Yattsu - Echoing Words

Yuna continued to run up towards Kurashiki Dam, passing by it and the museum. She ran past the torn house standing in front of the forest. Yusuke and Hiroko were around 10 meters behind her. Yuna ran into the forest, and to the entrance of the Utaki. She stopped, and took a deep breath, before walking into the Utaki. She bowed, clapped her hands thrice, and bowed one last time. Jiichi, I’m sorry. I was busy. Well I was in the hospital. I had a difficult week. But I still devote my prayers to you.” Yuna said. Yusuke and Hiroko made it to the entrance, hesitant to come it. Yuna looked at them. “You can enter. Please, just join me.” Yuna said. Yusuke walked in first, and Hiroko hesitantly followed. They stood on either side of Yuna. “Bow. Clap three times, and bow again.” Yuna whispered to them. Yusuke did as instructed, and Hiroko after watching did it as well. Ramon manages to catch up with them, walking into the Utaki, and next to Yusuke. “You going to pray as well?” Yuna asked. “I guess.” Ramon said. Ramon didn’t bow, or clap, just standing there with his eyes closed. The other three looked at him.

At the Mardom Rooh base. Riku sat on a table, waiting for a meeting to start. In walked a man, wearing a suit. “Masato. I didn’t know you would be here.” Riku said. “I was asked here by Ms Sato.” Masato said. “Really? When did you two get closer?” Riku asked. “When I reached Rank 8. I’m now behind you. But don’t worry, I’ll surpass you easily.” Masato said with a joking attitude. “Neat.” Riku said. Two more people walked into the room. A man and woman both wearing suits. The girl, Sato Sayuri, mid twenties, around the same age as Riku. Division 3, Rank 6. Black hair, cut short, not going past her neck. Light blue eyes. She wielded a Katana, sheathed on her belt. The man, Director Noboru. White hair, and hazel eyes, an older guy. “Why are we here?” Riku asked. “Patience Riku. I wont say you three are the strongest soldiers I have, but you are the only ones I trust with this mission. A large number of Yokai are planning on attacking Mardom Rooh. This attack will take place in 4 days, and will contain thousands of Yokai. I am creating an army, and I want all three of you as my General’s. You three have a special task, find and kill the Queen.” Noboru said, laying down papers on the table. “The Yokai aren’t going to let us walk and kill the Queen. We should get them drunk first.” Sato joked, pressing her elbow into Riku’s shoulder. “Why do you always go to that?” Masato asked. Riku grabbed a picture, and looked at their target. A woman, a beautiful woman. Flowing black hair, and amber eyes, wearing a royal dress. “What reason would a group of Yokai have to wage war on us? And what does this have to do with RTK?” Riku asked. “RTK, why are you bringing that up?” Masato asked. “I heard rumors about this assault. I’ve been hearing about it for days. A reason floating around hinges on RTK. And I’d like to know, what is it, and where does it come from?” Riku asked. “I’m afraid that is classified information.” Director Noboru said. “Declassify it.” Riku said. “I don’t take orders from you.” Director Noboru said. “Riku, stop, please. There is no reason to press so hard about this. You never questioned before.” Sato said. “I’m just curious.” Riku said, before smiling.

Yuna, Hiroko, Yusuke, and Ramon spent the day, and the next training. Hiroko managed to get fast enough to block several attacks from both Yuna and Yusuke. Meanwhile Ramon has gotten better at sensing attacks. Yuna herself hasn’t changed that much, but she is getting the hang of Majutsu. The group walked through the city. Yusuke got a text from Riku, he stopped, and checked his phone. The group continued walking on. “Guy’s. I need to ask a favor.” Yusuke said. “What?” Hiroko asked. The group stopped, and stared at him. Hiroko took a step closer to him. “I ask that you three accompany me to an island south of here.” Yusuke said. “When?” Ramon asked. “Tonight.” Yusuke responded. “Tonight, my mom isn’t going to let me.” Hiroko said. “What is this about?” Yuna asked. “I know none of you want this, but it pertains to Mardom Rooh. Riku is asking me to check on it. His gut is telling him something is wrong.” Yusuke said. “Then he should use the bathroom.” Ramon said. “If you need help, then I’ll be there to help.” Yuna said. “Same.” Ramon said. “Fine, I’ll go ask my mother.” Hiroko said. “If you do, meet us at the docks. We need to leave before midnight.” Yusuke said. “Alright.” Hiroko said, walking past Yusuke. Patting his back, and walking home. “Let’s go rent a boat.” Yusuke said, leading the way to the docks.

Yusuke reached the dock, where he got another text from Riku, leading him down the beach. The other two followed. Upon reaching the beach, they find Riku with a boat. “Brother, what are you doing? I could have rented a boat.” Yusuke asked. “No, this is an off the records operation. Yuna, Ramon, I’m sorry for dragging you in this, but I fear something bad is about to happen.” Riku said, handing Yuna a picture of his target. “She’s pretty, that dress. I’d love a dress like that.” Yuna said, smitten. “She is the woman, me and two others are sent to kill.” Riku said. “Who are the others?” Yusuke asked. “Sato Sayori, and Tsubaki Masato.” Riku said. “Sato? The Blood Spider Lily. Her?” Yusuke asked. “The very same.” Riku said. “Who?” Yuna asked. “Riku, if your gut is right then she will be our enemy. You will be condemning us to death.” Yusuke said, alarmed. “Yusuke, calm yourself. She is strong, I know. She may have fought me, but she never has fought you, and you are stronger than you were. Stronger than me at your age. But you are still no match. That’s why if you see her, and you know you are on the opposite side, run and hide. Wait until I get there.” Riku said, grabbing Yusuke, and hugging him. Yusuke took a deep breath, and sighed. “I’ll do my best.” Yusuke said. “Good, now hurry, please. Oh, and here.” Riku said, walking to the door, and tossing a Jian at Yusuke. “Good luck, I love you,” Riku said. “Love you too.” Yusuke said as well. Riku left them.