RikTow

RikTow is the term used to refer to the romantic relationship between Riku and Towa Higurashi.

## Their Relationship

### Hanyō no Yashahime

**Meeting through an Apple**

Riku lays in a tree as he eats grapes but spits them out after realizing that they taste disgusting. Towa looks at a map as she says that she guess it's pointless to use a modern map. Riku notices Towa walking by. Towa realizes that there's not a single thing Moroha brought that's actually useful. Riku tells Towa that she seems troubled by something and he calls her a samurai. Towa looks up at a tree and notices Riku. Riku jumps in front of Towa, who backs away in surprise. Riku asks Towa is something the matter. Towa becomes on guard of Riku as she has her hand on her Kikujūmonji. Riku tells Towa that he's no one suspicious as he promises her. Towa picks her map as she tells Riku 'okay' and to not bother her then walks away. Riku follows Towa as he tells her that he can't do that as he's also lost as well. Towa questions Riku about also being lost and to not loop her in with him. Riku asks Towa hasn't she lost her way. Towa tells Riku that she hasn't lost her way as she's looking for the Dream Butterfly. Riku tells Towa that he doubts butterflies are common at this time of year. Towa tells Riku that she's heard there are some at Mount Musubi. Riku asks Towa what's that as he thought she was a samurai but she's a princess and he's terribly sorry for his mistake. Towa ignores Riku as she continues to walk forward. Riku continues to follow Towa as he tells her to wait and calls her 'his princess'. Towa and Riku stop walking. Riku tells Towa that he's having trouble finding his way back to his ship. Towa question Riku about his ship and wonders does it mean that the ocean is nearby. Riku tells Towa that's the one thing he's sure of. Towa becomes disappointed as she thought she was heading to the mountains but ended up closer to the sea. Towa starts to smell and tells Riku that he's right as she smells water from a direction. Riku tells Towa 'thank you' and grabs her hand then tells her 'let's go' before they quickly head in a direction. Towa becomes surprised with Riku. A group of soldiers lead by 'Sokyo' are searching through the forest. Towa leads Riku to a river as they become confused. Towa wonders if this is the ocean and nervously tells Riku that she guesses it's a bit too small to be an ocean. Riku tells Towa that if he follows the river then it'll lead him to the ocean and thanks her as she's been a great help.

Towa stretches as she says the weather feels nice and feels perfect for a picnic and takes off her backpack then pulls out items. Riku shows his ability in manipulating water, using his blue earring. Riku drinks some of the water. Towa is immensely impressed and asks Riku if that's some kind of magic trick. Riku tells Towa says that anyone can do it with a little bit of concentration. and he's sure she can too and calls her 'princess' as he stops his water manipulation. Towa asks Riku that he thinks so and wonders if he would care to join her. Riku walks over to Towa and tells her that not to be rude and calls her 'princess' as he's not a 'mister' as he introduces himself and wonders what's hers. Riku sits down next to Towa on the blanket. Towa tells Riku that she's not a princess as she introduces herself and questions him about his name and remembers it before she drinks from a water bottle. Riku tells Towa to just remember him as the pirate. Towa becomes surprised that Riku's a pirate. Riku tells Towa to rest assure as he doesn't take from women, children, or the poor. Towa becomes relieved. Riku looks at the food and tells Towa that those are all fascinating things and wonders if they're all edible. Towa tells Riku to help himself as she takes some pocky. Riku accepts an apple as he takes a bite and remarks it’s wonderful and delicious flavor as he's never had something so delicious. Towa confirms it with Riku as she thinks that apples tastes the best as selective breeding has come a long way and things taste much better now as she eats some pocky. Riku tells Towa that this is an apple and it's unbelievable as a taste like this would surely banish someone from paradise and takes another bite. Towa tells Riku that she'll take the apple core once he's done as she can't have it take a root and mess up the course of history. Riku tells Towa that he ate whole apple, core and all then thanks her for the hospitality and as one abandoned by his master it's more than he deserves and she's fed him a forbidden fruit. Towa questions Riku about the apple being a forbidden fruit.

