After some weeks Heisuke comes back from Edo, so the day after his return we go with him and Okita on patrol around the city. Suddenly Heisuke snaps his fingers <<right! I almost forgot...i went to your house Chizuru, to see if Kodo was back, but he wasn't...so I went also to Riko-chan's house>> we look at him in surprise, but I also in shock <<my...house?>> he nods happy <<it's so big! I didn't enter inside, but even from the outside it's perfectly visible>> Okita grins <<oh? So you saw Riko-chan's house, but why didn't you enter?>> Chizuru nods <<i bet that her family is worried sick for her>> Heisuke sighs <<i also thought that, so I searched for her house for telling her family that she's okay but...>> I turn pale freaking out...he saw the yokais?! Or he talked with someone and found out that they don't know me?!

I cough calming myself <<it wasn't necessary, if they're so worried they can write me a letter>> Okita looks at me amused <<actually you speak really well about your family, but they are ignoring you...i wonder why>> I tried to answer, but Heisuke interrupts me <<in fact they gave me a letter for you Riko-chan>> I freeze looking at him shocked and astonished <<a letter for me? Who gave it to you?>> he laughs mistaking my concern with happiness <<don't listen to Souji, that guy was really happy when I mentioned your name>> I cross my arms impatient <<okay but who was he?> he passes a hand on his hair chuckling embarrassed <<well...i don't know>> Okita looks at him unconvinced <<have you also become stupid as well as nosy these past few weeks in Edo?>> I look annoyed at Okita <<oh come on, let him at least explain before insulting him>> Heisuke nods irritated <<she's right Souji! He had his face covered by a red mask. As soon as I tried to enter he stopped me, saying that there was no one home>> I frown <<a boy with a mask? Mmh>> Chizuru looks at me curious <<who was that?>> I shake my head <<i don't know. Some of grandpa's friends wears masks every now and then...but nobody has a red one. Did he tell you his name?>> Heisuke shakes his head and hand me over the letter <<no, but he told me to give this to you, saying also to not go to your house again without your permission>> I take the letter and open it really curious...finding only a short message 'get ready the rats traps'

Okita reads the message peeking from my shoulders <<is supposed to mean something?>> I quickly hide the letter against my chest <<hey! It could be a private letter from my family, maybe also from my brother...so don't read it without permission!>> he sighs annoyed <<and why should your brother write to you? You haven't see each other for more than a year>> I put a hand on my hip <<so? We love each other, no matter what>> he frowns <<what nonsense>> and he walks away leaving us behind.

I look at him walking away sad and confused...why he's so angry? But Chizuru takes my arm and we follow him.

Heisuke walks near us and I speak with him <<thank you for giving me the letter>> he smiles kindly <<you're welcome, but I'm sorry that I couldn't at least meet your mother and tell her that you're okay>> I chuckle shaking my head <<it's not a problem>> because she's still not born now...but I wonder who sent me the letter. The rats traps? Maybe he was referring to Kyuso...but only I know who he is here. Maybe the boy with the mask is from my time too! but if he's at my house I can't just go and search for him...because if I really look so much like grandma, I can't let grandpa or dad see me.

I sigh and decided to do the only thing I could...wait and see what happens.

Chizuru looks at me worried <<Riko-san? Is everything alright? don't thing about what Okita-san told you, I bet that your brother is really worried for you>>i smile at her <<thanks, but I'm okay. I know that Rikuo is worried for me and that he loves me...i was only wondering why Okita got so angry>> Chizuru shakes her head <<i don't know, but you can ask him because you are friends>> I look at her and laugh a little <<you really don't know him. Besides...he will never answer, if I ask him he will only becomes more angry. Every time I mention Rikuo he just got angry and mean. I try to don't speak about him when he's around, but I forgot to do that earlier>> Chizuru nods <<i also noticed that, Okita-san is really enigmatic>> I chuckles looking at Okita and Heisuke, who are walking in front of the soldiers.

