To Fall in Love with the Same Clan Again

Previously

"On this mountain lives a demon that attacks lost travelers." replied Adashibara-sensei. "Since that rumor was spreading around, people wouldn't come close to here. And then, order to get rid of the bad rumors, many people focused their hopes into it and changed the name to Ume no Rakuen. The old name was…"

"It was called Mt. Nejireme." as I answered for him which everyone was surprised on how I knew that but I didn't answer them.

"Yes, that's right. What a smart girl you are." praised Adashibara-sensei.

"Huh?" said Rikuo as Yuki-Onna tightened her grip on this hand.

"Waka, that menas…" stated Yuki-Onna.

"Yeah, the demon who lives on Mt. Nejireme…" replied Rikuo. "That's…"

As I went to the other side of Rikuo and held his hand tight.

"Gyuuki!" as Rikuo said it but I said it in my mind.

Chapter 4: The Concocted Trap on the Demon's Mountain

"Hey, is it okay here? On this mountain?" asked Kana.

"I'm not sure. However, it's certain that this isn't a normal mountain." stated Yura.

"Are you serious?" asked Jiro.

"No Way!" cried Soari.

"Let's go home already!" cried Natsumi.

"What are you guys so scared of? It's finally to look like we'll be dealing with demons!" laughed Kiyotsugu.

"Kiyotsugu-kun?" said Jiro.

"Claws that huge, we'll die!" stated Soari.

"They'll devour us for sure!" replied Natsumi.

"Huh?" said Yuki-Onna as she looks at the statue.

"You two, calm down!" said Rikuo as he turned to face them.

"Bu-But…" said Soari and Natsumi together.

"If I heard correctly, the Gyuki Clan is highly trained in combat. If they don't notice Rikuo as the next heir, they'll attack for sure." as I stated in my mind.

At that thought, I clinched my jaw and tightened my hands into a fist.

"No matter what happens, I have to protect Rikuo and everyone… No matter what!"

"Kiyotsugu-kun, just like Maki-san and Torii-san are saying, I think we should head home right now." stated Rikuo.

"Yeah, that's right, let's go home!" replied Soari as she grabs Rikuo's arm, which surprised him.

As Soari, Natsumi and the dragged away Rikuo were about to head out.

"Hold on!" called Kiyotsugu.

"Eh?" said Natsumi.

"Huh?" said Soari.

"Even if you go down the mountain now, there won't be any more buses." stated Kiyotsugu. "The high-class old inn that Adashibara-sensei reserved for us is very close by! If we go there, a hot spring and elegant five-course meal are waiting for us. And of course, the Pure Cross Mystery Detective Corps fund will cover all the costs."

"Hot Springs?" asked Soari.

"Multiple course elegant meals?" asked Natsumi.

"And above all, it's free!" said Jiro.

"We shouldn't! It would be best if we went home!" stated Rikuo.

Then suddenly Adashibara-sensei started laughing.

"Despite what I said, Gyuki is just a legend, so…" stated Adashibara-sensei with a smile. "Even the claws lying here just be fakes…"

"Well no, that's…" answered Rikuo.

"Also, anti-demon security has been arranged for at the inn. It's safe." said Adashibara-sensei.

"Security? Against demons?" asked Rikuo.

"Even so, you guys, in the one in ten-thousandth chance that we are attacked, we have, Keikain Yura-kun, an Onmyoji-girl in our Pure Cross Mystery Detective Corps, don't we?!" stated Kiyotsugu. "And let's not forget our newest member, Tsukiyomi Aria-kun, is also an Omnyoji."

"That's true!" stated Soari and Natsumi with a smile of relief.

"This time, I definitely have to make sure I don't disgrace myself anymore." stated Yura as she looked into her little wallet. "Separate the Shikigami and receipts from each other… Ah! My coupons have expired!"

"Well, I don't have any problem with that." as I sighed, shrugging my shoulders. "I mean, I have what I need if any Yokais do show up."