Riku notices Towa's Kikujūmonji and asks Towa could it be the sword. Towa tells Riku that the Kikujūmonji was a fake as it broke pretty easily and showed him it being broken. Riku tells Towa that he should think so as the real Kikujūmonji resides with Ogigayatsu Hiiragi the Deputy Shogun of Kanto as it was best bestowed from the shogun. Towa questions Riku about Ogigayatsu Hiiragi being the shogun and Deputy Shogun of Kanto. Riku tells Towa that he must repay her kindness for the apple. Riku stands up he and flicked his earring as a man on a boat appears. Riku tells Towa that if fate allows it then they shall meet again and until then farewell before gets on the boat as he and the man sail away. Towa calls out to Riku then notices that he left his sword wrapped in purple cloth behind then picks it up and tells him to wait as he forgot it. Riku tells Towa that he would like to present that to her as a gift and to accept it. Towa wonders what the item was before she opens it up. Riku smirks as he thinks to himself that he hopes Towa likes it. Towa holds a sword as she questions it and wonders if it's real. Towa opens up the sword as she examines it as it's amazing and wonders if it's the real Kikujūmonji. Riku thinks to himself that he recently stole the sword from Ogigayatsu Hiiragi as it's the genuine Kikujūmonji. Towa sees Riku leaves as she wonders who he was.

**The Dream Gazing Trap**

Jyūbei tells Riku that he can call on Takechiyo anytime to get business done then helps Riku get off his boat. Riku tells Jyūbei that he met her. Jyūbei asks Riku who he met. Riku tells Jyūbei that it's Sesshōmaru's daughter and he believes her name was Towa and he likes her as she's got something he and Jyūbei don't. Jyūbei tells Riku that Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha can probably defeat the Four Perils for him. Riku walks forward a bit and tells Jyūbei that he never liked the Four Perils as they lacked taste. Jyūbei tells Riku that he for one cannot thank him enough for his patronage then takes out his Green Rainbow Pearl. Riku tells Jyūbei to have the remaining Four Perils defeated as he's decided that he'll be taking their Rainbow Pearls then flicks his earring to fill Jyūbei's bag with a large sum of gold his services. Jyūbei tells Riku that he understood but with his powers he could easily destroy the Four Perils without having to put a bounty on them. Riku tells Jyūbei to come on as like he said he hates the Four Perils and it's his policy to only kill the ones he loves as he starts to fish then catches one. Riku tells Jyūbei that he'll get the 'Hanyō Princesses' and their 3 Rainbow Pearls and he just wonders if he can wait until he has all 7 Rainbow Pearls.

A transformed Takechiyo is flying Riku to the mountain area. Riku says looks like he made it in time as he sees the battle between Kyūki and Towa. Takechiyo tells Riku that it's unusual for him to personally come observe things. Riku tells Takechiyo that he simply felt like it. Riku thinks to himself that wishes to see Towa’s Azure Dragon Wave attack that he knows she has inherited from Sesshōmaru.

Kyūki regains consciousness and sees that it's Riku. Riku tells Kyūki that was pathetic. Kyūki tries to reach for her Purple Rainbow Pearl with her hand but was stopped by Riku stepping on it. Kyūki calls out to Riku. Riku tells Kyūki that she was defeated by Towa's half-assed Azure Dragon Wave.

Riku calls out to Towa. Towa realizes that it's Riku and wonders what was he doing here. Riku walks towards Towa until he was in front of her. Takechiyo appears in a puff of smoke in between Riku and Towa. Takechiyo tells Towa to show some respect as this is their highly esteemed client Riku. Riku tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that he was pleased to make their acquaintance as he calls them 'Hanyō Princesses'. Takechiyo tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha good work for defeating Kyūki and gives them their reward of one bag of gold. Moroha takes the bag of gold from Takechiyo as she says she doesn't have to worry about starving to death. Riku tells Towa that he must take his leave. Towa tells Riku to see him around. Riku leaves. Takechiyo tells Towa to not forget their promise as he wants to try that 'chocolate'. Towa tells Takechiyo that's right as she'll bring some next time as it's a promise. Riku thinks to himself that he'll be taking the Purple Rainbow Pearl as he pulls it out and calls Towa 'his dear princess'.

**The One Behind the Forest Fire**

Riku meets with Towa later to request her to put a stop to an evil mountain god who was in pursuit of Tamano. He evens asks her opinion of Homura's feelings for the young woman.

**Farewell Under the Lunar Eclipse**

Riku tells the story that leads up to the point where Towa and Setsuna were separated. Though he only refers to Towa in that incident and not Setsuna.

**Trap of the Two Perils**

**Sesshōmaru and Kirinmaru**

Upon pursuing Totetsu, Towa wonders about Riku as he wasn't with Takechiyo when she and the others came back.

