worry about Sanya! He acts all scary sometimes, but he’s really nice! Just don’t take his offerings, he doesn’t like that…”

Considering that a shrine was meant to honor a God or some other sort of Divine being, she dared not speak the name given to her so familiarly like the rosy-haired Youkai. She knew that disrespecting a divine being often meant ill fortune. She didn't want bad karma! Her luck had never been very great, to begin with! The words whispered in her ear made her very confused. Why would she make an offering and take others? She wished to keep her hands and head attached... however, those words made her realize that the Ivory haired man was indeed a Godlike being, if not an actual God. Being eyeballed, even if it was by another female caused Yukiko to shrink into herself. Her arms came securely to her chest and her legs clamped together nervously, her figure becoming extremely small. She was not frightened, she was just extremely embarrassed to be examined. Knowing any eyes were scrutinizing her made her insanely uncomfortable. Compared to them...she was so....plain. What was there to really look at? Her reddish brown hair? While that wasn't extremely common in the area, it was still nothing extraordinary. She didn't find herself particularly cute, attractive or anything like that, just average.

“Oh, that’s right! You don’t know any of us!”

A surprised squeak escaped Yukiko's lips as she was tugged along, her eyes glancing back to the ivory haired male Youkai to gauge his reaction to the cat woman dragging a human around in his domain. This was his shrine, yet the rosy-haired woman was treating it as if it were her own. She was incredibly confused, but she wasn't exactly sure what was appropriate for her to say aloud. She wouldn't question things too much until she had a better idea of what was going on, but more importantly, what type of Youkai these individuals were. That made all the difference. Different species had different beliefs, customs, and ways of handling humans and had different ideas of 'insulting behavior' from said humans.

“See Yuki – Mind if I call you Yuki? - that there is Sanya, he’s the big birdie in charge of the shrine. And over there is Ki! They’re a tree spirit, they're really nice! Say hi Ki! Oh, and that’s Haku and Shohei, he’s a water dragon, and Shohei’s kinda icky but he’s alright for a little birdie, plus he has lots of treasure somewhere!”

"Etto... I suppose you could...?" She replied shakily, her voice bleeding with uncertainty. She did not want to say no, especially as she was not certain exactly which kind of cat-based Youkai the woman was. When they finally stopped moving and the cat lady began pointing, her eyes fell on Sanja, whom the rosy-haired Youkai referred to as Sanya, "I-It's a pleasure to meet you, y-your shrine is lovely..." She was very shaken up and flustered, unsure, but she was quite certain that her 'tour guide' called the Deity of the shrine a 'big birdy'... Well, she assumed she meant a Daitengu, as this was a mountainous area, but she did not speak her assumption aloud in case she was incorrect.

This female Youkai was more energetic and grabby than even Sanae. She wasn't used to a complete stranger grabbing her so familiarly as if they were already great friends. However, her eyes landed on another in the room that the female Youkai referred to as 'Ki'. There were more here this whole time!? Did they see all of that? Her cheeks began to grow quite red, "H-Hello." She stated with a nervous smile towards Ki. The fact that they were a tree spirit was interesting. She had never read about those before, so she was quite curious. However, the pink haired Youkai ran through the introductions like lightning, so her attention was brought to the next person before she could converse with Ki any further. The third she was introduced to was a Water Dragon?! She couldn't believe her ears. He was so tall! Or maybe Yukiko was just short...? Though another male was introduced at the same time. Apparently, he was named Shohei and he was a little icky birdy? Yukiko was really having trouble wrapping her head around all of this information presented to her, "It's delightful to meet you both." She stated politely through her embarrassment and confusion towards Haku and Shohei.

When she was released Yukiko straightened out any creases that might have formed in her long sleeved shirt, trying to pull her scarf up to hide the blush on her cheeks as the rosy-haired Youkai struck a pose. It was like the magical girls in anime, so she couldn't help but find it incredibly adorable.

“And this key-yoot~ kitten is Rika Nekonyankoo, at your service! Meow~!”