"That means no one has any objections, right?" asked Kiyotsugu which no one questioned. "Then let's continue the Pure Cross Mystery Dtective corps training camp!"

"Yeah! Continue!" cheered everyone but Rikuo, Yura, Yuki-Onna and me.

"Well then, I'll be leaving now…" stated Adashibara-sensei as everyone turned to face him. "Everyone take your time and have fun!"

"Oh, Sensei, please join us! Please let us hear more of your demon stories." said Kiyotsugu.

"No, no, my role here is finished." said Adashibara-sensei as he walks away. "That's right, it's almost evening. It would definitely be best not to go outside while it's dark out."

As he walked away, I felt like someone has been watching us but where?

"Well let's get going!" cheered Kiyotsugu as they started walking to the Inn.

"You guys go ahead." as I called out making them stop and look at me. "I have to check something. So I'll see guys at the Inn, alright?"

Before I could get far, I felt someone grab my hand and drag me the way to the Inn. I turned and saw that it was Rikuo.

"Wa-Rikuo, what are you doing?" as I was puzzled as to why he was doing this.

"Because it's dangerous to be alone here and it's getting dark." said Rikuo as we walked with the group. "Also I don't want you to get hurt while fighting a Yokai by yourself, Kura-san."

"I'll be fine, Wakagashira," as I whispered, using my hat to hide my eyes from him. "If I do end up fighting, I'll be fine. After all, I'm both Yokai and Onmyoji, so I'll be fine."

"But that doesn't excuse you for fighting," said Rikuo as he tightened his grip slightly. "Not when your hands are injured."

I almost forgot about the burns on my hand, they're still injured but they were healing, really slowly. They would only hurt if there's a great deal of pressure on them but other than that, they're fine.

"I understand, but that doesn't mean that I won't fight when you or everyone is in danger." as I said while feeling that Rikuo was looking at me, I looked up to the sky with determination. "I made a vow that I would protect those who are in my life and those who are precious."

I could tell Rikuo was amazed with what I said. I walked up ahead of him and looked over my shoulder to face him.

"And…" as I smiled warmly at him, which I haven't smiled like this in a long time. "You're one of them, Rikuo."

After saying that I could see that shock in his face, but I turned back to the front and continued walking to the Inn. It became quiet between us but the others were unaffected by us and were talking away.

"Hey look, there it is!" cheered Soari.

We saw then the Inn. It was a beautiful and traditional looking. It made me feel like I was home again. Once we entered, we were greeted.

"Welcome to the Inn of the Fighting Bull!" said the Innkeepers at the same time.

"Not at all, thanks. I'll be in your care." said Kiyotsugu.

"We're in your care!" said everyone but Rikuo, Yuki-Onna, Yura and I.

I smelled the air, I smelled something but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Damn it! Why can't I figure out?! I have to protect everyone if there's any danger." as I cursed in my mind clinching my jaw.

"Rikuo-kun, is something wrong?" asked Kana.

That's when I snapped out of my thought, when I heard Kana asked Rikuo if he was alright.

"Ah, it's nothing." replied Rikuo with a small smile. "I was just thinking that this is a nice Inn."

"Yes, it certainly feels like an old-fashioned Inn." stated Kana as she looked around with excitement.

"Oh! It's a Talisman for warding off demons!" said Kiyotsugu as he went to get a closer look. Then turns back to face us. "It's just like the Sensei said! The security is perfect, isn't it!"

Soari, Natsumi and Jiro were amazed by it but when I saw it, I felt my left eye twitch. It was the most ridiculous looking Talisman, I ever seen.

"That's a Talisman?" asked Rikuo.

"It's good that we came!" stated Kiyotsugu with excitement. "We normally wouldn't be able to stay in such a High-Class Inn! We were able to stay here because of Adashibara-sensei's personal connections!"

Then we began walking through the halls. It was really quiet inside, were there other people here or not?

"Um, can we get in the Hot Springs right away?" asked Natsumi.

