4

It's mild-mannered Gojo Kansuke who delivers the news, a pleasant smile stretched over his lips as he sits across from them at the low table. To the side, Ima-san is every bit the perfect hostess as she pours tea, movements smooth and steady. There is no sign of the startled surprise that had been on her face when Kansuke-san first came knocking on her door, everything swiftly tucked away beneath the polite veneer of a gracious host welcoming into her home an honored guest.

… Shiki probably isn't as thorough in hiding her own surprise at the unexpected news. She'd thought –she'd thought that the Gojo Clan was insisting on keeping her in the confines of the compound, until she had better control over her cursed technique. Isn't that what old Daisaku-sama had said, when confronting Satoru-oniichan?

Not that Shiki was complaining about the prospect of being able to go outside again! But it was still a little… strange, considering the clan's attitude towards her thus far. It's strange, even if she can't quite put her finger on it.

Maybe it was something to do with the fact that this was apparently an invitation from the Kamo? She's come to learn from her lessons that there are "three great families," and the Kamo numbers among them, alongside the Zenin and Gojo. The gosanke claim descent from the "three great vengeful spirits," and hold significant influence in the sorcery circle as a result of their power. So, perhaps it was because of the particular weight to the Kamo's words, that this invitation to visit their clan has reached Shiki.

Although, come to think of it… hadn't Daisaku-sama mentioned something about turning down an invitation from the Kamo, awhile back? Shiki doesn't really remember. But if that's the case, then why did Kansuke-san come here bearing another invitation?

Weird.

Shiki looks at the folded invitation sitting innocently atop the wooden table. It looks innocuous enough, truth be told. But that is only on the surface, she finds herself wondering at the intent behind it. Or maybe she's just reading too much into things?

"A visit to the Kamo Clan will be a good introduction to the larger jujutsu society," Kansuke-san says from the other side of the table. His voice is soft and gentle, quite unlike several of the other clansmen that Shiki has met in recent days. "It would do her well to have a chance to step outside the compound while remaining in a safe environment. Wouldn't you agree, Ima?"

The woman bows her head, then hesitates. "Certainly, your words have merit. But… the instructions I've received from the elders regarding Shiki, I–"

"Ah, there's no need to worry," Kansuke-san smiles reassuringly. "Surely you did not think that I would arrive at your doorstep with an invitation from the Kamo if this had not already been permitted beforehand?"

"O-of course not," Ima-san stutters, but recovers gracefully enough. "I apologize for my presumptions."

"Oh no, there's no need to apologize for that," the man responds warmly with a light laugh, waving his hand. "If anything, I'm glad to see that you take your responsibilities to your niece so seriously. She's lucky to have an aunt like you looking out for her."

Beneath the tabletop, Shiki's hands curl ever so slightly on her lap. She can't help this reaction.

"Your words honor me, Kansuke-sama," the woman responds easily to the given praise. "Shiki is my niece. It's the least I could do, to take care of her in my brother's stead."

I suppose it's my fault for thinking I could ever expect anything of you, Arata. Utterly useless!

Shiki eyes Ima-san and says nothing. The scornful words that she remembers the woman once saying to her father… Shiki might not know her aunt very well, even despite now living under the same roof together, but she knows enough about the woman to realize that it's a rare thing when Ima-san's words actually align with her true thoughts and feelings.

In any case, Shiki is well aware that if it were not for her eyes, Ima-san wouldn't even spare a second glance in her direction. Ima-san cares for Shiki only to the extent that Shiki would be useful to her and the Gojo Clan that she's a part of. That Shiki now happens to be a part of, as well.

The little girl still doesn't quite know how to feel about that.

"It's good that you feel that way. If it's of any reassurance to you, you have been permitted to accompany Shiki when we leave for the Kamo's main clan compound two days from now."

"Two days?" Ima-san draws back with a slight frown. "Pardon me, but that's… rather soon. I would've thought that for such a visit, Shiki would be allowed more time to prepare herself."

