As the sun sets, the even glow basks our classroom with its warm light. The bell that marks the end of the school just rang.
“All right that's all to me, remember this well, as it will be in your test, two months from now.”
The strict math teacher, Mr. Jeremy warned us about the upcoming test. Me, as a student who just returned from sick leave, was barely able to keep up with his teaching pace. Hikari then called me.
“Usui! Umm… do you have time after school?” Hikari asked, my curiosity grew.
‘After school, I usually head back home almost immediately. Since my house was the furthest, it took a while... But since I have become half Yokai, running a few kilometers without breaking a sweat is quite easy for me. I guess it wouldn't hurt to hang out once in a while.’
“Yeah, what's up?”
“If you don't mind, can you come with me? I need help with something.”
“Sure, where to?”
“There is a cafe and bookstore in the southern part of the city that I would like to visit.”
“Alright, I'll pack my book first.”
After I finished packing my books, we walked towards the school gate. Along the way, many students greeted Hikari with a farewell.
“Kanzaki, see you tomorrow.”
“Bye-bye Hikari!”
“Thank you for yesterday Kanzaki, be careful on your way back.”
All sorts of people greet her, from male students, female students, and even some teachers.
She sure is one popular girl in our school.
“You're quite famous.”
“Me? I don't know… it just feels normal?”
"No regular student has ever been greeted by our teacher; usually, it's the students who greet the teacher. And you have several teachers saying thanks and greeting you on your way back. What did you do? "
Hikari taps her finger on her mouth and thinks. “Hmmm, nothing comes to mind. Just regular stuff, I help Ms. Honoka brings students assignments to her desk, help collect math homework's from you who was on sick leave and those who haven't done it for Mr. Jeremy… Oh and help Ms. Riko with her laptop and projectors in the other class.”
‘Did she really just do that and say it was regular? ‘
“There are no regular things from the things you just said.”
She looks confused, “Really?”
“Yes, no wonder you knew so many people.”
“I see…” Hikari was in deep thoughts, “But I just did what I could, I didn't particularly do that to make them fancy me, it's just–”
“Yes, you act out of goodwill and people appreciate it.”
“...What about you? Have you made any other friends?”
I sighed, “No, not really… I do know some people, but we're not that close.”
As we walked towards the school gate, I saw other male students goofing around and having fun. It's a lie if I said I didn't wish for it, but it's just difficult for me…
Friendship are formed by the amount of contact you've made, after getting to know each other, playing together, hanging out, visiting their house, all that sort.
But for me, a person who had an awfully far house was in a bad position to hang out with. Not to mention I often had to pick up my sister and take care of my sick mother. I'm just in no position to do that.
“My house is far away, while I am also quite busy with housework and taking care of my mother and sister… I don't have time to hang out with friends.”
We reached the school gate, and I glanced around. Raisen and Hikage were nowhere to be found, did they go back home? I sure hope so.
I continued heading towards the bookstore Hikari wanted to visit.
“Then, why don't you try joining some clubs? We had all sorts of clubs in our school.” Hikari said with confidence.
“Clubs? Oh yeah, you're a member of a club, right? Which one did you join?”
“Fufufu.” She let out a smug, “I am the honorable member of the Literature club! A place where words are my weapon, metaphors are my armor, and grammar mistakes are my mortal enemies!”
I find it funny how geek she is when it comes to books. “Though, that's just an exaggeration of the club. All we did was just read stories or novels in our spare time.”
“Kanzaki, what kinds of stories do you usually read?” It piqued my interest; I have known her since junior high but have yet to know her hobby.
“Mostly fantasy, oh and I have been hooked into these books recently…”
“So, it's okay to assume that we're going to the bookstore to buy that book or maybe the second volume of it?”
Hikari eyes widened as it shines with amazement, “How did you know! yes, they just released a second volume… Usui, you're really perceptive, I don't know if that's a good thing. Guys who are too sensitive are not liked by womens you know…”
Seeing her narrowing her eyes in suspicion made me hold my laugh, “And perhaps men who are insensitive were also hated by women?”
“That's even worse!”
We had a little laugh before I asked her about the book she was interested in.
“So, was it the second volume that you're planning to buy? What is that book about?”
She smug again with her eyes narrowed, “It's a fantasy story about the Martial arts world, Murim! The main character is a girl who was born and raised in Kunlun Sect, one of the seven great sects.”
“But although she was talented, her father. One of the twelve elders of Kunlun sect was overly strict with rules and regulations. Even worse, he was also too ambitious, deciding her fate was only to be wed off by someone else she didn't even know. Just to spread Kunlun connection to other powerful sects.”
