We neared the door leading out and Rui nodded. “Yes, they’re not so active these days. The yokai ones are more bold, but on the surface of things, Japan is the picture of perfect order you know. Rickey specializes in the removal of bodies for them. Didn’t you guess it?”

Oh KAMI! What kind of horror story have I been cast into? This is a seedy underside of fair Tokyo I’d never imagined!

“Did you wet yourself?” she asked as she pushed the door open. Light blinded us instantly. After being so long in the darkness, it was too much for my noh-senses. I threw my arms up to shield my vision, to no effect. Her eyes gradually adjusted. Even my strange sight required a moment to adapt.

“N-no..." I commented, noh-gulping as I recovered.

“I’d offer you a spare pair of sunglasses Ume packed for us, but I doubt it’d help you in the slightest,” Oni commented as she donned a pair. Instead of the black shirt with that silly calligraphy, she wore a grungy looking goth outfit. It kind of suited her. She wore pants that were torn at the knees. There were studded bangles on her wrists which complemented a dark-colored halter-top blouse.

“At least, it’s a bit cuter than the last clothes you wore,” I complimented Rui.

“Are you insulting my fashion-sense?” Rui scowled at me and shrugged. “These aren’t to my taste, but my bad for not remembering what Rickey does to them..." Rui looked sheepish and embarrassed. “I’d have skipped visiting Rickey, not that he isn’t pleasant after his silly ritual. He’s kind of lonely, and he’s bored the rest of the time. He writes poems and posts them up on Internet boards in his spare time. Ume strongly implied that he’d know more about what we needed to know, and she was right.” She grinned excitedly, despite having lost some of her beloved clothes.

“Why do you look so happy?” I asked her, puzzled.

“Is that a problem?” Rui asked. “Would you deny me some joy by seeing a few friends along the way on our strange journey?”

“Uh, no. If you’re happy, that’s good.” I nodded, finally noh-smiling a bit. “As long as we catch Noh-face before midnight, all is well.”

“Such a nag..." Rui rolled her eyes and led me onwards. I eagerly followed. “Slave driver!”

I paused midstep. She’s calling ME that? HER?

“We’re seeing another beautiful face.” Rui hummed happily, skipping as she led the way. I sighed and followed again, having little choice.

“Is it so beautiful?” I asked, wonderingly. “Why? She’ll have more information we need?”

“Maybe,” Rui responded, humming happily.

MAYBE?

“Her tea and treats are way higher class than even Ume-chan’s! Oh... hehehehe..." She cackled like a maniac.

Are these just excuses to see girls and eat sweets?! I looked at my phone. Sixteen fifty o’clock.

Something gradually dawned on me as I studied the faces of the people around. Some smiled at my costume. The people coming from behind us flushed or averted their gazes. No one wanted to point out what Rickey had done. I felt the sun beat on my butt. At least my face was covered. If I hadn’t worn the helmet, everyone would have seen my noh-face turning red as the helmet. Six hours remained.