"Yes, the naturally free flowing Outdoor Hot Springs are available anytime you want!" stated one of the Innkeepers as she turned to face us.

"Yay!" cheered Natsumi as she dragged Kana away.

"Let's invade the Outdoor Hot Springs!" cheered Soari as she pushed Yura and Yuki-Onna away.

I felt a sweat drop falling at the sight. I sighed and pinched between my eyes.

"Outdoor Hot Springs…" said Jiro then he had this funny look on his face, which Rikuo and I sigh.

Then I heard someone coming towards us and saw that it was Soari and Natsumi. They both grabbed my arms and dragged me away.

"Ha?!" as I was shocked on what's going on.

"You're coming with us, Aria!" cheered Soari.

"Yeah, we want to get to know you more!" smiled Natsumi.

I looked at Rikuo for help but he just smiled and waved his hand. I sighed and dipped my head in defeat.

Once we got to the changing room, I saw that Yura and Yuki-Onna wasn't here at all.

"My guess would be that, Yura is looking around the Inn and Yuki-Onna… She probably ditched because she can't stand hot things." as I thought but when I got to Yuki-Onna, I felt a sweat drop.

"Nice…" stated Natsumi as she was outside with Soari.

"Kana! You're slow!" called Soari.

"Where are Oikawa-san and Yura?" asked Natsumi .

"Huh? They were here just a moment ago…" replied Kana.

"They left to do some other things," as I said as I walked out to join them. "So are we going in or not?"

As soon as they saw me, they seemed a bit shocked seeing me. I just ignored the look and sighed, I knew why they were looking at me like at.

My body was well developed then most 13 year old girls and also the burns on my arms were visible to them, also some scars here and there. I made my way to the water, the water began stinging the burns but it was helping it heal.

I looked up to see the Sky.

"I hope nothing happens," as I thought, closing my eyes to relax and focus on healing my arms. "I hope you're alright, Rikuo."

(Rikuo's POV)

We were in our room, waiting for the girls to finish. I was flipping through the T.V. looking for something to watch.

"Right about now, the girls are in the middle of preparing to use the Hot Springs." stated Kiyotsugu-kun."

"That's right, Kiyotsugu-kun!" said Shima-kun.

"During this time…" said Kiyotsugu-kun.

"Yes, during this time, if we peep right now, we'll be able to see Oikawa-san's naked form!" stated Shima-kun.

Hearing that, I turned back to them and suddenly an image of Kura-san came into my mind, which I felt blood rush to my head. I shock the thought out of my head and turned my attention to Kiyotsugu-kun and Shima-kun.

"Well Shima-kun, shall we go?" asked Kiyotsugu-kun as he stood up.

"Yes!" cheered Shima-kun.

"Hunting for demons!" cheered Kiyotsugu-kun.

"Eh?" as I was shocked on what he said.

"Eh? D-demons?" asked Shima-kun as he was disappointed.

"You heard Adashibara-sensei's message earlier, didn't you?" said Kiyotsugu-kun "Demons Appear at twilight. We'll definitely be able to meet demons!"

As Kiyotsugu-kun grabbed a flashlight and pushed Shima-kun to the door with him.

"Well, let's go!"

"No, it would be better not to go!" as I stated as I blocked them from leaving. "You guys are taking demons too lightly… These are one that actually attack people!"

"N-Nura!?" said Shima-kun.

"What are you saying Nura-kun? What do you know about demons?" asked Kiyotsugu-kun as he leans to me and placed his hand on my right shoulder then he had this manic look on his face. "It's impossible to stop us, since I'm so active when it comes to demons, you know?"

"If you're going to go no matter what, then I'm going too." as I stated, standing my ground. "It's too dangerous with just the two of you!"

"In that case, I'm going too!" said Tsurara as she opened the door beside me.

"Tsurara!" as I was surprised on seeing her here.

"Oikawa-san!" cheered Shima-kun as he smiled. "Let's go!"

As we walked out of the Inn, it was already dark out and everything looked different, even the air. It felt heavy for some reason.