“Thus, she fights back her father's authority and manages to escape! After a few struggles her father had enough and immediately disowned her, and she has been wandering around aimlessly. With her skill, she would be fine to join any sect she wanted, but no… she took one step further by joining a beggar sect.”
I listened to her story attentively but was confused at some point. “Beggar… sect? What's that?”
“It’s a group with one shared belief, composed of beggars who follow a strict code of conduct and uphold a deep respect for rank and hierarchy within their ranks. They are dedicated to justice and chivalry, often aiding those in need through acts of selflessness and courage.”
“They were also known for their extensive network and exceptional information-gathering skills, the group thrives due to its large size and their unique nature to seamlessly blend into various segments of society and makes them invaluable as spies and informants, allowing them to collect and disseminate critical information with remarkable efficiency. And what's even more amazing is, normally no girl joined the Beggar sect, as it prompted you to live like a beggar. So, in the story, she was the only female member of the beggar sect.”
“I never thought of that, that's very interesting.”
“Exactly!” I can feel her joy when talking about this. ‘Did she have no friends with similar interests?’ I thought.
Then proceeded to take out a book from her bag and gave it to me. “Here you go.”
I was perplexed, “Uh, what? But I don't really read books that much…”
“It's fine, try it. You'll love it.”
Looking at how jolly she became, it's not polite for me to turn her down. I guess I'll try it first.
“Alright, thanks.”
Suddenly her happy expression fades away, with a sad tone she continues.
“…I really admire her strength and bravery. Instead of becoming a Pristine flower that only grew on top of Kunlun Mountain, she decided to become a regular flower that can grow anywhere, even on a roadside.” With a slight pause, she continues.
“To be able to throw away everything and live a life as she wanted… I wish I had that kind of Bravery and strength.”
I unconsciously raised an eyebrow. I know it's a family problem once I see one, since I also have a problem with my father.
“It's okay. Someday, you'll be able to do it.”
“I sure hope so...”
After a while, we finally arrived at the bookstore and she immediately bought the second volume of that story, then we visited a small cafe not far from the bookstore.
She grinned and let out a little laugh. “Fufufu, since you took my book as payment, you have to help me now.”
I sensed her mischievous nature coming out, so I began to feel wary. “Uh, Kanzaki? What are you saying? Aren't we here just to eat something?”
“Ms Yana, I brought my boyfriend with me. Can I take the challenge now?”
My heart skipped a beat when she said that I don't know where the conversations are heading to.
The cafe manager who stood behind the counter replied. “Alright, go change in that room. I'll get my camera ready. “
“Excuse me… what is this all about?” I asked her about what's going on, since Hikari wouldn't tell me.
She was astonished, “Ara? Your girlfriend didn't tell you? It was a limited time event. We sold this luxurious cake made by the daughter of the cafe owner, who became a pretty
famous Patisserie in Australia.”
‘Famous patisserie? And it's limited too? No wonder Hikari wants it so much’
This cake was sold for couples only and they need to cross dress as opposite, and their pictures will be taken and on display in our cafe. You don't have to worry, we prepared all sorts of costumes.”
Hearing that makes hair all over my body stands. ‘Oh hell no’
The moment I tried to escape, Hikari had already locked me by the arm. She whispered in a small voice only the two of us could hear.
“Where do you think you're going, you're supposed to act as my boyfriend today. “
“Unhand me woman! I will not cross dress as a woman, this matter involves my dignity as a man.”
With a snap of a finger, Ms. Yana, the Cafe manager, ordered two of her staff to close the door and lock it. A gasp escaped my lips once I knew my way out was gone, I looked around for another path of escape but found none.
“Thanks to you Hikari, for contacting us several hours early and warning us about the possibility of your boyfriend trying to escape, now let's get you guys changed.”
Feeling helpless, I slump down like a retired fighter. Gave up and let them dress me up, I fell into a lion's den, never expecting that I would be tricked like this by Hikari.
The cake was delicious though… but at what cost?
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
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After that, we were on our way back from that cafe. And Hikari kept laughing at the picture of us cross dressing.
“Hahaha, you look very cute in that maid outfit.” As she waves around the picture in front of her as we walk.
I sighed, “You seem to enjoy this way too much.”
Her giggles stopped, then she looked sad. After seeing my expression, she feels bad for doing as she pleases. “You're mad right? That's a given, I'm doing this out of nowhere… and without your consent too. I'm sorry.”
“Well not really, I'm okay. But what's with the occasion? You rarely do something like this, was it just because of the cake?”
