[UPDATE IN PROGRESS] Onmyou-Pocketville: Fallen Dusk

Chapter 10: Back to the Grand Palace

Author's Note: This is a filler chapter, and I might change it to fit the updates of my AU. If you want to, you can skip this chapter.

The quartet walked inside the foyer, which was rich with ornate wallpaper, several bamboo mats, as well as a paw print and rose motif overall. The smell of a perfume-like scent was already in the air as the quartet stepped in.

Of course, this was Malorie and Tia's second time going through the castle.

Ava suddenly stopped and looked at Megumi, placing herself in a crouching position. "Oh, before we move forward, care to explain to me about how Sakuya managed to sneak in the palace and take you?"

"I was with my parents when that monster somehow appeared out of nowhere and grabbed me by the leg! Mummy tried all she could to get her to let go of me, but the spirit ran off with me, holding me in her claws! Eventually the Guards came and tried to save me!"

"Don't you worry, dearie. The guards will handle expelling the shades, as they all have important talismans with them." Ava wrapped her tail around Megumi briefly, assuring her granddaughter that she will indeed be okay. "Also, I'll notify your parents that you're safe now."

The Ocean of Friendship on her collar started glowing, and a long cyan beam of light shot out from the jewel, flying across the foyer and into the next room.

When it was done, she got back up and began moving once again. "Do come along, everyone. The rest of the castle awaits."

"Aye, aye!" Both Malorie and her faithful corgi Tia said in unison.

Just then, a barn owl suddenly flew out from the other room and caught sight of the quartet. It was Ivan, a member of the Winged Guards and brother of Kozue.

"Your Majesty, have you seen a yokai somewhere here? It looked...rather inky. You know, with pitch black fur."

Ava shook her head. "Sorry, you missed her. She was in the city's main square, but decided to disappear after a talisman was thrown at her by Kozue."

"Wait...Kozue?!" Ivan was now worried. "My sister?! Is she alright?!"

Ava nodded. "Yes, she's fine. Now go back to your duties, please. You're talking to your monarch."

"Yes, ma'am!" Ivan flew over to the palace's entrance, which led to the outside.

"Now we can move forward."

The group eventually walked to the other side of the foyer and went through the opening that led to another room, which had a whole flight of stairs.

Ava said, "I'm afraid we shouldn't just go and explore my estate right now, though I'm sure you would find the rooms here interesting. Omori Palace is rather huge, and we may not have time to go eat." She then placed one of her paws on Megumi and took a glance at her, with her expression a bit firm. "Whilst we're here, you need to stay close to me, alright? Me and your parents do not want anything bad happening to you."

Megumi nodded without saying anything back to her grandmother.

"Well then, let's continue on." Ava trotted up the stairs with Tia, Malorie, and Megumi following.

The group of four trekked down the long hallway, which had a mostly oriental style with the planked floor, fusuma doors painted with nature scenes such as trees and mountains on them which were separating the two entrances, and windows that were made up of shoji. Perhaps they did have the architecture of a traditional Japanese home. Like a mansion.

There was a bit of exhaustion in the voice of the elder Ava. "The dining room must be somewhere on this floor. Usually this floor is the more residential area of the palace."

Malorie and Tia nodded simultaneously, without saying anything.

Ava then turned to Megumi. "Are you hungry, sweetheart?"

Megumi shook her head. "Not really. I want to come back to Mummy and Daddy."

"Alright. I'll take you to them whilst we make a move."

I guess it's time to try cuisine from Onmyou, Malorie thought before she followed the others out the room.