Live House CiRCLE – Lounge Room, 4:30 P.M.
Yuyuko's POV
The quiet hum of the lounge seemed unusually heavy today. I had spoken with Riku-kun just a little while ago about the matter he entrusted to me yesterday. His words still lingered in my mind—"It's better to reveal it now than later. They'll figure it out soon anyway."
It was a simple request, but the weight of it pressed on me. Secrets, after all, carry power—power to bind, power to divide. Riku-kun trusted me to deliver this revelation, and I would honor that trust. Ayaya and Hatate-chan were already here, waiting alongside me, as this concerned them as well. And then there was Remilia Scarlet, sipping her tea with aristocratic grace, her ever-faithful maid Sakuya standing beside her, while her younger sister slept peacefully on her lap.
Her crimson eyes glanced toward me, and I knew she was silently testing my resolve.
"Yuyuko," she finally spoke, her voice calm yet edged with warning. "Are you sure it is wise to reveal who we truly are to those girls? Trust, once broken, may not mend so easily."
I smiled faintly, folding my hands together. "Riku-kun made this decision. He believes they will understand, and I have faith in his judgment. Besides," my eyes softened, "truth delayed too long often turns into poison."
Remilia gave a quiet hum of amusement, though her grin hinted at her doubts. "If you say so... ah, but look, they're here."
As if on cue, the door swung open, and the familiar lively chatter of the band girls spilled into the lounge. Their presence immediately shifted the air—warmth and energy rushing in to challenge the heavy quiet that had been lingering moments before.
"Eh? Principal!?" Rinko-chan blinked in surprise, clutching her school bag to her chest. "What brings you here?"
I chuckled softly. "Rinko-chan, how many times must I remind you? Outside of school, you can call me by my name. Understood?"
Rinko-chan fumbled, her cheeks flushing. "Y-yes... Yuyuko-san."
"Good girl," I teased, a playful lilt in my tone. "But it seems we're not quite complete yet."
Sayo-chan tilted her head, frowning. "What do you mean not complete?"
Before I could answer, Aya suddenly froze, her gaze locking on the pale figure seated on the sofa.
"Remilia-san...?" Aya-chan's voice trembled, recognition flickering in her eyes.
The others followed her line of sight, and soon all attention centered on the dignified young woman with silver hair framing her porcelain face. Remilia sipped her tea leisurely, as though unbothered by their stares. Flandre stirred faintly on her lap but remained asleep, childlike and serene.
"Ara," Remilia said smoothly, her lips curving upward. "We meet again, Maruyama Aya."
"Wait a second—" Arisa-chan's eyes widened. "Aren't you the girl we saw last month with Riku-san?"
Remilia chuckled softly, tilting her head. "It seems I forgot to introduce myself properly then. My name is Remilia Scarlet, heir to the Scarlet Family. This little one," she stroked Flandre's hair affectionately, "is my sister, Flandre. And this is my maid, Izayoi Sakuya."
Sakuya bowed with mechanical precision, her voice low and respectful. "A pleasure."
The room buzzed with murmurs. Misaki-chan crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "So you're the infamous transfer students everyone's been whispering about."
Remilia set her teacup down with quiet elegance. "No need for introductions. Riku-boy has already told me all I need to know about you girls."
Eve-chan blinked curiously. "Then... how is it Aya-san knew you before the rest of us?"
Remilia's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Because we are classmates, the three of us—myself, Flan, and Sakuya."
Chisato-chan exhaled lightly, adjusting her posture. "Then, as Aya's bandmate, might I ask you to keep a close watch over her while in class?"
"Chisato-chan!" Aya-chan whined, cheeks turning red.
Before Remilia could respond, the door burst open again.
"Sorry we're late!"
A group of unfamiliar girls stepped in, though some faces sparked recognition among the bands.
Tae-chan's eyes widened. "Rei?!"
"Hana-chan?" The tall girl blinked before breaking into a smile. "You're here too?"
Saaya-chan glanced between them. "You know each other?"
Tae-chan nodded eagerly. "Rei's my childhood friend!"
The girl gave a polite bow. "Wakana Rei. Thank you for looking after Hana-chan."
Before anyone could process, Kasumi-chan's voice erupted. "ROCK!!"
Everyone turned just in time to see her barrel straight into Rokka-chan's arms.
"Kasumi-san!?" Rokka-chan squeaked, nearly toppling over.
"M-Maya-san!?" a voice suddenly called, stammering.
Maya-chan turned, eyes widening as she found herself face-to-face with a girl radiating an intimidating aura.
"You are... Yamato Maya, aren't you?" the girl asked sharply.
"H-h-hai!!" Maya-chan squeaked, almost snapping to attention.
But then, to everyone's surprise, the girl suddenly stripped off her jacket and shoved it forward. "Can you sign this!? I'm Satou Masuki—and I am a HUGE fan!"
"Eh!?" Maya-chan blinked in confusion.
Another voice whined from behind. "That's not fair, Masuki-san! I want their autographs too!"
Masuki-chan shot her a glare. "Then get in line, PAREO. I was here first."
Chisato-chan blinked, her brow furrowing as she recognized the second girl. "Wait... you're the one who asked Riku to get my autograph before, aren't you?"
Reona-chan beamed, sparkling with enthusiasm. "Of course! I'm Nyubara Reona, but please call me PAREO! I'm a MASSIVE fan of Pastel*Palettes!"
Hina-chan chuckled, elbowing Aya-chan. "Looks like you've got a devoted fan, Aya-chan."
Aya-chan's cheeks lit up like lanterns. "I-I'm so happy!!"
The chaos only escalated when another voice cut through.
"We meet again, Shirokane Rinko."
Rinko-chan stiffened, paling at the sight of the tall, composed girl standing near the doorway. "Tamade-san? Y-yes... it's been a while."
Lisa-chan tilted her head. "You two know each other?"
