Chapter Forty-Four
Secrets All Around Us
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(Kurai's POV)
With the soft halfling snoring in his ears, Kurai looked over at Snow and assumed she had fallen asleep. She had passed out completely intoxicated, but it seemed she had enjoyed her night with everyone. Gently, he maneuvered himself to slip out from under her grip around his neck, ensuring she wouldn't wake up—though she likely wouldn't anyway.
Once Kurai's fox body was free, he carefully placed a paw on her marked arm. His ears flattened against his head, a hint of guilt nagging at him. The words he had spoken to her about 'belonging to' bothered him. Before his training, it felt like she owned him because of their pact.
He transformed back into his human form, crouching beside her to examine the marking. The thought of whether it was enough to keep Mundus at bay troubled him. Disturbing thoughts of Mundus getting near her crossed his mind, bringing haunting memories of the night Snow was nearly killed by the Underworld Ruler. The image of her transition from a joyful presence to a lifeless form pained him deeply.
Despite his efforts, Kurai couldn't escape the replay of that night or the guilt he felt. He had spent the last three years training to protect this woman he barely knew at first. Could their connection indeed have grown so strong from just the original pact?
A sigh escaped him, his black fox ears flattening against his head as he gazed at her. "Goodnight, Snow," he whispered softly. Wrapping his fingers around her mark, he teleported her to the bedroom so she could sleep peacefully, free from the worries that plagued his thoughts.
Kurai sat alone in the living room, his eyes transfixed by the dancing flames in the fireplace. The warmth enveloped him, a comforting presence in the quiet room. Yet, despite the soothing glow, his mind was a whirlwind of memories, thoughts, and emotions, each demanding his attention.
His brow furrowed with concentration, deep lines of contemplation etched across his face. The only sounds were the soft crackling of the fire and the occasional creak of the wooden logs. In those moments, Kurai was lost in his world, adrift in a vast sea of his thoughts. The fire was a guiding beacon, steady amidst the chaos swirling within him.
Frustration bubbled up as he thought about Snow and her getting hurt. It pained him to realize how close she had come to danger. The guilt of having gone three years without attempting to save her weighed heavily on him. How could he have allowed such a situation to occur in the first place?
The questions gnawed at him, each reminding him of his perceived failures. Yet, somewhere in his mind, he knew he had acted with the best intentions, driven by a desire to protect and strengthen himself for her sake. Despite the turmoil, he resolved to improve, ensuring he would never be too late again.
“Looks like someone had a fun night,” came a teasing voice behind Kurai. He felt a presence approach, and soon, a pair of arms wrapped around his neck. “I must say, though, I am rather jealous,” she whispered into his ear, her voice laced with playful insinuation.
Kurai's body tensed at the unexpected intrusion. Still, he raised a hand to gently rest on the woman's hand that had draped seductively around him. “Not now, Mitsuko,” he replied softly, gently removing her hand from his shoulder.
Undeterred, Mitsuko slinked to face him, her gentle brown hair cascading around her lithe figure and resting on her shoulders. Her presence was familiar and slightly disarming, and Kurai couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions at her approach.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer, clearly enjoying the chance to tease him. “Oh, come now,” she said with a playful smile, her demeanor lighthearted despite his initial reluctance.
Kurai sighed, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. While Mitsuko's presence distracted him from his thoughts, he appreciated the levity she brought into the room, even if it cost him his moment of solitude.
Kurai's jet-black hair fell in disarray around his face, and the usual brightness of his amber eyes was clouded by sadness and confusion. His forehead was creased with worry, and his lips were drawn into a frown, reflecting the turmoil within him as he tried to process the events of the last 24 hours. For three years, he had trained relentlessly to free Snow, but those years had also brought other achievements.
As he lifted his gaze, it settled on the woman in front of him, Mitsuko. Her long brown hair cascaded gracefully down her back, and her light blue eyes sparkled in the firelight. What captured anyone's attention, however, were the two wolf ears perched atop her head—sleek, grey, and twitching subtly as if attuned to distant sounds.
Mitsuko smiled warmly at Kurai, emanating a sense of calm and ease that seemed to envelop him. As she met his gaze, her ears twitched, a silent testament to her attentiveness. They sat together in comfortable silence, watching the flames dance and listening to the gentle crackle of the fire.
