Time passes through the cold season forming in my heart
A cruel wind is hanging around my fingertips
The promise that couldn't be fulfilled
Saying goodbye in just one word
A random reunion without any promises
In this endless time
We painfully walk...
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The morning rays shines on a sleeping young girl in the room. Against the light, her midnight-dark hair glistens like diamonds. The contrast between her pale skin and her dark hair gave her the appearance of a yuki-onna, despite only being a half-demon.
"You know what, Ritsura, today is a special day. Your brother will finally be coming home after five years in Tono." Tsurara smiled at the sleeping girl as she caressed the top of her head with her fingers. "You miss him, don't you?"
Despite receiving nothing but silence, Tsurara maintained a cheerful demeanor as she gazed out through the shoji screen towards the sky.
"I know... I miss him too."
✲'*。.❄¨¯'*✲。❄。*。¨¯'*✲
The yokais of the Nura clan gathered at the front gate, waiting patiently for the arrival of their Young Master. That was when an unknown boy dressed in a navy-blue kimono walked into the courtyard. His gaze was drawn to the dusty earthen floor before lifting his head and revealing his features that vaguely resembles the Third Commander. However, he had inherited his mother's dark hair and pale skin. What's more, his age didn't show in his appearance as he was tall, slender, and toned for a thirteen-year-old boy.
Tsurara had already found herself hugging her son before she even had a chance to catch her breath. Though his reaction was delayed, Riei's hands are now folded around his mother's back, drawing her in closer. She can feel her body trembling as she cried out for the time they've lost, crying to let go of the longing that has been built up over the past five years. Riei pulled her head back and wipes the tears away with a calloused finger, even the roughness of his fingers provides more relief than her heart could handle.
A gentle smile spreads across his lips as he speaks. "I'm home, mother."
"Welcome home, Riei." Tsurara's smile grew, like a blossoming spring flower.
✲'*。.❄¨¯'*✲。❄。*。¨¯'*✲
Standing in front of Ritsura's room, Riei gently opened the shoji door to her room, inhaling the fresh tatami smell that filled his nostrils as his gaze wandered around the room until it landed on the futon that sit low to the ground.
Ritsura was lying on the futon, and his heart sank at the sight of his little sister. In her deep slumber, she appeared frail and fragile. After five years, he can tell that his sister has grown; her silky black hair has grown longer, though her face is noticeably thinner when compared to a normal girl her age. Aside from that, she appeared to be peacefully sleeping, though her face was extremely white at the moment, almost as white as the snow.
"I'm home... Ritsura." Intertwining his fingers in hers, he placed his lips on her forehead.
Feeling her cold forehead with his trembling lips, he knew he couldn't do much to make things right but this is all he can manage for now.
"This time, I'll be sure to make them pay tenfold. And I promise you, I'll get your eyes back and all the years you've lost."
✲'*。.❄¨¯'*✲。❄。*。¨¯'*✲
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The members of the Nura clan gathered in the candle-lit room, each one ready to make a promise about how they would support the newly returned Young Master, and remarking on how much the Young Master had matured since his departure. The banquet was uncontrollably boisterous, with cups of sake being passed around the room and genuine heartfelt emotion being shared. It exuded a cheerful atmosphere, which was enhanced by the aroma of the delicious meal.
"Now then, Riei. You've finally come of age. Do you have any plans for the future? Are you prepared to take on the Fourth position?" Nurarihyon said as he locked his gaze on Riei. Despite the fact that a banquet had been prepared to celebrate his return, the boy appeared uninterested.
"What are you talking about, Supreme Commander? It's only natural for Riei-sama to be the Fourth Commander." Karasu-tengu said as he floated by the First Commander's side.
"That's right! I have no doubt that he will make an excellent Commander of the Hyakki Yakou! Just like how Rikuo-sama was!" At this point, the banquet had gotten even more raucous.
Riei, on the other hand, remained motionless as he silently ate the raw salmon with his chopsticks. Noticing his son's lack of interest in the subject, Rikuo turned to his son.
"Well, Riei, are you prepared to take over as Commander of the Hyakki Yakou?" Everyone in the room fell silent as soon as their Third Commander began speaking.
Riei only placed his chopsticks on the table and wiped the food from the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
"Not interested." He responded with his eyes closed.
"...?!"
The entire room was deafeningly quiet before the yokais began to question his decision and the atmosphere devolve into chaos.
"But why?! You're the perfect candidate for the Fourth Title!"
"There can be no one else but you, Master!"
"And why is that, Riei?" Rikuo paid no attention to the other yokais as he was fixated with his son.
"I have things I want to do and being the Fourth wasn't on that list." Riei answered before getting to his feet. Incredulous yokais' eyes were fixed on him.
"If being the Fourth means protecting those disgusting humans, then I'll refuse. I don't want to waste my time involving myself with those worthless creatures." He came to a complete stop the moment he approached the door and turned to face his father.
