Chapter Forty-One

The Reaper's Cove

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I stood and stared at everyone, a smile on my face as each one of my memories would come back slowly at a time. I was grateful that the demon didn’t erase all of them, and here I was, standing with everyone I still… Well, mostly knew.

My gaze rested on the Duke, “Thank you for sharing stories with me - about my mother,” I commented. “They meant a lot to me, and I’m glad she had a friend like you.”

Astaroth couldn’t help but chuckle, “I’m glad you could hear them! Your other memories may take some time to return to you, but they will. Demons are known to erase anything that would connect you to your past.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little, knowing how respectful he was being. “Where are we, though?” I asked him, gazing around the room, not recognizing it.

“It’s just a little space I created to keep you safe,” He explained.

“Safe, huh?” I frowned a little, pulling the blanket even tighter on me.

“You’ve given everyone a scare,” Mati acknowledged, coming up beside me and touching my shoulder. “It’s great that you’re back! I was scared I’d have to start training a new Reaper!”

Kurai stepped back when Mati Yushin approached her, halfway surrounding her. He glanced over the woman’s shoulder, locking gazes with Astaroth, who dipped his head and smiled.

“Thank you for keeping me safe,” I said with a smile to my guardians. “I really do appreciate it. I can only imagine how much things have changed. Wow, three years? Yushin, you’ve grown a little too! I like your new Spirit Walker look. But why was I in a stasis?” I questioned, the few memories not having come back to me yet. I don’t remember much except for something dark going through me, and that was that. I don’t know much of what led up to it, but I remember it was hot and something critical.

"Kurai can explain things to you later. For now, I suggest going to the Reaper’s Cove. Your belongings will be there. Yushin will join you once I've finished my meeting with him and Mati," Astaroth explained, his voice calm yet commanding.

“Will it be safe there?” Kurai asked.

"The Reaper’s Realm has not been affected by unseen forces yet," Yushin interjected, his tone reassuring. "Reaper’s Cove is well-protected, so I have diligently maintained it."

The nogitsune glanced at the Spirit Walker, his ears twitching with distrust. Despite his reservations, Astaroth's presence was comforting. "There are no signs of any disruptions there yet, Kurai," Astaroth reassured him, his gaze steady and confident.

"Fine," Kurai said after a moment of contemplation. He extended his hand to the Duke across from him, placing his other hand on my shoulder. "Thank you, Astaroth."

Astaroth was a bit stunned by Kurai’s reaction to his efforts to keep my body and me safe while I was in stasis. The look of confusion on the demon’s face made it seem like he had just been awarded the title of ‘world’s best demon.’ Shaking Kurai’s hand, Astaroth then snapped his fingers with a smile. We were instantly enveloped by his teleportation spells – a seamless transition, as always.

I was utterly bewildered by the sheer power of the magic Astaroth used to transport us. I had forgotten just how formidable this demon was. He has worked tirelessly to amass even more power. Between the immense magic radiating from Astaroth and the potent energy emanating from Kurai, I couldn't deny that these were the strongest demons I had ever encountered.

Teleported to a secluded spot off the coast, we arrived at a place Astaroth referred to as 'Reaper’s Cove.' The silence was almost deafening. I faintly remembered this place as a sanctuary for Reapers, a haven where they could find and protect lost souls. I hadn't had the chance to explore it much during my first visit, but now, I felt an inexplicable sense of belonging.

“What happened to the house?” I asked Kurai, recalling the home we once shared.

“It’s... kind of not there anymore,” Kurai replied hesitantly as he began to show me around the cove. “It fell apart over the years,” he added, coughing and avoiding eye contact.

“Did you burn it?” I questioned, scrutinizing him.

“Ehh,” Kurai shrugged, a slight grin tugging at his lips. “Kind of?”

I sighed, shaking my head slightly, but I couldn't help the small smile that formed. Typical Kurai. I took in the serene surroundings as we walked further into Reaper’s Cove. The air was crisp, and the gentle waves lapping against the shore in the distance added to the peaceful atmosphere.

Kurai led me through a narrow path with ancient trees, their leaves creating a natural canopy overhead. “This place hasn’t changed much,” I remarked, noticing the familiar landmarks.