Feeling the weight of his thoughts, Kurai leaned his head against her shoulder, took a deep breath, and inhaled her delicate perfume. The fragrance was a harmonious blend of floral and woody, subtle yet captivating notes. It wafted around her like a gentle breeze, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the room.
Drawn to the scent, Kurai inhaled deeply, savoring its essence. The perfume perfectly complements Mitsuko's unique presence, adding another layer of comfort to the moment they shared. In this quiet space, amidst the fire's warmth and Mitsuko's soothing presence, Kurai found a temporary respite from the chaos of his thoughts.
“You did a good thing, and you should be happy that you’ve saved yet another life,” Mitsuko's voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of temptation that drew Kurai's attention. Her words flowed like a soothing lullaby, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. Lost in the melody of her voice, Kurai felt a sense of ease wash over him, captivated by every word she said.
She pressed her lips against his forehead gently and reassuringly before pulling away yet still holding onto him. Her touch was both grounding and inviting. “It’s a bit different,” Kurai replied, his voice tinged with complexity. It’s… something more.”
“Shh, she’s just the Reaper,” Mitsuko huffed, glancing away. “She’ll be focused on her training. You were once her guardian, and now you’re mine,” her voice drew him closer, though her words didn't bring the comfort he sought.
Kurai sighed softly, raising his head to meet her gaze. Her eyes were as captivating as the flames behind them, fueled by the magic of his own fire. “Of course, Mitsuko,” he murmured, holding her close, her warmth melding with his.
With Mitsuko, Kurai felt more confident. Finding another kitsune spirit was remarkable, especially given his belief that Mundus had eradicated them all. Meeting Mitsuko changed everything. She became his teacher in the years of his training, the only one who truly understood what it meant to be alone and bound by force.
In her, he found understanding of his people, his life, and the burdens of his past. He knew what he had to do, even if it meant shattering the connection with Snow and losing everything he had before.
He knew what he had to do.
Even if it meant shattering the connection he once had with Snow.
Even if it meant ruining everything he had before Snow.
He felt complete alongside this Kitsune - no longer alone like he had been.
No longer a wanderer.
No longer an outsider, an intruder.
No longer a traitor.
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(Back to Snow!)
“Wake up, Sunshine! Come on, up and at ’em! Here’s to the first day back in the real world, wakey wake!!” The enthusiastic voice pierced the stillness, urging me into consciousness.
I slowly opened my heavy eyelids, feeling the weight of a long night's sleep. As I inhaled deeply, the darkness enveloped me, and I felt momentarily disoriented. With a stretch of my limbs, I became acutely aware of the dull throb in my temples and the parched feeling in my mouth.
Sitting up, I realized I had slept for an extended period, and my body was protesting in response. I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear away the fog of sleep, and concentrated on piecing together the fragmented memories of the previous night. It took a few moments to recall the revelries—dancing and drinking with friends until the early hours.
No wonder I felt so drained. Slowly, I rose from the bed, my steps unsteady as I walked toward the bathroom, hoping the icy water would jolt me back to reality. “Move,” I muttered, shoving past the person who woke me. I didn’t even spare a glance, assuming it was Yushin, eager for a day of intense training.
As I reached the bathroom, I braced for the cold splash, which would help shake off the remnants of sleep and prepare me for the day ahead. The thought of Yushin's relentless energy pushed me to gather myself quickly, reminding me that the real world awaited.
Yushin followed me to the bathroom, his cheery voice echoing through the space. “You woke up a lot smoother than I did!” he commented, placing an arm on the door frame and grinning as he leaned into it. “Wear something comfortable, deary, it’s going to be a long day. Astaroth will be with us as well!”
I groaned, feeling the weight of Yushin's enthusiasm as he continued speaking from the doorway. “You’re so loud, Yushin,” I murmured into the towel while refreshing my face with cool water.
