*clak clak clak*
The sound of the two figure's footsteps resounded in the pavement like the clapping of a enthusiastic child. The route back to the Tsuchimikado Clan's temple isn't frequented by civilians nowadays except for the occasional tourists or residents living near the temple. On this particular occasion, the sleepy road had no signs of life except for two individuals. At the surface, they look like any other person and the average human would believe them to be nothing more than one of their kind. However, there is more than meets the eye with these two with the petite, silver-haired female being a shikigami and her companion, a guy clad in black from head to toe, surpassing the limits that define a human being. It would bee blasphemous for an Onmyouji to be compared to a demon but even among the esteemed Tsuchimikado Clan, his strength was formidable. Well, that is to be expected from the Second-in-Command of all Onmyouji, Yomikawa Asa.
"
Geez, Master... We could have at least taken the bus or a cab. Why'd we need to walk all the way to the temple?" Remina complained as she forced one leg in front of the other. "
Why, if I hadn't persuaded you to take the bullet train, we would have walked to and from the mountains at Yamanasahi Prefecture!"
"
Hmm... what's wrong Remina? 8 years of training with me in solitude at Yamanashi and your endurance hasn't improved an inch? No no no. That's no good. Alright then. We're going back to do some more training!" Asa declared with much conviction while upon hearing that announcement, Remina quivered on the spot.
"
No! No more! My legs are killing me. If you're going to walk such distances then you could at least dismiss me first, you idiot! Why do I need to walk around with you?! You know I'm not built for that kind of thing!" Remina wailed. Her legs have already gone numb by now.
"
And you know just how I hate public transportation. Seriously. If I could help it, I'd get Yata to give us rides all the time but you know how much that annoys him. Why that one time, he almost dropped us into Mt. Fuji. Ah. Good times. Anyways, I'd like to avoid making use of public transportation as much as possible. Makes me feel like I'm trapped in a sardine can sometimes and some huge penguin demon would eat up the can and... well you get what I'm saying. It would be to our disadvantage to get trapped in those contraptions when a demon attacks. "
"
Then at least get yourself a scooter! "
"
Hmm... now that you mention it... with my savings I could already get one. Plus I already have a license. Okay. It's settled then. I'm getting a scooter first thing tomorrow!" He pumps his fist in the air in excitement.
"
Yay~ Glubuu" Remina tried to show the same enthusiasm as her master but her legs have practically given up on her and she unceremoniously flopped face first on the pavement.
"
Owie."
"
Hmm... You're not kidding. You're really tired, aren't you?" Asa says as he bends down and beckons Remina to climb on his back. "C'mon. I'll carry you the rest of the way. Just like old times. Or perhaps you'd like a princess-carry?"
Remina tried to voice out her protest but seeing as this is the only efficient method left, she merely nods and gets on Asa's back.
"
I'll kill you if you give me a princess carry." She grumbles. To her chagrin, her threat only managed to make her master laugh heartily.
And so, Asa walked the rest of the way to the temple with Remina on his back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tsuchimikado Estate
Word of the Second-in-Command's return quickly spread among the ranks of the Tsuchimikado household. By the time they had reached the gates of the estate, a huge crowd had already gathered to welcome them. For some strange reason, however, most of the people that have gathered are females.
"Welcome back, Vice-Commander and Remina-chan!!!" Everyone cheered upon seeing Asa and Remina after 8 long years. Although Asa received the title just when he was about to venture to Yamanashi for his training, he was grateful that everyone placed so much trust in him and that their fate hasn't wavered even after almost a decade of absence. Though, a huge part of it must be due to Arisu's words. From what he's heard, she's already succeeded her father for the position of leader. She must already have grown quite a bit since he last saw her.
"
Yeah. We're home. Ore? Arisu didn't come to greeet us? Honestly, that girl. Her childhood friend disappears for eight years and she doesn't even bat an eye when he finally returns." He heaved an exasperated sigh after setting Remina down from his back.
"Well... you see, Vice-Commander. Arisu-sama went out for a walk a while ago..." One of the Onmyodo novices said hesitantly, unsure of how to continue.
"
And let me guess... she didn't bring an escort with her... Honestly that girl... You guys, take care of Remina. I'm heading out to find that troublesome woman." Asa said nonchalantly before dashing out of the estate.
He wandered around the estate's vicinity and even all throughout the town in search for her to no avail.
"Tch... if only I can order around Yata freely, I would have located her an hour ago already. But since she isn't at the town nor near the estate then..." Suddenly everything was clear to Asa. There was one particular shrine that his friend frequented ever since they were little. It was nothing big nor grandiose and even among the locals, only a few people know about its existence. He wasn't sure if she'll be there but right now, he doesn't have any better leads.
Finally, after fifteen minutes of relentless running, he reached the shrine of one of the various Tochigami scattered throughout the city. This one in particular houses Senba, a god that is said to heal the illnesses of those who come to pray to him. And standing in front of the shrine in fervent prayer was none other than Arisu herself.
"
You really like visiting that shrine huh, Ari?" Was his nonchalant greeting to his childhood friend.