"Ah, it's an informal visit. I'm aware that this is rather short notice, but it would be for the best, don't you think? The longer the delay, the greater the chance that news will –well," Kansuke-san breaks off with a slight, helpless shrug. "I'm sure you're aware that there are still many eyes watching Shiki here. With that in mind, it would be prudent to keep a low profile with her activities."

The implication in the man's words are clear: The sooner that this visit to the Kamo Clan takes place, then the less likely it would be for any word to get out regarding Shiki leaving the Gojo clan compound, and the safer she would be from any potential enemies. It all seems a bit excessive to Shiki, if she's being honest. But she recalls the manner in which Satoru-oniichan had casually referred to the assassination attempts that he himself had experienced, and it's… concerning, how such a thing seemed to be almost expected. As if it were perfectly natural.

It's a little unnerving, knowing that Shiki should be expecting similar treatment herself.

"I see. Then, it will be as you say, Kansuke-sama," Ima-san acquiesces.

"Excellent." The brown-haired man nods, then sets down the tea in his hands and stands up from the table with a genial smile. "In that case, I will be seeing the both of you in two days' time."

A perfunctory, cordial bow, and then Gojo Kansuke departs without further fanfare. In his wake, Ima-san slowly lets out a long breath, slight tension seeping from her frame.

Then, she turns towards Shiki with a placid smile. "Come along, child. There is much to prepare for, and not nearly enough time left to us –but we will make do. This will be your introduction to the Kamo Clan, and it would be for the best to make a good impression. Your conduct and bearing will be reflective of the Gojo Clan as well; any missteps will not be looked upon kindly."

Shiki thinks that even though the prospect of leaving the confines of the Gojo Clan's sprawling compound is nice, considering Ima-san's reaction to the news of a visit to the Kamo Clan… she can't say that she's particularly enthusiastic about this upcoming visit to another "great clan." The young girl would've much rather preferred a trip to the school instead, or something along those lines. But Daisaku-sama had made the clan's opinion on that clear.

Although Shiki's overall attitude towards this visit is very much ambiguous, it's clear that Ima-san is pleased by it. The woman is tireless when it comes to drilling Shiki on etiquette and behavior, to the point that Shiki is almost inclined to deliberately mess things up out of spite alone. Maybe. She hasn't made up her mind on it yet.

"You must be on your best behavior," Ima-san tells her, again and again. "The Kamo are one of the three great clans, and stand as one of the pillars of the jujutsu world. It is an honor to have received an invitation written by the hand of the clan head's wife, especially given our position within the Gojo Clan."

"And what position would that be?"

Ima-san blinks, startled. Shiki is usually content to remain silent around the woman no matter what she says, but somehow… maybe it's something about Ima-san's attitude, ever since the afternoon Kansuke-san had brought the Kamo Clan's invitation to their doorstep. Something about her excitement, her anticipation, no matter how well-hidden she tries to keep it. Shiki… doesn't like it.

The tall woman pauses for a moment, as if thinking of how to phrase her answer. Then, carefully, "One's rank within the clan directly correlates to the power they hold. Unfortunately, our branch of the family has borne no notable sorcerers in the last five generations, and that is why our position is so lowly. But that shouldn't be something that you'll have to worry about."

Ima-san reaches over, gently placing her hand atop Shiki's. The young girl does not make any move to acknowledge her aunt's gesture, not that it seems to deter the woman any.

"Your eyes," Ima-san breathes softly. "Your technique. They are precious blessings, and the clan sees and acknowledges your potential. And one day, the entire jujutsu world will see it as well."

There's a touch of something almost fervent to Ima-san's quiet murmurings. Shiki doesn't like it. She doesn't like it.

Blessing? As if. It's even in the name, isn't it? Shiki has cursed eyes. And these techniques are cursed techniques that run on cursed energy. Curses, not blessings. The girl wonders if it's because Ima-san grew up in the Gojo Clan, that she says such things with the conviction that she does. Would Shiki herself come to believe that one day, too?

…

… Yeah, no. That's not looking very likely.