But then two ronin begin to harass a young girl near the entrance of an alley nearby. The girl tries to run away but one of the men grabs her wrist <<oi oi girl, what do you mean no? we're warriors who fight everyday to expel the foreigners from our country. Of course you're gonna offer us a cup or two of booze, or maybe even yourself>> the girl shakes her head quickly <<no! Get away from me!>> Heisuke and Okita run toward them for help her, in the meanwhile I stay behind with Chizuru, for protecting her.

Okita stops in front of them <<my my...it's kinda sad that the foreigners are getting kicked out by trash like you two>> one of them turn around angry, but stops when he sees Okita's haori <<Shinsengumi!>> and his friend freezes. Okita puts a hand on his katana <<since you already know we don't need to talk>> but the two ronin run away really quickly without looking back.

The girl composes herself and come closer, but i notice immediately her incredible resemblance with Chizuru, who was peeking behind me. The girl bows <<thank you so much, my name is Nagumo Kaoru>> wait...Kaoru? But it's the name of Shiro's uncle. Chizuru once told me that she had a twin brother...but this means that he's dressed like a woman, why? In addition Chizuru doesn't seem to know him.

Okita grabs Chizuru and pull her near Kaoru <<thought so...you're practically identical>> Chizuru widens her eyes looking surprised at Kaoru, but Kaoru only smiles at her. I cross my arms trying to see if they really didn't know each other <<yeah...almost like twins>> Chizuru doesn't react, but Kaoru looks at me for a moment, with an intense gaze...he knows.

Chizuru timidly runs toward me <<don't tease me please you two>> me and Okita chuckles, but Heisuke raises an eyebrow puzzled <<i don't think they resemble each other so much>> Okita quickly answers <<no, they really do>> I nod perplexed << have you also become blind as well in Edo?>> Heisuke pissed off points his finger to me <<i knew it! It was too strange that you didn't agree with Souji before!>> I shrug <<i didn't agree with him, he called you stupid and I didn't. Chizuru and Kaoru-san look really similar, if you don't see that you're blind...it's only a fact>> Okita nods <<she's right. If Chizuru dress herself like a woman they would be identical>> Kaoru speaks up <<i wish to properly thank you, but I have an errand I must attend, please forgive me for my brash behavior>> and he begins to walk away <<we shall meet again, Okita Souji-san of the Shinsengumi and Riko-san>> and after looking at us with a sharp gaze he goes away.

Heisuke looks at us grinning <<hey hey Souji, I think she's got the hots for you. I bet that she also want to be friend with Riko-chan>> I bit my lip trying to not laugh <<oh Heisuke...i don't even need to add anything>> Okita chuckles <<right, you'll never beat Sano if you seriously believe that>> I laugh and Heisuke looks at us angry <<and...and what this Is supposed to mean?! Riko-chan please at least don't laugh!>> I shake my head stopping my laugh <<ah sorry Heisuke, but this time I really can't help you>> and I follow Okita and Chizuru, who are already walking away.

Chizuru still embarrassed asks me <<i don't really look like that girl right? she's too much beautiful to be true>> I look at her amused <<from what I can see Heisuke is contagious>> Okita nods <<we must be careful>> and Heisuke sighs giving up <<i give up, I miss the old times when you two jumped at each other throat all day>> I roll my eyes <<we still do that>> and Okita nods <<it's hard to stand your stupidity>> I look at him annoyed <<look who's talking>> but quickly Chizuru stops us <<the city is really calm today>> Okita sighs <<surely the situation will change soon with the Shogun's parade in the capital>> I look at him surprised <<parade?>> and also Chizuru asks <<the Shogun is coming here?>> Okita nods <<this is why Kondo-san is so happy these days>> I chuckles <<that's why he's smiling so much>> but Heisuke doesn't smile <<yeah...i bet he is>> but we ignored him and continue our patrol.

...

The day of the parade arrives, and thanks to their hard work the Shinsengumi were chosen to protect the castle of Nijo, and the street around the city where the parade will pass. In the castle there is also another pillar, so many onmyoji are there for protect it.