“Hasn’t changed much?!” I questioned as he led me further. “This is a completely different place - but maybe I just can’t remember.”

“Mati and Yushin kind of made many changes here, actually.”

I spotted a few small cottages scattered around as we approached a clearing. “These are the Reapers’ dwellings,” Kurai explained. “Each one is enchanted to provide whatever the Reaper needs.”

“That’s so cool!” I said. My excitement got the best of me. “Where do I get to stay?!”

Kurai chuckled at my enthusiasm. “Come on, I’ll show you.” He led me toward a charming cottage at the edge of the clearing, nestled against a backdrop of lush greenery. “This one’s yours,” he said, pointing to the house with a hint of pride in his voice.

We walked toward the cottage, and I marveled at its subtle magical aura. The exterior was quaint, with ivy climbing up the walls and flowers blooming in the garden. “It’s beautiful,” I said, stepping inside.

The interior was cozy and inviting. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. Comfortable furniture was arranged invitingly, and personal touches made it feel like home. The enchantments were evident in how the space adjusted to my presence, becoming instantly familiar and comforting.

“Wow, this is so neat! So, Yushin and Mati did all this? I didn’t know they could do this!” I twirled in the middle of the room, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

“They said you’d like it a lot,” Kurai said softly, shutting the door behind us. “And all of this is mine?”

“And, of course, theirs.”

“And what about you?”

He awkwardly shifted and put his hand behind his head. “I typically don’t stay here,” He said.

I stopped twirling and looked at him with curiosity and concern. “Why not?”

Kurai shrugged, a slightly sheepish look on his face. “I’m more of a wanderer. I like to keep moving and exploring new places. Besides, I have my own hideouts scattered around.”

I nodded, understanding his need for freedom. “Well, you’re always welcome here,” I smiled.

He returned the smile, his eyes softening. “Thanks. I might take you up on that offer from time to time.”

“It’s been a while, yeah,” Kurai responded, his tone more serious. “In the past few years, things haven’t changed too much. I left Asturdorm and traveled all over the Underworld, exploring and learning.”

“Why did you leave?” I asked, curious about his journey.

“I needed to find someone to help me,” he explained. “And I finally was able to find someone that could help me. I was training with them, working on gaining my tails.”

“Gaining your tails?” I repeated, intrigued. “You’re on your eighth tail, aren’t you? I heard you inside the crystal, you know.”

Kurai nodded. “Part of life,” he said.

“That sounds incredible,” I said, genuinely impressed. “I’d love to hear all about it.”

Kurai smiled. “Whyn't you go and get dressed, and we can talk about it more?”

I nodded, realizing I was still in my travel-worn clothes. “Sure, that sounds good. I’ll be right back.”

I got up from the bean bag, feeling a sense of contentment as I made my way to the bedroom. The room was just as cozy as the rest of the cottage, with soft linens and a welcoming aura. As I changed into more comfortable clothes, my mind buzzed with questions and excitement about Kurai’s adventures and the mysteries of the Underworld.

I was excited to finally be back, and things felt better now that I was with Kurai. However, I had questions. What happened to me seemed to be in the dark, and I didn’t understand why. I’m sure Kurai could help me.

“It’s not much here,” Kurai commented, awkwardly standing by the door.

“It’s a lot to me!” I said, plopping back down on the bean bag in front of the fire.

“Everything is back to normal - You’re ok, you’re safe, and no one has heard from Mundus or Enoxon in the last three years.”

“What?” I questioned, memories still foggy to me. “What do you mean?”

Kurai’s ears flattened against his head when he realized what he had said. “Right, your memories… Uh, ok. So, Mundus? Yeah, um.” He said awkwardly, gazing around the room to avoid eye contact. “He, um, was the one who has been chasing you. The one who, uh, um, ended our families and well… And Enoxon…? Well, he was, uh, the one… Who killed you?” His voice trailed off sheepishly.

Kurai’s ears flattened against his head when he realized what he had said. “Right, your memories… Uh, okay. So, Mundus? Yeah, um.” He said awkwardly, gazing around the room to avoid eye contact. “He, um, was the one who has been chasing you. The one who, uh, um, ended our families and well… And Enoxon…? Well, he was, uh, the one… who killed you?” His voice trailed off sheepishly.