A soft chuckle escaped him, his nearly flawless navy blue and white hair framing eyes glittered with amusement. I glanced at him through the mirror, taking in his appearance. He wore a striking kimono woven with blue and gold in an elegant pattern. The kimono was slightly open at the chest, showing his physique. What captivated me most was the star-like dust shimmering across the fabric, making it seem like the garment was alive with cosmic energy. The inside of his robe was mesmerizing, resembling a view into a star-filled sky as if one were gazing directly into the depths of space. This celestial effect gave him an otherworldly charm, making the kimono more than just clothing—it was a gateway to the stars, truly like a Spirit-Walker. A slight blush crept onto my cheeks as I realized he was more muscular than I had imagined. Honestly, I hadn’t known he was so built.
Quickly, I looked away and continued to wash my face, attempting to change the subject. “Astaroth will be there; what about Kurai?” I asked from inside the bathroom.
“Uh, he’s… busy,” Yushin replied, a hint of unease in his voice. I watched as he turned away and sat on my bed, looking around the room awkwardly.
I poked my head through the door, scrutinizing him. “What do you mean… busy?” I questioned. “I thought he said he’d be there to help with training.”
Yushin shifted uncomfortably on the bed, avoiding my gaze. His usual lively demeanor seemed subdued, and I could sense there was more to Kurai's absence than he was letting on.
"Well," Yushin began, hesitating slightly as he chose his words. "Kurai mentioned something about attending to some personal matters. It sounded important, and, you know, he doesn't usually skip out on training unless it's necessary."
“Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding something?” I asked, approaching Yushin with curiosity. Still wearing the robe I had apparently been changed into, I crossed my arms and looked down at him, raising an eyebrow. “Yushin?” I demanded, seeking an answer.
“S-Snow,” he murmured, his voice a bit shaky as he gripped the bedsheets and looked away, a blush spreading across his cheeks. “You’re showing a lot more than I intended to see,” he coughed awkwardly, gesturing to the top of my chest that was nearly exposed through the robe.
Realizing what he meant, I quickly adjusted the robe, feeling a flush of embarrassment myself. Despite the lighthearted moment, I could tell there was more to Yushin's reaction than just the situation's awkwardness.
“Sorry,” I muttered, securing the robe more tightly. “But seriously, is there something you’re not telling me? About Kurai or anything else?”
Yushin hesitated for a moment, still avoiding eye contact. “It’s just... he’s been dealing with some things alone, and I didn’t want to get into it without his permission. I’m not trying to hide anything, I promise. It’s just... complicated.”
I nodded slowly as I sat down next to him. “Fine,” I murmured, clasping my own hands. “I’ll trust you on that.”
A smile lit up Yushin’s face, his teeth grinning brightly. I couldn't help but notice how cute his grin was, the way it seemed to light up the room. “Thank you! Besides, it’ll be a lot easier for you to train with your peers—the ones who do soul guiding and black magic, like me and Astaroth! Much easier to work with us than someone who works strictly with fire!” he said, reaching over to clasp my hands with his.
“It’ll be fun for us to bond anyway!” he added, his enthusiasm infectious. His warm touch and the sparkle in his eyes reassured me that it would be a great day to learn more about him and Astaroth.
“Do we have to leave so early?” I commented, feeling the warmth of his hands enclosing mine. The gentle pressure was both comforting and reassuring.
Yushin nodded, his smile unwavering. “Absolutely. I still have a job to do, you know.” His voice carried that familiar positivity, which made him so endearing. Whether he was a spirit or perhaps a demon, Yushin always knew exactly what to say to lighten the mood and make things a bit better.
“Do I at least... get to eat?” I asked gently, tilting my head slightly. “I’m pretty sure you didn’t up and leave Jenieva’s place that quickly without something for yourself,” I teased, watching his reaction closely.
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“A-ah? What?! I wasn’t at Jenieva’s!” he retorted, pulling his hands away from mine as a flush of embarrassment colored his cheeks. His face lit up again, this time not with a grin but with surprise.
I couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle at his reaction, nodding slowly. “Someone had to take her home,” I added playfully, enjoying the momentary fluster in his usually composed demeanor.
Yushin's blush deepened, and he fumbled for words, his embarrassment only adding to his charm. Despite his flustered state, his presence remained calming, a reminder of the bonds we shared and the support we provided each other, even in lighthearted teasing moments like this.