Kondo-san gather every soldier in the common room, and he begins to speak with a proud voice <<i believe that everyone has heard that Tokugawa Iemochi, the 14th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, will officially visit Kyoto. The Shinsengumi have been asked to guard him as he passes through the city on his way to the castle, and the castle himself>> the soldiers cheer happy and also Hijikata smiles a little <<after the incidents at Ikedaya and Kinmon no Hen, the big wigs have finally acknowledge our hard work>> Okita smiles <<the fate of the country resides in our swords while he's in our care...or something>> but Itou, most likely because of his ideas similar to those of Choshu, is not so happy <<guards during a procession...if only Sannan-san was still with us, we have truly lost a valuable ally>> if only he know that he's here and still alive...i smile picturing the face that he would do in my head.

Kondo-san pretends to not hearing him <<for now on, we have to work hard>> and he begins to divide the soldiers in many squads, but then Hijikata interrupts him <<sorry Kondo-san, could we have Souji sit this one out? I think he's catching a cold>> it's true, and I'm a little worried because only yesterday he was having a little fever. Kondo-san looks at Okita with worry <<it's true Souji? Are you okay?>> Okita looks exasperated at Hijikata <<i don't think it's a problem. Hijikata is over reacting like always>> but Hijikata insists <<don't play dumb, you were just coughing a second ago>> and Okita gives up <<jeez, you're so over protective>> but then Heisuke raises his hand <<sorry Kondo-san, I'm not feeling really that great either>> I widen my eyes surprised, he doesn't look so sick...also in the last few days he was lively like usual. Kondo-san frown worried <<what? You too Heisuke? it's our time to shine, so I was hoping to have everyone with me in this important day. But your health is important, you have to rest properly. There will be another opportunity, for that time I hope that you both will help out>> Heisuke nods <i'm sorry>> but then Hijikata stands up and comes toward me and Chizuru, who are sitting in a corner. He stops in front of us <<so how about you two?>> we look at him puzzled and he sighs <<don't make those faces, I'm asking if you both want to participate. At least you should Nura, for telling us if there are those enemies around>> I remember our deal with the rasetzu <<oh...>> I look at Okita for a moment, who looks back at me and nod. I smile a little and look at Hijikata nodding <<count me in>> Chizuru points her finger toward herself <<i can also choose?>> Kondo-san nods <<of course you can! You two have truly become a full-fledged members of the Shinsengumi. we'd love to have both with us>> Chizuru looks around unsure so I playfully slap her back <<don't worry, if something happens I will protect you>> Okita grins <<even so it shouldn't be dangerous. Most people aren't crazy enough to attack the Shogun himself>> Chizuru smiles and in the end nods.

So for tonight we'll be messengers, with the duty to run from one patrol to another to communicate messages.

...

The dark streets are lit only with a few lights on the side of the road. I stop again noticing that Chizuru is tired <<don't overdo it>> but she shakes her head stubborn <<i can continue>> and she begins again to run, screaming at the soldiers that the next guard change is in half an hour.

I follow her toward the castle and we continue to run for a few minutes, arriving in an empty street. Chizuru trips over and I quickly catch her <<ah! watch your steps>> she nods grateful, but then I feel it...a strong demoniac energy...fear.

Even Chizuru feels something and she looks up behind me turning pale. I quickly turn around seeing three men on the roof...Kazama Chikage, Amagiri Kyuju and Shiranui Kyo.