The newcomer crossed her arms coolly. "Tamade Chiyu, DJ and leader of Raise A Suilen. And also..." she paused deliberately, her eyes gleaming, "...Riku's cousin."
The entire room froze. Conversations halted mid-sentence, and nearly every girl stared at her in shock.
"Y-you're his cousin!?"
Chiyu-chan nodded with smug satisfaction. "Yes. On our mother's side. And—ugh!"
She was suddenly ambushed by Kokoro-chan, who latched onto her like a human-sized plush toy. "Chu²!!"
"G-get off me, Kokoro!" Chiyu-chan yelped, flailing. "PAREO! Do something!"
But Reona-chan, still starstruck, was far too busy admiring Chisato-chan and the others to pay attention.
The room filled with laughter, exasperated sighs, and overlapping chatter. For a moment, the tension from earlier was washed away, replaced by the chaotic joy only this strange blend of bands could create.
Yet even as I watched their antics, my smile never faltered, I couldn't ignore the faint chill that lingered in the air—the quiet weight of truths yet unspoken. Riku-kun's choice to reveal everything would set many things into motion. Whether harmony or discord awaited us beyond that choice... only time would tell.
And as I glanced at Remilia, I saw her smirk faintly, as though she too sensed the fragile line we were all about to cross.
CLAP!
I brought my hands together in a sharp, resounding clap. The noise rang across the lounge, cutting through the lively chatter, and all eyes immediately turned to me.
"Now that everyone is here," I began, letting my smile spread warmly across my face, "we can finally begin."
The girls sat straighter, anticipation sparking in their gazes.
"First of all," I continued, "congratulations on passing your exams. Each of you scored seventy or higher across all your subjects. With that, you have officially earned the privilege to go to Stockholm to watch Riku-kun's performance."
The room erupted in applause, cheers, and sighs of relief. The joy in their faces was genuine—after all, the effort they poured into both their studies and music was not small. They deserved this moment.
Chiyu-chan leaned over toward Rokka, arms folded with that stern senpai energy she carried so naturally. "LOCK," she called out, voice sharp but affectionate. "How much did you score on your exams? I need to make sure my guitarist isn't slacking off."
Rokka-chan blinked nervously before producing her test papers and handing them over. Chiyu-chan scanned the sheets, and after a beat, her expression softened into a satisfied grin.
"Good. You passed! But," she wagged her finger with mock severity, "you need to work harder. Not too hard though—I can't have you tiring yourself out. Your bandmates are here to back you up, remember?"
Rokka-chan's face lit up as she straightened in her seat. "Hai, Chu²-san!"
The others chuckled at her enthusiasm, but before they could tease her further, Kasumi-chan bounced up with her hand raised like an eager child. "Yuyuko-san! How much did Riku-senpai and Youmu-senpai score in their exams?"
Ah, Kasumi-chan. Always the curious one. I chuckled and retrieved a folded sheet from my pocket. "It's a good thing you reminded me, Kasumi-chan. Here are their results."
I cleared my throat and read them aloud:
Nagae Riku – 100/100/100/100/100 = 500
Konpaku Youmu – 97/96/96/100/100 = 489
The lounge went silent for a moment before Arisa-chan nearly toppled forward. "A perfect score!?"
"Yes," I said with a small, knowing smile. "Though normally, Riku-kun's scores are not this high. But with the Future World Fes on the line, he put in some extra effort."
Sayo-chan crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "So he's basically lazy in academics?"
"Unfortunately so," I replied with a playful sigh. "Even though he's homeschooled, he's never shown much interest in the subject matter. But—" my eyes twinkled, "—if something piques his interest, or if he decides it's necessary, he puts in the effort without hesitation."
"Same as always, huh, nii-san." Ran-chan's soft voice carried both fondness and exasperation.
I allowed the chuckles to subside before straightening. "Now then. Onto the second matter. Please direct your attention to the television."
Saaya-chan frowned, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What are we watching, Yuyuko-san? Isn't it a bit early for the Future World Fes to begin?"
"Yes, it is," I acknowledged. "But what I'm about to show you came after Riku-kun and his band's performance."
I gave a small nod to Hatate-chan. She clicked the remote, and the flat-screen lit up with an image of a quiet lounge—the one where Riku-kun and his band had retreated after their performance.
Sayo-chan stiffened immediately. "Yuyuko-san... where did you get this footage? Isn't this... a crime?"
"Rest assured," I said calmly, raising a hand. "This came legally from a contact in one of the Celestial Families. She works as a detective, and this recording is counted as evidence. You need not worry."
Their tension only half-dissolved, unease still thick in the room. I folded my hands together. "But I must ask all of you to remain calm, no matter what you see next."
The video continued. The camera showed Riku and Youmu suddenly standing, their gazes sharp, rushing to the door.
"What's going on?" Kanon-chan whispered nervously, leaning closer to Misaki.
"I don't know..." Misaki-chan murmured, her brow furrowed. "But... I've got a bad feeling."
"Hatate-chan," I instructed softly, "switch to the other camera."
She clicked the remote, and the view shifted to a hallway. The breath collectively left the girls' throats.
Two men in black, pistols gleaming in their hands, were moving down the corridor.
Arisa-chan shrieked, "A-ARE THEY HOLDING GUNS!?"
Lisa-chan's voice rose with panic. "THEY'RE HEADING STRAIGHT FOR RIKU!"
A ripple of fear surged through the room. Some of the younger girls clutched one another, while the older ones' faces hardened with disbelief. Assassins—here, in broad daylight.
But then the door burst open. Riku-kun and Youmu stepped out, and the assassins' eyes widened. Without hesitation, they turned tail and fled.
"Why'd they run?" Tomoe-chan muttered, confusion etched on her face. "Riku was right there!"
"They must be assassins," Ran-chan said grimly. "If nii-san spotted them, it's only natural they'd run."
