“No.”

The wizards looked stunned.

“Mr.Nura.” one began. “According to the law of underaged wizardry, all wizards must attend a school.”

“And as I have previously informed you that I reject your world in favor of my own. Now, if you would be so kind as to leave before I have you 'escorted' out.”

Rikuo Nura was 15 when two humans claiming to have powers of yokai and onmyouji but were most certainly not yokai ot onmyouji had appeared claiming that he was one of them.

The lord of Pandemonium had laughed and refused their requests for him to accompany them and they did not take it well. The only reason he had allowed them to return as he and the other, more hidden, residents of the manor found them amusing to watch.

The wizards had asked for Rikuo's guardian but it had been nearly 70 years since Rikuo had taken over the Nura clan, his yokai physiology slowing down his aging so that he had only grown the equivalent of two human years in that time.

Nurarihyon, the previous Supreme Commander had passed a decade ago, Lady Wakana, Rikuo's mother, shortly after that, leaving the young heir without kin.

“Rikuo, it's as simple as this. You are an underage wizard and as such, subject to the wizarding world’s laws.”

“Kurotabo, Aotabo.”

The strike team leaders opened the sliding door into the meeting room. “Sir?” Said the yokai, both disguised as humans.

“Escort these visitors from the premises,” Rikuo said, sipping at his tea.

“We will be back with Aurors, Rikuo. This is not over.”

“I'm afraid it is,” Rikuo said. “Next time you enter the Nura Mansion property you will be dealt with.”

The hard look in his eye gave no doubts about how exactly they would be ‘dealt with’.

As soon as they had left Rikuo sighed and removed his human disguise.

His caramel brown hair grew long, silver and black with twisting designs, his brown eyes reddened and narrowed and he grew taller so that he resembled a 20-year-old human.

The yokai who could not assume human forms came out of hiding, emerging from the floorboards and rafters.

“Master?” Karasu Tengu, a crow yokai who was also the overseer of the Nura main family staff.

“Yes, Karasu Tengu?” Rikuo said, switching out his tea for a cup of sake.

“These ‘wizards’ have been very persistent. Perhaps it would be best if we increase your guard.”

“Karasu, I have an assassin monk, the strongest yokai in Japan, the most powerful Yuki-onna to grace Tokyo, a kappa that can control the water supply of the entire city, a former bandit who can weave webs and traps with his string better than an tsuchigumo and a kamaitachi with authority issues and several sharp blades.” He smiled. "I think I'm safe.”

“Still, perhaps it's better safe than sorry.” The crow persisted. “Please, Master.”

Rikuo sighed. “Perhaps Gyuki would loan me Mezumaru and Gozumaru.”

“Perhaps my foolhardy sons would be sufficient?" The tengu offered hopefully, praying the master would take him up on his offer so those two brats wouldn't be in the manor any longer than necessary.

Rikuo smiled. “Your children are a great asset to the Nura clan but they are better spent where they are as our reconnaissance force.”

A light knock interrupted their conversation.

"Enter."

“Master,” Kurotabo said, opening the door. “The visitors have left the mansion although they were threatening to return soon with others.”

“What are your thoughts on the threat?” Rikuo asked, pouring two cups of Sake and passing them out.
Kurotabo took the cup gratefully.

“They are either adept at hiding their power or not very powerful. If we are being honest, the two that just left have about as much power as a tsukumogami of a well-loved sake jug.”

Rikuo glanced at his sake jug, who glanced back.

“Have the samba garasu watch for intruders. If any appear, watch them, but let them do what they want as long as none of us are hurt. Capture them once their intentions are deduced. Also, summon Gyuki here, please.”

The last part was directed at Natto-Kozo, who bowed his large head and scurried off to find the leader of the Gyuki clan.

A few moments later Gyuki came in and sat down without ceremony. “You wished to see me?” He appeared as a human man with long black hair that covered half his face. He had a reputation for thinking through things long and hard.

“Yes. Karasu Tengu has brought it to my attention that these human harassers have abilities almost unknown to us. And that they may try something a bit more forward then asking nicely."

“And as such, you would like to borrow Gozumaru and Mezumaru.” Gyuki finished.

Rikuo smiled wryly. “Don't tell me I'm becoming predictable, Gyuki.”

“No, sir. Karasu Tengu, on the other hand, has always been paranoid when it came to the safety of the head."

Rikuo laughed at Karasu's indignant expression.

"It's my job!" The crow protested.

“I am honored my subordinates are well trained enough to be considered your personal guard." Gyuki continued.  "I will send them in shortly, as they came with me when I was summoned.”

Gyuki had been brought in as a faux guardian but the wizards had not been fooled due to physical differences and had been very angry that Gyuki as " an unrelated muggle" had been told of the wizarding world.

“Thank you, Gyuki. I would also ask your thoughts on these wizards.”

