Hidden In Darkness: Kusanagi Part 1

Chapter 4: The Reunion

Perspective Change: ???
"The doors are now closing." The train announcer said as the train doors closed.
"Waah... The wait nearly took forever..." I said out loud in exhaustion.
"Well! There is no point in just standing here! Time to find a seat..."
With my luggage at hand, I walked down the train carriage to find a seat. Fortunately, I found one really close to me. However, there was a young lady sitting next to it.
"Excuse me, miss. Is it alright if I sit here?" I asked politely.
"Oh, sure! Be my guest." The young lady said.
"Thank you."
I placed my luggage up in the compartment located above me and sat down. It was an unbelievably long day and it was my last day before I had a one year break from show business. I could finally head back to my hometown. As I was in my train of thought, I noticed The lady next to me was giving me an odd look.
"Um.. I'm sorry, may I help you?" I asked.
"Oh, sorry. You just looked familiar. You don't happen to be Kikuri-hime, are you?" She asked.
"Actually, I am." I answered.
"Really!? I knew it was you..." The lady said.
Kikuri-hime was my stage name. I had spent about a year as an idol and made a big name for myself. It was no surprise that someone would notice me while I was heading back to my hometown.
"My daughter is a big fan of yours. She really loves your music." The lady explained.
"That's nice. Though I'm on a one year hiatus starting now, so I'm afraid that I won't be in show business for a while." I commented.
"I see. Oh! I don't have paper right now for an autograph, but may I take a picture of you for my daughter? I would appreciate it if I could."
"Sure." I complied.
The lady took out her cell phone and prepared to take a picture. I smiled and made a peace sign. A flash appeared and the picture was taken.
"Miharu-chan will be so shocked when she sees this, thank you." The lady said to me.
"It was my pleasure."
The train continued travelling for about an hour or so. I read a
my favorite novel to pass the time. I also took a look at the greenery outside of the moving train and admired the good old days spent with my friends back in my hometown. I did not tell any of them I was coming back because I wanted to make it a surprise. Finally, another announcement was made.
"We are now approaching, Imuroda. We are now approaching Imuroda."
Hearing the announcement, I picked up my luggage and prepared to alight. Short moments later. I finally arrived at the station. When I stepped out of the train station, I glanced around me and took in the surroundings. Everything felt so nostalgic. I left to Tokyo three years ago with my parents and I was currently going to live with my grandparents for an entire year. I was finally back. I was finally home.
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Perspective Change: Kurou Narukami
Saturday...
"Woah! This place is huge!" Chihiro exclaimed.
The weekends had arrived and we decided to all go to the new bowling alley after school. The bowling alley had actually been renovated and reopened recently. It was also the first time Shizuka went bowling and immediately, she was amazed by the giant room and the facilities within in (Though it was not as obvious as Chihiro's reaction). We got out our different bowling shoes and began to play.
"How do you hold this bowling ball?" Shizuka asked as she tried to place her fingers in the holes.
"You put this finger here, and these two here and here." I demonstrated to her.
"I see."
Shizuka managed to hold
The ball right. However, she simply walked to the lane and threw the ball onto the ground. The ball travelled slowly and ended up in the gutter.
"Shizuka-chan! You have to throw with my style! Like this."
Chihiro began to demonstrate to get the basic throwing technique.
"Like this?"
Shizuka attempted to imitate Chihiro's action and managed to get a good throw. The ball traveled father and managed to hit down 7 pins. It was a good start. Shizuka then raised her fists to eye level and clenched them. With her eyes saying, 'I think I got it!'. The girls played in one game while Shiro and I watched as spectators. Shizuka was a little bad at first, but after her fifth turn, she began getting nothing but strikes and beating Chihiro by a landslide. Chihiro laid in defeat, for the student had surpassed the master. Shizuka stood triumphant as the victor. Now, I noticed that it was simply part of her personality behind her usual composure.
"Hey, Kurou..." Shiro began.
"How about a wager? Whoever gets the lowest points among us in this game will have to buy snacks for everyone here at the stall over there." Shiro declared as he pointed at a small food stall kiosk located at the back of the bowling alley.
"You're on!" I accepted the challenge.
Back in the days, Shiro and I always made silly bets with each other during almost every game we played. It made it more interesting.
"Don't lose! Shiro-kun!" Chihiro cheered Shiro.
"Then naturally, I will cheer for you." Shizuka stated after noticing Chihiro taking Shiro's side.
"Not exactly a cheer, but thanks..."
The next game was between me and Shiro. Both of us were experienced in bowling before and we were equally matched in skill. Shiro went in first.