"Girls, look!" Himari gasped, pointing at the screen. "Riku and Youmu are chasing them!"
"Wait—" Eve-chan's eyes grew round with disbelief. "Is Youmu-san carrying a katana!?"
Chisato-chan's voice caught. "Now that you mention it... yes. Not just one—two."
I chuckled softly, unable to hide my pride. "Fufufu~ aside from being my family's head gardener, she is also a fencing instructor. The blades she carries are Roukanken and Hakurouken, her personal swords."
Eve-chan's eyes sparkled with awe, practically glowing. I hid another chuckle behind my hand. Oh, she would surely ask Youmu for lessons. That would be an amusing sight.
The feed shifted again. Riku-kun and Youmu pursued the assassins to the shoreline. The girls leaned forward, eyes wide as the assassins scrambled toward a waiting boat.
And then—Riku-kun reached into his jacket and pulled out a slip of paper.
"R-Riku-san is glowing!" Rimi-chan gasped, her voice trembling.
"Yuyuko-san!" Misaki-chan cried, panic sharp in her tone. "What's happening to Riku-san!?"
I said nothing. Not yet. This was not the time for words.
On the screen, Riku-kun slammed his palm against the sand, his voice ringing with power:
"No way in hell I'm letting you get away. Fish Sign: Dragonfish Skynet!"
From the sand burst forth hundreds of glowing scarves, whipping out like serpents and coiling around the assassins, binding them tight. Their desperate struggle ceased as the spell tightened, trapping them in a luminous snare.
The lounge erupted into chaos.
"What the—!?" Sayo-chan gasped.
"WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?" Arisa-chan screamed, nearly falling off her seat.
"H-how did Riku-kun do that!?" Aya-chan's eyes were wide as saucers.
Kokoro-chan clapped her hands, practically bouncing. "That was amazing, onii-chan!"
Yukina-chan, however, remained composed. Her icy gaze flicked to me. "Yuyuko-san. What did Riku-san just do?"
The room grew still. Dozens of eyes now pinned me, searching, demanding answers. The moment Riku-kun had spoken of had come.
I exhaled softly, folding my sleeves. "This," I said slowly, "is the very reason I gathered you all here today. To show you what we and Riku-kun truly are."
Misaki-chan's voice trembled as she asked the question everyone was thinking. "...What you truly are?"
I gave her a faint, mysterious smile. "Yes. What we truly are. But words alone will not suffice."
I rose gracefully, the hem of my robes swaying as I stepped forward, letting my presence fill the space. My eyes swept across every girl present.
"It is better," I said gently, "that you see it for yourselves."
3rd POV
The room chilled the instant Yuyuko spoke, as though invisible frost swept over the air. The girls shivered involuntarily, their breaths caught in their throats as they watched her body slowly transform. A soft, eerie radiance wrapped around her frame, her hair glimmering faintly in the dim light. A pale blue mob cap appeared atop her head, marked with a hitaikakushi bearing the crimson insignia of a ghost. Shadows coalesced into several formless, floating phantoms drifting around her. Her skin became deathly pale, her once-lively eyes dimming with a lifeless glow, as though the line between the living and the dead no longer applied to her.
The weight in the room pressed down harder. The very air itself seemed to whisper of death.
Remilia, sitting calmly with Flandre's head resting on her lap, smirked faintly. Her crimson gaze sharpened as she spoke.
"Then perhaps," she said smoothly, her voice slicing through the oppressive stillness, "it's time we reveal what we truly are as well. Flan, wake up. It's time to spread your wings."
Flandre stirred, yawning softly as though this eerie shift were nothing unusual. "Hai... onee-sama," she murmured. Rising from her sister's lap, she stretched and unfurled the crystal wings from her back. Each gem refracted rainbow light across the room in haunting contrast to the ominous air. Remilia followed, stretching open her own wings—great, leathery bat wings that carried with them the unmistakable aura of a predator.
And then, without a word, Sakuya's eyes bled from deep blue into a chilling crimson.
The room was still. Too still.
Shameimaru Aya broke the silence, cracking her knuckles with a wry smile. "I suppose there's no helping it then. Guess we'll have to show them too. Right, Hatate?"
Hatate crossed her arms, expression sharp. "Don't bother reminding me."
As one, they let their glamours fall. From their backs unfurled large, black-feathered wings that stretched into the space, beating softly against the unnatural chill. Their ears elongated into sharp points, and their bodies lifted lightly from the ground, suspended in the air as though gravity had suddenly lost claim over them.
The girls, who had been holding themselves together through sheer will, finally broke. Their breaths came fast, their eyes wide with disbelief. The line between fairy tale and reality had vanished before their eyes.
Sayo, clutching Hina tightly against her chest, trembled but found her voice first. "Y-Yuyuko-san... what... what are you?"
The ghostly woman gave a small, elegant laugh, one hand lifting her ornate fan to partially cover her mouth. Her voice, though musical, carried a weight that chilled them further.
"I suppose a proper re-introduction is in order," Yuyuko said serenely. "I am Saigyouji Yuyuko, Ghost Mistress of Hakugyokurou and the Netherworld. And... one of the Seven Sages."
"G-G-G-Ghost!?" Lisa shrieked, her voice breaking. She scrambled behind Yukina, clutching her sleeve desperately like a terrified child.
Yuyuko tilted her head, amused by the reaction. "Oh my, no need to tremble. I won't haunt you like common ghosts do... ufufufufufu~."
Aya's lips curved into a mischievous grin as she glanced at her fellow tengu. "Well, ayaya... Hatate-chan, I suppose it's time they heard the truth from us too?"
Hatate gave a brisk nod. "We are tengu youkai. That's what Aya and I are."
The girls exchanged shocked glances. Though tengu had long existed in folklore and history, hearing such a confession directly from beings hovering before their eyes shook them to the core.