Yushin tried to regain his composure, running a hand through his nearly flawless navy blue and white hair. "Well, maybe I did help her home," he admitted, the corner of his mouth turning up in a sheepish grin. "But that's only because I couldn't let her wander off alone after the party. You know how she gets."
I nodded, understanding completely. Jenieva had a knack for getting into mischief, especially after a night out. Yushin was just the guy - whether or not he was a bit tipsy himself - to get her home.
"Alright, alright," I relented, smiling at him. "I suppose breakfast can wait a little while longer. Just promise me we won't be training on an empty stomach for too long."
He laughed, the sound light and infectious. “I promise we’ll find something to eat soon. Besides, I wouldn't want to face Astaroth without a bit of fuel myself."
I stood back up to continue getting ready, returning to the bathroom and talking with him through the door. “So what did you and Jenieva do anyway? She could barely comprehend anything when you carried her out last night!” I teased him as I reached for the doorknob. “Also, turn away from the bathroom so I can get dressed.”
“Done,” The Spirit Walker replied. “But no, I put Jenieva in her room, threw a blanket on her, and then passed out on the couch,” He commented. “Nothing bad, I promise.”
Listening to him, I thought about his response. Neither of them was the type of people to do anything silly to one another. Jenieva, even as a succubus, probably has her preference, and who knows if it was a person like Yushin. She often flirted with me, so maybe she’s just… not into men? I had no idea.
I reached for the bathroom doorknob and poked my head through the door to ensure that Yushin had turned away. He was sitting in the nook of my bedroom, gazing out the window into the snow-filled landscape. The serene view held his attention, offering peace amidst our busy morning.
Yushin's hair flowed down his back in long, silky strands that shimmered in the light. Its navy-blue color, interspersed with striking strands of white, created a mesmerizing effect as if he carried the night sky with him. Despite its impressive length, the hair appeared impeccably healthy and well-cared for, with no split ends or tangles in sight. It was a striking feature, contrasting beautifully against his fair skin, making him stand out in any crowd.
I marveled at the transformation. The last time I had seen him, his hair was short, just above his ears. In the three years that had passed, he hadn't aged a bit, yet his hair had grown long and silky, with a few strands of white standing out like delicate threads woven into a tapestry. Three years didn’t age him, but it made his hair long and silky, with the few strands of white that stood out.
Admiring him from behind, I smiled softly before turning away from Yushin and the window. I quickly made my way to the closet, searching for an outfit. "Kurai mentioned that he didn't have time to get me some new clothes," I said, a hint of uncertainty in my voice. "So, um, Yushin, what should I do?" I questioned, hoping for his guidance.
Yushin turned his attention from the window, a thoughtful expression on his face as he pondered my predicament. "I think I might have just the thing," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. With a flourish of his hand, he conjured a beautifully folded kimono into existence, the fabric shimmering with hints of magic.
"This is one of my favorites," he explained, offering it to me. "It's stylish and perfect for the cold weather." The kimono was a deep shade of navy blue, interwoven with delicate patterns of white that resembled falling snowflakes. It was a striking garment, and its enchantment promised warmth and comfort.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit unsure about wearing something that belonged to Yushin. The idea of donning his clothing felt strangely intimate, yet its practicality was undeniable. "Are you sure?" I asked, glancing at him for reassurance.
He nodded encouragingly, his smile warm and genuine. "Of course. It's just clothing, and I want you to be comfortable and warm."
I hesitated, looking at the kimono. "Well, thank you—that’s very nice of you... But couldn’t you just ‘magic me up’ some clothing that would fit more... me?" I questioned quietly, feeling a bit self-conscious.
Yushin chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he lay back on the bed, staring through the window in the ceiling. "I’m not a tailor, so I cannot just ‘magic’ you up some clothes," he replied, his tone light and teasing. "You’ll have to visit the market for that."
“Hm... Fine,” I said as I began to change in the bathroom, putting on the kimono that seemed to be made from the stars themselves—just like Yushin's. The fabric was soft and gentle against my skin, flowing effortlessly without any discomfort. It was a beautiful piece, but I felt awkward wearing it as it wasn't my usual style.