I pull Chizuru behind me drawing my katana <<you again!?>> Kazama chuckles <<so both of you noticed us, not too slow>> I push Chizuru against the wall behind us, so if they want to attack her they have to pass over me <<what the fuck do you want this time?!>> and Chizuru adds with a trembling voice <<why are you here?!>> Shiranui raises an eyebrow <<you mean, 'how' did we get here, right? Well, the answer is simple. Man-made obstacles like these are shit to a demon>> I look at Chizuru with the corner of my eyes, seeing her puzzled face so I snarl at them <<leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!>> but Amagiri crosses his arms <<i'm sorry but I'm afraid it won't be possible, because we are here for a specific purpose...you two>> Chizuru trembles more scared <<w..what? I don't understand>> I didn't even blink <<for the last time, leave us alone! She doesn't know anything and I don't know Yohime>> Kazama jumps in front of us <<she doesn't know anything about this? don't think that you can fool me, she's a demon like the rest of us here>> Chizuru looks at them first and then at me. She shakes her head backing away even from me <<what? You...you're joking? also Riko...?>> I clench my teeth trying to grab her wrist for pull her near me, but she breaks free from my grip pushing me back <<stay back! Why you aren't denying what he said?! ho...how can you stay so calm?!>> Kazama frowns and gives me a questioning and irritated gaze <<you knew from the start...how dare you leave such rare female oni in ignorance?>> I point my katana at him <<she doesn't need to know this to live happy, because I'm here to protect her...also from guys like you>> Shiranui smirks <<feisty like always>> and Amagiri speaks directly with Chizuru, using a calm and peaceful tone, as if he is reasoning with a frightened child <<do your injuries heal quickly? More faster than any human could?>> Chizuru stops breathing for a moment <<w..well I...>> but Shiranui gets irritated seeing her scared and shy nature <<what the hell? Maybe it'll be quicker if we just give her a demonstration>> and he raises his gun, pointing it at her...ready to fire.

I instinctively begin to run toward Shiranui, terrified for Chizuru, and without thinking I grab the tip of the gun, pushing it away from Chizuru...but at the same time Shiranui fired.

The sound of the gunshot echoed all around, and a lacerating pain in my hand grow really quickly making me stumble and drop my sword. I tremble and whimper for the blinding pain, seeing my hand still raised in front of me with a hole big half a centimeter from side to side. A lot of blood covers my hand and I stumble back, but Chizuru grabs my shoulder screaming my name. I squeeze my wounded hand, pressing it instinctively against my chest, but Shiranui sighs surprised and annoyed <<ugh, what the hell did you do? Were you planning to kill yourself? Of course I wasn't aiming at one of her vital points, what you did was useless because she can heal herself in a few seconds>> I frown <<i don't care about that...you wanted to hurt her, and I can't let you do that!>> Kazama looks furious at Shiranui <<damn it Shiranui. What the hell were you thinking? Why would you attempt to harm a such rare female oni and a gray existence so powerful to be equally rare? She can't heal like us, you could have killed her, stupid fool>> Shiranui puts away his pistol <<hey, it's not my fault. she's the one who jumped in the fray from outta nowhere. it's the oni girl that is stubborn and if we keep wasting time here, then the humans will find us, and it's gonna be a big pain in the ass to deal with>> Kazama calms down <<you make a compelling point, now...>> he comes closer <<...come with me>> Chizuru draws her kodachi trembling <<i...i still don't understand! Why we should come with you?>> she continues to tremble hard, and her hand with the sword shakes.

Shiranui sighs exasperated <<see?>> and he tries again to take his gun, but Kazama glares at him <<it's not necessary...her family name is a demon's, and she carries the demon of the east's kodachi. This is enough proof>> Chizuru begins to understand that this isn't a joke <<my family name?>> Kazama half smirks <<then again, it isn't as though we need your permission to kidnap you both>> and he extends his hand toward us. The anger to be treated like an object surpasses the pain, and with my good hand I grab Chizuru's sword, stealing it from her hand, and I attack him. He quickly jumps back, but I cut a little his finger, even though he heals himself immediately.

He grins more <<right, you're not a normal gray existence. Remember my warning...>> Chizuru tighten her grip on my shoulders <<no Riko...>> but Kazama with a quickly movement draws his katana and hit mine, making me drop the kodachi, who flies away. With only a hand I can't hold really well a sword and he knows this <<...if you choose to be our enemy we can't let someone so powerful like you live, it will be my pleasure to kill you, but it will be a pity. Think well about this because I will not accept a rushes answer, so for now come with us>> he extends his hand again, ready to capture us, but then he jumps back avoiding a sword.

