Serenia — Nightfall
The scream still echoes in Yua's skull as she bolts down the Ametsuchi hallway, Kyou Ren a step behind her. But before they can reach Chikage—
A figure steps into their path.
Tall. Lean. Drenched in the scent of copper and rusted metal. His kimono is black, but not plain—oh no, it's dripping with embroidered crimson thread, swirling like fresh bloodstains creeping up the fabric. His sleeves are slightly torn at the edges, as if clawed by some beast (or maybe he just enjoys the look). And his hair? Silver-white, streaked deliberately with red near his bangs—like he dipped them in dye… or something less artificial...
But none of that chills Yua as much as his smile. Wide. Unhinged. Like a wolf who just found wounded prey and can't wait to play with it before tearing its throat out (because what's hunger without entertainment?).
"Ahhh~ So YOU'RE little Mizaru's vessel?" His voice lilts mockingly sweet—the kind of tone you'd use talking to a child holding a knife they don't know how to use yet (amused condescension). "How cute~!" He claps hands together once before leaning closer suddenly (Yua recoils on instinct), grin stretching further: "I'm Hakutaku! Third Sword Born Apostle~ Nice to meet ya!"
Mizaru snarls inside her mind instantly (DO NOT TRUST HIM.)—but Hakutaku doesn't even react (can he sense him? Does he just not care?!). Instead, he twirls lazily on heel toward Kyou Ren now with same unsettling cheer: "Ohhhh AND an Ametsuchi too?! Tonight's dinner came WITH dessert!"
Kyou Ren doesn't answer verbally—just shifts stance subtly beside Yua; ready for a fight she knows is coming sooner rather than later… because guys like this? They don't show up for tea parties.
Hakutaku giggles again at their silence (high-pitched; nails-on-chalkboard fake) before pulling something from his obi sash slowly—revealing a glint of steel already wet with something dark.
The Third Apostle tilts his head, fingers drumming playfully against the hilt of his Kizugami blade—already slick with what Yua hopes is just oil. His laugh comes out in a soft, mocking chuckle.
"Ohhh, Yua-chan~ You really don't know?" He clicks his tongue like she's a child who failed a simple test. "You've sparred with me enough times to know I don't ask questions—just follow orders." A pause—then he leans in closer (close enough that she catches the scent of iron on him), whispering: "But since it's you~, I'll give you one hint..."
His grin turns jagged—genuine cruelty seeping through now.
"Six rings."
"One fox."
"...And an oath that was never meant to be broken."
Mizaru snaps into full alertness inside her mind (He knows.)—but before either can react, Hakutaku suddenly spins away with exaggerated flourish!
"WAIT! Before we fight—" He holds up finger like a scolding teacher (absurd given circumstances) while rummaging through sleeve with another hand before pulling out… small wrapped candy?
"Here!" Tosses it toward her.
(It lands at feet; wrapper stained red.)
Yua stares at it blankly then backs up at him: "...Are you serious?"
Hakutaku clutches chest dramatically as if wounded by her skepticism:
"Of COURSE I am!"
Then smiles again—all teeth and no warmth:
"Consider it your last meal."
Hakutaku leaps at the two of them, and attempts to strike them down in one hit.
(Sojiro appears from the side hall like a gust of wind—intervening before Hakutaku can even blink. He blocks the attack effortlessly with his own blade, steel ringing out in the tense quiet.)
"GO!" Sojiro orders curtly. It's not a question—and from the edge in his voice, he means it as an order.
Kyou Ren doesn't argue (he's too focused tracking father's moves already), grabbing Yua's arm and dragging her down the hallway toward the front door.
Hakutaku's grin stretches wider, his head tilting at an unnatural angle—like a puppet whose strings have been yanked too hard.
"Terrible mistake~!" he sings, voice dripping with mock pity. "Now I get to play with TWO Ametsuchi instead of one! Ahhh, the Banshō-ō will be so pleased~!"
His blade hums in anticipation (thirsty), crimson threads on his kimono seeming to pulse under moonlight as he takes a slow step forward—
But Sojiro doesn't budge. His stance is lethal stillness itself (no wasted movement; no hesitation). "Try it," he dares coldly. "See how long you last."