Still, I thought, perhaps wearing this would offer me a chance to understand Yushin a bit more—to glimpse into the world of Spirit Walkers and the magic they lived by. I took a moment to study the intricate patterns that wrapped around me, resembling constellations. I felt a sense of warmth and protection enveloping me.
I whirled in front of the bathroom mirror, examining how the kimono fit. It clashed slightly with my snow-white hair, but the overall effect was surprisingly lovely. The contrast added a unique touch, highlighting both the kimono's celestial design and my own features.
Taking a moment to adjust my appearance, I pinned my hair into a high ponytail, keeping it off my face while allowing a few strands to fall gracefully along the sides, framing my face. It was a simple yet elegant style that complemented the kimono. I felt more comfortable and confident as I prepared to rejoin Yushin.
“You can’t conjure cloths, but then how did this house get here? I thought it wouldn’t be rebuilt,” I asked him, exiting the bathroom.
He still lay flat on my bed, staring up at the ceiling with his arms under his head, as he replied, “It’s not exactly the house. “It’s similar to a fragment of your memory. It’s a bit complicated to explain but similar to an illusion spell.”
“Illusion spell, huh? Does that mean you’re not really here?” I teased him mercilessly.
“Ha-ha,” He muttered as he sat up straight and instantly locked gazes with me - his yellow eyes turning soft. “I’ve grown a lot in these last few years, working alongside some of the strongest demons this Hell has to offer,” He said, holding his hand a few feet away from me. “I’m not weak - and I’ve trained with… Well, your mother. And now… That you know… Her secret,” He sighed as his hand brightened slightly with a bit of blue. “Lady Serelia, also known as the Reaper and Lady in Red, or whatever people want to call her…”
Within seconds, a small golden rose appeared from his hand, twirling and twisting with blue thorns that wrapped around its stem.
“I don’t think you understand the power that she held - thus, why she was able to withstand everything thrown at her in Tartarus,” He commented with a sly smile as the rose turned into a solid. “She was an incredible Queen of Power - someone undefeatable for so many reigns! She and Lord Zonoth were amazing demons.”
Listening to his words, I almost felt sorry for him. My mother, even though she may have been aggressive when I first met her, was probably an exceptional Queen. And Lord Zonoth?! That was one question that still lingered in the back of my mind - I haven’t seen him, but they claim he is… Potentially alive?
A sudden realization struck with the clarity of moonlight piercing the night sky. "I can find my father," I whispered with determination. Taking the rose from the Spirit Walker’s hand, I held it up to the moonlight streaming into the room. The rose transformed before my eyes, its blue glow shifting to a radiant gold. Filled with hope, I sat on my knees on the bed, my smile bright as I gazed at the rose. "I can find Lord Zonoth!"
Yushin's reaction was immediate and filled with concern. "What? No, that’s entirely too dangerous!" he quickly replied.
Confusion and defiance surged within me. "What do you mean, dangerous?! He’s out there. You said I can trace lifelines, right? That’s my role as a Reaper—to locate souls and track them through the Spirit Tree. Yushin, you have to let me do this," I implored, placing the rose down gently and turning to him. My hands rested on his shoulders, my voice filled with urgency. "You have to. It’s my duty to return lost souls!"
Confusion and defiance surged within me. "What do you mean, dangerous?! He’s out there. You said I can trace lifelines, right? That’s my role as a Reaper—to locate souls and track them through the Spirit Tree. Yushin, you have to let me do this," I implored, placing the rose down gently and turning to him. My hands rested on his shoulders, my voice filled with urgency. "You have to. It’s my duty to return lost souls!"
He hesitated, scanning my eyes for any hint of recklessness. "Snow—you aren’t ready for that," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
"But... You took me to the Spirit Tree! You said, 'You can see how people’s lives will end, when someone’s will begin, and everything in between.' Yushin, it’s my destiny to repair this world," I pressed, squeezing his shoulders tightly in desperation.
It was Yushin who had guided me to the Tree of Life and promised I’d have the power to guide souls home. Surely, he must have had a purpose in bringing me there beyond my identity as a Reaper.