"Hello, uhm are you a Bakeneko... or Nekomata...?" She asked curiously, tapping her cheek as she scrambled her years of being an Otaku. All that research, she needed to remember it now. Asking made her feel nervous, but the female was the least intimidating in the room so she felt it was best to ask her first. Start with the easy problems, then work her way up. Just like a Math test. It was only after the Youkai she suspected of being a Daitengu moved the one who introduced herself as Rika aside that she realized she was of similar height as him. Rika was the tallest of the three. From his posture to his smile, he made it clear that he was an elegant being. It almost reminded her of an otome or shoujo manga, but she absolutely refused to blurt something like that out. She would die on the spot of embarrassment.

"As miss Nekonyankoo has said, I am the host of this shrine. I am the Daitengu from the first age, king of the mountain and curator of the forest. I am Sanjakubo Kurama, welcome to my shrine. Your manners and offering have been noted and duly appreciated. Is there anyway I may help you miss Nakahara?"

"So I was right when she said big birdy.. he is a Daitengu after all...." She whispered under her breath to herself when she realized she had correctly guessed what species of Youkai that Sanja was. However, Rika had given her a good hint. When the aesthetically pleasing Daitengu asked if there was anything he could help her with, she immediately thought back to her friends, "First age..? Woah.." She began to wonder just how long the Daitengu had been around, and the sparkle of interest and curiosity in her eyes was not easily missed. Little did they know, she was a huge fan of Youkai, and she was doing everything in her power to hold in her fangirling. Yukiko clapped her hands together before beginning to ask her question, "A-Arigato... If it's not too much trouble, I'd just like to ask if you have come across a tall blond haired dimwit and a really pretty tall brunette girl by any chance...? We were separated in the forest... My other two friends are helping a woman, we heard her crying on the way up the steps to the shrine... My friend Sanae-chan is a shrine maiden..." Despite all of the questions she had for the plethora of Youkai she had stumbled across, her main concern was with her friends. All of her questions would have to wait until she was certain that they were safe. She would have bowed again, but the Daitengu was far too close for her to do such a thing. His height made him a little more approachable, and his sudden warm and sparkling presence almost completely distracted her, "G-Gomenasai... I've always wanted to meet Youkai... and I have so many questions.... but my friends... could any of them be in danger out there...?" Her expression was very worried. Now that she was certain there were Youkai, she was sure that there were plenty of malicious Youkai lurking about as well.

6 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Sanjakubō Kurama Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki Character Portrait: Yukiko Nakahara Character Portrait: Rika Nekonyankoo
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#, as written by Tanman
Kyosuke ‘Kyo’ Andoh

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Kyosuke remained where he was as Nao interjected, shooting him a look of annoyance, but taking his arrogance in stride. He was somewhat disappointed that he didn’t manage to get more of a rise out of her, but maybe she was controlling herself in front of their new company. Sinking his hands into his pockets and looking down the street in disinterest, he vaguely listened to the discussion at hand, though was mildly surprised that Nao was inquiring along similar lines that he had. Albeit, a fraction more politely than he had.

‘Chi-Chi’ seemed to laugh off their queries, seemingly enjoying their forward nature, almost as if she expected them to act as such. Kyo snorted a bit, as it seemed that neither Nao nor the old woman would be provoked by him. Instead, it seemed she intended to invite the two into the building they’d been standing in front of – the ‘Rōzuu~ebu’, if he was pronouncing that correctly. A pub, huh? Neither he nor Nao were of the legal drinking age, but no one seemed to care, and he’d had more than his fair share of drinks in the past. Not that he was too big on it these days; he only ever really did it to prove a point. Still, no doubt Nao would refuse to break her prim and proper image and go into such a distasteful place. A faint smile crept across Kyosuke’s face as he contemplated the option. Could be fun to mess with the prez and go along with it.