Saito stops in front of us with Harada, who look at us worried sick <<Riko! you're bleeding! Did these weak shits do this to you?!>> I hide my hand, not waiting to distract them from the fight. I try my best to play off the intense pain, forcing a strained smile through my teeth <<i can manage, don't worry>> and Chizuru almost passes out from the tension, but Hijikata arrives behind us and catches her <<stay back>> and he also walks in front of us. Saito looks with a really serious face at Amagiri <<Amagiri, was it? you're a known affiliate with the Satsuma Domain. What are you doing here?>> but in the meanwhile also Yamazaki arrives, and he takes us out of their reach.

Kazama follows us with an angry gaze <<you again? don't you all have some Shogunate vassals' asses to kiss? it's a perfect chance to spread the word on how shit you are>> Hijikata doesn't even blink <<we can't let you do what you want. Just like at the Ikedaya and the Hamaguri Rebellion, every time something shady happens, you three always turn up>> and he points his katana at him <<there's that saying, how you gotta nip it in the bud if the plant starts to rot>> Kazama sighs annoyed <<hmph, you're only fake samurai>> and he gets ready to fight.

Harada looks at us for the last time and then he faces Shiranui <<it was you, wasn't it? What kind of shitty man are you to attack and hurt girls at night?! You will pay for that>> Shiranui grins <<i don't understand your useless attachment to that brat, but you don't have a chance against me>> Harada glares at him and spins his spear above his head ready to fight <<it's too bad for you but that 'brat' is like a little sister to me, I will make you pay for hurting her and Chizuru!>> and he attacks him.

Saito walks in front of his enemy, but Amagiri tries to avoid the fight <<would you please pull back? I have no reason to fight you>> but Saito doesn't move <<how ironic, I have plenty of reasons to fight you>> and they also begin to fight.

Yamazaki pulls us more far <<i've been ordered to return you both to headquarters, you can run Nura-san?>> I nod quickly <<stupid question, they didn't shot my legs>> and with my good hand I grab Chizuru wrist, understanding from her eyes that she want to stay here and help the others <<don't even think about it, you will come back with us>> she tries to protest <<but...!>> I interrupt her <<it's best if we go away, if we are not here those three haven't any reasons to stay!>> she gasps realizing it only now giving up, and she follow us. Yamazaki runs near us all the time, holding a black kunai in his hand ready to protect us, but for our lucky we didn't encounter any other problems.

We arrive at the headquarters and stop, catching our breaths, but Yamazaki quickly gets ready to go back <<you're fine now, I'm sure that they can't follow you two here. you're lucky that Yuichi-san noticed the danger and send us in your help, he's still at the castle, but some of his men are here. I know that those onmyoji can fight, but I think it's most safe for you to be with Okita-kun and Todo-kun. I will go back now, so you two now have to find those two and stay with them until we'll come back>> I nod biting my lip <<be careful...all of you>> Yamazaki nods and runs away.

Chizuru quickly grabs my arm worried <<i must immediately treat your wound! you're still losing blood>> I shake my head <<before that we have to find Okita and Heisuke, only after you can treat my hand...come on now>> but she doesn't move, and she looks at her feet <<i'm...i'm so sorry, it's my fault that you're hurt...if only...>> I stop her putting my good hand on her shoulder <<the fault is also mine...i didn't say anything about this story to you so...we will talk later, I promise. But for now don't think about it, it wasn't you who shoot me>> she nods a little and we run into the temple.

We quickly arrive in the common room, finding Okita there, who was cleaning his swords. He stops surprised <<huh? Back so soon? You get in troubl...?!>> he stops and look at the blood that covers my hand and my sleeve. He puts down the swords and stand up quickly running toward us <<what happened?!>> Chizuru shakes her head <<later, now I have to treat her>> and she tries to run away, but I stop her <<no! it's better if you don't go around alone...stay here with us>> but then Heisuke enters in the room <<what's all this noise? And why you two are here already?>> but then he sees the blood <<Riko! you're hurt!>> and he runs near us. Okita with a serious face looks at Heisuke <<go with Chizuru in Yamazaki's room, there are bandages and everything else there>> they nod and run away.

I fall on my knees feeling more the pain now that the danger is over, it's not a mortal wound but it still hurts like hell!