Rinko's mind raced, her eyes darting to Remilia's wings. She swallowed hard. "...Then... Remilia-san... don't tell me—bat wings, red eyes—"
"You've got good eyes, Shirokane Rinko," Remilia cut in smoothly, her voice velvet and steel. "Yes, I am a true vampire. And so is my sister."
A ripple of fear coursed through the girls. Their minds immediately conjured every old tale they had ever heard—blood drained, eternal servitude, monsters of the night. The crimson gleam in Remilia's eyes did nothing to ease their dread.
Aya, half-grinning to break the tension, tilted her head toward the silver-haired maid. "And what about you, Sakuya-san? You're not... another vampire, are you?"
Sakuya's gaze met theirs, calm and unwavering. "No. But I am bound by contract to oujo-sama. My life is tied to hers by my own choice, and mine alone."
That explanation did little to soothe the nerves of the already trembling group.
Then Rinko asked the question on all of their minds. "...Yuyuko-san, then does that mean... Riku...?"
The ghost mistress's smile softened. "Your guess is correct, Rinko-chan. Riku-kun is half-human... half-youkai."
The silence that followed was deafening. The revelation crashed down on them, shaking their sense of reality even further. Childhood friends who thought they knew Riku best sat slack-jawed, unable to reconcile the person they had known for years with this truth.
Kanon stammered, "T-Then what about Youmu-san?"
Yuyuko fanned herself lightly, answering without hesitation. "Youmu is half-human, half-ghost."
The weight of the truth pressed harder, yet two among the girls—Chiyu and Kokoro—remained strangely calm. Where the others were panicked, they showed no sign of surprise.
Misaki noticed first, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Kokoro... how can you be so calm about this?"
Masuki jabbed a finger toward Chiyu. "Yeah, you too, Chu². Don't tell me you're not even fazed!?"
Chiyu exhaled, folding her arms as though the answer were obvious. "Because I already knew. So does Kokoro."
Everyone: "WHAT!?"
Misaki's jaw dropped. "You knew this whole time, Kokoro!?"
Kokoro nodded firmly, her usual sunny expression unwavering. "Yes. I knew onii-chan was a youkai a long time ago. But I don't mind. For me, onii-chan is still the onii-chan that I love."
Her declaration hung in the air with quiet finality.
Chiyu smiled faintly, backing her up. "I've got to agree with Kokoro here. Iku is still Iku. He taught me everything I know about music. He's the reason I even started this band, and he even helped me find LOCK. Without him, I wouldn't be standing here at all. I owe him everything."
Their voices cut through the unease like a steady flame in the dark.
Arisa, though still rattled, furrowed her brow. "...But why? Why did Tsurumaki-san and Chu² know about Riku-san when the rest of us didn't?"
Remilia, who floated lightly above the ground with her wings spread wide, answered smoothly, her voice calm yet commanding. "Simple. Because they're his cousins. Family. And for a Nagae, family is everything."
Saaya's eyes widened slightly as understanding dawned. "...Then it makes sense. Still... Yuyuko-san, what kind of youkai is Riku-kun?"
Yuyuko snapped her fan shut, her expression thoughtful. "The Nagae are a race of fish youkai. Oarfish youkai, to be precise. Long ago, they were known as 'Messengers from the Dragon's Palace.'"
Rinko's eyes lit with sudden memory. "Wait, Yuyuko-san. If Riku is an oarfish youkai... then what about the sparks I saw from his hands yesterday?"
Everyone turned to her in shock.
Hatate's sharp gaze narrowed. "Wait—you actually saw that?"
Rinko nodded quickly, recalling the moment vividly. "Yes. Right after the first song, when everyone was entranced... Riku clapped, and I swear I saw violet sparks dance from his hands."
Aya gave a low whistle. "Ayaya... so you noticed too, huh? Impressive eye. That's no ordinary trick. The Nagae family can borrow the Dragon God's power."
"Dragon God!?" The word rippled through the group, disbelief and awe clashing in their voices.
Hatate picked up the thread smoothly. "I'll explain. For generations, the Nagae have borrowed the Dragon God's might, granting them power over lightning itself. And—Mitake-chan told you, didn't she? That Riku can 'read the atmosphere'?"
Everyone but Chu² nodded quickly.
"Then let me clarify," Hatate continued. "Riku can literally read the atmosphere. If he wishes, he can predict the weather, bend it to his will, even call storms. And in battle, it becomes far deadlier—by reading the flow of the atmosphere, he can anticipate every move an opponent makes. To an outsider, it would look like he's dodging without effort. In truth, he's already seen the attack before it happens."
Shock rippled through the room once more. The idea of the easygoing boy they knew possessing such terrifying ability was almost too much to believe.
Lisa finally blurted out, "Wait—if all of this is true, then why hasn't he ever done any of that? Why hide it?"
Yuyuko chuckled, hiding her smile behind her fan again. "Ufufufufu~ because he has no interest in using it. Remember what I said earlier? Unless something truly piques his interest, Riku won't exert himself. He only reveals his power when he chooses... and only when it matters."
The words lingered, both reassuring and terrifying in equal measure.
Kasumi's hand shot up before anyone else could react, her eyes sparkling like a child staring at fireworks.
"Yuyuko-san! If Riku-senpai can do all that, then... what about Youmu-senpai? And you too, Yuyuko-san!"
"Oi, Kasumi!" Arisa hissed, tugging at her sleeve in exasperation. "That's way out of line!"
But Yuyuko only chuckled, folding her fan against her chin as though delighted. "It's quite alright, Arisa-chan. Since Ayaya and Hatate have already told you about Riku-kun, it's only fair you're curious about the rest of us."
Tae leaned forward, eyes wide with genuine curiosity. "Then... what can Youmu-senpai do? Can she also use lightning like Riku-senpai?"