"Alright! Here I go!"
Shiro threw the ball and it began to roll towards the pins. However, the ball began to sway to the left and entered the gutter before it could even hit the pins. When Shiro tried again, the results were the same as before.
"Damn it!" Shiro lamented.
"Looks like luck wasn't on your side, Shiro. Now it's my turn. Wait and see how it's really done."
I picked up the bowling ball and threw it. However, the results were equally as bad as Shiro's.
"... I'm waiting." Shiro joked.
"Shut up..."
The game raged on. We did managed to get our momentum in the game and we were neck to neck. The girls kicked back and watched the game from the chairs. Eventually, the game came to an end with the score, 200 to 197, my lost.
"And the master of games win again!" Shiro celebrated.
"Alright, alright. A deal is a deal. What do you guys want?" I asked.
"A croquette and coke." Chihiro said.
"Beef burger." Shiro said
"I would like to try some Takoyaki." Shizuka informed.
"Alright. I'll be off to empty my wallet..."
I left the group momentarily to get the food. The food kiosk was maned by two employes. One taking the cash register, the other with the food.
"Excuse me. May I have, a croquette, a beef burger and takoyaki. And also a cup of coke." I ordered.
"Okay sir, coming right...."
The employee turned and we faced each other. Both of us were shocked to see each other.
"...up."
An awkward silence filled the air as we stared blankly at each other for a brief moment. I could not forget that face. It was the face of the blood thristy delinquent I met the other day. Raidou Kibishi.
"YOU AGAIN!?" We both said in unison, breaking our silence.
"What are you doing here? Kibishi-san?" I questioned him.
"I needed a job, alright? Sheesh, it's not like I don't have a life. Anyway, what are you doing here?" Raidou asked.
"I'm out with my friends. Shizuka-san is here as well."
"I see."
"Hey! Raidou! Get back to work!" The other employee demanded when he discovered we were chatting.
"Tch... Here's your food. I guess I'll see you around." Raidou said as he passed me the tray filled with the food I ordered.
"Errm... Thanks. I'll see you around, Kibishi-san..." I thanked him and quickly took my leave.
With the food tray at hand I walked back to the group and placed the tray onto the table.
"It's about time. Did you know the worker there or something? Cause it seemed like you were talking to him for a while..." Chihiro asked.
"You can say something like that..."
After we ate our food, we left the bowling alley and decided to return home. After Shiro and Chihiro left, I informed Shizuka about my awkward encounter with Kibishi.
"I see. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
"No problem. So how was bowling?" I asked.
"It was difficult at first. But it was quite enjoyable. Perhaps I should invite Yuzuki-nesan next time." Shizuka suggested.
"The more the merrier I suppose..."
Finally, our path diverges and we went our separate ways. I was right outside of my house and I saw a shadow in my room. It was most likely my sister but I quickly went into the house to check. When I went inside, I discovered that my sister was in the living room watching television instead of being in my room.
"I'm home." I greeted.
"Oh Kurou, you would not believe who's back. She's in your room right now." Saki stated with excitement in her voice.
Who was 'she'? I wondered. I walked up the stairs and opened the closed door of my room. I discovered a girl with raven black hair and sparkling blue eyes, looking around in my room. She wore a casual blouse and a stylish green small coat. I was bewildered as I could not believe who I was seeing. Noticing me, she smiled and turned to me.
"It's been a while, Kurou."
"Ki... Kikuri-chan!?"
Kikuri Shimada, most commonly known as Kikuri-hime now, was a popular idol that made her debut a year ago. However, before that ever happened, she was my childhood friend.
"I can't believe you're back! It's good to see you again." I said excitedly.
"It's good to see you too, Kurou-kun." Kikuri said likewise.
"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you had show biz in Tokyo." I asked.
"Oh! I'm on hiatus for about a year. I decided to live here with my grandparents back at our old house for the time being." Kikuri explained.
"That's great! Does Shiro know yet?"
"I just texted to him earlier. I was planning on telling him after I visit you, but Saki-san invited me to come in. I was checking out your room for a while. It hasn't change much at all since last time..." Kikuri pointed out.
"Yeah. I guess it haven't."
"And it's a good thing too. I wouldn't know what to do if I saw lewd magazines hidden in your room. I'm so glad you're the same as I remembered!" Kikuri said cheerfully.
"...... Was that why you were searching my room?"
Despite being felt undermined, I was related to discover Kikuri return to Imuroda. She was one of my best friends since we were little kids along with Shiro. We always hanged out with each other until her parents and her had to leave to Tokyo three years ago. We managed to stay in touch through social media but when her idol career kicked off, it became really hard to contact her. Having Kikuri back was like something important missing being returned once more.