I stared at him, trying to process the information. The names brought a vague familiarity, but the details were lost in a haze. “Killed me? But I’m here now…”

Kurai nodded slowly. “Yes, you are. We managed to bring you back, but it wasn’t easy. It’s part of why I’ve been training so hard—to ensure nothing like that happens again.”

Though, when he said that, memories began to shift in and out - of my battle - of a demon taking over my body. The fact that the battle was rather important. Mundus was the one who killed my mother, Lady Serelia, right in front of me. And now Kurai is telling me that Enoxon, the sorcerer who’s been by my side since I entered the Underworld?

But what was Mundus’s end goal? Was he just bloodthirsty enough to take on a powerful lineage? Perhaps he had something against Kurai’s family and me?

No, it had to be a power thing, right? That’s what demons are all after—power, right?

I tried to put the pieces together, but why Enoxon?

It bothered me because of Mundus’s cocky power title, “Hah, I took on the world’s strongest demons and sorcerers; fear my power!” That’s the only thing I could think of—power.

Demons are bloodthirsty for power.

Who did he have to impress?! He was the Demon Lord of the Underworld, wasn’t he?!

I didn’t speak to Kurai; I just lowered my gaze to my side to see the new marking. The new mark that sat on my skin was more of a red-orange color, similar to the same firepower that Kurai held within him. I stared at it for a moment, taking in the new image. It wasn’t as ugly as it was before. I traced the lines over the fragile and fresh marking on my side, following every swirl and branched-out line that it held. It was almost in the shape of a flame but with a few extra swirls added to it.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Snow?”

“Hm?” I then raised my arm as I noticed the same pattern resting on my side, the same mark, and traced that pattern. The mark was raised a bit, being freshly engrossed onto my skin. It didn’t hurt as much as the original mark from Mundus’s demon. It sent a warm feeling through my body—was that because Kurai wasn’t all demon?

Kurai leaned closer, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern. “Does it hurt?”

I practically zoned out Kurai as he tried to speak to me more, staring at these new markings on my body.

“Snow,” He said, poking me in the side a little.

“Huh?!” I said, turning to him with wide eyes.

“At least answer me when I’m speaking to you, please,” He murmured with that angry voice that I was so used to. He wasn’t angry, though; he seemed genuinely concerned.

I smiled, patting him to come with me on the beanbag. “I’m okay, sorry. I zoned out for a moment.”

He shook his head, “I’m okay to stand.”

I patted the beanbag a bit more aggressively, giving him a huff. “It’s a giant beanbag, Kurai.”

A deep breath escaped the nogitsune, and I could see his anxiety returning.

I smiled as he sat beside me, his shoulder touching mine now. “See? Easy.”

“I know you’re okay. You just didn’t respond when I was speaking. Also, don’t apologize to people when you haven’t done anything wrong. It’ll make you look weak.”

A small giggle escaped as I bumped shoulders with him. “I personally think I’m rather tough,” I replied.

Kurai allowed a small smile to play at the corner of his lips. “Tough, huh? Well, I can’t argue with that. You’ve been through a lot and come out stronger each time.”

“Tough,” He commented, shifting in the beanbag uncomfortably. “This thing isn’t very comfy,” He murmured.

“Is it because your tails get in the way?” I asked.

“N-no! My tails are not the reason this thing is uncomfortable!” He replied with a sigh. “Listen to me, Snow,” He said as his voice shifted into something more serious. “I need you to take this more seriously.”

Simply, I shrugged. “What can I do, Kurai? I’m apparently a Halfling, a Reaper with no amount of power that I’m aware of. I… Lost a battle to my demon, Mundus, and Enoxon!” I said, leaning back in the bean bag and looking up at Kurai from lower. “I got to have one training session with Astaroth before I ran off to Tartarus to save you! Enoxon went loco-crazy. I’m supposed to be out there guiding souls—bringing them home. I’m a Reaper, Kurai. My life is a complete 180 now.”

