「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

00 • a new start

It's not everyday that I find a mysterious mask paired with a thick black book laying on top of my desk out of the blue. The mask appears to have one of those old japanese fox spirit like design, a white base with blue markings, the book has a strange blue fox emblem on it's cover, it's almost glowing.

"First day of moving into a new city and some weird items appear on my desk as a welcome gift." A note that I somehow didn't notice before sat next to the items,

'You are the Yokai, you cannot tell anyone.'

Heh?

"The Yokai? Is this some sort of prank?" Reminder to keep my windows locked. Staring at the note confused, I crumpled it and throw it in the trash. "Well whatever." I picked up the mask from my desk and trace my fingers over the markings, feeling the material. The next second, I placed the mask on my face and suddenly blue flames engulfed my entire body, almost blinding. I feel something wrapping around my arms, legs, torso. Once it was over, I looked down at myself, I turn to a mirror in my room to see that I now wore a black and white hakama kimono with a few blue patterns, I have a black scarf on my shoulders, my hair is a white shade of colour with blue highlights, the white mask only covers the top half of my face, leaving my mouth bare. I also have a wagasa umbrella equipped on my back.

Looks like the note wasn't a prank.

I'm not sure how to react, should I jump for joy because I'm literally living out a shounen dream, call my dad, scream and question everything??

The first option is probably better.

"Holy shit."

Suddenly feeling the urge, I decided to test out something. After that thought, I run around my room, doing parkour, running on walls, doing a few flips as I laugh excitedly. Once I reach the ground I heard a knock on my door. "Ash? You okay in there? I heard some thuds and sounds and got worried."

Shoot! It's dad. I panic and hurry to think of an excuse. "Yeah dad, I'm alright. I-I just saw a spoiler from an anime show! That's all." After that I heard a sigh from the other side of the door. "Alright then. Anyway, you better get ready soon, do you need me to drive you to school."

"No no, that's okay. I'm fine with walking there."

"Okay, if you say so."

I sighed in relief after he believed my lie, taking off the mask, I revert back to my original clothes and pick up the book from earlier, "the Yokai Nomicon?" I muttered under my breath as I scanned the hard back cover of the book and opened a page, and suddenly I feel my conscious leaving my body, my vision goes dark. The next thing I knew, I feel wind hitting my face, when I open my eyes I realized I was falling. I scream then groan in pain as I took the brunt of the impact and look at my surroundings. The environment around filled me with a sense of nostalgia, I recognise old japanese art and architecture, as I admire and marvel at every detail, from the brush painted sky to the buildings around me, I can't help but be amazed by it all. Finally, my gaze landed on a figure in front of me.

A large white nine-tailed fox spirit stayed sat, but then started to get up on all four legs as it stalks towards me. Feeling intimidated but I dare not to move, once a few feet in front of me, it spoke.

"Greetings." A deep rich soothing voice that hold authority yet graceful.

"Um... Hi." I smiled nervously at the ethereal being. It's white fur looking like freshly fallen snow, blue markings on its face, blue and white like rope surrounds it's neck with bells attached, each step ringing.

"I do apologise for your rough entry, but it is how you'll always enter when you receive your lessons, but worry not, you won't bear permenant damage from it."

"Okayy...uhh, so.. is this the part where you explain what the whole yokai thing is?" I ask shyly.

"Ah, indeed. Dear child, you have been chosen as the next holder of the Yokai. A Yokai's responsibility is to protect the city and its citizens from any lethal threat or danger." They spoke as they walk around me. All nine of their tails swaying with each step. I can't help but stare at it, it's so fluffy! Stars in my eyes, I look at them in awe.

Breaking out of my distraction, I ask another question. "Wait, wait, wait! I-I don't understand.... why me? A-and what kind of danger is there, that it needs a magical hero to beat it??"

Their head lowers down, "I see potential in you, young one. Enough to prove you are worthy in bearing this responsibility, and with the knowledge that is sacred for centuries. As for the danger you'll face, we'll speak about it another time, it is your first day after all."

I remain quiet, still feeling unsure about this.

"I understand that the burden to carry is heavy, but the city needs someone that can help, someone that can fight." I look down, not sure if I'm even capable of handling a task like that. But I look back up at them, my face showing determination, "Alright, I'll give it a try, but don't get too mad when I mess up or anything, I'm only human after all."

They form a slight smile beneath their nose, "Worry not my child, I'll teach you everthing you need to know." I smile back at them.

"Oh, and one more thing, you won't be working alone."

"Huh? What do you mean?" I looked at them questioningly.

"Norisville has another protector, one that has protected the city far longer than the Yokai has."

"If Norisville already has a protector, why do they need another one?"

"I figured they could use the assistance, just a hunch of mine. Besides, one shouldn't face danger alone. Look after them for me will you? And make sure they don't do anything idiotic. I remember one of his past holders was quite... problematic. Unlike me, I do tend to be more selective on choosing my holders, so there are certain periods where my partner has been on their own. I do wonder how my old friend is doing. Anyways, we've chatted enough, I suppose I'll see you soon."

Next thing I know, the ground beneath me open up and I feel myself falling again. I woke up back in my room. I look back down the book in my hands. "Well, that was an experience. A hero huh?"

I look at the time and realise I should be at school by now, "Shoot! I'm gonna be late on my first day!" I panic as I quickly put on casual clothes, nearly tripping over once again as I put on a sock, hopping on one leg. I shoved the mask and Nomicon in my book bag and rush out the front door, not before saying bye to my dad.