"It's finally time to be reunited with the Yokais!" cheered Kiyotsugu-kun. "It's so thrilling!"

As I looked beside me looking at the trees, feeling that someone or something was watching us but what? I had to be on my guard, if something happens to everyone, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself for it.

Thinking that made me remember what Kura-san said to me earlier.

"I understand, but that doesn't mean that I won't fight when you or everyone is in danger." as I said while feeling that Rikuo was looking at me, I looked up to the sky with determination. "I made a vow that I would protect those who are in my life and those who are precious in my life."

I could tell Rikuo was amazed with what I said. I walked up ahead of him and looked over my shoulder to face him.

"And…" as I smiled warmly at him, which I haven't smiled like this in a long time "You're one of them, Rikuo."

I tightened my hand at the thought of her fighting when she's still injured.

"I hope you'll be alright," as I thought as I continued walking with the other. "…Mahiro."

(Mahiro's POV)

It really relaxing and soothing, I could feel the tension in my body disappear from earlier but that didn't mean I let my guard down.

"Paradise, paradise!" singed Soari as she kicks her legs in the air.

"Hot Springs are the best!" cheered Natsumi.

"Yura and Tsurara should have come too… Right?" said Soari.

"Such a waste…" replied Natsumi.

I could smell fear or realization from Kana. I'm guessing that she was thinking about Rikuo and Yuki-Onna, and what their relationship was with each other is?

"Hey, Aria, I wanted to ask… How did you get those scar and burns on your body?" asked Natsumi.

I snapped out of my daze, I panicked a bit when she asked me that because that caught Kana's and Soari's attention.

"Well…You guys know that I'm an Onmyoji." as I said as they nodded their heads. "I got these from my training and sometimes from fighting Yokais but mostly from training."

Which is not true really, I mostly got them fighting but I can't tell them at.

"Wow… Well, I'm getting out!" said Kana as she got out.

"So fast!" stated Soari.

"Take a little bit more time, hey!" called Natsumi but Kana never came back.

"I'll go after her," as I got up and followed her out. "I'll see guys later."

Once I got my clothes on, I walked out of the Inn and once I was out of sight. I jumped into the trees, following Kana. I stayed hidden from her, when I decided that she would be safe. I jumped to different areas, looking around for any clues or anything.

While jumping around and looking, I smelt something. I stopped and smelled the air, it smelt like snow and frost. My eyes widened at who it was.

It was Yuki-Onna.

"Damn it! How can I be so stupid?!" as I cursed, I turned back to my Yokai form with Shi no Hane by my side. I began jumping as fast as I could to Yuki-Onna. "I'll be there as fast as I can, Yuki-Onna! Please be alright until then and… Please be safe Rikuo."

Once I got I got there, I saw a Yokai about to slash Yuki-Onna with his sword. I pushed as hard as I can off the branch, grabbed Shi no Hane and landed in front of Yuki-Onna. I was able to block the sword with Shi no Hane but the focus that he put, my hand began to hurt. I bit back a scream.

"Who are you?" asked the Yokai.

"None of your business." as I said as I pushed him away from us. I looked back at Yuki-Onna. "Are you alright?"

I saw her nod her head, but with the injury on her foot, it would make it difficult for to stand. I turned back to the Yokai.

"What are you doing?" as I growled showing my canines and my eyes slanted. "Don't you know that this Yokai is from the Nura Clan!"

The Yokai began to laugh which made me grip Shi no Hane tighter and narrow my eyes.

"Of course, I know but that won't stop me from finishing my job," said the Yokai as he got into a fighting stand with his sword. "So why don't tell me who you are? I'm Gozumaru from the Gyuki Clan."

"So Miku was right. It was Gyuki, who was behind the Kyuso incident." as I recalled.

I also got into a stand, prepared to fight and protect Yuki-Onna.