**Secret of the Rainbow Pearls**

Towa follows the multiple streaks of green light and wonders if they are fireflies. Towa stops and wonders how there can be fireflies in the winter. Riku appears behind Towa, who still looking at the fireflies. Riku tells Towa that he hopes she likes the fireflies. Towa notices Riku behind her and calls out to him in confusion. Riku walks towards Towa as he tells her 'good evening', but once he close to her, he suddenly gazes at her in shock. Once he regains his composure, Riku tells Towa that she looks exceptionally beautiful tonight in her human form. Towa becomes nervous at his kind words and asks Riku if he really thinks so. Instead of answering, Riku places his hand in Towa’s extended hair and tells her that her left eye in particular is sparkling more than usual, as he leans in closer to her face.

Visibly flustered, Towa is taken further by surprise when Riku gently starts caressing her extended black hair with his hand in a seductive manner. To her confusion, Riku tells Towa that the Silver Rainbow Pearl lies much deeper in her eye tha he had expected. Riku looks away from Towa and concludes to himself that he won’t be able to retrieve the Silver Rainbow Pearl tonight. Soon after, Towa and Riku sit together on a nearby log, where Riku uses his earring to heat some modern tea that Towa has brought with her. Riku tells Towa the tea is boiled as he hands the teapot. Towa tells Riku 'thank you' as it's handy and accepts the teapot and pours the water in cups. Towa tells Riku 'sorry' as they'll have to share one and offers him black tea as it's in a tea bag. Riku tells Towa 'thank you' as he accepts the cup. Riku drinks the black tea and becomes impressed that it's delicious as he's never had tea this delicious before. Towa tells Riku that it's Darjeeling and she actually likes Earl Grey more but it is good as she drinks it.

After having some tea together, Riku and Towa stare at the winter fireflies together. Towa tells Riku that she thought fireflies were only around during the summer. Riku also confirms to Towa that fireflies don’t fly in the wintertime. Right in the moment one of the “fireflies” appears as a water droplet and pops right in front of them, disappearing. Towa realized that the fireflies are gone. Riku tells Towa that those who are loved are fated to end in beauty and calls the winter fireflies and the lives of humans “fleeting” because they burn up and vanish in an instant and wonders if that is what makes them so beautiful. Towa points out to Riku that he says some complicated things. Riku stands up and tells Towa that the madam who took care of him used to talk about it often. Towa stands up as she and Riku look at the night sky. Towa is amazed by the starry sky. Riku tells Towa that the one who used to be his master enjoyed looking up at the stars. A visual of Riku standing looking up at the stars changes into Kirinmaru looking up at the stars. Towa tells Riku that his master sounds like a romanticist. Riku tells Towa that he doesn’t know about that but his master holds a bit of reverence for the sky and right now they both want the same thing so he’s been distancing himself from his master. Towa curiously asks Riku what is it that he wants. Riku tells Towa that he wants the Rainbow Pearls. Towa questions the Rainbows. Riku shows Towa the three he has in possession: the Green, Purple, and Blue Rainbow Pearls and tells her there are seven in total. Towa asks Riku what happens if he gathers all of them. Riku tells Towa that he doesn’t know as all 7 Rainbow Pearls have never been gathered before and only assumes her powers would increase. Towa asks Riku if that's all.

Riku laughs and tells Towa that perhaps a devastating Degenerate Age could begin but she could say that their world has already become corrupted. Towa tells Riku that a lot of demons are after her, Setsuna, and Moroha and they've been attacked for their Pearls a few times. Riku informs Towa that the Rainbow Pearls are the tears of the madam who took care of him. Towa is interested how the madam's tears turned into pearls. Riku tells Towa that he wants to gather all seven of the Rainbow Pearls to return them to the madam. Towa tells Riku that she sees and wonders if he’s also after hers, Setsuna’s and Moroha’s Pearls. Riku tells Towa that she got him there as it seems it’ll have to be that way. Realizing that she has been caught in a trap Towa becomes defensive and readies for a fight. Riku reaches his arm out towards Towa’s left eye and tells her if she remains calm he can remove the Silver Rainbow Pearl without hurting her. Before Riku is able to place his hand on Towa, Tōtetsu tells Towa there she is. Riku and Towa look to see Tōtetsu swiftly comes down from the sky with his blade. Tōtetsu says that he turns up out of the blue. Towa becomes surprised and wonders if that's a joke. Riku says what a complete lack of taste. As Tōtetsu strikes down, Riku pushes Towa out to safety as he jumps out of Tōtetsu’s way. Though Towa groans in pain, her life saved. Totetsu questions Riku why he's here too and he should've just died. Riku is furious at Tōtetsu's interference, calling him wretched bug' and cursing him for ruining his "date" with Towa, apparently being more upset over that rather than over loosing the silver Pearl. Tōtetsu tells Riku that he's the one who's wretched and a piece of trash and to not get cheeky with him as he lunges at Riku. Despite having been enemies but a minute ago, Towa still shows concern for Riku and calls out to him when Totetsu attacks.