Gyuki sat back, sipping on the Sakura sake. “They will continue to contact you until your supposed 17 birthday. They appear offended for three main reasons.”

“Do tell,” Rikuo said, both curious and testing.

“The first is your apparent age. They are used to those younger than themselves obeying.”

“Most humans are like that, Gyuki.”

“Yes. But it ties into the other reasons. Secondly, they seem proud of their heritage and how it allows them access to a secret, and what they deem superior community. How dare anyone to reject their most gracious offer in favor of remaining with nonwizard scum.”

Rikuo nodded. “I feel the same way. It's half the reason I have allowed them to continue their demands without taking their heads.” He looked Gyuki straight in the eye. “I find it funny."

“And lastly, " Gyuki sighed, used to the Nura Clan leader's antics. "They want to keep hidden from non-wizards, as emphasized by asking for your secrecy and private meetings with you, supreme commander and when they tried to 'obliviate' me. The fact they have a school leads me to believe that their young cannot control their innate abilities and must learn such control so that they are not revealed to others.”

“As for why they didn't come when my human side was younger?” Rikuo said. “Any thoughts on that? Any of you?" He said, opening the floor.

“Master, do you remember what happened a week before they first appeared?” Kurotabo asked.

“I did a lot of things that week. We were visiting Hagoromo, remember?”

“Yes, but during that trip, you left Nijo Castle without any escorts to shop at some human stores.”

“The Master vanished often, Kurotabo." Karasu Tengu reminded the monk. "All three of our leaders find it amusing to drive their aides into a frenzy."

Rikuo grinned, completely unashamed and a little proud of himself for carrying on the family tradition of ditching escorts.

“Master, wasn't it the first time you were ever alone in your human form?” Kurotabo asked.

Rikuo thought back. His fight with Nue, where his entire Night Parade had possessed his human side for Matoi and subsequently channeled so much fear through him that his body had been forced to adapt, changing into a hanyo who was more yokai than human, leaving Rikuo with the ability to switch between forms at will, and access his yokai powers in his human form, no matter the time of day.

The only downside was whenever Yura had grown mad at him, she didn't have to wait until nightfall anymore to slap an ofuda on his face and send him flying.

Zen, the most skilled medical practitioner in the clan and Rikuo's sworn brother, had theorized that his human side had been reduced to an extremely well-built disguise and the source of his Matoi technique, although it was so weak it no longer had a voice of its own and he could use his yokai powers in human form.

Before that, his aides had always been nearby his weak human form, determined to keep him from harm, no matter how many times he ordered them away.

And since he couldn't simply vanish like he could at night, he had never been able to lose them in the day.

That had changed however, after the battle of Kyoto. Although he usually stayed in yokai form during his solo outings.

“Are you suggesting that yokai aura, be it Rikuo's own or another's, inadvertently hid him from these wizards?” Gyuki asked, already thinking through the implications.

“Perhaps.” Kurotabo nodded.

“Then how could they find the Supreme Commander after his aides rejoined him?” Karasu asked.

“Maybe it locked on to the master, even through yokai aura, like a hound to a familiar scent.” the monk suggested.

“Perhaps,” Gyuki mused. “As long as we keep an eye out I doubt they will find you again Perhaps you can take a tour of the clans and provinces, all 153 of them, thus keeping them off your trail while performing your duties as head of the clan.  Gozu and Mezu as your guard will also help keep unwanted guests away until you are of apparent adulthood in their world. If they don't get the message after that they will lose interest after a few lose their heads.”

“Perhaps. But let's try the clan tour before we draw swords.”  Rikuo insisted. “I'm not fond of the idea of running but it's better than war when it can be avoided so easily.” He set down his cup and stood. “Since I'm embarking on a tour of the clans soon let's have one last night on the town. Gyuki, you are welcome to join us.”

Gyuki shook his head, “I'm afraid there are things I must do this night.”

Rikuo shook his head. “You act like your on the straight and narrow but I've seen you at the new year's party, remember.”

“No,” Gyuki said, looking like he wanted to flee.

“Blackout drunk, huh?” Kurotabo teased.

Gyuki glared. “Excuse me, master, I will be retiring to my quarters now.”
Rikuo nodded his permission and the Mad Ox yokai left rather quickly.

“I'll let the other know we are leaving.” Kurotabo offered, standing up and gathering the used dishes.

“Let them know to dress for the human world,” Rikuo said and Kurotabo nodded. “Karasu Tengu you are welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, Master. But I fear I have reports that need going through.”

“Very well,” Rikuo said. “I shall see you tomorrow.”

Once Rikuo was alone he stood and changed to his human form so that his human clothes would fit. He changed into grey jeans and a black shirt and a leather jacket before sliding his combat boots over his feet. He slipped a golden watch over his wrist and a gold chain over his neck.

Now ready, he pulled up his hood and walked into the foyer where his aides were waiting.