Hakutaku's laughter echoes through the hallways like shattering glass—but before either can make another move…
Yua's breath hitches as Kyou Ren pulls her through the halls, the weight of what just happened crashing down on her. "This is my fault," she mutters, voice tight. "I led them here. I—"
Kyou Ren cuts her off with a sharp glare over his shoulder—no pity, just raw irritation. "Save the self-pity for someone who cares." His grip on her wrist tightens almost painfully as they round a corner (not slowing down). "Right now? You run."
But Yua digs her heels in suddenly (stupid stubbornness), yanking back hard enough to make him stop. "Your parents are back there because of ME!" Her voice cracks under the strain of guilt (and something deeper—fear?).
For a split second, Kyou Ren looks like he wants to strangle her (or shake sense into her). Instead, he leans in close—close enough that she can see the flecks of silver in his eyes even in this dim light.
"You wanna help?" His voice is low. Dangerous. Then stop wasting time and MOVE.
A thunderous blast rips through the estate—sending debris flying, wood splintering like bone. The force knocks Yua and Kyou Ren off their feet, tumbling them onto the grass just as Chikage's body crashes beside them, skidding to a stop in the dirt.
She's alive—but barely. Blood trickles from her temple, her usually pristine robes torn and scorched. Her breathing is ragged, but when she lifts her head to look at them… there's no fear in her eyes. Just rage.
"Go… NOW!" she rasps through clenched teeth before coughing up blood (too much blood). "That monster isn't here just for you anymore!"
Hakutaku's laughter rings out from behind the smoke—closer than any of them would like (far too close). "Aw~ Running already?! But we were JUST getting started!" His voice sings through the wreckage like a siren's call laced with poison (or maybe he IS poison personified).
Kyou Ren doesn't hesitate this time—he yanks Yua up with one hand while helping his mother stand with another (family loyalty wins over pride for once) before barking:
- "We split up." (Eyes locked onto hers now; dead serious.)
- If you see an opening? RUN.
- (And don't look back.)
(But of course… looking back is EXACTLY what Yua does next.)
Sojiro's wounds are deep, his movements heavy. But even half-dead, he still fights. With ruthless precision, he blocks Hakutaku's attacks, parrying his blade back with each strike. But the Third enjoys the fight—his smile manic, eyes wild. In fact, the more blood drawn, the more it seems to pleasure him (masochistic).
Shock
Kyou Ren's expression goes taut, the sight of his father so wounded sending a rare wave of emotion across his face—alarm; then, for a split moment, panic.
But it's gone just as quickly as it came; his features schooled back into that familiar coolness again. Yet his grip on his blade tightens (something he only does when he's genuinely anxious).
Yua starts running quickly away from everyone she knew she had to call one person right now.
Meanwhile in a mountainous area Tenjo's cell rings as in the distance Ryo continues his training.
A Ringtone
Tenjo's head snaps up from his training, sweat slick across his brow. The ringtone is jarring against the backdrop of his isolated mountain training space—a sound that shouldn't fit here, but does.
Tenjo wipes sweat from his forehead with the back of his wrist, a smirk already forming as he answers—voice dripping with lazy amusement. "Yuaaa~ Miss me that much? Or did you finally realize how boring Kyou Ren is compared to—"
"Shut up and listen." Her voice is razor-sharp, cutting through his teasing like a blade through paper. No humor. No patience. Just urgency laced with something he's never heard from her before—fear.
The grin drops off Tenjo's face instantly (like a puppet whose strings were just cut). His posture straightens without him even realizing it, muscles tensing as if preparing for battle already (instinct). "...What happened?"
Yua's next words are rushed but clear: "Don't tell Ryo. Don't involve him." A pause—he can hear the distant clash of steel in the background over her heavy breathing (a fight she can't win alone?) before she finishes: "I need you. Now. Meet me at the old shrine ruins at five." Then—click. The call ends before he can even reply (no room for argument).
Tenjo stares at his phone screen for half a second longer than necessary (processing what just happened)… then suddenly hurls it onto a nearby rock (smashing it beyond repair) because if this is serious enough that Yua won't even risk dragging Ryo into it? Then whatever's coming is worse than any training session could prepare them for...
Sora appears out of the shadows like a ninja, tackling Ryo square in the shoulders. Caught off guard, he stumbles but manages to stay on his feet.
"Hey!" he snaps, glaring at the younger boy. "What the hell was that for?!"
Sora grins innocently, his hands raised in surrender. "Oh, nothing~ Just wanted to see how quickly I could take you down, old man."