While asking her, I snatched the picture from her hand.In that picture lies the cursed picture of me wearing a maid uniform, and beside me there’s her, wearing a formal butler's uniform. With white gloves, black shoes, a tucked tie and a pocket watch on her waist, she even used a fake moustache.
Uncontrollably I let my laugh out. After laughing I noticed Hikari kept staring at me, I can't help but feel conscious of it.
“W… what?” I stammered.
She smiled, “You’ve finally gone back to your cheerful self! Throughout school, you put up this dark, depressed face like something heavy weighed your mind.”
My eyes widened in surprise, “Was I really?”
“Yes! I know you went through a lot, and perhaps it might induce some trauma to you. You were stranded, hungry…wounded… but you survived, isn't it fine to just be happy about it?”
Her tone was steady but her words felt more of a scolding to me, Hikari continues.
“But that doesn't mean it's okay to repeat that again! When you're absent from school three days in a row, I was worried you know! I thought your family went back to Tokyo…
“And when I visited your house, your family said you were hospitalized and was still unconscious. Do you know how much I…”
Her tone increased and her face came closer and closer, but then she noticed that our face was getting way too close, she backed out and I tried to hide my blush.
“S... Sorry, I just... The point is! there are people that are worried about you, so please take better care of yourself.”
I nodded, “Yeah, sorry for making you worried, and… thanks.”
“You're welcome.”
After that conversation the atmosphere just got tense and awkward for both of us. When I tried to break the silence, I felt a crawling in my leg.
‘!’
Hikage and Raisen climbs my leg, thankfully I realized it was them. I almost kicked my leg in reflexes.
Raisen climbs to my face and snuggles her head on my cheek, while Hikage runs towards my shoulder and snarls at Hikari. Their relationship has never improved.
“Hi Hikage~ long time no see.” Hikari waves her hands as she slowly backs away. Hikage keeps hissing at her while clawing the air.
“Hey, that's rude Hikage.” I scold Hikage and tap her head, but she just runs into my shirt pocket while still keeping an eye on Hikari.
“Usui, you sure you don’t want the cake?” As she raised the leftover cake from the cafe just now. “There’s still quite some of it, don’t you want to take some?”
I shake my head, “No, it's fine. You bought the cake, naturally, it's yours. Besides, I don’t like too much sweet food.”
On the way, Hikari felt uneasy, seeing the constant aggression and glaring from Hikage, she decided that it was probably the best time to part ways.
“I think I'll just go back home now. Thanks for today Usui, I had a lot of fun.”
I nodded, “Me too, be careful on your way.”
She bowed down and walked towards her home, I looked at my weasels and wondered. “Where have you two been? I thought you had already headed back home. They gave a little squeaky reply.
“Shall we head back home?” As we walked home, the sky started to get dark. I wouldn't be able to get back home before it gets dark with my current pace.
I took detours into an empty rural area, “Hikage, Raisen… can you scout the surroundings and tell me if you find people around.”
They both jumped down off my shoulder and with a gust of wind, they disappeared.
Not long after they returned, “How was it? Squeak if you see someone, nod if it's clear to go.”
They both nod, “Alright, let's go.”
In the empty corner I transformed again.
‘It would be nice if I don't have to be aware of my surroundings and just transform. Like something that makes you invisible to other people or makes you harder to be recognized… yeah, just like that black umbrella at Hyakki Yagyo.’
My eyes widened, since when did I think like this? No! I don't want to return to that world, I am happy now, with my family and my friends. I don't need such things…
I shook my head and stopped thinking about it and started running towards the direction of my home.
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From afar, a shadow constantly hides among the clouds, monitoring Ryohei ever since he left the hospital, he decided to end his surveillance on him and returned.
As he arrived back, he flew back to Kyoto. Towards Mount Kurama. Just right behind the Kurama-dera Temple, on the very peak of Kurama mountain, hidden from the commons eye, was a secluded domain—an ancient place governed by the Tengu clan. The temple's sacred grounds were only the first layer of the spiritual power that emanated from this mountain. Further into the dense woods, a secret domain nestled among the mist, where those of great power and arcane knowledge could reside undisturbed.
As he flew past the mist, he flew around the temple and stopped at one of the study rooms on the far back. “I have returned,”
“Oh, you’ve returned… how was it?” The voice was coming from a pile of books and papers, as if it was an office full of work.
He taps his tired crow wings, as he sighed after weeks of surveillance. “When will you return me to my days off, it's been weeks. You’re putting me on overtime again.” The one speaking was the General of the Kotengu faction, speaking to his best friend, Daitengu.