"Also... I came to your house to ask you something..." Kikuri began.
"What is it?"
"Could....could you go with me around town? I like to talk with you more while looking around town." Kikuri asked with a smile on her face.
With a smile like that, I could not refuse her offer. Not that I even wanted to anyway. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with her.
"Sure!" I complied.
Kikuri, with a leather handbag placed on her shoulders walked with me downstairs. I found Saki was still in the living room, watching television.
"Nesan! I'm going with Kikuri-chan to show her around town!" I informed her.
Saki turned her attention to me and Kikuri and gave us a blank stare.
"Really? You two were in your bedroom together and didn't do anything? That's disappointing..." Saki suddenly said.
"Bedroom? Together?...."
After a brief moment, I finally understood what Saki was trying to imply. The same for Kikuri. Our faces flushed and pink red began to colour our faces.
"Hey! Don't joke about that! We're just friends!" I exclaimed.
"Yes! Kurou is right! It's not a ro...romantic relationship! It's strictly plantonic! PLA..TON..IC!" Kikuri supported me.
"Hehe. It's funny how you guys react. Oh yeah! That reminds me, if you ARE seen with Kurou together, couldn't it cause something bad like a scandal?" Saki asked.
What Saki said made sense. An idol was a representation of purity to the people of Japan. If we were seen together, it may adversely impact Kikuri's career.
"A scandal? This is a small town, I don't think there will be any reporters here, especially if Kikuri-chan just came here... But..."
"Don't worry! I got the perfect disguise! I have it in my hand bag..." Kikuri claimed
She reached deep inside the bag and began searching for the item. I waited curiously to see what 'perfect disguise' Kikuri had in mind...
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A few minutes later...
"Erm.. Kikuri-chan..." I began.
We were walking down the shopping district and were attracting attention by many of the shoppers. Everywhere we went, we were given suspicious stares.
"When you said 'perfect disguise'. I thought it was suppose to get you unnoticed."
"Of course it is..." Kikuri replied.
"Then why did you choose to wear an afro wig and called it the 'perfect disguise'!?" I questioned her.
The disguise she was so proud of, was a large afro wig she brought from a novelty store. It's big bushy appearance on her head, accompanied by black sunglasses made her appear very distracting.
"Annnd no one knows it me. Besides Kurou, one should not underestimate the powers of an afro wig." Kikuri mentioned.
"Plus. Don't they look cool?" Kikuri asked.
"Sure. If you're planning on cosplaying as 'Afro Samurai'..." I stated.
"Hmph." Kikuri grunted.
Upset, she blow up her cheeks in an admittedly adorable fashion. I could see how she became an idol. Kikuri had always thought of strange and absurd things in her mind. There was even a time where she pondered whether the world really was round, or why cookies were usually round not square. Even then, I did not understand completely what goes on in her mind.
"By the way, when I are you starting school?" I changed the subject.
"Oh! I've been erolled into your school and I should start in three days." Kikuri stated.
"I see..."
We began talking about how our lives had been for the past three years. Everything on my end was normal (I obviously excluded the part of about demons). For Kikuri, she explained that her parents encouraged her to audition to become an idol as she had the talent and would be good for her self esteem. The rest of our time was spent exploring around the town and reminiscing the past she, Shiro and I spent together. Finally, we came to a stop when we reached her grandparents house. It was a small, cosy house that she and her parents once lived before moving to Tokyo for business. I remembered that Shiro and I used to go over there and play games outside of her house. Those were the good times.
"This is where I stop for today. Thanks for walking with me." Kikuri said as she finally removed the ridiculous disguise.
"Anytime. Hey, are you free tommorow? I want to introduce you to my other friends. We're going to the library to study."
"Hmmm... Alright! I'll be happy to come." Kikuri replied.
After our short conversation, I bid her farewell and went back home. My sister constantly teased me about how my 'date' with Kikuri went when I came back. I answered by telling her our relationship was strictly plantonic and rushed back into my room in embrassment. Still, she is a very improtant person to me and I was glad to see Kikuri back in Imuroda.
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Sunday
Kikuri and I walked along the pathway as we headed towards the public library. Kikuri stared at the building for quite a while, as though she was pondering about something. Kikuri was also wearing more causal clothes compared to the ones she wore yesterday. In fact, no one could probably tell at first glance she was the famous, Kikuri-hime, due to her normal looks. It was definetly a better disguise than what she used the other day (I didnt mentioned it out loud as I didn't want to be lectured by her again)
"Is there something wrong?" I asked her.