While Kyo had been thinking on a response, the old lady had continued her inane ramblings, though with a surprising degree of accuracy to her musings. At least, up until a certain point. Kicking off the wall with a loud laugh, he made his way towards the woman and the bar. “Me and this loser? Hah! Not in a million years Grams. I’m pretty sure Izzy here would sooner die than be associated with me.” Thumbing in Nao’s direction, Kyosuke glanced back to her. “Ain’t that right Nao?” Moving towards the door, Kyo continued. “But I think we’ll take you up on that offer old lady. If you’re paying, I got no qualms with having a drink.” Almost forgetting about his idea of leaving and finding the others, Kyosuke stepped into the bar, glancing around for a seat and table, leaving Nao to deal with the old woman’s incessant questions and chatter.

Finding himself a spare table and taking a seat, Kyo began to take stock of the area, noticing more weirdos and freaks amongst the populace of the bar. Well, at least they’d be getting some answers soon enough about why this whole village seemed loco. Covering his mouth for a yawn, he awaited the other two to join him, while also looking to see who was running service, waiting to give his order. He wasn’t terribly impatient in this sort of setting, but no doubt the young male would stand out given he was amongst entirely youkai.

Rika Nekonyankoo

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"Hello, uhm are you a Bakeneko... or Nekomata...?" Rika’s newfound best friend Yuki asked innocently, and Rika was highly impressed she even knew that there was a distinction between the two. Delighted at the question, Rika straightened herself up, before spinning and bending over to wave her backside at Yukiko - though primarily to show off her two tails. “Rika is a split-tailed Bakeneko, so I’m super special! Nekomatas can’t change to look like cute humans like I can, but people get us confused all the time, so I’m used to it!” Her voice was a couple of octaves too loud for an inside voice, but she was very excited.

Preparing to launch into further discussion on one of the few subjects she considered herself an expert in, Rika gave a soft ‘Nyah?’ as she was gently pushed further from Yukiko, behind Sanja once more. Frowning slightly as she got up and folded her arms, her ears twitched in annoyance as she watched the Daitengu converse with the human. Petty about being separated from her new friend, Rika proceeded to make some goofy expressions and rabbit ears behind Sanja as a way of revenge. He wasn’t all seeing, right? She could totally get away with this and have some fun.

Her silly pranks continued until Yukiko found the courage to ask her questions to Sanja, inquiring about some of her friends that had apparently gone missing. More humans! Ooo, this was so exciting! Dancing from foot to foot, Rika was bobbing up and down behind Sanja, trying to get both Yukiko and Sanja’s attention to speak. Soon enough, her impatience took hold, and she placed both her hands on Sanja’s soldiers, pushing herself up and placing her weight on his back so that she popped up high behind him. “Ooo, I can help! Pick me! Pick me! I haven’t seen them, but I’m really really good at finding things!” Rika remained perched up behind Sanja as she continued speaking. “We better go real quick though, not everyone is as nice as me and Sanya! There’s spider ladies and skeleton men and sneaky foxes and chubby raccoons that would do all kinds of things to cute humans! Most of them like to play with their food though, so I’m sure they’re fine for now.”

9 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Miyako Mormeril Character Portrait: Takumi Mizutori Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki Character Portrait: Sanae Character Portrait: Ryuunosuke Character Portrait: Orokawru Satogi Character Portrait: Natsumi
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#, as written by Emmyz


.: A M A Y A :.

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Amaya sighted and turned around to sit down on a fallen tree, using its stem as a bench. She yawned and swinged one leg over the other while moving her foot along with some silent rythm only she could hear. The girl said she did a lot of praying since she was a shrine maiden, but she was not sure if she'd ever prayed for rain. Huh, praying a lot.. But not for rain? Maya was not very happy with the answer and the human boy seemed to ignore her completely. Natsumi even spoke of deadly youkai devouring people, was that so wise? - reveal their kind? Amaya guess it did not matter, since the children was going to get absorbed anyways. Even so, she could not miss the chance to tease the mu-onna. The purple haired ameonna played nonchalant for a moment, licking her fingers slowly while humming on some melody. Then she bursted out in a soft laugh, raising her red gaze and looked at the party of three with one eyebrow higher than the other.