"Very well, I am Kura A. Mahiro from the Kura Clan but now I am helping the Nura Clan. Which means, when you mess with the Nura, you have to deal with the Kura's as well, Gozumaru." as I stated unsheathing Shi no Hane.

We stayed still, until a leaf fell. When it touched the ground, we charged at each other.

Slashing, blocking and dodging.

We were evenly matched, my hands began hurting and I could feel the blood soaking my gloves but I had to fight. For Yuki-Onna, for the Nura Clan, for everyone and… For Rikuo.

"You're good… But no good enough." stated Gozumaru as he kicked me in the stomach.

I fell to the ground, holding my stomach. I looked up and scowled at him.

"You're pathetic and you call yourself a demon. You can't even protect that girl behind you and you probably can't protect, Nura Rikuo." stated Gozumaru with a smirk, which caused me to growl. "After I finish you two, I'll go after those humans at the Inn and then go after your precious Sandaime."

As he said that, I felt my body growing cold and something happening to me. I got up with my hat covering my eyes.

I began to giggle which turned into a full blown laughter. It sounded like a mad man, which sent chills down people's back. I looked up and Gozumaru was surprised.

"Wh-what are you?!" demanded Gozumaru as he backed away and brought his sword up.

I grinned like a Cheshire at what he said, my eyes still slanted, making me feral.

"Me… But you know who I am…" as I giggled as my head tilt side to side.

Then I appeared in front of him, grabbed his head and smashed him to the ground.

"I'm your worst nightmare~." as I sang while giggling.

He swings his sword at me, I dodged it but it cut my left check. He jumped away from me.

"So~." as I asked, sheathing Shi no Hane and dropping it on the ground. "Are we going to play~?"

He charged at me with his sword but I was able to dodge it and kicked him in the side. He skidded away from me, by the force of the kick.

"This is boring~! I thought you were going to play with me, but your just not fun." as my grin grew and giggling madly. "But you are lasting this long, so I guess it is kind of fun~!"

We charged at each other again, we were going so fast that we didn't even stop to think. We were moving on pure instinct and skills.

Then we finally pushed away from each other, Gozumaru had a few starches and there but me. I had cuts on my arms, legs, a bit there and here. They weren't bad but they were bleeding.

Then Gozumaru fell on his knee from exhaustion, he was breathing heavy and he was glaring at me. Which made me giddy inside, I may be bleeding but I wasn't tired at all.

I walked up to him which surprised him.

"I had so much fun~!" as I smiled and giggled, but then my smiled grew to a Cheshire grin and my eyes cold, as my face darkened "But now it's time for you to die."

As my right hand was covered in Black Flames, the 'Akumu no Hono (Flames of Nightmare), I extended my hand to Gozumaru but I was stopped by a cry.

"Stop… Stop this, Kura-san!" cried Yuki-Onna with tears. "You have to stop this! This… This isn't you… You have to remember who you are! Please… Please remember, remember for Rikuo-sama!"

I felt something surging through my body.

"Remember… Who I am… Remember…" as I recalled with slight difficulty. "I'm… Not me… I'm…"

Then images of everyone I knew and met came into my mind. My body began shaking, the flames began to flicker.

I placed my left hand to my head, trying to get rid of these thoughts… these feeling and images. Then I saw Rihan and Riku, which made made it harder to get rid of these feeling.

"Ri-Rihan… Riku…" as I whispered which my hand clinched to my head, then I saw this last image, which made my eyes widen. "…Rikuo…"

Then pain surged throughout my body.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" as I screamed.

The flames disappeared, clinching my head with both of my hands. I moved away from Gozumaru, I cried out in pain as these images and everything flowing back to me.

I fell to my knees, crying and I could feel something happening to my eyes.

"Well… I don't know what's going on," said Gozumaru as he got up and stood in front of me. "But this is the end. Good bye… It was nice knowing you, Kura Mahiro."

He brought his sword down towards me.

"Kura-san!" cried Yuki-Onna.