Shiki looks up into Ima-san's pleased expression, and silently wishes for the days to pass faster and for the next week to arrive already. She misses Kento-ojichan.

.

.

Be polite. Be respectful. Do not stare. Do not fidget. Do not speak unless you are spoken to first. Do not cause any trouble for our hosts.

There are dozens upon dozens of rules that Ima-san has done her level best to hammer into Shiki's head for this visit over the past two days in preparation for greeting the Kamo Clan. Honestly, there's absolutely no way that Shiki remembers them all. She doesn't really know what Ima-san was expecting to achieve with just two days' worth of endless nattering on propriety and decorum.

That aside, it's still… nice, to be able to leave the Gojo compound. That's the long and short of Shiki's feelings regarding this trip to the Kamo Clan.

Obviously, Ima-san does not feel the same. It doesn't take a genius to see that the woman is both pleased and nervous, satisfaction warring with anxiety beneath her mask of calm. Unlike Shiki, Gojo Ima has been looking forward to this, ever since the day Kansuke-san had delivered the news.

Why?

Shiki doesn't know for sure, but she has her guesses. When Ima-san had spoken of their branch of the family and their lowly rank within the Gojo Clan, it hadn't been with resignation or acceptance.

Shiki's first impression of the Kamo clan compound is that it's large, just like the Gojo Clan. There are similarities in the traditional buildings, the layout and structure, but more than surface appearances –there's something markedly different in the air, although it's hard for Shiki to put it into words.

Ima-san gently steers Shiki by the shoulder to follow Kansuke-san after a small pause in the courtyard. The man seems to know where he's going, already striding forward with clear purpose in these unfamiliar surroundings.

It's a little strange. The way Ima-san had explained it, this was an invitation. An official visit, no matter how informal the occasion. Yet here they are, three outsiders to the Kamo Clan left to wander about on their own devices. The only one to greet them had been the servant who'd let them in through the gates.

… At least Kansuke-san seems familiar enough with everything and knows where they're going?

It doesn't take long before they enter one of the many buildings. The winding hallways are long and endless, and Shiki almost has half a mind to cut along those red lines gleaming over lacquered wood, just to be done with it all–

No, that's a lie. That's probably just her frustration at large speaking here, and Shiki isn't quite that desperate. Yet. What would even be the point of doing such a thing?

"Kansuke-sama?" Ima-san finally breaks the silence in a quiet voice. There's a nervous undercurrent to her tone, something uneasy. "This is… if I may ask, why–"

The man raises his hand, pressing a finger to his lips in the universal gesture for silence. Ima-san's voice trails off despite her evident confusion. Gojo Kansuke simply shakes his head, then turns and continues leading the way down these silent, endless halls.

Shiki looks at the man thoughtfully for a moment. Red lines twist across his back, glowing. If Kansuke-san notices, he doesn't say anything about it.

And so, the three of them continue walking together in silence. Perhaps the strangest thing about this entire venture is that the path they take is devoid of people, for the most part. They encounter a few more servants down the walkways, all of whom say nothing and simply lower themselves deferentially while they pass. It seems to settle something in Ima-san, who straightens and lifts her chin, but Shiki isn't so sure about that.

"Here we are," Kansuke-san suddenly says, finally coming to an abrupt stop in front of a set of sliding doors that look no different from the dozens of others that they'd passed earlier –full of red lines and scarlet cracks. "Remember to show proper respect to Matsuhime-sama, as befitting her ladyship."

Ima-san is quick to murmur her assent. Shiki takes a long moment to observe Kansuke-san's calm smile. The man's expression gains a slightly strained edge under the continued silence on her part.

She thinks, something is not quite right about this. That's not exactly hard to deduce. The question, however, is just what is wrong here, exactly. And why.

Shiki's gaze lingers on the red lines flickering across the bridge of Kansuke-san's nose, pulsating with an eerie glow. The hairpins holding up her hair in a loose knot behind her head are pointed and sharp. It would be easy–

"… Shiki?"