“Stop whining and tell me how the lad is doing.”
“Well… you’re right on the mark; he was doing a normal life so far. But occasionally used his power."
“Hah, what did I tell you! No one will be the same after going through that, sooner or later he will realize it himself. A half yokai cannot live together with humans.” He grinned, as if he made the right bet with his friends.
Daitengu continues, "Once a weakling knew how it feels to wield power, they will want to use it even more. That is just how human nature works; you find tons of those kinds. Weak and disgusting, but once they held power, they became power tripped."
“But I found no problem so far, he keeps staying away from Yokai and only transforms for fast travel. I think he could manage to live a normal life like this. Don’t most halflings from the Tanuki Clan also live a good life as humans?”
Daitengu snickers, “That is a different story, those people haven’t awakened their yokai blood. While he did awaken his yokai blood. Sooner or later, he will feel the difference and it will most likely affect his daily life. Well, not that it's our problem anymore. I am done being kind, this is the first and last time I did something like this. If he still can’t stay away from danger, then it's his own fault.”
Karasu tengu felt like he shouldn’t ask this, but seeing his friend's frustrated face, he felt joy from annoying him.
“So… how did it go?” he asked Daitengu while grinning.
“Can’t you have eyes? Look at all this mess, that bastard has the gall to dump their work on me after lecturing me about our loss.” As he shoves the pile of books and documents away.
“Well then, since you said to end surveillance on him. I will return with my vacation.” He flew away in a flash, as he fly away Daitengu scream could be heard from far away, calling him back and asking him to help with all that mess. But he got ignored.
----------------------------------------
As we ran through several hills Raisen and Hikage transformed too, growing to the size of a fox, just like Hyakki Yagyo back then. Their fur appeared more spiky than usual, but remained soft when touched.
They easily performed air steps and rode the wind like sliding on ice, when I was barely able to do several steps and only rode the wind for several seconds before losing my balance. Perhaps it's because of experience.
During our time together, I noticed something…
Back then I always knew that Raisen and Hikage liked to roam outside, and since they are wild, I just let them be. Now that I run alongside them, they have always gone out hunting for food.
Their team work was flawless, Raisen who was faster than Hikage led the bird yokai to move in a zigzag pattern around the trees towards Hikage who was lying low, for ambush.
Once the bird was near, Raisen made a sharp turn that blocked its path, the bird had to change its course but it was a pincer attack, Hikage claws had already been waiting on the opposite side. She snatched the bird off the air and bit it on the neck, the birds screamed at first but turned quiet not a lot after.
Me, who was barely able to keep up with their hunting pace finally catches up. Upon closer look, the bird they caught was huge.
From afar it looked like a crow, but now that I'm closer, it has the same size as an adult eagle. If this was a real bird, it could've been an endangered species, but it's not. It was a Yokai, I noticed it's long snake-like tongue and on top of having a beak, it also has a set of human-like teeth inside.
I can't help but feel goosebumps, Hikage brought her prey to me, as if telling me to eat. But I refused it.
“Thanks, but I'm fine. Just enjoy it between you two.” As I waved my hand, gesturing that I didn't need it, they started eating. I looked away, trying to avoid seeing them eating grotesquely, but couldn't help but notice a lot of eyes shining around the forest.
I enhanced my eyes and saw them everywhere, a sight I never expected.
All sorts of animals with weird shapes and forms. I've always been lax when strolling around the forest when I was a kid… Now that I have seen them everywhere, I can never let my sister go out alone.
Raisen and Hikage finished eating and tugged at my trousers, “Done? Alright let's head back home.”
Once I reached home I found my father’s shoes, so he was home…
“I’m home,”
“Welcome back Ryohei, how was school?” Asked my father who came out from the living room.
“As usual…”
“Welcome big brother! Look! I made this at school today!” Ruri ran to me with a drawing of our family.
“Ooooh! Looks good! amazing Ruri.” I clap my hands as I praise her works, then mom comes from the kitchen asking me where I have been.
“You’re later than usual? You’re not strolling around the forest again, have you?” As her eyes narrowed down, she became suspicious of me. So, I shifted her focus on something else.
“No… I just hung out with Hikari after school, soo yeah…”
She pressed her hands over her lips, muffling a delighted gasp as a knowing smile spread beneath her fingers. “Alright~ I won’t pry further, clean up first, we'll have dinner soon.”
That smug grin looks on her as if she knew everything kinds of face irritates me, “It’s nothing mom, just a regular hang out with friends. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
She returned to the kitchen but her laugh still echoes in the background, “I didn’t say anything did I? Hohoho.”