"R-Rikuo… Rikuo…" as I cried through the pain. "Help… Help me… Rikuo…"

I needed Rikuo, his warmth, his friendship, his strength, his smile and… His light.

I need his help, I'm so scared… I'm scared of what's happening to me. I'm so scared, Rikuo… Rikuo.

"RIKUO!" as I cried out, closing my eyes.

"Mahiro!"

Then I felt an arm wrap around me, it felt so warm and caring… It felt so familiar. I felt the arm tighten around me, it made me feel safe and warm. I opened my eyes slowly, my eyes widened at the sight and tears began to fall freely.

"…R-Rikuo…" as I whispered as I cried.

(Rikuo's POV)

While I was looking for Kiyotsugu-kun while Tsurara was looking for Shima-kun, I can't believe this happen.

A While Ago…

We were looking at a cave at the ledge.

"Look! This is the cliff Yokai spot, the Hidden Ox Cavern!" stated Kiyotsugu with glee. "Many legends exist about the time a priest on this Mountain was attacked by Yokais in this cave. What do you think? It's truly a historical spot, isn't it? Shima-kun, climb down."

"Impossible!" cried Shima-kun.

It's dangerous, Rikuo-sama!" cried Tsurara as she pushed me off the cliff.

I landed on the ground, which was really painful.

After that, we started walking through the forest.

"Alright, just ahead is a Yokai spot!" cheered Kiyotsugu-kun. "Nura-kun is clumsy so be careful while walking."

It was quiet and peaceful but mostly quiet. Then I heard Tsurara scream.

"Rikuo-sama, it's a trap! A trap!" cried Tsurara with her eyes closed.

"It's a spider web…" as I not amused with what was happening.

Then she stopped, she grabbed for the spider web and removed it.

"Well, this is the spot for the One-eyed Japanese Cedar Yoaki." stated Kiyotsugu-kun as Tsurara looked into the hole in the tree. "Let's take turns passing through it."

"Well then, I'll…" as I said taking a step.

"No, I'll go first. I'll go first and make absolutely certain that it's safe." said Tsurara as she crawled in to check.

After that we began walking again.

"Hey, what have you been doing all this time?" as I asked while being behind Kiyotsugu-kun and Shima-kun.

"I'm protecting Waka. That's my responsibility after all." stated Tsurara.

"I'm grateful for your concern, but it's fine, so…" as I said.

"It's not fine! Waka is currently a human and Ao's gone somewhere and hasn't arrived yet." stated Tsurara. "There's no one except me to protect Waka!"

"We need to think more about protecting those two instead of me." as I said looking at Kiyotsugu-kun and Shima-kun. "If something happens, it'll be too late."

"Here, look at this Shima-kun!" said Kiyotsugu-kun.

While we were talking, I didn't realize that they were walking away from us.

"H-Hey, you two!" as I called out to them, running after them.

"W-Waka!" called Tsurara as she ran after me.

"Weird. Something's strange." as I stated while running. "Tsurara, chase after Shima-kun!"

Now…

I was running after Kiyotsugu-kun. I looked and looked for them until I realized something.

"This is definitely strange…" as I stated in my mind. "Here, no… This entire Mountain…"

Thinking about what I thought, then I realized something.

"Tsurara!"

I was about to go look for her.

"Please wait, Rikuo-sama."

"W-Who's there?!" as I looked around but found no one. "Show yourself?!"

"Fear not, I am not your enemy." stated the voice as it sounded like the wind. "I am Miku, a loyal servant of the Kura Clan and to Mahiro-sama. I came to you for your help."

Hearing what she said, I relaxed a bit but when she said that she needed my help but why what?

"What do you need my help with, and where are you?" as I asked looking around for her.

"I am with the other Humans at the Inn, watching over them. To protect them from any harm that comes to them, by the order of Mahiro-sama. Right now, my voice is being carried by the winds and nature." replied Miku-san with warmth and kindness "… Rikuo-sama, I need your help with Mahiro-sama… It would seem that she lost control again."

What did she mean by lost control?