The little girl blinks, turning towards her aunt at the call of her name as the silent standoff is broken. Ima-san looks as if she wants to grab Shiki by the shoulder again, and there is a slight frown to the downward tilt of her lips in warning. Be polite. Be respectful.

Shiki is honestly starting to wonder if it might've been better to just ignore this entire thing and stay in the Gojo compound.

Kansuke-san inclines his head, then turns and slides open the rice-paper doors.

"Most respectful greetings to Kamo Matsuhime-sama, illustrious Lady of the Kamo Clan. This Gojo Kansuke presents Gojo Shiki, daughter of the Gojo Clan, and her guardian Gojo Ima, who serves as the current head to the Tobiume branch of the Gojo Clan." The man moves to the side with a slight bow, allowing them entrance into the room.

Gojo Ima takes a single step forward, then promptly folds herself into a kneeling bow, forehead pressed to the ground. Vaguely remembering all the etiquette that has been drilled into her the past few days, Shiki moves to do the same and–

"There is no need for that. A Gojo blessed with gifts such as you possesses the right not to bend knee to this esteemed lady." The feminine voice that rings out to stop her is smooth, clear. "Raise your head, child, so that this lady might see your eyes."

… How straightforward.

Shiki lifts her head and looks up.

The room itself is well-furnished, brightly-lit. Sealing tags line the edge of the walls, but Shiki is not well-versed in the subject and can only guess at their purpose. But most prominent in the room is the tall folding panel that spans the entire back length, and it's quite an elaborate work of art, filled with vibrant colors.

And in front of it sits a beautiful woman decked in layers of silken dress. There is no doubt that she is Kamo Matsuhime, wife to the current clan head of the Kamo Clan and the one who had issued Shiki's invitation. Although at this point, it's starting to feel more like a summoning, rather than any sort of actual invitation.

The woman hums consideringly, a thoughtful sound. She flicks her wrist, snapping open a painted fan, and raises it to the lower half of her face. "My, my. Cursed eyes, indeed. How truly fortuitous for the Gojo Clan."

"We are fortunate, indeed," Kansuke-san agrees from the side, straightening from his own bow. Unlike Ima-san, he has not prostrated himself on the ground, and remains standing. "Your recognition does the child much honor."

Kamo Matsuhime-sama laughs. "Flattery is quite unlike you, Kansuke."

"It is but the truth," the man smiles. "It is an honor for the child to receive an opportunity to present herself before the Lady of the Kamo Clan."

The woman hums, but does not continue the current line of conversation. "You may rise, Gojo Ima."

"Thank you, Kamo-sama." Ima-san straightens slowly, then rises to her feet.

"Sit," the woman says. Commands, rather, her voice ringing with the natural authority of one who expects to be obeyed. Kamo-sama tilts her fan towards the seating cushions to the side. "This lady has heard much of the whispers following the sudden appearance of a new ocular jujutsu within the Gojo bloodline. There is much interest surrounding the blessed child within the Kamo Clan, but unfortunately circumstances did not permit an earlier introduction."

"Quite unfortunate," Kansuke-san nods. "But that will no longer be any issue. This is Shiki's first visit outside the compound, and we are honored to be hosted by the esteemed lady of the Kamo Clan herself."

"Oh?" There is a note of something pleased in Kamo Matsuhime's voice, and her gaze rests heavily on Shiki for a moment. "First visit, is it? Then it is an honor for the Kamo Clan as well."

"You are far too kind, Kamo-sama. The honor is surely ours."

The woman smiles benevolently. "Then let it be agreed that there is honor for all involved, and let us move on from the pleasantries. There is much to be discussed, after all."

Kamo Matsuhime pauses for a moment, then makes a small sound, as if just realizing something. "Ah, but such conversation would no doubt prove weary for a child. Perhaps it would be better for the girl to tour the clan grounds, while we discuss matters here."

"Your generosity and consideration knows no bounds, Kamo-sama." Kansuke-san is quick to follow up on the suggestion. "I'm sure that Shiki would be grateful for such an opportunity."