Yuyuko shook her head lightly, her expression softening. "No, Youmu doesn't wield lightning. Her gift lies in the way of the sword."
That simple statement left the girls tilting their heads in confusion. Swordsmanship was admirable, but hardly on the level of manipulating fate or commanding storms.
Seeing their doubt, Yuyuko's smile deepened. "What I mean is this: while Youmu's ability might sound like mere sword skill, it represents her potential. Many dismiss her as inexperienced because of her appearance and her youth. But in truth, against an ordinary human, Youmu would be regarded as a master. She trains every day, following the teachings of her instructor and ancestor. Her skill has already reached the level where she can... cut time itself."
The room gasped.
Kasumi practically bounced in place, eyes glittering like a child at a magic show. "Youmu-senpai can cut time!? That's so cool!!"
Maya adjusted her glasses, her analytical mind racing. "So in theory... Youmu-san could master any sword style she encounters, so long as she understands the basics?"
Before Yuyuko could reply, Eve shot upright, her hand over her chest as though declaring a vow. "Yuyuko-san! Is Youmu-san... accepting disciples!?"
"Eve-chan!" Chisato's sharp voice cut across the room as she buried her face in her hand.
But Yuyuko only let out a melodic laugh. "For our standards, Youmu is still considered a novice. But... I'll allow you to speak with her. If she accepts, then so be it."
Eve's eyes sparkled brighter than ever. "Hai! Thank you, Yuyuko-san! This is my chance to take one step closer to the path of true Bushido!"
The rest of Pastel*Palettes broke into laughter, while Chisato looked as though she were regretting every life choice that brought her here.
Tsugumi, steady as always, lifted her hand hesitantly. "...Then, Yuyuko-san, may I ask? What about you? What is your ability?"
The ghost mistress closed her fan with a soft snap, her lips curving into a serene smile. "I... can manipulate death."
The room froze.
The girls' blood ran cold. To them, it was no different from hearing that she could end their lives with a mere thought.
Yuyuko let their silence hang for just a moment longer before continuing, her tone gentle but still carrying an unsettling edge. "Do not misunderstand. I rarely use this power, unless absolutely necessary. And no, I cannot kill someone instantly. What I do is... shape the conditions of death itself. The when, the how, the inevitability of it. With the right circumstances, I can guide one's end. Ufufufufufu~"
Ako swallowed audibly, her face pale. "S-So... it's kinda like the Death Note, then!?"
Yuyuko blinked in surprise, then laughed, the sound echoing like chimes on a cold wind. "That is... one way of putting it, yes."
Breaking the tension, Hina raised her hand timidly. "Then... what about Ayaya-san and Hatate-san? What can you two do?"
Aya puffed her chest proudly. "I control the wind."
Hatate followed with a more matter-of-fact tone. "And I conjure spirit photographs—images that always reflect truth. That's why information gathering is my specialty."
Sayo's eyes widened in realization. "I see... no wonder Himekaidou-san is CiRCLE's informant. With her ability, she can instantly produce accurate information whenever someone asks."
Aya smirked. "Exactly. We don't call ourselves reporters for nothing."
Misaki tapped her chin. "...Then what about Remilia-san? And the others?"
All eyes turned toward the vampire floating regally above them. Her lips curled into a smile sharp enough to cut. "I," she purred, "have the ability to manipulate fate."
"Fate?" Yukina's calm voice broke the silence, though even she could not mask her unease.
Remilia's laugh was low and dangerous. "Yes. For example... if I wished, I could weave Rinko's fate with that of Riku-boy."
Rinko's breath caught in her throat. Her heart thundered so hard she thought everyone could hear it. Remilia descended with slow grace, her wings casting long shadows as she reached out, tilting Rinko's chin upward with gloved fingers.
"Relax," Remilia whispered with a chuckle, her crimson eyes boring into Rinko's. "I won't meddle with such things. I'm far more interested in seeing the ending you'll reach with him on your own."
With that, she released Rinko, who stumbled back, her cheeks flushed crimson. Ako rushed to her side, gripping her shoulders.
"RinRin! Are you okay!?"
Rinko forced herself to breathe steadily. "I... I'm fine, Ako-chan. Thank you for—"
BOOOOOOM!
A deafening explosion rattled the walls. Dust and fragments rained down as every head snapped toward the source.
The culprit stood amidst rubble with a sheepish pout: Flandre. The wall behind her was obliterated, smoking from the sheer force of her attack.
Aya pinched the bridge of her nose. "...Good thing Marina took the day off."
Hatate sighed in agreement. "If she saw this, she'd faint instantly. Not to mention the property damage."
The two tengu exchanged a look and silently thanked their luck.
Flandre, however, only stared at the crumbled remains. "Aw... it's broken."
Sayo's voice trembled as she clutched at her chest. "W-What... what did she just do?"
Remilia's answer was calm, but her tone carried the weight of an unspoken warning. "That is my sister's power. Flandre can destroy... anything."
A stunned hush followed.
Tsugumi's lips parted in awe. "...To think such an innocent-looking child could wield that much power."
Remilia's gaze softened, just slightly. "Yes. Her destructive strength was so great, we had no choice but to isolate her from the world. She grew up without true friends—only me, our father, Sakuya, and the household staff to keep her company. But everything changed the day Riku-boy came to France. He treated her as an equal, as someone worth understanding. From then on, Flan began to open her heart. She came to see him as the brother she never had."
The room warmed at her words. The fear that had hung heavily in the air gave way to something gentler as everyone looked toward Flandre, who was now wrapped tightly in Kokoro's arms.
"Fuwaaa~! Flan-chan is so cute! From now on, I'll be your big sister too!" Kokoro declared, squeezing her like a plush toy.
"E-Eh!? Kokoro-san!" Sakuya hurried forward, trying to pry Kokoro off, but her grip was impossibly firm. Flandre, however, only giggled softly, her eyes shining.