Okita quickly grabs a cloth, and with an unusual kindness takes my hand, pressing the cloth on it covering both holes <<you got shot>> it wasn't a question but I nod, whimpering for the pain because he's pressing the cloth with strength on the holes, trying to stop the bleeding. I clench my teeth <<it's...gh...pretty obvious. It was Shiranui Kyo. That son of a bitch, I will make him pay next time>> he stops for a moment, but then he frowns <<i see...Kazama Chikage was also there right?>> I nod growling for the pain and the anger <<yeah...also that Amagiri was there. They appeared from nowhere and tried to kidnap me and also Chizuru this time>> he snaps his tongue <<if only I'd know they were going to show up...no way Kondo-san could've kept me here. Strange that he shot at your hand, if he wanted to kill you why he didn't shot you in the head? and didn't they said that they wanted you alive? they're really stupid>> I shake my head <<they didn't tried to kill me, I shielded Chizuru and the bullet hit my hand...even Kazama got mad at Shiranui for shooting that shot>> he frowns angry <<if you are defending him I will kill you now>> I roll my eyes <<i'm not doing that idiot! I'm only saying that the stupid one is just one out of three apparently>> the cloth is already completely stained with blood, but for our lucky Chizuru and Heisuke come back.

Chizuru comes closer with everything necessary for taking care of my hand. She with delicately removes the cloth and spill on the wounds an antiseptic made with some herbs, but that burns a lot!

I bit my lip muffling a scream of pain breaking the skin, making my blood drip on my chin. Chizuru then bandages my hand, saying sorry over and over again. Heisuke sits near her with worried eyes, passing her everything she needs, in the meanwhile Okita sits near me, and he cleans quickly the blood on my chin with his finger <<you're really cruel Chizuru-chan, you didn't warn her before using the antiseptic>> Chizuru doesn't get distracted <<Riko-san has already lost a lot of blood, now the important thing is to bandage her hand tightly for stopping it>> and she continues to work. Heisuke with an unusual serious face asks <<what the hell happened?>> and we explain to them what happened, without talking about the oni and the gray existences.

Heisuke frowns angry <<i hope that Sano and the others beat up those bastards>> I snap my tongue <<i only hope that the others are not injured, If I can I will personally beat them next time...also for Ikedaya>> Okita sighs <<get in line>> Heisuke nods <<i also have a score to settle with Amagiri>> he looks at me and Chizuru <<but don't worry, if they will come here we will protect you two>> we nod relieved and Chizuru finished to bandaged me. I sigh exhausted, letting my head fall on top of Okita's shoulder, in the mealtime Chizuru sits near and Heisuke runs away for a few minutes, for telling to Sannan-san to don't come her because of the blood.

The hours passed slowly and we wait for the others without sleeping, but in the end the dawn comes and the others arrived. Kondo-san runs quickly toward us <<Nura-san! Yukimura-kun! I heard what happened, are you alright?!>> I raise my bandaged hand, the blood stain the place where there are the two holes, but the bleeding stopped <<now yes, thanks to Chizuru>> he sighs relieved and look at Okita and Heisuke <<good job you two, for taking care of both of them when we were away>> Okita moves just a little his shoulder, where still rest my head <<if they dared to come also here I would have killed them>> Heisuke nods <<me too>> Kondo-san smiles at Heisuke <<i see that you're felling better now, I'm so relieved>> and Harada comes closer with a worried face <<i bet that you didn't sleep, it's best if you go to rest>> but Hijikata crosses his arms <<before that, what the hell did they want from you two?>> Chizuru looks down <<i...i don't know>> and I sigh <<I'd like to know the answer>> even Saito looks at us frowning <<this time they target also Yukimura-kun, they must have new reasons for attack>> I nod <<of course, but they didn't tell us anything>> and no one said anything else.

In the end Hijikata sighs <<go in your room, from now one your trips with the patrols will be more limited>> I roll my eyes <<i thought so>> I stand up looking at Okita for a moment <<you should go to rest to>> he frowns <<i don't have a hole in my hand, so shut up and go to sleep like a good girl>> I smile a little <<okay okay>> and I go away with Chizuru.