"There will surely be further opportunities in the future as well," the woman responds lightly. "It will be good for the child to acquaint herself here."

Shiki watches the easy back and forth between the two silently. Beside her, Ima-san is equally silent, if not quite as calm. Perhaps her aunt has finally started to realize that there's something off about the situation as well. For all that it's supposedly an honor to be received by Kamo Matsuhime-sama in her capacity as lady-wife to the clan head, one would think that there would at least be more people around for a visit. Particularly one that was supposed to, how did she put it again? 'Serve as an introduction to the Kamo Clan,' or something like that?

As things currently are, this is more of a private audience –not to mention, they had barely encountered any people coming in, following the relatively empty path that Kansuke-san had led them through. Had it been on purpose?

… Possibly. But Kansuke-san was a Gojo, wasn't he? So why…?

The doors slide open again, and Kamo Matsuhime-sama elegantly gestures towards it with her fan. Or rather, to the young boy standing beneath the wooden frames, who sketches a polite bow as he enters the room.

"Nobutomo-kun is this lady's firstborn son, and heir to the Kamo Clan. He will be your guide," she says.

Shiki blinks.

It's easy enough to see the relation between them. Kamo Nobutomo has the same dark hair and dark eyes as his mother, the same pleasant expression settled over his lips. Red lines flicker down the side of his face, over the length of his arms.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he says to her with a light, courteous bow.

"… It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well," Shiki echoes the greeting, sketching a small bow of her own.

"How charming. It seems like the children will get along well," Kamo-sama sounds satisfied. "Take care of your guest now, Nobutomo-kun."

"Of course, honored mother."

As Shiki stands up to leave, Ima-san's hand suddenly clamps down over her wrist. There's a funny look on her face in this moment, almost as if Ima-san herself can't believe her own actions –this blatant breach of decorum, and in front of Kamo Matsuhime-sama no less– but for a single instant Shiki thinks she might hear Ima-san say Stay. Your offer is kind, Kamo-sama, but Shiki should stay here and remain with us.

"Ima-san?" Gojo Kansuke's tone is mild, but the woman jerks a little from it all the same. "Your concern for Shiki does you credit, but it is misplaced here, I assure you.

Ima-san's mouth opens and closes. "I…"

"Nobutomo-kun will take care of her," Kamo-sama says idly. Her tone is not displeased, but it's… decidedly neutral, in this moment. "No harm will befall the child on Kamo clan grounds."

"… Of course, Kamo-sama." Ima-san's fingers twitch, then slowly release their grip on Shiki's wrist. "I… apologize."

The last that Shiki sees of her aunt is the woman with her head bowed low before Gojo Kansuke and Kamo Matsuhime, and then the doors slide shut behind them. She wonders if it's her imagination, that the two almost seemed to loom over Ima-san. Wonders idly if she should be concerned about it. It would be a lie to say that Shiki cares for Ima-san –but she isn't entirely apathetic to the woman, either, despite all that she's done.

"Would you like to see the gardens first?" her young guide asks. Kamo Nobutomo is older and stands well over a head taller than Shiki herself, which means that she has to crane her head back to look up at him. Not exactly a pleasant feeling. But the polite smile on his face is pleasant enough, so.

"Alright, Kamo-san," Shiki nods simply.

The older boy pauses briefly in his tracks. "There's no need for that. You may call me Nobutomo."

"… Nobutomo-san, then."

The boy flashes a quick smile at her. "Ah, you may drop the '-san' as well. I wouldn't mind."

Shiki doesn't quite frown, but it's a close thing. Recalling Ima-san's careful words– "That wouldn't be appropriate, Nobutomo-san."

Her words are firm, but the older boy only looks vaguely amused by her insistence.

"If I say that it's fine, then it is," he tells her. "But I understand your reservations. Although this may only be our first meeting with each other, one day I hope you will grow comfortable enough to address me plainly in the future."