“And I’ve been training for the last three years just to bring you back into this world - alive. I’m honestly not sure if you’re even fully alive. I mean, your heart is beating, you don’t look dead. You don’t look like a demon.” He sighed as he began to feel flustered, “I went on an expedition for three years and earned two tails just to bring you back!” He said, his voice nearly cracking as he quickly jumped up from the bean bag.

“Two entire tails in three years. I am nearly a full-blooded Nogitsune with details!”

I’m unsure what changed his attitude, but it seemed to have gotten rather sour—as if it were a burden. My heart hurt a little as he said that, and I crossed my arms across my chest and stated, “Sorry for burdening you,” I murmured. “Maybe you should’ve just left me in that crystal.”

Kurai froze, his gaze looming down on me, “You’d rather just.. Be dead?” He questioned me, a look of sorrow sitting on his face.

“What I mean is, you just did a lot to help me – someone you barely knew. I guess a thank you is in order, but honestly, Kurai? You just wasted three years on someone you barely know,” I don’t know what got into me either, but my attitude completely shifted too.

Kurai looked stunned, his gaze just staring at me with confusion. I think I was just pushing his buttons now, but every time those emotions mixed into mine, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with anger as well. His feelings were mine - just like it used to be.

“I don’t… You… What?!” He was speechless.

“Think about it, Kurai,” I started, standing up to match his energy. “Lord Mundus wanted me dead, right?” I began to pace back and forth in the room, tapping my finger against my chin. “Mundus wants me dead, not you, Astaroth, the Celestials—just me! He killed my family—my parents and my adopted parents—because he wanted my lineage wiped out. For whatever reason. For this power trip bullshit.” My arms crossed as I dug my fingernails into my arms, agitated beyond words. “He raised you, so he just wants you to ascend. He only went after your tribe because he wanted this pact thing—which, I guess, is null now? I’m not sure. But he wants that destroyed, right? He cut your pact the day he... well, almost killed me. So, you’re free! Why are you still hanging around here?! I could easily just... fuck off and be the Reaper, and you could live your life as a Nogitsune—doing whatever you wanted.”

“Are you even listening to yourself?!” Kurai sighed, approaching me and towering over me.

I stared up at him, holding my ground just inches from his face. “He wants me dead, Kurai. Not you. Just... me. You’re throwing your life away—going on crazy adventures to gain tails—to save someone you barely know. Maybe he wouldn’t have turned evil or made Enoxon go crazy if you all had just... stayed put?” My voice trailed off, and I turned away from him.

“I—” He was stunned by my reaction and even reached to put his hand on my shoulder as I turned away. “You know nothing about him, Snow. The underworld—it’s cold and frozen here because of him!”

I shook his hand off my shoulder and frowned, holding my arms closer to me as I approached the fire. “Because of me, Kurai!” I replied. “If I were dead, this underworld would probably be a perfect fire pit. If I were dead, neither of us would be in this situation. You wouldn’t have been forced into a pact with me. You could have lived your life—probably with some other kitsune girl. You could be off having your own life, enjoying it, being that ‘Perfect Prince of the Underworld’ with Lady Serelia and Lord Zonoth without playing protector. You could have your own life, Kurai!”

I realized my emotions were spiraling out of control. Perhaps it had something to do with the stasis I was in for so long—everything’s built up?

“Well, it’s not like that!” Kurai replied as he spun me around to force me to look at him, his amber eyes glowing.

“It is like that,” I stated firmly, glaring at him.

“It’s not - you don’t know much about demons, do you?” He scoffed. “I’m your Guardian, and you belong to me.”

“What?” I whispered to him quietly, fists beginning to clench with the anger that bristled in him and myself.

Realizing what he had said, Kurai immediately bit his tongue and backed up a few feet from me, and I completely radiated with anger. How dare he say I belonged to him! What the hell does that even mean?

“Belong to? I don’t belong to anyone,” I muttered.

Kurai's eyes widened as he realized the gravity of his words. “Snow, wait. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Then what did you mean?” I snapped, my fists still clenched. “Because it sounded like you think I’m some property.” My anger continued to rise, and I felt something stir within me—something dark. I glared at him. It set me off.