Riku tells Tōtetsu this is why he hates him before he uses the power of his earring to summon a sword of his own and accepts the fight before lunges at Tōtetsu. Tōtetsu and Riku clash swords. Tōtetsu asks Riku that he wonders what he would taste like and maybe he'd taste the same as Lord Kirinmaru. Towa questions about Riku and Kirinmaru would taste the same. Riku asks Tōtetsu that why doesn't he keep his mouth shut. Tōtetsu tells Riku that he guesses he'll find out by eating him before he uses his suction of wind. Riku uses his earring to not only teleport and protect himself from Tōtetsu’s suction of wind but also summons miasma bugs and throws them in Tōtetsu’s mouth to poison him and kicks him then makes him lose his balance. Riku tells Tōtetsu to have some poison bees instead and runs away. Totetsu gets up and becomes annoyed of the miasma bugs before he recklessly cuts down trees with his sword. Riku saves Towa from a falling tree that Tōtetsu recklessly cuts down and they land on a tree. Riku asks Towa if he was okay. Towa tells Riku 'thank you'. Tōtetsu turns towards Riku and Towa before he spits out the miasma bugs at them. Riku shields Towa from the miasma bugs, hitting his back. Towa calls out to Riku. Riku is injured by Tōtetsu and his back is dripping in blood from the miasma bugs. Towa holds on to Riku as she tells him to hang in there before running off with him to safety and away from Tōtetsu. Tōtetsu slows down due to inhaling the miasma bugs and is unable to catch up to Towa and Riku.

As Towa and Riku are walking together, Towa asks Riku if he was okay. Riku tells Towa 'yes'. Towa tells Riku who is Kirinmaru to him. Riku tells Towa that Kirinmaru is the one who used to be his master. Towa questions Riku that he means that romanticist he was talking about earlier. Riku confirms this with Towa and was thrown away by Kirinmaru. Towa says 'oh no'. Riku tells Towa that he's only survived this far because of the madam who took care of him. Riku covers his mouth as he starts to cough. Towa catches Riku and notices that the blood's not stopping. Riku says the miasma bug poison is a real pain.

Towa sits Riku down by a tree. Towa asks Riku why would he continue to help her like this when he knows that she's Kirinmaru’s enemy. Riku tells Towa that he wonders why and he can't seem to understand it himself as there's really no reason to be protecting her before looking at her with a smile. Towa then realizes that Riku is protecting her because he has developed feelings for her, leaving her speechless with her cheeks blushing. Riku tells Towa that if he loved her that he should’ve killed her by now but maybe he doesn’t have enough love yet and he's not good at this as he stands up. Towa stands up as well. Riku tells Towa that understanding love is far beyond a doll like him. Towa holds onto Riku and tells him to hang in there as she doesn’t really understand romantic love either but if it’s liking someone then she might understand. Riku senses danger and tells Towa this way as he carries her out of the way when Totetsu shows back up as he attacks them. Riku and Towa land in different places. Towa asks Riku if he was okay. Riku tells Towa to run away even though he himself is still badly injured. Tōtetsu picks up his sword and calls Riku a castaway puppet and questions that he still betrayed them as Zero, Kirinmaru, and himself will forgive him for his actions as he lunges towards him.

Riku becomes annoyed as this really isn't to his taste as he draws out his sword again by the chime of his earring and aiming to attack Tōtetsu. As Tōtetsu and Riku are about to clash, Moroha’s Crimson Dragon Wave and Setsuna’s Scourge of Swallows aims in the middle of Tōtetsu and Riku. Tōtetsu and Towa runs but is blown away. Riku distances himself behind the trees. Towa wonders what happened. Setsuna, Moroha, and Kirara stand by Towa’s side as the sun begins to rise. Moroha asks Towa if she was okay. Towa realizes that it's Setsuna and Moroha. Totetsu groans in pain and sees that Setsuna and Moroha are here. Towa tells Setsuna and Moroha that they are late. Moroha becomes annoyed as she tells Towa that was she kidding as her and Setsuna been looking all over for her. Towa becomes surprised. Setsuna questions Towa that didn't she tell her not to wander off. Towa tells Setsuna sorry.