"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing. It's just that I thought the library was supposed to be smaller..." Kikuri mentioned.
"Well, they did put a new wing in there earlier this year."
"I see. Well, let's go in." Kikuri said as she marched into the building, with me tagging behind her.
The library was a huge place. There were shelves of books that contained a range of various genres. Novels, autobiographies, dictionaries, ectera. We scanned our surroundings and soon discovered Shiro and Chihiro already seated at a faraway table. Kikuri did not recognise Chihiro, but she did remember Shiro. We walked briskly towards their table to greet them.
"You're finally here, Narukami-kun! And.... Who's she?" Chihiro asked, noticing Kikuri behind me.
Shiro stood up from his seat and shook Kikuri's hand as a greeting. Shiro already knew about Kikuri's return from a message yesterday, and I even told him about inviting her over to our study session.
"It's good to see you again, Kikuri-chan." Shiro greeted.
"Likewise, Shiro." Kikuri returned the greeting with a smile.
"Chan!? And you two know each other? Wait a minute..."
Chihiro began to examine Kikuri's facial features more closely. It was as though she was trying to determine her identity.
"Errm... If you're wondering if I'm 'Kikuri-hime', I am..." Kikuri said, uncomfortable with Chihiro looking at her with such intensity.
"I knew it! You really are her!" Chihiro exclaimed.
Suddenly, a loud hush was given by the librarian who was close to us, telling us to be more silent. We apologized for the noise and she carried on with her duties. Chihiro was utterly shocked and confused about Kikuri's presence, so Shiro and I explained that she was our childhood friend.
"Really!? Your childhood friend is THE Kikuri-hime, and you didn't tell me?" Kikuri said as quietly as possible.
"You didn't ask." Shiro answered.
"Anyway, my name is Kizuha Chihiro. It's nice to meet you!" Chihiro introduced herself to Kikuri.
"Shimada Kikuri. It's also nice to meet you. I hope we can be good friends." Kikuri replied
"This is so cool!" Chihiro said to herself.
"By the way, where's Shizuka-san?" I asked, noticing that she was here.
"She hasn't arrive yet. We should wait here. Although I'm interested, how was Narukami-kun and Shiro-kun like when you guys were kids?" Chihiro asked.
"Well, what can I say, we spent a lot of time together...." Kikuri began.
She began explaining how we were like when we were children briefly and began talking about other topics. It was then I noticed Kikuri was a lot more friendly to new people than I remembered. She used to be really timid and afraid of speaking up. I guessed her becoming an idol was a good way to develop her self-esteem. After a short while, Shizuka finally arrived.
"Oh, Shizuka-san. You're here." I said as I noticed her approaching our table.
"Hello, everyone. Hmm? Who's she?" Shizuka asked as her eyes laid upon Kikuri.
I then introduced Kikuri to Shizuka, then Shizuka to Kikuri.
"Ah, I see. My name is Yugao Shizuka. It's nice to meet you." Shizuka greeted.
"It's nice to meet you too." Kikuri returned to greeting.
As I looked at Shizuka, I noticed someone was behind her. It was a small girl, she was tugging Shizuka's blouse and was carrying a cartoonish-looking school bag. She was also looking at us with a curious expression on her face. The rest seemed to also notice the small girl as our eyes became fixated on the little stranger.
"Oh yes, I actually brought along my cousin. Miya-chan, these are the friends I told you about, introduce yourself." Shizuka told the girl in a sisterly-like tone.
The girl's expression quickly changed to appear more childish and playful. She then turned to us and greeted.
"Hello! My name is Miyamaru Miya! My favourite colour is pink, and my favourite sweets are 'PeroPero' Candies!" The girl said in an equally childish tone.
The girl did not seem to be more than nine. She smiled in an adorable way which caught the attention of Kikuri and Chihiro.
"So cute!" The girls said in unison as they were overwhelmed by the girl's cuteness.
"I wish I can take you home and put on some cosplay clothes on you..." Chihiro added as she was talking.
"What?"
"N...nothing." Chihiro immediately retract her previous statment when she realized what she said earlier.
"My father wanted me to take her out with me. I hope she won't bother our study session." Shizuka explained.
"Don't worry about it. Let's start." Shiro announced as our study session started.
Miya did interrupt our study session a few times, due to her childish, hyperactive, personality. However, we managed to complete our revision after about an hour or so. During our study session. Kikuri, Shizuka and Chihiro managed to get to know each other even more. After the revision, we all went out and ate before going back home. When I reached home, Shizuka sent me a message to meet her at her place for another mission.