"Snow, you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into if I let you do that," the Spirit Walker’s voice softened, his hand gently enclosing mine. His eyes held a sorrowful depth, yet they were guarded, protecting secrets untold.
"Yushin, as the Reaper of the Underworld, I demand you allow me to do it," I declared firmly, my gaze steady and unwavering. My voice carried the weight of authority, demanding recognition of my resolve.
Yushin's expression softened, yet a mix of concern and understanding lingered in his eyes. He knew the weight of my words, the determination that fueled my every action. As the Reaper of the Underworld, my role was balancing life and death, a responsibility I couldn't take lightly.
He sighed, the tension in the room palpable. "Snow, the path you're choosing is fraught with peril. Tracing a lifeline, especially one as significant as Lord Zonoth's, carries immense risks. You must understand the consequences."
I pulled my hands away from him and frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed. “If I find him, your world can get back to normal. He can help us, right?” I questioned quietly, picking the rose up as it twinkled back to the soft blue.
A soft chuckle escaped the Spirit Walker from a few feet before me, “You’re quite reckless, you know. I came here to take you training for your first day, and you just want to jump into the hard stuff…” The Spirit Walker leaned back on my bed again, crossed his arms behind his head, and stared into the ceiling window. “Is that why you took on your demon form?” He questioned me.
“What? I’d never!” I said quickly, pushing my walls up. How did he know… That I did that? Did Kurai tell him, did he see me last night when I experienced weird shit in the bathroom?
Yushin spoke gently, reinforcing that neither he nor the others underestimated the situation. "I'm not stupid - none of us are," he said softly. He revealed that Mati and Astaroth were already aware of the circumstances, pointing to the window and drawing attention to the dim moonlight in the Underworld. "Do you see that simple light up there?"
My eyes followed his gesture to the darkened sky, illuminated slightly by the scarce moonlight. Yushin explained that the Blood Moon and Mundus's actions had a profound impact: "Certain areas of the Underworld saw you die. Certain areas saw you take your demon form and... almost die." He paused, acknowledging Kurai's intervention. "Thanks to Kurai, it all just... stopped. Whatever he did in Tartarus, he halted Mundus—mostly. But that will never heal. Think of it as an untreatable tear into the darkness."
Frustrated by what seemed off-topic, I retorted, "Wow… That’s completely irrelevant. What does that have to do with my demon form?"
Yushin groaned, exasperated. "Do you just not like lectures?!" he exclaimed, adjusting his position to emphasize his point. "It means you'll never fully heal from your demon form. You've unleashed her once, and she knows you'll revert to her one day."
"That’s ridiculous!" I sneered, unwilling to accept his words.
"It's not, Snow! Listen to yourself!" Yushin urged, his concern evident.
Feeling misunderstood and cornered, I snapped back, "I'm listening, and it sounds like you're against helping me, just like everyone else!" Anger simmered within me as I moved toward the door. "I have the power to bring back the Ruler of the Underworld, my father, and you're telling me no!" My voice was firm with conviction, driven by my quest to reunite with my last family member.
Yushin sighed deeply, his gaze dropping as his hair fell over his eyes, obscuring his face. "All of this is connected in a sense," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of truth. "You're the daughter of a Queen and King, but also the daughter of the Reaper—"
"Exactly!" I interrupted, my voice sharp with frustration. "I have demon blood in me, and I've managed to control it for the last 28 years!"
Yushin lifted his gaze, his deep navy-blue and white-stranded hair falling back to reveal eyes filled with disbelief. "Control?" he repeated, his voice laced with incredulity. "Your powers have been suppressed until the night you found your first soul. And even after that, you couldn't defend yourself. How can I expect you to protect yourself after unleashing it?"
His words pierced me like icy shards, but I held my ground, unwilling to waver. "I've learned since then," I argued, my purple eyes meeting his with unwavering determination. "I've grown stronger and more aware of my abilities. Why can't you see that?"
Yushin's composure shattered as a surge of emotion overtook him. "YOU DIED, SNOW!" he yelled, his voice echoing with raw pain and frustration. In an instant, he was in front of me, his grip firm on my arms, his eyes searching mine with a mixture of fear and desperation. "I watched you die. I watched you DIE. Do you know how hard that was?!" His breathing quickened, each word a testament to the agony he had endured. "I had to watch you die because I couldn’t be there to keep you safe! I had to put all my trust in a fucking nogitsune—a demon spirit to keep you alive! And an Overlord who doesn’t want to step up!"