We arrive in our room and I quickly close the door, checking that no one was following us. Chizuru closes also the window and sit down. I wait but Chizuru hesitant didn't say anything, so I just sigh <<promise me that...you will not tell anything about this to the others, it's important>> she frowns <<i don't understand...it's because Kazama said that I'm an o...oni and you a gray existence?>> I cross my arms <<stop that, I already know about your ability...your injuries heal themselves quickly...i always knew. I'm sorry for didn't tell anything before but it's complicated>> she closes her fists <<you could have tried>> I roll my eyes <<of course, hello I'm Riko and you are a yokai, nice to meet you. Perfect right?>> she frowns <<so it's true? I'm a demon?>> I nod <<yes, but don't be sad...it doesn't change who you are. Look at me...do I look different only because now you know that I'm a gray existence?>> she shakes her head, calming herself <<what exactly is a gray existence? And why Kazama want us?>> I groan <<well, I heard that there are a few of you oni left, so maybe this is why Kazama want you. As for me...well...i'm not exactly a demon, my father was a powerful half-demon and my mum is human, so I'm human only for three quarters and demon for a quarter>> she widens her eyes surprised <<what kind of demon are you? you're not a oni like me?>> I chuckle <<what kind? I'm a Nurarihyon of course>> she turns pale <<N...Nurarihyon?!>> I cover her mouth with my hand <<shh!>> I uncover her mouth and she apologizes <<that Nurarihyon? The lord of all monsters? But shouldn't he be a powerful yokai who lived centuries ago?>> I nod smiling amused <<yes, you're speaking about the first Nurarihyon, my grandpa>> she looks shocked <<you're Nurarihyon's granddaughter? I can't believe that>> I sigh <<the only proofs that I have are my surname and my necklace, but I bet that you have other questions>> she thinks about it for a moment <<what did Kazama mean when he said that my kodachi and the Yukimura name are enough proof to say that i'm an oni?>> I sigh <<well, demons doesn't exactly born like humans. The first of his line choose the name of the family and his descendants will use it, I bet that Yukimura was the name that your ancestor chose to use, but remember that not every yokai have a surname, so is not something always reliable...so your kodachi is the real proof that you're an oni, because is one of your family's swords>> she nods, but then she trembles <<wait a moment...Yuichi is an onmyoji!>> I grin <<don't worry, he knows of course about us. Did you remember when we arrived here? I spoke with him, and he decided that we aren't a threat for now. If we'll be good he will spare us>> she nods sad and worried, so I force myself to smile <<don't worry, everything will be alright and I'm here for protect you. Remember, if something happens and I'm not here you can go to my house, my grandpa will help you>> she looks at me puzzled <<why he should help me? He doesn't even know me>> I laugh <<i know that the stories about him are dark, but he's not so bad. he's not the cruel man that you imagine, on the contrary, he's an amazing person and every yokai at his service fall under his charm...he's so fantastic that even some of his enemies have become his subordinates. It doesn't matter what kind of yokai you are, he accepts everyone in his pandemonium. Their strength is the pandemonium's power, if it's bigger is better...but the center of it will be always the commander, if he's weak then the pandemonium loses his power. Even the weaker yokai can find protection and power like this, it's a way to live safely and is like...a big family, everyone protect each other. If you swear your loyalty to the commander, he will protect you because you will be part of his family...the only thing that can change that is if you betray him of course>> she raises an eyebrow curious, so I just chuckle <<if you are thinking about that...yes, my big family is grandpa's pandemonium. Mana is a gotokuneko and Shiro is a half-blood oni. Rikuo is like me, but his bodyguard is Tsurara, a yuki onna...there are also Kubinashi, the man without his neck, Kappa, Kejoro and many others. The only human in my family is my mum, but I grow up surrounded by the most famous demons in history>> she looks down <<this is difficult to accept, but all this time you looked after me right? Thank you>> I stand up <<well, you're also like family so I'm ready to protect you always. Especially now that you can't protect yourself>> she smiles <<thank you, now I think it's best if we go to sleep>> I nod <<you're welcome>>