"Youkai? Devouring people? Look who's talking. The absorbing mu-onna! Hahaha you are so funny Natsumi.." she turned her face to the 2 children. "But suit yourselves humans, i did warn you" she smiled with a soft giggle "Let's hope you don't have any relatives or loved ones looking for you, because there won't be anything left" her words and her facial expression did not match at all. As her voice spoke of death, her face was glowing with amusement. Sadistic and teasing. Now all she had to do was wait. There was two possible outcomes - either Natsumi would "take care" of the children. Or the guys from the shrine would come here when noticing that not all 3 humans had made their way to the shrine... In both situation - there would be drama- And Amaya enjoyed a little thrill in her otherwise boring everyday life. All that was missing was the popcorn, as she still sat down on her falling tree - waiting with anticipation.








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As the chilly evening air had begun to bite her bare arms, Nao was shaking slightly- her teeth almost chattering in secret. She was confused, "Chi-chi" was inviting them to a pub? And she offered to explain everything... Well that might be interesting, but was it safe? The old lady continued talking... Nao froze when hearing the word boyfriend. Normally she would have been fast to answer but Kyo where faster. "Me and this loser? Hah! Not in a million years Grams" The answer itself was not a surprise. Hers would probably been similar. But for some strange reason, it got to her really bad. Nao's ears stopped working. She did not want to hear anymore insults. If Nao had felt a slap in her face when being called Nag, this made her heart sink to the bottom of the ocean. He was right, after all, who would ever look at her in a romantic way? Even that kiss from earlier, with the blue haired beautiful girl - had to be a joke. Yea, just make fun of the unattractive Nag.

She swallowed and her russet brown eyes seeked out the comfort with looking at her two feet who where swinging nervesly at the spot. "Ain’t that right Nao?". Nao shocked her head and bite her lower lip hard, as to keep all her anger inside. "Yea... Not even if he was the last man on earth" she managed to utter with a disgusted tone - but did not have the courage to look ether Kyo or Chi-chi in the eyes - instead she tried to peek inside through the little window of the bar. Maybe to hide her gaze shining with sadness. It was not that she actually liked Kyo or anything. probably. - he was just a troublemaker who got on her nervs really bad. But even considering that- the school prez did have feelings, and she was hurt.

"But I think we’ll take you up on that offer old lady. If you’re paying, I got no qualms with having a drink." Nao was just about to start walking and seek for a spot where her phone got signal got better, when Kyos words reached her ears. Wait... What did he just say? Nao opened her eyes wide in surprise and watched his backside as he walked inside the pub, Rōzuu~ebu. What was he thinking with? Oh right, he did not think at all - as per usual.

She sighted and rolled her eyes. It gave her no choice but to follow. Plus, she was cold - and the pub felt a bit tempting.. Not that it was a pub. But because.. It was inside... Warmth.. She closed her fists hard, her nails digging in to her palms making her face wince a bit in pain. She then released the grip and slapped her cheeks 3 times, as to prepare herself for what to come. An action which left her cheeks blushing in a vague pink shade.

"yosh..." she whispered, before entering the pub just seconds after Kyo. The pub was quite nice. Not very chaotic and lively as one would imagine. But small, well taken care of and kind of cozy. She shivered watching the goosebumps rise on her arms, feeling the warmth embrace her cold body and slowly make her feel alot better. Walking through the room, to towards Kyos table, she let her eyes wander pass the people sitting there. They looked... wierd. The clothes was unusual... And some looked more like animals than humans... Ears, tails, scary masks, and fur. Was she hallucinating again? She walked passed an albino boy clinging on to a blonde handsome man. Was this a cosplay gaybar? Hrmm...

She sat down by the table with a "humpf" choosing the seat as far away from Kyo as possible. Even tho the bar was already calm, the atmosphere seemed changed after they'd entered. Had the sound level gone down? Was people staring at them? Well, they did look kind of "out of place" and Nao guessed the residents of this village was not used to strangers coming to their place? She crossed her arms under her chest and glanced around while waiting for Chi-chi to join them with some answers!