"Please… Please save my Mistress." begged Miku-san with sadness in her voice, as if she was crying. "She doesn't want to hurt anyone… She has no control of what she is doing… Please stop her before she does something that she would forever regret… Please help her remember who she is before it's too late."

"What do you mean?" as I was confused on what was going on.

"I shall show you." said Miku-san.

Then I ball of light appeared in front of me, it began to show images. I saw three figures but I couldn't see them clearly yet.

Then I saw that one of them was Tsurara, the other a Yoaki, I never seen before… I felt my eyes widened at the last figure.

It was Kura-san… And she was in her Yokai Form.

I saw her block the Yokai's sword with hers but I saw the pain in her face. Then I remembered that her burns weren't healed yet.

"Who are you?" asked the Yokai.

"None of your business." stated Kura-san as she pushed him away from her. Then she turns to Tsurara. "Are you alright?"

Tsurara nods her head. Then I saw the blood on her foot.

"What are you doing?" growled Kura-san showing her canines and her eyes slanted. "Don't you know that this Yokai is from the Nura Clan!"

The Yokai just laughed at what she said, I saw her grip her sword tighter as she narrows her eyes.

"Of course, I know but that won't stop me from finishing my job," said the Yokai as he got into a fighting stand with his sword. "So why don't tell me who you are? I'm Gozumaru from the Gyuki Clan."

He was from the Gyuki Clan.

"Very well, I am Kura A. Mahiro from the Kura Clan but now I am helping the Nura Clan. Which means, when you mess with the Nura, you have to deal with the Kura's as well, Gozumaru." stated Kura-san as she unsheathing her sword.

Hearing what she said, I was amazed.

I saw that they were staying still, until a leaf fell. When it touched the ground, they charged at each other.

There were slashing, blocking and dodging.

They were evenly matched. Then I saw something dripping from Kura-san's gloves.

I realized that they were blood… She was bleeding, yet she was still fighting for us. I could see the pain on her face, but she kept fighting.

"You're good… But no good enough." stated Gozumaru as he kicked Kura-san in the stomach.

She fell to the ground, holding her stomach. She looked up and scowled at him.

"Your pathetic, you call yourself a demon. You can't even protect that girl behind you and you probably can't protect, Nura Rikuo." stated Gozumaru with a smirk, which caused her to growl. "After I finish you two, I'll go after those humans at the Inn and then go after your precious Sandaime."

Hearing that, I began to worry about the others at the Inn and if they were alright.

Then I remembered that Miku-san was with them. I turned my attention back to the fight until I notice something. Mahiro stopped moving and her eyes were covered her hat.

Then she began to giggle which turned into a full blown laughter while she was getting up again.

It sounded like a mad man, which sent chills down people's back. It was like something snapped inside of her.

She looked up to Gozumaru, which he looked surprised by. I looked at her and my eyes widened. I was surprised by seeing her eyes.

Her right eye that was a Burning Topaz Orange color became Bloody Crimson Red.

Her left eye that was a Clear Sapphire Blue color became Cold Electric Yellow.

"Wh-what are you?!" demanded Gozumaru as he backed away and brought his sword up.

She began to grin like a Cheshire at what he said, her eyes still slanted, making her look feral.

"Me… But you know who I am…" giggled Kura-san as she tilts her head side to side.

Then she appeared in front of him, grabbed his head and smashed him to the ground.

"I'm your worst nightmare~." as she sang while giggling.

He swings his sword at her, she was able to dodge it but I saw a cut on her left check. Then he jumped away from her.

"So~." asked Kura-san as she sheathed sword and dropping it on the ground. "Are we going to play~?"

He charged at her with his sword. I was worried at what she was doing but when I saw her dodge the attack and kicked him in the side. I saw him skid away from her, by the force of her kick.

"This is boring~! I thought you were going to play with me, but your just not fun." sang Kura-san as her grin grew and giggling madly. "But you are lasting this long, so I guess it is kind of fun~!"