Towa notices her hair and eyes are changes back to normal as the sun is up. Setsuna hands Towa her sword. Towa tells Tōtetsu sorry as it is sudden. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna let's make this quick. Setsuna tells Tōtetsu that she hopes he's ready. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha draw out their blades to fight Tōtetsu. Tōtetsu tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that they're kidding as he has plans to live a long life before he makes a cloud and begins to escape. Tōtetsu tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that he'll swallow all of them at once. As Tōtetsu attempts to make his get away, Riku throws a sword from out of the air and beheads Tōtetsu, where Tōtetsu’s head, body and the Orange Rainbow Pearl falls to the ground. Riku walks towards Totetsu and tells him that he only kill the ones he loves but he'll have to make an exception for him as he takes the Orange Rainbow Pearl. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha became shocked. The chime of Riku’s earring rings and he teleports in front of Towa. Surprised, Towa calls out to Riku. The pirate walks over to half-demon and proceeds to give her a hug out of relief for her safety, as he tells her that he's glad that she's okay and he was so scared that he couldn’t help himself. Wrapped in his embrace, Towa is left in a state of speechless shock, with her cheeks once again blushing. Rather than breaking away, Towa simply allows Riku to continue hugging her, implying that despite her shock, she actually enjoys the tender moment he is expressing towards her.

Setsuna and Moroha point their blades towards Riku. Setsuna tells Riku to step away because he has the same scent as Kirinmaru. Riku looks at Setsuna and questions her about another tasteless comment. After hugging Towa for a few seconds more, Riku pushes her to the ground and teleports further away from the girls, on top of a tree to leave. Towa runs up to Riku as she calls out to him. Riku looks at Towa. Towa tells Riku that she may not know about love and she knows that she likes him. Riku becomes surprised. Towa's Silver Rainbow Pearl glows in her left eye before she takes it out and happily throws it to Riku.

Setsuna and Moroha become surprised. Riku catches the Silver Rainbow Pearl and is shocked to see it in his hand. Riku calls out to Towa and tells her what a tremendously tasteful thing for her to do. Towa tells Riku to give her regards to his madam and asks to overlook Setsuna and Moroha’s Rainbow Pearls. Riku laughs and tells Towa that she's a strange person. Towa asks Riku that he thinks so as she thinks he's pretty strange too Riku tells Towa that as a living being he’s an imitation at best. Towa questions Riku about being an imitation. Riku tells Towa 'yes'. Towa tells Riku that she can barely call herself a hanyo so she doesn't think he has to worry and he's just himself. Riku questions Towa that he's just himself and for an abandoned puppet like himself those words are too kind. Riku makes his departure and tells Towa 'thank you' for her Silver Rainbow Pearl and if fate allows it they shall meet again. Moroha is shocked and tells Towa that she couldn't believe she'd handed over her treasured Rainbow Pearl but she wonders if she can take Tōtetsu’s head there and if so then Riku's a nice fellow. Moroha kicks Tōtetsu’s head before dodging it when he tries to bite her. Moroha punches Tōtetsu’s head. Tōtetsu tells Moroha that he'll eat her. Moroha asks Tōtetsu that how is he going to do that when he doesn't have a belly and to give up already before she punches him. Tōtetsu becomes unconscious. Moroha happily says she doesn't have to worry about food for a while. Towa laughs nervously. Setsuna asks Towa if it was really okay for her to hand over her Rainbow Pearl like that. Towa tells Setsuna that the Silver Rainbow Pearl is hers afterall and even without it she still have enough demon power as she activates her Energy Blade.

Setsuna tells Towa that's not it and with those Rainbow Pearls Riku will have immense demon power. Towa unactivates his Energy Blade and tells Setsuna that Riku is giving them back to their rightful owner. Setsuna tells Towa that they can only hope that the rightful owner won't use the Rainbow Pearls for evil. Towa becomes shocked. Moroha comes dragging Tōtetsu’s head towards Towa and Setsuna and asks wasn't Riku working with Kirinmaru. Towa becomes more shocked as she realizes that Kirinmaru is their enemy. Towa runs off into the woods after Riku and calls out him as she changed her mind and to give her back the Silver Rainbow Pearl. Riku turns around as it seems like he heard Towa’s voice and he contently looks down at his hand where he now possesses the Green, Purple, Blue, Orange, and Silver Rainbow Pearls and walks off. Towa continues to call out for Riku to wait.