Meanwhile a tall and creepy looking man had approached Nao from behind. She heard someone clearing his throat and she spun around on her chair to look at the man. Was that wings on his back? Seriously, what was wrong with her eyes today? "Such a pretty looking human girl. Just my type... How about joining me for a drink. A beauty like this will just go to waste by the side of that blonde one over there. He does not appreciate nor see what im seeing" his voice was soft like honey, making Nao blush but also tense up where she sat on her chair. He offered her a glass of alcohol, putting in on the table in front of her while bowing in an elegant manner. Something seemed to change tho - as the man froze in his movements and straightened his posture. "Chiyoko.. i did not realize they where your humans.. Sadly, I must leave, fair miss" he muttered but smiled hastely towards Nao, before escaping the group - but leaving the glass on the table.

Nao just blinked in confusion. Why did he call them humans? Like he was not one of them. Seriously, this was starting to get annoying. She wanted answers... As Chi-chi joined them at the table, Nao cleared her throat and raised her chin high in a confident way and placed her hands in her lap. "Im sorry for getting all impatient, lady Chi-chi. But would you be so kind to explain.. this place... you people... everything... and also, why am i hallucinating? Kyo seems fine but i keep seeing impossible things..." she said tilting her head slightly to the side, trying to catch a glimpse of Kyos reaction from the corner of her eye. There, she'd confessed to seeing things... They would probably think she was going mad. But she needed to get it out, it had troubled her for quite a while... She felt useless in this state, and she needed to be her usual smart and sharp self, since her prio 1 was to find the others... Sanae, Yukiko and Satogi. Where were they? She crossed her fingers they were safe at least...

3 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Izumi Nao Character Portrait: Kyosuke 'Kyo' Andoh Character Portrait: Chiyoko-Danuki
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Chiyoko nodded to the humans encouragingly as each of them entered the place, and they both looked somewhat bewildered. Quite a strong reaction to have to what should otherwise look like an abandoned building. Still, it pretty much confirmed something Chiyoko was already suspecting, something that she heard from the grape vine that she didn't entirely take seriously at first, probably because she was in denial. Youkai-kind was in danger, and Chiyoko needed to take action of some kind.

If the humans went home and told the rest of their kind about what they saw here, it was very likely that more humans would come. If more humans came, eventually the whole world would be watching them. A spotlight would be shined on them, which would be outright demoralizing for creatures of the darkness like themselves. And what would come after, Chiyoko loathed to think it. She needed to do something soon, but first, she needed to buy some time. Thankfully, she might have been in the perfect situation for it.

Chiyoko had to keep an eye on these humans, however. Although Youkai knew better than to take appearances at more than face value, it seemed that the humans stuck out pretty jarringly among all the Youkai. One even had the gall to try and hit on one of them, but, Chiyoko easily got him to back off with a clearing of the throat and a disappointed glare. With that out of the way, Chiyoko came to the table.

The girl seemed to have some unusual inquiries though. "Im sorry for getting all impatient, lady Chi-chi. But would you be so kind to explain.. this place... you people... everything... and also, why am i hallucinating? Kyo seems fine but i keep seeing impossible things..." Chiyoko didn't look phased by this at all. In fact, she seemed oddly pleased with herself. "Yes, I wonder..." she said, false musingly, "Have you ever had a dream that you swore was real? Well, nevermind that. I suppose I could explain it to you, but, you might need, ah, a little alcohol in your system, yes? You kids might be too young, but, nobody will mind, not when Chi-Chi's with you. It'll be our little secret, yes?" Chiyoko winked at the youths, like an aunt who helps you get away with naughty things your mother wouldn't. She then rose her hand in the air and snapped her fingers to grab one of the waitress's attention, before doing some silent gestures to signal them to bring some sake over to the table. "But first," She continued, raising her voice, "Let us all welcome the humans to the night of their lives!"