“Rikuo, why are you dressed like that?” Itaku asked, still wearing his toono combat gear despite how long it had been since he left the hidden yokai village.

“Because I've heard rumors that a human gang is taking up territory near the entertainment district and attacking humans,” Rikuo said, straightening his shirt and checking he had everything he needed in his pockets.

All six of his aides grinned wickedly.

"Well, that won't do at all,” Kurotabo said. “Attacking defenseless humans like that."

"How distasteful.” Tsurara sneered.

“Someone should teach them a lesson,” Itaku grinned.

“Agreed.” Kubinashi smiled. “One they will not forget soon.”

“Come on. ” Rikuo said, a smirk on his face. " Let's go hunting."

Tsurara settled next to him. She was playing the part of a ditzy girl looking for a night of fun. A perfect pair to be attacked in the darker alleys.

“Hope you weren't planning to leave without us, Rikuo.”

“Of course not, Gozumaru." The Yokai lord assured. "Nor you, Mezumaru."

The two spider yokai grinned at him from the rafters before dropping down and giving their lord a quick now.

Gozumaru wore his usual red yukata but Mezumaru had taken to a more modern style, dressing in jeans and a t-shirt. He claimed it was easier to sneak around this way.

They left the compound, heading for the entertainment district, leaving Rikuo and Tsurara to walk down the street while the other seven vanished into the mist.

Rikuo brought Tsurara through the entertainment district, taking excessive “shortcuts” through alleyways.

On the fourth such shortcut, Rikuo and Tsurara found themselves surrounded.

They thought they had appeared out of nowhere, emerging from the shadows like yokai.

Shame they weren't.

They might have had a chance then.

“Nice watch.” Said one.

“Nice girl.” Said another.

“Nice catch.” Said Rikuo.

That threw them for a loop.

“What you say, kid? We were only going to take your shit and leave you alive but I guess plans can change.”

“Do you know who we are, kid? We're the Jackel  Brotherhood. We own this town!"

Rikuo began to laugh. “If your so sure you own this town, then tell me, ” he dropped the human disguise, his voice deepening, “who are we?”

“The hell, man?”

Itaku dropped from the rooftops, sickles slicing into their victim. “Pathetic.” he spat.

Tsurara drew a deep breath and blew on the gangster that had called her a “nice girl”, leaving him frozen mid-scream.

Within moments all ten of their assailants were waiting on ambulances or dead, except for the one in Rikuo's hand.

Rikuo lifted his prisoner high above the ground effortlessly, where Kubinashi’s strings wrapped around his wrists, neck, and ankles. “Where are the rest of you?”

“In a warehouse on Machi street! Please don't kill me!"

“I hope you learned that other humans are not the only threats of the night.” Rikuo slammed him into the wall, breaking his arm and knocking him out. “Let's go. We have more wannabes to take care of.”

“I call dibs,” Itaku said.

“Kurotabo and Kubinashi are going with you,” Rikuo said. “The rest of us are going to keep patrolling and clean up the other groups hanging around this area.”

"Yes, sir!"

When midnight came around, the yokai reunited, their raid on the Jackel Brotherhood complete, leaving nothing but a memory and a bad taste in Itaku's mouth.

"You know it wasn't literal when he told you 'Bite me!', right?" Kubinashi asked a rather irate Itaku.

"Shut up!"

“Great job everyone,” Rikuo said as they sat down in a 24/7 cafe, effectively stopping the argument before it happened. “This calls for a little celebration.”

“Wimps, all of them,” Itaku said, anger mostly forgotten as he discreetly cleaned his sickles of blood. “Not worth celebrating over.”

“And here you are, all the same.” Kubinashi teased as the sickles temporarily vanished so the human waitress could serve them their cake without calling the authorities.

“Master, do you see those men?” Kurotabo whispered as he reached across the table to grab the sake.

“Yes. I can sense them from here.”  Rikuo said.

“Weaklings,” Itaku muttered.

Rikuo pulled out his phone. “I'll let Karasu Tengu know we will have guests later on tonight. Probably when they think we are asleep.”

“I could just string them up and be done.” Kubinashi offered.

Rikuo smiled wryly. “We can't treat them like yokai or Onmyoji. That would bring unwanted attention upon the Nura clan by humans. I'd rather not have another incident like the last time rumors got started.”

“I'll string them.” Mezumaru offered. “If I control one I'll have him lead the others away.”

“Thank you for the offer but I believe that since they know each other they would be able to tell if one began to act strangely.” Rikuo reasoned. “Let's simply allow Mayoi-Ga, Yukari and her friends to take care of them.”

All nine smiled.

“That will be fun to watch,” Gozumaru admitted.

-----------------
This is not my main story. This is my venting story that I had to write but every other writing app I've tried as of late keeps glitching so here I am.
If you want updates on this, sure.
Consult your runestones and tarot cards for the date.