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Night time
As I walked along the street, I noticed that there were more people in the town area than there were before. It was probably because there was not anymore news about the incidents, so the curfew was no longer in effect. Though, it would probably mean that there would be more demons about with the increase in people. As I got to the Yugao residence, I was suddenly welcomed by Miya, the small girl that I was introduced to in the morning.
"Kuroro-Oneechan!" Miya cheerfully said as she ran towards me, with her left hand waving at me.
"Miya-chan, right? Where's Shizuka-san?"
"Disgraceful!!!" A voice out of nowhere suddenly said.
"Huh, who's...."
"How dare you address Miyamaru-sama with such an honorific! Unforgivable! Incomprehensible! Absolutely intolerable!" The voice continued in a strict tone.
Suddenly, the small cartoonish bag that she carried around sprang up in the air and burst into a pink cloud. A small creature emerged from the rapidly dissipating cloud. It had white ears and tail of a cat and was humanoid in shape. It's face resembled the cartoonish look of the bag and had its arms folded while frowning at me. The humanoid cat thing looked like something out of an anime.
"Since you were with your friends this morning, I let it slide. But you shall address Miyamaru Miya as Miyamaru-sama from now on!"
"Wait! Aren't you a demon!?" I questioned the creature as I noticed it's aura stank with the aura of a demon's.
"Demon!? How dare you use such an ambiguous term to describe me! Calling me a demon is like calling you a mammal! I am a Youkai! A proud, unquestionably loyal Youkai, who served under the enlightening guidance of the great, Miyamaru-sama! Don't put me on the same level as those uncivilised, Ayakashi savages!" The demon rambled on.
"Youkai? Ayakashi?"
"Of course you wouldn't know. You're more of an oblivious fool than I originally thought. Ayakashis are the uncivilised cannon fodder you've been facing up till now. Yokais are the far superior counterparts, equipped with better intellect, power and many other aspects that is impossible to count! Now then human, I demand you to show more respect to Miyamaru-sama!" The demon, or Youkai, demanded.
"Now now, Byabya-chan... It's okay for Kuroro-Oneechan to call me like that." Miya interrupted him.
"But..."
"Pleeeeeaaaasssse? If you don't, I'll be really sad. I could even cry..." Miya exaggerated as she imitated crying
"D...Don't cry, Miyamaru-sama! Of course I will allow this ingrate human to address you in anyway as long as you approve of it! Please don't cry!" The Youkai implored as he had no option but to indulge.
"Yay!" Miya cheered as she got the Youkai to listen to her.
I was still at a lost. I absolutely had no idea what was going on. Suddenly, Shizuka finally arrived after hearing all the commotion. I asked her what was going on and she began explaining to me.
"Miya-chan is actually the maiden in charge of Imuroda. She has the ability to control space between the human world and the Edge. The Youkai with her, Byakko, is her attendant. Her shrine was attacked by an unknown enemy and had to be relocated here for her safety..." Shizuka explained.
"I see. So, our mission today is..."
"To protect Miyamaru at all cost." Yugao, who suddenly came to the courtyard, answered me.
He was equipped with a long nagitana. He was wearing his usual blue yukata and his hair was as messy as always. He was accompanied by another man. He had a stainless white shirt with long sleeves and blue trousers. The most prominent assessory he was wearing was a paper bag on his head, with a single eye hole, revealing a red iris. It was so ridiculous, it made Kikuri's 'perfect disguise' seem brilliant in comparison.
"Wait, I know you! You're the paper bag pervet on the news! (Refer to chapter 1, during the conversation in the classroom.)"
I said as I recognised the iconic disguise.
"Hoho! So you have heard the tales of my exploits in the news? Splendid!" The paper bag pervert joyfully said.
"This is Masakado XII. He's Miyamaru's bodyguard. And leader of the Morimoto clan." Yugao introduced.
"Anyway, we had word from Yuzuki-chan that demons are heading our way. She will come as reinforcement if need to, but we will have to defend Miyamaru." Yugao explained.
"Alright. When's the attack?" I asked.
"In about half an hour, in the earliest, since her shrine was attacked in the real world, we are dealing with a demon general. Only a demon as strong as a general could have opened up a portal to our world, so you'll have to prepare yourself." Yugao explained.
We all quickly equipped ourselves with the necessary things we need. As time passed on, all of us suddenly felt a powerful energy approaching towards us. It was far more powerful than anything I had faced thus far. Miya was sent inside a secured room while we fought outside. Two shadowy figures appeared by the gate. I could feel their murderous intent from where I was. However, as terrified as I was, I quickly armed myself with Kusanagi, ready to fight.
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