Third-person POV

"So, Rikuo, what is your decision? Your son couldn't stand the sight of a human without turning feral. Not only that, but his nightmares are becoming more intense by the day." Nurarihyon, the Supreme Commander, said as he sipped from his cup of green tea.

Hearing that, Rikuo clenched his jaw as he recalled what had happened the night before.

-Flashback-

As Rikuo made his way down the hallway of the Nura estate, he heard a commotion ahead of him. It was coming from Riei's bedroom. That was when he realised what it was. Rikuo dashed to his son's room and was shocked by what transpired.

Riei was restrained by Kurotabo and Kubinashi inside his room. While Riei, in his demon form, struggled to break free, his bloodshot eyes were filled with fear and an excruciatingly painful scream escaped from his mouth as if he was some kind of wild animal being captured.

"Let me go! Go away!" He began to push himself up with his scream, which resounded throughout the mansion. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Tsurara sat next to him, cradling him in her arms and doing her best to soothe her son.

Riei was completely engulfed by his recurring nightmare. He couldn't even tell the difference between reality and his fears. He was completely enveloped in darkness and could only make out the faint sound of his captor's voice in his head. Scars on his body ached as if the knife were still tracing on them. The electrifying sensation was coursing through his entire body, as if he hadn't managed to escape from that dark and horrible place. This feeling was too much for him to bear, and all he could do was scream his heart out.

"JUST GO TO HELL!!!!"

His sudden outburst had filled the room with sharp icicles, which had nearly pierced everyone present.

-End of flashback-

"The yokai who we assumed was responsible for tricking the Young Master was discovered dead shortly after the Young Master returned. As far as I can tell, there is a Mastermind at work here." Karasu Tengu chimed in with his own thoughts.

"Even after we interrogated him, that bastard wouldn't open his mouth." Kubinashi slammed his fists on the table with his teeth clenched.

"If there is a traitor among the Nura clan, he will most likely take advantage of this situation and pose a threat to the Young Master." Kuratabo stated.

"Don't worry Third Commander, we will surely protect him! We will make sure that incident will never happen again—" Aotabo outburst was silenced by Rikuo's deep voice.

"No."

The yokais' attention was drawn towards their Commander, who was seated in the middle of the room.

"The Nura estate is too dangerous for Riei. He  cannot be allowed to remain here until we find the true Master Mind." His deep voice resounded the entire room.

Tsurara's eyes widened as she looked at her husband with a sense of anticipation in her eyes. Like she already knew what he was getting at, but didn't want to believe it. "Rikuo-sama?"

"I'm sending him to Tono Village." Rikuo came to a conclusion.

"...?!"

"But Master! Tono will be too harsh for Young Master Riei, he barely could keep himself together!" The yokais were adamantly opposed to the idea.

"In Tono, there will be little to no interaction with humans. Riei will be able to overcome his trauma one way or another. He will also learn how to control his Fear so that it does not endanger the people around him. Furthermore, not just any demon will be able to enter Tono, and he will be safe from the threat posed by the traitor." Rikuo explained.

Some of the yokais were convinced by the notion, but there are still those who are opposed to it.

However, in the midst of the rambling of the yokai who were in disagreement, Rikuo could only stare at his wife's shaken expression.

"Tsurara..." Rikuo's deep voice trailed off as his hands slowly reached out to the pale yuki-hand, onna's clasping them in his own. The warmth of his hands give a sense of reassurance to the yuki-onna. 

Tsurara lifted her face, but too slowly to be normal. When she speaks her voice trails slowly, like her words are unwilling to take flight. There is a sadness in her eyes, the amber were too glossy.

"I hope it works out for the best. If it means that he will be safe, then I am willing to be separated from my child."

✲'*。.❄¨¯'*✲。❄。*。¨¯'*✲

A/N

For those of you who noticed, I changed the Main character's name to Nura Riei as I felt that Ritsuo is too similar with Rikuo and sometimes it can get confusing. I hope Riei sounds fine for his character, I have several names thought for him but I'll just go with Riei.

Tōno Village (遠野の里, Tōno no sato) is a hidden village also called the sacred grounds of ayakashi. It is so full of smoke that the only places reached by sunlight are those full of spirit energy. The entire village itself can be considered a yōkai, as those unable to sever the fear surrounding it will never be able to leave. Tōno Village was originally a cold, desolate place which caused those living there to become strong in order to survive.