Chapter Forty
The Awakening
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A blaze, rippling through the Underworld that a demon could see from miles away, lit up the path as a creature dashed in and out of its flames. The nightmarish landscape, with its jagged rocks and rivers of molten lava, was bathed in an eerie glow. Eyes full of determination, the Nogitsune made his way home to Asturdorm. The Kingdom was now under the iron rule of Overlord Astaroth following the mysterious disappearance of Mundus. The firefox was driven, his heart pounding with purpose - he was finally ready.
With each leap through the incandescent flames, Kurai felt a surge of confidence. The flames caressed his fur but did not burn; they were an extension of his spirit. He moved with the grace and agility of a shadow, his form flickering in and out of visibility. His sharp and focused eyes pierced through the smoke, locking onto the distant silhouette of the Kingdom.
As he approached the edge of Asturdorm, Kurai came to an abrupt halt. Before him stood an invisible barrier that shimmered faintly against the dark backdrop of the Underworld. The protective barrier around a city in this infernal realm always seemed like a paradox to him. But without hesitation, he closed his eyes, concentrating. In an instant, he vanished from sight.
Not but a second later, the Nogitsune fox reappeared at the doorstep of Miserth Keep. The massive stone structure loomed above him, and spires reached the crimson sky. Guards flanked the entrance, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the familiar fox.
Recognition flickered in their eyes, and they lowered their weapons, curiosity tempered by respect. “Welcome back, Kurai, Nogitsune of the Underworld,” one of the guards greeted, his voice echoing as the massive doors creaked open.
Kurai, maintaining his focus, trotted through the doors into the grand hall of the Keep. The interior was as forbidding as the exterior, with high ceilings adorned with dark tapestries and walls lined with flickering torches. With a fluid motion, Kurai shifted from his fox form to his human guise, his fur receding and limbs elongating until he stood upright. His eyes, now a deep amber, remained fixed straight ahead.
The hall was filled with the murmurs of courtiers and armor clinking. Kurai commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he made his way forward. He knew every step brought him closer to his goal, and his resolve only strengthened with each stride.
“Where is Astaroth?” He demanded from the courtiers.
The courtiers exchanged nervous glances. The presence of the Nogitsune, known for his power and fierce loyalty, was awe-inspiring and intimidating. One of the courtiers, a tall demon with horns curling back from his forehead, stepped forward.
“Astaroth is in the throne room, preparing for the council meeting with Mati and Yushin,” the demon replied, his voice steady but cautious.
Kurai nodded curtly and moved towards the grand staircase to the throne room. The steps were carved from obsidian, and his footsteps echoed in the vast space. As he ascended, his mind raced with thoughts of the tasks ahead. The Underworld was in turmoil, and he needed Astaroth’s guidance for the next steps.
The heavy doors of the throne room loomed before him, guarded by two imposing demons clad in dark armor. They recognized Kurai immediately and, without a word, pushed the doors open. The throne room was vast, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of past battles and conquests. At the far end of the room, Astaroth sat on a throne made of blackened bone and iron, his presence commanding and regal.
Alongside Astaroth sat Mati, the Dream Walker, and Yushin, the Spirit Walker. The three stared at the nogitsune as he stood tall at the entryway.
“Kurai?” Astaroth’s voice questioned as he stood up to approach the Nogitsune. “You’ve returned, finally?” The Duke was uneasy at the return of Kurai, but he knew precisely why he was here.
Yushin's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. He inclined his head in a gesture of cautious respect, remaining silent as he observed Kurai carefully, trying to gauge his intentions.
Mati's eyes sparkled with interest, a faint smile playing at his lips. He offered a cryptic remark, his voice soft and melodic: "The fires have whispered your return, Kurai." His demeanor was more welcoming, though an undercurrent of caution lingered in his gaze.
Kurai stepped forward, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. “Yes, I have returned,” he said firmly. “It is time to set things right.”
“It’s been too long, old friend,” Astaroth said gently. “We welcome you back to Asturdorm.”
“Finally,” Yushin’s voice whispered. The Spirit Walker remained silent, his gaze never leaving Kurai. He was a man of few words, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves. His silence was not a sign of distrust but rather a sign of his deep contemplation and the care with which he approached all matters of importance.