"First meeting?" Shiki isn't sure that she likes the implication that there will be a second meeting like this. Or a third. There's still something about this entire venture that seems off to her, even if she can't quite pinpoint why–

"Indeed," the boy nods. "My honored mother has expressed an interest in… cultivating closer relations with the Gojo Clan in our generation. I'm sure that this is what she is currently discussing with Gojo Kansuke-san. There will surely be further opportunities for us to learn more and become better acquainted with each other."

… Is this a clan thing? Shiki doesn't know. She doesn't like the stiff atmosphere, doesn't like the way it constantly seems like there's double conversations going on around her. Surprisingly enough, Shiki comes to the realization that she's actually looking forward to when this visit ends and she can just head back to the Gojo clan compound. That itself probably says enough about Shiki's current feelings regarding this visit.

Personal feelings aside, she still does her best not to fall asleep through the trivial, meaningless conversation with Nobutomo-san as he leads her through the walkways and corridors. Unlike when Shiki and Ima-san had been following Kansuke-san on their way in, Nobutomo-san seems to have no reservations about taking her through the more populated areas and being seen. No one is rude enough to stare, but Shiki would have to be blind not to see the way some of the Kamo clansmen pause when they catch sight of her trailing behind their clan heir. In a sea of black hair and raven eyes, Shiki is conscious that she stands out like a sore thumb.

"Over to the west, that's where the defense squad's training quarters are located. Only the best and brightest within the clan receive training there. The current squad captain is Shiroshichi-san. And to the east, there is –you."

The polite, friendly tenor that Nobutomo-san had been speaking in this entire time suddenly breaks off and changes. There's a touch of irritation instead, poorly-hidden distaste.

How curious.

"What's something like you doing here?" Nobutomo-san demands, and the acidic words are so burning that Shiki is taken aback at the abrupt change in attitude. What could elicit such a vehement reaction from the Kamo clan heir in his own home?

"… Responding to the honored clan heir, I… I am to report to the defense squad for training purposes–"

"Lies," the boy bites out harshly. "You expect me to believe that? You, who are nothing but a filthy–"

Kamo Nobutomo breaks off mid-sentence, as Shiki easily sidesteps him to take a look at who he's spitting such vitriol at. Given the harsh intake of breath from the boy behind her, she thinks he might've forgotten her presence entirely in the heat of the moment. Not that Shiki particularly cares much, but she supposes that it must be embarrassing for gentlemanly Nobutomo-san, to show such an uncouth side of himself before a 'guest.'

… It's another boy. A short-haired little boy who is clearly much younger than Nobutomo-san, and probably closer to Shiki's own age. Unlike Nobutomo-san who is dressed in fine silks, his attire is much simpler and well-worn. Which makes sense, given that he'd mentioned something about heading to training.

How curious, that Nobutomo-san had almost seemed offended that this boy was receiving training. Upset. And was that… a hint of jealousy, even?

The two looked similar enough to each other in terms of appearance that Shiki wouldn't be surprised to learn that they turned out to be close relations. Brothers, perhaps? Or maybe cousins?

The boy stares at Shiki with wide eyes for a moment, before taking a step back and folding himself into a polite bow. "This Kamo Noritoshi greets a distinguished guest of the Kamo Clan."

… Was it really that obvious that Shiki was related to the Gojo?

"Greetings," Shiki responds reflexively, offering a polite bow of her own. There's a slightly choked sound from Nobutomo-san –did she just make some kind of faux pas? … But it was just a simple greeting? "I am… Gojo Shiki. It's a pleasure."

"Shiki-san," Nobutomo-san grits out through his teeth. "You honor him with such words. There is no need to treat a bastard child with such respect."

Shiki raises an eyebrow at that statement.

The boy shakes his head tiredly, then strides forward without another word, roughly brushing past Kamo Noritoshi. Who stumbles from being jostled by the older boy, nearly falling flat on the ground, although he manages to catch himself just in time.

"Let us continue onward, Shiki-san. There is no need to sully your eyes any further with such–"

Shiki sees it a moment before it happens.