**The Stolen Seal**

Towa contemplates her feelings after Riku hugs her, noting to herself that she possesses a new feeling that has never come to her before, not even when Sōta hugs her. This indicates that she truly did enjoy the tender moment she had with Riku, but is still unable to fully grasp the nature of her experience with him, due to her limited knowledge of love and inexperience with romantic feelings.

**The Three Princesses Strike Back**

Zero is preparing and looking for a way for Towa to release her hidden power. She asks Riku as to how she might accomplish this. Knowing that doing so will cause Towa a great amount of pain, Riku decides to lie, telling Zero that she may not have it due to her kind personality. While Zero is not fooled by Riku’s attempt to protect Towa, she lets it slide and the two prepare for their enemies’ arrival.

Towa and Setsuna arrive at Zero's base of Izayoi’s mansion on Takechiyo to confront her and seek to end her. Towa and Setsuna split up. Towa finds Zero and has a short conversation before they battle with Zero demanding her to reveal her hidden powers. When Setsuna finds Riku, she taunted him over his feelings for Towa, something that he didn’t deny.

At the time of Moroha's attack Riku manages to still protect Zero with the Great Dog Demon's ashes, Myōga who was there for her suggests to Moroha that they leave the place was not the right thing to do since it would be disrespectful this Moroha apparently did not care enough, Zero suggests that Riku give Towa the silver Rainbow Pearl back to what he says has to be a joke since he has tried hard to obtain them and return them to what this surprises Zero a lot and makes her annoyed and she begins to release her power and out of nowhere, she receives the attack of Setsuna who manages to kill Zero with her awakening blood blade, which causes Riku to worry and go to her side.

**Sesshōmaru's Daughter**

As Kirinmaru is about to pursue Zero, Riku stabs him through the abdomen in order to weaken him enough, not only to allow Zero to escape her brother’s wrath, but to also give Towa and her relatives a chance to defeat him or at least escape from him as well, showing that his care for her was enough to exceed even his loyalty to Kirinmaru. Upon witnessing this, Towa, in turn, was touched and appreciative of Riku’s gesture, while silently lamenting that she was saddened upon seeing him teleport away, wishing she and him could've had more time to talk.

As Kirinmaru goes after Setsuna, Towa manages to hurt him in the area where Riku attacked, dealing more damage, and when Setsuna attacks, Kirinmaru blasts Towa aside and is able to block Setsuna's attack but Setsuna uses her Blood Blade to break the barrier and cut him.

**The Demon Spirit of the Sea**

As the waves from the Sea Snake Lady were about to engulf Towa, Riku freezes the ocean water to save her from the waves. Towa immediately deduced that Riku had to be responsible for the water freezing over.

**The Silver-Scale Curse**

Upon arriving at the field where Setsuna was dealing with some demons, Riku offered himself to become Towa's bodyguard, claiming to be more able to protect Towa.

**The Girl Named Rion**

Towa met up with Riku once more at the foot of Mount Musubi where she learns of the sensory connection between Riku and Kirinmaru.

**Takechiyo's Request**

Upon learning of Zero's plot to eliminate Towa, Riku and Rion set off to ensure the girl's safety. Upon witnessing the conclusion of the battle with the Rock Fiend, Riku remarks that Towa is someone that needs to be protected rather than a protector.

**Nanahoshi's Mini Galaxy**

Riku and Rion decided to accompany Towa in order to protect her from Zero. Riku made sure to keep his distance to make sure Kirinmaru didn't discover their location.

**Mayonaka the Visitor**

Following their encounter with Kirinmaru, Towa, Riku, and Rion come to a stream where Riku washes his injured eyes. The water fails to heal them, however, leaving Riku blind. He claims that this is a good thing as Kirinmaru will no longer be able to see exactly where they are anymore though his eyes. Though a guilt ridden Towa expresses her sadness over this, Riku tells her not to worry as he is still able to sense her presence through the sent of flowers that she resonates. Rion, recognizing it from her travels around the world, identifies the sent as that of lavender. Towa realizes that they are smelling the hand cream she keeps in her pocket for refreshing dried skin. Riku utilizes Towa's lavender-scented hand cream to "fix" his damaged eyes, which turn them from dark green to a light lavender. Though still largely blind, Riku's eyes are healed enough to where he is able to see Towa, much to her joy. This joy quickly turns to fluster when Riku reveals that she is now the only person he can see, causing her to blush in shock. Rion chastises Riku for "teasing" a young lady like Towa, which he apologizes for.