Conversely, Mati leaned forward slightly, his eyes still sparkling with that same mysterious light. “The dreams have been restless, Kurai. Shadows move where they should not, and the balance is at risk. Your return is timely, but there is much we must uncover.”
“You’re talking in way too many riddles, Mati. Knock it off,” Kurai called him out. “I’m ready to do it, Astaroth,” he said, locking his gaze with the Duke.
“Very well, come along, my friends,” Astaroth motioned for the few in the throne room. A small black and twisted portal appeared with a snap of his fingers. This was the portal into the hidden realm that Astaroth had created just for the two of them. He had to ensure Lord Zonoth’s safety, as only Mati knew about the previous Lord. It wasn’t time for the others to know about the previous Lord.
Silence followed them as they entered the hidden realm, the portal closing shortly behind as they entered.
“You’ve gained your Seventh and Eighth tail within two years, and you’ve been gone for three years, Kurai. I trust you have grown in more than just power, yes?” Astaroth questioned him as he led them to the crystalized body that once belonged to Snow.
“I’ve changed,” Kurai admitted, his gaze locking with Astaroth’s. “If I remember correctly, once she is released, her demonic form will immediately take action, trying to hold on to whatever life is left, yes?” He asked, his arms crossed as he approached the crystal quickly. Seeing her like this after so long broke him still. His heart ached to reach out to her again, but it’s been three years.
Mati and Astaroth stood on the crystal's side, looking down at Kurai.
“Are you ready?” Mati questioned him, tilting his head slightly in curiosity.
“Eight-Tails, how do I know it’s enough?” Kurai asked.
“Don’t you dare back out now,” Yushin’s voice growled to him through the dark.
The nogitsune turned to look at the Spirit Walker, who had changed in the last few years. However, something still in him despised the Spirit Walker—perhaps it was jealousy, perhaps it dwelled on the past—but there was no reason to argue with him now. Simply, he ignored Yushin and turned his attention back to the two in front of him.
“You have the strength,” Mati reassured him with a gentle smile.
“Then let’s get this done,” Astaroth sounded.
Snow’s POV
Voices swarmed in the room around me; today, I could hear them. They were strong, they were loud. I couldn’t see anything, couldn’t move anything; my body was frozen. But I could feel something. A strange sensation burned through me like something wanted out. What could it possibly be? Despite the stillness, there was a sense of energy around me. My body wanted to be free. It was as if I were a dormant volcano waiting to erupt. Yet, I remained perfectly still for now—my body and mind at rest. It was waiting for the moment I would be called out once more. I had no idea how long I’d been in this state, but I’m pretty sure someone mentioned it had been a few years.
The feeling swarming inside me—it wanted out. I could hear a second voice whispering, telling me stories of darkness—almost like a repeated nightmare. Often, I’d listen to familiar voices coming to visit me, calling me a ‘Reaper’ or ‘Demon.’ I remembered. I learned names, such as the Lady in Red—my mother. That was one memory that would play over and over in my head—the death of my mother. I never heard anything about a father, just my mother. Apparently, she was once a Reaper, too.
The whispers grew louder and more insistent. They spoke of power, vengeance, and destiny. "You are the heir, Aria, the one who will rise," they chanted. My mother’s voice echoed among them, soothing yet sorrowful. "My child, you must awaken. The world needs you."
Aria. My birth name. They would call me Aria, just as the voices in my head would. When talking to me one-on-one, they used my name, ‘Snow.’ They were talking about me once more, though; I could hear their conversations. I haven’t heard from the Nogitsune in so long. I don’t remember the last time his voice rippled through my stasis. Maybe once or twice. But they said he has eight tails? That’s amazing. I was proud of him.
The energy within me surged, fighting against the invisible chains that held me. I could feel my fingers twitch, the first sign of movement in what felt like an eternity. The burning sensation intensified, spreading through my limbs and igniting every part of me. This feeling inside me was beginning to want its way out again. Why? Why does it want to escape so badly? It’s almost as though it were begging to be released. I sure wish it would stop; it might make this stasis thing a lot more comfortable.
It didn’t seem to matter at this point—my release relied on this demon with eight tails. I couldn’t imagine the beast I’d wake up to see. It relied on my nogitsune.