“You think I asked for any of this?” I asked, my gaze wide and wicked. “Do you think I want to be chased by some damned demon or ‘belong’ to someone?” This wasn’t some fantasy life where werewolves bonded to each other by some magical force. This was real life. We are werewolves. We were people - demons. I get demons to have ‘pacts’, but I no longer was in one, and I belonged to no one.

“I didn’t ask for this. You didn’t ask for this. Neither of us asked for this. I am grateful for you saving my life, but that does not mean you own me,” I snarled at him, not moving my gaze for even a second.

“Snow, calm down. I didn’t mean that!” he said quickly, tripping and falling back on the couch.

“You bet your ass you didn’t mean that, and if I ever hear you say something like that again,” I snapped, feeling the anger rise to my fingertips.

“Snow, you really need to calm down!” His amber eyes grew wide as he pushed himself against the back of the couch.

“Calm down?!” I said, pointing at him.

“Stop!” He said, snapping at me as if he were trying to get through the wall of emotions.

However, it felt like my own mindset was pushed down inside me, and whatever anger I was feeling was rising to the top—sort of like how someone blacks out with rage. That’s what it felt like. I could still make sense of my surroundings. At least, I thought I could. A few books had fallen on Kurai when he bumped into the bookcase behind him. But those books were strange; they were solid black with a small red outline. That’s when something bumped into my own head, and it kind of brought me to my senses.

“What the hell?!” I scowled, turning my head to immediately look at what bumped into me. A book was floating beside me, covered in a black shadow. When I moved my hand, the book moved too, and a few more books had fallen on top of Kurai, forcing him to grunt as they hit him.

“Y-your eyes,” Kurai replied quietly, covering his head as a few more books fell on him. Snow, you need to stop. I’m sorry. Please let me explain,” he said as his angry emotions faded.

My mind immediately turned back to Kurai as he spoke, and I realized that when my gaze returned to him, the book that had bumped into me flew directly at him and smacked him on the side of his head. Numerous books were scattered around the room. I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched the books start to fly around at an alarming speed. It was as if they had come to life, trying to escape from their shelves. Pages fluttered wildly as the tomes whizzed past my head, narrowly missing me. It was a truly magical sight but also quite dangerous.

“Ow...” he muttered, rubbing his head. “Honestly, I am sorry.”

My anger was intense, and I didn’t realize what was happening. The room felt chaotic.

"Snow, listen to me," Kurai said, his voice firm but gentle. "You need to calm down. Your magic is reacting to your emotions."

“No, you can calm down!” I snapped once more.

"Snow, look at me," he said, his tone sharp yet caring, his hand reaching out to touch my arm. "Focus on me.

I turned my gaze to him, his presence grounding me amidst the chaos. His touch was warm, and I felt a flicker of calm settle over me.

"Seriously, you need to stop overreacting," he grumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly. "You're making a mess."

"I'm not making a mess!" I huffed, glaring at him.

That's when Kurai pulled me into him, and I could feel the warmth of his flames rippling through him. The nogitsune's tail wrapped around me as if keeping me safe from the flying books.

But...

That's when a book hit him in the head. "Ow, what the hell is with these books?" He muttered, shooing the books away as they neared us with his free hand. The other hand wrapped around my body and held me close, his gaze watching the books. "Stop your book-throwing," He grunted.

I was utterly shocked when he did that, feeling an enormous side of guilt ripple through me. Did I seriously overreact that bad? Did I do this? My gaze panicked as I tore away from him and looked around the room, but feeling extremely light-headed at first.

"What happened?" I asked quietly as he settled down next to me.

"My best guess," he said, locking eyes with me, "is your anger got the best of your emotions. I, for one, did not make those books come flying at me."

Coldly, I replied, "If you ever say something like that again, I'll throw a rock at you."

A sigh escaped the Nogitsune, his ears flattening against his head. "I didn't mean it the way you perceived it, Snow. I would never."

"Then why did you say it?"

He shrugged, leaning his head back against the couch. "Your emotions, my emotions—everything kind of clashed at once. I didn't like what you were saying.” He took a deep breath, clearly trying to find the right words. "When you said those things, it hurt. Not because I think of you as a burden, but because... Well, you just shouldn't talk like that."