To their left, there is a wall. A wall filled with red cracks, as all things are for Shiki these days. But suddenly the lines double, triple, crisscrossing to the point where it's just a glowing red mass, and–

There is an explosive sound, a loud crash. Shiki's arms are crossed in front of her face, blocking the dust and debris thrown about from the entire wall being broken down.

And when she looks up again, standing amid the rubble is a monstrous Curse.

The overall shape of it is vaguely catlike –if cats would have six legs and countless red eyes scattered over its flanks, with fangs that resemble tusks more than feline teeth. Its mouth opens, and rather than a wordless roar or shriek, it sounds more like laughter instead. Giddy, maniacal laughter, with an underscore of something harsh and raspy.

It's also tall, towering like a behemoth above the three children. And above all the other Kamo clansmen around them, who are scattering with startled yelps at its sudden appearance. At the sudden appearance of a curse, right within the heart of the Kamo clan compound.

So much for being a safe environment.

"Step back, Shiki-san!" Nobutomo-san is quick to react, stepping in front of Shiki as if to physically shield her with his own body. "T-the defense squad will be here to take care of this swiftly! We'll just need to–"

The cat-curse flicks its ear.

Then, it raises a paw, swiping –and Kamo Nobutomo-san, noble heir to the Kamo Clan, is sent flying through the air like a broken kite. The boy comes to an abrupt stop when he slams against a miraculously intact wall at the other end of the corridor with a nasty crack and pained shout, crumpling to the ground.

Shiki flicks a quick glance over to him. Red lines flicker over his body, slowly increasing in number. But it's nothing too serious, though. He'll live.

She turns back towards the curse. Kamo Noritoshi-san has taken it upon himself to fight the cat-curse, now. It's interesting to observe his movements, the way he ducks and dodges under the blows. Going by the bow and quiver of arrows he carries, Shiki would've thought him to be more of a ranged fighter, rather than one who tries to fight in close quarters–

"Go! Run! I will take care of this!"

–the cat curse's claws catch on his side and tear, ripping into flesh and spilling blood. The boy hisses in pain, but it does not stop him. Rather, he forms a strange seal with his hands instead, and the blood that spills from his body forms scarlet tendrils in the air, lashing forward to bind the rampaging curse.

Ah, right. Shiki thinks she remembers something being mentioned about the Kamo Clan's prized hereditary curse from her lessons. Blood manipulation, was it?

The curse screams, struggling against the blood-bindings. For a moment, the two are locked in a standoff against each other, but then the cat-curse snarls, cursed energy swelling in a sudden surge, and the bindings break.

"Please! Take Nobutomo-sama and run!" Although the boy does not turn towards her, unwilling to take his eyes off of the curse prowling around them, there's no doubt that he's addressing Shiki. "I will defeat the curse with my arrows once you clear the area."

Oh! So that's why he chose to fight the curse up close and personal, even despite being a ranged fighter –to try and keep its attention on him, to reduce the risk of the curse turning its attention towards others on the scene. Shiki can admire that.

"Alright, then," she concedes easily enough. This curse may be a vicious one, but it's not dangerous, so she doesn't feel bad about leaving Kamo Noritoshi-san to deal with it on his own. God knows why a curse like this is running amok like this in the Kamo clan compound, though. But that has nothing to do with Shiki. She is a guest, and guests were not supposed to cause trouble for their hosts–

MRRRAAARGH!

Halfway down the hallway to Nobutomo-san's crumpled form, Shiki sharply stops and turns.

… The cat-curse is charging towards her. Despite Noritoshi-san's efforts –and she can see the open shock on the boy's face, can see the way he tries and fails to use his blood to trip up the curse and bind it again– the cat-curse barrels down on her like a thundering avalanche.

A thundering avalanche covered in flickering crimson lines.

It takes less than a second for Shiki to pull out her hairpin and twirl it in her hands; in the next, she raises her arm and slashes cleanly through the curse.

… I wonder if Ima-san is going to try and scold me for this.

.

.

…

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