I remembered what they told me about the nogitsune, a creature of pure energy and mischief often bound to its host in a symbiotic relationship. This one, however, was different. It had eight tails, each representing a century of power and wisdom. Harnessing its strength was both a blessing and a curse. The nogitsune’s energy coursed through me, adding to the turmoil within.
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“Her demon is dormant.”
“Are we sure that it’s dormant?”
“Her demon demands to be released, and you can see that by the markings on her stomach. Look. Over time, her demon is claiming herself within Snow’s body. Think of it as a protection mechanism that a demon can sense.”
Demon. Am I the demon? I don’t remember. I vaguely remember the voices that would speak to me occasionally. How they would talk to me made it seem that I wasn’t a demon - but then… They’d call me one every once in a while.
“We will be awaiting your return with Lady Snow,” a voice shook the room.
“Wait, we have to leave?” A panicked voice sounded.
“Yes, Yushin. We cannot allow the demon to feed on any of our emotions. You must understand that, yes?”
A sigh escaped from the voice that belonged to Yushin, “Yes, Mati.”
Mati. Yushin? I remember those names. They were like my guides, right?
“We will be outside the portal, Kurai. Now, please. You must be in your Nogitsune - allow your inner fox to do this. He is stronger than you - much stronger. You may possess its power, but he is stronger than you - he will complete this for you.”
“Inner fox,” Kurai’s voice spat, “Fine.”
He was going to do it.
All those years of how I was going to be marked.
Finally, I would be free - It would be free.
“Release her, Astaroth,” Kurai’s voice commanded.
“Be careful. If her demon comes out, it will be a mechanism defense. Good luck.”
And that’s when Astaroth’s voice disappeared, leaving me with Kurai. The inner demon in me was aching to get out. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I was beginning to feel things around my body. My limbs started to twitch, my insides began to twist, and my head started to pound. A cold air crept around my toes, slowly working its way up my body. This must be the stasis being removed from my body—the crystal was beginning to fade.
The stasis eventually let go of my body, and I could see again. My surroundings were dark, and everything felt fine.
That was until I heard voices whispering through my head, voices I had never heard before. A major pounding began to hit my head. I slowly opened my eyes, blinking as my vision slowly came into focus. As I tried to sit up, I felt a twisting pain in my abdomen that made me gasp in discomfort. This forced me to lay back down, groaning as I crunched into a ball and held my stomach.
What was this horrible feeling? Confused and disoriented, I tried to look around the unfamiliar room, trying to piece together where I was and how I had gotten there. The pain made it hard for me to think clearly. Something was running through my body, like an infestation or infection. I winced as sharp pains shot through my body. My teeth gritted as I tried to ignore the ache in my muscles and the throbbing in my head. Why was I hurting so much?
The pain got more severe, and I did my best to curl into a ball and hold in whatever pain I was experiencing. I couldn’t help but scream out in agony, feeling my eyes well up and my body overwhelmed by fear and pain. The inner voices seemed to get louder and louder with every scream I let out. Tears began to roll down my cheeks as I felt this excruciating pain course through my body, mostly on my side.
My hands slipped down my body, only to realize that I had been wholly exposed—I had little to no clothing on, covering the bits, but that’s about it. It was almost as if I were in a wrap of some kind.
“Kurai?” I whispered as best I could.
The sensation was unbearable; my entire body was on fire one moment and frozen the next. Each wave of intensity was more overwhelming than the last. I could feel something moving under my skin, a writhing, twisting force that seemed to be trying to break free.
The floor was cold, and the pain was immense. I rolled onto my back, my eyes staring at the black abyss above me. That’s when he came into sight—the flames from the fox lighting up the area, almost blinding. His magnificent black fur was covered in fire, and I locked gazes with him. His eyes, red and staring at me, were full of pain.
This may hurt. Please forgive me.
The voice was loud and clear, resonating within my mind. I shook my head, pleading with the fox to stop whatever was about to happen. "No, please, don’t!"
But it was too late. The flames around the fox intensified, and I could feel the heat radiating towards me. The pain in my body surged, reaching its peak as the fire seemed to engulf me. I screamed, tears streaming down my face as the fox’s eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination.
