Paul
They lined up as if for the firing squad.
This wasn’t an execution. It was a farewell to Tarō and the friendlier Tsukumogami. For the rest, it was an expulsion. Tens of thousands crowded to watch them leave from the House’s threshold.
Koto read the kids their rights. “As agreed, we hosted you for three nights. Now, you will leave our colony. The tunnel exit will open at your approach. First, though, swear you will not reveal our location or defenses to anyone.”
They all swore on their honor. No magic at Koto’s disposal could silence them, but that’s why this tunnel to the surface would soon be demolished—leaving no way for the mages to enter and nowhere for the kids to retreat. The three Taotie Guardian orbs from the tunnels had been moved to the cavern proper for reuse in a new tunnel.
“Ittan-Momen,” Koto addressed his subordinate. “You may remove yourself from the Libra.”
The bolt of cotton wrapped around Lea’s head unraveled and hung in the air. “Though our time together was short, I enjoyed your company. I shall dearly miss you, Leanan Libra.”
Curtseying, Lea replied with a half-smile, “You were a fine bodyguard, Momen. If I do not miss the inability to see and speak, I shall regret the lack of your company.”
Then Koto gave his closing statement. “Should anyone here present wish to say anything to these outsiders before they go, come forward and speak now.”
At first, none of the Tsukumogami moved, nor spoke. Shami and Biwa both had contented expressions as they reveled in the silence, assuming Momen’s attitude owed to Lea’s magic.
Then Kouki the paper lantern and Gorou the nutcracker stepped forward with hands outstretched. “Light the night wherever you go, Paul Nightwatcher, and safe travels to your friends,” Kouki said.
Gorou was next, “You’re a good man, and I’m glad to have met you.”
Paul stood speechless as he shook the hands extended to him. Koto watched, saying nothing, seemingly in his own melancholy world.
Next came a spontaneous, scattered raising of hands across the crowd. Tsukumogami Paul didn’t recognize waved at them, and Wendi waved back. These were the children she’d played with. Among them, most hidden from plain view, were those holding pieces of Paul’s metal tree. He saw twin girls in fuzzy pink slippers lifting a glass leaf high.
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He joined Wendi in waving his farewell. Taking their cue, Daniel, Lea, Kenta, Rana, and Cassie all waved with them. Shami and Biwa fumed, though Koto watched and said nothing.
Finally, Tarō the scarf slid off Cassie’s neck and shifted into a scarecrow. To the boy’s surprise, Rana coughed to get his attention and beckoned him over. Tarō approached Rana with a shrug and a nod.
The frog girl hugged him and, visible to Paul and few others, palmed a Shew Stone—one of the spares they’d collected in their travels—into the boy’s hand. It wasn’t their rarity that made this gift special. If Paul guessed right, this one was connected to Cassie’s.
The bat girl shed a tear in gratitude at the gesture; the two of them could at least keep a written correspondence this way. Rana could’ve chosen an easier time to give this gift, but Paul thought she had a rebellious streak that liked the idea of doing it right under Koto’s wooden nose. Bold, yet subtle.
Cassie crouched to his level, and Tarō leaped into her arms. The two of them embraced as if in a final goodbye. This could be the last time they’d ever see one another. Shami and Biwa grimaced at the display of affection. Koto watched and said nothing.
Then Tarō pulled from the embrace and put a hand on Cassie’s nape to encourage the bat girl to bow her head. This electrified the crowd, leaving them paralyzed and rapt. Tarō leaned forward and kissed Cassie’s bare forehead before anyone could stop him.
Paul didn’t know much about primal life magic, but he knew this as a sign of protection. A golden alarm clock pin appeared on Cassie’s chest as a small amount of Tarō’s Lifeforce entered her. The boy took none in return. Paul wouldn’t have expected anything less from Tarō.
It was a beautiful, impromptu ceremony of goodwill.
But, when Paul saw Koto, pure fear obliterated all other thoughts and emotions.
Though Koto’s eyes didn’t turn red, they held the expression of someone who’d appointed themselves as judge, jury, and executioner. Indescribable rage rendered his face unrecognizable. This was a Koto who would not just watch and say nothing.
Cassie gave Tarō one last quick hug before she stood and strode towards the tunnel entrance, sending to the others, :Guys, we have got to get out of here. Right. Now!:
She raised her arms and jumped, shifting hands to wings midair and, at the peak of her arc, rocketed high with a sharp flap. Cassie did a loop, growing in size, and swung low for the others to hop on. The transformation was smoother and quicker than Paul remembered; she’d learned a few things from Tarō.
Also, she’d changed the shape and species of her giant bat form. Her great claws fluidly merged into her frame where before they’d been slapped on half-hazard. Although her giant bat size hadn’t increased, the proportions were better suited for the massive frame. Altogether, her appearance seemed more intimidating, and Paul felt glad to have her on their side.
They boarded Cassie, and she launched herself at top speed through the narrow tunnel—not wasting a moment to linger.