The sight brought a rare smile to Remilia's lips.
Tomoe then turned toward the maid. "Then, Sakuya-san... what about you? What is your ability?"
Sakuya straightened, her crimson gaze steady. "I manipulate time. Freezing it, accelerating it, slowing it—any concept tied to time, I can bend at will."
Ran's jaw dropped. "Isn't that... a little too overpowered?"
Sakuya inclined her head modestly. "Perhaps. But it comes with severe strain on my body. With this pocket watch, however, I can channel the ability without suffering the same toll."
The explanation left the girls murmuring among themselves. It was terrifying, yes, but Sakuya's composed presence made it feel less like a threat and more like... a safeguard.
At last, Yuyuko spread her fan wide, her aura fading back to its serene gentleness. One by one, the others followed suit—phantoms vanished, wings withdrew, eyes returned to their ordinary hues. In moments, the suffocating weight lifted, the room returning to what it had been before... or as close to normal as it could be.
"Now then," Yuyuko said, her tone calm but earnest, "you have seen the other side of us. The truth we rarely reveal to outsiders. What are your thoughts?"
Her gaze swept across each of the girls. "Whatever you say now, we will respect it."
The silence that followed wasn't from fear, but from the enormity of what had just been entrusted to them.
The room fell silent after Yuyuko's group revealed their abilities. The weight of everything that had been shared lingered heavily in the air, a mixture of awe and unease swirling among the girls. Misaki was the first to break the silence, her voice trembling slightly.
"Why? Why tell us all this now? This is... this is too much for us to take in all at once..."
Kaoru, however, simply folded her arms with her usual confident poise, a thoughtful smile tugging at her lips. "I may have an idea why, Misaki."
Chisato turned to her sharply. "You know something, Kaoru?"
Kaoru's smirk softened into something almost serious. "I think the reason they're telling us all this now... is to prepare us. For what's to come."
Remilia's crimson eyes gleamed with amusement at that, her wings twitching faintly as she stepped forward. "Exactly. Like the flamboyant one said, you girls need to be ready. Now that you've involved yourselves with us, expect the unexpected. The world you've known, the common sense you rely on... throw it out the window. You'll need to adapt quickly if you want to keep up." She turned her head slightly. "Sakuya, give 'those' to them."
"Understood, ojou-sama."
Sakuya moved with the grace of a shadow, producing a slim black briefcase. With a quiet click, she opened it and revealed a neat arrangement of thirty scarlet-colored tokens, each glowing faintly under the room's light.
The girls leaned closer, curiosity shining in their eyes. Yukina spoke first, her tone calm but edged with intrigue. "What are these?"
Remilia gestured elegantly toward the tokens. "Since you girls are now connected to Riku-boy, it's only fitting that you receive these as well. They are the Blood Tokens of the Scarlet Family. Present them at any of our properties across the world, and you will be granted special privileges. They also serve as a form of protection."
"Protection?" Himari asked, tilting her head slightly.
Sakuya nodded, her voice as precise as her movements. "As long as you carry that token, you are recognized as being under the direct protection of the Scarlet Family. Few would dare lay a hand on you."
The girls exchanged glances, each one processing the weight of that statement. With quiet hands, they accepted the tokens from Sakuya, one by one, the scarlet gleam reflecting in their eyes like tiny flames.
It was Saaya who finally broke the silence, clutching her token thoughtfully. "Yuyuko-san... aside from you and everyone here, are there... others out there? People like you?"
Yuyuko's smile was calm, almost playful. "Of course. They're scattered all across the world, living quietly among normal folk, just as we do. Long ago, we made a pact—to use our powers only when absolutely necessary. Only if our lives, or the lives of those we care about, are in danger. Most of us remain hidden, but yes, they are out there."
Her tone shifted ever so slightly, drawing their attention closer. "In fact, many of them live here in Japan."
The girls blinked in disbelief. "Eh!?"
Yuyuko tapped her chin as if counting on her fingers. "From espers, to youkai, even gods—"
Everyone: "GODS!?"
Arisa nearly shouted, springing from her chair. "Wait, gods exist!?"
Aya, who had been watching their reactions with mild amusement, gave a cheeky grin. "Why of course they exist. I mean, Riku himself wields the power of the Dragon God. Add the fact that he's half-youkai, and you could even argue he's a half-god already."
The room immediately exploded with chatter. Kasumi was the first to blurt out, "So Riku-senpai is like... a Thunder God!?" Her eyes sparkled as she clasped her cheeks, visibly picturing it in her head.
Himari quickly shook her head, sighing. "Kasumi, this isn't some shounen manga..."
While the girls continued to imagine Riku dramatically summoning thunderbolts, Hatate was absentmindedly scrolling through her phone. A sudden ping caught her attention. She frowned.
"Hm? Marisa?" she muttered. "What did she send me this time?"
Curiosity quickly turned into dread. As Hatate read the message, her face visibly paled. Her grip on the phone tightened, and she bit her lip. Yuyuko, ever observant, noticed immediately and drifted closer, her expression turning serious.
"Hatate-chan. Is something wrong?"
Hatate hesitated before lowering her voice. "...It's from Marisa. Well, actually, you should see it for yourself."
She handed over the phone. Yuyuko's gaze lingered on the glowing screen as she read the message silently.
Be careful of the Black Fang. They ambushed me and Reimu. We managed to drive them back, but they were using danmaku. Warn Riku of this at all costs.
Yuyuko's expression hardened, her cheerful demeanor fading into rare seriousness. Without a word, she turned and moved toward the jagged hole in the wall left behind by Flandre's earlier outburst.
The girls immediately noticed her departure. Ran tilted her head in confusion. "Eh? Hatate, where's Yuyuko-san going?"
Hatate waved her hand dismissively, forcing a casual smile. "Ah, don't mind her. She's just... ordering food supplies."