At that moment, the twisting force within me broke free. I felt a powerful surge of energy coursing through my veins, pushing against the confines of my flesh. My body convulsed, the agony almost too much to bear.
Then, just as suddenly as it began, the pain started to subside. But before I could catch my breath, Kurai pounced, his fiery form descending upon me. His teeth sank into my side, right where the mark was, sending a new wave of searing pain through my body. I cried out, my hands instinctively grabbing at him, but the fox held firm, his bite deliberate and precise.
LET ME OUT. STOP RESISTING!
I barely heard that voice, but I could see a face like mine flashing in and out as it tried to reach the top, fighting against Kurai.
I can feel the demon. The fox spoke to me, his eyes not leaving mine once. I can feel it wanting to be released. Contain it, Snow. He was pained to see me. I could feel the energy from the bite spreading through me, mingling with the force unleashed moments before. The pain was intense, but there was something else—something powerful and binding. Kurai’s eyes never left mine, and I realized this was more than just pain; he was saving me.
LET ME OUT! I DEMAND IT! The demonic voice screamed at me.
Don’t let it out; take my power, embrace the flames. Burn the Demon.
“I - I - AHH!” I tried to respond to the voice screaming to be free but pushed it down. I couldn’t let this thing out of me—it was solid and robust. That thing was trying to escape me, and I was scared to let it out. I had no idea what it was or what it wanted. Was it there to protect me or cause more pain? I couldn’t collect my thoughts, though. I knew I had to keep down whatever was trying to be released.
It seemed like forever, but the pain in my side was beginning to fade, replaced by a burning sensation. The second voice that was itching its way out was quelled by Kurai’s fox demon, whose flames were dying out as the pain disappeared. I was left sweating on the ground and breathing heavily, tears flowing from my face. I curled into another ball once the pain had fully subsided. The only thing left in me was that burning sensation, rippling through me and causing everything to feel like it was on fire.
Kurai’s fox demon, whatever it had done, changed the pain into a warm feeling. The warmth was something I had remembered feeling before while I was in pain. But now it felt like I had a ball of fire in my chest, flowing throughout my body. It was like my veins were made of fire.
Tears streamed down my face as I lay in a pool of something cold. A liquid of some kind, being melted away by the flames flowing through my body. I held my half-naked body, pulling myself into a tight ball, my hair covering the majority of me. The pain was gone, but it was a pain I’d never forget. Why did Kurai’s demonic mark hurt so much more than the previous one that was there?
My sight finally began to clear, and I came face-to-face with this man—his black hair hanging down his face and covering those glowing amber eyes of his. As soon as he let go of my side, he immediately shifted from his fox form into his human form, his teeth marking me. The strange marking next to his left eye caught my attention the most—it was new. I didn’t remember him ever having that there.
As I opened my mouth to speak, I felt something wash over me. It was an emotion of guilt, sorrow, and fear.
“Snow,” he whispered. “It’s…” The nogitsune couldn’t speak; his voice caught in his throat.
I could see the turmoil in his eyes, the conflict of emotions warring within him. The marking on his face glowed faintly, pulsing with an energy that resonated with the fire now coursing through my veins. Within two seconds of him saying my name, he immediately pulled me into his grip, pressing himself against me. I was stunned that he had grabbed me so quickly and forcibly, but something about it was reassuring. Despite the pain I just went through, I could feel his warmth and care, and I immediately melted into his hold, pressing my head against his chest and listening to his heart beating.
Memories flowed through me, memories of Kurai and me, as everything that once happened came back to me. My life was almost taken from the first day we met to the last day before. Everything in between, the arguments, the drinks, the fights, the kiss… It all came back to me. So many images flowed through my head as his hand cupped my cheek. Beyond grateful I was to have these memories - things I had forgotten in my stasis. The only thing I had in that stasis was darkness and hate. This was different, though.
However, the one memory that stuck with me the most was watching the string that connected Kurai and me be slashed. We once had a bond—a contract—but it was gone. This mark may re-establish that bond.
“Kurai?” I murmured gently into his chest.
When I said his name, his grip tightened, and he held me there, holding me close to him as I felt his shoulders bouncing slightly while a few tears escaped his amber eyes.