**Battle on the New Moon, Part 1**

Riku expressed concern when noticing Towa being worried about Setsuna's wellbeing during the New Moon. He even feared that Towa's unstable emotions would lead her down a similar path that Zero went over 200 years ago. Eventually, Towa is told by Rion of Riku's origins as an incarnation of Kirinmaru. Upon hearing this, Towa is surprised and questions Riku on the truth. When he confirms it, Riku is left saddened, sure that Towa now hates him for being the detachment of the demon that killed her beloved sister. To his amazement, however, Towa doesn't bear any hatred or anger towards him. Instead she reminds him that he is just himself, not holding his origins against him. This leaves Riku astonished to the point where he sheds tears of relief that Towa doesn't hate him. Rion who is watching them, smiles and laughs as Towa and Riku enjoy their company, showing that she too is happy for Towa being unbiased towards Riku and implying that she is supportive of his affections for the half-demon princess. When the trio are attacked by Zero's paper moth minions, Riku fights to protect Towa but is unable to prevent her abduction. Before she is taken, Riku calls out her name in desperation. After her abduction, Riku resolves to rescue her from Zero.

**A Place (Not) for Towa**

Riku and Rion finally manage arrive to help Towa, only to see that one of the most optimistic and warmhearted of the Half-Demon Princesses has lost her sanity to her deepest fury and hatred, which has resulted in the awakening her innermost demonic self in full swing. However, this is exactly what Zero has been hoping for. Riku then realizes that Zero's way to "survive until the very end" is for Towa to kill her, and tries to hold Towa off but she is far too powerful. Wanting to send Towa to Hell personally, she absorbs all seven of her Rainbow Pearls into her eyes, thus being granted even greater demonic abilities than ever before as a rainbow-colored demonic aura is emitted all around her, which shocks Riku.

**Zero's Wish**

**Kirinmaru of the Dawn**

Upon leaving Nanahoshi's mansion for her mother, Towa appeared concerned that she'll never see Riku again after that moment.

**The Collapse of the Windmill of Time**

**Osamu Kirin's Apparition Conquest**

**The Grim Butterfly of Despair**

**Father and Daughter**

Knowing his fate, Riku claimed that Towa had helped him understand the feeling of falling in love and had given him a reason to live. Riku even decided to put his artificial life on the line to ensure Towa's *kon* is not drained dry by telling her that she must live on.

**A Never-Ending Future**

## Evidence

* Riku seems to have taken an interest in Towa, befriending her shortly after meeting her.
* Though unaware of love, Towa claims Riku is someone she likes.
* Towa refers to Riku as a odd, but handsome pirate.
* Riku's fascination with Towa has been noted by several people, including Setsuna, Kirinmaru and Zero.
* Riku states that Towa awoke the feeling of falling in love from their time together.

## Quotes

* "*I met her. Lord Sesshōmaru’s daughter. I believe her name was Lady Towa. I like her.*"―Riku expressing his interest in Towa.[src]
* "*Now, please show me, Lady Towa. The The Azure Dragon Wave you inherited from Lord Sesshōmaru.*"―Riku waiting for Towa to use the Sōryūha.[src]
* "*I wonder it is I’m feeling... I don’t feel this way when Papa Sōta hugs me.*"―Towa pondering about her hug from Riku.[src]
* "*Oh my, do my eyes deceive me? You look exceptionally beautiful tonight Lady Towa. Your left eye in particular is spar**kling more than usual.*"―Riku flirtatiously complimenting Towa’s human form.[src]
* "*Yes. Lady Towa is the kindest person... So I don’t believe she has any powers hidden within her.*"―Riku attempting to lie to Zero, in order to protect Towa.[src]
* "*I may not know much about love, but I do know what it means to like someone. And you Riku, are definitely someone I like.*"-Towa expressing her feelings to Riku.[src]
* *"Her Ladyship isn't a protector. No, she is someone to be protected."*-Riku expressing his concern for Towa.[Src]