"Food supplies?" Tomoe echoed skeptically.
Ran crossed her arms. "Yuyuko-san may look elegant, but she's a literal glutton. Even if she ate everything in Yamabuki-san's bakery, she still wouldn't be satisfied."
That immediately caught Moca's attention. She puffed her cheeks with determination, clenching a fist. "To think that a ghost will be my enemy in bread... but Moca-chan won't lose~"
The girls laughed at her exaggerated declaration, the tension from Yuyuko's sudden departure diffusing slightly.
Rinko, however, seemed lost in thought. "Now that you mention it, didn't Riku give Yuyuko-san a cake he baked when he first transferred to school?"
Sayo nodded. "Yes. From what I heard from some students, she finished the entire triple-layered cake in just fifteen minutes."
Kasumi gasped, eyes sparkling once more. "Wait—Riku-senpai can bake too!?"
Rinko flushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Y-Yes... it's one of his hobbies, whenever he has free time away from music. He told me about it when we caught up after class."
The revelation made the girls chatter again, half in awe and half in amusement. Hatate, sensing the conversation drifting too far, quickly clapped her hands. "Alright, that's enough. The second day is already starting!"
With that, she swiftly switched the feed on the television, changing it to the live broadcast of the Future World Fes. One by one, the girls turned their attention toward the glowing screen, their earlier conversations falling quiet.
Some sat casually, simply curious about the performances. But for others—their anticipation was obvious, their eyes locked firmly on the screen. Many of them were waiting for one name, one performance above all others.
Riku.
Meanwhile...
Yuyuko's POV
The quiet halls of the building muffled the faint cheers from the lounge where the girls had gathered. My steps were light, almost soundless, as I made my way toward Riku-kun's office. Flandre-chan's explosion had left part of the wall cracked open, and through the jagged opening, the evening air crept in. I slipped inside the office, the familiar scent of parchment and faint cologne lingering faintly in the room.
I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I knew all too well. It rang only once before the voice on the other side answered, smooth and calm.
"Yuyuko. For you to call me now... you must have read Marisa's message."
"Yukari, it's me," I confirmed quietly, shutting the office door behind me. "Yes. I read it. And to be frank... it makes me hesitate. I'm not sure if I should let the girls go to Stockholm anymore. Their safety weighs heavily on me."
There was a pause, the sound of paper rustling faintly in the background before Yukari's voice returned, firm but not unkind.
"You're worried because of the danmaku, aren't you?"
"...Yes." My gaze drifted to the stack of Riku's neatly organized sheet music on his desk, a faint smile tugging at me despite the heaviness in my chest. "At first, I was only hesitant because of the video. Now, knowing that someone outside our circles can wield danmaku... it changes everything. It means harm could reach them even if they have nothing to do with this world of ours."
"You don't need to worry about that," Yukari said firmly. "Even if the girls attend, the Black Fang won't touch them."
I frowned, gripping the edge of the desk. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because even assassins, no matter how ruthless, have codes they follow. The Black Fang are killers, but they are not without honor. Their creed is simple: never involve civilians, and never stray from the target." Yukari's voice carried the weight of experience. "Their blades only fall where contracts guide them."
"Honor among assassins..." I repeated softly. It was bitterly ironic, but not entirely surprising.
She continued, her tone lowering. "Marisa and Reimu weren't mistaken. They were using danmaku. Who taught them, I don't yet know. But I will find out. For now, I've already sent Ran to Stockholm. She'll aid the boy."
Relief loosened my shoulders. "So you've already sent her sister to help Riku-kun... that will make things easier."
"Precisely. And with you traveling alongside the girls, the Scarlet Family's guard in place, your gardener, and the Komeiji family watching over things, the chance of an incident during the tournament is slim."
"True," I conceded, though my heart still twisted with unease. "But in the end... everything will depend on Riku-kun's choices."
There was another pause, softer this time, almost thoughtful. "You've told the girls everything already, haven't you?" Yukari asked.
"Yes," I admitted. "I didn't sugarcoat it."
Her laugh was quiet, low, carrying its usual cryptic charm. "So he finally decided not to hide it from them anymore. As expected. That boy never was one to shelter others unnecessarily. If anything, he pulls them forward with him, whether they're ready or not."
Her words made me chuckle softly. "Ufufufufufufu~ now now, Yukari. You may let loose a little when you're around them, but not too much. You know how Reimu feels when things... spiral out of hand."
"Don't remind me," Yukari groaned, though amusement colored her tone. "She's already scolding me in my dreams half the time."
"Then keep your recklessness in check," I teased, my smile fading into a sigh. "This isn't a game, Yukari."
"I know." Her voice shifted again, serious, steely. "That's why I'm moving quickly. The Black Fang meddling with danmaku isn't a small matter. I'll get to the bottom of this. Once the truth is uncovered, whoever is responsible will regret overstepping into our domain."
The conviction in her words made even me shiver slightly.
"Good," I said softly. "Then, please... be careful. Don't act recklessly."
"Reckless? Me?" Yukari laughed, a throaty, knowing sound. "Come now, Yuyuko. But very well, I'll promise to keep my head. Once this is over, let's have a drink together. It's been too long."
A faint smile tugged at my lips. "Hm~ I'd love that."
The line clicked off, leaving me with silence.
For a long moment, I stood still, letting the hum of the room surround me. My gaze drifted across the walls until it fell upon a photograph perched carefully on Riku's shelf.
I stepped forward, fingers brushing the frame gently. It was from years ago—the day Riku was declared the youngest "Maestro" in the world at just thirteen. He stood proudly on stage, a medal draped around his neck, his parents on either side of him, beaming. Their smiles were so vivid, so warm, it felt as though they might step out of the photograph at any moment.
But they never would.
My vision blurred as tears slipped unbidden down my cheeks. I held the frame close, whispering into the quiet.