Snow, I’m so glad you’re okay,” he whispered, his voice filled with relief.
I winced at the pain as his arm barely skimmed the open wound, pressing the blanket into it. “Kurai, what’s happening? Why did... Why did you bite me?” I asked him. “Are you okay?”
His hand gently rested on my cheek as his amber gaze locked onto mine. “How long I’ve waited to hear your voice,” he said, letting go of me. “Three long years,” He said.
I stared at him, my mind racing. Three years? It felt like a lifetime and only a moment all at once. The memories of my stasis were hazy, filled with shadows and echoes, but Kurai’s presence now grounded me in reality.
“Kurai,” I began, trembling, “I don’t understand. What happened to us? Why did you have to bite me?”
“We’ll talk about that once we’re home, okay? I promise you,” he said, smiling gently at me. Kurai's gaze was soft and warm, radiating a sense of contentment and kindness. The look made me feel at ease as if I were in the presence of someone who truly cared. Even though Kurai's eyes were filled with joy, they were gentle and compassionate, as if he knew that happiness could be fleeting and wanted to savor every moment.
He didn’t move; he just held me close to him. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Snow. You don’t know how much it means to me that this worked. I mean, I knew it would work, but… still.” He finally broke the hug, pulling away and pushing himself off the ground to his feet. He held out his hand for me to grab.
I took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip as he helped me to my feet. The world around us seemed to return to focus, the haze of my memories giving way to the present reality.
As we stood there, I glanced around, taking in our surroundings. The place where I had been in stasis felt unfamiliar, yet there was a sense of new beginnings in the air. Kurai's presence was a comforting anchor, grounding me amidst the uncertainty.
“Where is everyone?” I questioned, gazing around the room as I pulled the blanket tighter.
He looked a bit hurt when I asked that, but he replied by calling, “Astaroth, it is done.”
Astaroth. Occasionally, he would come in and tell me stories. He shared many different stories with me and would chuckle and laugh at some of his memories. A lot of them were with Lady Serelia, my mother. Knowing that my mother had a wonderful life with Astaroth before she went into hiding was a warm feeling. His voice would turn pained a lot of the time, but then he’d laugh it off. Knowing she was gone, I was interested in learning more about my mother.
“Welcome home, Snow,” Astaroth’s voice sounded like a portal had appeared, and he walked through it. Behind him was a familiar face with Mati’s long, feathery-red hair and heterochromatic eyes. Then, on the other side, there was a man with a mask on, and his blue eyes locked with mine. Snow's eyes widened as she took in the figure before her. At first glance, she didn't recognize him; the regal attire was unlike anything she had seen him wear before. The black shirt and pants, perfectly tailored, gave him a commanding presence. His black boots, adorned with intricate gold designs, caught the light with every step, adding to the aura of authority.
Draped over his ensemble was a cloak of dark astronomical blue, reminiscent of the night sky, speckled with patterns representing the stars themselves. The cloak's golden accents glistened like constellations, adding a touch of celestial majesty. The shoulder pieces, a darker shade of gold, provided a striking contrast and emphasized his noble bearing.
The cloak's hood was pulled up, shrouding his face in mystery. Only a tuft of white and silver-blue hair peeked out, along with his piercing blue eyes, which seemed to hold the secrets of the universe. The cloak's fabric flowed gracefully as he moved, creating an almost ethereal aura around him.
It wasn't until Snow looked closer, her eyes locking onto those unmistakable blue eyes, that she realized who it was. "Yushin?" she whispered, her voice filled with surprise and wonder.
Yushin's eyes softened at the sound of her voice, and a small smile played on his lips. "Yes, Snow. It's me," he replied, his voice carrying the same warmth she remembered, even if his appearance had changed dramatically.
A smile let loose on my face as he approached me, giving me quite the hug. “I’m so happy to see you again,” I said happily, though I could feel jealousy surging through Kurai.
“You’re ok, I’m glad fox-brain over here didn’t mess this up,” He said, tucking a strand of white hair behind my ear.
“Watch yourself, Yushin,” Kurai growled quietly to him, giving him a cold glare.
Mati’s deep voice sounded, “We’re happy to have you back, Aria.”