Ryo's scowl deepens even further. "I am not old!" He protests, jabbing a finger at Sora. "I'm in my junior year of high school! That's practically still a teenager, you know!"
Haru laughs in the background at their banter, and then gets back her device.
Sora rolls his eyes, stretching his arms behind his head with exaggerated nonchalance. "Suuuure, grandpa~ Whatever helps you sleep at night." He dodges just before Ryo can swat him, laughter light but sharp—like he lives for this reaction.
Ryo grits his teeth (this kid is going to be the death of him) as Tenjo walks past them briskly—already packing up gear without a word (unusual focus for someone who usually thrives on chaos).
Something's off.
And yet—even with bloodlust thick in the air and Yua's call still ringing in Tenjo's skull… life goes on. For now.
Before Ryo can open his mouth, Kurobe steps between them—arms crossed, expression unreadable behind those ever-present sunglasses. The Old man's voice is flat, leaving no room for argument:
"Enough distractions." A glance at Sora (silent warning) before locking back onto Ryo. "Your footwork's still sloppy from yesterday. We will fix that now."
Ryo opens his mouth to protest—something's clearly up with Tenjo!—but Kurobe doesn't budge. If anything, he looks more immovable than usual (like a mountain refusing to acknowledge the earthquake beneath it).
Sora wisely backs off with a mock salute (smart kid) as Ryo grumbles under breath but falls into stance anyway… because when Kurobe says train? You train. No exceptions.
But even as drills begin again—even as Tenjo disappears into treeline without explanation—one thing lingers in air thicker than sweat or exhaustion:
Whatever just happened?
It's worse than any of them realize yet.
As Tenjo speeds through the forest, branches whipping past him like shattered illusions, his mind churns with cold calculation.
"So that bastard's finally making their move..." His jaw clenches—not in anger, but anticipation. Because this? This was always coming. He just hoped it wouldn't drag Yua into the crossfire (wishful thinking).
The pieces click together too easily (because of course they do):
The sudden appearance of a Sword Born Apostle (targeting Yua specifically)
The attack on the Ametsuchi estate (too coordinated to be random)
And now… a puppeteer pulling strings from shadows, manipulating events exactly as they did during "THE STAR THAT PIERCED FATE."
A humorless smirk twists his lips as he leaps over a fallen log. "Idiots." If they thought sending Hakutaku would scare him off, they severely underestimated how much he hates losing. Especially to some faceless schemer who thinks they can outplay him.
But more than anything? There's one truth burning in his chest sharper than pride:
They made this personal the second Yua called for help.
And that? That means "it was now time for Tenjo to begin his moves."
Meanwhile…
Ryo continues to train, moving through drills as if on autopilot (thoughts clearly far away) while Sora cheers him on from the sidelines.
Kurobe observes silently, expression unreadable as always—not missing the distraction in Ryo's focus. He waits until there's a brief pause in training before breaking through the silence like a spear through paper:
"Something on your mind?" His words are coolly detached as ever, but something in his tone dares Ryo to lie.
As Ryo hears Kurobe's words, a chill runs down his spine that has nothing to do with training drills. "It's just…" he begins, trying to brush off that uneasy feeling, but the words stick in his throat.
Kurobe doesn't miss the hesitation—or the shadow that passes over Ryo's face. "You have something to say?" His voice has a slight edge now, sharper than his usual even tone.
Ryo shakes his head (too quickly) trying to shake off the feeling. "It's nothing."
The shrine he arrives at is dilapidated, broken down and crumbling in areas—as if it hadn't been tended to in years. Yet it still stands, a quiet resilience in the face of time's relentless march.
And amidst the ruins, a broken piece of wood catches Tenjo's eye. It's old, weathered like the rest of the shrine, but on it—amid the dust and decay—carved in ancient kanji he barely makes out a word: Yamamatsu.
As he waits, the silence of the old shrine feels heavier than it should, like the weight of history pressing down. Tenjo can't help but feel like this shrine was an omen—a glimpse into the past.
Finally, footsteps crunch in the distance. He turns to find Yua standing at the edge of the shrine's clearing, cheeks flushed from running, her usual composure slightly ruffled. She looks as if she's just sprinted all the way here without stopping.
Yua takes a moment to catch her breath before beginning to recount the recent events.
"It was a disaster, Tenjo. I went back to the compound after speaking to you on the phone, and everything that could go wrong did. We were attacked by the Third Sword Born Apostle—Hakutaku."