I felt a pang of guilt as I listened to him. My anger had clouded my judgment, and I hadn't realized how my words might have affected him. "I'm sorry, Kurai. I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I guess... I just felt overwhelmed."

“You’re just an overthinker,” He said calmly. “Don’t overthink. I’ve changed a lot in the last three years; I try not to get angry as much anymore - per burning a couple… well, sacred places.”

“Wow, what a surprise? The nogitsune burning places,” I murmured lightly. That’s when I felt something gently rest on my lap on the couch. When I gazed down, Kurai placed his tail into it, the fluffiest I’ve ever seen. It was that same fluffy tail that I remember first seeing.

“It’s been a rough three years, but I’m glad I did it.”

I stared at his fluffy tail and gently brushed it with my fingers, my presence calming as I completely ignored what he said.

“You will need to get a grip on that magic of yours,” He said, murmuring under his breath as I petted his tail. “It’ll be more trouble than what it’s worth.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his words, knowing he wanted the best for me beneath them. “I’m sorry for overreacting. I’ll work on it,” I told him gently, leaning on his shoulder.

“I don’t want to have to save you from your mess every time,” He sighed.

“It might be fun,” I quietly teased him.

“A-anyway!” Kurai said, his body tensing as his embarrassment rushed through him. “I wanted to apologize for not being there for you when it all happened.”

I frowned, stopping and staring at the tail in my lap as the memories slowly faded in and out.

“I was slow and weak, and I have no idea what happened to me except that I could not wake the fox up. I’m sure it had something to do with Mundus or Enoxon. I never wanted you to embrace your demon at that time - it was my fault that you got hurt.”

“No, Kurai. It wasn’t. I couldn’t sleep, so I went to see if I could get my grimoire back - but Lady Serelia met up with Mati… And…” I shook my head, not wanting to relive the memories. “Mundus found me.”

Understanding, the nogitsune reached out to my hand slyly as he did it while he spoke, “You’re safe - that’s all that matters to me. As for your power? Well, A Reaper’s magic is strong.” He said, avoiding my gaze as I could see his pink flush. He turned away and rested his head in his hand, speaking slowly, “A Reaper juggles the lives of many humans - old and young and then souls. I’m not an expert on Souls or Reapers or anything like that, but…”

“But I am!” A familiar voice called out as he appeared in the room with a sudden ‘poof.’

Immediately, Kurai and I went to separate sides of the couch, embarrassed.

“Yushin is,” Kurai muttered.

“I am, that’s right, and don’t you forget it, lover-boy,” Yushin told him with an arrogant grin. “And I’m so happy to see you, okay! I didn’t talk to you much when you woke up!” The Spirit Walker plopped himself right between Kurai and me; he likely sat on the nogitsune’s tail because Kurai nearly jumped off the couch.

“Hi, Yushin,” I greeted him once more.

“An official, Welcome Back, My Reaper!” He said, putting his arm around my shoulder and squeezing it tightly. “I see you’ve made quite a mess. Shall I remove the angry Nogitsune, M’Lady?!” The bright-spirited Yushin asked me, his blue gaze soft with me but cold toward Kurai.

Jealousy twisted within Kurai, but I barely felt it this time. It was enough to understand that Yushin still didn’t like him. But it was finally nice to get caught up with Yushin; the best part was his positivity.

I grinned awkwardly and nodded. “I guess my anger got the best of me?”

“I see. Did you end up throwing books at the fox?” He asked nonchalantly as he hopped off the couch and began to pick up the books.

“Unintentionally,” I replied quickly. “It made me a bit…” My gaze locked with Kurai’s as I said, “Woozy.”

“Magic, at first, will do that to you. We just have to explore and learn about it together! Typically, Reapers are excellent wielders of Black Magic - maybe a little bit of Death Magic,” He explained to me as the Spirit Walker returned the stack of books to the shelves.

“Yeup, welcome back to Reaper’s Cove, Yushin,” Kurai muttered, crossing his arms and standing a few feet away.

“Mighty magic!” Yushin continued, ignoring Kurai. “But I am unsure if you wield the same magic - maybe you’ve got something up your sleeve! I’m sure you do, and we’ll have to explore it in your training… That,” He paused to give me a look of uncertainty. “You skipped out for the last three years.”