"Miku-chan... Richard-kun... I know you're no longer here, but surely, from above, you're watching. Your son... he's doing his very best. He's carrying not only your legacy, but the hopes of so many others." My voice cracked, but I steadied it, placing my vow into every word. "I promise. I will never let anything happen to him. Even if I must reveal my true self to the world, even if it means drawing every eye upon me—I will protect him. That is my vow to you both."
I wiped my tears carefully, placing the photo back in its rightful place.
As I turned to leave, I cast one final glance at the office—the scattered sheet music, the meticulously kept workspace, the traces of Riku's presence lingering in every corner. My chest tightened. He carried too much, far more than anyone his age should. But he bore it anyway, and with a strength that humbled us all.
Whoever was behind this—whoever dared to arm the Black Fang with danmaku—Yukari would find them. And when she did... not even the gods themselves would shield them from her wrath.
I left the office, the vow burning quietly in my chest, as the sounds of laughter and chatter drifted faintly from the lounge down the hall.
Meanwhile, in an unknown location
Lloyd's POV
The preparations for my departure were almost complete. I had already set my mind to fly to Stockholm, to verify with my own eyes whether Nagae Riku was indeed the target given to us by the contractor. As I adjusted my gloves and checked my weaponry, one of my men entered the room, his expression sharp and disciplined.
"Sir," he reported with a bow, "all preparations for your trip are complete. The transport will be ready at your command."
"Good." I straightened, brushing a hand across the hilt at my side. "Then I will take my lea—"
"Sir!" Another of my men interrupted, his voice carrying an edge of urgency. "An incoming call. It's from the leader."
From Father? That meant the matter was urgent—perhaps dire. I took a deep breath, steadying my composure, and gestured. "Patch it through."
The second soldier bowed, fingers flying across the console, and moments later one of the large monitors lit up. Static cleared, revealing the stern, battle-hardened face of Brendan Reed, founder of the Black Fang—and my father. His hair was a storm of gray, his beard matching it, and the scar across his left eye only made his already steely presence even more imposing.
"Son," he greeted, his voice a gravelly rumble. "I assume you are preparing to go to Stockholm yourself."
I bowed my head respectfully. "Yes, Father. I was about to leave. I intend to confirm with my own eyes the identity of the target assigned to us."
His sharp gray eyes narrowed, almost reading my thoughts before I could utter them. "And who is this target?"
For a moment, I hesitated. Even I found the name difficult to believe, and the weight of what it meant was not lost on me. Finally, I answered, my tone low and deliberate.
"You may not believe it... but it is Nagae Riku."
The room seemed to grow colder as I spoke his name. Father's expression shifted, his jaw tightening, the scar over his eye twitching slightly. Everyone within the Black Fang knew of the bond between Brendan Reed and the Nagae Family head—brothers in all but blood. For me to say that our client demanded the heir's life was like spitting poison into that bond.
"Are you certain of this, Lloyd?" Father's voice, though calm, carried an edge like a drawn blade. "You understand the consequences should anything happen to the Nagae heir. And tell me... who dared give the order to assassinate him?"
I clenched my fist. "The contractor is Shinomiya Oko, Father."
The sound that followed was sharp and harsh. Father's hand gripped the armrest of his chair so tightly that the wood groaned under the pressure, threatening to snap.
"I remember very clearly that I did not authorize this contract."
"It was... Mother," I replied grimly. "She approved it."
At the mention of her, Father's features hardened further, anger flashing through his eyes. "Sonia." He spat the name like venom. "I should have known. That woman—always acting from the shadows, weaving schemes without care for the balance we uphold."
"Father..." I continued cautiously, "there is more. According to a report from one of her vice-commanders, Ursula has been distancing herself from Mother over the past year. She no longer obeys her without question. And... there is an additional matter."
Father raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
"The 'Angel of Death' ambushed Hakurei Reimu and Kirisame Marisa. He was injured in the process. The details are scarce, but he did not come out unscathed."
Silence hung over the call, thick with unspoken weight. Father leaned back in his chair, his scar catching the dim light, and his gaze sharpened with thought.
"...Lloyd." His voice came like the toll of a bell. "Put your travel to Stockholm on hold."
"Father?" I blinked, surprised. "You would have me delay confirming the target?"
He rose from his chair, a figure carved from iron, radiating authority not only as my father but as the leader of the Black Fang.
"Gather the remaining Four Fangs. We will convene at a later date to discuss this matter fully. I will locate Linus myself, and when Jaffar recovers, I will bring him into the fold as well. Your task, Lloyd, is to find Ursula and bring her here. Quietly. Ensure that she is kept away from Sonia's influence—and above all, make certain that Sonia herself learns nothing of this."
I bowed deeply, his command reverberating in my chest. "By your command, Father."
The call ended, the monitor fading into darkness, leaving behind the echo of his authority. The air in the room was heavy, my men standing silently, waiting for my word. I turned toward them, my resolve sharpening.
"Change of plans," I declared firmly. "Set our course for Los Angeles. If my instincts are right, Ursula will be there. We cannot waste time."
Both soldiers saluted sharply. "Yes, sir!"
As they moved swiftly to carry out my orders, I allowed myself a brief moment of reflection. The situation had shifted drastically. If Father's concerns proved true, if Sonia's machinations spiraled further out of control, the Black Fang could find itself in peril unlike any before.
And worse... if we mishandled this, if harm came to Nagae Riku... we would not merely face Gensokyo's wrath. We would face the fury of the Nagae family, the Scarlet household, the Komeiji clan, and perhaps the boy's allies across the globe.
A slow exhale escaped my lips, my hand brushing the scarred edge of my blade's sheath. "If this goes well, perhaps we can still salvage the balance Father worked so hard to preserve. But if it does not..."
My gaze hardened, the thought bitter but undeniable.
"...then the Black Fang is finished."
To be Continued...