At that, Tenjo goes still, eyes narrowing in recognition of the name. Of course it would be him.
Tenjo exhales sharply through his nose, fingers flexing at his sides like he's resisting the urge to strangle something—or someone. His voice drops low, eerily calm.
"You've been talking to her, haven't you?"
Yua blinks. "Her? Who are you—?"
He cuts her off with a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair in frustration (rare for him to lose composure like this). "Don't play dumb. That kitsune. The one who 'one Engetsuju that doesn't condone violence.'" His gaze bores into hers now, sharp as steel. "The realm didn't just send Hakutaku after you for fun."
Yua's eyes widened in surprise at Tenjo's accusation. "How did you—"
He scoffs, cutting her off again. "I recognize patterns, even when they're woven in fake smiles and pretty lies."
She falls silent, unable to deny the truth. They both know Tenjo is right.
For a moment, the silence stretches between them like a taut wire. Then he speaks again, voice even quieter: "What has she been telling you?"
Yua speaks up, defending herself and the kitsune. "She's only trying to help—"
Tenjo scoffs again, his expression one of pure disdain. "Yeah, sure. A fox, acting out of the goodness of its heart. You really believe that?"
She bristles at the skepticism in his voice, but before she can argue, he's not done yet. "Kitsune are tricksters by nature. You think you can trust something that's designed to lie?"
Yua can't help but defend her "She's trying to help prevent me from getting captured as well as herself."
Tenjo raises an eyebrow at her words, his skepticism clear.
"Or maybe it's just self-preservation," he counters, crossing his arms. "Kitsune might not have a morality like humans, but that doesn't mean they're incapable of understanding a threat to their own existence."
Yua hesitates, knowing that's a possibility but still clinging to her belief that Mizaru cares about her. She argues back: "But she's been guiding me—helping me understand things no one else does—"
"Exactly." Tenjo's voice is flat, final. "No one else does. Because no one else should." His eyes narrow—not angry, just deadly serious. "Kitsune don't 'guide' without a price. She's using you to survive, same as the realm is using Hakutaku to kill you."
A pause—then quieter, almost regretful:
"The only difference?"
"She makes you want to trust her."
Yua suddenly notices something off—Mizaru is unnervingly quiet. The playful kitsune is usually full of snide commentary, yet not a word has left them since she started running.
"Mizaru?" She prompts, her voice tinged with concern. "Everything alright? You've been quiet."
"Fine."
The kitsune sounds uncharacteristically tense, their usually chirpy voice tight.
Yua frowns, sensing something's wrong. "You sure? You sound off..."
Another brief pause, then Mizaru huffs, clearly annoyed to even be having this conversation. "I'm fine."
Tenjo's expression darkens even more at Yua's words. "The realm is attacking the human realm?" He lets out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his tousled hair again. "Of course they are."
He looks back at her, eyes sharp. "You're a threat to them, Yua. They'll do whatever it takes to eliminate that threat."
Tenjo opens his mouth to say something else, but just as he does...
A piercing scream cuts through the stillness of the shrine, making both Tenjo and Yua jump.
Tenjo's eyes narrow instantly, his hand instinctively going to his sword.
"My my, what was that?!" he snaps, already scanning their surroundings, senses alert.
Yua's entire body locks up at the sound—she knows that voice.
"That was Kyou!" Her breath hitches, panic threading through her words. "They found him. They're—"
Tenjo doesn't wait for her to finish. He's already moving, grip tightening on his sword as he sprints toward the direction of the scream (no hesitation, no second thoughts). Yua follows without question—because if Kyou Ren is screaming? Something has gone horribly wrong.
And worse yet…
Where is Chikage?
Where is Sojiro?
And what made a hunter like Kyou Ren scream like that in the first place?!
Tenjo and Yua arrive just in time to see the horrific sight—Kyou Ren motionless, frozen in place in front of the bodies of Chikage and Sojiro Ametsuchi, their corpses lying in pools of blood in the ruined wreckage of their home. Tenjo's eyes harden, but even he can't hide a flicker of shock at the brutality of the scene before him.
Yua gasps, a trembling hand pressed to her mouth. "Oh god..."
Hakutaku's voice cuts through the silence like a razor, dripping with mock sympathy:
"Aww~ Don't look so devastated. They died exactly as they lived— useless."
🌀End Of Chapter Thirty