Yuki rested her head on Sayuri's lap, staring up at her. A laugh nearly slipped out as she thought about how she never guessed there'd be a day she'd feel this comfortable around a demon. Let alone one who once triggered her paranoia trait.
Sayuri looked down at her, narrowing her one eye as she began writing in her notebook.
"Why are you making that face? Is it because you're sleepy, Yuki?"
Yuki, with a baffled look on her face, blinked a few times in shock. It was the first time Sayuri had ever addressed her by name. It never crossed her mind that, despite being a demon, she could grow feelings towards someone just like a human would. But perhaps she was reading too much into it.
"Yeah, I think it's either that… or the fact that I hit myself on purpose. But forget about that, we now need Riko to bring the item so we can start to initiate the plan. Remember, without you this plan does not work. "
Sayuri nodded, adjusting her glasses, but then a knock hit the door. Yuki smiled and pushed herself up from Sayuri's lap, sitting on the floor.
"Finally, she's back. Go get the door."
Sayuri got up and opened the door, but as soon as she did, Yuki's face went pale.
"Miss Yuki, my apologies for the delay. Here, I have brought you the first aid kit."
Yuki's mind went into overdrive as her thoughts spun out of control. It didn't make sense that Nicholas was the one bringing the first aid kit. Riko wouldn't allow it since it went against her plans in the first place. Her eyes turned hollow as her paranoia trait triggered, and a suffocating feeling pressed inside her chest.
"H-hey, where's Riko?"
Sayuri reached for his throat before Yuki raised her hand, signaling her to stop. Nicholas adjusted his black gloves and monocle.
"My apologies, I should have begun with the fact that your friend Riko had an urgent call and had to go to the city."
At that moment, Koji Hoshigiri stepped into the doorway after hearing those words and said:
"My niece left without saying goodbye? That's bull crap."
Nicholas adjusted his gloves as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Both Yuki and Koji fixed their eyes on him, as if they could smell the lie on him like bad perfume.
"Ah, forgive me. I-I may have… overheard the call, actually. Yes, yes… that was it. I recall Miss Riko mentioning her brother, Kamui Hoshigiri. I believe I heard her say he was in city, if I'm not mistaken."
Both Yuki and Koji's eyes widened as they both exclaimed:
"What!!"
Koji grabbed his shoulder looking at him straight in the eyes, his expression stone cold.
"I'm sorry to say this pal, but it's hard for me to believe you right now. My niece may have not seen her brother for god-knows-how long but she wouldn't just up and leave without saying a word to me."
Yuki watched in awe at the way Koji spoke to Nicholas. To her, he appeared to initially come across as a drunk fool, but when it mattered, he acted with more focus and maturity than anyone she ever knew. It made her question whether her plans would even work with him around.
Nicholas rubbed his throat while fixing his monocle.
"I… I may have failed to mention that she hasn't left completely yet, since she wanted to… to…to…"
His eyes darted around before he lifted a finger in excitement.
"Yes… yes, pardon me I may have a headache, excuse me. As I was saying, she was going to get something from the lady's farm for her brother, I believe. If I had to guess, we both know Master Kamui was saddened by his mother's passing, right? I assume she wanted to get him something to remember her. In my opinion, I would check the farm right away before she leaves!"
Yuki shook her head.
He was lying… but did he figure out what we were up to and silenced Riko? No,no,no I don't want to even think about that. It's wrong…she has to be alive.
During her rounds with Nicholas, the basement was the only place she hadn't seen yet. The thought stayed with her, especially after Riko mentioned it held the very thing she needed to make her plan work. If Nicholas had kept her from going there, it could mean he was hiding the magic tool or something far worse. Either way, they had to see for themselves what was waiting below.
The front door of the mansion slammed open with a crack, shocking everyone. The sound reached all the way to the second floor. Everyone's eyes widened with confusion. Then, a second later, a strained voice called out from the entryway downstairs.
"Master Koji, it's me, General Abuto, one of the main guards of the black gate. There's been a situation you must see for yourself."
Koji let out a sigh letting go of his shoulder.
"Alright, I'm on my way."
However, before leaving he patted Nicholas on the arm.
"What is it now? It's like 1:30 am or something, go to sleep. Let me figure The-Riko-Situation okay?
Then, he glanced at Yuki and Sayuri.
"As for you two once you got your bandages done. Both of you should go to sleep alright?"
Yuki nodded as a bead of sweat came from her forehead, followed by a nervous smile.
Yea, right like I'm going to fall asleep after all the planning I've done.
Koji and Nicholas left her room. Leaving Sayuri to start applying the bandages on Yuki's forehead and hands as she winced in pain.
"Go easy, that hurts."
Sayuri continued wrapping her bandages. Once she was done, Yuki got up and sat down on the bed as Sayuri stood in front of her.
"Alright, take my stuff from the closet, we're on a timer. I'm not sure what the hell is going on outside but will use this chance that we were given to implement my plan."
She puts a hand on her chin considering everything she heard from the butler. Then points her finger at Sayuri.
"Okay, I have a strong feeling Riko is in the basement, probably trapped but still alive. I'm not sure why, but if I had to guess, she must have found his hiding spot where he kept the magic tool. And to shut her up, he must have trapped her there. That's all I've got for now. At least, I hope that's what happened…"
Yuki shook her head in frustration, pressing a hand to her forehead.
"Just go to the basement now. We can't waste any more time. For all we know, Riko could be actively in danger. Run, and don't take this lightly, you hear me? We're talking about my friend here!"
Sayuri bowed her head and took the stuff from the closet. Then, immediately left her room. The mattress dipped as Yuki fell back on it, a harsh sigh leaving her lips. While her eyes were locked on the ceiling, only one thought spun in her mind.
I hope you're okay, Riko… I mean it. I won't be able to handle it if I lose you too.
Then, in that moment, her eyes started to close, however with every fiber of her being she fought back the pull of exhaustion. She even used her fingers to keep them open, forcing herself to stay awake, but her efforts failed. She soon drifted into a deep sleep.