His grip was unyielding, and his words struck deep, revealing the depth of his torment. The room seemed to hold its breath as Yushin's emotions spilled over, the weight of past failures and helplessness etched into his every word. Despite the turmoil swirling around us, I held onto my resolve, knowing that my path was fraught with challenges, but it was mine to navigate. Even as his anguish wrapped around me, I couldn't let it deter me from the mission that burned within my soul.
I was left speechless. I'd never seen Yushin so upset and emotional—it was astonishing, especially since I had never heard him curse. His usually calm demeanor was replaced by an intense I hadn't witnessed. I stared into his yellow eyes, seeing the desperation and deep desire to protect shining within them. His breathing was uneven, a clear sign that whatever he had gone through was tormenting him. The thought of him being put in a position to protect me, especially after training beside my mother, weighed heavily on my mind.
“I… Yushin…” I stuttered, struggling to find the right words.
Yushin's gaze met mine, his eyes steady and filled with a fierce determination that comforted and unsettled me. “That demon is relentless. It's not just going to fight you—it’s aiming to kill you,” he said, his voice soft yet carrying an undercurrent of intensity that cut through my spiraling thoughts.
The gravity of his words sank in, my heart racing at the terrifying reality. Yet, amidst the fear, there was a flicker of warmth at the unwavering devotion in his voice. “I would do anything to keep you safe,” he continued, voicing a protective resolve in his tone. “If that means erecting a barrier to shield you, I will do it without hesitation. So will Kurai and Astaroth and all of them. You can’t just go running into trouble like you want.”
“But I’m—” I began, my protest cut short by the urgency in his eyes.
“Yes, I know, Snow. You’re the Reaper,” he acknowledged his voice a blend of understanding and determination. “That’s why I need to train you first. I promise I’ll gladly help you locate Lord Zonoth once we've had some training. Please, you just have to trust me.”
His plea was heartfelt, a rare glimpse into his vulnerability, and it tugged at my resolve. His insistence came from a place of deep care, not just for my safety, but for my growth and readiness to face what lay ahead.
“I know it’s our duty as the protectors of this realm to locate Lord Zonoth - but you’re not ready for that.”
I searched his gaze, trying to delve deeper into the emotions swirling behind those worried eyes. I could have sworn I saw something flicker—an unspoken truth or a hidden fear. There had to be more to this than he was letting on. It wasn't just about my mother or his protective instincts; there was something else, something he knew about Lord Zonoth. But why couldn’t he share it with me?
A flicker of anger rose within me, mixed with the frustration of his refusal to help me immediately. I understood the necessity of training, but the urgency I felt was relentless. How long would this 'base' training take before I could genuinely act? The thought of being kept in the dark was infuriating.
If he was keeping secrets, then perhaps I could too. I resolved to explore this on my own, uncovering what lay beneath Yushin's guarded words.
For now, I had to agree to his terms. There was no way I could get back into the Spirit Tree and find Lord Zonoth’s strand without his help. And if I did, what would happen afterward? If I remember correctly, I can be pulled into another realm. What other realms are there?
I pulled my arms away from the Spirit Walker and huffed. “Fine,” I said quietly with a cold glare. “I’ll follow along with your training. I have no choice, do I?”
“Not really, Snow. Thank you for understanding,” he said, his voice carrying a gentle warmth. He then gave a slight cough into his hand, his earlier intensity replaced by a more composed demeanor. “And… I do apologize for that burst of anger.”
His eyes, bright and starry-yellow, softened with sincerity, drawing me in despite my lingering frustration. “Now that we’ve gotten the stress out of the way, let’s get you into town,” he suggested, his grin widening slightly. “Because my clothes on you… they’re kind of cute.”
His playful comment caught me off guard, and despite myself, I felt a hint of a smile tugging at my lips. Yushin’s charm was undeniable, and even in moments of tension, he had a way of easing the atmosphere with his presence. He was as sly as Kurai was.