----------------------------------------
At night, Ryohei struggled to fall asleep. The memory of his little hangout with Hikari still made his heart race with excitement. Every so often, he found himself cringing with embarrassment, burying his face into his pillow until he calmed down. Yet, just as he managed to calm down, the thought would resurface, and the wave of embarrassment would hit him all over again.
Because of that, he decided to shift his focus to something else. The novel Hikari gave him came in hand, “The Lone Flower of the Beggar Sect…”, the title sounds nice. Then Ryohei starts to read it.
By the time he realized, a few hours had already passed by, enamored by the plot and simplicity of the stories.
It highlighted her struggle as the main character, being the only female in beggar sects and trying to enjoy simple things in life, and doing the right thing.
From making shampoo out of Ginger, Gooseberry and Mint, to utilizing Yucca Root and Agave for soap, she came up with all sorts of things and survived as a beggar without anyone's help.
Her life is far from Luxury, but she was happy and not bound by her family anymore.
Ryohei closes the book and exhales the excitement he felt through reading the book.
“It's really good… Hikari sure has some taste.” When Ryohei wanted to continue, he noticed a knock from his window, he rose from his bed and opened it.
Raisen and Hikage stormed in, as they curled up on Ryohei’s bed. As if telling him to sleep together.
“Oh, I didn’t expect to be this late… I’ll read the rest tomorrow. Hikari has the second volume right? I’m curious about that too.”
Ryohei closed the window and turned towards his weasels who were already asleep. “Good night Hikage, Raisen.”
As he switches off the light, he lets out a tired sigh. Within moments of lying down, the cold wind claims him, pulling him into a deep sleep.
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*SLAP!
A sharp sound echoed through the room as the girl stumbled back, clutching her cheek in pain. As she fell to the floor, her knees scraping against the cold wooden surface. The leftover cake she had bought knocked off her hands along with her bag, the box split open as its contents spilled across the floor.
“Where have you been!?” her father’s voice thundered, towering over her like a storm. “Do you even know what time it is!?”
“I... I apologize, Father…” she stammered, her voice trembling.
“Answer me! I asked you—where have you been!?”
She’s quivering as she bit down her lips, feeling reluctant to answer him. She hesitated, a lump forming in her throat, but she had no choice.
“I... I was out with my friends...” she admitted softly, her gaze dropping to the floor. Afraid of looking at him directly.
Her father’s expression darkened. “Friends? Friends!? You have so much potential! When will you learn!?”
She flinched as his voice grew louder, cutting through the stillness of the house. All she could do was remain silent, her hands gripping the edge of her skirt tightly.
“Everyone else has already started running towards the top! What about you? What did you do? You’re busy goofing around in that pathetic place you call high school! All for what? To chase this ridiculous idea of experiencing ‘youth’ like some ordinary nobody?”
He took a step closer, looming over her as he grabbed her hair. “You’re not like them! You’re not meant to be just like everybody else! You’re meant to be irregular! The one who stands above the rest, carrying our family’s name through the clouds!”
His words sliced through the air like a whip, leaving her shaking.
“Yet here you are casually wasting your time with your so-called friends. I’m done with this nonsense,” he growled, pacing furiously. “I’ll have you transferred immediately. That place is useless for someone like you. You better off going to that school.”
At his words, something inside her snapped. Her hand balled into a fist as she screamed, her voice raw with desperation. “We had a deal!”
Her father froze mid-step, turning back to face her. His eyes narrowed in astonishment at the sudden defiance in her tone.
She was scared of her father's response to her scream, but she pressed on, even when she’s scared. “I promised to do what you wanted,” she said, her voice cracking. “I’ve kept up with my training. I will work hard to become what you wanted me to be. And I promise you that I will not fight back against you anymore! So please… let me live my life the way I want… just until I graduate highschool…”
Her words hung heavy in the air, trembling with emotion.
For a moment, he stared at her, his jaw clenched so tightly that the veins in his neck stood out. Finally, with a deep growl, he muttered, “Fine. Until high school. But that’s it. After that you will never step out of the place until I say. And I will make sure of that.”
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him with a deafening bang.
As she was being left alone in the suffocating silence, her shoulders slumped as a shiver ran down her spine. She crawled toward her bag, her trembling hands reaching inside to pull out the small book she had bought earlier today, from within the book a single picture fell out.
She hugged that book and the picture tightly to her chest, as she let out a choked sob. The tears she had held back for so long began to spill freely, streaming down her cheeks.
In the darkness of her room, she cried—silent, broken, and alone.