They charged at each other again, they were going so fast that they didn't even stop to think. They were moving on pure instinct and skills.

Then they finally pushed away from each other. I saw that Gozumaru had a few starches and there but when I turned to Kura-san. I saw shocked on what I saw.

She had cuts on her arms, legs, a bit there and here. They weren't bad or anything but they were still bleeding.

Then Gozumaru fell on his knee from exhaustion, he was breathing heavy and he glared at Kura-san, which made her giggle at bit. I was amazed that she wasn't tired yet, when she's bleeding.

Then I saw her walk up to him, which surprised him.

"I had so much fun~!" as she smiled and giggled, but then her smiled grew to a Cheshire grin and her eyes became cold and her face darkened. "But now it's time for you to die."

I saw her right hand covered in Black Flames, she extended her hand to Gozumaru but I was terrified of what was going on.

"Stop… Stop this, Kura-san!" cried Tsurara with tears. "You have to stop this! This… This isn't you… You have to remember who you are! Please… Please remember, remember for Rikuo-sama!"

I saw her body stop, as it was deciding to do something but what?

"Remember… Who I am… Remember…" as Kura-san called out, as if she was having a hard time remembering. "I'm… Not me… I'm…"

Then I saw her body began shaking, the flames began to flicker… As if it didn't want to be put out.

She placed her left hand to her head in pain, like she was trying to get rid of something in her head, but she couldn't.

I heard her whisper something but I couldn't hear what. Then I saw her eyes widened at something.

"…Rikuo…"

I was shocked hearing my name come out of her mouth… But my thought was cut short.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" screamed Kura-san as she was in pain.

I saw that the flames had disappeared and that she was clinching her head with both of her hands. She moved away from Gozumaru, as she cries out in pain. I cringed from hearing her blood curdling scream.

She fell to her knees, crying. I saw her eyes changing colors back and forth. She was trying to regain control.

"Well… I don't know what's going on," said Gozumaru as he got up and stood in front of Kura-san. "But this is the end. Good bye… It was nice knowing you, Kura Mahiro."

I could feel the panic inside of me.

I couldn't just wait and see what would happen next. I bolted to where Kura-san and Tsurara were.

"Please hurry, Rikuo-sama. You are the only one that can save, Mahiro-sama." stated Miku-san as her voice slowly faded. "Please save my Mistress… Please… Her life is in your hands, Rikuo-sama."

I was running as fast as I could, I could feel my lungs burning but I didn't care. I had to get there before it was too late.

While running, I began to seeing images of Kura-san.

About her smirk, grin or smile. How she's always there for me, how she never lets you down… And how caring she is, how protective she is.

For some reason seeing these images, made my heart tighten at the thought of her hurt or worst… Dead…

Thinking that I began to run faster… Hoping to get there in time.

"Please be alright, Tsurara… Kura-san. I'm on my way!" as I stated in my mind.

Once I saw them, I saw the sword coming down on her. She was still in her trance so she couldn't move out of the way or block it.

Seeing this made my whole body cold and my heart tighten more.

"Kura-san!" cried Tsurara.

Hearing Tsurara crying out to Kura-san, I snapped out it and rushed to them.

"I had to get there…" as I cried in my mind "I just had to… Tsurara… Kura-san…"

"I made a vow that I would protect those who are in my life and those who are precious in my life."

"And…"

"You're one of them, Rikuo."

"RIKUO!"

"Mahiro!" as I called out to her.

I pulled out Nenekirimaru and knocked the sword out of Gozumaru, I wrapped my arm around Kura-san.

"What are you doing!?" as I demanded holding Kura-san tightly and my grip on Nenekirimaru never loosen. "This woman serves Nura Rikuo, the Heir to the Nura Clan. She is my Subordinate! If you attacked her knowing that, I will... kill you!"

Holding on to Kura-san, I felt a bit calm having her in my arms but seeing her in this state. It made my blood boil. I glared hatefully at Gozumaru for what he did.

"…R-Rikuo…"